Background/Objectives: To determine whether a sitting position with the femoral heads centered into the acetabulum is more effective than the usual sitting position in preventing migration percentage progression in non-ambulatory children with bilateral cerebral palsy. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria: spastic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV-V, age 1–6 years, migration percentage <41%, and informed consent. Exclusion criteria: contractures affecting the hip, anterior luxation, previous hip surgery, and lumbar scoliosis. The treatment group sat with their hips significantly abducted to reduce the head into the acetabulum in a customized system for at least five hours/day for two years. Controls sat with the pelvis and lower limbs aligned but the hips less abducted in an adaptive seating system. The primary outcome was migration percentage (MP) progression. Health-related quality of life and family satisfaction were among the secondary outcomes. The study was approved by the local ethics board and conducted in accordance with CONSORT reporting guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04603625. Results: Overall median MP progression was 1.6 after the first year and 2.5 after the second year. No significant differences were observed between the groups. MP exceeded 40% and 50% in 1.8% and 0% of the experimental group and 5.4% and 3.6% of controls in years 1 and 2, respectively. Both groups expressed satisfaction with the postural system and stable health-related quality of life. Conclusions: MP remained stable over the two-year period in both groups. Considering outliers which progressed over 50%, a more protective trend of the hip-centering sitting approach emerged, but this needs to be confirmed in a final, larger dataset. Full article

High concentrations of acrolein (2-propenal) are found in polluted air and cigarette smoke, and may also be generated endogenously. Acrolein is also associated with the induction and progression of many diseases. The high reactivity of acrolein towards the thiol and amino groups of amino acids may cause damage to cell proteins. Acrolein may be responsible for the induction of oxidative stress in cells. We hypothesized that acrolein may contribute to the protein damage in erythrocytes, leading to the disruption of the structure of cell membranes. The lipid membrane fluidity, membrane cytoskeleton, and osmotic fragility were measured for erythrocytes incubated with acrolein for 24 h. The levels of thiol, amino, and carbonyl groups were determined in cell membrane and cytosol proteins. The level of non-enzymatic antioxidant potential (NEAC) and TBARS was also measured. The obtained research results showed that the exposure of erythrocytes to acrolein causes changes in the cell membrane and cytosol proteins. Acrolein stiffens the cell membrane of erythrocytes and increases their osmotic sensitivity. Moreover, it has been shown that erythrocytes treated with acrolein significantly reduce the non-enzymatic antioxidant potential of the cytosol compared to the control. Full article

Skeletal muscle regeneration entails a multifaceted process marked by distinct phases, encompassing inflammation, regeneration, and remodeling. The coordination of these phases hinges upon precise intercellular communication orchestrated by diverse cell types and signaling molecules. Recent focus has turned towards extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly small EVs, as pivotal mediators facilitating intercellular communication throughout muscle regeneration. Notably, injured muscle provokes the release of EVs originating from myofibers and various cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells, satellite cells, and immune cells such as M2 macrophages, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and promyogenic properties. EVs harbor a specific cargo comprising functional proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which intricately regulate gene expression in target cells and activate downstream pathways crucial for skeletal muscle homeostasis and repair. Furthermore, EVs foster angiogenesis, muscle reinnervation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, thereby modulating the tissue microenvironment and promoting effective tissue regeneration. This review consolidates the current understanding on EVs released by cells and damaged tissues throughout various phases of muscle regeneration with a focus on EV cargo, providing new insights on potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate muscle-related pathologies. Full article

Thermal responses of wood significantly depend on the dehydration and pyrolysis processes. However, the dehydration and pyrolysis of wood are not well understood. In this study, the thermal model of wood, considering the temperature-dependent thermo-physical parameters, was presented. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were conducted on the Douglas fir wood with different moisture contents to validate the apparent specific heat capacity submodel. Subsequently, the thermal model was, respectively, implemented in the finite element software Abaqus 6.14 and finite volume software OpenFOAM 5.0 to simulate the three-dimensional temperature profiles within the wood. Dehydration experiment was conducted on the Douglas fir wood to verify the thermal model from room temperature to 200 °C. The thermal model was further validated by the full-scale fire experiment of the cross-laminated timber panel made of Spruce wood. It was found that both latent heat and pyrolysis heat have significant influence on the apparent specific heat capacity which further affected the thermal responses of wood. Moreover, the temperature is more sensitive to the latent heat than to the pyrolysis heat. The gas velocity is rather low in the dehydration and pyrolysis stages due to the low gas pressure. As a result, the gas convection seems to have very limited influence on the temperature progressions. Full article

The devastating effects of COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat respiratory diseases. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) is an essential component of the host defense mechanisms against respiratory viral infections. Although the role of the cGAS/STING signaling axis in the innate immune response to DNA viruses has been thoroughly characterized, mounting evidence shows that it also plays a key role in the prevention of RNA virus infections. In this study, we investigated the role of STING activation during Influenza virus (IFV) infection. In both mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and monocytic cell line THP-1 differentiated with PMA, we found that dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI), a STING agonist, had substantial anti-IFV activity against multiple strains of IFV, including A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria. On the other hand, a pharmacological antagonist of STING (H-151) or the loss of STING in human macrophages leads to enhanced viral replication but suppressed IFN expression. Furthermore, diABZI was antiviral against IFV in primary air–liquid interface cultures of nasal epithelial cells. Our data suggest that STING agonists may serve as promising therapeutic antiviral agents to combat IFV. Full article

This paper outlines the numerical modeling procedure aimed at defining the guidelines for the development of a continuous microwave-assisted pilot plant for shelled almond disinfestation, as an alternative to the use of chemicals. To this end, a 3D Multiphysics numerical tool involving both electromagnetic and thermal models was developed to predict the temperature and electric field profiles inside the microwave treatment chamber. Three different microwave sources arrangements were simulated and the accuracy of the model was verified under different residence times of almonds in the treatment chamber using the developed prototype. The modeling results demonstrated that the arrangement having five microwave sources, each delivering a maximum power of 1.5 kW and frequency of 2.45 GHz, ensures good heating uniformity. The obtained results proved that the model enables the accurate prediction of the temperature trend (root-mean-square error/RMSE = 0.82). A strong linear regression was detected for the standard deviation between the simulated and experimental data (linear regression, R² = 0.91). The very low COV value for the experimental temperature data demonstrated the heating uniformity as the treatment time changed. The developed model and the simulation strategy used may provide useful design guidance for microwave-assisted continuous plants for disinfestation, with a significant impact on the almond industry. Full article

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the Kopčić House, a significant example of modernist architecture in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on its structural-specific features and seismic performance. The Kopčić House embodies a confined masonry structure with innovative construction features, combining load-bearing masonry walls with reinforced concrete elements. This architectural approach was pioneering for its time, combining traditional construction methods with innovative materials and techniques. Detailed analysis using numerical modeling techniques, specifically 3D modeling with the 3Muri software (Vers.14.2.0.4), was conducted to assess the seismic resilience of the structure. The analysis considered different load distributions and eccentricities to comprehensively evaluate the building’s response to lateral forces. The findings of this research reveal the structural capacity and potential vulnerabilities of the Kopčić House when subjected to seismic events. While the building demonstrates inherent strength due to its confined masonry design, areas requiring structural strengthening were identified through numerical simulations. This study contributes to the broader understanding of confined masonry construction within the context of modernist architecture. By integrating historical research with advanced structural analysis, this work aims to bridge the gap between architectural heritage and contemporary engineering practices. Full article

Soils play a dominant role in supporting the survival and growth of crops and they are also extremely important for human health and food safety. At present, the contamination of soil by heavy metals remains a globally concerning environmental issue that needs to be resolved. In the environment, iron plaque, naturally occurring on the root surface of wetland plants, is found to be equipped with an excellent ability at blocking the migration of heavy metals from soils to plants, which can be further developed as an environmentally friendly strategy for soil remediation to ensure food security. Because of its large surface-to-volume porous structure, iron plaque exhibits high binding affinity to heavy metals. Moreover, iron plaque can be seen as a reservoir to store nutrients to support the growth of plants. In this review, the formation process of iron plaque, the ecological role that iron plaque plays in the environment and the interaction between iron plaque, plants and microbes, are summarized. Full article

Anti-aging functional foods benefit the elderly. Telomeres are chromosomal ends that maintain genome stability extended by telomerase catalytic subunit TERT. Due to the end-replication problem, telomeres shorten after each cell cycle without telomerase in most human cells, and eventually the cell enters the senescence stage. Natural products can attenuate the aging process by increasing telomerase activity, such as TA-65. However, TA-65 is expensive. Other Chinese natural products may achieve comparable effects. Here, we found that Rosa roxburghii fruit extracts effectively increase TERT expression and telomerase activity in cultured human mesenchymal stem cells. Both R. roxburghii fruit extracts obtained by freeze-drying and spray-drying increased the activity of telomerase. R. roxburghii fruit extracts were able to reduce reactive oxygen species levels, enhance superoxide dismutase activity, and reduce DNA damage caused by oxidative stress or radiation. R. roxburghii fruit extracts promoted cell proliferation, improved senescent cell morphology, delayed replicative cellular senescence, attenuated cell cycle suppressors, and alleviated the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Transcriptome and metabolic profiling revealed that R. roxburghii fruit extracts promote DNA replication and telomere maintenance pathways and decrease triglyceride levels. Overall, we provide a theoretical basis for the application of R. roxburghii fruit as an anti-aging product. Full article

Lignin, which contains aromatic phenols, is the second most abundant renewable biomass material in the world. It is the main byproduct of the paper industry and is characterized by abundant sources, renewability, and low cost. The present study focused on the extraction of lignin from poplar wood through a straightforward papermaking approach, thereafter utilizing the resultant black liquor containing lignin for synthesizing lignin-based phenolic resins. During the polymerization process, cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) species were introduced and, subsequently, a CoNi/biochar catalyst was obtained through pyrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere. The prepared catalyst possessed rough spherical structures. The incorporation of Co and Ni enhanced charge redistribution, thereby imparting the catalyst with strong electron acceptance capabilities. The prepared lignin-based phenolic-resin-derived carbon was used for the electrochemical sensing of 2-nitrophenol. The limit of detection (LOD) for 2-nitrophenol was calculated to be 0.0132 µM, with good repeatability, stability, and selectivity. Full article

This study investigated the effects of irrigation with a fully inorganic nutrient solution (control; NNNN) and an organic instead of an inorganic nutrient solution (OIINS) at the flowering–fruit setting (ONNN), fruit expanding (NONN), color turning (NNON), and harvest (NNNO) stages of the first spike on the type and content of tomato fruit volatiles to provide a theoretical basis for tomato aroma improvement and high-quality cultivation. Compared with the control (NNNN), the results showed that all OIINS-related treatments decreased the number of fruit volatiles and increased the relative content of common volatile compounds, characteristic effect compounds, aldehydes, and cis-3-hexenal. In particular, the relative order of performance of the OIINS-related treatments was NNNO > NNON > ONNN > NONN in terms of the relative content of characteristic compounds. For all treatments, the relative cis-3-hexenal and trans-2-hexenal percentages were 20.99–51.49% and 20.22–27.81%, respectively. Moreover, hexanal was only detected in tomato fruits under the NNNN and NNNO treatments. The effects of irrigation with OIINS on tomato fruit volatiles were related to the fruit developmental stage. At the mature stage, the organic nutrient solution was conducive to the accumulation of characteristic compounds and improved the fruit aroma quality. Full article

It is well established that the preoperative nutritional status of gastric cancer (GC) patients significantly affects the prognosis of the operated patients, their overall survival, as well as the disease-specific survival. Existing data support that preoperative assessment of nutritional status and early correction of nutritional deficiencies exert a favorable effect on early postoperative outcomes. A variety of relevant indices are used to assess the nutritional status of GC patients who are candidates for surgery. The guidelines of almost all international organizations recommend the use of oral enteral nutrition (EN). Oncologically acceptable types of gastrectomy and methods of patient rehabilitation should take into account the expected postoperative nutritional status. The majority of data support that perioperative EN reduces complications and hospital stay, but not mortality. Oral EN in the postoperative period, albeit in small amounts, helps to reduce the weight loss that is a consequence of gastrectomy. Iron deficiency with or without anemia and low serum levels of vitamin B12 are common metabolic sequelae after gastrectomy and should be restored. EN also significantly helps patients undergoing neoadjuvant or adjuvant antineoplastic therapy. The occurrence of the so-called “postgastrectomy syndromes” requires dietary modifications and drug support. This review attempts to highlight the benefits of EN in GC patients undergoing gastrectomy and to emphasize the type of necessary nutritional management, based on current literature data. Full article

Coronary artery vasospasm plays a crucial role in the prevalence of unstable angina. Despite common misdiagnosis, there is limited evidence on this topic. Here, we present a rare case of unstable vasospastic angina in a female with severe thyrotoxicosis. Case Report: A 62-year-old female patient was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit due to crushing chest pain at rest. The patient exhibited ischemic changes on the ECG with a normal troponin I level. Recurrent chest pain prompted urgent coronary angiography, revealing generalized vasospasm of all coronary artery branches including the left main coronary artery. Intracoronary nitroglycerin injection partially alleviated the vasospasm; however, there was a persistent stenosis in the left main artery. Subsequent intravascular ultrasound demonstrated an anatomically normal left main artery. Post-procedure, laboratory tests revealed undetectable levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones above the detectable level. The patient was initiated on methimazole and discharged symptom-free, expecting a good prognosis under conservative management. Conclusions: Clinically significant coronary vasospasm triggered by thyrotoxicosis remains a rarity in clinical practice, often posing diagnostic challenges. This case emphasizes the significance of intracoronary nitroglycerin and intravascular ultrasound in discerning the etiology of coronary lesions seen on angiography. We advocate for these techniques to optimize invasive coronary artery diagnostics, enabling the selection of the appropriate treatment strategies and improving long-term prognosis. Full article

Several studies have shown that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation plays an important role in the development and application of soy-based products and could increase their nutritional values and content of bioactive substances. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP95 has shown in previous studies to be a promising candidate as a probiotic and microbial culture in fermented soymilk production. In this study, the suitability of Lp. plantarum LP95 as a functional starter culture in tofu production was verified, with a focus on evaluating the isoflavone and amino acid content in the final product after 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Lp. plantarum LP95 was found able to ferment monosaccharides and disaccharides naturally present in soymilk (D-glucose, D-fructose, D-galactose and D-sucrose) after 24 h while leaving the content of galacto-oligosaccharides (stachyose and raffinose) unaffected. The rich amino acid profile of tofu has undergone some quantitative but not qualitative variations compared to the soy milk used, highlighting the high nutritional value of the product obtained. The enzymatic activity of Lp. plantarum LP95 allowed the release of isoflavone aglycones (daidzein, glycitein and genistein) that were not further metabolized during the fermentation phase of soymilk and during storage at 4 °C. In addition, Lp. plantarum LP95 showed a good viability after 21 days of tofu storage at 4 °C. The results obtained highlighted the suitability of this LAB strain to be used as a microbial culture capable of playing a pro-technological role in the production of fermented tofu, which has good nutritional and functional properties. Full article

The importance of essential oils and their components in the industrial sector is attributed to their chemical characteristics and their application in the development of products in the areas of cosmetology, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, the pharmacological properties of this class of natural products have been extensively investigated and indicate their applicability for obtaining new drugs. Therefore, this review discusses the use of these oils as starting materials to synthesize more complex molecules and products with greater commercial value and clinic potential. Furthermore, the antiulcer, cardiovascular, and antidiabetic mechanisms of action are discussed. The main mechanistic aspects of the chemopreventive properties of oils against cancer are also presented. The data highlight essential oils and their derivatives as a strategic chemical group in the search for effective therapeutic agents against various diseases. Full article

The greenhouse effect has a negative impact on social and economic development. Analyzing the factors influencing industrial carbon emissions and accurately predicting the peak of industrial carbon emissions to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality is therefore vital. The annual data from 2000 to 2022 were used to study the influencing factors of carbon emission and the path of carbon emission reduction. In this study, the gray correlation method and stepwise regression method were used to explore the effective factors that met the significance test and the STIRPAT expansion model was constructed to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of industrial carbon emissions in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. Finally, the changing trend of regional industrial carbon emissions is predicted by scenario analysis and four development scenarios are set up, which show that (1) from 2000 to 2022, the change in total industrial carbon emissions in Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality presents an inverted U-shaped trend, reaching a phased peak in 2013 and 2014, respectively, then declining and then rising again after 2018. (2) Industrial scale foreign trade dependence and population are the effective factors of industrial carbon emission in Sichuan, and all have positive effects. Energy structure and per capita income are the effective factors in Chongqing, showing negative and positive effects, respectively. (3) Analysis of four scenarios shows that the time range of the industrial carbon peak in the Sichuan-Chongqing region is 2030–2035 and that its peak height ranges from 81.98 million tons to 87.64 million tons. Among them, the green development scenario is the most consistent path to achieve the carbon peak as soon as possible; in this case, industrial carbon emissions will peak in 2030, in line with the national target time, and the lowest peak level of 81.98 million tons. The suggestions in this paper are continuously optimizing the energy structure, adjusting the industrial scale, and accelerating scientific and technological progress to achieve sustainable development. Full article

Background: Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are compounds with a wide range of industrial and commercial applications and are mainly used as flame retardants and plasticizers. The global consumption of OPFRs has risen rapidly in recent decades, and they have been widely detected in environmental media. Unfortunately, OPFRs have been associated with many adverse health outcomes. The issue of the health risks of OPFRs is attracting increasing attention. Therefore, there is a need to review the current state of research and trends in this field to help researchers and policymakers quickly understand the field, identify new research directions, and allocate appropriate resources for further development of the OPFR health risk research field. Methods: This study statistically analyzed 1162 relevant publications included in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2003–2023. The internal and external features of the literature, such as publication trends, countries, authors, journals, and keywords, were quantitatively analyzed and visually presented to identify the research hotspots, compositions, and paradigms of the field and to horizontally and vertically analyze the development trends and structural evolution of the field. Results: The development of the field can be divided into three stages, and the field entered a period of rapid development in 2016. China (649 papers) is the most prolific country, followed by the United States (188 papers). The authors STAPLETON HM and WANG Y have the highest combined impact. International collaboration between countries and researchers still needs to be strengthened. Science of The Total Environment is the most frequently published journal (162 papers), and Environmental Science and Technology is the most frequently cited journal (5285 citations). Endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, and neurotoxicity are the health effects of greatest interest. Conclusions: Future research is expected to be multidisciplinary, and research hotspots may involve a comprehensive assessment of OPFR exposure in the population, exploration of the mechanisms of endocrine-disrupting effects and in vivo metabolic processes, and examination of the health effects of OPFR metabolites. Full article

Âşıks, renowned for their adeptness at improvisational poetry, are viewed as the inheritors of certain shamanic functions within historical contexts. Originally, shamans assumed diverse roles encompassing poetry, medicine, and priesthood before social and religious transformations prompted a gradual shift of the poetic responsibilities, first to individuals termed ozan (bards) and later to âşık, beginning from the 15th to 16th centuries. Âşıks share parallels with shamans in their upbringing, developmental stages toward âşıklık (bardhood), and esteemed societal positions. Their reverence for deceased masters becomes evident in their artistic presentations, wherein they express homage to the memories, and consequently the spirits, of their masters by reciting the works of esteemed âşık masters, notably Köroğlu, during their performances. This practice, referred to as “usta malı söylemek” (the performance of the masters’ poems and folk songs) within the Turkish âşık tradition, represents an endeavor to establish a connection with the spirits of ancestors. The resemblance between the tradition of âşıks evolving within the master–apprentice dynamic and shamans invoking the spirits of departed ancestors, embarking on celestial and subterranean journeys empowered by them, and the âşıks’ homage to their masters’ spirits through recitations of their works, thereby sensing their masters’ influence by engaging with them, is striking. This study explores the extent to which contemporary âşıks consciously embrace this resemblance. To this end, a sample group of 34 âşıks residing in diverse regions of Türkiye was interviewed, and the acquired data were analyzed using the document analysis method. Accordingly, all the âşıks who participated in the study were nurtured within the tradition of the master–apprentice relationship akin to shamans. They diligently sought to evoke the spirits of their masters during their performances by reciting masters’ poems and songs, reminiscent of shamans invoking the spirits of deceased shaman ancestors through prayers resembling divine verses. Furthermore, while variations specific to different regions and age groups existed among these âşıks, it was observed that consciously reciting the poems of their masters elevated the masters’ spirits. Simultaneously, they harbored concerns about the potential harm that neglecting this practice might inflict upon the tradition, themselves, and their surroundings. Full article

(1) Background: Urgent changes in our food choices are needed for more sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems. Australian native plant-based foods have both environmental and health benefits. Including these foods in our diet may reduce both the risk of chronic diseases and the impact of climate change. This study explored the perceptions and attitudes towards food choices, sustainability and Australian native plant-based food among university students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 212 university students in Australia from October to December 2022. Questions included information about sociodemographic characteristics, food choices, Australian native foods and the impact on sustainability. Logistic regression was used for analyses. (3) Results: Most participants recognised the impact of food choices on sustainability. There was a significant association between recognition of the impact of food choices on sustainability and the environmental and nutritional benefits of Australian native foods (OR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.29, 6.46, p = 0.010). Students who were familiar with or had tried Australian native plant-based foods were significantly more likely to recognise their environmental and nutritional benefits (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Students who recognise the impact of food choices on sustainability and the benefits of Australian native foods are more likely to include native foods in their diet. More studies are needed to investigate the specific native foods consumed and the barriers and facilitators to the intake of these foods. Full article

Pistacia lentiscus L. (P. lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub (Anacardiaceae family) primarily found in the Mediterranean region. The plant has been thoroughly characterized, resulting in a high concentration of bioactive compounds as flavonoids and phenolics. Moreover, P. lentiscus was revealed to possess a great nutritional and industrial importance because of its variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and antioxidant properties. Many of its beneficial health properties and applications date back to antiquity, and the European Medicines Agency officially acknowledged it as an herbal medicinal product. Indeed, it is widely employed in conventional medicine to treat several diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). On this basis, this review aims to summarize and describe the chemical composition of different parts of the plant and highlight the potential of P. lentiscus, focusing on its antidiabetic activities. The plant kingdom is drawing increasing attention because of its complexity of natural molecules in the research of novel bioactive compounds for drug development. In this context, P. lentiscus demonstrated several in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, acting upon many therapeutic T2D targets. Therefore, the information available in this review highlighted the multitarget effects of P. lentiscus and its great potential in T2D treatment. Full article

This paper highlights the fundamental role of integrating different geomatics and geophysical imaging technologies in understanding and preserving cultural heritage, with a focus on the Pavilion of Charles V in Seville (Spain). Using a terrestrial laser scanner, global navigation satellite system, and ground-penetrating radar, we constructed a building information modelling (BIM) system to derive comprehensive decision-making models to preserve this historical asset. These models enable the generation of virtual reconstructions, encompassing not only the building but also its subsurface, distributable as augmented reality or virtual reality online. By leveraging these technologies, the research investigates complex details of the pavilion, capturing its current structure and revealing insights into past soil compositions and potential subsurface structures. This detailed analysis empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions about conservation and management. Furthermore, transparent data sharing fosters collaboration, advancing collective understanding and practices in heritage preservation. Full article