Search Results (11,289)

The global push to advance smart and digital forestry relies on emerging technologies to support efficient, AI-assisted, and data-driven forest management, but many forest operations occur in remote forests where reliable internet connectivity is unavailable. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations such as Starlink may provide reliable connectivity where cellular networks are unavailable. The performance of LEO-based solutions remains poorly understood under forest canopies, and empirical evaluations linking canopy characteristics to connectivity performance are largely lacking. In this study, the effect of forest vegetation on Starlink performance below the canopy was evaluated by placing a satellite receiver at thirty randomly selected permanent single tree inventory plots on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest and measuring connection success, connection time, and upload and download speeds along 50 m transects in all cardinal directions. LiDAR-derived stand density index (SDI), leaf area index (LAI), rumple index (RI), and vegetation cover (VC) were used to quantify canopy structure. Principal Component Analysis and survival analysis showed that higher values of PC1, primarily driven by SDI, LAI, and RI, reduced the probability of establishing a connection. Linear regression analysis indicated that higher SDI increased connection time, indicating that denser stands slowed or prevented connectivity. Linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that internet speed primarily declined with increasing distance, with download and upload rates dropping beyond 40 m from the router. LAI, RI, and VC did not influence connection time or speed, suggesting that overall stand density rather than leaf area per unit ground area has a greater impact on signal obstruction. Overall, dense forest structure and distance are the main constraints on LEO satellite connectivity and performance, and understanding these limitations supports the development and deployment of satellite-based networking to advance smart forestry operations. These results provide one of the first quantitative assessments of LEO satellite connectivity constraints in operational forest conditions, offering practical guidance for deploying satellite-based networks to support smart forestry applications in remote environments. Full article

Wound healing is frequently compromised by excessive oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and inadequate tissue regenerative capacity. To address these challenges, a thermosensitive and injectable composite hydrogel based on Pluronic F127 (F127), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and L-lysine (Lys) was developed for the sustained delivery of sinomenine–gallic acid nanoparticles (SGNPs) and the acceleration of wound repair. The hydrogel undergoes a rapid sol–gel transition at physiological temperatures through physical interactions, enabling excellent injectability and in situ gelation. The optimized composite hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical properties, enhanced structural stability, and a uniform porous microarchitecture. The F127−Lys−PCF127−Lys−PC@SGNPs hydrogel showed superior overall stability and hemocompatibility while enabling the sustained release of SGNPs for up to 24 h. Benefiting from the incorporation of SGNPs, the composite hydrogel displayed enhanced antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and alleviating cellular oxidative stress. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel promoted keratinocyte migration and proliferation. Furthermore, in a murine full-thickness skin wound model, treatment with F127−Lys−PCF127−Lys−PC@SGNPs significantly accelerated wound closure and facilitated re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Collectively, this multifunctional thermosensitive hydrogel provides a promising platform for advanced wound dressings that integrate sustained delivery, antioxidant protection, and tissue regeneration. Full article

Concentrated solutions of polycarbosilane (PCS) are critically important for the development of continuous SiC precursor fibers, where solvent–polymer interactions govern rheology, viscoelastic stability, and spinnability. In this work, PCS solutions in two nonpolar hydrocarbon solvents with different molecular architectures as linear n-heptadecane and bicyclic decalin were systematically investigated over a wide concentration range, with emphasis on the semi-dilute entangled and concentrated regimes relevant to solution-based fiber spinning. A combined experimental approach involving steady and oscillatory rheometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to elucidate the influence of solvent structure on solvation, viscoelastic response, microstructural organization, and local intermolecular interactions. Despite similar dilute-solution interaction parameters, the concentrated regimes exhibit pronounced solvent-dependent differences in elasticity and flow behavior. For the first time, linear heptadecane is identified as a viable and technologically promising solvent for PCS, enabling the formation of thermostable homogeneous concentrated solutions with enhanced deformability. This behavior opens a realistic pathway toward a new solution-based fiber-spinning route based on elasticity-controlled processing. The results demonstrate that solvent molecular geometry governs the structure–rheology–processability relationship of concentrated PCS systems rather than solubility parameters alone, providing a new framework for solvent selection in SiC precursor fiber technologies. Full article

Urban wetlands, encompassing both natural and constructed ecosystems, are vital for urban resilience. Understanding how plant functional traits adapt to these distinct habitats is crucial for ecological management. This study investigates the intraspecific variation and trait covariation patterns of the common reed (Phragmites australis) in two contrasting urban wetland types in Ganzhou City: a stagnant, engineered constructed wetland and a dynamic, natural riverine wetland. This contrast represents a key gradient in hydrological regime and anthropogenic influence. We measured 22 morphological and chemical traits to assess trait differences, variability (coefficient of variation), and correlation patterns. Volcano plot analysis revealed significant habitat effects: reed in natural wetlands exhibited higher levels of Cu, P, N, and leaf moisture content (LMC), whereas those in constructed wetlands had higher Ca content. Traits such as Na, Mn, and Al showed high intraspecific variability. Correlation analyses revealed significant trade-offs and integrations among traits, such as positive correlations between LMC and nutrients (K, Cu), and negative correlations between Ca and key leaf morphological traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed a significant separation along PC1, driven primarily by nutrient elements (Cu, P, K) and LMC, with natural wetlands scoring higher. In contrast, PC2, associated with leaf morphological traits (e.g., leaf area, leaf width), showed no significant inter-habitat difference. Our findings demonstrate that P. australis employs distinct ecological strategies by adjusting its functional traits and resource allocation in response to different urban wetland environments. This highlights the critical role of intraspecific trait variation in plant adaptation and has important implications for wetland restoration and the design of constructed ecosystems. Full article

Leaf and spike diseases can significantly reduce wheat yield and grain quality. To mitigate these impacts, an integrated disease management approach can be adopted, incorporating measures such as the use of resistant cultivars, fungicides and nitrogen fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these practices on chlorophyll a fluorescence, yield components, and the technological quality of wheat grains. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was correlated with the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (F_v/F_m), as measured at the dough development stage (ZGS80) under field conditions, which also affected quality parameters. Additionally, an increase in AUDPC values reduced the thousand kernel weight (TKW) and test weight (TW). Conversely, AUDPC values for tan spot, powdery mildew and leaf rust were positively related to ash content (affecting flour color), protein content (PC) and grain falling number. Both the recommended nitrogen rate (130 kg ha⁻¹) and the high rate (200 kg ha⁻¹) increased grain protein content (PC) and gluten index (GI), while maintaining dough stability and water absorption. Fungicide application increased flour lightness and yellowness. Overall, integrated disease management combining moderately resistant cultivars, fungicide applications and nitrogen fertilization reduced AUDPC values, increased F_v/F_m (indicating optimal physiological performance) and ensured yield components and maintenance of wheat technological quality. Full article

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is widely used to monitor neuromuscular performance in sport, but its assessment is largely dependent on force platforms, which limits their use outside the laboratory due to their cost and limited portability. This work describes the development and validation of a fully custom wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) system for CMJ assessment. The platform is based on a single IMU placed on the lower back and sampled at 1 kHz, and includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication together with dedicated PC and smartphone applications. A new algorithm based on the derivative of vertical acceleration was implemented to identify take-off and landing instants. The system was evaluated using 119 CMJ trials performed by 19 participants and validated against a force platform used as the criterion reference. Different acceleration thresholds were tested, with 0.2 g providing the best compromise between detection robustness and the statistical quality of the measurements, yielding a detection rate of 97.43%. Agreement analysis showed a small systematic underestimation of flight time (bias = −0.0117 s), with moderate limits of agreement across the observed range. These results indicate that the proposed system may be suitable for practical, field-based CMJ monitoring, although the observed variability relative to force-platform measurements should be considered, particularly in applications requiring individual-level decision making. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that severely impairs plant growth and poses ecological and health risks. Chrysanthemum indicum (L.), a dominant species in Cd-contaminated regions, represents a valuable germplasm for phytoremediation. In this study, we cloned and characterized CiWRKY50, a WRKY transcription factor containing a conserved WRKY domain and C2H2-type zinc finger. CiWRKY50 was localized to the nucleus but lacked intrinsic transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of CiWRKY50 in Arabidopsis thaliana and C. indicum significantly enhanced Cd tolerance, as shown by reduced root Cd accumulation, improved transport efficiency, lower ROS and MDA levels, and increased chlorophyll, proline, and soluble protein contents. Antioxidant enzyme activities and Cd-chelating compounds (GSH, NPT, PCs) were also upregulated. Furthermore, combined Cd and ABA treatments promoted Cd sequestration in roots and activated ABA-responsive genes (CiABF1, CiABF2, CiABF4), alleviating shoot toxicity. These findings indicate that CiWRKY50 enhances Cd tolerance in association with enhanced ABA-mediated signaling and redox homeostasis, providing new insights for breeding Cd-resistant plants and improving phytoremediation strategies. Full article

This study developed a tablet PC–based eye movement assessment application and conducted a pilot investigation to explore whether tablet-based ocular motor metrics demonstrate functional sensitivity to variations in conventional visual function parameters. Twenty-three healthy adults (10 males, 13 females; mean age: 24.41 ± 1.91 years) without a history of ocular disease performed smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movement tests at three difficulty levels. For exploratory analysis, participants were stratified into above- and below-mean groups based on conventional visual function test results. For smooth pursuit movements, mean pursuit traversal time demonstrated statistically significant differences between the low–medium (1.11 s) and low–high (1.14 s) difficulty levels (p < 0.05), with corresponding differences in derived velocity. Saccadic movements showed significant mean accuracy differences between low-high (1.02 points) and medium-high (0.95 points) difficulty levels (p < 0.05). Participants with higher-than-average horizontal phoria values (distance and near) and the blur/break points of near convergence amplitude exhibited significantly longer smooth pursuit traversal times (corresponding to slower derived velocities) (p < 0.05). The high-value group for blur point of near convergence amplitude demonstrated significantly superior saccadic accuracy (1.63 points) compared with the low-value group (1.30 points) (p < 0.05). Exploratory associations between visual function parameters and ocular motor performance were observed within the healthy participant group, suggesting exploratory associations between tablet-based smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movement performance and conventional visual function measures. These findings suggest that tablet PC–based eye movement assessment may serve as a feasible, low-cost approach for exploratory screening and functional monitoring, rather than a validated diagnostic tool. Full article

Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is the most lethal malignancy due to its aggressive behavior and limited therapeutic response. Among the annexin family, Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is documented to promote PC aggressiveness, and conversely, the role of Annexin A6 (ANXA6) is less explored. Here, we report that ANXA6 is significantly upregulated in ANXA1 knockout (KO) MIA PaCa-2 cells. Using LAM20, our previously identified ANXA6 modulator, we show that inhibition of this protein impairs cell motility, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, without affecting 2D/3D cell proliferation. ANXA6 siRNA-mediated knockdown reproduces LAM20 effects, suggesting a relationship with their impact on ANXA6. Interestingly, in ANXA1 KO cells, LAM20 reduced the migration/invasion rate differently from the ANXA1 inhibitor heparan sulfate, which retains effects on the wild-type (WT) MIA PaCa-2 counterpart. These findings suggest that in cells lacking ANXA1, ANXA6 plays a compensatory role in sustaining the aggressive phenotype, albeit to a lesser extent than in WT cells. Thus, LAM20 represents a promising therapeutic strategy to impair PC aggressiveness. Our study provides new insights into ANXA1/ANXA6 crosstalk and introduces a novel approach to disturb PC pro-invasive mechanisms. Targeting ANXA1 and ANXA6 is relevant because, where ANXA1 is downregulated/absent, ANXA6 expression can be restored in a compensatory manner, partially sustaining tumor progression. Full article

Background: Autologous bone graft is widely used for lumbar interbody fusion but may increase operative time and donor-site morbidity. Gene-activated grafts combining an osteoconductive scaffold with pro-angiogenic signaling may provide comparable fusion without graft harvesting. The aim of this paper is to compare radiographic fusion and health-related quality of life after single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using a gene-activated octacalcium phosphate graft containing plasmid DNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (OCP/VEGF) versus an autologous bone graft. Methods: 200 adults undergoing first-time single-level TLIF for degenerative lumbar stenosis were allocated 1:1 to OCP/VEGF (n = 100) or autograft (n = 100), prospectively. CT-based fusion assessment and SF-36 outcomes were evaluated at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Results: At 12 months after surgery, mean fusion-zone density was 617.6 ± 180.9 HU in the OCP/VEGF group versus 599.8 ± 181.9 HU in the autograft group (mean difference 17.8 HU; p = 0.484). Complete fusion on qualitative CT grading occurred in 77% versus 73%, respectively (risk difference 4%; p = 0.583). SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) improved significantly from baseline in both groups (p < 0.001), without clinically meaningful between-group differences at follow-up. Revision surgery occurred in 3% versus 5%. Conclusions: In single-level TLIF for degenerative lumbar stenosis, OCP/VEGF produced radiographic fusion and patient-reported outcomes comparable to autograft at 12 months, supporting its use as an autograft-sparing alternative. Full article

Potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination of urban soils poses long-term ecological and public health risks. Ornamental vegetation is increasingly discussed within green-infrastructure-based risk management. We screened and synthesised 167 field studies (>120 ornamental and horticultural plant species) to characterise the scope, reporting structure and design features of the available phytoremediation-related evidence. Studies assessed a mean of 3.21 elements (SD = 1.37); Pb, Cd and Zn were most frequently investigated (67%), whereas Ni, Cr and B occurred in <10%. Reported element richness differed by setting, averaging 3.8 ± 1.5 in wastewater-affected sites versus 2.6 ± 1.1 in urban parks. Using a study-by-element presence/absence matrix, co-reporting patterns separated three recurrent co-reporting profiles. The first three PCs explained 64.5% of variance (PC1: Pb–Zn–B; PC2: Cu–Ni; PC3: Cd–Cr). Accumulation was reported most often (56.8%), while stabilisation (17.9%) and translocation (25.3%) were less commonly addressed. For public space applications, accumulation-focused plantings require a defined maintenance pathway (pruning/harvest, biomass removal, and safe handling or disposal) to avoid recirculation of metal-bearing material within the urban environment. Sampling focused on aboveground tissues (73.4%) more than roots (28.9%). In multiple regression, environmental type was associated with element richness (Adj. R² = 0.08, p = 0.001). Here, richness is treated as an index of reporting breadth. Overall, the dominant quantitative signals reflect context-dependent reporting and study design patterns. They do not represent harmonised, concentration-based remediation outcomes. These patterns provide an evidence map to support context-aware interpretation and future study standardisation. Full article

Light regime and growth phase are significant determinants of agro-morphological traits and secondary metabolite accumulation in plants. This study evaluated the effects of two light conditions on agro-morphological and phytochemical traits of two Hypericum perforatum genotypes (Topas and Mariana). Natural daylight and an extended 19 h photoperiod with supplemental white fluorescent light were tested at two growth phases (vegetative versus reproductive (flowering)), based on leaf sampling at the respective phases. Analysis of variance showed significant effects of growth phase, light treatment, and genotype on most traits, with growth phase exerting the most decisive influence (p < 0.01). Significant genotype × growth phase interactions were observed for most traits, whereas genotype × light interactions mainly affected phytochemical parameters. Leaf area, gland number, and gland area increased during the reproductive phase, especially in Topas, and were further enhanced under the 19 h photoperiod. Leaf area increased markedly during the reproductive phase, reaching 118.81 mm² in Topas under the 19 h photoperiod compared with 68.40 mm² under natural light. Prolonged light exposure increased hypericin, pseudo-hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, and total phenolics. The highest sum of hypericins (4.67 mg g⁻¹ DW), flavonoids (143.09 mg QE g⁻¹ DW), and phenolics (242.74 mg GA g⁻¹ DW) was observed in the Topas in the reproductive phase under the 19 h photoperiod, whereas hyperforin content peaked in vegetative Mariana (55.65 mg g⁻¹ DW). In contrast, the lowest sum of hypericins (1.80 mg g⁻¹ DW) occurred in vegetative Mariana under natural light, while the minimum flavonoids (74.45 mg QE g⁻¹ DW) and phenolics (133.22 mg GA g⁻¹ DW) contents were recorded in the vegetative Topas under natural light regim, and the lowest hyperforin concentration (19.65 mg g⁻¹ DW) was found in the Mariana genotype under natural light regime and in the reproductive phase. Principal component analysis associated PC1 with agro-morphological traits and hypericin-related metabolites, and PC2 with hyperforin and white gland traits. Heatmap and correlation analyses supported these patterns. Overall, extended photoperiod and growth phase are critical drivers of medicinal compound accumulation in H. perforatum. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as pelvic pain lasting longer than six months and is a common yet often overlooked condition, affecting over 40% of women worldwide and accounting for about 10% of gynecological consultations. Despite extensive investigation, including laparoscopy, no cause is identified in up to half of cases. Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), also referred to as pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI), has been estimated to account for up to 30% of CPP cases, although it remains underdiagnosed. PCS is caused by venous reflux or obstruction in pelvic veins and is characterized by dull, aching pain worsened by standing, intercourse, post-orgasm, and the premenstrual period. It occurs predominantly in premenopausal women, often after pregnancy. This narrative review aims to improve understanding of PCS and provide practical guidance to support diagnosis and treatment in routine gynecologic practice. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the current literature focusing on the clinical presentation, pathophysiology and diagnostic and treatment performance of various modalities. Special emphasis was placed on identifying accessible, non-interventional tools suitable for primary gynecological care. Results: PCS, CPP and endometriosis exhibit significant clinical overlap, including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pain. However, pathognomonic features like post-coital pain and pain-exacerbation by prolonged standing, combined with specific ultrasound markers, allow for early differentiation. While laparoscopy is often used to investigate CPP, it has limited sensitivity for PCS due to CO₂-pneumoperitoneum-induced venous compression, and Trendelenburg position, compared to venography, the diagnostic gold standard. In contrast, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) serves as a potent first-line tool. Key diagnostic criteria include ovarian vein diameter (>7–8 mm), low flow velocity (<3 cm/s), and myometrial vein dilatation (>5 mm). Furthermore, the frequent co-occurrence of endometriosis and PCS requires a multimodal diagnostic approach to avoid “diagnostic bias.” Conclusions: To improve patient outcomes and reduce diagnostic delay, office-based gynecologists should integrate specific vascular TVUS into the routine workup of CPP, not only to diagnose endometriosis but also to identify PCS. Future efforts should focus on standardized TVUS protocols and interdisciplinary care pathways involving gynecologists and interventional radiologists to enable integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with coexisting endometriosis and PCS, addressing both surgical and non-surgical options, as well as the bidirectional relationship and mutual pathophysiological influence between these entities. Full article

Vibrio alginolyticus is an important antibiotic-resistant pathogen in aquaculture that can cause mortality in a wide range of aquatic animals and infect humans. It is urgently necessary to discover and develop effective antibiotic alternatives. Citral, a key antibacterial component of lemongrass oil, can be used as a food flavoring and additive. Although the antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm effect of citral against V. alginolyticus have been noted in our previous study, the potential lipidome influence of citral remains unclear. Accordingly, a non-targeted lipidomics approach was employed to investigate citral-induced lipidome disturbances and reveal potential regulated targets of citral against V. alginolyticus. We found that the citral exposure triggered substantial lipidome alterations (i.e., composition, contents, and structure) in V. alginolyticus. Specifically, the content of most phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), phosphatidylserines (PSs), phosphatidylinositols (PIs), and phosphatidylglycerols (PGs)) decreased with the increase in citral concentration, while ceramides (Cers) and lysophospholipids (LPLs) (e.g., lyso-PAs, lyso-PCs, lyso-PEs, and lyso-PGs) showed concentration-dependent accumulation under citral treatment. Notably, the critical lipid remodeling in response to citral exposure mainly involved the phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolic pathways. Collectively, our study reveals the bacterial lipidome response to citral exposure and highlights pivotal metabolic pathways, potentially offering a novel perspective for future investigations into lipid-centric antibacterial targets. Full article

Background and Objectives: Psychosocial symptoms and oral behaviors can complicate routine dental care, yet available screeners yield multiple separate scores. Explainable artificial intelligence offers a pragmatic way to integrate such multidomain measures into a single, auditable output that can support screening-oriented stratification and standardized documentation (non-diagnostic). Therefore, we aimed to develop an interpretable, deterministic Mamdani fuzzy inference system (FIS) integrating GAD-7, PHQ-9, and OBC-21 into a 0–10 psychobehavioral composite score (PCS) to support screening-oriented stratification and standardized documentation (non-diagnostic). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional multicenter study in 18 private dental clinics in Romania (October 2024–March 2025; n = 460). A rule-based Mamdani Type-1 FIS was specified a priori (48 rules; triangular membership functions; centroid defuzzification) without supervised training. Internal evaluation assessed coherence across severity strata, robustness to predefined input perturbations (±1 point; ±5%) and membership-function variation (±10%), and benchmarking against linear composites (Z-mean; PCA PC1). Results: Median PCS was 2.30 (IQR 2.03–3.56). PCS correlated with GAD-7 (Spearman ρ = 0.886), PHQ-9 (ρ = 0.792), and OBC-21 (ρ = 0.687) (all p < 0.001), increased monotonically across anxiety and depression severity strata, and was higher in high OBC-21 risk. Robustness was excellent under input perturbations (ICC(3,1) = 0.983 for ±1 point; 0.992 for ±5%) and high under ±10% membership-function variation (ICC(3,1) = 0.959). Concordance with linear baselines was high (Spearman ρ = 0.956 for Z-mean; 0.955 for PCA PC1), with a small systematic nonlinearity at higher scores. Conclusions: PCS provides a fully auditable, rule-based integration of three patient-reported measures with coherent internal behavior and robustness to plausible measurement noise and specification changes. This study reports internal evaluation of a deterministic, rule-based aggregation; external clinical validation against independent outcomes is required before any clinical utility claims. Full article