Search Results (7,392)

Cholestatic diseases in children represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that, with few exceptions, have no cure. For decades, off-label drugs and/or drugs with little evidence of efficacy have been used to treat pruritus or as supportive therapy. In recent years, a family of molecules known as bile acid transporter inhibitors (IBATis) has been developed, with two of these being approved for treating pruritus in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Blocking the ileal reabsorption of bile acids (BAs) lowers serum levels. This contributes to reducing cholestatic pruritus. Such a mechanism of action may also have a potential benefit in other cholestatic diseases and even in the consequences of chronic cholestasis. This is a narrative review of the literature, including the most recent communications, to summarize data on the efficacy and safety of IBATis in the treatment of pruritus in PFIC and ALGS in children, including a description of the latest results from their use in a real-world setting. Reports on off-label use and experiences in adults are also discussed. This review aims to help physicians understand the potential and limitations of these new drugs in the treatment of cholestatic pruritus. Full article

Bio-based bismaleimide (BMI) resins can reduce environmental impact and impart intrinsic flame retardancy, but achieving a high glass transition temperature (Tg) remains challenging. Here, we replace the conventional petrochemical co-monomer O,O′-diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) with a synthesized tri-allyl derivative of curcumin (AEC) in 4,4′-bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BDM)-based resins. The AEC monomer, synthesized via exhaustive O- and C-alkylation of curcumin, acts as a trifunctional crosslinker. By systematically varying the imide:allyl molar ratio, we optimized the network properties. We optimize the network’s thermal and fire-safety properties. The optimized formulation (BDM: AEC = 1:0.87, denoted BA-0.87) yields 43.06% char at 800 °C and reduces the peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 13.2% compared to the conventional BDM/DABPA control (BD-0.87). Meanwhile, BA-0.87 passes UL-94 V-0 with no dripping and attains a Tg above 400 °C—nearly 100 °C higher than BD-0.87. These enhancements arise from curcumin’s rigid conjugated structure, which increases crosslink density and promotes char formation during decomposition. Our work demonstrates a viable, bio-derived pathway to engineer BMI resins that simultaneously improve thermal stability and intrinsic flame retardancy. Such resins are promising for demanding aerospace and high-temperature electronic applications that require both fire safety and stability. Full article

As the operational demands on piezoelectric devices grow increasingly stringent, there is an urgent need for materials capable of delivering stable performance at elevated temperatures. BiFeO₃ (BF), a lead-free piezoelectric oxide with high-temperature resilience, is characterized by its notably high Curie temperature (T_c ∼ 835 °C), rendering it a promising candidate for high-temperature applications. However, its piezoelectric coefficients remain inadequate to satisfy practical requirements. The 0.7BiFeO₃-0.3Ba_(1-x) Sr_xTiO₃ system (abbreviated as BF-BS_xT) was designed to elucidate the roles of chemical disorder and local structural heterogeneities in the enhancement of functional properties through fine-tuning of the Sr content. The phase structure of the samples was carefully examined by X-ray diffraction. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data revealed that all BF-BS_xT ceramics consist of coexisting R and PC phases. Optimized compositional disorder and local heterogeneities led to a moderate enhancement in the piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ value of 160 pC/N, a high T_c of 495 °C, and a remanent polarization P_r ≈ 22.1 μC/cm² -were achieved in the BF-BS_xT system at x = 0.06. These results indicate that BF-BS_xT ceramics hold good potential for use in high-temperature piezoelectric devices. Full article

To address the performance degradation of existing base station-based indoor localization algorithms in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, we propose a novel intersection-statistics-based localization method. The proposed algorithm introduces an adaptive error-correction mechanism that mitigates the aggregated effects of multipath interference and environmentally induced variations in TOA measurements. The core innovation lies in establishing a statistical framework that utilizes intersection density within minimum bounding circles to optimize correction parameters. Subsequent refinement employs standard deviation analysis to eliminate spatial outliers before final coordinate estimation. Comparative experimental results demonstrate significant improvements over conventional least squares (LS) and Nano algorithms across three key metrics: mean positioning error (reduced by 38.7%), maximum error (decreased by 42.1%), and error variance (improved by 57.3%). Empirical validation shows that the algorithm achieves 97.36% of absolute positioning errors within 1 m precision under optimized parameters, while maintaining 85.82% sub-meter accuracy using universal correction factors. These performance characteristics satisfy rigorous requirements for commercial indoor positioning systems while providing practical implementation advantages through adaptive parameter tuning. Full article

Maize is vital for food systems and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients, reducing maize production. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers provide nutrients rapidly, but their cost and sustainability concerns have prompted interest in alternatives. Biological amendments improve nutrient uptake and soil structure and boost crop resistance, potentially cutting mineral fertilizer use. The present study aims to investigate the direct and residual effects of biological amendments (BAs) on maize productivity in the Eastern DRC, both when applied alone or combined with inorganic fertilizer, with trials conducted in the Kabare, Kalehe, and Ruzizi Plain regions from October 2022 to June 2024. Two trials across four seasons gathered data using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replicates: Control, without fertilizer application; farmer practice; inorganic fertilizer (NPK 17-17-17 and urea); BA_1: Lactobacillus; BA_2: fish serum; BA_3: black soldier fly (BSF) compost; BA_1 + inorganic fertilizer; BA_2 + inorganic fertilizer; and BA_3 + inorganic fertilizer. The results identified three categories: integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers, single applications, and inconsistent uses. The best outcomes emerged from treatments combining Lactobacillus, fish serum, and BSF compost with inorganic fertilizer, positively impacting maize yield parameters. The study confirms that combining biological amendments and mineral fertilizers significantly (p < 0.001) enhances maize productivity in the Eastern DRC. Performance differences across locations emphasize the influence of local soil characteristics and targeted nutrient strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postprandial hyperglycemia and sleep quality can influence arterial stiffness; however, the interaction between sleep quality and postprandial hyperglycemia-induced changes in arterial stiffness remains poorly elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether sleep quality modifies postprandial changes in blood glucose levels and arterial stiffness following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Methods: In this study on 104 healthy middle-aged and older adults (50–83 years old), arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) before and 60 min after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Poor sleep quality was defined as a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5.5. Results: In the 51 participants with poor sleep quality, baPWV increased significantly from baseline to 60 min after the 75 g OGTT (p < 0.01), whereas no such change was observed in the 53 subjects with good sleep quality. baPWV was significantly higher in the poor-sleep-quality group than in the good-sleep-quality group 60 min after the 75 g OGTT (p < 0.01). Moreover, baPWV and blood glucose levels 60 min after the 75 g OGTT had a positive correlation (p < 0.01, r = 0.64). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a poor sleep quality may enhance postprandial hyperglycemia-induced arterial stiffness, whereas a good sleep quality may help protect vascular function. Full article

Brown spot, caused by the seedborne fungus Bipolaris oryzae, remains a major constraint in rice production. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the biocontrol potential of three Bacillus strains (Ba. cereus OQ725688.1, Ba. velezensis OP938696.1, and Ba. subtilis OP937353.1) against Bi. oryzae in two rice cultivars (“Rubelita” and “Predileta”). Ba. cereus showed the highest in vitro mycelial inhibition (≈95%), whereas Ba. velezensis was the most effective under greenhouse conditions, reducing disease severity by up to 60% and increasing seedling vigor by 51% compared with infected controls. “Predileta” showed the strongest response to bacterial treatment, maintaining severity scores below 2 even under high inoculum pressure. Functional assays confirmed that all strains displayed amylolytic, catalase, and phosphate-solubilizing activities, with Ba. velezensis uniquely expressing strong cellulase and protease activities. Genome analysis of Ba. velezensis OP938696.1 revealed multiple biosynthetic gene clusters for antifungal polyketides and lipopeptides. These integrated biochemical and genomic traits demonstrate the novelty and potential of this Neotropical strain as a multifunctional agent capable of suppressing Bi. oryzae while enhancing rice seedling performance. Incorporating such a native strain into seed and soil management offers a sustainable strategy for rice protection in Neotropical systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibits marked genetic heterogeneity between early-onset (EOAD) and late-onset (LOAD) forms. EOAD is typically associated with highly penetrant variants, whereas LOAD follows a polygenic architecture dominated by non-coding variation. However, the tissue-specific regulatory consequences of these variants remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to compare the regulatory genomic architectures underlying EOAD and LOAD using a multi-tissue integrative approach. Methods: GWAS-associated variants for EOAD and LOAD were retrieved from the GWAS Catalog using a relaxed significance threshold (p < 1 × 10⁻⁵). Variants were functionally annotated and integrated with GTEx v8 eQTL data across 13 neurologically relevant tissues and peripheral blood. Regulatory effects were evaluated using eQTL slope estimates. Basal gene expression patterns were assessed using GTEx RNA-seq data, and protein–protein interaction and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the STRING database. Results: A total of 287 variants were analyzed (32 EOAD, 255 LOAD), with minimal overlap. EOAD exhibited a highly focal regulatory profile, identifying GSE1 as the sole eQTL-regulated gene, restricted to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9). In contrast, LOAD displayed a broad multi-tissue regulatory architecture involving APH1B, APOE, CEP63, and HAVCR2, with heterogeneous tissue-specific effects. LOAD-regulated genes converged on pathways related to γ-secretase activity, amyloid precursor protein processing, and Notch signaling, whereas GSE1-associated interactions were enriched for chromatin organization and epigenetic repression. Conclusions: EOAD and LOAD exhibit distinct regulatory genomic architectures, with EOAD characterized by focal, region-specific regulation and LOAD by widespread, tissue-dependent effects, highlighting stage-specific molecular mechanisms contributing to AD heterogeneity. Full article

The horst and graben system in Western Anatolia lies on the eastern boundary of the Aegean extensional system, one of the most active extensional zones in the world. The Şahinali coal basin is located south of the Büyük Menderes Graben, which is part of this system. This study examines the rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) geochemistry, accumulation conditions, and economic potential of the Şahinali coals. Compared to world coals, the REE concentration in Şahinali coals (208.3 ppm) is quite high, and all REY groups are slightly enriched. Light REY (LREY) is dominant compared to medium REY (MREY) and heavy REY (HREY). The most abundant element in this group is Ce, reaching a concentration of 123.3 ppm. REY distribution patterns indicate H-type enrichment in most samples and, to a lesser extent, M-H-type enrichment. Element ratios (Al₂O₃/TiO₂, TiO₂/Zr, La/Sc, Co/Th) and REY anomalies (Ce, Eu, Gd) indicate that the sedimentary input is predominantly derived from felsic rocks, with limited intermediate to mafic contributions. SEM-EDS findings and correlation analyses indicate that REY are predominantly associated with aluminosilicate minerals. LREY-Th and MREY/HREY-Y relationships are supported by monazite and Y-rich illitic K-aluminosilicates. Paleoenvironmental indicators (V/Cr, Ni/Co, U/Th, Sr/Cu, Rb/Sr, Sr/Ba) indicate that the coal accumulated under oxic–suboxic, warm and humid conditions. The average REY oxide (REO) content slightly exceeds the commonly cited 1000 ppm screening threshold for coal ash. The majority of samples contain elevated proportions of critical REY (30.7%–54.3%) and show promising outlook coefficients (C_outl: 0.8–1.7). Together, these results indicate a favourable compositional signature for preliminary REY resource screening in the Şahinali coals, particularly with respect to elements relevant for high-technology applications. Full article

Biostimulants have been increasingly investigated as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fruit enlargement agents in horticulture. In this study, two commercially cultivated kiwifruit cultivars, Zhongmi No. 2 and Jintao, were used as experimental materials. Three biostimulant products with distinct functional compositions were investigated: Benefit PZ (BPZ), which is rich in potassium humate and organic nitrogen; Shengcai A (SCA), containing amino acids and trace elements; and Puluosaiting (PLST), a natural seaweed extract–based formulation rich in bioactive compounds. Their effects on fruit development and internal quality attributes were compared with those of two fruit enlargement agents, 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU). Field experiments were conducted in two orchards located in Dancheng and Xixia, Henan Province, China, and treatments were applied during early fruit development. Growth traits (longitudinal and transverse diameters, single-fruit weight and firmness) and quality indicators (Soluble Solids Content, Titratable Acidity and Dry Matter Content) were measured at commercial maturity. CPPU and 6-BA substantially increased fruit size and weight compared with the control, whereas biostimulants produced moderate improvements without excessive enlargement. Notably, biostimulant treatments consistently enhanced internal quality attributes, indicating their potential to improve fruit quality without the drawbacks of excessive enlargement. Environmental and management differences between sites may also have contributed to treatment variability. These results suggest that biostimulants can improve internal quality traits while avoiding excessive fruit enlargement, representing a promising option for sustainable kiwifruit production. Full article

Drought is the primary stress factor in semiarid environments. Consequently, selecting plant genetic resources capable of tolerating temporary periods of water scarcity, such as Physalis angulata, becomes essential. This study aimed to identify P. angulata accessions with potential for use under water deficit conditions by evaluating plant water status and physiological and biochemical responses. Five accessions, including two from Bahia (BA1 and BA2), Pará-PA, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, and Piauí-PI, were grown under well-watered and water deficit conditions. Relative water content, gas exchange parameters, and organic solute accumulation were assessed. All accessions exhibited changes in plant water status and reductions in CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, and leaf transpiration under water deficit. The accumulation of compatible solutes varied among accessions, with notable contrasts between Bahia accession 2 and Pará accession, particularly for total soluble sugars and reducing sugars. These findings highlight the complexity of the species and the distinct mechanisms underlying its response to limited water availability. Overall, gas exchange was the trait most sensitive to water restriction, followed by alterations in biochemical attributes. Therefore, the Physalis angulata accessions from Bahia accession 2 and Pará accession show potential for use under water-deficit conditions and could provide valuable insights, particularly through transcriptome analysis. Full article

Microbe–mineral interactions in lacustrine environments play a critical role in controlling carbonate diagenesis and preserving organic matter, particularly under the influence of hydrothermal processes. To improve the understanding of such processes, this study focuses on the diagenesis of different types of carbonates from the upper section of the Bayingebi Formation in the Yin’e Basin, revealing the association between lacustrine sedimentation and hydrothermal activity. According to mineralogical and geochemical evidence, the carbonates in the studied interval can be broadly classified into hydrothermal, hydrothermal-biogenic, and sedimentary types on the basis of their dominant genetic signatures. Hydrothermal carbonates are dominated by crystalline dolomite, with associated hydrothermal minerals rich in Fe, Ba, and Mg, while 87Sr/86Sr values are close to mantle source values, indicating substantial mantle hydrothermal fluid contributions. Hydrothermal-biogenic carbonates are dominated by mud-crystalline and spherical dolomite enriched in Mg, Na, and P. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values fall between the typical mantle-derived and paleolake water ranges, indicating a mixed hydrothermal signal, with possible microbial involvement indicated by mineralogical and textural features. Sedimentary carbonates are predominantly crystalline calcite, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values close to crustal source values, indicating the influence of terrestrial inputs. Moreover, there are significant relationships between different types of diagenetic carbonates and organic matter. Intense hydrothermal activity is associated with low TOC values and relatively unfavorable conditions for organic matter preservation. In contrast, sections with mild hydrothermal activity have higher TOC contents, and the nutrient contents and water temperatures are more conducive to enrichment with organic matter. Although based on a single fully cored borehole from the upper section of the Bayingebi Formation, this study provides a framework for understanding the coupling between carbonate diagenesis and organic matter enrichment in hydrothermally influenced lacustrine systems, with implications for future studies involving multi-core investigations across the basin. Full article

Little is known of a large black shale belt within the Naij Tal Group in the East Kunlun region, which hosts polymetallic deposits, including manganese, vanadium, and cobalt. The recently discovered Dagangou vanadium mineralization is the first black rock series-type vanadium deposit in the East Kunlun region and Qinghai Province and represents a significant find owing to its intermediate scale. This study investigated the mineralogy, major and trace elements, rare earth elements, and platinum group element geochemistry of the Dagangou vanadium deposit. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the main vanadium-bearing minerals are micas, followed by limonite, clay minerals, feldspar, and jarosite. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃, Co/Zn, Sr/Ba, and Pd/Ir ratios, as well as the Ir content of the ores, indicated strong involvement of hydrothermal activity in the mineralization process. The V/Cr, Ni/Co, and U/Th ratios, as well as the δU values and significant negative δCe anomalies, suggested that the vanadium-bearing black rock series formed in a strongly anoxic reducing environment. The Al₂O₃/(Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃) and MnO/TiO₂ ratios, along with weak positive δEu anomalies and strong enrichment of heavy rare earth elements, indicated that mineralization occurred in an extensional tectonic setting. The black shale-hosted vanadium polymetallic deposit formed in a setting that transitioned from an open oceanic deep-sea environment to a progressively shallower continental margin. Full article

High-quality BaTiO₃ nanopowders were synthesized via a sol–gel method using butyl titanate and barium serving as precursors. This study systematically investigates the influence of calcination temperature (600–1000 °C) and gel aging time (2–10 h) on the phase evolution and microstructure of the nanoparticles. A pure tetragonal phase with a high tetragonality (c/a ratio of 1.0100) and an average particle size of 140 nm was achieved at 1000 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Ultraviolet–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses revealed that high-temperature calcination induced the formation of oxygen vacancies and Ti³⁺ defects, leading to a narrowing of the optical bandgap from 3.01 eV to 2.98 eV. An optimal aging time of 4 h yielded uniform nanoparticles with a high specific surface area, whereas prolonged aging (>6 h) resulted in the re-emergence of BaCO₃ impurities and severe agglomeration due to the formation of a rigid gel network. This work provides a precise processing window for fabricating high-purity, highly tetragonal BaTiO₃ nanopowders suitable for the next generation of miniaturized electronic devices. Full article

Sustainability and nearly zero-energy consumption of new and existing buildings is a keystone in the new guidelines established by the European Commission. Likewise, waste management is in the focus of reducing the impact of industrial processes. The use of industrial byproducts, such as biomass ashes (BA), can be an interesting solution for waste valorization, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability. In addition, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) can be used for improving energy efficiency due to their thermal storage capacity. An experimental study on the effect of biomass ash (BA) and PCM on the microstructure, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of cement–lime pastes was carried out. The partial replacement of cement with BA reduced compressive strength although did not substantially modify other paste properties, while the addition of PCM had a huge impact on microstructure and, therefore, physical and mechanical properties. PCM had a remarkable effect on thermal properties, endowing thermal storage capacity and reducing thermal conductivity, and the combination with BA further improved paste thermal properties. Full article