Search Results (4,633)

Background and Clinical Significance: Deep thalamic and periventricular lesions are uncommon in adults but can result in significant loss of function because of their convergence on three interdependent processes: thalamocortical state regulation, throughput of periventricular long association systems, and ventricular compartmental compliance. The resulting combination of executive control collapse, retrieval-weighted language fragility, and load-sensitive gait instability may occur early after a lesion forms an atrial/posterior horn interface, and pressure-linked autonomic symptoms may be late to develop. Screening deficits will likely be minimal and therefore underreported. Objective/Aim: To present a thalamic–atrial/posterior horn tumor case with quantified load-sensitive cognitive–language–gait dysfunction and to detail a physiology-guided, sequence-driven decompression approach emphasizing ventricular relaxation and perforator-preserving, interface-limited thalamic resection. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old female patient experienced a 3-month, rapidly progressive decline in her cognitive and language abilities. The clinical progression was not stepwise or punctuated by a single “sentinel” event. She had a moderate level of cognitive impairment consistent with both Broca’s and Wernicke’s aphasias (MoCA: 22/30) and suffered from significant interference effects and increased cost of task-switching. Her ability to generate novel responses and name objects was significantly impaired; however, she was able to repeat words and phrases appropriately. In addition, she exhibited a severe sustained attention signature and a high error rate during dual-task performance, indicating severe gait instability, although her overall global anchors were nearly neutral (GCS 15; FOUR 15/16; NIHSS 2). Nausea and vomiting occurred simultaneously with the cognitive and language decline, suggesting decreased intracranial compliance. MRI revealed a heterogeneous left-sided thalamic tumor extending into the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The tumor caused deformation of the lateral ventricle and midline displacement. The patient underwent microsurgical intervention using a physiology-conscious sequence of graded cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) equilibration and primary mechanical removal of the tumor from the ventricular system. Additionally, decompression of the thalamus was performed in a manner that was cognizant of the boundaries formed by the perforating arteries of the thalamus. Early resolution of pressure symptoms was noted postoperatively. Objective measures demonstrated significant improvement in the patient’s executive functioning, language skills, attentional errors, and dual-task performance stability. The patient remained functionally independent at discharge and at subsequent follow-up visits. Surveillance imaging did not demonstrate any evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusions: The clinical presentation described above is supportive of a model in which the synergy between deep network damage and distortion of the posterior ventricular compartment amplifies network dysfunction. Additionally, the use of quantitative stress-phenotyping makes it possible to identify deep network pathology early in its course. Finally, the physiology-guided decompression approach that was used in this case has the potential to increase functional reserve in patients with pathology that requires millimeter transitions. Full article

Heat stress is a key environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth, development, and productivity. Nitrate reductase (NR), encoded by AtNIA1 and AtNIA2, plays a crucial role in nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, which mediates stress responses in plants. In this study, we investigated the roles of AtNIA1 and AtNIA2 in regulating plant heat stress tolerance. Under heat stress conditions, Arabidopsis thaliana plants maintained higher relative water content and chlorophyll levels, whereas atnia1 and atnia2 mutants exhibited greater physiological damage. Oxidative stress markers such as MDA and H₂O₂ accumulated to higher levels in nitrate reductase mutants than in Col-0, indicating increased heat sensitivity. Gene expression analysis further revealed a pronounced late-phase induction of MBF1c in atnia2 plants, accompanied by altered expression of heat shock proteins. These results suggest that nitrate reductase-dependent pathways contribute to heat stress tolerance by regulating water status, membrane stability, ROS detoxification, and heat shock gene expression. This study provides new insights into NR-mediated NO signaling in thermotolerance and highlights potential targets for improving crop resilience under rising temperatures. Full article

Premature leaf senescence is a major constraint on rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and yield stability, particularly under increasingly frequent environmental stresses. Unlike developmentally programmed senescence, premature senescence is characterized by early and uncontrolled activation of senescence pathways, leading to accelerated chlorophyll degradation, oxidative damage, impaired photosynthesis, and reduced grain filling. Recent studies have revealed that premature senescence in rice is governed by a complex regulatory network integrating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, phytohormone signaling, transcriptional regulation, and environmental cues. Central signaling hubs involving abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, cytokinins, and gibberellins interact extensively with ROS metabolism to fine-tune senescence onset and progression. These upstream signals converge on key transcription factor families, particularly NAC and WRKY proteins, which directly regulate senescence-associated genes responsible for chloroplast dismantling, nutrient remobilization, and programmed cell death. Moreover, abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and nitrogen deficiency commonly trigger premature senescence through a shared ABA–ROS signaling module. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the physiological characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and environmental regulation of premature leaf senescence in rice, and discusses emerging genetic and agronomic strategies to delay senescence. A deeper understanding of senescence regulatory networks will facilitate the development of rice cultivars with prolonged photosynthetic duration, improved stress resilience, and enhanced yield stability under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Compact carbonate stones are widely used in architectural heritage for their aesthetic value and cultural significance, yet their long-term durability in saline environments remains insufficiently understood, particularly when assessed using standard salt crystallization tests developed primarily for porous lithotypes. This study investigates salt-induced deterioration in Portoro limestone, a compact ornamental carbonate extensively employed in historic architecture, considering four commercial varieties representative of heritage applications. Salt crystallization tests were performed using saturated sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions following the relevant European standard procedure, with the protocol extended to 45 cycles to capture delayed deterioration processes. Both untreated specimens and samples subjected to controlled thermal pre-conditioning at 300 °C and 500 °C were tested to activate latent microstructural weaknesses. Material decay was assessed through mass variation, porosity changes, surface observations, Leeb rebound hardness and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. Results demonstrate that deterioration is primarily controlled by salt type and microstructural characteristics rather than by total porosity. Sodium sulphate induced severe internal damage and abrupt structural failure associated with mirabilite crystallization, often following a prolonged phase of apparent stability. In contrast, sodium chloride causes mainly superficial effects with negligible mechanical impact. Thermal pre-conditioning accelerated damage development, while non-destructive techniques revealed internal deterioration well before visible damage occurred. These findings indicate that standard crystallization tests may be inadequate for low-porosity stones and that extended-cycle approaches provide a more reliable framework for durability assessment in saline environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Demineralization around orthodontic brackets may compromise enamel integrity and alter the mechanical stability of the bracket–adhesive–enamel interface, thereby influencing bond performance and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enamel demineralization on the fatigue-based shear bond strength (SBS) of different orthodontic brackets. Methods: Seventy-five extracted maxillary premolars subjected to demineralization were allocated into five groups (n = 15 per group). Victory metal (Group 1), APC Clarity Advanced ceramic (Group 2), Clarity Self-ligating ceramic (Group 3), Gemini metal (Group 4), and Clarity Advanced ceramic (Group 5) brackets were bonded to the tooth surfaces using Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA). The mean demineralization values of the specimens were recorded before demineralization (T0) and after exposure to an artificial cariogenic environment (T1). Fatigue-based SBS was evaluated under cyclic loading (10 N, 0.5 Hz) at a crosshead speed of 300 mm/min using a closed-loop controlled, low-cycle fatigue testing machine and expressed as the number of shear strokes to failure. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences in demineralization were observed among the groups at T0 (p > 0.05); however, all groups showed significant increases at T1 (p < 0.05), with Group 1 demonstrating significantly lower demineralization than the other groups (p < 0.05). Fatigue-based SBS was higher in Groups 1, 3, and 5 than in Groups 2 and 4, as indicated by a greater number of shear strokes to failure (p < 0.05). In Groups 2 and 4, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between changes in enamel demineralization and the number of shear strokes to failure (p < 0.05). No hard tissue damage was observed in Group 5 during fatigue testing. Conclusions: Increased demineralization may adversely affect fatigue-based SBS and increase the risk of hard tissue damage. Under plaque-related demineralization conditions, Victory metal and Clarity Advanced ceramic brackets may demonstrate more favorable fatigue bond behavior; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm these findings. Full article

Phosphorylation has long been regarded as the principal mechanism governing oncogenic signal transduction. However, it does not fully account for the diversity, persistence, and context dependence of cancer signaling outputs. Protein methylation, historically studied in the context of histone regulation, is now recognized as a widespread modification of non-histone signaling proteins, including transcription factors, DNA damage response mediators, and scaffold components. In this Review, we propose that protein methylation functions as a regulatory logic layer that shapes how oncogenic signals are amplified, stabilized, and interpreted. Rather than serving as a primary trigger of pathway activation, methylation modulates signaling behavior across four interconnected dimensions: activation threshold and signal gain, temporal persistence, network topology and complex assembly, and spatial routing. We examine major signaling axes in which methylation refines genome integrity networks, proliferative pathways, inflammatory circuits, and lineage-specific transcriptional programs. We further discuss the interdependency between methylation and phosphorylation, highlighting sequential, competitive, and feedback-mediated interactions that expand combinatorial signaling states. Finally, we explore how methylation-mediated regulatory logic contributes to signaling plasticity and adaptive resistance under therapeutic pressure, and we outline key measurement and translational challenges. Framing protein methylation within a regulatory logic paradigm provides a structured approach for integrating this modification into contemporary models of oncogenic signaling and therapeutic intervention. Full article

This work investigated the effects of varying tungsten (W) and chromium (Cr) contents on the lattice constant, elastic properties, yield strength, and electronic structure of TiZrNb alloys via first principles and the Special Quasi-Random Structure (SQS). A modified Senkov approach, considering the local atomic environment to estimate yield strength was suggested. Analysis indicated that W and Cr decrease the lattice constant of the TiZrNb alloy. W could improve the elastic modulus of material and solid solution strengthening effect, but Cr only enhanced the bulk modulus at high levels. The alloying of W and Cr was not beneficial for enhancing the plasticity. Cr was more significant in damaging mechanical isotropy. The modified Senkov approach improved the estimation accuracy of yield strength. Electronic property analysis indicated that W and Cr could lower the Fermi level to enhance the stability of the phase. Their covalent interactions helped to enhance strength. At present, the accuracy of the theoretical predictions has improved, relative to the experimental values. This work will provide guidance for the design and optimization of TiZrNb-based alloys. Full article

This study examines 36 wild Asteraceae species that are traditionally used as food in Sicily and Bulgaria, highlighting their ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological relevance. Some taxa, such as Cichorium intybus, Silybum marianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, and Tussilago farfara, are integral to the Mediterranean and Balkan diets, enhancing nutrition through their fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This ethnobotanical survey revealed a clear geographic pattern in species usage: 13 species were found to be consumed solely in Bulgaria, 18 solely in Sicily, and five species in both regions. The distribution highlights the existence of shared culinary traditions that have been distinctly adapted to the unique ecological conditions present in each locale. The main metabolite classes identified include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and sesquiterpene lactones, all of which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Specific taxa within the investigated group were found to contain alkaloids that warrant toxicological attention. Some species within the studied group contain alkaloids that may pose toxicity risks. T. farfara is known to accumulate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver damage and potential genotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of thorough toxicological evaluations before recommending these plants for consumption. This study also demonstrates how common culinary processes, such as boiling and blanching, significantly impact the concentration, stability, and safety profile of these bioactive compounds. Overall, the research supports the promotion of wild Asteraceae species as valuable and sustainable nutritional and nutraceutical resources. This approach aligns with efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain traditional Mediterranean and Balkan food practices, integrating both ecological and cultural sustainability. Full article

The skin, the largest organ in the human body, serves as a crucial barrier against external stimuli. With the acceleration of social industrialization and the worsening of global climate change, the risk of physical, chemical and biological damage to the skin has significantly increased. Among these, surgical wounds, accidental injuries, diabetic wounds, and ultraviolet (UV)-radiation-induced photoaging are particularly common. Cutaneous wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that requires precise coordination of numerous molecular events to effectively repair damaged skin. Skin photoaging, a phenomenon of premature aging caused by long-term UV exposure, is characterized by pigmentary abnormalities, telangiectasia, epidermal roughness, wrinkle formation, and precancerous lesions, all of which seriously affect skin health and appearance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a class of nano-sized vesicles secreted by various cells, play important regulatory roles in tissue regeneration. Although cell-culture-medium-derived EVs (C-EVs) have been proven to effectively promote skin wound healing and photodamage repair, their origin from a single cell type and challenges in large-scale production severely limit their broad application. In contrast, EVs derived from natural biological resources, including tissue-derived EVs (Ti-EVs) and plant-derived EVs (PDEVs), have emerged as novel therapeutic strategies for skin wounds and photoaging. These EVs better reflect the physiological microenvironment and demonstrate considerably higher production efficiencies. Ti-EVs, obtained from mammalian tissues composed of multiple cell types and extracellular matrix, contain more abundant regulatory factors, thus exhibiting superior bioactivity compared with C-EVs. PDEVs have also garnered significant attention due to their favorable stability, low immunogenicity, unique natural antioxidant components, and feasibility of large-scale extraction. This review will systematically elaborate on the characteristics and isolation methods of both Ti-EVs and PDEVs, as well as their therapeutic roles and underlying mechanism in wound healing and skin photoaging. Full article

This study evaluates the tracking performance of structural damages in disaster environments by combining YOLOv8 detection with the BoT-SORT tracker. Cracks and exposed rebar, characterized by fine and irregular structures, showed high sensitivity to viewpoint changes, with camera motion compensation (CMC) improving $IoU$ by +19.63% and +20.23%. For exposed rebar, the joint use of CMC and re-identification (Re-ID) further increased $IDF1$ by +37.73%, emphasizing the effectiveness of appearance-based matching. In contrast, delamination and concrete debris, with stable morphology and clear boundaries, exhibited limited benefits from CMC, improving $IoU$ by +11.17% and +3.28%. Analysis of $MOTA$, $IDF1$, and $HOTA$ confirms that fine-grained damages require motion- and appearance-based strategies, while stable types maintain high performance through detection consistency. These results highlight the importance of tailored tracking strategies for enhancing disaster-response robots and structural monitoring systems. Full article

Steel slag is a major solid waste generated by the steelmaking industry. Its characteristics, including high hardness and large specific surface area, offer the potential to replace traditional mineral fillers in asphalt mixtures. However, the high alkalinity of unmodified steel slag often leads to unbalanced rheological properties and insufficient moisture stability in asphalt mastic. In this study, a modified steel slag filler was prepared using a process involving crushing and screening, water washing for dealkalization, and surface modification with a silane coupling agent. Using limestone powder and hydrated lime as control groups, the modification effects on base asphalt mastic were systematically investigated. Rheological properties were characterized using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR). Interfacial performance was evaluated through pull-off tests and water immersion dispersion tests. Furthermore, mechanisms were elucidated using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), BET specific surface area analysis, and surface free energy (SFE) tests. The results indicate that the modified steel slag significantly enhances the high-temperature deformation resistance of the asphalt mastic. At 58 °C, the complex modulus reached 7.3 MPa, representing increases of 43.3% compared to limestone powder mastic. At −18 °C, the creep stiffness increased by only 3.0%, suggesting that low-temperature cracking resistance remained fundamentally stable. The water immersion dispersion loss rate was 2.12%, and the attenuation rate of pull-off strength after water immersion was 12.5%, indicating that its resistance to moisture damage is superior to that of limestone powder and comparable to that of hydrated lime. Mechanism analysis reveals that the large specific surface area of the modified steel slag strengthens physical adsorption, while the basic oxides undergo a weak acid–base reaction with the acidic components of the asphalt. Additionally, surface modification improves compatibility. The preparation process for modified steel slag is simple; it can be used as a standalone substitute for traditional mineral fillers, balancing both performance and environmental benefits. Full article

The effects of an industrial-scale microfluidizer (ISM) on the physicochemical properties and quality of whole-component dehulled foxtail millet slurry were investigated under varying processing pressures (0, 60, 90, and 120 MPa). ISM treatment significantly enhanced the apparent stability of the whole-component dehulled foxtail millet slurry, with ISM–120 exhibiting the best apparent stability. The results of dispersion characteristics, serum cloudiness, and zeta potential measurements indicated that ISM processing enhanced the physical stability of the slurry. As processing pressure increased, the particle size of whole-component dehulled foxtail millet slurry first decreased sharply and then showed a slight increase. Compared to the untreated slurry, the D was reduced by approximately 81.32%, 81.72%, and 78.44% after treatment at 60, 90, and 120 MPa, respectively. Concurrently, the apparent viscosity of the slurry rises with increasing processing pressure, with ISM–120 displaying the highest apparent viscosity. Furthermore, CLSM analysis revealed that ISM–90 and ISM–120 exhibited overall more uniform and stable structures. The content of damaged starch correspondingly increased with higher processing pressures, further corroborating the findings from particle size and scanning electron microscopy observations. Simultaneously, the soluble solids content also increased with rising ISM processing pressure. However, increasing ISM processing pressure progressively reduced the L*, a*, b*, and C* values of the slurry, while the ΔE and h values progressively increased. Compared to the untreated slurry, the ΔE value increased by approximately 1.92%, 3.85%, and 6.41% after treatment at 60, 90, and 120 MPa, respectively. These changes resulted in a deterioration of the color quality of the whole-component dehulled foxtail millet slurry. Full article

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) frequently coexists with polytrauma and often necessitates damage control neurosurgery (DCNS), where rapid decompression and temporary stabilization take precedence over definitive reconstruction. Within this context, anesthetic management must balance cerebral protection with ongoing resuscitation, yet high-quality DCNS-specific evidence remains limited. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords related to neurotrauma, anesthesia, intracranial pressure, and perioperative management. Studies were included if they examined anesthetic or hemodynamic strategies in severe TBI or DCNS and reported relevant clinical or physiologic outcomes. Results: Nineteen articles addressing perioperative strategies for optimizing DCNS outcomes were analyzed. Discussion: Preoperative care emphasizes hemodynamic stabilization and permissive hypertension, damage control resuscitation including massive transfusion protocols, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and neuromonitoring, and the use of hyperosmolar therapy. Transexamic acid can be used in sTBI safely but with unclear improvement in outcomes. Intraoperatively, propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is generally preferred over volatile agents due to favorable effects on intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), autoregulation, and emergence. While historically contraindicated, ketamine and etomidate are now increasingly used as hemodynamically protective induction agents. Analgesic and sedative strategies prioritize dexmedetomidine and carefully titrated opioids to minimize respiratory depression and reduce postoperative complications. CPP and ICP-directed management relies on individualized blood pressure targets, vasopressor selection, lung-protective ventilation, and strict temperature control. Conclusions: Emerging evidence has suggested the benefit of DCNS for patient survival. Overall, perioperative care is guided largely by physiology and extrapolation, highlighting the need for standardized protocols. Full article

Male accessory gland inflammation (MAGI) can impair male fertility through inflammation-driven oxidative stress and direct sperm damage; nutraceutical approaches may be useful when antibiotics are not indicated. Here, we evaluated a 3-month treatment with a Graminex™-based dietary supplement (Deprox-HP) in twenty MAGI patients integrating conventional semen analysis and oxidative stress assessment with sperm proteomics before and after therapy. After treatment, total and progressive sperm motility increased significantly, whereas sperm concentration and sperm morphology showed a non-significant upward trend. Sperm lipid peroxidation decreased markedly, while the antioxidant capacity showed a non-significant increase. Analysis of the sperm proteome demonstrated a clear PRE–POST clustering, consistent with treatment-associated remodeling. POST samples showed upregulation of proteins linked to sperm motility, redox homeostasis, mitochondrial metabolism and membrane remodeling. Two pregnancies occurred during the treatment period; in both cases, lipid peroxidation decreased along with an increase of morphologically typical spermatozoa, and sperm proteomics showed a concordant post-treatment shift enriched in flagellar and mitochondrial respiratory/redox compartments. Moreover, we found a selective enrichment POST treatment in these two patients of TEX50, a crucial protein involved in acrosome/head-stability during epididymal transit. Overall, Deprox-HP was associated with reduced oxidative membrane damage and a coordinated sperm proteomic shift consistent with improved motility. Full article

Position-Based Visual Servoing (PBVS) and Image-Based Visual Servoing (IBVS) struggle to balance end effector pose accuracy and robustness in apple picking. They are also prone to target loss and control singularities. A progressive Hybrid Automatic Switching Visual Servoing (HAVS) method is proposed and applied to an apple-picking robotic system. HAVS integrates PBVS and IBVS to coordinate control of the manipulator end effector pose. A depth-based switching function is designed. When target depth is below an optimal threshold, the controller switches to PBVS for precise final positioning. This reduces target loss and control singularities. An adaptive proportional-derivative (PD) controller with fuzzy gain scheduling updates the control gains online to enhance responsiveness and stability. The hardware consists of a six-axis manipulator, a depth camera, and a mobile base. You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) performs apple detection and generates control commands. Indoors, success rate was 96%, which was 4 and 10 percentage points higher than PBVS only and IBVS only. Average picking time was 12.5 s, 0.3 s, and 1.1 s shorter. Outdoors, success rate was 87.5%, average time was 13.2 s, and damage rate was 4.2%. This method provides a reference implementation for visual servo control in agricultural picking robots. Full article