Search Results (30,790)

To facilitate easy accessibility to the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) results for the geoscientific community, multiple institutions have successively developed mass anomaly grid products including mass concentration (mascon) grids; these were provided at the Gravity Information Service (GravIS) portal. However, an assessment of their consistency for studying large-scale mass redistribution and transport in Earth’s system is still not available. Here, we compare three major mascon solutions separately from the Center for Space Research (CSR), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and GravIS products based on the Combination Service for Time-variable Gravity fields (COST-G) by analyzing the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) mass changes in four aspects. Our results demonstrate that: (1) the four datasets exhibit strong consistency on the entire AIS mass change time series, with the largest difference occurring in the Antarctic Peninsula; (2) mass trend estimates show better agreement over longer periods and larger regions, but differences with a percentage of 20–40 exist during the late stage of GRACE and the whole GRACE-FO timespan; (3) notable discrepancies arise in the annual statistics of the Eastern AIS in 2016, leading to inconsistency on the sign of annual AIS mass change; (4) good agreement can be seen among these interannual mass variations over the AIS and its three subregions during 2003–2023, excluding the period from mid-2016 to mid-2018. These findings may provide key insights into improving algorithms for mascon solutions and grid products towards refining their applications in ice mass balance studies. Full article

Agaricus subrufescens Peck is a nutrient-rich edible fungi with a distinctive flavor, but most varieties are sensitive to cadmium (Cd), making cadmium contamination common during cultivation. Currently, excessive fertilizer uses and increased solid waste are exacerbating cadmium contamination in soils. Since A. subrufescens utilize agricultural residues like straw and livestock manure as cultivation substrates, Cd can be adsorbed readily, leading to secondary accumulation. In this study, the toxic effects of and response mechanisms to different Cd concentrations with respect to mycelial growth, heavy metal accumulation, and antioxidant systems of A. subrufescens were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the mycelia exhibited Cd accumulation capacity, with accumulation levels positively correlated with stress concentration. At a Cd concentration of 5 mg/L, the intracellular Cd concentration in the mycelia reached approximately 800 mg/kg. As the Cd concentration increased, the efficiency of Cd uptake by mycelia correspondingly decreased. Cadmium stress (≥0.5 mg/L) significantly inhibited mycelial growth and induced morphological abnormalities, with the mycelia exhibiting yellowing. Furthermore, Cd induced dose-dependent oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide and MDA levels peaked at a Cd concentration of 2 mg/L, reaching 2.26 μmol/g and 8.98 nmol/g, respectively, indicating heightened lipid peroxidation. Low concentrations of Cd (≤2 mg/L) promoted increases in ASA and GSH activity. SOD, POD, GR, and APX activities significantly increased, with the ASA-GSH cycle synergistically scavenging ROS. CAT activity remained persistently inhibited, APX/GR activity was suppressed, and total sugar metabolism was disrupted, leading to the collapse of antioxidant defenses. In summary, depending on the Cd concentration, A. subrufescens mycelia exhibit markedly different responses at low versus high concentrations. This study provides a foundation for further research into the application of edible fungi in heavy metal-resistant cultivation. Full article

Background: The intersection between oncology and intensive care has shifted from predominantly end-of-life care to a therapeutic bridge that can preserve anticancer trajectories in carefully selected patients. Yet, criteria separating benefit from futility remain fragmented. Objective: This paper seeks to map contemporary evidence (2015–2025) on outcomes after Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission in adults with cancer and to identify clinical constellations in which ICU-level care still changes prognosis. Methods: PRISMA-ScR scoping review (PCC framework). PubMed search (2015–2025), dual screening, standardized extraction; narrative/thematic synthesis across six clusters (hematologic, solid tumors, sepsis/non-COVID-19 infection, COVID-19/viral pneumonia, novel/targeted-therapy toxicities, end-of-life/aggressive ICU) were used. No meta-analysis given heterogeneity. Results: Seventy-three studies (>170,000 ICU admissions) were included, mostly cohort designs across 27 countries. ICU mortality ranged 8–72% (weighted mean ≈ 41%); hospital ≈ 38%; 90-day ≈ 46%; 1-year ≈ 62%. About one third of ICU survivors resumed systemic therapy. Benefit concentrated in early admissions, single-organ failure, controlled/remission disease, postoperative/elective monitoring, and reversible treatment-related toxicities (e.g., ICI pneumonitis, CAR-T CRS/ICANS). Futility clustered around ≥3 organ supports, RRT > 7 days, refractory/progressive disease, and ECOG ≥ 3. Sepsis outcomes averaged 45–55% ICU mortality but improved with rapid recognition and source control; COVID-19 mortality was particularly high in hematologic malignancies early in the pandemic, with subsequent declines post-vaccination. Conclusions: In modern oncologic practice, ICU care changes prognosis when the acute physiological insult is reversible and cancer control remains plausible; conversely, high organ-support burden and refractory disease define practical futility thresholds. These signals support time-limited ICU trials, earlier ICU involvement for sepsis/irAEs, and embedded palliative care to align intensity with goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conventional solidification methods for liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems face significant limitations. This includes complex manufacturing processes, high costs, and environmental concerns. This study aimed to develop and optimize a thermoresponsive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (T-SNEDDS) for dapagliflozin as a sustainable alternative solidification technique. Methods: Oil and surfactant were selected based on solubility and emulsification studies. The Box–Behnken approach was used to examine the impacts of three independent variables (pluronic F127, propylene glycol, and dapagliflozin concentrations) on liquefying temperature and time. Optimized T-SNEDDS was characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and dissolution performance. Stability assessment included centrifugation testing and a six-month storage evaluation. The green pharmaceutical performance was comparatively evaluated against five conventional solidification methods using ten adapted parameters. Results: Imwitor 308 and Cremophor EL were selected as optimal excipients for SNEDDS formulation. In addition, Pluronic F127 and propylene glycol were used to induce solidification during storage. The optimized formulation (8.60% w/w Pluronic F127, 10% w/w propylene glycol, and 5% w/w dapagliflozin) exhibited a liquefying temperature of 33.5 °C with a liquefying time of 100.3 s and a particle size of 96.64 nm. T-SNEDDS significantly enhanced dissolution efficiency of dapagliflozin (95.7%) compared to raw drug (42.4%) and marketed formulation (91.3%). Green pharmaceutical evaluation revealed that T-SNEDDS achieved the highest score compared to conventional approaches. Conclusions: T-SNEDDS represents a superior sustainable approach for SNEDDS solidification that offers enhancement in drug dissolution while addressing manufacturing, environmental, and economic challenges through its solvent-free and single-step preparation process with excellent scalability potential. Full article

This study characterized leaf extracts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Ryukyu Lemongrass Corporation, Okinawa, Japan) and evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds following a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal model of digestion (in vitro GID) of plant material. Undigested (controls, AqC, EtC) and digested aqueous (AqD) and ethanolic (EtD) extracts were analyzed. Control extracts contained higher total phenolics and flavonoids than digested ones, with EtC showing the highest values. UHPLC-QToF-MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer) identified 32 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavone aglycones, C-glycosides, and derivatives. Hydroxybenzoic acids, coumaric acid, caffeic esters, flavones, tricin derivatives, vitexin, and isoorientin exhibited reduced recovery, while coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside, and isoschaftoside/schaftoside exceeded 100% recovery, suggesting release from the matrix. Some compounds were absent from AqD, and many were found in the pellet, indicating potential colonic metabolism. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, β-carotene/linoleic acid) was stronger in controls but always weaker than BHT/ascorbic acid. Extracts mildly inhibited α-amylase but more strongly inhibited α-glucosidase as shown with applied enzyme inhibition assays, especially EtD (76.93% at a concentration of 10 mg/mL), which showed stronger activity than controls but remained below acarbose (87.74% at 1 mg/mL). All extracts promoted HaCaT keratinocyte growth and reduced HCT-116 colon cancer cell viability at 250 µg/mL, with the strongest effects in AqC and AqD. Overall, GID decreased antioxidant activity but enhanced antidiabetic potential, confirming the safety and selective anticancer effects of C. flexuosus extracts. Full article

Neurological damage, a debilitating condition closely associated with chronic neuroinflammation, currently lacks disease-modifying treatments, with management limited to symptomatic relief. Vitamins B6 (VB6), B12 (VB12), and proteolipid protein 1 (PLP-1) exhibit multimodal neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects; however, their therapeutic potential is limited by low bioavailability and inadequate ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). To address these limitations, we developed an ursolic acid-based nanoparticle system for the intranasal co-delivery of VB6, VB12, and recombinant PLP-1. The PLP-1 model predicted by AlphaFold3 was used for molecular docking. The docking results confirmed high-affinity binding interactions with VB6 and VB12, elucidating the mechanistic basis of their synergy. In vitro studies using a glucose-deprived PC12 cell injury model identified an optimal synergistic molar ratio of 10:1:2 (VB6: VB12: PLP-1). This combination significantly upregulated neuroprotective markers (PLP-1 and PGC-1α) and downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. In a mouse model of neural damage, the nano-encapsulated combination therapy demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics and significantly attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue. This was evidenced by lower TNF-α and IL-1β levels and elevated GSH and SOD concentrations compared to free drug controls. The treatment regimen showed no detectable hepatorenal toxicity. Our findings demonstrate that this nanoformulation represents a safe, effective, and promising disease-modifying strategy to treat vestibular dysfunction by synergistically targeting its underlying neuroimmunological mechanisms. Full article

Tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus), a hybrid Amazonian fish recognized for its superior growth performance, represents a valuable and sustainable source of collagen-rich raw material. Due to its tropical origin, the species’ skin may contain higher levels of amino acids, which can enhance the functional and structural properties of gelatin derived from it. The valorization of fish processing residues for biopolymer production not only mitigates environmental impacts but also reinforces the principles of the circular economy within aquaculture systems. This study explores the development of biopolymer films from Tambatinga skin, an abundant by-product of Brazilian aquaculture. The skins were cleaned and subjected to a hot water–acid extraction process to obtain gelatin. The extracted gelatin exhibited high proline and hydroxyproline contents (12.47 and 9.84 g/100 g of amino acids, respectively) and a Bloom strength of 263.9 g, confirming its suitability for film formation. Films were prepared using 2 g of gelatin per 100 g of film-forming solution, with glycerol added at 10 and 20 g/100 g of gelatin. The resulting films were transparent, flexible, and showed uniform surfaces. Increasing the glycerol concentration reduced tensile strength (from 59.4 to 37.9 MPa) but improved elongation at break (from 116% to 159.1%) and modified the films’ thermal behavior. Moreover, Tambatinga gelatin films demonstrated excellent UV-blocking performance (below 300 nm) and lower water vapor permeability compared to other gelatin-based films reported in the literature. These findings highlight the potential of fish skin—typically regarded as industrial waste—as a renewable and high-value raw material for the production of sustainable biopolymers. This approach supports resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the broader goals of sustainable development and circular bioeconomy. Full article

The use of digital tools in agroecological crop production can help mitigate current farming challenges such as labour shortage and climate change. The aim of this study was to map digital tools used in crop production, assess their impacts across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, and determine their potential as enablers of agroecology. A systematic search and screening process, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology, identified 453 relevant studies. The results showed that most digital tools are applied for crop monitoring (83.4%), with unmanned aerial vehicles (37.7%) and camera sensors (75.2% combined) being the most frequently used technologies. Farm Management Information Systems (57.6%) and Decision Support Systems (25.2%) dominated the tool categories, while platforms for market access, social networking, and collaborative learning were rare. Most tools addressed the first tier of agroecology, which refers to input reduction, highlighting a strong focus on efficiency improvements rather than systemic redesign. Although digital tools demonstrated positive contributions to social, environmental, and economic dimensions, studies concentrated mainly on economic benefits. Future research should investigate the potential role of digital technologies in advancing higher tiers of agroecology, emphasising participatory design, agroecosystem services, and broader coverage of the agricultural value chain. Full article

The Tarim River Basin, a core region for economic development and ecological security in China’s inland arid areas, faces the pressing challenge of synergistically improving land use efficiency to resolve human-land conflicts under water resource constraints and achieve sustainable development. Based on the “economic-social-ecological” benefit coordination theory, this study constructs a land use efficiency evaluation system with 16 indicators and integrates the coupling coordination degree model and gravity model to quantitatively analyze the spatiotemporal differentiation patterns and coupling mechanisms of land use efficiency in the basin from 1990 to 2020. Results show that economic and social benefits of land use increased during this period, exhibiting a “high-north, low-south” spatial pattern, while ecological benefits remained relatively high but declined gradually. The coupling coordination degree of subsystem benefits displayed significant spatial heterogeneity, with an overall upward trend, where composite factors emerged as the primary constraint. Spatially, land use efficiency coupling coordination evolved from “core polarization” to “axial expansion” and finally “networked synergy,” with stronger linkages concentrated in oasis irrigation districts. These findings provide theoretical support for ecological conservation, water management, and policy-making in southern Xinjiang, offering pathways to synergize the “economic-social-ecological” system and promote sustainable development in arid regions. Full article

The Xishan–Yongding River cultural belt is a key component of the three major cultural belts of Beijing and its water heritage; as a representative of the intensive distribution of semi-arid climate, analyzing its spatial and temporal distribution characteristics is crucial for the development of systematic conservation strategies. This study is based on a dataset developed from field surveys and historical documentation and has been spatially analyzed using visual analytical methods and using a Geographic Information System (GIS). In this study, kernel density estimation was used to identify areas of high density, standard elliptic deviation was used to assess the distribution of water heritage sites over time, and the mean nearest neighbor index was used to determine the spatial clustering pattern of these sites. Regarding type and quantity, water heritage in the cultural belt is diverse, with non-water heritage sites, such as temples and inscriptions, being the most prevalent. In terms of temporal distribution, water heritage spans a long period, with the largest number dating to the Qing Dynasty. The centers of distribution across different periods exhibit a trend from south to north and from mountainous regions to plains, exhibiting a gradual concentration. Spatially, water heritage within the cultural belt follows a “multi-core, contiguous distribution” pattern, with three high-density zones, two medium-density zones, and six low-density zones. The distribution of water heritage is influenced by a combination of natural factors, such as river systems, settlements, elevation, and slope, alongside human factors, including historical culture and the political environment. The findings of this research offer a detailed analysis of the regional characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the temporal and spatial distribution of water heritage within the Xishan–Yongding River cultural belt. Full article

In COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), multi-organ complications depend on the immune system’s activity. α1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a highly glycosylated positive acute-phase protein having multifaceted immunomodulatory and protective effects. We were interested in changes in serum AGP concentrations, expression of its glycans, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) between severe COVID-19 patients, convalescents, and healthy controls, and whether any of the analyzed parameters could serve as an additional diagnostic biomarker of severe COVID-19 and/or help monitor recovery. We were also interested in associations between the examined parameters. AGP concentrations were measured using an immunoturbidimetric method. The profile and degree of AGP glycosylation were analyzed using lectin-ELISA with lectins: sialo-specific from Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAA), fucose-specific from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA) and Aleuria aurantia (AAL). The static and capacitive ORP (sORP and cORP, respectively) were measured using MiOXSYS C+^® device (Caerus Biotechnologies, Vilnius, Lithuania). Statistica13.3PL software was used for statistical analysis. AGP concentrations increased in COVID-19 patients, showing high clinical usefulness in distinguishing them from convalescents and controls. AGP α2,6-sialylation (reactivity with SNA) was reduced in COVID-19 vs. other study groups, while α2,3-sialylation (reactivity with MAA) was reduced in convalescents vs. controls. The expression of LTA-reactive fucose (Lewis^x structures, Le^x) was reduced in COVID-19 patients compared to controls and convalescents, but AGP reactivity with AAL did not differ between the study groups. The sORP was reduced, and the cORP was increased in COVID-19. The observed negative correlations between sORP and AGP levels may suggest the antioxidant effect of AGP during severe COVID-19. Higher levels of serum AGP in severe COVID-19, together with low expression of sialic acid α2,6-linked and Le^x structures, accompanied by reduced sORP, constitute a characteristic pattern of biomarker expression during severe COVID-19. The increased expression of SNA-reactive sialic acid and Le^x structures may reflect the recovery process after SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. The observed negative correlations between AGP and sORP levels may suggest that serum AGP in COVID-19 also plays a role as an antioxidative molecule. Full article

Background/Objectives: Copper is an essential trace element for physiological processes related to reproduction, but its impact on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPOA) axis and its specific mechanism remain unclear. Methods: In vivo study: 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10 per group), with all groups fed a basal diet and supplemented with CuSO₄·5H₂O to achieve copper ion concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 mg/kg in the diet. During the second phase of proestrus, blood samples, hypothalamic tissues, pituitary tissues, and ovarian tissues were collected. In vitro study: Primary mixed hypothalamic neurons were isolated and cultured from fetal SD rats on embryonic day 17. After identification by NSE immunofluorescence staining, six copper ion concentration groups (0, 15.6, 31.2, 46.8, 62.4, and 78 μmol/L) were established. The optimal copper concentration for cell viability and GnRH secretion was screened using CCK-8 assay (Sangon, Shanghai, China) and ELISA (Mlbio, Shanghai, China). On this basis, the cells were treated with different concentrations of PKC agonist (PMA) and PKC inhibitor (chelerythrine). Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay, the expression level of PKC was detected by Western blot, and the optimal concentration with no obvious toxicity was selected for subsequent mechanism research. Results: Dietary copper dose-dependently regulated rat puberty onset; the 45 mg/kg copper group had the earliest onset, and showed significantly increased levels of reproduction-related hormones (GnRH, FSH, LH, E₂) in serum and HPOA axis. Hypothalamic transcriptomics revealed significantly enriched GnRH signaling pathways and GABAergic synaptic pathways. Mechanistically, this copper dose upregulated hypothalamic KISS-1, GPR54, and PKC (mRNA/protein), and downregulated GABA/GABA-R. Adding 46.8 μmol/L copper (as Cu²⁺, equivalent to optimal in vivo level) could activate the KISS-1/GPR54-GnRH system in hypothalamic neurons; regulating PKC activity could synchronously affect the expression of KISS-1, GPR54, GnRH, and GABA/GABA-R, with additional copper enhancing this effect in vitro experiments. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that dietary copper at 45 mg/kg promotes puberty onset in SD rats. The mechanism involves activation of the hypothalamic PKC pathway, which inhibits GABAergic neurotransmission while activating the KISS-1/GPR54-GnRH system, thereby enhancing HPOA axis activity and gonadotropin secretion. Full article

Continental high water-cut reservoirs commonly exhibit strong heterogeneity, high viscosity, and insufficient reservoir drive, which has motivated the deployment of polymer-based composite chemical flooding, such as surfactant–polymer (SP) and alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) processes. However, conventional experimental techniques have limited ability to resolve intermolecular forces, and the coupled mechanism linking “formulation composition” to “microstructural evolution” remains insufficiently defined, constraining improvements in field performance. Here, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are integrated to systematically investigate microstructural features of polymer composite systems and the governing mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The results show that increasing the concentration of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) promotes hydrogen bond formation and the development of network structures; a moderate amount of surfactant strengthens interactions with polymer chains, whereas overdosing loosens the structure via electrostatic repulsion; the introduction of alkali reduces polymer connectivity, shifting the system toward an ion-dominated dispersed morphology. These insights provide a mechanistic basis for elucidating the behavior of polymer composite formulations, support enhanced chemical flooding performance, and ultimately advance the economic and efficient development of oil and gas resources. Full article

Indoor exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), particularly those bound to fine particulate matter (PM₁, particles < 1 µm), may pose a health concern, especially in light of prolonged indoor occupancy and the capacity of ultrafine particles to reach the lower respiratory tract. This study investigates indoor exposure to PBDEs associated with PM₁ in residential homes in Zagreb, Croatia, across warm and cold seasons. BDE-47 was consistently detected in all samples, while BDE-183 was consistently absent. Elevated concentrations and increased detection frequencies of BDE-99 and BDE-100 were observed during the colder season. Consequently, total PBDE (ΣPBDE) levels in the cold season were approximately 2.5 times higher than in the warm season. Although estimated daily inhalation intakes were below established oral reference doses, the potential for deep pulmonary deposition and systemic distribution underscores the need for further investigation. These findings represent the first reported data on indoor PM₁-associated PBDEs in Europe, emphasizing the impact of seasonal dynamics on inhalation exposure due to variation on indoor contaminant levels. Full article

Flexible light-driven actuators are emerging as critical components for next-generation soft robotics and intelligent systems, demanding simple fabrication and robust performance. This work details the optimization and characterization of a flexible, low-cost light-driven actuator based on an ink/polyurethane bilayer composite. We maximized the actuation performance, including bending angle and response speed, by systematically tuning the ink concentration and polyurethane layer thickness. Optimal results were achieved at an ink concentration of 220 mg/mL and a polyurethane thickness of 50 µm, which thermal analysis confirmed is due to an ideal balance between photothermal efficiency and mechanical integrity. The actuator also exhibited excellent durability, showing no performance degradation after 500 continuous cycles. Our results validate this material system for applications like soft grippers and offer clear design principles for enhancing photothermal actuator performance. Full article