Search Results (1,219)

Understanding how soil acidification and moisture jointly regulate carbon mineralization is particularly important in karst grasslands, where high carbonate content can interfere with CO₂-based measurements. In this study, a controlled incubation experiment was conducted using soils collected from a typical karst grassland in Guizhou Province, China. Two pH levels (4.5 and 6.5) and three moisture levels (30%, 40%, and 60% of field water-holding capacity, WHC) were applied in a full-factorial design following a pre-incubation step to minimize carbonate-derived CO₂ interference. Soil CO₂ efflux, emission rate, and cumulative mineralization were monitored over a 60-day incubation period. Both soil moisture and pH significantly affected carbon mineralization, with a clear interaction between the two factors (p < 0.05). CO₂ efflux peaked during the early incubation stage and declined thereafter, indicating rapid depletion of labile carbon substrates. Across both pH levels, increasing moisture consistently enhanced CO₂ efflux and cumulative mineralization. Under comparable moisture conditions, near-neutral soils (pH 6.5) exhibited higher mineralization rates than acidic soils (pH 4.5). The highest carbon mineralization was observed at 60% WHC under pH 6.5, whereas the lowest occurred at 30% WHC under pH 4.5. These results suggest that moisture availability regulates substrate diffusion and microbial activity, while soil acidification constrains microbial metabolism and enzyme function. Notably, the effect of pH became less pronounced under low moisture conditions, indicating that water limitation can override pH regulation. This study offers a methodological framework for quantifying carbon mineralization in carbonate-rich soils and underscores the necessity of accounting for both physical and chemical limiting factors, as well as the confounding influence of inherent carbonates. Nevertheless, given the exclusive use of a single soil type and controlled laboratory conditions, the findings constitute preliminary evidence and require validation under field conditions and across diverse soil types before broader generalization. Full article

Phage therapy has enormous potential in combating bacterial resistance in food animals. However, its application via the oral route remains limited due to challenges associated with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment and a lack of rigorous clinical trial evidence. Therefore, we systematically searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases following PRISMA guidelines and finally identified 111 articles on oral phage therapy in food animals from where we summarized the key physiological and chemical factors of the gut environment hindering the effectiveness of oral phage therapy (OPT), examined the methods used to evaluate phage stability in the GI environment, and highlighted potential strategies to mitigate these challenges. In addition, we performed quantitative analysis to visualize in vitro pH and thermal stability patterns of phages targeting bacteria isolated from food animals and variability in buffer and incubation period across stability studies. The GIT consists of several anatomically and functionally distinct segments, where complex interactions occur among digestive enzymes, gastric acids, electrolytes, commensal microbiota, and mucosal immune components. The acidic pH of the stomach is a major barrier to successful oral phage delivery. According to our analysis of pH stability testing data from the reviewed studies, most phages targeting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in food animals remained stable at pH 5–9 and inactivated under highly acidic (pH ≤ 2) or highly alkaline (pH ≥ 11) conditions. In addition, phages are susceptible to high temperatures (above 60 °C), digestive enzymes (e.g., pepsin, trypsin, lipases), bile salts, and host immune responses. Several in vitro laboratory techniques are available to assess phage stability under simulated GI conditions, but variations occur in the assessment protocols. Microencapsulation using alginate and chitosan has been used to protect phages from the adverse GI environment. Additionally, enteric-coated capsules, antacids, co-encapsulation with acid-neutralizing agents, consumption of alkaline water, and daily phage administration are suggested to improve phage survival and efficacy. For the successful clinical implementation of OPT in food animals, future research should focus on elucidating the molecular and physicochemical determinants of phage stability, understanding the humoral immune response to OPT, standardizing laboratory protocol for assessing phage viability, improving the scalability of encapsulation methods, and exploring other potential delivery techniques. Full article

In 2024 and 2025, researchers investigated the breeding ecology of the Twite Linaria flavirostris in riparian shrubland habitats at an elevation of 3400 m in the northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This species lays eggs from late June to mid-July, capitalizing on the region’s brief warm season. Nests are typically open-cup structures built in Hippophae spp. shrubs. The population predominantly exhibits monogamous mating, with a mean clutch size of 4.7 ± 0.49 (3~5). Incubation is performed solely by the female and lasts 11.52 ± 1.65 days. Both parents provision the nestlings, and the nestling period lasts 12.43 ± 2.39 days. Morphological measurements of nestling body mass and external organs all fit well to the Logistic growth curve equation. By fledging, tarsus length and bill length reach over 90% of adult values, conferring substantial terrestrial mobility. However, flight-related feathers, primaries and rectrices, remain markedly underdeveloped compared to adults, resulting in extremely poor flight capability; further post-fledging development is thus required. Based on reproductive outcomes from this single breeding season, a total of 121 eggs were laid, of which 81 successfully hatched, and ultimately 79 fledglings survived to leave the nest. The overall hatching success was 66.94%, fledging success (among hatchlings) was 97.53%, and overall offspring survival (from eggs to fledglings) was 65.29%. The apparent nesting success rate was 76.0%, based on a total of 50 nests monitored over two years. Daily nest survival rates were estimated using Mayfield’s method and program MARK, resulting in nest success probabilities of 0.587 and 0.219, respectively. Comparing populations across different geographic regions, the results indicate that Twites breeding in environments with higher levels of environmental stress produce smaller clutch sizes and larger eggs, and exhibit a prolonged nestling period. This life-history strategy likely represents an evolutionary adaptation to spatially variable environmental conditions. Full article

A challenge of studying mammalian cardiac embryogenesis is the limited ability to perform experimental manipulations in animal models. The avian embryo is widely accepted as a model for mammalian heart developmental studies. In this study, we establish the methodology and protocols for studying the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) heart at embryonic day 10 (HH38) using the FUJIFILM VisualSonics Vevo 3100 ultrasound system equipped with a MX550D small animal cardiology transducer. These protocols were designed to measure right ventricular wall thickness, pulmonary artery diameter, and the outflow velocities of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the pulmonary artery (PA), thereby establishing baseline parameters of the normally developing quail morphology. Quail embryos are an ideal model for cardiovascular research due to their short incubation period (16–17 days), experimental accessibility, and strong similarities to mammalian heart development. These developmental similarities include, but are not limited to, looping, chamber septation, and the development of a true four-chamber heart. High-resolution imaging modalities, including ultrasound and optical coherence tomography, enable noninvasive, real-time visualization of cardiac morphology and function throughout development. Echocardiography allows for quantitative and qualitative assessments of myocardial structure and cardiac hemodynamics. The similarity to the mammalian heart, combined with rapid embryogenesis, makes quail embryos a valuable model for investigating congenital heart defects, genetic modifications, and fundamental cardiac developmental processes. In this study, we describe reproducible incubation protocols and baseline echocardiographic parameters used to evaluate morphological and physiological changes in the developing embryonic quail heart on embryonic day 10. Full article

Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is increasingly popular due to aesthetic and functional advantages. Recent advances allow direct 3D printing of aligners, raising questions about their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility under intraoral conditions. Objectives: To review and synthesize current evidence on the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of 3D-printed and thermoformable orthodontic aligners, and to identify factors affecting cellular responses. Eligibility criteria: Original research published from 2021 to 2026 evaluating the safety of orthodontic aligners; conference abstracts, editorials, and review papers were excluded. Sources of evidence: Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library; search terms “aligner” AND “biocompatibility”; last search conducted on 31 January 2026. Charting methods: Data on authors, publication year, material type, experimental model, cytotoxicity assessment (extraction solvent, incubation period, cell line, and cell exposure), and main results were extracted independently by two reviewers. Results: Fourteen in vitro studies were included, seven on thermoformable aligners and seven on directly 3D-printed aligners; no clinical trials were identified. Material composition, post-processing, and oral environmental factors influenced cytotoxicity. Some materials exhibited acceptable biocompatibility, whereas others showed varying cytotoxic effects, indicating inconsistencies across studies. Conclusions: Directly 3D-printed and thermoformable aligners show potential for safe intraoral use, but evidence is limited to in vitro studies. Further standardized in vitro and in vivo research is needed to reliably assess cytotoxicity and ensure patient safety before widespread clinical implementation. Full article

Infections of chronic wounds are a major healthcare burden worldwide and can lead to poor health outcomes such as amputations of limbs and death. Detecting infections early significantly increases the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Screening of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from wound swab samples can potentially serve as a highly specific indicator of infection. Profiling of VOCs from infected and non-infected wounds was carried out. Swab samples were collected from 26 wounds from 23 patients (n = 20 diabetic patients; n = 3 non-diabetic patients). There were 16 wounds sampled that were clinically determined as infected, and 10 as non-infected. Headspace-solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) was used to rapidly sample and detect VOCs from the swabs following a short incubation period. A total of 42 compounds were identified and included for analysis. Infected wounds emitted more diverse VOCs compared to non-infected wounds. Higher numbers of compounds with significantly higher abundances were detected from severely infected wounds compared to less severely infected wounds. Abundances of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were found to be the strongest discriminators of infected from non-infected wounds. Further validation is needed, but the results of this pilot study highlight the potential of detecting these compounds as a highly specific and targeted route to predicting or detecting wound infections in the future. Full article

The escalating challenge of solid waste disposal necessitates innovative recycling strategies. This study aims to constructed technosols from bulk solid wastes (fly ash, straw and sewage sludge) for the dual purpose of sustainable waste management and the rehabilitation of degraded land. Following a 150-day incubation period, six resulting technosols were systematically evaluated for aggregate stability, bacterial community structure, and biological safety to assess their viability as functional soil materials. All constructed technosols had a pH of 7.44–7.71 and were enriched in soil organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Aggregate stability (R_0.25: 46.6–64.0%) surpassed that of typical Chinese soils. Bacterial analysis revealed a stable consortium of 165 core genera, accounting for 92.93–98.11% of the total relative abundance, and were dominated by six phyla (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota). The addition of straw modulated phylum structure, elevating Bacteroidota and reducing Proteobacteria. The bacterial communities exhibited clear functional hierarchy at class and order levels, with dominant groups forming a complementary carbon–nitrogen–phosphorus cycling network. Functional prediction further indicated distinct differentiation in carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways. The technosols were non-phytotoxic and significantly enhanced the growth of Portulaca oleracea, increasing plant height (4.9–86.7%), dry weight per plant (67.3–605.4%), and SPAD values (8.1–15.9%), respectively. This study provides a sustainable strategy for repurposing solid wastes into functional technosols, aligning with circular economy principles and offering a viable solution for the ecological restoration of degraded lands such as mining areas. Full article

This article examines the early formation of Confucian–Islamic synthesis during the Yuan dynasty, arguing that institutional and intellectual adaptations in this period laid the groundwork for the later systematic synthesis known as “Yi-Ru Huitong” (伊儒會通). Moving beyond narratives of assimilation or resistance, it analyzes how Muslim communities navigated China’s pluralistic sociopolitical landscape through a process of creative adaptation. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates textual analysis, historical comparison, and transcultural theory, the study investigates three key dimensions: the development of hybrid religious institutions, legal-political negotiations, and mechanisms of social integration. Drawing on multilingual sources—including Persian Islamic manuals, Yuan administrative archives, and epigraphic evidence—it demonstrates how Yuan-era Muslims established patterns of selective adaptation that preserved Islamic identity while enabling meaningful engagement with Chinese cultural norms. These developments not only ensured the survival of Islam in China but also generated a range of transcultural achievements in astronomy, medicine, architecture, and the literary arts, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the profound philosophical syntheses of the Ming-Qing era. By positioning the Yuan period as a crucial incubator of Sino-Islamic civilization, this study offers insights for comparative philosophy and the global history of civilizational dialog, inviting reflection on the early Chinese Islamic experience as a significant case of sustainable cross-civilizational engagement. Full article

Purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a primary bioactive, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Studies have shown that CBD causes anticancer activity by inhibiting the expression of growth factors and inducing apoptosis, leading to cell cycle arrest. In this study, we aimed to determine how CBD influences the expression of genes that affect cancer pathways in doxorubicin-sensitive (MCF-7) and doxorubicin-resistant (MCF-7/Adr) breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: IC₅₀ concentrations of CBD in MCF-7 and MCF-7/Adr cell lines were determined by the MTT cell cytotoxicity assay. RNA isolation and subsequent cDNA synthesis were performed for qPCR experiments with the determined IC₅₀ values. The effects of CBD on the cell cycle and apoptosis were studied using flow cytometry. IC₅₀ values of CBD were determined in MCF-7 and MCF-7/Adr breast cancer cell lines at eight different concentrations and at three different incubation periods (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) with different doses. RT-qPCR was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the expression of genes involved in cancer pathway analysis. Results: Treatment with CBD at concentrations of 17.57 μM (MCF-7) and 11.41 μM (MCF-7/Adr) for 48 h decreased colony formation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell invasion in both cell lines. In addition, we observed significant alterations of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, cellular senescence, DNA damage and repair, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, telomeres, and telomerase in both cell lines. Conclusions: Our research indicates that CBD could be an effective natural bioactive compound for breast cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Full article

Background: Gut microbiome-derived metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and tryptophan derivatives, are central mediators of the gut–brain axis. This ex vivo study assessed how nutritional interventions impact such metabolites during early life, a critical period for neurodevelopment. Methods: The effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), nutrient blends (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) and their combinations were evaluated in the gut microbiomes of infants (2–4 months, n = 6) and young children (2–3 years old, n = 6) using the ex vivo SIFR^® technology. Results: Baseline microbiome composition was age-dependent, with infants displaying lower α-diversity and greater interpersonal variability. After ex vivo incubation, nutrient blends increased the propionate/butyrate ratio and branched-chain fatty acids in young children and elevated several B-vitamins and amino acid-derived metabolites, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde, imidazoleacetic acid and pipecolinic acid. Combining nutrient blends with GOS exhibited potential synergistic effects on propionate (infants) and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA, both age groups). GOS strongly stimulated Bifidobacteriaceae and increased metabolites linked to bifidobacterial metabolism like acetate, HICA, N-acetylated amino acids, aromatic lactic acids and acetylagmatine; in young children, butyrate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also increased. Conclusions: Combinations of GOS with nutrient blends impacted microbiome-derived metabolites associated with the gut–brain axis, with potential synergistic increases of metabolites with emerging roles in neurodevelopment, including GABA, acetylagmatine and HICA. Despite shared bifidogenic effects, differences between age groups indicate that microbiome maturity may influence responses to nutritional intervention. Future clinical studies are needed to determine whether these metabolite changes translate into neurodevelopmental benefits in vivo. Full article

Measles remains a significant public health threat despite widespread vaccination, with recent resurgences driven by vaccine hesitancy and coverage gaps. Existing mathematical models often fail to capture the substantial temporal heterogeneity in incubation periods, vaccine-induced protection, and recovery processes that characterize measles transmission. We develop and analyze an SVEIR epidemic model incorporating four independent distributed time delays with exponential survival factors, capturing the realistic variability in these epidemiological processes. The model features compartment-specific mortality rates, disease-induced mortality, and imperfect vaccination with failure probability $\theta$. Using next-generation matrix methods adapted for delay kernels, we derive the delay-dependent reproduction number ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d$ and prove, via systematic construction of Volterra-type Lyapunov functionals, that it constitutes a sharp threshold: the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d\le 1$, while a unique endemic equilibrium emerges and is globally stable when ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d>1$. Normalized forward sensitivity analysis reveals that the transmission rate $\beta$ and recruitment rate $\Lambda$ exhibit maximal positive elasticity, while the vaccination rate p, vaccine failure probability $\theta$, and incubation delay ${\tau }_3$ possess the largest negative elasticities. Critically, ${\tau }_3$ exerts exponential influence via $e^{-n_3{\tau }_3}$, making interventions that delay infectiousness—such as post-exposure prophylaxis—unusually potent. We derive an explicit expression for the critical delay ${\tau }_3^{\mathrm{cr}}$ at which ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d=1$, demonstrating that prolonging the effective incubation period sufficiently can shift the system from endemic persistence to extinction. Numerical simulations using Dirac delta kernels confirm all theoretical predictions. These findings provide three actionable insights for public health: (1) maintaining high vaccination coverage among new birth cohorts remains paramount; (2) improving vaccine quality (reducing $\theta$) yields substantial returns; and (3) the incubation delay represents a quantifiable, measurable target for evaluating the population-level impact of time-sensitive interventions. The framework is broadly applicable to infectious diseases characterized by significant temporal heterogeneity. Full article

Biofilm formation on denture base materials may contribute to oral diseases such as denture stomatitis and therefore represents an important factor in prosthodontic treatment. This in vitro study investigated biofilm formation on dental prosthetic materials manufactured by additive, subtractive, and conventional techniques. Disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from 3D-printed Denture Base Resin (Formlabs), milled Lucitone Digital Fit (Dentsply Sirona), and conventionally processed cold-polymerized PALAPress (Kulzer). Biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis was assessed separately over a 21-day incubation period using crystal violet staining and photometric determination of optical density at eight predefined time points. Surface characteristics before and after microbial colonization were qualitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. For S. mutans, significant material-dependent differences were observed only at selected time points, while overall biofilm accumulation remained low. In contrast, S. sanguinis exhibited pronounced and repeated differences, with milled PMMA generally showing lower biofilm accumulation compared with additively manufactured and conventionally processed materials. Overall, S. sanguinis formed significantly more biofilm than S. mutans across all materials and time points. These findings indicate that both manufacturing technique and bacterial species influence biofilm formation on denture base materials. Full article

Life as we know it depends on peptide and nucleic acid polymers built from a limited set of backbone residues, yet planetary environments beyond Earth motivate consideration of alternative chemical frameworks for genetic- and protein-like polymers. In this context, we synthesize four azatide dipeptide analogs (Ala^a-Gly^a (1), Gly^a-Ala^a (2), Gly^a-Gly^a (3), and Ala^a-Ala^a (4)) as candidate backbone motifs for non-standard biologically relevant polymers. We then systematically assess their stability and reactivity in 98% w/w sulfuric acid, a solvent relevant to Venusian cloud chemistry. We assess the stability of the azatides via ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy supported with ELSD-LCMS. We monitor the stability of the compounds over periods from hours to two weeks at room temperature and at elevated temperatures (50–80 °C). All four azatides readily dissolve in 98% w/w D₂SO₄ and are generally stable at room temperature. Gly^a-Ala^a (2) shows no detectable degradation over a two-week incubation in 98% w/w sulfuric acid. The other three azatide analogs display only minor decomposition. ELSD-LCMS measurements qualitatively confirm the NMR results, revealing only minor-to-moderate loss of parent compounds after two weeks at room temperature. At higher temperatures, representative of the lower Venusian cloud deck, the stability of the azatides decreases dramatically. All four compounds undergo significant decomposition at 50 °C and completely degrade within one to two weeks at 80 °C. Our findings indicate that azatides, despite being generally stable in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature, lack the thermal stability that might be required to serve as viable backbone motifs for biological polymers in environments spanning the full temperature range of Venusian clouds. Full article

This research was conducted to evaluate the impacts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel extract (PPE) on the mold growth and moisture content in pellet feeds, as well as the biochemical indicators in tissues and organs of fish. Firstly, six types of pellet feeds were formulated by adding 0% or 0.5% of pomegranate peel powder (PP), petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), ethanol extract (EE), or aqueous extract (AQE) of PP. Moisture content was determined by air-drying 10 g of wet pellet feed from each treatment at 60 °C for 48 h in uniform-sized Petri dishes. Mold growth was evaluated by homogenizing 15 g of 12-week stored pellet feed with 15 mL of purified water, incubating at 25 °C for 4 days, and recording mold growth. The results indicated that PP, PEE, EE, and AQE reduced the mold growth in pellet feeds (p < 0.05). PP, EAE, EE, and AQE increased the moisture content in pellet feeds. Among all additives, EE has the strongest effects on the mold growth and moisture content in feeds (p < 0.05). According to regression analysis of mold and moisture levels, the optimal EE supplementation levels in pellet feeds were evaluated to be 1.284% and 1.485%, respectively. Then, 420 carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian, mean initial weight 12.01 ± 0.53 g) were fed diets formulated with EE at graded inclusion levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8%) over a 15-day period. The findings indicated that dietary EE improved the digestive and absorptive function in carp (p < 0.05), and this improvement was closely correlated with the upregulated activities of digestive and absorptive enzymes and the strengthened antioxidant capability in carp’s digestive tissues. Regression analysis of feed intake rate indicated that the optimal EE level suitable for carp is 0.906%. Furthermore, dietary EE enhanced the respiratory capacity by improving functional metabolic enzyme activity and antioxidant defense in the respiration-related tissues and organs of fish (p < 0.05). In summary, supplement EE increases the moisture content, inhibits the mold growth in pellet feeds, and improves the respiratory, digestive, and absorptive functions in fish, providing a valuable insight for PEE use as a naturally functional raw material in fish feeds. Full article

Invasive infections caused by Magnusiomyces spp. are rare, but are associated with severe complications in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients and hospital outbreaks. Following a Magnusiomyces clavatus outbreak in our HCT unit, a prospective targeted screening protocol was implemented, which included pharyngeal and rectal swabs cultured on yeast-selective media with prolonged incubation. Clinical and microbiological data were analyzed, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the available isolates. During the study period (September 2022–July 2023), five colonizations and five invasive breakthrough Magnusiomyces infections were identified. Despite prompt initiation of antifungal treatment, 4/5 patients (80%) died. WGS demonstrated clonal relatedness among four M. clavatus isolates, supporting clonal transmission, although no environmental sources were identified. An enhanced two-phase screening strategy involving 71 patients showed limited benefit, identifying only one additional colonization case compared to routine surveillance cultures. A retrospective review (2007–2021) identified 58 Magnusiomyces spp. episodes, with only 10% occurring in patients with hematological malignancies. Our study describes a prolonged clonal outbreak confined to an HCT unit and provides a detailed evaluation of a targeted screening approach in this setting, highlighting the challenges of early identification and prediction of invasive infections. Further studies are needed to define the optimal surveillance and prevention strategies. Full article