Search Results (2,511)

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral cancer resection often leads to maxillofacial defects and dentition loss, compromising patients’ quality of life. Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation offers a reliable solution to restore function, though factors such as bone reconstruction, radiotherapy, and timing of implant placement (immediate vs. delayed) may influence outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate long-term implant survival and rehabilitation timelines in oncologic patients, comparing two cohorts (2005–2014 and 2015–2024) to assess the impact of evolving clinical practices. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain), including 304 patients who underwent ablative oral cancer surgery and subsequent implant-based rehabilitation between 2005 and 2024. Data on demographics, oncologic treatment, reconstruction, implant timing, and prosthetic rehabilitation were collected. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and appropriate statistical tests between the 2005–2014 (n = 122) and 2015–2024 (n = 182) cohorts. Results: A total of 2341 Ticare Implants^® were placed, supporting 281 prostheses. Implant placement during primary surgery increased from 41% to 71% (p < 0.001). The median time from surgery to prosthesis significantly decreased from 24 to 15 months (p < 0.001). Five-year implant survival was 95% in the early cohort versus 97% in the later cohort. Implant survival was comparable between irradiated and non-irradiated patients (~94–96%). Fixed prostheses became more frequent (92% vs. 79%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Implant-supported rehabilitation in oncologic patients is highly feasible and durable, with improved timelines and functional outcomes associated with early implant placement and modern digital planning strategies. Full article

Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges due to its high mortality rates and the limited understanding of its progression. Early diagnosis is critical to improving patient outcomes, especially in skin cancer, where timely detection can significantly enhance recovery rates. Histopathological analysis is a widely used diagnostic method, but it is a time-consuming process that heavily depends on the expertise of highly trained specialists. Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence have shown promising results in image classification, highlighting its potential as a supportive tool for medical diagnosis. In this study, we explore the application of hybrid Artificial Intelligence models for melanoma diagnosis using histopathological images. The dataset used consisted of 506 histopathological images, from which 313 curated images were selected after quality control and preprocessing. We propose a two-step framework that employs an Autoencoder for dimensionality reduction and feature extraction of the images, followed by a classification algorithm to distinguish between melanoma and nevus, trained on the extracted feature vectors from the bottleneck of the Autoencoder. We evaluated Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron, and K-Nearest Neighbours as classifiers. Among these, the combinations of Autoencoder with K-Nearest Neighbours achieved the best performance and inference time, reaching an average accuracy of approximately 97.95% on the test set and requiring 3.44 min per diagnosis. The baseline comparison results were consistent, demonstrating strong generalisation and outperforming the other models by 2 to 13 percentage points. Full article

Alperujo, a solid by-product from the two-phase olive oil extraction process, poses significant environmental challenges due to its high organic load, phytotoxicity, and phenolic content. At the same time, it represents a promising feedstock for recovering value-added compounds such as phenols and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). When used as a substrate for white rot fungi (WRF), it also produces ligninolytic enzymes. This study explores the use of two native WRF, Anthracophyllum discolor and Stereum hirsutum, for the biotransformation of alperujo under solid-state fermentation conditions, with and without supplementation of copper and manganese, two cofactors known to enhance fungal enzymatic activity. S. hirsutum stood out for its ability to release high concentrations of phenolic compounds (up to 6001 ± 236 mg gallic acid eq L⁻¹) and VFAs (up to 1627 ± 325 mg L⁻¹) into the aqueous extract, particularly with metal supplementation. In contrast, A. discolor was more effective in degrading phenolic compounds within the solid matrix, achieving a 41% reduction over a 30-day period. However, its ability to accumulate phenolics and VFAs in the extract was limited. Both WRF exhibited increased enzymatic activities (particularly Laccase and Manganese Peroxidase) with the addition of Cu-Mn, highlighting the potential of the aqueous extract as a natural source of biocatalysts. Phytotoxicity assays using Solanum lycopersicum seeds confirmed a partial detoxification of the treated alperujo. However, none of the fungi could entirely eliminate inhibitory effects on their own, suggesting the need for complementary stabilization steps before agricultural reuse. Overall, the results indicate that S. hirsutum, especially when combined with metal supplementation, is better suited for valorizing alperujo through the recovery of bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, A. discolor may be more suitable for detoxifying the solid phase strategies. These findings support the integration of fungal pretreatment into biorefinery schemes that valorize agroindustrial residues while mitigating environmental issues. Full article

Sweet potato is a valuable root due to its nutritional benefits, health-promoting properties, and technological applications. The peel, often discarded during food processing, can be employed in the food industry, supporting a circular economy. Purple sweet potato peel (PSPP) is rich in anthocyanins, which can be used as natural colourants and antioxidants. Optimising their extraction can enhance yield and reduce costs. The current work aimed to optimize anthocyanin and antioxidant recovery from PSPP using a Box-Behnken design and sonotrode ultrasound-assisted extraction (sonotrode-UAE). Three independent variables were analysed: extraction time (2–6 min), ethanol concentration (35–85%), and liquid-to-solid ratio (10–30 mL/g). The dependent variables included total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), individual anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. TMAC in 15 extracts ranged from 0.16 to 2.66 mg/g PSPP. Peonidin-3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside was the predominant anthocyanin. Among four antioxidant assays, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) showed the highest value. Ethanol concentration significantly influenced anthocyanin and antioxidant recovery (p < 0.05). The model demonstrated adequacy based on the coefficient of determination and variation. Optimal extraction conditions were 6 min with 60% ethanol at a 30 mL/g ratio. Predicted values were validated experimentally (coefficient of variation <10%). In conclusion, PSPP is a promising matrix for obtaining anthocyanin-rich extracts with antioxidant activity, offering potential applications in the food industry. Full article

The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought specific risks, including the possibility of fires or explosions resulting from mechanical, thermal, or electrical failures, which can lead to thermal runaway (TR). There is a great lack of knowledge about how to act safely in this type of fire. This study carried out two full-scale fire experiments on electric vehicles to investigate response strategies to electric vehicle fires caused by thermal runaway. Centro Zaragoza provided technical advice for these tests, so that they could be carried out safely, controlling the risks. This advice has allowed Centro Zaragoza to analyze different response strategies to the fires in electric vehicles caused by thermal runaway. On the other hand, the propagation patterns of thermal runaway fires in electric vehicles were investigated. The early-phase effectiveness of fire blankets and other extinguishing measures was tested, and the temperature distributions inside the vehicle and the type of fire generated were measured. The results showed that fire blankets successfully extinguished flames by cutting off the oxygen supply. These findings contribute to the development of effective strategies for responding to electric vehicle fires, enabling the establishment of good practice for fire suppression in electric vehicles and their batteries. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant with significant medicinal, industrial, and recreational applications. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, whose production is influenced by environmental factors, such as radiation, temperature, and humidity. Radiation, for instance, is essential for photosynthetic processes, acting as both a primary energy source and a regulator of plant growth and development. This review covers key factors affecting C. sativa cultivation, including photoperiod, light spectrum, cultivation methods, environmental controls, and plant growth regulators. It highlights how these elements influence flowering, biomass, and cannabinoid production across different growing systems, offering insights for optimizing both medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation. Studies indicate that photoperiod sensitivity varies among cultivars, with some achieving optimal flowering and cannabinoid production under extended light periods rather than the traditional 12/12 h cycle. Light spectrum adjustments, especially red, far-red, and blue wavelengths, significantly impact photosynthesis, plant morphology, and secondary metabolite accumulation. Advances in LED technology allow precise spectral control, enhancing energy efficiency and cannabinoid profiles compared to conventional lighting. The photoperiod plays a vital role in the cultivation of C. sativa spp., directly impacting the plant’s developmental cycle, biomass production, and the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. The response to photoperiod varies among different cannabis cultivars, as demonstrated in studies comparing cultivars of diverse genetic origins. On the other hand, indoor or in vitro cultivation may serve as an excellent alternative for plant breeding programs in C. sativa, given the substantial inter-cultivar variability that hinders the fixation of desirable traits. Full article

This research introduces an automated 3D virtual reconstruction system tailored for architectural heritage (AH) applications, contributing to the ongoing paradigm shift from traditional CAD-based workflows to artificial intelligence-driven methodologies. It reviews recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning—particularly neural radiance fields (NeRFs) and its successor, Gaussian splatting (GS)—as state-of-the-art techniques in the domain. The study advocates for replacing point cloud data in heritage building information modeling workflows with image-based inputs, proposing a novel “photo-to-BIM” pipeline. A proof-of-concept system is presented, capable of processing photographs or video footage of ancient ruins—specifically, Romanesque–Mudéjar churches—to automatically generate 3D mesh reconstructions. The system’s performance is assessed using both objective metrics and subjective evaluations of mesh quality. The results confirm the feasibility and promise of image-based reconstruction as a viable alternative to conventional methods. The study successfully developed a system for automated 3D mesh reconstruction of AH from images. It applied GS and Mip-splatting for NeRFs, proving superior in noise reduction for subsequent mesh extraction via surface-aligned Gaussian splatting for efficient 3D mesh reconstruction. This photo-to-mesh pipeline signifies a viable step towards HBIM. Full article

(1) Background: The development of professional identity in future educators is a dynamic and multifaceted process, shaped by personal experiences, interpersonal relationships, role models, and the values internalized across diverse learning ecologies. This identity formation is closely intertwined with academic achievement, socio-educational integration, peer interactions, and the underlying motivations for choosing a particular educational and professional trajectory. This study explores the connections between students’ educational experiences and their motivation to pursue careers in pedagogy and social education. (2) Methods: Based on 138 autoethnographic narratives written by undergraduate students enrolled in Anthropology of Education courses at two [Spanish] universities. (3) Results: The analysis reveals how reflective engagement with personal educational histories enables students to reconstruct the relational foundations of their learning paths. These reflections inform their academic and career choices, which are understood not as static decisions, but as evolving trajectories shaped by a generational context characterized by uncertainty and change. (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight how students, through their narratives, articulate both their professional aspirations and a vision of the educator as an agent of change—one who emerges in response to, and often in critique of, the educational structures and practices. Full article

Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) poses a global threat to biodiversity and to the health of both animals and humans due to its toxic metabolites and aggressive ecological expansion. In northern Spain, particularly in regions of intensive livestock farming, these risks may be exacerbated, calling for urgent assessment and monitoring strategies. In this study, we implemented a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the toxicological and ecological relevance of P. aquilinum through four key actions: (a) quantification of pterosins A and B in young fronds (croziers) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); (b) analysis of in vivo genotoxicity of aqueous extracts using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism; (c) a large-scale survey of local livestock farmers to assess awareness and perceived impact of bracken; and (d) the development and field application of a drone-based mapping tool to assess the spatial distribution of the species at the regional level. Our results confirm the consistent presence of pterosins A and B in croziers, with concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 2.20 mg/g dry weight for PtrB and 13.39 to 257 µg/g for PtrA. Both metabolite concentrations and genotoxicity levels were found to correlate with latitude and, importantly, with each other. All tested samples exhibited genotoxic activity, with notable differences among them. The farmer survey (n = 212) revealed that only 50% of respondents were aware of the toxic risks posed by bracken, indicating a need for targeted outreach. The drone-assisted mapping approach proved to be a promising tool for identifying bracken-dominated areas and provides a scalable foundation for future ecological monitoring and land management strategies. Altogether, our findings emphasize that P. aquilinum is not merely a local concern but a globally relevant toxic species whose monitoring and control demand coordinated scientific and policy-based efforts. Full article

Food addiction (FA) is an emerging psychiatric condition that presents behavioral and neurobiological similarities with other addictions, and its early identification is essential to prevent the development of more severe disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of anthropometric measures, eating habits, symptoms related to eating disorders (ED), and lifestyle features to predict the symptoms of food addiction. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 702 university students (77.3% women; age: 22 ± 6 years). The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), anthropometric measurements, and a set of self-report questions on substance use, physical activity level, and other questions were administered. A total of 6.4% of participants presented symptoms compatible with food addiction, and 8.1% were at risk for ED. Additionally, 26.5% reported daily smoking, 70.6% consumed alcohol, 2.9% used illicit drugs, and 29.4% took medication; 35.3% did not engage in physical activity. Individuals with food addiction had higher BMI (p = 0.010), waist circumference (p = 0.001), and body fat (p < 0.001) values, and a higher risk of eating disorders (p = 0.010) compared to those without this condition. In the multivariate logistic model, non-dairy beverage consumption (such as coffee or alcohol), vitamin D deficiency, and waist circumference predicted food addiction symptoms (R²_Nagelkerke = 0.349). Indeed, the machine learning approaches confirmed the influence of these variables. Conclusions: The prediction models allowed an accurate prediction of FA in the university students; moreover, the individualized approach improved the identification of people with FA, involving complex dimensions of eating behavior, body composition, and potential nutritional deficits not previously studied. Full article

North Africa has a poorly and unevenly known hoverfly fauna. Xanthogramma Schiner, 1861 (Syrphinae, Syrphini) is represented in this territory by some scattered records of four species, Xanthogramma dives (Rondani, 1857), Xanthogramma evanescens Becker & Stein, 1913 (endemic to North Africa), Xanthogramma marginale (Loew, 1854), and Xanthogramma pedissequum (Harris, 1776). After examination of old Xanthogramma material collected in Tanger, Morocco, from the ‘Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain (MNCN)’, specimens with distinctive morphology were spotted and found to be different from a syntype of X. evanescens collected in the same locality. Consequently, we revised all the available material of Xanthogramma from North Africa, characterised a new species, proposed a lectotype for X. evanescens, and provided an identification key to the North African species of this genus. The new species is also found in Tunisia and differs from X. evanescens in facial width, colour of the thoracic pleura, length of mesonotum hairs, wing pollinosity, and shape of the yellow maculae on tergum 2. Full article

Late Pleistocene coastal deposits on the southeastern coast of Formentera (Es Ram–Es Estufadors) provide a high-resolution record of sea-level and climatic fluctuations associated with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. Three distinct beach levels (Sef-1, Sef-2, Sef-3) were identified, corresponding to substages MIS 5e, 5c, and possibly 5a, based on sedimentological features, fossil assemblages, and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating. The oldest beach level (Sef-1) is attributed to MIS 5e (ca. 128–116 ka) and is characterised by the widespread presence of thermophilic Senegalese fauna—including Thetystrombus latus, Conus ermineus, and Linatella caudata—which mark the onset of this interglacial phase and are associated with two peaks in relative sea-level highstand. A subsequent cooling event during MIS 5d is recorded by the development of thin palaeosols and the disappearance of these warm-water taxa. The second beach level (Sef-2) reflects renewed sea-level rise and warmer conditions during MIS 5c, with abundant macrofauna and red algae. The transition to MIS 5b (~97 ka) is marked by a significant sea-level drop (down to –60 m), cooler climate, and enhanced colluvial sedimentation linked to increased runoff and erosion. In total, 54 macrofaunal species were identified—16 from Sef-1 and 46 from Sef-2—highlighting ecological shifts across substages. These results improve our understanding of coastal response to sea-level oscillations and paleoenvironmental dynamics in the western Mediterranean during the Late Pleistocene. Full article

Winemaking involves a microbial ecosystem where yeast diversity, shaped by terroir and winemaking conditions, determines wine characteristics. Understanding the microbial diversity of vineyards and spontaneous fermentation is crucial for explaining a winery’s typical wine profile. Studying and inoculating indigenous strains make it possible to produce high quality wines, reflecting the production environment. This study analyzes the yeast species involved in 16 spontaneous fermentations (8 in 2022 and 8 in 2023) from grapes of four distinct vineyards under two sets of winemaking conditions. A total of 1100 yeast colonies were identified by MALDI-TOF and DNA sequencing techniques. Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae and Hanseniaspora uvarum were the most prevalent species, alongside significant populations of non-Saccharomyces yeasts such as Lachancea thermotolerans and Metchnikowia pulcherrima, which were the most abundant ones. Minor yeast species, including Aureobasidium pullulans, Starmerella bacillaris, Kazachstania servazzi, and other Hanseniaspora spp., were also detected. The results demonstrated that yeast diversity in spontaneous fermentations varied according to vineyard origin and winemaking conditions. Differences between the two vintages studied indicated that annual climatic conditions significantly influenced yeast diversity, especially among non-Saccharomyces species. This substantial diversity represents a valuable source of indigenous yeasts for preserving the typicity of a winery’s wines under controlled conditions. Full article

The loss of hectares of forest areas has become a global issue that has worsened over recent years due to unsustainable human activities. In a context of limited availability of productive land, it is urgent to adopt efficient strategies to recover the affected natural areas. Actions based on a circular economy, such as the use of organic chemical matrices recovered from water waste treatment plant waste, have proven to be effective. In this regard, the addition of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), such as Bacillus pretiosus and Pseudomonas agronomica, can contribute to the chemical treatment, favoring the recovery of soils, accelerating the recovery of vegetation cover, and inducing an increase in biodiversity. In this research, the effect of bio-fertigation under controlled laboratory conditions in Quercus pyrenaica is evaluated. After a thirty-six-week trial, the biometric and nutritional parameters of the plants were harvested and measured, and the diversity and composition of the metagenomes of their rhizospheres were evaluated. As well, the cenoantibiogram and the metabolic diversity were measured. The results showed that the use of these biofertilizers increased the variables related to plant production, quality of plant composition as an indirect means of their resilience, as well as an increase in rhizospheric microbial diversity and a reduction in their MIC resistance to the most widely used antibiotics. For all these reasons, the use of the biofertilizer result of the combination of WWTP waste, Bacillus pretiosus, and Pseudomonas agronomica is postulated as an environmentally friendly strategy that can contribute to the recovery of potential oak forest areas. Full article