Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland)
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Video Super-Resolution Combining Dual Motion Compensation and Multi-Scale Structure–Texture Prior
No full textVideo super-resolution methods based on convolutional kernels or optical flow often face challenges such as limited utilization of multi-frame detail information or strong reliance on accurate optical flow estimation. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel super-resolution reconstruction network named Dual Motion Compensation and Multi-scale Structure–Texture Prior (DCST-Net). Dual motion compensation performs direct and progressive motion mapping in parallel, effectively mitigating estimation bias in motion modeling. A multi-scale structure–texture prior is introduced to enhance high-frequency details through feature fusion, alleviating over-smoothing caused by warping and fusion processes. The proposed DCST-Net method is validated on datasets containing both large and small targets, demonstrating its effectiveness and robustness
Demographics and Prevalence of HBV, HCV, and Syphilis Among the Female Sex Workers of Daulatdia, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: In Bangladesh, a number of sex workers are involved in commercial sex work in different brothels in both legal and illegal settlements due to reasons such as lack of social support, depression, forced sex, abuse, violence, polyamory, being kidnapped, and unemployment. In this study, we tried to evaluate the demographic characteristics and prevalence of viral and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the study population. Methods: A total of 250 female sex workers were interviewed and tested from the Daulatdia brothel of Rajbari district, Bangladesh, who had been working there for at least 1 month. Through questionnaires, demographic data were collected. Primarily, lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests were used to investigate HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), and Syphilis, which were reconfirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cases of positive results. Results: The mean age was 27.51 ± 6.69 years with a range of 18–50 years. Most of them (n = 243, 97.98%) had elementary knowledge of STDs. We determined that overall, 96 (38.40%) were positive for either of these diseases. Individually, 10 (4.00%), 18 (7.20%), and 68 (27.20%) were positive for HCV, HBV, and syphilis, respectively. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that females of all ages should be strictly protected from forced sex work. Current sex workers should be educated regarding the dangers and protective mechanisms of STDs. In addition, as a public health concern, regular clinical check-ups and STD associated diagnoses are necessary to ensure the safety of FSW from these highly infectious and concerning diseases. Due to their socio-economic condition, proper treatment and rehabilitation are highly recommended
Impact of Ethanol–Water Ratio on the Recovery of Major Biflavonoids from Ginkgo Leaves and Sarcotesta
No full textBiflavonoids, or flavonoid dimers, are characteristic phytochemicals of ginkgo associated with various biological activities, yet they remain far less studied than monomeric flavonoids. For their effective industrial application, optimization of extraction conditions is essential. This study investigated the effect of ethanol–water ratio (0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 96% ethanol) on the extraction efficiency of major ginkgo biflavonoids (amentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, and sciadopitysin). Three ginkgo tissue types, green leaves, yellow leaves, and sarcotesta, previously reported to accumulate biflavonoids, were analyzed. Biflavonoids were quantified by HPLC-DAD, and total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were also determined. Biflavonoids were most abundant in yellow leaves, with sciadopitysin identified as the dominant compound. No biflavonoids were detected in water or 10% ethanol extracts, while 30% ethanol extracts contained detectable biflavonoids only in yellow leaves at low concentrations. For most biflavonoids, the highest concentrations were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol. Considering comparable extraction efficiency and lower toxicity, 70% ethanol was identified as the most suitable solvent. These findings highlight the importance of tissue type and solvent composition for efficient biflavonoid extraction from ginkgo
Special Issue “Current Trends and Future Challenges in Assisted Reproduction”
No full textAs the Special Issue on Current Trends and Future Challenges in Assisted Reproduction comes to a close, it is worth revisiting the rationale behind its conception [...
Impact of the Transcriptional Regulator SCO7424 Overexpression on Antibiotic Production in Streptomyces coelicolor
No full textBackground. The genus Streptomyces is known for its capability to produce a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites. The enzymes required for their synthesis are encoded within biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), whose expression can be influenced by various physical and nutritional factors. Among these nutritional factors, it is worth highlighting carbon catabolic repression (CCR), which prevents the formation of secondary metabolites. It has been shown that transcriptional factors, in turn, regulated by glucose or by the enzyme glucose kinase (Glk), may be involved in this mechanism. It was shown that the expression of some transcriptional factors is regulated by glucose availability and that the enzyme glucose kinase (Glk) may play a role in this process. One of the transcriptional factors most upregulated in the presence of glucose/agar in Streptomyces coelicolor M145 is SCO7424, a member of the MarR family of transcriptional regulators. However, its influence on antibiotic synthesis has never been studied. Objective. In this work, we evaluated the effect of SCO7424 overexpression on the synthesis of actinorhodin (ACT) and undecylprodigiosin (RED), and its impact on growth and glucose consumption. Methods. A copy of the sco7424 gene was cloned into the pIJ702 plasmid, which was then transformed into a wild-type strain of S. coelicolor M145. Growth and antibiotic production were evaluated in the strain with two copies of sco7424 and in the wild-type strain. We also evaluated the expression of the probable target genes by quantitative RT-PCR. Results. We found that overexpression of sco7424 negatively impacts growth, glucose consumption kinetics, and the expression of specific regulators of the ACT and RED biosynthetic pathways, resulting in reduced ACT and RED production. Understanding the function of the regulatory cascades regulated by this family of regulators is crucial for boosting the yields of valuable metabolites produced by industrial strains
A Scoping Review of the Barriers to Self-Advocacy for People with Intellectual Disability in Bronfenbrenner’s Process–Person–Context–Time (PPCT) Model
No full textSelf-determination and self-advocacy are critical components of quality of life, and the instruction of these skills continues to emerge as an important outcome for Disabled people, specifically people with intellectual disability (ID). The purpose of this scoping review examined the perspectives of adults with ID and the experienced barriers when self-advocating, making choices, and goal setting. This scoping review searched multiple databases for empirical research, which collected the perspective of people with intellectual disability and what they identified as barriers to self-advocacy. Results included 30 articles with an international perspective available within the English language. The authors utilized Bronfenbrenner’s process–person–context–time (PPCT) model to identify how these barriers are experienced in various relationships and environments and throughout time. The barriers identified fell into the various aspects of the PPCT model. Understanding these barriers provides insights into ways to begin to dismantle them, and this review details recommendations for research, policy, and practices
Influence of Bilateral Upper Limb Morphological Asymmetry on Grip Strength Related to Gender in Non-Athlete University Students
No full textBilateral morphological asymmetry of the upper limbs may influence grip strength even in semi-active young adults. Understanding this relationship is important for identifying early neuromuscular imbalances with implications for ergonomics and rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine associations between upper limb anthropometric characteristics and grip strength in non-athlete students, considering gender and manual dominance. The sample included 192 healthy university students (110 females, 82 males; mean age 19.92 ± 1.4 years) without prior sports training. Thirteen bilateral anthropometric parameters of the upper limbs were assessed, including hand and palm dimensions, segmental lengths, and arm and forearm circumferences, along with grip strength measured by dynamometry in two positions: arm extended and arm flexed at 90°. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in forearm length, arm and forearm circumferences, and grip strength (p < 0.001). The dominant limb consistently demonstrated higher grip strength, with mean differences of approximately 2 kg. Male participants showed higher absolute values for all morphological and functional variables, whereas stronger correlations between distal upper-limb morphology and grip strength were observed in females. These findings indicate that, despite largely symmetric skeletal dimensions, moderate functional asymmetries exist and grip strength is influenced primarily by local muscular development rather than overall limb size
Study on Electromagnetic–Thermal Coupling Characteristics of Submarine Cable Using Finite Element Method
No full textLow-frequency alternating-current (LFAC) transmission has attracted significant attention for medium- and long-distance offshore wind integration due to its ability to mitigate the substantial charging currents and reactive power burdens associated with long submarine cables. This paper investigates the frequency-dependent electrothermal behaviors of a 500 kV three-core XLPE submarine cable using a coupled electromagnetic–thermal finite-element model. The simulation framework evaluates the current distribution, power losses in metallic components, temperature rise, and ampacity across various frequency regimes. To validate the numerical model, a thermal-circuit approach based on the IEC 60287 standard is developed, with comparisons confirming that deviations remain within acceptable engineering margins. The study reveals that operating at lower frequencies effectively mitigates skin and proximity effects, leading to reduced conductor and sheath losses. Quantitative results demonstrate that reducing the operating frequency from 50 Hz to 5 Hz results in a 30.6% reduction in total power losses and a 14.2% increase in current-carrying capability. These findings confirm that LFAC transmission offers a viable pathway to enhance the efficiency and capacity of submarine power transmission systems
Circuitous Ways of EWS::FLI1 Using Circular RNA ZNF609 to Evade Translational Repression by miR-145 in Ewing’s Sarcoma
No full textBackground: Ewing’s sarcoma (EwS) is a pediatric bone and soft tissue cancer driven by the oncogenic fusion protein EWS::FLI1. Currently, EwS lacks targeted therapies, necessitating the identification of novel regulatory mechanisms. While the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs has been explored in EwS, the presence and functional significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in EwS is not reported. This is the first study to report the presence and role of oncogenic circRNA, circZNF609 in EwS tumor progression. Methods: Expression of circZNF609 was validated in 5 different EwS cell lines using qPCR. Cellular localization of circZNF609 was identified using circFISH. Functional assays for proliferation, migration and apoptosis were performed in wild type and circZNF609 knocked down (KD) cell lines to confirm its oncogenic role. The impact of circZNF609 on EWS::FLI1 protein levels was confirmed using western blots, immunofluorescence, and polysome fractionation. Mechanistic insights were gained utilizing bioinformatic, dual-luciferase reporter assays, rescue experiments, and microscopy to identify and validate the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis. Results: We report the first identification of circZNF609 in EwS, demonstrating that its expression is EWS::FLI1-dependent. Functional analysis reveals that circZNF609 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis while inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanistically, circZNF609 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-145-5p. By sequestering this miRNA, circZNF609 prevents the translational repression of EWS::FLI1, thereby sustaining oncogenic signaling. Conclusions: These findings identify circZNF609 as a novel post-transcriptional regulator of EWS::FLI1 and establish its critical role in EwS pathogenesis. Our results suggest that targeting the circZNF609/miR-145-5p/EWS::FLI1 axis may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for EwS
Radioprotective Effect of ε-Aminocaproic Acid in Acute Total-Body Gamma Irradiation in Rats
No full textBackground. Acute radiation injury to the small-intestinal mucosa and the hematopoietic system is a key determinant of early mortality after high-dose total-body irradiation. ε-Aminocaproic acid (EACA), a lysine analogue with antifibrinolytic properties, has been proposed as a potential radioprotective agent, but its effects on intestinal and hematologic injury remain insufficiently characterized. Methods. In this experimental study, 240 male Wistar rats were subjected to single-dose total-body γ-irradiation at 10.6 Gy and randomized into six groups: two non-irradiated controls (CG-1, CG-2), an irradiated control without treatment (CG-3), and three experimental groups receiving EACA (EG-1: 3 h before irradiation; EG-2: 3 h after irradiation; EG-3: both 3 h before and 3 h after irradiation). Pain behavior was assessed using the Rat Grimace Scale. Intestinal damage was evaluated by a modified Radiation Injury Intestinal Mucosal Damage Score (RIIMS_sum), villus and crypt morphometry, and qualitative histology of the ileum. Hemoglobin, leukocytes, and platelets were measured serially, and 30-day survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank tests. Results. Across all EACA regimens, the odds of being in a higher Rat Grimace Scale pain category were reduced compared with CG-3, with the strongest effect in EG-3 (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.31–0.58). At 72 h after irradiation, the cumulative RIIMS score was lower in EACA-treated groups by approximately 17–36% versus CG-3, with the lowest injury in EG-3 (18.5 vs. 29.0 points). EACA attenuated shortening and blunting of villi, preserved crypt architecture, and mitigated anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Thirty-day survival was 20% in CG-3 and 60%, 65%, and 80% in EG-1, EG-2, and EG-3, respectively (all p < 0.05 vs. CG-3). Conclusions. ε-Aminocaproic acid exerts a pronounced, timing-dependent radioprotective effect in a rat model of acute total-body γ-irradiation, concurrently reducing the severity of radiation enteritis, hematologic toxicity, and early mortality. These findings support further investigation of EACA as a candidate adjunct in the prevention of acute radiation injury