Botrytis cinerea is considered the second most important fungal plant pathogen, and can cause serious disease, especially on tomato. The TPK1b gene encodes a receptor-like kinase that can positively regulate plant resistance to B. cinerea. Here, we identified a tomato WRKY transcription factor SlWRKY3 that binds to the W-box on the TPK1b promoter. It can negatively regulate TPK1b transcription, then regulate downstream signaling pathways, and ultimately negatively regulate tomato resistance to B. cinerea. SlWRKY3 interference can enhance resistance to B. cinerea, and SlWRKY3 overexpression leads to susceptibility to B. cinerea. Additionally, we found that B. cinerea can significantly, and rapidly, induce the upregulation of SlWRKY3 expression. In SlWRKY3 transgenic plants, the TPK1b expression level was negatively correlated with SlWRKY3 expression. Compared with the control, the expression of the SA pathway marker gene PR1 was downregulated in W3-OE plants and upregulated in W3-Ri plants when inoculated with B. cinerea for 48 h. Moreover, SlWRKY3 positively regulated ROS production. Overall, SlWRKY3 can inhibit TPK1b transcription in tomato, and negatively regulate resistance to B. cinerea by modulating the downstream SA and ROS pathways. Full article

The ability to accurately map tropical wetland dynamics can significantly contribute to a number of areas, including food and water security, protection and enhancement of ecosystems, flood hazard management, and our understanding of natural greenhouse gas emissions. Yet currently, there is not a tractable solution for mapping tropical forested wetlands at high spatial and temporal resolutions at a regional scale. This means that we lack accurate and up-to-date information about some of the world’s most significant wetlands, including the Amazon Basin. RadWet-L is an automated machine-learning classification technique for the mapping of both inundated forests and open water using ALOS ScanSAR data. We applied and validated RadWet-L for the Amazon Basin. The proposed method is computationally light and transferable across the range of landscape types in the Amazon Basin allowing, for the first time, regional inundation maps to be produced every 42 days at 50 m resolution over the period 2019–2023. Time series estimates of inundation extent from RadWet-L were significantly correlated with NASA-GFZ GRACE-FO water thickness (Pearson’s r = 0.96, p < 0.01), USDA G-REALM lake hight (Pearson’s r between 0.63 and 0.91, p < 0.01), and in situ river stage measurements (Pearson’s r between 0.78 and 0.94, p < 0.01). Additionally, we conducted an evaluation of 11,162 points against the input ScanSAR data revealing spatial and temporal consistency in the approach (F1 score = 0.97). Serial classifications of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 ScanSAR data by RadWet-L can provide unique insights into the spatio-temporal inundation dynamics within the Amazon Basin. Understanding these dynamics can inform policy in the sustainable use of these wetlands, as well as the impacts of inundation dynamics on biodiversity and greenhouse gas budgets. Full article

Effective forest fire suppression remains a critical challenge, necessitating innovative solutions. Temperature-sensitive hydrogels represent a promising avenue in this endeavor. Traditional firefighting methods often struggle to address forest fires efficiently while mitigating ecological harm and optimizing resource utilization. In this study, a novel intelligent temperature-sensitive hydrogel was prepared specially for forest fire extinguishment. Utilizing a one-pot synthesis approach, this material demonstrates exceptional fluidity at ambient temperatures, facilitating convenient application and transport. Upon exposure to elevated temperatures, it undergoes a phase transition to form a solid, barrier-like structure essential for containing forest fires. The incorporation of environmentally friendly phosphorus salts into the chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel system enhances the formation of temperature-sensitive hydrogels, thereby enhancing their structural integrity and firefighting efficacy. Morphological and thermal stability analyses elucidate the outstanding performance, with the hydrogel forming a dense carbonized layer that acts as a robust barrier against the spread of forest fires. Additionally, comprehensive evaluations employing rheological tests, cone calorimeter tests, a swelling test, and infrared thermography reveal the multifaceted roles of temperature-sensitive hydrogels in forest fire prevention and suppression strategies. Full article

Organic livestock farming is committed to high environmental and animal welfare standards, although pathologies such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) may appear. The main objective of this study was to assess nutritional strategies to prevent PWD in organic piglets. A total of 134 weaned piglets were fed one of three diets: high crude protein (17.8%, HCP), low crude protein (16.8%, LCP), and low crude protein supplemented with liquid whey (LCP+W). Piglets were assessed weekly for four weeks on the following parameters: diarrhoea incidence, additional health parameters, average daily gain, and behaviour. Faecal samples were taken to analyse the intestinal microbiota composition. Data were analysed using LMM and GLMM models and Shannon and Whittaker indexes. No significant effect of diet on diarrhoea incidence was found, but the LCP+W diet increased average daily gain. Pigs fed the LCP+W diet presented a lower percentage of drinking and negative social behaviour compared with the HCP diet, and LCP pigs presented higher exploration compared with HCP. In addition, LCP+W piglets showed a higher abundance of the beneficial genus Frisingicoccus. Although liquid whey did not reduce diarrhoea incidence, the benefits found in growth, microbiota composition, and reduced negative social behaviour indicate that it could be an optimal supplement to organic diets. Full article

G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies. Full article

Following up on the first PBPK model for an oral vaccine built for alpha-tocopherol, three peptides are explored in this article to verify if they could support an oral vaccine formulation as adjuvants using the same PBPK modeling approach. A literature review was conducted to verify what peptides have been used as adjuvants in the last decades, and it was noticed that MDP derivatives have been used, with one of them even being commercially approved and used as an adjuvant when administered intravenously in oncology. The aim of this study was to build optimized models for three MDP peptides (MDP itself, MTP-PE, and murabutide) and to verify if they could act as adjuvants for an oral vaccine. Challenges faced by peptides in an oral delivery system are taken into consideration, and improvements to the formulations to achieve better results are described in a step-wise approach to reach the most-optimized model. Once simulations are performed, results are compared to determine what would be the best peptide to support as an oral adjuvant. According to our results, MTP-PE, the currently approved and commercialized peptide, could have potential to be incorporated into an oral formulation. It would be interesting to proceed with further in vivo experiments to determine the behavior of this peptide when administered orally with a proper formulation to overcome the challenges of oral delivery systems. Full article

This article applies object detection to CCTV video material to investigate the potential of using machine learning to automate behavior tracking. This study includes video tapings of two captive Bornean orangutans and their behavior. From a 2 min training video containing the selected behaviors, 334 images were extracted and labeled using Rectlabel. The labeled training material was used to construct an object detection model using Create ML. The use of object detection was shown to have potential for automating tracking, especially of locomotion, whilst filtering out false positives. Potential improvements regarding this tool are addressed, and future implementation should take these into consideration. These improvements include using adequately diverse training material and limiting iterations to avoid overfitting the model. Full article

The complex air environment makes it urgent to build good and safe indoor environments, and the study and application of new materials have become the focus of current research. In this study, we tested and analyzed the structural parameters and filtration performances of the four most commonly used new filter materials in the current market. The results showed that all four new filter materials showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing their filtration efficiency with an increase in filtration velocity. The filtration efficiency of the materials was as follows: PTFE > glass fiber > nanomaterial > electret. The filtration efficiency of all materials reached its maximum when the filtration velocity was 0.2 m/s. The filtration efficiency of the PTFE for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0 was higher than that of the other three materials, with values of 0.87% to 24.93%, 1.21% to 18.69%, and 0.56% to 16.03%, respectively. PTFE was more effective in capturing particles smaller than 1.0 μm. Within the testing velocity range, the resistance of the filter materials was as follows: glass fiber > PTFE > electret > nanomaterial, and the resistance of the four materials showed a good fitting effect. It is also necessary to match the resistance with the filtration efficiency during use, as well as to study the effectiveness of filter materials in blocking microorganisms and absorbing toxic gases. Overall, PTFE showed the best comprehensive performance, as well as providing data support for the selection of related materials or the synthesis and research of filter materials in the future. Full article

Owing to long-term treatment, frequent consultations, and complications, the evaluation of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) must be improved. This study explored an opportunity for improving patient experience (PE) evaluation of patients with HNC to achieve a patient-centered, integrative evaluation model based on patient needs. The study comprised four phases: (1) a systematic literature review of PE factors for patient quality of life (QoL) and establishment of PE factor categories as a framework, (2) a review of current cancer or HNC PE evaluation tools, (3) identification of potential PE evaluation items based on patient needs by conducting user research, and (4) suggestion of integrative HNC PE evaluation items through expert validation. As a result, the 39 potential items were initially identified from the literature review and user research. After conducting two survey rounds with experts, 25 items were suggested as HNC PE evaluation items. These underscore the importance of highlighting the patient’s participation, the medical staff’s comprehensive information delivery, empathy, and collaborative communication, the hospital’s support of communication channels, the medical environment for patient emotional support, the education program, and systematic patient satisfaction data management. PE evaluation items that consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders involved in HNC treatment and factors of comprehensive PE will contribute to improving HNC patient-centered care (PCC). Full article

This study examines the mediating role of green entrepreneurship orientation and the green information system on green supply chain management and firms’ environmental performance relationship. It also investigates the moderating role of management support in the above association. The data were gathered from 355 manufacturing employees conveniently via a structured questionnaire administered during the survey. PLS-SEM was employed to analyse the data. Green entrepreneurial orientation and the green information system mediate the green supply chain management and environmental performance relationship. Equally, management support moderates the same association. The mediating role of green entrepreneurial orientation and the green information system and the moderating role of management support are the unique contributions towards green supply chain management and environmental performance association. Full article

Tumor cells display abnormal growth and division, avoiding the natural process of cell death. These cells can be benign (non-cancerous growth) or malignant (cancerous growth). Over the past few decades, numerous in vitro or in vivo tumor models have been employed to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis in diverse regards. However, our comprehension of how non-tumor cells transform into tumor cells at molecular and cellular levels remains incomplete. The nematode C. elegans has emerged as an excellent model organism for exploring various phenomena, including tumorigenesis. Although C. elegans does not naturally develop cancer, it serves as a valuable platform for identifying oncogenes and the underlying mechanisms within a live organism. In this review, we describe three distinct germline tumor models in C. elegans, highlighting their associated mechanisms and related regulators: (1) ectopic proliferation due to aberrant activation of GLP-1/Notch signaling, (2) meiotic entry failure resulting from the loss of GLD-1/STAR RNA-binding protein, (3) spermatogenic dedifferentiation caused by the loss of PUF-8/PUF RNA-binding protein. Each model requires the mutations of specific genes (glp-1, gld-1, and puf-8) and operates through distinct molecular mechanisms. Despite these differences in the origins of tumorigenesis, the internal regulatory networks within each tumor model display shared features. Given the conservation of many of the regulators implicated in C. elegans tumorigenesis, it is proposed that these unique models hold significant potential for enhancing our comprehension of the broader control mechanisms governing tumorigenesis. Full article

The crack detection of concrete bridges is an important link in the safety evaluation of bridge structures, and the rapid and accurate identification and detection of bridge cracks is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety and long-term stable use of bridges. To solve the incomplete crack detection and segmentation caused by the complex background and small proportion in the actual bridge crack images, this paper proposes a coarse–fine combined bridge crack detection method of “double detection + single segmentation” based on deep learning. To validate the effect and practicality of fine crack detection, images of old civil bridges and viaduct bridges against a complex background and images of a bridge crack against a simple background are used as datasets. You Only Look Once V5(x) (YOLOV5(x)) was preferred as the object detection network model (ODNM) to perform initial and fine detection of bridge cracks, respectively. Using U-Net as the optimal semantic segmentation network model (SSNM), the crack detection results are accurately segmented for fine crack detection. The test results showed that the initial crack detection using YOLOV5(x) was more comprehensive and preserved the original shape of bridge cracks. Second, based on the initial detection, YOLOV5(x) was adopted for fine crack detection, which can determine the location and shape of cracks more carefully and accurately. Finally, the U-Net model was used to segment the accurately detected cracks and achieved a maximum accuracy (AC) value of 98.37%. The experiment verifies the effectiveness and accuracy of this method, which not only provides a faster and more accurate method for fine detection of bridge cracks but also provides technical support for future automated detection and preventive maintenance of bridge structures and has practical value for bridge crack detection engineering. Full article

Although time use is one of people’s most important resources, there are social forces and inequalities that shape how time is used. The aim of this research is to examine gender differences in time use from adolescence to old age and to analyze the association of such use with sociodemographic characteristics and with women’s and men’s health and well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 5700 women (54.2%) and men (45.8%) from the Spanish general population, aged 14 to 85 years. Participants were assessed using five self-reported measures of time use, health, mental symptoms, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, social support, and masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits. The results showed that although there were important differences in life cycle stage and occupation, women spent more time than men on housework, childcare, and caring for sick relatives, while men spent more time than women on enjoying activities and exercise. More time spent on housework was associated with worse health and well-being for women and more exercise with better health and well-being for both genders. It is concluded that gender is relevant to time use and the impact of different uses of time on health and well-being. Full article

Flowers are plant structures characteristic of the phylum Angiosperms composed of organs thought to have emerged from homologous structures to leaves in order to specialize in a distinctive function: reproduction. Symmetric shapes, colours, and scents all play important functional roles in flower biology. The evolution of flower symmetry and the morphology of individual flower parts (sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels) has significantly contributed to the diversity of reproductive strategies across flowering plant species. This diversity facilitates attractiveness for pollination, protection of gametes, efficient fertilization, and seed production. Symmetry, the establishment of body axes, and fate determination are tightly linked. The complex genetic networks underlying the establishment of organ, tissue, and cellular identity, as well as the growth regulators acting across the body axes, are steadily being elucidated in the field. In this review, we summarise the wealth of research already at our fingertips to begin weaving together how separate processes involved in specifying organ identity within the flower may interact, providing a functional perspective on how identity determination and axial regulation may be coordinated to inform symmetrical floral organ structures. Full article

Porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) are among the most important agents of reproductive failure in swine worldwide. PPVs comprise eight genetically different species ascribed to four genera: Protoparvovirus (PPV1, PPV8), Tetraparvovirus (PPV2-3), Copiparvovirus (PPV4-6), and Chaphamaparvovirus (PPV7). In 2016, PPV7 was firstly detected in the USA and afterwards in Europe, Asia, and South America. Recently, it was also identified in Italy in pig farms with reproductive failure. This study aimed to evaluate the circulation of PPV7 in domestic and wild pigs in Sardinia, Italy. In addition, its coinfection with Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) and 3 (PCV3) was analysed, and PPV7 Italian strains were molecularly characterised. PPV7 was detected in domestic pigs and, for the first time, wild pigs in Italy. The PPV7 viral genome was detected in 20.59% of domestic and wild pig samples. PPV7 detection was significantly lower in domestic pigs, with higher PCV2/PCV3 co-infection rates observed in PPV7-positive than in PPV7-negative domestic pigs. Molecular characterisation of the NS1 gene showed a very high frequency of recombination that could presumably promote virus spreading. Full article

We report the absorption and photoluminescence spectra of GaSe single crystals in the near-edge region. The temperatures explored the range from 17 to 300 K. Specifically, at a temperature of 17 K, the photoluminescence spectrum reveals an interesting phenomenon: the Wannier-Mott exciton separates into two states. These states are a triplet state with an energy of 2.103 eV and a singlet state with an energy of 2.109 eV. The energy difference between these two states is 6 meV. Furthermore, the bound exciton (BX) can be localized at an energy of 2.093 eV. It is worth noting that its phonon replicas (BX-nLO) can be clearly distinguished up to the fourth order. Interestingly, the energy gaps between these replicas exhibit a consistent spacing of 7 ± 0.5 meV. This intriguing finding suggests a high-quality crystalline structure as well as a strong coupling between the phonon and BX-nLO. Additionally, at low temperatures, both the ground state (n = 1) at 2.11 eV and the excited state (n = 2) at 2.127 eV of free excitons can be observed. Full article

Tartaric-sulfuric acid anodic (TSA) films were prepared on the surface of the 2024 Al alloy. These films were sealed with cerium salts at 25 °C and 65 °C, hot water, and dichromate. The morphology and corrosion resistance of the anodic films were investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectrometer, an electrochemical workstation, an acidic spot test, and an immersion test. The results indicated that the surface of the TSA film sealed with cerium salt at 65 °C had a slightly lower cerium content compared to the TSA film sealed at 25 °C. It was found that increasing the sealing temperature of cerium salt could enhance the corrosion resistance of the TSA film. After immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 336 h, no obvious corrosion pits were observed on the surface of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C, whereas many larger corrosion pits appeared on the surface of the TSA film sealed at 25 °C. The improved corrosion resistance of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C could be attributed to the synergistic effect of cerium oxide deposition and the hydration reaction. The corrosion resistance of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C was significantly better than that of the film sealed with hot water, but it was still lower than that of the TSA film sealed with dichromate. Full article

The effectiveness of sugar labeling depends not only on direct sugar reduction but also on the extent to which compensatory eating occurs. This study focuses on the use of sucrose grade labels in the Chinese market to investigate not only consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for different sucrose labels but also the consistency of their sugar control behavior when confronted with unlabeled processed foods. The findings reveal that consumers are willing to pay approximately 4%, 7%, and 7% more for yogurt labeled as “low sucrose”, “no sucrose”, and “no sucrose with sugar substitutes”, respectively, compared to yogurt labeled as “regular sucrose.” Furthermore, when subsequently presented with unlabeled toast, a significant proportion of consumers who initially chose “no sucrose” yogurt continued to select wholewheat toast, which contains less sugar than white and coconut toast. This indicates their commitment to maintaining their sugar control behavior. The study provides valuable experimental evidence for researchers, food manufacturers, and policymakers regarding the efficacy of sucrose grade labels. In particular, it offers policymakers insights into guiding consumers to promote sustainable healthy diets. Full article

Pueraria lobata (P. lobata), a traditional anti-diabetic medicine mainly composed of flavonoids and isoflavones, has a long history in diabetes treatment in China. However, the anti-diabetic active component is still unclear. Recently, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been a hot therapeutic target by negatively regulating insulin signaling pathways. In this study, the spectrum–effect relationship analysis method was first used to identify the active components of P. lobata that inhibit PTP1B. The fingerprints of 12 batches of samples were established using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and sixty common peaks were identified. Meanwhile, twelve components were identified by a comparison with the standards. The inhibition of PTP1B activity was studied in vitro by using the p-nitrophenol method, and the partial least squares discriminant analysis, grey relational analysis, bivariate correlation analysis, and cluster analysis were used to analyze the bioactive compounds in P. lobata. Peaks 6, 9 (glycitin), 11 (genistin), 12 (4′-methoxypuerarin), 25, 34, 35, 36, 53, and 59 were considered as potentially active substances that inhibit PTP1B. The in vitro PTP1B inhibitory activity was confirmed by glycitin, genistin, and 4′-methoxypuerarin. The IC₅₀s of the three compounds were 10.56 ± 0.42 μg/mL, 16.46 ± 0.29 μg/mL, and 9.336 ± 0.56 μg/mL, respectively, indicating the obvious PTP1B inhibitory activity. In brief, we established an effective method to identify PTP1B enzyme inhibitors in P. lobata, which is helpful in clarifying the material basis of P. lobata on diabetes. Additionally, it is evident that the spectrum–effect relationship method serves as an efficient approach for identifying active compounds, and this study can also serve as a reference for screening bioactive constituents in traditional Chinese medicine. Full article

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) infection can cause symptoms similar to those of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection, and coinfections with both PCV2 and PCV3 are observed in the swine industry. Consequently, developing chimeric vaccines is essential to prevent and control porcine circovirus infections. In this study, we used both E. coli and mammalian expression systems to express PCV3 Cap (Cap3) and a chimeric gene containing the PCV2-neutralizing epitope within the PCV3 Cap (Cap3-Cap2E), which were assembled into virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines. We found that Cap3 lacking nuclear localization signal (NLS) could not form VLPs, while Cap3 with a His-tag successfully assembled into VLPs. Additionally, the chimeric of PCV2-neutralizing epitopes did not interfere with the assembly process of VLPs. Various immunization approaches revealed that pCap3-Cap2E VLP vaccines were capable of activating high PCV3 Cap-specific antibody levels and effectively neutralizing both PCV3 and PCV2. Furthermore, pCap3-Cap2E VLPs demonstrated a potent ability to activate cellular immunity, protecting against PCV3 infection and preventing lung damage in mice. In conclusion, this study successfully developed a PCV3 Cap VLP vaccine incorporating chimeric PCV2-neutralizing epitope genes, providing new perspectives for PCV3 vaccine development. Full article

Vaginal agenesis (VA) is frequently associated with mullerian agenesis. VA treatments include mechanical dilation and surgical vaginoplasty. We created a vaginal expansion sleeve (VES) as a novel device to progressively lengthen the vaginal canal. This study evaluated the histologic effects of the VES on rat vaginal tissue. The VES is a spring-like device made of proprietary woven cylindrical material and flat resin caps. The VESs were constructed as 25–30 mm, pre-contracted springs, which were secured into the vaginas of six Sprague Dawley rats and allowed to re-expand post-surgically. After one week, the VESs were removed, and the vaginas were harvested and measured in length. Test (n = 6) and control (n = 4) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and anti-Desmin antibodies. The VESs achieved significant vaginal lengthening. The mean vaginal canal length increased from 20.0 ± 2.4 mm to 23.8 ± 1.2 mm after removal of the VESs (n = 6, p < 0.001), a 19% increase. There was a positive correlation between the expander/tension generated in the vagina and the amount of acute and chronic inflammation. H&E staining revealed increased submucosal eosinophilia in five of the six test tissues. One VES sample that was lengthened to 30 mm long showed evidence of lymphocytic and neutrophilic inflammation. Desmin immunostaining and Masson’s trichrome stain revealed a thinner muscularis with more infiltrative fibrous tissue between muscle fibers in the test tissue compared to the control tissue. Although effective, the VES may provoke at least a transient increase in eosinophils consistent with a localized immune reaction during muscularis remodeling. Full article