Search Results (3,273)

This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of benthic macrofaunal communities in the Loukkos estuary, highlighting their spatial and seasonal variability and the environmental factors shaping their structure. A total of 47 species were identified across 12 site–season combinations, dominated by molluscs (47%), polychaetes (23%), and crustaceans (21%). Species richness varied considerably along the estuarine gradient, ranging from fewer than five species in the upstream sector to up to 30 species downstream. Overall, higher diversity was observed in the downstream areas and during the dry season. Macrofaunal density also exhibited substantial variability, ranging from 95 ind.m⁻² to 14,852 ind.m⁻², with a mean density of 2535 ± 4058 ind.m⁻². Multivariate analyses identified four distinct benthic assemblages structured primarily by spatial factors (ANOSIM R = 0.86, p = 0.002), with negligible seasonal effect (R = −0.03, p = 0.6). Assemblages ranged from marine-influenced communities at the estuary mouth dominated by Cerastoderma edule, through rich and diverse seagrass-associated communities in the lower estuary dominated by Bittium reticulatum, and moderately enriched mid-estuary communities characterized by Scrobicularia plana and Hediste diversicolor, to species-poor upstream communities dominated by the tolerant species H. diversicolor. Canonical analysis showed that salinity and vegetation explain nearly 40% of the variation in benthic assemblages, highlighting the key role of Zostera seagrass beds as structuring habitats. Moreover, upstream anthropogenic pressures alter environmental conditions, reducing benthic diversity and favoring tolerant species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mucosal vaccines, delivered intranasally or via inhalation, are being studied for respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. These vaccines aim to provide non-invasive administration and strong immune responses at infection sites, making them a promising area of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed their immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy. Methods: The study design was a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed and Cochrane databases up to 30 May 2025. Inclusion criteria followed the PICOS framework, focusing on mucosal vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, pertussis, and tuberculosis. Results: A total of 65 studies with 229,614 participants were included in the final analysis. Mucosal COVID-19 vaccines elicited higher neutralizing antibodies compared to intramuscular vaccines (SMD = 2.48, 95% CI: 2.17–2.78 for wild-type; SMD = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32–2.58 for Omicron), with varying efficacy by route (inhaled VE = 47%, 95% CI: 22–74%; intranasal vaccine VE = 17%, 95% CI: 0–31%). Mucosal influenza vaccines protected children well (VE = 62%, 95% CI: 30–46%, I² = 17.1%), but seroconversion rates were lower than those of intramuscular vaccines. RSV and pertussis vaccines had high seroconversion rates (73% and 52%, respectively). Tuberculosis vaccines were reviewed systemically, exhibiting robust cellular immunogenicity. Safety was comparable to intramuscular vaccines or placebo, with no publication bias detected. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests mucosal vaccines are immunogenic, safe, and protective, particularly for respiratory diseases. This review provides insights for future research and vaccination strategies, though limitations include varying efficacy by route and study heterogeneity. Full article

The goal of phylogeography is to explain how microevolutionary forces shape the gene pool of a lineage into the geography. In this study we have evaluated the amount of genetic variation in 13 populations of Dorymyrmex bicolor distributed in a mountainous region in Central Veracruz, Mexico. To do so, we sequenced fragments from the mitochondrial COI, COII, and nuclear LWRh genes. Segregated sites were found only at the mitochondrial markers, recovering a total of 21 different haplotypes. The nucleotide diversity ranged from 0 to 0.5% at the different sampling sites. Phylogenetic and spatial analyses of molecular variance revealed a weak but significant phylogeographic structure associated with lowland and mountainous zones. Molecular clock analysis suggests that radiation in the mountain area started 7500 years ago, whereas lineage radiation in the lowland started more recently, around 2700 years ago. The phylogeographic structure is incipient, with nests from lowlands more closely related to mountain nests than to other lowland nests, and vice versa. This seems to be consistent with a model of incomplete lineage sorting. The obtained patterns appear to be the result of restricted gene flow mediated by a complex topographic landscape that has been shaped by a dynamic geologic history. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global population of individuals aged ≥ 80 years is rapidly growing, leading to an increasing incidence of cancer diagnoses in this age group. While stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has proven effective in treating pulmonary oligometastases, patients over 80 remain underrepresented in clinical analyses. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and toxicity of SBRT for pulmonary oligometastases in octogenarians. Methods: This retrospective, single-centre analysis included 34 patients aged ≥ 80 years treated with SBRT for histologically confirmed pulmonary oligometastases between 2010 and 2024. Results: A total of 46 pulmonary metastases were treated with curative intent using fractionation schemes of 3 × 15 Gy, 6 × 8 Gy, or 10 × 6 Gy. Median biologically effective dose (BED10) was 112.5 Gy. Follow-up included regular CT imaging and toxicity assessment according to CTCAE. With a median follow-up of 22.6 months, 1-, 2-, and 3-year local control (LC) rates were 95.2%, 95.2%, and 90.2%, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 46.6 months, with 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of 78.4%, 71.4%, and 59.5%. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 1, 2, and 3 years was 63.4%, 51.6%, and 47.3%, respectively. No grade ≥ 3 toxicities were observed. Grade 2 pneumonitis and dermatitis occurred in 2.9% each and were well managed. Asymptomatic rib fractures were detected in 5.9% of patients. No significant predictors for LC, PFS, or OS were identified in univariate analysis. Conclusions: SBRT for pulmonary oligometastases in patients ≥ 80 years is feasible, safe, and effective. High local control, favourable cancer-specific survival, and minimal toxicity support its use as a curative-intent treatment in this growing patient population. These findings contribute important site- and age-specific evidence and support the inclusion of very elderly patients in future prospective SBRT trials. Full article

Petit Manseng is a variety of Vitis vinifera gaining popularity in Virginia, USA because it consistently produces high quality grapes under variable growing conditions. However, its high sugar and acid levels complicate dry wine production. The goal of this study was to characterize Petit Manseng ripening kinetics from veraison to harvest to identify optimal harvest timing for producing dry white wines, using Chardonnay as a comparator because of its popularity in Virginia, well-known ripening kinetics, and ability to produce high quality dry white wines. A total of 74 samples of Petit Manseng and Chardonnay grapes were collected from five commercial sites over 2 years and evaluated for berry weight, pH, titratable acidity (TA), malic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), glucose, and fructose, with ripening kinetics modeled using segmented regressions. Results indicated that harvest timing and grape variety were the primary factors influencing ripening kinetics. In contrast, growing location and vintage had limited impact. In Chardonnay grapes, TA declined from 21 to 7.1 g/L and TSS increased from 6.1 to 19.5 g/L. In Petit Manseng, TA declined from 25 to 10.8 g/L and TSS increased from 8.0 to 23.6 g/L. Acid depletion plateaued ~2 weeks after sugar accumulation plateaued in Petit Manseng grapes, though the plateaus were similar in Chardonnay grapes. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) completely separated grapes based on pH or TA vs. sugars, but not malic acid vs. sugars, suggesting that tartaric acid is driving acidity differences between cultivars. These data indicate that regardless of when grapes are harvested, winemakers may need to employ targeted acid management strategies with Petit Manseng because of its ripening kinetics. Full article

Background: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the penile albuginea. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the development of the disease, prompting us to investigate OS levels at the site of the disease and in peripheral blood. This article presents our second study in which the OS was evaluated by calculating the OS index (OSI) in blood samples taken directly from the penile corpora cavernosa of patients with PD. Our innovative diagnostic method, which focuses on the analysis of oxidative stress (OS) in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, allows us to accurately identify the “chemical” signals (OS levels) of the pathology in the area where it is present. Methods: Our study included 102 PD patients from our Peyronie’s care center and 100 control cases. To conduct a comprehensive OS analysis, we measured both the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI) as OSI = TOS/TAS × 100. Blood samples were collected from the penis and a vein in the upper extremity, and OS was measured using d-ROMs and PATs (FRAS kit). Results: Pearson’s analyses revealed a significant statistical correlation between penile OSI values and PD plaque volumes (p = 0.003), while no correlation was found between systemic OSI values and plaque volumes (p = 0.356). Penile OSI values decreased significantly after PD plaque removal (p < 0.0001). A comparison of penile OSI values in PD patients (post plaque removal) and the control group showed no significant differences (p = 0.418). Conclusions: The lack of correlation between systemic OSI values and Peyronie’s plaque volume suggests that direct sampling from the site of the disease is preferable for OS studies. Conducting a penile OSI study could provide a precise oxidative marker dependent on plaque volume. In addition, the penile OSI study can biochemically monitor the therapeutic result, alongside penile ultrasound imaging. Full article

In the process of the work of a coal power station is formed ash and slag, which, along with process water, are deposited in the dumps. Coal ash waste dumps significantly degrade the surrounding environment due to their unprotected surfaces, which are highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. This results in the dispersion of contaminants into adjacent ecosystems. Pollutants migrate into terrestrial and aquatic systems, compromising soil quality and water resources, and posing documented risks to the environment and human health. Primary succession on the coal ash dumps of the Apatity thermal power plant (Murmansk Region, NW Russia) was initiated by cyanobacterial colonization. We studied cyanobacterial communities inhabiting three spoil sites that varied in time since decommissioning. These sites are characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of calcium and magnesium oxides—levels approximately double those found in the region’s natural soils. A total of 18 cyanobacterial taxa were identified in disposal sites. Morphological analysis of visible surface crusts revealed 16 distinct species. Furthermore, 24 cyanobacterial strains representing 11 species were successfully isolated into unialgal culture and tested with a molecular genetic approach to confirm their identification from 16S rRNA. Three species were determined with molecular evidence. Cyanobacterial colonization of coal fly ash disposal sites begins immediately after deposition. Primary communities initially exhibit low species diversity (four taxa) and do not form a continuous ground cover in the early years. However, as succession progresses—illustrated by observations from a 30-year-old deposit—spontaneous surface revegetation occurs, accompanied by a marked increase in cyanobacterial diversity, reaching 12 species. Full article

This study investigates the impact of golden moles (Amblysomus sp.) on the abundance, diversity, and community structure of nematodes in kweek grass (Cynodon dactylon) within the Sovenga Hills of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Eight sites were sampled: four with active moles (sites: M1–M4), and four without (sites: T1–T4). Eighty soil samples were collected, and nematodes were extracted. A total of 23 nematode genera were identified, including 3 plant-parasitic and 20 free-living genera. The frequency of occurrence (FO) data showed that Aphelenchus sp. and Acrobeles sp. were the most prevalent nematodes, each occurring in 87.5% of the samples. In contrast, Eucephalobus sp., Tripylina sp., Discolaimus sp., and Tylenchus sp. had the lowest FO, appearing in only 12.5% of samples. The diversity indices (the Shannon index, the maturity index, and the plant-parasitic index) showed significant differences between the two environments. The Shannon index (H′) and maturity index were the most effective indicators of ecosystem disturbance. The lowest H′ was found at T4 (1.7 ± 0.2), compared with a higher value at M1 (2.4 ± 0.1). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed a positive correlation between Ditylenchus and the clay in the soil. In addition, Cervidellus was associated with soil pH. Network analysis revealed increased complexity in the nematode community structure at mole-affected sites. These findings suggest that mole activity alters soil properties and indirectly affects nematode diversity and trophic structure. Full article

Background and Objectives: Dental restorations can be composed of various materials, including amalgams and methacrylate-based resins. The health risks associated with the components of the restorative materials have always been a concern, even more so with the ageing of the restorations. As the micronucleus (MN) test is a standard, accessible, and minimally invasive technique for studying the genotoxic effect of clastogenic chemicals on oral mucosal cells, the current study was conducted to determine the frequency and morphological properties of MN in the exfoliated oral mucosal cells. Materials and Methods: A total of 115 aged composite and amalgam restorations were included in this study. Epithelial cells were collected from the gingival tissue adjacent to the restorations of each patient and stained with a hematoxylin–eosin (HE) stain. After evaluation of the slides, the results were subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The mean number of MN was significantly lower for composite restorations compared to amalgam restorations. There were no statistically significant differences between composite restorations aged 1–5 years, 5–10 years, over 10 years, and amalgam restorations aged over 10 years in the location (p = 0.11), staining (p = 0.11), or morphological characteristics (p = 0.18) of the MN. Conclusions: Despite the main limitation of this study, the lack of a control group, our results suggest that long-term exposure to restorative fillings and the ageing of these materials can cause DNA damage locally in the adjacent sites of oral cavity. Full article

The heavy metal contamination of soils is a global environmental challenge threatening water quality, food safety, and human health. Using a systematic literature review approach, this study aimed to assess the potential of bacterial strains to immobilize cadmium (Cd²⁺), lead (Pb²⁺), and copper (Cu²⁺) in contaminated soils. A total of 45 articles were analyzed, focusing on studies that reported heavy metal concentrations before and after bacterial treatment. The analysis revealed that bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter were most commonly used for the immobilization of these metals. Immobilization efficiencies ranged from 25% to over 98%, with higher efficiencies generally observed when microbial consortia or amendments (e.g., phosphate compounds and biochar) were applied. The main immobilization mechanisms included biosorption, bioprecipitation (such as carbonate-induced precipitation), bioaccumulation, and biomineralization, which convert mobile metal ions into more stable, less bioavailable forms. These findings highlight the promising role of microbial-assisted immobilization in mitigating heavy metal pollution and reducing ecological risks. Further laboratory and field studies are needed to optimize the use of these microbial strains under site-specific conditions to ensure effective and sustainable soil remediation practices. Full article

This article explores Schipper’s scholarly contributions to the study of dongtian fudi (grotto heavens and blessed lands) and specifically situates this project in its broader intellectual context and Schipper’s own research. While Schipper was not the first to open discussions on this topic, his research in this direction still offers profound insights, such as the coinage of the concept of “Daoist Ecology” and his views on mountain politics. This article argues that Schipper’s work on dongtian fudi is a response to the school of Deep Ecology and its critics, and also a result of critical reflection on the modern dichotomy between nature and culture. In Schipper’s enquiry of dongtian fudi, the “mountain” stands as the central concept: it is not only the essential component of Daoist sacred geography, but a holistic site in which nature and society are interwoven, endowed with both material and sacred significance. Through his analysis of the Daoist practice of abstinence from grain (duangu), Schipper reveals how mountains serve as spaces for retreat from agrarian society and state control, and how they embody “shatter zones” where the reach of centralized power is relatively attenuated. The article also further links Schipper’s project of Beijing as a Holy City to his study of dongtian fudi. For Schipper, the former affirms the universality of the locality (i.e., the unofficial China, the country of people), while the latter envisages the vision of rewriting China from plural localities. Taken together, these efforts point toward a theoretical framework that moves beyond conventional sociological paradigms, one that embraces a total worldly perspective, in which the livelihoods of local societies and their daily lives are truly appreciated as a totality that encompasses both nature and culture. Schipper’s works related to dongtian fudi, though they are rather concise, still significantly broaden the scope of Daoist studies and, moreover, provide novel insights into the complexity of Chinese religion and society. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cancer patients are particularly susceptible to infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) due to chemotherapy- or radiation therapy-induced immunosuppression. Colistin is often prescribed as a last-resort agent for MDR GNB infection, but its clinical benefit in oncology patients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the mortality risk associated with colistin versus non-colistin regimens in cancer patient with MDR GNB infections, stratified by resistance profiles, infection sites, and concomitant medication use. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult cancer patients with MDR GNB infections that are resistant to at least three antibiotic classes and identified from at least two anatomical sites at a tertiary care hospital in Korea. Propensity score-matched in a 1:3 ratio either to the colistin group or non-colistin group and multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses were used to evaluate mortality in cancer patients with MDR GNB infections, primarily Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: A total of 85 patients (29 patients in the colistin and 56 patients in the non-colistin group) were included in the analysis. Overall, colistin use did not show a statistically significant mortality benefit compared to non-colistin regimens (hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.47–1.87). However, the subgroup analysis revealed that colistin had a potential association with significantly lower mortality in pneumonia patients with aminoglycoside-resistant infections (HR 0.04, 95% CI 0.002–0.69). Concomitant use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in selected resistance profiles also correlated with improved outcomes. In contrast, a potential association was found between concomitant macrolide use and increased mortality in patients with fluoroquinolone- or penicillin-resistant profiles. Conclusions: Colistin may offer survival benefits in selected high-risk cancer patients with MDR GNB pneumonia. Treatment outcomes are influenced by resistance profiles, infection sites, and concomitant medications, indicating the significant importance of individualized antimicrobial therapy and antimicrobial stewardship in oncology patients. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a vital food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, including Eswatini. The productivity of the crop is low (<600 kg/ha) in the country due to a lack of improved, locally adapted, and farmer-preferred varieties with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of the study was to assess the agronomic performance of newly developed elite cowpea mutants to select best-yielding and adapted pure lines for production and genetic improvement in Eswatini. A total of 30 cowpea genotypes, including 24 newly developed advanced mutant lines, their 3 founder parents and 3 local checks, were profiled for major agronomic traits in two selected sites (Lowveld Experiment and Malkerns Research Stations) using a 6 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. A combined analysis of variance revealed that the genotype x location interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) for germination percentage (DG %), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DMT), number of pods per plant (NPP), pod length (PDL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), hundred seed weight (HSW), and grain yield (GYD). Elite mutant genotypes, including NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, and NKL9P7-2 exhibited higher grain yields at 3158.8 kg/ha, 2651.6 kg/ha, 2627.5 kg/ha, and 2255.8 kg/ha in that order. The highest-yielding mutant, NKL9P7, produced 70%, 61%, and 54% more grain yield than the check varieties Mtilane, Black Eye, and Accession 792, respectively. Furthermore, the selected genotypes displayed promising yield components such as better PDL (varying from 13.1 to 26.3 cm), NPP (15.9 to 26.8), and NSP (9.8 to 16.2). Grain yield had significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with DG %, NSP, and NPP. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that 81.5% of the total genotypic variation was attributable to the assessed quantitative traits. Principal component (PC) 1 accounted for 48.6%, while PC 2 and PC 3 contributed 18.9% and 14% of the overall variation, respectively. Key traits correlated with PC1 were NPP with a loading score of 0.91, NSP (0.83), PDL (0.73), GYD (0.68), HSW (0.58), DMT (−0.60), and DTF (−0.43) in a desirable direction. In conclusion, genotypes NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, NKL9P7-2, Bira, SHR3P4, and SHR2P7 were identified as complementary parents with relatively best yields and local adaptation, making them ideal selections for direct production or breeding. The following traits, NPP, NSP, PDL, GYD, and HSW, offered unique opportunities for genotype selection in the cowpea breeding program in Eswatini. Full article

The primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of abiotic factors on weed development in maize fields, with the goal of informing more effective weed management practices. We focused on identifying key environmental, edaphic, and agricultural variables that contribute to weed infestations, particularly before the application of spring herbicide treatments. Field investigations were conducted from 2018 to 2021 across selected maize-growing regions in Hungary. Over the four-year period, a total of 51 weed species were recorded, with Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, and Hibiscus trionum emerging as the most prevalent taxa. Collectively, these four species accounted for more than half (52%) of the total weed cover. Altogether, the 20 most dominant species contributed 95% of the overall weed coverage. The analysis revealed that weed cover, species richness, and weed diversity were significantly affected by soil properties, nutrient levels, geographic location, and tillage systems. The results confirm that the composition of weed species was influenced by several environmental and management-related factors, including soil parameters, geographical location, annual precipitation, tillage method, and fertilizer application. Environmental factors collectively explained a slightly higher proportion of the variance (13.37%) than farming factors (12.66%) at a 90% significance level. Seasonal dynamics and crop rotation history also played a notable role in species distribution. Nutrient inputs, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, influenced both species diversity and floristic composition. Deep tillage practices favored the proliferation of perennial species, whereas shallow cultivation tended to promote annual weeds. Overall, the composition of weed vegetation proved to be a valuable indicator of site-specific soil conditions and agricultural practices. These findings underscore the need to tailor weed management strategies to local environmental and soil contexts for sustainable crop production. Full article

Appendage autotomy frequently occurs during the cultivation of Exopalaemon carinicauda, which severely impacts its survival and economic benefits. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying appendage regeneration in E. carinicauda, this study presents a comparative transcriptome analysis on samples from different stages of appendage regeneration in individuals of the same family of E. carinicauda. A total of 6460 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the samples collected at 0 h post-autotomy (D0) and those collected at 18 h post-autotomy (D18h). Additionally, 7740 DEGs were identified between D0 and 14 d post-autotomy (D14d), with 3382 DEGs identified between D18h and D14d. Among them, differentially expressed genes such as EcR, RXR, BMP1, and Smad4 are related to muscle growth or molting and may be involved in the regeneration process. qRT-PCR results revealed that EcBMPR2 was expressed at relatively high levels in the gonad and ventral nerve cord tissues and that the highest level of expression was detected in the regenerative basal tissue at 24 h post-autotomy. In situ hybridization results indicated strong signals of this gene in the cells at the wound site at 72 h post-autotomy. Following knockdown of EcBMPR2, the expression levels of both EcBMPR1B and EcSmad1 were significantly downregulated, and long-term interference with the EcBMPR2 gene resulted in a significantly slower appendage regeneration process compared to the control group. When the downstream transcription factor EcSmad1 was knocked down, the two receptor genes EcBMPR2 and EcBMPR1B were downregulated, whereas EcBMP7 was upregulated. After inhibiting the BMP signaling pathway, the degree of cell aggregation at the autotomy site in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, the wound healing rate was delayed, and the blastema regeneration time was prolonged from 5 d to 7 d. Collectively, these results indicate that the BMP signaling pathway plays a critical role in the early stages of appendage regeneration in E. carinicauda. This study provides important theoretical insights for understanding limb regeneration in crustaceans. Full article