Search Results (93)

Background: Percussive massage therapy (PMT) with handheld massage guns is widely used to support recovery and flexibility, but the short-term behavior of skeletal muscle contractile properties and the relative contribution of application duration versus frequency remain unclear. This study investigated the 10 min post-intervention time course of tensiomyography (TMG)-derived contractile properties of non-fatigued vastus medialis (VM) after clinically realistic PMT protocols and examined whether longer duration is associated with persistent deviations from baseline than frequency. Methods: In a two-session, within-subject repeated-measure design, 32 participants completed four PMT conditions to the VM (35 Hz–3 min, 35 Hz–6 min, 45 Hz–3 min, and 45 Hz–6 min). TMG parameters (Td, Tc, Ts, Tr, and Dm) were recorded at baseline and repeatedly over 10 min post-intervention. Linear mixed-effect models with frequency and duration as fixed factors and time as continuous and categorical were used to characterize temporal patterns, with emphasis on effect sizes and consistency across parameters. The fixed protocol order (35 Hz in session one, 45 Hz in session two, 3 vs. 6 min assigned to contralateral legs) means that frequency was confounded with session and duration with leg side. Results: Compared with the 3 min protocols, the 6 min protocols were associated with slightly higher Td and Ts, a modest increase in Tr and a slightly greater Dm (e.g., Dm + 0.55 mm), whereas Tc showed no clear duration effect. Across conditions, Td increased immediately after PMT, Tc remained elevated for most of the first 8 min, Ts increased from mid to late post-intervention, Tr changed inconsistently, and Dm was reduced relative to baseline for most of the 10 min period. Differences between 35 and 45 Hz were small and non-significant for all TMG parameters. Conclusions: Clinically realistic PMT protocols at 35–45 Hz in non-fatigued muscle induce small but statistically detectable, duration-sensitive changes in TMG-derived contractile behavior over approximately 10 min. Within the constraints of the fixed, non-randomized design and the small effect sizes observed, these findings support viewing massage gun use as a recovery-oriented adjunct that subtly modulates contractile dynamics, rather than as a strong, standalone performance-enhancing stimulus. Full article

Yersinia enterocolitica is a foodborne pathogen that forms biofilms on surfaces, enhancing its survivability and increasing bacterial resistance, which poses a significant challenge to public health. Therefore, developing effective strategies to inhibit biofilm formation is crucial. Lipoic acid (LA) is a compound with antibiofilm properties. This study investigates the effects of LA on biofilm formation by Y. enterocolitica BNCC 108930 (a standard strain from the BeNa Culture Collection). Biofilm formation, maturation, removal, and cell viability were evaluated by crystal violet staining, extracellular polysaccharide assay, Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assays, motility, and quorum sensing (QS) assays. The results indicate that LA interferes with the early stages of biofilm formation by compromising cell membrane integrity and reducing cellular adhesion. Furthermore, 2.5 mg/mL of LA reduced biofilm biomass (with a 48 h treatment inhibition rate of 51.46 ± 1.29%) and extracellular polysaccharide production (with a relative inhibition rate of 30.09 ± 1.8%), while significantly reducing the metabolic activity of bacteria within the biofilm (inhibition rate over 85%) compared to the untreated group. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy confirm that LA induces a sparse biofilm structure, reduced aggregation, and decreased biofilm thickness to 21.33 ± 2.27 μm. Motility and QS assays demonstrate that LA affects flagellar motility and the secretion of N-acyl homoserine lactones. Transcriptome analysis revealed downregulation of genes involved in the QS system and biofilm formation (e.g., lsrA, lsrC, lsrD, lsrR, and oppA), as well as upregulation of genes related to bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar assembly (e.g., RS19655, RS15590, fliE, fliJ, fliP, fliA, and fliK). These alterations suggest that LA inhibits Y. enterocolitica biofilm formation by affecting intercellular communication and flagellar motility. This study highlights the antibiofilm properties of LA, providing a theoretical basis for potential applications in microbial and biofilm control. Full article

During the transatlantic diaspora, enslaved Africans brought cultural and religious elements to Brazil, such as Candomblé, that deeply influenced local society. In Candomblé communities of Bantu origin, the death of an initiate requires specific rites, such as the Azerin. In this ritual practice, sacred plants are selected according to their associations with deities and their capacity to provide spiritual protection. Each plant used holds particular meanings and is deliberately chosen to create an atmosphere of respect and reverence for the deceased. This study analyzes the symbolism and ritual functions of plants in the Azerin funeral rite of Candomblé Nação Angola, with emphasis on their role in spiritual protection. Participant observation and review of specialized literature were employed to describe the rite and its vegetal repertoire. Five sacred plant species were identified (Elaeis guineensis Jacq, Raphia vinifera P.Beauv., Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl., Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. and, Morus nigra L.), whose functions range from protection against Eguns to the material representation of the initiate’s body. The results indicate that, in the Azerin, plants do not merely express protection but operate as mediating elements in communication with ancestors, structuring the greeting and continuity of ancestor worship in Candomblé Nação Angola. The study thus expands the understanding of ritual plants in Afro-Brazilian religiosity and the biocultural heritage of these communities. Full article

The increasing threat posed by micrometeoroids and orbital debris to in-orbit spacecraft necessitates the development of lightweight and deformable shielding systems capable of withstanding hypervelocity impacts. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films, owing to their high specific strength and energy-absorption capacity, present a promising candidate for such applications. However, the hypervelocity impact response of thin, highly oriented UHMWPE films—distinct from bulk plates or composites—remains poorly understood, particularly for micron-scale particles at velocities relevant to space debris (≥8 km/s). In this study, we systematically investigate the impact resistance of 0.1 mm UHMWPE films using a plasma-driven microparticle accelerator and a hypervelocity dust gun to simulate impacts by micron-sized Al₂O₃ and Fe particles at velocities up to ~8.5 km/s. Through detailed analysis of crater morphology via scanning electron microscopy, we identify three distinct damage modes: plastic-dominated craters (Type I), fracture-melting craters (Type II), and perforations (Type III). These modes are correlated with impact energy and particle size, revealing the material’s transition from large-scale plastic deformation to localized thermal softening and eventual penetration. Crucially, we provide quantitative penetration thresholds (e.g., 2.25 μm Al₂O₃ at 8.5 km/s) and establish a microstructure-informed damage classification that advances the fundamental understanding of UHMWPE film behavior under extreme strain rates. Our findings not only elucidate the energy-dissipation mechanisms in oriented polymer films but also offer practical guidelines for the design of next-generation, flexible spacecraft shielding systems. Full article

Coconut genetic improvement remains challenging due to low regeneration efficiency and limited transformation success. We optimized major components of a gene gun-mediated transient transformation system and evaluated explant types to support future establishment of a stable transformation pipeline. Three reporter genes (eGFP, GUS, and RUBY) were compared in coconut callus, and eGFP was selected as the most suitable due to its strong and non-destructive fluorescence. Background interference in GUS staining was reduced by adjusting the methanol–GUS ratio to 4:10. Single-factor optimization using callus tissue identified 0.4 M mannitol, 300–500 μg gold particles, 1.5 μg plasmid DNA, a 6.5 cm target distance, and 7 MPa pressure as effective parameters for biolistic delivery. Among the callus types, spongy callus showed strong transient eGFP expression but displayed loose and watery morphology consistent with non-embryogenic callus. In contrast, crumbly and smooth callus exhibited compact structures previously associated with embryogenic competence, although transient expression levels were lower. Among differentiated tissues, germinated zygotic embryo plumules and distal young leaflets exhibited moderate transient expression, supporting their suitability as transformation targets. These findings provide practical guidance on reporter selection, parameter refinement, and explant choice for future establishment of an efficient genetic transformation system in coconut. Full article

Migratory birds travel long distances and interact with diverse environments, making them potential reservoirs and disseminators of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study investigated the species distribution of migratory birds, bacterial isolates from bird internal organs, and the corresponding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles in South Korea. A total of 35 bird carcasses representing 20 species were collected from five major stopover sites on the Sinan-gun islands along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. More than half of the sampled birds belonged to the genus Emberiza, reflecting the prevalence of small migratory passerines in coastal habitats. From these carcasses, 54 bacterial isolates belonging to 24 species were identified, including Enterococcus spp., coliforms such as Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli, and opportunistic pathogens including Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Serratia spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 18 isolates (33.3%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Enterococcus isolates displayed high resistance to tigecycline and daptomycin, and two vancomycin-resistant strains were identified. Coliform isolates were resistant to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and colistin. The two E. coli strains exhibited concurrent carbapenem–colistin resistance, posing a significant public health concern. These findings provide the first organ-level AMR dataset for migratory birds in South Korea and highlight the potential role of small passerines as ecological sentinels of environmental contamination. The detection of MDR strains underscores the need to integrate wildlife surveillance into One Health strategies for AMR monitoring. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in gene regulation in plants. Several members of the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) family have been identified as predicted targets of Ahyp-miR0005, a miRNA specific to amaranth. PPR proteins are essential for mitochondrial and chloroplast biogenesis, as well as plastid-to-nucleus communication, processes fundamental for retrograde signaling between the plastid and nucleus (RSBPN). In this study, we identified the target of Ahyp-miR0005 and its association with the PPR protein family across Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, and Solanum lycopersicum. Cleavage inhibition by Ahyp-miR0005 was predicted, and the distribution of miRNA binding sites per target gene was analyzed, including their localization within coding PPR domains. Among the main Ahyp-miR0005 target genes, we identified GUN-1, ABO5, and MORF1. Interaction network analysis revealed that different target genes are co-expressed in response to the same stimulus. Gene expression profiling with the Arabidopsis eFP Browser revealed substantial transcriptional changes in predicted targets under six abiotic stress conditions. We further show that abiotic stresses alter the expression of Ahyp-miR0005 amaranth target genes. We anticipate that the expression of Ahyp-miR0005 in non-amaranth plants could replicate the reorganization and coordination of gene expression through RSBPN, thereby improving plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Full article

Tungsten powder/polytetrafluoroethylene (W/PTFE) composites have the potential to replace traditional metallic materials as casings for controllable power warheads. Under explosive loading, they generate high-density and relatively uniformly distributed metal powder particles, thereby enhancing close-range impact effects while reducing collateral damage. To characterize the material’s response under impact loading, plate impact tests were conducted to investigate the effects of tungsten content (70 wt%, 80 wt%, and 90 wt%) and tungsten particle size (200 μm, 400 μm, and 600 μm) on the impact behavior of the composites. The free surface velocity histories of the target plates were measured using a 37 mm single-stage light gas gun and a full-fiber laser interferometer (DISAR), enabling the determination of the shock velocity–particle velocity relationship to establish the equation of state. Experimental data show a linear relationship between shock velocity and particle velocity, with the 80 wt% and 90 wt% composites exhibiting similar shock velocities. The fitted slope increases from 2.792 to 2.957 as the tungsten mass fraction rises from 70 wt% to 90 wt%. With particle size increasing from 200 μm to 600 μm, the slope decreases from 3.204 to 2.756, while c₀ increases from 224.7 to 633.3. Comparison of the Hugoniot pressure curves of different specimens indicated that tungsten content significantly affects the impact behavior, whereas variations in tungsten particle size have a negligible influence on the Hugoniot pressure. A high tungsten content with small particle size (e.g., 90 wt% with ~200 μm) improves the overall compressive properties of composite materials. Based on the experimental results, a mesoscale finite element model consistent with the tests was developed. The overall error between the numerical simulations and experimental results was less than 5% under various conditions, thereby validating the accuracy of the model. Numerical simulations revealed the coupling mechanism between tungsten particle plastic deformation and matrix flow. The strong rarefaction unloading effect initiated at the composite’s free surface caused matrix spallation and jetting. Multiple wave systems were generated at the composite–copper interface, whose interference and coupling ultimately resulted in a nearly uniform macroscopic pressure field. Full article

Bats have decreasing population trends around the world, and knowledge on the causes for this decline is the first step to improving conservation and management strategies to restore their populations. An important source of data for the study of the causes of bat mortality is the admissions to rescue centres. The aim of this work was to identify the different causes of bat admissions to rescue centres in Castilla y León (Spain) over more than 30 years, analyzing the importance of the threats for different species, as well as the tendency of anthropogenic causes over the years, such as the increase in industrial wind-power facilities. The dataset included 791 bats (568 dead and 223 injured). The species with the largest number of entries was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 451, followed by 82 Hypsugo savii, 64 Plecotus sp., 63 Tadarida teniotis, 42 Eptesicus serotinus and 24 Nyctalus lasiopterus. The most important known causes of entry for these selected species were collisions with wind turbines (n = 160); immaturity-related causes (e.g., orphan individuals with insufficient foraging and flight skills prone to injury or starvation) (n = 93); weakness due to starvation (n = 75); trauma: blow of unknown origin (n = 69); shooting: vandalism with a gun (n = 15); carnivore bite: predation (n = 8); road kill: road accident (n = 3); and disease: sickness (n = 3). In addition, there were many admissions which lacked a known cause (n = 294). The species with the most carcasses for collisions with wind turbines was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 100, followed by 40 Hypsugo savii and 15 Nyctalus lasiopterus. As expected, the number of bats that collided with wind turbines showed a significant temporal correlation with the number of wind farms deployed in the territory, and they mainly occurred in September and October, as has also been found in other studies. Full article

Beyond continual reductions in catch, common octopus frequently suffer damage during pot fishing, which can reduce the quality of the product and consequently, its value. This study evaluated how pots with different mesh sizes affect the integrity of common octopuses captured by commercial fisheries. Experimental fishing was conducted in Taean-gun and Incheon-si using pots with different mesh sizes (16.3, 18.3, and 22.4 mm). Common octopuses were classified as either damaged or undamaged based on whether the number of injured arms exceeded a specific threshold value, and logistic regression was applied to estimate the probability of damage, based on the mesh size and region. Smaller mesh sizes significantly reduced the damage in common octopuses and increased the catch effectiveness; however, the degree of impact differed according to the region. This study provides quantitative estimates of the mesh sizes associated with specific damage probabilities, offering a scientific basis for refining regionally tailored management practices. By reducing the mesh size from the current legal standard of 22 mm to 16 mm, the probability of damage that leads to a decline in commercial value (i.e., threshold = 2) is projected to decrease from 77.8% to 46.5% in Taean-gun, and from 93.4% to 39.3% in Incheon-si. Full article

In mountainous citrus orchards, the application of conventional ground sprayers for the control of citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is often constrained by complex terrain and low operational efficiency. The Unmanned Aerial Spraying System (UASS), due to its low-altitude, low-volume, and high-maneuverability characteristics, has emerged as a promising alternative for pest management in such challenging environments. To evaluate the spray performance and field efficacy of different UASS types in controlling P. citri, five representative UASS models (JX25, DP, T1000, E-A2021, and T20), four mainstream pesticide formulations, and four novel tank-mix adjuvants were systematically assessed in a field experiment conducted in a typical hilly citrus orchard. The results showed that T20 delivered the best overall spray deposition, with upper canopy coverage reaching 10.63%, a deposition of 3.01 μg/cm², and the highest pesticide utilization (43.2%). E-A2021, equipped with a centrifugal nozzle, produced the finest droplets and highest droplet density (120.3–151.4 deposits/cm²), but its deposition and coverage were lowest due to drift. Nonetheless, it exhibited superior penetration (dIPR 72.3%, dDPR 73.5%), facilitating internal canopy coverage. T1000, operating at higher flight parameters, had the weakest deposition. Formulation type had a limited impact, with microemulsions (MEs) outperforming emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) and suspension concentrates (SCs). All adjuvants improved spray metrics, especially Yimanchu and Silwet, which enhanced pesticide utilization to 46.8% and 46.4% for E-A2021 and DP, respectively. Adjuvant use increased utilization by 4.6–11.9%, but also raised ground losses by 1.5–4.2%, except for Yimanchu, which reduced ground loss by 2.3%. In terms of control effect, the rapid efficacy (1–7 days after application, DAA) of UASS spraying was slightly lower than that of ground sprayers—electric spray gun (ESG), while its residual efficacy (14–25 DAA) was slightly higher. The addition of adjuvants improved both rapid and residual efficacy, making it comparable to or even better than ESG. E-A2021 with 5% abamectin·etoxazole ME (5A·E) and Yimanchu achieved 97.4% efficacy at 25 DAA. Among UASSs, T20 showed the rapid control, while E-A2021 outperformed JX25 and T1000 due to finer droplets effectively targeting P. citri. In residual control (14–25 DAA), JX25 with 45% bifenazate·etoxazole SC (45B·E) was most effective, followed by T20. 5A·E and 45B·E showed better residual efficacy than abamectin-based formulations, which declined more rapidly. Adjuvants significantly extended control duration, with Yimanchu performing best. This study demonstrates that with optimized spraying parameters, nozzle types, and adjuvants, UASSs can match or surpass ground spraying in P. citri control in hilly citrus orchards, providing valuable guidance for precision pesticide application in complex terrain. Full article

The chloroplast signal recognition particle (cpSRP) components cpSRP43 and cpSRP54 not only form a complex with light-harvesting chlorophyll (Chl)-binding proteins to direct them to the thylakoid membrane, but also serve other functions. cpSRP43 independently acts as a chaperone for some tetrapyrrole biosynthesis (TBS) enzymes, while cpSRP54 participates in the co-translational targeting of plastid-encoded proteins. However, it remains unclear to what extent the two cpSRP components are coregulated—despite their distinct functions—and whether both participate in genomes-uncoupled (GUN)-mediated retrograde signaling. Here, we demonstrate that cpSRP43 and cpSRP54 accumulation is strongly interdependently controlled: overexpression of one protein increases the level of the other, while a deficiency in one of the two proteins leads to a simultaneous decrease in the other component. Disruption of this balance, e.g., by combining the overexpression of one component with a knockout of the other, results in severe chlorosis, stunted growth, and reduced levels of Chl and tetrapyrrole intermediates. Moreover, cpSRP43 deficiency exacerbates the pale-green phenotype of gun4 and gun5 mutants, highlighting a synergistic impact on TBS; however, cpSRP43 overexpression fails to rescue these defects. Remarkably, loss of cpSRP43 does not affect the expression of nuclear-encoded photosynthetic genes under intrinsic plastid stress, clearly demonstrating that cpSRP43 is not involved in plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signaling. Overall, our findings underscore that the fine-tuned expression of cpSRP43 and cpSRP54 is crucial for proper chloroplast function and pigment biosynthesis, while cpSRP43 alone does not participate in the retrograde signaling pathway. Full article

Background: Gun-related homicide remains a persistent public health crisis in the United States, with over 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported in 2022, including 19,651 homicides and 27,032 suicides. Despite frequent calls for tighter gun control, firearm access alone does not explain the complexity of violence. Objective: This commentary aims to unpack the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological drivers of gun-related homicide and propose integrative, evidence-based solutions that extend beyond legislative reform. Methods: We synthesized data from peer-reviewed literature, national crime and health databases (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal Bureau of Investigation), and international reports. We examined patterns related to poverty, trauma, male aggression, neurobiology, and firearm acquisition, as well as cross-national comparisons with countries like Switzerland and Mexico. Findings: Young males, particularly those aged 10–29, accounted for 50% of homicide offenders in 2022. African Americans experienced homicide rates of 23.1 per 100,000, ten times the rate among Whites. Up to 56% of incarcerated men report childhood physical trauma, and over 40% of those in prison exhibit symptoms of serious mental illness. While firearm legislation varies widely, analysis reveals that over 90% of crime guns are acquired illegally or through informal sources. International comparisons show that poverty and weak rule of law, more than gun laws alone, correlate with elevated homicide rates. Conclusions: Reducing gun violence sustainably requires a multifaceted approach. Authors advocate for investments in trauma-informed mental health care, focused deterrence programs, early childhood interventions, and improved enforcement against illegal gun trafficking. A public health strategy that integrates social reform with targeted regulation holds the greatest promise for long-term change. Full article

To address the challenges of low automation in tunnel wet-spraying jumbos and the heavy reliance on manual expertise for ensuring the spraying quality, this study proposes a novel task planning method for tunnel spraying operations. First, the tunnel surface to be sprayed is aligned with the designed contour using a vehicle navigation method, enabling the estimation of the overbreak and underbreak volumes. These volumes are then utilized to hierarchically plan the spraying tasks (e.g., patching, filling, and surface smoothing). A concrete coating thickness prediction method is developed, incorporating static and dynamic coating accumulation models with key process parameters—spraying flow rate Q, air pressure P, and spraying distance H—as independent variables. Based on the required thickness for each task layer, operational parameters such as the spraying duration t and nozzle movement speed v are optimized. By analyzing the spray gun action combinations and integrating hierarchical task planning with parameter optimization, a Planning Domain Definition Language (PDDL) domain file and problem file are designed to generate the spray gun action sequences and paths via a planner. The experimental results demonstrate that the overbreak volume on the sprayed tunnel surface is reduced to approximately 3 cm after applying the planned sequences. The proposed method autonomously generates the task hierarchies and the corresponding spray gun actions based on the 3D morphology of the tunnel surface, effectively ensuring the spraying quality while significantly reducing the dependence on manual intervention. This approach provides a practical solution for enhancing automation and precision in tunnel spraying operations. Full article

We present a corrosion-resistant quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QIT-MS) for the direct detection of biosignature gasses in chemically reactive planetary atmospheres, such as Venusian clouds. The system employs a Paul trap with hyperbolic titanium alloy electrodes and alumina spacers for chemical durability and precise ion confinement. An yttria-coated iridium filament serves as the thermionic emitter within a modular electron gun capable of axial and radial ionization. Analytes are introduced through fused silica capillaries and crescent inlets into a miniature pressure cell. The testbed integrates high-voltage RF electronics, pressure-regulated sample delivery, and FPGA-based control for real-time tuning. Continuous operation in 98% sulfuric acid vapor for over three months demonstrated no degradation in emitter or sensor performance. Mass spectra revealed H₂SO₄ fragmentation and thermally induced decomposition up to 425 K. Spectral variations with filament current and electron energy highlight thermal and electron-induced dissociation dynamics. Operational modes include high-resolution scans and selective ion ejection (e.g., CO₂⁺, N₂⁺) to enhance the detection of PH₃⁺, H₂S⁺, and daughter ions. The compact QIT-MS platform is validated for future missions targeting corrosive atmospheres, enabling in situ astrobiological investigations through the detection of biosignature gasses such as phosphine and hydrogen sulfide. Full article