Search Results (2,694)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in regenerative medicine, yet clinical outcomes remain inconsistent. While traditional strategies have focused on platelet concentration and activation methods, emerging evidence suggests that the biological age of platelets, especially platelet senescence, may be a critical but overlooked factor influencing therapeutic efficacy. Senescent platelets display reduced granule content, impaired responsiveness, and heightened pro-inflammatory behavior, all of which can compromise tissue repair and regeneration. This review explores the mechanisms underlying platelet aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, and examines how these factors influence PRP performance across diverse clinical contexts. We discuss the functional consequences of platelet senescence, the impact of comorbidities and aging on PRP quality, and current tools to assess platelet functionality, such as HLA-I–based flow cytometry. In addition, we present strategies for pre-procedural optimization, advanced processing techniques, and adjunctive therapies aimed at enhancing platelet quality. Finally, we challenge the prevailing emphasis on high-volume blood collection, highlighting the limitations of quantity-focused protocols and advocating for a shift toward biologically precise, function-driven regenerative interventions. Recognizing and addressing platelet senescence is a key step toward unlocking the full therapeutic potential of PRP-based interventions. Full article

Background: The long-term success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often compromised by stress shielding, which can lead to bone resorption and even implant loosening. This study employs finite element analysis (FEA) to compare the stress-shielding effects of a knee prosthesis made from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) with a traditional titanium Ti6Al4V implant on an osteoporotic tibial bone model. Methods: Stress distribution and the stress-shielding factor (SSF) were evaluated at seven critical points in the proximal tibia under physiological loading conditions. Results: Results indicate that the PEEK prosthesis yields a more uniform stress transmission, with von Mises stress levels within the optimal 2–3 MPa range for bone maintenance and consistently negative or near-zero SSF values, implying minimal stress shielding. Conversely, titanium implants exhibited significant stress shielding with high positive SSF values across all points. Additionally, stress concentrations on the polyethylene liner were lower and more evenly distributed in the PEEK model, suggesting reduced wear potential. Conclusions: These findings highlight the biomechanical advantages of PEEK in reducing stress shielding and preserving bone integrity, supporting its potential use to improve implant longevity in TKA. Further experimental and clinical validation are warranted. Full article

A method for selecting mechanical properties and geometry of reinforcing overlays to increase the strength of composite structural elements with holes has been developed. The method is based on the developed algorithm for calculating stress concentration near holes reinforced with inserted rings or glued composite reinforcing overlays. The determination of stresses near holes and overlays is reduced to solving a system of singular integral equations. The kernels of these equations are constructed using Green’s solution, which allows a reduction in the number of equations to four. It is shown that the stress concentration near holes can be significantly reduced by optimizing the thickness, elastic properties, and shape of the overlays. The stress calculations performed based on the three-dimensional theory of elasticity confirmed the reliability of the results obtained within the framework of the plane problem of an anisotropic body. The results obtained, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development, enable the develop simple methods for increasing reliability, reducing material consumption, and reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of composite structures in the aerospace and mechanical engineering industries. Full article

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a neurobiological disorder with a high prevalence in the children’s population. The aim of the present review was to assess the current evidence on the use of salivary biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD. Materials and methods: A search was conducted on the electronic databases PUBMED/Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus for the retrieval of articles concerning the study topic. Results: A total of 22 studies have been included in the present review considering 21 articles identified from databases and 1 article included using a manual search. A wide range of biomarkers have been proposed for early detection of ASD diseases including nonspecific inflammation markers like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), oxidative stress markers like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin, various microRNAs including miR-21, miR-132 and miR-137, and exosomes. The techniques used for biomarke detection may vary according to molecule type and concentration. Conclusions: salivary biomarkers could represent a potential useful tool for the primary detection of several systemic diseases including ASD, taking advantage of non-invasiveness and cost-effective capability compared to other biofluid-based diagnostic techniques. Full article

A dietary supplement, trans-resveratrol and hesperetin (tRES+HESP)—also known as GlucoRegulate—induces increased expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) by activation of transcription factor Nrf2, countering accumulation of the reactive dicarbonyl glycating agent, methylglyoxal. tRES+HESP corrected insulin resistance and decreased fasting and postprandial plasma glucose and low-grade inflammation in overweight and obese subjects in a clinical trial. The aim of this study was to explore, for the first time, health-beneficial gene expression other than Glo1 induced by tRES+HESP in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts in primary culture and HepG2 hepatoma cell line and activity of cis-resveratrol (cRES) as a Glo1 inducer. We measured antioxidant response element-linked gene expression in these cells in response to 5 µM tRES+HESP by the NanoString method. tRES+HESP increases gene expression linked to the prevention of dicarbonyl stress, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, proteotoxicity and hyperglycemia-linked glycolytic overload. Downstream benefits were improved regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and decreased inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling and senescence markers. The median effective concentration of tRES was ninefold lower than cRES in the Glo1 inducer luciferase reporter assay. The GlucoRegulate supplement provides a new treatment option for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease and supports healthy aging. Full article

Climate change is disrupting marine ecosystems, necessitating a deeper understanding of environmental and fishing-related impacts on exploited species. This study examines the effects of physical factors (temperature, thermal anomalies, salinity, seabed conditions), biogeochemical elements (pH, oxygen levels, nutrients, primary production), and fishing pressure on the biomass of commercially important species in the Alboran Sea from 1999 to 2022. Data were sourced from the Copernicus observational program, focusing on the geographical sub-area 1 (GSA-1) zone across three depth ranges. Generalized Additive Models were applied for analysis. Rising temperatures and seasonal anomalies have largely negative effects, disrupting species’ physiological balance. Changes in water quality, including improved nutrient and oxygen concentrations, have yielded complex ecological responses. Fishing indices highlight the vulnerability of small pelagic fish to climate change and overfishing, underscoring their economic and ecological significance. These findings stress the urgent need for ecosystem-based management strategies that integrate climate change impacts to ensure sustainable marine resource management. Full article

(1) Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a neurotrophin with anti-inflammatory properties. Neuroinflammation and stress activate peripheral immune mechanisms, which may contribute to the development of depression and anxiety in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD). This study aims to evaluate whether intracerebroventricular (ICV) premedication with IGF-1 in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neuroinflammation can prevent the emergence of anhedonia and anxiety-like behavior by impacting the peripheral inflammatory responses. (2) Male Wistar rats were subjected to double ICVSTZ (total dose: 3 mg/kg) and ICVIGF-1 injections (total dose: 2 µg). We analyzed the level of anhedonia (sucrose preference), anxiety (elevated plus maze), peripheral inflammation (hematological and cytometric measurement of leukocyte populations, interleukin (IL)-6), and corticosterone concentration at 7 (very early stage, VES), 45 (early stage, ES), and 90 days after STZ injections (late stage, LS). (3) We found that ICVIGF-1 administration reduces behavioral symptoms: anhedonia (ES and LS) and anxiety (VES, ES), and peripheral inflammation: number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, IL-6, and corticosterone concentration (LS) in the rat model of sAD. (4) The obtained results demonstrate beneficial effects of central IGF-1 administration on neuropsychiatric symptoms and peripheral immune system activation during disease progression in the rat model of sAD. Full article

To address the freezing damage to tunnel lining caused by frost heaving of the surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels in cold regions, a numerical thermo-mechanical coupling model for tunnel-surrounding rock that considers the anisotropy of frost heave deformation was established by examining overall frost heaves in a freeze–thaw cycle. Using a COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 platform and the sequential coupling method, the temperature field evolution of tunnel-surrounding rock, freezing cycle development, and distribution characteristics of the frost heaving force of a tunnel lining under different minimum temperatures, numbers of negative temperature days, frost heave ratios, and anisotropy coefficients of frost heave deformation were systematically simulated. The results revealed that the response of the temperature field of tunnel-surrounding rock to the external temperature varies spatially with time lags, the shallow surface temperatures and the area around the lining fluctuate with the climate, and the temperature of the deep surrounding rock is dominated by the geothermal gradient. The extent of the freezing cycle and the frost heaving force increase significantly when lowering the minimum temperature. The maximum frost heaving force usually occurs in the region of the side wall and the spring line, and tensile stress is prone to be generated at the spring line; the influence of slight fluctuations in the minimum temperature or the short shift in the coldest day on the frost heaving force is limited. A substantial increase in frost heaving force is observed with higher frost heave ratios; for example, an increase from 0.25% to 2.0% results in a 116% rise at the sidewall. Although the increase in the anisotropy coefficient of frost heave deformation does not change the overall distribution pattern of frost heaving force, it can exacerbate the directional concentration of frost heave strain, which can increase the frost heaving force at the periphery of the top arch of the lining. This study revealed the distribution pattern and key influencing factors of the freezing cycle and frost heaving force for tunnels, providing a theoretical basis and data reference for the frost resistance design of tunnels in cold regions. Full article

Rootstocks are widely used in viticulture as an agronomic measure to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. In winegrapes, the aroma is one of the major factors defining the quality of grape berries and wines. In the present work, the grape aroma and wine aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grafted on three rootstocks were investigated to inform the selection of rootstocks to utilize. 1103P, 5A, and SO₄ altered the composition of aromatic volatiles in CS grapes and wines. Among them, 5A and SO₄ had less effect on green leaf volatiles in the berries and wines, while 1103P increased green leaf volatile concentrations, up-regulating VvADH2 expression in both vintages. VvLOXA, VvLOXC, VvHPL1, VvADH1, VvADH2, and VvAAT were co-regulated by vintage and rootstock. Orthogonal partial least squares regression analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that the differential compounds in CS/1103P and CS berries were dominated by green leaf volatiles. Furthermore, the concentrations of 1-hexanol in the CS/1103P wines were significantly higher than in the other treatments in the two vintages. 1103P altered the expression of genes in the LOX-HPL pathway and increased the concentration of grape green leaf volatiles such as 1-hexanol and 1-hexanal, while vine vigor also affected green leaf volatile concentrations, the combination of which altered the aromatic composition of the wine and gave it more green flavors. Full article

Many low-temperature applications, such as rocket engines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport pumps, necessitate ultra-low-temperature operational environments. In these conditions, the properties of lubricating oils and greases are significantly influenced by temperature, leading to the widespread adoption of solid lubrication. Currently, there is no international research regarding the influence of bearing coatings on the subsurface stress distribution in raceways. The Lundberg–Palmgren (L-P) theory states that subsurface stress variations govern bearing lifespan. Therefore, this paper utilizes existing formulas and Python programming to calculate the subsurface stress field of the inner raceway in a MoS₂ solid-lubricated angular contact ball bearing. Furthermore, it analyzes the impacts of factors such as coating material properties, slide-to-roll ratio, traction coefficient, and load on its subsurface stress field. The results reveal that for solid-lubricated ball bearings, as the load increases, the maximum subsurface stress shifts closer to the center of the contact area, and the maximum subsurface shear stress becomes more concentrated. As the traction coefficient increases, the stress on the XZ-plane side increases and its position moves closer to the surface, while the opposite trend is observed on the other side. Additionally, the maximum value of the subsurface von Mises stress is approximately 0.64P₀, and the maximum value of the orthogonal shear stress component τ_yz in the subsurface is approximately 0.25P₀. Full article

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a key species in high-altitude rangelands of Asia. Despite their ecological and economic importance, yak production faces persistent challenges, including low milk yields, vulnerability to climate changes, emerging diseases, and a lack of systematic breeding programs. This review presents the genomic, physiological, and environmental dimensions of yak biology and husbandry. Genes such as EPAS1, which encodes hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, underpin physiological adaptations, including enlarged cardiopulmonary structures, elevated erythrocyte concentrations, and specialized thermoregulatory mechanisms that enable their survival at elevations of 3000 m and above. Copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present promising markers for improving milk and meat production, disease resistance, and metabolic efficiency. F1 and F2 generations of yak–cattle hybrids show superior growth and milk yields, but reproductive barriers, such as natural mating or artificial insemination, and environmental factors limit the success of these hybrids beyond second generation. Infectious diseases, such as bovine viral diarrhea and antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-forming Enterococcus and E. coli, pose risks to herd health and food safety. Rising ambient temperatures, declining forage biomass, and increased disease prevalence due to climate changes risk yak economic performance and welfare. Addressing these challenges by nutritional, environmental, and genetic interventions will safeguard yak pastoralism. This review describes the genes associated with different yak traits and provides an overview of the genetic adaptations of yaks (Bos grunniens) to environmental stresses at high altitudes and emphasizes the need for conservation and improvement strategies for sustainable husbandry of these yaks. Full article

Transition-metal and rare-earth element co-doped ZnO nanoparticles have attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in spintronics and optoelectronics. In this study, Zn_0.95Co_0.01EuxO (x = 0.01–0.05) nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel technique. The estimated stress, strain, and crystallite sizes of the synthesized Co/Eu co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were calculated using the Williamson–Hall method, and their electron spin resonance (ESR) properties were investigated to examine the effect on their magnetic and structural properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of a single-phase structure. Surface morphology, elemental composition, crystal quality, defect types, density, and magnetic behavior were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and ESR techniques, respectively. The effect of Eu concentration on the linewidth (ΔBpp) and g-factor in the ESR spectra was studied. By correlating ESR results with the obtained structural properties, room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior was identified. Full article

The present study focuses on investigating the contribution of puppetry as a pedagogical and psychosocial tool in special education, addressing the literature gap in the systematic documentation of the experiences of special education teachers, concerning its use in daily teaching practice. The main objective is to capture the way in which puppetry enhances the learning, social and therapeutic support of students with complex educational and psychosocial needs. The study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with eleven special education teachers who integrate puppetry into their teaching. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings highlight that puppetry significantly enhances cognitive function, concentration, memory and language development, while promoting the active participation, cooperation, social inclusion and self-expression of students. In addition, the use of the puppet acts as a means of psycho-emotional empowerment, supporting positive behavior and helping students cope with stress and behavioral difficulties. Participants identified peer support, material adequacy and training as key factors for effective implementation, while conversely, a lack of resources and time is cited as a key obstacle. The integration of puppetry in everyday school life seems to ameliorate a more personalized, supportive and experiential learning environment, responding to the diverse and complex profiles of students attending special schools. Continuous training for teachers, along with strengthening the collaboration between the arts and special education, is essential for the effective use of puppetry in the classroom. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice (Oryza sativa L.) poses serious health risks for human, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the effects of Cd stress on iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and Cd accumulation and translocation in rice varieties with high (MY46) or low (ZS97B) Cd accumulation capacities grown in acidic and alkaline soils. Results demonstrated that Cd stress significantly inhibited plant growth, reducing plant height, shoot biomass, and grain yield in both soil types. Cd accumulation increased in roots, shoots, and grains, while Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations decreased markedly. Molecular analysis revealed upregulation of metal transporter genes (OsIRT1, OsNRAMP1, OsNRAMP5) and the vacuolar sequestration gene (OsHMA3) in roots under Cd exposure. The translocation factor (TF) values of Mn and Zn from root to shoot were reduced in acidic soils, whereas Mn and Zn TFs exhibited an increasing trend in alkaline soils despite Cd exposure. Furthermore, correlation analyses indicated Mn and Zn play crucial roles in suppressing Cd accumulation in both acidic and alkaline soils. These findings provide critical insights for developing soil-specific strategies to reduce Cd accumulation in rice through micronutrient management. Full article

Background: Cerebral aneurysm (CA) is a focal or diffuse pathological dilation of the cerebral arterial wall that arises due to various etiological factors. It represents a serious vascular condition, particularly affecting the elderly, and carries a high risk of rupture and neurological morbidity. Clonidine (CL), an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been reported to suppress aneurysm progression; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms, especially in relation to cerebral endothelial dysfunction, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential of CL to mitigate CA development by modulating apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in an Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial injury model. Methods: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were used to establish an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction by treating cells with 1 µM Ang II for 48 h. CL was administered 2 h prior to Ang II exposure at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 µM. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nitric Oxide (NO), were measured using 2′,7′–dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA). Gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were quantified using RT-qPCR. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Results: Ang II significantly increased ROS production and reduced NO levels, accompanied by heightened proinflammatory cytokine release and endothelial dysfunction. MTT assay revealed a marked decrease in cell viability following Ang II treatment (34.18%), whereas CL preserved cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner: 44.24% at 0.1 µM, 66.56% at 1 µM, and 81.74% at 10 µM. CL treatment also significantly attenuated ROS generation and inflammatory cytokine levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of VEGF, HMGB1, NF-κB, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was significantly downregulated in response to CL. Conclusions: CL exerts a protective effect on endothelial cells by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing proinflammatory signaling pathways in Ang II-induced injury. These results support the potential of CL to mitigate endothelial injury in vitro, though further in vivo studies are required to confirm its translational relevance. Full article