Search Results (16,489)

The development of low-permeability reservoirs faces significant challenges, particularly regarding low recovery rates. Conventional water injection is often limited by poor injectivity and low waterflood efficiency. As a key technology to enhance development effectiveness, enhanced water injection requires a systematic investigation into its intrinsic mechanism for improving recovery. This study focuses on a typical low-permeability reservoir. Through laboratory experiments on rock fracturing and spontaneous imbibition, the mechanism by which enhanced water injection increases recovery rates is elucidated. COMSOL Multiphysics is employed to simulate the enhanced water injection process and examine the multi-field coupling patterns during injection. The results indicate that (1) low-permeability rocks in the study area exhibit strong oil–water exchange capabilities driven by capillary forces, with average imbibition capacity ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 g/cm³ and oil displacement efficiency between 20% and 30%; (2) fracturing experiments demonstrate that the injection of low-viscosity fluids at low flow rates (15 mL/min) can induce complex fracture propagation, thereby expanding flow pathways; and (3) the evolution of fluid–solid coupling is jointly governed by injection pressure and damage effects. Specifically, coupling intensity and fracture propagation potential increase with pressure, with optimal injection pressure ranging from 20 to 25 MPa. Rock damage exacerbates the nonlinear response of this coupling. This study combines experimental validation with numerical simulation to provide theoretical support for field practice. Full article

Research has shown that diet significantly influences the chance of developing chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer. Dietary components modulate the immune system by either promoting or mitigating inflammatory pathways. One such pathway is the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome—a multiprotein complex that is involved in the innate immune response. The NLRP3 inflammasome is triggered by various stimuli including ionic flux, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal damage and ROS. Upon activation through a two-signal process, an immune response is initiated that protects the body against pathogens and cellular stress. In a healthy body, this pathway is closely regulated to maintain homeostasis and prevent excessive inflammation that can result in tissue damage or chronic inflammatory diseases. Several components present in a human diet can activate or inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome. To support a balanced diet, organizations like the WHO have developed dietary recommendations. These promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. These foods contain a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, omega-6 fatty acids and natural sugars, which are pro-inflammatory. At the same time, they also supply anti-inflammatory compounds such as monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and probiotics. While current literature highlights the NLRP3 inflammasome as a critical regulator of inflammation, it lacks detailed insights into how the specific dietary components of a healthy diet influence its modulation. Therefore, this literature review elucidates the various mechanisms through which these dietary compounds modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome. The significance of maintaining a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory components in the diet is highlighted by its role as a regulator of inflammatory diseases, for example, through mechanisms such as epigenetic pathways. Full article

Rockbursts are one of the most critical geomechanical hazards during the construction of deep tunnels under high in situ stress conditions, as they can compromise worker safety, damage infrastructure, and disrupt excavation continuity. Despite extensive research on rockburst mechanisms and mitigation, the causal analysis of individual events remains challenging due to the complex interaction between seismicity, geological conditions, stress redistribution, and operational factors. This study proposes a structured and multidisciplinary methodology for the causal analysis of rockbursts in deep high-stress tunnels. The methodology integrates seismicity analysis, geological and geotechnical characterization, operational assessment, field damage inspection, and hypothesis-driven interpretation to systematically reconstruct the sequence of processes leading to rockburst occurrence. The proposed approach is applied to a rockburst that occurred in 2020 in the Conveyor Belt tunnel (TC) of the Andes Norte Project, El Teniente Division, Codelco (Chile). The event reached a local magnitude of Mw = 1.7 and caused significant damage to tunnel support systems. Results indicate that the rockburst was associated with excavation- and blasting-induced stress redistribution, leading to the activation of a sub-horizontal rupture plane and subsequent damage propagation toward the excavated tunnel. The methodology provides a transparent and adaptable analytical framework for integrating multidisciplinary data into a coherent causal interpretation. Although demonstrated using a competent and brittle rock mass, the framework can be adapted to other deep tunneling projects under high-stress conditions by adjusting the governing parameters according to site-specific geological, geomechanical, and operational characteristics. The proposed approach supports improved understanding of rockburst mechanisms and informed decision-making for seismic risk management in deep underground excavations. Full article

Bovines are suitable hosts and can be affected by fly infestations. Flies pose a significant threat to cattle livestock in Latin America (LA), causing substantial economic repercussions to animal production (reduced productivity, veterinary expenses, and decreased animal welfare) and damage to human health. The most important flies affecting cattle in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay are Haematobia irritans, Dermatobia hominis, and Cochliomyia hominivorax. Due to production losses and the consequent economic costs associated with these flies, control measures must be implemented, primarily relying on insecticidal products. However, decision-making for preventing and treating animals with insecticides varies due to differences in environmental conditions across countries and regions, production systems, animal populations, infestation levels, animal welfare, and the prevalence of myiasis, among other factors. Although insecticides remain the most effective option for fly control in cattle, resistant populations have developed, rendering them less effective. To overcome fly resistance to insecticides, non-chemical (mechanical, environmental, biological, and genetic) methods are being integrated into alternative control and eradication strategies. The use of integrated livestock fly control contributes to safeguarding animal, public, and environmental health. This review is designed to support individuals and institutions, both civil and governmental, addressing the ongoing challenge posed by flies affecting livestock. Full article

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) presents the principal obstacle to drug delivery for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), severely restricting brain bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Taxifolin (TF) is a potent natural antioxidant with significant therapeutic potential. To enhance its efficacy in treating AD, we developed a brain-targeted delivery system based on a taxifolin-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (TF-Gel). This platform integrates TF with a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based thermosensitive hydrogel to enhance brain delivery, tissue penetration, and intracerebral retention via intranasal administration. TF-Gel exhibits excellent structural stability and functional performance, enabling efficient bypass of the BBB through the nasal–brain pathway. Furthermore, it regulates mitochondrial dysfunction, reverses abnormal levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in neuronal mitochondria, repairs mitochondrial energy metabolism, restores mitochondrial dynamic balance, improves oxidative stress damage, and blocks cell apoptosis pathways. Collectively, these results highlight the strong potential of the TF-Gel nasal delivery system as a mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategy for AD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a major complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) leading to significant morbidity. While biopsy is the gold standard, non-invasive tools are needed for longitudinal monitoring. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic utility of Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) in detecting subclinical renal damage (fibrosis) in SLE patients with a history of LN who are currently in clinical remission (inactive disease), and to compare its efficacy with Doppler ultrasonography (DUS). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 80 SLE patients and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Crucially, all SLE patients were in the clinically inactive disease (SLEDAI-2K < 6) at the time of evaluation. Patients were stratified into two groups: those with a history of LN (LN Group, n = 37) and those without (Non-LN SLE Group, n = 43). Strict exclusion criteria were applied to eliminate non-SLE renal comorbidities. Renal parenchymal stiffness (kPa) was measured using SWE, and the renal resistive index (RI) was assessed using DUS. SWE findings were correlated with renal function tests and disease activity scores. Results: Despite being in clinical remission, the LN group exhibited significantly higher renal stiffness values (Median: 1.60 kPa) compared to the non-LN SLE group (1.40 kPa, p < 0.001) and healthy controls (1.32 kPa, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the non-LN SLE group and controls. Unlike SWE, renal RI values showed no statistically significant difference among the groups (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that renal stiffness was positively associated with prior serum creatinine and disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), and negatively associated with eGFR. Conclusions: SWE is superior to DUS (RI) in detecting renal parenchymal changes in LN patients. The persistence of elevated stiffness during the inactive disease suggests that SWE captures cumulative chronic damage (remodeling and fibrosis) rather than just acute inflammation. Consequently, SWE holds promise as a non-invasive surrogate for monitoring disease chronicity in SLE patients. Full article

Soybeans are highly susceptible to drought stress, which significantly impairs their growth and yield. Silicon (Si) supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate drought-induced damage in plants. We investigated changes in the physiological and chloroplast proteomes in soybeans under drought stress, both with and without Si supplementation. Soybean plants were grown under controlled conditions and subjected to drought stress. The treatments included Si application (sodium silicate), sodium chloride control, and water control. Chloroplast proteins were extracted from control and Si-treated plants and analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Plants treated with Si showed improved drought tolerance, exhibiting reduced leaf rolling and wilting, while the control plants experienced significant wilting under drought conditions. Photosynthetic performance, measured by quantum efficiency of photosystem II and chlorophyll content, was better maintained in Si-supplemented plants under drought. However, stomatal conductance and transpiration were similarly reduced across all drought treatments. We detected 15 Si-responsive protein spots corresponding to 13 unique chloroplast proteins that were differentially expressed in response to Si supplementation. These identified proteins include those involved in photosynthesis, such as Rubisco activase isoforms, oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins, and PsbP domain-containing protein, as well as stress response proteins like dehydrin and 20 kDa chaperonin. Si treatment upregulated Rubisco activase isoforms, oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins, PsbP domain-containing protein, and 20 kDa chaperonin, which are typically reduced under drought. Si treatment maintained a higher glutamine synthetase level under drought stress. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that Si-modulated proteins are associated with photosynthesis, energy metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism under drought stress. Our findings demonstrate that Si supplementation alleviates drought stress in soybean by preserving chloroplast function and enhancing the expression of photosynthetic proteins and enzymes, as well as key stress-responsive proteins. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of Si-induced drought tolerance in soybeans and highlights potential targets for developing drought-resilient soybean cultivars. Full article

Background: Sepsis-induced organ dysfunction poses a significant clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) liraglutide in sepsis and its underlying mechanisms, focusing on modulation of the gut microbiota-derived metabolome. Methods: Public transcriptomic data analysis identified overlapping targets between liraglutide and sepsis-related genes. In a murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, liraglutide treatment was evaluated for its effects on survival, systemic inflammation, and organ injury. The gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolome were assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS. We also measured plasma GLP-1 in sepsis patients and examined the microbiota-dependency of liraglutide’s effects using antibiotic-depleted mice and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from liraglutide-treated mice. Additionally, citrulline, a key identified metabolite, was functionally validated both in vitro and in a clinical cohort. Results: Liraglutide significantly improved survival, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated lung, liver, and colon damage in septic mice. It partially restored sepsis-induced gut dysbiosis and modulating associated metabolites, including increasing citrulline. The survival benefit of liraglutide was abolished in microbiota-depleted mice, while FMT from liraglutide-treated mice conferred protection against sepsis, confirming the gut microbiota as a critical mediator. Furthermore, citrulline exhibited direct anti-inflammatory properties in cellular assays, and its plasma levels were negatively correlated with sepsis biomarkers (PCT and CRP) in patients. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicate that liraglutide mitigates sepsis by modulating the gut microbiota and regulating associated metabolic pathways. Citrulline may represent a potential microbial mediator or exploratory biomarker within this axis, warranting further mechanistic investigation. Full article

The genus Xanthomonas comprises devastating plant pathogens responsible for significant yield losses in globally critical crops such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), citrus (Citrus L. spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms driving Xanthomonas pathogenicity, including the type III secretion system (T3SS) that translocates effector proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) that reprogram host transcription, and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that promote biofilm formation and immune evasion, which collectively enable host colonization, immune suppression, and disease progression. Rapid adaptation through genomic plasticity and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) exacerbates challenges in disease management by facilitating evasion of host defenses and environmental stressors. Economically, Xanthomonas spp. inflict billions in annual losses through crop damage, trade restrictions, and eradication efforts, disproportionately affecting resource-limited regions. Emerging antibiotic resistance and climate-driven shifts in pathogen distribution further threaten food security. Sustainable strategies, such as CRISPR-based genome editing to disrupt susceptibility genes, biocontrol agents (e.g., Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp.), and nanotechnology-driven antimicrobials offer promising alternatives to conventional copper-based and chemical controls. This review underscores the urgent need for integrated, climate-resilient management approaches to mitigate the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Xanthomonas diseases, bridging genomic insights with innovative control measures, to address escalating threats posed by these pathogens in a changing global climate. Full article

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen inflicting substantial economic losses on the global cattle industry. To develop a more effective vaccine, we constructed two novel bicistronic recombinant adenoviruses, rAdV-I E0+I E2 and rAdV-I E2+II E2, and systematically evaluated their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in BALB/c mice. Both vaccine candidates, particularly rAdV-I E2+II E2, provoked a robust and rapid neutralizing antibody response that was significantly superior to a commercial inactivated vaccine. They also elicited a potent Th1-skewed cellular immune response, as indicated by significantly higher IFN-γ secretion, and a balanced profile of BVDV-specific IgG and its subclasses. Upon BVDV challenge, immunization with both recombinant vaccines, especially rAdV-I E2+II E2, resulted in a comprehensive reduction in viral loads across all tested tissues (blood, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), demonstrating broader protection than the inactivated vaccine. Concordantly, histopathological analysis confirmed that vaccination preserved the normal architecture of the duodenum and spleen, preventing the significant pathological damage observed in the rAdV-empty negative control group. Our findings demonstrate that these adenovirus-vectored vaccines, particularly rAdV-I E2+II E2, induce a multifaceted and protective immune response, highlighting their promise as superior candidates against BVDV. Full article

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has evolved into an indispensable component for ensuring the safety, durability, and life-cycle efficiency of civil infrastructure. Over the past five years, significant technological advancements have been made in innovative sensing systems, facilitating real-time assessment of structural performance and the early detection of deterioration. This comprehensive review presents recent developments in smart sensor-based SHM, with particular emphasis on the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin (DT) frameworks. Our review critically examines advances in fiber-optic, piezoelectric, MEMS-based, vision-based, acoustic, and environmental sensors, as well as emerging multi-sensor fusion architectures. In addition, bibliometric insights highlight the significant rise in global research activity and influential thematic clusters in SHM between 2020 and 2025. The discussion underscores how AI-integrated data analytics, IoT-enabled wireless networks, and DT-driven virtual replicas enable intelligent, autonomous, and predictive monitoring of bridges, buildings, tunnels, and other large-scale civil infrastructure. Field deployments and case studies are analyzed to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale demonstrations and real-world implementation. Finally, key scientific and practical challenges—including the durability of embedded sensors, the interoperability of heterogeneous data, cybersecurity in connected systems, and the explainability of AI models—are outlined to guide future research. Overall, this review positions contemporary SHM as a transition from traditional damage detection to comprehensive life-cycle management of infrastructure through self-diagnosing, data-centric, and sustainability-driven monitoring ecosystems. Full article

Background: Due to the congested competition calendar and the high physical demands of elite basketball, the selection of effective recovery strategies is essential to optimize performance and reduce exercise-induced fatigue and muscle damage. This pilot study aimed to examine the acute effects of different nutritional and physical recovery strategies on exercise performance, muscle damage, and perceived fatigue and exertion in elite basketball players. Methods: Fifteen elite male basketball players participated in this pilot randomized crossover trial and completed four recovery conditions: cold-water immersion (CWI), active recovery (ACT), protein–carbohydrate supplementation (SUP), and placebo (PLA). Following a basketball-specific fatigue protocol, creatine kinase, countermovement jump performance, isometric strength, 10 m sprint, and 4 × 10 m shuttle run tests were assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 24 h post-exercise. Perceived fatigue and rate of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, immediately after the recovery intervention, and 24 h post-exercise. Results: The three recovery methods attenuated the 24 h exercise-induced increase in CK compared with the placebo condition (p > 0.05). CWI, SUP and ACT decreased fatigue and RPE immediately after their application (p < 0.05), while PLA kept them elevated. CWI was associated with a significant improvement in 4 × 10 m SRT performance (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation and physical recovery strategies effectively attenuated exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue in elite basketball players. However, CWI demonstrated the most pronounced acute benefits for physical performance recovery. Full article

The aging and failure of transformer bushing seals under multi-factor effects are significant causes of oil leakage incidents. However, their failure mechanisms under combined environmental stressors remain inadequately understood. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the aging behavior and failure mechanisms of nitrile rubber (NBR) and fluoroelastomer (FKM) sealing materials subjected to single and multi-factor aging conditions, including thermo-oxidative, hygrothermal, hygrothermal–compression, and hygrothermal–compression–salt environments. NBR undergoes severe degradation under multi-factors, dominated by additive loss and molecular chain crosslinking. At high temperatures, large-scale molecular chain scission occurs, along with increased compression set, microscopic morphological damage, and filler precipitation. In contrast, FKM exhibits excellent stability thanks to its C-F main chain. Stress synergy significantly accelerates the failure of both materials. These findings highlight the need for multivariate analysis to support reliable condition assessment and lifetime prediction and to inform sealing material selection and proactive grid maintenance. Full article

Stray current-induced corrosion poses a significant risk to the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in electrified transit systems. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by experimentally and analytically investigating the compression behaviors of circular RC columns under the combined effects of stray currents, chloride intrusion, and sustained service loads. The experimental program involved testing columns constructed with normal strength concrete (NSC) and moderate strength concrete (MSC) under accelerated corrosion induced by electrical potentials of 9 V and 18 V in a 3.5% NaCl solution. A key variable was the application of a sustained axial load, equal to 60% of the ultimate capacity, to simulate realistic service conditions. The findings revealed a severe deterioration in structural performance due to the synergistic effect of mechanical loading and corrosion. NSC columns subjected to 18 V potential and sustained axial loading exhibited a decrease in ultimate load-carrying capacity of up to 46% and a ductility reduction of approximately 69% compared to reference specimens. This damage was significantly more severe than in unloaded or lower-voltage (9 V) scenarios. Furthermore, MSC specimens demonstrated a strength loss of approximately 29% under similar aggressive conditions. An analytical confinement model, adjusted to account for corrosion by reducing the reinforcement cross-section and introducing a semi-empirical parameter α to represent localized pitting, showed strong agreement with the experimental stress–strain curves. The validated model provides a practical tool for assessing the residual capacity of corroded elements, addressing a crucial need in the maintenance of electrified transportation infrastructure. Full article

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is widely distributed worldwide and causes significant economic losses. Transmission of HPAIV occurs through direct contact between infected and susceptible birds or indirectly via contaminated materials. In recent years, airborne transmission of HPAIV has also been reported, underscoring the need for novel approaches to effectively inactivate airborne HPAIV. Photocatalysts have attracted significant attention as potential antiviral agents. In this study, we demonstrated that a TiO₂-mediated photocatalytic reaction inactivated HPAIV and H1N1 seasonal influenza viruses in liquid, reducing their infectivity by 90.7% and 94.4%, respectively, after 60 min. Mechanistic analyses revealed decreased virion size and surface structure disruption, as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Additional evidence of viral protein and genome damage was obtained using Western blotting and RT-qPCR, respectively. Given the broad antiviral activity of photocatalysts, these findings suggest that they can inactivate influenza viruses regardless of strain or subtype. Notably, photocatalysts inactivated 80% of aerosolized H1N1 seasonal influenza viruses within 5 min. These results provide strong evidence that photocatalysts are capable of inactivating airborne influenza viruses. This study represents the first demonstration that photocatalysts can inactivate HPAIV and aerosolized influenza viruses. These findings provide strong evidence that photocatalysts represent a promising countermeasure against HPAIV, with potential applicability across different strains and subtypes. Full article