Search Results (2,205)

Continuous cropping obstacles severely constrain Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) production, yet the integrated mechanisms involving soil properties, microbial communities, and rhizosphere metabolites remain unclear. We hypothesized that long-term monoculture induces soil degradation and shifts rhizosphere microbiomes via accumulated putative allelochemicals, with a critical tipping point. Rhizosphere soils from 1-to-5-year continuous cropping fields were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, non-targeted metabolomics, and physicochemical assays. Results showed significant salinization and nutrient depletion after three years, along with a slight decrease in soil pH. Enzyme activities (sucrase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase) first rose then fell. Bacterial richness declined sharply after four years, with beneficial genera (such as Devosia) decreasing and pathogenic genera (such as Thelonectria) enriched. Metabolomics identified 1175 metabolites, primarily enriched in linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid pathways. Oxidized fatty acids accumulated significantly and correlated positively with pathogen abundance and negatively with beneficial bacteria. We conclude that continuous chive cropping exceeding three years is associated with soil degradation via putative allelochemical accumulation and pathogen enrichment. We recommend crop rotation after three years, offering a theoretical basis for sustainable chive production. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in paddy soils represents a major risk to global food security and human health because Cd can readily enter the food chain through rice consumption. Therefore, clarification of the key processes and mechanisms by which agronomic practices regulate Cd accumulation in rice is essential. Based on integrated two-year pot and field experiments, we showed that different nitrogen fertilizer formulations, including nitrate-N (N), ammonium-N (A), and urea (U), had distinct effects on Cd accumulation and grain yield in rice. The N treatment reduced Cd concentrations in brown rice by 25.29% to 70% in the pot experiment and by 4.25% to 89.97% in the field experiment but decreased grain yield by 5% to 25%. By contrast, the A treatment increased Cd concentrations in brown rice by 17.86% to 58.62%, while maintaining or slightly increasing grain yield (−3% to +5%), and the U treatment showed intermediate responses. These responses were mainly associated with nitrogen-induced shifts in rhizosphere chemistry, especially changes in soil Cd availability linked to pH and exchangeable H⁺, although unmeasured redox-related processes may have also contributed under flooded conditions. Further analyses of internal Cd distribution and translocation, together with exploratory random forest modeling, suggested that Cd transport efficiency at key stem internodes and Cd redistribution from the panicle to the grain were important regulatory nodes associated with Cd concentrations in brown rice. These regulatory nodes were markedly affected by fertilizer formulation. Overall, our results describe a continuous pathway from rhizosphere Cd availability to internal transport and partitioning, through which nitrogen fertilizer formulations regulate Cd accumulation in rice. This study aimed to clarify how different nitrogen fertilizer formulations regulate the trade-off between grain yield and Cd accumulation in rice, based on the hypothesis that these formulations differentially modify rhizosphere chemistry and Cd bioavailability, that specific stem nodes contribute to control of grain Cd accumulation, and that the main regulatory processes differ between pot and field systems. This study provides s a scientific basis for developing practical nitrogen-management strategies to support safe rice production in Cd-contaminated paddy fields. Full article

River sediments act not only as important sinks for heavy metal pollution in watersheds, but also as potential secondary sources under changing environmental conditions. Heavy metals can enter river systems through industrial wastewater discharge, agricultural non-point runoff, urban stormwater and sewage inputs, mining and smelting activities, and atmospheric deposition. During adsorption onto suspended particles, sedimentation, and resuspension, metals such as Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, As, and Hg progressively accumulate in sediments. Because heavy metals are persistent, non-degradable, and bioaccumulative, contaminated sediments can record historical watershed pollution while also releasing metals back into overlying water under hydrodynamic disturbance, pH and redox fluctuations, organic matter mineralization, benthic bioturbation, and dredging activities, thereby threatening aquatic ecosystem stability and human health. Using a global methodological framework with particular emphasis on Chinese river basins, this review systematically summarizes key issues in the study of heavy metal pollution in river sediments, including spatial–temporal distribution and operationally defined fractionation, pollution levels and ecological risk assessment, source apportionment, and remediation and management technologies. Current evidence indicates that heavy metal contamination in river sediments exhibits pronounced spatial heterogeneity and watershed-specific characteristics. Its distribution is jointly controlled by geological background, land use patterns, source input intensity, hydrodynamic conditions, sediment particle size composition, and organic matter content. Methodologically, the field has evolved from single total concentration monitoring and exceedance-based evaluation toward integrated assessment systems that combine total concentrations, operationally defined fractionation, bioavailability, ecological risk, health risk, and source contribution. The joint use of BCR sequential extraction, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the pollution load index (PLI), the potential ecological risk index (RI), the risk assessment code (RAC), sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), receptor models, isotope tracing, and machine learning has substantially improved pollution identification, risk zoning, and source apportionment. Overall, research on heavy metal pollution in river sediments has shifted from descriptive judgments of whether contamination exists toward mechanistic and management-oriented questions concerning pollution sources, risk evolution, and remediation strategies. However, important gaps remain in compound pollution transformation mechanisms, regional background values and evaluation benchmarks, uncertainty in model parameters, long-term dynamic monitoring, and engineering-scale verification of remediation technologies. Future studies should strengthen multi-media, multi-scale, and long-term monitoring and further integrate fractionation analysis, toxicological effects, source apportionment models, and remediation technologies to provide a scientific basis for watershed ecological security and precision management of contaminated sediments. Full article

Understanding the ecological adaptability of Pennisetum giganteum (JUJUNCAO) and its long-term effects on rhizosphere microecology is critical for vegetation restoration in fragile ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere of P. giganteum cultivated for 1 and 3 years (Y1, Y3), alongside pre-planting soil (Y0), in a dry-hot valley in Chuxiong, Yunnan, China. Following three years of cultivation, the soil total carbon (TC), organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) showed significant increases of 84.18%, 96.09%, 61.32%, 212.47%, 24.71%, and 22.19%, respectively, whereas the soil pH remained stable. Fungal communities showed significant declines in diversity and richness and a fundamental structural shift as early as one year after planting. In contrast, prokaryotic communities showed a relatively stable structure. Soil carbon and nitrogen variables were the factors most strongly associated with microbial community composition, and long-term cultivation concurrently enriched the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Septoglomus and genera containing potential plant pathogens such as Fusarium and Nectria. The relative abundance of Nectria was positively correlated with the soil carbon and nitrogen contents (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential ecological trade-off between beneficial symbiosis and disease risk. Predicted functional pathway composition indicated a shift in microbial metabolism from basal pathways of phospholipid and nucleotide synthesis toward carbon-nitrogen metabolism via PWY-3781 and the glyoxylate shunt, with fungal community turnover more pronounced. Consequently, P. giganteum demonstrates considerable potential for ecological restoration in dry-hot valleys; however, long-term cultivation deserves attention due to potential nitrate loss and the accumulation of taxa containing potential pathogens, with fungal communities serving as sensitive bioindicators of soil health. Full article

Background: In our companion study, the gingival mesenchymal stem cell (GMSC) secretome suppresses oxidative stress and induces apoptosis in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, where those wet-lab results are themselves reported as preliminary; here we ask whether it also engages a proliferation × migration programme in patient tissue. The two arms differ in read-out type (apoptosis and redox there, transcript abundance here), not in opposed function. Methods: Primary OSCC cells received GMSC-conditioned medium (GMSC-CM) or indirect Transwell co-culture, assayed by RT-qPCR (VEGFA, TGFB1, MMP9, CXCL12, CCND1, PCNA, MYC, EGFR), MTT, and scratch-wound migration. Thirteen computational layers plus a GeoMx spatial verify-and-decide layer were applied to public data: TCGA-HNSC, GEO, CPTAC, single-cell inference, prognostic modelling, DepMap and LINCS L1000. Results: All eight transcripts were raised in all three arms (16 of 24 comparisons significant), indicating a pro-tumour transcriptional shift; metabolic activity was unchanged and wound closure was reduced under conditioned medium (p < 0.01). Of 1358 genes significant in all three modalities, 1219 (89.8%, 95% CI 88.0–91.3%) share direction against 25.0% expected by chance (3.59-fold; exact binomial p below machine precision). The pre-registered oral-cavity signature did not validate externally (GSE41613; C = 0.562), and no ligand–receptor pair survived permutation calibration. Conclusions: GMSC paracrine exposure induces a pro-tumour transcriptional programme in primary OSCC cells that replicates at patient level, without demonstrated functional or therapeutic consequence; gefitinib is nominated only as a hypothesis-generating candidate. The evidence rests on three primary cultures (n = 3), one GMSC donor preparation, one 24 h time point, a single reference gene, no cell-line authentication and no test of gefitinib; the study programme has concluded, and these experiments cannot be performed now. Full article

The spectroscopic and biological properties of two 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives, 4-chloro-6-{5-[(3-chlorophenyl)amino]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl}benzene-1,3-diol (PhTD-CIB) and 4-ethyl-6-[5-(furan-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (FTD-EtB), were investigated using electronic absorption, steady-state fluorescence, resonance light scattering (RLS), and time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) measurements. The experimental analysis was complemented by fluorescence quantum-yield determination, calculation of radiative and non-radiative rate constants, solvatochromic estimation of dipole-moment changes, and evaluation of intermolecular distances using Kasha’s exciton-splitting model. The spectroscopic results support the occurrence of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in both derivatives and indicate that this process is facilitated by molecular aggregation. Spectroscopic studies performed in solvents of different polarity, aqueous media, solvent mixtures, and micellar systems were complemented by an assessment of the antifungal activity of both compounds against selected cereal pathogens. Pronounced changes in fluorescence behavior were observed in micellar systems formed by Triton X-100 and sodium deoxycholate. Depending on the medium, the compounds exhibited either a single short-wavelength emission band or dual emission comprising a second, strongly red-shifted band. Dual emission was particularly evident in selected aqueous, low-polarity, and micellar environments. The combined fluorescence and RLS results indicate that molecular aggregation modifies the balance between the enol- and keto-related emission pathways and promotes an AIE-like enhancement of the ESIPT-associated long-wavelength emission. These findings identify PhTD-CIB and FTD-EtB as environmentally responsive ESIPT fluorophores, while the pronounced antifungal activity observed exclusively for FTD-EtB supports its further investigation as a potential antifungal agent. Full article

Phytoene, a colorless precursor of carotenoids, has attracted increasing attention because of its favorable bioavailability, antioxidant activity, and potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and animal nutrition. However, its industrial utilization remains limited by low natural abundance and the dependence of current production strategies on genetic engineering or metabolic pathway manipulation. In this study, we identified and characterized a naturally occurring Brevundimonas vesicularis strain (Bv-xms2024) exhibiting pronounced phytoene accumulation without genetic modification. The strain was comprehensively characterized using morphological, biochemical, molecular, genomic, metabolomic, and transcriptional analyses. Quantitative LC–MS/MS analysis demonstrated that Bv-xms2024 accumulated phytoene to 420.42 ± 98.11 μg/g dry biomass after 96 h of cultivation, substantially exceeding the levels of downstream carotenoids, including β-carotene and astaxanthin. Optimization of cultivation parameters identified 25 °C, pH 7.0, and 96 h as the optimal conditions for phytoene accumulation, while serial passaging confirmed stable production over 20 generations. Genome annotation identified the carotenoid biosynthetic gene repertoire, while RT-qPCR analysis revealed a temporal shift from early upregulation of crtE and crtB to later upregulation of downstream pathway genes, consistent with the observed phytoene-dominant carotenoid profile. Short-term tolerance evaluations in mice and chickens revealed no observable adverse effects under the tested conditions. Collectively, these findings identify Bv-xms2024 as a promising natural microbial resource for phytoene production and provide a basis for further process development and strain-level safety evaluation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glia-mediated inflammation contributes to a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including epilepsy. Pregabalin (PGB) and cannabidiol (CBD) are CNS-acting drugs prescribed for various neuropsychiatric conditions, especially seizures. This study investigated the effects of PGB and CBD on glial properties in an astrocyte–microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Methods: Physiological (M5, containing 5–10% microglia) and pathological inflammatory astrocyte–microglia co-cultures (M30, containing 30–40% microglia) were collected from the postnatal brain hemispheres of Wistar rats (P0-P2) according to an established protocol and treated with different concentrations of PGB (3, 10, 30 and 60 µg/mL) for 24 h or CBD (50, 500 and 1000 ng/mL) for 1 h or 24 h. Metabolic activity was assessed by the MTT assay. Microglial phenotypes and astroglial connexin (Cx)43 expression were detected by immunocytochemistry. Results: In M5 co-cultures, short-term incubation (1 h) with high concentrations (1000 ng/mL) of CBD significantly reduced glial viability (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in M30 co-cultures. After 24 h of incubation, M5 cultures exhibited a significant increase in metabolic activity at 50 ng/mL (p < 0.0001) and 500 ng/mL (p < 0.05), and a reduction at 1000 ng/mL (p < 0.05), suggesting impaired viability at high concentrations under physiological conditions. The distribution of microglial phenotypes in physiological M5 co-cultures incubated with CBD remained unchanged. In M30 co-cultures, CBD incubation for 1 and 24 h significantly reduced microglial activation and promoted a shift from reactive, phagocytic to homeostatic, ramified microglial phenotype (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.0001). In contrast, PGB did not affect glial cell viability, microglial phenotypes or Cx43 expression in physiological and inflammatory co-cultures, indicating that the mechanisms of action of PGB probably do not include modulation of glial cells in vitro. Conclusions: The inhibition of microglial reactivity by CBD suggests potential positive effects on the neuroinflammatory component involved in the pathogenesis of CNS disorders such as epilepsy. Full article

This study examined the combined effects on highly foamed cementitious materials of varying concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), an air-entraining agent (AEA), and three superplasticizers (SPs): a lignosulfonate-based superplasticizer (SP-LS), a polyacrylate-based superplasticizer (SP-PA), and a polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizer (SP-PCE). Setting time, semi-adiabatic exothermic-temperature (EXO) profile tests, zeta potential analysis, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) measurements, and foam stability were used to assess the suspensions and pastes. Adding up to 1.5% MWCNTs to an alkaline air-entraining agent (AEA) and SP-LS mostly shifts the zeta potential toward a negative value and stabilizes the suspension and foam. When MWCNTs and SP-LS were added to the foamed paste, the initial viscosity dropped by 12.1% to 7%, whereas with SP-PA and SP-PCE it dropped by 20–48% and 18–50%, respectively. Adding MWCNTs and SP-LS to the foamed paste mostly decreases the density. Using SP-LS is very helpful for interactions between AEA and MWCNTs, thereby stabilizing the air bubble walls. This study underscores the importance of pH and EC of the AEA and SP in affecting the cement paste’s hydration process. Full article

The reactive transport of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in anthropogenically disturbed sites (e.g., mine waste rock dumps, chromium salt industrial sites) is critically influenced by physico-chemical heterogeneity, yet the interplay between physical and chemical heterogeneities remains poorly understood. This study employed a series of experiments and numerical modeling to investigate the transport of Cr(VI), focusing on the implications of physical heterogeneity—represented by preferential flow paths—and chemical heterogeneity—characterized by reductive mineral lenses. Key findings indicate that physical heterogeneity accelerates Cr(VI) breakthrough by 1.4 to 2.1 pore volumes (PV) relative to homogeneous columns. The presence of pyrite lenses delays breakthrough by 0.6–1.2 PV under neutral pH and 1.6–2.0 PV under acidic pH. At a flow rate of 3.0 m/day, the apparent sorption capacity decreases by ~62.5% compared to 0.3 m/day, indicating that physical advection largely suppresses chemical retention under high-flux conditions. The above results demonstrate that physical heterogeneity governs flow paths and advection rates, whereas chemical heterogeneity impedes transport through heterogeneous adsorption and reduction in Cr(VI) to Cr(III) along these pathways. Furthermore, the presence of preferential paths leads to greater spatial variability, which subsequently influences the interaction dynamics between Cr(VI) and reactive minerals in the aqueous environment. The dominance shifts between physical/chemical controls based on flow rates and pH. At higher flow rates, the influence of physical heterogeneity becomes more pronounced, diminishing chemical reactions due to insufficient residence time of Cr(VI). Conversely, a lower pH environment enhances pyrite dissolution, which decouples the dependency on physical heterogeneity by promoting homogeneous reactions. Further evidence was obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The experimental observations are complemented by TOUGHREACT-based reactive transport simulations, which further reveal that the apparent dominance shifts arise from competing timescales between advection and surface reaction. The insights gained from the study emphasize the necessity of integrating both physical and chemical spatial variability in risk assessments, transport modeling, and designing targeted remediation strategies. Full article

In this paper, we report a metal-driven structural tuning strategy with the L-histidine (His) ligand to modulate peroxidase-like nanozyme performance. Although the His coordinates with gold(III) ions to form an extended helical coordination polymer, its interaction with Cu(II) ions results in quantum-confined, ultrasmall nanoclusters. Based on the optical, structural, and surface analysis, the blue-emitting cores are stabilized by His ligands through imidazole nitrogen coordination, consistent with a Cu-centered coordination environment involved in the observed catalytic activity. According to the catalytic measurements, the His-Cu clusters outperformed the His-Au coordination polymer reference system. Steady-state kinetic modeling and 3D profiling revealed a pronounced shift in the pH optimum: low-valent Cu-containing His-Cu NCs enable efficient peroxide-dependent catalysis under nearly neutral conditions (pH 7.4), whereas His-Au CP exhibits its maximum activity under acidic conditions. Based on these findings, this work highlights nanoscale engineering for tailor-made biomimetic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has transformed the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, yet peri-procedural haemodynamic instability may compromise penumbral perfusion and neurological recovery. We assessed the frequency, determinants and clinical consequences of post-procedural hypotension after EVT. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 201 consecutive adults who underwent endovascular thrombectomy for anterior-circulation large-vessel occlusion at a single tertiary centre over a period of eight years, from 1 January 2017 to 31 January 2025. Post-procedural hypotension was defined as hypotension requiring initiation of a continuous noradrenaline infusion within 24 h of the procedure. Comorbidities, anaesthetic modality (general anaesthesia [GA] or conscious sedation [CS]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of hypotension. Results: Fifty-five patients (27.4%) developed post-procedural hypotension. They presented with more severe strokes (NIHSS 16.0 ± 5.0 vs. 13.7 ± 5.0; p = 0.002), had higher NIHSS scores at day 2 (14.0 ± 6.9 vs. 9.4 ± 6.7; p < 0.001) and day 7 (p = 0.003), and displayed markedly higher in-hospital mortality (50.9% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001). In an ordinal analysis of the day 7 modified Rankin Scale with death coded as 6, hypotension was associated with a shift towards greater disability (common OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.40–4.72; p = 0.002). In an exploratory model, each additional 10 min of door-to-groin time was independently associated with hypotension (adjusted OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.18; p = 0.003). Independent predictors of hypotension were baseline NIHSS (adjusted OR 1.11 per point, 95% CI 1.04–1.19; p = 0.003) and active malignancy (adjusted OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.04–8.09; p = 0.042). Hypotension occurred with similar frequency under GA and CS (28.6% vs. 24.6%; adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.54–2.34; p = 0.766). Conclusions: Post-EVT hypotension is common and associated with poorer early neurological recovery and a more than two-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate. Its independent predictors were baseline stroke severity and active malignancy. Patients with severe stroke or active cancer may warrant intensified haemodynamic surveillance after thrombectomy. Procedural delay emerged as the only modifiable predictor identified and warrants prospective evaluation. Full article

In the context of the global shift toward sustainable energy systems and circular economy strategies, anaerobic digestion is a well-established biotechnology for the valorisation of organic residues, the production of biogas as a renewable energy carrier, and the generation of nutrient-rich digestate. This study aimed to evaluate the stability and methane yield of a two-stage co-digestion process using a substrate mixture developed based on the actual feedstock composition of a full-scale agricultural biogas plant. The daily feed mixture consisted of maize silage (8.2%), sugar beet pulp (4.9%), cellulose pulp (6.6%), distillery stillage (38.6%), corn syrup (6.4%), cattle slurry (22.5%) and sterilised animal by-products (12.8%). Digestate was recirculated separately as part of the reactor operation. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted in a two-stage anaerobic digestion system operated at 42 °C and 50 °C. The physicochemical properties of the substrates and digestate were determined, biogas quantity and composition were monitored, and the microbial community structure was assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The process remained stable throughout the experimental period, with pH values ranging from 8.23 to 8.53, alkalinity between 2600 and 2940 mg CaCO₃/dm³, and a VFAs/alkalinity ratio of 0.17–0.93. Despite ammonium nitrogen concentrations reaching 4346 mg N-NH₄⁺/L, no clear concurrent reduction in gas or methane production was observed. Methane accounted for approximately 70–80% of the biogas produced. The overall specific methane yield reached 346.4 NL CH₄ kg⁻¹ VS added. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a diverse microbial community containing taxa previously associated with hydrolysis, fermentation and syntrophic interactions, including Proteiniphilum and Syntrophaceticus. The results demonstrate stable process performance and methane production in this site-specific laboratory-scale case study based on the feedstock composition and process configuration of a full-scale agricultural biogas plant. Full article

Background: Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is among the most frequent chronic neurological disorders of cats, but by definition it is associated with an unremarkable conventional brain MRI, leaving its temporal lobe pathophysiology poorly characterised. Objectives: To quantify interictal temporal lobe neurometabolite ratios in cats with IE using bilateral single-voxel ¹H-MRS and to compare them with healthy controls, and to explore relationships with seizure timing and signalment. Methods: In this prospective case–control study, 20 client-owned cats with idiopathic epilepsy and 20 healthy control cats underwent bilateral single-voxel ¹H-MRS (PRESS; TE 135 ms; 10 × 10 × 10 mm voxel centred on the mid-hippocampus and amygdala). N-acetylaspartate (NAA), total choline (tCho), and total creatine (tCr) were quantified and the NAA/tCr, NAA/tCho, tCho/tCr, and tCho/NAA ratios were compared (independent-samples t-tests; one-way ANOVA; Spearman correlation; α = 0.05). Results: Overall, no metabolite ratio differed significantly between groups across both hemispheres, and no ratio correlated with age, sex, breed, coat length, or neutering status. However, the right temporal lobe NAA/tCr ratio was significantly lower in epileptic cats (1.32 ± 0.29) than in controls (1.50 ± 0.20; p < 0.05). Seizure timing modulated the left-hemisphere spectrum: left tCho/tCr correlated negatively with the interval since the last seizure (Spearman r = −0.48; p = 0.035), and cats with ≤3 days between first and last seizures showed lower left NAA/tCho (0.89 ± 0.23 vs. 1.14 ± 0.24; p = 0.032) and higher left tCho/NAA (1.21 ± 0.40 vs. 0.91 ± 0.17; p = 0.039) than cats with a longer interval. Conclusions: Interictal ¹H-MRS detects temporal lobe metabolic disturbances, including a reduced right temporal lobe NAA/tCr ratio suggesting neuronal or metabolic dysfunction and seizure timing-dependent membrane turnover shifts, in cats with normal-appearing MRI. ¹H-MRS is therefore a promising non-invasive adjunct for characterising, monitoring, and potentially assisting in the localisation of metabolic abnormalities in feline IE and warrants validation in larger, longitudinally sampled cohorts. Full article

If a CO₂ reservoir or transmission pipeline were to leak, both the surrounding ecology and maritime traffic safety could be put at risk. To better understand and prepare for this risk, multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were built in ANSYS Fluent to capture the behavior of a leak once it enters the water. A 3D Eulerian–Eulerian model was used for validation, while a simplified 2D model was applied to simulate conditions at a 50-m depth. The models integrate bubble dynamics, gas holdup, CO₂ dissolution, dissolved species transport, and seawater acidification into a unified CFD framework. Mass transfer was calculated using the Hughmark correlation, and local seawater temperature and salinity were factored in to determine dissociation behavior and the relevant Henry’s Law constant. To confirm the 3D model’s accuracy, results were checked against two experimental datasets: the QICS field study and the Hauser Tank experiments. The team also modeled a hypothetical release scenario at the High Island 10L site and compared the results with earlier published work. The results show that at a depth of 50 m, the surrounding water column can completely absorb a CO₂ release at a rate of 35 kg/s, since the gas dissolves into the seawater as it rises toward the surface. Beyond confirming this mitigation capacity, the simulations shed light on how a leak would actually unfold in the environment, including the shape and movement of the rising bubble plume, how much CO₂ dissolves along the way, and the resulting shifts in seawater pH and pCO₂. Together, this provides a practical framework for assessing how CO₂ leaks could affect marine environments in the Gulf of Mexico. Full article