Search Results (43,187)

Acne is a prevalent dermatological condition occurring globally and influenced by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors. The microbiome and its contribution to skin disease have been increasingly explored, along with the influence of the exposome and host immune responses on this complex microbial system. Nine experts from different countries in Africa, America, Asia, and Europe gathered to harmonise definitions, identify key pathogenic and protective microbial strains, and prioritise the factors that most significantly impact the skin’s microbiome in the context of acne. Opportunity areas on the role of the microbiome in the prevention, treatment, recurrence, and sequelae avoidance in acne were identified. The relationships between current treatments and the diversity of the microbiome were described. Current microbiome-targeted strategies were assessed, including practical considerations of innovative future perspectives. The panel discussions emphasise the urgent need for universally adaptable guidelines encompassing alternatives to oral antibiotic therapies, in light of increasing antimicrobial resistance and the significant burden of treatment-related adverse events. Full article

Mediterranean meadows of Posidonia oceanica are chronically exposed to complex mixtures of environmental contaminants, including metals and trace elements derived from coastal urbanization, maritime traffic, and industrial activities. This study aimed to assess metal-related toxicity in P. oceanica by integrating multi-element burden analysis with a panel of oxidative stress biomarkers. Concentrations of a wide suite of elements were quantified in samples of internal (juvenile), intermediate, and external (adult) leaves, reflecting the ontogenetic structure of the plant. Oxidative responses were evaluated using five biomarkers [i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT)] measured on each leaf compartment. Biomarker data were standardized and integrated into a merged Stress Index summarizing overall physiological toxicity. Associations between individual elements, the sum of all measured elements (ΣallElements), the Stress Index, and single biomarkers were explored using Pearson correlation analysis. Juvenile leaves exhibited the highest Stress Index values, elevated H₂O₂ and TBARS, and marked activation of SOD and GST, indicating early oxidative toxicity. Intermediate leaves showed a trend toward increased CAT activity, not reaching statistical significance, along with minimal damage, suggesting effective detoxification, whereas adult leaves accumulated higher levels of Fe, Ni, and Pb, but displayed moderate stress responses. Overall, leaf-class structure strongly modulated both exposure and toxicological response. The integration of ΣAllElements with multi-biomarker indices provides a robust framework for diagnosing metal-related toxicity in P. oceanica under realistic multi-element exposure scenarios. Full article

Background: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a frequent survivorship problem after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery. Pelvic radiotherapy (RT), often combined with chemotherapy, is frequently implicated in LARS development, but its apparent effect may be confounded by low tumor location and diversion. We evaluated whether RT (±chemotherapy) separates the risk of postoperative LARS severity—especially major LARS—beyond classical anatomic and pathway determinants. Methods: We conducted a single-centre observational cohort study of operated rectal cancer patients managed between 2013 and 2024, who completed the Romanian-validated LARS score by standardized telephone interview after restoration of bowel continuity (up to 18 months postoperatively). Outcomes were postoperative LARS score, LARS category, and major LARS. Comparisons were performed by RT status and by oncologic treatment pattern. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations with major LARS, adjusting a priori for tumor location and diverting ileostomy; furthermore, extended sensitivity models incorporated technical/pathway variables. Discrimination was explored using 5-fold cross-validated ROC/AUC. Item-level LARS responses were analyzed to characterize symptom phenotype. Results: Overall, 182 patients were included (RT: 106; no RT: 76); 43.4% had LARS (minor 14.8%, major 28.6%). RT-treated patients had higher postoperative LARS scores (median 21 vs. 12; p = 0.002) and a higher prevalence of major LARS (35.8% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.012). Across treatment patterns, LARS severity was highest in RT + chemotherapy. Item-level analyses indicated that RT-associated differences were driven mainly by urgency and clustering domains. In adjusted models, RT was not independently associated with major LARS, whereas low tumor location and diverting ileostomy were strong predictors. Discrimination for major LARS was modest: AUC 0.561 for RT alone, 0.643 for location + ileostomy, and 0.654 for location + ileostomy + RT (5-fold cross-validation). Conclusions: RT is associated with worse unadjusted postoperative bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery and is linked to urgency/clustering-dominant symptom patterns. However, in this cohort, the risk of major LARS was predominantly explained by tumor location and diversion rather than RT alone, supporting integrated risk stratification and early symptom-directed survivorship care. Full article

(1) Background: Posterior crossbite associated with maxillary transverse deficiency is commonly managed with maxillary expansion, yet the correspondence between laboratory activation behavior and the clinical response of nickel–titanium leaf-spring expanders remains insufficiently defined; therefore, this study aimed to compare in vitro and in vivo performance of the Leaf Expander^® and to assess their agreement. (2) Methods: A retrospective sample of 15 mixed-dentition patients (7–10 years) treated at two university centers with a Leaf Expander^® (6 mm screw; 900 g) was evaluated; interpremolar (E–E), intermolar (6–6), and intercanine (C–C) distances were recorded at baseline (T0, digital models) and at follow-up visits (T1–T5, caliper measurements), while mechanical compression testing (Instron 3365) quantified force release across the activation sequence; normality (Shapiro–Wilk), parametric analyses, and Pearson correlation were used. (3) Results Posterior crossbite correction was achieved in all completed cases, with mean total increases (T0–T5) of 5.4 mm (E–E), 4.4 mm (6–6), and 6.0 mm (C–C); early expansion (T1–T0) averaged 2.5 mm at E–E, and laboratory curves showed an activation peak followed by sustained force release (~6.5–9 N) and a residual-load phase. Agreement between declared activation and clinical response was higher for E–E and 6–6 than for C–C, which showed greater variability. (4) Conclusions: These findings support the Leaf Expander^® as an effective compliance-free slow expansion device and indicate that laboratory force behavior can help interpret the clinical expansion timeline, including delayed expression after activation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe subtype of stroke characterized by extensive secondary brain injury driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and progressive neuronal loss, leading to poor neurological outcomes. Thymoquinone, a bioactive compound derived from Nigella sativa, has demonstrated potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, but its integrated effects in hemorrhagic stroke remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroregenerative effects of thymoquinone in a rat model of ICH. Methods: Male Wistar rats with experimentally induced ICH were randomized into untreated controls and two treatment groups receiving thymoquinone (150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) for three consecutive days. Oxidative injury and antioxidant responses were assessed using membrane blebbing, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression, while neuroprotection was evaluated by neuronal counts in perihematomal tissue. Results: Thymoquinone treatment significantly reduced membrane blebbing and MDA levels, while markedly increasing SOD activity and NRF2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. These biochemical improvements were accompanied by significant preservation of neuronal morphology and increased neuronal survival, with the 250 mg/kg dose showing the strongest effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, thymoquinone confers robust antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits in experimental ICH and represents a promising candidate for mitigating secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic toxic effects of two thermodynamic inhibitors (methanol and ethylene glycol) widely used in deep-sea oil and gas operations on two typical marine fish species, the medaka (Oryzias melastigma) and the yellowstripe goby (Mugilogobius chulae), to assess their potential ecological risks in marine environments. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was determined through acute toxicity tests. A 56-day chronic toxicity test was conducted to evaluate the effects on fish growth (body length) and the antioxidant defense system, specifically the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results revealed marked species-specific differences. In terms of acute toxicity, medaka exhibited exceptionally high sensitivity to ethylene glycol (LC₅₀ 15.77 g/L), while the yellowstripe goby showed greater tolerance (LC₅₀ 22.17 g/L). Chronic exposure led to concentration-dependent growth inhibition in both species, and medaka showed significantly higher mortality than yellowstripe goby. Under methanol exposure, medaka exhibited significantly higher mortality (30–45%) than yellowstripe goby (5–20%). When exposed to ethylene glycol, medaka showed markedly high mortality (55–85%), while yellowstripe goby mortality remained below 15%. At the molecular level, both chemicals induced oxidative stress, but the response patterns of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were species-specific, indicating differences in toxic mechanisms and detoxification capacities. Methanol and ethylene glycol pose non-negligible ecotoxicological risks to marine fish, and the toxicity intensity is influenced by species specificity, exposure concentration, and the effectiveness of the antioxidant defense system. This study emphasizes that environmental risk assessments for such chemicals must fully account for species differences and sublethal effects, providing critical scientific evidence for formulating precise environmental safety standards for marine hydrocarbon exploitation. Full article

The growing popularity of ecotourism is increasing human–wildlife interactions in coral reef ecosystems. Although often considered benign, interactions with humans can alter essential antipredator responses. Reef fish exposed to humans often modify their antipredator behavior. Prior work has shown that fish respond differently in marine protected vs. non-protected areas (MPAs), but it remains unclear whether these differences stem from protection status or differences in human presence. We studied dusky damselfish (Stegastes nigrican) antipredator behavior across three sites separated by MPA status and human activity. We also investigated how different durations of short-term exposure to snorkeler presence influenced risk assessment across these sites. We quantified antipredator responses using: (1) the proportion of time fish were displaced from their territory during different durations of snorkeler exposure, (2) post-treatment flight initiation distance (FID), and (3) latency to return after fleeing. Human presence explained more variation than MPA status in all metrics. Fish from reefs with high human presence remained in their territories longer during treatments, had shorter FIDs, and returned faster after fleeing. Our findings suggest that snorkeling induces immediate behavioral changes and alters risk assessment following exposure in damselfish, potentially compromising fitness-promoting behaviors and predation avoidance. Full article

In 2023, a highly immunogenic live attenuated vaccine based on the Nigeria 75/1 strain was introduced in Kazakhstan to provide protection against PPR. This study presents the results of a three-year animal trial evaluating the vaccine’s efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. The novelty of this study lies in the long-term (up to 36 months) evaluation of protective immunity in adult animals, as well as in the comparative analysis of immune responses across different age groups and the assessment of viral suppression following challenge infection. Sheep and goats of different age groups were included, including lambs and kids aged 1.5 and 3 months, as well as adult animals aged 2–3 years. The vaccine was well tolerated following a single immunization, and no clinically significant adverse effects were observed in vaccinated animals, apart from only mild transient local reactions. A strong humoral (IgG) response to PPRV antigens was detected in all groups, with the highest antibody titers observed in young animals. Seroconversion was detected in 100% of vaccinated animals by day 21 post-vaccination. Long-term protective immunity (at least 36 months) was demonstrated in adult animals, whereas in young animals early protection was confirmed at 21 days post-vaccination along with subsequent humoral immune dynamics following a single immunization with a 1.0 mL dose of the vaccine (Nigeria 75/1 strain, titer 10^3.0 TCID₅₀/mL). These findings indicate that the vaccine is well tolerated, highly immunogenic, and provides sustained protection in adult animals while inducing early immune responses in young animals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a nutritionally regulated incretin involved in the coordination of intestinal, hepatic, and adipose metabolic responses. Although plant-derived extracts are increasingly investigated for their metabolic effects, mechanistic evidence integrating multiple metabolic tissues remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the molecular effects of a combination of plant-derived extracts in an integrated in vitro gut–liver–adipose model. Methods: Differentiated Caco-2 monolayers were exposed to a standardised combination of plant-derived extracts obtained from Gastrodia elata, Morus alba, and Paeonia lactiflora. GLP-1 secretion and epithelial barrier integrity were assessed. Conditioned media from intestinal cells were applied to HepG2 hepatocytes, and downstream effects on lipid metabolism-related pathways were evaluated. Subsequently, conditioned media from hepatic cells were applied to differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes to assess lipid accumulation and metabolic signalling. Results: Exposure of intestinal cells to the extract combination significantly increased GLP-1 secretion without altering epithelial barrier integrity. Intestinal conditioned media were associated with reductions in intracellular triglyceride levels in hepatocytes and with modulation of markers linked to lipid handling, including resistin, FGF21, SREBP-1c, NRF2, Src, AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC1α, suggesting GLP-1-associated effects. In adipocytes, hepatic conditioned media decreased lipid accumulation and increased the levels of metabolic markers associated with adipocyte browning-related signalling, including UCP1, NOS, SIRT1, and STAT3. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro multi-organ model, these findings suggest that the tested combination of plant-derived extracts modulates cellular pathways related to GLP-1-associated metabolic signalling across intestinal, hepatic, and adipose systems. These results should be interpreted as mechanistic and hypothesis-generating, and further in vivo and clinical studies are required to confirm their physiological relevance. Full article

Industrial isolated power systems are highly sensitive to load disturbances due to their limited inertia and absence of large-grid support. This article analyzes the dynamic stability of an isolated system with a current available generation contribution of approximately 24 MW, evaluating the integration of a new production plant planned to be integrated in two construction phases of 2 MW each (total 4 MW). The system operates with local generation at 13.8 kV and distribution at 34.5 kV; therefore, demand expansion requires a detailed assessment to maintain safe operating conditions. In addition, the study verifies compliance with spinning reserve requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 in accordance with applicable industrial power system criteria, including IEEE 3007.1 and IEEE C37.106, as part of the N−1 security assessment. The developed stability analysis is based on time-domain dynamic simulations using IEEE AC8C excitation models and a UG-8 governor. The results show that, under severe contingencies, the frequency nadir can reach deviations close to 1.5 Hz and RoCoF values above 4 Hz/s. The results indicate that Phase 1 (2 MW) can be incorporated while maintaining acceptable spinning reserve margins, whereas the additional 2 MW corresponding to Phase 2 cannot be integrated under the current operating conditions without violating reserve criteria. However, the system remains stable when generators operate under automatic voltage control, while fixed power factor mode produces less robust responses. Based on this result, the dynamic analysis is focused on the Phase 1 condition under critical contingencies, particularly the sudden outage of the 5 MW and 8 MW generating units, with special emphasis on the outage of the largest generator, mitigated through spinning reserve support and a RoCoF-based load shedding scheme of approximately 4.4 MW. Likewise, the energization of the new plant through the 8 km line requires the evaluation of the available reactive compensation resources, including the use of capacitor banks/reactive support, to prevent underexcitation and maintain acceptable voltage conditions. Full article

Lepidolite deposits are rare-metal deposits in which lepidolite is the principal industrial mineral. Owing to thin overburden and widespread open-pit mining, their exploitation supports raw material supply for the new energy industry but also continuously disturbs mining ecosystems, thereby threatening regional ecological security. Under the combined effects of fragile natural conditions and human-induced mining disturbance, traditional fixed-weight evaluation methods have difficulty identifying stage-wise changes and localized high-risk characteristics of ecological security in lithium mining areas. Taking the lithium mining area of Huaqiao Township, Yichun, as a case study, this study constructed an ecological-security evaluation system based on the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response–Management (DPSIRM) framework and introduced variable weight (VW) theory to develop a penalty-dominated state variable weight model. This model enabled the dynamic adjustment of indicator weights across years and evaluation units, while the geographic detector was used to identify the main driving factors. Results showed that (1) from 2010 to 2024, ecological security exhibited a stage-wise pattern of initial improvement followed by degradation, and low-security areas first contracted and then expanded outward; (2) vegetation coverage was a key driving factor, while interactions between any two factors were stronger than the effect of a single factor, indicating that cumulative multi-stressor effects strongly shaped spatial differentiation; and (3) compared with the constant weight (CW) method, the VW method produced finer stratification within the severely degraded tail at the Shixiawo mining site across the four assessment years, demonstrating applicability at a representative mining site in this Huaqiao case study. These findings provide a scientific basis for ecological assessment, restoration, and coordinated resource management in lithium mining areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pigmented rice is increasingly recognized as a functional food because of its rich phytochemical composition and health-promoting potential. However, local red rice cultivars from the three southern border provinces of Thailand remain insufficiently characterized. This study comparatively evaluated four whole-grain red rice cultivars—Hawm Gra Dang Ngah 59 (HGDN 59), Hawm Mue Lau (HML), Lued Pla Lai (LPL), and Se Bu Kan Tang (SBKT)—for their chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and antidiabetic potential. Methods: Whole-grain rice samples were extracted with 95% ethanol and assessed for extraction yield, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH^•, FRAP, and anti-lipid peroxidation assays, while antidiabetic activity was measured using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. LC-MS/MS-based chemical profiling, pathway classification, PCA-based chemical space analysis, molecular docking against α-glucosidase, and physicochemical/ADMET prediction were also performed. Results: Among the tested cultivars, HGDN 59 showed the most favorable overall profile, with the highest phenolic content, strongest antioxidant activity, and marked α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. LC-MS/MS analysis combined with docking-based screening revealed that HGDN 59 contained several abundant compounds, including ent-Epicatechin-(4α→6)-ent-epicatechin, cinnamtannin A1, apiin, and α-tocotrienol. These compounds exhibited strong binding affinities toward α-glucosidase (−10.7 to −9.6 kcal/mol), comparable to or slightly more favorable than acarbose. ADMET prediction indicated that most polyphenolic compounds exceeded Lipinski’s rule of five, while α-tocotrienol demonstrated favorable absorption property. Conclusions: This is the first study to suggest that HGDN 59 exhibits potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro and may serve as a promising functional food candidate for the dietary management of postprandial glycemic response. Full article

Digital technologies are reshaping the public sector, yet meaningful transformation requires more than technology adoption alone. A persistent gap in the literature is the absence of holistic approaches for assessing the digital government environment and translating assessment results into context-sensitive strategic action. Existing studies often examine isolated dimensions without fully considering the interdependence of human, organizational, governance, technical, financial, and legal factors. Moreover, many planning strategies are driven by digital trends rather than by evidence of governments’ actual readiness. This study addresses this gap by asking: how can governments holistically assess their digital environment and use that assessment to develop context-sensitive digital transformation strategies? In response, the study proposes an integrated decision-support methodology that combines the Digital Government Strategic Assessment (DGSA) and the Digital Government Planning Strategy (DGPS). DGSA evaluates six dimensions of the digital environment and measures readiness levels and the maturity of strategic objectives, while DGPS translates assessment results into targeted strategic actions. A digital platform supports implementation by digitizing assessment and planning and providing analytical capabilities for weighing key pillars. The study offers a holistic approach for evidence-based digital transformation and illustrates its application through a literature-based use case focused on government as a platform in Indonesia. Full article

The buckling and post-buckling responses of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures are strongly affected by geometric imperfections, boundary conditions, and material nonlinearities, making their reliable numerical prediction challenging. This work presents an integrated experimental–numerical investigation of a stiffened CFRP panel subjected to compressive loading, with the aim of improving model validation in instability regimes. The experimental campaign combines full-field measurements obtained through digital image correlation with local strain data from strain gauges, adopting a back-to-back configuration to capture the strain reversal associated with global buckling. The experimental results are compared with nonlinear finite element simulations incorporating intralaminar damage based on Hashin’s failure criteria. A good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is observed in the pre-buckling and early post-buckling regimes. However, increasing discrepancies arise at higher load levels, mainly due to manufacturing imperfections and uncertainties in boundary conditions, which influence the onset and evolution of localized deformation. Statistical indicators are employed to quantitatively assess the correlation between the experimental and numerical responses. The analysis focuses on the key response parameters, including the load–displacement behaviour, out-of-plane displacements, strain evolution, and damage initiation, enabling a comprehensive comparison of experimental and numerical results. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining full-field and point-wise measurements for validating numerical models of composite structures. Furthermore, the study highlights the limitations of idealized modelling assumptions and provides insights into the sensitivity of CFRP structures to imperfections in post-buckling and failure regimes. Full article

Soil salinity limits ginger productivity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. The 14-3-3 proteins are conserved regulators in stress signaling. Here, we genome-wide characterized the 14-3-3 family in Zingiber officinale and examined the possible involvement of Zo14-3-3-03 in salt response. A total of 21 Zo14-3-3 genes were identified and classified into four groups with uneven chromosomal distribution. Among them, Zo14-3-3-03 was strongly salt-responsive: transcript levels increased 9.91- to 33.82-fold during 1–7 days of treatment and reached 62.47-fold in leaves at day 14. NaCl treatment elevated GUS expression driven by the Zo14-3-3-03 promoter. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of Zo14-3-3-03 resulted in silenced plants exhibiting higher malondialdehyde (up to 73.6%), lower antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX: 18.9–31.9% reduction), reduced osmolytes (proline, soluble protein, sugars, and ascorbic acid: 23.2–36.2% reduction), excessive reactive oxygen species, and decreased relative water content. Several antioxidant-related genes were significantly downregulated. Protein interaction assays suggested a possible interaction with ZoSOS2, and the expression of SOS2 pathway genes was altered in silenced plants, indicating a potential link to calcium signaling and ion homeostasis. Taken together, these results suggest that Zo14-3-3-03 participates in ginger salt stress response possibly through redox balance, osmotic adjustment, and calcium-mediated pathways which would provide a basis for understanding 14-3-3-mediated stress responses and nominates Zo14-3-3-03 as a candidate requiring deeper validation for salt tolerance improvement in ginger. Nevertheless, due to limited functional validation, its role as a positive regulator and breeding target remains preliminary. Further genetic and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm causality and assess field-level applicability. Full article