Search Results (11,138)

Background/Objective: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a substantial contributor to mortality in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gum acacia (GA) and dexamethasone (DEX) combination on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SA-AKI in rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into six groups, including the control, GA group, LPS-induced AKI group, DEX + LPS group, GA + LPS group, and GA + DEX + LPS group. AKI was induced in rats using LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.). GA was administered orally (7.5 g/kg) for 14 days before LPS injection, and DEX was injected (1mg/kg, i.p.) 2 h after LPS injection. Results: LPS injection significantly (p < 0.05, vs. control group) impaired renal function, as evidenced through increased levels of kidney function biomarkers, decreased creatinine clearance, and histopathological alterations in the kidneys. LPS also significantly (p < 0.05, vs. control group) elevated levels of oxidative stress markers, while it reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, LPS triggered an inflammatory response, manifested by significant (p < 0.05, vs. control group) upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB, along with increased expression of high-mobility group box 1. Administration of GA significantly ameliorated LPS-induced renal impairment by enhancing antioxidant defenses and suppressing inflammatory pathways (p < 0.05, vs. LPS group). Furthermore, GA-DEX-treated rats showed improved kidney function, reduced oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammatory markers (p < 0.05, vs. LPS group). Conclusions: The GA-DEX combination exhibited potent renoprotective effects against LPS-induced SA-AKI, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These results suggest that the GA-DEX combination could be a promising and effective therapeutic agent for managing SA-AKI. Full article

The integration of a real-time image processing system using multiple webcams with a variable rate spraying system mounted on the back of an unmanned tractor presents an effective solution to the labor shortage in agriculture. This research aims to design and fabricate a low-cost, variable-rate, remote-controlled sprayer specifically for use in sugarcane fields. The primary method involves the modification of a 15-horsepower tractor, which will be equipped with a remote-control system to manage both the driving and steering functions. A foldable remote-controlled spraying arm is installed at the rear of the unmanned tractor. The system operates by using a webcam mounted on the spraying arm to capture high-angle images above the sugarcane canopy. These images are recorded and processed, and the data is relayed to the spraying control system. As a result, chemicals can be sprayed on the sugarcane accurately and efficiently based on the insights gained from image processing. Tests were conducted at various nozzle heights of 0.25 m, 0.5 m, and 0.75 m. The average system efficiency was found to be 85.30% at a pressure of 1 bar, with a chemical spraying rate of 36 L per hour and a working capacity of 0.975 hectares per hour. The energy consumption recorded was 0.161 kWh, while fuel consumption was measured at 6.807 L per hour. In conclusion, the development of the remote-controlled variable rate sprayer mounted on an unmanned tractor enables immediate and precise chemical application through remote control. This results in high-precision spraying and uniform distribution, ultimately leading to cost savings, particularly by allowing for adjustments in nozzle height from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.75 m from the target. Full article

Understanding how prey and predator species partition activity patterns across time and space is essential for elucidating behavioral adaptation and ecological coexistence. In this study, we examined the diel and seasonal activity rhythms of two sympatric rodent species—Rhombomys opimus (Great gerbil) and Meriones meridianus (Midday gerbil)—and their primary predators, Otocolobus manul (Pallas’s cat) and Vulpes vulpes (Red fox), in a desert-steppe ecosystem on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains, China. Using over 8000 camera trap days and kernel density estimation, we quantified their activity intensity and spatiotemporal overlap. The two rodent species showed clear temporal niche differentiation but differed in their synchrony with predators. R. opimus exhibited a unimodal diurnal rhythm with spring activity peaks, while M. meridianus showed stable nocturnal activity with a distinct autumn peak. Notably, O. manul adjusted its activity pattern to partially align with that of R. opimus, whereas V. vulpes maintained a crepuscular–nocturnal rhythm overlapping more closely with that of M. meridianus. Despite distinct temporal rhythms, both rodent species shared high spatial overlap with their predators (overlap index OI = 0.64–0.83). These findings suggest that temporal partitioning may reduce predation risk for R. opimus, while M. meridianus co-occurs more extensively with its predators. Our results highlight the ecological role of native carnivores in rodent population dynamics and support their potential use in biodiversity-friendly rodent management strategies under arid grassland conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Very elderly patients are at a heightened risk of developing AKI. Fibrinogen and albumin are well-known biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition, which are highly related to AKI. We aim to explore the predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) for AKI in very elderly patients with AMI. Methods: A retrospective cohort of AMI patients ≥ 75 years old hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between January 2018 and December 2022 was established. Clinical data and medication information were collected through the biospecimen information resource center at the hospital. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between FAR and the risk of AKI in patients with AMI. FAR was calculated as the ratio of fibrinogen (FIB) to serum albumin (ALB) level (FAR = FIB/ALB). The primary outcome is acute kidney injury, which was diagnosed based on KDIGO 2012 criteria. Results: Among 1236 patients enrolled, 66.8% of them were male, the median age was 80.00 years (77.00–83.00), and acute kidney injury occurred in 18.8% (n = 232) of the cohort. Comparative analysis revealed significant disparities in clinical characteristics between patients with or without AKI. Patients with AKI exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of arrhythmia (51.9% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.001) and lower average systolic blood pressure (115.77 ± 25.96 vs. 122.64 ± 22.65 mmHg, p = 0.013). In addition, after adjusting for age, sex, history of hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and other factors, FAR remained an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.36–1.58). ROC analysis shows that FAR predicted stage 2–3 AKI with superior accuracy (AUC 0.94, NPV 98.6%) versus any AKI (AUC 0.79, NPV 93.0%), enabling risk-stratified management. Conclusions: FAR serves as both a high-sensitivity screening tool for any AKI and a high-specificity sentinel for severe AKI, with NPV-driven thresholds guiding resource allocation in the fragile elderly. Full article

To deliver the most effective cancer treatment, clinicians require rapid and accurate diagnoses that delineate tumor type, stage, and prognosis. Consequently, minimizing the need for repetitive and invasive procedures like biopsies and myelograms, along with their associated risks, is a critical challenge. Non-invasive monitoring offers a promising avenue for tumor detection, screening, and prognostication. While the identification of oncogenes and biomarkers from circulating tumor cells or tissue biopsies is currently standard practice for cancer diagnosis and classification, accumulating evidence underscores the significant role of epigenetics in regulating stem cell fate, including proliferation, self-renewal, and malignant transformation. This highlights the importance of analyzing the methylome, exosomes, and circulating RNA for detecting cellular transformation. The development of diagnostic assays that integrate liquid biopsies with epigenetic analysis holds immense potential for revolutionizing tumor management by enabling rapid, non-invasive diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and personalized treatment decisions. This review covers current studies exploring the use of epigenetic regulation, specifically the methylome and circulating RNA, as diagnostic tools derived from liquid biopsies. This approach shows promise in facilitating the differentiation between primary central nervous system lymphoma and other central nervous system tumors and may enable the detection and monitoring of acute myeloid/lymphoid leukemia. We also discuss the current limitations hindering the rapid clinical translation of these technologies. Full article

Implementing nature-based solutions (NbSs) for wildfire risk management and other hazards has been challenging in emerging economies due to the high costs, the lack of immediate returns on investment, and stringent inclusion criteria set by organizations like the IUCN and domain experts. To address these challenges, this exploratory study proposes a new concept: green/blue initiatives. These initiatives represent intermediate steps, encompassing small-scale, community-driven activities that can evolve into recognized NbSs over time. To explore this concept, experiences related to wildfire prevention in the Biobío region of Chile were analyzed through primary and secondary source reviews. The analysis identified three initiatives qualifying as green/blue initiatives: (1) goat grazing in Santa Juana to reduce fuel loads, (2) a restoration prevention farm model in Florida called Faro de Restauración Mahuidanche and (3) the Conservation Landscape Strategy in Nonguén. They were examined in detail using data collected from site visits and interviews. In contrast to Chile’s prevailing wildfire policies, which focus on costly, large-scale fire suppression efforts, these initiatives emphasize the importance of reframing wildfire as a manageable ecological process. Lastly, the challenges and enabling factors for adopting green/blue initiatives are discussed, highlighting their potential to pave the way for future NbS implementation in central Chile. Full article

Some of nuclear power’s primary detractors are the unique environmental challenges and impacts of radioactive wastes generated during fuel cycle operations. Key benefits of spent fuel reprocessing (SFR) are reductions in primary high active waste (HAW) masses, volumes, and lengths of radiotoxicity at the expense of secondary waste generation and high capital and operational costs. By employing advanced waste management and resource recovery concepts in SFR beyond the existing standard PUREX process, such as minor actinide and fission product partitioning, these challenges could be mitigated, alongside further reductions in HAW volumes, masses, and duration of radiotoxicity. This work assesses various current and proposed SFR and fuel cycle options as base cases, with further options for fission product partitioning of the high heat radionuclides (HHRs), rare earths, and platinum group metals investigated. A focus on primary waste outputs and the additional energy that could be generated by the reprocessing of high-burnup PWR fuel from Gen III(+) reactors using a simple fuel cycle model is used; the effects of 5- and 10-year spent fuel cooling times before reprocessing are explored. We demonstrate that longer cooling times are preferable in all cases except where short-lived isotope recovery may be desired, and that the partitioning of high-heat fission products (Cs and Sr) could allow for the reclassification of traditional raffinates to intermediate level waste. Highly active waste volume reductions approaching 50% vs. PUREX raffinate could be achieved in single-target partitioning of the inactive and low-activity rare earth elements, and the need for geological disposal could potentially be mitigated completely if HHRs are separated and utilised. Full article

The soil-borne fungi, Setophoma terrestris and Fusarium spp., are often associated with pink root, although the etiology of the disease remains doubtful. While recognized as the primary inoculum, studies show conflicting views on the formation of chlamydospores and microsclerotia in Setophoma. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the etiology of the pink root of garlic and onion and the formation of chlamydospores and microsclerotia in Setophoma. The isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues of garlic, leeks, brachiaria, onions, chives, and maize collected from seven different states in Brazil. Representative isolates were selected for pathogenicity tests. Sequence comparison of the tubulin gene showed Setophoma (n = 50) and Fusarium clades (n = 25). Garlic and onion plants inoculated with Setophoma showed pink root symptoms, while plants inoculated with different Fusarium isolates remained asymptomatic. Multigene analysis of pathogenic isolates confirms that only Setophoma terrestris causes pink root in garlic and onion. In addition, brachiaria, chives, and leeks are newly identified hosts of this pathogen in Brazil. To our knowledge, the main sources of primary inoculum of the disease are chlamydospores, pycnidia, colonized roots of garlic, onion, and plant debris of susceptible crops. The new information obtained in this study will be fundamental for researchers in the development of genotypes that are resistant to pink root and will help the efficient management of the disease. Full article

Background: The progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) deeply affects not only the diagnosed person but also their close relatives, who are often called to take on the role of informal caregivers. This transition is frequently unplanned and emotionally complex, yet poorly understood in its deeper processual dimensions. This study aims to explore and theorize the transition experienced by a family member becoming the primary informal caregiver for a person with advanced AD. Methods: A qualitative study based on the Constructivist Grounded Theory according to Charmaz’s approach (2006) was conducted. In-depth interviews were carried out with 10 participants who had become informal caregivers for a loved one with advanced AD. Data were analyzed using initial coding, focused coding, the constant comparative method, and theoretical coding. Results: Ten caregivers (mean age 39 years, range 35–54; nine females) of patients with advanced AD participated in the study. The analysis revealed a complex, emotionally intense caregiving experience marked by sacrifice, feelings of powerlessness, identity loss, and the necessity of sharing caregiving responsibilities. A core category emerged: A Silent and Certain Willingness to Care, representing the caregivers’ deep, often unconscious commitment to prioritize the care of their loved ones above their own needs. Four interconnected phases characterized the caregiving process: (1) The Changing Daily Life—involving significant sacrifices in personal and social life; (2) Feeling Powerless—confronting the inevitable decline without means to alter the course; (3) Losing Oneself—experiencing physical and psychological exhaustion and a sense of identity loss; and (4) Sharing with Others—seeking external support to sustain caregiving. These findings highlight the evolving nature of becoming a caregiver and the enduring dedication that sustains this role despite the challenges. Conclusions: The progression of AD deeply transforms the lives of caregivers, who become co-sufferers and active participants in the disease’s management. The results underscore the urgency of designing integrative care strategies—including psychological, social, and potentially technological support—that can enhance both patient outcomes and caregiver resilience. Grounded in real-world experiences, this study contributes to the broader neurodegeneration discourse by emphasizing caregiving as a critical factor in long-term disease management and therapeutic success. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains Europe’s leading cause of mortality, responsible for >45% of deaths. Beyond established risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity), psychosocial elements—depression, anxiety, financial stress, personality traits, and trauma—significantly influence CVD development and progression. Behavioural Cardiology addresses this connection by systematically incorporating psychosocial factors into prevention and rehabilitation protocols. This review examines the HEARTBEAT model, developed by Greece’s first Behavioural Cardiology Unit, which aligns with current European guidelines. The model serves dual purposes: primary prevention (targeting at-risk individuals) and secondary prevention (treating established CVD patients). It is a personalised medicine approach that integrates psychosocial profiling with traditional risk assessment, utilising tailored evaluation tools, caregiver input, and multidisciplinary collaboration to address personality traits, emotional states, socioeconomic circumstances, and cultural contexts. The model emphasises three critical implementation aspects: (1) digital health integration, (2) cost-effectiveness analysis, and (3) healthcare system adaptability. Compared to international approaches, it highlights research gaps in psychosocial interventions and advocates for culturally sensitive adaptations, particularly in resource-limited settings. Special consideration is given to older populations requiring tailored care strategies. Ultimately, Behavioural Cardiology represents a transformative systems-based approach bridging psychology, lifestyle medicine, and cardiovascular treatment. This integration may prove pivotal for optimising chronic disease management through personalised interventions that address both biological and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular health. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a term used to describe the combined dysfunction of the heart and kidneys. This complex disorder is widely acknowledged to be challenging in both its diagnosis and management, and this is the case particularly in the elderly population, due to multi-morbidity, polypharmacy, and age-related physiological changes. Given advancements in medicine and more prolonged cumulative exposure to risk factors in the elderly population, it is likely that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) will continue to rise going forward. Hence, understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of CRS is paramount. There are five different CRS types—they are categorised depending on the primary organ involved the acuity of disease. The pathophysiological process behind CRS is complex, involving the interplay of many processes including hemodynamic changes, neurohormonal activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffness. The numerous diagnostic and management challenges associated with CRS are significantly further exacerbated in an elderly population. Biomarkers used to aid the diagnosis of CRS, such as serum creatinine and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), can be challenging to interpret in the elderly population due to age-related renal senescence and multiple comorbidities. Polypharmacy can contribute to the development of CRS and therefore, before initiating treatment, coordinating a patient-centred, multi-speciality, holistic review to assess potential risks versus benefits of prescribed treatments is crucial. The overall prognosis of CRS in the elderly remains poor. Treatments are primarily directed at addressing the sequelae of the underlying aetiology, which often involves the removal of fluid through diuretics or ultrafiltration. Careful considerations when managing elderly patients with CRS is essential due to the high prevalence of frailty and functional decline. As such, in these patients, early discussions around advance care planning should be prioritised. Full article

As an important ecological barrier and animal husbandry resource base in arid and semi-arid areas, grassland degradation directly affects regional ecological security and sustainable development. Ili Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and is a typical grassland resource-rich area. However, in recent years, driven by climate change and human activities, grassland degradation has become increasingly serious. In view of the lack of comprehensive evaluation indicators and the inconsistency of grassland evaluation grade standards in remote sensing monitoring of grassland resource degradation, this study takes the current situation of grassland degradation in Ili Prefecture in the past 20 years as the research object and constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system covering three criteria layers of vegetation characteristics, environmental characteristics, and utilization characteristics. Net primary productivity (NPP), vegetation coverage, temperature, precipitation, soil erosion modulus, and grazing intensity were selected as multi-source indicators. Combined with data sources such as remote sensing inversion, sample survey, meteorological data, and farmer survey, the factor weight coefficient was determined by analytic hierarchy process. The Grassland Degeneration Comprehensive Index (GDCI) model was constructed to carry out remote sensing monitoring and evaluation of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture. With reference to the classification threshold of the national standard for grassland degradation, the GDCI grassland degradation evaluation grade threshold (GDCI reduction rate) was determined by the method of weighted average of coefficients: non-degradation (0–10%), mild degradation (10–20%), moderate degradation (20–37.66%) and severe degradation (more than 37.66%). According to the results, between 2000 and 2022, non-degraded grasslands in Ili Prefecture covered an area of 27,200 km², representing 90.19% of the total grassland area. Slight, moderate, and severe degradation accounted for 4.34%, 3.33%, and 2.15%, respectively. Moderately and severely degraded areas are primarily distributed in agro-pastoral transition zones and economically developed urban regions, respectively. The results revealed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture and provided data basis and technical support for regional grassland resource management, degradation prevention and control and ecological restoration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now the guideline-recommended alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for long-term anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. However, accurately assessing their impact on ischemic stroke outcomes remains challenging, primarily due to uncertainty regarding anticoagulation status at the time of hospital admission. This preliminary study addresses this gap by using point-of-care testing (POCT) to confirm DOAC activity at bedside, allowing for a more accurate comparison of 90-day functional outcomes between anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated stroke patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 786 ischemic stroke patients admitted to the University of Pécs between February 2023 and February 2025. Active DOAC therapy was confirmed using the ClotPro^® viscoelastic testing platform, with ecarin Clotting Time (ECT) employed for thrombin inhibitors and Russell’s Viper Venom (RVV) assays for factor Xa inhibitors. Patients were categorized as non-anticoagulated (n = 767) or DOAC-treated with confirmed activity (n = 19). Mahalanobis distance-based matching was applied to account for confounding variables including age, sex, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and 72 h post-stroke. The primary outcome was the change in mRS from baseline to 90 days. Statistical analysis included ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and principal component analysis (PCA). Results: After matching, 90-day functional outcomes were comparable between groups (mean mRS-shift: 2.00 in DOAC-treated vs. 1.78 in non-anticoagulated; p = 0.745). OLS regression showed no significant association between DOAC status and recovery (p = 0.599). In contrast, NIHSS score at 72 h (p = 0.004) and age (p = 0.015) were significant predictors of outcome. PCA supported these findings, identifying stroke severity as the primary driver of outcome. Conclusions: This preliminary analysis suggests that ischemic stroke patients with confirmed active DOAC therapy at admission may achieve 90-day functional outcomes comparable to those of non-anticoagulated patients. The integration of bedside POCT enhances the reliability of anticoagulation assessment and underscores its clinical value for real-time management in acute stroke care. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and to further refine treatment strategies. Full article

Climate change is disrupting marine ecosystems, necessitating a deeper understanding of environmental and fishing-related impacts on exploited species. This study examines the effects of physical factors (temperature, thermal anomalies, salinity, seabed conditions), biogeochemical elements (pH, oxygen levels, nutrients, primary production), and fishing pressure on the biomass of commercially important species in the Alboran Sea from 1999 to 2022. Data were sourced from the Copernicus observational program, focusing on the geographical sub-area 1 (GSA-1) zone across three depth ranges. Generalized Additive Models were applied for analysis. Rising temperatures and seasonal anomalies have largely negative effects, disrupting species’ physiological balance. Changes in water quality, including improved nutrient and oxygen concentrations, have yielded complex ecological responses. Fishing indices highlight the vulnerability of small pelagic fish to climate change and overfishing, underscoring their economic and ecological significance. These findings stress the urgent need for ecosystem-based management strategies that integrate climate change impacts to ensure sustainable marine resource management. Full article