Search Results (489)

Background/Objectives: The pattern of invasion describes the arrangement of neoplastic cells along the tumor infiltrative front and refers to the way cancer infiltrates tissue at the tumor/host interface. Accumulating evidence suggested that the Worst Pattern of Invasion (WPOI) represents an independent prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, it is still considered a minor prognostic criterion, and it is recommended as an optional report component in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) guideline. Methods: Therefore, the study aims to extensively review the literature data regarding the prognostic role of the WPOI in OSCC. Results: The WPOI resulted as an independent prognostic factor for locoregional recurrences (LRRs), lymph node metastasis (LMN), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and bone tissue infiltration, regardless of the oral subsite and the pathological stage. Moreover, several authors suggested the evaluation of the WPOI to lead the postoperative management and to determine the occult LNM in early-stage OSCC. Conclusions: The prognostic relevance of the WPOI in OSCC highlights its evaluation in pathological daily practice. Therefore, the WPOI-detection method and scoring system should be validated based on the tumor stage and site. Full article

Coastal settlements worldwide face increasing threats from erosion, and the Monrovia coastline in Liberia is no exception. This study investigates shoreline dynamics along a 20.5 km stretch of Monrovia’s coast, which is characterized by low-lying elevations, gentle slopes, and sandy beaches. Using Landsat satellite imagery (1986–2025), supported by Sentinel-2 MSI and qualitative validation drone data, we analyzed historical shoreline change with remote sensing and GIS techniques. Shorelines were extracted using a band-ratio thresholding method and quantified with the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS 5.0), applying end-point rate (EPR), linear regression rate (LRR), and net shoreline movement (NSM). Exploratory projections for 2036 and 2046 were generated using a Kalman Filter model integrated into DSAS. Results show maximum historical erosion rates of up to 3.8 m/yr and accretion rates of up to 5.9 m/yr, with shoreline retreat reaching 150 m and advance up to 194 m. Erosion hotspots are projected for Hotel Africa, Westpoint, New Kru Town, and the JFK–ELWA corridor, while areas near the St. Paul and Mesurado estuaries are expected to accrete. These findings confirm historical trends and suggest that Monrovia will continue to face significant shoreline change, with implications for natural habitats, infrastructure, land loss, and population displacement. Full article

Background: Complete rectal prolapse (RP) is a debilitating pelvic floor disorder often accompanied by obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), fecal incontinence, and LARS-like bowel dysfunction. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy (LRR) is an established abdominal approach; however, functional outcomes after LRR with transanal specimen extraction (LRR-TSE) are incompletely defined. Aim: To evaluate short- and long-term functional outcomes—ODS, Wexner incontinence score (WIS), and LARS—in patients undergoing LRR-TSE. Methods: This single-center cohort included 53 consecutive patients who underwent LRR-TSE between January 2013 and December 2019. Variables were prospectively recorded and analyzed retrospectively. ODS, WIS, and LARS scores were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Greenhouse–Geisser correction, polynomial contrasts when appropriate, and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons. Results: ODS improved significantly over time (p < 0.001), decreasing from 12.8 ± 3.2 preoperatively to 2.4 ± 2.1, 4.2 ± 2.2, and 5.2 ± 2.9 at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. LARS scores declined from 18.0 ± 12.7 at 3 months to 8.8 ± 6.8 at 6 months and 3.5 ± 4.2 at 12 months (p < 0.001). WIS showed a transient increase at 3 months (8.1 ± 5.2), followed by improvement at 6 and 12 months (3.2 ± 3.7 and 2.4 ± 3.0; p < 0.001). Sex and body mass index did not affect functional trajectories (p > 0.05), whereas patients aged ≥50 years had higher postoperative LARS and WIS scores (p < 0.05). Complications occurred in 5 patients (9.43%), including one anastomotic leak with a mortality rate of 1.85%. Full-thickness recurrence occurred in 2 patients (3.77%), and 3 developed mucosal prolapse managed with Delorme’s procedure. Conclusions: LRR-TSE is a safe and feasible minimally invasive technique that improves constipation, continence, and LARS-related bowel dysfunction. Early postoperative impairment may overestimate long-term functional severity, highlighting the need for follow-up beyond 12 months. Full article

Berberine (BBR), a protoberberine alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use, has consistently demonstrated benefits in glucose–lipid metabolism and inflammatory balance across both preclinical and human studies. These diverse effects are not mediated by a single molecular target but by BBR’s capacity to restore network coordination among metabolic, immune, and microbial systems. At the core of this regulation is an AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)-centered mechanistic hub, integrating signals from insulin and nutrient sensing, Sirtuin 1/3 (SIRT1/3)-mediated mitochondrial adaptation, and inflammatory pathways such as nuclear Factor Kappa-light-chain-enhancer of Activated B cells (NF-κB) and NOD-, LRR- and Pyrin Domain-containing Protein 3 (NLRP3). This hub is dynamically regulated by system-level inputs from the gut, mitochondria, and epigenome, which in turn strengthen intestinal barrier function, reshape microbial and bile-acid metabolites, improve redox balance, and potentially reverse the epigenetic imprint of metabolic stress. These interactions propagate through multi-organ axes, linking the gut, liver, adipose, and vascular systems, thus aligning local metabolic adjustments with systemic homeostasis. Within this framework, BBR functions as a negentropic modulator, reducing metabolic entropy by fostering a coordinated balance among these interconnected systems, thereby restoring physiological order. Combination strategies, such as pairing BBR with metformin, Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and agents targeting the microbiome or inflammation, have shown enhanced efficacy and substantial translational potential. Berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801), an ionic-salt derivative of BBR currently in Phase III trials and directly compared with dapagliflozin, exemplifies the therapeutic promise of such approaches. Within the hub–axis paradigm, BBR emerges as a systems-level modulator that recouples energy, immune, and microbial circuits to drive multi-organ remodeling. Full article

On-orbit cutting is a critical process for the on-orbit manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone composites (CF/PEEK) truss structures, with pulsed laser cutting serving as one of the feasible methods. Achieving high-quality cutting of CF/PEEK remains a major challenge for on-orbit manufacturing. Therefore, the cutting process of CF/PEEK prepreg tape was studied by an ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser. A three-factor, five-level orthogonal experiment was carried out to analyze the influence of laser repetition rate (LRR), laser cutting speed (LCS), and laser scanning times (LCTs) on cutting quality. The ablation mechanism dominated by the photothermal effect between the UV nanosecond laser and CF/PEEK was analyzed, and the by-products in the cutting process were explored. Finally, the optimal cutting quality (the width of slit (W_s) = 41.69 ± 3.54 μm, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) = 87.27 ± 7.30 μm) was obtained under the process conditions of LRR 50 kHz-LCS 50 mm/s-LCT 16 times. The findings show that the W_S and HAZ increase with the increase in LRR and LCT and the decrease in LCS, and the carbon fiber decomposes and escapes due to the photothermal effect. Full article

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, multifactorial vascular disease and the leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity. Its development reflects interconnected disturbances in lipid metabolism, endothelial function, inflammation, smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Genetic predisposition, including monogenic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia and polygenic risk variants, modulates disease susceptibility by altering lipid homeostasis as well as inflammatory and thrombotic pathways. Epigenetic regulators and noncoding RNAs, such as histone modifications, microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs, further shape gene expression and link environmental cues to vascular pathology. Endothelial injury promotes lipoprotein retention and oxidation, triggering monocyte recruitment and macrophage-driven foam cell formation, cytokine secretion, and necrotic core development. Persistent inflammation, macrophage heterogeneity, and SMC plasticity collectively drive plaque growth and destabilization. Emerging insights into immune cell metabolism, intracellular signaling networks, and novel regulatory RNAs are expanding therapeutic possibilities beyond lipid-lowering. Current and evolving treatments include statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents targeting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), and advanced approaches such as gene editing, siRNA, and nanoparticle-based delivery. Integrating multi-omics, biomarker-guided therapy, and precision medicine promises improved risk stratification and next-generation targeted interventions. This review summarizes recent molecular advances and highlights translational opportunities for enhancing atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. Full article

Municipal animal shelters play a crucial role in rescuing abandoned animals, managing free-roaming populations, and promoting animal welfare. This seven-year retrospective study analyzed 2291 animals (1132 dogs, 1159 cats) admitted to a Portuguese municipal shelter (CVM Feira) between 2018 and 2024 to identify predictors of live outcomes. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed on 1325 adoptable animals. Adoption occurred for 58.9% of these animals, while 41.1% remained in long-term housing, reflecting growing shelter capacity pressures. Length of Stay (LOS) was the strongest predictor of adoption, with extended stays markedly reducing adoption odds and contributing to overcrowding. For dogs, female sex and owner or animal protection association (APA) surrender increased adoption likelihood. Microchipped animals were 71 times more likely to be returned to their owners, although only a small proportion entered the shelter with identification. The overall Live Release Rate (LRR) was 79.7% and Save Rate (SR) 84.7%, highlighting effective life-saving efforts, while the Population Balance Calculation (PBC) of 75.6% revealed challenges in population flow-through. These findings provide evidence that data-driven strategies, including reducing LOS, enforcing microchipping, and applying species-specific management, are essential to optimize municipal shelter operations and improve animal welfare, with insights applicable to broader European and international contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Surgical treatments include breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and mastectomy, often followed by reconstruction, but the impact of reconstruction on locoregional recurrence (LRR) remains unclear. This study evaluated LRR, survival, and risk factors following primary breast reconstruction performed simultaneously with mastectomy compared with mastectomy without reconstruction. Methods: This population-based, retrospective cohort included 2475 women with breast cancer treated between 2004 and 2018 at the Tumor Center and Caritas St. Josef Hospital in Regensburg, Germany. Patients were grouped into not primarily reconstructed, primary autologous reconstruction, primary allogeneic reconstruction, and primary combined reconstruction. Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cumulative recurrence rates (CRR) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, nodal status, tumor biology, and adjuvant therapies. Results: Of 14,046 eligible cases, 2475 met inclusion criteria: no primary reconstruction (87%), autologous reconstruction (3.1%), allogeneic reconstruction (9.0%), and combined reconstruction (0.4%). Patients undergoing reconstruction were younger and more likely to receive chemotherapy. The 5-year OS was 71.8% without primary reconstruction, 82.1% after autologous reconstruction, and 90.0% after allogeneic reconstruction. Allogeneic reconstruction was associated with improved OS (HR 0.570, p = 0.015) and RFS (HR 0.669, p = 0.039), whereas autologous reconstruction was associated with higher hazards of LRR and distant metastases compared to no primary reconstruction. Conclusions: The 5-year cumulative LRR was 5.2%, 13.5%, and 4.8%, respectively. Immediate allogeneic reconstruction after mastectomy was therefore associated with favorable survival and recurrence outcomes, while autologous reconstruction was linked to higher LRR and distant metastasis rates in this cohort. The retrospective design, small autologous subgroup, and absence of detailed lifestyle and metabolic data are important limitations of these findings. These associations likely reflect differences in tumor stage, biology, and unmeasured risk factors, and should be interpreted as hypothesis generating. Prospective multicenter studies with detailed risk profiling are needed to clarify the oncologic safety of different reconstructive strategies. Full article

Perennial ryegrass is a widely cultivated cool-season forage and turf grass species whose growth and development are limited by drought and high temperature. MAX2 is an F-box leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein, which serves as a central component of strigolactone (SL) and karrikin (KAR) signaling pathways, involved in multiple growth and developmental processes as well as stress response. Here, we identified LpMAX2, a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) homolog of Arabidopsis MAX2 (AtMAX2) and rice D3. LpMAX2 can interact with AtD14 and LpD14 in an SL-dependent manner, implying functional conservation with AtMAX2. Overexpression of LpMAX2 in the Arabidopsis max2-3 mutant partially rescued leaf morphology, hypocotyl elongation, and branching phenotypes, while fully restoring drought tolerance, highlighting the evolutionarily conserved roles of MAX2 in plant growth and drought resistance. In conclusion, LpMAX2 is evolutionarily conserved in SL/KAR signaling pathways, highlighting its potential function in drought adaptation. In addition to elucidating the biological function of LpMAX2, this study identifies a promising genetic target for enhancing stress resilience in forage grasses through biotechnological approaches. Full article

Coastal areas are increasingly affected by erosion due to climate change and human interventions, threatening the stability of many shorelines. Understanding coastal dynamics is therefore crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies. This study analyzes the evolution of the coastline between the Port of Valencia and the Port of Sagunto from 1957 to the present, one of the most anthropized littoral cells in the Eastern Mediterranean, where urban development, groyne fields, and major harbor structures strongly modify longshore transport. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including QGIS and the DSAS extension, five shoreline change indicators (EPR, LRR, NSM, SCE, and WLR) were calculated based on coastlines extracted from orthophotos and satellite images. The analysis was conducted across five distinct zones and three temporal scales (long, medium, and short term) to capture spatial and temporal variations. The results reveal significant heterogeneity: the Arenas–Malvarrosa–Patacona area shows long-term accretion but recent erosion (LRR = +0.88 m/year; NSM = +58 m), Port Saplaya shows moderate erosion (LRR ≈ 0.27 m/year), Pobla de Farnals is undergoing strong erosion (LRR = −0.57 m/year; NSM = −44 m), Puzol appears recently stabilized (2015–2024; LRR ≈ +0.06 m/year) and Marjal dels Moros, historically stable, now exhibits a short-term retreat of −0.53 m/year. Overall, coastal evolution in the study area exhibits a clear pattern, being influenced by both natural processes and human actions: long-term accretion occurs exclusively in sectors located updrift of major infrastructures, while most remaining areas show persistent or recently accelerated erosion, reflecting the cumulative impact of sediment scarcity, coastal armoring and increasing storm intensity. The data provide valuable insights for medium- and long-term coastal planning and sustainable territorial management. Full article

Low temperature exerts severe adverse effects on maize growth, particularly during the seedling stage. Screening for cold-tolerant maize genotypes is highly significant for identifying genes associated with cold tolerance and enhancing maize performance under low, suboptimal temperature conditions. The identification of representative cold tolerance-related genes is of great significance for the breeding of cold-resistant maize varieties. In this study, a diversity panel of 205 materials was evaluated and classified for cold tolerance at the seedling stage. The coefficients of variation of all materials ranged from 14.53% to 35.71%, reflecting considerable genetic diversity within the panel. The correlation coefficients for each phenotypic trait between the cold-treated (CT) and control (CK) maize materials ranged from 0.60 to 0.90, further indicating that all traits displayed varying degrees of sensitivity to cold stress. A comprehensive evaluation of cold tolerance using the D value was conducted. The D values of all materials ranged from 0.355 to 0.863, with a mean value of 0.64. A hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to classify all materials into five categories based on their cold tolerance. Further, 17 SNPs were identified using GWAS analysis, and 12 candidate genes were located within the regions related to the SNPs. Some candidate genes were closely associated with cold tolerance, such as genes encoding MYB and GRAS transcription factors, leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins, and protein kinases. Validation by qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression of some genes was induced under cold stress conditions. These findings lay a crucial foundation for breeding cold-tolerant maize varieties and for further exploration of genes associated with cold tolerance. Full article

Pepper (Capsicum annuum), a widely cultivated vegetable of significant economic importance globally, is frequently subjected to attacks from pathogens such as Ralstonia solanacearum, as well as high-temperature stress. However, the mechanisms by which pepper combats these stresses remain poorly understood. Herein, we reported that the expression of the leucine-rich repeat protein CaLRR13, which lacks a nucleotide-binding site (NBS), kinase domains, and a transmembrane region, was transcriptionally activated by both R. solanacearum inoculation and high-temperature stress. Through transient overexpression in the epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, we found that CaLRR13 localized in both the cytoplasm and the nuclei. Reducing the expression of CaLRR13 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) increased the sensitivity of pepper to R. solanacearum infection and high-temperature exposure, accompanied by reduced expression of immunity- and thermotolerance-related genes, including CaWRKY40, CaPR1, CaNPR1, CaDEF1, and CaHSP24. In contrast, transient overexpression of CaLRR13 in pepper leaves induced a like-hypersensitive response (HR) and enhanced the expression of the aforementioned immunity- and thermotolerance-related genes. Thus, we conclude that CaLRR13 plays a positive role in pepper immunity against R. solanacearum and thermotolerance, providing a new perspective on the crosstalk and management of plant responses to these two stresses. Full article

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are central to pathogen recognition in teleost innate immunity. In this study, we surveyed 41 genomes from four representative teleost orders (i.e., Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Perciformes, and Pleuronectiformes) for 15 TLR genes (TLR1–9, 12, 13, 18, 20–22) revealed a conserved core (TLR2/3/7 in nearly all examined species) alongside lineage-specific losses (TLR4/9/18/20/21/22), indicating both strong conservation and dynamic diversification of the TLR repertoire. We further identified and characterized 12 TLR genes in economically important darkbarbel catfish (Pelteobagrus vachellii). Corresponding cDNAs span 2089–4456 bp and encode proteins of 789–1,087 aa, with canonical extracellular LRR arrays and C-terminal TIR domains but notable “non-classical” features (such as absence of signal peptides in TLR1/13; no transmembrane segment in TLR7; multiple transmembranes in TLR3/8/13/18/22), suggesting subcellular and functional heterogeneity of various TLR genes. Subsequent gene-structure comparisons uncovered gene-specific exon–intron organizations and variable UTR lengths, implicating differential post-transcriptional regulation. Predicted 3D structures retain the traditional hallmark LRR horseshoe fold with subtle variations potentially tuning ligand specificity. Genomic synteny with Pseudobagrus ussuriensi and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus reveals conserved chromosomal organization, and phylogeny construction resolves each TLR subtype into well-supported monophyletic clades, which underscore evolutionary stability. Functionally, exogenous Aeromonas hydrophila challenge triggered rapid, tissue-dependent TLR up-regulation in the kidney, liver, and especially gill (with some transcripts > 1000-fold), highlighting coordinated mucosal and systemic surveillance in darkbarbel catfish. Taken together, these valuable data provide a comprehensive framework for the structural, evolutionary, and inducible expression landscape of catfish TLRs and establish a foundation for in-depth studies on antibacterial immunity in diverse teleost species. Full article

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value fermentation products generates a lignin-rich hydrolysis residue (LRR), which is predominantly combusted for process heat, offering limited valorization potential. This study investigates the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of this residue derived from forest residue biomass (FRB) to produce high-energy-density hydrochar. HTC, a thermochemical conversion process conducted in the presence of water, enables direct processing of wet lignin-rich residues without the need for drying or solvent-based lignin extraction or purification, thereby reducing costs and complexity. Experiments were conducted at 200–280 °C, with a fixed reaction time of 1 h, and the resulting hydrochars were thoroughly characterized for their chemical composition, structural morphology, and thermal behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed improved pyrolysis properties of the HTC products. Hydrochar yield decreased by 26.26% as the temperature increased from 200 to 280 °C, accompanied by marked improvements in fuel quality. The maximum higher heating value, observed at 280 °C, was 1.75 times greater than that of raw LRR. Elemental analysis and a Van Krevelen evaluation confirmed enhanced carbonization, as evidenced by increasing carbon content and decreasing oxygen content. The specific surface area peaked at 2.66 m²/g at 200 °C before declining with further temperature increases. This study demonstrates a sustainable pathway for valorization of lignin-rich residues from lignocellulosic biorefineries into solid biofuels, advancing circular bioeconomy and offering insights into using HTC for energy and environmental applications. Full article

Despite growing evidence that diverse leadership enhances decision-making and innovation, little is known about how gendered expectations and structural barriers intersect to shape women’s leadership experiences in Greece. This qualitative study draws on semi-structured interviews with sixteen (N = 16) senior women leaders across healthcare and other professional sectors. The data are analyzed using thematic analysis to explore how participants navigate stereotypes, microaggressions, and work–life integration challenges. Findings reveal a core mechanism of gendered constraint in which structural barriers and interpersonal dynamics shape leadership enactment. These dynamics are mitigated through strategies such as mentorship, boundary setting, and inclusive practices. A central contribution of the study is the proposed Leadership Recognition and Resilience (LRR) framework, which conceptualizes the dynamic interplay between leadership purpose, recognition, and gendered constraints and highlights how adaptive strategies sustain agency, well-being, and organizational influence. The study extends role-congruity theory by introducing the concept of a glass acknowledgment ceiling, a subtle form of gendered resistance that limits recognition and authority even after women attain leadership positions. These findings underscore the importance of systemic reforms, culturally sensitive leadership development, and supportive networks to sustain women’s leadership and advance genuine gender equity in organizational contexts. Full article