Search Results (1,139)

Solid oxide electrolysis (SOEL) has emerged as a promising technology for efficient hydrogen production. Its main advantages lie in the high operating temperatures, which enhance thermodynamic efficiency, and in the ability to supply part of the required energy in the form of heat. Nevertheless, improving the long-term durability of stack materials remains a key challenge. Thermal energy can be supplied by dedicated integration with different industrial processes, where the main challenge lies in the elevated stack operating temperature (700–900 °C). This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) into different industrial applications. Main processes cover methanol production, methane production, Power-to-Hydrogen systems, or the use of reversible solid oxide electrolysis cell (rSOEC) stacks that can operate in both electrolysis and fuel cell mode. The potential of co-electrolysis to increase process flexibility and broaden application areas is also analyzed. The aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the integration strategies, identify the main technical and economic challenges, and highlight recent developments and future trends in the field. A detailed comparison assessment of the different processes is being discussed in terms of electrical and thermal efficiencies and operating parameters, as well as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each process. Technical-economic challenges that are currently a barrier to their implementation in industry are also analyzed. Full article

Background: Circulating miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis and monitoring of cancers. However, limitations of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods are currently delaying the transition of miRNA research into clinical practice. These include labour-intensive workflows, exposure to errors and difficulties in detecting and quantifying low-abundance miRNAs. Objectives: This review emphasizes the need to develop amplification-free (“PCR-free”) technologies to improve the reliability, scalability and practicality of miRNA diagnostics in clinical settings. Methods: This review explores recent advances in PCR-free technologies developed over the past five years. It focuses on innovative methods, such as bead-based assays and sensor detection platforms, which serve as valuable alternatives to conventional PCR-based approaches. These emerging technologies have the potential to overcome the key limitations of PCR by offering streamlined workflows, reduced error rates and enhanced compatibility with a variety of clinical sample types. Crucially, they enable absolute quantification without the need for pre-nucleic acid extraction, reverse transcription or amplification, as well as the simultaneous detection of multiple miRNAs within a single assay. These provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for comprehensive biomarker profiling. The transition from PCR-based to PCR-free technologies is a significant step forward in miRNA diagnostics, overcoming long-standing technical barriers and paving the way for broader adoption of miRNA analysis in routine clinical settings. This shift supports the advancement of precision medicine and holds promises for improving early cancer detection. Full article

Background: Reconstruction of nasal, septal, and nasosinusal defects is challenging when the native mucosa is absent or damaged. Oral mucosal grafts have been proposed as a reconstructive option due to their favorable biological properties, but their use in rhinology remains poorly defined. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and technical characteristics of oral mucosal grafting for nasal, septal, nasosinusal, and skull base reconstruction. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 2005 and May 2025. Study Eligibility Criteria: We included original human studies (case reports or series) reporting the use of free or pedicled oral mucosal grafts in nasal, septal, nasosinusal, or skull base reconstruction. Non-original studies, animal or preclinical studies, and articles not in English or Spanish were excluded. Methods of Review: One reviewer screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using Rayyan. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI tools for case reports and case series. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to clinical heterogeneity and absence of comparison groups. The resulting assessments were reviewed by the co-authors to confirm accuracy and resolve any potential discrepancies. Results: Of 467 records identified, 10 studies were included. All were case reports or series involving buccal, palatal, or labial mucosa. Most reported good graft integration, low complication rates, and favorable functional outcomes. No randomized studies or comparative analyses were found. Limitations: Included studies had small sample sizes, lacked control groups, and showed heterogeneous methods and follow-up. The certainty of evidence could not be formally assessed. Conclusions: Oral mucosal grafting is a promising reconstructive option in selected nasosinusal and skull base defects. However, stronger comparative studies are needed to determine its clinical superiority. Registration: This review was not registered in any public database. Full article

This study aimed to describe and assess differences among playing positions, to determine playing position profiles, and to analyze the relationships between the change-of-direction deficit (CODD) percentage and the other anthropometric and performance variables. A total of 98 young futsal players (age: 17 ± 1 years) from the highest national level in Spain were assessed using a cross-sectional design. Anthropometric variables such as height and body mass were recorded. The performance tests included countermovement jumps; horizontal jumps; sprint tests (10 m and 25 m); change-of-direction (COD) tests, including a 10 m test with one COD of 180° (COD180) and a 25 m test with 4 CODs (V-cut); and the percentage CODD. Furthermore, asymmetries were recorded. The group comparisons were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05 and were supported by the effect sizes and mean differences. Significant differences were found among playing positions, showing that pivots and goalkeepers were significantly taller than left- and right-wingers and defenders (p < 0.05, effect size (ES) = −1.42 to 0.72). Goalkeepers were significantly slower than the rest of the positions in COD180 to the left (p < 0.05, ES = 1.32 to 1.89). A very large association was found between the CODDs of 25 m and 25 m (p < 0.001; r = −0.72). These results suggest that pivots and goalkeepers are taller and larger than the other players. However, aside from goalkeepers, no differences in performance variables were observed among the outfield players. In addition, a lower %CODD is associated with a faster COD performance, highlighting its importance in training. Full article

Introduction: In healthcare centers with limited resources, or for patients who prefer to make continuous changes in their treatment themselves and do not want to rely solely on technology, intermittent glucose monitoring (isCGM) with an insulin pump is a viable option that warrants further study. Material and methods: prospective single-center study that collected data at 3 months and after isCGM implantation in pediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes, categorized according to their insulin regimen. Results: We found statistically significant differences in the time in range (TIR) between 70 and 180 mg/dl at 3 months after using the sensor (p = 0.017), although these differences were not maintained at 1 year (p = 0.064). When stricter TIRs (70–140 mg/dl) were analyzed, statistically significant differences were observed at 3 months (p = 0.01) and at 1 year (p = 0.018) in favor of patients using CSII. While 75% of the patients in the CSII group had good control with HbA1c < 7% after one year of sensor use, only 34.6% in the MDI group achieved these values. However, the CSII group presented a higher coefficient of variation (62.31% at 3 months and 43.08% at 1 year) (p = 0.02), and a higher number of hypoglycemic episodes (7.38% and 7.32%, respectively) (p = 0.016). The CSII group also had a higher number of capillary blood glucose measurements at the beginning of the study (8.32/day) (p = 0.249), but this number became similar between both groups after one year. Conclusions: We found statistically significant differences in favor of CSII over MDI in terms of metabolic control after one year of isCGM use. However, the TIR values were still below the range considered to be indicative of good control. These findings lead us to question whether CSII should be initially considered in specific cases where HCL is not possible, or if it would be more effective to wait until the patient is ready, or the necessary resources are available to start directly CSII integrated in a closed loop system. Full article

This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use among adolescents aged 14–19 in Central Catalonia across three periods. Data were obtained from two waves of the DESKcohort project. The first wave (n = 4641) was pre-COVID-19 and the second wave was divided into two phases: post-COVID-19 with restrictions (n = 3478) and post-COVID-19 without restrictions (n = 2900). The prevalence of monthly binge drinking, cannabis use in the last 30 days, and daily tobacco use was calculated. Poisson regression models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) comparing two post-pandemic phases to the pre-pandemic baseline. Binge drinking increased during the restrictions among girls [aPR = 1.5 (95%CI: 1.1–2.1)] and boys [aPR = 1.7 (95%CI: 1.3–2.3)]. Cannabis use decreased during restrictions and remained low post-pandemic, especially among girls [aPR = 0.6 (95%CI: 0.5–0.8)] and boys in the 4th Compulsory Secondary Education (CSE) [aPR = 0.4 (95%CI: 0.3–0.6)], and girls in the 2nd Post-Compulsory Secondary Education/Intermediate-Level Training Cycles (PCSE/ILTC) [aPR = 0.7 (95%CI: 0.6–0.9)]. Daily tobacco use also dropped among boys in the 4th year of CSE [aPR = 0.5 (95%CI: 0.3–0.7)] and girls in the 2nd year of PCSE/ILTC [aPR = 0.7 (95%CI: 0.6–0.9)]. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity to reassess patterns of adolescent substance use in a context of sudden social disruption. The findings highlight the need to denormalize alcohol and tobacco use and promote healthier adolescent behavior through education. Full article

Background/Introduction: Psychological inflexibility, which includes experiential avoidance, is a transdiagnostic process associated with multiple mental health issues in adolescence. Physical fitness (PF) has shown benefits for mental well-being, yet its specific relationship with psychological inflexibility remains understudied, particularly among youth. Objectives: To examine the association between components of PF and psychological inflexibility, measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 631 adolescents (aged 12–17) participating in the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. PF was assessed by the Assessing the Levels of PHysical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-Fit) Test Battery (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, agility, and flexibility). Psychological inflexibility was measured using the AAQ-II. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to evaluate associations, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and energy intake. Results: Unadjusted analyses showed weak but significant associations between psychological inflexibility and performance in the 20 m shuttle run test (p = 0.002), the 4 × 10 shuttle run test (p = 0.005), and the sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). However, after adjusting for covariates, none of the PF components maintained a statistically significant association with the AAQ-II scores. Conclusions: In this adolescent sample, PF components were not independently associated with psychological inflexibility after adjustment for key confounders. These findings suggest that, while PF may contribute to general well-being, it is not a primary determinant of psychological inflexibility. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms linking physical and psychological health in youth. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with its incidence rising each year. Despite its relatively low incidence, the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer results in high mortality, with only 12% of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis. Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment, but the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The goal of this work is to identify vulnerabilities that can affect the efficacy of treatments and improve the efficacy of therapy. Methods: MAP17 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cell lines, RT-qPCR analysis, xenografts, in vitro and in vivo treatments, analysis of data from pancreatic tumors in transcriptomic patient databases. Results: We studied the prognostic and predictive value of MAP17 (PDZK1IP1) expression in pancreatic cancer, and we found that high MAP17 mRNA expression was associated with poor prognosis. In addition, single-cell analysis revealed that high MAP17 expression was present only in tumor cells. We investigated whether the response to various antitumor agents depended on MAP17 expression. In 2D culture, MAP17-expressing pancreatic cancer cells responded better to gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil. However, in vivo xenograft tumors with MAP17 expression showed resistance to all treatments. Additionally, MAP17-expressing cells had a high NAD pool, which seems to be effectively depleted in vivo by NAMPT inhibitors, the primary enzyme for NAD biosynthesis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MAP17 expression could enhance the prognostic stratification of pancreatic cancer patients. Moreover, the coadministration of NAMPT inhibitors with current treatments may sensitize tumors with high MAP17 expression to chemotherapy and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. Full article

The presence of Active Galaxy Nuclei (AGN) can affect the morphological classification of galaxies. This work aims to determine how the contribution of AGN affects the most-used morphological parameters down to the redshift of z ∼ 2 in COSMOS-like conditions. We use a sample of >2000 local non-active galaxies, with a well-known visual morphological classification, and add an AGN as an unresolved component that contributes to the total galaxy flux with 5–75%. We moved all the galaxies to lower magnitudes (higher redshifts) to map the conditions in the COSMOS field, and we measured six morphological parameters. The greatest impact on morphology occurs when considering the combined effect of magnitude, redshift, and AGN, with spiral galaxies being the most affected. In general, all the concentration parameters change significantly if the AGN contribution is >25% and the magnitude > 23. We find that the GINI coefficient is the most stable in terms of AGN and magnitude/redshift, followed by the moment of light (M20), Conselice–Bershady (CCON), and finally the Abraham (CABR) concentration indexes. We find that, when using morphological parameters, the combination of CABR, CCON, and asymmetry is the most effective in classifying active galaxies at high-redshift, followed by a combination of CABR and GINI. Full article

Electrostatic separation is a promising technology for the recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste, particularly from printed circuit boards (PCBs). This study explores the application of electrostatic separation for the selective recovery of metallic and non-metallic fractions from crushed PCBs (PCBs). The process exploits the differences in electrical properties between conductive metals and non-conductive polymers and ceramics, facilitating their separation through applied electric fields. The raw materials were pre-treated via mechanical comminution using shredders and hammer mills to achieve an optimal particle size distribution (<3 mm), which enhances separation efficiency. Ferrous materials were removed prior to electrostatic separation to improve process selectivity. Key operational parameters, including particle size, charge accumulation, environmental conditions, and separation efficiency, were systematically analysed. The results demonstrate that electrostatic separation effectively recovers high-value metals such as copper and gold while minimizing material losses. Additionally, the process contributes to the sustainability of e-waste recycling by enabling the recovery of non-metallic fractions for potential secondary applications. This work underscores the significance of electrostatic separation as a viable technique for e-waste management and highlights optimization strategies for enhancing its performance in large-scale recycling operations. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that is commonly managed with palliative drugs, many of which are associated with undesirable side effects. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel supplementation with guarana, selenium, and L-carnitine (GSC) in a rat model of chemically induced OA. Forty male Wistar rats (8–9 weeks old) received intra-articular sodium monoiodoacetate (Mia) to induce OA, and were subsequently treated with GSC. Inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed at the end of the experiment. GSC supplementation enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses, suggesting systemic antioxidant activity. However, no histological improvement was observed. In silico analyses indicated that Mia-induced OA may involve a complex molecular environment that GSC, at the tested dose, failed to modulate at the site of injury. Despite the limited local effects, these findings support the systemic benefits of GSC and highlight the potential of natural compound-based strategies in OA management. Given the adverse effects of conventional pharmacotherapy, the development of alternative, naturally derived treatments remains a promising avenue for future research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Virtual reality has emerged as a promising intervention for pain management in individuals with cancer. Although its clinical effects have been explored, little is known about participant adherence and dropout behavior. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled dropout rate in randomized controlled trials using virtual reality to treat cancer pain; assess whether dropout differs between groups; and explore potential predictors of attrition. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL up to April 2025. Eligible studies were randomized trials involving cancer patients or survivors that compared VR interventions for pain management with any non-VR control. Proportion meta-analyses and odds ratio meta-analyses were performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and meta-regression was conducted to explore potential predictors of dropout. The JBI appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality and GRADE system to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Six randomized controlled trials were included (n = 569). The pooled dropout rate was 16% (95% CI: 8.2–28.7%). Dropout was slightly lower in VR groups (12.7%) than in controls (21.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.51–1.72; I² = 9%; GRADE: very low). No significant predictors of dropout were identified. Conclusions: VR interventions appear to have acceptable retention rates in oncology settings. The pooled dropout estimate may serve as a reference for sample size calculations. Future trials should improve reporting practices and investigate how VR modality and patient characteristics influence adherence. Full article

This research presents a novel, sustainable, and eco-friendly method for the rapid green synthesis of nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. This method employs steam distillation to extract reducing and stabilizing agents from orange peel waste, followed by ultrasound-assisted synthesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported integration of these two techniques for nanoparticle production. The extracted materials were then subjected to rigorous characterization through a combination of analytical techniques, including FTIR, HPLC, and TEM. These analytical approaches enabled a comprehensive analysis of the synthesized NPs, revealing their size distribution within the range of 1.5 to 14 nm. Among the synthesized nanomaterials, AgNPs exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, with statistically significant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 16 ppm for E. coli ATCC and 32 ppm for resistant E. coli and E. faecalis strains. This study underscored the promise of valorizing citrus waste for nanomaterial synthesis and introduced a novel, scalable methodology for producing bioactive nanoparticles, promoting a more sustainable technology for this purpose. Notably, this research aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production by transforming organic waste into high-value functional nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: This retrospective observational study evaluates the efficacy of Descemetorhexis without Keratoplasty (DSO) compared to Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) in the management of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). The outcomes were compared in terms of the corneal anatomical changes, visual results, and complication rates between the two surgical techniques for FECD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, observational study including 31 eyes from 26 patients who underwent either DSO (n = 16) or DMEK (n = 15) at the Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Arruzafa. Patients were included if they had complete follow-up data at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year post-intervention. Their clinical information was collected from medical records and complementary tests, including the Snellen visual acuity test, Pentacam corneal tomography, and specular microscopy. Results: The average time to achieve best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was significantly longer for DSO (7.44 ± 2.3 months) than for DMEK (5.73 ± 1.9 months, p = 0.004). Complication rates were higher in the DMEK group (26.7%), and in comparison, there was an absence of complications in the DSO group (p = 0.043). Corneal endothelial cell migration was confirmed in patients who underwent DSO, with a mean cell density of 817.17 ± 91.7 cells/mm² after one year. Conclusions: DSO effectively treated the selected patients with FECD who presented central guttata and corneal edema, achieving visual outcomes equivalent to those of DMEK while reducing complication rates. This technique eliminates the need for donor tissue and immunosuppressive medications, making it a viable alternative for specific cases. Full article

Background: Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral element with important roles in enhancing athletic performance and athlete recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the differences in plasma, urinary, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations between sexes and analyze the variations in Se concentrations during the soccer season. The main hypothesis was that significant differences in Se levels would be observed between male and female athletes and that these differences would fluctuate throughout the season due to varying training loads and nutritional factors. Methods: Twenty-two male (20 ± 2 years; 1.76 ± 0.06 m; 14.73 ± 3.13 years’ experience; fifth Spanish division) and twenty-four female soccer players (23 ± 4 years; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; 14.51 ± 4.94 years’ experience; second Spanish division) participated. Three assessments were conducted during the season. Evaluations included anthropometry, body composition, fitness (cardiorespiratory and vertical jump), and nutritional intake. Venous samples of blood and urine were obtained. The concentrations of Se in the plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: No differences in Se intake were observed. The Se concentrations in the plasma, urine, and platelets were found to be higher in males, while females showed elevated levels in their erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Throughout the season, plasma and platelet Se concentrations exhibited a progressive increase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Assessing Se status during the season is essential for evaluating nutritional supplementation to maintain performance given Se’s vital role in the immune and antioxidant systems. Full article