The liquid fraction of digestate from biogas production can have varying agricultural impacts, influenced by the type of feedstock and the processing methods used. This study evaluated digestates obtained from pig manure, supplemented with co-substrates such as vicia/rye silage (EN), corn/sorghum silage (BE), and residues from dairy production, slaughter, and peanut processing (3C). Moreover, the impact of post-anaerobic stabilization of the liquid fraction of digestate was evaluated. The physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of the liquid fractions (LFs), both before and after the post-anaerobic stabilization process (SLFs) (SLFs), were analyzed. Phytotoxicity tests on Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus revealed a significant inhibitory effect of LFs at concentrations above 10
The western Antarctic Peninsula is characterized by pronounced climate variability and a high concentration of human activities, including tourism and fishing. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the body responsible for the conservation of Antarctic marine ecosystems and for regulating fisheries south of the Antarctic Convergence, considers Pygoscelis penguins to be key ecosystem indicator species. In this study, we used stomach content analysis and tracking data to examine diet composition and foraging parameters of chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguins breeding in two colonies at Cierva Cove, Gerlache Strait (64°08′ S, 60°59′ W and 64°10′ S, 60°56′ W, respectively). Our aim was to identify their main prey and the areas they use during foraging trips in the chick-rearing period of the 2024/25 breeding season. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) dominated the diet of both species; however, chinstrap penguins consumed smaller krill than gentoo penguins. Tracking data showed that both species foraged in coastal areas, with chinstrap penguins undertaking shorter trips, both distance and duration than their congeners. This study provides updated, spatially explicit ecological information to support management and conservation in the Gerlache Strait, a region increasingly pressured by krill fisheries.
The increasing adoption of vegetarian dietary patterns among athletes (including lacto-ovo, lacto-, ovo-vegetarian, and vegan diets) has prompted growing interest in their potential effects on health and sports performance. Iron status remains one of the key nutritional concerns in this context, given the lower bioavailability of non-heme iron and the higher physiological demands of exercise. This review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate current evidence on the prevalence, consequences, adaptive responses, and management of iron deficiency in vegetarian athletes. Available studies do not consistently indicate a higher prevalence of iron deficiency among vegetarian athletes compared with omnivores. Despite lower iron bioavailability, total dietary iron intake in vegetarians often equals or exceeds that of omnivores, and several adaptive mechanisms (such as enhanced absorption efficiency and reduced iron losses) may help preserve iron balance. Nevertheless, methodological heterogeneity across studies and the limited inclusion of elite or female athletes constrain firm conclusions. Current data suggest that vegetarian athletes are not inherently at greater risk of iron deficiency. However, in high-performance settings, individualized and evidence-based dietary planning remains essential to ensure optimal iron status and sustain athletic performance. Future research should clarify the interplay between diet composition, adaptive physiology, sex, and training load in determining iron metabolism among vegetarian athletes.
Photodynamic Therapy is a directed and minimally invasive treatment modality that requires efficient and biocompatible photosensitizers. In this work, we develop a green nanomedicine platform by synthesizing Carbon Dots (CDs) using a solvothermal method from extracts of three commercially available and carbon-rich sources: spinach, green tea, and yerba mate. This approach leverages the sustainability of the starting materials and highlights the versatility of carbon-based hybrid systems while evaluating their theranostic functionality and capability as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) therapeutic effectors. The synthesized CDs were rigorously characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. We found CDs populations with surface compositions rich in carboxyl, hydroxyl, and nitrogen-containing pyrrolic and pyridinic groups that contribute to their potential as nanoeffectors. We comprehensively evaluated the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through oxygen consumption kinetics and hydrogen peroxide quantification, identifying a clear predominance of Type I photosensitization mechanisms. A significant singlet oxygen quantum yield of nearly 29
The vasopressor test (VPT) has been proposed to evaluate changes in tissue perfusion in response to a transient, vasopressor-induced increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). However, the physiological determinants of this response remain unclear. To (1) evaluate capillary refill time (CRT) response to standardized VPT, (2) explore the associations between CRT and splanchnic vascular Doppler indices, and (3) identify baseline hemodynamic predictors of CRT improvement. In this prospective multicenter study, 32 septic shock patients with persistent hypoperfusion and preload unresponsiveness underwent a VPT, increasing MAP from 65 to 85 mmHg. CRT responders were defined as those with a decrease of ≥ 1 s. Visceral Doppler resistive indices were measured to assess regional perfusion. Baseline hemodynamic variables were evaluated as predictors of CRT improvement. Logistic regression and mixed-effects models examined the associations between CRT, stroke volume, and baseline hemodynamics. Eleven patients (34
