Search Results (259,078)

The egg industry continues to search for alternative feed ingredients that support production efficiency, enhance egg quality, and add nutritional value. Microalgae are rich in protein, pigments, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them promising candidates for poultry diets. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion (1 and 2%) of four microalgae species, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), Hydrodictyon sp., Uronema sp., and Vaucheria sp., on laying hen performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid composition, and bone strength. Seventy-six Lohmann LSL-Lite hens (92 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to nine treatments (control diet or one of eight microalgae diets). Feed intake, egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, eggshell traits, yolk color, yolk fatty acids, and tibial breaking strength were measured. Inclusion of microalgae did not negatively affect hen performance, egg quality, nor bone strength. Spirulina significantly improved egg production and egg mass (p < 0.05). Increasing levels of Spirulina, Hydrodictyon sp., and Uronema sp. enhanced yolk color (all p < 0.05), while Vaucheria sp. showed no effect (p > 0.05). Yolk fatty acid profiles were only modestly altered, with increased docosahexaenoic acid observed in hens fed Hydrodictyon and Uronema (p < 0.05). In conclusion, low-level dietary inclusion of these microalgae species appears safe for laying hens and may provide added value through improved yolk pigmentation and modest omega-3 enrichment. Full article

(1) Background: The effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer varies greatly among patients, and no reliable biomarker for predicting treatment response currently exists. We investigated whether cell cycle analysis using rapid semi-automated flow cytometry could predict the effectiveness of CRT. (2) Methods: This prospective study included 32 patients with rectal cancer undergoing CRT. The cell cycle of biopsy specimens from rectal cancer patients before CRT was semi-automatically and rapidly analyzed using Celltac PEAK as flow cytometer. The proportion of cell cycle phases is compared with treatment response after CRT. (3) Results: Patients with a tumor reduction rate ≥ 30% on CT showed a significantly higher proportion of cells in the Over G2/M phase compared with those with <30% reduction (median 2.45% vs. 0.95%, p = 0.022). Similarly, tumors demonstrating disappearance of FDG uptake after CRT had a significantly higher proportion of cells in the Over G2/M phase compared with those with persistent FDG uptake (median 4.05% vs. 1.24%, p = 0.024). (4) Conclusions: A high proportion of cells in the Over G2/M phase could be a potential biomarker for predicting tumor shrinkage in CRT for rectal cancer. Full article

Phosphate is a crucial non-renewable mineral resource, mainly utilized in producing fertilizers that support global agriculture. As phosphorus is an indispensable nutrient for plant growth, phosphate holds a key position in ensuring food security. While deposits are distributed worldwide, the largest reserves are concentrated in Morocco. The Benguerir phosphate mining in Morocco generates heterogeneous waste (i.e., including overburden, tailings, and phosphogypsum) that complicates management and valorization, which is the beneficial reuse or value recovery from waste materials (e.g., use in cover systems, buffering, or other engineered applications). Therefore, it is essential to characterize their mineralogical properties to evaluate their environmental impact and possibilities for reuse or site revegetation. To do so, we integrate VNIR–SWIR reflectance spectroscopy with HandHeld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF) to characterize phosphate waste rock and assess its reuse potential. For this purpose, field samples (n = 104) were collected, and their spectral reflectance was measured using an ASD FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm) under standardized laboratory conditions. Spectra were processed (Savitzky–Golay smoothing, convex-hull continuum removal) and matched to ECOSTRESS library references; across the dataset, library matching achieved mean RMSE = 0.15 ± 0.053 (median 0.145; 0.085–0.350), median SAM = 0.134 rad, median SID = 0.029, and mean R² = 0.748 ± 0.170, with 84% of spectra yielding R² > 0.70. In parallel, HHXRF major and trace elements were measured on all samples to corroborate spectral interpretations. Together, these analyses resolve carbonate–clay–phosphate assemblages (dolomite commonly dominant, with illite/smectite–kaolinite, quartz, and residual carbonate-fluorapatite varying across samples). Elemental ratios (e.g., Mg/Ca distinguishing dolomite from calcite; K/Al indicating illite) reinforce spectral trends, and phosphate indicators delineate localized enrichment (P₂O₅ up to 23.86 wt % in apatite-rich samples). Overall, the combined workflow is rapid, low-impact, and reproducible, yielding coherent mineralogical patterns that align across spectroscopic and geochemical lines of evidence and providing actionable inputs for selective screening, targeted material reuse, and more sustainable mine reclamation planning. Full article

Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides represent a central class of signaling molecules in plants, regulating processes ranging from fertilization to immune responses. These diverse functions are largely mediated by a conserved receptor complex centered on FERONIA kinase (FER). This review summarizes recent advances positioning the RALF-FER signaling pathway as a major regulatory hub integrating intrinsic and extrinsic signals to coordinate growth, development, and stress adaptation. We examine how this pathway controls the polar growth of root hairs and pollen tubes, orchestrates reproductive barriers and fertilization, and modulates immune and abiotic stress signaling through mechanisms involving ROS, Ca²⁺, and apoplast pH. By framing this new knowledge within the broader framework of known RALF-FER mechanisms, we demonstrate how this pathway achieves high signaling specificity. Finally, we discuss critical unresolved issues and suggest future research directions in the emerging field of molecular stress physiology, highlighting the potential for manipulating this pathway for agricultural crop improvement. Full article

Compressed air energy storage in aquifers presents a promising approach for large-scale energy storage, yet its implementation is complicated by geochemical reactions, such as pyrite oxidation, which can impact reservoir integrity and operational efficiency. This study numerically investigates the evolution of reservoir characteristics and geochemical processes during CAESA operations to address these challenges. Using the TOUGHREACT simulator, we developed one-dimensional and two-dimensional reactive transport models based on the Pittsfield aquifer field test parameters to simulate coupled thermal-hydrological–chemical processes under varying injection rates, temperatures, reservoir depths, and operational cycles. The results demonstrate that higher injection rates induce greater near-well pressure buildup and extended thermal zones, while deeper reservoirs exhibit abrupt declines in pressure and gas saturation due to formation constraints. Geochemical analyses reveal that pyrite oxidation dominates, leading to oxygen depletion, groundwater acidification (pH reduction), and secondary mineral precipitation, such as goethite and hematite. These findings underscore the critical interplay between operational parameters and geochemical reactions, highlighting the need for optimized design to ensure long-term stability and efficiency of aquifer-based energy storage systems. Full article

Landslides are among the most significant disasters that threaten communities worldwide. This study sampled 384 respondents, using standardized interviews and field observations, to analyze how they perceived the factors influencing the incidence of landslides in the Kivu catchment of Rwanda, especially in landslide-prone areas. This study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines household surveys and interviews with key informants to assess how residents perceive landslide causes, warning signs, and impacts, which were analyzed statistically using SPSS. For further analysis, a binary logistic regression model and chi-square tests were used. The chi-square test findings highlighted that heavy rainfall, inappropriate agricultural practices, steep slopes, deforestation, road construction, earthquakes, and climate change were strongly correlated with landslide occurrence, with a p < 0.05 level of significance, while mining activities were not correlated with landslides. On the other hand, a binary logistic regression model revealed that, among the selected factors influencing landslide occurrence in the Kivu catchment, road construction (B = −0.644; p = 0.014), inappropriate agriculturalpractices (−1.177; p = 0.000), steep slopes (B = −0.648; p = 0.018), deforestation (B = −0.854; p = 0.007), and earthquakes (B = −1.59; p = 0.008) were negatively correlated, while heavy rainfall (B = 1.686; p = 0.000) and climate change (B = 1.784; p = 0.001) were positively correlated, and this was statistically significant for landslide occurrence at a p-value < 0.05. In contrast, mining activities (B = −0.065; p = 0.917) showed a negative coefficient that was statistically insignificant with respect to landslide occurrence in the study area. Future studies should integrate surveys with landslide hazard modeling tools for better spatial prediction of vulnerability and economic losses. Therefore, the findings from this study will contribute to sustainable natural disaster management planning in the western region of Rwanda. Full article

Advanced two-dimensional (2D) beam steering is essential for unlocking the full potential of terahertz (THz) systems in future 6G communications and high-resolution imaging. However, achieving wide-angle, high-speed, and high-precision 2D beam control within a compact THz platform remains a significant challenge. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an optoelectronic $2\times 2$ THz antenna array that enables flexible 2D beam steering, beam hopping, and beam scanning around the 300 GHz band. This work employs a $2\times 2$ microstrip patch antenna (MPA) array directly driven by InGaAs/InP UTC-PDs on a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate. The relative phases of the four radiating elements are precisely programmed using an optical phased array (OPA), which provides fully decoupled and low-latency phase control in the optical domain. Experimentally, we demonstrate 2D beam steering and 2D beam hopping among three representative directions at a polar angle of ${25}^{\circ }$ and azimuth angles of ${60}^{\circ }$, ${180}^{\circ }$, and ${300}^{\circ }$. Furthermore, continuous 2D beam scanning at a fixed polar angle of ${25}^{\circ }$ is achieved, enabling a full ${360}^{\circ }$ azimuth sweep within 0.43 s while maintaining high beam quality. These results confirm that the proposed UTC-PD based $2\times 2$ MPA array provides a practical and robust approach for 2D THz beam manipulation, and offers strong potential for future 6G wireless links and THz imaging applications. Full article

In this study, the potential use of Epsom salt production waste as a supplementary cementitious material was investigated. This acidic waste was neutralized with lime milk and used to replace up to 25 wt.% of Portland cement. The following research methods were employed: XRD, XRF, SEM, DSC-TG, and isothermal calorimetry. The waste neutralization process was found to proceed consistently, producing a neutral material (pH = 7.5) composed of amorphous silicon compounds with a negligible impurity of crystalline antigorite. Consequently, this material exhibits very high pozzolanic activity. The neutralized Epsom salt production waste accelerates the early hydration of Portland cement and promotes an intense pozzolanic reaction. This new material is a highly effective supplementary cementitious material, capable of replacing up to 25 wt.% of Portland cement without reducing its strength class. Full article

With the dramatic development of 5G technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and other technologies, the traditional offline market has been gradually altered with applying technologies to improve their efficient or cost-performance. The unmanned stores have been one of the significant and popular forms. To maintain the sustainable development of this retail form, it is essential to know what factors to foster and the mechanism of the formation of customers’ loyalty. Thus, the present study was performed to explore what the selection attributes of unmanned stores are and examine how these attributes impact on the formation of customers’ loyalty through their perceived value and satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was applied with a valid sample of 350 respondents to testify the casual relationship among research variables. As results, it was found that practicality (β = 0.229, t = 3.164, p < 0.01) and convenience (β = 0.152, t = 2.044, p < 0.05) of unmanned stores have positive influence on their perceived value. Moreover, practicality (β = 0.164, t = 2.392, p < 0.05), cleanliness (β = 0.198, t = 3.595, p < 0.001), and pleasantness (β = 0.337, t = 4.722, p < 0.001) could positively impact on their satisfaction. Both perceived value (β = 0.151 t = 2.366, p < 0.05) and satisfaction (β = 0.123, t = 2.023, p < 0.05) could contribute to the formation of their loyalty to unmanned stores. Finally, the moderating effect of social risk has been examined. Consequently, the casual relationships confirmed among research variables could provide insights for the service improvement of unmanned stores from the perspectives of the selection attributes of unmanned stores and customers perceived value. Full article

Invasive species are a recurring global problem, and the water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) is a well-known example. Various strategies have been explored to manage its spread, including its use as an agricultural amendment. However, when P. crassipes biomass is incorporated into soil and undergoes degradation, it may increase soil conductivity and promote metal leaching, potentially affecting soil biota, particularly microbiota. Saprophytic fungi play a key role in the decomposition and renewal of organic matter, and their resilience to stressors is crucial for maintaining soil function. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of P. crassipes biomass extracts on the saprophytic fungus Trametes versicolor by evaluating fungal growth and metabolic changes [including sugar content, phosphatase enzymatic activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production]. The fungus was exposed for 8 days to a dilution series of extracts (100%—undiluted, to 3.13%) prepared from P. crassipes biomass collected at five locations in Portuguese wetlands. Two sites were in the south, within a Mediterranean climate (Sorraia and Estação Experimental António Teixeira), and three were in the north, within an Atlantic climate (São João de Loure, Pateira de Fermentelos, and Vila Valente), representing both agricultural-runoff–impacted areas and recreational zones. Extracts were used to simulate a worst-case scenario. All extracts have shown high conductivity (≥15.4 mS/cm), and several elements have shown a high soluble fraction (e.g., K, P, As, or Ba), indicating substantial leaching from the biomass to the extracts. Despite this, T. versicolor growth rates were generally not inhibited, except for exposure to the São João de Loure extract, where an EC₅₀ of 45.3% (extract dilution) was determined and a significant sugar content decrease was observed at extract concentrations ≥25%. Possibly due to the high phosphorous leachability, both acid and alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly at the highest percentages tested (50% and 100%). Furthermore, ROS levels increased with increasing extract concentrations, yet marginal changes were observed in growth rates, suggesting that T. versicolor may efficiently regulate its intracellular redox balance under stress conditions. Overall, these findings indicate that the degradation of P. crassipes biomass in soils, while altering chemical properties and releasing soluble elements, may not impair and could even boost microbiota, namely saprophytic fungi. This resilience highlights the potential ecological benefit of saprophytic fungi in accelerating the decomposition of invasive plant residues and contribution to soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem recovery. Full article

Background: Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, yet the immunological consequences of surgical trauma in these patients are not fully understood. The liver plays a central role in immune regulation, and its dysfunction in HBV-related chronic liver disease may alter the systemic stress response to surgery. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the stress response to surgical trauma of patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for HBV-related chronic liver disease in comparison to living liver donors (LLDs). Methods: This prospective study included 20 LDLT recipients with HBV infection and 20 LLDs who underwent living donor hepatectomy between August 2020 and February 2021. Specific biochemical markers (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-22, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β, GM-CSF, GLDH, and GalactB) were measured at designated intervals: preoperative day 0 (Preop), immediately after incision (Incision), post-hepatectomy (Hepatectomy), postoperative day 0 (POD0), POD1, and POD3 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters (WBC, HGB, PLT, RDW, MPV, PDW, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, albumin, total bilirubin, plateletcrit, phosphorus, fibrinogen, and INR) were measured regularly at five predetermined times: Preop, POD0, POD1, POD2, and POD3. Results: Prior to LDLT, LDLT recipients had significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) compared to LLDs (p < 0.05). However, following liver implantation, these cytokine levels increased significantly at POD0, POD1, and POD3 (p < 0.001). Specifically, IL-1 levels elevated from 0 in the preop period to 21.5 (97.5) in POD3, and IL-6 elevated from 0 in the preop period to 28.3 at POD3 (p = 0.056). Similarly, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels exhibited significant upward trends (p < 0.05). In contrast, cytokine levels in LLDs remained stable throughout the perioperative period, revealing no statistically significant variations (p > 0.05). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters demonstrated significant postoperative fluctuations in LDLT recipients, reflecting the metabolic and immune restoration process. Conclusions: These findings indicate that patients with HBV-related chronic liver disease exhibit a diminished stress response to trauma due to underlying immune dysregulation caused by chronic hepatic dysfunction. However, after LDLT, the stress response gradually normalizes, suggesting that liver transplantation not only restores hepatic function but also reestablishes immune homeostasis, potentially reducing infection risks and improving postoperative recovery. These findings emphasize the crucial role of the liver in regulating the body’s stress response to trauma and highlight the immunological benefits of LDLT in restoring immune homeostasis. Full article

The genus Plukenetia includes lianas or vines with oleaginous seeds rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamin E, and the presence of flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids has also been reported in leaves. Several species of Plukenetia have traditionally been cultivated in their native distribution area, and their propagation is usually by seed. The aim of this work was to establish callus and cell suspension cultures of P. carabiaseae, an endemic species of Mexico, for the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts. Three light conditions were evaluated for the establishment of P. carabiaseae callus lines from leaf explants. Friable calluses obtained under constant light were used to initiate a cell suspension culture in Gamborg basal (B5) medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin (CIN), as growth regulators. After 35 d of cultivation, different polarity extracts from biomass were obtained, showing that the acetone extract had the highest antioxidant activity and a high total phenolic content (30.57 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight). The anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract, evaluated in murine macrophages induced with bacterial lipopolysaccharides, was dose-dependent, without cytotoxic effect. This is the first report of the establishment of P. carabiaseae cell suspension culture and demonstrates its potential as a biotechnological source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory metabolites. Full article

Designing ionic liquids (ILs) where a single functional group orchestrates a suite of enhanced properties remains a key challenge in materials science. Here, we introduce 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium mandelate, [Bmim][Man], a novel IL where the hydroxyl group on the mandelate anion simultaneously enhances hydrogen bonding, thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, and extraction selectivity. The structure-property relationships of [Bmim][Man] were investigated through measurements of density, viscosity, and conductivity and were compared with analogous ILs. The presence of the hydroxyl group on the mandelate anion resulted in the highest density and viscosity among the series, attributed to strong hydrogen bonding and efficient ion packing. Notably, [Bmim][Man] exhibited a high molar conductivity that decouples from its high viscosity, suggesting an unusual degree of ion dissociation facilitated by the hydroxyl group. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed superior thermal stability. Furthermore, the investigated ionic liquid demonstrated a low critical aggregation concentration (CAC = 0.01982 mol·dm⁻³) in water, indicating a strong propensity for self-aggregation. [Bmim][Man] showed synergistic, enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Finally, the functional utility of this designed liquid was demonstrated in separation science, where [Bmim][Man]-based aqueous biphasic systems showed selective extraction capabilities for transition metals, a process driven by the same hydrogen-bonding and coordination interactions that define its bulk properties. These findings establish [Bmim][Man] as a promising multifunctional material where the mandelate anion concurrently dictates liquid microstructure, thermal resilience, antimicrobial performance, and application in extraction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Only limited data on the characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple acute concomitant cerebral infarcts (MACCI) exist. MACCI may imply a cardioembolic source and echocardiography is important in evaluating for potential embolic sources. However, data comparing echocardiographic features in MACCI to those observed in patients with single presumed embolic cerebral infarctions (SACI) are lacking. Thus, we aim to compare echocardiographic features between MACCI and SACI patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective stroke registry. The diagnosis of stroke secondary to MACCI and SACI was confirmed by MRI. Data on echocardiographic features, demographics, medical history, and functional status were extracted and compared between the groups. Results: Overall, 145 patients were included (83 SACI and 62 MACCI). MACCI patients were significantly older (mean ± sd 68.08 ± 13.04 vs. 62.70 ± 14.18; p = 0.021) and had higher rates of diabetes (35% vs. 25%; p = 0.014) and prior strokes (15% vs. 8%; p = 0.032). The only echocardiographic parameter that differed between the groups was left ventricular mass index (LVMI), which was significantly higher in the MACCI group after adjusting for age (aOR 1.02, 95%CI [1,1.04]; p = 0.042). MACCI was associated with higher mortality rates (34.4% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.041). No correlation was found between LVMI and stroke severity or outcomes. Conclusions: LVMI was significantly higher in MACCI patients, possibly reflecting undiagnosed hypertension, cardiomyopathy or systemic disease as potential thromboembolic mechanisms responsible for stroke. Larger studies are needed to further assess its potential role in the pathology of MACCI. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the dominant temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) junction of the brain are extremely rare and very difficult to remove surgically because this area includes multiple sensory and language networks. Due to the fact that many patients present with bleeding, surgeons have to find a delicate balance between removing all of the AVM tissue and preserving the functional areas of the brain where important functions occur. This study is reporting a case demonstrating how precise clinical–radiologic correlation, detailed anatomical knowledge, and deliberate microsurgical techniques can allow safe removal of the AVM and improve the patient’s neurologic function without the need for additional intraoperative technology. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old right-handed male patient experienced persistent neurological deficits after experiencing a hemorrhage from an AVM in his dominant posterior hemisphere, which included mild language difficulties, right hemifacial–brachial spasticity, parietal sensory loss and a visual field defect of his right eye known as an inferior quadrantanopia localized to the TPO junction. Cerebral angiography identified a small, compact, high-flow AVM (40 × 30 mm) fed by distal branches of the middle cerebral artery (M4), posterior cerebral artery (P4), anterior cerebral artery (A4), as well as a small branch of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Blood drained into two veins of the Trolard and Labbé. The authors removed the AVM completely by circumferential dissection of the nidus along gliotic planes using a microscope. Feeders were then sequentially disconnected, and the venous outflow was preserved until the AVM could be removed en bloc. Post-operative angiograms demonstrated complete removal of the AVM with normalization of blood flow to the surrounding cortex. The patient’s neurologic function improved over time and at three months post-operatively, he was functioning independently (modified Rankin Scale = 1; Barthel Index = 100) and there was no evidence of residual nidus or edema on imaging. Conclusions: High-flow AVMs in the dominant TPO junction can be completely removed using a disciplined microsurgical approach and a feeder first/vein last disconnection method based on anatomy. The patient’s improvement in function represented reperfusion and reintegration of an injured but still functional network of the brain, reinforcing the idea that careful observation, a deep understanding of brain anatomy, and restrained surgical technique are critical to achieving long-term results in AVM surgery. Full article