Search Results (506)

The demand for land monitoring information continues to increase, but the range and diversity of the available products to date have made their integrated use challenging and, at times, counterproductive. There has therefore been a growing need to enhance and harmonise the practice of land monitoring on a pan-European level with the formulation of a more consistent and standardised set of modelling criteria. The outcome has been a paradigm shift away from a “paper map”-based world where features are given a single, fixed label to one where features have a rich characterisation which is more informative, flexible and powerful. The approach allows the characteristics to be dynamic so that, over time, a feature may only change part of its description (i.e., a forest can be felled, but it may remain as forestry if replanted) or it can have multiple descriptors (i.e., a forest may be used for both timber production and recreation). The concept proposed by the authors has evolved since 2008 from first drafts to a comprehensive and powerful tool adopted by the European Union’s Copernicus programme. It provides for the semantic decomposition of existing nomenclatures, as well as supports a descriptive approach to the mapping of all landscape features in a flexible and object-oriented manner. In this way, the key move away from classification towards the characterisation of the Earth’s surface represents a novel and innovate approach to handling complex land surface information more suited to the age of distributed databases, cloud computing and object-oriented data modelling. In this paper, the motivation for and technical approach of the EAGLE concept with its matrix and UML model implementation are explained. This is followed by an update of the latest developments and the presentation of a number of experimental and operational use cases at national and European levels, and it then concludes with thoughts on the future outlook. Full article

Pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), ranks among the most lethal malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate of under 10%. The most prevalent KRAS mutations occur in three hotspot residues: glycine-12 (G12), glycine-13 (G13), and glutamine-61 (Q61), leading to the constant activation of the Ras pathway, making them the primary focus in oncologic drug development. Selective KRAS G12C inhibitors (e.g., sotorasib, adagrasib) have demonstrated moderate efficacy in clinical trials; however, this mutation is infrequent in PDAC. Emerging therapies targeting KRAS G12D and G12V mutations, such as MRTX1133, PROTACs, and active-state inhibitors, show promise in preclinical studies. Pan-RAS inhibitors like ADT-007, RMC-9805, and RMC-6236 compounds provide broader coverage of mutations. Their efficacy and safety are currently being investigated in several clinical trials. A major challenge is the development of resistance mechanisms, including secondary mutations and pathway reactivation. Combination therapies targeting the RAS/MAPK axis, SHP2, mTOR, or SOS1 are under clinical investigation. Immunotherapy alone has demonstrated limited effectiveness, attributed to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, although synergistic effects are noted when paired with KRAS-targeted agents. Furthermore, KRAS mutations reprogram cancer metabolism, enhancing glycolysis, macropinocytosis, and autophagy, which are being explored therapeutically. RNA interference technologies have also shown potential in silencing mutant KRAS and reducing tumorigenicity. Future strategies should emphasize the combination of targeted therapies with metabolic or immunomodulatory agents to overcome resistance and enhance survival in KRAS-mutated PDAC. Full article

The mechanism by which quorum sensing (QS) enhances stress resistance in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 remains unclear. We employed optimized exogenous QS signal N-acyl-homoserinelactones (AHL) (100 μM 3-oxo-C6-AHL, 2 h) in EHEC O157:H7 strain EDL933, which was validated with endogenous yenI-derived AHL, to investigate QS-mediated protection against acid stress. RNA-seq transcriptomics identified key upregulated genes (e.g., rmf). Functional validation using isogenic rmf knockout mutants generated via λ-Red demonstrated abolished stress resistance and pan-stress vulnerability. Mechanistic studies employing qRT-PCR and stress survival assays established Ribosomal Hibernation Factor (RMF) as a non-redundant executor in a SdiA–RMF–RpoS axis, which activates ribosomal dormancy and SOS response to enhance EHEC survival under diverse stresses. For the first time, we define ribosomal hibernation as the core adaptive strategy linking QS to pathogen resilience, providing crucial mechanistic insights for developing EHEC control measures against foodborne threats. Full article

Background: Thyroid neoplasms exhibit a diverse molecular landscape, and the 2022 WHO classification emphasizes the critical role of molecular profiling in thyroid cancer management; however, comprehensive mutational data from fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) are still limited, necessitating further investigation to guide clinical practice. Purpose: To characterize the mutational landscape of thyroid neoplasms using targeted NGS of FNAC samples and to assess the clinical implications of molecular profiling. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 952 patients with thyroid carcinomaneoplasms who underwent surgery at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from 2021 to 2023. Preoperative ultrasound, FNAC, and targeted NGS were performed. NGS panels covering 18, 88, and pan-cancer genes were used to analyze FNAC samples. Molecular alterations were correlated with clinical and pathological features. Results: The most frequent mutation was BRAF^V600E (84.45%), followed by RET (6.41%), BRCA1/2 (4.41%) and RAS (4.41%). Patients were categorized into BRAF-like (830 cases), RAS-like (36 cases), high-risk mutations (25 cases), and other mutations (28 cases). High-risk mutations were associated with older age and larger tumor size. BRAF-like tumors had a higher lymph node metastasis rate (58.77%) compared to RAS-like tumors (33.33%). Tumor mutation burden varied significantly among different thyroid neoplasm subtypes. Conclusions: Molecular profiling using targeted NGS of FNAC samples provides valuable insights into the genetic landscape of thyroid neoplasms and has significant clinical implications for diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. Further validation with paired tumor and plasma samples is warranted. Full article

Traumatic liver injury remains a significant contributor to trauma-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are the predominant mechanism of injury, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with liver trauma over a ten-year period at a tertiary academic level-one trauma center. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2024. All adult patients (aged 18–65 years) who sustained blunt or penetrating liver injuries and underwent a pan-CT trauma survey were included. Demographic data, Injury Severity Scores (ISSs), imaging timelines, management approach, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP software with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. A total of 111 patients were included, with a mean age of 33 ± 12.4 years; 78.1% were male. MVAs were the leading cause of injury (75.7%). Most patients (80.2%) had low-grade liver injuries and received non-operative management (NOM), with a high NOM success rate of 94.5%. The median time to CT was 55 ± 64 min, and the mean time to operative or IR intervention was 159.9 ± 78.8 min. Complications occurred in 32.4% of patients, with ventilator-associated pneumonia (19.8%) being most common. The overall mortality was 6.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed that shorter time to CT significantly reduced mortality risk (OR = 0.5, p < 0.05), while a positive e-FAST result was strongly associated with increased mortality (OR = 3.3, p < 0.05). Higher ISSs correlated with longer monitored unit stays (ρ = 0.3, p = 0.0014). Traumatic liver injuries in this cohort were predominantly low-grade and effectively managed conservatively, with favorable outcomes. However, delays in imaging and operative intervention were observed, underscoring the requirement for streamlined trauma workflows. These findings highlight the requirement for continuous trauma system improvement, including protocol optimization and timely access to imaging and surgical intervention. Full article

Inhibitors of the ubiquitin–proteasome system increase proteotoxic stress and have achieved clinical success for multiple myeloma but not for solid cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Our objective is to identify a combination with proteasome inhibitors that enhances proteotoxic stress and apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma but with less toxicity to non-cancer cells. We found that rencofilstat, a pan-cyclophilin inhibitor, combined with ixazomib, a proteasome inhibitor, increased apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma but not in umbilical vein or dermal fibroblast non-cancer cells. We then analyzed the effects of rencofilstat + ixazomib on XBP1s and PERK, critical factors in the unfolded protein response used by cells to survive proteotoxic stress. Rencofilstat + ixazomib maintained higher expression of XBP1s and genetic models suggested that XBP1s was a pro-survival protein early and pro-death protein at later times. Simultaneously, decreased PERK expression prevented the block in protein synthesis via phospho-eIF2α and likely further amplified proteotoxic stress. Rencofilstat + ixazomib did not have effects on XBP1s or PERK in non-cancer cells. Further genetic experiments revealed the pro-survival roles for cyclophilin A and B in mediating rencofilstat + ixazomib-induced cell death. In the Hep3B xenograft model, rencofilstat + ixazomib significantly inhibited tumor volumes/weights without general toxicity. We conclude that rencofilstat + ixazomib amplified proteotoxic stress in hepatocellular carcinoma past a threshold pro-survival pathways could not tolerate, whereas non-cancer cells were less affected. Full article

Addressing environmental challenges requires the inclusion of local communities with relevant knowledge of the social–ecological system in which they are embedded, in addition to using transdisciplinary approaches that are critical to the co-production of successful and sustainable environmental solutions. A qualitative methodology was used to examine stakeholders’ views of decadal changes in Ria de Aveiro, a coastal lagoon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Seven focus groups were conducted, which included 42 stakeholders from coastal parishes, in order to obtain identical geographical representation with a study conducted a decade ago. Participants represented a diverse sample of groups interested in or affected by management options and activities in the lagoon system and were asked to reflect on the main changes that occurred over the last decade. Positive changes reflected an increase in the levels of environmental awareness, a positive trajectory of the environmental status of Ria de Aveiro, and a decrease in illegal fishing activities. Persisting concerns referred to the lack of an efficient management body for Ria de Aveiro, pressures related to changes in the hydrodynamic regime of the lagoon, the disappearance of native species and increase in invasive alien species, the abandonment of traditional activities (e.g., harvesting of seagrass and seaweed, salt production, agriculture in lagoon margins, and artisanal fishing), and the degradation and lack of maintenance of salt pans. Our findings highlight the importance of longer-term transdisciplinary and social–ecological research and illustrate how stakeholder views regarding the shortfalls of the movement towards the integrated management of ecosystems remain. Full article

The Eastern Carpathians are thrust to the east and north over their Eastern European foreland, tectonically covering it over an area several hundred kilometers across. Information about the nature of the underthrust part of the Carpathian foreland can be obtained from the rock fragments preserved in the sedimentary successions of the Carpathian fold and thrust belt, specifically in the Outer Dacides and the Moldavides. Fragments of felsic rocks occurring within the sedimentary units of the Upper Cretaceous successions of the Moldavides have long been attributed to the Cuman Cordillera—an intrabasinal ridge in the Eastern Outer Carpathians. This work is the first complex geochemical and geochronological study on the exotic igneous clasts of the Cuman Cordillera. Igneous clasts from the southern part of the Moldavides (Variegated clay nappe/formation) are investigated here. They include mainly granites and rhyolites. Phaneritic rocks are composed of cumulus plagioclase, albite, amphibole and biotite, and intercumulus quartz and potassium feldspar, with apatite, magnetite, sphene, and zircon as main accessories, while the porphyritic rocks have a mineral assemblage similar to that mentioned above, displayed in a porphyritic texture with a usually crystallized groundmass. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dating indicated the 583–597 Ma age interval for magma crystallization. Based on calcareous nannofossils, the depositional age of the investigated igneous clasts is Cenomanian to Maastrichtian, implying that the Cuman Cordillera was an emerged piece of land, herein an active source of sediments in the flysch basin for at least 40 Ma, from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian) to the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian). The intrusive and subvolcanic rocks show similar trends for trace and major elements, evincing their comagmatic nature. The enrichment in LILE and LREE relative to HFSE and HREE, as well as the element anomalies (e.g., negative Nb, Ta, and Eu and positive Rb, Ba, K, and Pb) suggest a convergent continental plate margin tectonic setting. Mineral chemistry suggests magma crystallization in relatively oxic conditions (magnetite series), during ascent within a depth of 15 km to 5 km. The igneous rocks attributed to the Cuman ridge display compositional and geochronological features similar to Brno and Thaya batholiths in the Brunovistulian terrane, which could be a piece of the Carpathian foreland not covered by the Tertiary thrusts. Our data confirm the non-Carpathian origin of the igneous clasts, revealing a Neoproterozoic history of the Carpathian foreland units, which include a Cadomian/Pan-African continental arc, exposed mainly during the Late Cretaceous as an intrabasinal island of the Alpine Tethys, traditionally known as the Cuman Cordillera. Full article

Vegetables are usually thermally processed before consumption to improve their flavor and safety. In this work, the effect of boiling (BO), blanching (BL), steaming (ST), air-frying (AF), and pan-frying (PF)on the nutritional value and bioactivity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) heads was investigated, including a comparative analysis of the tissue and the cooking water remaining after the treatments. Using spectrophotometric methods, AF broccoli was found to have the highest levels (p ≤ 0.05) of hydroxycinnamic acids (1.58 ± 0.71 mg CAE/g fw), total glucosinolates (3.76 ± 2.09 mg SinE/g fw), carotenoids (6.73 ± 2.89 mg/kg fw), and lycopene (0.91 ± 0.19 mg/kg fw). Steamed and AF broccoli had the highest total phenolics (0.72 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g fw and 0.65 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g fw, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). ST broccoli also had the highest levels of soluble sugars (11.04 ± 2.45 mg SucE/g fw) and total tannins (0.46 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g fw). The water remaining after cooking broccoli (BOW) had the highest total flavonoids (2.72 ± 0.59 mg QE/g fw) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP, 57.57 ± 18.22% and 79.34 ± 3.28%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). The DPPH assay showed that AF (36.12 ± 15.71%) and ST (35.48 ± 2.28%) had the strongest antioxidant potential. DNA nicking assay showed that BOW and BLW were the most effective in preserving plasmid DNA supercoiled form (99.51% and 94.81%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). These results demonstrate that thermal processing significantly affects the phytochemical composition and functional properties of broccoli, with steaming and air-frying generally preserving the highest nutritional quality. Additionally, cooking water, often discarded, retains high levels of bioactive compounds and exhibits strong antioxidant and DNA-protective effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate how different thermal processing techniques of vegetables influence their ability to protect plasmid DNA structure. Furthermore, this is the first study to compare the DNA-protective effects of broccoli tissue extracts and the water remaining after cooking broccoli. Full article

The Fabaceae family, the third-largest among flowering plants, is nutritionally vital, providing rich sources of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Leguminous plants, such as soybeans, peas, and chickpeas, typically contain two to three times more protein than cereals like wheat and rice, with low fat content (primarily unsaturated fats) and no cholesterol, making them essential for cardiovascular health and blood sugar management. Since the release of the soybean genome in 2010, genomic research in Fabaceae has advanced dramatically. High-quality reference genomes have been assembled for key species, including soybeans (Glycine max), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), and model legumes like Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus, leveraging long-read sequencing, single-cell technologies, and improved assembly algorithms. These advancements have enabled telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies, pan-genome constructions, and the identification of structural variants (SVs) and presence/absence variations (PAVs), enriching our understanding of genetic diversity and domestication history. Functional genomic tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, mutagenesis, and high-throughput omics (transcriptomics, metabolomics), have elucidated regulatory networks controlling critical traits like photoperiod sensitivity (e.g., E1 and Tof16 genes in soybeans), seed development (GmSWEET39 for oil/protein transport), nitrogen fixation efficiency, and stress resilience (e.g., Rpp3 for rust resistance). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and comparative genomics have further linked genetic variants to agronomic traits, such as pod size in peanuts (PSW1) and flowering time in common beans (COL2). This review synthesizes recent breakthroughs in legume genomics, highlighting the integration of multi-omic approaches to accelerate gene cloning and functional confirmation of the genes cloned. Full article

Hyperglycemia during fetal development disturbs extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and deposition patterns, which disrupts organogenesis and adult organ function. Although the ECM cooperates in pancreas development, little is known about the effects of hyperglycemia on the pancreatic ECM during development. This study investigates the effect of severe maternal hyperglycemia on ECM composition and endocrine pancreas development in E19.0 mouse fetuses. Deposition patterns of pan-laminin, laminin (alpha 1 and gamma 1 chains) and integrin alpha 3 were evaluated by immunostaining. The proliferative index of islet cells and alpha and beta cell distribution were evaluated by PCNA, glucagon and insulin immunostaining, respectively. Pdx1 and Pax4 expressions were analyzed by RT-qPCR. While for pan-laminin and laminin (alpha1 and gamma1 chains) deposition was weaker in the endocrine pancreas of hyperglycemic mothers’ fetuses, integrin alpha 3 deposition in the basement membrane was increased. The proliferative index of endocrine cells was lower in the hyperglycemic group, while the beta-cell area was increased. In addition, there was a tendency towards lower Pdx1 and increased Pdx4 expression. These data suggest that maternal hyperglycemia alters fetal endocrine pancreas morphogenesis by modifying peri-islet basement membrane molecule patterns, promoting a decrease in endocrine cell proliferation associated with changes in the expression of important growth factors for the beta cells differentiated and the proliferative state. Full article

Forests harbor most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity; however, traditional conservation frameworks prioritize species richness over evolutionary diversity. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) reflects the complete evolutionary history contained within a community, offering a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity. This review examines the theoretical foundations of PD, highlights methodological advancements in its assessment, and discusses its conservation applications in forest ecosystems. We discuss key metrics, including Faith’s PD, mean pairwise distance (MPD), mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD), and indices, including the net relatedness index (NRI) and nearest taxon index (NTI), as well as analytical tools (Picante, Phylocom, Biodiverse) and frameworks like the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE) and the evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered (EDGE) index, evaluating their effectiveness in identifying evolutionarily significant conservation areas. We examine global and regional forest PD patterns, including elevational and latitudinal gradients, using case studies from the Pan-Himalayan region, Tibetan Plateau, and northern Pakistan, along with the environmental and anthropogenic drivers, e.g., soil pH, precipitation, land-use change, and invasive species, and historical biogeographic forces that shape lineage diversification. We emphasize the need for data standardization, regional research expansion, and the inclusion of PD in national biodiversity strategies and global policy frameworks. This review highlights the transformative potential of shifting from species-centric to evolutionarily informed conservation, and provides a critical framework for enhancing the long-term resilience and adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems. Full article

Water contamination due to microbial proliferation remains a critical global challenge, especially with increasing urbanization, industrial activities, and the use of agrochemicals, and it requires the development of innovative methods for their purification that are not harmful to the environment and humans. In this study, innovative antibacterial nanocomposite coatings, composed of zirconia and silver nanocluster, were developed and deposited via eco-friendly co-sputtering physical vapor deposition (PVD) method onto electrospun polymeric membranes (PCL and PAN-PCL) for water filtration applications. Structural and morphological analyses, including XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirmed the deposition of a composite coating, consisting of an amorphous zirconia matrix embedding silver nanoclusters, homogeneously distributed on one side of the polymeric fibers. Wettability evaluations showed an increase in hydrophobicity after coating, particularly affecting the filtration performance of the PCL membranes. Antibacterial tests revealed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive) and partial efficacy against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). Filtration tests of contaminated solutions revealed a 99% reduction in Bacillus subtilis, significant inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes, and limited effect on E. coli, with no bacterial proliferation observed on the coated membranes. These results underscore the effectiveness of ZrO₂/Ag nanocomposites in enhancing microbial control and suggest a promising, scalable strategy for sustainable and safe water purification systems. Full article

Objectives: This study comparatively evaluated changes in the food habits and dietary patterns of adults aged ≥65 years before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using a retrospective study. Methods: Data covering the 2018–2021 period were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Comparing the 2943 individuals in the “Before-COVID-19” individuals with the 2916 people in the “During COVID-19” group, the frequency of drinking four or more times a week decreased among the older adults during the pan-demic, as did the frequency of eating three meals a day and eating-out at least once a week. On the other hand, food security improved during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the intake of cereals and grains decreased, while that of potatoes and starches, legumes, vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and oils and fats increased. Although energy and carbohydrate intake decreased, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and fat intake increased. However, the intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium remained lower than the estimated adequate requirement of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Additionally, the rate of nutritional insufficiency “During COVID-19” (20.76%) was 1.31–1.42 times higher than that “Before COVID-19” (16.45%). Even in models that adjusted for other factors, the rate of nutritional insufficiency was higher during the pandemic than before. Conclusions: Based on these findings, measures such as dietary education programs and guidelines for proper nutrient intake should be formulated to prevent imbalances in nutrient intake among older Koreans. Full article

This study investigated the abundance and richness of insect pests and beneficial insects on 20 squash cultivars across three seasons in middle Georgia, U.S. Insects were sampled using yellow sticky cards, pan traps and sweep nets. Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (sweet potato whitefly) was prevalent in all seasons, while other key pests showed distinct seasonal peaks. Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus (melonworm) peaked mid-July in summer 2021 (21 June–1 August), while Thysanoptera species, Acalymma vittatum Fabricius (striped cucumber beetle), and Diabrotica balteata LeConte (banded cucumber beetle) peaked late July-early August. In fall 2021 (4 October–14 November), Epilachna borealis (squash beetle), D. hyalinata, and D. nitidalis Stoll (pickleworm) were more active in early to mid-October, whereas D. undecimpunctata howardi Barber (spotted cucumber beetle) peaked in late November. In fall 2022 (17 October–20 November), D. balteata and D. undecimpunctata howardi peaked mid October to early November, while Anasa tristis DeGeer (squash bug) peaked in mid–late November. Orius insidiosus Say (minute pirate bug) peaked in late summer 2021 and remained stable in fall 2021. Pollinators were most active in mid-fall. Cultivars influenced insect abundance. ‘Saffron’ and ‘Amberpic 8455’ harbored the most O. insidiosus and fewer D. balteata and Thysanoptera species. ‘Golden Goose Hybrid’ had the highest moth numbers. These patterns suggest that cultivar traits influenced pest susceptibility and beneficial arthropods’ activity. Temperature and relative humidity were positively correlated with A. vittatum and E. borealis numbers, but rainfall negatively affected bees. These findings underscore the importance of cultivar selection and weather condition considerations in integrated pest management. Full article