Search Results (2,684)

With the growing demand for antibiotic-free and sustainable poultry production, plant-derived antimicrobials have emerged as promising alternatives. However, a systematic understanding of the combined effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) and Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the broiler gut microbiome remains lacking. This study employed an integrated “structure–function–phenotype” framework to investigate the individual and combined (OMS) effects of OEO and MCE on gut microecological remodeling and its coupling with host growth, metabolic, and immune phenotypes. A total of 960 one-day-old broiler chicks were individually weighed and then randomly allocated to four treatments using body-weight-stratified randomization, with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 40 birds per pen, to ensure similar initial body weight across groups. Over a 42-day trial, we evaluated growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, and immune parameters. Compared to the control, the OMS treatment significantly enhanced average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG), increased serum total protein (TP), and decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However, the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was also higher in the OMS group, indicating that the improvement in growth rate did not translate into enhanced feed efficiency but was primarily driven by increased feed consumption. OMS also improved overall antioxidant capacity and key enzyme activities, elevated immunoglobulin levels, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, OMS maintained Lactobacillus dominance, enriched Bacteroides, Enterococcus, and Butyricicoccus, and reduced Escherichia–Shigella. Functional predictions via PICRUSt2 suggested enhanced metabolic pathways related to antioxidant and immune functions; however, these results represent inference-based predictions and should be interpreted cautiously. Overall, the combination of OEO and MCE exerted synergistic benefits on growth, physiological health, and gut microbiota, supporting its potential as a phytogenic strategy for antibiotic-free broiler production. Full article

Canine epilepsy often resists conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), which affects their quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) has anticonvulsant properties; however, evidence of its use in canine epilepsy is limited and contradictory. This prospective pilot study aimed to investigate the potential advantages, safety profile, and effects of CBD on quality of life when used as an adjunctive therapy in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy in canines. Thirteen dogs with refractory epilepsy, all on 2–6 concurrent AEDs, were enrolled. A single-arm pretest–post-test design was used. CBD was titrated from 0.5 mg/kg BID 2.5 mg/kg q12h. The primary outcome was the change in seizure frequency. Secondary outcomes included changes in seizure severity, seizure cluster, hematological and biochemical parameters, and owner-reported quality of life (QoL). Significant overall seizure frequency reduction (p = 0.02) with the median decreased from 11 (IQR 9–22) during the pre-intervention period to 5 (IQR 2–13) at the post-intervention follow-up. Notably, 61.5% of the dogs achieved a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. The number of seizure clusters was significantly decreased (p = 0.001). Most hematological/renal parameters remained stable; however, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels significantly increased (p < 0.001). The owners reported positive CBD perceptions and an improved quality of life. CBD shows the potential for refractory canine epilepsy, especially in clusters. Increased hepatic enzyme levels necessitate rigorous monitoring, particularly with the concurrent use of AEDs. This groundbreaking study explored the application of CBD in managing canine epilepsy, utilizing a “start-low, go-slow” strategy to minimize adverse effects while effectively controlling seizures. Our findings underscore the necessity of customizing CBD dosages for individual needs and highlight the critical importance of monitoring liver function. This study challenged the traditional one-size-fits-all dosing approach. It provides the first evidence and practical framework for the use of CBD to treat canine epilepsy in Asia, detailing the pioneering approach and the initial findings from this cohort. Full article

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation, is implicated in various degenerative diseases and bone regeneration. In this study, we hypothesized that the ferroptosis inhibitors Liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) play a dual role in protecting cells against ferroptotic damage and promoting osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Erastin-induced ferroptosis significantly reduced cell viability and increased lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by BODIPY™ 581/591 C11 staining. Both Lip-1 and CoQ10 decreased lipid peroxidation and restored cell viability, particularly at early treatment points. Post-treatment recovery experiments showed that both agents reversed erastin-induced damage, with Lip-1 having a stronger and more sustained effect. ALP activity assays on day 14 revealed dose-dependent increases with Lip-1 and moderate stimulation with CoQ10, indicating additional osteoinductive properties. Moreover, cell density affected sensitivity to lipid peroxidation, with higher cell densities providing protection through antioxidant pooling. These results highlight CoQ10 and Lip-1 as promising candidates for bone tissue engineering, as they offer protection against ferroptosis and promote osteoblast differentiation. Overall, this study emphasizes the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis modulators for bone regeneration. Full article

Background: Bone fracture is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone, which poses a significant healthcare burden. It is important to discover a novel method to stimulate and speed-up the healing of bone fractures. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of alternating current (AC) in promoting bone fracture healing. Methods: A rabbit bone fracture model was used. X-ray and Micro-CT evaluated fracture healing, while HE staining and immunohistochemistry assessed morphological changes. In vitro, pre-osteoblastic cells were tested with alizarin red S staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. RNA-seq analysis explored potential mechanisms. Results: X-ray evaluation showed that alternating current stimulation (ACS) promoted bone formation and shaping by day 14 post-treatment. Micro-CT results revealed significant new bone formation as early as day 3 and day 7 (p < 0.05). HE staining indicated more trabecular bone formation in the ACS group compared to the model group at days 7 and 14. Immunohistochemistry showed higher expression of BMP-2 and VEGF in the ACS group by day 7. In vitro, ACS enhanced osteogenic differentiation, increasing calcified nodule formation and ALP activity. Gene expression analysis demonstrated significant changes in key osteogenic genes, confirmed by multiple immunohistochemical staining. Conclusions: ACS may be a novel method for treating bone fractures more rapidly, significantly relieving the patient’s burden, particularly in the early stages of bone healing. Full article

Accurately reproducing the mechanical and dynamic behavior of fractured rock masses remains a key challenge in rock engineering, especially in marble quarry environments where discontinuity networks, excavation geometry, and topographic effects induce highly non-linear stress distributions. This study presents a multidisciplinary and physically calibrated numerical approach integrating field stress measurements, structural characterization, and dynamic modeling using the Distinct Element Method (DEM). The analysis focuses on a marble quarry located in the Apuan Alps (Italy), a tectonically complex metamorphic massif characterized by intense deformation and pervasive jointing that strongly influence rock mass behavior under both static and seismic loading. The initial stress field was calibrated using in situ measurements obtained by the CSIRO Hollow Inclusion technique, enabling reconstruction of the three-dimensional principal stress regime and its direct incorporation into a 3DEC numerical model. The calibrated model was then employed to simulate the dynamic response of the rock mass under seismic loading consistent with the Italian Building Code (NTC 2018). This coupled static–dynamic workflow provides a realistic evaluation of ground motion amplification, stress concentration, and potential failure mechanisms along pre-existing discontinuities. Results demonstrate that physically validated stress initialization yields a significantly more realistic response than models based on simplified lithostatic or empirical assumptions. The approach highlights the value of integrating geological, geotechnical, and seismological data into a unified modeling framework for a sustainable quarry stability analysis in fractured rock masses. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to characterize Vibrio anguillarum strain 23FBVib0271 (VA) isolated from rainbow trout and Aeromonas salmonicida salmonicida strain 17FBASa0016 (ASS) and A. salmonicida masoucida strain 23FBAer0174 (ASM) isolated from Atlantic salmon in the Republic of Korea. Their physiological traits, pathogenicity, and antigenicity were examined, and formalin-inactivated vaccines were developed to evaluate safety and immunogenicity in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Methods: Formalin-inactivated VA, ASS and ASM were administered intraperitoneally, and protective efficacy was determined after six weeks. Serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, glucose) and histopathology were analyzed for safety. ELISA and real-time PCR targeting IL-1β, BCL6, membrane-bound IgM, and secretory IgM were performed to assess immune responses. Results: Vaccination provided relative percent survivals of 100%, 75%, and 95% for VA, ASS and ASM, respectively, without adverse physiological or histological effects. Immunological analyses revealed strong antibody production and upregulation of immune-related genes. Conclusions: Formalin-inactivated vaccines from VA, ASS and ASM are safe and effectively induce protective humoral immunity in Atlantic salmon by promoting antigen-specific antibody responses and immune gene activation. Full article

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an exceptional genetic bone disorder of metabolic character caused by a deficit of the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (TNSALP). This protein is encoded by the ALPL (alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney) gene. In the medical literature, HPP is also known as Rathbun’s syndrome, named after the Canadian physician who first identified this disorder. Patients exhibit persistently low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. In fact, ALP renders this measure a reliable indicator of the condition. Adult HPP is varied, with some patients exhibiting only moderate, non-pathognomonic symptoms. They include arthropathy, arthrodynia, chondrocalcinosis, osteopenia, osteomalacia, and generic musculoskeletal discomfort. Healthcare may require coordinating several services to manage a patient with HPP. This comprehensive review will highlight the genetic knowledge, pathology data, and patient management approaches, including Medicare’s coverage. In addition, this paper aims to address specific themes related to HPP, including its significance, current challenges, and controversies. Full article

This article applies Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to four Italian Alpine contexts to examine how narratives and metaphors can shape territorial development. We combined long-term ethnography (approximately 128 days of participant observation) with analysis of documents and media (2010–2025) relating to the four territories and interpreted the results through the four levels of CLA: litanies, systems, worldviews, and myths/metaphors. Two dominant metaphors, “mountain-as-playground” (exogenous) and “mountain-as-heritage” (endogenous), seem to underpin the discourses about tourism and local development. We identify signals of a third metaphor, the “open-hybrid-village”, where multiple forms of belonging and contribution (resident collective ownerships, returnees, extended stay visitors) sustain the local economy and stewardship. The approach is interpretative, and the transferability of results is limited by the selection of cases and the availability of data; however, triangulation and distinct levels support the internal consistency and replicability of the method in other contexts. We conclude that making imaginaries explicit can broaden the variety of thinkable futures and the space of options before investments become dependent on the path taken. We suggest integrating CLA into participatory foresight to enrich and share forward-looking visions on which to negotiate long-term landscape planning and thresholds for tourism carrying capacity. Full article

The BMP2/7 heterodimer is known as a stronger inducer of osteogenic differentiation than BMP2 or BMP7 homodimers. Our aim was to establish BMP2/7-expressing human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to evaluate tReceived: 23 October 2025; Revised: 29 November 2025; Accepted: 3 December 2025; Published: 3 December 2025 he osteogenic potential of the genetically modified cells. Lentiviral transduction was used to introduce the Tet-ON-regulated transgene-containing vector to the cells. Endogenous heterodimers were detected at the mRNA and protein levels using RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot, while secreted heterodimers were detected using ELISA assays. Osteogenic differentiation was monitored by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and the expression levels of RUNX2 and ALPL genes. Our results showed that ALP activity did not change in the transduced DPSCs; however, increased mineralization was detected, which correlates with the results obtained by RNA sequencing. Based on our results, BMP2/7-expressing DPSCs could be used in the treatment of bone defects, where heterodimers may have not only autocrine but also paracrine effects. Full article

The modernization of agriculture within developing nations represents a complex challenge at the intersection of social and economic systems. Enhancing agricultural labor productivity (ALP) is the key to increasing farmers’ incomes and promoting rural economic development in low- and middle-income countries. To reveal the deep-seated factors that restrict the improvement of ALP, this study, based on the internal and external development constraints of farmers, uses the 2020 data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database. It systematically analyzes the effects and internal logic of farmers’ livelihood capital and farmland transfer on ALP, employing both an endogenous switching regression model and a generalized structural equation model. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) Physical capital, financial capital and social capital can significantly increase the probability of farmers participating in the farmland transfer and transfer-in. Moreover, physical capital can significantly reduce the probability of farmers participating in the farmland transfer-out. (2) Physical capital is significantly and positively correlated with the ALP of both farmland transfer farmers and non-transfer farmers. Financial capital has a significant positive correlation with the ALP of transfer-in farmers. Social capital is significantly positively correlated with the ALP of non-transfer farmers. (3) Farmland transfer can significantly improve ALP, and the productivity-enhancing effect of farmland transferring-in is considerably more pronounced than that of transferring-out. (4) Mediation analysis reveals that physical and social capital enhance ALP by promoting farmer participation in the farmland transfer market. When classified by different transfer behaviors, physical capital enhances ALP by promoting both the transferring-in and transferring-out of land. Financial capital and social capital can promote farmers’ transfer-in of land to enhance ALP. (5) The heterogeneity analysis shows that, compared with the other two types of farmers, farmland transfer has the most significant effect on improving the ALP of livelihood capital-abundant farmers, while farmland transfer-in has the greatest efficiency improvement effect for capital-deficient farmers, and farmland transfer-out has the greatest efficiency improvement effect for capital-balanced farmers. By providing a detailed, evidence-based model of these complex interactions, this research contributes to the broader understanding of change management and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable rural futures. Full article

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Plasmodium falciparum infections remain major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable due to physiological immunomodulation. While mono-infections are well documented, the burden and biological consequences of HBV–P. falciparum co-infection during pregnancy remain under-investigated in Gabon. Aim: To determine the prevalence, clinical relevance, and biochemical impact of HBV–P. falciparum co-infection among pregnant women in Libreville, Gabon, and to explore the interaction between viral and parasitic replication. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2022 and May 2023 at the CHUME-FJE Laboratory in Libreville. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg using rapid diagnostic tests and ELISA confirmation; HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) levels were quantified by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA). Parasitemia was assessed by rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, and the Lambaréné thick blood film method. Liver function parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT) were evaluated using an automated biochemistry analyzer. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 222 pregnant women enrolled, HBV infection was detected in 9 cases (4.05%). Among these, 6 (2.7% of the study population) were mono-infected with HBV, while 3 (1.35%) were co-infected with Plasmodium falciparum. P. falciparum parasitemia was detected in 58 cases (26.1%). Biochemical profiles revealed elevated transaminases (AST) in HBV mono-infected women, while liver enzymes remained within normal ranges in co-infected individuals. Quantitative analyses demonstrated an inverse relationship between HBV surface antigen levels and P. falciparum parasitemia. This observation could suggest an antagonistic replication dynamic. However, the relationship was not statistically significant (Spearman’s ρ = −0.5, p = 0.67). Conclusions: HBV and P. falciparum co-infection occurs in a small but clinically relevant proportion of pregnant women in Gabon. The observed inverse replication pattern suggests a potential biological antagonism that may modulate disease severity. These findings although preliminary, could highlight the need for integrated screening and management strategies during pregnancy to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G₀), standard basal diet only (G₁), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G₂, G₃) and 800 mg/kg/day (G₄, G₅). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G₅). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications. Full article

Naringenin (NAR) is a naturally occurring flavanone characteristic of citrus fruits and other foods whose anti-obesity effects have been reported. As a dietary xenobiotic, it is metabolized and excreted mainly by the liver and kidneys, respectively. Since an organism does not normally consume pure phenolic compounds, there are concerns about its safety when administered as such. The present work reports an analysis on the safety of consuming NAR as an anti-obesity agent (100 mg/kg body weight) alongside a Western diet (WD) during an eight-week period, according to various serum biochemical markers of liver and kidney function in Wistar rats. Blood samples were analyzed to determine liver function, including enzyme activity (ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP), bilirubin, and albumin. Biochemical markers of kidney function were urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, and electrolytes. Results show that a 100 mg/kg oral dose of NAR for eight weeks exerted no apparent hepato- or nephrotoxicity, suggesting a suitable safety profile at said dose, since all variables analyzed remained within normal reference limits in NAR-treated animals. Urea, BUN, and ALP showed significant differences between the WD and the control group fed a basal diet (BD), although this was independent of NAR (p < 0.05, WD and WD + NAR vs. BD and BD + NAR), suggesting that diet played a role. The data support the previously reported hepatoprotective effects of NAR and suggest a favorable safety profile. Altogether, the findings indicate that pure NAR may be safe at the dose employed and during the analyzed time period, which further supports the need for clinical studies to validate its application in human consumers. Full article

This study introduces a Hybrid Interferometric Approach (HIA) tailored for the detection, mapping, and measurement of landslides using Sentinel-1 satellite data. The HIA is specifically designed to identify ground displacements that exceed the detection thresholds of the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), offering an enhanced capacity for monitoring faster-moving landslides. The methodology integrates multi-baseline interferometric analysis, utilizing backscattered signals from both point-like and distributed radar targets at full spatial resolution. The approach utilizes ten interferometric datasets acquired between 2017 and 2021 from both ascending and descending orbits. Each annual dataset is restricted to a six-month observation window to reduce temporal decorrelation effects. The HIA was implemented in a landslide-prone sector of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Eastern Italian Alps. Comparative evaluation against EGMS ground motion products demonstrates that the HIA significantly broadens the range of detectable slope instabilities, thus providing a valuable supplement to existing ground motion monitoring services and contributing meaningfully to landslide hazard assessment and risk reduction efforts. Full article