Search Results (3,372)

Natural fillers have been widely explored to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable films. In this study, a mineral-rich powder obtained from the solid components of Ucides cordatus crab shells was processed (washing, drying, milling, and sieving at 75 µm) and extensively characterized using SEM, FTIR XRD, EDX, mineral analysis, hygroscopicity, density, and particle size distribution. The powder exhibited heterogeneous morphology and contained 22.52 g·kg⁻¹ of calcium carbonate, along with other trace minerals; its crystalline profile indicated the presence of both calcite and aragonite. Low hygroscopicity (1.76%) and a true density of 2.11 g/cm³ were also observed. When incorporated into pectin-based films at 1–5%, the filler promoted a reduction in film thickness, indicating enhanced structural compaction. Solubility increased linearly with filler content, whereas water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased at 1% and 2% but rose again at 4% and 5%, correlating positively with solubility (r = 0.895). Films containing 4% and 5% exhibited higher tensile strength and elastic modulus, confirming increased rigidity. At elevated concentrations, the films also became less luminous and more chromatic. Overall, the findings demonstrate that crab-shell mineral powder is a viable and sustainable reinforcement capable of tailoring the structural, mechanical, and barrier performance of biodegradable films. Full article

The detection of subsurface stromatolites remains challenging due to their complex morphology and heterogeneous composition. This study assesses the combined application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for identifying microbialites in two contrasting geological and climatic settings: the Neoproterozoic Salitre Formation in Brazil and the Mesozoic microbialite-bearing limestones in northern Spain. High-resolution ERT profiles processed with raster-based blob detection algorithms revealed subcircular high-resistivity anomalies consistent with the studied microbialite morphologies, with strong resistivity contrasts observed between microbialites and host matrices despite variations in absolute values linked to lithology and soil moisture. In parallel, GPR surveys analyzed with a peak detection algorithm delineated domal reflectors and clusters of high-amplitude reflections that directly captured the internal architecture of stromatolitic buildups. With decimetric vertical resolution, GPR offered unrivaled insights into internal morphology, complementing the broader-scale imaging capacity of ERT. The complementary strengths of both methods are clear: ERT excels at mapping distribution and stratigraphic context, while GPR provides unparalleled resolution of internal structures. Crucially, this work advances previous efforts by explicitly demonstrating that integrated ERT-GPR approaches, when combined with algorithm-based interpretation, can resolve microbialite morphology, distribution and internal architecture with a level of objectivity not previously achieved. Beyond methodological refinement, these findings open new avenues for reconstructing microbialite development and preservation in ancient carbonate systems and hold strong potential for application in other geological contexts where complex carbonate structures challenge traditional geophysical imaging. Full article

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare and heterogeneous tumors with heterogeneity in morphology and molecular profile and consequently resulting in a heterogeneous biological behavior. They have a more indolent natural history compared to the classic cancer and may emerge in any site of the human body, but usually they have gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) or bronchopulmonary (BP) origin. When NENs are well differentiated, they are called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) as opposed to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). They may secrete a bioactive molecule resulting in a secretory syndrome or they may not be associated with any secretory product, defining functional and non-functional NENs. The hormonal hypersecretion syndromes, the chronic symptom burden, the tumor-related inflammation, and the treatment side effects impair nutritional intake and absorption while increasing metabolic needs. The present comprehensive narrative review is summarizing established and emerging methods of nutritional and body composition assessment, and the recent evidence of interventions for sarcopenia and malnutrition in patients with NETs. Early identification and management of malnutrition and sarcopenia are fundamental steps to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes in these patients during the long natural history of these neoplasms. Full article

The sustainable cultivation of Moringa oleifera is constrained by limited availability of high-quality planting materials. This study established an integrated propagation framework combining seed, cutting, and air-layering methods for the rapid and reliable multiplication of superior genotypes with good morphological traits and elevated astragalin content. Seed pretreatment trials showed that simple soaking for 12 h significantly reduced mean germination time without affecting final germination percentage, while a topsoil–cocopeat–compost mixture enhanced early seedling survival and growth. HPLC profiling identified four genotypes with significantly higher astragalin concentrations (187–281 ppm), linking phytochemical quality with propagation performance. Vegetative propagation experiments revealed that cutting position and girth strongly influenced regeneration success. Cutting position experiments showed clear positional differences, with basal cuttings achieving the highest rooting response. Bottom cuttings produced the highest number of shoots (4.22), nodes (5.00), and thickest shoots (24.65 mm), as well as the highest rooting percentage. Middle cuttings developed the longest shoots (40.21 cm) and the greatest number of roots (32.83), with a rooting percentage of 66.70%. Top cuttings showed the lowest performance across all shoot and root traits. Larger-diameter cuttings produced more shoots but fewer roots while smaller-diameter cuttings produced more roots but fewer shoots. Air-layering with Jiffy-7 pellets achieved the highest root number (43.83) and length (7.23 cm), with 100% survival. Overall, the study provides a robust, mechanism-supported propagation strategy that enables large-scale, uniform production of superior Moringa genotypes, strengthening future programs in clonal improvement, genetic conservation, and sustainable agroforestry development. Full article

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether their biostimulant effects arise primarily from microbial activity or from the metabolites they release. This study aimed to disentangle these contributions by comparing the effects of EM and its cell-free extract (EM Extract) on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), grown under controlled conditions. Growth parameters and pigment composition were quantified through morphological and spectrophotometric analyses, while soil microbial communities and metabolic profiles were characterized using metabarcoding and high-resolution FTIR-based soil metabolomics. Both EM and EM-derived cell-free extracts significantly enhanced zucchini growth, increasing plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content and root development. Cultural-based microbial analyses showed complementary shifts in rhizosphere communities, yet no major taxonomic differences were detected. Consistently, both treatments induced similar metabolomic changes in bulk and rhizosphere soils, resulting in a shared functional state shaped by plant inputs. These results suggest EM extract as a stable and effective alternative to live microbial inoculants for sustainable crop bio stimulation. Full article

Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cellular structures derived from stem cells. They can mimic the anatomical and functional properties of real organs. They have transformed in vitro disease modeling by closely replicating the structural and functional characteristics of human tissues. The complexity and variability of organoid-derived data pose significant challenges for analysis and clinical translation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial enabler, offering scalable and high-throughput tools for interpreting imaging data, integrating multi-omics profiles, and guiding experimental workflows. This review aims to discuss how AI is reshaping organoid-based research by enhancing morphological image analysis, enabling dynamic modeling of organoid development, and facilitating the integration of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics for disease classification. Moreover, AI is increasingly used to support drug screening and personalize therapeutic strategies by analyzing patient-derived organoids. The integration of AI with organoid-on-chip systems further allows for real-time feedback and physiologically relevant modeling. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature from the past decade, Furthermore, CNNs have been used to analyze colonoscopy and histopathological images in colorectal cancer with over 95% diagnostic accuracy. We examine key tools, innovations, and case studies that illustrate this evolving interface. As this interdisciplinary field matures, the future of AI-integrated organoid platforms depends on establishing open data standards, advancing algorithms, and addressing ethical and regulatory considerations to unlock their clinical and translational potential. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of different sprouting methods on the morphological traits, pigmentation, and bioactive compound content of radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.). The following four sprouting techniques were compared: tray (T), sprouter (S), jar (J5–J20), and tank (R5–R20), varying in seed density and aeration conditions. The results demonstrated that the sprouting method significantly influenced growth parameters and phytochemical profiles. Sprouts produced using the tray (T) and sprouter (S) methods exhibited the highest mass and lowest dry matter content, reflecting favorable hydration and aeration. Sprouter-grown sprouts were particularly rich in chlorophyll (47.6 mg/100 g DW) and ascorbic acid (11.36 mg/100 g DW), indicating optimal photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism. Tray-grown sprouts showed the highest polyphenol (919.8 mg GAE/100 g DW) and anthocyanin (217.0 mg C3G/100 g DW) concentrations, suggesting enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites under mild abiotic stress. A comparative assessment using a three-point scale confirmed that sprouter, tray, and low-density tank methods provided the most favorable nutritional and sensory attributes. Overall, both technological factors and genetic background determine the nutritional quality of radish sprouts, offering practical guidance for optimizing sprout production and developing functional foods. Full article

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a major cause of sudden death and a frequent finding in forensic practice. Correctly estimating thrombus age is crucial to reconstruct the temporal relationship among clinical events, therapeutic decisions, and death, and also to distinguish unavoidable complications from possible diagnostic or management errors. This narrative review summarizes current macroscopic, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular criteria for thrombus dating, integrating evidence from autopsy studies, experimental models, and clinical research. Because of the inherent heterogeneity of thrombi and postmortem changes, classical morphology frequently does not provide sufficiently precise timing, although it does allow a broad distinction between acute, subacute, and chronic thrombi. A more precise temporal characterization has recently been made possible by the introduction of immunohistochemical and molecular markers, such as neutrophils and NETs, macrophage markers, fibrinolytic system components, metalloproteinases, inflammatory cytokines, autophagy markers, aquaporins, and pro-resolving pathways. In order to improve diagnostic accuracy, a combined evaluation of these characteristics seems promising in differentiating clinically relevant time windows (within 3 days, 3–10 days, 10–21 days, and >21 days). Molecular profiling combined with advanced histopathology may eventually enable more consistent and repeatable thrombus dating standards and enhance the forensic assessment of VTE-related fatalities. Full article

Background: Epidemiological studies on benign epithelial salivary gland tumors are challenging due to their rarity, pathological heterogeneity, variable tumor locations, and the limited national data collection in Romania. Our study aimed at the evaluation of benign epithelial salivary gland tumors collected over fifteen years in a tertiary center, in order to characterize their demographic and histopathological profiles and to contribute to their diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 404 cases of benign epithelial salivary gland tumors diagnosed in “Sf. Spiridon” County Hospital, Iasi, from 2010 to 2024, has been performed. Results: The analyzed cases showed a slight female predominance (52.97%) and a mean patient age of 54.55 ± 14.207 years. Tumor frequency increased progressively with age, peaking in the sixth and seventh decades of life. The most common histological types were pleomorphic adenoma (62.62%) and Warthin tumor (29.95%), both types showing a predominant parotid gland involvement (88.51%). The recurrences were rare, being registered only in 1.58% of pleomorphic adenomas. A significant association between tumor histological type and both gender (p < 0.001) and age group (p < 0.001) was registered, while no significant correlation between gender and age group (p = 0.288) or between tumor location and gender or age group (p = 0.382; p = 0.383) was found. Conclusions: The frequency of pleomorphic adenoma is increasing, showing an age-related distribution and parotid gland propensity. Key morphological features in each histological type support a better preoperative stratification, a more confident margin assessment, and an individualized extent of excision with function preservation. Full article

Cuticular wax plays an important role in the quality of kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) fruit. In this study, the wax morphology, compositional profile of epi- and intracuticular wax, and crucial gene expression in ‘Rongan’ kumquat (RAK) and ‘Huapi’ kumquat (HPK) were analyzed during fruit development. The results showed that the surfaces of two kumquat fruits were covered with an amorphous wax layer containing a small number of platelets. Compared to RAK, HPK contained more abundant and larger wax crystals during fruit development. In two kumquat fruits, the epicuticular wax and its major compositions consistently displayed significantly higher levels than the intracuticular wax. Additionally, their main wax composition shifted from alkanes in the early developmental stages to triterpenoids at harvest in both layers, while aldehydes were specifically enriched in the epicuticular wax. During the fruit development from 90 to 180 DAF, HPK fruit exhibited significantly higher levels of epicuticular wax and its majority fractions than RAK fruit. Meanwhile, the intracuticular wax contents of HPK from 90 DAF to 150 DAF were significantly higher than those in RAK, with triterpenoids accounting for the largest proportion of this increase. qRT-PCR results indicated that the up-regulation of wax-related genes in HPK was linked to its increased epicuticular wax deposition during the development. Overall, this study provided a comprehensive overview of the morphology, composition, and biosynthesis of cuticular wax in kumquat fruit during development. Full article

Background/Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, amyloidogenesis, and tau-related pathology. This study investigated the macronutrient and phytochemical composition of strawberry (S), lemon (L), and lemon juice-assisted strawberry (S/L) extracts and evaluated their neuroprotective efficacy relative to selenium (Se) in an aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced rat model of AD. Methods: Macronutrients and phenolics were quantified in S, L, and S/L, and the extracts were profiled using high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass-spectrometry. Male Sprague–Dawley rats received AlCl₃ with or without S, L, S/L, or Se, and their cognitive performance was assessed using the Morris water maze, Y-maze, and conditioned avoidance tests. Markers of oxidative status, inflammation, cholinergic function, apoptotic signaling, and Wnt3/β-catenin pathway activity were quantified in the brain tissue, and cortico-hippocampal morphology was examined. Results: The S/L extract showed the highest carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content. The total phenolic content was highest in S/L (60.46 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), followed by L (55.08) and S (44.75), with S/L also being the richest in gallic, ellagic, and chlorogenic acids. S/L attenuated AlCl₃-induced cognitive deficits, restored antioxidant status, suppressed neuroinflammation, improved cholinergic indices, modulated apoptotic signaling, and downregulated amyloidogenic and NLRP3 inflammasome markers, consistent with histological evidence of neuronal preservation. Conclusions: Lemon juice-assisted extraction enhanced the macronutrient and phenolic richness and multitarget neuroprotection of strawberries. S/L co-extracts represent promising functional food–derived adjuvants for AD management and support integrative compositional–mechanistic profiling to optimize natural product–based interventions. Full article

Dog bite incidents represent a significant public health concern, and DNA analysis, in addition to morphological comparison, has been recognized as a useful tool for identifying the offending dog. STR typing has been established as a reliable method for individual identification in dogs, with many successful applications reported. However, most previous studies have analyzed samples showing visible traces such as blood or saliva, and there have been no documented cases in which the offending dog was identified from clothing without apparent evidence. In the present study, STR analysis was performed on trace DNA extracted from the clothing of a victim who sustained a minor dog bite injury. The STR profile obtained from the sample completely matched that of one of the three suspected dogs, a Weimaraner, at all 19 loci examined. No visible saliva or blood contamination was observed on the clothing. This case demonstrates that even trace DNA from clothing without visible markings can yield a complete STR profile when appropriate sampling and analytical methods are applied. The findings highlight the potential of canine DNA forensics to contribute to animal-related investigations and underscore the importance of accumulating allele frequency data and standardizing analytical procedures for future applications. Full article

The present study investigated the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L on micropropagation and the accumulation of lipophilic metabolites in Ajuga multiflora, a medicinally valuable ornamental species. The highest number of adventitious shoots (29.4 shoots per explant) was obtained on the shoot induction medium with 5 mg/L CuO NPs. Shoot production gradually decreased at higher CuO NPs concentrations, falling to just 1.1 shoots per explant at 40 mg/L CuO NPs. A similar pattern was seen in axillary shoot multiplication (22.4 shoots per explant at 5 mg/L CuO NPs). However, the maximum shoot fresh weight (0.269 g) was reached on the shoot multiplication medium containing 10 mg/L CuO NPs. Root induction was most effective at 5–10 mg/L CuO NPs, while higher concentrations (20 or 40 mg/L CuO NPs) suppressed or inhibited root formation and altered plantlet morphology. Notably, this study is among the first to assess CuO NPs’ effects across multiple regeneration stages rather than focusing on just one morphogenic event. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing the dose not only for initial shoot induction but also for later multiplication and rooting, ensuring effective micropropagation. Metabolite analysis showed that both the type of organ (microshoots vs. leaves) and CuO NPs concentration significantly affected the levels of α-tocopherol, carotenoids, sterols, and fatty acids. Leaves had higher amounts of α-tocopherol and total carotenoids compared to microshoots. The phytosterol levels also varied, with leaves containing more 22-dehydroclerosterol and total phytosterols, while microshoots had more clerosterol. Treatment with 5 mg/L CuO NPs increased phytosterol accumulation in both organs. CuO NPs significantly influenced the fatty acid profiles. In microshoots, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) increased and total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) decreased with higher CuO NPs levels. Conversely, in leaves, higher CuO NPs concentrations led to increased SFAs and decreased PUFAs, along with a significant rise in the omega-6 (n-6)/n-3 PUFAs ratio. These findings suggest that controlled application of CuO NPs can serve as an elicitor to boost phytochemical production during micropropagation. Full article

In Europe, Salvia officinalis L. is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Salvia, valued for its medicinal properties and essential oil production. However, in Spain, the predominant wild species is S. lavandulifolia Vahl., which exhibits notable morphological diversity. Cultivating these species presents specific challenges: S. lavandulifolia typically displays a creeping habit that hinders mechanical harvesting, while S. officinalis contains neurotoxic thujones in its essential oil, raising safety concerns. Therefore, developing new sage cultivars that combine improved agronomic performance, easier harvesting, and a safe, high-quality essential oil composition is of great practical interest for the sustainable production of sage. This study investigates the recently described natural hybrid Salvia × accidentalis nothosubsp. albaladejitoi (S. lavandulifolia subsp. lavandulifolia × S. officinalis) through a comprehensive multiparametric evaluation, including morphological, phenological, and biochemical analyses. The hybrid exhibited greater biomass, likely influenced by S. officinalis, which could facilitate mechanical harvesting. The chemical profile (GC and HPLC) revealed intermediate compositions of the essential oil and extract, characterized by lower concentrations of thujone and camphor and higher levels of bioactive pinenes. Its balanced phenolic profile and enhanced antioxidant capacity also suggest potential functional applications. Overall, S. × accidentalis nothosubsp. albaladejitoi demonstrates a promising combination of agronomic and biochemical traits, supporting its potential as a new cultivar for the sustainable cultivation of sage and the production of high-quality, safe and functionally valuable sage-derived products. Full article

This review examines scientific and engineering strategies for adapting bituminous and asphalt concrete materials to the highly diverse climates of Central Asia. The region’s sharp gradients—from arid lowlands to cold mountainous zones—expose pavements to thermal fatigue, photo-oxidative aging, freeze–thaw cycles, and wind abrasion. Existing climatic classifications and principles for designing thermally and radiatively resilient pavements are summarized. Special emphasis is placed on linking binder morphology, rheology, and climate-induced transformations in composite bituminous systems. Advanced characterization methods—including dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), bending beam rheometry (BBR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS), supported by FTIR, SEM, and AFM—enable quantitative correlations between phase composition, oxidative chemistry, and mechanical performance. The influence of polymeric, nanostructured, and biopolymeric modifiers on stability and durability is critically assessed. The review promotes region-specific material design and the use of integrated accelerated aging protocols (RTFOT, PAV, UV, freeze–thaw) that replicate local climatic stresses. A climatic rheological profile is proposed as a unified framework combining climate mapping with microstructural and rheological data to guide the development of sustainable and durable pavements for Central Asia. Key rheological indicators—complex modulus (G*), non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), and the BBR m-value—are incorporated into this profile. Full article