Search Results (7,327)

Stropharia rugosoannulata, an ecologically valuable and economically important edible mushroom, faces challenges in strain-level identification and breeding due to limited genomic resources and the lack of high-resolution molecular markers. In this study, we generated high-quality genomic data for 105 S. rugosoannulata strains and identified over 2.7 million SNPs, unveiling substantial genetic diversity within the species. Using core gene-associated multiple nucleotide polymorphism (cgMNP) markers, we developed an efficient and transferable framework for strain discrimination. The analysis revealed pronounced genetic differentiation among cultivars, clustering them into two distinct phylogenetic groups. Nucleotide diversity (π) across 83 core genes varied significantly, highlighting both highly conserved loci under purifying selection and highly variable loci potentially associated with adaptive evolution. Phylogenetic analysis of the most variable gene, Phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase mitochondrial, identified 865 SNPs, enabling precise differentiation of all 85 cultivars. Our findings underscore the utility of cgMNP markers in addressing challenges posed by horizontal gene transfer and phylogenetic noise, demonstrating their robustness in cross-species applications. By providing insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and marker utility, this study establishes a foundation for advancing breeding programs, conservation strategies, and functional genomics in S. rugosoannulata. Furthermore, the adaptability of cgMNP markers offers a universal tool for high-resolution strain identification across diverse fungal taxa, contributing to broader fungal phylogenomics and applied mycology. Full article

Background: Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is widely recognised for its high capability in assessing multiple organs. However, concerns about patient radiation exposure, particularly in children, pose significant challenges. Objective: This study aimed to establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for paediatric patients in the most common CT examinations to monitor and better control radiation doses. Methods: Dosimetry records from 5956 patients’ scans for the four most common CT imaging examinations—Head, Chest, Abdomen Pelvis (AP), and Chest Abdomen Pelvis (CAP)—were considered. The CT dosimetric quantities (CT dose-index volume (CTDI_vol) and dose-length product (DLP)), along with patient demographics (age and weight), were collected from radiology data storage systems. DRLs for CTDI_vol and DLP were determined for each imaging examination, stratified by patient age and weight groups, in accordance with ICRP recommendations. Results: The derived DRLs are presented as [median CTDI_vol (mGy): median DLP (mGy·cm)]. For (<1 yr): Head: 13:187, Chest: 0.4:7, AP: 0.9:19, CAP: 0.4:10. For (1–5 yrs): Head: 16:276, Chest: 1:22, AP: 1.5:58, CAP: 1.6:63. For (6–10 yrs): Head: 19:332, Chest: 1.4:35, AP: 1.9:74, CAP: 2:121. For (11–15 yrs): Head: 21:391, Chest: 3:86, AP: 4.1:191, CAP: 3:165. We observed that both the CTDI_vol and DLP DRL values increase with patient age. Weight-based DRLs follow similar trends for CTDI_vol, while DLP values show noticeable variations in Chest and AP examinations. Conclusions: The study findings highlight the need for review and optimisation of certain scanning protocols, particularly for chest and AP examinations. The derived DRLs are consistent with findings from other studies. The study recommends establishing national paediatric DRLs to enhance radiology practice across the country and ensure adherence to international safety standards. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) represents an increasingly relevant clinical challenge in older subjects due to population aging and the high prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), developed as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), has become a first-line treatment in various forms of ARF, including acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPE) and acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), offering several clinical advantages. In this context, the limited evidence on the efficacy of NIV in older patients leaves considerable uncertainty as to whether it constitutes a valid therapeutic option or represents medical futility in these patients. Materials and Methods: This narrative review explores the use of NIV and its outcomes in four key clinical scenarios in the elderly: ARF due to ACPE, AECOPD, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and palliative/end-of-life care. Results: Strong evidence supports NIV use with improved outcomes in ACPE and AECOPD, even in older populations. Conversely, data on its use in pneumonia are inconclusive, with potential harm if applied inappropriately. In palliative care, NIV can help relieve symptoms, but if not used appropriately, it may extend suffering. Conclusions: Age alone does not appear to be a sufficient factor to determine whether or not to use NIV; it becomes relevant only when considered in conjunction with the purpose of its use and the patient’s clinical history and condition. Data remain limited and often conflicting, particularly when investigating the elderly population and patients with a “do not intubate” (DNI) order. There is a need for additional research on these patients, focusing on long-term outcomes and quality of life. Full article

In high-voltage transmission lines, insulators subjected to prolonged electromechanical stress are prone to zero-value defects, leading to insulation failure and posing significant risks to power grid reliability. The conventional detection method of spark gap is vulnerable to environmental interference, while the emerging electric field distribution-based techniques require complex instrumentation, limiting its applications in scenes of complex structures and atop tower climbing. To address these challenges, this study proposes an electroluminescent sensing strategy for zero-value insulator identification based on the electroluminescence of ZnS:Cu. Based on the stimulation of electrical stress, real-time monitoring of the health status of insulators was achieved by applying the composite of epoxy and ZnS:Cu onto the connection area between the insulator steel cap and the shed. Experimental results demonstrate that healthy insulators exhibit characteristic luminescence, whereas zero-value insulators show no luminescence due to a reduced drop in electrical potential. Compared with conventional detection methods requiring access of electric signals, such non-contact optical detection method offers high fault-recognition accuracy and real-time response capability within milliseconds. This work establishes a novel intelligent sensing paradigm for visualized condition monitoring of electrical equipment, demonstrating significant potential for fault diagnosis in advanced power systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is an increasing incidence of fungal infections in conjunction with the rise in resistance to medical treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with virulence factors such as adherence and the capacity of biofilm formation, which facilitates the evasion of the host immune response and resistance to drug action. Novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome antimicrobial resistance, including the use of different type of nanomaterials: metallic (Au, Ag, Fe₃O₄ and ZnO), organic (e.g., chitosan, liposomes and lactic acid) or carbon-based (e.g., quantum dots, nanotubes and graphene) materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of nanoparticles of different synthesis and with different coatings on fungi of medical interest. Methods: Literature research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and the following terms were employed in articles published up to June 2025: ‘nanoparticles’ in combination with ‘fungal biofilm’, ‘Candida biofilm’, ‘Aspergillus biofilm’, ‘Cryptococcus biofilm’, ‘Fusarium biofilm’ and ‘dermatophytes biofilm’. Results: The utilization of nanoparticles was found to exert a substantial impact on the reduction in fungal biofilm, despite the presence of substantial variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values attributable to variations in nanoparticle type and the presence of capping agents. It was observed that the MIC values were lower for metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, and for those synthesized with polylactic acid compared to the others. Conclusions: Despite the limited availability of data concerning the stability and biocompatibility of nanoparticles employed in the treatment of fungal biofilms, it can be posited that these results constitute a significant initial step. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of antibiotic de-escalation on 30-day mortality, duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy and length of hospital stay (LOS) in severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of adults diagnosed with sCAP and microbiologically confirmed etiology between 1995 to 2022. Two distinct time points of the de-escalation were analyzed: 3 and 6 days post-admission, corresponding, respectively, to the availability of microbiological results and the median time to clinical stability. Inverse propensity score-weighted binary logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: A total of 398 consecutive cases of sCAP were analyzed. No significant differences were observed between the de-escalation and non-de-escalation groups in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, or severity-related variables (such as impaired consciousness, shock, respiratory failure, or multilobar pneumonia). Patients in the de-escalation group had lower rates of leukopenia, bacteremia and empyema, and less need for mechanical ventilation, with variations depending on the timing of de-escalation. After adjusting for confounding factors in an inverse propensity score-weighted analysis, de-escalation within 3 or 6 days after admission was not associated with increased mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–7.4; p = 0.63, and aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.14–2.31, p = 0.43, respectively). Similar findings were observed for prolonged LOS. However, antibiotic de-escalation was related to a lower risk of prolonged IV antibiotic. Conclusions: Antibiotic de-escalation in microbiologically confirmed sCAP did not negatively impact clinical outcomes, supporting the safety of this strategy for optimizing antibiotic use in this serious infection. Full article

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death in infants aged 1–59 months. Concurrent with this, there is a need to prescribe antibiotics wisely in Vietnam due to concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Consequently, an urgent need has arisen to treat patients according to agreed guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate the current management of infants under five years old with CAP in Vietnam as well as identify possible obstacles to adhering to national guidelines. Methods: A mixed-method approach was used incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data analysis in a leading hospital in Vietnam, which influences others. Data from 108 pediatric patient records were collected and analyzed. Subsequently, in-depth interviews were conducted with pediatric doctors treating these patients to ascertain possible reasons for non-adherence to guidelines. Results: The mean age of children diagnosed with CAP was 27.94 ± 12.99 months, with 82.4% having non-severe CAP, and 41.7% of children had previously used antibiotics before hospitalization. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days. All children were prescribed antibiotics, 91.4% of children received these initially intravenously, with third-generation cephalosporins being the most (91.7%) commonly prescribed. Cefoperazone/sulbactam was the most frequently prescribed (48.2%) antibiotic. However, on 96.1% of occasions cefoperazone/sulbactam was given at higher doses than the label instructions. Overall, 73.3% of antibiotics prescribed were “Watch” antibiotics. In addition, the proportion of initial antibiotic regimens that were consistent with current national guidelines was only 4.63%. Conclusions: There were considerable concerns with low adherence rates to current guidelines alongside high rates of prescribing of injectable third-generation cephalosporins due to various internal and external barriers. Antimicrobial stewardship programs with updated national guidelines are urgently needed in Vietnamese hospitals to treat CAP in children as part of ongoing measures to reduce increasing AMR rates. Such activities should also help improve antibiotic use in the community following improved education of trainee ambulatory care physicians regarding appropriate management of children with CAP. Full article

A novel nanomaterial photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor based on CdS@NiMoS heterojunction nanocomposites was constructed for highly sensitive detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in antibiotic residues. Through optimization of the material synthesis process, the optimal doping ratio of MoS₂ to Ni³⁺ (70% MoS₂ and 10% Ni³⁺) was identified, which significantly enhanced the photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. In thin-film preparation, comparative analysis of four film-forming methods led to the determination of an optimal process with stability. To achieve highly specific CAP detection, the nanocomposite chip was integrated with nucleic acid aptamer biorecognition elements within a standard three-electrode detection system. Experimental results demonstrated a linear response (R² = 0.998) in the 0.1–2 μM concentration range, with a detection limit of 3.69 nM (3σ/S). Full article

The European Union’s developing rural development plan places digital and precision agriculture at the centre of agricultural modernisation and economic development. This article examines how agricultural practices in rural EU regions are being influenced by smart technology, such as drones, IoT sensors, satellite-based research, and AI-driven platforms, through an analysis of recent data from sources across the European Union. This study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of strategic policy documents and EU databases, to evaluate the ways in which precision agriculture reduces input consumption, increases productivity, reduces labour shortages and rural area depopulation, and improves sustainability. By investing in infrastructure, developing communities for data exchange, and organising training for farmers, European policies such as the Strategic Plans of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the SmartAgriHubs initiative, and the AgData program actively encourage the transition to digital agriculture. Cyprus is analysed as a case study to show how targeted investments and initiatives supported by the EU can help smaller countries, with limited natural resources, to realise the benefits of digital transformation in agriculture. A special focus is placed on how solutions adapted to agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions can contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, attracting young people to get involved in this field and opening up new economic opportunities. The results of previous research indicate that digital agriculture not only improves productivity but also proves to be a strategic mechanism for attracting and retaining young people in rural areas. Thus, this work additionally contributes to the broader goal of the European Union—the development of smart, inclusive, and sustainable rural areas, in which digital technologies are not only seen as tools for efficiency but also as key means for integrated and long-term rural development. Full article

Background: Motion capture (MoCap) technologies have transformed athlete monitoring, yet athletic departments face complex decisions when selecting systems for multiple sports. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed studies (2015–2025) examining optical marker-based, inertial measurement unit (IMU) systems, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-integrated systems, and markerless computer vision systems. Studies were evaluated for validated accuracy metrics across indoor court, aquatic, and outdoor field environments. Results: Optical systems maintain sub-millimeter accuracy in controlled environments but face field limitations. IMU systems demonstrate an angular accuracy of 2–8° depending on movement complexity. Markerless systems show variable accuracy (sagittal: 3–15°, transverse: 3–57°). Environmental factors substantially impact system performance, with aquatic settings introducing an additional orientation error of 2° versus terrestrial applications. Outdoor environments challenge GNSS-based tracking (±0.3–3 m positional accuracy). Critical gaps include limited gender-specific validation and insufficient long-term reliability data. Conclusions: This review proposes a tiered implementation framework combining foundation-level team monitoring with specialized assessment tools. This evidence-based approach guides the selection of technology aligned with organizational priorities, sport-specific requirements, and resource constraints. Full article

Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global climate change, the automotive industry, as a carbon-intensive sector, has found its low-carbon transformation crucial for achieving the “double carbon” goals. This paper constructs manufacturer decision-making models under an oligopolistic market scenario for the single dual-credit policy and the “dual-credit + carbon cap-and-trade” policy, revealing the nonlinear impacts of new energy vehicle (NEV) credit trading prices, carbon trading prices, and credit ratio requirements on manufacturers’ pricing, emission reduction effort levels, and profits. The results indicate the following: (1) Under the “carbon cap-and-trade + dual-credit” policy, manufacturers can balance emission reduction costs and NEV production via the carbon trading market to maximize profits, with lower emission reduction effort levels than under the single dual-credit policy. (2) A rise in credit trading prices prompts hybrid manufacturers (producing both fuel vehicles and NEVs) to increase NEV production and reduce fuel vehicle output; higher NEV credit ratio requirements raise fuel vehicle production costs and prices, suppressing consumer demand. (3) An increase in carbon trading prices raises production costs for both fuel vehicles and NEVs, leading to decreased market demand; hybrid manufacturers reduce emission reduction efforts, while others transfer costs through price hikes to boost profits. (4) Hybrid manufacturers face high carbon emission costs due to excessive actual fuel consumption, driving them to enhance emission reduction efforts and promote low-carbon technological innovation. Full article

Over the past decade, multifactor models have shown enhanced capability compared to single-factor models in explaining asset return variability. Given the common assertion that higher risk tends to yield higher returns, this study empirically examines the augmented human capital six-factor model’s performance on thirty-two portfolios of non-financial firms sorted by size, value, profitability, investment, and labor income growth in the Indian market over the period July 2010 to June 2023. Moreover, the current study extends the Fama and French five-factor model by incorporating a human capital proxy by labor income growth as an additional factor thereby proposing an augmented six-factor asset pricing model (HC6FM). The Fama and MacBeth two-step estimation methodology is employed for the empirical analysis. The results reveal that small-cap portfolios yield significantly higher returns than large-cap portfolios. Moreover, all six factors significantly explain the time-series variation in excess portfolio returns. Our findings reveal that the Indian stock market experienced heightened volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in the six-factor model’s efficiency in explaining returns. Furthermore, Gibbons, Ross, and Shanken (GRS) test results reveal mispricing of portfolio returns during COVID-19, with a stronger rejection of portfolio efficiency across models. However, the HC6FM consistently shows lower pricing errors and better performance, specifically during and after the pandemic era. Overall, the results offer important insights for policymakers, investors, and portfolio managers in optimizing portfolio selection, particularly during periods of heightened market uncertainty. Full article

This study reports a successful selective waste collection initiative led by UFSC’s Araranguá campus in a municipality without a recycling system. The initiative, named “Recicla UFSC Ara”, was structured around three main components: (i) the installation of color-coded bins for recyclable waste (including paper, plastic, metals, and polystyrene) and non-recyclable waste in indoor and common areas; (ii) the establishment of a Voluntary Delivery Point (PEV) to gather specific recyclable materials, such as glass, electronics waste, plastic bottles, writing instruments, and bottle caps; and (iii) the execution of periodic educational community-focused campaigns aimed at encouraging participation from both the university and the broader local community. Recyclables were manually sorted and weighed during regular collection rounds, and contamination rates were calculated. Quantitative data collected from 2022 to 2025 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess waste generation and contamination trends. Gathered recyclables were directed to appropriate partner institutions, including local “Ecoponto”, non-profit organizations, and corporate recycling programs. The study also conducted a literature review of similar university-led waste management programs to identify standard practices and regional specificities, providing a comparative analysis that highlights both shared elements and distinctive contributions of the UFSC model. Results demonstrate a significant volume of waste diverted from landfills and a gradual improvement in waste disposal practices among the university community. Targeted communication and operational changes mitigated key challenges, improper disposal, and logistical issues. This case underscores the role of universities as agents of environmental education and local sustainable development. Full article

Haploinsufficiency disorders are genetic diseases caused by reduced gene expression, leading to developmental, metabolic, and tumorigenic abnormalities. The dosage-sensitive Retinoic Acid Induced 1 (RAI1) gene, located within the 17p11.2 region, is central to the core features of Smith––Magenis syndrome (SMS) and Potocki––Lupski syndrome (PTLS), caused by the reciprocal microdeletions and microduplications of this region, respectively. SMS and PTLS present contrasting phenotypes. SMS is characterized by severe neurobehavioral manifestations, sleep disturbances, and metabolic abnormalities, and PTLS shows milder features. Here, we detail the molecular functions of RAI1 in its wild-type and haploinsufficiency conditions (RAI1+/−), as studied in animal and cellular models. RAI1 acts as a transcription factor critical for neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, a chromatin remodeler within the Histone 3 Lysine 4 (H3K4) writer complex, and a regulator of faulty 5′-capped pre-mRNA degradation. Alterations of RAI1 functions lead to synaptic scaling and transcriptional dysregulation in neural networks. This review highlights key molecular mechanisms of RAI1, elucidating its role in the interplay between genetics and phenotypic features and summarizes innovative therapeutic approaches for SMS. These data provide a foundation for potential therapeutic strategies targeting RAI1, its mRNA products, or downstream pathways. Full article

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) hold great promise for lightweight and wearable photovoltaics, but improving their efficiency and durability under mechanical stress remains a key challenge. In this work, we fabricate and characterize flexible planar FPSCs on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) surface passivation layer is introduced on the perovskite to form a two-dimensional capping layer, and its impact on device performance and stability is systematically studied. The champion PEAI-passivated flexible device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ~16–17%, compared to ~14% for the control device without PEAI. The improvement is primarily due to an increased open-circuit voltage and fill factor, reflecting effective surface defect passivation and improved charge carrier dynamics. Importantly, mechanical bending tests demonstrate robust flexibility: the PEAI-passivated cells retain ~85–90% of their initial efficiency after 700 bending cycles (radius ~5 mm), significantly higher than the ~70% retention of unpassivated cells. This work showcases that integrating a PEAI surface treatment with optimized electron (SnO₂) and hole (spiro-OMeTAD) transport layers (ETL and HTL) can simultaneously enhance the efficiency and mechanical durability of FPSCs. These findings pave the way for more reliable and high-performance flexible solar cells for wearable and portable energy applications. Full article