Search Results (509)

Background: Pancreatic and hepatobiliary tumors continue to rank among the deadliest cancers worldwide. Due to a low response rate to treatment, these tumors continue to have a high death rate, a poor prognosis and survival rate, and an overall poor patient outcome. The multimodal strategy used in current treatment includes systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. However, surgery remains the only treatment with curative intent. Preoperative biliary drainage has a direct impact on the perioperative prognosis of patients with obstructive jaundice and significantly compromised liver function due to hepato-bilio-pancreatic malignancies. Our study’s goal was to determine the safest and most efficient preoperative biliary drainage technique by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of resectable periampullary cancers. Methods: Our approach consisted of searching PubMed, BMC Medicine, and Scopus databases using keywords with a result of 1104 articles from 2010 to 2023. The remaining 24 articles that met our inclusion criteria were subjected to meta-analysis using R Commander 4.3.2. Results: Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) demonstrated a higher rate of postprocedural pancreatitis (RR = 2.22, p < 0.01), intra-abdominal abscess (RR = 1.64, p < 0.01), and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (RR = 2.07, p < 0.01) than percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD). Plastic stent (PS) had higher rates of catheter occlusion (RR = 2.20, p < 0.01) and POPF (RR = 1.66, p < 0.01) compared to self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), which could explain a longer hospital stay (MD = 2.41 days, p < 0.01). However, PS had lower rates of grade 1–2 complications (RR = 0.79, p = 0.017) and wound infection rates (RR = 0.66, p = 0.017) than self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). Conclusions: The choice of a preoperative drainage method can influence postprocedural and postoperative complications rates. ERBD appears to be associated with higher procedure-related and postoperative complication rates and may be linked to a prolonged hospital stay compared to ENBD or PTBD. Moreover, the type of stent placed through ERBD procedure had an important impact on prognosis, as PS had a higher rate of catheter occlusion and POPF, with a prolonged hospital stay compared to SEMS, while mild complications and wound infections were less common in PS group. Full article

The growing accumulation of non-biodegradable petrochemical plastics and increasing food waste present urgent environmental and public health challenges. This study addresses both issues by developing biodegradable food packaging films from agar and starch, enhanced with antimicrobial properties by incorporating silver nanoparticles. The innovation of this work is the synthesis of novel agar–starch–silver nanoparticle coatings, where the contained nanoparticles were produced via green methods using two agro-industrial by-products of Greek olive oil production—olive stone extract and olive mill wastewater—as reducing agents. The morphology of the novel coatings was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, revealing nanoscale particles with variable sizes. Additional film characterization was performed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and surface profilometry. Infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the presence of functional groups responsible for nanoparticle stabilization, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed silver aggregation in both olive stone extract and olive mill wastewater-derived films. Profilometry showed that films with olive mill wastewater-based nanoparticles had a rougher surface than those synthesized from olive stone extract. Antibacterial efficacy was tested against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive) using a spot-on-film assay with high (10⁶ CFU/film) and low (10³ CFU/film) bacterial loads. After 72 h of incubation at 4 °C, both film types showed strong antibacterial activity at high bacterial concentrations, demonstrating their potential for active food packaging. These findings highlight a promising approach to sustainable food packaging within the circular economy, utilizing agricultural waste to create biodegradable materials with effective antimicrobial functionality. Full article

Corona treatment is commonly used in industry to enhance the surface-free energy of plastic films. However, corona treatment may cause some undesirable effects affecting further processing, such as sealing. In this paper, we deeply analyze the corona treatment effect on selected properties of various polymer films commonly used in packaging applications. The films were treated at two power levels (100 W and 300 W), and the experimental design included surface characterization and mechanical testing to assess changes in wettability, chemical structure, and seal strength. The Owens–Wendt approach confirmed the corona treatment effect by static contact angle measurement and surface free energy calculation. Next, their seal strength was evaluated in relation to surface energy and chemical structure changes. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify functional groups potentially affected by corona treatment. The results indicate that the impact of corona treatment is material-dependent. In general, corona treatment at a lower level increases the seal strength, while corona treatment at a higher power level is related to a decrease in seal strength. The study highlights the importance of optimizing corona treatment parameters for specific materials to enhance seal performance without compromising surface integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated a novel rehabilitation tool that combines prismatic adaptation (PA) and cognitive training through serious games (SGs) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to prodromal Alzheimer’s dementia or consequent to Parkinson’s disease. While non-pharmacological interventions have been shown to improve cognition or delay dementia onset, their underlying neurobiological mechanisms, such as brain plasticity, remain unclear. Leveraging studies suggesting neuromodulatory effects of PA, we investigated whether the combined PA+SGs treatment could influence plasticity-related mechanisms, assessed through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels, compared to cognitive training with only SGs and standard cognitive rehabilitation (SCR). Methods: Twenty three MCI patients were randomized into three intervention groups: PA+SGs (experimental group), SG-only (control group), and SCR (control group), completing ten treatment sessions. Patients underwent neuropsychological assessments and blood sampling pre- and post-treatment. Results: At baseline, demographic, clinical, and biological characteristics were comparable across groups. Post-treatment, though differences from control groups were not statistically significant, the PA+SGs group showed significant within-group improvements in memory, with trend-level changes also in executive function and visuospatial abilities, which, however, did not reach the significance threshold. Notably, only the PA+SGs group exhibited increased BDNF levels, which positively correlated with memory and language performance. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that combining PA with cognitive training may enhance cognitive functioning in MCI patients, yielding results comparable to SCR. Furthermore, PA appears to enhance neuroplasticity mechanisms that may support the behavioral improvements observed in cognitive training. Future research should validate these findings and further explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and its rehabilitation, while also considering the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Full article

Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) are shaped by strong climatic and edaphic constraints, including pronounced rainfall seasonality, extended dry periods, and shallow karst soils with limited water retention. Understanding how tree species respond to these pressures is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience under climate change. In the Yucatán Peninsula, we characterized sixteen tree species along a spatial and seasonal precipitation gradient, quantifying wood density, predawn and midday water potential, saturated and relative water content, and specific leaf area. Across sites, diameter classes, and seasons, we measured ≈4 individuals per species (n = 319), ensuring replication despite natural heterogeneity. Using a principal component analysis (PCA) based on individual-level data collected during the dry season, we identified five functional groups spanning a continuum from conservative hard-wood species, with high hydraulic safety and access to deep water sources, to acquisitive light-wood species that rely on stem water storage and drought avoidance. Intermediate-density species diverged into subgroups that employed contrasting strategies such as anisohydric tolerance, high leaf area efficiency, or strict stomatal regulation to maintain performance during the dry season. Functional traits were strongly associated with precipitation regimes, with wood density emerging as a key predictor of water storage capacity and specific leaf area responding plastically to spatial and seasonal variability. These findings refine functional group classifications in heterogeneous karst landscapes and highlight the value of trait-based approaches for predicting drought resilience and informing restoration strategies under climate change. Full article

Background: Endothelial cells (EC), crucial components of the vascular system, are adaptable cells that maintain homeostasis and respond to pathological events through structural and functional plasticity. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been demonstrated to have protective and disruptive influence on the blood barrier function. In endothelial biology, its role is also poorly characterized. The present study explores the impact of supraphysiological concentrations of HGF on mouse brain endothelial cells (MBECs), scrutinizing how it alters their integrity and morphology. Methods: Two groups of MBECs—control (CTR) and experimental (EXP)—were analyzed at two time points: early passage (p5) and late passage (p41). The EXP-groups (p5 and p41) were treated with HGF at a concentration of 4 µL/mL. Cellular morphology was assessed with brightfield microscopy; protein expression and localization of the tight junction marker (ZO-1) and the endothelial marker (Factor VII related antigen/von Willebrand factor, vWf) were analyzed using Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy. Intercellular barrier function was estimated via Transendothelial Electric Resistance (TEER) and Transendothelial Dextran Permeability (TEDP) assays. Results: Microscopical analysis demonstrated a change in the morphology of the MBECs from a longitudinal, spindle-like shape to a rounded, more spheroid, cobblestone-like morphology under high-dose HGF treatment. Western blotting revealed a progressive decrease of ZO-1 expression in the EXP-groups. The expression of vWf did not show significant differences. Qualitative immunocytochemical staining: vWf showed consistent expression across all groups. ZO-1 displayed a punctate, well-defined membrane and cytoplasmic localization pattern in the CTR-groups at p5 and p41. In contrast, the p5 EXP-group demonstrated a shift to a more diffuse cytoplasmic pattern. At p41, the EXP-group displayed a markedly reduced ZO-1 signal with no clear-cut membrane localization. Confocal analysis: ZO-1: punctate membrane-associated localization in CTR-groups at p5 and 41. The EXP-groups at p5 and p41 confirmed the diffuse cytoplasmic ZO-1 distribution. Phalloidin: well-organized actin cytoskeleton in CTR-groups, but rearrangement and stress fiber disorganization in the EXP-groups, especially at p41. The merged images confirmed reduced co-localization of ZO-1 with actin structures. Barrier function: TEER values dropped significantly in HGF-treated cells. TEDP to small and medium molecular weight dextran increased markedly under HGF treatment. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that supraphysiological doses of HGF in an in vitro MBEC-barrier-like model disrupt TJ organization, leading to morphological changes and functional weakening of the MBEC-barrier-like structure, as shown by uncoupling between ZO-1/F-actin cytoskeleton, reduced TEER, and increased size-selective paracellular permeability (TEDP). Full article

Climate change poses serious challenges to Mediterranean crops such as the olive tree (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea), underscoring the need for cultivars with improved drought tolerance and disease resistance. This study investigates variability in leaf and wood traits among Moroccan and introduced olive cultivars and their crossbreed genotypes grown under similar conditions. Specifically, we assessed (1) variation in key functional traits, (2) the effects of crossbreeding combinations, and (3) trait syndromes shaped by selection. Results showed substantial intraspecific variation in leaf traits, including specific leaf area (SLA), specific leaf water content (SLWC), stomatal size (SS), and density (SD), indicating diverse strategies for resource use and plasticity. Crossbreed genotypes generally displayed higher SLWC and lower SLA, reflecting adaptation to water stress. Wood traits, particularly vessel size (SVS) and number (NVS), also varied, revealing trade-offs between hydraulic efficiency and safety. Notably, an increase in vessel size and hydraulic conductivity was correlated with oil content (OC%), while OC% increased with higher vessel and stomatal densities. Larger stomata increased conductance and fruit growth, while lower SLA was linked to higher yield. Multivariate analysis distinguished two genotype groups, consistent with parental combinations. Overall, crossbreeding generated novel functional diversity that may enhance adaptive potential. These findings highlight the value of integrating functional and anatomical traits into olive breeding programs to improve resilience and productivity under climate change. Full article

Microplastic (MPL) and nanoplastic (NPL) contamination in soils is widespread, impacting soil invertebrates, microbial communities, and soil–plant systems. Here, we compiled the information from 100 research articles from 2018 onwards to enhance and synthesize the status quo of MPLs’ and NPLs’ impacts on such groups. The effects of these pollutants depend on multiple factors, including polymer composition, size, shape, concentration, and aging processes. Research on soil invertebrates has focused on earthworms and some studies on nematodes and collembolans, but studies are still limited to other groups, such as mites, millipedes, and insect larvae. Beyond soil invertebrates, plastics are also altering microbial communities at the soil–plastic interface, fostering the development of specialized microbial assemblages and shifting microbial functions in ways that remain poorly understood. Research has largely centered on bacterial interactions with MPLs, leaving understudied fungi, protists, and other soil microorganisms. Furthermore, MPLs and NPLs also interact with terrestrial plants, and their harmful effects, such as adsorption, uptake, translocation, and pathogen vectors, raise public awareness. Given the complexity of these interactions, well-replicated experiments and community- and ecosystem-level studies employing objective-driven technologies can provide insights into how MPLs and NPLs influence microbial and faunal diversity, functional traits, and soil ecosystem stability. Full article

Exposure to hypoxia at high altitudes is significantly associated with impairments in learning and memory functions, as well as abnormalities in neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. Recent research has indicated that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) play a role in regulating microglial activation and mediating neurotoxic damage in the hippocampal CA1 region. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), upon absorption, is rapidly converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is involved in the production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The potential of NR to protect dendritic spine plasticity in hippocampal CA1 neurons following hypoxia exposure, potentially through the inhibition of microglial activation, warrants further investigation. To this end, a mouse model simulating hypoxia at an altitude of 6000 m over a two-week period, along with a BV2 cells and conditional co-culture of BV2 cells and HT22 cells 1%O₂ hypoxia model, was developed. Behavioral assessments indicated that, relative to the normoxia group, mice subjected to hypoxia exhibited a significant reduction in the time spent in the target quadrant, the distance traveled within the target quadrant, the number of platform crossings, and the novel object recognition index. Furthermore, Golgi staining revealed a marked decrease in the density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region in the hypoxia-exposed mice compared to the normoxia group. Subsequently, A daily dosage of 400 mg/kg of NR was administered for two weeks and 0.5 mM NR was used in a conditional co-culture model. Results demonstrated that, in comparison to the hypoxia group, the group receiving combined hypoxia and NR treatment showed significant improvements in the time spent in the target quadrant, the distance traveled within the target quadrant, the number of platform crossings, the novel object recognition index, and the density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy indicated a significant increase in the synaptic density of hippocampal neurons in the combined hypoxia exposure and NR treatment group compared to the hypoxia exposure group. Simultaneously, when compared to the hypoxia group, the combination of hypoxia and NR treatment resulted in an increased concentration of mitochondrial ATP. This treatment also partially restored mitochondrial membrane integrity, reduced mtROS levels, decreased the percent of Iba1⁺CD68⁺Iba1⁺ microglia, and lowered the interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels. These findings indicate that NR treatment may mitigate neurotoxic damage in the hippocampal CA1 region induced by hypoxia exposure, primarily through the attenuation of microglial activation and the reduction in mtROS production. Full article

Horticultural research into the group of plants known as cycads has been deficient, and this includes the study of root growth and function. The form of nitrogen (N) available to plants is known to influence root growth and morphology. The response of cycad roots to N has not been studied to date. Cycas revoluta and Cycas edentata seedlings were grown in hydroponic culture and provided urea, nitrate, or ammonium forms of N. Solutions with all three forms of N increased root growth and branching when compared with nutrient solution devoid of N, with ammonium eliciting the greatest increases. Ammonium increased lateral root length 210% for C. revoluta and 164% for C. edentata. Ammonium decreased specific root length 38% for C. revoluta and 39% for C. edentata. The influence of the N source on stem and leaf growth was minimal. Ammonium increased the root-to-shoot ratio 15% for C. revoluta and 51% for C. edentata, but urea and nitrate did not influence this plant trait. A mixture of nitrate and ammonium generated plant responses that were no different from ammonium alone. The plants supplied with N in the solution produced coralloid root growth that was 14% of the no-N plants for C. revoluta and 22% of the no-N plants for C. edentata. This initial determination of the cycad plant response to the N form indicated that root plasticity was considerable and ammonium stimulated root growth more so than urea or nitrate. Long-term growth studies in mineral soils and nursery container medium are needed to determine if these findings from the hydroponic culture of small seedlings translate to general recommendations for the preferential use of ammonium for cycad culture. Full article

Chronic stress induces mood disturbances, disrupts gut barrier function, and promotes low-grade systemic inflammation. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of atomoxetine (ATX), escitalopram (ESC), cannabidiol (CBD), and CBD-loaded lipid nanoparticles (CBD/LNP) in male rats exposed to repeated restraint stress. Stressed rats exhibited a 2.03-fold increase in interleukin-6 and a 1.89-fold increase in TNF-α, a 1.20-fold decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a 1.36-fold decrease in osteocalcin, accompanied by alterations in gut metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; from 155.3 to 94.83 μmol/L), polyamines (from 273.6 to 192.4 μmol/L), and bile acids (BAs; from 21.19 to 14.53 μmol/L), compared with the control group. Protein analysis revealed gut barrier disruption and microglial/macrophage activation, accompanied by reduced synaptic plasticity. ATX improved gut permeability and reduced glial activation but did not restore osteocalcin. ESC provided neuroimmune benefits with limited and BA gut restoration and modulated the gut–brain axis and improved anxiety-like behaviors, partly by altering gut microbiota and metabolites. CBD and CBD/LNP treatment restored intestinal barrier function, as indicated by intestinal permeability in the range of 1.15–1.61-fold. These treatments also normalized bile acids (1.0–1.38-fold) and osteocalcin (1.0–1.28-fold) and significantly reduced glial activation (0.63–1.12-fold) as opposed to the non-treated stressed group. All treatments were found to be effective in correcting SCFA and polyamine levels. Histological analysis confirmed that CBD/LNP, ATX, and ESC ameliorated tissue alterations. These findings highlight CBD/LNP as a promising intervention for stress-induced gut–brain–bone axis disruption, supporting its potential as a therapeutic alternative through modulation of microbiota-driven gut–brain communication in stress-associated disorders. Full article

This study investigated the morphometric characteristics of adenohypophyseal thyrotrophs and circulating thyroid hormone profiles in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in relation to age and lactation status. Clinically healthy Brela breed camels were divided into lactating female, and non-lactating female groups across two age categories (5–10 years and ≥11 years), with fifty animals per group. Blood samples were collected before slaughter and pituitary glands were collected post-slaughter and processed for immunohistochemical detection of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) using anti-porcine TSHβ antibody, while morphometric measurements of thyrotrophs were conducted through image analysis. Plasma concentrations of TSH, triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyroxine (T₄) were quantified using validated ELISA and enzyme immunoassay kits. Group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Morphometric analysis revealed that lactating female camels exhibited significantly higher thyrotroph counts compared with non-lactating counterparts, whereas non-lactating females displayed larger cell and nuclear dimensions. Age influenced these patterns, with older camels showing hypertrophied thyrotrophs but reduced functional plasticity compared to younger animals. Plasma hormone assays demonstrated that non-lactating camels had higher TSH and T₄ concentrations, while lactating camels maintained elevated T₃ levels, suggesting enhanced peripheral conversion of T₄ to T₃ during milk production. Additionally, younger camels exhibited higher T₃ concentrations than older animals, indicating age-related decline in thyroidal activity. These findings highlight the dynamic regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in camels, demonstrating how lactation and age shape thyroidal morphology and function to meet diverse physiological demands. These findings not only broaden the comparative endocrinology of underexplored species but also provide physiopathological insights relevant to farm animal management, lactation efficiency, and adaptive metabolism in harsh environments. Full article

Polyurethane (PU) is a widely used plastic material whose persistence in the environment entails a serious ecological challenge. This study aimed to isolate and characterize environmental bacteria capable of degrading PU, using Impranil DLN as a model substrate, and to investigate their enzymatic mechanisms and phylogenetic relationships. A total of 31 bacterial isolates were obtained from four waste accumulation sites and taxonomically identified across 12 different genera using MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This analysis revealed genera not previously reported as PU biodegraders, including Priesta, Dermacoccus, Gordonia, Micrococcus, Pseudarthrobacter, and Agromyces. The Bacillus cereus clade was the most prevalent group, followed by the Priestia megaterium clade and Achromobacter sp. Biodegradation assays revealed high variability among strains, with the most efficient degrading over 90% of Impranil DLN. Protease activity was the most frequently detected enzymatic function, followed by urease and esterase activities. However, no clear correlation was observed between enzymatic profiles and degradation efficiency. Selected strains were tested on polyether PU foam, revealing biodegradative activity, an uncommon observation for bacteria on such recalcitrant material. These findings contribute to our understanding of bacterial diversity and enzymatic mechanisms involved in PU biodegradation, as well as their potential applications in plastic waste bioremediation. Full article

The incomplete degradation of degradable plastics may pose potential ecological risks, as it can generate degradable microplastics (DMPs), especially when these DMPs coexist with heavy metals in soil. Taking petrochemical-based poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) as representative DMPs, this study investigated how DMPs affect the adsorption–desorption behavior of Cu²⁺ in soil and the underlying mechanisms via batch equilibrium experiments and characterization analyses. The experiments revealed that ion exchange (accounting for 33.6–34.3%), oxygen-containing functional group complexation, and electrostatic interactions were the primary adsorption driving forces, with chemical adsorption playing the main role. Compared to the soil, the PBAT and PLA had smaller specific surface areas and pore volumes, fewer oxygen-containing functional groups, and especially lacked O-metal functional groups. They can dilute soil, clog its pores, and cover its active sites. 1% DMPs significantly reduced the soil’s equilibrium adsorption capacity (Q_e) (3.7–4.7%) and increased equilibrium desorption capacity (Q_De) (1.7–2.6%), thereby increasing the mobility and ecological risk of Cu²⁺. PBAT and PLA had no significant difference in effects on the adsorption, but their specific mechanisms were somewhat distinct. Faced with the prevalent, worsening coexistence of DMPs and heavy metals in soil, these findings contribute to the ecological risk assessment of DMPs. Full article

BPAF (Bisphenol AF), one of the primary substitutes for BPA (Bisphenol A), is widely used in the production of plastics, optical fibers, and other materials. During the use of these products, BPAF inevitably enters the environment and exerts toxic effects on animal growth, development, reproduction, immunity, neurology, and genetics. This study employed marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) as the experimental model to evaluate the toxicological impacts of BPAF on early development. Embryos were exposed to four BPAF concentrations (0, 1 μg/L, 10 μg/L, and 100 μg/L) for 14 days (embryonic to larval stages), followed by phenotypic measurements, behavioral analysis, and gene expression detection. The results demonstrated that BPAF exposure induced developmental malformations and reduced survival rates in marine medaka embryos, with embryo survival negatively correlated with BPAF concentrations. Additionally, BPAF significantly decreased embryonic heart rates, and the 100 μg/L BPAF group exhibited prolonged embryo hatching time and reduced hatching success. In newly hatched larvae, BPAF exposure led to decreased body length, reduced heart rates, and significant suppression of swimming activity, characterized by increased resting time and reduced swimming distance. BPAF exposure altered the expression levels of genes associated with cardiovascular function (e.g., tbx2b, arnt2), the HPT axis (e.g., tg, dio3a, trh, trhr2, tpo), and neurodevelopment (e.g., ache, elavl3, gfap) in the medaka larvae. These transcriptional perturbations are proposed as potential molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypic effects, including reduced heart rates and suppressed swimming behavior in the study. Molecularly, BPAF exposure significantly disrupted the expression of genes related to the cardiovascular system, HPT axis, and nervous system. Full article