Search Results (7,738)

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable approaches for the remediation of contaminated soil as well as to promote sustainable practices for waste management. Here, we provide the first evaluation of the performance of two types of iron nanoparticles (NA and NH) obtained from olive mill wastewater for the remediation of an acidic multi-contaminated soil, including metal(loid)s, PCBs, and a flame retardant (TCPP). Their efficiency was then compared against that of a commercial nanoscale zero-valent iron (NS) through a one-month microcosm experiment employing two doses of each nanomaterial. The impact of the treatments on key soil physicochemical properties, metal(loid) availability, PCB and TCPP concentrations, and soil phytotoxicity was assessed. All treatments reduced soil acidity. Regarding organic contaminants, bioremediation of TCPP was enhanced by all nanomaterials, particularly NH, whereas NA was the only treatment that significantly reduced PCB concentration under the tested conditions. NS achieved the highest rates of metal(loid) immobilization (63–100%); NH was most beneficial for soil fertility and immobilized As, Ni, and Pb (100, 38, and 53%, respectively), whereas NA was only effective for Pb (21–49%). The low dose of both NA and NH improved the germination index (66 and 61%, respectively), reducing soil phytotoxicity. These results highlight the potential of valorizing olive mill wastewater for soil remediation, thereby contributing to the principles of the Circular Economy. Full article

For future Mars colonization, crop production will be a challenge due to the chemical composition of the Martian Regolith, which contains perchlorates and heavy metals. This research was conducted to determine if the use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB), and fertilization have a positive effect on tomato growth in a Martian Regolith Analog. The analog contains 52.54% SiO₂, 1.81% TiO₂, 17.66% Al₂O₃, 9.46% Fe₂O₃, 0.145% MnO, 3.43% MgO, 7.09% CaO, 3.95% Na₂O, 1.96% K₂O, and 0.55% P₂O₅. Two hundred and forty tomato plants were grown for 45 days. One hundred and twenty tomato plants grown over perchlorate-polluted analog (1% m/m) died in less than 2 weeks, while 120 tomato plants grown in a non-polluted analog survived. Forty-eight plants supplemented with Long–Ashton solution increased their shoot length 100% more than the control plants and the plants inoculated with the commercial AMF formulation TM-73^MR and PBB; the latter showed 25% mycorrhizal colonization. There was no significant difference between the growth parameters of inoculated plants and non-inoculated plants. However, there was a significant difference compared to the plants supplemented with Long–Ashton solution. The perchlorate is toxic to tomato plants, and the metal content of the analog was not a limiting factor for tomato growth or AMF colonization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that the cessation of liver damage after HCV cure can improve liver function, histological necroinflammation, and portal hypertension. However, scarce data about fibrosis stage or cirrhosis regression have been reported during follow-up. Methods: A prospective study evaluating hepatic biopsies and liver stiffness measurement by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE-LSM) after the end of treatment (EOT) in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). Fibrosis was evaluated according to two semi-quantitative grading systems (METAVIR and Laennec) at 6 years after EOT (LB6) and compared with biopsies at 3 years (LB3). Results: Fifty-four patients with LB6 (34 with paired LB3–LB6) were included. Median (IQR) age was 53.9 (48.5–59.3), 38 (70.4%) were men, and 13 (24.1%) were HIV-coinfected. The VCTE-LSM was >15 kPa in 30 (55.6%). The LB6 (81.4 months after EOT) showed non-advanced fibrosis (F1–F2) in 12 (22.4%) patients, bridging (F3) in 26 (48.2%), and cirrhosis (F4) in 16 (29.6%): F4A in 7 (13.0%), F4B in 4 (7.4%), and F4C in 5 (9.3%). The 1-year post-EOT follow-up VCTE-LSM ≤ 8.6 kPa identifies patients without advanced fibrosis (AUROC = 0.929), with a negative predictive value of 88.9% and a positive predictive value of 95.2%. Paired biopsies showed regression in 9 (47.4%) out of 19 patients with cirrhosis: 8 (61.5%) of 13 with F4A but only 1 (16.7%) of 6 with F4B–F4C. Conclusions: Advanced fibrosis persists in most patients with advanced chronic liver disease after HCV eradication. Regression is possible in mild cirrhosis. However, it is a limited and slow event. Full article

The rapid digitalization of healthcare has led to the widespread availability of mobile health (mHealth) applications, including those aimed at mental health and well-being. The present study followed the PRISMA guidelines and systematically reviewed English and/or German mental health apps available in the Google Play Store to evaluate their functional quality and behavior-change potential. It utilized the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to assess app quality, including engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information quality, and the App Behavior Change Scale (ABACUS) to evaluate the potential for behavior change by inclusion of behavior change techniques (BCTs). A total of 77 apps were reviewed, with findings indicating an average functional quality and moderate behavior-change potential, as the reviewed apps only utilized a limited amount of BCTs. Notably, only a small fraction of apps had been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Further analysis showed that MARS and ABACUS scores had limited predictive power regarding app popularity as measured by stars awarded by users and number of user ratings in the Google Play Store. The study highlights the need for more rigorous testing of mHealth apps and suggests that factors beyond those measured by MARS and ABACUS may influence app popularity. In addition to the scientific value, this review provides insights for both users interested in mental health support via apps and developers aiming to enhance the quality and impact of mental health applications. Full article

Water quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable use and management of groundwater resources. This study was carried out in the irrigated plains of Vehari District, Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate groundwater suitability for a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project. Twenty groundwater samples were collected in June 2021 from an area of 1522 km² and analysed for major physicochemical parameters including electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, turbidity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl), alkalinity (Alk), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), hardness, potassium (K), sulphate (SO₄²⁻), sodium (Na), and nitrate (NO₃⁻). Water quality was assessed using WHO and PID standards, alongside derived hydrochemical indices such as sodium percentage (%Na), Kelly’s ratio (KR), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and the water quality index (WQI). The dataset was interpreted using geo-statistical, geospatial, multivariate, and correlation analyses. Cations and anion dominance followed the order Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻ > NO₃⁻. According to the WQI analysis, 35% of the water samples are classified as “poor,” half (50%) as “very poor,” and the remaining 15% as “unsuitable” for drinking purposes. However, irrigation suitability indices confirmed that groundwater is generally acceptable for agricultural use, though unfit for drinking. The outcomes of this study provide essential insights for groundwater management in the region, where the Punjab Irrigation Department (PID) has initiated a MAR project. Considering that the irrigation sector is the major groundwater consumer in the area, the compatibility of groundwater and surface water quality supports the implementation of MAR to enhance agricultural sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: To develop and validate the DMEK Risk and Outcome Prediction (DROP) Score—a benchmarking model integrating patient, donor, surgical, and center-specific parameters for individualized risk assessment following DMEK. Methods: The DROP Score comprises four subscores, namely the Patient Risk Profile (PRP), Donor Tissue Quality (DTQ), Surgical Complexity Index (SCI), and Center Performance Factor (CPF), with literature-derived weights ($\alpha$ = 0.40, $\beta$ = 0.25, $\gamma$ = 0.20, $\delta$ = 0.15) validated by sensitivity analysis (K = 0.82–0.91). Clinical validation included 76 DMEK eyes and 89 controls (2019–2023). Machine learning models utilized EfficientNetV2B3 transfer learning with Random Forest classifiers and patient-level data partitioning. IVCM imaging comprised 6200 images. Results: The mean DROP Score was 39.35 ± 7.61 (Moderate: 92.1%; High: 7.9%). High-risk patients showed worse 12-month BCVA (0.50 vs. 0.31 logMAR) and higher poor prognosis rates (50.0% vs. 34.3%). The DROP Score showed significant correlations with BCVA (r = 0.305, p = 0.007) and ECD (r = −0.352, p = 0.002). Tissue classification accuracy reached 96.2%. Diabetes mellitus emerged as the strongest prognostic factor (OR: 4.34, p = 0.012), followed by hypertension (OR: 2.65, p = 0.078). Conclusions: The DROP Score provides transparent, individualized DMEK risk assessment. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension emerged as dominant systemic prognostic factors, while rebubbling showed no adverse impact on long-term outcomes. Complete four-domain validation requires ongoing prospective data collection. Full article

Climate change and increasing groundwater demand underscore the urgency of sustainable water resource planning. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) represents a promising strategy, yet its implementation depends on accurately identifying locations suited for specific MAR techniques. This study presents a GIS-based methodology developed under the DEEPWATER-CE project for identifying suitable locations for six MAR techniques in Central Europe. The methodology integrates environmental, hydrological, and land use criteria in a two-stage approach: an initial screening to delineate potentially suitable areas, followed by a detailed classification of those areas into high, moderate, and low suitability categories. The approach was tested in the Polish part of the Dunajec River catchment (4835 km²), revealing that river or lake bank filtration, infiltration ditches, and underground dams are the most viable MAR options, suitable for 12.6%, 13%, and 15.6% of the catchment area, respectively. A focused analysis within the Tarnów agglomeration, identified as highly vulnerable to climate change and with intensive groundwater use, demonstrated that 83–87% of the area is moderately suitable for infiltration ditches and riverbank filtration techniques. This decision-support tool can inform water managers and planners regarding the best locations for implementing MAR to enhance aquifer resilience, ensure water availability, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. The methodology is transferable to other regions facing similar hydroclimatic challenges. Full article

Saponins are valuable health-promoting metabolites. The genus Sechium spp. is a valuable source of such metabolites. Unfortunately, there is no established method for the extraction of saponins from the fruits of this species. Therefore, this research aimed to compare three gravimetric extraction methods for saponins in two Sechium genotypes. The analysis included FT-MIR and HPTLC fingerprinting, as well as spectrophotometric quantification. Independent of the extraction method, bagasse produced higher extraction yields than juice. Among the gravimetric methods, M3 produced the highest yields, while M1 captured the most remarkable diversity and abundance of saponins. The spectrophotometric quantification corroborated the higher total saponin content in bagasse extracts. This data highlights the use of fruit bagasse as the primary source of saponin extraction in Sechium. In addition, we recommend extracting bagasse through M3 for scalable pre-enrichment, while M1 extraction must be used when preserving chemical diversity is critical. Full article

Background: Several studies have investigated the importance of physical exercise (PE) in overweight and obese populations; however, to date, no bibliometric study has analyzed research trends in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in overweight and obese populations across the entire life course. Objective: To analyze the scientific output of HIIT trends in overweight and obese populations. Method: Theoretical study using bibliometrics as a research technique. A total of 282 studies were identified in the Web of Science and PubMed databases for analysis with VOSViewer software 1.6.20. The equation used was (“High-intensity interval training” OR HIIT) AND (overweight OR obesity OR “risk factors” OR “obesity risk”). Results: The year 2022 was the most productive year (n = 46). Most of the documents are research articles (81%), followed by review articles (15%). Most studies do not specify the characteristics of the sample, only mentioning the application of a HIIT program in overweight or obese individuals in (65.6%) of the total articles found. There is low scientific output in research focused on women (23.4%). The most frequently occurring words were “exercise” (n = 145), “obesity” (n = 131), “high-intensity interval training” (n = 81), “overweight” (n = 78), “physical activity” (n = 73), “body composition” (n = 46), “weight loss” (n = 45), “health” (n = 42), and “cardiorespiratory fitness” (n = 40). Conclusions: Scientific research has advanced the understanding of the impact of HIIT in relation to excess weight, with total fat reduction being one of the most frequently reported variables and no differences observed between sexes. HIIT has shown benefits in populations with overweight and obesity when compared with low-intensity training programs. Full article

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder of unknown etiology. One of its cellular hallmarks is increased mitochondrial dysfunction in placental tissue. Further investigation into this aspect may help elucidate the molecular basis of preeclampsia. A total of 24 pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section participated in the study: n = 13 controls and n = 11 diagnosed with preeclampsia. Maternal blood samples were collected to assess the biochemical profile, and demographic and clinical data were recorded. Placental trophoblast samples were processed to isolate mitochondria and perform molecular biology assays. Women with preeclampsia exhibited the characteristic clinical features of the disease, along with biochemical alterations consistent with an inflammatory process. A significant decrease (73%) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in trophoblastic tissue and a reduction in citrate synthase (CS) activity (−51%) in cytotrophoblast mitochondria-enriched fractions were observed in preeclampsia, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied by a loss of functional mitochondrial mass. In addition, we detected a marked decrease in MnSOD levels (−32%), together with an increase in the LC3II/LC3I ratio (47%) in cytotrophoblast mitochondria-enriched fractions, supporting the presence of mitochondrial alterations and suggesting the possible activation of mitophagy specifically in this cell type. Moreover, coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) levels were elevated by 31% in trophoblastic villi. A pronounced 2.5-fold increase in CoQ₁₀ normalized to CS activity (CoQ₁₀/CS) was detected specifically in cytotrophoblasts from preeclamptic placentas. Importantly, we did not observe these alterations in the syncytiotrophoblast. In conclusion, preeclampsia is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased CoQ₁₀ levels normalized to CS activity, specifically in cytotrophoblast mitochondria, with findings being consistent with a possible involvement of mitophagy in this cell type. These findings suggest that cytotrophoblast mitochondrial metabolism may be more affected in preeclampsia compared with syncytiotrophoblasts, and that CoQ₁₀ accumulation together with the possible activation of mitophagy may represent cellular defense mechanisms. Due to the limitations of the study, it should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating, and its results should be regarded as preliminary. Full article

The endocrine stress response is a valuable tool for evaluating how organisms cope with environmental challenges. However, selecting an appropriate matrix for measuring glucocorticoids (GCs) requires careful consideration of sample quality and accessibility. This study reveals that blood sampling affects plasma cortisol levels in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum, with the effect being reversed shortly thereafter. To facilitate a non-invasive approach, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) that had previously been validated for measuring plasma cortisol in C. talarum was evaluated to measure adrenocortical activity by analyzing fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCs). Using this assay, we monitored the stress response during wild capture, transport to captivity, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, and immobilization. This showed that FGC levels accurately reflect adrenal activation in these contexts. We also documented a relationship between reproductive seasonality and FGCs. Finally, we provide evidence for a relationship between adrenal activity and behavior. Our results suggest that when considering plasma GCs for the assessment of acute stress, it is crucial to understand the magnitude and timing of the effects of blood sampling on the stress state of organisms. The validation of FGC measurement in C. talarum provides a new option for advancing ecophysiological studies in both the wild and captivity. Full article

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 derivatives such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are precursors of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that actively orchestrate the resolution of inflammation. Among these, maresins (MaRs) have gathered increasing attention due to their potent immunomodulatory and tissue-regenerative properties. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current knowledge on the biosynthesis, structural diversity, and biological functions of MaRs, with a focus on MaR1. We discuss the enzymatic pathways involved in the generation of MaR1, MaR2, MaRs conjugates in tissue regeneration (MCTRs), and maresin-like lipid mediators (MaR-Ls), highlighting their roles in modulating inflammatory responses, promoting phagocytosis, and restoring tissue homeostasis. Preclinical evidence from in vitro and in vivo models demonstrates that MaRs exert protective effects in a wide range of pathological contexts, including neuroinflammation, liver injury, cardiovascular dysfunction, pulmonary diseases, and metabolic disorders. Although their therapeutic promise is well-supported, key gaps remain in the understanding of MaRs biosynthesis, receptor specificity, and translational applicability. This review emphasizes the importance of advancing mechanistic and clinical research to fully harness MaRs as part of next-generation therapeutics in inflammation-driven diseases. Full article

Islands provide valuable opportunities to study how isolation affects phenotypic variation. Even though orchid bees are highly mobile, their movement can still be restricted by marine barriers. In this study, we assessed whether insular isolation impacts wing shape in the orchid bee Euglossa mixta across the Coiba archipelago and a nearby mainland site in Western Panama. Our study analyzed 271 individuals using geometric morphometrics, focusing on forewing venation landmarks, and evaluated the variation using multivariate analyses of shape variation and quantifying the shape of Mahalanobis distances. Additionally, we conducted a Mantel test to explore the relationship between geographic distance and morphological divergence. Our findings reveal that wing shape variation in E. mixta is largely conserved but shows fine-scale structuring consistent with spatial patterns expected in insular systems. These results suggest that even highly mobile pollinators may experience enough isolation for subtle phenotypic shifts to occur, highlighting the sensitivity of geometric morphometrics for detecting early stages of morphological differentiation. Full article

Standing sedation in horses provides immobilization and analgesia for surgery while avoiding the high risks of general anesthesia. Ketamine at subanesthetic doses may enhance sedation and reduce xylazine requirements, but evidence in clinical settings is limited. In a randomized blinded trial, we evaluated whether adding a low-dose ketamine infusion could reduce the xylazine dose required for effective sedation during standing ventriculocordectomy and laryngoplasty. Fifty-one horses were randomly assigned to sedation with xylazine alone (SX group) or xylazine plus ketamine (KX group) in a continuous rate infusion. The ketamine group received ketamine (0.25 mg/kg intravenous (IV) bolus followed by 0.5 mg/kg/h infusion), while xylazine was administered in both groups via a titrated infusion to effect according to the Ghent Sedation Algorithm. Sedation depth, ataxia, surgical condition scores, and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded. Data are presented as median (25th–75th percentiles) and estimated effect with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and at 95% CIs excluding zero. The addition of ketamine did not significantly reduce xylazine requirements (0.9 (0.7–1.3) vs. 0.8 (0.5–1.1) mg/kg/h for SX and KX, respectively; p = 0.139). However, horses receiving ketamine (KX) achieved deeper sedation (Estimate = 2.74; 95% CI: 0.95 to 4.63) with no differences in ataxia or surgical conditions. Cardiorespiratory variables remained stable in both groups, and no adverse events occurred. In conclusion, adding a subanesthetic ketamine infusion improved sedation depth without adverse effects but did not significantly reduce the xylazine requirement. Full article

A cultural heritage augmented reality system overlays virtual information onto real-world heritage sites, enabling intuitive exploration and interpretation with spatial and temporal contexts. This study presents the design and implementation of a cognitive Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) system that integrates KCHDM-based ontologies with large language models (LLMs) to facilitate intelligent exploration of urban heritage. While conventional AR guides often rely on static data, our system introduces a Semantic Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline anchored in a structured knowledge base modeled after the Korean Cultural Heritage Data Model (KCHDM). This architecture enables the LLM to perform dynamic contextual reasoning, transforming heritage data into adaptive question-answering (Q&A) and interactive knowledge-testing quizzes that are precisely grounded in both historical and spatial contexts. The system supports on-site AR exploration and map-based remote exploration to ensure robust usability and precise spatial alignment of virtual content. To deliver a rich, multisensory experience, the system provides multimodal outputs, integrating text, images, models, and audio narration. Furthermore, the integration of a knowledge sharing repository allows users to review and learn from others’ inquires. This ontology-driven LLM-integrated MAR design enhances semantic accuracy and contextual relevance, demonstrating the potential of MAR for socially enriched urban heritage experiences. Full article