Search Results (963)

Adipose tissue inflammation contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance. However, increasing evidence shows that high BMI (obesity) is not an accurate predictor of poor metabolic health in individuals. The molecular mechanisms regulating the metabolically activated M1 macrophage phenotype in the adipose tissues leading to insulin resistance remain largely unknown. Although the Janus Kinase (Jak)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling in myeloid cells are known to promote the M2 phenotype in tumors, we demonstrate here that the Jak2/Stat3 pathway amplifies M1-mediated adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance under metabolic challenges. Ablating Jak2 in the myeloid compartment reduces insulin resistance in obese mice, which is associated with a decrease in infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). We show that the adoptive transfer of Jak2-deficient myeloid cells improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Furthermore, the protection of obese mice with myeloid-specific Stat3 deficiency against insulin resistance is also associated with reduced tissue infiltration by macrophages. Jak2/Stat3 in the macrophage is required for the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that promote M1 macrophage polarization in the adipose tissues of obese mice. Moreover, free fatty acids (FFAs) activate Stat3 in macrophages, leading to the induction of M1 cytokines. Silencing the myeloid cell Stat3 with an in vivo siRNA targeted delivery approach reduces metabolically activated pro-inflammatory ATMs, thereby alleviating obesity-induced insulin resistance. These results demonstrate Jak2/Stat3 in myeloid cells is required for obesity-induced insulin resistance and inflammation. Moreover, targeting Stat3 in myeloid cells may be a novel approach to ameliorate obesity-induced insulin resistance. Full article

Aquatic biomass—ranging from fish scales and crustacean shells to various algae species—offers an abundant, renewable source for carbon dot (CD) synthesis, aligning with circular economy principles. This review highlights recent studies for valorizing aquatic biomass into high-performance carbon-based nanomaterials—specifically aquatic biomass-based carbon dots (AB-CDs)—briefly summarizing green synthesis approaches (e.g., hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and microwave-assisted treatments) that minimize environmental impact. Subsequent sections highlight the varied applications of AB-CDs, particularly in biosensing (including the detection of marine biotoxins), environmental monitoring of water pollutants, and drug delivery systems. Physically AB-CDs show unique optical and physicochemical properties—tunable fluorescence, high quantum yields, enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and surface bio-functionalization—that make them ideal for a wide array of applications. Overall, the discussion underlines the significance of this approach; indeed, transforming aquatic biomass into carbon dots can contribute to sustainable nanotechnology, offering eco-friendly solutions in sensing, environmental monitoring, and therapeutics. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed to give a perspective of the potential of AB-CDs; the final aim is their integration into multifunctional, real-time monitoring and therapeutic systems—for sustainable nanotechnology innovations. Full article

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in suburban freshwater ecosystems pose a growing public health concern by potentially reducing the effectiveness of medical treatments. This study investigated how rainfall influences ARG dynamics in Lake Katherine, a 62-hectare suburban lake in Columbia, South Carolina, over one year. Surface water was collected under both dry and post-rain conditions from three locations, and ARGs were identified using metagenomic sequencing. Statistical models revealed that six of nine ARG classes with sufficient data showed significant responses to rainfall. Three classes, Bacitracin, Aminoglycoside, and Unclassified, were more abundant after rainfall, while Tetracycline, Multidrug, and Peptide resistance genes declined. Taxonomic analysis showed that members of the Pseudomonadota phylum, especially Betaproteobacteria, were prevalent among ARG-carrying microbes. These findings suggest that rainfall can alter the distribution of ARGs in suburban lakes, highlighting the importance of routine monitoring and water management strategies to limit the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance. Full article

Expansive soils, characterized by the presence of surface and subsurface cracks, over-consolidation, and swell-shrink properties, present significant challenges to slope stability in geotechnical engineering. Despite extensive research, preventing geohazards associated with expansive soils remains unresolved. This study investigates shallow sliding failures in slopes of highly expansive soils induced by rainfall, using model tests to explore deformation and mechanical behavior under cyclic wetting and drying conditions, focusing on the interaction between soil properties and environmental factors. Model tests were conducted in a wedge-shaped box filled with Nanyang expansive clay from Henan, China, which is classified as high-plasticity clay (CH) according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The soil was compacted in four layers to maintain a 1:2 slope ratio (i.e., 1 vertical to 2 horizontal), which reflects typical expansive soil slope configurations observed in the field. Monitoring devices, including moisture sensors, pressure transducers, and displacement sensors, recorded changes in soil moisture, stress, and deformation. A static treatment phase allowed natural crack development to simulate real-world conditions. Key findings revealed that shear failure propagated along pre-existing cracks and weak structural discontinuities, supporting the progressive failure theory in shallow sliding. Cracks significantly influenced water infiltration, creating localized stress concentrations and deformation. Atmospheric conditions and wet-dry cycles were crucial, as increased moisture content reduced soil suction and weakened the slope’s strength. These results enhance understanding of expansive soil slope failure mechanisms and provide a theoretical foundation for developing improved stabilization techniques. Full article

Expansive clays damage the foundations, slabs, and utilities of low- and mid-rise buildings, threatening daily operations and incurring billions of dollars in costs globally. This study pioneers a domain-informed machine learning framework, coupled with a collinearity-aware feature selection strategy, to predict soil swell potential solely from routine index properties. Following hard-limit filtering and Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) screening, 291 valid samples were extracted from a public dataset of 395 cases. A random forest benchmark model was developed using five correlated features, and a multicollinearity analysis, as indicated by the variance inflation factor, revealed exact linear dependence among the Atterberg limits. A parsimonious two-variable model, based solely on plasticity index (PI) and clay fraction (C), was retained. On an 80:20 stratified hold-out set, this simplified model reduced root mean square error (RMSE) from 9.0% to 6.8% and maximum residuals from 42% to 16%. Bootstrap analysis confirmed a median RMSE of 7.5% with stable 95% prediction intervals. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis revealed that PI accounted for approximately 75% of the model’s influence, highlighting the critical swell surge beyond PI ≈ 55%. This work introduces a rule-based cleaning pipeline and collinearity-aware feature selection to derive a robust, two-variable model balancing accuracy and interpretability, a lightweight, interpretable tool for foundation design, GIS zoning, and BIM workflows. Full article

As digital technology evolves rapidly, smart tourism has become a significant trend in the modernization of the industry, relying on advanced tools like big data and cloud computing to improve travelers’ experiences. Despite the growing use of human–computer interaction in museums, there remains a lack of in-depth academic investigation into its impact on visitors’ behavioral intentions regarding museum engagement. This paper employs Cognitive Appraisal Theory, considers human–computer interaction experience as the independent variable, and introduces destination image and satisfaction as mediators to examine their impact on destination loyalty. Based on a survey of 537 participants, the research shows that human–computer interaction experience has a significant positive impact on destination image, satisfaction, and loyalty. Destination image and satisfaction play a partial and sequential mediating role in this relationship. This paper explores the influence mechanism of human–computer interaction experience on destination loyalty and proposes practical interactive solutions for museums, aiming to offer insights for smart tourism research and practice. Full article

This study presents an optimization approach for sizing photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) within a DC microgrid, aiming to enhance cost-effectiveness, energy reliability, and environmental sustainability. PV generation is modeled based on environmental parameters such as solar irradiance and ambient temperature, while battery charging and discharging operations are managed according to real-time demand. A simulation framework is developed in MATLAB 2021b to analyze PV output, battery state of charge (SOC), and grid energy exchange. For demand-side management, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning model is employed to forecast future load profiles using historical consumption data. Moreover, a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network is designed for comparison purposes. The dynamic load prediction, provided by LSTM in particular, improves system responsiveness and efficiency compared to MLP. Simulation results indicate that optimal sizing of PV and storage units significantly reduces energy costs and dependency on the main grid for both forecasting methods; however, the LSTM-based approach consistently achieves higher annual savings, self-sufficiency, and Net Present Value (NPV) than the MLP-based approach. The proposed method supports the design of more resilient and sustainable DC microgrids through data-driven forecasting and system-level optimization, with LSTM-based forecasting offering the greatest benefits. Full article

Land degradation from trace metal pollution in North Africa severely compromises soil fertility. This study investigates the synergistic remediation potential of Eucalyptus biochar (EuB) and Casuarina glauca in iron mine soil contaminated with Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, and As. Seedlings were grown for six months in: non-mining soil (NMS), contaminated soil (CS), and CS amended with 5% EuB (CS + EuB). Comprehensive ecophysiological assessments evaluated growth, water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, oxidative stress, and metal accumulation. EuB significantly enhanced C. glauca tolerance to multi-trace metal stress. Compared to CS, CS + EuB increased total dry biomass by 14% and net photosynthetic rate by 22%, while improving predawn water potential (from −1.8 to −1.3 MPa) and water-use efficiency (18%). Oxidative damage was mitigated. EuB reduced soluble Fe by 71% but increased Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cd mobility. C. glauca exhibited hyperaccumulation of Fe, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd across treatments, with pronounced Fe accumulation under CS + EuB. EuB enhanced nodule development and amplified trace metals sequestration within nodules (Zn: +1.4×, Mn: +2.4×, Pb: +1.5×, Cd: +2.0×). The EuB-C. glauca synergy enhances stress resilience, optimizes rhizosphere trace metals bioavailability, and leverages nodule-mediated accumulation, establishing a sustainable platform for restoring contaminated lands. Full article

Background: Understanding the multifactorial determinants of human longevity remains a major scientific challenge. Certain regions of the world—so-called “longevity hotspots”—exhibit a notably high prevalence of centenarians; one such region is the province of Ourense, in north-western Spain. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse, for the first time, the nutritional factors associated with healthy longevity among centenarians, as well as those linked to longevity irrespective of health status, in the province of Ourense. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, mixed-methods study was conducted. A population of 261 individuals aged 100 or over residing in Ourense was identified. A sample of 156 participants was included in the quantitative analysis; from this sample, 25 centenarians were selected for in-depth qualitative analysis through personal interviews. Results: Dietary patterns aligned with the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD), combined with strong social bonds and a culture of self-sufficiency, appear to be key contributors to exceptional longevity in this population. Conclusions: Remarkable longevity in Ourense is associated with a combination of factors: adherence to an SEAD-style dietary pattern, an active and uncomplicated lifestyle, and strong social support networks. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent global malignancy with particularly challenging treatment outcomes in advanced stages. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a frontline chemotherapeutic agent for CRC. However, 15% to 50% of stage III patients experience recurrence due to drug resistance. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying OXA resistance is, therefore, crucial for improving CRC prognosis. The role of DIRAS1, a RAS superfamily member with reported tumor-suppressive functions in various cancers, remains poorly defined in CRC. Methods: The effects of DIRAS1 on CRC cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using MTT, wound healing, and colony formation assays. Stable cell lines with knockdown or overexpression of DIRAS1 and PHB1 were established via plasmid and lentiviral systems. Drug sensitivity to OXA was assessed through cytotoxicity assays and IC₅₀ determination. Clinical relevance was validated through immunohistochemical analysis of CRC tissue samples. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed to explore downstream regulatory mechanisms. Results: DIRAS1 expression was positively correlated with OXA resistance and was significantly upregulated following prolonged chemotherapy exposure. Silencing DIRAS1 reduced the IC₅₀ of OXA in vitro and increased tumor sensitivity to OXA in vivo. Transcriptome analysis identified PHB1 as a downstream effector of DIRAS1. Functional studies revealed that PHB1 contributes to chemoresistance by maintaining mitochondrial stability. Conclusions: This study identifies DIRAS1 as a key contributor to OXA resistance in CRC by modulating PHB1 expression and mitochondrial function. Targeting the DIRAS1–PHB1 axis may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in CRC. Full article

The apple tree (Malus domestica), a member of the Rosaceae family, holds significant economic value but faces postharvest challenges, like blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum and gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. While synthetic fungicides are widely used, their limitations highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the antifungal properties of extracts from Celtis australis, Olea europea var. sylvestris, Chamaerops humilis, and Asparagus albus against these pathogens. In vitro tests assessed mycelial growth inhibition, whereas in vivo trials consisted of measurement of weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and maturity index. Moreover, the phytochemical traits of the extracts were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and HPLC. The results revealed notable antifungal activity, particularly for Celtis australis extract at a concentration of 300 g L⁻¹, which led to significant mycelial growth inhibition (61% for P. expansum and 41% for B. cinerea), a reduction in diseases’ severity (39% and 50%), and a notable decrease in diseases’ incidence (43% and 48%), respectively. Phytochemical analysis reflected the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the tested extracts. Importantly, the natural treatments helped preserve the apples’ quality during storage. Molecular docking studies further revealed that major compounds in Celtis australis extract inhibit the 14α-demethylase enzyme, a key target in fungal sterols biosynthesis. Full article

The digestion of A1 β-casein present in conventional milk releases β-casomorphin-7 (βCM-7), a bioactive peptide with potential implications for gastrointestinal and neurological health. A scoping review was performed to respond to the following research question: What are the health effects of consuming milk containing the A1 β-casein variant compared to the exclusive consumption of the A2 variant in humans? The evidence collected in this review of human studies with different populations (i.e., children, middle-aged adults, athletes) suggests that the consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein may negatively influence gut health by altering microbial composition, reducing intestinal motility, and increasing colonic fermentation, leading to elevated gas production and altered short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles. The release of βCM-7 upon digestion can also compromise intestinal-barrier integrity, which may exacerbate symptoms of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other allergy-related sensitivities. Its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier raises concerns about potential neurological effects. In contrast, milk containing exclusively A2 β-casein is associated with improved gastrointestinal outcomes, including the enhanced abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and reduced inflammatory markers. Full article

Uncomplicated hypertension (UH) during pregnancy represents a common condition, worsening maternal and fetal prognosis. However, no single biomarker has proven optimal for determining the risk of UH. We developed an early risk multivariate model for UH, integrating hemodynamics with biochemistry, focusing on the relationship between blood pressure (BP) indices, uric acid (UA), and angiogenesis-related factors (AF). We collected and analyzed data on 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring, demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory variables from 132 pregnancies. The main predictors were BP indices and serum UA and AF levels. Uncomplicated hypertension, defined as the presence of gestational hypertension or worsening of essential hypertension beyond the 20th week, was the main outcome. The combined second-degree polynomial transformation of UA and the AF (sFlt-1/PIGF) ratio, called the UA-AF Index, consistently showed a positive association with UH. The models incorporating nighttime BP indices combined with the UA-AF Index outperformed the others, with the best-performing model based on the nocturnal systolic BP (SBP). Specifically, in the best-fitting model (nighttime SBP + UA-AF Index as predictors), each 1 mmHg increase in nocturnal SBP was associated with a 10% higher risk of UH, while each one-unit increase in the UA-AF Index raised the likelihood of UH by more than twofold (accuracy: 0.830, AUC 0. 874, SE 0.032, p-value < 0.001, 95%CI 0.811–0.938). The combination of nighttime blood pressure indices, serum uric acid, and angiogenesis-related factors may provide added value in the assessment of uncomplicated hypertension during pregnancy. Full article

Background: Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest and leading cause of gynecological cancer-associated mortality in the US. The aim of this study was to characterize the trends in the incidence of ovarian cancer between premenopausal and postmenopausal women to inform future targeted interventions. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study analyzed data from the US Cancer Statistics (USCS) database, which covered the whole of the US population between 2001 and 2021. Joinpoint regression was used to compute the average annual percentage change (APC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and age-standardized incidence rates per 1,000,000 population. Results: The results showed that the IR of ovarian cancer declined between 2001 and 2021. Postmenopausal women had greater decreases in the IR of ovarian cancer compared to premenopausal women who showed a small decline. When stratified by race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native women aged 20–49 years experienced an increase in the IR of ovarian cancer (APC = 2.4; 95% CI 0.9 to 4.1) compared to other racial/ethnic groups which showed a decline. Joinpoint trend analyses identified one inflection point in localized ovarian cancer incidence trends among all three age groups: an initial decline from 2001 to 2011 among women 20–49 years old and 65+ years old, and from 2001 to 2012 among women 50–64 years old, followed by an upward trend thereafter to 2021. Similarly, there was one inflection point in the IR of ovarian cancer for the clear cell and endometrioid types among women aged 20–49 years old. Conclusions: The IR of ovarian cancer in the US declined significantly among postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women, for whom the IR of ovarian cancer decreased only slightly. Although encouraging, these findings show a need for continued efforts to improve early detection and prevention strategies to mitigate the burden of this deadly disease. Full article

Legumes have been identified as a key element of food innovation and excellent candidates for ensuring sustainability in food systems. However, certain legumes, such as faba beans and legume by-products, such as pea pods, are currently mainly being used in animal feed rather than exploited and valued in human nutrition. In this study, the nutritional properties, anti-nutritional factors, and in vitro protein digestibility of pea pod flour and raw and thermally treated (80, 120, 150, and 180 °C during 30 min) faba bean flours were investigated. For pea pod flours, the results showed a very interesting protein content (12.13%) and insoluble fibers (37.45%), as well as appreciable amounts of minerals, mainly calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. For faba bean flours, thermal treatment did not significantly affect the crude protein, ash, starch, and fat contents of the processed beans. Meanwhile, compared with raw faba bean flours, thermal treatment significantly decreased insoluble dietary fibers, anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid, tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and alpha-galactosides and progressively improved the in vitro protein digestibility by 7,7%. In conclusion, faba bean and pea pod flours show significant potential as novel ingredients in the food industry. Their combination will enable the development of protein, fiber, and mineral-rich food products. Full article