A Review: Developments in Hardware Systems of Active Ankle Orthoses.

Active ankle orthoses which have been designed over the past few years by diverse sources were critically reviewed in this paper. It begins by providing an overview of the anatomy of the ankle joint complex, establishing a basis for understanding the subsequent discussion on the research challenges and design difficulties associated with developing active ankle orthosis devices. The review systematically examined the mechanisms, actuation methods, and control strategies utilized in these orthosis devices.

Flexible Mechanical Sensors for Plant Growth Monitoring: An Emerging Area for Smart Agriculture.

The last decade has seen significant progress in the development of flexible electronics and sensors, particularly for display technologies and healthcare applications. Advancements in scalable manufacturing, miniaturization, and integration have further extended the use of this new class of devices to smart agriculture, where multimodal sensors can be seamlessly attached to plants for continuous and remote monitoring. Among the various types of sensing devices for agriculture, flexible mechanical sensors have emerged as promising candidates for monitoring vital parameters, including growth rates and water flow, providing a new avenue for understanding plant health and growth under varied environmental conditions.

Effect of Seed Hydropriming on the Elongation of Plumule and Radicle During the Germination Process and Changes in Enzyme Activity Under Water-Deficient Conditions.

Hydropriming rice seeds effectively improve the germination percentage, shortens the germination period, and promotes seedling growth. The impact of seed hydropriming is to speed up growth under dry soil conditions, thereby avoiding drought damage. This study analyzes the effect of hydropriming on morpho-physiological changes in the water uptake of rice seeds using "Kasalath" and "Nipponbare" under water-deficit conditions.

Development of Roselle ( L.) Transcriptome-Based Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Their Application in Roselle.

Roselle ( L.) simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed using RNA sequencing technology, providing a foundation for genetic analysis and the identification of roselle varieties. In this study, 10 785 unigenes containing 12 994 SSR loci with an average of one SSR locus per 6.

Effects of Far-Red Light and Ultraviolet Light-A on Growth, Photosynthesis, Transcriptome, and Metabolome of Mint ( Briq.).

To investigate the effects of different light qualities on the growth, photosynthesis, transcriptome, and metabolome of mint, three treatments were designed: (1) 7R3B (70% red light and 30% blue light, CK); (2) 7R3B+ far-red light (FR); (3) 7R3B+ ultraviolet light A (UVA). The results showed that supplemental FR significantly promoted the growth and photosynthesis of mint, as evidenced by the increase in plant height, plant width, biomass, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F'/F'), maximal quantum yield of PSII (F/F), and performance index (PI). UVA and CK exhibited minimal differences.

Energy, Aromatic, and Medicinal Plants' Potential and Prospects for the Remediation of Potentially Toxic Element-Contaminated Agricultural Soils: A Critical Meta-Analysis.

A critical meta-analysis of the past decade's investigations was carried out with the aim of assessing the use of plant-based techniques for soil remediation. Potentially toxic element (PTE) contaminated soils were selected since these contaminants are considered hazardous and have long-term effects. Furthermore, energy, aromatic, and medicinal plants were studied as their high-value products seem to be affected by PTEs' existence.

Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Phage Therapy in Ameliorating ETEC-Induced Diarrhea in Mice Models.

Enterotoxigenic (ETEC) is a major pathogen causing diarrhea in humans and animals, with increasing antimicrobial resistance posing a growing challenge in recent years. Lytic bacteriophages (phages) offer a targeted and environmentally sustainable approach to combating bacterial infections, particularly in eliminating drug-resistant strains. In this study, ETEC strains were utilized as indicators, and a stable, high-efficiency phage, designated vB_EcoM_JE01 (JE01), was isolated from pig farm manure.

Transcriptional Regulation in Bacteria.

The goal of research in the post-genomic era, now that the full extent of the genes encoded on microbial genomes is known [https://www [...

Histological Dissection of Fusarium-Banana Interaction Using a GFP-Tagged Subtropical Race 4 Strain of f. sp. on Banana Cultivars with Differing Levels of Resistance.

Fusarium wilt, caused by f. sp. (), poses a significant threat to global banana production.

Analysis of Efflux Pump Contributions and Plasmid-Mediated Genetic Determinants in Ciprofloxacin-Resistant .

This study aimed to explore the interactions among genetic determinants influencing ciprofloxacin resistance in . Treatment with PAβN, an efflux pump inhibitor, resulted in a 4-32-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) across all 18 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. Notably, isolates without point mutations reverted from resistance to sensitivity.

Novel sp. Intraerythrocytic Parasite in the Flatback () and Green () Turtle in Western Australia.

Malaria and other haemosporidian parasites are common in reptiles. During baseline health surveys of sea turtles in Western Australia (WA), haemosporidian parasites were detected in flatback () and green () turtle erythrocytes during routine blood film examination. 130 blood samples were screened via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including 105 20 and 5 olive ridley turtles ().

Biosensors for Seafood Safety Control-A Review.

The increased demand for consuming seafood has made seafood production undergo a rapid period of growth. However, seafood has a high risk of contamination from harmful microorganisms and marine toxins which can cause health problems for humans consuming it. Concerning this issue, monitoring seafood safety has become a center of attention for researchers, and developing effective methods for detecting contamination in seafood has become a critical research field.

The Phytochemical Properties of Low-Grade Longan Syrup and Its Potential Use as a Dietary Supplement for Honey Bees.

Climate change significantly affects honey bee populations and their access to natural food sources, demanding alternative economic feed sources. Longan stands out as the most important fruit crop in Southeast Asia, but with a surplus of low-grade fruit that is not suitable for the market. This study investigates the potential of longan syrup as an alternative carbohydrate source for honey bees by measuring sugar composition, phytochemical profiles, feed, and survival, as well as the resulting gut microbial changes.

Revealing the Immune Response of Gyllenhal to Entomopathogenic Fungi Infection Through Integrative Analyses of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics.

In this study, we selected , one of the primary insect pests of alfalfa, as the experimental insect and infected it with . Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to explore alterations in gene expression and metabolic processes in at 48, 96, and 144 h post infection with . The transcriptomic analysis unveiled that infection boosted immune responses in tubercula, affecting carbohydrate metabolism, cytochrome P450 activity, lysosome function, apoptosis regulation, phagosome formation, glutathione metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and pathogen response pathways.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Proboscis and Associated Sensilla in (Esper, 1805) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae).

Morphological studies of the proboscis can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of Lepidoptera. However, such research is relatively limited for Pieridae, a family that is significant both ecologically and economically. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the proboscis and associated sensilla of adult , with an emphasis on ultrastructural details and potential sex-specific differences.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the PYL Gene Family in and Its Responses to Abiotic Stresses.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone that participates in various plant biological processes, such as seed germination, senescence, stomatal movement, and flowering. In the ABA signal transduction pathway, Pyrabactin Resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-Like (PYL)/Regulatory Component is the core module for ABA perception. In this study, a total of 12 PYL family members were identified in birch ( Suk.

Water Extract Inhibits Melanin Synthesis and Promotes Wound Healing.

This study investigated the multifaceted benefits of water extract across various cell lines, including murine B16F1 melanoma cells, human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, and human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), to assess its potential in skin health improvement. Initially, the antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the ABTS assay, revealing significant radical scavenging activity, indicating strong antioxidative properties. Subsequently, extract showed notable inhibition of α-MSH-enhanced melanin production in B16F1 cells without cell toxicity by suppressing tyrosinase expression.

Effect of Sheep's Whey Edible Coatings with a Bioprotective Culture, Kombucha Tea or Oregano Essential Oil on Cheese Characteristics.

Films and coatings based on biopolymers have been extensively studied in recent years since they have less impact on the environment, can be obtained from renewable sources, have good coating and film-forming capacity, are biodegradable and can have interesting nutritional properties. In the present study, sheep's cheese whey powder (SCWP) was used to produce edible cheese coatings. Six types of cheese samples were produced: without coating (CON); treated with natamycin (NAT); with SCWP coating without antimicrobials (WCO); with SCWP coating with a commercial bioprotective culture (WFQ); with SCWP coating with kombucha tea (WKO); and with SCWP coating with oregano essential oil (WEO).

Postprandial Glucose Response in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Possible Antioxidant Properties of a Plant-Based Snack Bar.

Daily, more and more people consume snack bars that may have an impact on blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effects of a common snack and a plant-based snack bar (PB) that was developed at the University of Thessaly as a functional diabetic snack on blood glucose and insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adults with T2DM ( = 10) treated with oral medications were studied in a randomized, crossover clinical trial.

Effect of Different Formulations and Storage on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Organoleptic Characteristics of Fruit Yogurt.

This study investigated the effect of incorporating up to 15% (/) fruit pulp into cow milk yogurt. Monitoring the physico-chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of these formulations was performed weekly during refrigerated (4 °C) storage for 21 days. Compared to the control, formulations with added pulp recorded enhanced contents of ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, fiber, total titratable acidity (TTA), and yellowness, which is in line with increasing fruit pulp.

Recent Trends in Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods: Formation, Toxicity, and Innovative Strategies for Extraction, Detection, and Inhibition.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced in foods during their thermal treatment through routes like the Maillard reaction. They have been linked to various health issues such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. There are multiple pathways through which AGEs can form in foods and the body.

Chemometric Classification and Bioactivity Correlation of Black Instant Coffee and Coffee Bean Extract by Chlorogenic Acid Profiling.

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) play a key role in defining the quality and functionality of coffee products. CGA fingerprints of black instant coffee (BIC) and coffee bean extract (CBE) were profiled using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed by chemometrics. A total of 25 CGAs were identified.

The Double-Stranded RNA Binding Proteins DRB1 and DRB2 Are Required for miR160-Mediated Responses to Exogenous Auxin.

DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA BINDING (DRB) proteins DRB1, DRB2, and DRB4 are essential for microRNA (miRNA) production in () with miR160, and its target genes, (), , and , forming an auxin responsive miRNA expression module crucial for root development. : Wild-type plants (Columbia-0 (Col-0)) and the , , and mutants were treated with the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the miR160-mediated response of these four lines was phenotypically and molecularly characterized. : In 2,4-D-treated Col-0, and plants, altered miR160 abundance and , , and gene expression were associated with altered root system development.

Effects of Dietary Bromide, Magnesium and Tryptophan and Immunocastration on Growth Performance and Behaviour of Entire Male Pigs.

The growth of boars may be inhibited because of aggressive and/or sexual activity. Dietary Br, Mg and tryptophan (Trp) as well as immunocastration may reduce these behaviours. In Experiment 1, 200 boars and 40 barrows were allocated to six groups of four pens of 10 pigs per treatment.

Redox-induced phosphorus release from critical source areas following rainfall events in New Zealand.

Critical source areas (CSAs) can act as a source of phosphorus (P) during intermittent rainfall events and contribute to dissolved P loss via runoff. Dissolved forms of P are readily accessible for plant and algal uptake; hence it is a concern in terms of the eutrophication of freshwater bodies. The potential of CSAs to release dissolved P to surface runoff upon intermittent short-term submergence caused by different rainfall events has not been studied at a field-scale in New Zealand previously.