Search Results (108)

Water deficiency and low water use efficiency severely constrain wheat yield in dryland regions. This study aimed to identify suitable tillage methods and straw management to improve dry matter production, grain yield, and water use efficiency of wheat in the dryland winter wheat–summer bean (hereafter referred to as wheat-soybean) double-cropping system. A long-term located field experiment (onset in October 2009) with two tillage methods—plowing (PT) and rotary tillage (RT)—and two straw management—no straw mulching (NS) and straw mulching (SM)—was conducted at a typical dryland in China. The wheat yield and yield component, dry matter accumulation and translocation characteristics, and water use efficiency were investigated from 2014 to 2018. Straw management significantly affected wheat yield and yield components, while tillage methods had no significant effect. Furthermore, the interaction of tillage methods and straw management significantly affected yield and yield components except for the spike number. RTSM significantly increased the spike number, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, harvest index, and grain yield by 12.5%, 8.4%, 6.0%, 3.4%, and 13.4%, respectively, compared to PTNS. Likewise, RTSM significantly increased the aforementioned indicators by 14.8%, 10.1%, 7.5%, 3.6%, and 20.5%, compared to RTNS. Mechanistic analysis revealed that, compared to NS, SM not only significantly enhanced pre-anthesis and post-anthesis dry matter accumulation, and pre-anthesis dry matter tanslocation to grain, but also significantly improved pre-sowing water storage, water consumption during wheat growth, water use efficiency, and water-saving for produced per kg grain yield, with the greatest improvements obtained under RT than PT. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis confirmed RTSM’s yield superiority was mainly ascribed to straw-induced improvements in dry matter and water productivity. In a word, rotary tillage with straw mulching could be recommended as a suitable practice for high-yield wheat production in a dryland wheat-soybean double-cropping system. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate acute caffeine (CAF: 375 mg, ≈4.8 mg/kg body mass) effects on energy expenditure (EE) and substrate kinetics during high-intensity interval exercise in individuals with high (HBAT) versus low (LBAT) brown adipose tissue activity using time-trend polynomial modeling. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind crossover study in which 35 highly-trained males [HBAT-CAF, HBAT-PLA (Placebo), LBAT-CAF, LBAT-PLA] performed 30-min treadmill HIIE. Infrared thermography (IRT) assessed BAT activity by measuring supraclavicular skin temperature (SST). Breath-by-breath ergospirometry measured EE (kcal/min) and carbohydrate (CHO), lipid (LIP), and protein (PTN) oxidation. We applied second- and third-order polynomial regression models to depict the temporal trajectories of metabolic responses. Results: HBAT groups showed 25% higher sustained EE versus LBAT (p < 0.001), amplified by CAF. CHO oxidation exhibited biphasic kinetics: HBAT had 40% higher initial rates (0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.45 ± 0.04 g/min; p < 0.001) with accelerated decline (k = −0.21 vs. −0.15/min; p = 0.01). LIP oxidation peaked later in LBAT (40 vs. 20 min in HBAT), with CAF increasing oxidation by 18% in LBAT (p = 0.01). HBAT-CAF uniquely showed transient PTN catabolism (peak: 0.045 g/min at 10 min; k = −0.0033/min; p < 0.001). Conclusions: BAT status determines EE magnitude and substrate-specific kinetic patterns, while CAF exerts divergent modulation, potentiating early glycogenolysis in HBAT and lipolysis in LBAT. The HBAT-CAF synergy triggers acute proteolysis, revealing BAT-mediated metabolic switching. Full article

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite advances in treatments, necessitating more effective therapeutic strategies. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has revolutionized our ability to dissect the cellular complexity of cancers, which is often obscured in conventional bulk transcriptomic experiments. Methods: In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of scRNA-seq data from multiple LUAD patient cohorts to investigate cell-type-specific transcriptomic changes across disease stages. Clustering, lineage trajectory analysis, and transcriptional regulatory network reconstruction were employed to identify stage-specific gene markers and their upstream regulators. Additionally, we constructed intercellular communication networks to evaluate signaling changes within the tumor microenvironment (TME) during LUAD progression. Results: Our analysis revealed that epithelial cells from stage IV tumors exhibited a distinct transcriptional profile compared to earlier stages, a separation not observed in immune or stromal cell populations. We identified a panel of gene markers that differentiated epithelial cells across disease stages and effectively stratified patients into subgroups with distinct survival outcomes and TME compositions. Regulatory network analysis uncovered key transcription factors, including ATF3, ATF4, HSF1, KLF4, and NFIC, as potential upstream regulators of these stage-specific genes. Moreover, cell–cell communication analysis revealed a significant increase in signaling originating from epithelial cells and a concomitant decrease in immune-derived signals in late-stage LUAD. We identified several signaling pathways enriched in stage-specific crosstalk, including Wnt, PTN, and PDGF pathways, which may play critical roles in LUAD progression. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive single-cell resolution map of LUAD progression, highlighting epithelial-driven regulatory programs and dynamic intercellular communication within the TME. Our findings uncover novel molecular markers and regulatory mechanisms with potential prognostic and therapeutic value for more precise treatment. Full article

Chronic migraine (CM) is a debilitating neurological disorder, yet the glial-specific mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC)—a critical hub for craniofacial pain processing—remain poorly understood. Here, we employed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to resolve cell-type-specific transcriptional landscapes in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced CM rat model, with a particular focus on microglia and astrocytes. We identified 19 transcriptional clusters representing nine major cell types, among which reactive microglia (NTG-Mic) and astrocytes (NTG-Asts) were markedly expanded. The NTG-Mic displayed a glycolysis-dominant, complement-enriched state, whereas the NTG-Asts exhibited concurrent activation of amino acid transport and cytokine signaling pathways. Pseudotime trajectory analysis revealed bifurcated glial activation paths, with NTG driving both cell types toward terminal reactive states. Intercellular communication inference uncovered suppressed homeostatic interactions (e.g., CSF1-CSF1R) alongside enhanced proinflammatory signaling (e.g., FGF1-FGFR2, PTN-SDC4), particularly affecting neuron–glia and glia–glia crosstalk. Together, these findings define a high-resolution atlas of glial reprogramming in CM, implicating state-specific metabolic–immune transitions and dysregulated glial communication as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is a pivotal element in plant energy metabolism and growth, and P limitation is widespread among plants in nature. However, our understanding of how epiphytes allocate P and adapt to P-deficient environments remains limited. We selected an obligate epiphyte Pyrrosia sheareri from a subtropical forest as our research subject. We compared its carbon (C)–nitrogen (N)–P ecological stoichiometry, P fractions, and morphological and physiological traits under the two habitats (trunk-epiphytic and rock-epiphytic). We also constructed a plant trait network method (PTN) that includes 62 traits to explore the co-variation characteristics of plant traits across the whole plant and identify the hub traits. We found that the following: (1) Habitat type significantly affects plant P concentration, with trunk-epiphytic plants having higher P concentration than rock-epiphytic plants. Pyrrosia sheareri may be more strongly limited by P according to the results of C-N-P ecological stoichiometry. (2) Epiphytic habitats significantly affect plant P fractions but do not influence the relative allocation of P fractions. (3) Compared with rock-epiphytic plants, trunk-epiphytic plants adopt a root resource-acquisition strategy rather than relying on leaves. (4) P-related indicators link ecological stoichiometry with morphological and physiological traits and are hub traits in PTN. Overall, P. plays a key functional role in the environmental acclimatization of Pyrrosia sheareri, highlighting the morphological and physiological adaptability of epiphytes to various habitats in terms of P availability, allocation, and storage. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia regulates genes that support tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis under the control of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a secreted protein that activates cell migration in endothelial and cancer cells that express α_νβ₃ integrin but has inhibitory effects in cells that do not express α_νβ₃ integrin. In both cases, the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor zeta 1 (PTPRZ1) seems to mediate the effects of PTN. In the present work, we studied the effect of hypoxia on PTN and PTPRZ1 expression and the functional consequences of this effect. Methods: Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, and luciferase assays were used to study the impact of hypoxia at the protein, mRNA, and transcriptional levels, respectively. Decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs), siRNA technology, and plasmid overexpression were used to study the involvement of the transcription factors studied. Functional assays were used to study the effect of hypoxia on cell proliferation and migration. Results: Hypoxia increases PTN expression through the transcriptional activation of the corresponding gene in α_νβ₃ integrin-expressing cells. The transcription factors HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and AP-1 mediate the up-regulation of PTN by hypoxia. Functional assays in endothelial cells from PTN knockout mice or endothelial and cancer cells following the downregulation of PTN expression showed that PTN negatively affects chemical hypoxia-induced cell proliferation and migration. In cancer cells that do not express α_νβ₃ integrin, hypoxia or chemical hypoxia inhibits PTN expression in a HIF-1α-, HIF-2α-, and AP-1-independent manner. The expression of PTPRZ1 is up-regulated by chemical hypoxia, is HIF-1α- and HIF-2α-dependent, and seems to limit the activation of HIF-1α, at least in endothelial cells. Conclusions: Hypoxia or chemical hypoxia regulates PTN and PTPRZ1 expressions to restrict the stimulatory effects of hypoxia on endothelial and cancer cell migration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parietin (PTN), a blue-light absorbing pigment from Teloschistes spp. lichens, exhibit photosensitizing properties via Type I (superoxide anion, O₂^•−) and Type II (singlet oxygen, ¹O₂) mechanisms, inactivating bacteria in vitro after photoexcitation. We evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of PTN against Candida tropicalis biofilms under actinic irradiation, its role in O₂^•− and ¹O₂ production, and the cellular stress response. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PTN was determined in C. tropicalis NCPF 3111 under dark and actinic light conditions. Biofilm susceptibility was assessed at MIC/2, MIC, MICx2, MICx4, and MICx6 in the same conditions, and viability was measured by colony-forming units. Photodynamic mechanisms were examined using Tiron (O₂^•− scavenger) or sodium azide (¹O₂ quencher). O₂^•− production was measured by the nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and nitric oxide (NO) generation by Griess assay. Total antioxidant capacity was studied by FRAP (Ferrous Reduction Antioxidant Potency) assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by NBT assay. Results: Photoexcitation of PTN reduced C. tropicalis biofilm viability by four logs at MICx2. Sodium azide partially reversed the effect, whereas Tiron fully inhibited it, indicating the critical role of O₂^•−. PTN also increased O₂^•− and NO levels, enhancing SOD activity and FRAP. However, this antioxidant response was insufficient to prevent biofilm photoinactivation. Conclusions: Photoinactivation of C. tropicalis biofilms by PTN is primarily mediated by O₂^•−, with a minor contribution from ¹O₂ and an imbalance in NO levels. These findings suggest PTN is a promising photosensitizer for antifungal photodynamic therapy. Full article

Background: Neurogenic bladder (NB), resulting from neurological disorders, significantly affects quality of life and increases healthcare costs. Although percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is an established therapy for central nervous system-related lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), its efficacy in treating intervertebral discogenic LUTD remains unexplored. This study presents the first documented case of PTNS applied to NB secondary to severe lumbosacral herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD). Methods: A 39-year-old female, hospitalized twice for worsening HIVD, presented with LUTD, including urgency, weak stream, and nocturia. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed progressive L5-S1 disc extrusion with sacral nerve compression. PTNS, delivered via electronic stimulation through acupuncture needles at SP6 and KI3, was administered daily for 10 days during hospitalization. Symptom scores relating to LUTD, pain, and physical disability were evaluated. Result: The American Urological Association symptom score showed significant improvement (from 20 to 6 and 22 to 15 at 12 weeks after the first and second hospitalizations, respectively). Recovery of voiding function was slower during the second hospitalization, possibly due to increased sacral nerve compression and chronic pathologic condition. Pain and functional disability, assessed using the NRS and ODI, improved by approximately 50% (from 55 to 25 and 80 to 45 during the first and second hospitalizations, respectively) and two-thirds (from 66 to 42 and 93 to 66, respectively). Conclusions: This case suggests that PTNS may be a viable conservative therapy for HIVD-associated LUTD. Further research is required to elucidate its mechanistic effects and clinical efficacy in peripheral nerve-related bladder dysfunction. Full article

Antlers, as the only fully regenerable bone tissue in mammals, serve as an exceptional model for investigating bone growth, mineralization, articular cartilage repair, and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms governing osteogenesis, particularly the dynamic cellular interactions and signaling pathways coordinating these processes, remain poorly characterized. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the 10× Genomics Chromium platform, combined with bulk-RNA sequencing results, to comprehensively analyze molecular regulatory mechanisms in rapid antler osteogenesis. The results showed that eight cell types were identified in sika deer antler during the growth and ossification stages: mesenchymal, chondrocyte, osteoblast, pericyte, endothelial, monocyte/macrophage, osteoclast, and NK cells. Chondrocytes were predominantly found during the growth stage, while osteoblasts were more abundant during the ossification stage. Mesenchymal cells were subclassified into three subcategories: MSC_1 (VCAN and SFRP2), MSC_2 (TOP2A, MKI67), and MSC_3 (LYVE1 and TNN). MSC_3 was predominantly present during the growth stage. During the growth stage, MSC_1 and MSC_2 upregulated genes related to vasculature development (COL8A1, NRP1) and cell differentiation (PTN, SFRP2). During the ossification stage, these subcategories upregulated genes involved in the positive regulation of p53 class mediator signal transduction (RPL37, RPL23, RPS20, and RPL26), osteoblast differentiation (SPP1, IBSP, BGLAP), and proton-motive ATP synthesis (NDUFA7, NDUFB3, NDUFA3, NDUFB1). Endothelial cells were categorized into five subpopulations: Enc_1 (SPARCL1, VWF), Enc_2 (MCM5), Enc_3 (ASPM, MKI67), Enc_4 (SAT1, CXCL12), and Enc_5 (ZFHX4, COL6A3). Combined scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed that the ossification stage’s upregulation genes included osteoclast- and endothelial cell-specific genes, while the growth stage’s upregulation genes were mainly linked to collagen organization, osteoblast differentiation, mitotic cell cycle, and chondrocyte differentiation. Overall, this study offers a detailed single-cell analysis of gene expression patterns in antlers during the growth and ossification stages, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms driving rapid osteogenesis. Full article

Background: Osteoporosis is a global health problem that significantly decreases patients’ quality of life and causes tremendous medical burdens. Therefore, exploring effective targeting strategies for osteoporosis treatment is crucial. Previous studies have indicated that pleiotrophin (PTN) was a secretory factor involved in several biological processes, such as angiogenesis, neural development, and abnormal osteogenic functions in osteoporosis. However, the roles of PTN in osteogenics and the mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of PTN in regulating osteogenic functions using real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, ALP detection, a TUNEL assay, RNA sequencing, and phosphorylation quantitative proteomics. Fracture-healing experiments in osteoporosis rats were also conducted to evaluate the osteogenic functions of PTN in vivo. Results: We found that PTN significantly inhibited apoptosis and promoted the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). Further experiments showed that PTN regulated the biological functions of rBMSCs by promoting antioxidant functions and reducing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting rBMSCs from accumulated ROS. Additionally, we found that PTN binds to the PTPRZ1 receptor, inducing intracellular PLCG1 phosphorylation and NCOA3 nuclear translocation, which regulate the downstream antioxidant functions of rBMSCs. Additionally, we verified that PTN effectively promoted fracture healing in osteoporotic animals. Conclusions: This study elucidates the mechanisms by which PTN promotes osteogenesis and verifies this effect in vivo, offering an effective target for osteoporosis treatment. Full article

This study aims to examine the influence of leadership styles on institutional transformation and to identify adaptive strategies for effective change management in the context of Indonesian Public Universities (PTNs) striving to achieve world-class university (WCU) status. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 125 universities through a hybrid questionnaire method involving Rectors, Directors, Vice Rectors, and Vice Directors as representatives. This study employed logistic regression to analyze the influence of leadership styles on the likelihood of PTNs achieving WCU status, alongside Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for deeper insights. The study results indicate that transcollegial leadership increases the likelihood of universities achieving WCU status by 35%, while digital and entrepreneurial leadership contribute 25% and 20%, respectively. The primary challenges identified include inadequate digital infrastructure, resistance to change, and regulatory limitations. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions by identifying adaptive leadership strategies tailored to the unique contexts of PTNs. This study is significant as it addresses the leadership challenges specific to Indonesian public universities in their pursuit of international recognition, providing practical and theoretical insights for achieving sustainable transformation. Future research could examine how leadership styles interact with institutional policies and external factors, such as global rankings and funding mechanisms, to achieve and sustain WCU status. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different regions or educational systems could provide broader insights into effective strategies for institutional transformation. Full article

The genetic diversity of tomato in Italy and the growing interest in high-quality food products highlight the importance of establishing varietal distinctiveness through molecular strategies to ensure agrifood product quality and traceability. In this study, four Italian potato-like leaf (PL) landraces were analyzed: “Spagnoletta di Formia e di Gaeta” (SPA) from southern Lazio, “Giagiù” (GIA) and “Patanara” (PTN) from Campania, and “Pomodoro di Mola” (MOL) from Apulia. These landraces were genotyped for the potato leaf gene (C), with two PL American genotypes and a non-allelic PL mutant line included as outgroups. Nagcarlang served as control. An allelism test confirmed C as determinant gene. The SCAR marker for C revealed that the Italian landraces presented determinants other than the most representative one responsible for PL. Whole-genome sequencing of SPA identified a private novel nonsense SNP variant allele, confirmed through dCAPS marker analysis. Additionally, two novel PL alleles responsible for missense variations were identified in GIA/PTN and MOL. In silico protein analysis suggested that novel C alleles could be functional determinants for the protein activity. Overall, PL mutations identified for the first time could serve as molecular tools for agrifood chain traceability, enabling early differentiation and recognition of genotypically similar varieties. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various nickel–titanium (Ni-Ti) root canal instrumentation systems in preserving root canal anatomy, focusing on their capacity to limit changes in canal angulation. One hundred canals in fifty extracted human molars were prepared with different techniques: Step-Back, Reciproc, MTwo, ProTaper Universal (PTU), and ProTaper Next (PTN). The curvature of each canal was measured before and after treatment using Schneider’s methodology, a widely accepted method for assessing canal curvature. Descriptive and statistical analyses, including the Kruskal–Wallis test, were employed to compare angular changes across the systems. The results indicated that all techniques effectively reduced canal curvature, with each system exhibiting a reduction in mean canal angle after instrumentation. Although the Reciproc system showed the smallest mean change in angulation, no statistically significant differences were identified between any of the systems (p = 0.182). This finding suggests that while minor differences in performance may exist, they do not translate into clinically meaningful distinctions in preserving root canal anatomy. The Reciproc system’s slight advantage aligns with other studies, highlighting its conservative design and minimal dentinal stress; however, its superiority was not statistically validated in this study. The results suggest that all five systems are clinically comparable in preserving root canal anatomy, highlighting that dentists can choose from these widely available techniques without compromising anatomical preservation. While this study had limitations, including a relatively small sample size and an in vitro design, it aligns with previous findings on the mechanical behavior of Ni-Ti systems in endodontic practice. Full article

Cisplatin-based platinum compounds are important clinical chemotherapeutic agents that participate in most tumor chemotherapy regimens. Through density-functional theory calculations, the formation and stability of the inorganic oxide carrier, the mechanisms of the hydrolysis reaction of the activated platinum compound, and its binding mechanism with DNA bases can be studied. The higher the oxidation state of Pt (II to IV), the more electrons transfer from the magnesia–gold composite material to the platinum compound. After adsorption on the composite carrier, 5d←2p coordination bonds of Pt-N are strengthened. For flat and oblique adsorption modes of cisplatin, there is no significant difference in the density of states of the gold and magnesium oxide film, indicating the maintenance of the heterojunction structural framework. However, there are significant changes in the electronic states of cisplatin itself with different adsorption configurations. In the flat configuration, the band gap width of cisplatin is larger than that of the oblique configuration. The Cl-Pt bond range in the Pt(III) compound shows a clear charge reduction on the magnesia film, indicating the Cl-Pt bond is an active site with the potential for decomposition and hydrolysis. The substitution of chloride ions by water can lead to hydrolysis products, enhancing the polarization of the composite and showing strong charge separation. The hydrolysis of the free platinum compound is endothermic by 0.309 eV, exceeding the small activation energy barrier of 0.399 eV, indicating that hydrolysis of this platinum compound is easily achievable. ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) prediction parameters indicate that hydrolysis products have good ESOL (Estimated SOLubility) solubility and high gastrointestinal absorption, consistent with Lipinski’s rule. During the coordination reaction process, there are significant changes in the distribution of frontier molecular orbitals, with the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) of the initial state primarily located on the purine base, providing the possibility for electron transfer to the empty orbitals of the platinum compound in the LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital). The HOMO and HOMO-1 of the transition state and product are mainly distributed on the platinum compound, indicating clear electron transfer and orbital rearrangement. The activation energy barrier for the purine coordination reaction with the hydrolysis products is reduced to 0.61 eV, and the dipole moment gradually decreases to 6.77 Debye during the reaction, indicating a reduction in the system’s charge separation and polarization. This contribution is anticipated to provide a new theoretical clue for developing inorganic oxide carriers of platinum compounds. Full article

Background and Objectives: The access cavity design and instrumentation system could affect the remaining root canal obturation materials in root canal retreatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two different multi-file systems in removing obturation materials with two different access cavities utilizing micro-CT scanning. Materials and Methods: Conservative access cavity (CAC) preparation was performed for 80 mandibular premolars. Then, root canal preparation was employed followed by obturation. The retreatment process began by dividing the samples into two separate groups: conservative (CAC) and traditional (TAC) access cavities. Subsequently, these groups were assigned to eight distinct subgroups (n = 10): Group 1; TAC and ProTaper retreatment system (PTR) with ProTaper Next (PTN); Group 2, TAC and PTR + ProTaper Ultimate (PTUL); Group 3, TAC and PTN; Group 4, TAC and PTUL; Group 5, CAC and PTR + PTN; Group 6, CAC and PTR + PTUL; Group 7, CAC and PTN; and Group 8, CAC and PTUL. The samples underwent micro-CT scans before and after the retreatment process, and the volume and percentages of remaining root canal filling material were calculated. Statistical analysis of the data was performed, and significance was determined at the 5% level. Results: The influence of the access cavity design (p = 0.500), the ProTaper system (p = 0.138), and the interaction of these variables (p = 0.513) was insignificant. However, group 3 (TAC and PTN) showed the highest percentage of remaining obturation materials at 29.53%, contrasting with group 6 (CAC and PTR + PTUL). Conclusions: Neither retreatment procedure succeeded in completely removing filling materials. Nevertheless, the impact of access cavity design, different multi-file systems, and their interaction on the remaining root canal obturation materials was deemed insignificant. Full article