Search Results (33,767)

Croatian agricultural legislation acknowledges the significance of radionuclides as pollutants in agricultural lands; however, it lacks specific thresholds or reference values for contamination levels, in contrast to other contaminants. This absence highlights the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of radionuclides across various agricultural systems in Croatia. This study investigates the transfer of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K from soil to agricultural crops throughout Croatia and estimates the consequent annual ingestion dose for the population. The samples collected comprised food crops and animal feed, with corresponding soil samples analyzed to calculate transfer factors. Activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs exhibited regional and crop-type variability, reflecting the uneven distribution of fallout and differing soil properties. Transfer factors were found to range from 0.003 to 0.06 for ¹³⁷Cs and from 0.15 to 3.1 for ⁴⁰K, with the highest uptake occurring in kidney beans. The total estimated annual effective ingestion dose was calculated to be a maximum of 0.748 mSv/year for children aged 2–7, predominantly attributable to ⁴⁰K. Given the homeostatic regulation of potassium in the human body, the dose associated with ¹³⁷Cs poses a more significant radiological concern. These findings underscore the need for radionuclide-specific agricultural legislation in Croatia and offer a baseline for recommending reference values and informing future regulations regarding agricultural soil contamination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade underlies the aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, a quantitative synthesis of in vitro data on pathway inhibition remains lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (i) aggregate standardized effects of pathway inhibitors on proliferation, apoptosis, migration/invasion, IL-6/IL-8 secretion, p-AKT, and LC3; (ii) assess heterogeneity and identify key moderators of variability, including stimulus type, cell source, and inhibitor class. Methods: PubMed, Europe PMC, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 18 May 2025 (PROSPERO CRD420251058185). Twenty of 2684 screened records met eligibility. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality with SciRAP. Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) were pooled using a Sidik–Jonkman random-effects model with Hartung–Knapp confidence intervals. Heterogeneity (τ², I²), 95% prediction intervals, and meta-regression by cell type were calculated; robustness was tested with REML-HK, leave-one-out, and Baujat diagnostics. Results: PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition markedly reduced proliferation (to –5.1 SD), IL-6 (–11.1 SD), and IL-8 (–6.5 SD) while increasing apoptosis (+2.7 SD). Fourteen of seventeen outcome clusters showed large effects (|g| ≥ 0.8), with low–moderate heterogeneity (I² ≤ 35% in 11 clusters). Prediction intervals crossed zero only in small k-groups; sensitivity analyses shifted pooled estimates by ≤0.05 SD. p-AKT and p-mTOR consistently reflected functional changes and emerged as reliable pharmacodynamic markers. Conclusions: Targeted blockade of PI3K/AKT/mTOR robustly suppresses the proliferative and inflammatory phenotype of RA-FLSs, reaffirming this axis as a therapeutic target. The stability of estimates across multiple analytic scenarios enhances confidence in these findings and highlights p-AKT and p-mTOR as translational response markers. The present synthesis provides a quantitative basis for personalized dual-PI3K/mTOR strategies and supports the adoption of standardized long-term preclinical protocols. Full article

The description and assessment of braided river architecture are usually limited by the paucity of real geological datasets from field observations; due to the complexity and diversity of rivers, traditional evaluation models are difficult to apply to braided river systems in different climatic and tectonic settings. This study aims to establish an architectural model suitable for the study area setting by introducing a hierarchical analysis approach through well-exposed three-dimensional outcrops along the Second Songhua River. A micro–macro four-level hierarchical framework is adopted to obtain a detailed anatomy of sedimentary outcrops: lithofacies, elements, element associations, and archetypes. Fourteen lithofacies are identified: three conglomerates, seven sandstones, and four mudstones. Five elements provide the basic components of the river system framework: fluvial channel, laterally accreting bar, downstream accreting bar, abandoned channel, and floodplain. Four combinations of adjacent elements are determined: fluvial channel and downstream accreting bar, fluvial channel and laterally accreting bar, erosionally based fluvial channel and laterally accreting bar, and abandoned channel and floodplain. Considering the sedimentary evolution process, the braided river prototype, which is an element-based channel filling unit, is established by documenting three contact combinations between different elements and six types of fine-grained deposits’ preservation positions in the elements. Empirical relationships are developed among the bankfull channel depth, mean bankfull channel depth, and bankfull channel width. For the braided river systems, the establishment of the model promotes understanding of the architecture and evolution, and the application of the hierarchical analysis approach provides a basis for outcrop, underground reservoir, and tank experiments. Full article

In this study, we propose a bidirectional chemical sensor platform based on a reconfigurable ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (R-ISFET) architecture. The device incorporates Ni-silicide Schottky barrier source/drain (S/D) contacts, enabling ambipolar conduction and bidirectional turn-on behavior for both p-type and n-type configurations. Channel polarity is dynamically controlled via the program gate (PG), while the control gate (CG) suppresses leakage current, enhancing operational stability and energy efficiency. A dual-control-gate (DCG) structure enhances capacitive coupling, enabling sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit without external amplification. The extended-gate (EG) architecture physically separates the transistor and sensing regions, improving durability and long-term reliability. Electrical characteristics were evaluated through transfer and output curves, and carrier transport mechanisms were analyzed using band diagrams. Sensor performance—including sensitivity, hysteresis, and drift—was assessed under various pH conditions and external noise up to 5 V_pp (i.e., peak-to-peak voltage). The n-type configuration exhibited high mobility and fast response, while the p-type configuration demonstrated excellent noise immunity and low drift. Both modes showed consistent sensitivity trends, confirming the feasibility of complementary sensing. These results indicate that the proposed R-ISFET sensor enables selective mode switching for high sensitivity and robust operation, offering strong potential for next-generation biosensing and chemical detection. Full article

Rapid urbanization and demographic shifts present significant challenges to spatial justice in green space provision. Traditional static assessments have become increasingly inadequate for guiding park planning, which now requires a dynamic, future-oriented analytical approach. To address this gap, this study incorporates population dynamics into urban park planning by developing a dynamic evaluation framework for park accessibility. Building on the Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) method, we propose the human-population-projection-Ga2SFCA (HPP-Ga2SFCA) model, which integrates population forecasts to assess park service efficiency under future demographic pressures. Using neighborhood-committee-level census data from 2000 to 2020 and detailed park spatial data, we identified five types of population change and forecast demographic distributions for both short- and long-term scenarios. Our findings indicate population decline in the urban core and outer suburbs, with growth concentrated in the transitional inner-suburban zones. Long-term projections suggest that 66% of communities will experience population growth, whereas short-term forecasts indicate a decline in 52%. Static models overestimate park accessibility by approximately 40%. In contrast, our dynamic model reveals that accessibility is overestimated in 71% and underestimated in 7% of the city, highlighting a potential mismatch between future population demand and current park supply. This study offers a forward-looking planning framework that enhances the responsiveness of park systems to demographic change and supports the development of more equitable, adaptive green space strategies. Full article

Recently, a number of natural biologically active substances have been proven to be attractive alternatives to conventional anticancer medicine or as adjuvants in contemporary combination therapies. Although lignin-based materials were previously accepted as waste materials with limited usefulness, recent studies increasingly report the possibility of their use for novel applications in various industrial branches, including biomedicine. In this regard, the safety, efficiency, advantages and limitations of lignin compounds for in vitro/in vivo applications remain poorly studied and described. This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using newly synthesized, alkali lignin-based micro-/nano-biopolymer formulations (Lignin@Formulations/L@F) as carriers for substances with antioxidant and/or anticancer effectiveness. Moreover, we tried to assess the opportunity for using an electro-assisted approach for achieving improved intracellular internalization. An investigation was conducted on an in vitro panel of breast cell lines, namely two breast cancer lines with different metastatic potentials and one non-tumorigenic line as a control. The characterization of all tested formulations was performed via DLS (dynamic light scattering) analysis. We developed an improved separation procedure via size/charge unification for all types of Lignin@Formulations. Moreover, in vitro applications were investigated. The results demonstrate that compared to healthy breast cells, both tested cancer lines exhibited slight sensitivity after treatment with different formulations (empty or loaded with antioxidant substances). This effect was also enhanced after applying electric pulses. L@F loaded with Quercetin was also explored only on the highly metastatic cancer cell line as a model for the breast cancer type most aggressive and non-responsive to traditional treatments. All obtained data suggest that the tested formulations have potential as carriers for the electro-assisted delivery of natural antioxidants such as Quercetin. Full article

Background/Objectives. Efficient nucleic acid delivery into target cells remains a critical challenge in gene therapy. Due to its advantages in biocompatibility and safety, recent research has increasingly focused on non-viral gene delivery. Methods. A series of copolymers—synthesized by integrating thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafts, and a polycationic poly(L-lysine) (PLL) block of varying lengths ((PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)_z, z = 10–65)—were investigated. Plasmid DNA complexation with the copolymers was achieved through temperature-modulated methods. The resulting polyplexes were characterized by evaluating complex strength, particle size, zeta potential, plasmid DNA loading capacity, resistance to anionic stress, stability in serum, and lysosomal membrane destabilization assay. The copolymers’ potential for plasmid DNA delivery was assessed through cytotoxicity and transfection studies in cancer cell lines. Results. Across all complexation methods, the copolymers effectively condensed plasmid DNA into stable polyplexes. Particle sizes (60–90 nm) ranged with no apparent correlation to copolymer type, complexation method, or N/P ratio, whereas zeta potentials (+10–+20 mV) and resistance to polyanionic stress were dependent on the PLL length and N/P ratio. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed a direct correlation between PLL chain length and cell viability, with all copolymers demonstrating minimal cytotoxicity at concentrations required for efficient transfection. PNL-20 ((PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)₂₀) exhibited the highest transfection efficiency among the tested formulations while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Conclusions. The study highlights the promising potential of (PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)_z copolymers for effective plasmid DNA delivery to cancer cells. It reveals the importance of attaining the right balance between polyplex tightness and plasmid release to achieve improved biocompatibility and transfection efficiency. Full article

Demand Side Management (DSM) plays a crucial role in modern energy systems, enabling more efficient use of energy resources and contributing to the sustainability of the power grid. This study examines DSM strategies within a multi-environment context encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with a focus on diverse appliance types that exhibit distinct operational characteristics and user preferences. Initially, a single-objective optimization approach using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is employed to minimize the total energy cost under a real Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing scheme. This heuristic method allows for the effective scheduling of appliance operations while factoring in their unique characteristics such as power consumption, usage duration, and user-defined operational flexibility. This study extends the optimization problem to a multi-objective framework that incorporates the minimization of CO₂ emissions under a real annual energy mix while also accounting for user discomfort. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is utilized for this purpose, providing a Pareto-optimal set of solutions that balances these competing objectives. The inclusion of multiple objectives ensures a comprehensive assessment of DSM strategies, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enhance user satisfaction. Additionally, this study monitors the Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) to evaluate the impact of DSM strategies on load balancing and grid stability. It also analyzes the impact of considering different periods of the year with the associated ToU hourly schedule and CO₂ emissions hourly profile. A key innovation of this research is the integration of detailed, category-specific metrics that enable the disaggregation of costs, emissions, and user discomfort across residential, commercial, and industrial appliances. This granularity enables stakeholders to implement tailored strategies that align with specific operational goals and regulatory compliance. Also, the emphasis on a user discomfort indicator allows us to explore the flexibility available in such DSM mechanisms. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-objective optimization approach in achieving significant cost savings that may reach 20% for industrial applications, while the order of magnitude of the trade-offs involved in terms of emissions reduction, improvement in discomfort, and PAR reduction is quantified for different frameworks. The outcomes not only underscore the efficacy of applying advanced optimization frameworks to real-world problems but also point to pathways for future research in smart energy management. This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of advanced DSM techniques to enhance the sustainability and resilience of energy systems while also offering valuable policy implications. Full article

Carbon fiber (CF) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors due to their high strength, stiffness, and low density. However, significant waste is generated during manufacturing and after the use of CFRPs. Traditional disposal methods like landfilling and incineration are unsustainable. CFRP machining processes, such as drilling and milling, produce fine chips and dust that are difficult to recycle due to their heterogeneity and contamination. This study investigates the oxidation behavior of CFRP drilling waste from two types of materials (tube and plate) under oxidative (non-inert) conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed from 200 °C to 800 °C to assess weight loss related to polymer degradation and carbon fiber integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze morphological changes and fiber damage. The optimal range for removing the polymer matrix without significant fiber degradation has been identified as 500–600 °C. At temperatures above 700 °C, notable surface and internal fiber damage occurred, along with nanostructure formation, which may pose health and environmental risks. The results show that partial fiber recovery is possible under ambient conditions, and this must be considered regarding the harmful risks to the human body if submicron particles are inhaled. This research supports sustainable CFRP recycling and fire hazard mitigation. Full article

This study evaluates the production of base oils for biolubricants using fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) derived from sunflower oil as the raw material. The production process involved the synthesis of oleochemical esters through a single-step alkaline transesterification reaction with a high-molecular-weight polyol, such as trimethylolpropane (TMP). To assess the effectiveness of the developed catalytic system in conducting the transesterification reactions and its impact on the properties of the final product, two types of alkaline catalysts were used. Specifically, the reactions were carried out using either Ca/TEA alkoxide or sodium methoxide as catalysts in various configurations and concentrations to determine the optimal catalyst concentration and reaction conditions. Sodium methoxide served as the commercial benchmark catalyst, while the Ca/TEA alkoxide was prepared in the laboratory. The optimal concentration of Ca/TEA was determined to be 3.0% wt. in the presence of iso-octane and 3.5% wt. under vacuum, while the corresponding concentrations of CH₃ONa for both cases were determined to be 2.0% wt. The synthesized biolubricant esters exhibit remarkable performance characteristics, such as high kinematic viscosities and low pour points—ranging from 33–48 cSt at 40 °C, 7.68–10.03 cSt at 100 °C, to −14 to −7 °C, respectively—which are comparable to or improved over those of mineral oils such as SN-150 or SN-500, with the Ca/TEA alkoxide-catalyzed systems showing superior oxidation stability and reduced byproduct formation. Full article

The lithological record of past climates and climate changes reveals significant potential in enhancing education and understanding of global climate changes and their impacts on contemporary societies. A relatively young geological record of Pleistocene cooling and glaciations serves as one of the most useful geo-educational tools. The present study encompasses a comprehensive review of ongoing efforts to assess and communicate the glacial geoheritage of the Pleistocene, with a detailed case study of Poland. A literature review is conducted to evaluate the extent of scientific work on inventorying and communicating the geodiversity of Pleistocene glacial and periglacial environments globally. The study demonstrates a steady increase in the number of scientific contributions focused on the evaluation and promotion of Pleistocene geoheritage, with a notable transition from the description of geosites to the establishment of geoconservation practices and educational strategies. The relative complexity of the palaeoclimatic record and the presence of glacial geodiversity features across extensive areas indicate that effective scientific communication of climate changes requires careful selection of a limited number of geodiversity elements and sediment types. In this context, the use of glacial erratic boulders and rock gardens for promotion of Pleistocene glacial geoheritage is advocated, and the significance of educational initiatives for local communities and the preservation of geocultural heritage is outlined in detail. Full article

Acalitus simplex is an eriophyoid mite pest of the ornamental plant Ruellia simplex. Acalitus simplex compromises the esthetics of R. simplex by inducing erinea formation. Management practices for A. simplex are currently lacking. This study assessed the potential of commercial biorational (citric acid, potassium salt of fatty acids, garlic, thyme, and mineral oil) and conventional (abamectin, fenpyroximate, bifenthrin, spiromesifen) pesticides under laboratory conditions, using two types of spray applications: (A) curative, after erinea formation, and (B) prophylactic, before erinea formation. In the curative application, abamectin, garlic oil, and mineral oil were most effective; in the prophylactic application, abamectin and mineral oil showed the highest efficacies. Abamectin and mineral oil were further tested under greenhouse conditions. Both treatments effectively controlled A. simplex by preventing erinea formation over a four-week post-application period, regardless of the application type. At the end of the experiment, mites were extracted from R. simplex plants. In the curative application, significantly fewer mites were extracted from abamectin and mineral oil treatments than in the control. In the prophylactic application, mites were absent in abamectin and mineral oil treatments but present in the control. Abamectin and mineral oil can be used to manage A. simplex in landscapes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Polyphenols found in polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have been shown to possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The present study aimed to assess the effects of two types of EVOO with different polyphenol content and dosages on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. Methods: In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 50 hyperlipidemic patients were randomized to receive either a higher-dose, lower-phenolic EVOO (414 mg/kg phenols, 20 g/day) or a lower-dose, higher-phenolic EVOO (1021 mg/kg phenols, 8 g/day), for a period of 4 weeks. These doses were selected to ensure equivalent daily polyphenol intake in both groups (~8.3 mg of total phenols/day), based on chemical analysis performed using NMR spectroscopy. The volumes used (8–20 g/day) reflect typical daily EVOO intake and were well tolerated by participants. A group of 20 healthy individuals, separated into two groups, also received the two types of EVOO, respectively, for the same duration. Primary endpoints included blood levels of total blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, lipoprotein-a (Lpa), and apolipoproteins A1 and B. Measurements were performed at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. Linear mixed models were performed for the data analysis. Results: The higher-phenolic, lower-dose EVOO group showed a more favorable change in total blood cholesterol (p = 0.045) compared to the lower-phenolic, higher-dose group. EVOO intake was associated with a significant increase in HDL (p < 0.001) and reduction in Lp(a) (p = 0.040) among hyperlipidemic patients in comparison to healthy individuals. Conclusions: EVOO consumption significantly improved the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. Higher-phenolic EVOO at lower dosages appears to be more effective in improving the lipid profile than lower-phenolic EVOO in higher dosages. Full article

Background: Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), pose a diagnostic challenge due to their variable malignant potential. Current guidelines, such as Fukuoka and American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), have moderate predictive accuracy and may lead to overtreatment or missed malignancies. Artificial intelligence (AI), incorporating machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), offers the potential to improve risk stratification, diagnosis, and management of PCLs by integrating clinical, radiological, and molecular data. This is the first systematic review to evaluate the application, performance, and clinical utility of AI models in the diagnosis, classification, prognosis, and management of pancreatic cysts. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251008593). Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to March 2025. The inclusion criteria encompassed original studies employing AI, ML, or DL in human subjects with pancreatic cysts, evaluating diagnostic, classification, or prognostic outcomes. Data were extracted on the study design, imaging modality, model type, sample size, performance metrics (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC)), and validation methods. Study quality and bias were assessed using the PROBAST and adherence to TRIPOD reporting guidelines. Results: From 847 records, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were retrospective observational (n = 27, 87%) and focused on preoperative diagnostic applications (n = 30, 97%), with only one addressing prognosis. Imaging modalities included Computed Tomography (CT) (48%), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (26%), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (9.7%). Neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), were the most common AI models (n = 16), followed by logistic regression (n = 4) and support vector machines (n = 3). The median reported AUC across studies was 0.912, with 55% of models achieving AUC ≥ 0.80. The models outperformed clinicians or existing guidelines in 11 studies. IPMN stratification and subtype classification were common focuses, with CNN-based EUS models achieving accuracies of up to 99.6%. Only 10 studies (32%) performed external validation. The risk of bias was high in 93.5% of studies, and TRIPOD adherence averaged 48%. Conclusions: AI demonstrates strong potential in improving the diagnosis and risk stratification of pancreatic cysts, with several models outperforming current clinical guidelines and human readers. However, widespread clinical adoption is hindered by high risk of bias, lack of external validation, and limited interpretability of complex models. Future work should prioritise multicentre prospective studies, standardised model reporting, and development of interpretable, externally validated tools to support clinical integration. Full article

Gastric-type cervical adenocarcinoma (GCA) is a rare and aggressive subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma. Despite its clinical significance, its molecular carcinogenesis and therapeutic targets remain poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular profiles of GCA and usual-type cervical adenocarcinoma (UCA), exploring prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers in a Japanese population. A total of 110 cervical adenocarcinoma cases, including 16 GCA and 94 UCA cases, were retrospectively analyzed for clinicopathological features, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers was assessed. Sanger sequences were performed for the KRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF genes, and survival and clinicopathological correlations were assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. GCA was significantly associated with more aggressive features than UCA, including lymph node involvement, advanced FIGO stages, increasing recurrence rate, and poor survival status. High ARID1B expression was observed in a subset of GCA cases and correlated with worse progression-free and overall survival. Additionally, PD-L1 expression was more frequent in GCA than UCA and was associated with unfavorable prognostic factors. Conversely, UCA cases showed strong p16 expression, supporting their HPV-driven pathogenesis. Molecular profiling revealed KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in both subtypes, while BRAF mutations were identified exclusively in GCA. These findings reveal distinct clinical and molecular profiles for both tumor types and underscore ARID1B and PD-L1 as predictive prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers in GCA, implicating the use of subtype-specific treatment strategies. Full article