Search Results (474)

This study examined the structural, rheological, and digestive properties of plant-based emulsion-filled gels (EFGs) formulated for dysphagia-friendly nutrition. EFGs were created using a pea protein–κ-carrageenan (PP–κ-CAR) matrix that incorporated oil droplets stabilized by pea protein (EFG-PP), soy lecithin (EFG-PP/LEC), or mono-/diglycerides (EFG-PP/MDG). All formulations met the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Level 6 requirements and showed improved viscoelastic properties compared to the hydrogel control. The interfacial composition determined how the oil droplets influenced the gel network, with droplets in EFG-PP and EFG-PP/MDG contributing to greater reinforcement, whereas those in EFG-PP/LEC resulted in a weaker and more deformable structure. Among the formulations, EFG-PP/LEC demonstrated the most suitable properties for dysphagia management, including the lowest yield stress, softest texture, and highest protein hydrolysis (54%) and free fatty acid release (7.35 µmol/mL). These effects were associated with weaker oil–matrix interactions and greater enzymatic accessibility. The findings highlight the importance of interfacial design in tailoring EFG structure and digestibility for safe, energy-dense diets for individuals with dysphagia. Full article

Background: Hippotherapy, a sensorimotor-rich intervention proposed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is suggested to influence executive function (EF). However, the underlying electrophysiological mechanisms, particularly changes observed in resting-state Electroencephalography (EEG), remain underexplored. Methods: A total of forty-eight children with ASD, aged 9–12 years, participated in this quasi-experimental, non-randomized pre-test–post-test study. Participants were assigned to either a standardized 12-session hippotherapy program (n = 24) or a waitlist Control group (n = 24). EF was evaluated pre- and post-intervention using validated measures: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color–Word Test, Corsi Block-Tapping Task, and Tower of London. Resting-state EEG data (19 channels, 250 Hz) were recorded before and after the intervention and analyzed for spectral power, pairwise Pearson correlation, phase-based functional connectivity using the Phase Lag Index (PLI), and directed effective connectivity using Phase Transfer Entropy (PTE). EEG effects were tested with linear mixed models in MATLAB (fitlme), with the measured values in each ROI as the dependent variable, group and time as fixed effects, and SubjectID included as a random intercept; EF outcomes were analyzed with ANCOVA/MANCOVA, adjusting post-test scores for baseline. The assumptions of homogeneity of slopes, Levene’s test, and the Shapiro–Wilk test were examined, and the Holm–Bonferroni correction together with partial η² effect sizes were reported. Results: Following baseline adjustment, the hippotherapy group showed substantial and statistically significant improvements across all EF measures compared with controls partial η² range = 0.473–0.855; all adjusted p < 0.001; e.g., Stroop Incongruent Reaction Time (F(1,45) = 265.80, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.855). EEG analyses revealed localized Group × Time interaction effects involving frontal delta power as well as selected alpha-, theta-, and beta-band connectivity measures within frontally anchored networks. In addition to these focal interaction effects, the hippotherapy group exhibited a narrower distribution of pre–post EEG changes across spectral power and connectivity metrics compared with controls, indicating greater temporal consistency in resting-state electrophysiological dynamics across sessions. Because group allocation was non-random (based on scheduling feasibility and parental preference), results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. While the hippotherapy group exhibited significant EF improvements and relative stabilization in EEG spectral and connectivity metrics, particularly in frontal delta/theta/alpha/beta bands, a direct mapping between individual EEG changes and behavioral gains was not observed. Conclusions: A standardized 12-session hippotherapy program was associated with substantial improvements in EF and with relative stabilization of resting-state electrophysiological dynamics in children with ASD. However, the direct mechanistic link between these EEG and behavioral changes warrants further investigation. Larger randomized trials employing active control conditions, task-evoked electrophysiological measures, and extended longitudinal follow-up are needed to confirm efficacy, clarify mechanisms, and establish the durability of effects. Full article

Within the framework of consistent couple stress theory (CCST) and employing Hamilton’s principle, we derive a Galerkin weak formulation to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) size-dependent free vibration characteristics of a simply supported, functionally graded (FG) magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) doubly curved (DC) microscale shell subjected to a uniform temperature change. Incorporating the differential reproducing kernel (DRK) interpolants into the weak formulation, we further develop an element-free Galerkin (EFG) method. The microscale shell of interest is composed of two-phase MEE materials, and its material properties are assumed to vary through its thickness according to a power-law distribution of the volume fractions of the constituents. The results show that the natural frequency solutions obtained using the EFG method are in excellent agreement with the reported 3D solutions for laminated composite and FG-MEE macroscale plates, with the material length-scale parameter and the inverse of the curvature radii set to zero. The effects of the material length-scale parameter, temperature change, inhomogeneity index, and mid-surface radius and length-to-thickness ratios on the FG-MEE microscale shell’s free vibration characteristics in a thermal environment are examined and appear to be significant. Full article

The moderate pathogenicity coupled with high host susceptibility of Eimeria maxima has precipitated substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. Addressing challenges such as emerging drug resistance underscores the imperative for innovative vaccine strategies. This study developed a novel DNA vaccine to solve this challenge by fusing E. maxima elongation factor-1α (EmEF1α) with chicken chemokine XCL1 (ChXCL1) in the pVAX1 vector. The recombinant plasmid, designated pVAX1-ChXCL1-EmEF1α, was successfully constructed and confirmed to express the ChXCL1-EmEF1α fusion protein in vitro. Immunization of chickens with this DNA vaccine elicited a robust and balanced immune response, characterized by significantly increased proportions of CD4⁺ (11.76%) and CD8⁺ (5.58%) T lymphocytes, elevated levels of Th1-associated cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12), and strong antigen-specific IgG and IgA antibody responses. Following experimental challenge with E. maxima, vaccinated birds exhibited substantial protection: a 66.4% reduction in oocyst shedding, a 71.7% improvement in relative weight gain, marked attenuation of intestinal lesions, and an anticoccidial index (ACI) of 170. These findings demonstrate that the ChXCL1-EmEF1α DNA vaccine effectively enhances both cellular and humoral immunity. Collectively, this study validates ChXCL1 as a potent molecular adjuvant and establishes the “antigen–adjuvant” fusion DNA platform as a promising strategy for developing next-generation vaccines against avian coccidiosis. Full article

Seed priming is a simple, economical, and sustainable technique capable of enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stresses. A plastic greenhouse experiment was conducted on the durum wheat cultivar, Karim, sown in a 375 L volume container under semi-controlled conditions. Plots were arranged in a completely randomized design regarding treatments (control, salinity) and priming agents (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA; gibberellic acid, GA₃; and salicylic acid, SA). Some physiological, biochemical, and morphometric traits were analyzed at vegetative and reproductive stages. The obtained results demonstrated that salinity stress reduced plant growth and the SPAD index, hampered photosynthetic efficiency through disrupted PSII integrity and energy management in the electron transfer chain, and significantly affected ear filling (EF) and grain caliber (marked by mean weight of 100 grains, MW100G). However, seed hormonal priming allowed the alleviation of salinity stress effects on durum wheat growth and yield. Although IAA and GA₃ have shown significant potential in improving durum wheat tolerance to salinity, SA was found to be the most effective priming agent. It promotes the biosynthesis of chlorophyll pigments, restores the functional integrity of PSII, enhances photosynthetic efficiency, increases plant growth, and stimulates ear filling and wheat grain development. The principal component analysis demonstrated the interdependence of the vegetative and reproductive traits and presents SA as the most effective treatment that brings plants close to control conditions, despite the salinity. Full article

Comparative Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of bio-based materials are highly influenced by methodological choices, so the term “bio-based” does not necessarily imply a low environmental impact. This review analyzes over 50 peer-reviewed LCAs (2010–2024) to quantify how four methodological pillars—(i) attributional versus consequential modeling, (ii) timing and storage of biogenic carbon, (iii) Direct Land-Use Change (LUC) and Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC), and (iv) allocation in multifunctional systems—drive variability across long-life construction and short-life packaging/composites; adding regionalized perspectives (e.g., water scarcity according to the AWARE initiative, and relevant inventories for the MENA region) and ex-ante LCA guidance aligned with technology readiness levels. Methods included systematic selection from Web of Science/Scopus databases, standardized functional units, system boundaries, impact methods (ReCiPe/EF/TRACI/AWARE), biogenic carbon conventions (GWP100, dynamic/GWPbio), LUC/ILUC handling, allocation rules, and end-of-life scenarios, followed by qualitative meta-synthesis. Results show ~85% of studies used attributional approaches; consequential models typically report higher climate impacts when ILUC is included. In the building applications, bio-based alternatives—particularly wood—reduced cradle-to-critical-state global warming potential (GWP) by 30–70%; a “negative GWP” only emerged when storage balances or dynamic characterization were applied. For bioplastics, climate benefits are context-dependent and can disappear once ILUC and agricultural inputs are considered; acidification and eutrophication frequently increase. We conclude that environmental performance is subject to methodological choices rather than bio-based origin; systematic trade-offs persist between reducing GWP, increasing eutrophication/acidification, and increasing pressure on water/biodiversity. Full article

Obesity is a chronic, highly prevalent disease affecting nearly one-third of the global population and represents a major independent risk factor for heart failure (HF), particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Excess adiposity—especially visceral and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT)—acts as an active endocrine and immune organ, promoting chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and adverse myocardial remodeling. Expanded EAT exerts both paracrine inflammatory effects and mechanical constraint on the myocardium, contributing to diastolic dysfunction, microvascular impairment, atrial arrhythmogenesis, and elevated filling pressures despite preserved systolic function. Evidence demonstrates a dose–response relationship between increasing body mass index and incident HF. Clinically, obesity-related HFpEF is characterized by concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, impaired relaxation, increased plasma volume, reduced exercise tolerance, and relatively low natriuretic peptide levels, complicating diagnosis. HF management includes traditional treatment with diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors. These agents widely remain foundational as they primarily target hemodynamic and neurohormonal pathways in HF. In contrast, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors consistently reduce HF hospitalizations across the ejection fraction spectrum, while glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies (e.g., tirzepatide) promote substantial weight loss, improve symptoms, and demonstrate promising anti-remodeling effects in obesity-related HFpEF. Recognizing obesity-driven HF as a distinct cardiometabolic entity supports an integrated therapeutic strategy combining structured weight reduction with guideline-directed HF polypharmacotherapy to address both hemodynamic burden and upstream adiposity-related mechanisms. Full article

This study presents a calibrated analytical micromechanical framework for predicting the linear elastic behavior of unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy and carbon fiber/epoxy composites over a wide range of fiber volume fractions. The approach combines the classical rule of mixtures for the longitudinal Young’s modulus with the semi empirical Halpin–Tsai equations to estimate the transverse Young’s modulus and the in-plane shear modulus. The framework is specifically formulated to support durability-oriented composite design through rapid and physically consistent estimation of elastic properties governing load transfer and stress distribution. Material parameters, including fiber and matrix Young’s moduli (Ef, Em), shear moduli (Gf, Gm), Poisson’s ratios (νf, νm), and fiber volume fraction (Vf up to 0.80), are taken from established material property databases and implemented within a literature-informed modeling scheme. To preserve physical realism at high fiber contents, a shear correction factor is introduced for Vf > 0.50 to account for microstructural interaction and fiber clustering effects. The predicted effective elastic constants (E₁, E₂, G₁₂, ν₁₂) exhibit consistent and physically meaningful trends across the full fiber volume fraction range. The model predictions were evaluated against trends widely reported in the composite micromechanics literature, and the results showed overall agreement in the nonlinear reduction in stiffness gains at elevated fiber volume fractions. Comparative results indicate that carbon fiber/epoxy composites achieve up to approximately 30% higher stiffness than glass fiber/epoxy systems at equivalent fiber contents, reflecting the influence of stiffness contrast on composite response. The analysis further indicates that stiffness saturation begins approximately in the Vf = 0.60–0.70 range, where the incremental gains in E2 and G12 become noticeably smaller for both composite systems. This behavior provides design-relevant guidance by showing that, beyond this range, further increases in fiber content may offer limited stiffness improvement relative to the associated manufacturing complexity. Overall, the calibrated Halpin–Tsai methodology offers a practical and computationally efficient tool for preliminary evaluation and design-stage optimization of the elastic performance of high-performance composite structures. Full article

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sanitary waste (SW) are not usually quantified in institutional inventories, which limits the ability to assess its management and associated carbon footprint. This study establishes emission factors (EF) for SW generated in a higher education institution (HEI), focusing on toilet paper. In 2022, 19 sanitary waste sources were monitored, obtaining a per capita generation of 3.02 g person⁻¹ day⁻¹ and an annual total of 356.87 kg of SW. Samples were characterized through proximate and elemental analyses, applying stoichiometric calculations for two disposal-site degradation pathways: Aerobic: 841.95 kg (total climate indicator) t⁻¹ SW, and Anaerobic: 7041.97 kg (total climate indicator) t⁻¹. The arithmetic mean of the aerobic and anaerobic EFs was 3941.96 kg (total climate indicator) t⁻¹ SW. Based on an estimated annual mass of 1.12 t yr⁻¹, emissions ranged from 0.35 to 6.71 t yr⁻¹ (total climate indicator: CO₂ + CH₄-derived CO₂e) depending on the scenario. Emissions could be reduced by over 90% when aerobic degradation or controlled methane capture predominates. The results suggest that separating SW at its point of generation and ensuring that it undergoes aerobic or energy-recovery treatment processes can limit its contribution to institutional GHG inventories. Having material-specific EF enables quantitative comparison among management strategies and guides continuous-improvement decisions. Full article

Background: The pathophysiology of HFpEF is complex and characterized by systemic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and endothelial dysfunction. Trace element involvement in redox balance, mitochondrial function, and calcium signaling is postulated. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to investigate possible differences in hair scalp trace element concentrations in patients with HFpEF and controls. Material and methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled (HFpEF n = 37; controls n = 21). HFpEF diagnosis was established using the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm by two independent cardiologists blinded to hair analysis results. Scalp hair samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: HFpEF patients demonstrated higher hair concentrations of magnesium (17.8 (7.3–47.5) vs. 14.0 (6.7–29.0) µg/g, p = 0.037), copper (57.24 (33.87–84.76) vs. 12.96 (9.85–26.02) µg/g, p < 0.001), calcium (322 (106–1330) vs. 145 (74–672) µg/g, p = 0.006), and lead (0.257 (0.164–0.563) vs. 0.159 (0.079–0.283) µg/g, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, HFpEF was associated with differences in selected scalp hair trace element concentrations. The interaction between magnesium, calcium, copper, and lead were noted, with higher concentrations in HFpEF phenotypes. These findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in larger cohorts incorporating serum/urine measurements and exposure assessment. Full article

In this work, the Material Point Method (MPM) is reviewed for application in the microelectronics industry. Microelectronic processes often involve large deformations, evolving interfaces, multiphysics coupling, and complex geometries that challenge conventional mesh-based methods such as the finite element method (FEM). Meshless methods provide an alternative solution that avoids these issues. A comparison is made between Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), Element Free Galerkin (EFG), peridynamics, Radial Basis Function–Finite Difference (RBF-FD), and MPM, evaluated with respect to convergence, consistency and stability, boundary enforcement, adaptivity, coupling, and industrial applicability. Based on this assessment, MPM and its main variants (BSMPM, GIMP, CPDI, and TLMPM) are examined in depth. The method’s ability to address large deformations, moving interfaces, contact, history-dependent material behavior, and multiphysics interactions is examined. The underfill process is used as a representative use case to illustrate challenges such as free surface flow, void formation, thermomechanical coupling, and residual stress. Overall, MPM shows strong potential, although further benchmarking and validation are required for widespread industrial adoption. Full article

Light use efficiency (LUE) models are widely used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) because they provide strong accuracy while maintaining low complexity. The aim of this study is (a) to evaluate the performance of a LUE model (sCASE) and (b) to compare the performance of several alternative water scalars. The analyses are done using GPP measurements from thirteen eddy covariance sites across Europe, corresponding to different forest types. Daily GPP estimates produced by sCASE were highly accurate for most sites (average R² = 0.750 and average RMSE = 2.317 g C m⁻² d⁻¹), matching the performance of other widely used LUE models in the literature. All three scalars were essential for maintaining model accuracy, although their relative importance varied among sites. The developmental scalar, which is not incorporated in most productivity models, was particularly important for accurately estimating GPP in deciduous species. Among the ten water scalars tested, those based on simple water balance calculations performed best in water-limited sites, whereas the VPD-based scalar performed better in sites without water limitation. The EF (evaporative fraction) scalar showed high accuracy at some sites across both water status categories but very low accuracy at others. For large-scale applications, water scalars based on MODIS indices offer the advantage of global coverage, which can outweigh their lower accuracy relative to other scalars. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is defined by decreased muscle strength along with low muscle quantity or quality. The assessment of muscle strength may be performed by grip strength test or chair stand test (CST) and both of these tests are treated as equivalent tools for assessing muscle strength. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) contributes to the progression of sarcopenia, and it is left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDd) which primarily leads to the development of HFpEF. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of muscle strength with echocardiographic parameters of LVDd in patients with CKD and eGFR ≤ 29 mL/min/1.73 m² not treated with dialysis. Methods: The study samples consisted of 46 men with CKD stages G4–G5 not treated with dialysis: 23 participants with HGS < 27 kg and 23 individuals with HGS ≥ 27 kg. The assessment of muscle strength was provided by the hand grip strength (HGS) test and the five-times sit-to-stand test (FTSST). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed with the use of a convex probe in conjunction with a Logiq P6 ultrasound system. Results: In G4–G5 CKD patients, upper limb muscle strength did not correspond to lower limb muscle strength. Participants with prolonged FTSST had a lower mean value of septal e’ and higher mean E/e’ compared to individuals with correct both HGS and FTSST. Participants with correct HGS and prolonged FTSST had the lowest mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as the lowest mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Conclusions: In G4–G5 CKD patients not treated with dialysis, HGS and FTSST are not equivalent and should not be used interchangeably. In this population, decreased muscle strength is associated with LVDd and FTSST is more sensitive than HGS in the prediction of LVDd. Low muscle strength is also associated with systolic function of the left and right ventricle in G4–G5 CKD patients not treated with dialysis. Full article

Introduction: Resting-state EEG (rsEEG) is a scalable window onto trait-like “executive readiness,” but findings have been fragmented by task impurity on the executive-function (EF) side and heterogeneous EEG pipelines. This review synthesizes rsEEG features that reliably track EF in healthy samples across development and aging and evaluates moderators such as cognitive reserve. Materials and methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we defined PECOS-based eligibility (human participants; eyes-closed/eyes-open rsEEG; spectral, aperiodic, connectivity, topology, microstate, and LRTC features; behavioral EF outcomes) and searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore from inception to 30 August 2025. Two reviewers were screened/double-extracted; the risk of bias in non-randomized studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Sixty-three studies met criteria (plus citation tracking), spanning from childhood to old age. Results: Across domains, tempo, noise, and wiring jointly explained EF differences. Faster individual/peak alpha frequency (IAF/PAF) related most consistently to manipulation-heavy working may and interference control/vigilance in aging; alpha power was less informative once periodic and aperiodic components were separated. Aperiodic 1/f parameters (slope/offset) indexed domain-general efficiency (processing speed, executive composites) with education-dependent sign flips in later life. Connectivity/topology outperformed local power: efficient, small-world-like alpha networks predicted faster, more consistent decisions and higher WM accuracy, whereas globally heightened alpha/gamma synchrony—and rigid high-beta organization—were behaviorally sluggish. Within-frontal beta/gamma coherence supported span maintenance/sequencing, but excessive fronto-posterior theta coherence selectively undermined WM manipulation/updating. A higher frontal theta/beta ratio forecasts riskier, less adaptive choices and poorer reversal learning for decision policy. Age and reserve consistently moderated effects (e.g., child frontal theta supportive for WM; older-adult slow power often detrimental; stronger EO ↔ EC connectivity modulation and faster alpha with higher reserve). Boundary conditions were common: low-load tasks and homogeneous young samples usually yielded nulls. Conclusions: RsEEG does not diagnose EF independently; single-band metrics or simple ratios lack specificity and can be confounded by age/reserve. Instead, a multi-feature signature—faster alpha pace, steeper 1/f slope with appropriate offset, efficient/flexible alpha-band topology with limited global over-synchrony (especially avoiding long-range theta lock), and supportive within-frontal fast-band coherence—best captures individual differences in executive speed, interference control, stability, and WM manipulation. For reproducible applications, recordings should include ≥5–6 min eyes-closed (plus eyes-open), ≥32 channels, vigilant artifact/drowsiness control, periodic–aperiodic decomposition, lag-insensitive connectivity, and graph metrics; analyses must separate speed from accuracy and distinguish WM maintenance vs. manipulation. Clinical translation should prioritize stratification and monitoring (not diagnosis), interpreted through the lenses of development, aging, and cognitive reserve. Full article

Background: Salt-sensitive blood pressure (SSBP) represents a prevalent yet underrecognized hypertensive phenotype, in which blood pressure (BP) and volume status are disproportionately influenced by dietary sodium intake. Beyond BP elevation alone, salt sensitivity reflects a convergence of renal sodium handling abnormalities, neurohormonal activation, vascular dysfunction, and inflammatory pathways that link excessive sodium exposure to progressive kidney injury and adverse cardiac remodeling. Given its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the association of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), improved recognition of SSBP has direct clinical relevance. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current mechanistic and clinical evidence on SSBP, focusing on pathophysiology, cardiorenal interactions, diagnostic challenges, and phenotype-guided therapeutic strategies with practical applicability. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception through January 2026. Experimental, translational, and clinical studies, along with relevant guideline documents, were integrated to provide conceptual and clinical interpretation rather than quantitative analysis. Key Findings: Impaired renal sodium excretion, intrarenal RAAS activation, sympathetic overactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and immune-mediated inflammation contribute to sodium retention, microvascular dysfunction, and fibrotic remodeling across the kidney–heart axis. These pathways are strongly supported by experimental and translational data, but direct interventional clinical validation remains limited for several mechanisms. Clinically, salt-sensitive individuals often exhibit non-dipping BP patterns, albuminuria, salt-induced edema, and a predisposition to HFpEF. Dynamic BP monitoring combined with targeted laboratory assessment improves identification of this phenotype and supports individualized management. Conclusions: Early recognition of SSBP enables targeted interventions beyond uniform sodium restriction. Phenotype-guided strategies integrating lifestyle modification, RAAS blockade, thiazide-like diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose co-transporters 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may improve cardiorenal outcomes. Emerging precision tools (e.g., wearable blood-pressure sensors, digital sodium tracking technologies, etc.) remain exploratory but may further refine individualized management. Full article