Search Results (14,694)

Classifying optical water types (OWTs), particularly concerning different phytoplankton bloom types, is critically important because dominant phytoplankton groups govern key marine ecosystem functions and biogeochemical processes, including nutrient cycling and carbon export. This study refines a recent OWT classification method developed for the Second-Generation Global Imager (SGLI), which was originally proposed to discriminate dinoflagellate and diatom blooms. By employing binary logistic regression (bLR) with independent in situ data from Karenia selliformis (dinoflagellate) blooms off the Kamchatka Peninsula and Skeletonema spp. (diatom) blooms in Tokyo Bay, this study establishes more robust and statistically meaningful boundaries between OWTs. The analysis confirms the diagnostic spectral shapes from SGLI data: a trough at 490 nm for K. selliformis blooms and a peak at 490 nm for diatom blooms, validating the consistency of this spectral criterion. The updated method reliably identifies waters dominated by coloured dissolved organic matter and different phytoplankton functional types in mesotrophic waters, and successfully detected a Karenia mikimotoi bloom in the Gulf St. Vincent, South Australia, demonstrating its potential for the global monitoring of red tides. By providing a reliable, satellite-based tool to distinguish between ecologically distinct phytoplankton groups, this refined OWT classification offers a valuable data product to improve the accuracy of marine ecosystem and carbon cycle models, moving beyond bulk chlorophyll-a parameterizations. Full article

Wound healing has been studied extensively in humans and lab animals, but not in dolphins. Severe human wounds require extensive medical intervention to avoid infection. Yet severe wounds on free-ranging dolphins heal without infection in microbial-infested seas, a compelling distinction. An eye-witnessed shark attack on a yearling bottlenose dolphin yielded 8 years of macroscopic markers on a live recuperating dolphin by known days of healing. In total, 106 healing histories were generated from the author’s 20-year ethological study of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in St. Petersburg, FL, USA. Results show that unaided wound healing at sea involves two consecutive macroscopic pigment patterns, wounds form preliminary seals by 4–8 weeks, and most heal to atrophic scars that remodel for years. Macroscopic markers in live recuperating dolphins show strong matches with macroscopic wound patterns in stranded Fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei), demonstrating links between macroscopic markers and immune activities. This is the first study to link macroscopic markers visible as healing-related pigment patterns to immunity. Macroscopic markers are conservation tools for tracking anthropogenic impacts on increased susceptibility to infection at sea and could lead to novel therapies in veterinary and human regenerative medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet not all patients achieve clinically meaningful benefits. Evidence on the determinants of short- and long-term responses from real-world settings remains limited. The aim of this study was to quantify response rates to outpatient PR and identify baseline factors associated with achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in the walking capacity 6 min walk test [6MWT] or endurance shuttle walk test [ESWT] and patient-reported outcomes (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] or COPD Assessment Test [CAT]) at 10 weeks and 1-year follow-up. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data from a PR database (2002–2019) at Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre were analysed. Patients with COPD and complete data on one functional outcome ([6MWT] or [ESWT]) and one patient-reported outcome ([SGRQ] or [CAT]) were included. Multinomial regression models assessed associations between baseline variables and response categories. Results: Among 922 patients, 52% achieved clinically meaningful improvement following PR, and 47% of responders maintained these gains at 1 year. Response rates declined over time. Higher baseline symptom burden (CAT and SGRQ) and walking capacity showed mixed associations with short-term response. Younger age was the most consistent predictor of both short- and long-term responses, while higher baseline FEV₁ was associated with sustained improvement at 1 year. Conclusions: Approximately half of patients with COPD benefit clinically from PR, with sustained improvements in nearly half at 1 year, and response is associated with baseline age, symptom burden, and functional capacity, underscoring the need for a more individualised approach to care. Full article

(1) Background: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the four principal foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Lm isolates from Jiaxing, China, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to enhance our understanding of their molecular epidemiology. (2) Methods: A total of 39 foodborne Lm isolates and 7 clinical Lm isolates were analyzed via WGS to identify resistance genes, virulence factors, lineage, sequence type (ST), and clonal complex (CC). Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing, and serotypes were confirmed via multiplex PCR. (3) Results: We found that 39 food isolates were mainly lineage II (66.67%), with 13 STs; ST8 was the dominant ST, and 2 new types, ST3210 and ST3405, were found. Among the seven clinical isolates, lineage I was dominant (57.14%), and ST87 was the dominant ST. Serotype 1/2a was dominant, accounting for 54.35%, followed by 1/2b, which accounted for 36.96%. The overall antimicrobial resistance rate was 13.04%, with a multidrug resistance rate of 2.17%. All strains harbored LIPI-1 and LIPI-2, and five strains carried LIPI-3 genes: one strain belonged to ST619 of lineage I, two strains belonged to ST224 of lineage I, and two strains belonged to ST11 of lineage II. (4) Conclusions: This study clarified the genotype and serotype characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in Jiaxing, as well as their molecular characteristics relating to drug resistance and virulence, thus providing a technical basis for improving exposure risk assessment of Listeria monocytogenes. Continuous monitoring, prevention, and control are recommended to further improve regional public health and safety. Full article

By the reaction of AgNO₃, 2-methyl-2-propanethiol (HStBu), with various-sized halogen ions as templates, three multi-nuclear silver-thiolate cluster-based chain-like coordination polymers, [Ag₆(μ-SBu)₆]_n (USC-CP-2), [Ag₆(μ-StBu)₅Br]_n (USC-CP-4) and [Ag₁₄(μ-StBu)₁₂I₂]_n (USC-CP-3) constructed by different Ag(I)-nanocages, have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction analyses. With F⁻, Cl⁻ or without template, USC-CP-2 exhibits a one-dimensional structure composed of detached Ag₆-cages, absent of fluoride or chloridion. While with Br⁻ and I⁻, USC-CP-4 and USC-CP-3, two distinct halogen-templating multi-sliver cages-based chain-like polymeric structures have been observed, which are a mono-Br⁻ encapsulated Ag₈-cage, or a dual-I⁻ embedded Ag₁₆-cage, respectively. In these three compounds, the multi-Ag(I) cages were self-assembled by Ag-S bonds through bridged μ₂-StBu ligands, and stabilized argentophilic interactions between neighboring silver atoms. This study demonstrates that the halide anions of varying sizes play a critical role in inducing the nucleation and structural evolution of the silver-thiolate clusters. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although scoliosis is essentially a three-dimensional (3D) deformation of the spine and has been reported to be associated with muscle activations around the vertebrae, no study has demonstrated the 3D structural deformations of the spine in relation to asymmetrical muscle activation nor revealed the neuromuscular characteristics associated with scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between asymmetrical muscle activation and three-dimensional spinal deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) of thoracic origin. Methods: Thirty-one patients with IS of thoracic origin (double major [DM] and single thoracic [ST] types) and 39 normal controls were included. Surface electromyographic (SEMG) signals were obtained in several back muscles while the patients were in a writing posture. 3D analyses of spinal curves with EOS imaging system were performed, and “AR_main” (indicative of axial rotation of the vertebral column), “ΔAR” (indicative of lateral bending), and “AK_max” (indicative of maximal angle of kyphosis) were evaluated. Results: Asymmetrical activations were observed in the middle trapezius with rhomboids, and the T6-7 and T12 paraspinalis muscles, with higher activation on the convex side of the scoliosis curve. On EOS 3D analysis, “AR_main” was 8.94° [IQR, 0.00–14.00] and 26 of 31 patients had AR_main ≥ 0°. “ΔAR” was 21.90° [IQR, 6.00–39.00]. As the AR_main increased, the Cobb angle became closer to the maximal angle of kyphosis (“AK_max”). Conclusions: Asymmetrical activations of several back muscles while patients were in a writing posture were observed. These asymmetrical muscle activation patterns were associated with axial rotation and lateral bending of the thoracic spine in patients with thoracic-origin AIS. Full article

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in patients over 70 years of age. It is also indicated for younger patients with significant comorbidities, for valve-in-valve interventions, and in selected patients with severe aortic insufficiency. We aimed to evaluate procedural and clinical outcomes of transfemoral TAVI performed over the course of 12 years by the same operators using different bioprosthetic valves. Materials and Methods: Between 2012 and 2023, 375 patients underwent TAVI in our clinic, with six types of bioprosthetic valves (Edwards Sapien XT, Medtronic Valves [CoreValve and Evolut R], Portico, Myval, Acurate Neo, and Direct Flow Medical). A transfemoral approach was used in all patients. The procedural and clinical outcomes were defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC-3) criteria. Results: The mean age of the patients was 78.4 ± 7.3, and their median STS score was 4.2 (2.9–5.9). Of the 375 patients, 361 had severe AS, 4 had severe aortic insufficiency, 5 were valve-in-valve, and 5 were valve-in-TAVI. Seven patients required a second valve implantation: four due to embolization of the prosthetic valve and three due to deep implantation of the prosthetic valve. Based on the VARC-3 criteria, the rates of technical success and device success were 90.4% and 85.3%, respectively. Major vascular complications were observed in 18 (4.8%) patients. Also, 42 (11.2%) patients required permanent pacemaker implantation. The incidence of moderate or worse paravalvular leak was 2.9%. The peri-procedural, 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality rates were 5.1%, 4.3%, 15.2%, and 45.6%, respectively. STS scores (HR:1.129, 95%CI: 1.068–1.192, p < 0.001) and post-TAVI acute kidney injury (HR:3.993, 95%CI:1.629–9.785, p = 0.002) were detected as independent predictors of mortality in Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: This registry demonstrated the evolution of TAVI procedures at a single center over 12 years. A high level of collaboration between experienced operators and innovations in devices seem to be the key features for achieving high procedural success and low complication rates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is a multifaceted pathogen responsible for diseases in humans and in several animal species, including dairy cows. This study aimed to characterize and compare the genetic diversity, lineage distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. aureus isolates from bovine milk with human-derived reference genomes to investigate host adaptation and inter-species transmission. Methods: Genomic analyses were performed on S. aureus isolates from quarter milk samples of dairy cows together with human-derived sequences from public databases. Whole-genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to determine sequence type (ST) distribution, and the presence of key antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was assessed. Comparative genomics was applied to evaluate gene content, phylogenetic relationships, and lineage–host associations. Results: The dataset encompassed bovine-adapted lineages (CC97, CC133, CC151) and human-associated lineages (CC1, CC5, CC8, CC30, CC45), as well as livestock-associated ST398 in bovine samples and human-adapted ST5 and ST6 in animals. ST8 was the only ST shared between animal and human isolates and showed differing resistance profiles, with animal ST8 carrying resistance determinants absent from human ST8. Bovine-adapted strains were characterized by recurrent loss of human-associated virulence genes and acquisition of bovine-associated mobile genetic elements, and blaZ and mecA were rarely detected in bovine-adapted CC97 but were frequently present in human CC5 and CC8. Overall, animal isolates carried fewer resistance genes than human isolates. Conclusions: S. aureus from dairy cows and humans displayed substantial genetic diversity, with evidence of host-associated lineages and dynamic changes in gene and mobile element content. These findings support the need for integrated One Health surveillance to track shared and host-adapted lineages and their antibiotic resistance determinants. Full article

Eyespot is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat in the Czech Republic. As part of a long-term study (2015–2024), the occurrence, population structure, and pathogenic variability of Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis were investigated. In total, 356 O. yallundae, 24 O. acuformis, and 33 mixed cultures were collected and identified using PCR. The study also included small-plot inoculation trials (2022–2023) to assess the response of widely grown winter wheat cultivars. Disease severity was evaluated visually, pathogen DNA was quantified using qPCR, and the presence of the resistance gene Pch1 was determined with the STS marker Xorw1. In addition to these analyses, monitoring of fungicide resistance to two commonly used fungicides (fluxapyroxad and prothioconazole) was performed. The results showed significant differences among cultivars and seasons. Genotypes carrying Pch1—including Annie, Campesino, Illusion, KWS Donovan, LG Absalon, and Pallas—exhibited the lowest levels of infection, whereas Mercedes and Dagmar were the most susceptible. The qPCR reliably detected and distinguished both pathogens, with O. yallundae occurring at higher concentrations. Fungicide sensitivity testing revealed EC₅₀ values (mean ± SD) of 0.09 ± 0.13 μg·mL⁻¹ for fluxapyroxad and 0.30 ± 0.22 μg·mL⁻¹ for prothioconazole, indicating that eyespot pathogens remain largely sensitive, with only minor signs of reduced sensitivity. Full article

The Thin Red Line is a film by Terrence Malick that is usually read in a Heideggerian key, due precisely to the intellectual formation of the author, who was a professor of phenomenology and translator of Heidegger before becoming a filmmaker. However, read in the light of some of his later works, it can be seen as an oblique preamble for the manifest theism that The Tree of Life and A Hidden Life, two manifestly 21st-century religious films, unfold. In The Thin Red Line, Malick gives cinematographic form to some Heideggerian concepts in order to go beyond Heideggerian post-Christian philosophy and make the viewers adopt a mystical gaze that allows them to contemplate creation from a point of view that is neither utilitarian nor technical, but rather characterised by the perspective of Gelassenheit. A religious reading of this Heideggerian idea allows access to Heidegger’s source, which is Meister Eckhart, who is as present in Malick’s film(s) as Heideggerian philosophy itself. Full article

Background: The prognostic value of treatment-induced necrosis in soft STS remains uncertain. This study evaluated whether MRI-based changes in necrosis (Δ necrosis) between pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy scans correlate with pathologic necrosis and clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort, 27 patients with STS who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent pre- and post-treatment MRI were analyzed. Necrosis was graded categorically (<5%, 5–25%, 25–50%, 50–75%, 75–95%, and >95%), and Δ necrosis was calculated as the change in estimated necrosis between scans. Correlations between MRI-derived and pathologic necrosis were assessed using Spearman’s rank coefficient. Survival analyses (progression-free, local recurrence-free, and disease-specific overall survival) were performed using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests. Results: Post-treatment MRI necrosis moderately correlated with pathologic necrosis (ρ = 0.44, p = 0.028), whereas Δ necrosis showed a weaker, nonsignificant correlation (ρ = 0.24, p = 0.24). Neither MRI-based nor pathologic necrosis thresholds were associated with survival outcomes. Conclusions: MRI-based Δ necrosis did not predict pathologic necrosis or oncologic outcomes in STS, suggesting that radiologic changes in necrosis may not serve as reliable markers of therapeutic response. Future studies integrating quantitative imaging and standardized pathology protocols together with future exploration of molecular tools such as ctDNA are needed to refine treatment assessment in STS. Full article

Cupressus duclouxiana is an ecologically and economically important conifer endemic to southwestern China (e.g., central Yunnan and southern Sichuan), yet its potential distribution under future climate change remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed an ensemble species distribution modeling framework implemented in biomod2 to predict the current and future suitable habitats of C. duclouxiana across China. A total of 154 occurrence records and 17 key environmental variables were used to construct ensemble models integrating twelve algorithms. The ensemble model showed high predictive performance (TSS = 0.99, Kappa = 0.98). Temperature-related variables dominated habitat suitability, with the minimum temperature of the coldest month identified as the primary limiting factor, accounting for 44.1%. Under current climatic conditions, suitable habitats are mainly concentrated in southwestern China, particularly in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xizang (Tibet). Future projections under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5) consistently indicate habitat expansion by the late 21st century, accompanied by pronounced northward and northwestward range shifts. The largest expansion is projected under the SSP3-7.0 scenario, highlighting the sensitivity of C. duclouxiana to intermediate warming trajectories. Overall, climate warming is expected to increase habitat availability while reshaping the spatial distribution of C. duclouxiana across China. These findings provide scientific support for climate-adaptive afforestation planning and conservation management, and offer broader insights into the responses of subtropical coniferous species to future climate change. Full article

Objectives: Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in the elderly is frequently complicated by multiple comorbidities, which influence clinical outcomes. However, the prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) in this context remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AF on short- and long-term mortality in elderly patients (≥65 years) with NSTEMI. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 474 NSTEMI patients aged 65 years and older. Participants were stratified into four groups based on age (65–74 vs. ≥75 years) and the presence or absence of AF. One-month and one-year all-cause mortality were assessed as the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Results: AF was detected in 23 (11.6%) of 199 patients aged 65–74 and in 80 (29.1%) of 275 patients aged ≥75. While one-month mortality did not differ significantly among the four groups (p = 0.514), one-year mortality showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that AF was not predictive of one-month mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, AF, reduced creatinine clearance, and left ventricular ejection fraction <50% were identified as independent predictors of one-year mortality. Conclusion: AF is not associated with short-term mortality in elderly NSTEMI patients; however, it serves as an independent predictor of one-year mortality. These findings highlight the importance of long-term rhythm monitoring and management in this high-risk population. Full article

This work investigates the structural, acoustic, and thermo-oxidative degradation behavior of elastomeric composites made from neat EPDM and recycled devulcanized EPDM (EPDMd) blends, both with and without silica (SiO₂). SiO₂ plays a complex role in degradation, possibly acting as a catalyst and also affecting the properties of the materials. Samples were subjected to accelerated degradation at 80 °C for 30 days. The characterization included the mechanical, spectroscopical (FTIR-ATR), thermal (TGA), and morphological (SEM) studies of the samples. Given EPDM’s use in construction as a sound-absorber, its acoustic properties were also analyzed. The determination of the mechanical properties shows that the incorporation of SiO₂ improves the Young’s modulus (YM), maintains the tensile strength (TS) at similar values, and causes a decrease in elongation at break (EB). The content of EPDMd slightly decreases both the TS and the EB and increases the YM. The thermo-oxidative degradation of the studied composites does not affect the TS values, but it increases the YM for the samples with and without SiO₂ for EPDMd contents higher than 40 phr, and decreases the EB for samples with and without SiO₂ for all EPDMd contents. The FTIR-ATR, TGA, and SEM results show that the addition of SiO₂ catalyzes the thermo-oxidative degradation process, while the EPDMd inhibits structural degradation. Migration of the ZnSt₂ included in the formulations to the surface is common in these elastomers. In this case, EPDMd forms microaggregates, which retain the exudation of ZnSt₂ crystals, especially in the non-degraded samples. The degraded samples present irregular structures, with microcavities, cracks, and occlusions, which increase the acoustic absorption mainly at frequencies below 1500 Hz. Full article

This study aims to (1) examine the impact of AI-driven learning tools (AI-LTs) on educational sustainability (EDS) and (2) investigate the mediating role of students’ engagement (SE) and the moderating effect of digital resilience (DR) in this relationship. Based on sociotechnical systems theory (STS), self-determination theory (SDT), and resilience theory, and (3) developing a multidimensional framework to explore how technological, psychological, and contextual factors interact to shape sustainable learning outcomes. Data were gathered from 387 university students in Saudi universities using a standardized questionnaire and subsequently analyzed utilizing SPSS version 28 and PROCESS Macro Version 4.0. The study performed multiple regression and moderated mediation to evaluate the proposed relationships. The results confirmed that AI-LTs significantly enhance educational sustainability. Based on the findings, AI-LTs significantly improve the long-term viability of education, particularly when it is tailored to individual students, encourages active participation, and is logical from a pedagogical perspective. Student engagement was found to influence the relationship, suggesting that when AI tools are utilized effectively, they foster a sustained commitment to education and improved learning outcomes. Furthermore, digital resilience has a significant influence on the connection between AI-LT–EDS, indicating that students who exhibited improved adaptability to digital challenges reaped considerable benefits. The research enhances the existing literature by integrating three complementary frameworks—STS, SDT, and resilience theory—to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in sustainable education. Practically, the study underscored the importance of AI integration strategies that improve digital resilience, student engagement, and structural imbalance. The results demonstrated that AI usage necessitates significant institutional support and improved technology to establish educational environments that are adaptable, resilient, and easily accessible to students. Full article