Functional Stability Research Articles

Evolutionary potential and direction of evolution

The article defines evolutionary potential as a reserve of resources (substrate, energy and information) of an evolving system and as something that can be «produced» by this system using available reserves under the influence of various factors. In relation to evolutionary processes, the evolutionary potential of the functioning (stability, tolerance) of the species and the evolutionary potential of its development are distinguished. From the point of view of the possibilities (potential) for a species to transition into a new form (new species), we should talk about pluripotent and unipotent (monopotent) species, which probably depends on the potential of the eco-niche occupied (or mastered) by the species. Polypotent species give rise to several species through divergence, and monopotent species are transformed into a new single species when the evolutionary branch does not split. The connection between evolutionary potential and evolutionary orientation is considered, which is proposed to be understood not only (and not so much) as the implementation of internal processes (mechanisms), but also as a consequence of the influence of external factors that adapt the organism “to itself.” The set of potential directions of variability may not contain the desired (adaptive) option. Attention is drawn to the fact that the element of chance to a certain extent neutralizes the nomogenetic character of evolution. On the other hand, the direction of evolution to a certain extent reduces evolutionary chaos, the success of which is most manifested in the cognitive evolution of Man.

Tannic Acid-Enabled Antioxidant and Stretchable MXene/Silk Strain Sensors for Diving Training Healthcare.

MXene-based conductive hydrogels hold significant promise as epidermal sensors, yet their susceptibility to oxidation represents a formidable limitation. This study addresses this challenge by incorporating MXene into a tannic acid (TA) cross-linked silk fibroin matrix. The resulting conductive hydrogel (denoted as e-dive) exhibits favorable characteristics such as adjustable mechanical properties, self-healing capabilities (both mechanically and electrically), and strong underwater adhesion. The existence of a percolation network of MXene within the nanocomposites guarantees good electrical conductivity. Importantly, the surface interaction of MXene nanosheets with the hydrophobic moiety from TA substantially reduced moisture and oxygen interactions with MXene, thereby effectively mitigating MXene oxidation within hydrogel matrices. This preservation of the electrical characteristics ensures prolonged functional stability. Furthermore, the e-dive demonstrates inherent antibacterial properties, making it suitable for use in underwater environments where bacterial contamination is a concern. The utilization of this advanced e-dive system extends to the correction of diving postures and the facilitation of underwater healthcare and security alerts. Our study presents a robust methodology for enhancing the stability of MXene-based conductive hydrogel electronics, thereby expanding their scope of potential applications.

Enhancing Wastewater Treatment with Aerobic Granular Sludge: Impacts of Tetracycline Pressure on Microbial Dynamics and Structural Stability.

This study evaluated the efficiency of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology in treating wastewater contaminated with tetracycline (TC), a common antibiotic. AGS was cultivated under a TC pressure gradient ranging from 5 mg/L to 15 mg/L and compared with conventional wastewater conditions. The results demonstrated that AGS achieved high removal efficiencies and exhibited robust sedimentation performance, with significant differences in average particle sizes observed under both conditions (618.6 μm in TC conditions vs. 456.4 μm in conventional conditions). Importantly, exposure to TC was found to alter the composition and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), thereby enhancing the structural integrity and functional stability of the AGS. Additionally, the selective pressure of TC induced shifts in the microbial community composition; Rhodanobacter played a crucial role in EPS production and biological aggregation, enhancing the structural integrity and metabolic stability of AGS, while Candida tropicalis demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency in nutrient removal under stressful environmental conditions. These findings underscore the potential of AGS technology as a promising solution for advancing wastewater treatment methods, thus contributing to environmental protection and sustainability amid growing concerns over antibiotic contamination.

Institutional Bases for The Formation of the Subject of Aviation Infrastructure Management in the System of Ensuring the Sustainability of the Northern Sea Route

The development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) infrastructure is one of the priority areas of managerial thought in the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Commercial use of high-latitude caravan routes in the waters of the NSR should significantly change the situation with the organization of logistical maritime flows around the Eurasian continent. Ensuring uninterrupted traffic along with fulfilment of the conditions of urgency of delivery and cargo safety form the category of stability of the NSR functioning. Its northern part runs exclusively in domestic seas, and ensuring regular vessel traffic is Russia’s priority task in the competition for transporting cargo from east to west (and back) by sea. The movement of ships along the NSR falls directly under the authority of the management of Rosatom State Corporation, while the management of the infrastructure that ensures the continuous movement of transport along the NSR is carried out collegially. At the same time, such an important aspect as the management of the infrastructure complex supporting the movement of container ships with transit cargo has been assigned to three components of a single management entity: the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, and Rosatom Corporation, without clearly defining the boundaries of responsibility for interdepartmental management decisions. To date, this approach has already caused a series of organizational and technical difficulties. The aim of the study is to identify the rational organization of the infrastructure of the management subject, allowing to ensure the sustainability of the movement of passenger and cargo ships throughout the water area of the NSR; it is based on such scientific methods as induction, systematization, grouping Key results of the work may be in demand both in the course of scientific research in the field of infrastructure development in the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, and in the framework of improving the existing management system of aviation infrastructure of these territories.

Stability and Preservation of Fuzzy Membership Functions in Adaptive Gaussian Derivative Filters

This paper examines the stability and preservation of fuzzy membership functions in Gaussian filters, particularly focusing on the Adaptive Gaussian Derivative (AGD) filter. Gaussian filters are essential for smoothing and noise reduction in image processing. The AGD filter, which adapts based on local image statistics, outperforms traditional methods. Key concepts like fuzzy sets, Boundary Input Boundary Output (BIBO) stability, and convolution are defined, and the mathematical formulation of the Gaussian and its derivative is presented. The AGD filter's BIBO stability ensures bounded outputs for bounded inputs, guaranteeing consistent behavior. It also preserves fuzzy membership function properties, maintaining convexity and boundedness through linearity and continuity. Frequency response analysis using Fourier Transform confirms the AGD filter retains the Gaussian shape in the frequency domain, preserving image smoothness. Theorems and proofs validate the AGD filter's stability and its capability to preserve fuzzy membership functions, ensuring reliable processing in applications such as medical image analysis. These properties make the AGD filter a robust tool for advanced image processing tasks.

Effect of hydrothermal treatments on the nutritional, functional and storage stability characteristics of decorticated foxtail millet grains and flour

Rapid off-flavor development and bitterness is a major concern during storage of grains and cereal flours, especially millet flour due to the occurrence of rancidity. The pre-treatment of grains before milling ensures the better retention of quality of the grains and flour, thus enhancing their utility in various products. The flour obtained from untreated, soak-boil and soak-steam treated foxtail millet grains was stored at ambient and under refrigerated conditions for 90 days. The % FFA content of untreated, soak-boil and soak-steam was 0.49, 0.22 and 0.21 %, respectively which increased significantly to 0.68, 0.28 and 0.26 % oleic acid after 90 days at storage at ambient conditions. The last phase of storage depicted a significant increase in the peroxide value and FFA of untreated samples. Under refrigerated conditions the flour obtained from soak-steamed grain had a better storage stability, functional characteristics than soak-boiled grains, and those stored at ambient temperature. The moisture, carbohydrates, FFA, peroxide levels increased, whereas antioxidant activity, pasting properties, decreased significantly during 90 days of storage. The current investigation reveals that the hydrothermal treatments by soak-boil and soak-steam methods could be effectively used to prolong the storage period of millet grain and milling fractions for better utilization.

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Activity Patterns Using Camera Traps in the Qilian Mountain National Park (Qinghai Area), China.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the condition of snow leopards. The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), an apex predator of alpine ecosystems, is essential for the structural and functional stability of ecosystems. Monitoring of snow leopards' activity patterns based on camera traps in the Qilian Mountain National Park (Qinghai area) between August 2020 to October 2023 was performed. The results showed that autumn is the peak period of snow leopard activity, especially in September when the frequency of activity is the highest, and there is one peak in the frequency of snow leopard daily activity in the time period of 18:00-22:00, while the highest overlap of the daily activity curves of snow leopards in different months was from spring to autumn (Δ = 0.97), and there were significant differences in diurnal activity rhythm between spring and autumn (p = 0.002). Snow leopards prefer sunny days, and they tend to be active at temperatures of -10-9 °C. Our research aimed to uncover the activity patterns of snow leopards at different scales within the study area and provide data for further studies on snow leopards and other wildlife by researchers. This study can be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecological characteristics of snow leopards and to assess their habitats, and it will also serve as a reference for the local wildlife management authorities in formulating snow leopard conservation measures.

Role and Outcomes of Supported Community Living Programs in Post-Hospital Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs.

(1) To determine the proportion of participants admitted to supported community living (SCL) programs over the course of 5 years who improve, decline, or maintain functioning and community integration and (2) to examine the associations of time since injury, time in program, and age to their functional trajectory. Data from SCL programs serving individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). 104 individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or other ABI. Sex, age, time since injury, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (4th edition; MPAI-4). Retrospective analyses of MPAI-4 total and MPAI-4 indices using Linear Mixed Models (LMM) of Rasch-derived T-scores from admission to 5 years into service delivery. MPAI-4total, index, and subscale scores for yearly intervals of SCL services from admission to 5years showed a high degree of stability in function (defined using the standard error of measurement (SEM) for the MPAI-4, defined as change≥3T-score points) with all intervals showing at least 89% of patients with improved scores or no change. The rate of change over time did not significantly vary by time since injury, time in the program, or age. The expectations for services in the SCL portion of the care continuum for ABI are unique. Unlike intensive rehabilitation programs which focus on improvement often earlier in the course of recovery, the goal of SCL services is sustained functioning over the long term. Analyses reported here indicate this can be achieved for at least 5years, potentially mitigating the increased risk for rehospitalization and increased care needs in the ABI population. This study highlights a key finding of MPAI-4 stability within these understudied brain injury service lines. Additional exploration of comorbidities and more nuanced delineation of diagnostic information could further clarify factors influencing outcome stability over time.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel folate-based amphiphilic multifunctional stabilizer for targeting tumors with paclitaxel nanosuspensions

In order to improve the targeted delivery of the drug, a novel folic acid-modified paclitaxel nanosuspensions (FA-PEG-PTX NCs) delivery system was designed in the present study, and its target delivery ability was verified in vitro and in vivo models. Paclitaxel nanosuspensions were prepared by antisolvent precipitation using folic acid-modified polyethylene glycol monostearate (FA-PEG-MA) and D - α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as functional stabilizers. The FA-PEG-PTX NCs had an average particle size of 195.33 ± 13.31 nm, a PDI of 0.182 ± 0.022 and a zeta potential of - 12.4 ± 0.62 mV. The drug loading (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of FA-PEG-PTX NCs were 48.45 ± 3.34 % and 96.90 ± 1.81 %. Particle morphology showed that FA-PEG-PTX NCs had a rod-shaped structure with a smooth surface. XRD and DSC indicated that PTX existed mainly in an amorphous structure in the nanocrystals. FTIR showed no chemical reaction between PTX and stabilizer but rather physical interactions. In vitro dissolution experiments showed that nanocrystals significantly improved the PTX dissolution rate. Cytotoxicity assay and apoptosis assay showed that FA-PEG-PTX NCs had a stronger inhibitory effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of folate receptor-positive cells, Bel-7402 cells, compared with PEG-PTX NCs. In vivo studies showed that FA-PEG-PTX NCs and PEG-PTX NCs had long-lasting and targeted effects. In conclusion, FA-PEG-MA seems to be a promising stabilizer with targeting properties.

Assessing health-related quality of life in patients with interstitial lung diseases

BackgroundThe R-Scale-PF was proposed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We generated a German version of the R-Scale-PF (GR-Scale), representing the first translation of the questionnaire into another language and assessed HRQoL longitudinally in various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) using the R-Scale-PF scoring system at a specialized ILD centre.MethodsWe have translated the questionnaire in accordance with the WHO translation guidelines and applied it to 80 ILD patients of our department, with follow-ups after 3–6 months, assessing its internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, concurrent validity, known-groups validity, and its responsiveness to changes over time.ResultsAt baseline, all 80 patients completed the GR-Scale. In 70 patients (87.5%), follow-up data could be obtained after 4.43 ± 1.2 months. The GR-Scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.749) and slight floor effects. Concurrent validity analysis showed weak but significant correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC; r=-0.282 p = 0.011) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco; r=-0.254 p = 0.025). In the follow-up analysis, moderate correlations were found with FVC (r=-0.41 p < 0.001) and DLco (r=-0.445 p < 0.001). No significant difference in the total score was found between patients with IPF (n = 10) and with non-IPF ILDs (n = 70). The GR-Scale successfully discriminated between groups of varying disease severity based on lung function parameters and the need for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Furthermore, it was able to distinguish between patients showing improvement, stability or decline of lung function parameters.ConclusionOur prospective observational pilot study suggests that the GR-Scales is a simple and quick tool to measure HRQoL in patients with ILDs, thus providing an important additional information for the clinical assessment of ILD patients.Trial registrationOur study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) on 02.11.2022 (DRKS-ID: DRKS00030599).

Chemically programmed metabolism drives a superior cell fitness for cartilage regeneration.

The rapid advancement of cell therapies underscores the importance of understanding fundamental cellular attributes. Among these, cell fitness-how transplanted cells adapt to new microenvironments and maintain functional stability in vivo-is crucial. This study identifies a chemical compound, FPH2, that enhances the fitness of human chondrocytes and the repair of articular cartilage, which is typically nonregenerative. Through drug screening, FPH2 was shown to broadly improve cell performance, especially in maintaining chondrocyte phenotype and enhancing migration. Single-cell transcriptomics indicated that FPH2 induced a super-fit cell state. The mechanism primarily involves the inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and the optimization of metabolic homeostasis. In animal models, FPH2-treated human chondrocytes substantially improved cartilage regeneration, demonstrating well-integrated tissue interfaces in rats. In addition, an acellular FPH2-loaded hydrogel proved effective in preventing the onset of osteoarthritis. This research provides a viable and safe method to enhance chondrocyte fitness, offering insights into the self-regulatory mechanisms of cell fitness.

The effects of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation: A randomized trial.

Optimization of mobility activities with spinal stabilization exercises and reducing spinal loads in individuals with transtibial amputation are recommended by researchers; however, the effect of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate the effect of spinal stabilisation exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation. Randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding. Eighteen individuals with transtibial amputation were included. Conventional physiotherapy program was applied to individuals in control group, and spinal stabilization exercise training was applied to individuals in intervention group together with conventional physiotherapy program for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake during 6-Minute Stepper Test. The secondary outcomes were maximal energy expenditure, step count and fatigue during 6-Minute Stepper Test, perceived mobility level with prosthesis, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles. In the within-group comparisons, the change in the functional exercise capacity, step count, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be statistically significant in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the changes in the functional exercise capacity, perceived mobility level, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be significant in favor of the group in which spinal stabilization exercises were applied. Along with improvement in proximal control of movement, improvements were observed in some parameters that are indicative of physical capacity. Considering the described developments, exercise programs focused on spinal stabilization in individuals with amputation are becoming a serious alternative in clinical practice.

User Experience of a Large-Scale Smartphone-Based Observational Study in Multiple Sclerosis: Global, Open-Access, Digital-Only Study.

The Floodlight Open app is a digital health technology tool (DHTT) that comprises remote, smartphone sensor-based tests (daily activities) for assessing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). User acquisition, engagement, and retention remain a barrier to successfully deploying such tools. This study aims to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate key user experience (UX) factors associated with the Floodlight Open app. Floodlight Open is a global, open-access, digital-only study designed to understand the drivers and barriers in deploying a DHTT in a naturalistic setting without supervision and onboarding by a clinician. Daily activities included tests assessing cognition (Information Processing Speed and Information Processing Speed Digit-Digit), hand-motor function (Pinching Test and Draw a Shape Test), and postural stability and gait (Static Balance Test, U-Turn Test, and Two-Minute Walk Test [2MWT]). All daily activities except the 2MWT were taken in a fixed sequence. Qualitative UX was studied through semistructured interviews in a substudy of US participants with MS. The quantitative UX analysis investigated the impact of new UX design features on user engagement and retention in US participants for 3 separate test series: all daily activities included in the fixed sequence (DA), all daily activities included in the fixed sequence except the Static Balance Test and U-Turn Test (DAx), and the 2MWT. The qualitative UX substudy (N=22) revealed the need for 2 new UX design features: a more seamless user journey during the activation process that eliminates the requirement of switching back and forth between the app and the email that the participants received upon registration, and configurable reminders and push notifications to help plan and remind the participants to complete their daily activities. Both UX design features were assessed in the quantitative UX analysis. Introducing the more seamless user journey (original user journey: n=608; more seamless user journey: n=481) improved the conversion rate of participants who enrolled in the study and proceeded to successfully activate the app from 53.9% (328/608) to 74.6% (359/481). Introducing reminders and push notifications (with reminders and notifications: n=350; without reminders and notifications: n=172) improved continuous usage time (proportion of participants with ≥3 consecutive days of usage: DA and DAx: ~30% vs ~12%; 2MWT: ~30% vs ~20%); test completion rates (maximum number of test series completed: DA: 279 vs 64; DAx: 283 vs 126; 2MWT: 302 vs 76); and user retention rates (at day 30: DA: 53/172, 30.8% vs 34/350, 9.7%; DAx: 53/172, 30.8% vs 60/350, 17.1%; 2MWT: 39/172, 22.6% vs 22/350, 6.2%). Inactivity times remained comparable. The remote assessment of MS with DHTTs is a relatively nascent but growing field of research. The continued assessment and improvement of UX design features can play a crucial role in the successful long-term adoption of new DHTTs.

Surface Degradation of Mg2X-Based Composites at Room Temperature: Assessing Grain Boundary and Bulk Diffusion Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Practical application of thermoelectric generators necessitates materials that combine high heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency with long-term functional stability under operation conditions. While Mg2(Si,Sn)-based materials exhibit promising thermoelectric properties and module prototypes have been demonstrated, their stability remains a challenge, demanding thorough investigation. Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we investigate the surface degradation of a composite material comprising Si-rich and Sn-rich Mg2(Si,Sn) solid solutions. The investigation reveals a pronounced dependence of stability on Sn content, with the Sn-rich phase Mg2Si0.13Sn0.87 displaying the formation of a nonprotective oxide layer. Subsequent AFM measurements provide evidence of dominating grain boundary diffusion of loosely bound Mg, compared to bulk diffusion, observed within a few days, ultimately resulting in a complete surface oxidation of the Sn-rich phase within several weeks. On the other hand, Mg2Si and Si-rich Mg2Si0.80±0.05Sn0.20±0.05 remain stable against Mg diffusion to the surface even after prolonged exposure. Comparison with previous investigations confirms that the degradation rate is found to be highly dependent on the Sn content, with markedly higher rates observed for x = 0.87 compared to x = 0.70 in Mg2Si1-xSnx. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the stability challenges associated with Mg2(Si,Sn)-based materials, essential for the development of robust thermoelectric materials for practical applications.

Comparative Analysis of Dual-Task and Single- Task Balance Exercises in Improving Static Balance in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Introduction: Various balance exercises have been employed to enhance functional stability and balance in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, no study has explored the use of dual-task balance exercises for these patients. This study compares the effects of dual motor task balance exercises and single-task exercises on the static balance indices of individuals with ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, 27 subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction were randomly divided into two groups: Dual-task and single- task balance exercises. Both groups performed their exercises three days a week for one month. Static balance indicators were assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment. Results: The results demonstrated that after the treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in various center of pressure variables, including mean displacement in the anterior- posterior and medial-lateral directions, total path length, mean velocity of displacement, root mean square of displacement, and velocity. Furthermore, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score significantly increased in both groups (P&lt;0.05). However, when comparing the two groups, no significant difference was observed after the treatment (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task and single-task motor exercises improve static stability and knee function levels in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of these exercise types does not significantly differ from each other.

Comparative Analysis of the Six-Strand Hamstring and Peroneus Longus in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crucial for knee stability and is often injured in sports, leading to significant issues like degenerative changes and meniscal tears. ACL tears are prevalent in high-school sports injuries, accounting for 50% of knee injuries in the U.S. Surgical reconstruction, often involving bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring autografts, is common, with varying success rates and complications. Emerging alternatives like the peroneus longus tendon show promise but require further comparative studies. This prospective and multicentric study included 110 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from 2020 to 2022. Fifty-five patients received hamstring tendon autografts (Group H) and fifty-five received peroneus longus tendon autografts (Group P). Surgeries were performed by experienced surgeons using standardized techniques. Patients were evaluated using clinical tests and functional scores including the Lysholm Knee Questionnaire and IKDC-2000 at various postoperative intervals up to 24 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Group H showed superior knee function preoperatively and at 24 months postoperatively compared to Group P. Group H had higher Lysholm and IKDC scores consistently throughout the study period. The anterior drawer and Lachman’s tests indicated better knee stability for Group H. Complications were comparable between groups, with specific issues related to donor site morbidity and muscle weakness observed in each. The six-strand hamstring tendon autograft (Group H) demonstrated superior functional outcomes and knee stability compared to the peroneus longus tendon autograft (Group P) for ACL reconstruction. Despite some donor site morbidity, the hamstring tendon showed better long-term recovery and fewer complications. Future studies should explore larger, multicentric cohorts and integrate regenerative medicine techniques to further enhance ACL reconstruction outcomes.

Soy glycinin-carboxymethyl cellulose “chain bead-like” nanocomplexes: Focus on formation mechanism, functional characteristics and stability properties

In this study, the aim was to solve the problem of poor functional characteristics and stability of soy glycinin (11S). 11S and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanocomplexes (SCs) were prepared by pH-driven method. They were further analyzed for the effects on the SCs formation mechanism, function and stability properties of CMC concentration (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, w/v) and degree of substitution (DS, 0.7, 0.9, 1.2). The particle size and zeta potential indicated that the SCs were small in size, uniformly distributed, and high in potential. Classical DLVO theory calculation, FTIR, 3D fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV spectroscopy revealed that 11S and CMC interact mainly through electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding, and the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein were altered. SEM, AFM and TEM showed that 11S formed “protein nanobeads” and engulfed the “chain” of CMC, generating “chain bead-like” SCs. With the increase in CMC concentration and DS, the hydrophobicity decreased and the molecular flexibility increased of SCs. The solubility, turbidity, emulsifying and foaming properties showed the tendency to enhance and then decrease as the CMC concentration increased; these properties improved better when the DS was stronger. The optimum functional characteristics of the formed SCs were obtained when the concentration and DS of CMC were 0.5% and 1.2, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of CMC significantly improved the pH, ionic stability and thermal stability of the nanocomplexes. This study will provide a theoretical basis for deeper understanding of the mechanism of pH-driven protein-polysaccharide interactions and applications in functional foods.

Interaction of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A with the blood-brain barrier.

The functional and structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the brain microenvironment; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and function of the blood-brain barrier remain poorly understood. The major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A has been identified as a key regulator of blood-brain barrier function. It plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the formation and functional stability of the blood-brain barrier, in addition to the transport of lipids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, across the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies have suggested that major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A is involved in the molecular mechanisms of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases; however, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A affects the blood-brain barrier. This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the close relationship between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins and the blood-brain barrier, including their basic structures and functions, cross-linking between major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A and the blood-brain barrier, and the in-depth studies on lipid transport and the regulation of blood-brain barrier permeability. This comprehensive systematic review contributes to an in-depth understanding of the important role of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A proteins in maintaining the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier and the research progress to date. This will not only help to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, improve the accuracy of laboratory diagnosis, and optimize clinical treatment strategies, but it may also play an important role in prognostic monitoring. In addition, the effects of major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A on blood-brain barrier leakage in various diseases and the research progress on cross-blood-brain barrier drug delivery are summarized. This review may contribute to the development of new approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Exploring novel MYH7 gene variants using in silico analyses in Korean patients with cardiomyopathy

BackgroundPathogenic variants of MYH7, which encodes the beta-myosin heavy chain protein, are major causes of dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.MethodsIn this study, we used whole-genome sequencing data to identify MYH7 variants in 397 patients with various cardiomyopathy subtypes who were participating in the National Project of Bio Big Data pilot study in Korea. We also performed in silico analyses to predict the pathogenicity of the novel variants, comparing them to known pathogenic missense variants.ResultsWe identified 27 MYH7 variants in 41 unrelated patients with cardiomyopathy, consisting of 20 previously known pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, 2 variants of uncertain significance, and 5 novel variants. Notably, the pathogenic variants predominantly clustered within the myosin motor domain of MYH7. We confirmed that the novel identified variants could be pathogenic, as indicated by high prediction scores in the in silico analyses, including SIFT, Mutation Assessor, PROVEAN, PolyPhen-2, CADD, REVEL, MetaLR, MetaRNN, and MetaSVM. Furthermore, we assessed their damaging effects on protein dynamics and stability using DynaMut2 and Missense3D tools.ConclusionsOverall, our study identified the distribution of MYH7 variants among patients with cardiomyopathy in Korea, offering new insights for improved diagnosis by enriching the data on the pathogenicity of novel variants using in silico tools and evaluating the function and structural stability of the MYH7 protein.

The Impact of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation on ACL Patients: A Comprehensive Review in the Context of China’s Healthcare System

This journal review investigates the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation in assisting ACL patients to return activity level. The main objective of this review is to analyze how exercise-based rehabilitation influences recovery for ACL clients within a Chinese healthcare system. The specific exercise-based rehabilitation that were investigated as part of the study included Nordic, hamstring exercises, aquatic workouts; suspension training and lastly eccentric isokinetic. The outcome factors for ACL healing were improved muscle strength and proprioception, remarkable functional stability levels, regain of full range of motion as well free of pain and reduced risk to re-injury. The retrieval of relevant scholarly sources were gathered from extensive use online databases and publications. The results of the research showed that exercise rehabilitation programs contributed to successful treatment of ACL injuries in Chinese patients. The literature has indicated that aquatic exercises and Nordic hamstring have proved to be successful in enhancing the muscle strength, proprioception among Chinese ACL patients. In addition, suspension training led to the improvement of functional stability and return-to play. Secondly, the study results indicated that rehabilitation training was appropriate for relieving pain and enhancing ROM in people with ACL injuries. Lastly, eccentric kinetic exercise was proven effective in decreasing the chances of re-injury and as a physical activity post injury. Recommendations in the study include targeted exercise-based rehabilitation therapies, and as required instituting combined exercise treatment among patients with ACL.