Lava tubes, a common volcanic feature on terrestrial planets, offer critical insights into lava flow processes and may serve as future potential habitats for space crews and other facilities on the Moon and Mars. Seismic detection of these features is challenging as the irregular morphology and rough cave ceilings and walls generate complex seismic wavefields dominated by strong scattering and reverberation rather than pure reflections. Here we present observations of enhanced backscattering in seismic data collected above terrestrial lava tubes. We show that the spatial and frequency characteristics of wavefield intensity can be related to the dimensions of the lava tubes. Our findings suggest that, when geological indicators such as collapse pits are present, this method would enable mapping lava tubes on Earth and, by proxy, on the Moon and Mars, and that the approach is readily adaptable for future planetary exploration.

Introduction Reperfusion failure (RF) describes a condition in which patients suffering a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke present insufficient tissue reperfusion and recovery despite optimal mechanical thrombectomy (MT) results. Approximately 50% of patients suffering from LVO are affected. Our current understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms is limited and mostly based on rodent models. The goal of this study was to further characterize RF by applying advanced multimodal hemodynamic imaging in stroke patients. Methods Patients from the IMPreST study with LVO stroke and successful recanalization [corresponding to thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade (TICI) 2b-3] were included. Follow-ups with blood oxygenation-level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity (BOLD-CVR) and non-invasive optimal vessel analysis (NOVA) imaging were performed (<72 h, 7 days and 90 days). Demographic and clinical data (NIHSS and mRS) were collected. Results Of the 49 patients included in IMPreST, 18 patients met the inclusion criteria. Based on the perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) of the affected area compared to the contralateral side after MT, patients were stratified into three groups: hypoperfusion (n = 3), normalization (n = 8), and hyperperfusion (n = 7). The hyperperfusion group tended to show poorest clinical outcome (mRS 3 months: 2.5 [Q1–Q3 2.0–3.0] vs. normalization: 1 [Q1–Q3 0.75–3.0], p = 0.169) and had significantly lower BOLD-CVR values at visit one and two compared to hypoperfusion and normalization groups, indicating impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (visit1 hyperperfusion group −0.01 [Q1–Q3–0.02 – 0.07], normalization group 0.12 [0.09, 0.19], hypoperfusion group, 0.09 [0.09, 0.11] p = 0.049, visit2 hyperperfusion group 0.07 [Q1–Q3 0.03–0.10], normalization group 0.17 [0.16, 0.18], hypoperfusion group 0.10 [0.09, 0.11], p = 0.014). Discussion We found three patterns of reperfusion after successful MT of LVO stroke: normalization, hypo- and hyperperfusion of the ischemic area on days at < 72 h after stroke. There was substantial inhomogeneity in perfusion and clinical outcomes between the three groups. Next to poorest clinical outcome, the hyperperfusion-group showed poorest cerebrovascular reserve, reflecting findings of RF in rodent models. Thus, we suggest that RF includes both hypo- as well as hyperperfusion. Early detection using advanced imaging would allow a better identification of patients at risk for poor clinical outcome. Clinical trial registration http://clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier (NCT04035746).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently causes infections in immunocompromised patients and is involved in outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections with a high mortality rate. Aminoglycosides are a large category of antibiotics that bind specifically to 16S rRNA in 30S ribosomal subunits and disturb protein translation. This antibiotic class plays a significant bactericidal role against a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa. Among different aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms, inactivation of drugs by plasmid-encoded aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs) is a common determinant of aminoglycoside resistance in  P. aeruginosa. These plasmids are spread worldwide, and they are transferred to a wide range of different species. This study aims to detect resistance mechanisms and  identify the most prevalent aminoglycoside resistance genes in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, collected from the University Clinical Centre Tuzla. This study included a total of 230 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method and the Vitek2 system. Isolates displaying increased MIC values for aminoglycoside antibiotics were included in the multiplex PCR reaction, for the detection of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes. The most prevalent genotype among isolates was aac (6')-I. All aac (6')-I genotyped isolates also displayed a high rate of resistance to other classes of antibiotics, and they were characterized as multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Results indicate that the aminoglycoside-resistance genes are highly prevalent and could easily spread among P. aeruginosa strains.

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the usage of primarily discarded waste – pomegranate peel as secondary raw material – biosorbent for broader applications. The focus was on the optimisation of key cationic dye methylene blue (MB) – pomegranate peel (PP) adsorption process parameters, as well as cost analysis assessing the possibility of scaling up. The optimal values of the key parameters were pH 6, biosorbent mass 100 mg, contact time of 50 min, and initial analyte concentration 100 mg/L for MB removal from aqueous solutions providing high removal efficiency values > 88%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that MB adsorption on PP was presumably via hydrogen bonds with the OH groups present in PP. Changes noted via elemental composition analysis given by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the sorption of MB. Biosorption occurred mainly as a pseudo-second-order kinetic reaction combined with phase III of the intraparticle diffusion model (both R2 ≥ 0.92). Through a simple and fast batch MB sorption process with many advantages compared to literature data, a maximum sorption capacity of 384.61 mg/g could be achieved. Pomegranate peel was identified as a low-cost adsorbent with excellent potential for MB removal, economically viable (0.74 $/mol), demonstrating great possibilities for industrial application. Highlights Biosorption of phenothiazine dye on novel waste material from pomegranate peel in its native form. A univariate general procedure was performed, FTIR, SEM, and EDS characterisation of biosorbents. An optimal pH value was determined to be 6, while the optimal mass was 100 mg. A maximum biosorption capacity of 384.61 mg/g could be achieved. The mechanism of adsorption is best obeyed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The total analysis expenses for the entire procedure were just 0.74 $/mol. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

B-1 cells are innate-like immune cells abundant in serosal cavities with antibodies enriched in bacterial recognition, yet their existence in humans has been controversial1–3. The CD5+ B-1a subset expresses anti-inflammatory molecules including IL-10, PDL1 and CTLA4 and can be immunoregulatory4–6. Unlike conventional B cells that are continuously replenished, B-1a cells are produced early in life and maintained through self-renewal7. Here we show that the transcription factors TCF1 and LEF1 are critical regulators of B-1a cells. LEF1 expression is highest in fetal and bone marrow B-1 progenitors, whereas the levels of TCF1 are higher in splenic and peritoneal B-1 cells than in B-1 progenitors. TCF1–LEF1 double deficient mice have reduced B-1a cells and defective B-1a cell maintenance. These transcription factors promote MYC-dependent metabolic pathways and induce a stem-like population upon activation, partly via IL-10 production. In the absence of TCF1 and LEF1, B-1 cells proliferate excessively and acquire an exhausted phenotype with reduced IL-10 and PDL1 expression. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of B-1 cells lacking TCF1 and LEF1 fails to suppress brain inflammation. These transcription factors are also expressed in human chronic lymphocytic leukaemia B cells and in a B-1-like population that is abundant in pleural fluid and circulation of some patients with pleural infection. Our findings define a TCF1–LEF1-driven transcriptional program that integrates stemness and regulatory function in B-1a cells.

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with green roofs presents a synergistic approach to urban sustainability. Many existing flat-roof PV installations, often east–west oriented with limited elevation, present integration challenges for green roofs and are therefore understudied. This study addresses this by investigating the microclimatic effects of retrofitting an extensive green roof beneath such an existing PV array. Over a two-year period, continuous measurements of sub-panel air temperature, relative humidity, and module surface temperature were conducted. Results show that the green roof reduced average midday sub-panel air temperatures by 1.7–2.2 °C, with peak reductions up to 8 °C during summer, while nighttime temperatures were higher above the green roof. Relative humidity increased by up to 8.1 percentage points and module surface temperatures beneath the green roof were lowered by 0.4–1.5 °C, though with greater variability. Computational fluid dynamics simulations confirmed that evaporative cooling was spatially confined beneath the panels and highlighted the influence of structural features on airflow and convective cooling. Despite limited vegetation beneath the panels, the green roof retained moisture longer than the gravel roof, resulting in particularly strong cooling effects in the days following rainfall. The study highlights the retrofitting potential for improving rooftop climates, while showing key design recommendations for enhanced system performance.

Sex cord-stromal tumors are rare ovarian neoplasms, with fibromas comprising approximately 4% and thecomas accounting for 0.5%–1% of all ovarian tumors. The occurrence of these tumors outside the ovaries is exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging, often mimicking malignancy when associated with ascites, elevated CA-125 levels, or Meigs-like syndrome. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the histopathological, immunohistochemical, radiological, and molecular features of ovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors and highlight their clinical relevance. We report two postmenopausal women with large abdominal masses located extraovarian: one in the broad ligament and the other adherent to the omentum and intestines. In the first case, markedly elevated CA-125, ascites, and pleural effusion initially suggested Meigs syndrome. The second case presented with an abdominal mass and ascites. Imaging studies indicated the possibility of malignant ovarian tumors in both patients, leading to surgical excision. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-to-oval tumor cells arranged in fascicular or storiform patterns, with focal lipid-rich theca-like cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumors were positive for vimentin, WT1, progesterone receptor (PR), and variably for estrogen receptor (ER), CD56, inhibin, and calretinin, while being negative for markers of epithelial, melanocytic, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. A review of the literature identified only 11 well-documented cases of extraovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors, which most commonly arise in the broad ligament or pelvic cavity. These cases are frequently associated with ascites and elevated CA-125 levels and are often misdiagnosed preoperatively as malignant disease. Our cases underscore the importance of considering extraovarian fibromas and thecomas in the differential diagnosis of pelvic and abdominal masses presenting with similar features. Accurate pathological assessment can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and promote more favorable patient outcomes.

This three-year study evaluated the effects of various soil amendments on growth parameters and heavy metal (HM) accumulation in above- and belowground biomass of Miscanthus x giganteus (MxG), assessing its phytoremediation potential. A randomised complete block design included four treatments: I—control, II—sludge, III—mycorrhiza, and IV—MxG ash. All experimental pots were filled with soil spiked with Cd (100 mg kg−1) and Hg (20 mg kg−1). Aboveground biomass yield ranged from 3.44 to 5.59 tDM ha−1, with Cd and Hg concentrations in biomass varying from 5.98 to 14.62 mg Cd kg−1 and 41.8 to 383.9 μg Hg kg−1, respectively. Belowground biomass mass ranged from 6.90 to 8.30 tDM ha−1, with Cd and Hg concentrations between 44.3 and 57.2 mg Cd kg−1 and 4.24 to 6.05 mg Hg kg−1, respectively. Enrichment coefficients (EC) in aboveground biomass ranged from 0.060 to 0.146 for Cd and 0.002 to 0.019 for Hg. Belowground biomass EC values ranged from 0.44 to 0.57 for Cd and 0.21 to 0.30 for Hg. The translocation factor (TF) varied from 0.104 to 0.145 for Cd and 0.008 to 0.024 for Hg. Our findings suggest that miscanthus is more effective for heavy metal phytostabilisation and biomass production in moderately contaminated soils than for phytoextraction.

Last-mile delivery remains a significant logistical challenge, requiring cost-effective automation to optimize routes, resource allocation, and package handling. This paper presents a low-cost automation framework for last-mile delivery that integrates a capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) with dynamic pickups, 3D bin packing, and multi-modal optimization. We propose scalable algorithms that leverage computer vision for volume estimation, heuristic-based route planning, and dynamic scheduling to minimize operational costs while maximizing efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate reduced travel distances, improved load utilization, and enhanced delivery reliability. Our approach provides a practical and scalable solution for automating last-mile logistics, ensuring timely and cost-efficient deliveries.