Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are pivotal in innate immunity against human immunodeficiency virus I (HIV-1) by eliciting the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which encompass potent host restriction factors. While ISGs restrict the viral replication within the host cell by targeting various stages of the viral life cycle, the lesser-known IFN-repressed genes (IRepGs), including RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), affect the viral replication by altering the expression of the host dependency factors that are essential for efficient HIV-1 gene expression. Both the host restriction and dependency factors determine the viral replication efficiency; however, the understanding of the IRepGs implicated in HIV-1 infection remains greatly limited at present. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding the impact of the RNA-binding protein families, specifically the two families of splicing-associated proteins SRSF and hnRNP, on HIV-1 gene expression and viral replication. Since the recent findings show specifically that SRSF1 and hnRNP A0 are regulated by IFN-I in various cell lines and primary cells, including intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we particularly discuss their role in the context of the innate immunity affecting HIV-1 replication. Full article

Hepatic arterio-portal venous fistula (HAPVF) is a rare, abnormal connection between the hepatic artery and portal vein. HAPVFs are usually caused by trauma or hepatobiliary instrumentation. Fistulas can expand and produce symptoms of severe portal hypertension. The decision to embolize should be based on fistula location, size, and symptoms. We report a case of HAPVF in a liver transplant recipient presenting with worsening ascites and variceal hemorrhage after several prior liver biopsies. Given the extensive nature of the fistula and hepatic decompensation, the HAPVF was successfully embolized, resulting in clinical improvement and obviating the need for re-transplantation. Full article

Metallic joints within tokamak devices necessitate high interface hardness and superior bonding properties. However, conventional manufacturing techniques, specifically the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) diffusion joining process, encounter challenges, including the degradation of the SS316L/CuCrZr interface and CuCrZr hardness. To address this, we explore the potential of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. To assess its viability, we fabricated 54 SS316L/CuCrZr samples and systematically investigated the impact of varied process parameters on the microhardness and tensile strength of the dissimilar metal interfaces. Through comprehensive analysis, integrating scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imagery, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying mechanical property alterations. Notably, within a laser volumetric energy density range of 60 J/mm³ to 90 J/mm³, we achieved elevated interface hardness (around 150 HV) and commendable bonding quality. Comparative analysis against traditional methods revealed a substantial enhancement of 30% to 40% in interface hardness with additive manufacturing, effectively mitigating CuCrZr hardness degradation. Full article

Betaine improves growth performance and health in monogastric animals under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions, but results in ruminants have been more equivocal. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of betaine supplementation on productive performance, milk production and composition, and carcass traits of ruminants due to betaine supplementation. A comprehensive search for published studies investigating the effect of betaine was performed using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Effect size analysis, random effects models, I² statistics, and meta-regression analysis were utilized to assess differences in production parameters. Dietary betaine supplementation increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d (weighted mean differences presented in this abstract), p < 0.001), dry matter intake (+0.15 kg/d, p < 0.001), and milk lactose (+0.05%, p = 0.010) in dairy cows housed under thermoneutral conditions. In the few studies conducted on small ruminants, there was an increase in milk yield in response to dietary betaine (0.45 kg/d, p = 0.040). Under heat stress conditions or grazing pasture during summer, dietary betaine increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d, p < 0.001) and dry matter intake (+0.21 kg/d, p = 0.020). Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (+2.33 kg, p = 0.050) and back fat thickness (+0.74 cm, p < 0.001) in beef cattle. Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (0.14 kg, p = 0.010), daily gain (+0.019 kg/d, p < 0.001), and carcass weight (+0.80 kg, p < 0.001) but not backfat in small ruminants. These meta-analyses showed that dietary betaine increases liveweight in small ruminants and beef cattle and increases feed intake and milk yield in dairy cattle. Full article

Target detection algorithms can greatly improve the efficiency of tomato leaf disease detection and play an important technical role in intelligent tomato cultivation. However, there are some challenges in the detection process, such as the diversity of complex backgrounds and the loss of leaf symmetry due to leaf shadowing, and existing disease detection methods have some disadvantages in terms of deteriorating generalization ability and insufficient accuracy. Aiming at the above issues, a target detection model for tomato leaf disease based on deep learning with a global attention mechanism, TDGA, is proposed in this paper. The main idea of TDGA includes three aspects. Firstly, TDGA adds a global attention mechanism (GAM) after up-sampling and down-sampling, as well as in the SPPF module, to improve the feature extraction ability of the target object, effectively reducing the interference of invalid targets. Secondly, TDGA uses a switchable atrous convolution (SAConv) in the C3 module to improve the model’s ability to detect. Thirdly, TDGA adopts the efficient IoU loss (EIoU) instead of complete IoU loss (CIoU) to solve the ambiguous definition of aspect ratio and sample imbalance. In addition, the influences of different environmental factors such as single leaf, multiple leaves, and shadows on the performance of tomato disease detection are extensively experimented with and analyzed in this paper, which also verified the robustness of TDGA. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of TDGA reaches 91.40%, which is 2.93% higher than that of the original YOLOv5 network, which is higher than YOLOv5, YOLOv7, YOLOHC, YOLOv8, SSD, Faster R-CNN, RetinaNet and other target detection networks, so that TDGA can be utilized for the detection of tomato leaf disease more efficiently and accurately, even in complex environments. Full article

Plans are prepared to provide direction, set goals, manage risks, and ensure timely and successful implementation to achieve desired outcomes. However, plans fail to deliver desired outcomes when an unexpected event occurs. The adaptive planning process is known for its ability to respond to an unexpected event with pre-emptive preparation. The adaptive planning approach seeks to minimise uncertainties and associated risks during each stage of the planning process by (re)assessing the feasibility of water supply needs and the effectiveness of planning decisions. The two most prevalent concepts in the integration of adaptiveness in planning processes are the dynamic adaptive policy planning and the adaptive planning cycle (Mobius loop) frameworks; these frameworks are used to address the uncertainties and associated risks at the planning stage. The Mobius loop, or infinity loop, is gaining momentum, as it clearly illustrates the iterative and continuous nature of adaptation to changing conditions. However, the data on the successful implementation of ‘adaptive’ planning practices are limited, and there is little knowledge about these practices. This study reviews the literature in this field and discusses the different interpretations of adaptiveness and its benefits and challenges while developing long-term strategic plans. The findings identify gaps for future research and recommend the way forward for policymakers to promote adaptive planning practices. Full article

Study Abroad programs yield substantial linguistic advantages in addition to fostering academic and intercultural enrichment. Nevertheless, some students miss these programs due to financial constraints, academic commitments, or insufficient language skills. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative action research study that seeks to evaluate the impact of a multilingual and multicultural class, designed as a quasi-Study Abroad experience, on Hungarian medical students’ perceived English linguistic development by the end of the semester. Semi-structured focus group interviews were carried out with 42 Hungarian medical students at the end of the spring and autumn semesters of the 2021–2022 and the 2022–2023 academic years. The outcomes of the focus-group interviews indicated that the students had a positive experience studying in a multilingual and multicultural environment; their willingness to engage in English communication, along with an increase in self-confidence, was apparent, ultimately showcasing improved perceived proficiency in English communication skills by the end of the term. Creating an educational setting abundant in linguistic and cultural diversity and integrating multicultural project-based learning activities within the curriculum to simulate a quasi-Study Abroad experience represent methodological frameworks that could serve as pivotal models for shaping similar courses in the future. Full article

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular malformations that are prone to rupturing and can cause significant morbidity and mortality in relatively young patients. Conventional treatment options such as surgery and endovascular therapy often are insufficient for cure. There is a growing body of knowledge on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of AVM development and maintenance, making the future of precision medicine a real possibility for AVM management. Here, we review the pathophysiology of AVM development across various cell types, with a focus on current and potential druggable targets and their therapeutic potentials in both sporadic and familial AVM populations. Full article

Sand nourishments and groynes as coastal protection measures (CPM) address similar challenges on sandy coasts but take different approaches: while groynes are intended to reduce alongshore sediment transport and erosion, nourishments add new sediment to the system to compensate for erosion. The aim of this study is to compare the ecological effects of such measures on the vegetation. To this end, nutrient analysis and botanical mappings were carried out on a site with installed groynes, a site where sand nourishments are regularly carried out, and a control site without any CPM. In addition to an increase in nutrient availability after the sand nourishment, significant changes in plant species diversity and composition were also measured. The number of higher plants, mosses, and lichen species was lower at the nourishment site. The opposite impacts were observed at the groyne site: an increase in sediment cover by higher plants and mosses and a distinct increase in lichen species. The results suggest that groynes lead to a stabilization of the coastal system and enable dense vegetation growth. In contrast, sand nourishments lead to nutrient input and unstable habitat conditions, attracting certain plant communities but preventing the establishment of ground-covering vegetation. Full article

This study investigates the utilization of controlled nanocatalysts in methane conversion reactions, addressing the pressing need for the efficient utilization of methane as a feedstock for valuable chemicals and clean energy. The methods employed include a comprehensive review of recent advancements in nanocatalyst synthesis, characterization, and application, as well as the critical analysis of underlying mechanisms and controversies in methane activation and transformation. The main findings reveal significant progress in the design and synthesis of controlled nanocatalysts, enabling enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability in methane conversion reactions. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of resolving controversies surrounding metal–support interactions for rational catalyst design. Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of nanotechnology in shaping the future of methane utilization and sustainable energy production, providing valuable insights for guiding future research directions and technological developments in this field. Full article

The intensification of anthropogenic activities (agriculture, industry, and exploitation of water resources) during urbanization has posed significant challenges to the aquatic environment, particularly in karst regions. Karst aquifers are highly susceptible to surface contaminants and exhibit minimal natural remediation capabilities. Our understanding of the anthropogenic activities involved in these sensitive karst systems remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive study, collecting 285 groundwater samples in Feicheng, northern China, from 1996 to 2015. The overexploitation of karst groundwater has resulted in several concerns. The whole dataset was classified into four groups according to land use. Water quality assessments revealed a yearly decline, particularly in industrial and agricultural areas. The water chemistry transitioned from Ca-Mg-HCO₃ to Ca-Mg-HCO₃-SO₄. Such evolution was attributed to natural hydrogeochemical processes, atmospheric precipitation, and anthropogenic inputs. Natural factors included water-rock interactions (the mineral dissolution) and ion exchange. Absolute principal component scores with multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) were used to quantitatively estimate the sources of pollution. The results showed that hydrogeological settings (recharge, runoff, and discharge) were crucial in the hydrochemistry evolution of karst groundwater systems. In agricultural areas, it is recognized that much of the NO₃⁻ accumulation in aquifers came from upstream inputs in the groundwater system, not just irrigation and fertilization. Urban areas were affected by Cl⁻ pollution, primarily due to domestic waste. Industrial regions of recharge zones were more susceptible to atmospheric precipitation and industrial waste, with pollutants infiltrating through rainfall and degrading water quality. Mining areas exhibit higher SO₄²⁻ and lower pH due to the oxidation of sulfur-containing minerals. Therefore, the rapid response and low self-purification capacity of groundwater in karst regions necessitate caution in urban planning to mitigate impacts on these fragile systems. Full article

With the swift progress of the electronics industry, discarded circuit boards have become an important source of non-degradable waste. In this work, discarded epoxy resin was collected as a precursor to prepare activated carbon (AC) through stepwise carbonization/activation methods. The rough carbon materials with a certain graphite and amorphous structure reveal the multiple oxygen-containing groups on their surface. In the process of studying the adsorption of methyl orange by activated carbon, it is found that the adsorption is in accordance with the quasi-secondary kinetic model, and equilibrium adsorption amounts can reach 41.051 mg/g. The adsorption isotherm of AC is more in line with the Langmuir model, and the saturation adsorption amount at three different temperatures is 23.137 mg/g, 30.358 mg/g, and 37.202 mg/g, respectively. The enthalpy (ΔH) is 17.30 KJ/mol in the adsorption process, which indicates that is a physical process with heat-absorbing capabilities. This work is of great significance with regard to the recycling of waste to reduce pollution and in terms of gaining economic benefits. Full article

Vermicompost is applied as a soil amendment to promote plant growth and yield. It also helps to significantly reduce the incidence of soil-borne diseases. However, its efficiency depends on the type of earthworm from which it is formed. The current study aims to compare the effects of two vermicompost types derived from African nightcrawler (AF) and Tiger worm (TG) as a soil amendment to evaluate its potential for suppressing damping-off disease both in vitro and in vivo. It also aims to determine the effects of both vermicompost types on the growth and yield-related traits of potted Thai vegetable soybean [Glycine max L. Merrill] variety “Chiang Mai 84–2” grown under greenhouse conditions when amended to the soil at various application rates (1%, 2%, 3% w/w). AF vermicompost exhibited better suppression of damping-off disease than TG vermicompost in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. AF vermicompost performed significantly greater suppressive efficacy on the mycelial growth of Athelia rolfsii in vitro than TG vermicompost, indicated by 50% and 16% inhibition, respectively. Damping-off incidence on vegetable soybean seedlings grown in soil amended with AF vermicompost was significantly lower (21%) than in soil amended with TG vermicompost (32%) under greenhouse conditions. With an increased application rate of 1% to 2% or 3% for each vermicompost type, plant yields significantly enhanced, with no significant variations among the 2% and 3% rates. Applying vermicompost at 2% w/w through soil amendment was the appropriate rate for promoting the growth and yield of potted vegetable soybeans. The results can be used to guide the application of vermicompost to control soil-borne plant diseases, promote plant growth, and enhance yields, especially in terms of organic crop production. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential for other potted crops and protect against soil-borne diseases. Full article

Lung epithelial development relies on the proper balance of cell proliferation and differentiation to maintain homeostasis. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to diseases like cancer, where cells undergo hyperproliferation and then can undergo migration and metastasis. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and even though there are a variety of therapeutic approaches, there are cases where treatment remains elusive. The rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been thought to be an ideal molecular target due to its role in activating oncogenic signaling pathways. However, in a variety of cases, inhibition of ROCK has been shown to have the opposite outcome. Here, we show that ROCK inhibition with y-27632 causes abnormal epithelial tissue development in Xenopus laevis embryonic skin, which is an ideal model for studying lung cancer development. We found that treatment with y-27632 caused an increase in proliferation and the formation of ciliated epithelial outgrowths along the tail edge. Our results suggest that, in certain cases, ROCK inhibition can disturb tissue homeostasis. We anticipate that these findings could provide insight into possible mechanisms to overcome instances when ROCK inhibition results in heightened proliferation. Also, these findings are significant because y-27632 is a common pharmacological inhibitor used to study ROCK signaling, so it is important to know that in certain in vivo developmental models and conditions, this treatment can enhance proliferation rather than lead to cell cycle suppression. Full article

Bacterial diversity and its distribution characteristics in sediments are critical to understanding and revealing biogeochemical cycles in sediments. However, little is known about the relationship between biogeochemistry processes and vertical spatial distribution of bacterial communities in sandy sediments. In this study, we used fluorescence quantitative PCR, high-throughput sequencing technology and statistical analysis to explore the vertical distribution pattern of bacterial community diversity and its influencing factors in sandy sediments of the Yangtze River Basin. The aim is to enrich the understanding of the ecological characteristics and functions of bacteria in river ecosystems. The results showed that both sediment bacterial abundance and diversity showed a gradual decrease from surface to bottom in the vertical distribution. The main environmental factors that influenced the bacterial distribution pattern were pore water dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN) concentration and sediment nitrogen (N) content. The dominant bacterial species, Massilia and Flavobacterium, are suitable for growth and reproduction in high oxygen and nutrient-richer environments, while Limnobacter prefers low oxygen or anaerobic conditions. The vertical distribution pattern of bacteria and its influencing factors in river sandy sediment found in this study differ from the results in mud sediment, which may be related to the larger granular gap between sandy sediment and the lower content of organic matter. The findings of this study further our understanding of the distribution patterns and ecological preferences of microbial communities in river sediments, providing insights into how these communities may adapt to varying environmental conditions. Full article

Anchor bolt corrosion is a complex and dynamic system, and the prediction and identification of its corrosion degree are of significant importance for engineering safety. Currently, non-destructive testing using ultrasonic guided waves can be employed for its detection. Building upon the analysis of anchor bolt corrosion mechanisms, this paper proposes a method for evaluating the corrosion degree of anchor bolts based on multi-scale convolutional neural networks (MS-CNNs) that address the multi-mode propagation and dispersion effects of ultrasonic guided wave signals in non-destructive testing. Electrochemical experiments were conducted to simulate anchor bolt corrosion, and ultrasonic guided wave non-destructive testing was performed every 12 h to obtain waveform data. An MS-CNN was then utilized to accurately diagnose the corrosion degree of the anchor bolts. The test results demonstrate that this method effectively detects and diagnoses the extent of anchor bolt corrosion, facilitating timely troubleshooting and preventing potential safety accidents. Full article

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Surveillance (VPDS) programs generate multiple data sources (e.g., routine administrative data, VPD case data, and coverage surveys). However, there are challenges with the use of these siloed data for programmatic decision-making, including poor data accessibility and lack of timely analysis, contributing to missed vaccinations, immunity gaps, and, consequently, VPD outbreaks in populations with limited access to immunization and basic healthcare services. Data triangulation, or the integration of multiple data sources, can be used to improve the availability of key indicators for identifying immunization coverage gaps, under-immunized (UI) and un-immunized (zero-dose (ZD)) children, and for assessing program performance at all levels of the healthcare system. Here, we describe the data triangulation processes, prioritization of indicators, and capacity building efforts in Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Rwanda. We also describe the analyses used to generate meaningful data, key indicators used to identify immunization coverage inequities and performance gaps, and key lessons learned. Triangulation processes and lessons learned may be leveraged by other countries, potentially leading to programmatic changes that promote improved access and utilization of vaccination services through the identification of UI and ZD children. Full article

Colorectal cancer, the third most commonly occurring tumor worldwide, poses challenges owing to its high mortality rate and persistent drug resistance in metastatic cases. We investigated the tumor microenvironment, emphasizing the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer. We used an indirect co-culture system comprising colorectal cancer organoids and cancer-associated fibroblasts to simulate the tumor microenvironment. Immunofluorescence staining validated the characteristics of both organoids and fibroblasts, showing high expression of epithelial cell markers (EPCAM), colon cancer markers (CK20), proliferation markers (KI67), and fibroblast markers (VIM, SMA). Transcriptome profiling was conducted after treatment with anticancer drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, to identify chemoresistance-related genes. Changes in gene expression in the co-cultured colorectal cancer organoids following anticancer drug treatment, compared to monocultured organoids, particularly in pathways related to interferon-alpha/beta signaling and major histocompatibility complex class II protein complex assembly, were identified. These two gene groups potentially mediate drug resistance associated with JAK/STAT signaling. The interaction between colorectal cancer organoids and fibroblasts crucially modulates the expression of genes related to drug resistance. These findings suggest that the interaction between colorectal cancer organoids and fibroblasts significantly influences gene expression related to drug resistance, highlighting potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance. Enhanced understanding of the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment can lead to advancements in personalized medical research.. Full article

Traditional methodologies often fall short in addressing the complexity of biological systems. In this regard, system biology omics have brought invaluable tools for conducting comprehensive analysis. Current sequencing capabilities have revolutionized genetics and genomics studies, as well as the characterization of transcriptional profiling and dynamics of several species and sample types. Biological systems experience complex biochemical processes involving thousands of molecules. These processes occur at different levels that can be studied using mass spectrometry-based (MS-based) analysis, enabling high-throughput proteomics, glycoproteomics, glycomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics analysis. Here, we present the most up-to-date techniques utilized in the completion of omics analysis. Additionally, we include some interesting examples of the applicability of multi omics to a variety of biological systems. Full article

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuation has emerged as a novel biomarker for identifying high-risk arterial plaques due to its association with inflammation. Recognizing the systemic nature of atherosclerosis and its link with major cardiovascular events in coronary disease, this study evaluated PVAT attenuation in the peripheral arteries using CT imaging to expand the understanding of its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Methods: a retrospective analysis of 53 consecutive patients who underwent CT angiography, examining PVAT density across five primary peripheral arterial segments. A 5 mm region of interest adjacent to the vascular wall was analyzed by two blinded readers, with reproducibility coefficients calculated to determine the reliability of the measurements. For the statistical analyses, mean values were derived from these measurements. The patients were stratified into four groups based on the degree of arterial stenosis: <25%, 25–50%, 50–70%, and >70%. PVAT density comparisons between these groups were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the pairwise Mann–Whitney U test with Holm–Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed statistically significant disparities in PVAT density across the categorically differentiated stenosis groups (p < 0.001), indicating an association between PVAT density and arterial stenosis severity. This association was especially pronounced in the external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, and popliteal arteries, where the p-values were consistently below 0.05. Subsequent pairwise analyses utilizing the Mann–Whitney U test with Holm–Bonferroni correction affirmed these findings, in particular for the external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral and popliteal arteries (p < 0.05). Conclusions: our findings reinforce the correlation between increased PVAT density and the degree of arterial stenosis, supporting the clinical value of PVAT as a non-invasive biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification and potentially guiding therapeutic interventions. Full article