Search Results (39)

Postharvest shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) often undergo browning under low-temperature, high-humidity storage conditions, which significantly reduces their commercial value and constrains industry development. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process remain unclear. In this study, we used ‘Nongxiang No. 1’ as the experimental material and observed that during storage, the L* value of caps and stipes decreased continuously, shifting from light brown to dark brown-black. Concurrently, the relative electrical conductivity increased by approximately 3.07-fold, and the membrane lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased by approximately 7.9-fold. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity initially increased then declined, indicating that elevated membrane permeability accelerates senescence. Peroxidase (POD) activity exhibited a significant upward then downward trend and improved 75.83% at day 22 of postharvest storage, with LEHP1, LEHP2, and LEHP3 gene expression patterns closely aligning with these changes. Specifically, LEHP2 and LEHP3 expression was upregulated by 23.8-fold and 2.35-fold on day 22 than day 0. Cis-element analysis identified MYB binding sites in all three LEHP genes. Genome-wide screening combined with qRT-PCR revealed two MYB transcription factors, LeMYB2 and LeMYB5, whose expression synchronized with LEHP genes. Transient expression assays in tobacco leaves confirmed their nuclear localization, consistent with transcription factor characteristics. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay (DLR) experiments further demonstrated that LeMYB2 and LeMYB5 directly activate LEHP2 and LEHP3 promoters, highlighting their key regulatory roles in postharvest browning of shiitake mushrooms. Full article

Identification of temporal relations among suicide mortality and economic/political implementations provides important information for not only planning suicide prevention but also socioeconomic/psychosocial measures. This cross-sectional observation study analyzed temporal fluctuations and causalities of suicide mortalities of working-age individuals, disaggregated by age/gender/social standing (employed/unemployed), in Japan from 2009 to 2024, using government databases, by joinpoint and vector-autoregressive analyses. Suicide mortality among total and employed females decreased until the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak but sharply increased, synchronized with the pandemic outbreak, before resuming a downward trend. Among males, the decreasing trends attenuated from 2016, followed by a transient increase in 2022. Unemployed males aged 40–69 exhibited four joinpoints: 2016 (decreasing–increasing), 2018 (increasing–decreasing), 2022 (decreasing–increasing), and 2023 (increasing–stable). In contrast, suicide mortality among unemployed females aged 40–69 sharply increased in 2022 and maintained the high level. Among individuals aged 30–39, suicide mortality reversed from decreasing to increasing in 2016 (males) and 2018 (unemployed females). Economic expansion was protective for employed individuals but had no significant effect on unemployed populations. The government management instability (AENROP) index was positively associated with suicide mortality among employed and unemployed males and employed females. Unemployed females aged 30–39 were sensitive to AENROP but not economic conditions, while those aged 40–69 were largely unaffected by either. Increasing employment of individuals with psychiatric disabilities was positively associated with suicide mortality among unemployed males (30–69) and females under 40. Positive impacts of the employment rates of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and unemployment enhanced from 2016 and 2022, respectively, whereas the impacts were inconstantly affected by political rather than economic factors. Suicide mortality among unemployed individuals has emerged as a critical public health concern in Japan, with rates more than doubling among males and tripling among females in the 2020s. These findings underscore the need for integrated suicide prevention policies that address both labor market vulnerabilities and psychosocial determinants. Full article

Introduction: Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is an ocular motor disorder characterized by persistent to-and-fro eye movements with a slow phase directed upwards and a corrective fast phase downwards. DBN in the context of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disorder (MOGAD) represents a rare clinical presentation. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old male with MOGAD presented with DBN, status epilepticus, and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Intervention: The clinical course, diagnostic findings, and management approach are described in detail within the full report. Outcomes: The patient at follow-up was able to ambulate independently, and his nystagmus had improved. He continued to demonstrate transient DBN on supine positioning and head-shaking test. Conclusions: This case report contributes to the understanding of DBN as a manifestation of MOGAD. The accompanying literature review examines the neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, and emerging therapeutic approaches for DBN, providing context for this unusual presentation. Full article

Background: Dapagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has been shown to improve prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), in whom a transient decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), known as the “initial dip,” is often observed within the first 1–2 weeks of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with this initial dip and its impact on long-term renal function in patients with CHF initiating dapagliflozin. Methods and Results: This retrospective study included 123 consecutive CHF patients who were started on dapagliflozin at our institution. The presence of an initial dip was defined as a decrease in the eGFR of ≥5 mL/min/1.73 m² within two weeks of initiating therapy. Baseline clinical characteristics and renal function data were analyzed. Older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a higher baseline eGFR were identified as significant risk factors for the initial dip. Furthermore, both age and the presence of an initial dip were significantly associated with changes in the eGFR at 6 months and 1 year. In patients who experienced an initial dip, the eGFR showed a persistent downward trajectory from the baseline over time. Conclusions: An initial dip is more likely to occur in older patients and those with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. The presence of an initial dip may also influence long-term renal outcomes and could serve as an indicator of long-term renoprotective efficacy. Full article

Using a segmented linear regression model, we examined the seasonal profiles of weekly COVID-19 deaths data in Italy over a three-year-long period during which the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and post-Omicron variants were predominant (September 2021–September 2024). Comparing the slopes of the regression segments, we were able to discuss the variation in steepness of the Italian COVID-19 mortality trend, identifying the corresponding growth/decline profile for each considered season. Our findings show that, although the COVID-19 weekly death mortality has been in a declining trend in Italy since the end of 2021 until the end of 2024, there have been increasing alterations in the COVID-19 deaths for all winters and summers of that period. These increasing mortality variations were more pronounced in winters than in summers, with an average progressive increase in the number of COVID-19 deaths, with each new week, of 55.75 and 22.90, in winters and in summers, respectively. We found that COVID-19 deaths were, instead, less frequent in the intermediate periods between winters and summers, with an average decrease of −38.01 COVID-19 deaths for each new week. Our segmented regression model has fitted well the observed COVID-19 deaths, as confirmed by the average value of the determination coefficients: 0.74, 0.63 and 0.70, respectively, for winters, summers and intermediate periods. In conclusion, favored by a general declining COVID-19 mortality trend in Italy in the period of interest, transient rises of the mortality have occurred both in winters and in summers, but received little attention because they have always been compensated by consistent downward drifts occurring during the intermediate periods between winters and summers. Full article

The coupling mechanism between the multi-scale flow mechanisms and the pressure dynamic response of complex fracture networks in fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs remains unclear. In this study, a mathematical model was developed by incorporating the non-Darcy flow (non-DF) behavior in both matrix and fracture systems within the framework of the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM). The governing equations were solved numerically through finite volume discretization. By employing numerical well-testing techniques, the dynamic impacts of low-velocity non-DF (matrix domain) and high-velocity non-DF (fracture domain) on the pressure transient response were systematically evaluated. Furthermore, the characteristic patterns of transient pressure responses under different natural fracture development modes were revealed. This study demonstrates that the pressure and pressure derivative (PD) log–log curves of fractured tight sandstone gas wells exhibit a wide opening shape, indicative of complex fracture morphologies. The presence of a threshold pressure gradient in the matrix system results in an upward convex shape in the PD profile, whereas the high-velocity non-DF in the fracture network causes a downward concave characteristic in the derivative curve. The spatial distribution of the natural fracture network significantly influences the response characteristics during the mid-term radial flow stage. As the fracture density decreases, the system gradually transitions toward a dual-porosity medium. This research contributes to the theoretical foundation required for the accurate interpretation of dynamic well tests and the optimization of effective development schemes in gas reservoirs with extremely low permeability. Full article

The inward vortex–swirl-type motion of convective, rectilinear water flow has been studied vis-à-vis its propensity for bubble formation, with a particular focus on the microbubble region. It has been found that a large population of smaller microbubbles, around 1 μm in diameter, is created in the process of these types of motions, and the time-dependent behaviour of this “micro-bubbly” water is analysed as Stokes’ law for microbubble dissipation occurs, such as bubble population, dissolved oxygen, pH, etc. Exponential decay analysis on the DLS-measured microbubble populations gave relaxation times τ of ~2.4 h and 3.6 h in exp(−t/τ) fits for DI and filtered tap water, respectively. The downward shift in pH was about 0.08 ± 0.016 and 0.11 ± 0.018 for DI and filtered tap water, respectively. For DI water, the level of dissolved oxygen (DO) at room temperature of 19 °C was ~102% at “t = 0”, and it declined to ~87% within 3 h (with the unprocessed background sample being about 84 ± 1.1%). The respective DO decay results in the case of the filtered tap water (at 19 °C) were ~105% at “t = 0”, declining to 91% within 3 h (background = 86 ± 1.2%). This allows for the dynamic properties to be understood in the context of how microbubbles determine the observed properties of post-flow water, including rationalising the observations of its time-transient properties. Naturally, this may well be of interest in gas transfer optimisation in the growing field of “fine-bubble engineering”. Full article

With the advancement of semiconductor manufacturing technology, thin film structures were widely used in MEMS devices. These films played critical roles in providing support, reinforcement, and insulation in MEMS devices. However, due to their microscopic dimensions, the sensitivity of their parameters and performance to thermal stress increased significantly. In this study, a Pirani gauge sample with a multilayer thin film structure was designed and fabricated. Based on this sample, finite element modeling analysis and thermal stress experiments were conducted. The finite element modeling analysis employed a combination of steady-state and transient methods to simulate the deformation and stress distribution of the device at room temperature (25 °C), low temperature (−55 °C), and high temperature (125 °C). The thermal stress test involved placing the sample in a temperature cycling chamber for temperature cycling tests. After the tests, the resonant frequency and surface deformation of the device were measured to quantitatively evaluate the impact of thermal stress on the deformation and resonant frequency parameters of the device. After the experiments, it was found that the clamped-end beams made of Pt were a stress concentration area. Additionally, the repetitive thermal load caused the cantilever beam to move cyclically in the Z direction. This movement altered the deformation of the film and the resonant frequency. The suspended film exhibited concavity, and the overall trend of the resonant frequency was downward. Over time, this could even lead to the fracture of the clamped-end beams. The variation of mechanical parameters derived from finite element simulations and experiments provided an important reference value for device design improvement and played a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of thin film devices. Full article

In light of the rapid Arctic warming and continuous reduction in Arctic Sea ice, the complex two-way Arctic–midlatitudes connection has become a focal point in recent climate research. In this paper, we review the current understanding of the interactive influence between midlatitude atmospheric variability and Arctic Sea ice or thermal conditions on interannual timescales. As sea ice diminishes, in contrast to the Arctic warming (cooling) in boreal winter (summer), Eurasia and North America have experienced anomalously cold (warm) conditions and record snowfall (rainfall), forming an opposite oscillation between the Arctic and midlatitudes. Both statistical analyses and modeling studies have demonstrated the significant impacts of autumn–winter Arctic variations on winter midlatitude cooling, cold surges, and snowfall, as well as the potential contributions of spring–summer Arctic variations to midlatitude warming, heatwaves and rainfall, particularly focusing on the role of distinct regional sea ice. The possible physical processes can be categorized into tropospheric and stratospheric pathways, with the former encompassing the swirling jet stream, horizontally propagated Rossby waves, and transient eddy–mean flow interaction, and the latter manifested as anomalous vertical propagation of quasi-stationary planetary waves and associated downward control of stratospheric anomalies. In turn, atmospheric prevailing patterns in the midlatitudes also contribute to Arctic Sea ice or thermal condition anomalies by meridional energy transport. The Arctic–midlatitudes connection fluctuates over time and is influenced by multiple factors (e.g., continuous melting of climatological sea ice, different locations and magnitudes of sea ice anomalies, internal variability, and other external forcings), undoubtedly increasing the difficulty of mechanism studies and the uncertainty surrounding predictions of midlatitude weather and climate. In conclusion, we provide a succinct summary and offer suggestions for future research. Full article

This study investigates the turbulent flow characteristics and heat transfer performance within a rectangular cooling channel with an aspect ratio of 5:3 and featuring perforated ribs, then explores the effects of the rib perforation directions on its thermal hydraulic performance. Through experimental tests (transient thermographic liquid crystal technique) and numerical simulations, it is demonstrated that horizontal perforated ribs can effectively reduce pressure loss at a high Reynolds number while maintaining notable heat transfer enhancement. Additionally, changing the rib perforation directions results in diverse effects on flow field and heat transfer. Our results show that horizontal perforated ribs can compress the recirculation vortex behind ribs, enhancing heat transfer by flow scouring, whereas upward-tilted perforated ribs increase flow friction and weaken heat transfer due to coupling of the airflow with the separation vortices behind the ribs. Downward-tilted ribs enhance local heat transfer by directing airflow behind the rib, and can also cause detachment of vortices and reduced friction. Our results indicate that introducing horizontal perforated ribs into a rectangular internal cooling channel can decrease pressure loss without significantly compromising heat transfer performance. Full article

Surface ozone (O₃), a critical air pollutant, poses significant challenges in urban environments, as exemplified by the city of Chaozhou in southeastern China. This study employs a novel combination of trend analysis and spatial source attribution techniques to evaluate the long-term dynamics of surface ozone and identify its sources. Utilizing the Kolmogorov–Zurbenko (KZ) filter and percentile regression, we analyzed the temporal trends of daily maximum 8 h moving average ozone (MDA8 O₃) concentrations from 2014 to 2023. Our analysis revealed a general long-term downward trend in MDA8 O₃ values alongside notable monthly fluctuations, with peak concentrations typically occurring in October and April. Additionally, the percentile regression analysis demonstrated a significant downward trend in MDA8 O₃ concentrations across nearly all percentiles, with larger decline rates at higher percentiles, highlighting the effectiveness of local and regional O₃ management strategies in Chaozhou. The changes in MDA8 O₃ concentrations were mainly influenced by the short-term component, contributing 62.2%, while the contribution of the long-term fraction is relatively small. This suggests a significant influence of immediate meteorological conditions and transient pollution events on local O₃ levels. To further elucidate the origins of high O₃ concentrations, trajectory cluster analysis, trajectory sector analysis (TSA), and potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis were conducted. The trajectory cluster analysis revealed that the northeast air mass was the main transport air mass in Chaozhou during the study period, accounting for 39.1% of occurrences. The northeast cluster C with medium-distance trajectories corresponds to higher concentration of O₃, which may be the main transport pathway of O₃ pollution in Chaozhou. TSA corroborates these findings, with northeast sectors 1, 2, and 3 accounting for 50.3% of trajectory residence time and contributing 52.2% to O₃ levels in Chaozhou. PSCF results further indicate potential high O₃ sources from the northeast, especially in autumn. This comprehensive analysis suggests that Chaozhou’s elevated O₃ levels are influenced by both regional transport from the northeast and local emissions. These findings offer crucial insights into the temporal dynamics of surface O₃ in Chaozhou, paving the way for more effective and targeted air quality management strategies. Full article

The continuous downward movement exhibited by the Lashagou landslide group in recent years poses a significant threat to the safety of both vehicles and pedestrians traversing the highway G310. By integrating geomorphological interpretation using multi-temporal optical images, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) measurements, and continuous global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations, this paper traced the formation period of the Lashagou landslide group, and explored its kinematic behavior under external drivers such as rainfall and snowmelt. The results indicate that the formation period can be specifically categorized into three periods: before, during, and after the construction of highway G310. The construction of highway G310 is the direct cause and prerequisite for the formation of the Lashagou landslide group, whereas summer precipitation and spring snowmelt are the external driving factors contributing to its continuous downward movement. Additionally, both the long-term seasonal downslope movement and transient acceleration events are strongly controlled by rainfall, and there is a time lag of approximately 1–2 days between the transient acceleration and heavy rainfall events. This study highlights the benefits of leveraging multi-source remote sensing data to investigate slow-moving landslides, which is advantageous for the implementation of effective control and engineering intervention to mitigate potential landslide disasters. Full article

In addition to general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) necessitates maintaining a capnoperitoneum and placing the patient in a pronounced downward tilt (Trendelenburg position). While the effects of the resulting fluid shift on the cardiovascular system seem to be modest and well tolerated, the effects on the brain and the blood–brain barrier have not been thoroughly investigated. Previous studies indicated that select patients showed an increase in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), detected by ultrasound during RALP, which suggests an elevation in intracranial pressure. We hypothesize that the intraoperative fluid shift results in endothelial dysfunction and reduced cerebral clearance, potentially leading to transient neuronal damage. This prospective, monocentric, non-randomized, controlled clinical trial will compare RALP to conventional open radical prostatectomy (control group) in a total of 50 subjects. The primary endpoint will be the perioperative concentration of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in blood using single-molecule array (SiMoA) as a measure for neuronal damage. As secondary endpoints, various other markers for endothelial function, inflammation, and neuronal damage as well as the ONSD will be assessed. Perioperative stress will be evaluated by questionnaires and stress hormone levels in saliva samples. Furthermore, the subjects will participate in functional tests to evaluate neurocognitive function. Each subject will be followed up until discharge. Conclusion: This trial aims to expand current knowledge as well as to develop strategies for improved monitoring and higher safety of patients undergoing RALP. The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00031041 on 11 January 2023. Full article

Among the slope hazards caused by rainfall, not all of them occur directly during storm washout, and the wetting–drying cycles’ effect on the rainfall–evaporation process is an important cause of shallow slope instability. In this study, taking the slope of the open-pit coal mine dumps in Cam Pha, in the Quang Ninh region of Vietnam, as the research object, we carry out experiments on the physical properties of the rock body under different wetting–drying cycles, as well as numerical analyses. The results show that the wetting–drying cycles significantly affect the physical and mechanical parameters and permeability of the rock body. In the process of the wetting–drying cycle, a transient saturated zone occurs on the surface of the slope, and the range of the unsaturated zone inside the slope body decreases with the increase in the number of wetting–drying cycles. Moreover, the infiltration line keeps moving downward, but the rate of downward movement is slowed down by the decrease in the gradient of matrix suction affected by rainfall. Under the influence of the wetting–drying cycles, the slope displacement, plastic zone, and maximum shear strain increment range gradually approach the slope surface with the wetting–drying cycles, and the displacement peak gradually increases. A dump is a site for the centralized discharge of mining waste, formed by the crushing and stockpiling of the original rock formation. Bang Nau is the name of the dump considered in this study. After multiple rainfall events, the slope stability under five wetting–drying cycles decreases from 1.721 to 1.055, and the landslide mode changes from a whole landslide to a single-step shallow landslide, with a certain landslide risk. It is necessary to strengthen the slope stability as the landslide risk is very high, and it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and inspection of the slope. Full article

Background: Approximately 90% of scoliosis cases are adolescent-idiopathic (AIS). From the first appearance of scoliosis at 10–14 years of age until the age of 18, the spine is most vulnerable to deterioration; young, growing people are most susceptible to the worsening of one or more scoliotic curves. An effective non-surgical means of remediation would be welcome. Design: This was a randomized, controlled, two-arm study assessing the safety and efficacy of combining incobotulinum injections with yoga to reverse lumbar and thoracolumbar AIS. Methods: In a private clinic setting, non-pregnant, healthy 12–18 year-olds were either taught a symmetrical “placebo” yoga pose (control sub-group 1), performed the side plank (Vasisthasana) three times daily with a placebo injection (control sub-group 2) or performed the three-times-daily side plank with a botulinum injection (intervention group 3). Injection: For the injection, 33 IU of incobotulinumtoxin type A (Xeomin) was injected into the concave-side lumbar paraspinals and quadratus lumborum at L2–3 and the psoas muscle at L3–4, or participants were injected similarly with a placebo. Randomization was achieved using random.org. Objective: The objective was to determine whether the treatment of muscular asymmetry with botulinum toxin injections and side planks is safe and effective in AIS. Results/Outcome: Eleven intervention and thirteen placebo patients (Groups 1 + 2), who were 12–18 years old, completed the three-month study. Mean daily side plank time = 165 s. The mean initial lumbar curvature was 36.9 degrees (SD 14.36), (p < 0.0001); the mean Group 3 curvature at 3 weeks was 29.5 degrees (SD 14.23) (p < 0.0001); and the mean Group 3 curvature at 3 months was 26.0 degrees (SD 12.81). Onset vs. 3-month value: p < 0.0001. Harms were limited to one patient in Group 2 and one in Group 3, who complained of transient shoulder pain and supported themselves temporarily on their forearm instead of the palm of the extended hand. Conclusion: Muscle strength asymmetry appears to be relevant to AIS treatment. Incobotulinum injections combined with side planks performed with the convex side downward may be more effective in reversing lumbar AIS than placebo exercises or side planks and placebo injections. Full article