Abstract:

Urban coastal wetlands along the Peruvian Pacific coast are increasingly affected by urban expansion, pollution, and hydrological alterations, compromising their ecological integrity. In this context, the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community and its relationship with limnological conditions and drivers of change were evaluated in the Santa Rosa wetland (Chancay, Lima). The objective is to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community in the Santa Rosa wetland and analyze its relationship with physicochemical limnological variables and drivers of change. Sampling was conducted during two contrasting hydrological seasons in 2022: T1 (summer) and T2 (winter), at six sampling points (P1–P6). Physicochemical variables (water depth, temperature, pH, conductivity, TDS, TSS, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus, and dissolved organic matter) were measured, and the relative abundance of aquatic macrophytes was evaluated. Drivers of change were identified through direct observation and a structured matrix, with a PCoA performed to summarize spatiotemporal trends. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Co-inertia analysis, and Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP). Significant spatiotemporal variation was observed in physicochemical parameters (p < 0.05), with moderate covariation between the two matrices (RV = 0.47). A total of ten aquatic macrophyte species were recorded, with higher abundance of Pontederia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes in T1, and Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Bacopa monnieri in T2. The most relevant drivers of change were solid waste, livestock grazing, organic contamination, and urban expansion. Spatial heterogeneity was observed in the drivers of change affecting the Santa Rosa wetland, forming a mosaic of areas with different impact profiles. Despite multiple anthropogenic pressures, the Santa Rosa wetland maintains a limnological structure and a functionally coupled macrophyte community, evidencing ecological resilience to environmental degradation. The observed covariation between physicochemical conditions and vegetation confirms the persistence of essential ecological processes, even within an altered urban context. This study demonstrates that integrating biotic components, limnological variables, and drivers of change is fundamental to understanding and monitoring the ecological dynamics of urban wetlands along the Peruvian coast.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Wound healing is a complex biological process involving co-ordinated interactions among inflammatory cells, growth factors, extracellular matrix components, and resident tissue cells. Despite significant advances in experimental research, translation of these findings into clinical practice remains limited, partly due to the lack of reproducible and ethically accessible human wound models. Pilonidal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the sacrococcygeal region, is frequently treated by surgical excision with healing by secondary intention. The resulting open wound provides a unique opportunity to study the natural progression of human tissue repair. Methods: This narrative review examines current knowledge on wound-healing phys-iology, commonly used experimental wound models, and clinical studies related to pi-lonidal disease. Evidence from experimental, translational, and clinical literature was evaluated to explore the potential of open pilonidal excision wounds as a standardized human model for wound-healing research. Results: Following open excision, healing typically occurs within 4–10 weeks through the classical phases of inflammation, pro-liferation, and tissue remodeling. During this period, the wound remains externally accessible, allowing repeated clinical observation and serial collection of tissue samples, wound fluid, and exudate. This accessibility facilitates investigation of key biological processes, including angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, epithelial migration, cyto-kine signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Compared with in vitro systems and animal models, the open pilonidal wound offers direct insight into human wound biology under clinically relevant conditions. Conclusions: Open pilonidal excision wounds constitute a reproducible and ethically feasible in vivo human model for translational wound-healing research. This model may support biomarker discovery and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for impaired healing and chronic wounds

Abstract: In this study, we developed an improved electrical impedance method for measuring oil film thickness with a correction for surface roughness effects. Statistical analysis of the oil film thickness distribution revealed that rough surfaces exhibit higher capacitance values than those predicted by the ideal parallel-plate model, despite having the same mean film thickness. Consequently, a corresponding roughness correction formula was derived. The accuracy of the method was verified in ball-on-disc type apparatus using balls with a rough surface. The corrected oil film thickness agreed more closely with the Hamrock-Dowson equation and with optical interferometry measurements than did the uncorrected result. These outcomes confirm that oil film thickness can be estimated considering surface roughness. The technique is therefore expected to facilitate the optimization of lubrication conditions and enable more reliable bearing-life prediction.

Abstract: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains associated with poor outcomes and functional impairment despite multimodal treatment, underscoring the need for effective and less invasive therapeutic strategies. Ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4) is frequently expressed on OSCC cells and represents a potential target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of EPHB4-targeted CAR-T cells (131CAR) using in vitro cytotoxicity assays against the OSCC cell line HSC-4 and an orthotopic tongue patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model established from an OSCC tumor (OC-15) in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice. Flow cytometry confirmed EPHB4 expression in HSC-4 cells (~90%) and OC-15-derived tumor cells (~68%). In vitro assays demonstrated effector-to-target ratio–dependent cytotoxicity of 131CAR against HSC-4 cells. In vivo, both intratumoral and intravenous administration of 131CAR significantly reduced tumor burden compared to control groups, with greater tumor reduction observed following intratumoral delivery. Immunohistochemistry revealed infiltration of human CD8⁺ cells and decreased tumor area in treated tumors, and digital pathology analysis corroborated the reduced tumor area. These findings indicate that EPHB4-targeted CAR-T cells exert antitumor activity in an orthotopic OSCC model and suggest that local administration may enhance therapeutic efficacy in anatomically relevant settings.

Abstract: This paper examines the strategic manipulationof government debt data—referred to as ”fiscal rule stretch-ing”—among European Union member states, particularly inresponse to electoral incentives, financial market stress, and theconstraints of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). Using Euro-stat revisions of government debt figures, we find that countrieswith higher debt levels, particularly those exceeding the 60% ofGDP SGP threshold, are more likely to have their debt figuresrevised upwards. Our analysis further reveals that eurozonemembers are more inclined to engage in rule stretching, especiallywhen facing Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) enforcement.Election timing plays a crucial role in this behavior, with un-scheduled elections and proximity to elections both significantlyincreasing the likelihood of debt revisions. Financial market stressamplifies these effects, as governments under pressure may resortto optimistic accounting to present more favorable debt statistics.While fiscal transparency appears to be positively associated withdebt revisions, suggesting that transparent governments may relyon more sophisticated methods of rule stretching, GDP growthdoes not show a significant impact. Overall, our findings highlightthe intersection of domestic political cycles, financial constraints,and EU-level oversight in shaping fiscal reporting practices acrossmember states.

Abstract: Artisanal and illegal gold extraction in ecologically sensitive tropical landscapes can generate persistent environmental damage and public fiscal liabilities that accumulate even under formal mining prohibitions. A decision-grade pipeline is presented that converts observable environmental signals into (i) spatial prioritization surfaces, (ii) phase-timed remediation portfolios, and (iii) present-value (PV) comparisons of legislative policy pathways under uncertainty, demonstrated for the Crucitas mining landscape (Cutris, northern Costa Rica). Five linked models are implemented. Remote-sensing change proxies are derived using consistent baseline (January 2019–December 2020) and recent (February 2024–January 2025) windows; multi-criteria indices then produce a 0–100 grid-cell prioritization surface integrating land, water, and hydrologic dimensions. This prioritization output is translated into a phased remediation portfolio across 1,324 costed grid cells, yielding a gross liability of US$548.0 million (10-year PV; 5% discount rate). PSA-related credits total US$167.3 million PV; enforcing a cell-level non-negativity floor yields a baseline net PV of US$408.0 million (simple gross-minus-credits would be US$380.8 million). Deterministic policy overlays produce policy-adjusted net PV of US$336.1 million under Exp. 24.717 (minimum 5% royalty case; Δ = −US$71.9 million vs baseline; modeled royalty PV = US$93.8 million), US$503.0 million under Exp. 24.675 (Δ = +US$95.0 million), and US$510.3 million under Law No. 8904 (Δ = +US$102.3 million). Royalty-rate sensitivity cases for Exp. 24.717 yield deterministic policy-adjusted net PV of US$242.3 million (10%) and US$148.5 million (15%). Monte Carlo propagation yields a right-tailed baseline distribution (P10–P90 = US$385.4–519.1 million; P50 = US$450.1 million), with exceedance probabilities P(>US$400 million) = 0.8357 and P(>US$500 million) = 0.1786. Policy-adjusted uncertainty bounds indicate substantially reduced exceedance risk under Exp. 24.717 (5% royalty case; P(>US$400 million) = 0.3542; P(>US$500 million) = 0.0153), with further reductions at higher take-rates (10%: P(>US$400 million) = 0.0375; P(>US$500 million) = 0.0007; 15%: P(>US$400 million) = 0.0028; P(>US$500 million) = 0.0000), while non-mining pathways shift the distribution upward. The results support PV-consistent, uncertainty-aware ranking of contested pathways, with outcomes conditional on enforceable offsets, credible enforcement effectiveness, and residual-risk provisioning. The framework is transferable to other contested mining landscapes where phased interventions and policy alternatives require fiscally comparable evaluation.

Abstract:

Methane (CH₄) is a major component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas. Increasing atmospheric methane concentrations are attributed to emissive anthropogenic activities by an average of 13 ppb per yr since 2020 and are linked to a changing global climate. Mitigating CH₄ emissions from oil and gas production sites has recently become a target to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, however, monitoring the efficacy of mitigation strategies depends on accurate quantification of CH₄ emissions at the facility-level. Near-field quantification of methane (CH₄) emissions from oil and gas (O&G) facilities remains challenging due to the effects of atmospheric variability and sensor configuration on atmospheric dispersion models. This study evaluates the performance of two atmospheric dispersion models, the Gaussian Plume (GP) and backward Lagrangian Stochastic (bLS), by comparing calculated CH₄ emissions to controlled single-point emissions of between 0.4 and 5.2 kg CH₄ h^-1. Emissions were calculated by both models using 121 individual sets of measurements comprising five-minute averaged downwind methane mixing ratios and matching meteorological data. Comparison shows the bLS approach showed better predictive performance with twice as many emission estimates were within a factor of two (FAC2) of the known emission rates compared to those calculated using the GP approach. The emissions calculated by the bLS model also had a lower multiplicative error and reduced bias relative to GP. Other error-based metrics further confirmed the bLS model performed better, as it yielded lower RMSE and MAE than GP. Statistical analysis of the emission data shows the lateral and vertical alignment of source and sensor plays a critical role in emission estimations as measurements made closer to the plume centerline and at a distance between 40 to 80 m downwind yielded the best FAC2 agreement. High wind meander degraded ability of both approaches to generate representative emissions particularly with the GP approach as it violates the modelling approach’s assumption of steady-state emissions. Data suggest emissions calculated by the bLS model are comprehensively in better agreement but the computational demands of the modeling approach and integration into fenceline systems limit real-time applicability. While it is likely that the results presented here are suitable for informing leak detection technology in relatively flat unvegetated environments, it is currently unknown if these findings will be applicable in more vertiginous or heavily vegetated oil and gas producing regions of the Marcellus or Uinta Basins.

Abstract: Background and Clinical Significance: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the skin and represents the majority of non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly affecting sun-exposed facial areas. Surgical excision remains the gold standard due to high cure rates, especially for high-risk facial lesions. However, patient refusal of biopsy or surgery may create therapeutic challenges. This case highlights a non-surgical alternative approach and emphasizes its clinical implications; Case Presentation: A 60-year-old Egyptian man with uncontrolled hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with an ulcerative lesion located between the left nasal wall and lower eyelid. Clinical examination revealed raised pearly borders and central necrosis, highly suggestive of nodulo-ulcerative basal cell carcinoma. The patient refused biopsy and surgical intervention despite counseling and referral for Mohs micrographic surgery. A non-surgical regimen was initiated consisting of cryotherapy every two weeks using two freeze–thaw cycles of four seconds each with a 2-mm margin, combined with topical imiquimod 5% cream applied three times weekly. Episodic local inflammatory reactions occurred and were managed conservatively with temporary interruption and emollient therapy. Fusidic acid ointment was applied post-cryotherapy. Complete clinical resolution was achieved after five months with residual scarring and no recurrence during one year of follow-up; Conclusions: Combined cryotherapy and topical imiquimod may represent a viable therapeutic alternative in carefully selected patients refusing surgical management. Close monitoring and long-term follow-up remain essential.

Abstract: Bulky plant storage organs frequently experience restricted internal oxygen diffusion, yet how such tissues remain metabolically active while accumulating large quantities of storage carbohydrate remains unresolved. In sugarcane, the culm accumulates exceptionally high sucrose concentrations despite sustained respiration, suggesting that storage metabolism operates under specific energetic constraints. We estimated growth and maintenance respiration along developing sugarcane internodes using a composition-based carbon accounting framework across stages representing rapid elongation and mature storage. Growth respiration peaked in elongating internodes (3–6), whereas maintenance respiration increased progressively with maturation and dominated in mature storage tissue (internodes 10–12), demonstrating that mature internodes remain metabolically active despite cessation of structural growth. Despite this sustained metabolic demand, mature tissue accumulates sucrose rather than depleting it. Modelled internal oxygen limitation reduced ATP yield per unit substrate without suppressing metabolic activity. Under severe oxygen limitation the carbohydrate requirement for maintenance metabolism more than doubled in mature internodes, indicating that storage tissue operates with reduced energetic efficiency. We therefore propose that the sugarcane culm operates a pyrophosphate-supported metabolic configuration in which ATP demand is minimised and carbon is conserved. In this framework oxygen limitation alters the energetic currency of metabolism rather than suppressing metabolic activity, allowing cellular maintenance to continue without proportional consumption of stored sucrose. This interpretation is consistent with previously observed extensive recycling between triose-phosphates and hexose-phosphates during sucrose accumulation, suggesting that this cycling represents an ATP-conserving metabolic strategy rather than futile metabolism. These results indicate that sucrose storage in sugarcane reflects an alternative energy economy of an oxygenlimited storage organ, linking respiratory energetics, hypoxia and carbon partitioning in a C₄ crop.

Abstract: Manilkara (Sapotaceae) includes tropical tree species of high ecological and socio-economic value, yet genetic and phylogenetic evidence remains uneven across taxa and eco-geographic regions. Here, we synthesize studies conducted between 1999 and 2025 which summarize the use of molecular markers to infer genetic diversity, connectivity, population structure, and evolutionary relationships within this genus. The studies are dominated by PCR-based marker systems, including dominant markers (like RAPD and SCoT) and microsatellites from the nuclear genome and plastid genome. Other studies rely on PCR-amplified sequence loci, such as ITS and chloroplast regions, while others use high-throughput technologies, including NGS-assisted SSR development, sequences of complete plastomes, and targeted nuclear sequencing. Overall, studies using SSRs provide the most informative estimates for within-species diversity and fine-scale structure, whereas plastid datasets (cpSSR/cpDNA) mainly support inference on maternal lineages and plastid-based relationships but can be constrained by uniparental inheritance and limited variation, especially under small sampling. Some limitations found include heterogeneous sampling, inconsistency in reporting the methodological parameters, and limited connection with ecological or phenotypic parameters which restricts chances of inferences on demography and adaptation. Based on this review, future research in Manilkara would benefit from setting up a broader taxonomic and geographic coverage, incorporating genome-wide technology where feasible to strengthen conservation management, and breeding opportunities in Manilkara.

Abstract: To establish standardized DNA fingerprinting and molecular identification systems for citrus, we analyzed 69 mandarin accessions via fluorescent SSR capillary electrophoresis to construct DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards. Eighteen highly polymorphic SSR primer pairs were screened, yielding 239 genotype calls and 147 alleles. The number of amplified alleles per primer pair ranged from 4 to 18, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values varying from 0.411 to 0.650. Ten core primer pairs were further selected, achieving a discrimination rate of 65.2% (45 out of 69 accessions distinguished). Utilizing these fluorescent SSR markers, we established DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards for all 69 accessions. Among them, 45 accessions possessed unique fingerprints, whereas the remaining 24 indistinguishable accessions were clustered into six groups. Each cluster contained both wild (4 accessions total) and cultivated (20 accessions total) resources with high genetic similarity, which merits further investigation. This study lays a theoretical basis for the authentication, conservation, and genetic relationship analysis of mandarin germplasm resources, and provides a practical tool for standardizing mandarin variety identification.

Abstract: Hate speech on social media reproduces norms of inequality and gender stereotypes, disproportionately affecting women. This study proposes a hybrid approach that integrates emotional tone classification with explicit hostility detection to strengthen preventive moderation. We constructed a corpus from three open datasets (1,236,371 records; 1,003,991 after ETL) and represented the text using TF-IDF and contextual RoBERTa embeddings. We trained individual models (RoBERTa fine-tuned, Random Forest, and XGBoost) and a stacking metamodel (Gradient Boosting) that combines their probabilities. On the test set, the ensemble outperformed the base classifiers, achieving accuracy of 0.93 in hate detection and 0.90 in emotion classification, with an AUC of 0.98 for emotion classification. We implemented a RESTful API and a web client to validate the moderation flow before publication, along with an administration panel for auditing. Performance tests showed viability under moderate loads and concurrency limitations starting at 300 users, associated with deployment via an Ngrok tunnel. In general, the results indicate that incorporating emotional tone analysis improves the model's ability to identify implicit hostility and offers a practical way to promote safer digital environments. The probabilistic results obtained by the ensemble model were subsequently analyzed using the Bayesian Calibration and Optimal Design under Asymmetric Risk (BACON-AR) framework, which serves as a mathematical post-hoc validation layer to optimize the decision threshold under unequal costs. This framework does not modify the trained architecture but adjusts the estimated probabilities and selects the threshold that minimizes the total expected risk. By combining TF-IDF and RoBERTa embeddings with a stacked metamodel, the ensemble's decision function was optimized via regularization, improving generalizability and the stability of predictions. The incorporation of the BACON-AR framework strengthened the system's probabilistic consistency, ensuring that final decisions were aligned with the actual consequences of errors under an asymmetric risk scheme.

Abstract: CubeSats are used as a platform in modern space missions due to their standardized form factor, reduced development cost, and shortened launch timelines. Earth observation, space weather monitoring and even re-entry applications make use of the CubeSat standard. Despite their advantages, CubeSats are constrained by limited onboard resources, with electrical power availability being one of the most critical bottlenecks. This work presents a dynamic, hybrid offline/online task scheduling and power management algorithm for a re-entry CubeSat, combining pre-computed schedules with real-time adaptation to changing flight conditions. The algorithm employs a heuristic-based approach, ranking tasks by parameters including priority, execution delay, duration, and power consumption. It adapts to varying flight conditions and system failures. In critical battery State of Charge (SoC) scenarios, only high-priority tasks above a defined threshold are executed, conserving power. A simulation suite was developed to evaluate performance under realistic mission profiles and stress tests with high loads and numerous tasks. Metrics included average and maximum task delay and average power consumption. Results show that appropriate heuristic weight selection can yield significant improvements in reliability and efficiency. The proposed algorithm offers a flexible, scalable solution for CubeSat power management, capable of maintaining operational reliability under dynamic conditions.

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel Transformer-Driven Pipeline that seamlessly integrates acoustic hearing, automated speech transcription, and writing synthesis into a unified end-to-end framework powered by advanced transformer architectures. Beginning with raw acoustic inputs captured via microphones, the pipeline preprocesses audio signals into spectrogram representations, leveraging stacked transformer encoders with multi-head self-attention to extract contextualized phonetic and prosodic features. These features feed into a sequence-to-sequence transcription module, where cross-attention mechanisms align auditory patterns with linguistic tokens, achieving robust speech-to-text conversion even in noisy environments or with diverse accents. Extending beyond transcription, the system employs a generative decoder to synthesize structured written outputs, such as summaries, reports, or formatted notes, by refining transcripts through autoregressive language modelling while preserving semantic fidelity and stylistic nuances derived from the original speech. Experimental validation on benchmark datasets like LibriSpeech and Common Voice demonstrates superior performance, with word error rates reduced by up to 25% compared to RNN baselines and enhanced fluency in synthesis metrics like BLEU scores. The pipeline's parallelizable design ensures real-time efficiency, making it ideal for applications in assistive technologies, live captioning, and automated documentation. This work highlights transformer's versatility in bridging auditory perception and textual production, paving the way for scalable multimodal AI systems.

Abstract: Telemedicine, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) and next-generation mobile networks, is essential for managing cardiovascular diseases, where hypertension remains the primary risk factor. In preclinical research, rabbits are superior biological models compared to rodents due to their human-like lipid metabolism. However, conventional blood pressure monitoring in this species is hindered by significant limitations: existing systems are non-portable, lack real-time capabilities, and often necessitate terminal procedures (euthanasia). To address these challenges, this study presents a portable, minimally invasive monitoring system utilizing a pressure transducer in the central auricular artery. The device integrates IoT technology for digital signal processing and seamless wireless data transmission to cloud platforms. This development enables continuous, real-time hemodynamic tracking throughout the experimental period without requiring permanent tethering to desktop hardware. By reducing invasiveness and enhancing data mobility, this system provides a robust framework for the preclinical evaluation of antihypertensive agents and cardiovascular mechanisms, bridging the gap between edge computing and remote clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in elderly populations globally. While metformin has emerged as a promising candidate for AMD prevention based on multiple observational studies, the causal relationship remains uncertain due to inherent limitations of observational research designs.Objective: This comprehensive review critically evaluates the current evidence base for metformin in AMD prevention and treatment, with particular emphasis on methodological approaches that address causal inference, including target trial emulation frameworks, propensity score methods, and emerging applications of causal artificial intelligence.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of recent literature (2019-2025) focusing on studies employing advanced causal inference methodologies. Particular attention was given to the largest meta-analysis to date (2.68 million participants) and studies utilizing target trial emulation, propensity score matching, instrumental variable analysis, and causal AI approaches.Results: Recent meta-analytic evidence demonstrates a statistically significant protective association (pooled OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93, p < 0.001) between metformin use and AMD development across 18 observational studies. However, substantial heterogeneity (I² = 90%) and inherent biases in observational designs—including immortal time bias, disease latency bias, and confounding by indication—limit causal interpretation. Studies employing propensity score matching and dose-response analyses reveal protective effects primarily at low-to-moderate cumulative doses (270-600g over 2 years). Critically, no adequately powered randomized controlled trial has yet definitively established causality.Conclusions: While observational evidence suggests potential benefit, the causal effect of metformin on AMD prevention remains unproven. Rigorous application of target trial emulation frameworks, coupled with advanced causal AI methodologies, offers a pathway to strengthen causal inference from existing observational data. However, definitive evidence requires prospective randomized trials specifically designed to test metformin's efficacy in non-diabetic populations at risk for AMD.

Abstract: In recent years, artificial intelligence has been systematically integrated into public environmental decision-making. It increasingly influences risk classification, the distribution of resources, and the exercise of regulatory authority. While policy attention often focuses on predictive performance and ethical principles, less scrutiny has been directed toward the institutional conditions under which algorithmic outputs acquire decision relevance. This policy review addresses that gap by framing environmental artificial intelligence as decision-making infrastructure rather than as neutral analytical software. It introduces the concept of algorithmic sustainability, defined not as a technical property of algorithms but as a governance condition that aligns lifecycle environmental impacts, enforceable accountability, and procedural legitimacy. Drawing on international policy frameworks and regulatory developments, the review shows how current governance instruments insufficiently integrate lifecycle environmental footprints into decision justification. To operationalize algorithmic sustainability, this paper proposes environmental algorithmic impact assessment as a gatekeeping and renewal mechanism for artificial intelligence used in environmental governance. The review concludes that aligning algorithmic deployment with sustainability and the rule of law depends on institutional design choices made before and during system use rather than on technical optimization alone.

Abstract: Fish allergy, primarily driven by Parvalbumin (PV), is a global health concern with limited effective mitigation strategies. This study explored Maillard conjugation using chitosan (CS) and various saccharides to modify the structural, functional, and allergenic properties of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) PV. Structural analyses: Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blotting (WB), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Circular dichroism (CD) confirmed the successful conjugation and significant alterations in secondary structure, including a loss of α-helical content and an increase in β-sheet/random coil fractions. Glycation markedly enhanced antioxidant activity, with total phenolic content (TPC) increasing up to 10.3-fold and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging reaching 74.5% in the CS-xylose-PV conjugate (CXTPV). Indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed significant (p < 0.05), sugar-dependent reductions in IgE-binding capacity (up to ~72% for CXTPV). Rat basophilic Leukemia-2H3 (RBL-2H3) cell line assays demonstrated suppressed β-hexosaminidase release (~75% reduction), decreased Interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion, and potent inhibition of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) production, indicating attenuated allergenic potential and immunomodulatory effects. CXTPV exhibited the strongest overall performance. These results highlight CS-saccharide Maillard conjugation as an effective strategy developed for hypoallergenic marine-derived ingredients with enhanced bioactive properties.

Abstract: Polyaniline-cadmium sulfide-gold (PANI-CdS-Au) nanocomposites were synthesized with varying Au loadings (0.023, 0.046, 0.092)wt% to enhance antibacterial performance. Structural (FTIR, XRD) and morphological (FE-SEM) analyses confirmed successful formation, strong interactions among components, and homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion. UV–Vis spectra revealed gold surface plasmon resonance and polaronic transitions consistent with PANI emeraldine base. XRD results showed the expected wurtzite CdS and fcc Au phases. Agar well diffusion tests against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) demonstrated that the 0.092 wt% of Au composite produced the largest inhibition zones at 100 µg mL⁻¹ (E. coli: 36 mm; S. aureus: 24 mm), with the same trend at 25 µg mL⁻¹. These results position PANI-CdS-Au nanocomposites as promising antibacterial materials; additional cytotoxicity assays are recommended for biomedical translation.

Abstract: Otolith microchemistry was used to investigate habitat use and connectivity of the estuarine catfish Genidens genidens across three estuaries in southeastern Brazil. A total of 58 individuals were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, focusing on strontium-to-calcium (Sr:Ca) and barium-to-calcium (Ba:Ca) ratios. Variations in elemental ratios along otolith transects allowed the reconstruction of individual ontogenetic trajectories along the estuarine–marine gradient. Most individuals exhibited combined use of estuarine and marine environments, while trajectories restricted to freshwater were rare. The complexity of chemical profiles increased with age, indicating more frequent habitat shifts throughout ontogeny. These patterns reveal high ecological plasticity and partial migration within populations of G. genidens. Strontium-to-calcium ratios were effective indicators of salinity-related habitat transitions, whereas Ba:Ca ratios provided complementary information associated with continental influence. Overall, this study demonstrates the applicability of otolith microchemistry to infer individual life-history pathways and highlights the role of estuaries as key habitats for feeding, growth, and recruitment in G. genidens.