Search Results (4,298)

Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) is a highly conserved cysteine–histidine (C2H2)-type zinc-finger nuclear regulatory protein characterized by three pairs of zinc-finger domains, a putative nuclear localization signal, a serine-rich region, broad tissue distribution, and remarkable transcript diversity generated through alternative promoter usage, alternative splicing, and polyadenylation. Increasing evidence from human genetics, animal models, functional genomics, and transcriptomic studies indicates that BNC2 links nuclear regulatory mechanisms to tissue-specific developmental and disease phenotypes. In the nervous system, BNC2-positive neuronal populations and BNC2-derived circular RNAs have been implicated in energy-balance circuits and neuroinflammatory regulation. In the skeletal system, BNC2 contributes to osteochondral development, periosteal stem-cell activation, chromatin remodeling, fracture repair, and genetic susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. BNC2 variants have also been associated with congenital lower urinary tract obstruction, whereas its expression and regulatory landscape are closely related to germ-cell development, epithelial ovarian cancer susceptibility, pigmentation traits, fibrosis, and several tumor contexts. Mechanistically, BNC2-associated phenotypes appear to involve cysteine–histidine zinc-finger-mediated transcriptional regulation, non-coding enhancer activity, epigenetic alterations, RNA-processing-associated nuclear functions, and chromatin-remodeling-dependent control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and stromal activation. This review integrates current evidence on the molecular architecture and regulatory functions of BNC2, critically discusses its context-dependent roles across development and disease, and highlights unresolved questions regarding isoform-specific activity, cell-type-specific regulation, downstream target networks, and clinical translation. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms may support the future evaluation of BNC2 as a biomarker, genetic susceptibility locus, molecular stratification factor, and potential therapeutic regulatory node. Full article

The optical transition characteristics of fully strained Ge_1−xSn_x films grown on Ge substrate were investigated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The results showed Sn composition-dependent nonlinear behaviors in interband transition energies. The influence of strain on nonlinear behaviors was identified by the ratio of bowing parameters. Optical transition energies are largely tuned due to the strain-induced band structure. The strain in GeSn alloys may be responsible for the fluctuation of interband transition energies. The effect of full strain appears to result in an opposite trend in the direct and indirect band gap energies. The transition from indirect-to-direct band gap semiconductor in the present work is determined to be x = 0.103 at 300 K. These results contribute to further exploration into band gap engineering for mid-infrared optoelectronic materials. Full article

Cyclic triaxial tests are often used to evaluate the behavior of soils under seismic loads. The stress conditions imposed on a soil specimen during a cyclic triaxial test, however, are very different than those acting on an element of soil during an earthquake. One major difference is that the element in the field is subjected to a change in total confining stress, whereas in a conventional cyclic triaxial test the total confining stress (as applied through the cell pressure) is held constant. This use of constant cell pressure is usually justified by the assumption that in a saturated specimen the change in total stress is offset by a change in pore pressure, thus resulting in no change in the effective confining stress or liquefaction susceptibility. A laboratory study using cyclic triaxial tests was conducted on several soils to assess the validity of this assumption. For each soil, two series of stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests were run: one set with a constant cell pressure, and thus a constant total confining stress, and a second set with a variable total stress/cell pressure. These tests were then compared in terms of both the resulting cyclic resistance curves and the amount of energy dissipated to trigger liquefaction. It was found that the two conditions of confining stress yielded results that were not statistically different. Therefore, the assumption that the change in pore pressure caused by the variation in total stress is offset by the change in pore pressure and thus results in no change in effective stress or liquefaction susceptibility appears valid. Based on these findings, cyclic triaxial tests performed with constant cell pressure, and thus a constant total confining stress, provide valid results for liquefaction analyses. Full article

Objectives: To examine disordered eating behaviors, orthorexic tendencies, binge-eating episodes, attitudes toward exercise, perceived hormone-related symptoms and body image perception among competitive bodybuilders across different levels of competitive experience. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 competitive bodybuilders (29 men, 31 women) completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey evaluated demographic characteristics, coaching and training management, phase-specific symptoms (such as libido, sleep, eating behaviors, and menstrual alterations), orthorexic tendencies, exercise addiction, and body-image perception. Results: Both sexes reported reduced libido, increased hunger, and sleep disturbances, along with frequent weight monitoring and common binge-eating episodes. Moreover, females frequently reported menstrual irregularities. ORTO-15 scores indicated a potential risk of orthorexia nervosa, while EAI-3 scores suggested a risk of exercise addiction in novice females and advanced males, with differences in mood regulation and guilt across sex and experience. Males showed higher perceived and ideal muscle mass, whereas females reported higher perceived body fat and a preference for leaner physiques. Conclusions: Competitive bodybuilders of both sexes exhibit post-competition binge eating, mood- and appearance-driven exercise behaviors, and pronounced body-image concerns. Screening, education on energy availability, structured post-competition support, and health-focused coaching are recommended to prevent the progression from sport-specific practices to clinical pathology. Full article

This study investigates the cross-border consequences of large-scale military attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure and their implications for European energy resilience. Unlike prior research focused primarily on national-level disruption, this paper conceptualizes wartime infrastructure destruction as a source of systemic spillover risk within interconnected electricity systems. We develop an analytical framework integrating three dimensions: shock probability, structural vulnerability, and recovery capacity. Using evidence from 2022–2026 and comparative assessment of selected European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) countries, we identify substantial asymmetries in exposure and resilience. Moldova appears highly vulnerable due to structural dependence and limited flexibility, whereas Poland demonstrates stronger resilience supported by diversification and institutional capacity. The findings show that shocks originating in Ukraine propagate through electricity trade flows, balancing constraints, and price volatility. The results highlight that large-scale attacks on the energy system threaten not only immediate regional security but also the long-term energy sustainability of the interconnected European network. The paper contributes to the literature by linking war-induced infrastructure damage with sustainable energy governance and by proposing resilience tools such as digital twins and blockchain coordination. The results are relevant for policymakers, transmission operators, and crisis management institutions across Europe. Full article

Although the green belt around Greater Lomé (GBGL) is a vital ecological buffer, it is currently facing significant degradation. This decline appears to be associated with a combination of various socioeconomic uses by the local community and formal operations of established businesses. Grounded in the cultural materialism framework, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of the socioeconomic uses of the green belt around Greater Lomé in a context of degradation and investigates the dynamics of these socioeconomic uses and their environmental impacts through a multidisciplinary methodology. This approach combines anthropological analysis based on field observation, 53 semi-structured interviews and 5 focus groups, a quantitative questionnaire survey (n = 384) and an analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics derived from Landsat imagery (2003–2023). The results reveal six main types of socioeconomic uses of the GBGL (notably land transactions, agriculture, breeding and grazing, exploitation of wood energy, timber and utility wood, sand mining, and waste disposal), which lead to complex social dynamics ranging from conflicts to alliances among stakeholders. The LULC dynamics analysis indicates a staggering 468.26% expansion in built-up areas over the last 20 years, at the expense of swamp vegetation/gallery forest (−76.79%), tree-and-shrub savanna (−53.47%) and plantations (−49.43). This study provides a scientific basis supporting the urgent necessity to establish the GBGL as a legally protected entity and argues in favour of an inclusive management model that is designed to reconcile the socioeconomic survival needs of local populations with sustainable preservation of essential ecosystem services. Full article

Solar radiation drives virtually every process in Earth’s climate system—from atmospheric circulation and the hydrological cycle to ecosystem carbon uptake and agricultural productivity. How this energy flux is changing under anthropogenic climate forcing and what the consequences might be have become central preoccupations of modern Earth system science. Yet despite a rapidly growing literature spanning atmospheric physics, ecology, remote sensing, and energy engineering, no study has attempted to map the global scientific output on solar radiation and climate change as a unified research domain. This study addresses this gap through a large-scale bibliometric analysis of 8473 publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (1991–2025). Using the Bibliometrix R package (v5.0.1) and VOSviewer (v1.6.20), the study examined publication growth, country and institutional productivity, journal performance, co-authorship structures, keyword networks, thematic evolution, and emerging research fronts. The literature has grown at an annual rate of 14.87%, with China and the USA accounting for nearly half of all output—though American research shows markedly higher citation impact. Bradford’s Law identified 27 core journals, which accounted for roughly one-third of total publications; the Journal of Geophysical Research–Atmospheres ranked first. Consistent with Lotka’s Law, a large majority of authors (78.9%) appear only once in the dataset, pointing to a broad but peripherally engaged scientific community. Keyword co-occurrence mapping revealed five thematic clusters: ecological and biosphere impacts; climate dynamics and variability; atmospheric processes and data-driven methods; solar geoengineering; and energy and renewable applications. The most rapidly rising topics after 2020—machine learning, CMIP6, solar geoengineering, and heatwaves—suggest that the field is shifting toward data-driven methods and active climate intervention debates. These findings offer a structured overview of where the field stands and the most urgent knowledge gaps. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Acute appendicitis following blunt abdominal trauma is a rare and historically debated clinical entity. We present a century-spanning descriptive review of 106 cases of post-traumatic appendicitis, embedded with an illustrative pediatric case initially managed conservatively. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, encompassing a 100-year period (1925–2025). Clinical variables, trauma mechanisms, and outcomes were extracted and statistically analyzed by age cohort (Pediatric ≤ 18 vs. Adult > 18) and historical medical era. Results: A total of 106 cases were analyzed. High-energy trauma predominated in adults compared to the pediatric cohort (48.8% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.001). The overall complication rate was exceptionally high (66.0%), with no significant difference between pediatric and adult cohorts (61.5% vs. 73.2%, p = 0.293). An epoch-based analysis revealed a significant drop in perforation rates from the historical era (1925–1980) to the modern era (2001–2025) (51.7% to 27.0%, p = 0.033) due to improved diagnostic timelines. Crucially, purely mechanical injuries such as complete appendiceal auto-amputation remained a constant signature of blunt trauma across the century (11.5% overall rate). Conclusions: Our synthesis of historical cases suggests that post-traumatic appendicitis might be a relevant clinical entity where trauma mechanics appear to play a significant role in injury severity, irrespective of patient age. While conservative management could be feasible and safe in the acute setting of uncomplicated cases, we hypothesize that the initial kinetic impact might cause subtle structural changes or alter local appendiceal dynamics, potentially predisposing the organ to recurrent inflammation, warranting close follow-up or elective surgery. Full article

Dairy goat farming is a niche but relevant livestock system in alpine regions, yet its economic viability and environmental performance remain poorly quantified. This study assessed the relationship between profitability and environmental impacts in dairy goat farms in South Tyrol (Northern Italy). Data were collected from ten alpine dairy goat farms through on-farm interviews and accounting records and exploratorily analyzed using full-cost accounting and life cycle assessment (LCA). Given the small and purposive sample, all findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than statistically representative. Environmental impacts were evaluated from cradle to farm gate using two functional units: 1 kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) and 1 ha of agricultural land. Farm income per kg FPCM was highly variable, ranging from −€1.10 to €2.50, and depended strongly on herd size and subsidies. Average global warming potential was 2.96 ± 1.18 kg CO₂ eq per kg FPCM, but farm rankings changed when impacts were expressed per hectare. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses showed a significant positive relationship between income and greenhouse gas emissions (r = 0.80, p < 0.05), indicating a trade-off between economic and environmental performance. Enteric methane and energy use were the main contributors to climate impacts. Improving productivity per animal rather than expanding herd size appears to be the most promising strategy to enhance profitability while limiting environmental burdens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in human breast cancer particularly in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers where a synthetic lethal interaction leads to massive tumor cell death upon specific inhibitors’ administration. Current clinically approved PARP inhibitors (Talazoparib and Olaparib) show outstanding therapeutic capabilities but suffer from severe side effects. Most importantly, some of them can cause life-threatening cardiotoxicity through hERG off-target effects. Here, we performed an extensive study to identify lead compounds with improved binding modes and favorable predicted pharmacokinetics using an integrated computational strategy. Methods: An artificial intelligence-driven drug design (AIDDISON™ v2023) workflow was employed to search ultra-large chemical space libraries for active compounds, which were then optimized via computer-aided methods to form a PARP-Tailored Database (PTD). This database was then analyzed through a virtual screening workflow, molecular docking studies, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/GBSA binding free energy calculations, DFT analysis and ADME/Tox predictions using the Schrödinger suite (v2023-2), MobaXterm v25.2, Gaussian 16.0, ProTox-3 and Pred-hERG v5.0 respectively. Results: Three compounds (1a–1c) were identified as promising candidates. Among them 1a appeared to be the most active compound with a favorable docking score (−9.488 kcal/mol) that is not only higher than 1b and 1c but also higher than that of Talazoparib (−6.778 kcal/mol). MD simulations of 1a–1c in the active site revealed an average RMSD of ~2.5–3.6 Å which is better compared to the parent Talazoparib (5.6 Å). Interestingly, on the 250 ns extended MD study, 1a exhibited a slightly reduced RMSD between 2.4 and 3.2 Å, whereas Talazoparib retained higher fluctuations of ~5 Å to 6 Å. MM/GBSA binding energy analysis indicated 1a to have better predicted binding affinity (−67.820 kcal/mol), which is also better than Talazoparib (−63.734 kcal/mol). DFT calculations showed good electronic properties and in silico ADMET studies also indicated 1a to have good drug-likeness and lower predicted hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity risk. Conclusions: These findings identify compound 1a as a promising lead, while compounds 1b and 1c remain viable candidates for further optimization. However, experimental validation is critical to confirm the predicted biological activity and safety profiles. Full article

Anaerobutyricum is a Gram-positive, obligately anaerobic genus within the family Lachnospiraceae that is widely distributed in the gut microbiota of humans and animals. This genus has attracted increasing attention because of its ability to produce short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, a key microbial metabolite involved in intestinal homeostasis, immune regulation, and host energy metabolism. The genus currently comprises only two validly described species, Anaerobutyricum hallii and Anaerobutyricum soehngenii. Despite this limited taxonomic representation, accumulating evidence has linked variation in Anaerobutyricum abundance to host health and disease. In humans, alterations in Anaerobutyricum abundance have been linked to metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders. In livestock, especially pigs, limited evidence suggests that this genus may also be associated with growth-related traits, intestinal health, and reproductive performance. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the taxonomy, physiological characteristics, genomic features, metabolic potential, and major factors influencing the abundance of Anaerobutyricum. We further discuss its reported associations with human health and its possible relevance to animal production, with particular attention to pigs at different developmental stages. Overall, Anaerobutyricum appears to be a promising functional genus; however, most available evidence remains association based rather than causal, livestock studies are still sparse, host interaction mechanisms remain poorly understood, and its utility as a probiotic candidate, biomarker, or microbiome-based intervention target requires further strain-level, mechanistic, and in vivo validation. Full article

Satellite object detection in space surveillance is challenged by sparse and weak targets in large-scale, structured backgrounds (e.g., star fields, clouds, and streak noise). Such interference is not random but exhibits spatial correlation and frequency regularity, causing target responses to be overwhelmed and difficult to separate within a single representation space. To address this issue, we propose a lightweight framework, termed DRSS-Net, based on the key observation that target–background separability can be enhanced across complementary representation coordinate systems. Specifically, spatial modeling captures local structural consistency, while frequency-domain processing characterizes global energy distribution and structured patterns. By alternating between these domains, the proposed method enables constraint propagation, where predictable background patterns are suppressed, and structurally inconsistent target responses are emphasized. In the spatial domain, a mutual conditioning mechanism with asymmetric channel allocation enhances the consistency between localization and semantic responses. In the frequency domain, a coupled refinement module models the interaction between energy distribution and structural configuration to distinguish structured background from anomalous targets. In addition, a scale selection strategy retains stable intermediate representations for efficient detection. Experiments on two independent space target datasets demonstrate that DRSS-Net consistently achieves superior detection performance with a compact model size under diverse observation conditions, including variations in target appearance, illumination, and structured background interference. Full article

The transition to a circular economy (CE) represents a complex socio-technical evolution, requiring synchronized policy frameworks and strategic capital reallocation. Adopting a systems-thinking lens, this study combines bibliometric network mapping with exploratory econometric modelling, to examine the associations between five core policy instruments and tangible circular investments (INV_CE) across the EU-27. Bibliometric analysis identifies the “firm” and “supply chain” as central functional hubs within the CE knowledge system, acting as primary mediators for capital flows. Econometric results indicate that Tradable Permits (TPOs) and an integrated Policy Integration Index (PII), comprising subsidies and energy-based taxes, show the strongest statistical association with circular investment patterns (p ≤ 0.001). However, patterns of structural disparity emerge between OECD and non-OECD Member States (p = 0.014), where the latter often exhibit a more rigid, tax-centric approach. Spearman correlations point toward institutional maturity, specifically government effectiveness (r_s = 0.48) and eco-innovation capacity, as a potential systemic gateway for investment absorption. Furthermore, a structural decoupling appears between voluntary approaches (VAs) and governance capacity in emerging systems, suggesting that such instruments may be less effective without “institutional readiness.” The findings suggest that circular transition is path-dependent and congruent with the co-evolution of policy and institutional regimes. To bridge the investment gap, the study highlights the need for systemic interventions that move beyond “one-size-fits-all” regulations toward targeted strategies that strengthen the institutional and data reporting infrastructures of circular systems. Full article

Railway transport is increasingly recognized as a key pillar of sustainable mobility, offering a low-carbon and energy-efficient alternative to road and air transport and playing a critical role in achieving climate objectives, regional connectivity, and sustainable tourism development. Despite extensive research on service quality, sustainability, and tourism, their interrelationship within the railway sector remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to systematically analyze the intersection of quality management systems (QMS), sustainability, and tourism in passenger railway transport and to identify structural gaps that hinder their integration. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology, resulting in a final sample of 37 studies. The findings reveal a significant research gap, particularly the absence of integrated and empirically supported QMS frameworks linking passenger satisfaction with sustainability and tourism objectives. Quality-management-oriented constructs appear in 48.6% of the analyzed studies, sustainability in 32.4%, and tourism in 24.3%, while none demonstrate full integration of all three dimensions. The study contributes by providing a conceptual basis for future research on the integration of operational quality management, environmental performance, and passenger-oriented service quality in railway systems. Full article

Swine wastewater, composed of farm effluents, is frequently applied as fertilizer, but repeated use can lead to eutrophication and contamination. This study investigated the improvement of swine wastewater quality by means of the electroflocculation technique using various alternative electrodes (aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, copper, and zinc) under very short exposure durations (3, 6, and 9 min) and low voltage conditions (12 V), aiming to optimize the process. After the treatments, both treated and control samples were analyzed in the laboratory for pollutants including turbidity, organic matter, phosphorus and other minerals. The results showed that zinc and stainless steel electrodes were particularly effective in reducing turbidity (47–67%), organic matter (23%), phosphorus (36–62%), calcium (24–54%), magnesium (34–52%) and sodium (19–38%) respectively in the effluent after only 6 or 9 min of current exposure. However, these electrodes released some heavy metals into the solution, which should be further reduced through a complementary treatment. Overall, electroflocculation using alternative electrode materials with short treatment times appears to be a suitable pre-treatment strategy for swine wastewater, reducing pollutant loads while maintaining low energy consumption and preserving nutrients for subsequent use as fertilizer. Full article