Search Results (37,440)

Nitrification is a key process governing nitrogen (N) loss and greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural soils, and its regulation is strongly influenced by both chemical inhibitors and soil properties. Copper (Cu), a metal cofactor that is crucial for the function of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), plays an important role in ammonia oxidation, whereas dicyandiamide (DCD) suppresses nitrification and may interact with Cu to inhibit AMO activity. However, the extent to which Cu availability and soil organic matter (SOM) jointly regulate DCD efficiency remains poorly understood. In this study, an incubation experiment was conducted using tropical paddy soils with contrasting SOM contents to explore how varying Cu levels (10 and 200 mg Cu kg⁻¹ soil) impact DCD efficiency in regulating the nitrification process and controlling nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Our results showed that DCD generally suppressed nitrification, as indicated by reduced NO₃⁻ accumulation and lower NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ ratios. However, the response to Cu was strongly SOM-dependent. Under low SOM, Cu addition was associated with a partial restoration of nitrification activity, suggesting a potential reduction in DCD efficiency, whereas under high SOM, this effect appeared to be attenuated, likely due to Cu complexation and reduced bioavailability. Increasing Cu levels further weakened DCD inhibition, particularly in low SOM soils. DCD significantly reduced N₂O emissions, but this mitigation effect declined with Cu addition, suggesting a Cu-mediated influence on nitrification–denitrification pathways. On the other hand, CO₂ emissions were reduced under DCD application and appeared to be further reduced under Cu treatments. Changes in enzyme activities and nitrifier gene abundances supported these patterns, suggesting distinct responses of AOA and AOB communities under varying SOM and Cu conditions. This study provided evidence that the interaction of Cu availability and SOM may play an important role in governing the efficacy of nitrification inhibitors. This highlights the importance of considering soil-specific chemical environments when optimizing N management strategies to reduce environmental N losses. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 2% chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) as an irrigating solution during pulp revascularization of immature dog teeth using histological and histomorphometric analyses. Materials and Methods: Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 52 incompletely formed roots in four dogs (6–8 months age). These teeth were randomly allocated to Group I (n = 20; irrigation with NaOCl + EDTA) and Group II (n = 20; irrigation with NaOCl + chitosan NPs); DAP was used as a medication in both groups. Positive control (6 roots): teeth with induced periapical infections, no treatment procedure, and left open. Negative control (6 roots): teeth that were left untreated for the normal maturation process. Each experimental group was subdivided into two subdivisions in accordance with the post-treatment evaluation periods (1–3 months). The experimental teeth were re-entered following the infection period and disinfected using the assigned irrigation and medication protocol, and the access cavities were sealed. After the evaluation period, medication was removed, and blood clot formation was created through over-instrumentation. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was applied, followed by glass ionomer restoration (GIC). Results: At both 1 and 3 months, Group II demonstrated significantly superior histological organization and higher collagen-positive area percentages compared with Group I (p < 0.01), while the negative control showed the highest values and the positive control the lowest. Conclusions: Irrigation with 2% chitosan NPs significantly improved regenerative outcomes compared with the conventional NaOCl/EDTA protocol in immature canine teeth. Full article

The effects of different surface pretreatments on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) between a bulk-fill resin-based composite cavity base material (Bulk Base HARD II) and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (Super-Bond EX), which is often used as a luting agent for indirect dental restorations, were investigated. Six experimental treatments were established: 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride conditioner (10-3), self-etching primer (Teeth Primer; TP), silane coupling agent (M&C Primer; MC), 10-3+MC, TP+MC, and a control group with no treatment. The µTBS was measured after 1 week (immediate group) and 6 months (aged group) of water storage. There were no significant differences in µTBS among the immediate subgroups. However, the aged 10-3+MC group exhibited the highest bond strength, significantly outperforming the control group. On the other hand, the µTBS of the aged TP group was significantly lower than those of both aged 10-3 and 10-3+MC. MC alone did not enhance bond strength, and its application after TP led to a nonuniform surface morphology, raising concerns about adhesive stability. Failure mode analysis indicated that cohesive failure within the luting cement was predominant, with mixed failures being more frequent in the aged TP group. Overall, MC may not be necessary, and 10-3 conditioning does not adversely affect bond strength. Based on the results of this in vitro study, the most effective clinical practice entails pretreatment of the prepared cavity employing a citric acid/ferric chloride conditioner. Full article

Wound healing in cosmetological and aesthetic surgery extends beyond tissue closure to achieving rapid regeneration, minimal scarring, and restoration of functional skin architecture. However, conventional wound care strategies inadequately regulate the complex wound microenvironment required for optimal cosmetic outcomes, leading to prolonged healing times and suboptimal aesthetic results, which can negatively impact patient satisfaction and increase the risk of complications. Phytochemicals exhibit multifunctional bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative effects, but their clinical translation faces obstacles due to poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have emerged as a critical enabling strategy to overcome these limitations. This narrative review provides an updated, mechanistically integrated synthesis of phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanohydrogels, nanofibers, and lipid- and vesicle-based systems, with a specific focus on their roles in modulating key wound-healing pathways, such as inflammation resolution, angiogenesis, collagen remodelling, and re-epithelialization. Evidence from preclinical studies consistently demonstrates that nano-enabled phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve skin penetration, and contribute to superior cosmetic outcomes, particularly by reducing fibrosis and scar formation. However, critical gaps remain, including limited high-quality clinical evidence, a lack of standardized formulation design, variability in reported outcomes, and unresolved concerns regarding long-term safety and regulatory translation. Taken together, the key insight of this review is that phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics represent a promising but still transitional strategy, biologically compelling at the preclinical level yet clinically under-validated. Bridging this gap requires rigorously designed clinical trials, quantitative outcome reporting, and balanced regulatory frameworks. Advancing these areas will be essential to translate nano-enabled phytochemicals from experimental systems into reliable, evidence-based solutions for cosmetological wound management. Full article

Mitochondrial transplantation has been proposed as a strategy to restore cellular bioenergetics after oxidative injury, but the mechanisms governing ATP recovery remain unclear. Using placental mitochondria, we examined ATP restoration following H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Unmodified mitochondria modestly increased ATP under baseline conditions but failed to restore ATP after injury. In contrast, lipid-coated mitochondria (MitoCoat) and lipid-encapsulated mitochondria-associated mRNAs (MitoCoat–mRNA) significantly increased ATP levels in injured cells. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that ATP recovery occurred without the normalization of canonical glycolytic or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) gene programs. Instead, unmodified mitochondria induced broad transcriptional responses associated with immune activation and cellular stress, whereas MitoCoat elicited a more restricted transcriptional profile. Notably, mitochondria-associated mRNAs alone restored ATP without detectable changes in host transcriptional programs. The removal of mitochondrial surface-associated ribosomes or the inhibition of cytosolic but not mitochondrial translation attenuated ATP recovery. The restoration of key metabolic enzymes through cytosolic translation, including PFKP, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and ATP synthase subunit ATP5A suggests that mitochondria-associated mRNAs promote recovery by re-establishing coupling between glycolysis and mitochondrial OXPHOS. Together, these findings identify encapsulated mitochondria-associated mRNAs as a potential strategy to restore cellular bioenergetics under oxidative stress. Full article

Groundwater is a critical lifeline for ecosystems and human settlements in arid and semi-arid regions, yet it is increasingly vulnerable to the dual pressures of extreme climatic conditions and intensifying anthropogenic activities. This study investigated 24 groundwater and 4 river water samples to discuss the hydrogeochemical evolution and water quality suitability in the Tianjun Basin, a typical high-altitude arid basin on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The results indicate that groundwater is mildly alkaline (pH: 7.65–8.35) and predominantly fresh (TDS: 233.77–1061.42 mg/L). Hydrochemical facies evolve from HCO₃-Ca type in upstream areas to Mixed HCO₃-Na·Ca and Cl-Na types. Hydrochemical analysis suggests that silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution are the dominant natural processes, while cation exchange further modifies the ionic composition. Notably, anthropogenic nitrogen (NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺) contamination, primarily from domestic sewage in the Tianjun Basin, has significantly impacted groundwater quality. Health risk assessment shows that infants are the most vulnerable group, with 16.67% of samples posing a non-carcinogenic risk via the oral pathway. Regarding irrigation suitability, while sodium hazards are generally low, a significant salinity hazard is identified due to elevated electrical conductivity in the arid environment. This poses a substantial risk of secondary soil salinization, necessitating strict salt management strategies to preserve long-term land productivity. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable management of fragile groundwater resources in extreme arid environments. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a critical modulator in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF), particularly among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and adverse cardiac remodeling via microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the therapeutic intersection between the gut microbiota and pharmacological interventions remains insufficiently integrated. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), a cornerstone of T2DM management, confer cardioprotective effects that may involve microbiota-mediated pathways. This review provides a novel synthesis of how SGLT2is influence gut ecology, specifically through altered glucose excretion and osmotic shifts, to potentially restore SCFA-producing taxa. By delineating the structural transitions from gut physiology to SGLT2i-modulated cardiac outcomes, we emphasize the gut–heart axis as a pivotal therapeutic target. This focused framework offers new insights into the triadic interplay between microbiome stability and cardiometabolic health, moving beyond traditional glucose-centric paradigms. Full article

Mining-induced subsidence monitoring is essential for safe coal production and ecological protection in mining areas. UAV photogrammetry has become a widely adopted technique for constructing Digital Subsidence Models (DSuM); however, multi-scale composite noise significantly limits model accuracy and parameter extraction reliability. Taking the 2S201 working face of Wangjiata Coal Mine in a western arid–semi-arid region as the study area, this study systematically investigates DSuM noise characteristics and proposes a hierarchical multi-scale denoising framework. First, subsidence value interval stratification is employed to analyze the spatial distribution of noise. Based on this analysis, a two-stage strategy is developed. In the first stage, large-scale outliers are identified and removed using an improved DBSCAN algorithm with empirically calibrated and density-adaptive parameter computation. In the second stage, small-scale mixed noise is suppressed through a curvature-adaptive multi-stage denoising method. Validation using 20 ground monitoring points demonstrates that the RMSE decreases from 154 mm to 86 mm after large-scale denoising and further to 59 mm, achieving a 61.5% overall accuracy improvement. The denoised model exhibits enhanced surface continuity, smoother deformation profiles, and clearer subsidence boundaries while preserving overall deformation trends. The proposed framework effectively improves DSuM geometric accuracy and spatial consistency, providing reliable technical support for subsidence monitoring with improved accuracy in complex mining environments. Full article

Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, infects and persists within macrophages, triggering pro-inflammatory responses. While these mechanisms are well characterized for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, less is known about host responses to M. bovis. Inflammasome activation and IL-1β production have been linked to ESAT-6, a substrate of the ESX-1 secretion system present in both species. Here, we examined inflammasome activation in bovine macrophages infected with the virulent M. bovis strain Mb04-303. M. bovis AF2122/97 and NCTC10772 upregulated IL-1β transcription, whereas Mb04-303 and BCG did not. Unexpectedly, deletion of the genes encoding ESAT-6 and CFP-10 from Mb04-303 enhanced inflammasome activation, as evidenced by increased NLRP3 and IL-1β transcription. Complementation with either wild-type ESAT-6/CFP-10 or the T63A ESAT-6 variant restored downregulation of the response, indicating that this substitution does not alter inflammasome modulation. In contrast, deletion of ESAT-6/CFP-10 from an attenuated M. bovis vaccine candidate reduced IL-1β transcription. No differences were observed between M. tuberculosis H37Rv and its ESAT-6-deficient mutant in bovine macrophages. Together, these findings demonstrate that ESAT-6/CFP-10-mediated modulation of inflammasome activation in bovine macrophages is highly dependent on the mycobacterial genetic background. Full article

Background: Emerging evidence has established ferroptosis as a vital factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, especially in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Meanwhile, ondansetron (OND), a well-established 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has gained increasing attention for its pleiotropic effects. However, its potential to modulate ferroptosis in the cardiovascular field remains unexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the potential of OND as an innovative therapeutic intervention for SCM. Methods: This study utilized both in vitro and in vivo models of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM), which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and C57BL/6 mice. Through RNA sequencing, as well as molecular and functional assessments—including echocardiography and ferroptosis-related measurements—we revealed the anti-ferroptotic effect of ondansetron (OND). Mechanistically, ATF3 was identified as a pivotal regulator, with its overexpression via AAV9 in vivo and ADV in vitro confirming its role in OND-induced cardioprotection. Results: Ondansetron (OND) showed potent anti-ferroptotic effects in both cellular and murine models of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM). Treatment with OND not only improved cardiac performance but also reduced ferroptotic markers, mitigated lipid peroxidation and iron overload, and bolstered antioxidant defense. Notably, OND administration attenuated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress while restoring mitochondrial integrity. Mechanistically, the anti-ferroptotic activity of OND was mediated through the HTR3A/ATF3 axis: ATF3 overexpression negated OND’s protective effects, while HTR3A antagonism with VUF10166 recapitulated its benefits. Conversely, HTR3A agonism with PBG attenuated ferroptosis resistance, further implicating this pathway as central to OND’s mechanism. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a novel pharmacological role for ondansetron (OND) in attenuating ferroptosis in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) via the HTR3A/ATF3 signaling pathway. This finding delineates a novel therapeutic avenue and supports the repurposing of OND beyond its traditional antiemetic use to cardiovascular applications. Full article

This work presents the results of an archaeometric research study of the geomaterials used in the construction of the Late Antique wall of Emerita Augusta (currently Mérida, Spain). Dated to the 5th century C.E., this structure belongs to one of the best-preserved historical ensembles in Europe. In-depth knowledge of the geomaterials used in this ancient wall is essential for ensuring reliable restoration strategies and the successful long-term conservation of this monument. To this end, a rigorous sampling procedure was conducted in areas containing original archaeological remains. Samples were characterized using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analyses (TGA-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This integrated multi-analytical approach is highly effective for the study of built heritage. The mineralogical, textural, and geochemical properties of the granites allowed for the identification of the granite types used in the wall, while the results obtained for the mortars indicated that lime, fully carbonated and transformed into calcite, was used as the binding agent. Furthermore, the binder/aggregate ratios were found to be consistent with traditional Roman mortar formulations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the material provenance and construction techniques used in this landmark of late antiquity. Full article

Therapeutic interventions within the urinary system are often limited by the complex and tortuous anatomy of the renal pelvis and ureters, restricting access to deep regions and increasing the risk of mucosal trauma. In this study, we present a multifunctional, magnetically controlled ferrofluid droplet robotic platform engineered for high deformability and precision navigation. A custom electromagnetic actuation system was developed and optimized via COMSOL Multiphysics (version 6.3, COMSOL Inc., Stockholm, Sweden) simulations to generate programmable magnetic fields. Experimental validation in both simplified environments and anatomically realistic 3D-printed urinary tract models demonstrated the droplets’ capacity for controlled locomotion, reversible deformation, and traversing constrictions significantly smaller than their resting diameter. The droplets’ locomotion and extreme deformability are governed by the dynamic balance between the applied magnetic gradient forces, the restoring interfacial tension of the ferrofluid, and the fluidic viscous drag. Quantitatively, the droplets achieved robust translational velocities up to 260 mm/s under single-coil actuation (51 mT, 20 Hz) and 108 mm/s under a more stable dual-coil configuration (51 mT, 8.3 Hz). Furthermore, two clinically relevant functionalities were successfully executed: rapid vibration-induced release of encapsulated dye for targeted drug delivery, and the precise mechanical capture and transport of artificial kidney stones. These results establish a highly versatile platform for minimally invasive urological procedures, highlighting the immense potential of soft magnetic microrobotics for integrated therapeutic applications. Full article

Phenolic compounds are vital bioactive constituents in fruits, yet modern strawberry breeding has often reduced their diversity. Here, we employed a multi-omics approach integrating UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics and RNA-seq transcriptomics to investigate the divergence in phenolic profiles and their transcriptional regulation between a wild strawberry (Fragaria nilgerrensis, HM) and three cultivated varieties (white ‘Danxue’ (DX), pink ‘Fenyu’ (FY), and red ‘Red Face 99’ (RF)). The wild HM genotype exhibited higher antioxidant activity and a significantly more complex phenolic profile, dominated by high-abundance galloylated and benzoylated glucosides (e.g., digallic acid methyl ester, salicylic acid-2-O-glucoside) that were largely absent or depleted in cultivated fruits. In contrast, the cultivated varieties displayed specialized yet simplified profiles: DX accumulated hydroxycinnamoyl galactonic acids, FY was enriched in feruloylated glucosides, and RF was characterized by coumaroyl-glucose derivatives. Transcriptomic analysis identified a set of MYB transcription factors (e.g., FxaYL_531g0581170, FxaYL_642g0175720) significantly upregulated in wild HM, with strong correlations to key bioactive phenolics such as 4-hydroxybenzoate and salicylic acid derivatives. These findings illustrate how selective breeding has reshaped phenolic composition through alterations in MYB regulatory networks. The wild strawberry germplasm thus represents a valuable natural reservoir for biofortification strategies aimed at restoring the nutritional and functional quality of modern strawberry cultivars. Full article

Power factor correction in transmission networks with nonlinear loads cannot be addressed solely from the viewpoint of reactive compensation because harmonic distortion and resonance may compromise the expected technical benefits. In this context, this study proposes a resonance-aware and decision-oriented methodology that integrates nonlinear-load screening, weighted bus prioritization based on power factor degradation and harmonic severity, and tuned passive-filter design validated through impedance-frequency analysis and IEEE 519 compliance criteria. The methodology was implemented in DIgSILENT PowerFactory using the IEEE 14-bus test system, where nonlinear loads were allocated at buses 9 and 14 to emulate converter-dominated operating conditions. Under this scenario, the power factor decreased to 0.78271 and 0.85875, while total harmonic distortion increased to 22.01% and 20.07%, respectively. After the implementation of tuned passive filters, the power factor improved to 0.83023 at bus 9 and 0.90414 at bus 14, whereas total harmonic distortion was reduced to 4.61% and 5.22%, respectively, thus restoring compliance with IEEE 519. In addition, load currents decreased by approximately 16–19%. These results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides a technically consistent procedure for identifying critical buses, mitigating dominant harmonics, improving power factor, and avoiding adverse resonance conditions within a unified compensation workflow. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used for the fabrication of definitive crowns; however, whether specific post-curing hardware is mandatory for clinical success remains a practical concern. This study provided a practical comparison evaluating the effect of two post-curing units on the biaxial flexural strength (BFS), Weibull modulus (m), Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT), water sorption (WSP), and water solubility (WSL) of 3D-printed resins for permanent crowns, compared with a conventional resin composite. A total of 200 specimens were fabricated from two 3D-printed resins (Permanent Crown™ and CrownTec™) and a conventional resin composite (Filtek Universal Restorative™) used as a control. The 3D-printed specimens were post-cured using either a Formcure or an Otoflash G171 unit. WSP and WSL were measured after 90 days of water ageing, while BFS, HM, and EIT were evaluated after 24 h of storage using standardised methods. All materials exhibited WSP and WSL values within ISO limits, with the control group showing significantly higher values and superior mechanical properties. Among the 3D-printed resins, post-curing significantly affected only HM and EIT for Permanent Crown™ resin, with no significant differences in BFS. Overall, the tested 3D-printed resins demonstrated high processing stability across different curing protocols, suggesting that clinical performance remains consistent regardless of the post-curing unit used. Full article