Thrips biocontrol research in greenhouse crops has focused primarily on western flower thrips (WFT; Frankliniella occidentalis). However, recent outbreaks of onion thrips (OT; Thrips tabaci) in Ontario, Canada, demonstrate that biocontrol-based IPM programs for WFT do not control OT sufficiently to prevent crop losses. A lack of comparative studies makes it difficult to determine which program components for WFT are failing for OT. We conducted several laboratory trials examining the extent to which commercial biocontrol products kill OT compared to WFT. These included phytoseiid mites (Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblydromalus limonicus, Iphiseius degenerans), a large generalist predator (Orius insidiosus), an entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana strain GHA), and entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). In no-choice trials, A. swirskii and O. insidiosus consumed more OT than WFT (first instars and adults, respectively). In choice trials, A. swirskii, N. cucumeris, and O. insidiosus consumed more OT than WFT. Steinernema feltiae caused higher mortality in OT than WFT. There was no difference in mortality between thrips species exposed to other biocontrol agents. This suggests available tools have the potential to manage OT as well as WFT. Possible explanations why this potential is not realized in commercial settings are explored. Full article

Mood disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) are of immense medical and social concern. Although significant progress on neuronal involvement in mood and reward circuitries has been achieved, it is only relatively recently that the role of glia in these disorders has attracted attention. Detailed understanding of the glial functions in these devastating diseases could offer novel interventions. Here, following a brief review of circuitries involved in mood regulation and reward perception, the specific contributions of neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota to these diseases are highlighted. In this context, the role of specific glial cells (e.g., microglia, astroglia, oligodendrocytes, and synantocytes) on phenotypic manifestation of mood disorders or SUD are emphasized. In addition, use of this knowledge in the potential development of novel therapeutics is touched upon. Full article

Endometriosis is a frequent, estrogen-dependent, chronic disease, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity. Although it is not considered a precursor of cancer, endometriosis is associated with ovarian cancer. In this review, we summarized the evidence that clear-cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas (endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma—EAOC) may arise in endometriosis. The most frequent genomic alterations in these carcinomas are mutations in the AT-rich interaction domain containing protein 1A (ARID1A) gene, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, and alterations in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) which frequently coexist. Recent studies have also suggested the simultaneous role of the PTEN tumor-suppressor gene in the early malignant transformation of endometriosis and the contribution of deficient MMR (mismatch repair) protein status in the pathogenesis of EAOC. In addition to activating and inactivating mutations in cancer driver genes, the complex pathogenesis of EAOC involves multiple other mechanisms such as the modulation of cancer driver genes via the transcriptional and post-translational (miRNA) modulation of cancer driver genes and the interplay with the inflammatory tissue microenvironment. This knowledge is being translated into the clinical management of endometriosis and EAOC. This includes the identification of the new biomarkers predictive of the risk of endometriosis and cancer, and it will shape the precision oncology treatment of EAOC. Full article

Professional identity has been suggested to be decisive for efficiency and high work quality among the workforces. Central in early childhood teacher education is the development of students to become professional actors in a workplace setting upon graduation, thus developing a professional identity. However, the field lacks knowledge about the factors that are associated with professional identity among early childhood teacher students. Thereby, the aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of learning climate (performance climate and mastery climate) in interaction with professors and academic self-efficacy on professional identity. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional approach, whereby data were collected by questionnaire. A total of 190 (first- and second-years students) attending a three-year bachelor’s degree in early childhood teacher education completed the questionnaire. The results show that learning climate and academic self-efficacy are significantly associated with professional identity among early childhood teacher students, indicating the importance of facilitating a learning environment that promotes students’ academic self-efficacy, mastery, and intellectual development. These findings indicate the importance of facilitating an environment that promotes students’ academic self-efficacy, intellectual development, and a mastery-oriented climate, in addition to strengthening the connection and interaction between students and professors. Full article

To enhance international and joint research collaborations in prostate cancer research, data from different sources should use a common data model (CDM) that enables researchers to share their analysis scripts and merge results. The OMOP CDM maintained by OHDSI is such a data model developed for a federated data analysis with partners from different institutions that want to jointly investigate research questions using clinical care data. The German Cancer Society as the scientific lead of the Prostate Cancer Outcomes (PCO) study gathers data from prostate cancer care including routine oncological care data and survey data (incl. patient-reported outcomes) and uses a common data specification (called OncoBox Research Prostate) for this purpose. To further enhance research collaborations outside the PCO study, the purpose of this article is to describe the process of transferring the PCO study data to the internationally well-established OMOP CDM. This process was carried out together with an IT company that specialised in supporting research institutions to transfer their data to OMOP CDM. Of n = 49,692 prostate cancer cases with 318 data fields each, n = 392 had to be excluded during the OMOPing process, and n = 247 of the data fields could be mapped to OMOP CDM. The resulting PostgreSQL database with OMOPed PCO study data is now ready to use within larger research collaborations such as the EU-funded EHDEN and OPTIMA consortium. Full article

Optical fiber gratings can be appropriately packaged and integrated for the real-time monitoring of the structural health of buildings or composite-material films. In this work, a tilted fiber Bragg grating at the micron scale was proposed, designed, and optimized via simulation model analysis using OptiFDTD software. The effects of the grating inclination, grating period, and grating length on the transmission spectrum of the tilted microfiber Bragg grating (TMFBG) were studied. The transmission spectrum’s responses to different refractive indices were simulated and compared. A TFBG was uniformly etched with hydrofluoric acid based on the chemical etching method, and several TMFBGs with different diameters were prepared. The refractive index-sensing characteristics of the TMFBGs with different structures were studied. It was found that the sensitivity of the etched TFBG was greatly improved from 0.964 nm/RIU to 6.368 nm/RIU for the higher-order cladding mode, and from 0.294 nm/RIU to 2.353 nm/RIU for the lower-order cladding mode, being approximately six times and eight times higher, respectively. Full article

Background: There is a consensus among combat sports researchers regarding the important role of evaluating the comprehensive special fitness and performance of athletes. This is due to the specific structure of tasks performed in these sports as they require a comprehensive and integrated function of broadly understood physical fitness. The present study aimed to develop and check the Special Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Test: Takedown Zone (SBJJFT-TZ), Gi formula’s reliability. The major task of this sport-specific tool is to illustrate the comprehensive special fitness and performance of professional Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Methods: The study covered 27 BJJ athletes (age in years: 25.36 ± 2.99; height: 175.04 ± 5.70 cm; weight: 76.56 ± 8.59 kg; BMI: 24.96 ± 2.30; 6.33 ± 2.51 years of training) with a high sports skill level. A coaches’ ranking of the athletes studied according to sports achievement was developed. An experimental approach to the problem was employed, with the SBJJFT-TZ assessment, including throws and specialized locomotion, performed on two dates (seven days apart). The test parameters were recorded and, using a specialized formula, an index showing comprehensive special fitness was calculated. To verify the test’s validity and reliability, using statistical procedures, the results were comparatively analyzed (Student’s t-test for the dependent variables), and the relationships between rankings were examined (Pearson’s r linear correlation). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The analyses showed statistically significant relationships with very high strength between coach ranking and SBJJFT-TZ parameters for both dates (R = 0.73–0.88; p < 0.001). A similar trend of significant correlations was noted between the first and second SBJJFT-TZ dates (R = 0.96–0.98; p < 0.001), and the strength of the coexistence was almost complete. The test-retest procedure for SBJJFT-TZ showed similar levels for the parameters studied, without significant variation (p > 0.05) but with a weak effect profile (d = 0.03–0.06). Internal variation in the variables was very low (HR CV < 10%) and moderate (Throws and Index CV = 20.82–32.25%). Significantly different throwing performance between sets was shown, with an advantage in the first round of work compared to the second, and a moderate effect (p < 0.05; d = 0.38–0.39). Conclusions: The identification of relationships, the comparison, and the test-retest procedure showed the high application value of SBJJFT-TZ. The proposed tool provides a reliable cross-sectional evaluation of BJJ athletes’ special fitness and performance in the stand-up fighting plane, as well as at the moment of achieving an advantage over the opponent, and favors implementation in field conditions. Full article

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, posing a substantial threat to men’s well-being. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the progression of prostate cancer still presents challenges, warranting further exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, inhibited cell viability in cancer cells but not in the normal prostate cell line. Moreover, osthole disrupted cell cycle progression. Furthermore, osthole reduces mitochondrial respiration with mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, osthole-induced ROS generation was reduced by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in prostate cancer. In addition, using calcium inhibitors (2-APB and ruthenium red) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor (4-PBA), we confirmed that ER stress-induced calcium overload by osthole causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we verified that the osthole-induced upregulation of tiRNA^HisGTG expression is related to mechanisms that induce permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane and calcium accumulation. Regarding intracellular signaling, osthole inactivated the PI3K and ERK pathways while activating the expression of the P38, JNK, ER stress, and autophagy-related proteins. In conclusion, the results suggest that osthole can be used as a therapeutic or adjuvant treatment for the management of prostate cancer. Full article

Hill number per unit area and seedling number per hill are foundational agrotechnical factors shaping the growth and development of rice plants. This study aimed to determine the effects of decreasing the hill number per unit area combined with increasing the seedling number per hill on grain quality in hybrid rice. Field experiments were performed in Hengyang, Hunan Province, China, in 2022 and 2023 using the hybrid rice variety Huazheyou 261, as well as in Liuyang, Hunan Province, China, in 2023 using the hybrid rice varieties Yueyou 2646 and Zhenliangyouyuzhan. Treatments (combining hill number per unit area and seedling number per hill) encompassed a combination of 24 hills per m² and one seedling per hill (H24S1) and a combination of 14 hills per m² and three seedlings per hill (H14S3) in Hengyang, as well as a combination of 28 hills per m² and two seedlings per hill (H28S2) and a combination of 14 hills per m² and four seedlings per hill (H14S4) in Liuyang. There were no significant differences in the leaf area index at the heading stage, as well as no significant differences in canopy light transmittance during the grain-filling period between H24S1 and H14S3 in Hengyang, or between H28S2 and H14S4 in Liuyang. The differences in grain quality traits, including milling traits (brown, milled, and head rice rate), appearance traits (rice length, rice length-width ratio, chalky grain rate, and chalkiness degree), amylose and protein content, and pasting characteristics were also not significant between H24S1 and H14S3 in Hengyang, nor between H28S2 and H14S4 in Liuyang. This study indicates that the grain quality in hybrid rice is unaffected by decreasing the hill number per unit area integrated with increasing the seedling number per hill. Full article

Leach bed reactors (LBRs) are dry anaerobic systems that can handle feedstocks with high solid content, like chicken manure, with minimal water addition. In this study, the chicken manure was mixed with zeolite, a novel addition, and packed in the LBR to improve biogas production. The resulting leachate was then processed in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), where most of the methane was produced. The supernatant of the CSTR was returned to the LBR. The batch mode operation of the LBR led to a varying methane production rate (MPR) with a peak in the beginning of each batch cycle when the leachate was rich in organic matter. Comparing the MPR in both systems, the peaks in the zeolite system were higher and more acute than in the control system, which was under stress, as indicated by the acetate accumulation at 2328 mg L⁻¹. Moreover, the presence of zeolite in the LBR played a crucial role, increasing the overall methane yield from 0.142 (control experiment) to 0.171 NL CH₄ per g of volatile solids of chicken manure entering the system at a solid retention time of 14 d. Zeolite also improved the stability of the system. The ammonia concentration increased gradually due to the little water entering the system and reached 3220 mg L⁻¹ (control system) and 2730 mg L⁻¹ (zeolite system) at the end of the experiment. It seems that zeolite favored the accumulation of the ammonia at a lower rate (14.0 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹) compared to the control experiment (17.3 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹). The microbial analysis of the CSTR fed on the leachate from the LBR amended with zeolite showed a higher relative abundance of Methanosaeta (83.6%) compared to the control experiment (69.1%). Both CSTRs established significantly different bacterial profiles from the inoculum after 120 days of operation (p < 0.05). Regarding the archaeal communities, there were no significant statistical differences between the CSTRs and the inoculum (p > 0.05). Full article

Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that Bifidobacterium adolescentis SBT2786 has a potent sleep-promoting effect on fruit flies. Fruit flies share many similarities with mammals, making them suitable model organisms for studying sleep. Thus, in the present study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test whether SBT2786 has sleep-enhancing effects in humans. In this study, 61 participants in the SBT2786 group and 65 participants in the placebo group were analyzed. The results showed that SBT2786 increased sleep time; however, it predominantly increased light sleep and did not improve subjective sleep quality. Interestingly, mood improvement was observed. A subgroup analysis was conducted on participants with high stress levels, and results showed that these participants experienced an increase in sleep duration and an improvement in sleepiness upon waking up and reported feeling well-rested during the day. We concluded that SBT2786 may improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, and that SBT2786 can be used as a dietary supplement to improve sleep and mood. Full article

(1) Introduction: Tendinous mallet finger is a frequent deformity that occurs after an extensor tendon injury during sports or daily life activities. Despite the existence of numerous non-operative and operative techniques to address this deformity, there is a controversy on its optimal management. In this study, we aimed to present a direct tendon suture technique using the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint open approach for treating tendinous mallet finger injury. (2) Methods: Between 2019 and 2021, 19 patients with closed non-fracture tendinous mallet fingers underwent the direct tendon and paratenon repair technique. After skin incision, we opened the paratenon with lazy S shape incision and found the ruptured proximal and distal tendon ends. We reapproximated the tendons using a simple interrupted suture with Prolene #6/0. After that, we meticulously performed paratenon repair using PDS #6/0 for preventing readherence. Temporary trans-articular Kirschner wire fixation was used for 4 weeks. (3) Results: All patients were followed-up for 3–8 months (mean: 4.8 months). The mean final extension lag was 6.5 degrees, and the overall rate of cases with excellent and good outcomes using Crawford’s criteria was 85%. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this surgical approach could be a reliable alternative for the treatment of tendinous mallet finger injuries. Full article

Second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging is the most advanced imaging fidelity method with extraordinary penetration depth, signal-to-background ratio, biocompatibility, and targeting ability. It is currently booming in the medical realm to diagnose tumors and is being widely applied for fluorescence-imaging-guided tumor surgery. To efficiently execute this modern imaging modality, scientists have designed various probes capable of showing fluorescence in the NIR-II window. Here, we update the state-of-the-art NIR-II fluorescent probes in the most recent literature, including indocyanine green, NIR-II emissive cyanine dyes, BODIPY probes, aggregation-induced emission fluorophores, conjugated polymers, donor–acceptor–donor dyes, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots for imaging-guided tumor surgery. Furthermore, we point out that the new materials with fluorescence in NIR-III and higher wavelength range to further optimize the imaging results in the medical realm are a new challenge for the scientific world. In general, we hope this review will serve as a handbook for researchers and students who have an interest in developing and applying fluorescent probes for NIR-II fluorescence-imaging-guided surgery and that it will expedite the clinical translation of the probes from bench to bedside. Full article

The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small- and medium-sized industries, has been a constant challenge to ensure environmental sustainability in all types of industries. The present work aimed to evaluate the suitability of the treated slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) obtained by the integrated process composed of immediate one-step lime precipitation (IOSLM) and atmospheric carbonation (AC) for the production of aromatic plants by hydroponics. Results showed a significant increase in plant height of 177 and 147% and root length of 64 and 37% for Pennyroyal and Chocolate Peppermint plants, respectively, after 26 days. No signs of toxicity or symptoms of micronutrient deficiency were detected in aromatic plants. Full article

Although micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent one of the main environmental emergencies worldwide, citizens are not always aware of their active role in contributing to such contamination. In this study, the perception, level of knowledge, and behaviours towards MNPs were assessed in young citizens in Modena (Italy), represented by science-oriented Bachelor’s students (n = 220) enrolled at the university, through the administration of a voluntary-based questionnaire. No differences in knowledge and in students’ attitudes were observed according to gender and the undergraduate program. Students seem to be aware of MNPs’ global distribution and effects on ecosystems but were less advised about MNP types and their potential effects on human health. A positive correlation between the students’ level of concern and their knowledge or their behaviour was found. Differently, no correlation between students’ knowledge and behaviour towards plastic and MNP contamination was observed. Thus, having a good knowledge of the issue does not always translate into effective actions planned to mitigate the problem. As a first step forward, more environmental education programs should be promoted to increase knowledge and awareness in young citizen as well as pro-environmental behaviours to pursue future mitigation strategies. Full article

In recent years, there has been a considerable amount of research on visual evoked potential (VEP)-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). However, it remains a big challenge to detect VEPs elicited by small visual stimuli. To address this challenge, this study employed a 256-electrode high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) cap with 66 electrodes in the parietal and occipital lobes to record EEG signals. An online BCI system based on code-modulated VEP (C-VEP) was designed and implemented with thirty targets modulated by a time-shifted binary pseudo-random sequence. A task-discriminant component analysis (TDCA) algorithm was employed for feature extraction and classification. The offline and online experiments were designed to assess EEG responses and classification performance for comparison across four different stimulus sizes at visual angles of 0.5°, 1°, 2°, and 3°. By optimizing the data length for each subject in the online experiment, information transfer rates (ITRs) of 126.48 ± 14.14 bits/min, 221.73 ± 15.69 bits/min, 258.39 ± 9.28 bits/min, and 266.40 ± 6.52 bits/min were achieved for 0.5°, 1°, 2°, and 3°, respectively. This study further compared the EEG features and classification performance of the 66-electrode layout from the 256-electrode EEG cap, the 32-electrode layout from the 128-electrode EEG cap, and the 21-electrode layout from the 64-electrode EEG cap, elucidating the pivotal importance of a higher electrode density in enhancing the performance of C-VEP BCI systems using small stimuli. Full article

In this study, a masonry panel under a high compressive stress to strength ratio is considered. The panel is modeled as a composite structure by considering a repeated unit cell of mortar and brick. Load redistributions due to creep in mortar and brick as composite materials are accounted for. A step-by-step in-time analysis is performed to calculate the load redistribution in the composite masonry. Time-dependent system reliability analysis of the masonry panel is performed by defining the component and system limit state functions at each time step. While the reliability index of ductile materials depends on the load level in each part of masonry, the reliability index of brittle materials depends only on the overall load. By proposing the reliability index of quasi-brittle materials being between these two reliability index bounds, the reliability index of quasi-brittle materials depends on both the load level in each part and the overall load. Using the proposed reliability index of quasi-brittle materials, partial safety factors for masonry panel design considering creep and damage are calibrated based on the Hasofer and Lind method. A design example using the proposed partial safety factor is presented. Full article

Alpha-synuclein seed amplification assays (αSyn-SAAs) have emerged as promising diagnostic tools for Parkinson’s disease (PD) by detecting misfolded αSyn and amplifying the signal through cyclic shaking and resting in vitro. Recently, our group and others have shown that multiple biospecimens, including CSF, skin, and submandibular glands (SMGs), can be used to seed the aggregation reaction and robustly distinguish between patients with PD and non-disease controls. The ultrasensitivity of the assay affords the ability to detect minute quantities of αSyn in peripheral tissues, but it also produces various technical challenges of variability. To address the problem of variability, we present a high-yield αSyn protein purification protocol for the efficient production of monomers with a low propensity for self-aggregation. We expressed wild-type αSyn in BL21 Escherichia coli, lysed the cells using osmotic shock, and isolated αSyn using acid precipitation and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Following purification, we optimized the ionic strength of the reaction buffer to distinguish the fluorescence maximum (Fmax) separation between disease and healthy control tissues for enhanced assay performance. Our protein purification protocol yielded high quantities of αSyn (average: 68.7 mg/mL per 1 L of culture) and showed highly precise and robust αSyn-SAA results using brain, skin, and SMGs with inter-lab validation. Full article

The branch number is a crucial factor that influences density tolerance and is closely associated with the yield of soybean. However, its molecular regulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study cloned a candidate gene GmSPL9d for regulating the soybean branch number based on the rice OsSPL14 homologous gene. Meanwhile, the genetic diversity of the GmSPL9d was analyzed using 3599 resequencing data and identified 55 SNP/InDel variations, which were categorized into seven haplotypes. Evolutionary analysis classified these haplotypes into two groups: GmSPL9d ^H-I and GmSPL9d ^H-II. Soybean varieties carrying the GmSPL9d ^H-II haplotype exhibited a significantly lower branch number compared with those carrying the GmSPL9d ^H-I haplotype. Association analysis between the variation sites and branch number phenotypes revealed a significant correlation between the promoter variations and the branch number. Promoter activity assays demonstrated that the GmSPL9d ^H-II promoter displayed significantly higher activity than the GmSPL9d ^H-I promoter. Transgenic experiments confirmed that the plants that carried the GmSPL9d ^H-II promoter exhibited a significantly lower branch number compared with those that carried the GmSPL9d ^H-I promoter. These findings indicate that the variation in the GmSPL9d promoter affected its transcription level, leading to differences in the soybean branch number. This study provides valuable molecular targets for improving the soybean plant structure. Full article

Although disubstituted imidazolium cation is sterically crowded, hundreds of ionic liquids based on this cation have been reported as electrolytes for energy storage devices. In contrast to disubstituted imidazolium, non-substituted imidazolium is uncrowded sterically and has not yet been investigated as an electrolyte, to the best of our knowledge. Hence, imidazolium hydrogen sulfate [Imi][HSO₄], in mixture with water, was studied as an electrolyte for PANI-based electrode materials. For comparison, pyrrolidinium with hydrogen sulfate or p-toluene sulfonate ([Pyrr][HSO₄] or [Pyrr][PTS]), in mixture with water, were also investigated as alternatives to the conventional electrolyte (i.e., aqueous H₂SO₄) for PANI electrodes. Walden plots of binary mixture ionic liquid–water weight ratios with the optimal ionic conductivity (i.e., [Imi][HSO₄]/water 48/52 wt% (195.1 mS/cm), [Pyrr][HSO₄]/water 41/59 wt% (186.6 mS/cm), and [Pyrr][PTS]/water 48/52 wt% (43.4 mS/cm) along with the electrochemical performances of PANI in these binary mixtures showed that [Pyrr][HSO₄]_aq or [Imi][HSO₄]_aq are convenient electrolytes for PANI/PIL, as opposed to [Pyrr][PTS]_aq. Furthermore, replacing the conventional aqueous electrolyte H₂SO₄ with [Imi][HSO₄] _aq increased the specific capacitance of PANI/PIL from 249.8 to 268.5 F/g at 15 mV/s. Moreover, PANI/PIL electrodes displayed a quasi-ideal capacitive behavior in [Imi][HSO₄]_aq (the correction factor of CPE₄ was 0.99). This primary study has shown that non-substituted imidazolium as an electrolyte could enhance the electrochemical performances of PANI electrodes and could be a good alternative to the conventional electrolyte. Full article

Pacemaking activity in substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons is generated by the coordinated activity of a variety of distinct somatodendritic voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels. We investigated whether these functional interactions could arise from a common localization in macromolecular complexes where physical proximity would allow for efficient interaction and co-regulations. For that purpose, we immunopurified six ion channel proteins involved in substantia nigra neuron autonomous firing to identify their molecular interactions. The ion channels chosen as bait were Cav1.2, Cav1.3, HCN2, HCN4, Kv4.3, and SK3 channel proteins, and the methods chosen to determine interactions were co-immunoprecipitation analyzed through immunoblot and mass spectrometry as well as proximity ligation assay. A macromolecular complex composed of Cav1.3, HCN, and SK3 channels was unraveled. In addition, novel potential interactions between SK3 channels and sclerosis tuberous complex (Tsc) proteins, inhibitors of mTOR, and between HCN4 channels and the pro-degenerative protein Sarm1 were uncovered. In order to demonstrate the presence of these molecular interactions in situ, we used proximity ligation assay (PLA) imaging on midbrain slices containing the substantia nigra, and we could ascertain the presence of these protein complexes specifically in substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons. Based on the complementary functional role of the ion channels in the macromolecular complex identified, these results suggest that such tight interactions could partly underly the robustness of pacemaking in dopaminergic neurons. Full article

Monopile foundations are extensively utilized in the rapidly expanding offshore wind power industry, and the stability of these foundations has become a crucial factor for ensuring the safety of offshore wind power projects. Such foundations are subjected to a myriad of complex environmental loads during their operational lifespan. Whilst current research predominantly concentrates on the effects of wind, wave, and current loads on monopile stability in extreme environments, it is imperative to consider the potential influence of unexpected submarine landslide loads. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of wind, wave, current, and submarine landslide loads on monopile foundations in extreme environments. Subsequently, we establish a finite element model for analyzing the stability of monopiles under complex lateral loads, and validate the accuracy of the model by comparing it with the previous numerical findings. A case study is performed with reference to the Xiangshui Wind Farm project to analyze the effects of varying submarine landslide densities, velocities, impact heights, and seabed sediment strengths on pile head horizontal displacement, pile rotation at the mudline, and maximum bending moment. The findings indicate that the increase in submarine landslide density, velocity, and impact height leads to an increase in horizontal displacement at the pile head, pile rotation at the mudline, and maximum bending moments, and a horizontal failure mode is observed in seabed sediments. Furthermore, under the same load conditions, a decrease in seabed sediment strength and internal friction angle triggers instability in monopiles, with a noteworthy transition from horizontal failure to deep-seated seabed sediment failure. Finally, we propose a criterion for monopile instability under diverse loading conditions. Full article