Search Results (3,682)

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of sodium humate (HNa) alone and in combination with low-dose cefixime (CFM) in mice infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). An ETEC infection mouse model was established to compare the effects of individual or combined interventions on physiological parameters, intestinal morphology, barrier function, levels of specific intestinal bacterial groups, cell proliferation/apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways. The results showed that the HNa + CFM combination significantly promoted body weight recovery, ameliorated damage to jejunal villus structure and ultrastructure, and increased the mRNA expression of mucins (MUC1/2/3) and tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) compared to the ETEC group. Concurrently, the combined treatment significantly reduced fecal E. coli counts and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, promoted epithelial repair by upregulating proliferation-related genes (EGFR, PCNA, TGF-β1), and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, the combined intervention significantly reduced serum LPS levels and consequently suppressed ETEC-induced activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, as evidenced by reduced protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88, decreased phosphorylation of IκBα and p65, and diminished nuclear accumulation of NF-κB p65, leading to downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and elevation of IL-10. In conclusion, the combined application of HNa and low-dose CFM showed additional protective benefits against ETEC infection. These effects were associated with multi-targeted repair of the intestinal barrier, modulation of measured bacterial levels, and suppression of excessive inflammatory responses. This strategy offers a potential approach for the clinical management of bacterial enteritis and reducing antibiotic dependence. Full article

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are a phytochemical resource rich in bitter acids, prenylated flavonoids, and essential oils with antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities relevant to animal production. This review critically synthesizes the phytochemical profile of H. lupulus and the available in vivo evidence on its use as a functional feed additive in poultry, freshwater aquaculture, swine, and ruminants, identifying research gaps and regulatory barriers. In poultry, microencapsulated β-acids at 30 mg/kg feed achieved a feed conversion ratio comparable to zinc bacitracin, while lupulone reduced intestinal Clostridium perfringens counts by >4 log units, from log₁₀ 6.20 to 2.00 CFU/g; doses ≥240 mg/kg induced adverse effects. In freshwater aquaculture, hop extract at 750 mg/kg feed improved hepatic markers and fillet fatty acid composition in common carp, whereas isolated hop acids at 308 mg/kg increased final body weight in Nile tilapia (157.3 vs. 150.3 g) without sensory rejection even at 1230 mg/kg. In swine, granulated cones improved feed conversion (3.5 vs. 4.3 kg/kg), while purified β-acids up to 360 mg/kg improved performance comparably to colistin. In ruminants, hop residues, pellets, and cones were tolerated without consistent production benefits. Overall, hop-derived additives show dose-, compound-, and matrix-dependent effects, requiring standardized formulations, species-specific pharmacokinetics, pathogen-challenge validation, long-term safety assessment, and regulatory dossiers. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent liver-centred manifestation of systemic metabolic dysfunction. The gut–liver axis provides a biologically credible therapeutic rationale because intestinal dysbiosis, impaired barrier integrity, microbial metabolites, bile acid signalling, short-chain fatty acids, and trimethylamine N-oxide may influence hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. This narrative review critically evaluates dietary patterns, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as microbiome-directed strategies in MASLD. The comparative framework prioritises disease-specific human evidence, clinically meaningful endpoints, trial duration and sample size, reproducibility, safety, and feasibility. Dietary optimisation remains the most clinically grounded intervention, whereas probiotics and synbiotics show modest and heterogeneous signals on biochemical or metabolic surrogate endpoints. Prebiotics are mechanistically coherent but supported by limited liver-centred trials. Postbiotics and microbiome-mediated bioactives remain early-stage and require stricter definitional boundaries. FMT is investigational and should not be extrapolated from its established role in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Most available evidence across all intervention categories relies principally on surrogate endpoints—including aminotransferases, insulin resistance indices, lipid parameters, and microbiome compositional shifts—rather than on validated liver-centred outcomes such as histological improvement or quantitative liver fat assessment; this constrains the strength of conclusions that can currently be drawn. Across all categories, microbiome modulation does not by itself establish liver disease modification, and no microbiome-targeted nutritional intervention has yet demonstrated histological benefit in MASLD. Future trials in this field should prioritise validated hepatic endpoints, phenotype-stratified patient enrolment, adequate follow-up duration, and direct comparisons between intervention categories to determine which microbiome-directed strategies, if any, deliver measurable and reproducible hepatic benefit beyond surrogate markers. Full article

A novel Bacillus velezensis strain DY201, isolated from broiler feces, was characterized to assess its probiotic potential as an antibiotic alternative in poultry production. The strain demonstrated robust environmental tolerance with optimal growth at 42 °C and 51.32% survival following sequential exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. DY201 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella pullorum, and Clostridium perfringens, with activity remaining stable across pH 5.0–8.0 and retaining over 92.65% efficacy after 85 °C treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed metabolite-induced membrane perforation in target pathogens. Although whole-genome sequencing identified 14 biosynthetic gene clusters for lipopeptides including surfactin and fengycin, integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses detected small-molecule metabolites—Withaferin A, 2′-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone, and platycodigenin—as the primary antimicrobial effectors. In a preliminary broiler trial, dietary DY201 supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacillus in the ileum from 0.30% to 10.30% (p = 0.0434) and in the jejunum from 0.77% to 5.56% (p = 0.0453), enriched the generally beneficial genus Lactobacillus in the jejunum from 73.05% to 80.11% (p = 0.0323), and reduced Candidatus Arthromitus in the ileum from 13.38% to 0.59% (p = 0.0105). These findings support B. velezensis DY201 as a promising probiotic candidate for intestinal microbiota modulation in broilers, although functional intestinal health benefits require further validation through growth performance, barrier function, immune response, and pathogen challenge studies. Full article

Reducing herbicide input in paddy fields is essential for sustainable rice production and long-term soil health. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl effectively controls the dominant paddy weed barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), yet excessive application poses environmental risks. Here, we investigated whether the compound adjuvant Sijiling, containing nonionic and anionic surfactants, could enable significant dose reduction in florpyrauxifen-benzyl while maintaining weed control efficacy and improving soil–plant system functions. Greenhouse dose–response assays and two-year field trials conducted in 2021 and 2022 demonstrated that the adjuvant permitted a 50% reduction in herbicide application without compromising control of barnyardgrass or other paddy weeds. Mechanistically, Sijiling disrupted the leaf cuticular wax barrier and amplified ethylene and ABA biosynthesis over two-fold. The reduced herbicide rate lowered residues in rice and soil, increased soil organic carbon and available potassium, and enhanced microbial diversity, particularly enriching beneficial Acidobacteria. Grain yield increased significantly under the reduced-input strategy, with Mantel analysis linking yield gains to improved soil available potassium and organic carbon. Our findings demonstrate that adjuvant-enabled herbicide dose reduction is an effective and sustainable weed management strategy for paddy rice, maintaining robust weed suppression while delivering measurable co-benefits for soil health and crop productivity, thereby supporting the sustainable intensification of rice-based cropping systems. Full article

Background: A transdermal drug delivery system has significant benefits over conventional routes; however, its effectiveness is limited by the barrier properties of the stratum corneum. Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) have emerged as a minimally invasive strategy to enhance drug permeation while improving patient compliance. The integration of advanced fabrication techniques such as 3D printing enables precise control over microneedle geometry and reproducibility. Objective: This study aimed to fabricate and characterize pregabalin-loaded PVA/PVP dissolving microneedle arrays using a 3D-printing-assisted mold fabrication approach for efficient transdermal drug delivery. Methods: Microneedle master molds were fabricated using 3D printing, followed by replication using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain negative molds. Pregabalin-loaded bilayer microneedles were prepared using a micromolding technique with PVA/PVP polymers. The formulation was evaluated through rheological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical strength testing, insertion studies, swelling behavior, drug loading efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and in vitro drug release studies. Results: The fabricated microneedles exhibited uniform geometry with sharp tips and no structural defects. Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning behavior suitable for mold filling. The microneedles demonstrated adequate mechanical strength (~3.3 N/needle) and efficient insertion into the parafilm model. Drug loading efficiency was high (92.4%), indicating effective encapsulation. FTIR analysis confirmed compatibility between drug and polymers, while DSC and XRD results indicated partial amorphization of pregabalin within the polymer matrix. The formulation showed a biphasic drug release profile with an initial burst followed by sustained release, achieving ~96.8% cumulative release over 24 h. Conclusions: The study successfully demonstrates a robust and reproducible 3D-printing-assisted approach for fabricating pregabalin-loaded dissolving microneedles. The developed system exhibited desirable mechanical, physicochemical, and drug release properties, highlighting its potential as an effective transdermal drug delivery platform. Full article

Background/Objective: Service-learning is an educational methodology that has demonstrated benefits and effectiveness in nursing education, generating positive outcomes for both students and the community. However, its application in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training remains underexplored. This study explored nursing students’ perceptions of CPR training through service-learning, focusing on dimensions of learning, emotional experience, professional identity, and perceived difficulties in implementation. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 30 nursing students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) meaningful learning and consolidation of competencies; (2) emotional impact associated with teaching CPR; (3) increased social awareness and strengthening of professional identity; and (4) perceived difficulties and barriers in implementing service-learning. Conclusions: The results suggest that nursing students perceived service-learning in CPR training as a meaningful learning experience, associated with greater self-confidence, greater emotional engagement, and greater social awareness, despite the perceived barriers. Full article

Background: Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are generally more sedentary and engage less in physical activity (PA) than their peers. Despite increasing evidence of benefits, practical guidance on implementing adapted PA programs in real-world settings remains limited. This study aimed to document iterative adaptations, implementation processes, and participant experiences in a structured PA intervention for children with ASD. Methods: Nineteen children aged 10–14 years with ASD participated in an adapted PA intervention delivered across three cohorts. The program was progressively modified based on observed barriers and participant feedback. Post-intervention conversations with participants and/or parents were used to assess feasibility and experiences. Results: Most participants trained on-site in small groups and were predominantly boys, many with comorbid ADHD/ADD. Baseline engagement in organized PA was low. Adaptations included adjustments to session structure, group size, instructor-to-participant ratio, and activity content to enhance predictability and autonomy. Individual tailoring and flexible delivery were essential to accommodate neurodevelopmental diversity and fluctuating motivation. Post-intervention feedback suggested generally positive acceptability, while findings should be interpreted descriptively. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary, practice-based insights into how structured PA programs may be iteratively adapted for children with ASD in a supportive clinical context. The findings highlight practical considerations for implementing adapted PA in clinical and community settings. Full article

The gut microbiota regulates host physiology and drives extraintestinal diseases through the gut–X axis. Bile acids (BAs) function as key mediators of this interorgan crosstalk by activating nuclear and membrane receptors (FXR, TGR5, PXR, VDR). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) demonstrates efficacy across multiple organ systems through multi-component formulations. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from preclinical and clinical studies supporting that TCM exerts systemic protection via strategic modulation of the microbiota–BA–host receptor axis, which functions as a core regulatory circuit within a larger network of microbial metabolites. Mechanistically, representative TCM formulas remodel gut microbial ecology and reinforce intestinal barrier integrity, leading to optimized BA profiles. These favorable BA signatures engage tissue-specific receptor signaling to resolve inflammation, mitigate fibrosis, and restore metabolic homeostasis across the gut–heart, gut–kidney, gut–liver, gut–bone, and gut–endocrine axes. Support for this causal relationship is provided by microbiota depletion, fecal transplantation, and multi-omics studies, collectively suggesting that TCM’s benefits are microbiota-dependent and at least partially BA-mediated. Moreover, context-dependent modulation of BA receptors, such as differential regulation of FXR, enables TCM to achieve pathology-specific outcomes. Current evidence is derived predominantly from preclinical models, and clinical data remain lacking. Nonetheless, the microbiota–BA–organ axis thus provides a potential framework for understanding TCM’s systemic actions and establishes a molecular basis for developing microbiome-informed precision therapeutics. Future directions include patient stratification and precision intervention design inspired by TCM’s ecological modulation strategies. Full article

Background: The growing demand for versatile laboratory automation is exemplified in the context of liquid biopsy, where multi-analyte approaches are increasingly recognised for their potential to enhance diagnostic sensitivity in oncology. However, current practice often necessitates the use of dedicated instruments and workflows for the extraction of each analyte, posing financial and logistical barriers for automated multi-analyte liquid biopsy. Methods: Here, we present Robotic Centrifugal Microfluidics (RoCM), an all-in-one platform that combines the versatility of centrifugal microfluidics and operational flexibility of robotic liquid handling. This combination enables the automation of complex micro- and macrofluidic protocols, realised through the use of (1). exchangeable microfluidic cartridges and (2). programmable robotic operations such as in-rotation liquid supply, magnetic bead manipulation, or microfluidic valving. In-rotation robotic liquid manipulation maintains fluid control under centrifugal forces and reduces the cartridge footprint associated with pre-loaded liquid reservoirs. Platform applicability was demonstrated using two exemplary liquid biopsy workflows: the extraction of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from blood plasma using RoCM-cfDNA slices and the extraction of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from blood plasma using RoCM-EV slices. Results: In a pilot study with patient samples from different cancer entities, the RoCM-cfDNA slices yielded comparable variant allele frequencies to a commercial bead-based instrument, while the RoCM-EV slices achieved a recovery of a greater diversity of EV subpopulations than semi-automated size-exclusion chromatography. Conclusions: By simply exchanging cartridges, RoCM enables the extraction of diverse analytes within a single automated system. Its application can be extended to further analytes, such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), or to applications beyond liquid biopsies, where versatile micro- and macrofluidic protocols benefit from implementation in a single automation instrument. Full article

As important sources of prebiotics, natural plant polysaccharides have been widely investigated owing to their excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and gut microbiota-regulating effects. This study explored the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) in a mouse model of azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis. GP-1, identified as a typical fructan (molecular weight: 3583 Da) with (2→1) and (2→6) linkages, significantly improved survival rate, reduced colon tumor burden, and alleviated intestinal bleeding in tumor mice. Furthermore, intestinal damage was significantly attenuated, as evidenced by enhanced barrier integrity, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and elevated antioxidant enzyme activities. GP-1 also inhibited aberrant epithelial proliferation by suppressing Ki67 protein expression. Multi-omics analyses revealed that these benefits might be associated with gut microbiota and metabolite remodeling, as well as transcriptional suppression of key inflammatory/tumorigenic pathways. Our findings highlighted the inhibitory effect of GP-1 on colon tumorigenesis and supported its potential as a gut-health-promoting functional food ingredient. Full article

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, and teas that is widely available as a dietary supplement. Numerous studies have investigated quercetin’s therapeutic potential across a broad range of diseases and conditions. Collectively, these studies reveal its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-fibrotic, antibacterial, endocrine-modulating, and senolytic properties, establishing quercetin as a polypharmacologic agent with diverse biological activities. This review describes quercetin’s biochemical properties, bioavailability, and proposed mechanisms of action. It highlights the unique characteristics of the human uterus vs. other species and evaluates published evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies supporting quercetin’s pleiotropic effects and potential therapeutic benefits for six uterine-related conditions: endometrial cancer, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine infections, uterine fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The findings support that quercetin targets multiple endometrial and other uterine cell types and may attenuate key pathological processes relevant to uterine disease. However, robust human clinical evidence supporting quercetin’s efficacy is generally lacking. Critical knowledge gaps and translational barriers to advancing quercetin from a ‘promising preclinical candidate’ into an ‘evidence-based therapeutic’ for improving uterine health are discussed. Full article

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) offer significant potential for energy-efficient building renovations by seamlessly integrating renewable energy generation into the built environment. This work highlights the strategic opportunity for BIPV within the current European and international context, where the building stock faces an increasingly urgent need for large-scale rehabilitation. BIPV solutions and products for building retrofit are reviewed holistically considering thermal insulation, solar control, daylighting, architectural design, aesthetics, and electrical performance to optimise energy savings and increase social acceptance. A selection of nine international case studies illustrates the versatility of BIPV across diverse building typologies, including projects focused on heritage preservation for which targeted measures are proposed. Despite the opportunities, BIPV adoption remains limited, primarily due to regulatory, economic, and socio-cultural barriers. The specific challenges of BIPV retrofitting in heritage and protected buildings are also examined. Multiple studies have demonstrated BIPV cost-effectiveness, especially when fiscal incentives, environmental co-benefits, and architectural factors are considered. Nonetheless, affordability remains a barrier for many households, highlighting the need for comprehensive financial support to accelerate market uptake. This review is intended to provide a broad audience—including researchers, architects, building professionals, and decision-makers—with a comprehensive, structured overview of BIPV renovation opportunities. Full article

Achieving a circular and climate-neutral bioeconomy by 2050 requires not only high-quality recycling but also the large-scale integration of renewable carbon from biomass and atmospheric CO₂ into material systems. Plastics represent the world’s largest and most rapidly growing carbon sink, positioning them as a critical intervention point for replacing fossil-based feedstocks with renewable alternatives. Because plastic packaging is one of the most visible material streams encountered by consumers in daily life, a transition toward sustainable, recyclable bioplastics has the potential to deliver both meaningful environmental benefits and strong societal impact, accelerating public awareness and acceptance of renewable carbon solutions. Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF)—a fully bio-based polyester synthesized from plant-derived 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG)—offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable packaging due to its superior mechanical strength and gas-barrier performance relative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This study presents a cradle to grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of PEF resin production and PEF bottle applications, using industrially relevant, at-scale process data covering biomass feedstock conversion, polymer synthesis, packaging manufacture, use phase, and end of life. Bottle applications were selected as a focal point due to their technical maturity, commercial relevance, and suitability for direct comparison with incumbent PET systems. The results indicate that PEF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 71% and fossil resource depletion by 26% compared to PET at the resin level when biogenic carbon uptake is included. Moreover, the material’s enhanced functional properties enable lightweight, recyclable bottle designs with carbon footprint reductions of up to 88% for 500 mL formats under a baseline recycling rate scenario of 72%, with the remaining share directed to municipal solid-waste incineration with energy recovery. Sensitivity analyses reveal that virgin PEF maintains environmental advantages over PET even when PET incorporates high levels of recycled content, highlighting the complementary roles of renewable carbon and circular material strategies. Prospective scenario modeling underscores the importance of sustainable feedstock selection and process electrification, with sucrose-based routes offering the largest potential for further decarbonization. Overall, the findings demonstrate that PEF is a scalable biopolymer capable of delivering substantial climate benefits while supporting circularity objectives. By targeting a highly visible consumer application—plastic packaging—this transition amplifies the societal impact of adopting renewable carbon materials. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and sustainability practitioners working to advance a more resilient, renewable, and consumer-recognizable plastics economy. Full article

Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as key tools for improving productivity and supporting rural development in agricultural systems. However, their effective adoption by small-scale producers remains limited in many developing regions. This study analyses the determinants of mobile application adoption among livestock farmers in Amazonas, Peru. Using a structural equation model (PLS-SEM) based on survey data from 160 producers in rural areas, the results show that perceived ease of use is the main driver of adoption, directly influencing farmers’ intention to use mobile applications and significantly determining perceived usefulness, which acts as a key mediating factor. Despite widespread smartphone ownership, their use is largely limited to communication and social media rather than production management, mainly due to barriers such as mistrust, limited rural connectivity, and insufficient digital knowledge. The findings suggest that effective adoption requires integrated strategies that combine the development of user-friendly applications, the demonstration of their economic benefits for producers, and public policies aimed at improving digital infrastructure and strengthening digital skills. By identifying the key determinants of adoption, this study contributes to understanding how mobile technologies can support productivity improvements and promote rural development in livestock systems in the Peruvian Amazon. Full article