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(1) Background: Cognitive failures, including lapses in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can negatively affect daily performance and well-being. Negative and positive affectivity have been implicated in cognitive functioning, yet their relationship with cognitive failures remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of positive and negative affect on cognitive failures, using daily diary methods to examine both within-person and between-person associations in a sample of younger adults from Singapore and adults across the lifespan from the United States (US). (2) Methods: Participants (Singapore: N = 253, US: N = 1726) completed daily diaries over seven (Singapore) or eight (US) consecutive days. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse both within- and between-person relationships between affect and cognitive failures, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables. (3) Results: In both the Singapore and US samples, negative affect was consistently positively associated with cognitive failures at both levels (SG within-person: β = 0.21, p < 0.001; SG between-person: β = 0.58, p < 0.001; US within-person: β = 0.08, p < 0.001; US between-person: β = 0.28, p < 0.001), supporting the influence of negative affective experiences on cognitive lapses. However, positive affect showed no significant associations with daily cognitive failures in the Singapore sample (within-person: β = 0.01, p = 0.683; between-person: β = −0.04, p = 0.484) and only a between-person negative association in the US sample (within-person: β = 0.02, p = 0.157; between-person: β = −0.11, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive and negative affect differentially influence individual differences and intra-individual changes in daily cognitive failures among both younger and older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

14 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yes, I Can: The Interplay of Need for Cognition and Task Confidence in Cognitive Task Performance

by Monika Fleischhauer, Felix M. Schweitzer and Sören Enge

J. Intell. 2024, 12(12), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence12120128 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Need for Cognition (NFC) refers to the enjoyment of and the search for intellectual challenges. Although numerous studies suggest associations between NFC and cognitive performance, the processes and factors that may mediate the relationship are not yet well understood. Based on the literature suggesting that self-efficacy (SE) expectancies mediate the relationship between NFC and cognitive performance, we sought to investigate this relationship systematically under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, we were interested in whether the visibility of the test subject’s performance to others (i.e., the experimenter) would influence these correlations. After an online questionnaire assessing NFC, 204 participants completed a set of highly demanding intelligence tasks in the laboratory. Following the sample tasks and prior to working through the task battery, task-specific SE about solving the tasks was assessed. To examine the role of visibility, participants either worked alone or were observed by the investigator while completing the tasks. We found a moderate positive association between NFC and task-specific SE, as well as a significant small positive association between NFC and task performance. Further analyses indicated that the relationship between NFC and task performance is fully mediated by task-specific SE, without any moderation effects related to the visibility of one’s own task performance to others. Our study suggests that the relationship between NFC and cognitive performance is also due to the positive influence of NFC on task-specific SE, which in turn influences cognitive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive Motivation)

13 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic and Gut Microbiome Evaluations of Growth and Feed Efficiency Traits in Broilers

by Xia Xiong, Chunlin Yu, Mohan Qiu, Zengrong Zhang, Chenming Hu, Shiliang Zhu, Li Yang, Han Peng, Xiaoyan Song, Jialei Chen, Bo Xia, Jiangxian Wang, Yi Qing and Chaowu Yang

Animals 2024, 14(24), 3615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243615 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

In this study, we combined genomic and gut microbiome data to evaluate 13 economically important growth and feed efficiency traits in 407 Dahen broilers, including body weight (BW) at four, six, nine, and ten weeks of age (BW4, BW6, BW9, and BW10), as well as the average daily gain (ADG6, ADG9, and ADG10), feed conversion ratio (FCR6, FCR9, and FCR10), and residual feed intake (RFI6, RFI9, and RFI10) for the three growing ages. The highest ADG and lowest FCR were observed at nine and six weeks of age, respectively. We obtained 47,872 high-quality genomic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by sequencing the genomes and 702 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the gut microbiome by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, both of which were used for analyses of linear mixed models. The heritability estimates (± standard error, SE) ranged from 0.103 ± 0.072 to 0.156 ± 0.079 for BW, 0.154 ± 0.074 to 0.276 ± 0.079 for the ADG, 0.311 ± 0.076 to 0.454 ± 0.076 for the FCR, and 0.413 ± 0.077 to 0.609 ± 0.076 for the RFI traits. We consistently observed moderate and low negative genetic correlations between the BW traits and the FCR and RFI traits (r = −0.562 to −0.038), whereas strong positive correlations were observed between the FCR and RFI traits (r = 0.564 to 0.979). For the FCR and RFI traits, strong positive correlations were found between the measures at the three ages. In contrast to the genomic contribution, we did not detect a gut microbial contribution to all of these traits, as the estimated microbiabilities did not confidently deviate from zero. We systematically evaluated the contributions of host genetics and gut microbes to several growth and feed efficiency traits in Dahen broilers, and the results show that only the host genetics had significant effects on the phenotypic variations in a flock. The parameters obtained in this study, based on the combined use of genomic and gut microbiota data, may facilitate the implementation of efficient breeding schemes in Dahen broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)

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Linkage disequilibrium decay (A) and sample clustering (B) of SNPs, and taxonomical composition (C) of gut microbiome. r2 is square of correlation coefficient between allelic values at two loci. PC1, PC2, and PC3 are three top components. Full article ">

10 pages, 940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fulvestrant Monotherapy After CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Real-Life Experience

by Margherita Agostini, Anna Mandrioli and Claudio Zamagni

Cancers 2024, 16(24), 4179; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16244179 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Background: The treatment of hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has radically changed over the last few years. CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy have become the standard of care as a front-line therapeutic approach, conferring a significant improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival compared to traditional endocrine therapy (ET) alone. However, the wide administration of these drugs in clinical practice paved the way for the emergence of new intrinsic and acquired mechanisms of resistance that seem to compromise second-line treatment effectiveness. In this context, fulvestrant monotherapy appears disqualified. Materials and Methods: we evaluated a population of 30 women currently treated in our oncology unit with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, receiving fulvestrant 500 mg every 28 days after progression to first-line therapy with CDK 4/6 inhibitors combined with aromatase inhibitors. Results: Of 30 patients observed, 23 progressed to fulvestrant with a median PFS of 3.7 months (range 1–9.7 months). Conclusions: our real-life experience suggests that second-line fulvestrant monotherapy confers very poor disease control and is quite an inadequate therapeutic option. CDK4/6i administration beyond progression could possibly be considered as more valid option, in the absence of targetable mutations or newer, more effective drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Drug Development)

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Figure 1
In this figure, a schematic representation of the mechanism of action of fulvestrant compared to traditional SERMs such as tamoxifen. Full article ">Figure 2
A bar chart demonstrating PFS distribution in the sample. Each horizontal bar represents a patient (y-axis), in orange those who did not progress, and in blue those who have progressed. The unit of the x-axis is in months. Full article ">Figure 3
Kaplan Meyer curve for PFS in patients treated with fulvestrant after 1st line therapy with AI + CDK4/6i. Full article ">

10 pages, 9807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Heme Cavity Is Essential for the Peroxidase and Antibacterial Activity of Homodimer Hemoglobin from the Blood Clam Tegillarca granosa

by Lili Pu, Shuting Dai, Zongming Wu, Sufang Wang and Yongbo Bao

Fishes 2024, 9(12), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9120512 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the essential role of the heme cavity in the peroxidase and antibacterial activities of homodimeric hemoglobin (Tg-HbI) from the blood clam Tegillarca granosa. After treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the peroxidase and antibacterial activities of the Tg-HbI were significantly inhibited, with the degree of inhibition correlating positively with the SDS concentration. Fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and molecular docking analysis further revealed that SDS interacts with key amino acid residues (e.g., His70 and His102) in the heme cavity of Tg-HbI, causing conformational changes that disrupt the internal hydrophobic interactions, thus inhibiting its function. This study confirms that the antibacterial effect of Tg-HbI is mediated through its peroxidase activity and that the heme cavity plays a critical role in maintaining this activity. These findings lay a foundation for further research on the immune defense functions of hemoglobin and provide new insights into the mechanisms of environmental adaptation in T. granosa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shellfish Genetics and Breeding for Aquaculture)

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Effects of SDS on the peroxidase and antibacterial activities of Tg-HbI. (a) Inactivation of Tg-HbI in the presence of SDS. (b) Effects of SDS on the antibacterial activity of Tg-HbI against B. subtilis. 1, SDS; 2, Tg-HbI; 3, mixed solution of Tg-HbI and SDS. Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of SDS on the fluorescence of Tg-HbI. (a) Alterations in the intrinsic fluorescence emission spectra of Tg-HbI in the presence of SDS. (b) Intrinsic fluorescence intensity changes. (c) Maximum emission wavelength changes. (d) Alterations in the ANS binding fluorescence spectra of Tg-HbI in the presence of SDS. (e) ANS fluorescence intensity changes. (f) Alterations in the maximum emission wavelength of ANS. Full article ">Figure 3
Effect of SDS on the UV-Vis absorbance spectra of Tg-HbI. (a) Alterations in the UV-Vis absorbance spectra of Tg-HbI in the presence of SDS. (b) Maximum absorbance changes. (c) Maximum absorption wavelength changes. Full article ">Figure 4
Minimum energy docked pose of the complex with SDS and Tg-HbI. (a) Overall structure of SDS in complex with Tg-HbI. The structure of the Tg-HbI subunit displayed in cartoon form. SDS is colored green. (b) 3D interaction of SDS with the active site pocket of Tg-HbI. The key residues involved in ligand binding are shown as blue sticks. Yellow dashed lines represent H-bonds. (c) 2D diagram of intermolecular interactions. H-bonds are depicted as green dashed lines. Residues involved in hydrophobic interactions are shown as the spoked arcs. Full article ">

22 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laplacian Spectrum and Vertex Connectivity of the Unit Graph of the Ring \({\mathbb{Z}_{{p^r}{q^s}}}\)

by Amal Alsaluli, Wafaa Fakieh and Hanaa Alashwali

Axioms 2024, 13(12), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13120873 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the interplay between the structural and spectral properties of the unit graph

G (Z_{n})

for

n = p_{1}^{r_{1}} p_{2}^{r_{2}} \dots p_{k}^{r_{k}}

, where [...] Read more.

In this paper, we examine the interplay between the structural and spectral properties of the unit graph

G (Z_{n})

for

n = p_{1}^{r_{1}} p_{2}^{r_{2}} \dots p_{k}^{r_{k}}

, where

p_{1}, p_{2}, \dots, p_{k}

are distinct primes and

k, r_{1}, r_{2}, \dots, r_{k}

are positive integers such that at least one of the

r_{i}

must be greater than 1. We first analyze the structure of the unit graph of

Z_{n}

, treating it as what we will define as a `generalized join graph’ under these conditions. We then determine the Laplacian spectrum of

G (Z_{n})

and deduce that it is integral for all n. Consequently, we obtain the Laplacian spectral radius and algebraic connectivity of

G (Z_{n})

. We also prove that the vertex connectivity of

G (Z_{p q})

(p - 2) q

, where

2 \neq p < q

. We deduce the vertex connectivity of

G (Z_{n})

when

n = p^{r} q^{s}

, where

2 \neq p < q

are primes and

r, s

are positive integers. Finally, we present conjectures regarding the vertex connectivity of

G (Z_{n})

when

n = p_{1} p_{2} \dots p_{k}

and

n = p_{1}^{r_{1}} p_{2}^{r_{2}} \dots p_{k}^{r_{k}}

, where

p_{i}

are distinct primes,

r_{i}

are positive integers, and

1 \leq i \leq k

. Full article

14 pages, 1011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Fathers’ and Mothers’ Behavioral Control

by Xiaoyan Xu, Zahyah Hanafi and Nordin Abd Razak

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121203 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Parental behavioral control is one of the most common parenting practices employed by parents in China. It is necessary to identify this practice and how it may be influenced by adolescents’ and parents’ sociodemographic factors in order to develop family intervention strategies. The present study examined whether fathers’ and mothers’ behavioral control was related to adolescents’ gender, age, and sibling status and parents’ age, education level, and income. A sample of 916 adolescents, aged 11–15 years, reported their fathers’ and mothers’ parental behavioral control. In terms of adolescents’ gender, boys perceived higher level of fathers’ behavioral control compared to girls. Regarding parents’ sociodemographic factors, the level of mothers’ behavioral control was higher compared to that of fathers. Mothers’ education levels were reported to have a negative relationship with maternal behavioral control. Regarding adolescents’ gender differences, there was a positive relationship between fathers’ educational levels and behavioral control in adolescent boys. However, there was a positive relationship between fathers’ monthly income and fathers’ behavioral control in adolescent girls rather than boys. In addition, there was a negative relationship between mothers’ age and behavioral control in adolescent girls but not in boys. These findings add to the literature on Chinese mothers’ and fathers’ parenting and offer practical implications for Chinese family interventions. Full article

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Adolescent gender differences in the relationships between sociodemographic factors and fathers’ behavioral control. Only significant path coefficients are shown in the model. Note: * p < 0.05; solid lines are for boys, and dashed lines are for girls. Full article ">Figure 2
Adolescent gender differences in the relationships between sociodemographic factors and mothers’ behavioral control. Only significant path coefficients are shown in the model. Note: * p < 0.05; solid lines are for boys, and dashed lines are for girls. Full article ">

16 pages, 4411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Semi-Automated Ultrasound Guidance System for Central Vascular Access

by Sofia I. Hernandez Torres, Nicole W. Caldwell and Eric J. Snider

Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121271 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Hemorrhage remains a leading cause of death in both military and civilian trauma settings. Oftentimes, the control and treatment of hemorrhage requires central vascular access and well-trained medical personnel. Automated technology is being developed that can lower the skill threshold for life-saving interventions. Here, we conduct independent evaluation testing of one such device, the Vu-Path™ Ultrasound Guidance system, or Vu-Path™. The device was designed to simplify needle insertion using a needle holder that ensures the needle is within the ultrasound field of view during its insertion into tissue, along with guidance lines shown on the user interface. We evaluated the performance of this device in a range of laboratory, animal, and human testing platforms. Overall, the device had a high success rate, achieving an 83% insertion accuracy in live animal testing across both normal and hypotensive blood pressures. Vu-Path™ was faster than manual, ultrasound-guided needle insertion and was nearly 1.5 times quicker for arterial and 2.3 times quicker for venous access. Human usability feedback highlighted that 80% of the participants would use this device for central line placement. Study users noted that the guidance lines and small form factor were useful design features. However, issues were raised regarding the needle insertion angle being too steep, with potential positioning challenges as the needle remains fixed to the ultrasound probe. Regardless, 75% of the participants believed that personnel with any level of clinical background could use the device for central vascular access. Overall, Vu-Path™ performed well across a range of testing situations, and potential design improvements were noted. With adjustments to the device, central vascular access can be made more accessible on battlefields in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Devices for Vascular Intervention)

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Figure 1
Annotated Diagram of Vu-Path™ Ultrasound Guidance System. (A) Front of device with labeled features. (B) Back of device with labeled features. (C) User interface for the ultrasound with track lines (yellow dashes) illustrating needle path and visible needle tip. Lines shown on example ultrasound image were overlayed to enhance figure clarity. An overview video of the device is available at Vu-Path™ website: <a href="https://crystallinemed.com" target="_blank">https://crystallinemed.com</a> (Access Date: 9 December 2024). Full article ">Figure 2
Drawings of ultrasound characterization phantoms and representative ultrasound images. (A) Diagram of phantom for needle depth assessment with (B) representative ultrasound image. (C) Diagram of phantom with varying vessel diameters and (D) representative ultrasound image. US images shown are from the clinical US system. Full article ">Figure 3
Modular tissue phantom features. (A) Diagram of flow loop for modular tissue phantom with parts identified. (B) Engineering drawing of tissue phantom mold with swine anatomy for hypovolemic and normovolemic vessels. For each, arterial vessels are shown in red while venous vessels are shown in blue. Representative ultrasound images captured for modular tissue phantom for (C) normovolemic vessels only and (D) normovolemic vessels with a simulated nerve bundle. Reproduced from [<a href="#B14-bioengineering-11-01271" class="html-bibr">14</a>]. Full article ">Figure 4
Setup for ex vivo model with representative ultrasound images. (A) Diagram of flow loop with cannulated vessels for ex vivo porcine model. Arterial vessels are shown in red while venous vessels are shown in blue. Representative ultrasound images at (B) normovolemic and (C) hypovolemic states. Reproduced from [<a href="#B15-bioengineering-11-01271" class="html-bibr">15</a>]. Full article ">Figure 5
Summary of results for the Vu-Path™ device in the benchtop characterization phantoms. (A) Summary of performance for the ultrasound depth characterization phantom compared against a clinical ultrasound machine. (B,C) Representative US images at two different depths with the Vu-Path™ device. (D) Summary of performance with vessel diameter characterization phantom. Background color corresponds to vessel lumen visibility status by the device, with green representing channel lumen was visible and red indicating channel lumen was not visible. (E,F) Representative US images at two vessel diameters imaged with the ACVAD. Full article ">Figure 6
Summary of Vu-Path™ performance in tissue phantom models. (A,B) Representative US pictures of needle insertion in the commercial trainer taken from a cross-sectional and longitudinal view. (C) Insertion timing and (D) distance and insertion angle performance metrics for the commercial phantom (n = 3 attempts). (E,F) Representative US pictures of needle insertion in the custom phantom trainer taken from a cross-sectional and longitudinal view. (G) Insertion timing and (H) distance and insertion angle performance metrics for the custom phantom trainer (n = 10 total attempts). Full article ">Figure 7
Summary of results for live animal testing of the Vu-Path™ device. (A) Success rates for live animal studies for arteries and veins, as well as for normotensive and hypotensive vascular access with the ACVAD. (B) Summary of needle insertion times for each vessel and physiological condition pairs. (C) Distance of needle to vessel center and insertion angle with the ACVAD. (D) Comparison of needle insertion timings using the Vu-Path™ device and without (labeled manual) the needle guide clip. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) is denoted by asterisk when applicable. Full article ">Figure 8
Summary of Vu-Path™ performance and discussion results from usability study. (A) Average time to find vessel and perform successful cannulation (n = 20 participants). (B) Distance and insertion angles for all successful insertion attempts. (C–F) Consensus answers from discussion topics related to (C) most useful feature of the device, (D) most common issue with the device, (E) recommended improvements, and (F) recommended experience level for those using the device. Results for (C–E) highlight opinions from at least 15% of the participants, or three out of twenty of the participants. Full article ">

13 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Compensatory Neurophysiological Biomarkers of Motor Recovery Post-Stroke: Electroencephalography and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Insights from the DEFINE Cohort Study

by Guilherme J. M. Lacerda, Fernanda M. Q. Silva, Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Linamara Rizzo Battistella and Felipe Fregni

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121257 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore longitudinal relationships between neurophysiological biomarkers and upper limb motor function recovery in stroke patients, focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) metrics. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study analyzed neurophysiological, clinical, and demographic data from 102 stroke patients enrolled in the DEFINE cohort. We investigated the associations between baseline and post-intervention changes in the EEG theta/alpha ratio (TAR) and TMS metrics with upper limb motor functionality, assessed using the outcomes of five tests: the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Handgrip Strength Test (HST), Pinch Strength Test (PST), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), and Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). Results: Our multivariate models identified that a higher baseline TAR in the lesioned hemisphere was consistently associated with poorer motor outcomes across all five assessments. Conversely, a higher improvement in the TAR was positively associated with improvements in FMA and 9HPT. Additionally, an increased TMS motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in the non-lesioned hemisphere correlated with greater FMA-diff, while a lower TMS Short Intracortical Inhibition (SICI) in the non-lesioned hemisphere was linked to better PST improvements. These findings suggest the potential of the TAR and TMS metrics as biomarkers for predicting motor recovery in stroke patients. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significance of the TAR in the lesioned hemisphere as a predictor of motor function recovery post-stroke and also a potential signature for compensatory oscillations. The observed relationships between the TAR and motor improvements, as well as the associations with TMS metrics, underscore the potential of these neurophysiological measures in guiding personalized rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of EEG in Neurorehabilitation)

14 pages, 6271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study on the Positive Expression Regulation of Alpha2-Macroglobulin in the Testicular Tissue of Male Mice by Environmental Estrogens

by Hong-Mei Li, Yan-Rong Gao, Chang Liu, Yu-Xin Sheng, Ya-Jia Pu, Jia-He Sun, Ya-Nan Tian, Li Yang, Hui-Ming Ma and Hai-Ming Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413434 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

The male reproductive impairment caused by environmental estrogens (EEs) stands as a pivotal research area in environmental toxicology. Alpha2-macroglobulin (A2M) emerges as a promising molecule capable of counteracting oxidative stress induced by EEs. This study conducted exposure experiments spanning PND1 to PND56 employing ICR mice, aiming to delve into the expression patterns of A2M and its modulated IL-6 in the testicular tissue of mice subsequent to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and benzophenone (BP) exposure, while elucidating the pivotal role of ERs in this intricate process. Our findings revealed that upon DES exposure (10 and 100 nM), there was a pronounced upregulation of A2M (mRNA and in situ protein levels) in mouse testicular tissue. Similarly, exposure to BPs (BP-1, BP-2, and BP-3, each at 10 and 1000 nM) exhibited comparable effects and increasing A2M levels in serum. Notably, BP exposure also caused an elevation in IL-6 levels (which could be directly regulated by A2M) within testicular tissue (mRNA and in situ protein). Remarkably, the specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780 (0.5 mg/kg/day) was effective in reversing the upregulation of both A2M and IL-6 induced by BP exposure. Significantly, the results of theoretical prediction of the potential ERE site in the A2m gene promoter region and ChIP-qPCR experiment provide essential and strong evidence for the key conclusion that A2m is the target gene of ER. Taken together, our study highlights EEs’ ability to regulate A2M expression in the male reproductive system via the ER signaling pathway. This vital insight deepens our understanding of molecular mechanisms protecting against oxidative stress caused by EEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Central and Local Modulators of Reproduction and Fertility: An Update (4th Edition))

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12 pages, 7598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Environments on Root Growth and Marker Compounds of Adenophora triphylla in Different Regions of South Korea

by Dong Hwan Lee, Yonghwan Son, Chung Ryul Jung, Jun Hyuk Jang, Ji Ah Kim and Hyun-Jun Kim

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122301 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Adenophora triphylla, a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine, produces secondary metabolites like lupenone and β-sitosterol. Understanding how environmental factors influence the concentrations of these metabolites is crucial for optimizing their medicinal use and cultivation. This study examined the relationships between soil physicochemical properties, climatic variables, and the growth and metabolite content of A. triphylla roots across 17 cultivation sites in South Korea. Methods included UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for quantifying lupenone and β-sitosterol, alongside correlation analysis of growth traits and environmental factors. The results showed that higher soil pH and calcium/magnesium content were positively correlated with the fresh weight of the root, whereas lower temperatures increased biomass accumulation. Additionally, lupenone was significantly associated with the elongation of various root growth, whereas β-sitosterol showed a correlation only with the diameter of the taproot. These findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly soil pH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and temperature, play key roles in influencing both the growth and metabolite production of A. triphylla, providing valuable insights into improving its medicinal and agronomic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)

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Cultivation site of Adenophora triphylla: Geographical location (A), View of site 12 (B), and Investigation of sample growth characteristics at site 12 (C). <a href="#agriculture-14-02301-f001" class="html-fig">Figure 1</a>A was visualized using QGIS software (ver. 3.34.5-Prizren). Full article ">Figure 2
UHPLC-MS/MS data spectra for major compounds. Total ion chromatogram of lupenone (A) and β-sitosterol (B); MS/MS spectrum of lupenone (C). The mass spectrum showed a base peak at m/z 425, corresponding to the protonated molecule [M + H]+, as well as the dehydrated protonated molecule [M + H − H2O]+ at m/z 407 [<a href="#B32-agriculture-14-02301" class="html-bibr">32</a>]; MS/MS spectrum of β-sitosterol (D). Sterol loses a molecule of water since ionization condition, ions detected by the spectrometer are always of the form [M + H − H2O]+ [<a href="#B33-agriculture-14-02301" class="html-bibr">33</a>] and the spectrum showed a high-intensity mass peak at m/z 559, corresponding to a protonated cluster ion represented as [M + Cu + 2CH3CN]+. Full article ">Figure 3
Correlation matrix of major compounds, growth characteristics, and environmental variables. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. Full article ">Figure 4
Correlation matrices for network models depicting the relationships between major compounds, growth characteristics (A), and environmental variables ((B) soil physicochemical properties, (C) meteorological variables). The color of the edges represents the correlation between variables, with green indicating a positive correlation and red indicating a negative correlation. The thickness of the edges represents the strength of the correlation, with thicker lines indicating stronger correlations. Full article ">

13 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of N-Acetyllactosamine and N,N-Diacetyllactosamine Residues of Seminal Plasma Prolactin-Induced Protein as Ligands Recognized by Galectin-3

by Anna Kałuża, Katarzyna Trzęsicka, Damian Drzyzga and Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413432 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

Prolactin induced-protein (PIP) has been found to be rich in immunomodulatory epitopes, including N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) and N,N-diacetyllactosamine (LacdiNAc) residues, which may constitute ligands for galecin-3 (Gal-3). In the current study, we aimed to investigate the reactivity of galactose- and N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lectins with human seminal plasma PIP. Subsequently, we examined the direct interaction between seminal plasma PIP and galectin-3, and next analyzed whether there are any differences in the interaction associated with impaired semen parameters. The reactivity of terminal galactose-presenting glycans in seminal plasma PIP with Ricinus communis agglutinin I in the asthenozoospermic group was significantly higher compared to the normozoospermic fertile subjects. Investigating the reactivity of Wisteria floribunda lectin with PIP glycans, we found likewise significantly higher relative reactivity in the normozoospermic infertile as well as the oligoasthenozoopermic group compared to the control group. These results are related to the expression of LacdiNAc epitopes in the oligosaccharide chain of PIP. Finally, we observed that PIP reactivity with Wisteria floribunda lectin correlates positively with the interaction between galectin-3 and PIP in the seminal plasma. This can suggest that LacdiNAc residues are engaged in the interaction between PIP and galectin-3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Galectins (Gals))

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Figure 1
Concentration of prolactin-induced protein (PIP) in seminal plasma. C—control group, N—normozoospermic group, A—asthenozoospermic group, OA—oligoasthenozoospermic group. Full article ">Figure 2
Relative reactivity of PIP glycans with Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I). C—control group, N—normozoospermic group, A—asthenozoospermic group, OA—oligoasthenozoospermic group. Full article ">Figure 3
Relative reactivity of PIP with Datura stramonium lectin (DSL). C—control group, N—normozoospermic group, A—asthenozoospermic group, OA—oligoasthenozoospermic group. Full article ">Figure 4
Relative reactivity of PIP glycans with Wisteria floribunda lectin (WFL). C—control group, N—normozoospermic group, A—asthenozoospermic group, OA—oligoasthenozoospermic group. Full article ">Figure 5
Relative reactivity of PIP glycans with Wisteria floribunda lectin (WFL) for the control group (C) and the infertile group (IF), which contained all infertile subjects gathered together. Full article ">Figure 6
Relative reactivity of prolactin-induced protein glycans with galectin-3. C—control group, N—normozoospermic group, A—asthenozoospermic group, OA—oligoasthenozoospermic group. Full article ">Figure 7
Correlation scatter plots of PIP reactivity between the studied lectins: Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I), Datura stramonium lectin (DSL), and Wisteria floribunda lectin (WFL), and galectin-3. The dark blue squares represent the set of points. The solid red line is the line of best fit - the trend line, while the dashed red line indicates the 95% confidence interval. Full article ">

18 pages, 7528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Flow Control Devices on Mixing Phenomena in the Ladle with Top Lance Stirring System—Numerical and Physical Modeling

by Adam Cwudziński

Materials 2024, 17(24), 6130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246130 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of the structure of the bottom of the ladle with ceramic dam or set of dams on the mixing process was assessed, determining the mixing time required to achieve the level of 95% chemical homogenization. The 0.1 scale water model was used for the physical experiments. The numerical simulations were carried out in the Ansys-Fluent 12.1 software for a 1:1 scale ladle and the behavior of hot metal—nitrogen system. The research focused on three issues, i.e., the influence of the flow rate of technical gas, the influence of the position of the top injection lance, and the influence of the type of dam mounted in the ladle bottom. Finally, the use of a semi-circle dam or set of dams in the ladle bottom together with the top lance being set to a lower depth resulted in a significant reduction in the total mixing time of the liquid metal by 42% and 50%, respectively, without increasing the nitrogen flow rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)

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14 pages, 2003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Solution of the Sine–Gordon Equation by Novel Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Two Different Finite Difference Methods

by Svetislav Savović, Miloš Ivanović, Branko Drljača and Ana Simović

Axioms 2024, 13(12), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13120872 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study employs a novel physics-informed neural network (PINN) approach, the standard explicit finite difference method (EFDM) and unconditionally positivity preserving FDM to tackle the one-dimensional Sine–Gordon equation (SGE). Two test problems with known analytical solutions are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques. While the three employed approaches demonstrate strong agreement, our analysis reveals that the EFDM results are in the best agreement with the analytical solutions. Given the consistent agreement between the numerical results from the EFDM, unconditionally positivity preserving FDM and PINN approach and the analytical solutions, all three methods are recommended as competitive options. The solution techniques employed in this study can be a valuable asset for present and future model developers engaged in various nonlinear physical wave phenomena, such as propagation of solitons in optical fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Axioms and Methods for Handling Differential Equations and Inverse Problems)

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The architecture of a PINN and its standard training procedure were developed to tackle a basic partial differential equation, with PDE and Cond denoting the governing equations, and R and I representing the residuals. Following training, the approximator network furnishes an estimated solution. The residual network, an intrinsic but non-trainable element of a PINN, is adept at computing derivatives of the approximator network outputs with respect to inputs and generating the composite loss function, symbolized by MSE. Full article ">Figure 2
(a) EFD, (b) CCFD and (c) PINN solutions of Test problem 1 in three dimensions at different times. Full article ">Figure 3
(a) EFD, (b) CCFD and (c) PINN solutions of Test problem 2 in three dimensions at different times. Full article ">

16 pages, 5216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shape Accuracy Improvement of the Flange Turning Process in Aluminum Aerosol Can Production

by Istvan Sztankovics, Csaba Felho, Krisztina Kun-Bodnar and Zsolt Maros

Eng 2024, 5(4), 3381-3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5040176 (registering DOI) - 15 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the flange turning process in the production of aluminum aerosol bottles. Aluminum discs are lubricated, extruded, trimmed, washed, painted, and lacquered before undergoing necking, where flange turning ensures a secure, aesthetically pleasing fit. Errors in flange turning, such as uneven or tapered surfaces, can compromise bottle functionality and appearance. To address this, experiments were performed with different tool geometries, feed rates, and rotational speeds. The investigations aimed to achieve flat, consistent flange surfaces with minimal deviation from the desired geometry. Two main variables were examined: a 1 s waiting time at the end position and variations in feed rate and cutting depth. The waiting time improved flatness, halving surface deviations, while regrinding the tool reduced flatness errors to a tenth of the original values. Higher feed rates and speeds also enhanced surface quality, with flatness errors ranging from 371 μm to 75 μm. Overall, this study demonstrates that optimizing parameters like cutting angle, feed rate, and rotational speed, along with a waiting period, significantly enhances surface accuracy. These findings support more efficient production processes for aluminum aerosol bottles. Full article

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