Search Results (618)

(1) Background: Polyploid fish are highly important in increasing fish production, improving fish quality, and breeding new varieties. The loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), as a naturally polyploid fish, serves as an ideal biological model for investigating the mechanisms of chromosome doubling; (2) Methods: In this study, tetraploidization in diploid loach was induced by heat shock treatment, and, for the first time, the role of the key cell cycle gene cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) in chromosome doubling was investigated; (3) Results: The experimental results show that when eggs are fertilized for 20 min and then subjected to a 4 min heat shock treatment at 39–40 °C, this represents the optimal induction condition, resulting in a tetraploid rate of 44%. Meanwhile, the results of the cdk1 knockout model (2n cdk1^−/−) constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 showed that the absence of cdk1 significantly increased the chromosome doubling efficiency of the loach. The qPCR analysis revealed that knockout of cdk1 significantly upregulated cyclin genes (ccnb3,ccnc, and ccne1), while inhibiting expression of the separase gene espl1 (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: During chromosome doubling in diploid loaches induced by heat shock, knocking out the cdk1 gene can increase the tetraploid induction rate. This effect may occur through downregulation of the espl1 gene. This study offers novel insights into optimizing the induced breeding technology of polyploid fish and deciphering its molecular mechanism, while highlighting the potential application of integrating gene editing with physical induction. Full article

Histotripsy is a novel, noninvasive, non-thermal technology invented in 2004 for the precise destruction of biologic tissue. It offers a powerful alternative to more conventional thermal or surgical interventions. Using short-pulse, low-duty cycle ultrasonic waves, histotripsy creates cavitation bubble clouds that selectively and precisely destroy targeted tissue in a predefined volume while sparing critical structures like bile ducts, ureters, and blood vessels. Such precision is of value when treating tumors near vital structures. The FDA has cleared histotripsy for the treatment of all liver tumors. Major medical centers are currently spearheading clinical trials, and some institutions have already integrated the technology into patient care. Histotripsy is now being studied for a host of other cancers, including primary kidney and pancreatic tumors. Preclinical murine and porcine models have already revealed promising outcomes. One of histotripsy’s primary advantages is its non-thermal mechanical actuation. This feature allows it to circumvent the limitations of heat-based techniques, including the heat sink effect and unpredictable treatment margins near sensitive tissues. In addition to its non-invasive ablative capacities, it is being preliminarily explored for its potential to induce immunomodulation and promote abscopal inhibition of distant, untreated tumors through CD8+ T cell responses. Thus, it may provide a multilayered therapeutic effect in the treatment of cancer. Histotripsy has the potential to improve precision and outcomes across a multitude of specialties, from oncology to cardiovascular medicine. Continued trials are crucial to further expand its applications and validate its long-term efficacy. Due to the speed of recent developments, the goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of histotripsy. It will explore its physics-based mechanisms, differentiating it from similar technologies, discuss its clinical applications, and examine its advantages, limitations, and future. Full article

The study investigates the influence of microstructures on fatigue behavior and failure mechanisms of the α-β titanium alloy Ti6246, fabricated via Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam (PBF-LB). In particular, the investigation assesses the effect of two post-processing heat treatments, namely α-β annealing at 875 °C (AN875) and solution treatment at 825 °C followed by aging at 500 °C (STA825), on the alloy’s rotating and bending fatigue behavior. The results indicate that the STA825 condition provides superior fatigue resistance (+25%) compared to AN875, due to the presence of a finer bilamellar microstructure, characterized by thinner primary α lamellae (α_p) and a more homogeneous distribution of secondary α lamellae (α_s) within the β matrix. Additionally, an investigation conducted using the Kitagawa–Takahashi (KT) approach and the El-Haddad model, based on the relationship between the fatigue limit and defect sensitivity, revealed improved crack propagation resistance from pre-existing defects (ΔK_th) for the STA825 condition compared to AN875. Notably, the presence of fine α_s after aging for STA825 is effective in delaying crack nucleation and propagation at early stages, while refined α_p contributes to hindering macrocrack growth. The fatigue behavior of the STA825-treated Ti6246 alloy was even superior to that of the PBF-LB-processed Ti64, representing a viable alternative for the production of high-performance components in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Full article

High-speed trains have revolutionized modern transportation with their exceptional speeds, yet the essence of this technological breakthrough resides in the train’s wheels. These components are engineered to endure extreme mechanical stresses while ensuring high safety and reliability. In this paper, we selected the rim and web as representative components of the wheel and conducted a comprehensive and systematic study on their microstructure and mechanical properties. The wheels are typically produced through integral forging. To improve the mechanical performance of the wheel/rail contact surface (i.e., the tread), the rim is subjected to surface quenching or other heat treatments. This endows the rim with strength and hardness second only to the tread and lowers its ductility. This results in a more isotropic structure with improved fatigue resistance in low-cycle and high-cycle regimes under rotating bending. The web connects the wheel axle to the rim and retains the microstructure formed during the forging process. Its strength is lower than that of the rim, while its ductility is slightly better. The web satisfies current property standards, although the microstructure suggests further optimization may be achievable through heat treatment refinement. Full article

Cavitation-induced degradation of metallic materials presents a significant challenge for engineers and users of equipment operating with high-velocity fluids. For any metallic material, the mechanical strength and ductility characteristics are controlled by the mobility of dislocations and their interaction with other defects in the crystal lattice (such as dissolved foreign atoms, grain boundaries, phase separation surfaces, etc.). The increase in mechanical properties, and consequently the resistance to cavitation erosion, is possible through the application of heat treatments and cold plastic deformation processes. These factors induce a series of hardening mechanisms that create structural barriers limiting the mobility of dislocations. Cavitation tests involve exposing a specimen to repeated short-duration erosion cycles, followed by mass loss measurements and surface morphology examinations using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained allow for a detailed study of the actual wear processes affecting the tested material and provide a solid foundation for understanding the degradation mechanism. The tested material is the Ni-based alloy INCONEL 625, subjected to stress-relief annealing heat treatment. Experiments were conducted using an ultrasonic vibratory device operating at a frequency of 20 kHz and an amplitude of 50 µm. Microstructural analyses showed that slip bands formed due to shock wave impacts serve as preferential sites for fatigue failure of the material. Material removal occurs along these slip bands, and microjets result in pits with sizes of several micrometers. Full article

Cheese production is an ancient practice that is associated with the food and cultural identity of different peoples. There are over 500 cheese types globally, including 207 with protected denomination of origin (PDO) and 70 with protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the European Union (EU). Each cheese has various biochemical compositions, production methods, and maturation environments. This study has provided a critical review of the environmental impacts of cheese production, focusing on energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the integration of renewable energy sources as sustainable strategies for this sector. Based on case studies and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, the analysis revealed significant variability in energy use (3.0 to 70.2 MJ/kg) and GHG emissions (up to 22.13 kg CO₂ eq/kg), influenced by factors such as the cheese type, production complexity, system boundaries, and the technological or geographical context. Particular attention was given to heat treatment, refrigeration, and maturation processes, which contribute substantially to the overall energy footprint. The paper also discusses the methodological challenges in LCA studies, including the role of co-product allocation and database limitations. Finally, strategic renewable energy options, such as biogas recovery and solar thermal integration, are discussed as sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of the dairy sector and support its sustainability. Full article

Seeds in soil are often exposed to cycles of hydration and dehydration, which can prime them by triggering physiological activation without leading to germination. While this phenomenon has been scarcely studied in wild species, it may play a critical role in enhancing drought resilience and maintaining seed viability under the warmer conditions predicted by climate change. In this study, I investigated the effects of hydration–dehydration cycles on germination response under water stress in eight Cistus species typical of Mediterranean shrublands. First, seeds were exposed to a heat shock to break physical dormancy, simulating fire conditions. Subsequently, they underwent one of two hydration–dehydration treatments (24 or 48 h) and were germinated under a range of water potentials (0, –0.2, –0.4, –0.6, and –0.8 MPa). Six out of eight species showed enhanced germination responses following hydration–dehydration treatments, including higher final germination percentages, earlier germination onset (T₀), or increased tolerance to water stress. These findings highlight the role of water availability as a key factor regulating germination in Cistus species and evidence a hydration memory mechanism that may contribute in different ways to post-fire regeneration in Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

Theobroma cacao L. (cocoa) pod husk, a byproduct of the chocolate industry, has potential for commercial applications due to its bioactive compounds. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and clinical efficacy of a standardized extract. This study compared 80% ethanol (CE) and 80% ethanol acidified (CEA) as extraction solvents. The result indicated that CEA yielded higher total phenolic content (170.98 ± 7.41 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (3.91 ± 0.27 mg QE/g extract) than CE. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) identified various phenolic and flavonoid compounds. CEA demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant (IC₅₀ = 5.83 ± 0.11 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 234.17 ± 4.01 mg AAE/g extract in the FRAP assay) compared to CE. Additionally, CEA exhibited anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 9.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), anti-glycation (IC₅₀ = 62.32 ± 0.18 µg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/mL), nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory (IC₅₀ = 62.68 μg/mL) activities, without causing toxicity to cells. A formulated lotion containing CEA (0.01–1.0% w/w) demonstrated stability over six heating–cooling cycles. A clinical study with 30 volunteers showed no skin irritation. The 1.0% w/w formulation (F4) improved skin hydration (+52.48%), reduced transepidermal water loss (−7.73%), and decreased melanin index (−9.10%) after 4 weeks of application. These findings suggest cocoa pod husk extract as a promising active ingredient for skin hydrating and lightening formulation. Nevertheless, further long-term studies are necessary to evaluate its efficacy in anti-aging treatments. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), α-synuclein (α-syn) and phosphorylated-tau protein (p-tau) aggregation, and dopaminergic neuron cell death. Current drug therapies only provide temporary symptomatic relief and fail to stop or reverse disease progression due to the severe side effects or the blood–brain barrier. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of an intermittent heating approach, thermal cycling-hyperthermia (TC-HT), in an in vitro PD model using rotenone (ROT)-induced human neural SH-SY5Y cells. Our results revealed that TC-HT pretreatment conferred neuroprotective effects in the ROT-induced in vitro PD model using human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, including reducing ROT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis and ROS accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, TC-HT also inhibited the expression of α-syn and p-tau through heat-activated pathways associated with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), involved in protein chaperoning, and resulted in the phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), which inhibit p-tau formation. These findings underscore the potential of TC-HT as an effective treatment for PD in vitro, supporting its further investigation in in vivo models with focused ultrasound (FUS) as a feasible heat-delivery approach. Full article

This article reviews the multifaceted roles of itaconate in immune regulation and inflammatory metabolism. Itaconic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. It is initially produced by the heating decomposition of citric acid and is closely related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In immune regulation, itaconate regulates macrophage function through a variety of mechanisms, including metabolic reprogramming, polarization regulation, inhibition of cytokine production, and regulation of oxidative stress. It can also affect the function of T cells and B cells. In terms of inflammatory metabolism, itaconate can regulate the production of inflammatory factors, inhibit the activity of succinate dehydrogenase, and affect cellular energy metabolism and lipid metabolism. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase, covalent modification of proteins, influence on epigenetic modification, and playing a role through the G protein-coupled receptor OXGR1 (Oxoglutarate Receptor 1). Itaconic acid derivatives have shown good effects in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation and have broad application prospects in clinical treatment, including the treatment of inflammatory diseases, anti-tumor and anti-microbial infection. However, the long-term safety and side effects of itaconic acid as a therapeutic agent still need to be further studied. Future studies will further explore the synthesis and function of itaconic acid in different cell types, its physiological effects in non-inflammatory conditions, and its potential application in clinical treatment in order to develop new therapeutic strategies and improve the treatment effect of chronic inflammatory and metabolism-related diseases. Full article

Lichens, symbiotic organisms with a high tolerance to harsh environments, possess a greater diversity of sterols than other organisms. Sterols are involved in maintaining membrane integrity, hormone biosynthesis, and signal transduction. (1) Background: A characteristic feature of lichen sterols is a high degree of unsaturation, which influences membrane properties. Desaturases play an important role in the synthesis of unsaturated sterols, in particular, sterol C-5 desaturase (ERG3), which controls the conversion of episterol to ergosterol. Earlier, we demonstrated that the treatment of the lichen Peltigera canina with low and elevated temperatures results in changes in the levels of episterol and ergosterol. (2) Methods: Here, for the first time, we identified ERG3 in P. canina and, using an in silico analysis, we showed that PcERG3 belongs to the superfamily of fatty acid hydrolyases. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the evolutionary relationships of PcERG3. (3) Results: A phylogenetic analysis showed that PcERG3 clusters with ERG3 from other Peltigeralian and non-Peltigeralian lichens and also with ERG3 from free-living fungi. This suggests that PcERG3 has an ancient evolutionary origin and is related to fungi with lichenized ancestors, e.g., Penicillium. The differential expression of PcERG3 in response to temperature stress, a dehydration/rehydration cycle, and heavy metal exposure suggests that it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between more and less saturated sterols and, more generally, in membrane functioning. The multifaceted response of P. canina to abiotic stresses was documented by simultaneously measuring changes in the expression of PcERG3, as well as the genes encoding the heat shock proteins, PcHSP20 and PcHSP98, and PcSOD1, which encodes the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that PcERG3 is similar to the sterol C-5 desaturases from related and free-living fungi and plays important roles in the molecular mechanisms underlying the tolerance of lichens to environmental stress. Full article

This research presents the results of different periods of T6 heat treatment (homogenization and artificial aging) for A356 aluminum alloy used in the fabrication of motorcycles. The samples were cast using gravity die casting, and industrial furnaces for T6 were used in the experiment. Two heat treatment conditions were used, with a total time of 7 h and 12 h, and the results were compared with the alloy without heat treatment. The effects of the reduction of treatment time on mechanical behavior were evaluated in terms of hardness, Charpy and tensile tests, as well as morphological analysis of fractures and microstructural behavior via optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, measurement of eutectic Si evolution, and XRD. Excellent mechanical properties were achieved with a treatment period of 7 h, which achieved a yield strength of 226.58 (±3.76) MPa, tensile strength limit of 264.78 (±4.27) MPa and elongation of 3.41 (±0.47) %. This is competitive with other cast alloys subjected to T6 heat treatment in longer treatment cycles. The peak of hardness and highest impact resistance was recorded for the sample treated for 12 h; however, in the impact test, there was no significant difference between the two experiments. Full article

This research provides a detailed investigation into the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of heat-resistant steel P92 subjected to both initial (i) welding procedures and simulated (ii) repair welding. The study addresses the influence of critical welding parameters, including preheating temperature, heat input, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), with a particular emphasis on the metallurgical consequences arising from the application of repair welding thermal cycles. Through the analysis of three welding probes—initially welded pipes using the PF (vertical upwards) and PC (horizontal–vertical) welding positions, and a PF-welded pipe undergoing a simulated repair welding (also in the PF position)—the research compares microstructure in the parent material (PM), weld metal (WM), and heat-affected zone (HAZ). Recognizing the practical limitations and challenges associated with achieving complete removal of the original WM under the limited (in-field) repair welding, this study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of uniaxial tensile properties, impact toughness evaluated via Charpy V-notch testing, and microhardness measurements conducted at room temperature. Furthermore, the research critically analyzes the influence of the complex thermal cycles experienced during both the initial welding and repair welding procedures to elucidate the practical application limits of this high-alloyed, heat-resistant P92 steel in demanding service conditions. Full article

A surrogate artificial neural network (ANN) model trained on the data generated from a computational finite element-based (FE-based) model is developed. The developed ANN model enables the estimation of the fatigue life (number of load cycles to failure) of component-like specimens with stress concentrators. Using the developed model, the component-specific S-N curves can be generated with an accuracy comparable to that of the computational FE-based model. The investigation covered through- and surface-hardened steel components with different numbers and types of stress concentrators. The basis for data generation is the parametrized computational FE-based model, which enables the determination of the stress–strain response and the calculation of the fatigue life of examined components under cyclic loading conditions. The computational FE-based model can be adjusted to include components with different geometries and heat treatment conditions. The computational FE-based model incorporates nonlinear material behavior to provide a more accurate representation of the component’s behavior, which results in higher computational costs. In contrast, the developed ANN model provides a quicker and more efficient way to assess the fatigue life of both through- and surface-hardened components, overcoming these limitations. Full article

Freeze–thaw (F/T) technology is an environmentally friendly and efficient method for residual sludge treatment. This study investigates the enhancement of sludge dewatering performance through the addition of straw during F/T cycles. A mathematical model was established using the Box–Behnken central composite design and validated via COMSOL Multiphysics simulations. The optimal conditions were identified as freezing at −16 °C for 24 h, with 12.5 freeze–thaw cycles and a straw mixing ratio of 20%, reducing the sludge moisture content from 62.7% to 35.9%. The specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and cake moisture content decreased significantly with increasing straw addition, reaching a minimum SRF of 1.30 × 10¹² m/kg at the optimal straw ratio. Straw conditioning also intensified the combustion stage of the sludge by increasing the maximum weight loss rate and elevating the thermal decomposition temperature. Numerical simulations confirmed the experimental results, demonstrating that straw addition significantly improves sludge dewaterability by modifying heat and mass transfer mechanisms. Full article