Search Results (1,583)

The study of tropical landscape dynamics is of critical importance, particularly within protected areas, for evaluating ecosystem functioning and the effectiveness of natural conservation efforts. This study aims to identify landscape dynamics within the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (including Cat Tien National Park and the Ma Da Forest) using remote sensing (Landsat and others) and geographic information system methods. The analysis is based on changes in the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), land cover transformations, landscape metrics (Class area, Percentage of Landscape and others), and natural landscape fragmentation, as well as a spatio-temporal assessment of anthropogenic impacts on the area. The results revealed structural changes in the landscapes of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve between 2000 and 2024. According to Sen’s slope estimates, a generally EVI growth was observed in both the core and buffer zones of the reserve. This trend was evident in forested areas as well as in regions of the buffer zone that were previously occupied by highly productive agricultural land. An analysis of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Land Cover and Land Cover Climate Change Initiative (CCI) data confirms the relative stability of land cover in the core zone, while anthropogenic pressure has increased due to the expansion of agricultural lands, mosaic landscapes, and urban development. The calculation of landscape metrics revealed the growing isolation of natural forests and the dominance of artificial plantations, forming transitional zones between natural and anthropogenically modified landscapes. The human disturbance index, calculated for the years 2000 and 2024, shows only a slight change in the average value across the territory. However, the coefficient of variation increased significantly by 2024, indicating a localized rise in anthropogenic pressure within the buffer zone, while a reduction was observed in the core zone. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of their use for the management of the Dongnai biosphere Reserve based on a differentiated approach: for the core and the buffer zone. There should be a ban on agriculture and development in the core zone, and restrictions on urbanized areas in the buffer zone. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally and represents one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. In addition to metabolic disturbances associated with hyperglycemia, oxidative stress has emerged as a critical contributor to the onset and progression of DR. Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms, leads to cellular injury, inflammation, and increased vascular permeability. In the diabetic retina, excessive ROS production promotes endothelial cell apoptosis, breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), and induction of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of DR, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress. Relevant studies were identified through a structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (2000–2025) using terms such as ‘diabetic retinopathy’, ‘oxidative stress’, and ‘antioxidants’. We explore current knowledge on oxidative stress-related biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative damage, including antioxidant compounds and mitochondrial protective agents. Recent findings from both experimental and clinical studies are summarized, highlighting the translational potential of oxidative stress modulation in DR management. Finally, future research directions are discussed, including biomarker standardization, personalized medicine approaches, and long-term clinical validation of antioxidant-based therapies. A deeper understanding of oxidative stress may offer valuable insights into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DR. Full article

The morphogenesis of the primordial gut relies on signaling pathways such as Wnt, FGF, Notch, Hedgehog, and Hippo. Reciprocal crosstalk between the endoderm and mesoderm is integrated into the signaling pathways, resulting in craniocaudal patterning. These pathways are also involved in adult intestinal homeostasis including cell proliferation and specification of cell fate. Perturbations in this process can cause growth disturbances manifesting as adenomas, serrated lesions, and cancer. Significant differences have been observed between right and left colon cancers in the hindgut, and between the jejunoileum, appendix, and right colon in the midgut. The question is to what extent the embryology of the mid- and hindgut contributes to differences in the underlying tumor biology. This review examines the precursor lesions and consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) to highlight the significance of embryology and tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC. The three main precursor lesions, i.e., adenomas, serrated lesions, and inflammatory bowel disease-associated dysplasia, are linked to the CMS classification, which is based on transcriptomic profiling and clinical features. Both embryologic and micro-environmental underpinnings of the mid- and hindgut contribute to the differences in the tumors arising from them, and they may do so by recapitulating embryonic signaling cascades. This manifests in the range of CRC CMS and histologic cancer subtypes and in tumors that show multidirectional differentiation, the so-called stem cell carcinomas. Emerging evidence shows the limitations of CMS particularly in patients on systemic therapy who develop drug resistance. The focus is thus transitioning from CMS to specific components of the TME. Full article

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) is a primary forest-forming species in the European part of Russia, both in terms of its distribution and economic importance. A number of studies indicate that one of the reasons for the disturbance of spruce forests is linked to rising temperatures, particularly the detrimental effects of extreme droughts. The aim of our research is to identify changes in the structural and functional organization of mature spruce forests at the center of the East European Plain. The study was conducted in intact spruce forests using resurveyed vegetation relevés within the Smolensk–Moscow Upland, with relevés repeated after 40 years (in 1985 and 2025). Changes in structural and functional parameters of spruce communities were analyzed. The results showed that significant disturbances of the tree layer led to changes in the vegetation of subordinate layers, as well as the successional dynamics of spruce forests. It was found that following the collapse of old-growth spruce stands, two types of secondary succession developed: (1) with the renewal of spruce and (2) with active development of shrubs (hazel and rowan) and undergrowth of broadleaved species. It was also demonstrated that the typological diversity of the studied communities changed over 40 years not only due to the loss of the tree layer and the formation of new “non-forest” types but also because several mixed spruce-broadleaved communities transitioned into broadleaved ones, and pine–spruce communities of boreal origin shifted to nemoral types. An analysis of the complete species composition of spruce forests based on Ellenberg’s scales scoring revealed changes in habitat conditions over the 40-year period. A noticeable trend was an increase in the proportion of thermophilic and alkaliphilic species, indicating a shift toward a nemoral vegetation spectrum. It is expected that under the current forest management regime, the next 40 to 60 years will see a decline in the proportion of spruce within mixed stands, potentially culminating in the complete collapse of monospecific spruce forests in the center of the East European Plain. Full article

Hypophosphatemia, defined as serum phosphate levels below 2.5 mg/dL, is a common yet underrecognized electrolyte disturbance in critically ill patients, with prevalence estimates reaching up to 80%. This review explores the intricate bidirectional relationship between hypophosphatemia and hyperventilation, emphasizing its profound implications for respiratory function and critical care management. Hypophosphatemia impairs oxygen delivery by depleting 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), disrupts central respiratory drive, and weakens respiratory muscles, leading to hyperventilation, ventilatory failure, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Conversely, hyperventilation exacerbates hypophosphatemia through respiratory alkalosis, triggering intracellular phosphate shifts and metabolic cascades that rapidly deplete serum levels. This cycle creates significant challenges for ventilator weaning and increases morbidity and mortality. Underlying mechanisms include impaired ATP synthesis, altered chemoreceptor sensitivity, and systemic inflammatory responses. Hypophosphatemia-induced hyperventilation manifests as unexplained tachypnea and respiratory alkalosis, often misdiagnosed as anxiety or pain, while hyperventilation-induced hypophosphatemia contributes to diaphragmatic dysfunction and poor ventilatory performance. Common precipitating factors include refeeding syndrome, diabetic ketoacidosis, continuous renal replacement therapy, and malnutrition. Complications extend beyond respiratory dysfunction to include cardiac depression, immune dysfunction, prolonged ICU stays, and increased healthcare costs. Current diagnostic approaches rely on serum phosphate measurements, which poorly reflect total body stores due to significant intracellular shifts. Emerging biomarkers such as fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and advanced monitoring technologies, including continuous phosphate tracking, may enhance recognition. Treatment strategies emphasize targeted phosphate repletion based on severity, with intravenous supplementation and ventilatory support tailored to minimize complications. Preventive measures, including risk stratification, prophylactic supplementation, and ventilator management, are critical for high-risk populations. Despite advances, knowledge gaps persist in optimizing monitoring and repletion protocols, understanding genetic variations, and identifying ideal phosphate targets for improved respiratory outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive framework for recognizing and managing hypophosphatemia’s impact on respiratory dysfunction in critically ill patients. Adopting evidence-based interventions and leveraging emerging technologies can significantly improve clinical outcomes, reduce ICU complications, and enhance recovery in this vulnerable population. Full article

Facing global pressures such as population growth, shrinking arable land, and climate change, intelligent agriculture has emerged as a critical pathway toward sustainable and efficient agricultural production. Control algorithms serve as the core enabler of this transition, finding applications in crop production, pest management, agricultural machinery, and resource optimization. This review systematically examines the performance and applications of both traditional (e.g., PID, fuzzy logic) and advanced control algorithms (e.g., neural networks, model predictive control, adaptive control, active disturbance rejection control, and sliding mode control) in agriculture. While traditional methods are valued for simplicity and robustness, advanced algorithms better handle nonlinearity, uncertainty, and multi-objective optimization, enhancing both precision and resource efficiency. However, challenges such as environmental heterogeneity, hardware limitations, data scarcity, real-time requirements, and multi-objective conflicts hinder widespread adoption. This review contributes a structured, critical synthesis of these algorithms, highlighting their comparative strengths and limitations, and identifies key research gaps that distinguish it from prior reviews. Future directions include lightweight algorithms, digital twins, multi-sensor integration, and edge computing, which together promise to enhance the scalability and sustainability of intelligent agricultural systems. Full article

Amidst the rapid development of renewable energy, wind power, as a major renewable energy source, has raised ecological concerns regarding its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Insects, as direct displays and feedback of the environment, have become a hot topic in ecology and conservation biology research due to the impact of environmental changes on them. So this study investigates the effects of wind power density on insect diversity and their mechanisms in the Ningxia desert steppe wind farms. The results indicated that minimal disturbance marginally increased insect aggregation at low wind power densities (2 turbines/km²). However, higher wind power densities caused pronounced insect population declines toward turbines (6, 11 turbines/km²), and with the increase in wind power density, the number of insects decreased significantly. Increased wind power disturbance led to decreases in soil total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and soil moisture content (SM) and a significant decrease in total phosphorus (TP). While direct impacts on vegetation were relatively minor and irregular, vegetation height exhibited strong positive correlations with soil nutrient depletion, suggesting that wind-induced soil degradation indirectly constrains plant growth. Consequently, the effect of wind power on insects is mediated through coupled vegetation–soil interactions. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating ecological thresholds into wind farm management protocols. Full article

The abuse of pesticides and antibiotics has increased the potential risks for coastal marine organisms. Thus, the evaluation of the toxic effects on and mechanisms of both marine organisms is very important. This study investigated the developmental toxicity and mechanisms of FEN and SMX in embryo and juvenile marine medaka. The results showed that when embryos were exposed to FEN (0.3, 30 μg·L⁻¹) or SMX (1, 10 μg·L⁻¹) for 12 days, there were no significant effects on hatching, malformation, or mortality rates. However, the combined exposure to F-S (F-0.3 + S-10) significantly reduced the hatching rate and increased the malformation rate and mortality rate. Histological analysis revealed that there were no pathological changes in the tissues of juvenile marine medaka, indicating no sensitivity at low doses. A transcriptome analysis of tissues exposed to F-S identified 1135 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which was significantly more than that for single exposure groups (FEN: 499 DEGs; SMX: 138 DEGs). KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted that growth-related pathways were disturbed, such as steroid biosynthesis, the cell cycle, fatty acid metabolism, etc. Our findings suggest that the combined exposure to FEN and SMX induces developmental toxicity by regulating the dysregulation of metabolic and proliferative pathways, highlighting the ecological risks posed to marine organisms in polluted estuaries. Full article

Cadmium and arsenic co-contamination found in mining actions indicates major effluence in adjacent farmland soils, disturbing the plant physiology and soil’s microbial community. Phosphorus (P) plays a vital role in reducing soil contamination from Cd and As bioavailability and uptake by plants. However, the right P sources for remediation approaches are critical and still require further research in Cd- and As-contaminated soil. This study aimed to explore the effects of different phosphorus fertilizer sources on Lolium perenne growth and its physiological and rhizosphere microbial diversity under combined contamination with Cd and As. Pot experiments were performed with seven treatments including SSP (single super phosphate), DAP (diammonium phosphate), MAP (monoammonium phosphate), CaP (calcium phosphate), HighCaP (high calcium phosphate), RP (rock phosphate), and no phosphorus fertilizer application (CK) with five replications in the RCB design. The SSP treatment showed the greatest plant height (15.7 cm), hay yield (3567.6 kg·ha⁻¹), and enhanced antioxidant defense activities. It also achieved the highest phosphorus accumulation rate (0.63 g·kg⁻¹) with reduced Cd and As uptake. In addition, SSP promoted higher non-protein sulfhydryl (NPT) and phytochelatin synthetase (PCs) contents along with γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS) activity, and enriched the rhizosphere microbial community, where the Sphingomonas abundance was 7.08% higher than for other treatments. Therefore, this result indicates that SSP can improve the yield and physiology in L. perenne, as well as soil the rhizosphere microbial community structure, while reducing Cd and As accumulation in plants under Cd and As stress. Full article

This study aims to examine Anthony de Mello’s Sadhana practice from a religious–psychological perspective, applying Carl Gustav Jung’s analytical psychology and views on the Spiritual Exercises. The analysis reveals that Sadhana, which integrates psychotherapeutic methods such as Gestalt therapy and the methodology of Vipassana meditation, holds significant implications. First, based on Jung’s theory, Sadhana pursues wholeness through the union of opposites, such as extraversion and introversion. Jung posited that opposing elements coexist within the human psyche, and their harmonization is central to individuation. Thus, practices that integrate these opposites are meaningful attempts to foster inner growth and maturity. Second, by incorporating Gestalt therapy into the Spiritual Exercises, Sadhana enhances awareness and employs methods to address contact boundary disturbances, enabling self-reflection and restoration of one’s relationship with God. Anthony de Mello’s Sadhana practice is evaluated as a novel case that presents new possibilities for contemporary Christian spirituality. Full article

Objectives: In this study, our aim is to summarise the available data on the correlation between sarcopenia and sleep disturbances as a consequence of changes in the myokine concentrations. Methods: Our research was conducted by searching through PubMed, Mendeley and Google Scholar. In our analysis, 63 studies are included from the years 2011 to 2025. Among these studies, there are clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Discussion: There is vast evidence confirming that sleep disturbances are more common among sarcopenic patients. On the other hand, sarcopenia is frequently observed among people with worse quality of sleep. It is also well documented that sarcopenia leads to changes in the myokine serum concentrations, and similar changes are observed among people suffering from sleep disturbances. Sarcopenic patients have lower levels of irisin, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), meteorin and IL-15 (interleukin 15) and higher concentrations of FGF-21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) and interleukins 1β, 6 and 10. Lower levels of irisin, BDNF and meteorin, and higher levels of FGF-21 and interleukins 6 and 10, lead to sleep disturbances, like insomnia, reduction of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep time and lower slow-wave activity during the NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep phase. These changes are also observed in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). More severe OSA is correlated with lower levels of irisin and meteorin and higher levels of FGF-21 and interleukins 6 and 8. Conclusions: Taking into account the similarities in the myokine concentration changes in sarcopenia and in sleep disturbances, it may be concluded that alterations in the myokine levels induced by sarcopenia provoke sleep disturbances. However, it is necessary to further investigate these correlations to understand them better. Full article

Aflatoxin contamination of animal feeds may impact broiler chicken health and production. The adverse impact of aflatoxin can be ameliorated and detoxified by adding capable binding agents, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A total of 648 mixed gender 1-day-old Ross-308 were assigned to a 3 × 2 factorial experiment to investigate the effect of aflatoxin B1 (AF) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SAC) on growth performance, blood parameters and carcass characteristics. Chickens were randomly allocated to dietary treatments consisting of three levels of AF at 0, 20 and 60 µg/kg, and with or without SAC (10¹⁰ cells/kg) supplementation of 1 g/kg of dried yeast. Results showed that both AF and SAC increased average daily feed intake (both, p < 0.001) and reduced feed efficiency (p < 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively), while only AF reduced average daily gain (p = 0.009). Supplementation with SAC improved the average daily feed intake in chickens subjected to AF60 (interaction, p < 0.001), suggesting that SAC could improve the appetite of broilers. Chickens fed AF had a lower carcass weight (p = 0.028) and heart weight (p = 0.031), but higher carcass-normalized weight of gizzard (p = 0.038) and liver (p = 0.010). Aflatoxin administration reduced white blood cells (p = 0.030), lymphocytes (p = 0.029) and basophils (p < 0.001), while increasing neutrophils (p = 0.009). SAC reduced neutrophils (p = 0.004) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (p < 0.001) while increasing lymphocytes (p = 0.003) and basophils (p = 0.015). The haematological results suggest that AF caused a disturbance in the immune system, compromising the health of the chicken, whereas SAC potentially mitigates these alterations. Dietary AF increased the activity of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (p = 0.009). These findings suggest a potential use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a natural binder to reduce aflatoxicosis in poultry production systems. Full article

Continuum robots with outstanding compliance, dexterity, and lean bodies are successfully applied in medicine, aerospace engineering, the nuclear industry, rescue operations, construction, service, and manipulation. However, the inherent low stiffness characteristics of continuum bodies make it challenging to develop ultra-long and small-diameter continuum robots. To address this size–scale challenge of continuum robots, we developed an 8 m long continuum robot with a diameter of 23 mm by a tip actuation and growth mechanism. Meanwhile, we also realized the untethered design of the continuum robot, which greatly increased its usable space range, portability, and mobility. Demonstration experiments prove that the developed growing continuum robot has good flexibility and manipulability, as well as the ability to cross obstacles and search for targets. Its continuum body can transport liquids over long distances, providing water, medicine, and other rescue items for trapped individuals. The functionality of an untethered growing continuum robot (UGCR) can be expanded by installing multiple tools, such as a grasping tool at its tip to pick up objects in deep wells, pits, and other scenarios. In addition, we established a static model to predict the deformation of UGCR, and the prediction error of its tip position was within 2.6% of its length. We verified the motion performance of the continuum robot through a series of tests involving workspace, disturbance resistance, collision with obstacles, and load performance, thus proving its good anti-interference ability and collision stability. The main contribution of this work is to provide a technical reference for the development of ultra-long continuum robots based on the tip actuation and steering principle. Full article

To investigate the failure mechanisms of surrounding rock in deep mine tunnels and its spatio-temporal evolution patterns, a true triaxial disturbance unloading rock testing system, the acoustic emission (AE) system, and the miniature camera monitoring system were employed to conduct true triaxial graded loading tests on sandstone containing circular holes at burial depths of 800 m, 1000 m, 1200 m, 1400 m, and 1600 m. The study investigated the patterns of mechanical properties and failure characteristics of porous sandstone at different burial depths. The results showed that the peak strength of the specimens increased quadratically with increasing burial depth; the failure process of porous sandstone could be divided into four stages: the calm period, the particle ejection period, the stable failure period, and the complete collapse period; as burial depth increases, the failure mode transitions from a composite tensile–shear crack type to a shear crack-dominated type, with the ratio of shear cracks to tensile cracks exhibiting quadratic growth and reduction, respectively; the particle ejection stage is characterised by low-frequency, low-amplitude signals, corresponding to the microcrack initiation stage, while the stable failure stage exhibits a sharp increase in low-frequency, high-amplitude signals, reflecting macrocrack propagation characteristics, with the spatial evolution of their locations ultimately forming a penetrating oblique shear failure zone; and peak stress analysis indicates that as burial depth increases, peak stress during the particle ejection phase first increases and then decreases, while peak stress during the stable failure phase first decreases and then stabilises. The duration of the pre-instability calm phase shows a significant negative correlation with burial depth. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for controlling tunnel rock mass stability and disaster warning. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients pose unique clinical and surgical challenges due to the presence of open physes and ongoing growth. In recent years, multiple surgical strategies have been developed to restore knee stability while minimizing the risk of growth disturbances. However, clinical decision-making remains complex due to the lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing, technique, and graft selection for this population. This narrative review outlines the current clinical and radiological tools used to assess skeletal maturity and explores how maturity status informs surgical approach, with particular emphasis on physeal-sparing, hybrid, and transphyseal techniques. We summarize postoperative complications—including growth disturbances and graft failure—while highlighting current guideline recommendations and ongoing controversies. Lastly, we propose a multimodal model for skeletal maturity assessment to support individualized treatment strategies and emphasize the need for standardized protocols and high-quality research to improve long-term outcomes in pediatric ACL reconstruction. Full article