Arrowroot is an underutilized unconventional food plant in the food industry. This study investigated the nutritional and technological viability of the rhizome, focusing on post-harvest preservation methods to increase shelf life. It comprises a pioneering study that evaluated the blanching effect on arrowroot rhizomes, defined shelf life and conducted sensory evaluations. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 used a central composite design to evaluate the effects of blanching on mass variation, enzymatic activity, color, firmness and rhizome microstructure. Phase 2 involved characterization, shelf-life determination under freezing and sensory analysis of fresh and cooked blanched samples. Blanching combined with freezing reduced mass loss (50.6 g kg-1 in the fresh sample and 20.6 g kg-1 in the blanched sample), maintained satisfactory microbiological quality, pH and acidity stability, promoted enzymatic inactivation, and preserved starch content during 180 days. Furthermore, blanching improved the nutritional profile of the rhizome as a result of the concentration of fibers and carbohydrates. Color parameters indicated darkening of the blanched sample because of heat-induced reactions. There was no change in the samples' firmness. Sensory analysis showed that the rhizomes were not well accepted, with fibrous texture being the attribute that most influenced the choice. Blanching at 80 °C for 4 min promoted enzyme inactivation, with minimal impact on color and firmness. Thus, the technological strategy was effective in extending shelf life, expanding access for use as a raw material in the production of flour products and in culinary preparations, adding value to the underutilized rhizome. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
In helicopter search and rescue (SAR), rescue hoists or static underslung lines are frequently used for patient access. Electrostatic charges accumulated by the aircraft can discharge through hoisted health care personnel, a phenomenon known as electrostatic discharge (ESD) or "static." These discharges can potentially cause serious injury, yet there is a surprising scarcity of published data on their incidence and clinical impact. We aimed to determine the incidence and severity of ESD during hoist operations within the Norwegian SAR service. We conducted a nationwide, 1-year prospective observational study including all SAR bases operated by the 330 Squadron in Norway, between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. All SAR hoist missions and training exercises conducted over the 1-year period were included. Data collected included ESD occurrence, hoist mission characteristics, atmospheric conditions, and subjective/objective severity of the discharge. Of the 839 hoist operations performed during the study period, ESD occurred in 28 of these, representing an overall incidence of 3.3%. The risk of ESD was significantly higher during hoists over water compared with land (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% CI 1.01-4.70). There was precipitation within 5 nautical miles in 71% of ESD incidents, and grounding equipment was found inadequate in 64%. Severity was classified as moderate in 29% (n = 8) and severe in 21% (n = 6) of ESD incidents. Two rescue paramedics required hospital admission. ESD caused communication equipment failure in 11% (n = 3) of incidents and led to the termination of the hoist operation in 18% (n = 5) of the incidents. This nationwide study demonstrates that ESD occurs in 3.3% of hoist operations performed by the SAR service in Norway. With half of the ESD incidents rated as moderate or severe and a notable frequency of mission terminations and hospitalizations, ESD represents a significant occupational hazard. These findings highlight an urgent need to re-evaluate safety protocols for SAR personnel, and to further investigate the scope and health implications of ESD for SAR personnel.
The interaction between lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts of sourdough could affect its application quality. This study used single and mixed strains of lactic acid bacteria and yeast to ferment type II liquid sourdough, systematically investigating changes in sourdough protein components, protein secondary structure, and rheological properties during fermentation, as well as the degradation of alcohol soluble proteins. The results show that metabolic differences among different strains lead to significant changes in the protein composition and rheological properties of liquid sourdough. During fermentation, the contents of globulin, gliadin and glutenin in sourdough gradually decreased. The sourdough fermented by mixed strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae J2808 and L. plantarum LG1034 had the lowest globulin content (2.12 mg/g), while that fermented by L. plantarum LG1034 alone had the lowest gliadin contents (0.27 mg/g) and glutenin contents (11.98 mg/g). Free sulfhydryl content increased continuously in single yeast fermented sourdough during fermentation, whereas it initially decreased then rose in sourdough fermented by single LAB or mixed strains of lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, except for Y2 sourdough fermented with S. cerevisiae J2808, the ordered structure of gliadin increased significantly (p < 0.05) in other sourdough samples. Compared with single LAB fermented samples, mixed fermented sourdough exhibited a reduced blue shift of gliadin peak wavelength (λ max) and enhanced fluorescence intensity, indicating that LAB yeast interactions could reduce gliadin aggregation and degradation. Overall, protein composition is related to the rheological properties of liquid sourdough, particularly viscoelasticity during yeast fermentation.
Generally, people who acquire infection with the COVID-19 virus exhibit a fever and respiratory illness. However, certain individuals also exhibit gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms, involving anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This study aimed to quantify and assess serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and fecal calprotectin (FC) in COVID-19-positive individuals who exhibit diarrhea and other GIT symptoms as indicators of inflammation in the intestinal tract. The investigation included 80 cases with diarrhea and other GIT symptoms. They were divided into two groups: group A (cases) consisted of 40 COVID-19 patients with GIT symptoms and group B (controls) consisted of 40 COVID-19 patients without GIT symptoms. Serum IL-6 and FC were assessed in both groups. The most effective cut-off value for predicting intestinal inflammation was >63, with a sensitivity of 67.5% and a specificity of 65%. The most effective cut-off value for predicting intestinal inflammation was >194, with a sensitivity of 87.6% and a specificity of 77.3%. Although the FC was more significant than serum IL-6, the difference in the area under curve (AUC) was insignificant (0.075; z-test= 1.632, p>0.05). In COVID-19 cases with experienced intestinal symptoms, serum IL-6 and FC were increased.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is under-recognized in children with refractory asthma and may be obscured by concurrent respiratory infections. We describe a 10-year-old girl with poorly controlled asthma admitted with fever, productive cough, and wheezing. Investigations revealed marked peripheral eosinophilia (1.48 × 10⁹/L), markedly elevated total immunoglobulin E (1742 IU/mL), positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) galactomannan, and positive BAL Aspergillus antigen. Multiplex respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, whereas concurrent bacterial cultures, blood culture, fungal culture, and viral testing were negative. High-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) demonstrated diffuse ground-glass opacities and bronchial wall thickening without central bronchiectasis or mucus plugging. A. fumigatus-specific IgE was not available, precluding formal classification under contemporary diagnostic criteria. A. fumigatus IgM and IgG were positive on follow-up serology. After empirical antibacterial therapy with limited durable response, oral itraconazole was initiated with sustained clinical improvement, declining total IgE and eosinophils, and stable hepatic function. This presentation is best characterized as suspected early Aspergillus-related allergic airway disease rather than confirmed ABPA. The case highlights three lessons for infectious diseases clinicians: bacterial co-detection by multiplex PCR may anchor reasoning toward infection and delay recognition of allergic fungal airway disease; lower airway Aspergillus biomarkers are supportive but not diagnostic; and the absence of central bronchiectasis does not exclude early disease. Integrated clinical, immunologic, microbiologic, and radiologic reasoning is essential in pediatric refractory asthma.
We address a central open question in driven topological matter by investigating the nonequilibrium response of a two-dimensional magnet with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions subjected to a periodically oscillating magnetic field. Using extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we uncover a dynamically reentrant skyrmion phase that emerges within a finite window of field amplitudes and bias fields, sandwiched between the conventional skyrmion and polarized ferromagnetic phases. This phase has no equilibrium counterpart and originates from an imbalance between skyrmion creation and annihilation over a single field cycle, leading to a reversal of the period-averaged topological charge. We show that the reentrant phase exists only in the dynamic response regime where the system can follow the drive, and is suppressed at higher driving frequencies. Our results establish periodic driving as a nonequilibrium control parameter for stabilizing and reversing skyrmion topology.
Prolonged drying time and substantial loss of bioactive compounds remain major challenges in raspberry drying. This study investigated the effects of ultrasound pretreatment (45 kHz, 500 W, 45 °C, 5-20 min) on cell wall structure and physicochemical properties, water status, drying behavior, and phenolic content during heat pump drying. Ultrasound disrupted raspberry tissue structure, increased accessible surface area, reshaped pore size distribution, promoted pectin solubilization and depolymerization, reduced pectin molecular weight, and enhanced water mobility. These structural changes likely reduced internal resistance to water transport, which in turn shortened the drying time from 8.87 h in the control group to 5.53 h after 15 min treatment, representing a 37.7% reduction. Fifteen phenolics were identified, and US-15 showed the best preservation of anthocyanins, whose contents were 8.46%-25.52% higher than those in control group. Overall, ultrasound pretreatment improved drying efficiency and phenolic retention by remodeling cell wall architecture and promoting water redistribution.
Methanol and higher alcohols pose health risk in many alcoholic beverages. In this study, the effects of adding organic acids on the fermentation and methanol and higher alcohol levels in purple potato wine were investigated. To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of organic acids, a transcriptome analysis and enzyme activity assays were performed. The addition of acetic, lactic, and citric acids increased the types and contents of volatile substances such as esters and acids, and improved the taste and flavor of wine. All three organic acids effectively reduced methanol and higher alcohol contents in the wine, with acetic acid exhibiting the most pronounced effect. The optimal concentration of acetic acid was 0.2%, at which methanol and higher alcohol levels were reduced by 17.72% and 31.34%, respectively. Although a higher concentration of 0.25% resulted in a slightly greater reduction, it led to excessively high total acidity, which may adversely affect wine quality.Transcriptome analyses revealed that the addition of acetic and lactic acid increased transcript levels of genes encoding alcohol acetyltransferase and alcohol acyltransferase, which are involved in ester synthesis, by 77.88% to 96.03%. Conversely, the transcript levels of genes encoding pyruvate decarboxylase and aldehyde reductase, associated with alcohol synthesis, decreased by 26.88% to 65.74%. Furthermore, the activity of pectinesterase, linked to methanol formation, decreased by 12.47% to 23.08%. This study contributes to quality improvement of potato wine and other similar fermented alcoholic drinks.
The second-order phase transitions in the Ising model and liquid-gas systems share a universality class and critical exponents, despite the absence of Z_{2} symmetry in the liquid-gas Hamiltonian. This discrepancy highlights a central puzzle in critical phenomena: what is the influence of asymmetry on scaling laws? For over a century, this question has been explored through examining violations of the empirical "rectilinear diameter law" for the subcritical coexistence curve, where asymmetry could generate singular corrections. Here, we extend this investigation to the supercritical regime. We propose a supercritical-subcritical correspondence, drawing a formal analogy between the subcritical coexistence curve and recently defined supercritical boundary lines (L^{±} lines). Our theory predicts that the linear mixing of physical fields-a hallmark of asymmetric systems-produces universal scaling corrections, with antisymmetric coefficients, in these supercritical loci. We verify these predictions using liquid-gas data from the NIST database and a model liquid-liquid transition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the same asymmetric scaling framework governs the behavior of higher-order cumulants in the order parameter distribution.
To develop a construct specification equation (CSE) that identifies the task characteristics most strongly associated with fine motor item difficulty, establish a standardized unit, the fine motor unit (FMU), and define a universal measurement scale. Cross-sectional design. General community. Secondary analysis of a convenience sample of children (n=637) under 71 months in Brazil. Children were excluded for musculoskeletal disorders, genetic syndromes, and congenital malformation. The average age was 21.7 months (18.6mo), and 51% were female. Not applicable. Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second edition (PDMS-2) Grasp Scale. Explanatory factors with corresponding ordinal rating systems for fine motor development were created from task analysis and theory. Explanatory factors included shoulder/elbow/wrist movement, hand/fingers grasp, body position, object description, and cueing. Each item on the PDMS-2 Grasping Scale was rated across all explanatory variables. Explanatory variables had strong linear associations with previously published Rasch measurement item calibrations for the PDMS-2 Grasping Scale items. Forward stepwise linear regression tested the ability of explanatory variables to explain the variance in PDSM-2 item calibrations. Three models explained between 88% and 90% of the variance in PDMS-2 Grasping Scale item calibrations. The most parsimonious model included the shoulder/elbow/wrist movement and the hand/finger explanatory factors. This model was used as the CSE and anchored to items Grasp Reflex and Dynamic Marker Grasp. This established a standardized unit, the FMU, as 1/100th of the distance between each anchor. FMUs had a positive linear association with item calibrations (r=.93; P<.01). The findings support CSE methodology for investigating explanatory factors related to fine motor development. The results of this study suggest that a CSE can provide initial support for validating a universal measurement scale and standardized unit for fine motor development.
Quercetin, a phytochemical sourced from botanicals, exhibits therapeutic potential for conditions including preeclampsia (PE); nevertheless, its precise mechanisms of action against this condition remain incompletely characterized. This investigation sought to explore the hypothesis that quercetin enhances cellular function in PE by suppressing autophagy during in vitro experiments. Within an oxygen-deprived setting, placental trophoblast cells were generated and subsequently exposed to varying doses of Quercetin (Que) alongside LY294002, a compound inhibiting PI3K activity. Cellular multiplication, programmed cell death, and invasive capacity were quantified. This evaluation employed tetrazolium salt (MTT) testing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, Transwell chamber analysis, and scratch wound closure measurements. Furthermore, subcellular architecture was visualized through electron microscopic imaging, while immunoblot analysis determined expression levels of associated proteins. Relative to controls, HTR-8/SVneo cells exhibited markedly suppressed proliferation, invasive capacity, and 24-h/48-h scratch assay closure rates, alongside substantially elevated apoptotic activity (p < 0.001 throughout). Concomitantly, protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was profoundly diminished, while autophagic activity was significantly amplified (p < 0.001 throughout). Subsequent Que intervention significantly enhanced cellular proliferation, invasion, and migratory potential in HTR-8/SVneo cultures, coupled with attenuated autophagy levels attributable to PI3K/AKT pathway activation. However, co-administration of Que with LY294002 substantially abrogated these Que-mediated effects. In conclusion, laboratory investigation demonstrates that Quercetin elevated the functional capabilities of placental trophoblast cells by modulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling axis, concurrently suppressing autophagic processes.
A fundamental understanding of hydrogen behavior in Fe-Cr alloys is critical for mitigating hydrogen-related challenges in fusion and fission reactor environments. Extensive calculations are performed using plane-wave density functional theory to investigate the interaction and dynamics of hydrogen isotopes in a model bcc Fe-Cr system. The hydrogen dissociative adsorption on Fe-Cr surfaces is found to be exothermic, whereas absorption into subsurface and bulk sites is shown to be endothermic. The findings reveal that the tetrahedral-site absorption energies for hydrogen become increasingly endothermic with rising Cr concentration. Nudged elastic band (NEB) calculations show that the predicted diffusion barriers of hydrogen isotopes increase with Cr content and thus reduce the permeation. The computed diffusion, permeation, and solubility trends agree with the experimental results. The analysis of hydrogen isotopes highlights the role of zero-point energy in governing the desorption kinetics of hydrogen.
This study investigated the mechanisms underlying flavor deterioration in Zanba during storage by integrating microbiome analysis, non-targeted metabolomics, and flavoromics. Microbial succession analysis revealed a transition from raw-material-associated microbiota to lipid oxidation-linked dominant genera, including Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Temperatibacter, and Enterococcus. These taxa were strongly associated with lipid degradation and oxidative metabolic activities. Metabolomics profiling identified lipid metabolism-particularly that of linoleic acid and glycerophospholipids-as the most significantly perturbed pathway over storage. Flavoromics further showed a progressive decline in Maillard reaction-derived heterocyclic compounds that contribute to roasted cereal notes, alongside a concurrent accumulation of lipid oxidation-derived aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones. Correlation analyses substantiated that the dominant microbial populations promoted lipid hydrolysis and oxidation, thereby accelerating flavor deterioration. Collectively, these findings indicate that Zanba flavor degradation during storage is primarily driven by microbial-associated lipid oxidation, resulting in a sensory shift from roasted cereal aromas toward rancid off-flavors.
The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a key subunit of the heterodimeric EcR-USP (ultraspiracle) receptor, whose role in insect growth and development has been well established. In contrast, its role in regulating chitin biosynthesis, particularly at transcriptional level received less attention. Here, we identified the EcR from Hyphantria cunea and investigated its roles in larval growth and development, particularly in chitin biosynthesis, via dsRNA-mediated HcEcR knockdown. Bioassays showed that silencing of HcEcR significantly increased larval mortality and caused developmental defects in H. cunea. Meanwhile, HcEcR knockdown significantly downregulated the expression of genes in the chitin biosynthetic pathway. The yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay indicated that HcEcR alone did not interact with the HcCHSA or HcHK2 promoters, suggesting that, independent of HcUSP, HcEcR might not transcriptionally regulate chitin biosynthesis pathway genes. Additionally, HcEcR knockdown significantly suppressed the expression of 20E-induced response genes, but dramatically increased glucose, trehalose and glycogen levels in H. cunea larvae. Overall, HcEcR was pivotal for the growth, molting and chitin biosynthesis in H. cunea larvae. Meanwhile, HcEcR knockdown suppressed epidermal chitin synthesis probably by downregulating 20E signaling in H. cunea larvae. Furthermore, inhibiting chitin synthesis might reduce substrate consumption for chitin synthesis, thereby resulting in an increase of carbohydrate levels in the larvae. Moreover, HcEcR alone might not transcriptionally regulate chitin biosynthetic pathway genes. The findings provide novel insights into the physiological role of EcR in chitin biosynthesis and identify potential molecular targets for pest control.
Personalizing anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) remains challenging due to variable drug clearance and response. Identifying pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) predictors of deep remission could enable precision dosing strategies. The primary aim was to define PK metrics and PD biomarkers associated with deep remission. Patients initiating infliximab or adalimumab were prospectively enrolled from four pediatric centers with longitudinal blood and stool biospecimens collected for one year. Deep remission was defined as a combination of weighted pediatric CD activity index (wPCDAI) < 12.5 and Simple Endoscopic Score-CD < 3. Trough concentrations (cTrough) were measured throughout the study. Drug exposure (area under the curve, AUC) and clearance were estimated using drug-specific population PK models and Bayesian estimation using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM). Deep remission was achieved in 34/70 (48.6%) with no difference in outcomes between biologics. Infliximab cTrough thresholds associated with deep remission were 33 µg/mL (Week 2), 15 µg/mL (Week 6), and 4.7 µg/mL (Month 3) with Week 6 cTrough targets ranging 15-26 µg/mL depending on the outcome of interest. Higher AUC during induction for both infliximab and adalimumab was associated with deep remission, whereas rapid infliximab clearance at various timepoints was inversely associated with deep remission. Baseline predictors of rapid infliximab clearance included older age, low albumin, and elevations in body mass index, C-reactive protein, soluble CD64, and wPCDAI. We identified PK/PD cut-points associated with deep remission and rapid infliximab clearance, providing actionable metrics to individualize induction dosing and optimize maintenance therapy for children starting anti-TNF therapy.
The use of perfusion systems for the continuous cultivation of animal cells at high cell density (HCD) for the production of recombinant proteins, viruses, and viral vectors has many advantages. Besides an enhancement of volumetric productivity and high cell viability, the product quality can be improved through a steady-state environment. However, the establishment of such a process intensification method using stirred tank bioreactors (STRs) for cultivations at very high cell concentrations (> 50 × 106 cells mL-1) can be challenging. In particular, limitations in the oxygen supply, CO2 stripping, high viscosity, and excessive foam formation can impede cell viability and product yields. In this study, we investigated a novel membrane-stirrer (MemStir) based bioreactor that employs multiple hollow-fiber membrane sheets arranged in a device that facilitates efficient gas transfer through bubble-free diffusion for HCD cultivations. We found that the oxygen transfer rates at different tip speeds and gas flow rates resulted in volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) values of 10-30 h-1 enabling sufficient oxygen supply to support concentrations exceeding 50 × 106 cells mL-1. The functionality of the membrane-stirrer was benchmarked in batch mode against shake flasks and a conventional STR equipped with a pitched-blade impeller and an l-drilled hole sparger. Suspension growth of a human embryonic kidney 293 LTV (HEK-LTV) cell in the MemStir system was comparable to the cell growth in a STR. Using pure oxygen for aeration, a maximum viable cell concentration of 7.6 × 106 cells mL-1 was achieved. As a starting point for further optimization, we investigated the impact of the MemStir system on viable cell concentration, cell viability, dissolved oxygen partial pressure, pH control and foam formation in HCD cultivations in perfusion mode. Using the MemStir system equipped with an alternating tangential flow system, HEK-LTV cells reached concentrations of up to 92 × 106 cells mL-1 with a specific growth rate of 0.022 h-1 in perfusion mode. Moreover, controlling the pH in the range 7.0 to 7.3 was easily achieved, and no foam formation was observed. Overall, these results suggest that the MemStir system is a viable option for HCD cultivation because it can overcome limitations of both aeration and foam formation.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly prescribed for weight management. Similar to the early implementation of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), little is known about how GLP-1RAs affect individuals with eating disorders (EDs) or their potential to promote, mask, or exacerbate ED psychopathology. Lacking robust empirical data directly examining associations between GLP-1RAs and ED risk, we draw on lessons from the field of MBS to summarize current critical knowledge gaps and guide clinicians, educators, researchers, and advocates on interim decision-making. As providers working at the intersection of EDs and obesity treatment, we integrate published findings with our clinical and research expertise to identify potential ED risks associated with GLP-1RA use and identify opportunities to screen and intervene. Initially in MBS practice, ED symptoms were underrecognized due to lack of standardized screening and monitoring protocols. Early concerns arose from patient reports and provider observations, followed by empirical and systematic research investigation leading to the development of structured assessment tools and protocols. Similar concerns are arising with GLP-1RA treatment, where changes in appetite and weight may, without prospective or ongoing screening, worsen existing or contribute to de novo ED behaviors and cognitions. ED providers are uniquely positioned to identify and address disordered eating occurring with GLP-1RA treatment that may be overlooked by providers with less ED training and experience. We highlight opportunities for ED professionals to engage in advocacy, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce harm and promote patient wellbeing as GLP-1RA use increases.
Sliding elastomers (SE) based on polyrotaxane (PR) architectures exhibit exceptional mechanical toughness through the "pulley effect". However, side-chain crystallization in such solvent-free systems often compromises molecular mobility and the efficiency of the topological cross-links. In this study, a series of solvent-free sliding elastomers was developed by grafting amorphous poly(ε-caprolactone-co-δ-valerolactone) [P(CL-co-VL)] side chains that are amorphous at ambient conditions onto a hydroxypropylated polyrotaxane (HPR) backbone via ring-opening polymerization. Systematic investigations were conducted by varying the side-chain degrees of polymerization (DP = 13, 26, 52) and the cross-linking indices (r = [NCO]/[OH]). The amorphous nature of the random copolymeric side chains effectively suppressed crystallization, thereby facilitating the unhindered sliding motion of α-cyclodextrin rings along the PEG axis. Compared to traditional fixed covalent cross-linking initiated by hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), these solvent-free elastomers exhibited superior mechanical performance, achieving a tensile strength of 10.2 MPa and an exceptional elongation at break of 830%. It is demonstrated that the synergy between topological sliding cross-links and the amorphous side-chain design allows for precise tuning of mechanical responses and stress homogenization. This work provides a robust strategy for the fabrication of high-performance, solvent-free topological elastomers with an optimized "pulley effect" for advanced flexible applications.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is an aromatic herb cultivated worldwide. Narrow-wavelength red LED light can potentially regulate the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as aroma compounds, but its impact on fennel aroma remains unclear. This study investigated supplemental red LED effects on fennel aroma using nutrient film hydroponic systems, comparing natural greenhouse light (control) with supplemental red LED (100 μmol·m-2·s-1, 14 h·d-1). GC-MS-O characterized aroma compounds in fresh fennel while RNA-seq analyzed gene expression. Supplemental red LED was found to enhance fennel growth and significantly increase aroma-active compounds in leaves, particularly phenylpropanoids like (E)-anethole and estragole. RNA-seq revealed 1958 upregulated and 278 downregulated genes. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes such as eugenol synthase and isoeugenol synthase were upregulated. These gene-metabolite associations are correlational and functional validation was for future studies. Results demonstrated the potential application of LED lighting for enhancing culinary herb quality in controlled environments and provided molecular insights for fennel aroma biosynthesis.
Periscapular and interscapular pain are common musculoskeletal complaints; however, dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) entrapment neuropathy remains an under-recognized and frequently overlooked etiology. DSN pathology may mimic multiple cervical, shoulder, and upper-extremity disorders, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. To systematically review the current literature regarding the anatomy, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of DSN entrapment neuropathy. A systematic review was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases through January 1, 2026. Search terms included combinations of "dorsal scapular nerve," "dorsal scapular neuropathy," "dorsal scapular nerve entrapment," "scapular winging," "scapulothoracic pain," and "nerve decompression." English-language clinical studies, case reports, case series, anatomical investigations, and diagnostic studies relevant to DSN pathology were included. Non-English publications, duplicate reports, unrelated shoulder conditions, and studies lacking clinical relevance were excluded. The literature primarily consists of case reports, small case series, anatomical studies, and technical reports. The DSN most commonly originates from the C5 nerve root and frequently traverses the middle scalene muscle, which represents the most common site of entrapment. Patients typically present with medial scapular border pain, scapular dyskinesis, rhomboid weakness, and subtle scapular winging. DSN neuropathy may clinically mimic cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, and rotator cuff pathology. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies may support diagnosis, although findings are operator dependent and technically challenging. High-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may demonstrate nerve edema, muscle denervation, or scapular asymmetry. Conservative management including activity modification, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and image-guided injections remains first-line treatment. Surgical decompression has been described in refractory cases, although evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. DSN entrapment neuropathy is an uncommon but clinically significant cause of periscapular pain. Recognition of characteristic clinical features and understanding of the anatomical course of the nerve are essential for accurate diagnosis. Current evidence regarding management remains limited to low-level studies, highlighting the need for prospective investigations with standardized diagnostic criteria and outcome measures.