Search Results (79,134)

Assessing ecological quality in mining areas is critical for environmental protection and sustainable resource management. However, most previous studies concentrate on large-scale analysis, overlooking fine-scale assessment in mining areas. To address this issue, this study proposed a novel analysis framework for mining areas by integrating high-resolution Landsat data, the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), and the Random Forest regression method. Based on the framework, four decades of spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of ecological quality were revealed in Youjiang River Valley. Results showed that from 1986 to 2024, ecological quality in Youjiang River Valley exhibited a fluctuating upward trend (slope = 0.004/year), with notable improvement concentrated in the most recent decade. Spatially, areas with a significant increasing trend in RSEI (48.71%) were mainly located in natural vegetation regions, whereas areas with a significant decreasing trend (9.11%) were concentrated in impervious surfaces and croplands in northern and central regions. Driver analysis indicates that anthropogenic factors played a crucial role in ecological quality changes. Specifically, land use intensity, precipitation, and sunshine duration were main determinants. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of ecological quality evolution in subtropical karst mining areas and provide crucial insights for conservation and restoration efforts in Youjiang River Valley. Full article

Background: This study investigated whether diaphragmatic breathing intervention could lead to acute improvements in trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function in healthy young adults. Methods: Twenty-six physically active males (aged 24.3 ± 2.0 years, body height of 182.9 ± 6.4 cm, and body weight of 82.8 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group underwent a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention in a lying position. The control group lay passively, breathing naturally. Mobility assessments (chest expansion, thoracic spine rotation, lateral trunk flexion, and shoulder girdle mobility) and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and their ratio) were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Only experimental group showed significant improvements after the intervention (p ≤ 0.01) in the chest expansion (+22.2%, ES = 0.62), thoracic spine rotation (+21.7%, ES = 0.76 on the left and +23.3%, ES = 0.84 on the right side), lateral trunk flexion (+11.7%, ES = 0.62 on the left and +15.4%, ES = 1 on the right side), shoulder girdle mobility (+20.2%, ES = 0.44 on the left and +21.5%, ES = 0.38 on the right side), forced vital capacity (+4.7%, ES = 0.39) and reduction (p ≤ 0.01) in ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (−4.6%, ES = 0.47). Conclusion: The results revealed that a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention could immediately improve trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function, likely due to anatomical relationships and more efficient use of respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS) is increasingly recognized, with recurrent vertigo of childhood (RVC) and vestibular migraine of childhood (VMC) being the most prevalent disorders. In 2021, the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society proposed new diagnostic criteria for RVC, VMC, and probable VMC (pVMC), replacing the older term benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of these new criteria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a pediatric neurotology clinic within a tertiary hospital, including patients under 18 years with episodic vestibular symptoms evaluated between 2018 and 2025. All patients underwent a standardized neuro-otological assessment. Diagnoses were assigned using both the 2018 ICHD-3 and the 2021 Bárány criteria. Patients who did not fulfill any of the three new diagnostic categories, nor met criteria for any other specific vestibular disorder, were grouped into an undetermined category referred to as episodic vestibular syndrome without hearing loss (EVSw/oHL). Demographic and clinical variables were compared across diagnostic groups using non-parametric and chi-squared tests. Results: Among the 202 children evaluated, 109 met the inclusion criteria and were classified as RVC (n = 55), VMC (n = 23), pVMC (n = 13), or EVSw/oHL (n = 18). All patients previously diagnosed with BPV met the new criteria for RVC. Application of the Bárány criteria significantly reduced the proportion of unclassified EVS cases (from 35.78% to 16.51%). Significant clinical differences were observed among the groups in terms of episode duration, presence of vomiting, migraine and headache, and family history of migraine. Conclusions: The new Bárány criteria provide a more inclusive and clinically meaningful framework for classifying pediatric EVS. They improve diagnostic clarity, reduce the proportion of unclassifiable cases, and support earlier and more tailored management strategies. Full article

Introduction: Gut dysbiosis has been associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although previous studies suggest microbial alterations in SLE, evidence at the species level and its clinical relevance remain limited. This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiota at species level in SLE patients and evaluate its association with clinical features. Materials and methods: A total of 57 SLE patients and 57 matched controls were included. Faecal samples were collected using the OMNIgene-GUT kit, and microbial DNA was extracted with the Maxwell RSC PureFood GMO kit. Metagenomic sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and the data was analysed with QIIME2. Microbial diversity and relative abundance were assessed using the phyloseq package, and differentially abundant taxa were identified using DESeq2. Clinical subgroups among SLE patients were identified via k-means clustering. Results: SLE patients exhibited significantly different beta diversity compared to controls (p = 0.001), with increased abundance of Pseudomonadota (3.81% vs. 6.80%, p < 0.05) and decreased Bacteroidota (53.42% vs. 38.04%, p < 0.05). Only 10 bacterial species were consistently present across all SLE samples, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides dorei, and Lactobacillus gasseri. Hypertensive patients and those treated with corticosteroids presented a marked depletion of key microbial taxa. Conversely, Belimumab-treated patients displayed a distinct microbiota enriched in species such as Alistipes shahii and Prevotella corporis. Conclusions: This study confirms significant gut microbiota alterations in SLE and pinpoints microbial profiles associated with clinical subgroups. These findings suggest gut dysbiosis may contribute to SLE pathogenesis and indicate biomarkers for disease stratification. Full article

Background: Poloxamers are promising biomaterials for drug delivery applications due to their ability to enhance biopharmaceutical properties. Methods: This study focused on designing solid dispersions of ivermectin using poloxamer 407 by the fusion method and evaluating how variables of synthesis affect the polymer’s behavior and the resulting biopharmaceutical properties of ivermectin. Poloxamer 407 was selected based on a solubility test of preformulation studies. Initially, eight formulations were developed using different synthesis conditions, including polymer proportion, cooling gradient, and final process temperature. These were assessed by several characterization studies. Finally, saturation solubility dissolution profiles and in vitro drug release were also evaluated. Results: A combination of techniques confirmed the compatibility between poloxamer 407 and ivermectin in the solid dispersions. The rate of temperature in the cooling process of synthesis showed a significant impact on the polymer self-assembly, affecting their ability to entrap ivermectin. The optimized solid dispersion comprised ivermectin and poloxamer 407 in a 1:1 w/w ratio prepared by rapid cooling. This decrease in the crystallinity index and the nanometric size of particles of the solid dispersions could explain their ability to improve 1600-fold the aqueous solubility, as well as enhance the drug dissolution and in vitro drug release compared to pure ivermectin. Conclusions: Therefore, it follows that these poloxamer-based solid dispersions are promising alternatives to improve the bioavailability of ivermectin. Full article

Background/Objectives: High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is resource-intensive. Workflow efficiency and inter-user variability remain prevalent issues in HDR-BT. To improve workflow efficiency and reduce inter-user variability, we introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-based organ contouring (AC) and applicator modeling (AM) into our clinical workflow. Here, we present results on the impact of these tools on workflow efficiency, inter-user variability, and plan quality for vaginal cuff HDR-BT cases. Methods: 260 treated fractions were included in the analysis, half of which were treated before implementing AC and AM. Five different medical physicists performed the treatment planning. Using built-in timestamps, contouring, dose planning, and total treatment planning times were recorded for each fraction. Dosimetric data, including the dose to the highest 2cc (D2cc) of bladder and rectum, and percentage volumes of the target covered by 90–200% isodose lines (V90-200) were recorded. Analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey tests were used to determine statistical differences between treatment planners before and after implementing AC and AM. Results: Implementing AC and AM resulted in an overall 13.7 ± 1.7-min reduction in planning time. Inter-user variability in organ and target dose metrics was reduced for most structures. Most notably, statistically significant differences in rectum D2cc and target V95 were observed between planners before, but not after, AC and AM implementation. Conclusions: AC and AM significantly improve workflow efficiency while maintaining plan quality. Reductions in inter-user variability and standardization of workflows may facilitate user training and robust outcome assessment. Full article

Introduction: Pain is highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and can undermine their ability to perform Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), which are essential for independent living. This systematic review aimed to summarize existing research to clarify the relationship between pain and IADL disability in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted a search of PubMed on 27 July 2025. Eligible studies met the following criteria: (1) assessed the association between pain and IADL disability; (2) included community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older; and (3) were published in English. Results: Of the 400 records screened, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 23 studies (18 cross-sectional and 5 cohort studies) reported a significant association between pain and IADL disability, while 6 cross-sectional studies did not. Pain was assessed using diverse instruments across varying recall periods and thresholds, and IADL disability was measured using multiple scales. Such methodological heterogeneity precluded quantitative synthesis. Conclusions: In community-dwelling older adults, pain consistently predicts IADL disability across designs and settings. However, the lack of standardized, multidimensional measures and incomplete adjustment for treatment, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy limits precise effect estimation. Future research should adopt harmonized assessment tools, control comprehensively for relevant confounders, and perform meta-analyses where data permit to clarify pain’s true impact on functional independence. Full article

Germplasm resources embody the genetic diversity of plants and form the foundation for breeding and the ongoing improvement of elite cultivars. The establishment of germplasm banks, along with their systematic evaluation, constitutes a critical step toward the conservation, sustainable use, and innovative utilization of these resources. Liriodendron, a rare and endangered tree genus with species distributed in both East Asia and North America, holds considerable ecological, ornamental, and economic significance. However, a standardized evaluation system for Liriodendron germplasm remains unavailable. In this study, 297 Liriodendron germplasm accessions were comprehensively evaluated using 34 phenotypic traits and whole-genome resequencing data. Substantial variation was observed in most phenotypic traits, with significant correlations identified among several characteristics. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic data grouped the accessions into three distinct clusters, each exhibiting unique distribution patterns. This classification was further supported by principal component analysis (PCA), which effectively captured the underlying variation among accessions. These phenotypic groupings demonstrated high consistency with subsequent population structure analysis based on SNP markers (K = 3). Notably, several key traits exhibited significant divergence (p < 0.05) among distinct genetic clusters, thereby validating the coordinated association between phenotypic variation and molecular markers. Genetic diversity and population structure were assessed using 4204 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained through stringent filtering. The results indicated that the Liriodendron sino-americanum displayed the highest genetic diversity, with an expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.18 and a polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.14. In addition, both hierarchical clustering and PCA revealed clear population differentiation among the accessions. Association analysis between three phenotypic traits (DBH, annual height increment, and branch number) and SNPs identified 25 highly significant SNP loci (p < 0.01). Of particular interest, the branch number-associated locus SNP_17_69375264 (p = 1.03 × 10⁻⁵) demonstrated the strongest association, highlighting distinct genetic regulation patterns among different growth traits. A minimal set of 13 core SNP markers was subsequently used to construct unique DNA fingerprints for all 297 accessions. In conclusion, this study systematically characterized phenotypic traits in Liriodendron, identified high-quality and core SNPs, and established correlations between key phenotypic and molecular markers. These achievements enabled differential analysis and genetic diversity assessment of Liriodendron germplasm, along with the construction of DNA fingerprint profiles. The results provide crucial theoretical basis and technical support for germplasm conservation, accurate identification, and utilization of Liriodendron resources, while offering significant practical value for variety selection, reproduction and commercial applications of this species. Full article

Capsicum is one of the most economically significant vegetable crops worldwide, owing to its high content of bioactive compounds with nutritional, pharmacological, and industrial relevance. However, research has focused on C. annuum, often disregarding local diversity and secondary gene pools, which may contain hidden variation for quality traits. Therefore, this study evaluated the genetic and phenotypic diversity of 283 accessions from the Colombian germplasm collection in the agrobiodiversity hotspot of northwest South America, representing all five domesticated species of the genus. A total of 18 morphological, physicochemical, and biochemical fruit traits were assessed, including texture, color, capsaicinoid, and carotenoid content. The phenotypic data were integrated with genomic information obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) using the C. annuum reference genome and a multispecies pangenome. Fixed-and-Random-Model-Circulating-Probability-Unification (FarmCPU) and Bayesian-information-and-Linkage-disequilibrium-Iteratively-Nested-Keyway (BLINK) genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed on both alignments, respectively, leading to the identification of complex polygenic architectures with 144 and 150 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with key fruit quality traits. Candidate genes involved in capsaicinoid biosynthesis were identified within associated genomic regions, terpenoid and sterol pathways, and cell wall modifiers. These findings highlight the potential of integrating pangenomic resources with multi-omics approaches to accelerate Capsicum improvement programs and facilitate the development of cultivars with enhanced quality traits and increased agro-industrial value. Full article

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising regenerative therapy in various medical fields, including the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. PRP promotes regeneration by delivering a concentrated dose of platelets to damaged tissues, triggering healing mechanisms such as hemostasis, revascularization, and connective tissue regeneration through the release of growth factors. Despite evidence supporting the short- and medium-term benefits of PRP, its long-term efficacy remains unclear, largely due to the limited duration of follow-up in existing studies. Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols for both preparation and administration of PRP poses a significant challenge to accurately assessing and comparing its sustained therapeutic outcomes. This literature review utilized comprehensive searches of PubMed and Google Scholar databases to analyze current evidence regarding PRP’s role in managing SUI in women. SUI, often resulting from weakened pubo-urethral ligament or intrinsic sphincter dysfunction due to childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes, significantly impacts quality of life. PRP offers a safe, minimally invasive, and cost-effective treatment option; however, further large-scale, well-designed studies are necessary to define optimal protocols and confirm long-term benefits. Advancing understanding of PRP therapy could substantially improve clinical management and patient quality of life in SUI. Full article

Medicinal plant species are crucial biological resources, and yet their conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently studied. This study conducts a comprehensive gap analysis of 74 priority medicinal plant species in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess their spatial distribution, identify conservation gaps and propose strategic recommendations. Occurrence records were collected from field surveys and global biodiversity databases, followed by ecogeographical land characterization and conservation gap analyses using the CAPFITOGEN3 tools. The results reveal significant disparities in in situ and ex situ conservation efforts, with two biodiversity hotspots, Asir and Jazan, containing the highest species diversity. While 66 species occur within protected areas, seven species are currently only recorded outside protected areas, indicating opportunities for expanding conservation efforts. Complementarity analysis identified 13 optimal protected areas for priority medicinal plants’ conservation, alongside 20 potential sites outside protected areas that could serve as other effective area-based conservation measures. Ex situ conservation remains critically limited for many species, with only 10 represented in genebanks and all accessions currently stored internationally, although some medicinal plant species may have broader global distributions. To bring about improved outcomes of conservation, the expansion of in situ conservation coverage, integration of other effective area-based conservation measures, strengthening of national genebanks and leverage of biotechnology and geospatial tools is recommended by this study. The findings of this study can be used to develop a more systematic and sustainable approach to the conservation of medicinal plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 oral supplementation on frozen–thawed semen quality in stud dogs. Nine healthy male dogs of various ages (2–11 years old), weights (10–36 kg), and breeds were included. Their daily diets were supplemented with salmon oil at 180 mg DHA/7kg BW. Semen was collected before salmon oil oral administration (D0), after 90 days of daily administration (D90), and 90 days following suspension (D180). Samples underwent standard freezing procedures and were stored for at least 30 days; then, they were thawed at 37°C for 1 min. Samples (n = 27) were assessed post-thawing for motility (MOT%), membrane integrity (HOST%), and viability (EN%). A second aliquot of the same samples underwent a thermoresistance test at 37°C, with MOT% and EN% evaluated at 2 and 4 h post-thawing. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, considering days of administration (D0, D90, D180), incubation times at 37°C (T0h-T2h-T4h) and their interaction. Significance was set at P < 0.05. An increase in MOT% was observed after 90 days of fish oil administration (D0 = 56.67 ± 5.1% vs. D90 = 71.67 ± 5.1%, p < 0.05); however, this effect was not maintained at D180 (45.56 ± 5.1%). Similar results were observed for HOST and EN. During the thermoresistance test, a significantly higher MOT% was observed at T4h on D90 compared to D0 (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that daily salmon oil supplementation at 180 mg DHA/7 kg for 90 days improves semen motility, membrane integrity and viability, supporting a role for omega-3 fatty acids in semen undergoing cryopreservation. Full article

Paratuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic bacterial infection, primarily affecting ruminants. This review examines the disease in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on distribution, molecular diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed. Pathogen sequences were retrieved from NCBI GenBank for phylogenetic analysis. The review included a total of 31 published articles from 1997 to 2025, of which 23 were used in the meta-analysis. Most studies (n = 12) were published between 2011 and 2015, predominantly from Saudi Arabia (n = 22), with no reports from Qatar, Bahrain, or Yemen. The majority of the studies involved camels and sheep (n = 16 on each species), followed by cattle (n = 9), goats (n = 7), humans (n = 2), and buffalo (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis delineates two major clades—Type S and Type C—suggesting greater genetic diversity in Type S. The estimated pooled seroprevalence and pathogen prevalence in livestock ruminants were 8.1% and 22.4%, respectively. Herd-level estimated pooled seroprevalence was 26.9%. Small ruminants (19.3%) were more sero-prevalent than large ruminants (7.4%), with goats (28.7%) significantly (p < 0.01) more affected than sheep (21.5%), camel (9.8%), and cattle (6.6%). Clinical signs in ruminants included chronic diarrhea, emaciation, anorexia, alopecia, wry neck, and dehydration. The reviewed study patterns and findings suggest high pathogen diversity and a significant risk of transboundary transmission at the human–animal interface in this region. A One Health surveillance approach is crucial, particularly on farms with diarrheic and emaciated animals. Establishing a national surveillance plan and phased (short-, intermediate-, and long-term) control programs is essential to mitigate economic losses, limit transmission, overcome the cultural barrier, and protect public health. Full article

Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the Earth’s atmosphere and plays a role in regulating and balancing the planet’s temperature. However, due to various human activities, the amount of carbon dioxide is increasing beyond safe limits, disrupting the Earth’s natural temperature regulation system. Today, CO₂ is the most prevalent greenhouse gas; as its concentration rises, significant climate change occurs. Therefore, there is a need to utilize anthropogenically released carbon dioxide in valuable fuels, such as formic acid (HCOOH). Single-atom catalysts are widely used, where a single metal atom is anchored on a surface to catalyze chemical reactions. In this study, we investigated the potential of Cu@Phosphorene as a single-atom catalyst (SAC) for CO₂ reduction using quantum chemical calculations. All computations for Cu@Phosphorene were performed using density functional theory (DFT). Mechanistic studies were conducted for both bimolecular and termolecular pathways. The bimolecular mechanism involves one CO₂ and one H₂ molecule adsorbing on the surface, while the termolecular mechanism involves two CO₂ molecules adsorbing first, followed by H₂. Results indicate that the termolecular mechanism is preferred for formic acid formation due to its lower activation energy. Further analysis included charge transfer assessment via NBO, and interactions between the substrate, phosphorene, and the Cu atom were confirmed using quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and non-covalent interactions (NCI) analysis. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations examined the temperature stability of the catalytic complex. Overall, Cu@Phosphorene appears to be an effective catalyst for converting CO₂ to formic acid and remains stable at higher temperatures, supporting efforts to mitigate climate change. Full article

The management of groundwater depth (GWD) in alluvial soils under irrigation in arid climates is critical for soil and water conservation, given its influence on salt dynamics and water availability for crops. GWD is influenced by the interaction of irrigation water supply and drainage system design and operation. Controlling GWD is a significant issue in the Hetao Irrigation District due to continuous irrigation, arid climate, and high risks of soil salinization, which concerns farmers and water management authorities. To address this issue, a study was conducted based on open-air laboratory experimentation to rigorously assess the effects of GWD on soil salt dynamics and capillary rise contribution to maize cultivation under level basin irrigation. Data collected served as the basis for parameterizing and calibrating the HYDRUS-1D model, facilitating simulation of soil water and salt dynamics to enhance understanding of GWD effects ranging from 1.25 m to 2.25 m. It was concluded that during calibration and validation, the model demonstrated strong performance; SWC simulations achieved R² > 0.69, RMSE < 0.03 cm³ cm⁻³, and NSE approaching 1; and EC simulations yielded R² ≥ 0.74 with RMSE < 0.22 S cm⁻¹. Additionally, the simulated bottom boundary moisture flux closely matched the measured values. The most favorable GWD range should be between 1.75 m and 2.0 m, minimizing the negative impacts of irrigation-induced soil salinity while maximizing water use efficiency and crop productivity. A higher GWD causes crop water stress, while a lower value results in a greater risk of soil salinity. This study anticipates future field application in Hetao to assess drainage system effectiveness and variability in salinity and productivity effects. Full article