Search Results (1,141)

To evaluate the effects of swimming training on growth, swimming performance, and osmoregulatory-related indices in juvenile coho salmon, freshwater-reared fish were subjected to current of 1 body length per second (BL·s⁻¹) from December 2024 to April 2025. Fork length, body weight, condition factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and gill and intestinal Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) protein abundance were measured monthly, and critical swimming speed (U_crit) was evaluated after one month of training. Trained fish showed greater fork length in March and higher body weight in March and April than controls. The condition factor was higher in trained fish in February and March, but declined during spring smolt development. Swimming capacity was enhanced by training, as indicated by significantly higher U_crit. Mean IGF-1 levels did not differ between groups, but IGF-1 correlated positively with body size only in trained fish. No significant training effect was detected for either gill or intestinal NKA protein abundance, although gill NKA increased significantly in April, likely reflecting seasonal smoltification. In addition, IGF-1 was significantly correlated with gill NKA in trained fish in March. Collectively, these results indicate that sustained swimming training improves growth and swimming performance and may enhance associations among measured physiological variables during smoltification in juvenile coho salmon. Full article

Salmonella remains one of the most critical zoonotic pathogens in the poultry sector, linked to animal disease, foodborne illness, and the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poultry acts as a major reservoir, enabling Salmonella transmission from hatchery to retail products through horizontal, vertical, and environmental routes. Despite the use of biosecurity, vaccination, antibiotics, and chemical decontamination, effective and sustainable control across the poultry value chain remains difficult, particularly in the face of rising multidrug-resistant strains and growing consumer concerns over chemical residues. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that selectively infect and lyse bacteria, have emerged as a promising biological alternative for Salmonella control. Although many studies have reported the effectiveness of phages against bacterial species, including Salmonella, in the poultry industry, reports on their full potential to combat antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella across the entire poultry value chain remain limited. Therefore, this review synthesizes current evidence on the application of phages throughout the poultry value chain, including on-farm interventions, processing plant decontamination, and food packaging and storage. Findings from the reviewed articles indicate over a 90% reduction in Salmonella spp. in poultry farms and post-harvest meat, along with lower mortality in phage-treated groups compared to untreated groups; however, these outcomes depend on several factors (e.g., phage strains, concentrations, application methods, and environmental conditions). Laboratory, pilot, and field studies consistently demonstrate that phage preparations, especially when formulated as cocktails or combined with complementary interventions, can achieve substantial reductions in Salmonella, including antibiotic-resistant serovars, in live birds, eggs, poultry environments, and meat products. Unlike antibiotics and chemical sanitizers, phages act with high specificity, preserving beneficial microbiota and maintaining the sensory and nutritional quality of poultry products. Their safety has been supported by toxicological and genomic assessments, and several phage-based products have obtained regulatory approval, including Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for food applications in the United States. By integrating efficacy, safety, regulatory, and practical deployment data, this review highlights bacteriophages as a scientifically validated and One Health–aligned tool capable of reducing Salmonella transmission from farm to fork across the poultry value chain, thereby laying the foundation for their future adoption in the poultry industry. Phage-based interventions offer a sustainable pathway to enhance food safety, limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, and strengthen consumer confidence in poultry products. However, the major limitation is the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial strains, as well as the potential involvement of some phages in the transfer of resistance and virulence genes, which could raise public concern. Nevertheless, the use of phage cocktails and whole-genome sequencing, involving tools such as ResFinder and virulence finder, can facilitate the selection of safe phages for application. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in dairy products, raising food-safety concerns. Their behavior in complex food matrices and interactions with probiotic microorganisms remain poorly understood. This exploratory study evaluated storage-dependent changes in operationally defined, digestion-resistant recoverable residues in yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (ATCC 15697). Yogurt samples were prepared with polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), individually and in combination, and analyzed over 21 days of refrigerated storage. Gravimetric values served as relative, operational indicators of recoverable residues—not validated absolute polymer masses—while polymer identity was qualitatively confirmed by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). B. longum subsp. infantis remained viable throughout storage (6.3–8.2 log₁₀ CFU/g). All MP-containing groups showed consistent storage-associated decreases in recoverable residue fractions, greatest in PP, followed by PE and PS; probiotic-free controls remained stable. Polymer-specific Py-GC/MS signals were detectable at all time points. Because polymer identity was retained and the workflow was not validated for absolute recovery, findings are interpreted as storage-associated changes in extractability, filterability, and/or residue recovery—not as polymer degradation, mineralization, or biological removal. These in vitro observations are limited to the yogurt matrix and do not support extrapolation to livestock exposure, human dietary risk, or farm-to-fork transfer. Within these limits, the findings provide a preliminary, hypothesis-generating perspective on probiotic–microplastic interactions in fermented dairy products. Full article

Developing functional foods that address both oxidative stress and physiological challenges like dysphagia is a critical frontier in personalized nutrition. This study investigates the multi-component synergy of Fu Ling Yin Zi (FLYZ), a traditional dietary therapy, and translates its functional properties into a 3D-printed dysphagia-friendly food. Using response surface methodology, the optimal FLYZ formulation was established at a 5:1:5 ratio of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf., Amygdalus communis Vas, and Citrus reticulata. Network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested that FLYZ’s active compounds (e.g., nobiletin, stigmasterol, tangeretin, l-SPD, glabridin, estrone) may mitigate oxidative stress via multiple targets (PTGS2, AKT1, TNF, ESR1, MMP9, and MAOA), with pathway analysis pointing to a potential role of the AKT1/GSK3β/HIF-1α axis. Subsequent in vitro cellular assays demonstrated that FLYZ enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced intracellular ROS, and modulated the expression of associated genes, supporting a potential link to this pathway. To actualize these functional benefits for patients with swallowing difficulties, a novel 3D-printing ink incorporating FLYZ and walnut oil within a hydrogel matrix (3% xanthan gum, 3% pectin, 1.5% carrageenan) was developed. The printed constructs exhibited excellent shape fidelity and, based on standardized IDDSI fork and spoon tests, were categorized as level 4 (pureed/extremely thick). Furthermore, a simulated in vitro digestion model showed that the colloidal network significantly protected FLYZ’s polyphenols and flavonoids, markedly improving their bioaccessibility and post-digestion antioxidant capacity. Collectively, this work establishes an integrated approach that combines predictive molecular profiling with advanced 3D food printing, thereby supporting the development of future foods tailored for personalized nutrition. Full article

This bibliometric study maps olive (Olea europaea L.) yield prediction research as a coherent scientific domain for the first time. A Scopus query (27 February 2026) yielded 84 peer-reviewed articles (2002–2025), from which co-authorship network analysis, Bradford’s and Lotka’s Laws, Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modelling (LDA), and OLS regression on citation counts were applied. Publication output increased nearly fourfold across three periods: 1.7 articles yr⁻¹ (2002–2014), 4.4 yr⁻¹ (2015–2019), and 6.7 yr⁻¹ (2020–2025). The 84 articles involve 382 authors, 61 journals, and 1551 citations (H-index = 22). Network analysis reveals a concentrated Spanish–Italian co-authorship axis. OLS regression (adj. R² = 0.267) identifies article age and abstract length as the only significant citation predictors, consistent with cumulative exposure time and study scope as structural drivers. Term-frequency screening against 18 a priori concepts finds that transfer learning, federated learning, hyperspectral imaging, digital twins, and SHAP-based explainability are absent or marginal. The field is producing more papers than ever on a narrowing methodological base geographically concentrated in the Mediterranean basin. Priority gaps—explainable AI, multi-region datasets, sensor-fusion pipelines, and federated data infrastructure—align directly with European Farm to Fork and Horizon Europe objectives. Full article

Lupinus angustifolius is an important ornamental plant; however, its poor tolerance to alkaline soils limits its cultivation and production. Based on the alkaline-tolerance-related Gshdz4-GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 regulatory module previously screened and identified in soybean, we used Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation to overexpress in lupine roots the combinations Gshdz4-GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 (HNE), Gshdz4-GsNAC019 (HN), and GsNAC019-GsEXPA8 (NE) to investigate their effects on root development and alkaline tolerance. RT-PCR confirmed the successful generation of all overexpression lines. Under 100 mM NaHCO₃ stress, all overexpression lines exhibited less wilting and longer survival than the wild type (WT), with the HNE line showing the best phenotype. Physiological measurements showed that the overexpression lines had significantly higher proline content, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, POD) activities, and root activity, as well as lower malondialdehyde content. DAB and NBT staining of leaves indicated reduced accumulation of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Root architecture analysis revealed that root length, surface area, volume, tip number, and fork number were significantly increased in HNE, HN, and NE lines compared with WT, with the most pronounced effect observed in HNE. Bioinformatics analysis and qPCR confirmed that Gshdz4 binds to and activates the promoter of the endogenous LaNAC072 (the lupine homolog of GsNAC019), while GsNAC019 binds to and activates the promoter of the endogenous LaEXPA8 (the lupine homolog of GsEXPA8), thereby triggering the endogenous alkaline tolerance regulatory mechanism. Furthermore, the overexpression combinations significantly upregulated the expression of alkaline stress-responsive genes, including LaSOS1, LaNHX6, LaP5CS, LaMYB39, and LaDnaJ1. This study provides theoretical support for molecular breeding of alkaline-tolerant lupine. Full article

Introduction: Bite force is a key indicator of masticatory system function and is influenced by various biological and dental factors. Alterations in pulpal innervation and periodontal sensory feedback following root canal treatment (RCT) may affect force regulation during mastication. The aim of this study was to compare pain/discomfort-limited bite force threshold values between root canal-treated and untreated teeth using a digital bite force transducer (GM10). Methods: A total of 131 patients (48 males and 83 females) participated in the study. Bite force measurements were obtained from 447 teeth (248 with RCT and 199 without RCT). Participants were instructed to bite on a digital bite fork until discomfort or pain was experienced. Therefore, the recorded values represent a pain/discomfort-limited bite force threshold rather than true maximal voluntary bite force. Peak force was recorded in Newtons (N). The device was modified with a rubber tip and a protective cover to improve safety and patient comfort. Results: Teeth without RCT demonstrated significantly higher bite force values than root canal-treated teeth (245.39 N vs. 197.06 N, adjusted p = 0.0347). Male participants exhibited significantly higher bite force values than female participants (277.62 N vs. 186.96 N, adjusted p = 0.0016). In addition, molars demonstrated significantly higher bite force values than premolars (227.83 N vs. 202.75 N, adjusted p = 0.0347). Conclusions: Root canal-treated teeth demonstrated lower bite force values than untreated teeth. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of potential confounding factors. Full article

Background: The optimal needle for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy (LB) remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a network meta-analysis that integrated both direct and indirect comparisons among various needles. Our analysis included five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 251 patients, which compared 19G fine-needle aspiration (FNA), 19G Franseen fine-needle biopsy (FNB), 19G Fork-tip FNB, 22G Franseen FNB, and 22G Fork-tip FNB. The primary outcomes focused on the total specimen length and the number of complete portal tracts (CPTs). Results were presented as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The 19G Fork-tip and 19G Franseen needles were found to be significantly superior to the others in terms of total specimen length and CPT count. No differences were observed between the 19G FNA and the 22G Franseen or Fork-tip needles. SUCRA ranking indicated that the 19G Franseen and 19G Fork-tip FNB were the top-performing needles, with SUCRA scores of 0.91 and 0.83 for specimen length, and 0.85 and 0.82 for CPTs. No severe adverse events were reported. The quality of evidence was generally considered low due to bias risk and imprecision. Conclusions: The 19G Franseen and Fork-tip FNB showed favorable results but further RCTs are needed to confirm these results. Full article

DNA/cell mass homeostasis is a pervasive feature of living organisms. As the cell grows in response to nutrient availability, it must duplicate each chromosome once and only once each division cycle. Across the eukaryote Tree of Life, cells differ in their sizes in a manner that depends directly on the amount of DNA they harbor, what has been termed the “nucleotypic effect”: cell size expands or contracts as DNA content increases or decreases. In eukaryotes, any deviation from DNA/mass homeostasis results in the deregulation of the developmental program and the initiation of carcinogenesis and other genetic pathologies. In bacteria, deviation from, or perturbation of, DNA/mass homeostasis alters important physiological features such as the cell cycle timing of DNA replication initiation and the coordination of initiation with replication termination and cell division. In prokaryotes, the timing of initiation occurs at a relatively constant and growth-rate-invariant mass, termed the initiation mass (Mi), and depends strictly on DNA replication fork rates and membrane biogenesis. Complex “machines”, frequently referred to as hyperstructures or factories, mediate the phase transitions that define the different periods of the bacterial cell cycle. The following will examine how DNA/mass homeostasis maintains a balance between DNA replication initiation and elongation in order to gate the phase transitions that organize the cell cycle in time and space. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are lethal tumors exhibiting resistance to most cancer therapeutics, particularly DNA-damaging agents. The KRAS oncogene drives PDACs, and many of these tumors are addicted to it and its downstream effectors. One such effector is Rac1, a small GTPase involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and regulation of the DNA damage response. We previously showed that Rac1 inhibition blocks activation of ATM/Chk2 and ATR/Chk1 pathways in response to gamma rays, sensitizing PDAC cells to radiation. Methods: Western blot analyses were used to assess the impacts of Rac1 inhibition on the components of the ATR/Chk1 cascade. Results: Here, we show that Rac1 inhibition disrupts ATR/Chk1 signaling by promoting degradation of Claspin, a key component of the fork protection complex needed for the Ser345-phosphorylation of Chk1 by ATR. In PDACs and normal pancreatic ductal cells, Rac1 inhibition (via inhibitors or siRNA) decreased Claspin protein levels without affecting its mRNA, reflecting a >3-fold reduction in Claspin’s half-life. Claspin contains a phosphodegron recognized by SCF^βTrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase when phosphorylated at Ser30/Ser34, a process involving PLK1 kinase. In PDAC cells, Claspin degradation upon Rac1 inhibition required the proteasome and βTrCP1/2 proteins, and was blocked by the mutagenesis of Ser30/Ser34, but occurred independently of PLK1 activity. Although Rac1 inhibitors reduced Claspin in both normal and cancer cells, PDAC cells may be uniquely vulnerable due to elevated replication stress and greater reliance on ATR/Chk1. Accordingly, Claspin depletion sensitized PDAC cells but not normal cells to gamma rays, inducing apoptosis only in cancer cells. Conclusions: These findings identify Rac1 as a critical regulator of ATR/Chk1 signaling through stabilization of the fork protection protein Claspin. Rac1 inhibition promotes the βTrCP-dependent, proteasome-mediated degradation of Claspin via its phosphodegron, thereby impairing Chk1 activation in response to DNA damage. Full article

Bacteriophage-based products are gaining attention as effective tools to reduce harmful germs in food and combat antimicrobial resistance throughout the food production process. However, in South America, their use is still limited because of complicated regulations and inconsistent evidence requirements. This review aims to (i) explore the current scientific and technological landscape of using bacteriophages in South American food systems, (ii) identify main regulatory challenges that impact their classification, approval, and use, and (iii) highlight the need for consistent international guidelines, especially from Codex Alimentarius, to help safely and effectively incorporate phage-based products in food. Research on phage-based products is growing, but it is not consistent across different regions. There are more patents and advancements in biotechnology, but they are limited to certain areas. Although progress is being made, the regulatory frameworks are still unclear, especially when it comes to how these products are classified, labeled, and monitored for safety. To address these gaps, risk-based guidelines are needed. These should define product categories and claims, set safety standards, and include rules for tracking products and monitoring them after they hit the market. Creating a new Codex Alimentarius project on phage-based products could help establish global guidelines that promote safe use, reduce uncertainty in regulations, and improve trade in food markets around the world. Full article

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is an essential technique for the fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of oil-immersed power transformers. Among various characteristic gases, acetylene (C₂H₂) is a key indicator of high-energy discharge and arc faults. In this work, a high-sensitivity dissolved acetylene detection system is developed based on clamp-type quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS). A specially designed clamp-type quartz tuning fork (Clamp-type QTF) is employed as the acoustic transducer to improve acoustic coupling efficiency and optical alignment tolerance. Compared with conventional standard quartz tuning forks, the clamp-type structure exhibits enlarged acoustic interaction volume, lower damping loss, and higher signal collection capability. A near-infrared distributed feedback (DFB) laser operating at 1531.6 nm is used as the excitation source. The dissolved gas is extracted from transformer oil using a headspace degassing module and introduced into the QEPAS cell for real-time measurement. Experimental results showed that the developed system achieves a 1σ-based SNR-estimated detection limit of 17 ppb at a 50 s integration time, derived from the continuous measurement of 0.75 ppm C₂H₂, with excellent linearity in the concentration range from 100 ppm to 500 ppm. The measured concentration of dissolved acetylene in transformer oil is in good agreement with gas chromatography (GC), validating the effectiveness and practical applicability of the proposed system. Full article

The European Union’s Farm-to-Fork (F2F) Strategy sets an ambitious agenda for a socio-ecological transition, positioning agriculture as a critical sector for achieving sustainable food systems. However, its implementation faces significant systemic barriers that hinder its transformative potential. This paper applies a diagnostic framework, derived from the H2020-funded PHOENIX project, that identifies six key challenges to democratic innovations in environmental governance: prolonged timeframes for tangible results, the complexity of environmental issues, the need for transcalar cooperation, the imperative to foster behavioural change, limited deliberative dialogue, and the need to build mutual trust. Through a review of public policies and scholarly literature, this analysis evaluates how these challenges manifest within the F2F Strategy, impacting farmers and the broader agri-food system. The findings demonstrate that barriers to F2F implementation are not solely technical or economic but are deeply linked to governance fragmentation, uneven knowledge flows, and deficits in trust relations. Crucially, the study reveals that Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and associated Education and Training (ET) consistently emerge as pivotal enabling mechanisms to mitigate these constraints. The research generates actionable recommendations to reinforce F2F by redefining the roles of innovation, education, and multi-level collaboration in building resilient and sustainable EU agri-food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common sequela of lateral ankle sprain and is characterized by recurrent episodes of giving way, sensorimotor deficits, impaired postural control, and diminished functional performance. While exercise-based rehabilitation, including neuromuscular training and proprioceptive exercises, remains the gold standard for managing CAI, patients often require additional support during daily activities. Orthotic interventions predominantly address mechanical instability, yet there is a clinical gap in providing integrated solutions that simultaneously offer mechanical support and sensory feedback to enhance postural control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a semi-rigid ankle brace combined with vibro-stimulation on tactile sensation and center of pressure excursion in individuals with CAI. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed with two parallel groups and repeated measurements over time. Thirty adults (n = 15 per group) aged 18–35 years, who met the International Ankle Consortium criteria for CAI, were recruited. Participants in the experimental group received a semi-rigid ankle brace integrated with a wearable vibro-stimulation system, whereas those in the comparison group used the ankle brace alone. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, after 10 min, and after 2 and 4 weeks. Primary outcomes included Vibration Detection Rate and phase plane portraits assessed using a 128 Hz tuning fork and a force plate. Results: The ankle bracing plus vibration band group demonstrated significantly greater improvement at 4 weeks than the orthosis group in Vibration Detection Rate (F (3,26) = 31.93, p < 0.001, η² = 0.78). Also, the largest effect was observed for the anteroposterior phase plane portrait at 4 weeks (MD = −2.10 ± 0.42, 95% CI: −2.96 to −1.23, p < 0.001, d = −1.79). Conclusions: The findings suggest that combining a semi-rigid ankle bracing with vibro-stimulation provides additional benefits over the use of bracing alone in individuals with CAI. Full article

Conventional hydroponic systems, although resource-efficient, face significant sustainability challenges due to the discharge of nutrient-rich effluents, resulting in severe environmental pressures. In alignment with the European Union’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, innovative circular economy approaches are required to decouple crop production from environmental degradation. This study evaluates a novel Cascade Hydroponic System (CHS), designed to maximize resource utility by recovering and reusing the drainage from a primary salt-sensitive crop (cucumber) to a secondary, more salt-tolerant cultivation (melon). A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is performed in accordance with the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs), utilizing primary operational data and direct monitoring of nutrient concentrations in the system’s effluent. The convergence of these elements establishes the novelty of this study. The CHS is benchmarked against a conventional Separated Hydroponic System (SHS) for a functional unit (FU) defined as “the simultaneous production of 1.0 kg of cucumber and 1.0 kg of melon”. The CHS demonstrated lower characterized impacts compared to SHS across all 16 assessed Environmental Footprint categories under the examined pilot-scale conditions. The key findings include reductions of 65.7%, 41.8%, and 30% in Water Use, Climate Change, and Freshwater Eutrophication scores, respectively. Based on the normalization results, the CHS revealed a 58% lower total environmental footprint score compared to SHS. Process contribution analysis indicates that the marked decrease in the environmental burden is associated with the use of fertilizers. While these inputs represent a significant share of the conventional system’s impact scores, their contribution was substantially lower in the CHS. Although based on pilot-scale operational data from a single crop cycle, the results highlight the considerable environmental potential of cascading nutrient reuse configurations, thus enhancing resource use efficiency and mitigating the associated environmental impacts while also contributing novel empirical knowledge to a field that has been limitedly studied. Full article