Search Results (629)

The population dynamics of high-altitude mountainous areas are shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic and environmental drivers. Despite their significance, such regions have received limited scholarly attention. This research identifies and examines the principal determinants of population changes in the high-altitude mountainous zones of Sichuan Province, China. Utilizing a robust quantitative framework, we introduce the Sustainable Population Migration Index (SPMI) to systematically analyze the migration potential over two decades. The findings indicate healthcare accessibility as the most significant determinant influencing resident and rural population changes, while economic factors notably impact urban populations. The SPMI reveals a pronounced deterioration in migration attractiveness, decreasing by 0.27 units on average from 2010 to 2020. Furthermore, a fixed-effects panel regression confirmed the predictive capability of SPMI regarding population trends, emphasizing its value for demographic forecasting. We also develop a Digital Twin-based Simulation and Decision-support Platform (DTSDP) to visualize policy impacts effectively. Scenario simulations suggest that targeted enhancements in healthcare and infrastructure could significantly alleviate demographic pressures. This research contributes critical insights for sustainable regional development strategies and provides an effective tool for informed policymaking. Full article

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale, phospholipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles secreted by living cells through cytokinesis under physiological and pathological conditions. Owing to their high biocompatibility and stability, PDEVs have attracted considerable interest in regenerative medicine applications. They can exhibit the capacity to enhance cellular proliferation, migration, and multi-lineage differentiation through immunomodulation, anti-inflammation effects, antioxidative protection, and tissue regeneration mechanisms. Given their abundant availability, favorable safety profile, and low immunogenicity risks, PDEVs have been successfully employed in therapeutic interventions for skeletal muscle disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and tissue regeneration applications. This review mainly provides a comprehensive overview of PDEVs, systematically examining their biological properties, standardized isolation and characterization methodologies, preservation techniques, and current applications in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, we critically discuss future research directions and clinical translation potential, aiming to facilitate the advancement of PDEV-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

Electrospun fibers, possessing biomimetic characteristics similar to fibrous extracellular matrices, have attracted widespread attention as scaffold materials for skin tissue engineering. The topographical structure of electrospun fibers plays a critical role in determining cell behavior. However, the effects of fiber topography on human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) remain unclear. In this study, electrospinning technology was employed to investigate how parallel and crossed fiber architectures influence the spreading morphology, proliferation, and migration of HSFs. The results demonstrated that cells exhibited spindle-shaped elongation along single fibers; on closely spaced parallel fibers, cells formed cross-adhesions between adjacent fibers, with a fiber spacing of 30–60 μm serving as the threshold range for distinguishing individual cell behaviors. At fiber intersections, a characteristic spacing of 100 μm distinguished three distinct cellular responses: anchoring, turning, and bridging. The probability of a cell altering its preexisting migration path depended on its ability to extend laterally and reach adjacent fibers, which was constrained by the upper limit of the cell body’s minor axis. This study elucidated the unique role of the electrospun fiber topography in guiding cellular decision-making in complex microenvironments, provided important insights into topography-triggered cell migration, and highlighted the practical significance of material-guided strategies in tissue engineering. Full article

CX3CL1 and its unique receptor, CX3CR1, are leukocyte migration factors and are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many inflammatory diseases and malignancies. The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis induces a variety of responses, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis resistance. CX3CL1 is a transmembrane protein, and proteolysis generates a soluble form. The membrane and soluble forms of CX3CL1 exhibit different functions, but both bind to the chemokine receptor CX3CR1. The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis is a chemokine system that has attracted attention not only as a therapeutic target but also as a potentially useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for disease. Many studies have reported that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis is involved in disease progression, but more recently there are scattered reports suggesting that it is involved in disease suppression. In this article, we summarize the latest findings on the pathophysiological role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis, with a particular focus on renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Full article

Magnesium metal has a high theoretical volume capacity and abundant reserves. Magnesium ion battery is theoretically secure and eco-friendly. In recent years, magnesium ion battery has attracted wide attention and is expected to become a competitive energy storage candidate in the next generation. However, due to the large polarization effect and slow migration kinetics of magnesium ions, magnesium ions are hard to insert/desert in cathode materials, resulting in a poor cycle and rate performance. CoHCF, a typical Prussian blue analog, has an open frame structure and double REDOX sites, and it is regarded as a candidate for rechargeable ion battery. Herein, a Ni-doping method was utilized to improve the performance of CoHCF. Compared with the original CoHCF, the maximum specific discharge capacity of the Ni-doped CoHCF at 50 mA/g charging and discharging current increased from 70 mAh/g to 89 mAh/g, and the cyclic performance and rate performance improved. These improvements result from the fact that the electrode reaction process of Ni-doped CoHCF changes from diffusion-driven to reaction-driven. The Ni-doped CoHCF is more stable, and the lattice changes during Mg²⁺ (de-)intercalation are smaller. This study can provide a reference for the development of Prussian blue analogs as cathode materials for magnesium ion batteries. Full article

As China’s regional development enters a critical stage of population redistribution and urban transformation, the impact of population mobility on regional demographic structures and urban functional restructuring has become increasingly prominent. Against this backdrop of accelerating Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei integration, cities of varying types have been confronted with growing complexity in demographic transitions and socioeconomic stratification during their processes of absorbing or exporting populations. This study employed microdata from the National Bureau of Statistics to construct migration flow matrices and utilized a decomposition quantification approach to explore the impact of internal migration on the population structure and quality in 13 cities within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The findings indicated that, while Beijing has achieved some success in population control, it overall exhibits a “large inflow and large outflow” pattern. Langfang has attracted a large number of highly educated individuals and male migrants under the spillover effect from Beijing. Shijiazhuang’s population attractiveness has increased, yet the outflow of highly educated individuals remains unmitigated. Meanwhile, the internal migrant structures in industrial cities such as Tianjin and Tangshan have undergone significant changes following the industrial transformation. Cities in the passive outflow area and agricultural transformation area have experienced siphoning effects, but they face different potential risks due to their unique characteristics. This study further enriches the understanding of the impact mechanisms underlying domestic population mobility and provides differentiated policy references for cities to reconcile their development objectives with demographic realities. Full article

With the growing demand for high-efficiency DC-DC converters with a wide input voltage range for wireless power transmission, four-switch boost converters (FSBBs) are attracting attention due to their low current stress and flexible mode switching characteristics. However, their complex operating modes and nonlinear dynamic characteristics lead to high switching losses and limited efficiency of the system under conventional control. In this paper, an optimization algorithm is combined with the multi-mode control of an FSBB converter for the first time, and a combined optimization and voltage closed-loop control strategy based on the Whale Migration Algorithm (WMA) is proposed. Under the four-mode operation conditions of the FSBB converter, the duty cycle and phase shift parameters of the switching devices are dynamically adjusted by optimizing the values to maximize the efficiency under different operation conditions, with the premise of achieving zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and the optimization objective of minimizing the inductor current as much as possible. Simulation results show that the proposed FSBB switching control strategy combined with the WMA algorithm improves the efficiency significantly over a wide voltage range (120–480 V) and under variable load conditions, and the transfer efficiency is improved by about 1.19% compared with that of the traditional three-mode control, and the maximum transfer efficiency is 99.34%, which verifies the validity and feasibility of the proposed strategy and provides a new approach to the high-efficiency control and application of FSBB converters. Full article

When selecting a habitat, it is optimal for organisms to choose one that maximizes reproductive success through access to high-quality resources, particularly in species that engage in parental care. However, organisms may inadvertently select a habitat for breeding that would initially appear preferential and undamaged, but may, in reality, be detrimental to parent and/or offspring fitness. In this study, we tested whether migratory European Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) nesting in forest patches affected by outbreaks of the great web-spinning sawfly (Acantholyda posticalis) experienced fitness reductions indicative of an ecological trap, compared to those nesting in unaffected forest patches. After installing nest boxes to attract breeding pairs and potentially combat the outbreak, we found that Flycatchers inhabiting areas with sawfly outbreaks had similar clutch sizes to pairs breeding in unaffected forest patches. Contrarily, the fledgling number and body condition were significantly lower for those nesting in the damaged forests. In providing nest boxes for migrating Flycatcher pairs in forest patches that were subsequently impacted by a pest insect outbreak, an ecological trap arose for those pairs choosing to nest in what appeared to be an unaffected forest at first. Given the inability of breeding pairs to distinguish habitat quality on initial inspection, we suggest that nest boxes be used with caution in areas with unfavorable habitat conditions when attracting migratory birds, given the trends of their declining global numbers. Full article

Forest ecosystems deliver ecosystem services (ESs) that are essential for the well-being of local communities. These services necessitate a clear understanding of their perception among community members in order to facilitate informed and sustainable forest management decisions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between forest ESs and local communities by identifying community preferences for key ESs and examining how socio-economic factors influence this perception. Data was collected through participatory methods, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a household survey involving 453 respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. We identified firewood, rainfall attraction, air quality, and wildlife habitat as the most acknowledged services in their respective ES categories. Land ownership, education level, Community Forest Association membership, and labor migration significantly influenced service recognition. These findings highlight critical areas for intervention, including livelihood enhancement, cultural heritage preservation, and improved community outreach programs. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Full article

Tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) produce factors, including neurotrophins, that induce axonogenesis and neurogenesis, and increase local nerve density. Proliferative growing cancer cell clusters and disseminated invasive tumor cells undergoing partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) can invade peripheral nerves. In the early stages of tumor–nerve interactions, Schwann cells (SCs) dedifferentiate, become activated and migrate to cancer cell nests; later, they induce pEMT in tumor cells and activate tumor cell migration along nerves. The SC–tumor–nerve interaction attracts myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and inflammatory monocytes, and the latter differentiate into macrophages. SCs and MDSCs are responsible for the activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling. Intra-tumoral innervation is followed by perineural invasion (PNI), which has an unfavorable prognosis. What are the interventional options against PNI: local reduction in tumor nerves or inhibition of TGF-beta-related events, inhibition of downstream signaling of TGF-beta or immune activation, or intervention against immunosuppression? This systematic review is based on the Prisma 2009 search method and provides an overview of tumor–nerve interaction. Full article

The viability and host-seeking behavior of Strongyloides larvae are significantly influenced by soil conditions, emphasizing the critical role of environmental control in disease management. This is particularly relevant given the growing concerns about drug resistance resulting from mass chemotherapy or the use of chemical nematicides. Strongyloides stercoralis was effectively inactivated by exposure to 50 °C for both 12 and 24 h (long-term exposure). Strongyloides ratti was inactivated by 50 °C for 20 min (short-term exposure), 9% saline for 50 min, and a combination of 4% saline and 40 °C for 50 min. The combined treatment successfully inactivated S. ratti in four soil mediums using 5% saline at a central temperature of 40 °C. Thermotaxis responses to noxious heat revealed attraction at 40 °C, increased localized searching at 45 °C, and complete inactivation at 50 °C. Larvae migrating within agar at 45 °C were more readily inactivated. Long-range heat attraction at 5 cm resulted in the inactivation of up to 50% of incoming larvae; however, heat-high concentration saline traps at 3 cm distance proved ineffective. Thermal–saline agar trapping demonstrated promise for larval removal in sand, loam, and laterite soils. This method offers a promising approach to larval removal while minimizing hazards to non-target organisms. Full article

Understanding the evolution of societal values is crucial amidst globalization and migration. This study aimed to (1) map Portugal’s basic human values (BHVs) profile in 2020 through comparison with six European countries (Bulgaria, France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Italy, and Norway) and (2) analyze Portugal’s BHVs trajectory from 2002 to 2020. Drawing on Schwartz’s theory and European Social Survey (ESS) data, we applied descriptive statistics, similarity indices, post-stratification weighting, and trend analysis after extensive data cleaning. Results indicate that in 2020, Portugal displayed high self-transcendence and relatively high openness to change, aligning most closely with the United Kingdom and Hungary. Longitudinal analysis revealed a shift after 2012, marked by rising hedonism, stimulation, and self-direction, and declining conformity. These value dynamics offer insights into future societal demands and potential tensions. Moreover, Portugal’s emerging value configuration—balancing self-transcendence with growing openness—may foster economic opportunities by enhancing attractiveness for innovation ecosystems (linked to self-direction and stimulation), experience-driven tourism (hedonism), and investments aligned with sustainable and social goals (universalism and benevolence). Monitoring value changes remains essential to anticipate societal transformations and inform policy design. Full article

Hydrogels are one of the most attractive biomaterials, used in both three-dimensional (3D) and in vivo cultures. They facilitate the reconstruction of tissue microenvironments by preserving the spatial arrangement of cells, cell–cell interactions, and functional dynamics in the tissue. In this work, the long-term effect of alginate hydrogel on cell culture and the possibility of rapid cell recovery by dissolving the hydrogel were investigated. Mouse glial-restricted progenitors (GRPs) and porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were suspended in hydrogels; their metabolic activity, viability, and expression of genes, which are involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and differentiation, were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The concentration that was able to dissolve the hydrogel and was the least harmful to the cells was 0.005 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The metabolism of both cell types was reduced from the beginning of the experiment to day 3. From day 7 to the end of the experiment, the normalization of the GRP metabolism was observed, in contrast to the MSCs. For the apoptosis-related genes, caspase 3, 7, and B-cell leukemia (Casp3, Casp 7, Bcl2) were increased in GRPs and MSCs on days 0 and 1. After 3 and 7 days, an increase in the expression of oxidative stress genes (nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5—NFAT5 and autophagy-related 14-ATG14) was observed in cells cultured in calcium chloride (CaCl₂). GRPs cultured in calcium alginate (CaM) were not affected and, remarkably, showed increased Antigen Kiel 67 (Ki67) levels after 30 days. In conclusion, alginate hydrogels provide an excellent environment for stem cell culture in 3D for a longer period of time, but this is dependent on the cell type. Therefore, an individual approach to cell culture is necessary, taking into account the requirements of the cells to be used. Full article

The Wnt signalling pathway plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and cancer biology due to its regulation of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and stem cell activity. Frizzled receptor 7 (FZD7) (a member of the F-class G protein-coupled receptors) has emerged as a key Wnt receptor within this pathway, which is elevated in several human malignancies. FZD7 is notably upregulated in gastrointestinal, breast, pancreatic, and hepatocellular carcinomas and transmits oncogenic Wnt signalling through canonical and non-canonical pathways. FZD7 promotes tumour initiation, and emerging evidence implicates FZD7 in cancer stem cell maintenance and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), reinforcing its role in metastasis. Therapeutic strategies targeting FZD7 have shown promise, including FZD7-specific monoclonal antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), human single-chain fragment variable (scFVs) antibodies, and nanoparticles. Notably, our recent development of FZD7-ADC has demonstrated tumour-selective cytotoxicity with reduced off-target effects, positioning FZD7 as an attractive therapeutic target. Additionally, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have enhanced the precision of existing chemotherapies by targeting FZD7-expressing tumour cells. Despite significant advances, clinical translation remains a challenge due to potential on-target toxicity and the complexity of tumour microenvironments. Future research should focus on optimising delivery systems, refining antibody specificity, and conducting comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials. This review will focus on novel discoveries regarding FZD7 in cancer and provide an update on our original review on this subject in 2016. Additionally, we present new figures generated by our group using the publicly available Pan-Cancer Atlas RNAseq datasets, highlighting FZD7 expression patterns in patient samples. This integrated approach aims to provide updated insights into the function of FZD7 during cancer and its growing status as an attractive target for therapy. In summary, FZD7 stands out as a promising molecular target in cancer therapy due to its selective overexpression in tumours, functional role in Wnt-driven oncogenesis, and potential for innovative therapeutic applications. This review underscores the critical need for the continued exploration of FZD7-targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment. Full article

The development of effective wound dressings remains a critical challenge in medical treatments, requiring materials that promote healing, minimize infection, and enhance tissue regeneration. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential of sericin-based film-forming gels. Six formulations were developed by combining varying concentrations of sericin, a protein derived from silk cocoons, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). These formulations were evaluated for physical properties including drying time, pH, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and adhesion. Film-forming gel is an attractive option for wound dressing due to its flexibility, adhesion, and infrequent reapplication. The F4 formulation (1% sericin) demonstrated superior performances in drying time, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and skin adhesion, was easy to apply, and formed a stable film on drying. Biological evaluations showed that F4 exhibited excellent compatibility with skin fibroblast cells, maintained a suitable pH, and significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration. The F4 formulation also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting iNOS expression and nitric oxide production, offering mechanical stability, biological activity, and ease of use with significant potential for treating acute and chronic wounds. Full article