Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis in connective tissues. Fibroblasts are the effector cells of fibrosis since they contribute to the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. The goal of this study is to compare the transcriptomic profiles of primary human SSc skin and SSc lung fibroblasts. First, we conducted a meta-analysis of differentially expressed (DE) genes from two previously published differential analyses (SSc vs. normal) using skin and lung fibroblasts, observing 8.7% overlap in DE genes and 30% overlap in impacted pathways. Next, we characterized the signature of several genes of interest from the pro- and anti-fibrotic programs within the unique and overlap groups and explored overlapping drugs that are predicted to revert DE genes to “normal expression”. Finally, we identified 3760 DE genes between SSc lung and SSc skin fibroblasts, highlighting that fibroblasts in the disease state carry a tissue-specific signature that should be taken into consideration for therapeutic development. We also identified core genes that can serve as common targets for both skin and lung in SSc. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe overlapping genes and pathways in primary human skin and lung fibroblasts from SSc patients.
In this paper, we offer an overview of the published works dealing with fuzzy logic applied in drones, considering both theoretical works and applications in diverse areas, such as simulation, planning, and control of drones. The analysis was done considering all types of available publications, such as journal papers, chapters, and conference papers. The data were obtained by searching the Scopus database from Elsevier, which contains most of the world’s indexed publications across all areas of knowledge. Based on the obtained data, some conclusions were elaborated about the advances of fuzzy logic and its applications in drones, as well as interesting future trends for this area were delineated. In particular, as fuzzy logic has been evolving from type-1 to type-2 and more recently to type-3, the role of fuzzy systems in the area of drones is following the same evolution. We have to say this evolution has already happened in the area of controlling autonomous mobile robots, and we expect that this will also happen in the area of drones, as the navigation problem is similar to some extent. A limitation of the study is that we are only considering the evolution of fuzzy logic types, rather than other alternatives, such as intuitionistic or hesitant fuzzy theories, which could become more useful in the near future. Also, we are not studying hybrid approaches with fuzzy, like neuro-fuzzy or evolving fuzzy systems, which can be an interesting subject from the point of view of making a fuzzy system to become dynamic or adaptive.
Geopolymer recycled pervious concrete (GRPC) provides a promising solution for low-carbon construction through the utilization of industrial by-products and recycled coarse aggregates (RCA). However, the influence of RCA quality on the durability performance of GRPC remains insufficiently understood. In this study, GRPC was prepared using RCA of high, medium, and low quality, denoted as H-GRPC, M-GRPC, and L-GRPC, respectively. The mechanical properties, permeability, fatigue resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, and microstructural characteristics were systematically investigated. The results showed that RCA quality had a limited effect on permeability, whereas the mechanical performance and durability of GRPC were strongly dependent on RCA quality. The initial compressive strengths of H-GRPC, M-GRPC, and L-GRPC were 79.2, 75.3, and 60.0 MPa, respectively, with corresponding flexural strengths of 7.3, 6.7, and 6.2 MPa. After 100,000 fatigue cycles, compressive strength increased by 3.7%, 4.4%, and 3.0%, respectively. After 200 freeze-thaw cycles, the overall freeze-thaw durability followed the order H-GRPC > M-GRPC > L-GRPC. Microstructural analysis revealed that higher RCA quality promoted a denser matrix, a more intact interfacial transition zone, and a higher degree of geopolymerization. These findings provide guidance on selecting appropriate RCA quality for durable GRPC design.
Africa harbors unparalleled genetic and cultural diversity. Yet, despite cancer being a major global non-communicable disease, African populations, particularly Indigenous groups, remain remarkably underrepresented in cancer genomics research. This review examines the current landscape of cancer genomics studies across Africa, with emphasis on population diversity and the extent to which Indigenous populations have been included. The genetic heterogeneity across African populations is discussed, and how it can influence cancer susceptibility, tumor biology, and therapeutic response, underscoring the fact that findings from non-African cohorts may not have the same significance in African cohorts. A substantial knowledge gap persists, and expanding studies in Africa could significantly provide valuable insights for global cancer biology. These factors emphasize the urgency of an African-based and African-owned biobanking infrastructure to support equitable research, strengthen local capacity and ethical stewardship of genomic resources towards the promotion of precision oncology and health equity on the continent.
China, with its vast territory, harbors abundant regional food resources with multiple values in nutrition, ecology, and anthropology. However, simply adopting the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Geographical Indication (GI) system for classifying and managing these agricultural products fails to fully reflect their authentic natural and anthropological attributes, which cannot support the development of local characteristic economies and food cultural ecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a hierarchical classification standard system for regional food resources tailored to China’s national conditions. This paper proposed a new definition for China’s endemic and characteristic food resources and summarizes interdisciplinary research methods for exploring their biological and cultural attributes. Additionally, the economic and sociological values of these resources were discussed. The proposed classification standards provide guidance for the industrialization of regional food resources in China and offer new ideas for transforming biodiversity into novel productive forces in characteristic industries.
