Search Results (42)

Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HLDs) are a group of hereditary CNS disorders characterized by hypomyelination and, sometimes, repeated cycles of demyelination and remyelination. In HLDs, various genetic mutations in the responsible genes disrupt the morphogenesis of oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells), which wrap neuronal axons with their differentiated myelin sheaths. A stop-loss mutation (c.622T-C or c.622T-G) in the gene encoding claudin family tetraspan plasma membrane protein claudin-11 (CLDN11) is associated with HLD22, which is characterized by incomplete differentiation and hypomyelination or delayed myelination in the brain. Herein, we describe for the first time that a CLDN11 mutant protein with an additional amino acid sequence due to the stop-loss mutation, but not the wild-type protein, leads to decreased expression of oligodendroglial differentiation marker proteins in the FBD-102b oligodendroglial progenitor cell line, the model undergoing its differentiation, at both the molecular and morphological levels. Consistently, mutant CLDN11 exhibited decreased morphological differentiation with a reduced ability to extend processes. These cells contained punctate structures that were partially localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A (eIF2A) kinase, ER stress-responsible kinases. Hesperetin, a neuroprotective flavonoid that can downregulate ER stress, recovered the differentiation abilities of these cells. Notably, the effects were related to decreased phosphorylation of ER stress-responsible kinases. JNK was found to be present in a co-precipitate with the hesperetin core, whereby hesperetin inhibited signaling through c-Jun as a negative regulator of differentiation. These findings indicate that the HLD22-associated mutant protein can cause an ER stress response, decreasing cell morphological differentiation. In addition, this study offers possible therapeutic implications for the as-yet-unexplored mechanisms involved in HLD22, at least at the molecular and cellular levels. Full article

Background: Prepectoral breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) typically requires intraoperative manual tailoring, introducing structural variability and workflow delays. We developed the Polyhedral Matrix Configuration (PMC) technique—a geometric method for standardizing ADM shell creation—and compared it to our traditional “tear-drop” wrap to determine whether standardization improves structural integrity and operative efficiency. Methods: We reviewed all consecutive 227 patients undergoing immediate prepectoral reconstruction from January 2021 to December 2024 (tear-drop group: n = 155; PMC group: n = 72). PMC transforms planar ADM into a 3D dome using pre-designed wedge resections and butt-joint sutures, eliminating material overlap. Standardization permits back-table fabrication during mastectomy (“parallel two-team workflow”). We excluded bilateral cases for consistent operative time assessment and performed subgroup analysis to control for higher robotic mastectomy rates in the PMC cohort. Results: PMC reduced the plastic surgery time by a mean of 44.6 min (95% CI: 35.2–54.0) (p < 0.001), with subgroup analysis confirming efficiency gains across both conventional (32.8 min, 95% CI: 20.1–45.5, p < 0.001) and robotic mastectomies (60.8 min, 95% CI: 47.3–74.3, p < 0.001). Despite zero-overlap design, PMC showed no increase in major complications (p > 0.99) and lower rates of visible rippling (odds ratio 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–0.97, p = 0.032). BREAST-Q “Satisfaction with Breasts” scores were higher in the PMC group (mean difference +7.3 points, 95% CI: 3.1–11.5, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Geometric standardization enables both design precision and operative efficiency. By separating reconstruction preparation from mastectomy through a reproducible protocol, PMC reduces the operative time while improving aesthetics through stable, single-layer construction. Full article

Although bamboo holds great promise as a sustainable construction material in industry, its susceptibility to cracking during drying compromises its mechanical performance and limits its structural applications. This study aims to develop a predictive model for bamboo cracking and investigate effective mitigation strategies. A crack evaluation model for round bamboo was established based on an analysis of tangential stress and validated experimentally in a climate chamber. The model demonstrated a prediction accuracy of 75–80% with a built-in safety margin, while analysis revealed that outer surface strain, inner surface strain, radial elastic modulus, and culm outer diameter all positively correlated with tangential stress, highlighting the importance of controlling these factors to prevent cracking. Moreover, a surface-bonded palm fiber wrapping method was proposed and tested, which significantly enhanced the crack resistance and delayed crack initiation. The effect was most pronounced in 1-year-old bamboo, while culms aged 3, 5, and 7 years remained crack-free until moisture content fell below 5%. The proposed model accurately predicts cracking behavior in bamboo, offering theoretical support for its structural use and practical insights for crack prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a chronic, immune-mediated complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can progress to corneal ulceration or perforation. These cases are often refractory to standard therapy and present a high risk of graft failure after keratoplasty. We report a case of oGVHD-related corneal perforation successfully managed with a novel amniotic membrane-assisted “envelope” technique during corneal transplantation. Case Report: A 42-year-old man with chronic oGVHD and a full-thickness corneal perforation underwent urgent repair with a lamellar patch graft completely wrapped in cryopreserved amniotic membrane, followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) using an amniotic membrane envelope surrounding the donor lenticule. Results: The amniotic membrane provided a 360° biological barrier that isolated graft antigens from the inflammatory environment while supporting epithelial healing and stromal remodeling. Despite recurrent inflammatory episodes and multiple procedures—including cataract extraction, pars plana vitrectomy, and multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation—the graft remained clear and stable at 12-month follow-up, achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40. Conclusions: The amniotic membrane envelope technique may represent a valuable adjunct in managing high-risk corneal perforations secondary to oGVHD. By combining immune modulation and regenerative support, this approach can enhance tectonic stability, reduce rejection risk, and promote durable surface recovery, potentially delaying or avoiding keratoprosthesis in refractory cases. Full article

The strengthening performance of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in concrete structures primarily depends on the CFRP–concrete interfacial bond behavior. For CFRP-strengthened circular reinforced concrete (RC) pipe piles in marine environments, the interfacial bond behavior is susceptible to hygrothermal conditions. In this study, cylindrical concrete specimens were designed and subjected to pull-off tests to evaluate the CFRP–concrete interfacial performance under simulated marine environmental attacks (3 days in a 50 °C salt spray followed by 4 days of seawater immersion). The deterioration mechanism and failure modes of the CFRP–concrete bond behavior in such environments were analyzed, and relationship equations describing the interfacial bond degradation were proposed and validated. Test results indicated that the CFRP–concrete bond strength at circular interfaces is approximately 21% lower than that at planar interfaces. Under hygrothermal marine conditions, the average CFRP–concrete bond strength remained relatively stable in the early stages due to the competing effects of epoxy plasticization and post-curing, while variability increased significantly in later stages. For test specimens in Group A without concrete surface grinding before CFRP wrapping, an initial bond strength of 1.5 MPa was exhibited, while, for test specimens in Group B, with surface grinding, the initial bond strength started at 2.0 MPa. Both groups experienced a significant CFRP–concrete bond strength reduction of 0.4 MPa after the first wet–dry cycle, with the subsequent average strength stabilizing near initial values. Notably, Group B achieved a peak strength of 3.88 MPa at 84 days, attributed to surface grinding, which enhanced bond strength by 33% and delayed bond failure. The overall stable average strength resulted from averaging high-strength and degraded points. A bond degradation model based on averaged strength reduction was proposed: demonstrating a strength loss of 27%–36% after 98 days of accelerated marine environmental exposure. The proposed equations describing the interfacial bond degradation on a circular concrete surface predict well the flexural capacity of CFRP-wrapped RC beams under similar environmental conditions, where the calculated flexural capacity is 0.8 times the experimental value, confirming the model’s conservative and safe design applicability. Full article

This study investigates the axial compressive behaviour of rectangular concrete specimens confined with low-cost Glass Chopped Strand Mat (GCSM) sheets. While the GCSM has been explored in other contexts, this is the first study specifically investigating its effects on rectangular concrete specimens. A total of 24 specimens were tested, grouped by different unconfined concrete strengths. Each group included unconfined specimens and GCSM-confined specimens wrapped with 2, 3, and 4 layers. The results demonstrate that GCSM confinement significantly enhances both compressive strength and ductility, particularly in low-strength concrete, where normalized gains in strength and strain exceeded 50% and 160%, respectively. The post-peak modulus decreased with increasing confinement ratio, indicating improved energy dissipation and delayed failure. Additionally, experimental elastic modulus values showed good agreement with ACI 318 predictions. Analytical models were developed to predict peak strength, peak strain, and post-peak modulus as functions of confinement pressure, achieving excellent correlation with experimental data (R² > 0.98). Full article

The overuse of nonrenewable resources has motivated intensive research and the development of new types of green bio-based and degradable feedstocks derived from natural sources, such as cellulose derivates, also in nanoforms. The inclusion of such nanoparticles in bio-based polymers with the aim of providing reinforcement is a trend, which, when associated with the incorporation active compounds, creates active packaging suitable for the packaging of highly perishable food, thus contributing to the product’s shelf-life extension. Chitosan (Ch)/sage essential oil (SEO) bionanocomposite reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was cast as active packaging for the preservation of fresh poultry meat. Meat samples were wrapped in different bioplastics (pristine chitosan, chitosan with commercial CNC, chitosan with CNC obtained from three different lignocellulosic crops, giant reed (G), kenaf (K), and miscanthus (M), chitosan with SEO, and chitosan with SEO and CNC), while unwrapped samples were tested as the control. Periodically, samples were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical properties and microbial growth. Additionally, bionanocomposites were also evaluated in terms of their in situ antimicrobial properties, as well as migration toward food simulants. Meat samples protected with bionanocomposites showed lower levels of microbiological growth (2–3 logs lower than control) and lipid oxidation (20–30% lower than in control), over time. This was attributed to the intrinsic antimicrobial capacity of chitosan and the high oxygen barrier properties of the films resulting from the CNC inclusion. The SEO incorporation did not significantly improve the material’s antimicrobial and antioxidant activity yet interfered directly with the meat’s color as it migrated to its surface. In the in vitro assays, all bionanocomposites demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against B. cereus (reduction of ~8.2 log) and Salmonella Choleraesuis (reduction of ~5–6 log). Through the in vitro migration assay, it was verified that the SEO release rate of phenolic compounds to ethanol 50% (dairy products simulate) was higher than to ethanol 95% (fatty food simulate). Furthermore, these migration tests proved that nanocellulose was capable of delaying SEO migration, thus reducing the negative effect on the meat’s color and the pro-oxidant activity recorded in TBARS. It was concluded that the tested chitosan/nanocellulose bionanocomposites increased the shelf life of fresh poultry meat. Full article

The use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in construction mitigates environmental pollution by repurposing demolition waste, but its lower compressive strength compared to natural aggregate concrete (NAC) limits broader application. Although carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes have individually been shown to improve concrete strength and ductility, existing studies focus on fully wrapped CFRP jackets on NAC columns and do not systematically explore CFRP–PVC hybrid confinement using strips on RAC. To address this research gap, this study investigates the axial compressive behavior of CFRP–PVC–RAC columns by varying CFRP strip width (from 25 to 75 mm), strip spacing (from 31 to 77.5 mm), and the number of CFRP layers (one to nine) over a central PVC tube. Axial compression tests reveal that specimens with a central CFRP strip width equal to or greater than 75 mm achieve peak loads up to 1331 kN and that, after rupture of the central strip, the remaining strips continue to carry load, producing a more gradual stress–strain decline and enhanced ductility compared to fully wrapped controls (peak load 1219 kN). These results show that CFRP–PVC composites enhance the axial compressive strength and ductility of RAC columns. The confinement mechanism increases the ultimate axial strain and redistributes transverse stresses, delaying brittle failure and improving deformation capacity. When two or more CFRP layers are applied, strip width and spacing affect axial stress by no more than three percent. Increasing layers from one to four raises axial strength by approximately 23 percent, whereas adding layers beyond four yields diminishing returns, with less than a six percent increase. Finally, a multilayer lateral confined pressure formula is derived and validated against thirty-two specimens, exhibiting errors no greater than three percent and accurately predicting effective confinement. These findings offer practical guidance for optimizing strip dimensions and layering in CFRP–PVC reinforcement of RAC columns, achieving material savings without compromising performance. Full article

Arabidopsis seedlings grown in Petri dishes sealed with PE plastic wrap, PP parafilm, or NF surgical tape showed differences in growth, with PE plastic wrap resulting in a smaller size and fresh weight, followed by PP parafilm, compared to unsealed or NF surgical tape-sealed dishes. To investigate the basis of these phenotypic changes, transcriptome sequencing was performed. The results indicated that seedlings in dishes sealed with PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm exhibited over 1000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 7 days. By 14 days, the number of DEGs had increased to over 2000 for each sealed condition. GO analysis showed that DEGs were commonly enriched in biological processes associated with the response to hypoxia under PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm sealing at both 7 and 14 days, as well as under NF surgical tape at 14 days. While O₂ levels showed no significant differences between sealed and unsealed conditions, CO₂ concentrations were notably lower in plates sealed with PE plastic wrap and PP parafilm. Furthermore, specific genes related to reduced size and delayed growth under sealed conditions were identified. In summary, sealing films negatively affect seedling growth, leading to significant shifts in gene expression profiles. Full article

To enhance the surface protection of exposed moving parts made from magnesium alloys, this study focuses on developing high-performance micro-arc composite (MCC) coatings on AZ80 wrought magnesium alloy substrate. AZ80 alloys were fabricated through forging at different temperatures (250 °C, 350 °C, and 450 °C) to investigate the influence of thermal deformation on substrate properties. Subsequently, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings and MCC coatings were applied to the forged alloys. Comprehensive analyses—including microstructural characterization, salt spray corrosion tests, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) evaluations—were conducted under both static and stress conditions. Among the forging temperatures, 250 °C produced substrates with refined grains and a favorable distribution of β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ precipitates, resulting in improved baseline corrosion resistance. MAO coatings offered moderate protection, primarily delaying corrosion initiation and crack propagation under stress environments. Building upon this foundation, MCC coatings—fabricated by electrostatic spraying to form an inner-embedded and outer-wrapped structure over the MAO layer—demonstrated significantly superior protective performance. Under both static and stress corrosion scenarios, the MCC coatings effectively suppressed SCC initiation and progression, highlighting their potential for robust surface protection in demanding service environments. Full article

In this paper, we explore the outcomes related to the existence of nonlocal functional boundary value problems associated with pantograph equations utilizing $\psi$-Hilfer fractional derivatives. The nonlinear term relies on unknown functions which contain a proportional delay term and their fractional derivatives in a higher order. We discuss various existence results for the different “smoothness” requirements of the unknown function by means of Mawhin’s coincidence theory at resonance. We wrap up by providing a detailed explanation accompanied by an illustration of one of the outcomes. Full article

Introduction: In the central nervous system (CNS), proper interaction between neuronal and glial cells is crucial for the development of mature nervous tissue. Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HLDs) are a group of genetic CNS disorders characterized by hypomyelination and/or demyelination. In these conditions, genetic mutations disrupt the biological functions of oligodendroglial cells, which are responsible for wrapping neuronal axons with myelin sheaths. Among these, an amino acid mutation of the ubiquitin-fold modifier conjugating enzyme 1 (UFC1) is associated with HLD14-related disease, characterized by hypomyelination and delayed myelination in the brain. UFC1 is a critical component of the UFMylation system, functioning similarly to E2-conjugating enzymes in the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation system. Methodology: We describe how a missense mutation in UFC1 (p.Arg23Gln) leads to the aggregation of UFC1 primarily in lysosomes in FBD-102b cells, which are undergoing oligodendroglial cell differentiation. Results: Cells with mutated UFC1 exhibit reduced Akt kinase phosphorylation and reduced expression of differentiation and myelination marker proteins. Consistently, these cells exhibit impaired morphological differentiation with a reduced ability to extend widespread membranes. Interestingly, hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid with known neuroprotective properties, was found to restore differentiation abilities in cells with the UFC1 mutation. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the HLD14-related mutation in UFC1 causes its lysosomal aggregation, impairing its morphological differentiation. Furthermore, the study highlights potential therapeutic insights into the pathological molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying HLD14 and suggests hesperetin as a promising candidate for treatment. Full article

Resin canals serve as a natural feature with the function of a defense system against fungi, bacteria, and insects. Trees can form these canals in response to mechanical injury and ecological disturbance. Factors, such as plant hormones and temperature, influence cambial activity and cell differentiation. This study examined the effects of increased temperature and plant hormones on cambial reactivation, vessel formation, and resin canal formation using localized heating and the application of the ethylene generator ethephon to dormant stems of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum seedlings. Localized heating was achieved by wrapping an electric heating ribbon around dormant stems, while ethephon was applied to the bark surface. Treatment was initiated on 29 January 2021, including control, heating, ethephon, and a combination of heating and ethephon. Cambial reactivation and resin canal formation were monitored using light microscopy, and bud growth was recorded with a digital camera. Localized heating induced earlier phloem reactivation, cambial reactivation, and xylem differentiation, increasing the number of vessels. The application of exogenous ethylene delayed these processes. The combination of localized heating and exogenous ethylene application resulted in smaller vessels and larger resin canals. These results suggest that increased temperature plays a significant role in cambial reactivation and vessel formation in ring-porous hardwood and that ethylene affects vessel differentiation and resin canal development. Full article

Lately, the inclusion of additional lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to cheeses is becoming more popular since they can affect cheese’s nutritional, technological, and sensory properties, as well as increase the product’s safety. This work studied the effect of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus L33 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L125 free cells and supernatants on feta cheese quality and Listeria monocytogenes fate. In addition, rapid and non-invasive techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and multispectral imaging (MSI) analysis were used to classify the cheese samples based on their sensory attributes. Slices of feta cheese were contaminated with 3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes, and then the cheese slices were sprayed with (i) free cells of the two strains of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in co-culture (F, ~5 log CFU/g), (ii) supernatant of the LAB co-culture (S) and control (C, UHT milk) or wrapped with Na-alginate edible films containing the pellet (cells, FF) or the supernatant (SF) of the LAB strains. Subsequently, samples were stored in air, in brine, or in vacuum at 4 and 10 °C. During storage, microbiological counts, pH, and water activity (a_w) were monitored while sensory assessment was conducted. Also, in every sampling point, spectral data were acquired by means of FTIR and MSI techniques. Results showed that the initial microbial population of Feta was ca. 7.6 log CFU/g and consisted of LAB (>7 log CFU/g) and yeast molds in lower levels, while no Enterobacteriaceae were detected. During aerobic, brine, and vacuum storage for both temperatures, pathogen population was slightly postponed for S and F samples and reached lower levels compared to the C ones. The yeast mold population was slightly delayed in brine and vacuum packaging. For aerobic storage at 4 °C, an elongation in the shelf life of F samples by 4 days was observed compared to C and S samples. At 10 °C, the shelf life of both F and S samples was extended by 13 days compared to C samples. FTIR and MSI analyses provided reliable estimations of feta quality using the PLS-DA method, with total accuracy (%) ranging from 65.26 to 84.31 and 60.43 to 89.12, respectively. In conclusion, the application of bioprotective LAB strains can result in the extension of feta’s shelf life and provide a mild antimicrobial action against L. monocytogenes and spoilage microbiota. Furthermore, the findings of this study validate the effectiveness of FTIR and MSI techniques, in tandem with data analytics, for the rapid assessment of the quality of feta samples. Full article

To improve the resource utilization of dredged silt and industrial waste, this study explores the efficacy of using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), active calcium oxide (CaO), and sodium silicate (Na₂O·nSiO₂) as alkali activators for silt stabilization. Through a combination of addition tests, response surface method experiments, and microscopic analyses, we identified key factors influencing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized silt, optimized material ratios, and elucidated stabilization mechanisms. The results revealed the following: (1) CaO exhibited the most pronounced stabilization effect, succeeded by Na₂O·nSiO₂, whereas GGBS alone displayed marginal efficacy. CaO-stabilized silt demonstrated rapid strength augmentation within the initial 7 d, while Na₂O·nSiO₂-stabilized silt demonstrated a more gradual strength enhancement over time, attributable to the delayed hydration of GGBS in non-alkaline conditions, with strength increments noticeably during later curing phases. (2) Response surface analysis demonstrated substantial interactions among GGBS-CaO and GGBS-Na₂O·nSiO₂, with the optimal dosages identified as 11.5% for GGBS, 4.1% for CaO, and 5.9% for Na₂O·nSiO₂. (3) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses clarified that the hydration reactions within the GGBS-Na₂O·nSiO₂ composite cementitious system synergistically enhanced one another, with hydration products wrapping, filling, and binding the silt particles, thereby rendering the microstructure denser and more stable. Based on these experimental outcomes, we propose a microstructural mechanism model for the stabilization of dredged silt employing GGBS-CaO-Na₂O·nSiO₂. Full article