Search Results (93)

This study examines the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features of the lip skin of the goldfish (Carassius auratus, Linnaeus, 1758), a sensory-rich region that plays an essential role in feeding and environmental perception. Our findings highlight the coexistence and close association of immune, epithelial, and sensory cells within the epidermis and dermis. For the first time in goldfish, intraepidermal macrophages, eosinophilic granular cells, rodlet cells, Merkel cells, and several specialized sensory structures—neuromasts, taste buds, and tuberous-like sensory units—were simultaneously identified within the same integumentary field. Quantitative morphometry demonstrated a high density of eosinophilic granular cells, rodlet cells, and neuromasts per unit epithelial area, reinforcing the functional specialization of the goldfish lip as a sensory–immune interface. Immunohistochemical markers (CK20, S100, CD68, CD64, CD117, and E-cadherin) were applied as complementary tools to describe phenotypic labeling patterns. These findings are interpreted cautiously as supportive evidence consistent with epithelial, neural-associated, stromal, and immune cell distributions observed morphologically. Transmission electron microscopy further uncovered fine structural details such as synapse-like contacts in taste buds and Merkel cells, dense-core granules in eosinophilic granular cells, and telocyte–nerve fiber associations in the dermis. By integrating cellular, structural, and immunohistochemical perspectives, this study provides a novel descriptive reference for the goldfish lip skin as a region characterized by the close spatial association of sensory and immune-related elements, underscoring its value as a model for vertebrate cutaneous biology and neuroimmunology. Full article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are devastating neurodegenerative diseases that, despite the availability of symptomatic and modestly beneficial treatments, still lack therapies capable of halting disease progression. A histopathological hallmark of both diseases is the cytoplasmic deposition of TDP-43 in neurons, which is attributed to both intrinsic (e.g., mutations, aberrant cleavage) and extrinsic factors (e.g., prolonged oxidative stress, impaired clearance pathways). Mutations and certain PTMs (e.g., cysteine oxidation) destabilize RNA binding, promoting monomer misfolding and increasing its half-life. Disruptions to core ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) subunits impede efficient processing, contributing to the clearance failure of misfolded TDP-43 monomers. The accumulation of monomers drives phase separation within stress granules, creating nucleation hotspots that eventually bypass the thermodynamic barrier, resulting in exponential growth. This rapid growth then culminates in the failure of the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) to contain the aggregation, resulting in a self-sustaining feed-forward loop. Here, we organize these factors into a conceptual kinetic cascade that links TDP-43 misfolding, phase separation, and clearance failure. Therapeutic strategies must therefore move beyond simple clearance and focus on targeting these kinetic inflection points (e.g., oligomer seeding, PTM modulation). Full article

This study contributes to the advancement of circular economy practices in polymer manufacturing by applying machine learning algorithms (MLA) to predict the tensile strength of recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) building films. As the construction and packaging industries increasingly seek eco-efficient and low-carbon materials, recycled LDPE offers a valuable route toward sustainable resource management. However, ensuring consistent mechanical performance remains a challenge when reusing polymer waste streams. To address this, tensile tests were conducted on LDPE films produced from recycled granules, measuring tensile strength, strain, mass per unit area, thickness, and surface roughness. Three established machine learning algorithms—feed-forward Neural Network (NN), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were implemented, trained, and optimized using the experimental dataset using R statistical software (version 4.4.3). The models achieved high predictive accuracy, with XGBoost providing the most robust performance and the highest level of explainability. Feature importance analysis revealed that mass per unit area and surface roughness have a significant influence on film durability and performance. These insights enable more efficient production planning, reduced raw material usage, and improved quality control, key pillars of sustainable technological innovation. The integration of data-driven methods into polymer recycling workflows demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate circular economy objectives by enhancing process optimization, material performance, and resource efficiency in the plastics sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, has a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. The dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong, CX) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb frequently prescribed in formulas intended to invigorate blood circulation. CX also exhibits anti-glioma activity, but its molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, we combined transcriptomics and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the effects of reconstituted CX-dispensing granules (hereafter referred to as CXG solution) on U87MG cells, suggesting their dual role in promoting cell death and modulating collagen deposition and lipid metabolism. Results: Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the CXG solution downregulates hsa-miR-10a-5p, which directly targets BCL2L11, known to induce pro-apoptotic effects, as validated by qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, the CXG solution and hsa-miR-10a-5p suppress lipid metabolism through a coherent feed-forward loop via targeting transcription factors SREBF1 and E2F1. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed E2F1 binds to the hsa-miR-29a promoter, leading to the synergistic repression of hsa-miR-29a-3p by SREBF1 and E2F1. Network pharmacology analysis combined with molecular docking suggested that the ferulic acid and adenosine in CX potentially modulate EGFR-the E2F1-hsa-miR-10a-5p axis. Conclusions: These findings elucidate CX’s multi-target anti-GBM mechanisms and propose a novel therapeutic strategy combining metabolic intervention with miRNA-targeted therapy, providing novel insights into feed-forward loop regulation in miRNA networks. Full article

Polymer-modified bitumen is difficult to produce and often separates during storage and transport. In contrast, granular bitumen modifiers offer wide applicability, construction flexibility, and ease of transport and storage. This study involved preparing a multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier with a styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer, polyethylene, and aromatic oil. To elucidate the modification mechanism of a multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier on bitumen, the elemental composition of bitumen A and B, the micro-morphology of the modifiers, the changes in functional groups, and the distribution state of the polymers in the bitumen were investigated using an elemental analyzer, a scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The effects of the multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier on the physical, rheological, and viscoelastic properties of two types of base bituminous binders were investigated at various dosages. The test results show that the Z_H/C ratio of base bitumen A is smaller than that of base bitumen B and that the cross-linking effect with the polymer is optimal. Therefore, the direct-feed modified asphalt of A performs better than the direct-feed modified asphalt of B under the same multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier content. The loose, porous surface structure of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer promotes the adsorption of light components in bitumen, and the microstructure of the multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier is highly coherent. When the multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier content is 20%, the physical, rheological, and viscoelastic properties of the direct-feed modified asphalt of A/direct-feed modified asphalt of B and the commodity styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer are essentially identical. While the multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier did not significantly improve the performance of bitumen A/B at contents greater than 20%, the mass loss rate of the direct-feed modified asphalt of A to aggregate stabilized, and the adhesion effect reached stability. Image processing determined the optimum mixing temperature and time for multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier and aggregate to be 185–195 °C and 80–100 s, respectively, at which point the dispersion homogeneity of the multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier in the mixture was at its best. The dynamic stability, fracture energy, freeze–thaw splitting strength ratio, and immersion residual stability of bitumen mixtures were similar to those of commodity styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymers with a 20% multipolymer granulated bitumen modifier mixing amount, which was equivalent to the wet method. The styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer bitumen mixture reached the same technical level. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) process, accurate measurement of residence time distribution (RTD) is critical, as it characterizes material transport kinetics and mixing behavior. It plays a critical role in evaluating the homogeneity and stability of the granulation process and optimizing process parameters. It is necessary to overcome the limitations arising from the complex and time-consuming procedures of conventional RTD determination methods. Methods: This study proposes a new RTD detection method based on image processing. It uses black dye as a tracer to obtain RTD curve data, and the effects of process parameters such as tracer dosage, screw speed, and feeding rate on the RTD were investigated. Results: The results show that the established method can accurately determine RTD and that the tracer dosage has no significant effect on the detection results. Further analysis revealed that the screw speed is negatively correlated with the mean residence time (MRT). As the speed increases, not only does the MRT shorten, but its distribution also decreases. Similarly, an increase in the feeding rate also leads to a decrease in the MRT and distribution, but it is worth noting that lower feeding rates are beneficial for achieving a state close to mixed flow, while excessively high feeding rates are not conducive to sufficient mixing of materials in the extruder. Conclusions: The RTD detection method provides a reliable parameter basis and theoretical guidance for the in-depth study of the TSWG process and the development of quality control strategies. Full article

Industrial activated sludge plants in many sectors, including the dairy industry, face sludge separation problems caused by sludge bulking. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) could be a solution by forming well-settling granules. The key to successful granulation is the microbial selection of slow-growing glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) by introducing an anaerobic feeding/reaction step. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of two slow feeding strategies to achieve granulation in existing sequencing batch reactors treating real dairy wastewater, by microbial selection only. The first strategy consisted of slow 90 min mixed feeding. The second strategy combined 45 min static and 45 min mixed feeding to build up a substrate gradient. The feeding strategies did not affect the effluent quality, but significantly impacted the sludge morphology, settling properties, and microbial community composition. Mixed feeding led to filamentous overgrowth by Thiothrix species, up to 45% abundance, and deteriorating settling, with sludge volume index (SVI) values up to 125 mL/g. In contrast, static feeding yielded densified sludge with SVI values below 45 mL/g and up to 35% GAO abundance. In conclusion, the results show successful granulation when using a simple static slow feeding mode, which could benefit the industrial application of AGS technology. Full article

Spray-drying is a flexible method for creating fine porous composites with controlled size and morphology. This study investigates how the morphology and porosity of the spray-dried powder of nano-alumina and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-30) granules are affected by both the feed rate and the binder concentration. Droplet size and velocity distributions, measured with a HiWatch system, showed that higher feed rates produce larger droplets with faster velocities, therefore affecting the final morphology of the dried product. The morphology of the dried granules was analyzed using inline SOPAT imaging. While mercury intrusion porosimetry quantified the nano-pore volume and nano-pore size of the granules, offline scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to characterize the morphology of the dried product. The findings show that, while raising the binder concentration produces a more compact morphology with a lower nano-pore volume, higher feed rates produce larger granules with a larger nano-pore volume. This study offers fundamental insights that can support the future development of control strategies for optimizing the production of spray-dried porous alumina–polymer nanocomposites by means of knowledge about the relationship between these process parameters and product qualities. Full article

The remaining feed in the feed troughs affects the feeding management of flat-raised meat ducks. Ground-contact detection methods all involve modifications to the feeding troughs, but the breeding setting of flat-raised meat ducks does not allow for on-site electrical wiring installation. Additionally, the existing non-contact methods do not directly detect the remaining feed quantity in the feeding troughs. To tackle this problem, this study employs a novel approach by first capturing images of the feed troughs using an RGB-D sensor. Subsequently, YOLOv8 is utilized to identify the positions of the feed troughs, and the volume of the remaining feed is determined through point cloud processing. The accuracy of this detection method was evaluated using various types of feed troughs and feed particle sizes. The experimental results reveal both a strong correlation between the calculated and actual feed volumes (with R² values exceeding 0.86, indicating a consistent trend) and a low prediction error, as quantified by the root mean square error (RMSE). Analyses of the correction coefficients and corresponding RMSE values indicated a positive correlation between the correction coefficient and the curvature of the feeding trough, while no correlation was observed with the trough diameter or granule particle size, maintaining a low RMSE value. The findings of this research demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for detecting the remaining feed in troughs. This method facilitates precise feed management, minimizes residual feed, and enhances the living conditions of meat ducks. Full article

This work presents a new approach for the fabrication of 316L/Al₂O₃ composites, based on a combination of spray granulation, radio frequency (RF) plasma spheroidization and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Initially, a suspension containing 316L and alumina powders is formulated by precisely adjusting the pH and selecting an appropriate dispersant, thereby ensuring homogeneous dispersion of the constituents. The spray granulation process then produces granules with controlled size and morphology. RF plasma spheroidization, carried out using a TekSphero-40 system, is investigated by varying parameters such as the power, gas flow rates, injection position and feed rate, in order to optimize the formation of spherical and dense particles. The analysis reveals a marked sensitivity to heat transfer from the plasma to the particles, with a tendency for fine particles to segregate, which underscores the necessity for precise control of the processing conditions. Finally, SPS densification, performed under a constant pressure and a rigorously controlled thermal cycle, yields composites with excellent density and hardness characteristics. This study thus demonstrates that the proposed hybrid process offers an optimal synergy between a uniform distribution of alumina and a controlled microstructure, opening up promising avenues for the design of high-performance composite materials for demanding applications. Full article

Granulation is a size enlargement process that involves the movement of feed within the granulator (e.g., drum) to produce granules of desirable attributes for the subsequent processes. To produce good quality granules, the right operating parameters need to be tested, optimised, and benchmarked for future granulation test works or potential scale-up for pilot test works. Thus, in this paper, the effects of feed residence time (FRT), pre-wetting moisture content (PWMC), mixing and granulation moisture content (GMC), drum volume loading (DVL), and rotational speed (DOS) on the granulation of iron ore sinter feed blends (SFBs) containing a high content of magnetite concentrate were studied by using a rotary drum granulator. The resultant granules were characterised by bed permeability, particle binding strength, bulk density, porosity, and size distribution. From the results, pre-wetting the SFB with 80% of the GMC for 2 min mixing of the feed generated better results. The batch-wise drum loading of 4 and 12% at a 15 rpm drum speed produced granules of optimum pre-ignition bed permeability, strength, and uniform size distribution. Although the higher drum speeds (e.g., 40 rpm) showed a higher pre-ignition bed permeability of about 54 JPU due to the production of coarse size granules, the granules were weak, hence showed a higher bed shrinkage of 2.2 mm. Additionally, granulation kinetics studies indicated 5–7 min of granulation to be the optimum residence time. It was established that the optimum granulation moisture content strongly depended on the nature of SFBs, more importantly, the mineralogy and particle size distribution. Granulation moisture content increased with increasing magnetite concentrate levels in the SFBs. These established optimum drum operating parameters could be applied for the granulation of SFBs containing higher levels of magnetite concentrate, as it is essential to operate the drum at the right operating conditions when there is a significant variation in feed mineralogy and particle size distribution. Full article

The conception of a circular economy is one of the crucial approaches that could accelerate the processes of achieving sustainable development goals, which challenge all industries and societies. Still, the potential of agricultural waste in this area is not fully covered by technologies. This study aims to develop a full-scale technology for self-sustaining double-stage circularity through the utilization of sunflower agriculture’s waste in bio-fertilizers. The investigation is performed in Bulgaria, as available sunflower husk ashes (SHA) are subjected to analyses regarding their applicability for bio-fertilizer production. The design of the technology and full-scale equipment commissioning process are described. The conditions and results from the adjustment tests are presented and, based on these, the optimal operating parameters are defined. The successful granulation of different samples of SHA at these conditions is performed and the final granular bio-fertilizers are characterized with a content of 30 wt. % K₂O and 5% wt. P₂O. The moisture of the prepared granules is approx. 5 wt. %, and they pass the crushing tests at 2.5 kgf. The biotoxicity of the bio-fertilizer is also analyzed, and the results show its applicability in agriculture. The proposed approach allows the initial sources of K₂O and P₂O from soil feeding the sunflowers to circulate in different industrial technologies and to reenter the soil through bio-fertilizers. Full article

Organisms maintain circadian rhythms corresponding to approximately 24 h in the absence of external environmental cues, and they synchronize the phases of their autonomous circadian clocks to light–dark cycles, feeding timing, and other factors. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) occupies the top position of the hierarchy in the mammalian circadian system and functions as a photic-dependent oscillator, while the food-entrainable circadian oscillator (FEO) entrains the clocks of the digestive peripheral tissues and behaviors according to feeding timing. In mammals, neuropeptide Y (NPY) from the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) neurons projected onto the SCN plays an important role in entraining circadian rhythms to feeding conditions. However, the relationship between the FEO and SCN has been unclear under various feeding conditions. In this study, novel NPY::Venus transgenic (Tg) mice, which expressed the NPY fused to Venus fluorescent protein, were generated to investigate the secretion of NPY on the SCN from the IGL. NPY-containing secretory granules with Venus signals in the SCN slices of the Tg mice could be observed using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. We observed that the number of NPY secretory granules released on the SCNs increased during fasting, and these mice were valuable tools for further investigating the role of NPY secretion from the IGL to the SCN in mediating interactions between the FEO and the SCN. Full article

Castration is a common management practice among livestock producers, and animal welfare concerns exist following this procedure. The study’s aim was to compare the behavior, performance, and blood parameters between calves castrated with a lidocaine-infused castration band (Lidoband™; LLB) to a standard band with no pain relief. In this blinded, randomized controlled trial, 26 male beef–dairy cross calves were followed for 7 weeks post banding. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in regard to overall body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (G:F), clinical illness scores, banding site scores, and approach tests. However, there were treatment differences in the weekly ADG and G:F (p < 0.05). There was a significant treatment by time interaction between the number of lying bouts and the average stand bout time (p < 0.05). There was also a significant treatment difference in the number of wound licks (p < 0.05). Overall, band castration presented acute and chronic pain, regardless of treatment. Performance, analyzed weekly, and behavioral patterns around the time of wound granulation (days 21–35 post castration) demonstrated positive outcomes for calves in the LLB group. Banding with an LLB proved to be beneficial in terms of both performance and behavioral aspects, implying greater animal welfare. Full article

The scientific community has placed increasing importance on sustainability, leading to the exploration of alternative bedding materials to the widely used aspen wood chips. Bedding plays a critical role in ensuring the wellbeing of animals and the validity of experimental outcomes. Compared to the frequently evaluated biological materials, such as corncobs or spelts, synthetic materials such as plastic granules have been less investigated. We characterized two thermostable plastic materials as an alternative bedding material in C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice. We examined the impact of those bedding alternatives on physiological parameters, behavior, health status, and cage climate in static and digitally ventilated cages as well as the possibility of a reuse cycle after reprocessing. The mouse lines showed different locomotor activity, feeding, and nestbuilding behavior on plastic granules. While ammonia levels were constantly higher in static cages than in ventilated cages, blood parameters were unaltered, and health status was maintained during the reuse procedure. We show the use of plastic granulate as bedding material for mice that has the potential for processing and recycling. Further, we show that the material is accepted differently by the lines in the preference choice test without affecting their health or hygiene status. Full article