Search Results (610)

In this study, aiming to develop novel biocomposites that offer competitive properties while retaining their renewable and biodegradable characteristics, a biodegradable polymer matrix (Mater-Bi^® HF51L2) was reinforced with natural particles extracted from the culm and leaf of Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass). Particles (<500 µm) were incorporated at 10 and 20 wt.% via twin-screw extrusion followed by compression moulding. Morphological analysis via SEM revealed distinct structural differences between culm- and leaf-derived particles, with the latter exhibiting smoother surfaces, higher density, and better dispersion in the matrix, resulting in lower void content. Quasi-static mechanical tests showed increased stiffness with filler content, particularly for leaf-based composites. This material, at 20 wt.% filler loadings, enhanced the tensile and flexural moduli of the neat Mater-Bi approximately three and two times, respectively, a result attributed to enhanced interfacial adhesion. Rheological measurements (rotational and capillary) indicated significant increases in complex viscosity, particularly for leaf-filled systems, confirming restricted polymer chain mobility and good matrix–filler interaction. Dynamic mechanical thermal tests (DMTA) results showed an increased storage modulus and a shift in glass transition temperature (T_g) for all biocomposites in comparison to Mater-Bi matrix. Specifically, the neat matrix had a T_g of −28 °C, which increased to −24 °C and −18 °C for the 20 wt.% culm-reinforced and leaf-reinforced biocomposites, respectively. Overall, the leaf-derived particles demonstrated superior reinforcing potential, effectively improving the mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of Mater-Bi-based biocomposites. Full article

This study investigates the mineralogical and physical properties of serpentinite from the Monteferrato area (Tuscany, Italy) to evaluate its potential use in Tuscany architectural restoration. The research addresses the need to identify replacement materials compatible with historic stones while preserving their original features. Representative specimens from the Bagnolo quarry were analysed through physical testing and a wide range of mineralogical and geochemical techniques, including polarised light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis, whole-rock chemistry, and fibre quantification. The results show a mineralogical composition dominated by serpentine-group minerals and magnetite, with physical properties generally consistent across samples. Measured capillary water absorption ranges from 3.27 to 5.27 g/m²·s^0.5, open porosity from 5.25% to 8.93%, apparent densities range from 2.49 to 2.56 g/cm³, and imbibition coefficient from 2.16% to 3.71%. Comparative analysis with serpentinite from historic sources (Figline di Prato quarry, Tuscany) and from monuments (Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence) demonstrates close compositional and textural affinities, supporting the suitability of the rock from the studied quarry for restoration purposes in Tuscany monuments. However, chrysotile concentrations up to 14,153 mg/kg, exceeding Italian regulatory thresholds, represent a critical limitation. This not only requires the implementation of strict safety measures but also raises serious concerns regarding the practical feasibility of using this stone in conservation projects. More broadly, the presence of asbestiform minerals in serpentinites highlights a significant and often underestimated health risk associated with their extraction, processing, and use. Despite its importance, detailed fibre count data are rarely published or made publicly accessible, hindering both transparent risk assessment and informed decision-making. By integrating petrographic, mineralogical, and physical–mechanical characterisation with fibre quantification, this study not only assesses the technical suitability of Monteferrato serpentinites for restoration of Tuscan monuments but also contributes to a more responsible and evidence-based approach to their use, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and health protection in conservation practices. Full article

In the current study, we focus on analyzing the relationship between changes in micro- and macrocirculation and different stages of metabolic memory. We hypothesized that early poor glycemic control induces lasting endothelial changes detectable in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) microcirculation. We assessed microcirculation structure and function using capillaroscopy, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO₂), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). We evaluated macrovascular circulation using pulsatility index (PI), ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse pressure (PP). We also examined the relationship between circulation parameters, the age at onset, and diabetes duration. The study included 67 patients with uncomplicated type 1. We divided all patients into four groups based on their HbA_1c levels at T1D onset and their average HbA_1c after one and two years. We assessed the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-35, IL-4, IL-10, IL-18, IL-12, serum angiogenin, VEGF, sVCAM-1, ICAM-1, sP-Selectin, AGEs, and sRAGE. We compared subgroups with different levels of metabolic memory but comparable T1D duration and age at diagnosis. Micro- and macrovascular parameters were similar between the groups. Our comparison of subgroups with identical metabolic memory but different durations and ages at diagnosis revealed clear differences. The subgroup with a shorter T1D duration showed higher capillary density and a smaller inter-capillary distance compared to those with a longer diabetes duration. This subgroup with shorter duration had significantly lower AGE levels and a reduced TNF-α/IL-35 ratio, along with higher levels of IL-35, IL-4, and IL-12, compared to the longer-duration group. Our findings indicate that in youths with uncomplicated T1D, disease duration—not metabolic memory—plays a dominant role in early microvascular alterations. Full article

Biochar can act as a carrier and a soil carbon source for rapid colonization by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, the effects of a combined application of biochar and PGPR on soil physicochemical properties, humus components, and their stability in the rhizosphere around fruit mulberry seedlings remain unclear. A pot experiment using 1-year-old fruit mulberry seedlings with five treatments (control (CK), salt stress (SS), salt stress + Bacillus fexus (SS+P), salt stress + biochar (SS+B), and salt stress + B. fexus + biochar (SS+P+B)) was conducted to analyze the variations in soil physicochemical properties and humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and humin (HM) contents in the soil when planting fruit mulberry seedlings. The results indicated that the SS treatment significantly reduced total soil porosity, non-capillary porosity, water stable macro-aggregates content, available potassium content, and pH value compared to CK, but increased the soil bulk density, capillary porosity, and available phosphorus content. The SS+P+B treatment significantly increased soil total porosity, non-capillary porosity, pH value, electrical conductivity, the water stable macro-aggregates, organic matter, HA and HM contents, the HA/FA and HA/HE (humus-extractable) ratios, and the activities of catalase and urease. It significantly increased the water stable macro-aggregates and the HA/HE ratio by 27.83% and 25.00%, respectively. However, it significantly decreased soil bulk density and capillary porosity by 9.93% and 20.64%, respectively, compared to the SS treatment. The results suggest that the simultaneous addition of biochar and B. fexus under salt-stress conditions improves the soil physicochemical properties and increases the humus components content and stability, which is of great significance for improving the soil quality of saline–alkali land and enhancing the productivity of fruit mulberry. Full article

Background: Retinal microvascular changes may serve as biomarkers for disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated macular and peripapillary vascular plexus densities using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) and healthy controls (HCs), exploring their association with disease activity based on the NEDA-3 concept. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 117 RMS patients and 37 HCs underwent OCTA imaging. Parameters analyzed included superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density. Images with artifacts were excluded. Associations between OCTA metrics and demographic, clinical, and MRI volumetrics, as well as NEDA-3 status, were evaluated using multivariate generalized estimating equations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed predictive capacity. Results: Compared to HCs, MS eyes with prior optic neuritis showed significantly lower SVP density (p < 0.05). DVP and FAZ parameters did not differ between groups. SVP and DVP densities correlated with age, disease duration, relapse history, and MRI volumetrics, including gray matter and whole brain volume. SVP density predicted NEDA-3 status (AUC = 0.82), while DVP also showed predictive value (AUC = 0.64). FAZ FD (Foveal density) was associated with gray matter and whole brain atrophy (AUC = 0.62–0.61). Conclusions: Retinal vascular alterations correlate with clinical and MRI measures in MS. Reduced SVP and DVP densities may serve as markers of recent disease activity, and FAZ metrics reflect neurodegeneration. OCTA may be a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring MS progression. Full article

Plant roots influence soil infiltration by altering its properties like porosity and bulk density, which are essential for ecohydrological cycles. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), using its well-developed underground root system, invades neighbor forest communities, thereby influencing root characteristics and soil properties. Although Moso bamboo invasion may alter soil hydrology, its specific impact on soil infiltration capacity and water flow connectivity remains unclear. This work took a fir forest (Cunninghamia lanceolata), mixed fir and bamboo forest, and a bamboo forest which represent three different degrees of invasion: uninvaded, partially invaded, and completely invaded, respectively, as study objects, using double-ring dyeing infiltration method to measure soil infiltration capacity and calculating water flow connectivity index for the root zone. To assess the effects of soil properties and root characteristics on soil infiltration capacity and water flow connectivity, we employed random forest and structural equation modeling. The analysis revealed that Moso bamboo invasion significantly enhanced soil infiltration capacity. Specifically, in partially invaded forests, the initial infiltration rate, stable infiltration rate, and average infiltration rate increased by 31.5%, 26.1%, and 28.5%, respectively. In completely invaded forests, the corresponding increases were 6.6%, 35.6%, and 28.5%. Also, Moso bamboo invasion increased water flow connectivity of root zone, compared to the uninvaded forest, the water flow connectivity index increased by 29.4% in the completely invaded forest and by 15.6% in the partially invaded forest. The marked increase in fine root biomass density (RBD1), fine root length density (RLD1), soil organic carbon (SOC), and non-capillary pores (NCP) and the decrease in soil bulk density (SBD) followed by Moso bamboo invasion effectively improved water flow connectivity and soil infiltration capacity. The analysis identified that RBD1, RLD1, NCP, and SBD as the key drivers of soil infiltration capacity, whereas the water flow connectivity index was controlled mainly by SOC, NCP, RLD1, and RBD1. These findings help clarify the mechanistic pathways of Moso bamboo’s effects on soil infiltration. Full article

Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a multifactorial disorder comprising different subgroups. Our study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in retinal microcirculation in PCS patients. Eighty PCS patients were recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. Retinal microcirculation was measured twice using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) within the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and peripapillary region. Vessel density (VD) was calculated using the Erlangen Angio Tool with an APSified and Bruch’s membrane opening-based analyses. The least-squares means (LS-Means) of VD were 30.4 (SE = 0.168) vs. 30.3 (SE = 0.166) (SVP), 22.4 (SE = 0.143) vs. 22.2 (SE = 0.141) (ICP), 23.9 (SE = 0.186) vs. 23.8 (SE = 0.185) (DCP), and 27.4 (SE = 0.226) vs. 27.0 (SE = 0.224) (peripapillary) in patients with PCS at visits 1 and 2, respectively. The study cohort showed physically stable PCS symptoms with PEM/fatigue and concentration disorders as major symptoms and only a slight, clinically irrelevant improvement of the Bell Score. The multivariate longitudinal model confirmed the clinical observations by showing that VD did not change significantly during follow-up (p = 0.46). Strong interdependencies between the macular layers (p < 0.001) were observed. The data of the present study suggests that while overall APSified macular VD and BMO-based APSified peripapillary VD were stable within a PCS cohort of physically stable PCS symptoms, individual patients may experience coordinated microvascular changes, particularly within the macular plexuses. Together, the results support a model of heterogeneous yet biologically consistent microvascular response in PCS pathophysiology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dyslipidemia is one of the major problems of long-term management in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLH) as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is anchored on the surface of the capillary endothelial cells and plays a pivotal role in triglyceride metabolism by catabolizing dietary chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein synthesized in the liver. However, the details of the mechanisms in the era of integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy have not yet been clarified. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, single-center, non-interventional study evaluating the underlying factors associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance or secretion, and changes in the body composition of PLH. Results: Among PLH (n = 48), lower LPL (<60.8 ng/mL) and older age independently predicted antilipemic drug (ALD) necessity. A comparison of ALD-naïve PLH (n = 33) and age- and sex-matched non-HIV controls (n = 33) showed that PLH were significantly associated with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and higher HOMA-β. LPL was also the independent predictor of HDL-C < 40 mg/dL in PLH (adjusted odds ratio = 0.901, p = 0.044). Furthermore, LPL < 65.3 ng/mL predicted HDL-C < 40 mg/dL with 100% sensitivity and 60.9% specificity. Low levels of HIV-RNA were detected in the high HOMA-β group. Conclusions: In Japanese individuals, compared to non-HIV controls, PLH has low HDL-C and LPL. The measurement of LPL may confer the risk assessment and decision-making with relevance to ALD in PLH. Additionally, the effectiveness of HIV antiviral therapy and glucose tolerance may interact with each other. Full article

Dysferlinopathies are progressive muscular dystrophies caused by DYSF mutations, leading to impaired membrane repair, chronic inflammation, lipid accumulation, and muscle degeneration. No approved therapies currently halt the progression of this disease. Here, we evaluated the effects of daily oral administration of pulverized Boldo (Peumus boldus) leaves, commonly used as a nutraceutical, to blAJ mice, a model of dysferlinopathy. Symptomatic bIAJ mice were treated for four weeks with Boldo and presented significantly improved grip strength and restored endothelial-dependent vasodilation. Muscle perfusion and capillary density in the gastrocnemius were both enhanced by treatment. Histological analyses revealed that Boldo prevented myofiber atrophy, reduced centrally nucleated fibers, and improved muscle tissue architecture. Lipid accumulation observed in blAJ muscles was absent in Boldo-treated mice. At the cellular level, Boldo normalized sarcolemma membrane permeability (dye uptake) and reduced mRNA levels of inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, and IL-1β), suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. These findings indicate that Boldo improves vascular and muscle integrity, supporting its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy for dysferlinopathy. Full article

Grazing systems’ production efficiency is a dynamic interaction between soil, pasture, livestock, and climate. The magnitude of the changes is related to the mechanical stress applied by the livestock and their feeding behaviour. In Southern Chile, dairy cattle present a high heterogeneity in breeds, size, live weight, and milk production. This study investigated whether cows of contrasting size/live weight can improve degraded pasture and positively modify soil (Andosol-Duric Hapludand) physical features. Three pasture types were used as follows: (i) cultivated fertilised Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) and Trifolium repens L. (white clover) mixture (BM); (ii) cultivated fertilised L. perenne, T. repens, Bromus valdivianus Phil. (pasture brome), Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire fog), and Dactylis glomerata L. (cocksfoot) mixture (MSM); and (iii) naturalised fertilised pasture Agrostis capillaris L. (browntop), B. valdivianus, and T. repens (NFP). Pastures were grazed with two groups of dairy cows of contrasting size and live weight: light cows (LC) [live weight: 464 ± 5.4 kg; height at the withers: 132 ± 0.6 cm (average ± s.e.m.)] and heavy cows (HC) [live weight: 600 ± 8.7 kg; height at the withers: 141 ± 0.9 cm (average ± s.e.m.)]. Hoof area was measured, and the pressure applied by cows on the soil was calculated. Soil differences in penetration resistance (PR) and macro-porosity (wCP > 50 μm) between pastures were explained by tillage and seeding, rather than as a result of livestock presence and movement (animal trampling). The PR variation during the year was associated with the soil water content (SWC). Grazing dairy cows of contrasting live weight caused changes in soil and pasture attributes, and they behaved differently during grazing. Light cows were linked to more intense grazing, a stable soil structure, and pastures with competitive species and greater tiller density. In MSM, pasture consumption increased, and the soil was more resilient to hoof compression. In general, grazing with heavy cows in these three different pasture systems did not negatively impact soil physical properties. These findings indicate that volcanic soils are resilient and that during renovation, the choice of pasture type has a greater initial impact on soil structure than the selection of cow size, but incorporating lighter cows can be a strategy to promote denser pasture swards in these grazing systems. Full article

Animal models are essential for studying tumor pathophysiology; however, most lack the capacity for repeated in vivo observation of tumor growth and vascularization over extended periods. This study aimed to establish a novel in vivo model using the mouse dorsal skinfold chamber. Tumor induction was performed using different membrane types (two polytetrafluoroethylene meshes and a polydioxanone plate), followed by monitoring of tumor vascularization via intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM). Tumors developed successfully over six weeks, demonstrating sustained vascular supply and enabling, for the first time, the investigation of vascular networks in advanced tumors. Among the membranes tested, the polydioxanone membrane facilitated easier chamber preparation but may negatively affect angiogenesis and promote inflammation. IVM revealed persistent microcirculation in manifested tumors over six consecutive days, allowing detailed assessment of microvascular parameters, leukocyte–endothelial interactions, and functional capillary density. This model enables repetitive, high-resolution visualization of tumor microcirculation dynamics in vivo. In conclusion, this improved mouse dorsal skinfold chamber combined with IVM provides a powerful tool for investigating tumor angiogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions in advanced tumors. Full article

Background and Objectives: Circadian fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly the non-dipping pattern characterized by the absence of a nocturnal decline, are associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications. The retina, as a highly sensitive microvascular tissue, offers a valuable window into systemic hemodynamic alterations. However, the literature lacks detailed structural analyses that evaluate all retinal regions by segmenting nighttime into specific time intervals. Notably, the early morning period (04:00–08:00), during which stress hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines rise physiologically, leads to increased blood pressure that may significantly affect retinal microcirculation. This prospective study aims to assess retinal microvascular structures in dipper and non-dipper individuals using structural optical coherence tomography and to investigate their relationship with blood pressure parameters by dividing nighttime into distinct time segments. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 participants were classified as dipper (n = 26) or non-dipper (n = 34) based on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results. Structural optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate superficial and deep capillary plexus densities in the foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions, along with the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and flow density (FD). Blood pressure values, including systolic, diastolic, mean arterial, and pulse pressure, were recorded during two nighttime intervals (00:00–04:00 and 04:00–08:00), and correlations with retinal parameters were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed in retinal microvascular parameters between the dipper and non-dipper groups. Deep capillary densities, particularly in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions, showed significant positive correlations with serum total protein, albumin, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Furthermore, systolic and mean arterial pressures measured during the 04:00–08:00 interval demonstrated significant positive correlations with deep retinal vascular densities. The FAZ perimeter was negatively correlated with pulse pressure variability, while FD showed a negative correlation with mean arterial pressure variability. Conclusions: This prospective study is among the first to investigate the effects of circadian blood pressure patterns on retinal microvascular structures by segmenting nighttime into specific intervals and employing comprehensive structural optical coherence tomography across the entire retina. The findings suggest that retinal microvascular structure may be associated with fluctuations in blood pressure. Analyses of blood pressure measurements between 04:00 and 08:00 may offer supplementary insights into the evaluation of retinal microvascular structure. Full article

Background: Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) typically presents with a port-wine stain on the face, accompanied by leptomeningeal capillary malformations and ocular vascular anomalies. The aim of our study was to evaluate retinal vascular density and vessel diameter to better characterize the presence of vascular alterations. Methods: 15 patients diagnosed with Sturge–Weber syndrome and 15 healthy controls underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), to evaluate the microvascular architecture of the retina and choroid. Results: Analysis of the processed images revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05 *) in the density of the deep capillary plexus in patients with SWS compared to healthy controls. Vascular diameter was found to be increased overall in several retinal vascular plexuses in SWS patients compared to controls, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05 *) in the deep vascular complex. Conclusions: The findings from our analysis highlight the potential role of OCTA in predicting the progression or worsening of ocular diseases over time. The introduction of new assessment parameters offers additional perspectives in evaluating ocular health. Since this examination allows for the detection of changes in the morphology and density of blood vessels as revealed by OCTA, these changes can be correlated with disease progression and the effectiveness of therapies. Full article

The water consumption processes of vegetation play an important role in water resource management in semiarid regions, while the difference in water consumption between native and exotic species is unclear. In this study, the exotic Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongholica Litv. (Pinus) and the native Salix psammophila (Salix) in Mu Us Sandy Land were selected as the research objects, and their water consumption characteristics were studied via in situ experiment and stable isotopes (δ²H and δ¹⁸O). Results revealed that vegetation water consumption caused spatial variation in soil moisture, allowing the soil profile to be divided into active, stable, capillary support and saturated zones. Pinus primarily used water from the active and stable zones, whereas Salix relied more on the capillary support and saturated zones. Water consumption patterns also varied seasonally, for example, at the beginning of growth (May–June), Salix and Pinus mainly use shallow soil water and begin to use deep soil water and groundwater with growth. During July–September, they absorb soil water mainly in the active zone and stable zone. Both Salix and Pinus can freely switch water sources between deep and shallow layers according to water demand. The seasonal fluctuations in precipitation and groundwater level were the main factors driving the seasonal changes in the water consumption of the two vegetation types. Pinus has better strategies to adapt to droughts than Salix, but its water consumption is higher than that of Salix. Therefore, proper management is needed to control the reasonable density of Pinus plantation to balance the water consumption of vegetation and groundwater recharge. The results can provide a scientific basis for the reasonable vegetation reconstruction in the Mu Us Sandy Land. Full article

Background: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging technique capable of quantifying Blood Flow at Depth (BD) and the Attenuation Coefficient (AC). However, the clinical relevance of these parameters in burn assessment remains unclear. This study investigated whether OCT-derived metrics can differentiate between superficial and deep pediatric hand burns. Method: This prospective, single-center study analyzed 73 OCT scans from 37 children with thermal hand injuries. A structured algorithm was used to evaluate AC and BD. Results: The mean AC was 1.61 mm⁻¹ (SD ± 0.48), with significantly higher values in deep burns (2.11 mm⁻¹ ± 0.53) compared to superficial burns (1.49 mm⁻¹ ± 0.38; p < 0.001), reflecting increased optical density in more severe burns. BD did not differ significantly between burn depths, although superficial burns more often showed visible capillary networks. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess both AC and BD using OCT in pediatric hand burns. AC demonstrated potential as a diagnostic marker for burn depth, whereas BD had limited utility. Image quality limitations highlight the need for technical improvements to enhance OCT’s clinical application. Full article