Search Results (3,912)

Clonorchis sinensis, a parasitic liver fluke, is the primary aetiological agent of clonorchiasis, a disease predominantly characterized by liver-related clinical manifestations. Currently, research on the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of local C. sinensis populations remains inadequate. Thus, in this study, we sequenced and annotated the mt genome of fish-borne C. sinensis (Cs-c2) from Changchun, Jilin Province, China, a strain not previously described. This mt genome is 14,136 bp in length and harbours 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a single control region (CR). We constructed a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND5, ND6, and ND1 from protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the C. sinensis mitochondrial genome (mt genome). This tree more clearly differentiated C. sinensis strains from three geographical regions (China, Russia, and South Korea) and distinguished Opisthorchiidae from two closely related families (Fasciolidae and Dicrocoeliidae). Additionally, we constructed an ML phylogenetic tree using concatenated ND4, ND5, ND1, ND2, and COX1 from the PCGs of digenean (Digenea) mt genomes. This approach—utilizing multiple high-resolution PCGs with evolutionary rates distinct from those of the mt genome—yielded robust clustering for multiple suborders and 13 families within Digenea and provided new molecular evidence for intergeneric relationships within the suborder Plagiorchiata of Digenea. These findings serve as important references for future research on the differentiation of closely related geographical strains of digeneans, as well as for studies on molecular taxonomy and population genetics. Full article

Dynamic compaction has been widely applied to reinforce soft soils in port areas due to its high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, a comprehensive understanding of the deformation mechanisms and stiffness evolution of treated soils under static and dynamic loading remains limited. This study integrated one-dimensional consolidation tests, resonant column tests, and bender element tests to systematically investigate the mechanical behavior of soft clay before and after dynamic compaction under varying stress levels and loading frequencies. The results show that dynamic compaction significantly enhances the compression modulus and consolidation stability of soft clay while reducing the settlement rate during primary consolidation. The shear modulus exhibits nonlinear degradation with increasing strain, whereas the damping ratio increases rapidly before reaching a plateau, indicating typical strain-dependent behavior. A three-parameter model and a second-order polynomial model effectively characterize the degradation of the shear modulus and the evolution of the damping behavior, respectively. Moreover, the strong consistency between the resonant column and bender element test results enables continuous characterization of the shear stiffness across small- to intermediate-strain ranges. These findings provide theoretical insight and practical guidance for modeling the dynamic response of soft clay and evaluating the effectiveness of dynamic compaction as a ground improvement technique. Full article

In this study, high-temperature uniaxial tensile tests were performed on IN718 superalloy samples fabricated using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and compared to wrought IN718 superalloy samples. The mechanical properties and Portevin–Le Chatelier (PLC) behavior of WAAM IN718 were analyzed, with particular attention paid to its anisotropy and differences from its wrought counterpart. WAAM specimens were obtained from three distinct orientations within the printed blocks. The results indicated that WAAM IN718 exhibited a higher yield strength but reduced failure elongation compared to wrought IN718. Among the WAAM samples, the yield strength was highest in the transverse direction, followed by the in-depth direction, and lowest in the growth direction. Post-aging treatment significantly increased the yield strength of WAAM IN718. WAAM IN718 showed a larger critical strain for the onset of serrated flow and smaller stress drop amplitudes compared to wrought IN718 under the PLC effect. Furthermore, as the strain rate decreased, PLC serrations in WAAM specimens from the in-depth direction transitioned from type A to type C. Conversely, specimens from the growth direction maintained type B serrations at a strain rate of ${10}^{-4}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. This study also examined potential factors influencing the differences in PLC behavior and conducted an analysis of the fracture surfaces across various specimens. Full article

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a phenol-rich effluent with high organic load, posing significant environmental disposal challenges in the Mediterranean countries. This study evaluated the bioremediation and valorization potential of OMW by eleven edible and/or medicinal fungal strains (Agrocybe cylindracea, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus sapidus, Pleurotus sajor-caju, Flammulina velutipes, Ganoderma adspersum, Tuber aestivum and Tuber mesentericum). Firstly, screening for mycelial growth on agar media with commercial glucose and OMW (concentrations from 0 to 50%, v/v) revealed a strain-specific tolerance to phenolic toxicity. Although all tested strains could grow on OMW-based media, G. adspersum, T. mesentericum and T. aestivum presented the highest mycelial growth rates (Kr), exceeding 10 mm/day at elevated OMW levels (50%, v/v). Based on screening outcomes, seven strains were selected for further evaluation under static liquid fermentations in media with 15 and 35% (v/v) OMW. Growth kinetics, substrate consumption, phenolic removal, decolorization capacity, intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and total lipid content were assessed. Tuber spp. and G. adspersum exhibited the highest tolerance to phenolic compounds, producing biomass exceeding 15 g/L at 35%, v/v OMW. Maximum IPS production reached up to 46.23% (w/w), while lipid content exceeded 15% (w/w) of dry biomass in F. velutipes and T. mesentericum, indicating an oleaginous microorganism-like behavior. Phenolic removal surpassed 80% in most cases, demonstrating efficient enzymatic degradation. Decolorization efficiency varied between strains, but remained above 70% for L. edodes, G. adspersum and F. velutipes. These findings highlight the potential of edible and/or medicinal fungi to simultaneously detoxify OMW and produce biomass and high-value metabolites, supporting a sustainable, low-cost agro-industrial waste management aligning with circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

The global population surge and continuously rising energy demand have led to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Over-exploitation of non-renewable fuels is responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases, air pollution, and global warming, which causes serious health issues and ecological imbalance. The present study focuses on the potential of algae-based biofuel as an alternative energy source for fossil fuels. Algal biofuels are more environmentally friendly and economically reasonable to produce on a pilot scale compared to lignocellulosic-derived biofuels. Algae can be cultivated in closed, open, and hybrid photobioreactors. Notably, high-rate raceway ponds with the ability to recycle nutrients can reduce freshwater consumption by 60% compared to closed systems. The algal strain along with various factors such as light, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and pH is responsible for the growth of biomass and biofuel production. Algal biomass conversion through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) can achieve higher energy return on investments (EROI) than conventional techniques, making it a promising Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6 pathway toward circular biorefineries. Therefore, algal-based biofuel production offers numerous benefits in terms of socio-economic growth. This review highlights the basic cultivation, dewatering, and processing of algae to produce biofuels using various methods. A simplified multicriteria evaluation strategy was used to compare various catalytic processes based on multiple performance indicators. We also conferred various advantages of an integrated biorefinery system and current technological advancements for algal biofuel production. In addition to this, policies and market regulations are discussed briefly. At the end, critical challenges and future perspectives of algal biorefineries are reviewed. Algal biofuels are environmentally friendly as well as economically sustainable and usually offer more benefits compared to fossil fuels. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa of a considerable proportion of the human population, representing a relevant reservoir for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic resistance profiles, and molecular characterization of S. aureus strains isolated from the nose and pharynx of healthy individuals of Mexico City, Mexico. Nasal and pharyngeal swabs were taken from 1777 individuals aged between 1 and 99 years. Microbiological identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, virulence gene detection, SCCmec typing, and spa-typing allowed the characterization of 1459 strains. S. aureus colonization was found in 59.7% of the population, with more of these strains being found in the pharynx than in the nose. MRSA constituted 9.25% of the strains, with a predominance of strains with SCCmec types IV and IVa. The most frequent resistance of S. aureus strains was to penicillin (87.6%), clindamycin (43.4%) and erythromycin (27.2%), with no statistical differences regarding the anatomical sites of isolation. The most frequently found virulence genes were lukE-D, icaA, sdrC, coa, and gyrA. Sixty-two spa-types were identified, and t-189 was the most common. These findings reflect a high colonization rate and genetic diversity, highlighting the importance of considering both anatomical sites in S. aureus surveillance studies. Full article

The tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici, is considered one of the most important crop pests globally. The main control strategy is based on synthetic acaricides; however, they create resistant strains and ecological risks. In this context, biopesticides could be a viable and sustainable alternative for eriophyid control. In the present study, the toxic effects of a N-alkylamides-enriched extract obtained from Acmella oleracea and of carlina oxide, the main bioactive component of Carlina acaulis, on A. lycopersici were evaluated, as well as their side effects on the phytoseiid Typhlodromus exhilaratus Ragusa under laboratory conditions. Six concentrations were tested for each product against A. lycopersici adults (0, 320, 640, 1280, 2500, and 5000 μL L⁻¹), and the median concentration (1280 μL L⁻¹) was evaluated against eggs and females of the phytoseiid T. exhilaratus. Both the N-alkylamides-enriched extract and carlina oxide showed total lethal effects (100% of mortality) towards A. lycopersici at the two highest concentrations. Moderate-to-high mortality was also recorded with the lower concentrations: from 42.22 to 97.78%. Probit analysis identified LC₅₀ values of 205.32 μL L⁻¹ for carlina oxide and 253.79 μL L⁻¹ for the N-alkylamides-enriched extract, respectively. Carlina oxide showed a moderate ovicidal effect on T. exhilaratus eggs (50.00% hatching rate) on T. exhilaratus, and caused 39.13% mortality on females, whereas the N-alkylamides-enriched extract was less toxic, with a hatching rate of 88.00% and a mortality rate of 18.75% on females. In conclusion, carlina oxide and the N-alkylamides-enriched extract showed high toxicity on A. lycopersici, with a reduced effect on phytoseiid. These results highlight the potential of these products as sustainable means for the management of tomato russet mite. Full article

The high acidity, alcohol, and mycotoxin levels in distiller’s grains (DGs) limit its application in practical production. To address these issues, a new DG fermentation technique was developed in this research. Firstly, four strains were selected and the fermentation conditions were optimized to ferment the fresh DGs. When the inoculum was set at 8%, the fermentation temperature was maintained at 35 °C, the fermentation time lasted for 48 h, the bacterial mixture ratio (Bacillus subtilis ASAG 216: Lactobacillus acidophilus G1: Saccharomyces cerevisiae ANP 101: Streptococcus thermophilus EFR 046) was 1:1:2:1, and the contents of crude protein in fermented DGs (FDGs) were the highest, so we chose these fermentation conditions to ferment the DGs. In addition, under these fermentation conditions, the amino acids were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while the concentrations of crude fiber and mycotoxins contents were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in FDGs than in DGs. Subsequently, the nutritional value of DGs and FDGs were evaluated using a two-step in vitro digestion method. The digestibility of dry matter, protein, and crude fiber increased by 16.23%, 13.54%, and 64.09%, respectively, in FDGs compared to that in DGs. Finally, laying hens were treated by adding 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% FDG to the basal diet for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that addition of 2% FDG in the diet could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the laying rate of hens compared to that fed the control diet, while addition of 4% FDG in the diet could remarkably (p < 0.05) reduce the rate of broken eggs compared to the other groups. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in other indices. These indicates that FDG has potential as a functional feed additive to enhance animal productivity. Full article

Cissampelos pareira is a medicinal plant with the potential effect of treating diabetes, commonly used by the Dai people in southern Yunnan Province. However, the wild resources of C. pareira are currently scarce. Endophytic fungi are a natural component of medicinal plants, while also serving as important repositories for discovering active natural products. In this study, we focused on 2-year-old C. pareira plants cultivated in potted and non-potted conditions. The community structure of endophytic fungi in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of two cultivation methods of C. pareira was investigated by using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and traditional culture methods. Through HTS, we discover that the richness and diversity of endophytic fungi in C. pareira are associated with its growth environment and plant tissues. The endophytic fungi richness of C. pareira showed significant differences between the two habitats. And significant differences existed in the diversity of root endophytic fungi of C. pareira compared to those in the stems, leaves, and flowers. Additionally, the richness of endophytic fungi in the stems showed significant differences from that in the roots, leaves, and flowers. The results obtained using traditional culture methods revealed 69 endophytic fungi strains, classified into 2 phylum, 4 classes, 11 orders, 23 families, and 69 genera. The fermentation products of the obtained strains were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and the results demonstrated that 11 endophytic fungi strains exhibited an inhibition rate exceeding 80%. The above-mentioned study can provide a theoretical basis for a comprehensive understanding of the community composition and diversity of endophytic fungi in C. pareira. Full article

High strength and high ductility concrete (HSHDC) exhibit exceptional compressive strength (up to 90 MPa) and remarkable tensile ductility (ultimate tensile strain reaching 6%), making them highly resilient under impact loading. To elucidate the influence of strain rate and wet–dry cycling of salt spray on the dynamic compressive response of HSHDC, a series of tests was conducted using a 75 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system on specimens exposed to cyclic corrosion for periods ranging from 0 to 180 days. The alternating seasonal corrosion environment was reproduced by using a programmable walk-in environmental chamber. Subsequently, both uniaxial compression and SHPB tests were employed to evaluate the post-corrosion dynamic compressive properties of HSHDC. Experimental findings reveal that corrosive exposure significantly alters both the static and dynamic compressive mechanical behavior and constitutive characteristics of HSHDC, warranting careful consideration in long-term structural integrity assessments. As corrosion duration increases, the quasi-static and dynamic compressive strengths of HSHDC exhibit an initial enhancement followed by a gradual decline, with stress reaching its peak at 120 days of corrosion under all strain rates. All specimens demonstrated pronounced strain-rate sensitivity, with the dynamic increase factor (DIF) being minimally influenced by the extent of corrosion under dynamic strain rates (112.6–272.0 s⁻¹). Furthermore, the peak energy-consumption capacity of HSHDC was modulated by both the duration of corrosion and the applied strain rate. Full article

Volatilomic and sensory analyses of wine are excellent tools for enologists and winemakers when selecting commercial yeast based on the production of metabolites related to desirable wine characteristics. Integrating this holistic approach could lead to the terroir description, characterization, and quality control improvement of the vinification process. Volatilomic and sensory profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon Mexican wines fermented with three commercial yeasts (WLP740, ICVD254, and ICVD80) were obtained using HS-SPME-GC-qTOF/MS and CATA evaluation. A total of 100 volatile compounds were identified, with unique entities per strain. WLP740 wines were rated as high quality, presenting fruity and minty aromas with fewer off-aromas, while ICVD254 wines showed higher levels of compounds associated with off-notes and were rated as low quality. ICVD80 wines were of medium quality, with fruity esters and higher alcohols descriptors. Volatilomic profiles highlighted the role of specific compounds in differentiating strains and sensory attributes, while yeast selection significantly impacts wine aroma and quality. The authors acknowledge the need for further analyses, including an increased sample size, yeast species, diverse vineyards, and vinification processes, which will result in a solid and robust methodology. Full article

While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the resistance rates of Candida albicans to various antifungals based on studies conducted in Türkiye and published between 2005 and 2025 and to analyze the factors contributing to resistance. A systematic literature search was conducted using various keywords in electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Turk Medline and Google Scholar). A total of 42 studies were included in the meta-analysis according to the determined criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and the analyses were performed using appropriate statistical software. The highest resistance rates for fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole were observed in the Aegean and Marmara regions. In the analyses performed with the random-effects model, heterogeneity was found to be high for itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and caspofungin, and the strongest explanatory variable of this heterogeneity was the geographical region variable. In our study, we determined that antifungal resistance in C. albicans strains in Türkiye is generally low; however, an increasing trend has been observed over the years, especially in amphotericin B resistance. Although the low resistance rates to major antifungal agents such as fluconazole, voriconazole and echinocandins are promising, regional differences and methodological heterogeneity necessitate the development of treatment strategies based on local data. Full article

Developing structural materials capable of maintaining integrity under extreme irradiation conditions is a cornerstone challenge for advancing sustainable nuclear energy technologies. The complexity and severity of radiation-induced microstructural changes—spanning multiple length and timescales—pose significant hurdles for purely experimental approaches. This review critically evaluates recent advancements in atomistic modeling, emphasizing its transformative potential to decipher fundamental mechanisms driving microstructural evolution in irradiated alloys. Atomistic simulations, such as molecular dynamics (MD), have successfully unveiled initial defect formation processes at picosecond scales. However, the inherent temporal limitations of conventional MD necessitate advanced methodologies capable of exploring slower, thermally activated defect kinetics. We specifically traced the development of powerful potential energy landscape (PEL) exploration algorithms, which enable the simulation of high-barrier, rare events of defect evolution processes that govern long-term material degradation. The review systematically examines point defect behaviors in various crystal structures—BCC, FCC, and HCP metals—and elucidates their characteristic defect dynamics, respectively. Additionally, it highlights the pronounced effects of chemical complexity in concentrated solid-solution alloys and high-entropy alloys, notably their sluggish diffusion and enhanced defect recombination, underpinning their superior radiation tolerance. Further, the interaction of extended defects with mechanical stresses and their mechanistic implications for material properties are discussed, highlighting the critical interplay between thermal activation and strain rate in defect evolution. Special attention is dedicated to the diverse mechanisms of dislocation–obstacle interactions, as well as the behaviors of metastable grain boundaries under far-from-equilibrium environments. The integration of data-driven methods and machine learning with atomistic modeling is also explored, showcasing their roles in developing quantum-accurate potentials, automating defect analysis, and enabling efficient surrogate models for predictive design. This comprehensive review also outlines future research directions and fundamental questions, paving the way toward autonomous materials’ discovery in extreme environments. Full article

Background: The integration of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with stress echocardiography (SE) represents a significant advancement in non-invasive cardiac diagnostics, particularly in the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). GLS, derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography, quantifies myocardial deformation and offers superior sensitivity for detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction compared to conventional metrics like wall motion and ejection fraction. Recent studies have validated the prognostic and diagnostic efficacy of GLS both at rest and during stress, notably enhancing the detection of obstructive and non-obstructive CAD, microvascular dysfunction, and other cardiac pathologies. Methods: This manuscript synthesizes extensive clinical data demonstrating the added value of GLS during stress echocardiography across diverse cardiac conditions—including valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardio-oncology, and pediatric cardiology. Novel metrics like longitudinal strain reserve (LSR), myocardial work indices, and post-systolic strain have further enriched risk stratification strategies. Results: The combination of GLS with SE has been shown to approximate the accuracy of invasive coronary angiography in intermediate-risk patients and in cases with equivocal traditional SE findings. Despite its clinical promise, the utility of GLS is challenged by technical limitations, including image quality dependency, inter-vendor variability, and limited applicability during high heart rate states. Conclusions: As technological refinement and standardization progress, GLS integrated with SE is poised to become a mainstay in precision cardiology, improving diagnostic yield, guiding therapeutic decisions, and enhancing patient outcomes. Full article