Microclimate and soil properties jointly control pesticide persistence in the tropics, yet their combined effects are rarely quantified. We investigated chlorpyrifos dissipation in tropical Ultisol and peat soils under light and dark conditions for 29 days (n = 3). Residues were quantified by GC-FPD-P (LOQ = 0.05 mg kg−1; recovery 75–91%). First-order models adequately described dissipation kinetics (R² = 0.92–0.99), with residual diagnostics supporting model suitability. Half-lives were 6.47 d (Ultisol–light), 7.07 d (Ultisol–dark), 53.3 d (peat–light), and 57.8 d (peat–dark), indicating non-persistence in mineral soil but moderate persistence in peat. Exposure-normalized kinetics using cumulative photolytic time (τ) slightly improved linearity in Ultisol–light (R²τ = 0.935 vs 0.922), whereas gains were minimal in peat, consistent with strong sorptive buffering by organic matter. Interval-wise rates (k̂) showed directional associations with a Dry–Sunny Index (DSI), although relationships were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.07). Decision-oriented metrics further differentiated treatments: AUC₀–₂₉ ranged from 6.48–13.4 mg kg−1·d in Ultisol and 38.5–41.1 mg kg−1·d in peat, while projected tLOQ was ~25–34 d in Ultisol and ~259–288 d in peat. These results support soil-specific risk management and highlight the context-dependent role of microclimatic forcing in tropical pesticide dissipation.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a disproportionate threat in Africa, exacerbated by a high burden of infectious diseases and limited therapeutic options. The continent’s rich biodiversity and deep ethnobotanical knowledge present a formidable, yet underutilised, arsenal for novel antimicrobial discovery. This integrative review synthesises current evidence on promising anti-AMR natural products, ranging from terrestrial plants such as Cryptolepis sanguinolenta to marine peptides, and evaluates the scientific, technological, and policy landscapes shaping their development. Across the reviewed literature, promising activity is most consistently reported for alkaloid-rich terrestrial plants, selected endophyte-associated metabolites, and structurally distinct marine peptides, although the evidence remains largely limited to early in vitro studies. Our analysis reveals that the primary impediment is not a lack of bioactive leads, but a translational chasm caused by fragmented validation infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory and Access and Benefit-Sharing regimes, and a weak entrepreneurial ecosystem. To bridge this gap, synchronised advances are needed in regional validation capacity, harmonised policies that support ethical innovation, and pathways for sustainable commercialisation. We propose a three-pillar translational framework integrating advanced research, entrepreneurial support, and ethical governance.
This study investigated postoperative delirium (POD) predictors in 337 elderly orthopedic surgery patients anesthetized with ciprofol. The incidence of POD was 19.9%. Factors associated with POD included higher geriatric depression (GDS-15) scores, lower Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), elevated postoperative neurofilament light chain (NfL), and greater sleep fragmentation on the first postoperative night. The developed prediction model demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC 0.703), good calibration, and potential clinical utility via decision curve analysis. Findings suggest that depression, nutritional status, neural injury, and sleep-related measures may contribute to POD risk stratification. However, these findings are exploratory and require external validation before informing targeted perioperative interventions.
Microplastic (MP) contamination is a globally pervasive stressor in marine and freshwater fisheries ecosystems; however, our quantitative understanding of its transport dynamics, trophic fate, and population-level consequences remains fragmented. This review synthesizes mathematical and computational modeling frameworks used to investigate MP transport, exposure, and ecological impacts in fisheries contexts. We evaluate five principal model classes, hydrodynamic, Eulerian, Lagrangian, statistical, and population-balance approaches, and assess their parameterization of advection–diffusion processes, vertical transport, biofouling-driven density modification, and sediment heteroaggregation across the freshwater, estuarine, coastal, and pelagic continuum. A consistent pattern emerges: MPs bioaccumulate within trophic levels but rarely biomagnify across trophic levels, largely due to rapid gastrointestinal egestion (>80% within 144 hours) and size-selective retention. The principal ecological risk derives from plastic-associated chemical co-transport, including hydrophobic organic contaminants and leaching additives, whose bioaccumulation kinetics may operate independently of particle persistence. Population-dynamic models indicate non-linear, threshold-dependent declines in fish biomass under the combined pressures of microplastic pollution, climate change, and fishing activity. This review provides guidance for ecosystem-based fisheries management and policy-relevant risk assessment. Future research priorities include analytical standardization, taxon-specific elimination kinetics, and the integration of multiple stressors into coupled hydrodynamic–biogeochemical–fisheries models to support robust projections under increasing plastic inputs.
Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang (C. yanhusuo) is a botanical source of diverse isoquinoline alkaloids with significant analgesic properties. Vinegar processing, a common post-harvest treatment, markedly alters its chemical profile and bioactivity. This review systematically analyzes the current phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge of C. yanhusuo, with a focus on the chemical modifications induced by vinegar processing. Evidence indicates that this treatment increases the content and/or bioavailability of key analgesic alkaloids, such as tetrahydropalmatine and dehydrocorydaline, and can lead to the formation of novel compounds. These chemical changes correlate with enhanced pharmacological effects through multi-target mechanisms, primarily involving the modulation of dopaminergic and opioid systems alongside the inhibition of neuroinflammatory pathways (such as the NLRP3 inflammasome). By integrating evidence of chemical alterations with mechanistic studies, and providing a stratified evaluation of the current evidence—distinguishing well-established mechanisms from those requiring further investigation—this review offers a comprehensive phytochemical rationale for the optimized application of C. yanhusuo. Furthermore, it identifies critical research gaps and future directions, including the systematic characterization of processing-specific chemical markers and the elucidation of alkaloid transformation pathways during vinegar processing, to support the development of safe, effective, and non-addictive analgesic agents.
Lodging is a critical factor limiting wheat yield and grain quality in intensive agricultural systems. Understanding the structural and genetic basis of stem stability is essential for developing lodging resilient cultivars. This study evaluated lodging resistance in 40 diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes through an integrated approach. Morpho-physiological traits and structural stability were assessed using PBTools v.1.4, while culm anatomical parameters were measured via high-resolution microscopy. Genetic diversity was characterized using 14 polymorphic genomic SSR markers. Significant phenotypic variation was observed in plant height (73.2–131.4 cm) and basal internode diameters. Adjusted Lodging Indices (ALI) and Height adjusted lodging (HALI) identified modern semi-dwarf varieties, such as Vassa and Vexa, as highly stable Lodging percentage (LP = 1), whereas Aegilops-derived lines showed severe susceptibility (LP = 7–9). Molecular analysis showed high polymorphism (Polymorphism Information Content up to 0.95), clustering the genotypes into three distinct groups that align with their structural archetypes. Our findings demonstrate that lodging resistance is a synergistic result of reduced plant height, reinforced mechanical tissues, and specific genetic backgrounds. The identified anatomical parameters and SSR clusters provide a reliable framework for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve culm sturdiness in wheat breeding programs.
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare, accounting for approximately 1% of all malignancies and comprising more than 50 histological subtypes. Spindle cell morphology represents a particularly challenging subset due to significant morphological overlap and frequent reliance on ancillary techniques. In this retrospective study, 90 spindle cell tumours referred for second-opinion evaluation were analysed. Initial diagnoses based on morphology were reassessed using histomorphological review, targeted immunohistochemistry (IHC), and selective molecular analysis (FISH). Diagnostic revision was observed in 55 of 90 cases (61.1%). Histomorphological reassessment alone was sufficient in 5 cases, while IHC contributed to diagnostic change in 26 cases. Molecular analysis using FISH, applied selectively, contributed to reclassification in 7 cases (18%), particularly in synovial sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Diagnostic discrepancies were mainly attributed to the morphological similarity of spindle cell sarcomas, limited initial ancillary testing, and incomplete clinical information. These findings highlight that spindle cell tumours remain diagnostically challenging and demonstrate that an integrated approach combining morphology, IHC, and selective molecular testing significantly improves diagnostic accuracy. Second-opinion evaluation in specialised centres plays a critical role in optimising diagnosis and guiding clinical management.
Antibiotics, as emerging contaminants, are frequently detected in aquatic environments and have raised increasing concern. To support effective control of antibiotic residues, this study established a rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput method for the simultaneous determination of 76 antibiotics in water using solid-phase extraction coupled with UPLC-MS/MS. Water samples were filtered, treated with disodium EDTA, adjusted to pH 2.5, purified using a PLS-3 SPE column, concentrated, and reconstituted for analysis. Separation was achieved on a LUNA OMEGA C18 column, and detection was performed in electrospray positive ion mode using scheduled MRM with internal-standard quantification. The method showed good linearity, with average recoveries of 63.2-124.3% and RSDs of 0.7-14.5% across three spiking levels. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 ng/L. Application to 68 source water and secondary water supply samples detected 18 antibiotics, including azithromycin, clindamycin, sulfadiazine, and lomefloxacin, with an overall detection frequency of 25.7%. This method is simple, robust, and suitable for accurate, large-scale monitoring of antibiotic residues in environmental waters.
To investigate the morphological and compositional characteristics of calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs) in the outer capsule wall of hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC), gallstones and kidney stones and their potential roles in pathological calcification. The above three types of samples were collected, and CNPs were extracted by decalcification, centrifugation, filtration and cultivation, and characterized by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). CNPs from all three sources exhibited similar morphology, with the main elements being Ca, P, C, and O, but significant differences were observed in the calcium-phosphorus ratio and surface structure. The degree of calcification was higher in the gallstones and kidney stones groups compared to the echinococcosis group, and the CNPs from these highly calcified sources predominantly exhibited lobed or burred surface morphologies. The structural and compositional differences among CNPs from various sources may reflect their heterogeneity in pathological calcification mechanisms.
Citrus peel extracts (CPEs) are widely studied as sources of antioxidant-related phytochemicals, yet their composition may vary across Citrus varieties and extraction solvents. Here we report a dataset describing extraction yield, DPPH antioxidant activity (IC50), and LC-MS/MS chemical profiles of peel extracts from five Indonesian-grown Citrus varieties (Chokun, Fremont, Lemon, Santang, and Sunkist) prepared using ethyl acetate and ethanol. Yield and DPPH IC50 values are provided as mean +/- SD from two biological replicates (n = 2), while LC-MS/MS profiling and peak area-based relative abundance are reported as a single measurement per condition (n = 1). Across the profiled samples, prominent annotated compounds included nobiletin, tangeretin, retusin, and scopoletin. Ethanol extracts of Chokun and Fremont showed lower IC50 values (0.286 and 0.357 mg/mL, respectively) under the assay conditions used. Exploratory PCA is included to summarize variation in relative abundance profiles between solvents and varieties. This Data Note provides well-documented measurements and profiles that can be reused for comparative and hypothesis-generating studies on Citrus peel phytochemistry and antioxidant assays.
Sepsis remains a global challenge and a leading cause of mortality. Accurate prognostic biomarkers are needed to support risk stratification. Procalcitonin (PCT) and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) are established sepsis biomarkers, but their combined prognostic value remains unclear. This study included 110 patients diagnosed with sepsis based on the 2016 Sepsis-3 criteria. Serum suPAR was measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, and PCT was measured using Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox Proportional Hazards models. Non-survivors had higher suPAR, PCT, and SOFA scores than survivors. In continuous-variable Cox regression, log-transformed suPAR and PCT were assessed for 28-day mortality. When added separately to SOFA score, log suPAR (HR 1.135; 95% CI: 1.006-1.281; p = 0.040) and log PCT (HR 1.190; 95% CI: 1.013-1.399; p = 0.035) were significantly associated with mortality. In the combined model, both biomarkers showed borderline associations. Adding suPAR and PCT to SOFA modestly improved discrimination (C-index 0.546 to 0.588; Delta C-index +0.043; LRT p = 0.016), with an optimism-corrected C-index of 0.564. suPAR and PCT showed modest incremental prognostic value beyond SOFA. Combined assessment should be interpreted as exploratory and adjunctive, not as a standalone prognostic tool.
To investigate the causal relationships between circulating plasma proteins and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) risk using Mendelian randomization (MR) and to explore their roles in the AS immune microenvironment. A two-sample MR analysis used genetic instruments for 4,907 plasma proteins (35,559 participants) as exposures. AS genetic associations came from FinnGen (3,838 cases; 353,224 controls) for discovery, validated in two independent cohorts. Causal effects were estimated mainly via inverse-variance weighting. Functional analyses included protein-protein interaction, single-cell RNA sequencing of AS tissues, and immune cell correlations. Five proteins showed robust genetically predicted associations: UBE2M increased AS risk, while HLA, MAZ, TREML2, and EEF2K were protective. ScRNA-seq revealed cell-type-specific expression: MAZ was predominant in T cells, TREML2 was exclusive to monocytes, and UBE2M and EEF2K were co-expressed in CD8(+)T and NK cells. Transcript levels of UBE2M were elevated in AS patients, whereas EEF2K, MAZ, and TREML2 showed reduced expression, consistent with their protective MR associations. These expression changes correlated with specific immune cell infiltration. This study identifies five plasma proteins with genetically predicted effects on AS pathogenesis. The cell-type-specific expression patterns highlight distinct roles within the immune microenvironment, nominating MAZ, TREML2, EEF2K, and UBE2M as candidate molecules warranting further functional validation.
Polymorphisms in antioxidant proteins, such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), may contribute to susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). SIRT1 rs3758391 and rs10823108 are associated with T2D and DN in other ethnicities; however, their role in susceptibility to T2D and DN in Saudi patients is unclear. Therefore, we investigated this association and examined the relationship between SIRT1 variants and serum SIRT1 protein levels. This case-control study included 126 patients with T2D (49 with DN and 77 controls). The associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and T2D with or without DN and SIRT1 expression were explored using logistic regression analysis. SIRT1 rs3758391 presence in controls and patients with T2D without DN of the T/C type and T/C genotype differed significantly. The presence of rs3758391 between patients with T2D with and without the T/C type and T/C genotype differed significantly. However, no association was observed with rs10823108. There was no association between rs3758391 and serum SIRT1 protein levels. SIRT1 rs3758391 was associated with T2D and DN in this Saudi cohort; however, rs10823108 showed no association. Serum SIRT1 was elevated in T2D irrespective of DN but was not correlated with rs3758391. These preliminary findings require further confirmation in future studies.
This review reveals the molecular mechanism by which the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling effector Gli2 promotes carboplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) through regulating the core stem cell transcription factor NANOG. Studies indicate that Gli2 overexpression directly drives platinum resistance by upregulating multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and maintaining the self-renewal and anti-apoptotic capabilities of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Concurrently, NANOG, a core stemness marker, shows expression levels strongly correlated with malignant progression and platinum resistance in EOC. Key evidence reveals a functional link between Gli2 and NANOG: cytoplasmic Gli2 expression positively correlates with NANOG levels, while Gli2 inhibition concurrently downregulates NANOG and MDR1 expression, reversing stemness and chemoresistance. Furthermore, NANOG regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, further reinforcing the CSC phenotype. This review proposes that the Gli2-NANOG axis is a crucial mechanism of acquired carboplatin resistance in EOC, and that targeting this regulatory axis provides a novel strategy to overcome chemoresistance. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise molecular interactions and promoting the clinical translation of related targeted therapies.
In this study, the fungal diversity associated with the leaves of Juniperus seravschanica in Jebel Al Sarah, the Western Hajar Mountains of Oman, was investigated. A total of 206 fungal isolates were recovered from leaves using potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. All the isolates were subjected to sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Following a tailored quality check, 193 sequences were found to be of high quality and retained for subsequent analyses. These 193 samples represent 65 species from 38 genera and 23 families, identified through phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region. Among these 65 species, 35 species were reported as new records for Oman, raising the number of known fungi of the country to 461. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum, comprising 21 families, 35 genera and 62 species. In contrast, Basidiomycota and Mucoromycota each were represented by a single family: Filobasidiaceae (Naganishia albidosimilis) and Mortierellaceae (Linnemannia camargensis and Mortierella alpina), respectively. The details of the isolated fungi are given in the subsequent sections.
This longitudinal study assessed airborne fungal ecology and azole resistance in A. fumigatus sensu lato within a commercial poultry facility in Taif, Saudi Arabia, across a complete nine-week broiler grow-out cycle. Weekly aeromycological sampling (189 SDA plates) identified 29 fungal species (11 genera) from 450 isolates, dominated by A. flavus sensu lato (246.44 CFU/m & sup3;), A. niger sensu lato (229.44 CFU/m & sup3;), and Alternaria alternata (183.33 CFU/m & sup3;). Total fungal concentrations peaked at 336.67 CFU/m & sup3; in Week 7. Among 35 A. fumigatus sensu lato isolates (TUAf102-TUAf136), disk diffusion testing revealed voriconazole (17.1%; 6/35), itraconazole (20%; 7/35), posaconazole (25.7%; 9/35), and fluconazole (22.9%; 8/35) resistance, plus multidrug resistance (8.6%; 3/35) from Week 1 onset. Mid-cycle resistance peaks (Weeks 5-8) coincided with maximum fungal loads, though sampling variability limits definitive trends. These findings confirm poultry housing as reservoirs of antifungal-resistant aspergilli, warranting cyp51A genotyping, azole residue monitoring, and One Health surveillance to protect occupational health and antimicrobial efficacy in intensive production systems.
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has emerged as a promising therapeutic gas in respiratory medicine due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. With the rising prevalence of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, H₂ offers potential as a novel adjunctive therapy. This review integrates mechanistic insights, preclinical findings, clinical data, and technical considerations. Mechanistically, H₂ selectively scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, protects mitochondrial function, activates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, inhibits inflammasome and NF-κB signaling, and modulates immune cell polarization and apoptosis pathways. Following Ferrari’s narrative review framework, literature searches were performed across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar through June 2025, supplemented by grey literature. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate protective effects in models of COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, lung cancer, and COVID-19. Early clinical trials and case reports support improvements in oxygenation, exercise tolerance, and inflammatory markers, alongside a strong safety profile. Recent engineering advances enable safe delivery of high-concentration hydrogen, though challenges remain in standardizing dosing and ensuring ventilator compatibility. Overall, molecular hydrogen shows substantial translational potential as a safe and versatile therapeutic gas. Future research must focus on multicenter randomized trials, dose–response studies, and device integration to establish its role in evidence-based respiratory care.
