Search Results (2,226)

Myocardial infarction is a major cardiovascular event that leads to heart failure and death. Although current vascular regeneration and pharmacological therapies can salvage some myocardial tissue, they cannot effectively reverse established necrosis, fibrosis, or adverse ventricular remodeling, thus necessitating novel repair strategies. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural biomaterial, has emerged as an ideal substrate for cardiac tissue engineering owing to its excellent biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and controllable biodegradability. This paper systematically reviews SF-based myocardial repair strategies: SF cardiac patches can be directly applied to infarct areas, providing mechanical support and delivering bioactive substances, while injectable SF hydrogels can be formed in situ via minimally invasive methods, serving as three-dimensional delivery vehicles for cells or drugs. These approaches synergistically promote cardiac repair through multiple mechanisms, including active regulation of inflammation, promotion of angiogenesis, and inhibition of fibrosis. Future development of SF-based therapies will focus on creating smart responsive materials, constructing biomimetic structures via advanced biomanufacturing techniques, and accelerating clinical translation, thereby providing comprehensive solutions for myocardial infarction repair. Full article

The artificially modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein can target lepidopteran pests, and planting genetically modified crops with insect-resistant traits is environmentally friendly. However, it is still uncertain whether the exogenous insect-resistant proteins in genetically modified crops will affect the soil rhizosphere microorganisms. This study utilized 16S rDNA sequencing technology to analyze the rhizosphere soil of insect-resistant genetically modified corn LD05 and its control variety Zheng58 at five developmental stages: before sowing, seedling stage, jointing stage, silk emergence stage, and maturity stage. Each sample was taken with six biological replicates, resulting in a total of 60 sequencing samples, with an average of 4368 OTUs obtained per sample. Both alpha and beta analyses showed that LD05 and Zheng58 did not have a significant impact on the soil rhizosphere microbial community. The developmental stage rather than the variety was the main factor causing differences in the bacterial community. Overall, there was no significant difference in the bacterial diversity between the insect-resistant genetically modified corn LD05 and its control variety Zheng58. The results provide useful information for understanding the impact of genetically modified crops on soil microbial communities and also provide a theoretical basis for the safety evaluation of LD05. Full article

Cotton above-ground biomass (AGB) is a key indicator of crop growth and yield potential. Traditional monitoring methods are labor-intensive and destructive, limiting their suitability for precision agriculture. This study developed a high-precision, non-destructive model for estimating cotton AGB by integrating spectral and texture features derived from UAV multispectral and RGB images. UAV data were collected at major growth stages in 2024. Eight vegetation indices (VIs) and eight texture features (TFs) were extracted. Four machine learning algorithms—support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB)—were evaluated using independent validation data. Models based on fused spectral and texture features outperformed single-feature models. RFR achieved the best performance (R² = 0.811; RMSE = 2.931 t ha⁻¹). Texture features alone also showed strong predictive capability (R² = 0.789), highlighting their value in capturing canopy structural information. These results demonstrate that spectral–texture fusion significantly improves cotton AGB estimation and that RFR provides a robust modeling framework for UAV-based crop monitoring. Full article

The silkworm, Bombyx mori (Bm), is an insect that contributes to industries such as silk production, cosmetics, medicine, and food, as well as to scientific research. A previous study showed that Bm odorant receptor (BmOr) genes, BmOr44, BmOr54, and BmOr63, may play a major role in oviposition. This research aimed to investigate the function of these three genes using a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technique to knock down their expression levels. Our results revealed that the gene-specific dsRNAs could moderately reduce the expression levels of BmOr44, BmOr54, and BmOr63 in the silk moth antenna. Silk moths were injected with 50 nM dsRNABmOr54 and 100 nM dsRNABmOr63 and showed relative oviposition rates under the mulberry leaves condition at 111.45% and 109.58%, respectively, when compared to those with dsRNAlacZ injection. The reduction in expression levels of these three genes showed no effect on the oviposition rates of the silk moths without mulberry leaves treatment. The expression levels of these BmOr genes were restored after fertilization, suggesting the temporary effects of the dsRNAs. Our findings suggested that variation in BmOr54 expression level was correlated with changes in oviposition behavior in Bombyx mori. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent studies suggest that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is one of the factors contributing to disease progression in distant organs associated with periodontitis. We previously reported that periodontitis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma and that ANGPTL2 may be involved in tumor progression. Based on these findings, we herein investigated the role of periodontitis-induced ANGPTL2 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control and periodontitis groups. Colorectal tumors were induced using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Periodontitis was induced by silk ligation. In addition, the model was enhanced by repeated gingival administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, to better mimic clinical conditions. Tumor development and ANGPTL2 expression in periodontal tissues, colorectal tumors, and serum were assessed by histology, immunostaining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Ligation and administration of P. gingivalis LPS resulted in significant alveolar bone resorption. The periodontitis group exhibited a significantly increased colorectal tumor burden compared with the control group. ANGPTL2 expression was markedly elevated in periodontal tissues, serum, and colorectal tumors in the periodontitis group. Histological analysis revealed increased tumor cell proliferation and enhanced inflammation in the periodontitis group relative to controls. These findings suggest a possible association between periodontitis-associated inflammation, elevated ANGPTL2 levels, and CRC progression in this experimental model. Conclusions: In this experimental model, experimental periodontitis was accompanied by concurrent increases in both local and systemic ANGPTL2 expression and accelerated growth of colorectal tumors. These findings suggest a potential association between periodontal inflammation, increased ANGPTL2 levels, and colorectal tumor progression. Full article

Portable Buddhist shrines refer to small-scale mobile or assembled shrines, typically made of wood, stone, clay, and metal. They were initially used as temporary ritual sites or ornamental attachments for temples and stupas, later becoming independent objects of devotion. This art form, the origins of which can be traced to ancient India and later diverse regional traditions, has been discovered in significant quantities along the Silk Road and neighboring regions. Previously, scholarly attention centered primarily on exquisite wall shrines, stupa-shaped shrines, and stele-shaped shrines. However, when factors such as the spatial arrangement and ritual functions of mobile ritual sites are taken into account, along with the materials and techniques employed in creating Buddhist shrines, artifacts such as badge-style bronze Buddha statues, painted silk banners, and wooden panel paintings may also be classified as portable Buddhist shrines. Accordingly, portable Buddhist shrines can be divided into three forms: pedestal, hanging, and open–close or mother–child. A key reason for this expanded classification is that all such forms are functionally and stylistically linked to large-scale cave temples. Moreover, these shrines share a common visual grammar, defined by the dynamic integration of images and texts and the mutual imitation and complementarity of statue and painting. This represents a quintessential example of cross-cultural dissemination and the coexistence of local traditions in Buddhist art. Full article

Rotational cover cropping is a key practice in conservation agriculture. To investigate the effects of maize-crop rotation with cover crops combined with nitrogen management on maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and related traits, a field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025. The experiment employed a split-plot design. The main plots consisted of three cropping systems: continuous maize (Fumin 985’) monoculture (CK), maize rotated with rapeseed (CC-Ra), and maize rotated with rye (CC-Ry). The subplots comprised five nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg ha⁻¹) respectively. Compared to CK, CC-Ra and CC-Ry increased average maize grain yield by 5.93% and 12.89%, and NUE by 8.09% and 2.89%, respectively. At the silking stage, these treatments increased average DM by 6.45% and 16.55%, respectively, and by 5.75% and 15.01% at the maturity stage. The maximum LAI was enhanced by an average of 16.24% and 26.82%, while the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the ear leaf increased by 12.29% and 26.32%, respectively. In contrast, the leaf net assimilation rate (NAR) decreased by an average of 19.98% and 18.01%. While higher N application boosted yield, it sharply reduced NUE. Notably, yields under rotations at 225 kg N ha⁻¹ matched the yield of continuous maize at 300 kg N ha⁻¹. This suggests that the inclusion of cover crops can substitute for a portion of nitrogen fertilizer input while maintaining stable maize yield. Principal component analysis fundamentally clarified that maize rotational cover cropping combined with nitrogen fertilizer management significantly promotes yield. While cover crops increase maize yield, they also facilitate nitrogen accumulation and enhance NUE, albeit at the expense of leaf net assimilation rate. Therefore, balancing the source–sink characteristics of the maize population is necessary to avoid the loss of advantages conferred by rotational cover cropping. This study holds significant implications for incorporating cover crops into maize production systems. Full article

The scientific community has addressed a wide range of research areas regarding the biotechnological potential of the silkworm silk gland of the Bombyx mori species. The silk gland has a remarkable capacity to synthesize two proteins, fibroin and sericin, each with a well-defined role. Recent research highlights fibroin as being used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, with the possibility of expanding into nanotechnology. Sericin also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties with use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This paper highlights the importance of the two proteins synthesized by the silkworm silk gland of Bombyx mori by highlighting their structure, chemical composition, and properties. The utilization of the silk gland from a biotechnological perspective can facilitate remarkable progress in various fields of research, the most important of which would be the medical field. Full article

Adsorption is an effective method frequently used for removing contaminants, including dyes, from liquid effluents. This study uses silk fibroin nanoparticles produced by the Bombyx mori moth as an adsorbent material to remove methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions. Batch tests were carried out to examine the effect of pH and temperature on methylene blue adsorption and to obtain kinetic and equilibrium data. The experimental data were fitted to different kinetic models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, intraparticular diffusion and Bangham) and isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips and Redlich–Peterson). The experimental data can be best explained by the pseudo-second-order and Bangham kinetic models. The adsorption capacity increases with temperature so adsorption is an endothermic process. The maximum adsorption capacities achieved in the experiments were 122 mg·g⁻¹, 132 mg·g⁻¹, and 155 mg·g⁻¹ at temperatures of 10 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C, respectively. Among the models studied, the ones that best describe the equilibrium data are Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson models. Full article

Pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog insecticide, poses severe risks to non-target silkworms (Bombyx mori), as evidenced by disrupted metamorphosis—a process strictly dependent on chitin synthesis and its precursor trehalose. However, the specific molecular interference of pyriproxyfen in these metabolic pathways remains unclear. This study investigated the transcriptional response of silkworm midguts to pyriproxyfen using RNA-Seq and validated spatiotemporal gene expression via qRT-PCR. By integrating transcriptomic data with long-term spatiotemporal profiling, we revealed novel tissue-specific expression dynamics. RNA-Seq identified 2059 differentially expressed genes, primarily enriched in metabolic pathways. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed that most chitin- and trehalose-related genes generally exhibited a biphasic “suppression–compensation” trend (initial downregulation followed by upregulation). Notably, tissue-specific responses were evident, with ChsA being continuously suppressed in the middle silk gland, which may be associated with impaired sericin secretion, while showing abnormal upregulation in the posterior silk gland. Additionally, trehalose metabolism genes (Treh and Tret) paralleled the fluctuation of chitin genes, indicating systemic metabolic reprogramming. These results suggest that the toxicity of pyriproxyfen is associated with a decoupling of trehalose metabolism from chitin synthesis and the induction of tissue-specific metabolic disorders. The tissue-specific, long-term spatiotemporal profiling of chitin and trehalose genes presented in this study fills a critical knowledge gap. This study characterizes the transcriptional profile associated with pyriproxyfen toxicity and provides a robust molecular reference for assessing its environmental risks to beneficial insects. Full article

Colorectal resection and subsequent anastomosis are the standard curative procedures for a variety of colorectal pathologies. However, anastomotic leakage (AL) is an early and frequent complication that can have life-threatening outcomes. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of silkworm fibroin sheets on colon anastomotic strength and wound healing early after intervention in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups, control (N = 11) and fibroin (N = 11), and subjected to end-to-end colo-colic anastomosis. In the fibroin group, a single layer of fibroin membrane was applied externally around the anastomosis. The animals were sacrificed three days after the operation (POD3) and intestinal adhesions, anastomotic bursting pressure and histological parameters based on the eosin, hematoxylin, and Masson’s trichrome stains were compared between the groups. Fibroin-treated rats showed a significant increase in anastomotic bursting pressure compared to control animals (69 (18) vs. 41 (28) mmHg), whereas no differences in the intestinal adhesion scores were detected. No significant differences in the numbers of granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages and fibroblasts, nor the amount of collagen fibers, as measured by Masson’s trichrome stain, were found between the groups. These results indicate that fibroin sheets could represent a simple and promising tool to provide mechanical support and improve colonic anastomotic strength early after intervention. Full article

Protein-based nanocarriers have gained considerable attention for targeted cancer theranostic applications due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and facile functionalisation. In addition, some of their properties, such as self-assembling nature, low immunogenicity (if species matched), molecular recognition ability, and lack of persistence due to degradation into proteinogenic amino acids, make them highly suitable for oncology-related applications. Each protein-based nanocarrier exhibits unique physicochemical and biological properties. In this review, we summarise recent advances in targeted protein-based nanocarriers, including albumin, lipoproteins, ferritin, viral protein capsids, fibrin type proteins and silk proteins, emphasising receptor-specific targeting mechanisms, the integration of various imaging modalities along with their advantages and limitations, and the importance of employing advanced preclinical models for translational theranostic applications. This review also discusses the most recent and significant studies in the field, providing useful insights into future directions of protein-based nanocarriers for cancer theranostics. Full article

Background: Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder marked by recurrent mucocutaneous and ocular manifestations, predominantly affecting populations along the historic Silk Road. Genetic susceptibility, especially involving HLA-B*51, is well established. Spondyloarthritis (SpA) shares immunogenetic and clinical overlaps with BD, notably through associations with HLA class I alleles, particularly HLA-B*27. However, extended HLA-B allele profiling in these conditions remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the extended distribution of HLA-B alleles in patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of BD or SpA and to compare their clinical and laboratory profiles. Methods: In a prospective observational study at a Bulgarian rheumatology center, 120 patients with suspected BD or SpA were enrolled between January 2023 and June 2025. Diagnoses were confirmed using International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease (ICBD) and ASAS criteria for SpA. Comprehensive clinical evaluations, laboratory assessments including HLA-B typing by Sanger sequencing, and inflammatory markers were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the cohort, 15 patients (12.5%) were diagnosed with BD and 30 (25%) with SpA. HLA-B*51 was predominantly associated with BD, while HLA-B*27 and its heterozygous combinations were prevalent in SpA patients. Suspected BD patients exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and characteristic clinical features such as oral/genital ulcers and uveitis compared to non-BD patients. Suspected SpA patients showed longer disease duration, increased NSAID use and higher prevalence of enthesitis, psoriasis and peripheral arthritis compared to non-SpA patients. Conclusions: This study confirms the strong associations of HLA-B*51 with Behçet’s disease and HLA-B*27 with spondyloarthritis while revealing additional heterozygous and less common alleles that suggest a broader genetic influence. These findings highlight the genetic diversity and clinical heterogeneity of BD and SpA, supporting the use of extended HLA typing to improve the diagnosis and understanding of these diseases. Full article

Under the intensifying impacts of global climate change, high-altitude linear cultural landscapes are increasingly threatened by natural hazards such as extreme precipitation and glacier-fed runoff. Taking the cultural landscape of the Tibet–Nepal Route as the study object, it employs an integrated methodology combining spatial analysis, adaptive assessment, field investigation, and case studies to systematically identify levels of hazard exposure and explore pathways for adaptive governance. This study makes two key contributions. It develops an interdisciplinary framework that combines spatial exposure analysis, barrier diagnosis, and multi-criteria evaluation. It also proposes a governance shift from external interventions to internally driven approaches, underscoring the central role of traditional community institutions system in building landscape resilience. The findings provide a scientific basis for the coordinated governance of cross-border high-altitude linear cultural landscapes between China and Nepal, and offer transferable insights for advancing the World Heritage nomination research of the Silk Road: the routes network of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to South Asia Corridor. Full article

Crop yield estimation, particularly early-season yield prediction, is highly important for global food security and disaster mitigation. In this study, we utilized deep learning models combined with remote sensing data to develop in-season crop yield estimation models, enabling immediate yield prediction. We employed a convolutional neural network (CNN) for spatial feature extraction and a long short-term memory network (LSTM) for temporal patterns, complemented by Gaussian process regression (GP) that introduced geographical coordinates. Three groups of in-season yield prediction experiments were designed, utilizing four-phase, two-phase, and single-phase data, respectively. The results indicated that under the two-phase training scheme, the LSTM_GP model achieved the highest performance in the sixth period, with an $R^2$ value of 0.61 and a root mean square error ($RMSE$) value of 983.38 kg/ha. When trained on single-phase data at the twelfth phase (approximately mid-to-late July), the LSTM_GP model also performed best, attaining an $R^2$ value of 0.62 and an $RMSE$ value of 969.06 kg/ha. The single-phase prediction model outperformed time-series models in yield prediction accuracy. The periods from mid-to-late July to early-to-mid August represent critical crop growth stages were essential for accurate yield prediction. From our research, we found that adding GP can improve the prediction accuracy, especially for LSTM. Moreover, the proposed single-phase prediction model realized reliable crop yield prediction as well as the silking to early grain-filling stage (mid-to-late July), providing a critical lead time of approximately 2–2.5 months before harvest to support pre-harvest agricultural decision-making. Full article