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The Review covers the current state of functions, neurotransmitter innervation, the structure, and development of the contractile apparatus of unique group of catch muscles inherent only to bivalves. In contrast to conventional muscles, during contraction and relaxation, catch muscles possess a unique ability to enter the contraction holding state, referred to as catch state. The latter consists in energy-efficient maintenance of long-lasting tension developed by the muscle without consuming ATP-derived energy and regulated by serotonin and acetylcholine. Despite the molecular mechanism of catch state phenomenon still remains unclear, the combination of experimental data and the resulting assumptions allow one to design new energy-efficient and chemically-driven artificial muscles. The analysis of the structure and function of the catch muscles in this work opens the way to a conceptually new strategy for energy-efficient biomimetic robotics, including underwater robotics.

Guizotia abyssinica is currently being used for soil improvement; however, owing to its rapid growth and high productivity, it may have value as feed for ruminants, although this has not been well studied. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the silage quality of Guizotia abyssinica grown during the short season (July–October) as a catch crop in northern Europe when harvested 58, 68, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) over two production years. Ensiled material was analyzed to compare silage quality for the three different DAS. Two factors were analyzed factorially in the experiment: the silage preparation year (2018 or 2019) and the form of the ensiled material (fresh or wilted). We used 36 replications, 18 for each variant of the experimental factor. Harvesting at 58 DAS resulted in unsatisfactory forage fermentability, even after wilting. At 68 DAS, silage quality was satisfactory, but the dry matter content before ensiling was below 20% for both fresh and wilted forage, indicating limitations for silage use without additional wilting for that DAS harvest time. Dry matter content and water-soluble carbohydrates consistently increased as harvest was delayed. Thus, the highest silage quality was obtained from forage harvested 90 DAS regardless of differences in dry matter content. Therefore, it is possible to prepare silage at lower temperatures when the wilting process is limited by environmental conditions.

Background: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the weekend catch-up outdoor duration (WCOD) and prevalence of myopia among students in China.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants in 107 schools (six cities, 30 districts) from China from May to June 2021. Demographic characteristics (age, grade, sex, ethnicity, BMI, resident, and parents’ myopia), optically habits (bad writing habits, working/studying time per day, continuous working/studying time per day, and screen time per day) and outdoor duration (weekday and weekend) were obtained from questionnaire. WCOD was defined as outdoor time 1 h longer on weekends than on weekdays. Spherical equivalent (SE) of refractive error were measured with non-cycloplegic refraction. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between WCOD and prevalence of myopia.Results: Students with myopia had shorter WCOD compared with those without myopia (P 

Studies reported the existence of instability catch (IC) during trunk flexion in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, different movement speeds can cause different neuromuscular demands resulting in altered kinematic patterns. In addition, kinematic characterization corresponding to clinical observation of IC is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine (1) the association between movement speed and kinematic parameters representing IC during trunk flexion and (2) the differences in kinematic parameters between individuals with and without CLBP. Fifteen no low back pain (NoLBP) and 15 CLBP individuals were recruited. Inertial measurement units (IMU) were attached to T3, L1, and S2 spinous processes. Participants performed active trunk flexion while IMU data were simultaneously collected. Total trunk, lumbar, and pelvic mean angular velocity (T_MV, L_MV, and P_MV), as well as number of zero-crossings, peak-to-peak, and area of sudden deceleration and acceleration (Num, P2P, and Area), were derived. Pearson’s correlation tests were used to determine the association between T_MV and L_MV, P_MV, Num, P2P, and Area. An ANCOVA was performed to determine the difference in kinematic parameters between groups using movement speed as a covariate. Significant associations (P 

The cornerstone of this book is the innovative concept of profiguration, a term coined by Fidel Molina-Luque to encapsulate the essential agreement and recognition required between generations in contemporary society. Profiguration emphasises the intrinsic value of interdependence across all age groups, fostering a holistic life experience for the young, adults and the elderly. Rooted in our social nature, especially crucial amid the current crisis, profiguration becomes a poignant antidote to loneliness. The imperative of mutual love and care is heightened, illuminating the path to a fulfilled existence. This book advocates a paradigm shift through the lenses of sociology and social sciences, stressing the urgency of a mindset overhaul. It calls for a new social contract grounded in altruism for both current and future generations, highlighting the importance of love, solidarity and dialogue. Beyond interpersonal dynamics, it underscores the pivotal roles of education, sustainability and environmental stewardship, aspiring to shape a more promising present and future within a conscientious societal framework. Tailored to engage scholars, professionals and students alike, its accessible concepts are easily comprehensible and applicable across the following fields: sociology, anthropology, social work, education, law and business administration and health studies (medicine, nursing, physiotherapy), among others.

Naturally evolved T-cell receptors (TCRs) exhibit remarkably high specificity in discriminating non-self antigens from self-antigens under dynamic biomechanical modulation. In contrast, engineered high-affinity TCRs often lose this specificity, leading to cross-reactivity with self-antigens and off-target toxicity. The underlying mechanism for this difference remains unclear. Our study reveals that natural TCRs exploit mechanical force to form optimal catch bonds with their cognate antigens. This process relies on a mechanically flexible TCR–pMHC binding interface, which enables force-enhanced CD8 coreceptor binding to MHC-α1α2 domains through sequential conformational changes induced by force in both the MHC and CD8. Conversely, engineered high-affinity TCRs create rigid, tightly bound interfaces with cognate pMHCs of their parental TCRs. This rigidity prevents the force-induced conformational changes necessary for optimal catch-bond formation. Paradoxically, these high-affinity TCRs can form moderate catch bonds with non-stimulatory pMHCs of their parental TCRs, leading to off-target cross-reactivity and reduced specificity. We have also developed comprehensive force-dependent TCR–pMHC kinetics-function maps capable of distinguishing functional and non-functional TCR–pMHC pairs and identifying toxic, cross-reactive TCRs. These findings elucidate the mechano-chemical basis of the specificity of natural TCRs and highlight the critical role of CD8 in targeting cognate antigens. This work provides valuable insights for engineering TCRs with enhanced specificity and potency against non-self antigens, particularly for applications in cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease treatment, while minimizing the risk of self-antigen cross-reactivity.