Search Results (293,602)

Spinach is a beloved vegetable crop and widely cultivated worldwide. It is dioecious with male and female plants, although monoecious mutations exist. Female spinach exhibits two distinct sepal morphologies—thorn-shaped and round-shaped determine seed shape and strongly influence seed handling, mechanized sowing, and cultivar classification. To dissect the genetic basis of this trait, we developed an F₂ population from contrasting parental lines and constructed a high-density linkage map with ~1615 bin markers spanning ~994.04 cm. A major 4.31 Mb genomic interval on chromosome 4, flanked by tightly linked markers, was consistently associated with sepal morphology. Transcriptome profiling across early and mature sepal developmental stages revealed significant enrichment of cell cycle-related pathways, including DNA replication, repair, mitosis, and cytokinesis. By integrating differential expression analysis with weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified 25 DEGs within the mapped interval, 11 of which showed strong co-expression with hub genes in trait-associated modules. Structural variation analysis further uncovered promoter and coding sequence polymorphisms in a subset of candidate genes. This study highlights 11 promising candidate genes potentially regulating sepal-derived seed morphology in spinach, rather than confirming definitive causal genes, providing valuable targets for functional validation and new insights into the genetic regulation of sepal development. Full article

Marine-derived species of the genus Alternaria are widely distributed across diverse aquatic habitats, functioning as pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes. These fungi are notable for their ability to produce structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potent bioactivities. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 67 marine-derived Alternaria species were reported and investigated, collectively yielding 319 compounds. Most of these fungal isolates were from Chinese marine territories (53 species; ~79%), followed by isolates from Korea, Japan, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and oceanic regions such as the Atlantic and Pacific. The fungal isolates were mainly obtained from marine plants (26 isolates) and marine animals (23 isolates), with additional sources including sediments (13) and seawater (3). Among the metabolites investigated in different screens, approximately 56% demonstrated measurable bioactivities, with anti-inflammatory (51 active compounds), antimicrobial (41 compounds), cytotoxic (39 compounds), and phytotoxic (52 compounds) activities being the most frequently reported. Additionally, compounds with antiparasitic, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects are reported. The chemical diversity of Alernaria-derived compounds spans multiple structural groups, including nitrogenous compounds, steroids, terpenoids, pyranones, quinones, and phenolics. Notably, compounds such as alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and alternariol-9-methyl ether exhibit broad pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Several metabolites also modulate cytokine production (e.g., IL-10, TNF-α), underscoring their relevance as immunomodulatory agents. Taken together, marine-derived Alternaria compounds represent a prolific and underexplored source of structurally and biologically diverse secondary metabolites with potential applications in drug discovery, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the chemical and biological diversity of Alternaria metabolites reported over the past two decades, emphasizing their biomedical relevance and potential to inspire further research into their ecological functions, biosynthetic mechanisms, and industrial applications. Full article

Ischemic stroke remains one of the most catastrophic diseases in neurology, in which, due to a disturbance in the cerebral blood flow, the brain is acutely deprived of its oxygen and glucose oligomer, which in turn rapidly leads to energetic collapse and progressive cellular death. There is now increasing evidence that this type of stroke is not simply a type of ‘oxidative stress’ but rather a programmable loss-of-redox homeostasis, within which electron flow and the balance of oxidants/reductants are cumulatively displaced at the level of the single molecule and at the level of the cellular area. The advances being made in cryo-electron microscopy, lipidomics, and spatial omics are coupled with the introduction of a redox code produced by the interaction of the couples NADH/NAD⁺, NADPH/NADP⁺, GSH/GSSG, BH₄/BH₂, and NO/SNO, which determine the end results of the fates of the neurons, glia, endothelium, and pericytes. Within the mitochondria, pathophysiological events, including reverse electron transport, succinate overflow, and permeability transition, are found to be the first events after reperfusion, while signals intercommunicating via ER–mitochondria contact, peroxisomes, and nanotunnels control injury propagation. At the level of the tissue, events such as the constriction of the pericytes, the degradation of the glycocalyx, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps underlie microvascular failure (at least), despite the effective recanalization of the vessels. Systemic influences such as microbiome products, oxidized lipids, and free mitochondrial DNA in cells determine the redox imbalance, but this generally occurs outside the brain. We aim to synthesize how the progressive stages of ischemic injury evolve from the cessation of flow to the collapse of the cell structure. Within seconds of injury, there is reverse electron transport (RET) through mitochondrial complex I, with bursts of superoxide (O₂•⁻) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) being produced, which depletes the stores of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Accumulated succinate and iron-induced lipid peroxidation trigger ferroptosis, while xanthine oxidase and NOX2/NOX4, as well as uncoupled eNOS/nNOS, lead to oxidative and nitrosative stress. These cascades compromise the function of neuronal mitochondria, the glial antioxidant capacity, and endothelial–pericyte integrity, leading to the degradation of the glycocalyx with microvascular constriction. Stroke, therefore, represents a continuum of redox disequilibrium, a coordinated biochemical failure linking the mitochondrial metabolism with membrane integrity and vascular homeostasis. Full article

As the development of “smart villages” and “sustainable rural tourism” increasingly becomes a focal point on the global policy agenda, tourism-oriented villages are experiencing a growing demand for digital infrastructure transformation. Against this backdrop, smart outdoor furniture emerges as a noteworthy intervention. However, existing designs for smart outdoor furniture predominantly originate from urban contexts, often failing to align with the distinct preferences, behavioural patterns, and cultural identity of rural users. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining Q-methodology with an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), to explore rural users’ technology acceptance pathways. Through Q-sorting, four typical attitude structures were identified: Pragmatic Function-Oriented, Cultural Concern-Oriented, Smart Enhancement-Oriented, and Technology Anxiety-Oriented. These qualitative insights were integrated into an extended TAM framework and validated through a structured survey (n = 319) using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings confirm that Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use remain the strongest predictors of user attitude and behavioural intention. Among contextual factors, Function Configuration exerts significant positive influence on both PU and PEOU; Cultural Adaptation significantly enhances PU; Social Influence primarily affects PEOU; Smart Features moderately influence both dimensions; and Perceived Cost Structure affects only PU. This research extends the applicability of the TAM model within rural socio-technical contexts. It provides empirical reference for inclusive and sustainable digital infrastructure design in tourism-oriented villages, while offering practical insights and dissemination pathways for smart design strategies in public spaces within similar socio-cultural environments. Full article

Chronic gastritis (CG) is a prevalent digestive disorder. It progresses through multiple stages, has an insidious onset, and can lead to severe complications if untreated. Modern treatments primarily aim to eradicate Helicobacter pylori and relieve symptoms. However, drug resistance and adverse effects often limit their effectiveness. As a primary traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, acupuncture treats CG through multi-target mechanisms. This review systematically outlines the classification and pathology of CG. It also comprehensively analyzes animal and clinical studies on acupuncture for CG from the past decade. The study summarizes the mechanisms of acupuncture and related therapies for CG, covering gastric mucosal function, metabolism, intestinal flora, gastrointestinal hormones, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It further explores the relationships among diseases, interventions, acupoints, and molecular pathways. Additionally, it compares the therapeutic profiles of different external therapies. The review also examines the current state of clinical research, including the selection of acupoints, treatment duration, and outcome assessment. The results demonstrate that external therapies effectively alleviate common CG symptoms such as abdominal distension, acid reflux, and stomach pain. These treatments also improve gastric mucosal health and modulate serum levels of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, and gastrointestinal hormones. In vivo experiments using chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) models confirm these benefits, showing changes in key biomarkers and elucidating potential mechanisms. Nevertheless, future high-quality, large-sample clinical trials are still needed to firmly establish efficacy. Further mechanistic studies are also needed to validate the interconnections among relevant signaling pathways. Full article

Growing age-related epidemiology, together with an increasing burden of cardiac co-pathology and comorbidities, has progressively subverted the clinical paradigm of Aortic Stenosis (AS) towards a multifaceted scenario. Timely surgical or transcatheter valve replacement is paramount to reduce morbidity and mortality in AS patients provided that the obstruction is hemodynamically important and responsible for the symptoms across a variety of clinical contexts. Despite its recognized role in AS assessment severity, transvalvular gradient (TVG) reflects complex interplay among anatomical, mechanical and fluid-dynamic factors, challenging the ultimate recognition of significant aortic valve obstruction. Careful phenotyping of TVG by assessing its underlying variables may enhance diagnostic work-up, risk stratification and management of AS. Emerging imaging modalities, such as three-dimensional echocardiography, automatic flow and myocardial function assessment, and advanced fluid dynamics analysis are promising for refining multifaceted TVG phenotypes. A deeper understanding of the substrate underlying TVG may add new insight into the trajectory of valve obstruction and its interaction with left ventricular function, thereby supporting the tailoring of TVG-guided clinical strategies of the evolving scenario of AS. Full article

Rehabilitation of upper extremity (UE) impairments after stroke requires regular evaluation, with standard methods typically being time–consuming and relying heavily on manual assessment by therapists. In our study, we propose automating these assessments using electromyography (EMG) as a core indicator of muscle activity, correlating passive and active EMG signals with clinical motor impairment scores. UE motor function in 25 patients was evaluated using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment for UE (FMA–UE), the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and the Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS). EMG data were processed via feature extraction and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), with 10-fold cross–validation for binary classification based on clinical score thresholds. The LDA classifier accurately distinguished impairment categories, achieving area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC–ROC) scores of 0.897 ± 0.272 for FMA–UE > 33, 0.981 ± 0.103 for FMA–UE > 44, 0.890 ± 0.262 for MAS > 0, 0.968 ± 0.130 for BRS > 3, and 0.987 ± 0.085 for BRS > 4. Notably, resting–state EMG alone yielded comparable classification performance. These findings demonstrate that EMG–driven assessments can reliably classify motor impairment levels, offering a pathway to objective clinical scoring that can streamline rehabilitation workflows, reduce therapists’ manual burden, and prioritize patient recovery over assessment procedures. Full article

This paper investigates the photodissociation of the ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ molecular ion, a non-symmetric diatomic species composed of silicon and hydrogen. We provide calculated molecular data and characterize electronic states, deriving cross-sections and spectral absorption rate coefficients as functions of temperature (1000–10,000 K) and EUV and UV wavelength. The calculations are performed within a quantum–mechanical framework of bound–free radiative transitions, using ab initio electronic potentials and dipole transition functions as inputs. In addition, we present a straightforward fitting formula that enables practical interpolation of photodissociation cross-sections and spectral rate coefficients, providing a novel closed-form representation of the dataset for modeling purposes. The resulting dataset provides a consistent and accessible reference for advanced photochemical modeling in laboratory plasmas and astrophysical environments. Full article

Dental pulp tissue, enclosed within rigid dentin, is susceptible to bacterial invasion via dentinal tubules, often leading to severe pulpal inflammation. This condition is typically associated with a hypoxic microenvironment, yet the mechanistic link between hypoxia and inflammation remains unclear. We identified a marked upregulation of microRNA-210 (miR-210) in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) cultured under hypoxic conditions. This study investigated the role of miR-210 in modulating inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated hDPCs. Hypoxic conditions and enforced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) significantly increased miR-210 levels. While LPS stimulation elevated proinflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-6, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha) and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, miR-210 overexpression suppressed LPS-mediated cytokine production and NF-κB activity. Luciferase assays revealed that miR-210 targets and negatively regulates TGF-beta activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1), a key upstream regulator of NF-κB. Transfection with an miR-210 mimic reduced TAB1 expression, NF-κB activation, and cytokine output in both LPS-stimulated hDPCs and rat pulp tissue ex vivo. Conversely, miR-210 inhibition enhanced TAB1 levels and inflammatory cytokine expression under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest that miR-210 mitigates inflammation via the TAB1–NF-κB pathway, functioning as a negative feedback regulator. miR-210 may represent a promising therapeutic target for pulpal inflammation. Full article

This study compares certification systems for green healthcare facilities implemented worldwide. Healthcare facilities are complex structures designed to provide uninterrupted service while involving substantial resources, high energy consumption, and heavy human and material traffic. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of designs that ensure hygiene, reduce environmental impact, and improve energy efficiency, making green certification systems for healthcare facilities increasingly critical. Eight certification systems currently in use across eight countries were examined, four from advanced economies (LEED in the U.S., BREEAM in the U.K., Green Star in Australia, and CASBEE in Japan) and four from developing economies (YeS-TR in Türkiye, IGBC in India, GBI in Malaysia, and GREENSHIP in Indonesia). Country selection considered regional diversity, similarities in environmental policies, and the potential for healthcare infrastructure development. A literature-based comparative analysis was conducted, and seven key categories were identified for evaluating sustainability: sustainable land and transport, water and waste management, energy efficiency, material and life cycle impact, indoor environmental quality, project management process, and innovation. The comparison revealed considerable overlap among the systems but also highlighted shortcomings in addressing healthcare-specific needs. This paper contributes to the advancement of sustainability assessment in the healthcare sector by highlighting the need for certification schemes specifically designed for medical facilities. The findings emphasize the necessity of developing healthcare-tailored frameworks that not only address environmental performance but also capture the unique operational, functional, and clinical dynamics of this sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Moringa oleifera Lam. is traditionally used in African and Asian medicine for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Rich in (poly)phenols, vitamins, and minerals, various parts of the plant were used to manage metabolic disorders. No systematic research critically evaluated its impact on cardiometabolic outcomes assessed through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), thus this study aimed to do so by synthesizing existing evidence. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted through 7 April 2025. Eligible RCTs with a minimum duration of two weeks that evaluated moringa supplementation in adults (≥18 years) and reported at least one cardiometabolic outcome, including anthropometric measures, lipid profile, glycemic indices, or blood pressure. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean differences, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, while the certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE assessment. Results: Nine RCTs (12 study arms) involving 341 participants in the intervention and 308 in the control groups met inclusion criteria. Moringa supplementation showed no significant effects on most considered outcomes. A modest reduction in diastolic blood pressure (SMD: −0.41; 95% CI: −0.75 to −0.07; p = 0.02; I² = 19%) was observed; however, this effect was not robust in sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses suggested potential benefits at doses <10 g/day, in participants <50 years old, and in interventions lasting ≥12 weeks. Nevertheless, risk of bias, substantial heterogeneity (I² frequently >80% for anthropometric and lipid parameters), indirectness, and methodological limitations reduced the overall certainty of evidence to very low for all the evaluated outcomes. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support consistent cardiometabolic benefits of moringa supplementation in adults. Further large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to clarify its therapeutic potential and optimal supplementation parameters. Full article

Soil salinization significantly limits plant growth and agricultural productivity, with MYB transcription factors playing crucial roles in mediating plant responses to salt stress. In this study, a novel R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, SlMYB306-like, was isolated from tomato. Phylogenetic comparison indicated that SlMYB306-like shared the highest sequence homology with potato StMYB306-like. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated nuclear localization of SlMYB306-like protein, while yeast transactivation assays confirmed its function as a transcriptional activator. Expression profiling showed that SlMYB306-like was inducible by NaCl and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. In addition, functional characterization via the overexpression of SlMYB306-like in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed enhanced salt tolerance, evidenced by an increased maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and proline levels alongside decreased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content under salt stress conditions. Furthermore, the overexpression of SlMYB306-like upregulated the expression of several stress-responsive genes, including AtSOD1, AtCAT1, AtEGY3, AtP5CS2, and AtRD29A. Collectively, these findings suggest that SlMYB306-like enhances salt tolerance by modulating ROS scavenging, osmotic adjustment, and ABA signaling pathways, thereby representing a promising candidate gene for the development of salt-tolerant crops. Full article

Airborne particulate matter (PM), particularly PM_2.5, contributes to pulmonary injury by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties. Here, we evaluated the dose-dependent protective effects of thyme extract (TV) against PM_2.5-induced pulmonary injury in mice, using dexamethasone (DEXA) as a reference anti-inflammatory drug. Subacute pulmonary injury was induced in male Balb/c mice via intranasal administration of PM_2.5 (1 mg/kg, twice at 48 h intervals). Mice received oral TV (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or DEXA (0.75 mg/kg) daily for 10 days. Assessments included lung weight, serum AST/ALT, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) leukocyte counts, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), chemokines, oxidative stress markers (ROS, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes), histopathology, and mRNA expression of genes related to inflammation (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB), mucus production (MUC5AC, MUC5B), and apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax). Exposure to PM_2.5 caused oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and histopathological changes. TV treatment dose-dependently reduced leukocyte infiltration, cytokine/chemokine release, ROS generation, and mucus overproduction, while enhancing antioxidant defenses and improving tissue pathology. Effects were comparable but slightly less potent than DEXA. Notably, unlike DEXA, TV reduced mucus hyperplasia and enhanced expectorant activity. No hepatotoxicity was observed. These results indicate that thyme extract could serve as a promising natural candidate for alternative respiratory therapeutics or functional food development. Full article

Automated valet parking (AVP) is a key component of autonomous driving systems. Its functionality and reliability need to be thoroughly tested before road application. Current testing technologies are limited by insufficient scenario coverage and lack of comprehensive evaluation indices. This study proposes an AVP testing and evaluation framework using OnSite (Open Naturalistic Simulation and Testing Environment) and Unity3D platforms. Through scenario construction based on field-collected data and model reconstruction, a testing scenario library is established, complying with industry standards. A simplified kinematic model, balancing simulation accuracy and operational efficiency, is applied to describe vehicle motion. A multidimensional evaluation system is developed with completion rate as a primary index and operation performance as a secondary index, which considers both parking efficiency and accuracy. Over 500 AVP algorithms are tested on the OnSite platform, and the testing results are evaluated through the Unity3D platform. The performance of the top 10 algorithms is analyzed. The evaluation platform is compared with CARLA simulation platform and field vehicle testing. This study finds that the framework provides an effective tool for AVP testing and evaluation; a variety of high-level AVP algorithms are developed, but their flexibility in complex dynamic scenarios has limitations. Future research should focus on exploring more sophisticated learning-based algorithms to enhance AVP adaptability and performance in complex dynamic environment. Full article

The long-term success of composite restorations largely depends on the performance of dental adhesives at the adhesive–tooth interface. Despite ongoing improvements, secondary caries remains the leading cause of restoration failure, primarily due to the adhesive layer’s susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation, bacterial invasion, and limited biological functionality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in bioactive dental adhesives for preventing recurrent caries, focusing on their mechanisms of action, material performance, therapeutic functions, and clinical potential. Bioactive adhesives combine durable bonding with biofunctional benefits, including remineralization, antimicrobial activity, enzymatic inhibition, and support for tissue regeneration. By integrating these properties, they enhance both the durability of the adhesive interface and oral health. Recent strategies include the incorporation of ion-releasing fillers such as calcium phosphate and bioactive glass, antimicrobial monomers such as MDPB and quaternary ammonium methacrylates, enzymatic inhibitors, and hydrolytically stable resin matrices. Together, these components strengthen the adhesive interface and provide biologically active effects to prevent recurrent caries. Although in vitro findings are promising, challenges remain, including limited long-term clinical data, the absence of standardized evaluation protocols, and barriers to clinical translation. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure predictable clinical outcomes. Bioactive dental adhesives represent a paradigm shift in restorative dentistry, evolving from passive bonding agents to multifunctional therapeutic materials. By combining structural durability with biological protection, they hold significant potential to prevent recurrent caries and improve the long-term success of composite restorations. Full article