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Direct and Indirect Effects of a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide on Spodoptera frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (Baculoviridae) on Diet, Maize Plants and Soil
No full textGlyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide that has attracted concern over its non-target effects, environmental persistence, and the presence of residues in food. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major invasive pest of maize that can be controlled by application of its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), an occluded virus in the family Baculoviridae. We examined the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on S. frugiperda growth and survival and on virus occlusion bodies (OBs) exposed to product label-recommended concentrations of the herbicide. Larval growth, time to pupation, pupal weight, duration of the pupal stage and sex ratio were not affected by exposure to the herbicide (1% v/v solution) applied to the surface of semi-synthetic diet. Exposure to 1–2% herbicide solution had no effect on the median lethal concentration (LC50) of OBs, the susceptibility of second instar larvae to virus infection, or the production of OBs in virus-killed larvae. Virus acquisition did not vary significantly when larvae fed on virus-sprayed maize plants at 1 and 6 days after they had been treated with herbicide, compared to healthy plants. Finally, the presence of 2% herbicide solution did not influence the persistence of OBs in non-sterilized soil samples over a 6-week greenhouse experiment. Although the laboratory and greenhouse experiments indicated that the glyphosate-based herbicide tested was unlikely to influence the transmission or persistence of SfMNPV OBs, future studies should verify these findings across a range of field conditions, soil types and different herbicide formulations
Mechanical Reinforcement of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Nanocomposites Prepared from Masterbatch of Cellulose Nanofibers Wrapped with Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
No full textEthylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are widely used in packaging, films, foams, and adhesives because of their softness and optical clarity; however, their relatively low mechanical strength limits broader applications. In this study, a scalable masterbatch strategy was developed to reinforce EVA by introducing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (T-CNFs), pre-encapsulated within an ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) matrix. EVOH acted as a compatibilizer, establishing robust hydrogen bonding with T-CNFs (evidenced by a 2.73-fold increase in the hydrogen bonding index) and thereby promoting their uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion in the hydrophobic EVA phase. The resulting nanocomposites demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical performance, achieving a maximum 1.54-fold increase in tensile strength and a 1.42-fold increase in Young’s modulus compared to neat EVA. These findings highlight a practical route to produce bio-based, mechanically enhanced EVA nanocomposites with potential for industrial-scale applications
Multi-Threshold Image Segmentation Based on the Hybrid Strategy Improved Dingo Optimization Algorithm
No full textThis study proposes a Hybrid Strategy Improved Dingo Optimization Algorithm (HSIDOA), designed to address the limitations of the standard DOA in complex optimization tasks, including its tendency to fall into local optima, slow convergence speed, and inefficient boundary search. The HSIDOA integrates a quadratic interpolation search strategy, a horizontal crossover search strategy, and a centroid-based opposition learning boundary-handling mechanism. By enhancing local exploitation, global exploration, and out-of-bounds correction, the algorithm forms an optimization framework that excels in convergence accuracy, speed, and stability. On the CEC2017 (30-dimensional) and CEC2022 (10/20-dimensional) benchmark suites, the HSIDOA achieves significantly superior performance in terms of average fitness, standard deviation, convergence rate, and Friedman test rankings, outperforming seven mainstream algorithms including MLPSO, MELGWO, MHWOA, ALA, HO, RIME, and DOA. The results demonstrate strong robustness and scalability across different dimensional settings. Furthermore, HSIDOA is applied to multi-level threshold image segmentation, where Otsu’s maximum between-class variance is used as the objective function, and PSNR, SSIM, and FSIM serve as evaluation metrics. Experimental results show that HSIDOA consistently achieves the best segmentation quality across four threshold levels (4, 6, 8, and 10 levels). Its convergence curves exhibit rapid decline and early stabilization, with stability surpassing all comparison algorithms. In summary, HSIDOA delivers comprehensive improvements in global exploration capability, local exploitation precision, convergence speed, and high-dimensional robustness. It provides an efficient, stable, and versatile optimization method suitable for both complex numerical optimization and image segmentation tasks
Effects of Corrugated Flat Rolling Process on the Bonding Interface, Microstructure, and Properties of Mg/Al Clad Plates
No full textIn this paper, an AZ31B Mg/Al clad plate with 5052 aluminum alloy as the cladding was successfully prepared by a new composite process of corrugated roll roughing + flat roll finishing. First, finite element simulation software was used to predict and analyze the rolling process. Subsequently, experimental research was carried out according to the simulation results, and clad plate samples under single corrugated rolling and corrugated–flat rolling processes were prepared. Finally, the differences between the two clad plates in shape quality, interface bonding state, and mechanical properties were systematically compared and analyzed. The results show that, compared with the traditional corrugated rolling process, the sheet formed by corrugated–flat rolling composite rolling has a flatter shape with no warpage, and its interface bonding quality is better. The specific performance is as follows: the mechanical properties were significantly improved, and the tensile strength and elongation reached 259.96 MPa and 8.11%, respectively, in the transverse direction (TD). This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of high-performance Mg/Al clad plates
WIC Participation and Diversity of Dietary Exposures During Infancy Are Associated with Diet Quality at Age 2 Years
No full textThe present work aimed to assess associations between food insecurity, WIC participation, diversity of dietary exposures, and diet quality in infancy. A secondary analysis was conducted of the WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (WIC ITFPS-2), a national longitudinal study of WIC participation, feeding practices, and children’s health outcomes. Food security at 13 and 24 months, WIC participation at 13 and 24 months, diversity of dietary exposures between 5 and 13 months, and diet quality at 24 months were assessed in 1246 participants who had complete data on all variables of interest. Multivariable linear regression using weighted cases was used. Among families participating in WIC at 13 months, infants in families with low or very low food security had a greater diversity of dietary exposures (mean ± SE: 8.9 ± 0.3) compared to families with high or marginal food security (8.6 ± 0.2); the magnitude of this effect was small but significant (p = 0.03). In both food-insecure and -secure families, greater diversity of dietary exposures (b = 0.30, 95% CI 0.15, 0.44) and WIC participation at 24 months (b = 2.35, 95% CI 1.29, 3.40) were associated with higher diet quality at 24 months. Greater diversity of dietary exposures and participation in WIC may support improved diet quality during the first 2 years
Unveiling the Physiological Correlates of Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: An In-Depth Investigation Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
No full textBackground/Objectives: The search for biomarkers of cognition has garnered significant interest over the past decade, owing to their objective nature, in contrast to the currently available cognition screening tools, which are based on subjective measures. Retina imaging is used in this field because its tissue is considered as an extension of the brain’s vascular and neural structures, reflecting overall brain health. In cognitive disorders, early detection and intervention are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. To evaluate the physiological correlates of cognitive function in healthy young adults by assessing retinal structures as a non-invasive biomarker of cognitive health. Methods: Eighty healthy young adults participated in this study. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used to measure retinal morphology, including macular thickness, volume, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness; then, OCT results were correlated with cognitive assessments using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: Participants with mild cognitive impairment exhibited thinner macular thickness and lower macular volume (p < 0.05, p < 0.001) than participants with normal cognitive function. We also found that macular thickness is positively associated with cognitive function in healthy adults (p < 0.001). The RNFL was found to be normal in all groups, despite changes in macular thickness, indicating that cognitive function in normal individuals depends on macular changes rather than the optic nerve. Conclusions: Macular OCT, which is a cost-effective and widely available tool, can be used to screen for mild cognitive impairment. A clinical trial is recommended to validate these findings and to generate guidelines for assessing cognitive physiology through the retina
Insights into Bioactive Molecules in Rhododendron tomentosum: From Metabolomics to Biological Applications
No full textRhododendron tomentosum is an aromatic plant belonging to the Ericaceae family, widely used for different applications, but still lacking in its molecular signature. This work provides a complete chemical and biological characterization of the hydroalcoholic extract of R. tomentosum tips of twigs. Combining untargeted metabolomic analysis with bioassays, a correlation between chemical composition and biological activity was defined. To this regard, liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed a heterogeneous chemical composition, including flavonoids, such as quercetin, catechin, and their derivatives, as well as a first tentative identification of novel aesculin derivatives. Cell-based model experiments on stressed immortalized human keratinocytes demonstrated the antioxidant activity of the extract. Moreover, it exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial effects against Trichoderma atroviride AGR2, Botrytis cinerea, and Clavibacter michiganensis, while promoting the growth of the beneficial bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. These findings highlight the rich diversity of bioactive molecules present in R. tomentosum hydroalcoholic extract, bridging its chemical composition to its functional properties. Overall, these results suggest its promising potential for applications in improving plant health, as well as in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural industries
Predictors of One-Year Renal Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes: Implications for Metabolic Target Management
No full textBackground: Early decline in kidney function is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The extent to which achievement of glycemic, blood pressure, lipid, and weight targets influences short-term renal trajectories remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 125 T2DM patients who had baseline and 1-year follow-up eGFR measurements at the Mongolia Japan Hospital of the MNUMS during 2023–2024. Clinical and metabolic control was categorized using standard thresholds. Renal outcomes were assessed using absolute 1-year eGFR change and the occurrence of ≥30% decline. Results: Mean eGFR declined from 91.2 ± 24.1 to 88.4 ± 25.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 over one year (mean change −3.77 ± 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2); 7.2% experienced ≥30% decline. Individuals with pre-existing CKD showed significantly greater deterioration than those without (interaction p < 0.001). Poor glycemic control was consistently associated with greater decline: participants with HbA1c > 7.5% had a significant reduction and regression analyses showed an additional adjusted decline of −4.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.029) compared with those at target. Elevated blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg) was also associated with greater annual decline (adjusted β = −6.40, p = 0.024). Lower BMI (<25 kg/m2) predicted larger decreases in eGFR in both CKD and non-CKD groups. Lipid target achievement demonstrated small, inconsistent associations with renal outcomes. Conclusions: In this clinical cohort, poor glycemic control and elevated blood pressure were the strongest modifiable predictors of short-term kidney function decline, particularly among individuals without pre-existing CKD
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in Adults with Neurological Disorders and Foot Drop: Orthotic and Therapeutic Effects in Short- and Long-Term Users
No full textFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) is widely used to improve gait in individuals with neurological impairments; however, early responses in adults with congenital conditions, such as cerebral palsy, who are newly exposed to FES, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the orthotic and therapeutic effects of FES in short- and long-term users using standardized three-dimensional gait analysis. In this longitudinal study, short-term users (G1; n = 13; mean age 31.7 ± 18.1 years) were evaluated both without and with FES and followed over a 4–12-week insurance-covered trial period. Long-term users (G2; n = 11; mean age 32.2 ± 11.0 years), who had used FES for at least one year, were reassessed over a standardized 12-week interval. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the effects of FES and time, with subjects included as random effects to account for inter-individual variability. G1 showed significant therapeutic adaptations, including increased walking speed and step length and reduced step width, accompanied by decreased dorsiflexion during stance and swing, while no significant orthotic effects were observed. G2 demonstrated clear orthotic responses, such as increased dorsiflexion at heel strike and during swing and improved walking speed and step length, with minimal evidence of additional therapeutic adaptation. The initial reduction in dorsiflexion in G1 warrants further investigation. These findings suggest that evaluation timelines may need to be extended and that outcome measures beyond foot clearance should be considered, particularly given the heterogeneity and severity of congenital neurological conditions
2-Aminothiophene Derivative SB-83 Inhibits Trypanothione Reductase and Modulates Cytokine Production in Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Cells
No full textChagas disease remains a significant neglected tropical disease that predominantly affects vulnerable populations in rural, low-income areas of Latin America. The management of this condition is severely hindered by the limitations of current therapies, which are characterized by substantial toxicity, diminished efficacy during the chronic phase, and the emergence of parasitic resistance. Given the promising activity of SB-83 (a 2-aminothiophenic derivative) against Leishmania spp., the present study sought to evaluate its trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. The results showed that SB-83 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the epimastigote forms of T. cruzi (IC50 = 6.23 ± 0.84 μM), trypomastigotes (EC50 = 7.31 ± 0.52 μM) and intracellular amastigotes (EC50 = 5.12 ± 0.49 μM). Furthermore, the cellular proliferation assay results indicated CC50 values of 77.80 ± 2.05 µM for LLC-MK2 CCL-7 and 24.21 ± 1.2 µM for Vero CCL-87, with a selectivity index above 10 for LLC-MK2 cells. In addition, the compound increased TNF-α, IL-12, nitric oxide, and ROS while decreasing IL-10. Moreover, in silico and in vitro assays confirmed its binding to trypanothione reductase, disrupting redox balance. Flow cytometry further revealed apoptosis induction in trypomastigotes, whereas electron microscopy showed cellular disruption and organelle disorganization. Therefore, SB-83 demonstrated potent activity against the TcI-resistant strain linked to Chagas cardiomyopathy at non-toxic concentrations for host cells, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate