Search Results (490)

Identifying natural alternatives to conventional chemical fertilizers is critical to preventing the widespread soil degradation and environmental damage caused by modern agriculture. Microbe-based biofertilizers have emerged as promising candidates due to their natural ability to improve nutrient bioavailability and promote plant growth. However, how biofertilizers affect the soil microbiome remains unclear. To investigate the impact of biofertilizer application on soil microbiome, LNP-1, a strain of Bacillus subtilis, was used as a biofertilizer in conjunction with no fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and chemical fertilizer for the cultivation of cabbage. Soil samples were collected and analyzed using next-generation sequencing to determine microbial abundance and diversity. Our results showed that LNP-1 supplementation not only improved cabbage yield significantly but also improved soil microbe diversity, a key indicator of soil health. Overall, soils treated with LNP-1 showed the enrichment of microbes involved in nutrient cycling and plant growth when compared to untreated groups. Notably, the yield of organically fertilized cabbage plants increased by 39.7% when treated with LNP-1. These results therefore demonstrate the potential for using biofertilizers to establish a more well-rounded, multifunctional soil microbiome to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and achieve high crop yield sustainably. Full article

Objectives: Modern lifestyles factors such as digital overload, aging, and poor sleep hygiene have led to increasing cases of sleep disturbances and inflammation-related disorders. These conditions are often associated with oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Longan flower extract (LFE), traditionally used in East Asian medicine, has shown potential health benefits but remains scientifically underexplored. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and bioactive effects of LFE on inflammation, oxidative stress, and melatonin biosynthesis in relevant cellular models. Methods: LFE was prepared using ethanol extraction and characterized for its total polyphenols, flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and corilagin content via HPLC. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroregulatory activities were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV-2 microglial cells. Key assays included quantification of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), detection of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and measurement of antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, SOD). Gene expression of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Results: LFE treatment significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and ROS production in both cell models. It enhanced GPx and SOD activity and increased intracellular glutathione levels. Moreover, LFE upregulated the expression of TPH1, DDC, AANAT, and ASMT, genes involved in melatonin biosynthesis, and promoted serotonin secretion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LFE holds significant potential as a natural therapeutic supplement, particularly for alleviating sleep disturbances, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory responses associated with modern lifestyle-related health conditions. Full article

Background: The principal function of mammary glands is to produce milk to nourish the newborn. Optimal lactation is controlled by various hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Objectives: Using 3D cultures of primary mouse mammary epithelial cells, we explored the effects of T helper (Th)1 cytokines, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α on the structure and function of mammary cells as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods: Three-dimensional cultures of mammary cells were treated with IFN-γ/TNF-α, and milk protein expression and acinar structures were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: Our results revealed that combined treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α inhibits prolactin-induced STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation and β-casein expression. These cytokines also disrupted the structure of mammary acini, resulting in smaller or no lumens, disordered cell arrangements, and multilayered cells in certain regions. Additionally, some cells became elongated rather than maintaining their usual cube-like shape. Since cell proliferation and death can modulate the structural organization of acini, we examined the influences of IFN-γ and TNF-α on these events. Combined cytokine treatment moderately increased cell proliferation and cell death. Notably, stimulation with IFN-γ and TNF-α induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the inhibition of iNOS partially restored acinar morphology and β-casein expression, revealing a novel mechanism for cytokine-induced acinar disruption. Conclusions: When a Th1 cytokine milieu is dominant, such as during inflammation and infection, IFN-γ and TNF-α might cause mammary gland ductal occlusion and lactation insufficiency. Full article

In conventional hydrology, a short-duration design rainstorm is typically used to estimate the design discharge in urban sewer systems. The reason for using a short duration is that engineers believe the time of concentration in urban watersheds is relatively small. The short-duration hyetograph is supposed to generate a flow hydrograph that accurately reflects the rainfall-runoff processes. In this study, we developed a street-sewer runoff model for an urban district of 2470 hectares. Detailed field flooding records were utilized to verify the stormwater model’s capability for inundation simulations. Subsequently, different rainfall series extracted from the recorded rainstorm data were used to investigate the causes of flooding corresponding to different durations of rainstorms. The results indicate that a 90 min main concentrated rainstorm causes small-scale flooding only; however, a 24 h rainfall series results in an extensive range of inundations. We further conducted similar short- and long-duration hyetograph tests in 16 urban drainage partitions (ranging from 2.3 to 193.5 hectares) to confirm the above findings. The results indicate that the maximum discharge in most partitions can only be found when the hyetograph duration exceeds 1080 min, which essentially contradicts previous engineering designs in urban watersheds in Taiwan. Full article

The vaginal microbiota, a critical determinant of women’s health, is influenced by hormonal and metabolic parameters across the lifespan. While Lactobacillus species are beneficial markers of vaginal health, microbial composition undergoes pronounced alterations after menopause. This study aimed to elucidate the associations between vaginal microbiota composition, vaginal pH, menopausal status, and metabolic parameters in Asian women. Vaginal secretion samples were collected from 40 women (20 premenopausal, 20 postmenopausal). Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the microbiota, categorized into Community State Types (CSTs): CST-I + II (Lactobacillus crispatus/gasseri, protective), CST-III (Lactobacillus iners, neutral), and CST-IV (anaerobic bacteria, harmful). Vaginal pH and clinical data were assessed in relation to microbial profiles. CST distribution differed significantly by menopausal status and vaginal pH. Harmful-type CST-IV was more prevalent in postmenopausal women (70% vs. 40%, p < 0.05), while CST-III was dominant in premenopausal women (45% vs. 5%). CST-IV was associated with elevated pH (median 6.00, p = 0.026) and increased abundance of anaerobes including Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Oral antibiotic use reduced both beneficial and harmful CSTs, shifting toward neutral CST-III (75%, p = 0.048). Use of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in postmenopausal women was associated with a higher prevalence of protective CST-I + II (57.14% vs. 8.33%, p < 0.05), though no significant impact on pathogen presence was observed. This study highlights the dynamic interplay between menopausal status, metabolic interventions, and vaginal microbiota composition. Findings may inform targeted strategies to maintain vaginal health in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (fetal PCA) is an anatomical variant that alters hemodynamics and may influence posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm rupture risk. Aneurysm shape and size irregularity are key rupture predictors. This study investigates the impact of fetal PCA on PCoA aneurysm morphology and rupture risk using a radiomics-based approach. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 87 patients with PCoA aneurysms (39 ruptured, 48 unruptured) treated at a tertiary center (January 2017–December 2022). Seventeen morphological parameters and 18 radiomic features were extracted per aneurysm. Patients were grouped by fetal PCA presence. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified rupture predictors. Results: Of 87 aneurysms, 38 had fetal PCA (24 ruptured, 14 unruptured), and 49 did not (15 ruptured, 34 unruptured). Fetal PCA was significantly associated with rupture (odds ratio [OR]: 3.28, p = 0.018). A higher non-sphericity index (NSI) correlated with rupture risk (OR: 3.35, p = 0.016). In non-fetal PCA aneurysms, size-related parameters such as height (6.83 ± 3.54 vs. 4.88 ± 2.57 mm, p = 0.034) and area (190.84 ± 167.08 vs. 107.94 ± 103.10 mm², p = 0.046) were key rupture predictors. In fetal PCA aneurysms, flow-related parameters like vessel angle (55.78 ± 31.39 vs. 38.51 ± 24.71, p = 0.035) were more influential. ROC analysis showed good discriminatory power, with an area under the curve: 0.726 for fetal PCA and 0.706 for NSI. Conclusions: Fetal PCA influences PCoA aneurysm rupture risk and morphology. NSI is a reliable rupture marker. Integrating morphological and anatomical data may improve rupture risk assessment and clinical decision-making. Full article

(1) Background: The relationship between air pollution and the risk of developing aphasia is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate air pollution exposure as a risk factor for developing aphasia in Taiwan. (2) Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study used the Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database (LGTD) and the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database (TAQMD). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) and adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) were calculated to examine the association between aphasia and exposure to six air pollutants: sulfur oxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter (PM_2.5, PM₁₀) from 2003 to 2017. (3) Results: The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of aphasia showed that individuals with high levels of SO₂, CO, and NO were at a higher risk of developing aphasia. Increased exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) also increased the risk of developing aphasia. The adjusted HRs of the aphasia risk were statistically significant for all the air pollutants at higher concentrations. (4) Conclusions: Individuals exposed to ambient air pollutants have a significantly higher risk of developing aphasia. The greater the exposure to airborne particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, the more likely individuals are to develop aphasia. Full article

This paper presents the design of a dual-band filter and a diplexer using an extremely miniaturized substrate-integrated coaxial cavity (SICC) structure. The presented dual-band filter can function as a front-end circuit block connected to 5G antennae, enabling dual-passband operation for 5G applications. The diplexer is designed for use in 5G communication systems, positioned after the 5G antennae to facilitate the switching of transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) signals between the Tx and Rx terminals. The main contribution of this work is the development of a highly miniaturized substrate-integrated coaxial cavity (SICC) to design a dual-band filter (DBF) and a diplexer. The circuit area of the proposed dual-frequency SICC is a mere 2.1% of its conventional substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity counterpart when operating at the same frequency. A dual-band filter and a diplexer are realized using two and three highly miniaturized SICC resonators, respectively. The dual-band filter is designed to have a transmission zero on each passband side to enhance signal selectively. At most in-band frequencies, the isolation between the diplexer’s channel bands exceeds 20 dB. A sample dual-band filter and diplexer have been fabricated for experimental validation, demonstrating excellent agreement between the measured and simulated data. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the designed dual-band filter and diplexer achieve the highest circuit area efficiency within the categories of dual-band SIW cavity filters and diplexers. Full article

The electroencephalography (EEG)-based approach provides a promising low-cost and non-invasive approach to the early detection of pathological cognitive decline. However, current studies predominantly utilize EEGs from resting state (rsEEG) or task-state (task EEG), posing challenges to classification performances due to the unconstrainted nature of mind wandering during resting state or the inherent inter-participant variability from task execution. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel feature extraction framework, working memory task-induced EEG response (WM-TIER), which adjusts task EEG features by rsEEG features and leverages the often-overlooked inter-state changes of EEGs. We recorded EEGs from 21 AD individuals, 24 MCI individuals, and 27 healthy controls (HC) during both resting and working memory task conditions. We then compared the classification performance of WM-TIER to the conventional rsEEG or task EEG framework. For each framework, three feature types were examined: relative power, spectral coherence, and filter-bank phase lag index (FB-PLI). Our results indicated that FB-PLI-based WM-TIER features provide (1) better AD/MCI versus HC classification accuracy than rsEEG and task EEG frameworks and (2) high accuracy for three-class classification of AD vs. MCI vs. HC. These findings suggest that the EEG-based rest-to-task state transition can be an effective neural marker for the early detection of pathological cognitive decline. Full article

This study introduces a cutting-edge, aptamer-based, planar electric, double-layer field-effect transistor (FET) system that offers both high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of troponin I (TnI). The proposed sensing platform leverages the signal amplification capabilities of FETs alongside the unique attributes of a planar electric double-layer design to address the limitations inherent in traditional ion-sensitive detectors, which are impacted by Debye length effects. By integrating TnI-specific aptamers, the system markedly enhances molecular recognition and transduction efficiency, achieving an impressive detection limit of $0.0001467 \mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrates a strong exponential linear response across a clinically relevant concentration range of 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL. This innovative approach underscores the potential of electric double-layer FET systems to advance biomarker detection technologies for medical diagnostics and point-of-care applications. Full article

Background: Catheter insertion is the most commonly used method for treating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Simultaneous hematoma aspiration allows for faster decompression than catheter insertion alone. Methods: Between March 2020 and Apri1 2024, 49 patients (25 men and 24 women) with ICH underwent ICH catheter insertion. Thirty-two patients (Group A) underwent intraoperative aspiration simultaneously with ICH catheter insertion. The other seventeen patients underwent catheter insertion alone (Group B). Four patients in Group A (12.5%) and two patients in Group B (11.8%) died within one month after surgery. Consequently, a total of 43 patients were included in the final analysis (Group A-1 vs. Group B-1). The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score and muscle strength of the four extremities in both groups were compared 2 weeks later (first period) and on the date of discharge (second period). Patients in Group A-1 were discharged 5 days earlier than those in Group B-1. (average 49 ± 20 vs. 54 ± 31 days). Results: In Group A, the preoperative ICH volume was 66.2 ± 28.8 mL, and the median aspiration volume was 30 ± 19.6 mL. The preoperative ICH volume was 55.9 ± 22.2 mL in group B. Intraoperative ICH aspiration (Group A-1) significantly improved motor scores during the second period (p = 0.001). It also showed the trend toward improved GCS scores during the first period (p = 0.095) and the second period (p = 0.069). Conclusions: Compared to ICH catheter insertion alone, additional intraoperative ICH aspiration resulted in greater motor improvement at 7 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.004). It also showed a trend toward greater improvement in the GCS scores (p = 0.12). Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airway inflammation and progressive airflow limitation, resulting in a significant global health burden and high mortality. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the roles of leukocyte subtypes—including neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils—in the pathogenesis and clinical management of COPD. Relevant original studies and reviews are included, providing data on leukocyte functions, associated biomarkers, and therapeutic implications. Neutrophils contribute to airway damage and remodeling by releasing proteases and reactive oxygen species, particularly in response to environmental exposure such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. Lymphocytes, especially CD8⁺ T cells, drive chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages that promote airway fibrosis and persistent inflammation, further impairing lung function. Eosinophils, though classically linked to asthma, are now recognized for their role in eosinophilic COPD, where they are associated with an increased exacerbation risk and corticosteroid responsiveness. Basophils, though less studied, may influence airway inflammation through interactions with eosinophils and cytokine release. Understanding these immune cell dynamics provides insights into the heterogeneity of COPD and highlights potential targets for precision therapy. Tailored interventions based on inflammatory phenotypes may improve clinical outcomes and advance personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Fluorescent gold nanoclusters conjugated with α-lipoic acid (FANCs) have shown great promise for drug development. In a previous study, FANCs did not show any acute or subacute toxicity under 0.6–20 μM/100 μL/25 g body weight in male and female ICR mice. However, the chronic toxicity of FANCs has not been studied. Aim of study: This study used oral administration of FANCs to determine the long-term safety profile and adverse effects in ICR mice. Methods: In vivo chronic toxicity was examined via oral administration of FANCs to male and female ICR mice. The daily food consumption, body weight, hematological profile, serum biochemical profile, organ coefficient, histopathological changes, and survival rate of the mice were calculated. Results: FANCs did not result in mortality due to chronic toxicity in both male and female mice. The animal behavior, body weight, hematological profile, serum biochemical profile, and organ coefficient showed no treatment-related malignant changes. This indicates that FANCs do not cause liver, renal, or other organ damage. Conclusions: These results indicate that the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) is 20 μM/100 μL/25 g for 6 months of treatment in male and female ICR mice. Full article

Background: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients have an elevated risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study investigated the risk of posttransplant DM (PTDM) in a retrospective cohort study. Methods: We analyzed patients aged over 18 years who received an SOT between 2002 and 2013. Each patient was matched with four control individuals by age, sex, insured salary, urbanization level, Charlson’s comorbidity index (CCI), and year of inclusion in the study. After matching, the study comprised 6874 patients who underwent an SOT and 27,496 matched general patients as the comparison. The risk of DM among the SOT recipients was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for all relevant variables. Results: The SOT cohort had a significantly higher risk of DM than general patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–1.72). Kidney and liver recipients, respectively, had DM incidence rates 1.57 (95% CI, 1.46–1.70) and 1.73 (95% CI, 1.53–1.94) times that of the general patients. Conclusions: SOT recipients had an elevated risk of DM. Among various organ recipients, liver recipients had the highest PTDM risk. Kidney and liver recipients demonstrated the highest DM risk at 6 months after their SOT. The risk of PTDM following an SOT may result in long-term consequences. Hence, we advise the critical need for proper management to mitigate related complications after transplantation. Full article