Search Results (207)

Internal fins are commonly utilized as a passive technique to enhance natural convection, but their efficiency depends on complex interplay between fin design, material properties, and convective strength. This study presents an extensive numerical analysis of buoyancy-driven flow in square cavities containing a single horizontal fin on the hot wall. Over 9000 simulations were conducted, methodically varying the Rayleigh number (Ra = 10 to 10⁵), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.1 to 10), and fin characteristics, such as length, vertical position, thickness, and the thermal conductivity ratio (up to 1000), to assess their overall impact on thermal efficiency. Thermal enhancements compared to scenarios without fins are quantified using local and average Nusselt numbers, as well as a Nusselt number ratio (NNR). The results reveal that, contrary to conventional beliefs, long fins positioned centrally can actually decrease heat transfer by up to 11.8% at high Ra and Pr due to the disruption of thermal plumes and diminished circulation. Conversely, shorter fins located near the cavity’s top and bottom wall edges can enhance the Nusselt numbers for the hot wall by up to 8.4%, thereby positively affecting the development of thermal boundary layers. A U-shaped Nusselt number distribution related to fin placement appears at Ra ≥ 10³, where edge-aligned fins consistently outperform those positioned mid-height. The benefits of high-conductivity fins become increasingly nonlinear at larger Ra, with advantages limited to designs that minimally disrupt core convective patterns. These findings challenge established notions regarding passive thermal enhancement and provide a predictive thermogeometric framework for designing enclosures. The results can be directly applied to passive cooling systems in electronics, battery packs, solar thermal collectors, and energy-efficient buildings, where optimizing heat transfer is vital without employing active control methods. Full article

Colorectal surgery has undergone significant advances over the past few decades, driven by the evolution of minimally invasive techniques, particularly laparoscopy and robotics. While laparoscopy is widely recognized for its short-term benefits and oncological safety, the increasing adoption of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has generated considerable debate regarding its clinical benefits, economic implications, and overall impact on patient outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes the existing evidence, highlighting the clinical and economic aspects of RAS in colorectal surgery, while exploring areas for future research. The findings suggest that RAS offers potential technical advantages, including increased precision, three-dimensional visualization, and improved ergonomics, particularly in anatomically complex scenarios such as low rectal resections. Still, its superiority over laparoscopy remains inconclusive and current evidence is mixed. For colon cancer, meta-analyses and analyses of large cohorts suggest lower conversion rates and faster recovery with RAS, although data are mostly retrospective and lack long-term oncological endpoints. In rectal cancer, emerging evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrates improved short-term outcomes. Additionally, the recently published three-year results of the REAL trial are the first to demonstrate enhanced oncological outcomes following RAS. However, findings remain inconsistent due to methodological heterogeneity, the absence of patient stratification, and limited data on long-term survival and cost-effectiveness. The available evidence indicates that RAS may offer advantages in selected patient populations, particularly for anatomically complex procedures. Yet, its overall utility remains uncertain. Future studies should emphasize high-quality randomized trials, stratified subgroup analyses, and standardized economic evaluations to better define the role of RAS in colorectal surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: The RTK-RAS signaling cascade is a central axis in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis, governing cellular proliferation, survival, and therapeutic resistance. Somatic alterations in key pathway genes—including KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and EGFR—are pivotal to clinical decision-making in precision oncology. However, the integration of these genomic events with clinical and demographic data remains hindered by fragmented resources and a lack of accessible analytical frameworks. To address this challenge, we developed AI-HOPE-RTK-RAS, a domain-specialized conversational artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to enable natural language-based, integrative analysis of RTK-RAS pathway alterations in CRC. Methods: AI-HOPE-RTK-RAS employs a modular architecture combining large language models (LLMs), a natural language-to-code translation engine, and a backend analytics pipeline operating on harmonized multi-dimensional datasets from cBioPortal. Unlike general-purpose AI platforms, this system is purpose-built for real-time exploration of RTK-RAS biology within CRC cohorts. The platform supports mutation frequency profiling, odds ratio testing, survival modeling, and stratified analyses across clinical, genomic, and demographic parameters. Validation included reproduction of known mutation trends and exploratory evaluation of co-alterations, therapy response, and ancestry-specific mutation patterns. Results: AI-HOPE-RTK-RAS enabled rapid, dialogue-driven interrogation of CRC datasets, confirming established patterns and revealing novel associations with translational relevance. Among early-onset CRC (EOCRC) patients, the prevalence of RTK-RAS alterations was significantly lower compared to late-onset disease (67.97% vs. 79.9%; OR = 0.534, p = 0.014), suggesting the involvement of alternative oncogenic drivers. In KRAS-mutant patients receiving Bevacizumab, early-stage disease (Stages I–III) was associated with superior overall survival relative to Stage IV (p = 0.0004). In contrast, BRAF-mutant tumors with microsatellite-stable (MSS) status displayed poorer prognosis despite higher chemotherapy exposure (OR = 7.226, p < 0.001; p = 0.0000). Among EOCRC patients treated with FOLFOX, RTK-RAS alterations were linked to worse outcomes (p = 0.0262). The system also identified ancestry-enriched noncanonical mutations—including CBL, MAPK3, and NF1—with NF1 mutations significantly associated with improved prognosis (p = 1 × 10⁻⁵). Conclusions: AI-HOPE-RTK-RAS exemplifies a new class of conversational AI platforms tailored to precision oncology, enabling integrative, real-time analysis of clinically and biologically complex questions. Its ability to uncover both canonical and ancestry-specific patterns in RTK-RAS dysregulation—especially in EOCRC and populations with disproportionate health burdens—underscores its utility in advancing equitable, personalized cancer care. This work demonstrates the translational potential of domain-optimized AI tools to accelerate biomarker discovery, support therapeutic stratification, and democratize access to multi-omic analysis. Full article

Photovoltaic panels have become a promising solution for generating renewable energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by capturing solar energy and converting it into electricity. The effectiveness of this conversion depends on several factors, such as the quality of the solar panels and the amount of solar radiation received in a specific region. This makes accurate solar irradiance forecasting essential for planning and managing efficient solar power systems. This study examines the application of machine learning (ML) models for accurately predicting global horizontal irradiance (GHI) using a three-year dataset from six distinct photovoltaic stations: NELHA, ULL, HSU, RaZON+, UNLV, and NWTC. The primary aim is to identify optimal shared features for GHI prediction across multiple sites using a 30 min time shift based on autocorrelation analysis. Key features identified for accurate GHI prediction include direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and solar panel temperatures. The predictions were performed using tree-based algorithms and ensemble learners, achieving $R^2$ values exceeding 95% at most stations, with NWTC reaching 99%. Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR) performed best at NELHA, NWTC, and RaZON, while Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) excelled at ULL and UNLV. CatBoost was optimal for HSU. The impact of time-shifting values on performance was also examined, revealing that larger shifts led to performance deterioration, though MLP performed well under these conditions. The study further proposes a stacking ensemble approach to enhance model generalizability, integrating the strengths of various models for more robust GHI prediction. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria are well known for hydrolyzing milk proteins, but their application to plant proteins remains limited. This study evaluated the ability of the cell-wall-anchored PrtS protease from two Streptococcus thermophilus strains to hydrolyze rapeseed albumins (RAs), aiming to generate bioactive peptides with potential food functionality. The specific activity of PrtS was first determined using a chromogenic substrate. RAs were then hydrolyzed using 10X- and 100X-concentrated cell pellets of each strain to assess the hydrolysis kinetics and the enzymatic mechanism. The results showed concentration-dependent hydrolysis, with protein conversion and the degree of hydrolysis increasing threefold at 100X for both strains. Despite the increased hydrolysis, the peptides produced had similar average sizes, averaging at five amino acids, indicating a consistent “one-by-one” cleavage mechanism. The in vitro testing of the RA hydrolysates produced with 100X PrtS from S. thermophilus LMD-9 revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity comparable to native RAs. Importantly, unlike native RAs, these hydrolysates did not induce increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-8 in inflamed HT-29 cells, suggesting a reduced pro-inflammatory potential. These findings demonstrate that PrtS protease from S. thermophilus can effectively hydrolyze rapeseed proteins to produce functional hydrolysates with improved bioactivity profiles. Such hydrolysates have promising applications as functional ingredients in plant-based food products, contributing both to health benefits and potential food preservation through antioxidant activity. Full article

The mechanistic target of the Rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating crucial life processes, including cell growth and proliferation, by sensing and integrating various signals, such as growth factors, energy status, and amino acids. Our previous studies showed that activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway enhances silk protein synthesis and silk gland size. Here, the potential of the molecular mechanism mTORC1 to regulate the growth and development of silk gland cells was investigated. Inhibiting mTORC1 with rapamycin decreased proliferation in the Bombyx mori embryonic (BmE) cells and endoreplication in silk gland cells, reducing CyclinB and CyclinE protein levels and DNA content, and arresting the BmE cell cycle at G2/M. Conversely, the overexpression of Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) led to increased proliferation of BmE cells and endoreplication in silk gland cells, as well as a significant elevation in DNA content. This study provides a molecular explanation for the increase in silk protein synthesis and silk gland length through the activation of mTORC1, thereby refining the regulatory network of the silkworm endoreplication and providing new molecular targets for breeding high-yield varieties of Bombyx mori. Full article

Synbiotics can be used to reduce intestinal inflammation and mitigate dysbiosis in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). Prior research has not assessed the colonic mucosal ultrastructure of dogs with active CIE treated with synbiotics, nor has it determined a possible association between morphologic injury and signaling pathways. Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with CIE were randomized to receive either a hydrolyzed diet (placebo; PL) or a hydrolyzed diet supplemented with synbiotic-IgY (SYN) for 6 weeks. Endoscopic biopsies of the colon were obtained for histopathologic, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses and were compared before and after treatment. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an analysis of the ultrastructural alterations in microvilli length (MVL), mitochondria (MITO), and rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was compared between treatment groups. To explore potential signaling pathways that might modulate MITO and ER stress, a transcriptomic analysis was also performed. The degree of mucosal ultrastructural pathology differed among individual dogs before and after treatment. Morphologic alterations in enterocytes, MVL, MITO, and ER were detected without significant differences between PL and SYN dogs prior to treatment. Notable changes in ultrastructural alterations were identified post-treatment, with SYN-treated dogs exhibiting significant improvement in MVL, MITO, and ER injury scores compared to PL-treated dogs. Transcriptomic profiling showed many pathways and key genes to be associated with MITO and ER injury. Multiple signaling pathways and their associated genes with protective effects, including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10), synaptic Ras GTPase activating protein 1 (SynGAP1), RAS guanyl releasing protein 2 (RASGRP2), RAS guanyl releasing protein 3 (RASGRP3), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), colony stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), interleukin 21 receptor (IL21R), collagen type VI alpha 6 chain (COL6A6), ectodysplasin A receptor (EDAR), forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), follistatin (FST), gremlin 1 (GREM1), myocyte enhancer factor 2B (MEF2B), neuregulin 1 (NRG1), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (HTR7), and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β), were upregulated with SYN treatment. Differential gene expression was associated with improved MITO and ER ultrastructural integrity and a reduction in oxidative stress. Conversely, other genes, such as protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit beta (PRKACB), phospholipase A2 group XIIB (PLA2G12B), calmodulin 1 (CALM1), calmodulin 2 (CALM2), and interleukin-18 (IL18), which have harmful effects, were downregulated following SYN treatment. In dogs treated with PL, genes including PRKACB and CALM2 were upregulated, while other genes, such as FGF2, FGF10, SynGAP1, RASGRP2, RASGRP3, and IL21R, were downregulated. Dogs with CIE have colonic ultrastructural pathology at diagnosis, which improves following synbiotic treatment. Ultrastructural improvement is associated with an upregulation of protective genes and a downregulation of harmful genes that mediate their effects through multiple signaling pathways. Full article

Small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) represent an innovative advancement in oral therapeutics, addressing key limitations associated with injectable peptide-based incretin therapies. These nonpeptidic agents exert their actions primarily through non-canonical binding orthosteric sites within the GLP-1 receptor transmembrane domain, enabling selective G protein (Gs)-biased signaling with reduced β-arrestin-mediated adverse effects. Orforglipron has notably advanced through Phase 3 clinical development, demonstrating significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c and body weight (up to 7.9%) with favorable tolerability. Conversely, promising candidates such as danuglipron and lotiglipron were discontinued due to hepatotoxicity, underscoring critical safety concerns intrinsic to small-molecule GLP-1RA development. Current clinical candidates, including GSBR-1290, CT-996, and ECC5004, continue to offer substantial potential due to their oral bioavailability, simplified dosing regimens, and favorable gastrointestinal tolerability. Nevertheless, challenges persist regarding hepatic safety, pharmacodynamic variability, and limited long-term outcome data. This review integrates current structural, pharmacological, and clinical evidence, highlights key mechanistic innovations—including biased agonism, covalent binding strategies, and allosteric modulation—and discusses future directions for this rapidly evolving therapeutic class in metabolic disease management. Full article

This study examines the effects of two plyometric training interventions over an eight-week preparatory period on straight punch impact force, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength in national-level boxers. Twenty male professional boxers participated voluntarily, with an average age of 22.64 ± 3.12 years and an average training experience of 5.11 ± 0.88 years. Their mean body weight and height were 70.20 ± 10.13 kg and 184.28 ± 5.38 cm, respectively. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1, the Plyometric Stair Jump group, consisted of ten male boxers, while Group 2, the Plyometric Reaction Box Jump group, also included ten male boxers. To assess maximum punching velocity (PVmax), an accelerometer was embedded within the boxing glove, capturing data during three maximal-speed jabs with each arm to evaluate both rear-arm (RA) and lead-arm (LA) punches. Upper-body strength was assessed using a one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (BP) test, while maximum velocity at various percentages of 1RM was recorded via a linear encoder. Significant correlations were observed between the right arm punch velocity maximum (RA PVmax) and the bench press velocity at all submaximal intensities in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between left arm punch velocity maximum (LA PVmax) and bench press velocity at any intensity within the Plyometric Reaction Jump (PRJ) group. Conversely, in the Plyometric Stair Jump (PSJ) group, a velocity at 80% of 1RM was the sole significant predictor of RA PVmax at submaximal bench press intensities. Adjusting for the strength-to-weight ratio significantly influenced the predictive values in intergroup comparisons (p < 0.005). These findings suggest that high-load bench press exercises (e.g., at 80% 1RM) may serve as reliable predictors of performance in specific boxing movements. However, since no significant relationship was observed with LA PVmax in this study, further research is warranted to identify exercises and intensities that may explain left arm punch velocity. Full article

Water quality and the culture performance of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were evaluated between 2014 and 2017 in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in the Chilean Altiplano. Key parameters such as temperature, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrates, and dissolved oxygen were monitored, with values ranging from 7 to 21 °C, <0.1 to 0.63 mg/L, 2.0 to 135 mg/L, and 1.8 to 7.5 mg/L, respectively. Additional parameters—including alkalinity, arsenic, chlorine, true color, conductivity, hardness, phosphorus, pH, potassium, suspended solids, and salinity—were also assessed, comparing different points within the system (head tank, culture tanks, and settling tanks). The results showed that water quality remained within acceptable ranges for aquaculture, although fluctuations in pH and low alkalinity levels caused stress in the fish. Despite these challenges, the specific growth rate (SGR) was 1.49, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.52, and weight gain reached 298.7%, with a survival rate of 96.2%. This study demonstrates that aquaculture in the Altiplano is feasible and can contribute to the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of comprehensive water quality monitoring to optimize RAS performance in challenging environments. Full article

Background: The application of robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has been increasing. However, there is still controversy about whether RA is more feasible than laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of published articles between 2013 and 2025 according to the PRISMA statement and the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. The search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed, Scholar, and Cochrane databases). Results: Overall, seven studies including 879 patients (RA 358; LA 521) were included. RA might have larger tumor size (MD −0.66, 95% CI −1.18 to 0.13; p < 0.00001) but not for BMI patients (MD −0.24, 95% CI −1.44 to 0.96; p < 0.00001). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative complication, conversion to open surgery, postoperative complications, transfusion rate, and perioperative hemodynamic outcomes with the exception of a higher lowest systolic blood pressure in the LA group (MD −1.09, 95% CI −2.35 to 0.18; p < 0.00001). Moreover, estimated blood loss (MD 29.52, 95% CI 4.19 to 54.84; p < 0.00001), operative time (MD 3.85, 95% CI −16.11 to 23.80; p < 0.00001), and the length of hospital stay were in favor of RA (MD 0.42, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.74; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Both LA and RA are safe and feasible approaches for adrenalectomy in the case of pheochromocytoma. RA seems to have better perioperative results, but further prospective randomized control studies are required to draw definitive conclusions. Full article

The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, combined with urban heat islands (UHIs), pose significant public health challenges. Implementing low-cost, real-time monitoring networks with distributed stations within the smart city framework faces obstacles in transforming urban spaces. Accurate data are essential for assessing these effects. This paper compares different network types in a medium-sized city in western Spain and their implications for UHI identification quality. The study first presents a purpose-built monitoring network using Open-Source platforms, IoT technology, and LoRaWAN communications, adhering to World Meteorological Organization guidelines. Additionally, it evaluates two citizen weather observer networks (CWONs): one from a commercial smart device company and another from a global community connecting environmental sensor data. The findings highlight several advantages of bespoke monitoring networks over CWON, including enhanced data accessibility and greater flexibility to meet specific requirements, facilitating adaptability and scalability for future upgrades. However, specialization is crucial for effective deployment and maintenance. Conversely, CWONs face limitations in network uniformity, data shadow zones, and insufficient knowledge of real sensor situations or component characteristics. Furthermore, CWONs exhibit some data inconsistencies in probability distribution and scatter plots during extreme heat periods, as well as improbable UHI temperature values. Full article

Fe₃O₄/H₂O nanofluid attracts many researchers’ attention due to its considerable potential for practical applications. This work is focused on the study of heat transfer efficiency in Fe₃O₄/H₂O nanofluids with nanoparticles (NPs) of mean diameter d_NPs in the nanosized range (13–50 nm) at volume fractions up to 2%. The Rayleigh–Bénard problem of free convection between plane-parallel plates corresponding to Rayleigh numbers 10³–10⁷ is numerically solved. It was shown that the addition of up to 2% of NPs with a diameter of 13 nm can increase the Prandtl number by up to 60% compared to pure water. A map of flow regimes is constructed, indicating the emerging convective patterns. It is demonstrated that as the volume fraction of NPs increases, the Prandtl number grows and the transition to more chaotic patterns with Rayleigh number slows down. It is observed that at a Rayleigh number of 10⁴, the heat flux through the nanofluid layer decreases by up to 25% relative to pure water. Conversely, at Ra ≈ 10⁵, the heat flux through the nanofluid layer increases by up to 18% when using a 2% volume fraction of 13 nm diameter NPs. Full article

This study monitored the conditioning of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstock in a closed culture system at 3000 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) to evaluate the feasibility of this culture method and assess the first spawning of the species under these conditions as an alternative production route for the communities present in the foothills of Cordillera de los Andes, northern Chile. A total of 120 specimens with an initial weight of 170 g were used. They were maintained in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) composed of protected circular tanks, decanters, a biofilter, and oxygenation equipment. Fish growth was monitored through parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and percent weight growth (PWG), parameters that were maintained within those reported by other authors for this species. The first successful spawning occurred after 12 months of broodstock conditioning, yielding 8570 eggs, of which 6569 hatched successfully. The success of this conditioning and spawning not only broadens the understanding of adaptability to high-altitude environments, but also provides evidence for the potential diversification of productive activities in foothill areas through aquaculture. Full article

Fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) are vital components commonly used in feed formulations. However, their supply, which generally comes from capture fisheries, is being exhausted, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. In a two-part study, the first part evaluated the FM and FO derived from smoked salmon by-product (SSBP) over a 12-week accelerated shelf-life test, comparing their lipid oxidation, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles to those of commercial whitefish meal and oil. In the second part, the SSBP FM and FO were then included in three experimental feeds at 25%, 50%, and 100% inclusion levels. These feeds were tested on juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis) cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The results indicated that the quality of SSBP FM and FO was lower than the commercial product (less amino acids (23.98% vs. 60.30%) and omega-3 fatty acids (9.46% vs. 26.6%), respectively). SSBP FO exhibited high initial peroxide value (21.00 ± 0.00 meq/kg oil), with gradually increasing total oxidation value and p-Anisidine value during storage. Regarding the feeding trial, all fish showed signs of Mycobacterium marinum infection after one month. While there was no significant difference in feed palatability (p > 0.8559), the feed conversion ratio was less efficient for the 100% SSBP feed (1.44 ± 0.14) compared to commercial feed (1.36 ± 0.13), but these differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that SSBP FM and FO can be used as supplements at lower levels (25% and 50%) without negatively affecting growth, feed efficiency, or survival. Our findings may be useful for enabling beneficial collaborations between smoked salmon processors, feed manufacturers, and striped bass farmers, therefore contributing to sustainability in aquaculture practices. Full article