Search Results (1,823)

Hydrogels, characterized by their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, have emerged as a promising material platform for the preservation of cultural heritage. Their unique physicochemical features enable non-invasive and adaptable solutions for environmental regulation, structural stabilization, and antifungal protection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in hydrogel-based strategies specifically developed for the conservation of cultural relics, with a particular focus on antifungal performance—an essential factor in preventing biodeterioration. Current hydrogel systems, composed of natural or synthetic polymer networks integrated with antifungal agents, demonstrate the ability to suppress fungal growth, regulate humidity, alleviate mechanical stress, and ensure minimal damage to artifacts during application. This review also highlights future research directions, such as the application prospects of novel materials, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and self-dissolving hydrogels. As an early exploration of the use of hydrogels in antifungal protection and broader cultural heritage conservation, this work is expected to promote the wider application of this emerging technology, contributing to the effective preservation and long-term transmission of cultural heritage worldwide. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Traumatic dental injuries, particularly complicated crown fractures of permanent incisors, are common in adolescents, with maxillary central incisors most frequently affected due to their prominent position. These injuries, often resulting from sports or accidents, require prompt management to prevent complications such as pulp necrosis or infection, which can compromise long-term prognosis. Fragment reattachment offers a conservative, esthetically favorable approach when the fractured segment is intact, with outcomes comparable to composite restorations. This case report underscores the importance of timely intervention and advanced restorative techniques in pediatric dentistry. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old male presented with a complicated crown fracture of the upper left central incisor sustained during a soccer game. The fracture extended subgingivally with pulp exposure. The patient preserved the fragment in saline. Treatment involved fragment reattachment using a dentin bonding agent and flowable composite resin, followed by single-visit root canal therapy due to delayed presentation (48 h). A glass fiber post was placed to reinforce the restoration due to significant coronal loss. Three years of follow-up visits (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months) revealed no clinical or radiographic complications, with the tooth remaining asymptomatic and functional. Conclusions: This case underscores the effectiveness of fragment reattachment when combined with meticulous technique and long-term monitoring. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

Haemophilic arthropathy is caused by repeated joint bleeding episodes, primarily affecting knees, ankles and elbows. Conservative options should be considered prior to surgery, as well as postural evaluation, since any functional overload promotes the development of new bleeding. The aim of this study is to verify the use of foot orthoses in combination with postural rehabilitation, assessing the incidence of spontaneous haemarthroses and haematomas. In total, 15 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: 8 in group A, composed of patients who were prescribed foot orthoses and a 20-session rehabilitation program, and 7 in group B, composed of patients who were instructed to use foot orthoses only. All patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1—end of the rehabilitation program), and at 12 months (T2), using the following scales: Functional Independence Score in Haemophilia (FISH), Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). During the 12 months between the first and the last assessment, no patient in group A developed hemarthroses or hematomas, while one case of hemarthrosis was recorded in group B. The HJHS improved significantly (≤0.05) in group A at both T1 and T2, while in group B it improved significantly only in T2. As for FISH, it showed significant improvements in both groups at T1 and T2. NRS showed a significant reduction only at T2 in both groups (p-value T0–T1 0.3 in group A e 0.8 in group B). No patient reported any adverse effects from the use of orthotic insoles. The combination of postural rehabilitation, the use of foot orthoses and pharmacological prophylaxis could improve functioning and joint status in patients affected by haemophilic arthopathy, delaying or preventing new hemarthroses by improving the distribution of joint loads and the modification of musculoskeletal system’s characteristics. Full article

Preserving historical porous materials requires careful monitoring of surface humidity to mitigate deterioration processes like salt crystallization, mold growth, and material decay. While microclimate monitoring is a recognized preventive conservation tool, its role in detecting surface-specific moisture risks remains underexplored. This study evaluates the relationship between indoor microclimate fluctuations and surface moisture dynamics across 13 historical sites in Northern Italy (Lake Como, Valtellina, Valposchiavo), encompassing diverse masonry typologies and environmental conditions. High-resolution sensors recorded temperature and relative humidity for a minimum of 13 months, and eight indicators—including dew point depression, critical temperature–humidity zones, and damp effect indices—were analyzed to assess the moisture risks. The results demonstrate that multivariate microclimate data could effectively predict humidity accumulation. The key findings reveal the impact of seasonal ventilation, thermal inertia, and localized air stagnation on moisture distribution, with unheated alpine sites showing the highest condensation risk. The study highlights the need for integrated monitoring approaches, combining dew point analysis, mixing ratio stability, and buffering performance, to enable early risk detection and targeted conservation strategies. These insights bridge the gap between environmental monitoring and surface moisture diagnostics in porous heritage materials. Full article

We investigated the dispersal ability of Euphydryas aurinia provincialis in a local-scale analysis within a single habitat patch of the Colfiorito highlands metapopulation. Our findings indicate that inside a single node, the organization of nesting patches can be conceptualized as a metapopulation itself, where reproductive sites, despite their spatial proximity, can act as either source or sink habitats depending on environmental conditions. We conducted fieldwork in six nesting patches inside a single node, capturing, marking, and recapturing individuals to assess their spatial distribution and movement tendencies at a large landscape scale. We found a high degree of site fidelity among individuals, with many recaptures occurring within the original marking site, but also a sex-based difference in movement patterns; females dispersed farther than males, likely driven by reproductive strategies, while males remained more localized, prioritizing mate-searching. Our findings suggest a complex dynamic in habitat connectivity: pastures and abandoned fields, despite being open, seem to act like sink areas, while breeding sites with shrub and tree cover act as source habitats, offering optimal conditions for reproduction. Individuals, especially females, from these source areas were later compelled to disperse into open habitats, highlighting a nuanced interaction between landscape structure and population dynamics. These results highlight the importance of maintaining habitat corridors to support metapopulation dynamics and prevent genetic isolation; the abandonment of traditional grazing practices is leading to the rapid closure of these source habitats, posing a severe risk of local extinction. Conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation of these source habitats to ensure the long-term viability of E. a. provincialis populations in fragmented landscapes. Full article

The mechanism by which voltage-gated ion channels open and close has been the subject of intensive investigation for decades. For a large class of potassium channels and related sodium channels, the consensus has been that the gating current preceding the main ionic current is a large movement of positively charged segments of protein from voltage-sensing domains that are mechanically connected to the gate through linker sections of the protein, thus opening and closing the gate. We have pointed out that this mechanism is based on evidence that has alternate interpretations in which protons move. Very little literature considers the role of water and protons in gating, although water must be present, and there is evidence that protons can move in related channels. It is known that water has properties in confined spaces and at the surface of proteins different from those in bulk water. In addition, there is the possibility of quantum properties that are associated with mobile protons and the hydrogen bonds that must be present in the pore; these are likely to be of major importance in gating. In this review, we consider the evidence that indicates a central role for water and the mobility of protons, as well as alternate ways to interpret the evidence of the standard model in which a segment of protein moves. We discuss evidence that includes the importance of quantum effects and hydrogen bonding in confined spaces. K⁺ must be partially dehydrated as it passes the gate, and a possible mechanism for this is considered; added protons could prevent this mechanism from operating, thus closing the channel. The implications of certain mutations have been unclear, and we offer consistent interpretations for some that are of particular interest. Evidence for proton transport in response to voltage change includes a similarity in sequence to the H_v1 channel; this appears to be conserved in a number of K⁺ channels. We also consider evidence for a switch in -OH side chain orientation in certain key serines and threonines. Full article

Coal gangue, a major by-product of coal mining, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large-scale accumulation, land occupation, and potential for air and water pollution. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of continuous chamber gangue storage technology as a sustainable mining solution for coal mines. The principles of this approach emphasize minimizing disturbance to overlying strata, enabling uninterrupted mining operations, and reducing both production costs and environmental risks. By storing the surface or underground gangue in continuous chambers, the proposed method ensures the roof stability, maximizes the waste storage, and prevents the interaction between mining and waste management processes. Detailed storage sequences and excavation methods are discussed, including continuous and jump-back excavation strategies tailored to varying roof conditions. The process flows for both underground and ground-based chamber storage are described, highlighting the integration of gangue crushing, paste preparation, and pipeline transport for efficient underground storage. In a case study with annual storage of 500,000 t gangue, the annual economic benefit reached CNY 1,111,425,000. This technology not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable coal gangue management, but also aligns with the goals of resource conservation, ecological protection, and the advancement of green mining practices in the coal industry. Full article

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized, non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in younger women. This comprehensive review outlines SCAD’s unique pathophysiology, which is linked to underlying arteriopathies like fibromuscular dysplasia, and highlights the critical role of advanced intravascular imaging for accurate diagnosis. A fundamental shift in management is detailed, with evidence favoring a conservative strategy for stable patients due to high rates of spontaneous vessel healing, reserving technically challenging invasive interventions for high-risk cases. Importantly, this review also addresses long-term outcomes, noting significant rates of recurrence and Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), a high prevalence of persistent chest pain, and the central role of beta-blocker therapy in secondary prevention. Ultimately, SCAD requires a departure from standard ACS protocols towards a personalized approach that emphasizes accurate diagnosis, cautious initial management, and vigilant long-term follow-up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spacer dislocation is among the most frequent mechanical complications after revision total hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic hip infection. Spacer dislocations may be managed conservatively, but there are no guidelines on the rehabilitation of these patients, and the restriction of weight bearing is still under debate. Methods: We first report the case of a patient with hip spacer cranial dislocation, judged unfit to be surgically treated once more for a medium period, who started a rehabilitation program with partial weight bearing. Results: After two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, the patient started to maintain the standing position with partial weight bearing on the affected side. Following hospital discharge we continued rehabilitation in the outpatient clinic. Despite the finding of the denervation of the ipsilateral quadriceps, three months after admission, she was able to walk for short distances using a walker, initially with the help of a therapist and then with supervision. About one year later, she was able to undergo the reimplantation of the definitive prosthesis. Conclusions: Despite the spacer dislocation, walking short distances is a feasible goal, even with assistance, wearing a brace and using a walker. Future research is needed to confirm and expand upon this observation and to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of neurological complications to implement effective prevention strategies. Full article

The Millard’s rat (Dacnomys millardi), a threatened murid endemic to Southeast Asian montane rainforests and the sole member of its monotypic genus, faces escalating endangered risks as a Near Threatened species in China’s Biodiversity Red List. This ecologically specialized rodent exhibits diagnostic morphological adaptations—hypertrophied upper molars and cryptic pelage—that underpin niche differentiation in undisturbed tropical/subtropical forests. Despite its evolutionary distinctiveness, the conservation prioritization given to Dacnomys is hindered due to a deficiency of data and unresolved phylogenetic relationships. Here, we integrated morphological analyses with the first complete mitogenome (16,289 bp in size; no structural rearrangements) of D. millardi to validate its phylogenetic placement within the subfamily Murinae and provide novel insights into genetic diversity erosion. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies robustly supported Dacnomys as sister to Leopoldamys (PP = 1.0; BS = 100%), with an early Pliocene divergence (~4.8 Mya, 95% HPD: 3.65–5.47 Mya). Additionally, based on its basal phylogenetic position within Murinae, we propose reclassifying Micromys from Rattini to the tribe Micromyini. Codon usage bias analyses revealed pervasive purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), constraining mitogenome evolution. Genetic diversity analyses showed low genetic variation (CYTB: π = 0.0135 ± 0.0023; COX1: π = 0.0101 ± 0.0025) in fragmented populations. We propose three new insights into this genetic diversity erosion. (1) Evolutionary constraints: genome-wide evolutionary conservation and shallow evolutionary history (~4.8 Mya) limited mutation accumulation. (2) Anthropogenic pressures: deforestation-driven fragmentation of habitats (>20,000 km²/year loss since 2000) has reduced effective population size, exacerbating genetic drift. (3) Ecological specialization: long-term adaptation to stable niches favored genomic optimization over adaptive flexibility. These findings necessitate suitable conservation action by enforcing protection of core habitats to prevent deforestation-driven population collapses and advocating IUCN reclassification of D. millardi from Data Deficient to Near Threatened. Full article

The Akabane virus (AKAV) is a significant member of the Orthobunyavirus genus, with its envelope glycoprotein Gc, focusing on its molecular structural features, immunoregulatory mechanisms, and application value in pathogen diagnosis and vaccine design. As a key structural protein of AKAV, Gc mediates virus adsorption and neutralizing antibody recognition through the N-terminal highly variable region (HVR), while the C-terminal conserved region (CR) dominates the membrane fusion process, and its glycosylation modification has a significant regulatory effect on protein function. In clinical diagnostics, serological assays based on Gc proteins (e.g., ELISA, immunochromatographic test strips) have been standardized; in vaccine development, the neutralizing epitope of Gc proteins has become a core target for subunit vaccine design. Follow-up studies were deeply needed to analyze the structure-function interaction mechanism of Gc proteins to provide theoretical support for the construction of a new type of AKAV prevention and control system. Full article

The modern Chinese architectural heritage combines sturdy Western materials with delicate Chinese styling, mainly adopting brick-timber structural systems that are highly vulnerable to fire damage. The study assesses the fire spread characteristics of the First Faculty House, a 20th-century architectural heritage located at a university in China. The assessment is carried out by analyzing building materials, structural configuration, and fire load. By using FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator (PyroSim version 2022)) and SketchUp software (version 2023) for architectural reconstruction and fire spread simulation, explores preventive measures to reduce fire risks. The result show that the total fire load of the building amounts to 1,976,246 MJ. After ignition, flashover occurs at 700 s, accompanied by a sharp increase in the heat release rate (HRR). The peak ceiling temperature reaches 750 °C. The roof trusses have critical structural weaknesses when approaching flashover conditions, indicating a high potential for collapse. Three targeted fire protection strategies are proposed in line with the heritage conservation principle of minimal visual and functional intervention: fire sprinkler systems, fire retardant coating, and fire barrier. Simulations of different strategies demonstrate their effectiveness in mitigating fire spread in elongated architectural heritages with enclosed ceiling-level ignition points. The efficacy hierarchy follows: fire sprinkler system > fire retardant coating > fire barrier. Additionally, because of chimney effect, for fire sources located above the ceiling and other hidden locations need to be warned in a timely manner to prevent the thermal plume from invading other sides of the ceiling through the access hole. This research can serve as a reference framework for other Modern Chinese Architectural Heritage to develop appropriate fire mitigation strategies and to provide a methodology for sustainable development of the Chinese architectural heritage. Full article

Viral infections persistently challenge global health through immune evasion and zoonotic transmission. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in antiviral immunity by detecting viral nucleic acids via conserved pattern recognition receptors, triggering interferon-driven innate responses and cross-presentation-mediated activation of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells. This study synthesizes DC-centric defense mechanisms against viral subversion, encompassing divergent nucleic acid sensing pathways for zoonotic DNA and RNA viruses, viral counterstrategies targeting DC maturation and interferon signaling, and functional specialization of DC subsets in immune coordination. Despite advances in DC-based vaccine platforms, clinical translation is hindered by cellular heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and limitations in antigen delivery. Future research should aim to enhance the efficiency of DC-mediated immunity, thereby establishing a robust scientific foundation for the development of next-generation vaccines and antiviral therapies. A more in-depth exploration of DC functions and regulatory mechanisms may unlock novel strategies for antiviral intervention, ultimately paving the way for improved prevention and treatment of viral infections. Full article

Plains River networks are important natural ecosystems that play a vital role in storing, draining, conserving, and purifying water. This study selected the river network in the northern plain of Jiaxing as the research area. Samples were collected in October 2023. Sediments were collected using a sampler and divided into five layers according to the collection depth, namely the surface layer (5 cm), the second layer (15 cm), the third layer (25 cm), the fourth layer (35 cm), and the bottom layer (45 cm). This study analyzed the vertical distribution of each form of phosphorus, the vertical distribution of the microbial community, and the response between the two in the sediments of this plain river network. The results showed high sediment TP concentrations (633.9–2534.7 mg/kg) in this plain river network. The vertical distribution trend of Fe-P was almost the same as that of TP and had the highest concentration (134.9–1860.1 mg/kg). Ca-P is the second highest phosphorus content, which is also an inert phosphorus component, as well as Al-P, and both exhibit a relatively low percentage of surface layers. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria showed heterogeneity in the vertical distribution of sediments. The river network sediments in the Plains River have a high potential for phosphorus release, with most sites acting as phosphorus “sources”. The sediments in the second of these layers show a strong tendency to release phosphorus. Bottom sediments have a low capacity to both adsorb and release phosphorus. The findings of this study will provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and management of river networks in this plain. Full article