Search Results (10,424)

Microalgae are considered as sustainable starch producers, yet the carbon sources for this process in terms of starch productivity and functionality require further elucidation. The present study investigated the roles of CO₂ and acetate on the starch production in a marine microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis, and the ordered structure and digestibility of the starches obtained were characterized. CO₂ and acetate could serve as efficient carbon sources for T. subcordiformis to accumulate starch, with the maximum starch content, yield, and productivity reaching 66.0%, 2.16 g/L, and 0.71 g/L/day on day 3 and the maximum biomass productivity reaching 0.94 g/L/day on day 2, respectively, when 2.5 g/L sodium acetate and 2% CO₂ were simultaneously applied. The addition of acetate under 2% CO₂ improved the photosynthetic efficiency and enhanced the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, facilitating the biomass and starch production. The supply of CO₂ and acetate changed the amylose/amylopectin ratio by affecting the activity of starch branching enzymes and isoamylases. FTIR and XRD analyzes showed that the supply of CO₂ reduced the long- and short-range ordered structure of starch, while acetate promoted the production of additional B- and V-type starch, resulting in a reduced digestibility. The combined supply of 2% CO₂ and 5 g/L sodium acetate enabled the most efficient production of functional resistant starch (RS) measured with Englyst’s method, with a maximum RS content and yield reaching 13.7%DW and 0.40 g/L, respectively, on day 3. This study provided novel insights into the efficient production of high value-added functional starch (RS) from microalgae. Full article

The wheat stem sawfly (WSS, Cephus cinctus Norton) is a major insect pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in North America. Few management tactics exist, and quantifying their efficacy is confounded by the difficulty in monitoring infestation at the field scale. Accurate estimates of WSS infestation are cost prohibitive as they rely on comprehensive stem dissection surveys due to the concealed life cycle of the pest. Consolidating the available management tactics into an effective strategy requires inexpensive, spatially explicit estimates of WSS infestation that are compatible with the large field sizes dryland wheat is often sown to. Therefore, we investigated using multitemporal satellite passive remote sensing (RS) to estimate various metrics of WSS infestation collected from field surveys at the subfield scale. To achieve this, we dissected 43,155 individual stems collected from 1158 unique locations across 9 production wheat fields in Montana, USA. The dissected stem samples from each location were then quantified using the following metrics: the proportion of total WSS-infested stems, proportion of stems with more than one node burrowed through (adequate WSS infestations), and proportion of WSS cut stems only. Cloud-free Sentinel 2 images were collected from Google Earth Engine for each field from across the growing season and sparse multiway partial least squares regression was used to produce a model for total WSS infestations, adequate WSS infestations, and WSS cut stems, for each sampled field. Upon comparing the performance of these models, we found that, on average, the metrics for total (R² = 0.57) and adequate WSS infestations (R² = 0.57) were more accurately estimated than WSS cut (R² = 0.34). The results of this study indicate that multitemporal RS can help estimate total and adequate WSS infestations, but more holistic methods of field level sensing should be explored, especially for estimating WSS cutting. Full article

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS), a condition characterized by impaired mobility due to locomotive organ dysfunction, is highly prevalent among patients with cancer. The phase angle (PhA), measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), reflects cellular health and nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the association between LS and the PhA in patients with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study included hospitalized patients who underwent cancer treatment. The assessed variables included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), gait speed, grip strength, PhA, and the outcomes of LS risk assessment using the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS25). Results: A total of 190 patients (57 females, 133 males; mean age, 62.6 ± 17.2 years) were analyzed. The PhA was significantly negatively correlated with the LS stage (rs = −0.507, p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant negative correlation was observed between the PhA and each LS risk test, namely, the stand-up test, two-step test, and GLFS25. Furthermore, the PhA was identified as an independent and significant factor associated with LS progression (odds ratio, 0.361; 95% confidence interval, 0.221–0.588; p < 0.001). More effective and rapid than completing the full range of LS risk tests, measuring the PhA represents a convenient and practical tool for the early screening of mobility decline. Conclusions: The PhA is a simple and effective parameter for assessing mobility decline in patients with cancer. It is a potential clinical indicator for initiating rehabilitation interventions aimed at preventing the onset and progression of LS. Full article

Background: Cognitive decline during aging is a factor that inevitably affects everyone. In some older adults, cognitive function declines more rapidly to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and eventually dementia. Our work aimed to determine the associations between suicide-related single-nucleotide genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) and cognitive function dynamics in people over 65 years old over a three-year follow-up. Suicide-related SNPs have already shown an association with dementia in our previous study. Methods: The present study included 66 participants over 65 without subjective cognitive decline. Cognitive impairment was assessed at two follow-up points (at the start of the study in 2020–2021 and 3 years later) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Patients were also genotyped for 16 SNPs. Results: We found associations between rs10898553 and rs165774 and MoCA 3-year dynamics, with a certain genetic variant related to more significant progression. For rs7982251, associations with scale scores were found, but no effect on its dynamics. Conclusions: The research focused on analyzing genetic factors of cognitive decline in healthy older adults without subjective cognitive decline. Identifying these markers can help predict the development of pathology at early stages and start timely treatment. Full article

Exosomal microRNAs (ex-miRs), encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), play a vital role in facilitating paracrine communication among granulosa cells (GCs), cumulus cells (CCs), and the oocyte inside follicular fluid (FF). These small non-coding RNAs are crucial for regulating folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development via modulating intracellular signaling networks. Dysregulation o has been associated with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and inadequate ovarian response (POR), impacting oocyte quality and fertility outcomes. This narrative review consolidates molecular data from current human and animal studies regarding ex-miR expression patterns, functional targets, and pathway involvement within the context of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). A literature-based analysis was undertaken, focusing on signaling pathways, pathogenic processes, and clinical implications. Specifically, ex-miRs—such as miR-21, miR-34c, miR-143-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-339-5p, and miR-424-5p—were identified as regulators of critical pathways including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT, ERK1/2, TGF-β/SMAD, and Rb–E2F1. These ex-miRs regulate apoptosis, glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and cell cycle expansion to influence oocyte competence. Pathological patterns in PCOS and POR are associated with altered ex-miR expression that disrupts metabolic and developmental signaling. Research utilizing animal models confirmed that modifications in EV-associated miRNA influence in vitro maturation (IVM) efficiency and blastocyst quality. Ex-miRs serve as intriguing non-invasive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for ARTs. Their mechanical involvement in oocyte and follicular physiology positions them for integration into forthcoming precision-based infertility therapies. For its implementation in reproductive medicine, EV profiling requires standardization and further functional validation in clinical environments. Full article

Background: Vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) is a critical step in radical prostatectomy (RP), with interrupted suture (IS) and running suture (RS) as common techniques. However, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting the superiority of one technique over the other regarding voiding function. This study compares their effects on voiding function and continence recovery after retropubic RP. Methods: A two-group, parallel-design study included 70 patients with localized prostate cancer (pT1-pT2) undergoing retropubic RP by a single surgical team. Patients were randomized to VUA with IS (n = 35) or RS (n = 35). The primary outcomes included uroflowmetry parameters—maximum flow rate (MFR), voiding volume (VV)—post-void residual volume (PVR), urinary function assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and continence recovery. These outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included surgical parameters, perioperative complications and one-year oncological outcomes. Results: Suturing time was shorter for RS than IS (21 vs. 33 min, p = 0.001). Minimal anastomotic leakage occurred more frequently in the IS group (23% vs. 9%), while long-term anastomotic stenosis rates were comparable between RS and IS groups (12% vs. 9%). IS demonstrated significantly higher MFR at 1-month post-surgery (23.3 vs. 17.2 mL/s, p = 0.003). In subsequent follow-ups (3, 6, and 12 months), the mean MFR remained higher in the IS group, though without statistical significance. Logistic regression favored IS for early MFR outcomes (OR 4.16; 95% CI, 1.22–14.18; p = 0.023). Continence recovery and IPSS scores were similar between groups. Conclusions: Both techniques are effective and safe. RS reduces suturing time and leakage risk, while IS improves early postoperative MFR. Full article

Due to negative natural changes in the population and intense emigration over the past three decades, from the end of the 20th century, the Republic of Serbia (RS) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have faced a demographic decline of villages. Even villages closer to larger cities struggle with natural population decrease. Agriculture has an increasingly smaller impact on rural sustainability. Rural tourism is one of the activities that can save villages. The aim of this study is to, using a comparative analysis of the attitudes of the citizens of the two aforementioned countries, determine their familiarity with rural tourism and available development support funds, their interest in engaging in rural tourism as an additional or primary activity, and their satisfaction with the involvement of the local community in providing education for rural tourism. To obtain a response, we carried out interviews with 12 respondents from RS and 12 from BiH. The research instrument was the semi-structured in-depth interview. The respondents from BiH are more determined and more engaged in rural tourism than in RS. They are aware of how important rural tourism is for villages, since that is their only option for recovery and sustainability. The respondents from both countries agree that they need the support of the local administration to develop rural tourism. This kind of tourism also requires the demographic improvement of villages, since, without human resources, it is more difficult for the majority of the older population to engage more intensely in rural tourism. Full article

Starch is one of the leading nutritional carbohydrates in the human diet; its characteristics, such as digestion rate, depend on molecular structure, and in particular, the molecular composition, type and length of amylopectin chains, which are known to present a parabolic behavior with respect to digestion rate. Amylopectin with a higher density of small branches (Chains A) and those abundant in long chains (B2/B3) often present a marked resistance to digestion and could be a challenge in bread production since both fermentation and digestion could be further modulated in the presence of hydrocolloids or gluten. The objective of this work was to analyze different mixtures of starches (rice, potato, and corn) with hydrocolloids (guar and xanthan gum) and vital gluten to understand the relationship between chain length and molecular characteristics with respect to speed of digestion and glycemic index, and their incorporation into a bread loaf at 50 and 100% wheat flour substitution. A Plackett–Burman design was used to design the mixtures. Mixtures were characterized in terms of amylose/amylopectin content, fast, slow, and resistant (SDS, RS) starch digestion fractions, in vitro glycemic index, molecular weight (Mw), radius of gyration (Rz) of amylopectin, chain length distribution, and textural analysis. In the bread, a tendency to increase the SDS was observed when the mixtures included rice or potato, which can be related to the relationship between Mw and size and the prevalence of B2 and B3 chains. The Rz and RS content were related to average chain size and amylose content. The use of vital gluten was a determinant in achieving volume and textural characteristics in the final products and significantly affected the proportions of SDS and RS. By combining the molecular characteristics of starch with hydrocolloids, we can obtain food ingredients for specific applications, such as gluten-free products. Full article

It is important to predict air pollutant emissions from coal-fired power plants using real-time technological parameters to improve environmental efficiency. Since the relationship between emissions and parameters is nonlinear, machine learning models are needed to forecast emissions under various boiler operating modes. This study develops and tests Deep Sparse Transformer Networks for predicting pollutant time series, accounting for long-term dependencies. Data were collected from a 4000 MW coal-fired power plant in Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan, covering 67,527 records for 14 indicators at 10 min intervals. Fractal R/S analysis confirmed long-term memory in SO₂, PM_2.5, and NO_x series, guiding window length selection. The results show that the model achieves slightly better accuracy for SO₂ (R² 0.95–0.38), while NO_x and PM_2.5 have similar dynamics (R² 0.93–0.26). However, accuracy drops notably after 12 points, making the model best suited for short-term forecasts. These findings support environmental monitoring services and help optimize plant parameters, contributing to lower emissions and advancing carbon neutrality goals. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRs) are epigenetic regulators of several metabolic diseases, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Objectives: Following a systematic review, we propose a pattern of key circulating miRs associated with placental changes and their potential role in the fetus. Methods: A systematic investigation of studies published between January 2011 and July 2024 was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Trip Database, and Wiley databases. A total of 90 articles were analyzed. Results: Two hundred twenty-six circulating microRNAs were identified in women with GDM, and fifty miRs were validated by PCR, with miRs-16-5p, -29a-5p, and -195-5p being the most frequently reported. Interestingly, miR-16-5p was also expressed in the placenta but not in umbilical cord blood or amniotic fluid. Conversely, miR-126-3p was expressed in circulation, the placenta, umbilical cord blood, and amniotic fluid. Several reports describe high expression levels of miR-518d in maternal circulation, umbilical cord blood, and placenta. Controversial results regarding the expression of miR-29a-3p, -137, and -148a-3p were identified when comparing umbilical cord blood and the placenta. Conclusions: In silico analyses suggest that the miR-29 family, as well as miRs-16-5p, -126-3p, -195-5p, and -518b, may be involved in alterations in the heart, brain, and kidneys in the embryo when exposed to a hyperglycemic environment. Full article

Inflammation contributes to myocardial injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibition has been shown to mitigate myocardial injury and reduce levels of the prothrombotic and inflammatory mediator, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The enzyme peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is central in NET formation. We hypothesized that PAD4 links IL-6R activation and NET formation. Methods: We conducted thrombus aspiration and peripheral blood sampling in 33 STEMI patients. In thrombi and leukocytes, we quantified the mRNA of IL-6, IL-6R, and PAD4. In peripheral blood, the protein levels of IL-6, IL-6R, PAD4, dsDNA, H3Cit, MPO-DNA, and troponin T were quantified. Results: In thrombi and circulating leukocytes, PAD4 mRNA was associated with IL-6R mRNA (thrombi: β = 0.34, 95% CI [0.16–0.53], p = 0.001, circulating leukocytes: β = 0.92, 95% CI [0.07–1.77], p = 0.036). There were no correlations between PAD4 and IL-6 in thrombi and leukocytes. The protein levels of IL-6R were associated with the NET marker H3Cit (r_s = 0.40, p = 0.02). In thrombi, PAD4 mRNA was associated with high levels of troponin T (β = 1.15 95% CI [0.27–2.04], p = 0.013). Conclusion: We demonstrate an association between PAD4, IL-6R, and troponin release in STEMI patients. Our findings indicate a PAD4-mediated connection between IL-6R and NET formation and highlight PAD4 as a potential treatment target for mitigating inflammation and myocardial injury in STEMI. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this context, investigating low-penetrance gene variants associated with the increased risk of CRC represents a novel and crucial approach to enhancing prevention strategies and clinical surveillance. By focusing on these genetic variants, there is potential for more accurate prediction of individual CRC risk, which could contribute to the refinement of current screening and prophylactic programs. The aim of this case–control study was to explore the association between SIRT1 polymorphisms and CRC risk. Methods: We analyzed three SNPs—rs12778366 (T/C), rs3758391 (C/T), and rs7895833 (A/G)—in the promoter region of the SIRT1 gene, which may influence SIRT1 expression and thus play a role in cancer development. Our study included 200 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and 115 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and SIRT1 SNP analysis was performed using the qPCR method and endpoint genotyping. Results: Univariate regression analysis revealed a slightly increased risk of developing CRC in individuals with minor alleles of the analyzed polymorphisms; however, the observed differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Although our findings did not reveal statistically significant differences in SIRT1 gene polymorphism frequencies between the CRC group and the control group, we observed a tendency that suggests further investigation in larger cohorts is warranted. This research underscores the importance of understanding low-penetrance genetic factors in CRC, highlighting their potential to inform more personalized and effective prevention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin (VCM) in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) are highly variable due to coexisting conditions such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and augmented renal clearance. Upon hematopoietic recovery, VCM clearance (CLvcm) is expected to normalize, which contributes to intra-individual variability. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to intra-individual variability in CLvcm among pediatric patients with FN. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study analyzed 33 pediatric patients (48 FN episodes) who met the inclusion criteria. CLvcm was estimated using Bayesian estimation based on the pediatric population pharmacokinetic model developed by Le et al., and standardized with allometrically scaled body weight. The change (Δ) in each clinical laboratory parameter or CLvcm was calculated as the difference between the values at the current and previous TDM within the same episode. Results: A total of 155 VCM TDM data points were analyzed. Intra-individual comparisons revealed that CLvcm decreased significantly in patients recovering from FN to a non-FN state (n = 18, p = 0.0285). Further analysis of intra-individual variability revealed that Δ CLvcm correlated significantly with Δ hemoglobin, Δ C-reactive protein, and Δ maximum daily body temperature, with the strongest correlation observed for Δ maximum daily body temperature (rs = 0.325, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed Δ maximum daily body temperature as a significant factor influencing Δ CLvcm (B = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.074 to 0.678, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Maximum daily body temperature was identified as a factor influencing intra-individual variability in CLvcm in pediatric FN patients, particularly during the recovery process from FN to a non-FN state. The finding suggests that dose adjustment based on maximum daily body temperature may allow safe and effective VCM therapy in FN patients. Full article

This study explores the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation along the politically sensitive Iraq–Turkey border within the Duhok Governorate between 2015 and 2024. Utilizing paired remote sensing (RS) and high-end machine learning (ML) methods, forest dynamics were simulated from Sentinel-2 imagery, climate datasets, and topographic variables. Seven ML models were evaluated, and XGBoost consistently outperformed the others, yielding predictive accuracies (R²) of 0.903 (2015), 0.910 (2019), and 0.950 (2024), and a low RMSE (≤0.035). Model interpretability was further improved through the application of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to estimate variable contributions and a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to elucidate complex nonlinear interactions. The results showed distinct temporal shifts; climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) primarily influenced vegetation cover in 2015, whereas anthropogenic drivers such as forest fires (NBR), road construction (RI), and soil exposure (BSI) intensified by 2024, accounting for up to 12% of the observed forest loss. Forest canopy cover decreased significantly, from approximately 630 km² in 2015 to 577 km² in 2024, mainly due to illegal deforestation, road network expansion, and conflict-induced fires. This study highlights the effectiveness of an ML-driven RS analysis for geoinformation needs in geopolitically complex and data-scarce regions. These findings underscore the urgent need for robust, evidence-based conservation policies and demonstrate the utility of interpretable ML techniques for forest management policy optimization, providing a reproducible methodological blueprint for future ecological assessment. Full article

This paper explores the relationship between digital readiness and sustainable development in European Union (EU) countries through a two-level cluster analysis based on the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI) and selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first analysis groups countries by digital maturity across the NRI pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. The second focuses on SDG performance in areas such as health, education, gender equality, clean energy, and sustainable cities. Results reveal significant disparities between digital readiness and SDG achievements: some digitally advanced countries underperform in sustainability, while others with lower digital scores excel in SDG outcomes. The study identifies regional patterns, confirms a moderate positive correlation between NRI and SDG clusters (r_s = 0.526), and underscores the need for integrated digital and sustainability policies. Recommendations are provided for targeted policymaking and international cooperation. Full article