Search Results (93,467)

Species of the orders Charadriiformes and Anseriformes serve as the primary long-distance disseminators of various avulaviruses. The most economically significant among them is Newcastle disease virus (NDV), or Avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1), which causes diseases of varying severity in both domestic and wild birds. Other avulaviruses have been studied to a much lesser extent, and for most of them, only single isolates are known, which does not allow a comprehensive assessment of their potential threat. To evaluate the biological diversity and potential risks posed by avian paramyxoviruses spread by wild waterfowl during autumn migration, fecal samples from mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) (n = 3604) were collected at water bodies in Moscow and the Moscow Region between 2008 and 2024. From these samples, AOAV-1 (n = 4) and Avian paraavulavirus 4 (APMV-4) (n = 9) were isolated and partially sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all AOAV-1 isolates belong to genotype 1 of class II, while all APMV-4 isolates belong to the Eurasian subgenotype of genotype 1. Analysis of the F protein cleavage site motif indicated conformity with the consensus sequences characteristic of lentogenic and non-pathogenic avian paramyxoviruses in all isolates. Full article

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the remineralization effect of five preventive treatments on bovine enamel after artificial caries challenge. Sixty sound bovine incisors were randomly distributed into six experimental groups (n = 10). Each group received the following daily preventive treatments for two weeks during pH cycling to assess remineralization efficacy: Group 1—no treatment (control), Group 2—CPP-ACPF treatment, Group 3—fluoride-containing bioactive glass treatment (BioMin™F), Group 4—SnF₂ treatment, Group 5—toothpaste containing fluoride and hydroxyapatite (HA), and Group 6—toothpaste containing HA. Surface hardness changes were evaluated using a nanoindentation tester. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe changes in surface morphology, and the mineral composition of enamel in each group was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Groups 2, 3 and 6 exhibited the highest surface hardness values after pH cycling, with no statistically significant differences among them (p > 0.05), whereas groups 4 and 5 presented significantly lower values (p < 0.05). Although all treatments demonstrated significant remineralization potential—resulting in an 18.7–35.2% increase in surface hardness—none of them fully restored the hardness loss caused by demineralization. SEM observations revealed precipitations mainly in groups 2–4 after the treatments. EDS showed a similar elemental composition on enamel across the groups with no differences compared to the control. Additionally, line scans of the Ca and P content from the surface to the deeper layers resulted higher values in the tested groups compared to the control corresponding to the surface hardness values. The tested remineralizing treatments may be useful to limit the demineralizing effect during caries formation. Full article

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most important cause of end-stage renal failure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between supplementation of vitamin D and DKD or not. Methods: The study was designed prospectively and initiated with a total of 81 patients with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 diabetic nephropathy (DN), who applied to Ankara University Faculty of Medicine between July 2011 and February 2013. It was completed with a total of 63 patients, 38 female (60.3%) and 25 male (39.7%), during the six-month follow-up period. The inclusion criteria were as follows: microalbumin ≥ 30 mg/day in 24 h urine, for which at least two measurements were obtained; age ≥ 18; HbA1c ≤ 8%; eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) ≥ 30 mL/min; and, in addition, type 2 DM diagnosis. Patients with microalbumin levels of 30–299 mg/24 h were included in the microalbuminuria group, whereas patients with ≥300 mg were included in the macroalbuminuria group. An oral dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D3 replacement was given to patients with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Results: In both groups, a significant increase in vitamin D levels at six months compared to baseline was observed, while a significant decrease in 24 h urine microalbumin and protein levels was observed at six months. Considering these results, vitamin D was considered to have a positive effect on 24 h urine microalbumin and protein levels. Conclusions: In both groups, a significant increase in vitamin D levels and a significant decrease in microalbumin and protein levels were detected at the sixth month via 24 h urine tests. Therefore, vitamin D replacement is thought to be beneficial for DKD treatment because of its antiproteinuric effect. Full article

Background: Proper storage of biofluids is critical to preserving their molecular integrity for downstream applications. This study investigates the effect of different storage temperatures on the stability of preservative-free urine samples over a two-year period. Methods: Urine samples were collected, aliquoted, and stored at −80 °C, −20 °C, 4 °C, and in lyophilized form. Samples were retrieved at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months for analysis. DNA, RNA, and protein were isolated and evaluated using agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nucleic acid quality was assessed using Nanodrop spectrophotometry and Bioanalyzer profiles. Results: A significant increase in pH and a concurrent decline in protein concentration were observed within the first six months at −20 °C and 4 °C. These changes plateaued after six months. Samples stored at −80 °C and in lyophilized form showed minimal variation in pH and retained higher protein stability. DNA quality, based on 260/280 and 260/230 ratios and electrophoretic band integrity, was well-preserved under these two conditions. RNA quality remained stable for up to 12 months but declined thereafter. Conclusions: Storage at −80 °C or in lyophilized form offers optimal preservation of protein concentration and nucleic acid quality in preservative-free urine samples over extended storage durations. However, lyophilization offers a cost-effective and logistically practical alternative, as samples can be stored at room temperature without the requirement of ultra-low freezers. Full article

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for many cancers but is associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy in some patients. This retrospective cross-sectional EMR-based prevalence study was performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center with an aim to define the prevalence and epidemiology of Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor-associated polyneuropathy. A total of 12,092 patients treated with a PD-1 inhibitor between 4 March 2016 and 18 June 2023 were identified and those on immunotherapy monotherapy were isolated. A total of 817 patients had documented neuropathy-associated with PD-1 inhibitor exposure, corresponding to a prevalence of 6.76% (6.76%, 95% CI 6.31–7.22). Data was stratified to assess for association between peripheral neuropathy and agent, sex, race, ethnicity, smoking and diabetes status. Patients identifying as “Other” race had higher prevalence of neuropathy compared to White or Caucasian patients (OR 1.514, p = 0.0189) and non-Hispanic or Latino patients had higher prevalence of neuropathy compared to Hispanic or Latino patients (OR 1.502, p = 0.0078). Current-smokers had significantly lower prevalence of neuropathy compared to never-smokers (OR 0.716, p = 0.0368). These disparities underscore the importance of further investigation in genetics and mechanisms to identify therapeutic interventions for PD-1 inhibitor-associated peripheral neuropathy. Full article

Itaconic acid (IA) is an important bio-based platform chemical produced via submerged fermentation by the filamentous Ascomycete Aspergillus terreus. In this study, we examined the impact of initial phosphate concentration on IA production from D-glucose and D-xylose in optimized, manganese-limited fermentations. Nine phosphate concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 4 g L⁻¹ were tested, and representative low (0.04 g L⁻¹), optimal (0.1 g L⁻¹), and high (0.8 g L⁻¹) conditions were analyzed in detail in controlled, 6 L scale bioreactors. Phosphate availability primarily influenced biomass formation and the biomass-to-product ratio rather than directly affecting IA accumulation. Both lower- and higher-than-optimal phosphate concentrations decreased the volumetric and specific IA yields, while the highest productivity was observed at 0.1 g L⁻¹. Expression of the aoxA gene, encoding the cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase (AOX), and AOX enzymatic activity were inversely correlated with extracellular phosphate concentration, consistent with a role in redox homeostasis under phosphate-limited conditions. In contrast, total respiration rates and pellet-type morphology remained unaffected. These findings indicate that phosphate acts mainly as a secondary modulator of IA fermentation performance through its influence on biomass formation, whereas other metabolic constraints play a more dominant role in controlling IA overflow in A. terreus. Full article

(1) Background: Interprofessional supervision is an emerging approach in health professions education that strengthens collaborative practice competencies while maintaining profession-specific expertise. Understanding current evidence regarding supervision models, outcomes, and implementation factors is crucial for advancing this field. (2) Methods: This narrative review analyzed 28 studies, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods studies, and systematic reviews. Studies were analyzed for supervision models, outcome measures, evidence of effectiveness, and implementation factors. (3) Results: Six categories of interprofessional supervision models were identified: clinical practice-based, group supervision, competency-based training, skills training, case-based learning, and mentorship/coaching. Across models, interprofessional supervision consistently enhanced collaborative competencies, professional development, clinical skills, and organizational outcomes. Organizational support, structured curricula, interprofessional leadership, and individual readiness facilitated implementation success. Barriers included limited resources, professional silos, and challenges in curriculum integration. (4) Conclusions: Interprofessional supervision shows consistently positive outcomes across diverse models and settings, though more rigorous research designs and standardized outcome measures are needed. Successful implementation requires systematic attention to multiple factors at multiple levels, from organizational support to individual readiness. Interprofessional supervision is positioned for significant advancement through the application of implementation science frameworks and continued research on optimal model characteristics and implementation strategies. Full article

12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) is a core component of the jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthetic pathway and participates in JA synthesis by catalyzing the reduction in the precursor 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), as well as broadly regulating plant development, stress response, and hormone signaling networks. This study analyzed the OPR gene family using 28 soybean genomes. A total of 15 OPR gene family members in soybean were identified, including 14 core genes and one variable gene. Analysis of gene duplication types showed that whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental duplication was the main mode of duplication in GmOPRs. The phylogenetic tree constructed from multiple species showed that the OPRs in subgroup VII were functionally important OPR genes and that the OPRs underwent Leguminosae and Cruciferae divergence, and large-scale duplication occurred in Leguminosae. Analysis of natural selection pressures on 28 soybean accessions indicated that the overall evolutionary pressures on GmOPRs were dominated by purifying selection, but there were also potential positive selection signals. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed a large number of light- and hormone-responsive cis-acting elements in the GmOPRs. Some specific cis-acting elements were only present in a few genes or accessions. The protein interaction network consisted of 12 GmOPR proteins, 4 allene oxide synthase (AOS) proteins, and 6 allene oxide cyclase (AOC) proteins, where AOCs interact with GmOPRs and AOSs. Tissue transcriptome expression profiling showed that GmOPR3, GmOPR7, and GmOPR15 were specifically expressed in roots, whereas GmOPR2, GmOPR10, and GmOPR14 were specifically expressed in leaves, suggesting that these genes play an important role in the growth and development of the tissues. Moreover, GmOPRs usually responded to salt stress, and GmOPR3, GmOPR8, GmOPR9, GmOPR10, and GmOPR11 were significantly up-regulated in roots and leaves under salt stress. This suggests that these genes may be involved in biological processes such as osmoregulation, ion homeostasis, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species, thus helping soybeans to resist salt stress. This study comprehensively analyzed the OPR gene family in soybean based on the 28 soybean accessions and clarified the salt stress response pattern, which provides a new and more effective and reliable way to analyze the soybean gene family. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate structural changes and their impact on the functional properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloys produced by L-PBF. In the as-built condition, these alloys, despite high strength due to the presence of metastable α’ martensite, exhibit limited ductility. The samples were subjected to heat treatment at 850–1000 °C for 1 h, followed by aging at 500 °C for 4 h in an argon atmosphere. Analysis revealed a gradual microstructural transformation from the columnar structure characteristic of L-PBF to an equilibrium Widmanstätten microstructure. As a result of the decomposition of martensite and the formation of an α + β phase mixture, changes in microhardness and mechanical properties were observed. After heat treatment, the microhardness decreased by 15% for Ti-6Al-4V (from 427 ± 1 HV to 362 ± 25 HV) and by 12% for Ti-6Al-7Nb (from 408 ± 6 HV to 359 ± 15 HV). The Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy exhibited higher maximum elongation (7.7 ± 1.1%) than Ti-6Al-4V (4.8 ± 0.5%) due to a greater fraction of the β phase. The results highlight the critical role of the controlled α′→α + β transformation in tailoring the properties of titanium alloys and provide a basis for optimizing manufacturing processes for medical and aerospace components. Full article

Sustainable language education necessitates scalable, accessible learning environments that foster long-term learner autonomy and reduce educational inequality. While online courses have democratized access to language learning globally, persistent deficiencies in instructor-student interaction and learner engagement compromise their sustainability. The “face effect,” denoting the influence of instructor facial appearance on learning outcomes, remains underexplored as a resource-efficient mechanism for enhancing engagement in digital environments. Furthermore, effective measures linking psychological engagement to sustained learning experiences are notably absent. This study addresses three research questions within a sustainable education framework: (1) How does instructor identity, particularly facial appearance, affect second language learners’ outcomes and interactivity in scalable online environments? (2) How can digital human technology dynamically personalize instructor appearance to support diverse learner populations in resource-efficient ways? (3) How does instructor identity influence learners’ flow state, a critical indicator of intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning capacity? Two controlled experiments with Japanese language learners examined three instructor identity conditions: real teacher identity, learner self-identity, and idol-inspired identity. Results demonstrated that the self-identity condition significantly enhanced oral performance and flow state dimensions, particularly concentration and weakened self-awareness. These findings indicate that identity-adaptive digital human instructors cultivate intrinsic motivation and learner autonomy, which are essential competencies for lifelong learning. This research advances Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by demonstrating that adaptive educational technology can simultaneously improve learning outcomes and psychological engagement in scalable, cost-effective online environments. The personalization capabilities of digital human instructors provide a sustainable pathway to reduce educational disparities while maintaining high-quality, engaging instruction accessible to diverse global populations. Full article

Objectives: The present study compared the amplitude and spatial distribution of muscle excitation between a seated row performed with a fixed scapular position (fixed-SR) and a free scapular position (free-SR) in resistance-trained men, analyzing concentric and eccentric phases separately using high-density surface EMG (HD-sEMG). Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 25 ± 4 years; stature: 1.74 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 76.22 ± 5.73 kg) performed fixed-SR and free-SR in a randomized cross-over design using 8-repetition maximum as the load for both variations. HD-sEMG grids recorded the activity from the upper/middle/lower trapezius, latissimus dorsi, lateral/posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and erector spinae. Normalized root mean squared (RMS) amplitude and excitation centroids in the mediolateral and craniocaudal planes were computed for the concentric and eccentric phases. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures statistical models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: During the concentric phase, nRMS amplitude was greater for the posterior deltoid in fixed-SR compared with free-SR (effect size [ES] = 0.66), whereas no between-condition difference was observed for the remaining muscles. During the eccentric phase, nRMS amplitude was greater in the fixed-SR for the middle trapezius (ES = 0.67) and the latissimus dorsi (ES = 0.85), with no between-condition differences detected for the remaining muscles. The centroid position analysis revealed that, during the eccentric phase, the middle trapezius centroid was located more laterally in the fixed-SR condition (ES = 0.54), while the posterior deltoid centroid was positioned more caudally in the fixed-SR compared with the free-SR condition (ES = 0.22). Conclusions: The fixed-SR and free-SR conditions produce comparable overall muscle excitation patterns, while showing some quantitative and spatial differences in selected upper-back muscles. These results suggest that scapular constraint influences the distribution of muscular excitation rather than overall excitation levels. Accordingly, both variations can be effectively used in resistance training, selecting to fix or free the scapulae depending on the emphasis on the scapular movements rather than a substantial difference in muscle excitation. Full article

Until now investigations on the ultrastructural characteristics of Pseudanthus pollen using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were limited. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to present the first comprehensive TEM-based analysis of Pseudanthus pollen; (2) to provide a holistic morphological and ultrastructural description of Pseudanthus pollen; (3) to compare Pseudanthus pollen to that from other Picrodendraceae and closely related families; (4) to clarify intraspecific, interspecific, intrafamilial, and interfamilial character traits of Pseudanthus pollen in relation to that from related genera/families; and (5) to conclude if Pseudanthus pollen could potentially be identified in the palynological record. Pseudanthus pollen samples were collected from anthetic flowers and prepared according to standard methods for investigation with TEM. Interpretations of pollen ultrastructure in other Picrodendraceae and closely related families were based on previously published TEM micrographs. The pollen ultrastructure from six out of nine Pseudanthus species is described here for the first time. By integrating LM, SEM, and TEM techniques, this study offers a holistic perspective on the genus’s pollen morphology and ultrastructural range. It also illuminates the intraspecific and interspecific pollen morphological and ultrastructural diversity within Pseudanthus and how it differentiates from other Picrodendraceae as well as the Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae. The combined morphological and ultrastructural traits of Pseudanthus pollen render it unique among Picrodendraceae and differentiate it from the pollen of closely related families. This opens the door for future paleopalynological investigations, but until now Pseudanthus pollen has not been reported from the fossil record. Full article

Background: Population ageing and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly stroke, have negative repercussions on fine motor function, compromising the independence of older adults. The Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing plays a central role in functional recovery and in improving quality of life. This study aims to describe the process of developing and validating the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function. Methods: This paper is a three-phase methodological study conducted between January and July 2025: (1) initial development of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function; (2) validation of the content of the proposed design, using the modified e-Delphi technique; and (3) development of the final model of the care design. Results: The e-Delphi study, involving a panel of 15 experts, allowed the content validation of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function after two rounds. Following the suggestions, the final care design model, in relation to fine motor function, comprises five steps: (1) collection of relevant data, (2) identification of possible nursing diagnoses, (3) definition of objectives, (4) planning and implementation of interventions, and (5) evaluation of outcomes. As part of step 4, photographic records of exercises focused on the recovery of fine motor function were included. Conclusions: The final model of the design of rehabilitation nursing care for older adults with impaired fine motor function, developed and validated in this study, may serve as a guiding framework in the delivery of specialised care to this population. Full article

(1) Background: Malignant arrhythmia complicating fulminant myocarditis is associated with high in-hospital mortality, but evidence regarding its long-term prognosis and specific risk factors is limited. (2) Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study (2016–2025) analyzed 241 consecutive fulminant myocarditis patients, stratified by malignant arrhythmia status (n = 58 vs. 183). The malignant arrhythmia group was further subclassified into malignant tachyarrhythmia (n = 22) and bradyarrhythmia (n = 36). Endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiac dysfunction, and structural abnormalities. (3) Results: At 3-month follow-up, malignant arrhythmia patients had a significantly higher incidence of MACE compared to non-malignant arrhythmia patients (15.5% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.008), but no significant differences were found in cardiac dysfunction or structural abnormalities. Multivariate analysis identified low triglyceride level as an independent risk factor for in-hospital malignant tachyarrhythmia. For in-hospital malignant bradyarrhythmia, independent risk factors were delayed, such as intrinsicoid deflection, low diastolic blood pressure, bradycardia, and an elevated E/Em ratio, with the predictive model showing high discriminatory power. (4) Conclusions: Malignant arrhythmia is an independent predictor of adverse short-term, but not long-term, prognosis in fulminant myocarditis patients, with distinct risk factor profiles identified for malignant tachyarrhythmia and malignant bradyarrhythmia subtypes. Full article

(1) Background: Pain assessment still relies primarily on subjective self-report. To address these limitations, we developed Piq, an EEG-based index derived from beta-band brain activity (Piq_β) aimed at providing objective pain identification and quantification. (2) Methods: The study combined cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Resting-state brain activity was recorded for five minutes, and EEG signals were preprocessed using a dedicated algorithm. Piq_β performance was assessed by identifying an optimal cutoff to discriminate pain from no pain, evaluating its association with VNRS, and estimating agreement using a modified concordance criterion (exact match or ±1 category). A graded scale was also established to classify pain into distinct categories, according to intensity. (3) Results: An optimal cutoff of 10% for Piq_β yielded 97.8% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity. Piq_β correlated with self-reported scores (ρ = 0.60, p < 0.0001) with acceptable agreement (mean bias −1.02), accounting for clinically acceptable discrepancies. Five levels of pain were proposed, and Piq_β demonstrated the ability to track intra-individual fluctuations over time, accounting for clinically acceptable discrepancies. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence to support the Piq_β index as a valuable complement to subjective pain ratings. Full article