Search Results (1,220)

Introduction: Spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation (SPENCDI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic variants in the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) and characterized by variable skeletal, immunological, and neurological manifestations. Because early skeletal abnormalities may be subtle, diagnosis can be challenging in infancy. Materials and methods: We conducted a detailed clinical, immunological, radiological, and molecular evaluation of an infant with early-onset cytopenia, recurrent infections, seizures, and developmental delay. Genomic analysis was performed using whole exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). In addition, we performed a structured narrative review of published ACP5-related SPENCDI cases to summarize the clinical spectrum and the currently reported use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Results: Genomic analysis identified an ACP5 stop-gain variant (c.311G>A; p.Trp104*) with an apparently homozygous signal on WES. Re-evaluation of the copy-number data demonstrated an overlapping heterozygous 19p13.2–p13.13 deletion encompassing ACP5, indicating biallelic ACP5 defects consisting of a sequence variant on one allele and deletion of the other allele. Clinically, the patient showed prominent extra-osseous manifestations, including impaired T- and NK-cell cytotoxicity, before the emergence of definite radiographic skeletal abnormalities. Our literature review showed that skeletal abnormalities were repeatedly documented across published ACP5-related SPENCDI reports, although radiographic changes were often subtle and could be preceded by immune manifestations. Reported use of JAK inhibitors suggests potential benefit for immune dysregulation in selected patients, whereas the neurological response remains uncertain. Conclusions: This study reports a novel ACP5 variant and expands the known phenotypic spectrum of SPENCDI. SPENCDI should be considered in children with unexplained immune dysfunction and developmental delay, and suggestive neuroimaging findings, even when overt skeletal deformities are absent. Early genetic testing and targeted skeletal imaging may facilitate diagnosis. Full article

Fasciolosis is a globally prevalent trematode infection of major veterinary and public-health relevance. Juveniles migrate through liver tissue for weeks before patency, so clinically important infection may occur while faecal egg output is undetectable, complicating control and interpretation of apparent treatment failure. Triclabendazole (TCBZ) remains central because it targets both immature and adult flukes, but sustained use has been accompanied by geographically expanding reports of reduced efficacy and confirmed resistance. Most alternative fasciolicides, such as albendazole, closantel, oxyclozanide, rafoxanide, clorsulon and nitroxynil, are largely adulticidal and used alone or in combinations, yet reports of reduced efficacy/resistance are increasing worldwide. This review summarises drugs in current use and reported resistance status, and outlines a practical pathway for detecting and confirming resistance. We then appraise leading mechanistic hypotheses for TCBZ resistance as a central case study, organised around microtubule-associated phenotypes, reduced effective drug exposure, genetic architecture with tissue context, stress response and detoxification capacity, and we highlight mechanistic gaps for other fasciolicides. Finally, we discuss management implications, including monitoring-guided stewardship, stage-appropriate drug selection, rational combinations, integrated parasite management, and identify near-term priorities for harmonised surveillance, improved diagnostics and tool development. This review updates the resistance landscape and supports practical, monitoring-guided control of fasciolosis. Full article

Background: Nutritional status and lifestyle factors are increasingly recognized as relevant modulators of women’s reproductive health. However, data remain limited on the relationship between body composition, dietary habits, and menstrual cycle characteristics in apparently healthy young women. This study aimed to assess nutritional status, body composition, and lifestyle behaviors in young women and to explore their associations with menstrual cycle regularity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 49 apparently healthy women aged 19–30 years. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Dietary habits were evaluated through a simplified food frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the PREDIMED score. Physical activity was estimated using MET values based on the Compendium of Physical Activities. Menstrual cycle characteristics were collected via questionnaire. Group comparisons were performed between women with regular and irregular menstrual cycles. Results: The sample was predominantly normal-weight (mean BMI 22.36 ± 4.26 kg/m²). Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance parameters did not differ significantly between women with regular and irregular cycles. Women with irregular cycles showed higher resistance and extracellular water and lower phase angle and body cell mass, although differences were not statistically significant. A significant association was found for meat consumption, which was lower in women with irregular cycles (p = 0.007). No associations were observed for other dietary variables, physical activity, or meal frequency. Conclusions: Menstrual regularity in young women was not associated with major anthropometric differences but may be linked to subtle aspects of nutritional status and dietary habits. Lower meat consumption emerged as a potential dietary factor associated with menstrual irregularity. Although associations were modest, these findings support the relevance of nutritional and lifestyle factors in menstrual health. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these relationships. Full article

Although high-frequency electromagnetic methods, such as Radio Magnetotellurics (RMT) and Controlled-Source Radio Magnetotellurics (CSRMT), are highly effective for shallow-to-medium depth exploration, deploying traditional transmitter–receiver setups remains labor-intensive and significantly slows down large-scale surveys. To overcome these logistical bottlenecks, we developed a mobile Ultra-Audio Frequency Electromagnetic (UAEM) measurement system. While the hardware is designed with dual-mode capabilities supporting conventional controlled-source operations, this paper specifically focuses on its application in a Signals of Opportunity (SOOP) mode. By utilizing pre-existing, stable anthropogenic signals, including Amplitude Modulation (AM) broadcasts and naval very low frequency communications, the system effectively functions as a broadband RMT receiver. Technical evaluations demonstrate that the instrument operates across a 1 Hz to 1000 kHz bandwidth with a high sampling rate of 2.5 MHz. Furthermore, it achieves a dynamic range of 143 dB and maintains an apparent resistivity measurement accuracy of better than 3%. Thanks to its modular, vehicle-towed design, the UAEM system enables continuous, on-the-move data acquisition wherever ambient field sources are available. This approach eliminates the need for dedicated transmitter deployment, fundamentally reducing exploration costs and boosting overall survey efficiency. Full article

Developing sustainable electrode materials from renewable biomass is important for improving the environmental sustainability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Sugarcane bagasse lignin, an abundant agricultural byproduct, is a promising precursor for lignin-derived carbon anode materials, yet systematic comparative studies on catalyst-dependent structure evolution and LIB performance remain limited. In this study, lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse by an ethanosolv process was converted into Fe- and Ni-catalyzed lignin-derived carbon materials via catalytic pyrolysis at 900 °C. The effects of catalyst type, metal-to-lignin ratio, and pyrolysis holding time on textural properties, structural features, and electrochemical behavior were systematically investigated. Among the studied conditions, the Fe-catalyzed sample prepared at a metal-to-lignin ratio of 1:2.5 and a holding time of 3 h (GLKL-2.5Fe-3h) exhibited the highest BET surface area (332.71 m² g⁻¹) and the most developed porous morphology. SEM, TEM, Raman, and XRD analyses indicated catalyst-dependent differences in pore development, carbon domain morphology, and local graphitic ordering, with Fe- and Ni-catalyzed samples following distinct structural evolution pathways. Electrochemical testing showed that GLKL-2.5Fe-3h delivered the highest initial discharge capacity (759 mAh g⁻¹), retained 165 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles, and exhibited more favorable rate performance and lower apparent interfacial resistance than the other tested samples under the same conditions. In contrast, the Ni-catalyzed and solvothermally treated samples showed lower capacity retention and/or less favorable electrochemical behavior. These results demonstrate the strong effect of catalyst type on the structure-performance relationship of bagasse lignin-derived carbon anodes and support Fe-catalyzed lignin-derived carbon as a promising sustainable anode candidate for LIB applications. Full article

Canna (Canna edulis Ker.) starch is an important non-conventional starch in global applications. In this study, the structural and physicochemical properties of canna starches extracted from four different geographical regions in China were investigated. The four starches (CES-DH, CES-MS, CES-YB, and CES-YX) exhibited relatively high total starch contents (82.51–93.22%). Apparent and true amylose contents varied markedly among samples, ranging from 31.44% to 43.62% and from 15.21% to 35.90%, respectively. Morphologically, the granules were oval and disc-shaped, with D₅₀ values of 20.19–48.35 μm. CES-YX showed a distinct C-type pattern, while other starches exhibited B-type crystallinity, and relatively crystallinity values among samples were between 20.53% and 25.36%. IR absorbance ratios R_1047/1022 and R_995/1022 varied from 0.56 to 0.63 and from 1.15 to 1.26, respectively. Gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy revealed distinct thermal behaviors among the starches, corresponding to substantial differences in pasting properties with wide ranges in peak, breakdown, and setback viscosities. All starch pastes exhibited shear-thinning behaviors and weak gel characteristics. Notably, CES-YB demonstrated high potential as an effective food thickener and stabilizer, as distinguished by the high final viscosity and consistency coefficient (K), whereas the high amylose and resistant starch content in CES-YX made it a promising ingredient for low-glycemic-index food formulations. These findings provided a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the targeted utilization of canna starch in the food industry. Full article

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are increasingly recognized as relevant contributors to cardiometabolic alterations and subclinical myocardial dysfunction, independently of overall obesity. Their pathogenic role extends beyond simple fat accumulation, encompassing inflammatory activation, lipotoxicity, and altered myocardial metabolism. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the relationships between VAT/EAT and myocardial strain parameters, with emphasis on subclinical cardiovascular risk detection and nutritional interventions. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies published between 2003–2025, focusing on imaging-based assessments of adipose tissue distribution and strain parameters using echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Results: Increased EAT and, to a lesser extent, VAT showed significant associations with impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS) across imaging-based studies. In patients with type 2 diabetes, VAT mediated a substantial proportion of the association between insulin resistance and left ventricular dysfunction. Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with lower epicardial adipose tissue burden, while higher EAT was associated with persistent atrial fibrillation among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation. Speckle-tracking echocardiography consistently showed superior prognostic value compared to ejection fraction for detecting subclinical dysfunction. Conclusions: VAT and EAT represent important mechanistic links between body composition and early myocardial dysfunction, identifiable through advanced strain imaging before clinical disease becomes apparent. These findings support the integration of multimodal cardiac imaging and nutritional interventions into cardiovascular prevention strategies, providing novel opportunities for early risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches. Full article

To investigate the sulfate corrosion resistance of cast-in-place repair concrete incorporating recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) under partially exposed conditions, cast-in-place repair concrete specimens with different RCA contents (0%, 30%, and 50%) were immersed in Na₂SO₄ solution. The study systematically investigated the changes in apparent morphology, dimensions, mass, and mechanical properties of the specimens under sulfate corrosion. SEM, XRD, TG/DTG, and MIP were used to characterize the microstructure and mineral composition of the specimens at different corrosion ages. Results indicate that RCA cast-in-place repair concrete partially exposed to a sulfate corrosion environment undergoes coupled physical and chemical corrosion, and the interfacial zone between the recycled aggregate concrete to the base concrete represents the most vulnerable region in the composite system. Incorporating 30% RCA can effectively reduce the degradation rate of specimens under sulfate corrosion, enhance the compactness of the bonding interface, and optimize the interfacial bond strength, compressive strength, and pore structure of the specimens. Excessive RCA content disrupts the internal pore structure, accelerates sulfate ion ingress, and weakens the interfacial bond strength. The presence of RCA significantly reduces the interfacial shear strength of the specimens. After 360 days of sulfate corrosion, specimens featuring 30% and 50% RCA contents exhibit a reduction in shear strength of 15.91% and 40.0%, respectively, compared with the 0% RCA content specimen. Research findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of RCA in concrete repair engineering. Full article

Ammonia has emerged as a strategically advantageous hydrogen carrier; however, its efficient decomposition using conventional solid catalysts remains technically challenging from an industrial standpoint, particularly in terms of long-term stability and large-scale implementation. In this study, we propose a strategy for ammonia cracking by utilizing Sn-based molten metal alloys in a bubble column reactor, which provides a sintering-resistant and thermally efficient catalytic platform. Among various candidate transition metals, the Sn-Co alloy exhibited the most superior catalytic performance, demonstrating a significant reduction in the apparent activation energy to 52.6 kJ/mol. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first experimental evidence of the catalytic role of molten metals in the ammonia decomposition process. Structural characterization confirmed that the molten alloy maintains its metallic state without the formation of nitrides, verifying the function of the molten metal as an active catalyst rather than a sacrificial reagent. This work offers a new catalytic approach that addresses the requirements for the commercialization of ammonia cracking through improved scalability and chemical durability. Full article

Predatory mites are key natural enemies in perennial crops, and their conservation is fundamental to ensure biocontrol of several pests. Yet their susceptibility to insecticides may compromise their role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In the past, pyrethroids proved to be poorly selective insecticides towards predatory mites, but in various countries their use recently increased in fruit orchards to counteract invasive pests. In this study, we assessed the effects of pyrethroids on the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni through field experiments in apple orchards and laboratory assays on different strains. Field trials showed that A. andersoni populations remained unaffected by pyrethroid applications. Laboratory assays revealed intraspecific variation in A. andersoni populations: one commercial strain was highly susceptible to deltamethrin, whereas other commercial or field-collected strains were not affected, with no apparent sub-lethal effect on fecundity. These results underscore the contrasting susceptibility among predatory mite strains. From an IPM perspective, the lack of susceptibility to pyrethroids in A. andersoni may sustain biological control where insecticide use is unavoidable. Our findings stress the importance of evaluation procedures in toxicological studies, in particular the need to compare different strains, and of further investigation on predatory mite resistance. The implications for conservation programs in perennial cropping systems are addressed hereafter. Full article

The commercialization of V-based catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH₃ (NH₃-SCR) is hindered by their narrow operating temperature window, insufficient low-temperature (LT) activity, and severe SO₂-to-SO₃ oxidation. To bridge this gap, we herein introduced Nb and hexagonal BN into a VW/TiO₂ system to simultaneously enhance its LT SCR activity, suppress undesired side reactions, and improve durability. Nb incorporation promoted V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ redox cycling and enhanced lattice oxygen mobility, thus reducing the apparent activation energy and suppressing SO₂ oxidation at elevated temperatures. However, excessive Nb loading induced NH₃ oxidation and N₂O formation. This drawback was mitigated by introducing BN as a dispersion promoter, which helped secure high catalytic performance at a reduced Nb content. The VWNb/Ti-BN catalyst achieved superior NOx conversion and N₂ selectivity over a wide temperature range and benefited from notably suppressed NH₃ oxidation and SO₂-to-SO₃ oxidation. Kinetic analysis revealed that Nb primarily lowered the reaction energy barrier via redox property enhancement, whereas BN accelerated surface reaction turnover by stabilizing and dispersing active acidic sites, markedly increasing the turnover frequency without reducing the activation energy. In situ spectroscopic analysis confirmed the accelerated consumption of adsorbed NH₃ species and enhanced formation of reactive NOx intermediates, indicating SCR pathway enhancement. After aging in the presence of SO₂ and H₂O, the best-performing honeycomb-type monolithic catalyst retained and NOx conversion of >80%, demonstrating excellent long-term durability under practical conditions. A composition-aware machine learning model based on log-ratio-transformed variables quantitatively identified the synergistic balance among V, Nb, W, BN, and TiO₂ as the dominant factor governing LT SCR performance. Thus, this work provides valuable mechanistic insights and a strategy for designing wide-temperature-window SCR catalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and resistance to sulfur poisoning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and is linked to adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. However, the role of vitamin D supplementation in managing PCOS remains unclear due to the heterogeneous evidence available. This systematic review aimed to synthesize both observational and interventional studies to assess the association between vitamin D levels and PCOS, focusing on prevalence, metabolic outcomes, and reproductive parameters. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase was conducted in October 2025, identifying studies published between January 2000 and October 2025. Eligible studies included observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and/or the effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS. Studies were included if they used recognized diagnostic criteria for PCOS or sufficient diagnostic details to confirm the condition. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality assessment according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Eleven studies (nine RCTs, two observational) encompassing 1063 women with PCOS met the inclusion criteria. Observational studies demonstrated inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and leptin, but not with total testosterone. RCTs showed modest and inconsistent improvements in insulin sensitivity, with effects more apparent in some trials enrolling vitamin D-deficient women. Reproductive benefits (cycle regularity/ovulation) were observed only in selected trials, generally with small samples and short follow-up. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and correlates with metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. While vitamin D supplementation shows variable effects, it should not be considered a stand-alone therapy for PCOS. Correction of deficiency may complement existing treatments, but evidence remains insufficient to support routine vitamin D supplementation for fertility outcomes in PCOS. Full article

Addressing the low efficiency associated with single-frequency serial acquisition in urban exploration using traditional electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) instruments, this study introduces a Frequency Division Multiplexing Electrical Resistivity Tomography (FDM-ERT) method and hardware system. By utilizing transmission modules that simultaneously output AC excitation signals at distinct frequencies, coupled with receiver modules that enable multi-channel parallel acquisition and data transmission, the system achieves a “one-time layout, multi-frequency synchronous measurement” workflow. Laboratory tests under controlled conditions and preliminary field tests conducted at the Xiangjiang River beach demonstrate that this method maintains relatively high consistency with traditional single-frequency measurements. The relative error of apparent resistivity across frequency points remains below 2%, with an inversion root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.4%. Furthermore, the multi-frequency synchronous mode reduces total measurement time by approximately 66.7%. While these results were obtained in relatively controlled environments, they substantiate the core feasibility of the FDM-ERT system for multi-frequency synchronous measurement, providing a certain hardware foundation for subsequent validation and optimization in complex, real-world urban settings. Full article

The chemical and mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties, and pozzolanic activity of ancient bricks from Hubei Province, China were investigated in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were adopted to characterize the chemical composition, crystalline minerals and microstructure of the ancient bricks. The results show that quartz is the dominant component in most ancient bricks, with a content exceeding 70% in samples BB-2, BB-5, BB-6 and BB-7. Some bricks contain minor non-clay minerals such as calcite, dolomite and albite. On some points in the SEM image, substances such as gypsum, calcite, and quartz can be clearly seen. The calcining temperature of the ancient bricks from Yupan Village, Xiantao City (sample BB-1), does not exceed 600 °C, while that of other samples ranges from 800 to 1100 °C. The compressive strength of most ancient bricks is around 10 MPa, with the highest value of 14.3 MPa (BB-6) and the lowest of 1.2 MPa (BB-3). The apparent density of all samples is approximately 2.2 g/cm³, and the water absorption rate ranges from 6.5% to 23.1%. The pozzolanic activity index of some samples reaches 76% at 28 days, with the 150-year-old sample BB-7 showing the best activity. This study provides a reliable experimental basis for analyzing the weathering resistance and deterioration mechanism of ancient bricks in Hubei Province, offers technical support for the restoration of local ancient buildings, and lays a foundation for the development of antique-style brick craftsmanship. Full article

As deep-sea exploration transitions from large-scale search to precision pinpoint operations, the inherent limitations of traditional “rigid-body and propeller” vehicles—specifically in low-speed maneuverability, environmental compliance, and acoustic stealth—are becoming increasingly apparent. Leveraging its unique integrated “gliding-flapping” locomotion and exceptional maneuverability, the manta ray serves as an ideal biological prototype for next-generation deep-sea operational platforms. From a systems engineering perspective, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research status and technical evolution of biomimetic manta ray submersibles. First, a technical pedigree centered on “operational depth” is established, illustrating how design paradigms transition from “mechanism replication” in shallow waters to “pressure adaptation” at full-ocean depths. Second, the mechanical challenges in structural design are explored, demonstrating that a “rigid-flexible” gradient distribution strategy is critical to resolving the conflict between pressure resistance and propulsive compliance. Regarding energy and propulsion, the synergistic effects of hybrid gliding-flapping drives and integrated structural batteries in enhancing long-range endurance and energy efficiency are analyzed. Finally, the evolution of motion control architectures—transitioning from spinal-cord-inspired Central Pattern Generator (CPG) rhythmic control to Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) featuring embodied intelligence—is outlined. Full article