Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of malignancy that is characterized by high mortality rates and prognosis that remain suboptimal, largely due to treatment resistance mechanisms. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly those expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), in HCC progression and resistance. In the present study, we sought to assess EpCAM expression in HCC patients and its correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from 42 HCC patients were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to evaluate EpCAM expression. Clinicopathological data were obtained including the size, grade and stage of tumors, vascular invasion status, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and cirrhosis status. The Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were employed to assess the association between categorical groups. Independent Student-t test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to investigate the association between continuous patient characteristics and survival. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed EpCAM expression in 52.5% of HCC cases. EpCAM-positive tumors exhibited characteristics indicative of aggressive disease, including larger tumor sizes (p = 0.006), greater tumor multiplicity (p = 0.004), higher grades (p = 0.002), more advanced stages (p = 0.003), vascular invasion (p = 0.023), elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels (p = 0.013), and cirrhosis (p=0.052). Survival analysis demonstrated that EpCAM expression was significantly associated with lower overall rates of survival and higher rates of recurrence in HCC patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that EpCAM expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC with a potential role in patient management. Targeting EpCAM-positive CSCs may represent a promising approach to overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes in HCC. However, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying EpCAM’s role in HCC progression is warranted to facilitate the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Full article

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has presented a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant tumors and increased the overall survival of patients with various tumor entities. ICB may also cause immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The lung clearance index (LCI) is a multiple-breath washout technique offering information on lung pathology in addition to conventional spirometry. It measures the degree of pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity and allows early detection of pulmonary damage, especially that to peripheral airways. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the lung function of patients with melanoma or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who received programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, alone or in combination, to age- and sex-matched controls. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, according to American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society standards, the LCI, and a diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurement. Results: Sixty-one screened patients and thirty-eight screened controls led to nineteen successfully included pairs. The LCI in the ICB-treated patients was 8.41 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), which was 0.32 higher compared to 8.07 ± 1.17 in the control group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.452). The patients receiving their ICB therapy for under five months showed a significantly lower LCI (7.98 ± 0.77) compared to the ICB patients undergoing therapy for over five months (9.63 ± 1.22) at the point of testing (p = 0.014). Spirometric analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume between 25 and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) in the ICB-treated patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. DLCO (%predicted and adjusted for hemoglobin) was 94.4 ± 19.7 in the ICB patients and 93.4 ± 21.7 in the control group (p = 0.734). Conclusions: The patients undergoing ICB therapy showed slightly impaired lung function compared to the controls. Longer periods of ICB treatment led to deterioration of the LCI, which may be a sign of a subclinical inflammatory process. The LCI is feasible and may be easily integrated into the clinical daily routine and could contribute to early detection of pulmonary (auto-)inflammation. Full article

The Supreme Deity Talismans of XuHuo, as the mysterious visual artforms in Daoism, are significant ritual images created by Daoists during the Song and Yuan dynasties. This article explores the creation process of the SDTXH by applying psychoanalytic theory to analyze the literature related to their drawings in Daozang. The ritualistic concentration involved in writing the SDTXH resembles Jung’s systematic exercises aimed at eliminating critical attention, thus creating a vacuum in conscious. This vacuum serves as the key premise for active imagination, through which the unconscious is integrated into the conscious. Fuqiao, in fact, is a symbol dynamically depicting the process of the unconscious being inseminated by the conscious through immersion within it. This integration, or unity, represents the embodiment of concepts such as “mandala”, Guizhong, and Taiji. The SDTXH originate from Guizhong and essentially serve as archetypal images, similar to the sandplay images constructed by the clients. As the language of the unconscious, the SDTXH effectively bridge the conscious and unconscious, enabling the unconscious content, namely the archetype, to be symbolically expressed and bringing order to the creator through active imagination. The emergence of the SDTXH signifies the practitioner’s progress towards achieving psychic wholeness. Full article

Diagnosing allergies is not always easy. Sometimes the symptoms reported by the patient do not match the results of diagnostic tests. Diagnostics of IgE-dependent allergy, including allergy to furry animals, can be based on two basic strategies, “BOTTOM-UP” and “TOP-DOWN”, and almost all available allergy tests can be used ranging from skin tests, through specific IgE, to molecular panels and challenge tests. Currently, most information regarding the diagnosis and incidence of allergies to furry animals focuses almost exclusively on the two most common pets—dogs and cats. This is certainly due to the fact that allergy to cats and/or dogs is a common phenomenon, has a huge impact on quality of life, and is a challenge for doctors of many specialties. However, the growing number of owners of other pet species means that diagnostic methods must keep up with the changing needs of patients. Further research in these groups will certainly provide new facts and facilitate clinical decision-making when working with allergic patients. Full article

Aristolochia contorta Bunge is an academically and medicinally important plant species. It belongs to the magnoliids, with an uncertain phylogenetic position, and is one of the few plant species lacking a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event after the angiosperm-wide WGD. A. contorta has been an important traditional Chinese medicine material. Since it contains aristolochic acids (AAs), chemical compounds with nephrotoxity and carcinogenicity, the utilization of this plant has attracted widespread attention. Great efforts are being made to increase its bioactive compounds and reduce or completely remove toxic compounds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are two classes of regulators potentially involved in metabolism regulation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of 223 miRNAs and 363 miRNA targets. The identified miRNAs include 51 known miRNAs belonging to 20 families and 172 novel miRNAs belonging to 107 families. A negative correlation between the expression of miRNAs and their targets was observed. In addition, we identified 441 A. contorta NATs and 560 NAT-sense transcript (ST) pairs, of which 12 NATs were targets of 13 miRNAs, forming 18 miRNA-NAT-ST modules. Various miRNAs and NATs potentially regulated secondary metabolism through the modes of miRNA-target gene–enzyme genes, NAT-STs, and NAT-miRNA-target gene–enzyme genes, suggesting the complexity of gene regulatory networks in A. contorta. The results lay a solid foundation for further manipulating the production of its bioactive and toxic compounds. Full article

Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use as natural fibers for green building components has notably developed over the last years. Indeed, sheep wool, which is a natural animal fiber that comes from shearing sheep fleece, is considered to be a problem of increasing concern due to its complex and difficult disposal management. Recently, several researchers have demonstrated that “low-quality wool” (i.e., not appropriate for textile uses) is suitable for the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. Indeed, thanks to its thermo-hygrometric and acoustic characteristics, it can be used as a reinforcing fiber for composite materials. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms through their Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, was developed and applied within the selected study area (i.e., the Sicily region). The aim was to identify the territorial areas highly characterized by this kind of waste and therefore most suitable for localizing new shared sheep wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as a potential green building component. Full article

The Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit, located on the western slope of the southern Great Xing’an Range in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is hosted by quartz porphyry with crypto-explosive breccia-type Li mineralisation atop and vein-type Sn-Mo-W-Zn polymetallic mineralisation throughout the breccia pipe. This study introduces new data on multistage quartz and mica in situ trace elements; the study was conducted using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of zinnwaldite to delineate the metallogenic age and genesis of Li mineralisation. Zinnwaldite yields a plateau age of 132.45 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.77), representing Early Cretaceous Li mineralisation. Throughout the magmatic–hydrothermal process, quartz trace elements showed Ge enrichment. Li, Al, and Ti contents decreased, with Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios increasing, indicating increased magmatic differentiation, slight acidification, and cooling. Mica’s rising Li, Rb, Cs, Mg, and Ti contents and Nb/Ta ratio, alongside its falling K/Rb ratio, indicate the magma’s ongoing crystallisation differentiation. Fractional crystallisation primarily enriched Li, Rb, and Cs in the late melt. Mica’s high Sc, V, and W contents indicate a high f_O2 setting, with a slightly lower f_O2 during zinnwaldite formation. Greisenisation observed Zn, Mg, and Fe influx from the host rock, broadening zinnwaldite distribution and forming minor Zn vein orebodies later. Late-stage fluorite precipitation highlights a rise in F levels, with fluid Sn and W levels tied to magma evolution and F content. In summary, the Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit was formed in an Early Cretaceous extensional environment and is closely related to a nearby highly differentiated Li-F granite. During magma differentiation, rare metal elements such as Li and Rb were enriched in residual melts. The decrease in temperature and the acidic environment led to the precipitation of Li-, Rb-, and W-bearing minerals, and the increased F content in the late stage led to Sn enrichment and mineralisation. Fluid metasomatism causes Zn, Mg, and Fe in the surrounding rock to enter the fluid, and Zn is enriched and mineralised in the later period. Full article

The application of geophysical methods in saline environments is limited in their ability to discern shallow subsurface geology and tectonics due to the high subsurface conductivity, which can play havoc with the geophysical signal. Recent changes in the hypersaline Dead Sea provided the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and adequacy of the terrestrial frequency domain electromagnetic (henceforth FDEM) method in such settings. Since the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) 5017-3-C borehole was cored in 2011 in a water depth of ~2.1 m, the lake level has dropped by almost 15 m, exposing some 320 m of a new, salt-encrusted shore. An FDEM survey was carried out on what is now land across the borehole. The results of the survey were compared to downhole gamma ray logging data. Three lithologies were found based on gamma-ray cutoff values, and they are in agreement with changes in apparent electric conductivity. The FDEM survey supplied additional spatial information on the subsurface geology, highlighting areas of fluid flow and fracturing, which were found to be aligned with the trend of small strike-slip faults and earthquake clusters from previous studies. The FDEM method is a reliable way of discerning shallow subsurface geology, even in harsh conditions where other geophysical methods are limited. Full article

Abstract: Copper (Cu) is an important transition metal, and its isotopes have important applications in geology, environmental science, soil science, and other fields. Cu isotope fractionation can occur in many natural processes. However, the mechanism of Cu isotope fractionation in solution/hydrothermal solution systems is not very clear. In this study, the fractionation effects of complexes of Cu(I) and Cu(II) in solution/hydrothermal solution systems were systematically studied by means of an ab initio method based on first principles. In the simulation of an aqueous solution system, the theoretical treatment method used is the “water-droplet” method. The results show that the heavy Cu isotope (⁶⁵Cu) enrichment capacity of the Cu-bearing complex solutions is greatly affected by the ligand types both for Cu(I) and Cu(II). For Cu(I) complex solutions, the heavy Cu isotope enrichment sequence is [Cu(HS)₂]⁻·(H₂O)₄₂ > [Cu(HS)(H₂O)]·(H₂O)₄₂ ≈ [Cu(HS)(H₂S)]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCl]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCl₂]⁻·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCl₃]²⁻·(H₂O)₄₂. For the aqueous solutions of Cu(II) with an inorganic ligand (such as H₂O, OH⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ and CN⁻), the order of heavy Cu isotope enrichment is as follows: [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺·(H₂O)₄₂ > [Cu(NO₃)₂]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [Cu(OH)₂]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuSO₄(H₂O)₃]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuNO₃(H₂O)₄]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCN]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂. For the Cu(II) complex solutions with a halogen as ligands, the change order of 1000lnβ is [CuCl]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCl₂]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuBr₂]·(H₂O)₄₂ > [CuCl₃]⁻·(H₂O)₄₂. The sequence of 1000lnβ for Cu(II) organic complex aqueous solutions is [Cu(HOC₆H₄COO)]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂ > [Cu(CH₃CH₂COO)]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂ > [Cu(COOHCOO)]⁺·(H₂O)₄₂. The calculation also found that for Cu(I) complex aqueous solutions, the difference in Cu isotope fractionation parameters (1000lnβ) between [CuCl₂]⁻·(H₂O)₄₂ and [Cu(HS)₂]⁻·(H₂O)₄₂ is relatively large. At 100 °C, the 1000lnβ of the two species are 1.14 and 1.55 (‰), respectively. The difference between the two could be reached up to 0.41 (‰). The Cu isotope fractionation parameter obtained with the “water droplet” method is also very different from the results of previous studies, which indicate that the Cu isotope fractionation behavior of the two is similar. At the same time, the exciting discovery is that the enrichment capacity of heavy Cu isotopes is significantly different between Cu(I) complex aqueous solutions and Cu(II) complex aqueous solutions. At 100 °C, the 1000lnβ of 6 Cu(I) complex aqueous solutions and 13 Cu(II) complex aqueous solutions ranged from 0.90 to 1.55 and 2.24 to 3.25(‰), respectively. It also shows that the REDOX reaction has a significant effect on the Cu isotope fractionation, especially in ore-forming fluids. Therefore, the ligand type is a factor that cannot be ignored when considering the mechanism of Cu isotope fractionation in solution/hydrothermal solution systems. Whether the solvation effect of an aqueous solution is considered or not has a great influence on the numerical values of the final Cu isotope fractionation factors. Hence, the solvation effect of an aqueous solution is an essential determinant in the theoretical calculation of the Cu isotope fractionation factors for Cu-bearing complex solutions. Full article

Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer’s, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population. Full article

Advancements in robotics and mapping technology have spotlighted the development of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems as a key research area. However, the high cost of advanced SLAM systems poses a significant barrier to research and development in the field, while many low-cost SLAM systems, operating under resource constraints, fail to achieve high-precision real-time mapping and localization, rendering them unsuitable for practical applications. This paper introduces a cost-effective SLAM system design that maintains high performance while significantly reducing costs. Our approach utilizes economical components and efficient algorithms, addressing the high-cost barrier in the field. First, we developed a robust robotic platform based on a traditional four-wheeled vehicle structure, enhancing flexibility and load capacity. Then, we adapted the SLAM algorithm using the LiDAR-inertial Odometry framework coupled with the Fast Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm to balance accuracy and real-time performance. Finally, we integrated the 3D multi-goal Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm with Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) for autonomous exploration in complex environments. Comprehensive experimental results confirm the system’s capability for real-time, autonomous navigation and mapping in intricate indoor settings, rivaling more expensive SLAM systems in accuracy and efficiency at a lower cost. Our research results are published as open access, facilitating greater accessibility and collaboration. Full article

Introduction: Food insecurity (FI) experienced during pregnancy represents a relevant public health problem, as it negatively affects maternal and child health. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of FI among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the period from 2021 to 2022, with a representative sample of 423 women resulting from a sample calculation based on the average (2912 births) that occurred in the years 2016 to 2020 in the only maternity hospital in the municipality. After analyzing the medical records, interviews were carried out with the postpartum women using a standardized questionnaire and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals to measure associations. Results: FI was observed in 57.0% of cases and was associated with age under 20 years (PR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.29; 1.79), receipt of government assistance (PR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.10; 1.55), loss of family employment (PR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.20; 1.64), greater number of residents (PR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.00; 1.37), and prenatal care in a public institution (PR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.04; 2.26). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of FI cases, associated with socioeconomic, demographic, and prenatal care characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

The travel and tourism industry plays a crucial role in economies around the world. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry has been very pronounced. This paper aims to study the relationship between the country’s T&T industry Share of Employment (TTEMPL) and the country’s T&T industry Share of Gross Domestic Product (TTGDP). This study is specific because we do not focus on the development of indicators over time; instead, we propose the models for 117 countries using the quantile regression (QR) while comparing models in the context of COVID-19 (between 2019 and 2021). The results of the QR determined that individual percentiles of the TTGDP are more affected by the TTEMPL than other percentiles of the TTGDP, which is then reflected in the changes in regression coefficients. In addition, we compare analyzed indicators among countries according to region and income group. The study reveals that the tourism downturn caused by COVID-19 has adverse effects on the TTEMPL and the TTGDP. In addition, the results show that the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry appears to be varied among countries, regions, and income groups. Full article

Photochemical and photocatalytic oxidation of naproxen (NPX) with UV-A light and commercial TiO₂ under constant flow of oxygen have been investigated. Adsorption experiments indicated that 90% of the solute remained in the solution. Combined chemical analysis of samples on the photochemical degradation indicated that NPX in an aqueous solution (20 ppm) is efficiently transformed into other species but only 18% of the reactant is mineralized into CO₂ and water after three hours of reaction. Performing the photocatalytic oxidation in the presence of TiO₂, more than 80 % of the organic compounds are mineralized by reactive oxidation species (ROS) within four hours of reaction. Analysis of reaction mixtures by a combination of analytical techniques indicated that naproxen is transformed into several aromatic naphthalene derivatives. These latter compounds are eventually transformed into polyhydroxylated aromatic compounds that are strongly adsorbed onto the TiO₂ surface and are quickly oxidized into low-molecular-weight acids by an electron transfer mechanism. Based on this and previous studies on NPX photocatalytic oxidation, a unified and complete degradation mechanism is presented. Full article

Climate change is increasingly affecting components of the terrestrial cryosphere with its adverse impacts in the Arctic regions of our planet are already well documented. In this context, it is regarded today as a key scientific priority to develop methodologies and operational tools that can assist towards advancing our monitoring capabilities and improving our decision-making competences in Arctic regions. In particular, the Arctic coasts are the focal point in this respect, due to their strong connection to the physical environment, society, and the economy in such areas. Geoinformation, namely Earth Observation (EO) and Geographical Information Systems (GISs), provide the way forward towards achieving this goal. The present review, which to our knowledge is the first of its kind, aims at delivering a critical consideration of the state-of-the-art approaches exploiting EO datasets and GIS for mapping the Arctic coasts properties. It also furnishes a reflective discussion on the scientific gaps and challenges that exist that require the attention of the scientific and wider community to allow exploitation of the full potential of EO/GIS technologies in this domain. As such, the present study also serves as a valuable contribution towards pinpointing directions for the design of effective policies and decision-making strategies that will promote environmental sustainability in the Arctic regions. Full article

Gynecological diseases are triggered by aberrant molecular pathways that alter gene expression, hormonal balance, and cellular signaling pathways, which may lead to long-term physiological consequences. This study was able to identify highly preserved modules and key hub genes that are mainly associated with gynecological diseases, represented by endometriosis (EM), ovarian cancer (OC), cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EC), through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Five highly preserved modules were observed across the EM (GSE51981), OC (GSE63885), CC (GSE63514), and EC (GSE17025) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the highly preserved modules were heavily involved in several inflammatory pathways that are associated with transcription dysregulation, such as NF-kB signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, MAPK-ERK signaling, and mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, the results also include pathways that are relevant in gynecological disease prognosis through viral infections. Mutations in the ESR1 gene that encodes for ERα, which were shown to also affect signaling pathways involved in inflammation, further indicate its importance in gynecological disease prognosis. Potential drugs were screened through the Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) based on the up-and downregulated hub genes, wherein a bacterial ribosomal subunit inhibitor and a benzodiazepine receptor agonist were the top candidates. Other drug candidates include a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, glucocorticoid receptor agonists, cholinergic receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sterol demethylase inhibitors, a bacterial antifolate, and serotonin receptor antagonist drugs which have known anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating that the gene network highlights specific inflammatory pathways as a therapeutic avenue in designing drug candidates for gynecological diseases. Full article

This paper presents the design of a 60 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) slot array horn antenna based on the substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) structure. The novelty of this device resides in the achievement of a broad impedance bandwidth and high gain performance by meticulously engineering the radiation band structure and slot array. The antenna demonstrates an impressive impedance bandwidth of 14.96 GHz (24.93%), accompanied by a remarkable maximum reflection coefficient of −39.47 dB. Furthermore, the antenna boasts a gain of 10.01 dBi, showcasing its outstanding performance as a high-frequency antenna with a wide bandwidth and high gain. To validate its capabilities, we fabricated and experimentally characterized a prototype of the antenna using a probe test structure. The measurement results closely align with the simulation results, affirming the suitability of the designed antenna for radar sensing applications in future global industrial scenarios. Full article

This article presents a planar, non-angular, series-fed, dual-element dipole array MIMO antenna operating at 28 GHz with the metasurface-based isolation improvement technique. The initial design is a single-element antenna with a dual dipole array which is series-fed. These dipole elements are non-uniform in shape and distance. This dipole antenna results in end-fire radiation. The dipole antenna excites the $J_1$ mode for its operation. Further, with the view to improve channel capacity, the dipole array expands the antenna to a three-element MIMO antenna. In the MIMO antenna structure, the sum of the $J_1$, $J_2$, and $J_3$ modes is excited, causing resonance at 28 GHz. This article also proposes a metasurface structure with wide stopband characteristics at 28 GHz for isolation improvement. The metasurface is composed of rectangle-shaped structures. The defected ground and metasurface structure combination suppresses the surface wave coupling among the MIMO elements. The proposed antenna results in a bandwidth ranging from 26.7 to 29.6 GHz with isolation improvement greater than 21 dB and a gain of 6.3 dBi. The antenna is validated with the diversity parameters of envelope correlation coefficient, diversity gain, and channel capacity loss. Full article

Hook defects are common in FSW butt–lap joints, resulting in a significant safety hazard for the parts that suffer cyclic load. In this study, a numerical simulation based on the Euler–Lagrange coupling method was conducted to investigate the formation process of hook defect during FSW of AA6005-T6 aluminum alloy. The simulation results were validated with experimental data, showing good agreement. The formation of the hook defect is caused by the threads on the probe promoting material flow in the thickness direction. In order to further study the effect of probe morphology on hook defects, three kinds of probe models with different morphology were established and numerically simulated by the CEL method. The simulation results show that all three kinds of probes can reduce the size of the hook. The welds obtained using the left–left probe (LLP) and the three-plane probe (TPP) both exhibit void defects, while the welds obtained by a right–left probe (RLP) have no internal void defects. The experimental results show the same characteristics as the simulation results, and the size of the hook defect is reduced to 58 μm. Full article

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant and opportunistic pathogenic yeast. Whole-genome sequencing analysis has defined five major clades, each from a distinct geographic region. The current study aimed to examine the genome of the C. auris 20–1498 strain, which is the first isolate of this fungus identified in Mexico. Based on whole-genome sequencing, the draft genome was found to contain 70 contigs. It had a total genome size of 12.86 Mbp, an N50 value of 1.6 Mbp, and an average guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 45.5%. Genome annotation revealed a total of 5432 genes encoding 5515 proteins. According to the genomic analysis, the C. auris 20–1498 strain belongs to clade IV (containing strains endemic to South America). Of the two genes (ERG11 and FKS1) associated with drug resistance in C. auris, a mutation was detected in K143R, a gene located in a mutation hotspot of ERG11 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase), an antifungal drug target. The focus on whole-genome sequencing and the identification of mutations linked to the drug resistance of fungi could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and new antifungal compounds. Full article

Background: The study aims to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the development, progression, and therapeutic potential of glioblastomas. Methodology: The study, following PRISMA guidelines, systematically examined hypoxia and HIFs in glioblastoma using MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 104 relevant studies underwent data extraction. Results: Among the 104 studies, global contributions were diverse, with China leading at 23.1%. The most productive year was 2019, accounting for 11.5%. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) was frequently studied, followed by hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α), osteopontin, and cavolin-1. Commonly associated factors and pathways include glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). HIF expression correlates with various glioblastoma hallmarks, including progression, survival, neovascularization, glucose metabolism, migration, and invasion. Conclusion: Overcoming challenges such as treatment resistance and the absence of biomarkers is critical for the effective integration of HIF-related therapies into the treatment of glioblastoma with the aim of optimizing patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Tocotrienols exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. RhoA, a small GTPase protein, plays a crucial role in regulating contractility in airway smooth muscle (ASM). Previous studies have demonstrated that γ-tocotrienols reduce ASM proliferation and migration by inhibiting the activation of RhoA. In this present study, we investigate the effect of another vitamin E isoform, β-tocotrienols, on human ASM cell proliferation and migration stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Methods: Human ASM cells were pre-treated with β-tocotrienol prior to being stimulated with PDGF-BB to induce ASM cell proliferation and migration. The proliferation and migration of PDGF-BB-induced human ASM cells were assessed using colorimetric and transwell migration assays. The intracellular ROS assay kit was employed to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human ASM cells. Additionally, we explored the effect of β-tocotrienols on the signaling pathways involved in PDGF-BB-induced ASM proliferation and migration. Results: β-tocotrienol inhibited PDGF-BB-induced ASM cell proliferation and migration by reducing RhoA activation and ROS production. However, in this present study, β-tocotrienol did not affect the signaling pathways associated with cyclin D1, phosphorylated Akt1, and ERK1/2. Conclusions: In conclusion, the inhibition of RhoA activation and ROS production by β-tocotrienol, resulting in the reduction in human ASM proliferation and migration, suggests its potential as a treatment for asthma airway remodeling. Full article