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Back Squat Post-Activation Performance Enhancement on Parameters of a 3-Min All-Out Running Test: A Complex Network Analysis Perspective
No full textThis study investigated the impact of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the parameters of the 3 min all-out test (3MT) in non-motorized tethered running, applying the concept of complex networks for integrative analysis. Ten recreational runners underwent anthropometric assessments, a one-repetition maximum test (1RM), a running ramp test, and 3MT trials under both PAPE and CONTROL conditions across five separate sessions. The conditioning activity consisted of two sets of six back squats at 60% 1RM. For each scenario, complex network graphs were constructed and analyzed using Degree, Eigenvector, PageRank, and Betweenness centrality metrics. In the PAPE condition, anthropometric parameters and parameters related to aerobic efficiency exhibited greater centrality, ranking among the top five nodes. Paired Student’s t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) revealed significant differences between conditions for end power (EP-W) (CONTROL: 407.83 ± 119.30 vs. PAPE: 539.33 ± 177.10 (effect size d = −0.84)) and end power relativized by body mass (rEP-W·kg−1) (CONTROL: 5.38 ± 1.70 vs. PAPE: 6.91 ± 2.00 (effect size d = −0.76)), as well as for the absolute and relative values of peak output power, mean output power, peak force, and mean force. These findings suggest that PAPE alters the configuration of complex networks, increasing network density, and may enhance neuromuscular function and running economy. Moreover, PAPE appears to modulate both aerobic and anaerobic contributions to performance. These results highlight the importance of network-based approaches for advancing exercise science and providing individualized strategies for training and performance optimization
Kinetics and Potential Mechanisms of LDPE and PBAT Microplastics Biodeterioration by Soil Bacteria Bacillus cereus L6
No full textLow-density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) agricultural films are major components of microplastics (MPs) and their contamination in agriculture due to their difficulty to recycle. However, potential degradation mechanisms of MPs from LDPE and PBAT in agricultural soils are still unclear. Here, we isolated a strain of Bacillus cereus L6 from long-term agricultural MP-contaminated soil and analyzed its potential biochemical pathways involved in LDPE and PBAT turnover through functional prediction from shotgun genome sequencing. After 28 days of incubation with MPs, Bacillus cereus L6 caused a net mass loss of 0.99% LDPE-MPs/28 days and 3.58% PBAT-MPs/28 days. The surfaces of LDPE and PBAT degraded in bioassays added with Bacillus cereus L6 showed wrinkles, cracks, and pits, accompanied by an increase in roughness. The crystallinity and thermal stability of both LDPE- and PBAT-MPs were decreased and the hydrophobicity of PBAT-MPs was reduced. Whole-genome sequencing analysis showed that Bacillus cereus L6 potentially encoded genes for enzymes related to the biodeterioration of additives in LDPE and PBAT. Moreover, genomic CAZymes predictive analysis showed that genes related to oxygenases and lyases were annotated in the strain L6 Auxiliary Activities family. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for deeper exploration into the degradation and metabolic processes of MPs from discarded agricultural plastics in the environment
Characterization of PpZCP11 as a Key Regulator of Primordium Formation in Pleurotus pulmonarius
No full textPleurotus pulmonarius is a high-value, commercially cultivated edible fungus whose primordium formation is a critical phase for yield and commercial value. To better understand the developmental processes of P. pulmonarius, samples from four key developmental stages were collected and subjected to transcriptome analysis. A total of 6530 DEGs were identified, including 50 transcription factors from 10 families. Among these, the PpZCP11 gene, encoding a Zn2Cys6 transcription factor, was found to be specifically highly expressed during the primordium stage. We cloned PpZCP11 gene and confirmed its nuclear localization. The OE-PpZCP11 strains produced abundant primordia, while primordium formation in the RNAi-PpZCP11 strains was severely suppressed. Moreover, RNA-seq and yeast-one-hybrid analysis suggested that PpZCP11 may regulate cell wall synthesis. These findings indicate that the PpZCP11 transcription factor acts as a positive regulator of primordium formation by regulating the expression of cell wall-related genes. This study provides a theoretical reference for elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying primordium formation in P. pulmonarius
Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
No full textProstate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the second most common cancer among men. Treatment options depend on factors like age, androgen sensitivity, PSA levels, Gleason score, TNM stage, and recurrence risk. Available treatments include hormonal therapy, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Early immunological treatments were limited by poor lymphocyte infiltration and an immunosuppressive environment. Today, strategies such as dendritic cell vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) are used. ACT, especially CAR T-cell strategies, aims to overcome traditional treatment limitations, particularly in advanced and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), though it remains in early development. Personalized medicine uses molecular insights from the diseased tissue to tailor treatments. Variability in patient response, due to tumor heterogeneity and prior treatments, highlights the importance of personalized and combination therapies as future strategies for effective immunotherapy. This review explores the current landscape of PCa. We analyze treatment guidelines established by NCCN and EANM-ESTRO-ESUR-ISUP-SIOG. We comprehensively examine immunotherapeutic strategies currently available or under investigation for prostate cancer, with particular emphasis on ICIs, ACT with a focus on CAR T-cell therapy, combination approaches and therapeutic synergies, and predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy response. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and future directions in the implementation of immunotherapy for the management of prostate cancer
Thermal Expansion, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Rapid Microwave Sintering Mn3Cu0.5Ge0.5N0.9C0.1 in Nitrogen Atmosphere
No full textMicrowave sintering enabled the efficient fabrication of bulk Mn3Cu0.5Ge0.5N0.9C0.1 NTE materials in 3–5 h, versus 2 to 8 days for conventional methods. The microwave approach demonstrated high efficiency and energy savings. By adjusting temperature and dwell time, the NTE operating range can be shifted to lower temperatures. Under the optimized condition of 800 °C for 4 h, the resulting bulk material achieved an NTE coefficient of −20.56 × 10−6 K−1 over a temperature interval ΔT of 88 K (from 159 K to 247 K), along with favorable densification and high hardness. The demonstrated processing efficiency, microstructural control, and tunable NTE properties establish a solid foundation for potential industrial scale-up
Oral Microbiome Dynamics in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Oral Mucositis
No full textThe oral microbiome of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoes changes caused by the neoplasia as well as the antimicrobial activity of chemotherapy (CTX), which promotes the development of oral mucositis (OM). This study aimed to analyze the oral microbiome dynamics and salivary cytokine production in pediatric ALL patients before and during CTX, comparing children who did and did not develop OM. We conducted a longitudinal, observational, and analytical study including 32 newly diagnosed pediatric ALL patients (ages 2–16 years) undergoing CTX. Oral rinse and non-stimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (day 0), day 14, and day 21 of induction of CTX, with an additional sample taken during OM episodes when possible. Microbiome analysis was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform, and salivary cytokines were measured using a Luminex multiplex assay. The most pronounced microbiome changes occurred on day 14, particularly in patients who developed OM, characterized by higher α diversity, increased abundance of opportunistic taxa, and elevated IL-6 concentrations. In contrast, patients who did not develop OM exhibited a more stable microbial composition. Overall, these findings indicate that temporal oral dysbiosis and increased IL-6 may serve as early markers and potential predictors of OM development during chemotherapy in pediatric ALL patients
Air Pollution in 88 US Metropolitan Areas: Trends and Persistence
No full textThis paper analyses trends and persistence in air pollution levels in 88 US metropolitan areas using fractional integration methods. The results indicate that the differencing parameter d is higher than 0 in 38 of the series, which supports the hypothesis of long-memory behavior and implies that, although the effects of shocks are long-lived, they eventually die out. The highest degrees of persistence are found in the Fresno, Bakersfield, Bradenton and San Diego areas. On the whole, the gathered evidence indicates that regional differences in pollution levels are significant, with factors such as industrialisation history and extreme weather events playing a crucial role in their degree of persistence. This suggests that, in order to tackle pollution more effectively, federal environmental policies, such as the Clean Air Act, should be complemented by more targeted ones taking into account local characteristics
RETRACTED: Wahby et al. Hydrophobic and Superhydrophobic Bio-Based Nano-Magnetic Epoxy Composites as Organic Coating of Steel. Coatings 2020, 10, 1201
No full textThe journal retracts the article “Hydrophobic and Superhydrophobic Bio-Based Nano-Magnetic Epoxy Composites as Organic Coating of Steel” [...
Catalytic Tunnel Dynamics Explain Functional Divergence of FAD2 Homologs Underlying the Oleic-to-Linoleic Ratio in Cornus wilsoniana
No full textThe oleic-to-linoleic acid ratio (O/L) is a key determinant of oil quality, yet its molecular basis in Cornus wilsoniana remains unclear. Here, we combined fatty-acid profiling with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and catalytic tunnel analysis to compare four annotated FAD2 homologs. Sequence alignment revealed a major variable segment at residues 160–185, including a small deletion in CW09G04700 and an extensive deletion in CW04G07690. Docking against oleic acid supported excluding CW04G07690 due to weak binding. Eighty-nanosecond MD simulations showed that CW02G01750 and CW09G27260 rapidly converged to stable conformational ensembles with lower core flexibility, whereas CW09G04700 exhibited higher internal mobility around residues 180–220. CAVER analysis further indicated increasingly accessible catalytic tunnels for CW02G01750 and CW09G27260 during simulation, while CW09G04700 displayed transient tunnel narrowing accompanied by ligand conformational readjustments. These results nominate CW02G01750 as a leading structural candidate among C. wilsoniana FAD2 homologs and highlight access-pathway dynamics as a mechanistic feature potentially contributing to O/L formation
Young People’s Knowledge of Factors Associated with Bone Health in New Zealand: A Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: Low peak bone mass (PBM) is a major contributor to later osteoporosis risk. This study sought to understand young people’s knowledge of factors associated with bone health. Methods: Young people in Aotearoa New Zealand were approached. Eight focus groups (26 participants in total, aged 11 to 17 years) were conducted using a semi-structured approach with open-ended questions and prompts. Transcripts were thematically coded using an inductive content analysis approach. Results: Knowledge of factors associated with good bone health was limited. There was a general awareness of the positive and negative impacts of many lifestyle behaviours on health generally, but not specifically PBM. Dairy intake was commonly mentioned as being beneficial for bone health. Some participants reported potential benefits of sport, but most did not know that weight bearing activity specifically was beneficial. Conclusions: Knowledge of osteoporosis and lifestyle factors that impact PBM was limited. Educational interventions involving promotion of bone health knowledge and supporting weight bearing physical activity in adolescents may be an important contributor to public health strategies