Search Results (1,687)

Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pits are a by-product of the date processing industry and are being explored as a source of bioactive compounds within the framework of the circular economy. This study aimed to perform a preliminary safety screening of the in vivo toxicity and mutagenic potential of ethanolic extracts obtained from different date pit varieties. Extracts from Alig (DA), Deglet Nour (DDN), and Kentichi (DK) varieties were administered to Galleria mellonella larvae at different concentrations, and health indices and survival were monitored for 4 days. No significant toxicity was observed at concentrations up to the MIC (6.25 mg/mL), while higher doses (≥2 MIC) had moderate effects on larval viability. The mutagenic potential was evaluated for two extracts (DDN and DK) using the Ames test with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, in the absence of metabolic activation. Mutagenic index values were below 2.0 for all conditions tested, with the exception of DDN on TA98, where values consistently exceeded 2.0 without a clear dose–response relationship. Due to the absence of metabolic activation and the limited strain panel, the results should be interpreted as preliminary. Overall, the combined preliminary in vitro and in vivo initial findings suggest that ethanolic extracts of date pits do not exhibit an evident mutagenic or toxic effects at biologically relevant concentrations under the conditions tested, providing a basis for further safety evaluation towards their application in the food industry. Full article

The world has already been facing food, nutrition, and security challenges for the last few decades. The coronavirus 2019, COVID-19, has a significant impact on food security and agriculture, such as affecting food demand and the food supply chain, with the greatest consequences on the most vulnerable population. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of COVID-19 on global agriculture and food security, drawing on recent scientific publications, institutional reports, and policy documents from 2020 to 2026. The review examines the impact of the pandemic on cropping patterns, fruit and vegetable harvests, availability of farm inputs, connectivity of the agricultural system, food supply chains, food demand, and labor availability. Vegetable and fruit markets were most affected due to the spread of COVID-19. Due to the closing of markets and restaurants, produce distributors and farmers were required to transfer supplies entirely from the food production to the marketplace. These effects are additionally being felt in agriculture and food security. Almost 55% of researchers indicated that COVID-19 has the most impact on agriculture and its complete harvest during the season, and an additional 45% stated that COVID-19 has adversely affected food security. However, food has slowed down well to date in numerous nations. The spread of COVID-19 is beginning to disrupt the supply of agricultural products and food to consumers and the marketplace across and within borders. The different spring crops, such as sunflower, canola, maize, barley, spring wheat, and various field vegetables, cannot be grown during COVID-19. Consequently, COVID-19 has had a binding effect on the food supply chain and agriculture due to the disruption, which the government should have addressed promptly. Full article

This study presents the results from a comparison of measurement quantification methods of methane emissions from two onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, comparing site-level measurements, made using an in situ airborne technique, and estimates based on emission factors (EFs) derived from measurements using a remote sensing, ground-based, differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL) technique. The methane emissions from each site were quantified at an approximately one-year interval for each of the two techniques. DIAL was used to measure emissions at the sub-site, functional element (FE) level and calculate EFs for each FE using the specific FE activity data (AD). The total site methane emissions during the airborne measurements were estimated for each site using these EFs and the AD at the time. The results show the estimated methane emissions and the airborne measurements are close to agreement when considering the average of all the flight curtains (down to a 7% difference between uncertainty limits), whilst individual curtains were potentially significantly different. These results highlight the importance of fully characterising the methodology and uncertainty of both approaches. Using up-to-date, site-specific EFs or comparing over a statistically large sample size should improve agreement by reducing unknown emission uncertainties associated with site changes affecting the emission profile. Understanding each FE emission profile across a range of AD is critical to address potential differences due to non-linearity. It is important that accurate, specific and up-to-date AD is obtained to give a reliable estimate of emissions. The potential of the concept to estimate methane emissions from the FE EFs is demonstrated. Full article

Rivers have always been essential to humankind. They are used for many purposes and, as a result, have been heavily modified. Human impacts, many of them still poorly understood, interfere with river ecosystems, making them vulnerable to disturbances. Amongst these, mega events along riverbanks are listed. We studied the effects of the “FM4 Frequency Festival,” which attracted more than 200,000 visitors, on microalgae in the channelized section of the River Traisen in St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria. During the festival, phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon, and chloride increased significantly during the whole study period compared with before and after. Although the overall epilithic biomass remained unchanged during the festival period, the phytobenthos community experienced an increase in taxonomic richness downstream of the festival area. Both the Shannon diversity (mean ± SD = 2.89 ± 0.34) and Pielou’s evenness (mean ± SD = 0.73 ± 0.08) did not differ significantly between the sampling dates before, during, and after the festival. We found a shift towards Achnanthidium minutissimum as the dominant species during the festival. Diatoma ehrenbergii, which is sensitive to nutrient enrichment and organic pollution, disappeared during the event. Overall, the biofilm shifted towards a community dominated by heterotrophs during the festival, likely due to high organic loading. Pelagic microalgae experienced a rise in the total taxa number during the festival, which was partly caused by resuspension of phytobenthos. Our results reflect significant impacts from visitors to the Traisen ecosystem. Not only short-term changes in the hydrochemical environment but also mechanical disturbances of the phytobenthos caused by visitors were demonstrated. We suggest continuous monitoring to verify that such events will not have long-term impacts on the system. Full article

Conventional spring sowing of sugar beet in Europe faces increasing constraints from summer drought, high temperatures, and Cercospora beticola pressure due to climate change. This two-year field trial (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) evaluated the feasibility of autumn-sown sugar beet at a northern Mediterranean site in Legnaro (Padua, NE Italy, 45°21′ N). Nine varieties were assessed across four sowing dates in 2021 (late September to early November) and two sowing dates in 2022 (late September and late October). Measurements included overwinter survival, bolting incidence at two reproductive stages, fresh root and above-ground biomass yield at sequential harvest dates, and root soluble solids (°Brix). Post-winter mortality was negligible following September and early-October sowings, moderate after late-October sowings (17.3% in 2021; 13.2% in 2022), and extremely high after early-November sowing (81.5%). These patterns indicated that winter survival was more strongly determined by crop developmental stage before winter than by seasonal minimal temperatures recorded in two seasons (−3.6 °C and −6.3 °C, respectively). Bolting incidence showed the opposite trend, reaching near-complete or complete expression in the earliest sowings regardless of variety choice. In late-October sowings, clear varietal differences emerged. Some varieties combined low bolting incidence with high root yields, reaching 81.1–84.4 t ha⁻¹ at the final harvest (early August 2023). Root juice soluble solids were higher in the drier 2021–2022 season (exceeding 20 °Brix in several cases) than in the wetter 2022–2023 season (consistently below 17.5 °Brix), reflecting dilution effects associated with the different seasonal precipitation. In the sequential harvest series of late-October 2022 sowing, later harvest dates were generally associated with lower soluble solids. These results indicate that, within the autumn sowing window evaluated, late-October sowing combined with appropriate varietal selection provided the best balance between overwinter survival, bolting incidence, and root yield at this northern Mediterranean latitude. Future multi-site studies, including spring-sown controls, could enable direct comparison with conventional sowing practice. Full article

Pediatric new daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a clinically defined headache subtype that remains controversial due to a lack of unique and objective mechanistic features. For many headache subtypes, different, and sometimes unique, patterns of structural and functional changes can be observed in the brain, supporting a unique role for neuroimaging in identifying the presence and type of headache experienced. To date, there has been little research into pediatric NDPH and how it may have a unique mechanism relative to other headache subtypes. We review published research that addressed structural and functional neuroimaging in persons with NDPH. We found that research to date supports differences in both brain structure and function in persons with NDPH relative to healthy controls. Such differences reflect both cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain. No studies to date have evaluated brain data between persons with NDPH and other headache subtypes. We discuss application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to validate NDPH as a unique headache diagnosis. We believe that future work pursuing both neuroimaging alongside machine learning can help inform the classification and differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with NDPH from other chronic headache conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: While standardized guidelines have been established for the evaluation and management of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) in adults, there remains a paucity of standardized guidelines for BCVIs in pediatric populations. Shortcomings in treatment algorithms also persist as uncertainty remains about the optimal approach to manage these cases. A review of the literature was performed to compile the current evidence and provide recommendations based on current overarching trends. Methods: PubMed was queried for studies related to the diagnosis and management of BCVIs in the pediatric population. Prevalence, mechanism of injury (MOI), screening criteria, diagnostic modality, vascular injuries identified, associated injuries, treatment, and patient risk factors were analyzed. Results: The Utah and McGovern criteria were the first tools developed for screening BCVIs in pediatric patients. Among all screening tools, the high sensitivity and specificity of the McGovern criteria support its use as the optimal screening strategy to date for pediatric patients. Given the high prevalence of high-energy MOI, observation is the most common approach chosen due to contraindications to medical therapy. Antiplatelet agents showed no significant differences in stroke prevention or hemorrhagic complications compared to anticoagulation. Strokes represent the primary source of morbidity among pediatric patients with BCVIs. Conclusions: Pediatric BCVIs represent an uncommon but clinically significant consequence of blunt trauma, with a significant risk for ischemic stroke and neurologic morbidity. Early recognition through appropriate screening with pediatric-specific screening criteria, CTA imaging, and timely initiation of grade-based treatment can help mitigate injury progression and complications. Full article

In the context of increasing water scarcity, the new paradigm in efficient water management relies on the digitalisation of water infrastructure to optimise resource use. One of the key factors in addressing the new challenges facing urban water cycle companies is the shortage of qualified technical staff. This context highlights the new training needs of technical personnel required by companies in the urban water cycle sector due to the increasing digitalisation of tools and the new technological requirements of jobs which are not yet sufficiently reflected in the existing training offer. Companies express their dissatisfaction with how poorly existing training programs meet their current needs. Vocational training has a fundamental role to play in providing high-quality, technically up-to-date training that is aligned with the needs of water management companies. This mission involves the adoption of innovative teaching strategies and methods and the development of innovative teaching resources. This paper presents the design of a bench-scale plant specifically designed as a teaching resource at a Spanish vocational training centre that offers intermediate-level training in water networks and treatment plants and advanced-level training in water management. The plant, occupying a footprint of 4 × 5 m, simulates a drinking water distribution network, from the intake to the distribution network via a pumping station with two pumps (1 + 1) of 0.75 kW each that provide a flow range of 4–12 m³/h with a range of 22–10 m water column and a regulating reservoir of 1 m³ located above the water network. The plant is equipped with sensors that allow operational data to be monitored: pressures, flow rates, consumption and levels, enabling multiple operational scenarios to be simulated: leaks, sectorisation, pressure and flow management, etc. Its design has focused on facilitating the acquisition by students of the skills and learning outcomes required in the curricula of the different professional modules that make up the aforementioned studies, through learning based on multidisciplinary collaborative projects. Full article

As an important component of forest ecosystem processes, leaf litterfall plays a key role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. However, monitoring litterfall dynamics in subtropical forests remains challenging due to complex community structures and asynchronous leaf phenology, which limit the applicability of remote sensing approaches developed for temperate forests. As a critical linkage between vegetation and soil carbon pools, leaf litterfall directly influences forest carbon sequestration by providing carbon inputs in the form of litter. Unlike the concentrated autumn leaf fall in temperate forests, subtropical forests exhibit complex community structures with concurrent leaf abscission and new leaf growth, limiting the applicability of temperate-focused remote sensing techniques. To address this, we collected annual leaf litterfall data from 18 plots in eastern China’s subtropical forests and integrated these with high-resolution Sentinel-2 imagery using supervised machine learning models to develop a novel monitoring method. Our results indicated that subtropical forests exhibited clear seasonal leaf litterfall peaks during spring, summer, and autumn. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery combined with supervised machine learning algorithms can effectively monitor forest leaf litterfall dynamics. Temporal models, which use multi-date monthly spectral differences (R²_adj = 0.70, RMSE = 0.46, RPD = 1.86), significantly outperformed instantaneous models based on single-date canopy states (R²_adj = 0.33, RMSE = 0.85, RPD = 1.24). Following variable selection, model performance improved, with R² increasing by more than 2% in most models and the number of variables reduced by over 44%. Robustness analysis indicated that the model was spatially robust (no significant bias among sites), and despite seasonal intercept differences, the slopes were consistent, enabling reliable tracking of litterfall dynamics. Among the examined spectral indices and canopy characteristics, those reflecting canopy greenness, pigments, and structure contributed over 65%, with WV-VI, MCARI2, and LAI being most influential. Incorporating drought-sensitive water indices and soil exposure-related mineral indices further enhanced model performance. These indices may partially reflect drought stress or seasonal canopy opening. Our findings provide a new method for monitoring leaf litterfall dynamics in structurally complex subtropical forests and offer a critical theoretical basis for accurately assessing leaf fall dynamics. Our findings provide a novel and effective method for monitoring leaf litterfall dynamics in structurally complex subtropical forests, improving seasonal litterfall assessment and supporting vegetation monitoring, with potential implications for ecosystem- and carbon-related studies. Full article

Background: Effective pain management is crucial during orthodontic treatments with fixed appliances, to ensure adequate patient compliance and to avoid treatment discontinuation. Photobiomodulation approaches, including Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has received substantial attention, due to its potential as an effective, non-pharmacological analgesic modality, however, evidence pertaining to its efficacy is controversial. Our present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT vs. placebo, following placement of orthodontic elastic separators (ESs) in adult patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study was carried out, where n = 31 volunteers (18 male and 13 female; aged between 19 and 32 years) were enrolled. ESs were placed at the mesial and distal surfaces of the first permanent molars in both quadrants of lower, as well as upper jaws. Based on the assigned intervention, the four quadrants were divided as follows: three quadrants received LLLT treatment—using a 980 nm wavelength GaAlAs diode laser, with 0.1–0.2 W—according to three treatment regimes, i.e., regime 1 (R1): 6 J, continuous mode, R2: 12 J, continuous mode, and R3: 6 J, pulsed mode; while placebo treatment (P) was applied in the fourth quadrant. A questionnaire with a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–100) was used for pain assessment (spontaneous pain and pain on mastication), scored directly after separation and after 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of both laser and placebo treatment application. Results: After the 24 h mark, significant differences were detected between the pain readings of LLLT-treated and placebo quadrants, both in resting position and during mastication (p < 0.05); pain readings were highest for R2, P, while lowest for R3 quadrants in resting position, and at R1 during mastication, respectively. Conclusions: Although findings of our study are exploratory in nature, they suggest that a single application of LLLT might be effective in reducing pain caused by ES placement, especially in the vulnerable 24 h following separation. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT07456709 (date of registration: 2 March 2026, retrospectively registered). Full article

Caking represents a critical stability challenge for whey permeate powders (WPPs), frequently developing during storage and handling due to moisture-driven structural transformations within the powder bed. This study investigated the physical, morphological, and microstructural characteristics associated with caking in a limited set of industrial WPPs. Five commercial WPP samples differing in production date and storage conditions were characterized in terms of dry matter content, water activity (a_w), particle size distribution (PSD), bulk density, porosity, color, and X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Dry matter contents were similar among samples (97.74–98.20% w.b.); however, significant differences were observed in a_w, bulk density, porosity, and PSD between the caked sample (WPP2) and the free-flowing powders. WPP2 exhibited the highest a_w (0.261), the lowest bulk density (676 kg/m³), the highest porosity (0.569), and a distinctly coarser PSD. In addition, WPP2 showed the highest yellowness index (44.45), suggesting altered light-scattering behavior associated with structural changes. Micro-CT analysis revealed the presence of enlarged particle clusters and extensive particle–particle solid bridging in WPP2, accompanied by a heterogeneous pore distribution and reduced void connectivity, indicating consolidation of the powder bed. The integrated analytical approach demonstrates the potential of combining conventional measurements with micro-CT to provide detailed insight into the relationships between moisture-related properties and internal powder structure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peripheral(-muscle) oxygenation assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy might serve as an early marker of infection/inflammation; however, evidence of its clinical relevance is lacking so far. This study aimed to develop a peripheral(-muscle) oxygenation and perfusion score (POP-Score) using the peripheral(-muscle) tissue oxygenation index (pTOI) combined with non-invasive monitoring parameters within six hours after birth. The POP-Score was designed to explore associations with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), as an early infection/inflammation marker, in term and late-preterm neonates. Methods: Secondary outcome parameters from a prospective observational study were analysed. Included neonates weighed ≥2000 g with respiratory distress, excluding those with umbilical artery pH < 7.20. Neonates with CRP ≥ 20 mg/L were 1:4-matched to those with CRP < 20 mg/L by gestational age (±2 weeks). For pTOI measurements, a sensor was placed for a duration of 30 s, followed by four further reapplications of the sensor, using the NIRO200NX within the first six hours after birth. The POP-Score was established using the following formula: (pTOI [%] × subcutaneous fat layer thickness [cm] × heart rate [bpm])/(arterial oxygen saturation [%] × systolic blood pressure [mmHg]). POP-Score was correlated with the highest CRP within 48 h. Results: Thirty neonates were included (median gestational age: 39.1 weeks [CRP < 20 mg/L group] vs. 37.3 weeks [CRP ≥ 20 mg/L group], p = 0.299; median birth weight: 3561 g vs. 3260 g, p = 0.058, respectively). Median POP-Scores were significantly different: 1.11 (CRP ≥ 20 mg/L) vs. 0.85 (CRP < 20 mg/L), p < 0.001. POP-Score correlated positively with CRP (r = 0.341; p = 0.070). In this small exploratory cohort, a POP-Score cut-off of 1.00 was associated with CRP ≥ 20 mg/L (100% sensitivity and 87% specificity); however, these estimates are uncertain due to the limited sample size. Conclusions: This study is the first to describe a new score for peripheral(-muscle) oxygenation and perfusion (POP-Score), which may represent a potential approach for early, non-invasive assessment but requires validation in adequately powered studies before any clinical application. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, Trial registration number: NCT04818762, Date of Registration: 26 March 2021. Full article

Inflammation at the superior airway level has multiple manifestations, and allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps are two of the most frequent and troublesome of them, with innate and adaptive immunity being implicated. Dendritic cells, epithelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, mucosal mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and NK cells are the players in innate immunity, while regulatory T (Treg), TH1, TH2, TH17, T follicular helper, and B cells are components of the adaptative immune system. Th9 cells, a subset of T helper cells discovered in 2008 that produce interleukin-9 (IL-9), play a vital role in the adaptive immune response and have advantageous and harmful effects in different diseases due to the induction pattern. We queried international databases for current, up-to-date information regarding the interplay between interleukin 9 (IL-9) and helper T cells (especially Th9 cells), and by other immune cells. Interleukin-9 has multiple immunological functions, acting on various target cells through its specific receptor (IL-9R), such as the following: the regulation of allergic (Th2-type) immune responses; effects on epithelial and mucosal cells, mast cells, and eosinophils; chronic inflammation; and autoimmunity. Thus, there is a further need to translate laboratory findings into clinical practice regarding IL-9. Full article

Background/Objectives: Zinc deficiency has been associated with increased cancer-related mortality, yet its prognostic relevance in patients with breast cancer and comorbid diabetes remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between zinc deficiency and adverse 5-year clinical outcomes in this population. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX database to identify women aged ≥20 years with breast cancer and type 2 diabetes who had recorded serum zinc levels within 3 months before the index date during the period from 1 January 2013 to 4 April 2026. Patients were categorized into zinc-deficiency, normal-zinc, or high-zinc groups. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and emergency department visits at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-ups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied after 1:1 propensity score matching across 12 demographic and clinical variables. Results: Among 648 eligible patients, 282 had zinc deficiency, 311 had normal zinc levels, and 55 had high zinc levels. After matching, 218 remained in each of the zinc-deficient and control groups. Zinc deficiency was associated with higher all-cause mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR], 2.45; 95% CI, 1.41, 4.28), 3 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.34, 3.28), and 5 years (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.27, 2.92), as well as increased risks of emergency department visits, hospitalization, and ICU admission across follow-up periods. No significant differences were observed between the high-zinc and zinc-normal groups, possibly due to limited sample size. Subgroup analyses identified several exploratory subgroup-specific associations. Conclusions: Zinc deficiency was associated with poorer clinical outcomes in women with breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. However, because low serum zinc may also reflect malnutrition, systemic inflammation, frailty, or disease burden, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than causal. Full article

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) represents a major clinical challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgery departments as well as dental practices. With increasing life expectancy and the more frequent use of medications associated with osteonecrosis, the incidence of MRONJ continues to rise. To date, there are no uniform treatment standards with scientifically proven effectiveness for this condition. To evaluate the impact of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the outcomes of MRONJ treatment and to identify factors that may influence the effectiveness of PRF therapy, we conducted a comparative prospective study including 22 patients divided into two groups: patients treated with PRF and patients treated without PRF. PRF was prepared according to the PRF Duo Quattro Process protocol for PRF (Nice, France). The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07464678). The following parameters were assessed: age, smoking status, gender, lesion location, body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, pain intensity, presence or absence of fistulas, soft tissue healing and radiological findings. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 14 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months. The study demonstrated a reduction in pain after surgery among patients treated with PRF. In addition, the use of PRF resulted in improved healing outcomes in patients with elevated CRP. Higher BMI was associated with poorer therapeutic response to PRF. Improvements in soft tissue healing and disease stage were observed in the PRF group; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. All findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size. There is still no standardized treatment for MRONJ. The use of platelet-rich fibrin as an inexpensive and safe adjunctive therapy may provide clinical benefits for patients, particularly through a significant reduction in pain. Further large-scale, multicenter studies are required to confirm these findings. Full article