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Search Results (761)

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21 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Boreal Forests: Does Elevated CO2 Increase Wood Volume?
by Nyonho Oh, Eric C. Davis and Brent Sohngen
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7017; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157017 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 136
Abstract
While boreal forests constitute 30% of the Earth’s forested area and are responsible for 20% of the global carbon sink, there is considerable concern about their sustainability. This paper focuses on the role of elevated CO2, examining whether wood volume in [...] Read more.
While boreal forests constitute 30% of the Earth’s forested area and are responsible for 20% of the global carbon sink, there is considerable concern about their sustainability. This paper focuses on the role of elevated CO2, examining whether wood volume in these forests has responded to increased CO2 over the last 60 years. To accomplish this, we use a rich set of wood volume measurement data from the Province of Alberta, Canada, and deploy quasi-experimental techniques to determine the effect of elevated CO2. While the few experimental studies that have examined boreal forests have found almost no effect of elevated CO2, our results indicate that a 1.0% increase in lifetime exposure to CO2 leads to a 1.1% increase in aboveground wood volume in these boreal forests. This study showcases the value of research designs that use natural settings to better account for the effects of prolonged exposure to elevated CO2. Our results should enable improved delineation of the drivers of historical changes in wood volume and carbon storage in boreal forests. In addition, when combined with other studies, these results will likely aid policymakers in designing management or policy approaches that will enhance the sustainability of forests in boreal regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
22 pages, 4406 KiB  
Article
Colorectal Cancer Detection Tool Developed with Neural Networks
by Alex Ede Danku, Eva Henrietta Dulf, Alexandru George Berciu, Noemi Lorenzovici and Teodora Mocan
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158144 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been a considerable surge in the development of artificial intelligence. Imaging is most frequently employed for the diagnostic evaluation of patients, as it is regarded as one of the most precise methods for identifying the presence [...] Read more.
In the last two decades, there has been a considerable surge in the development of artificial intelligence. Imaging is most frequently employed for the diagnostic evaluation of patients, as it is regarded as one of the most precise methods for identifying the presence of a disease. However, a study indicates that approximately 800,000 individuals in the USA die or incur permanent disability because of misdiagnosis. The present study is based on the use of computer-aided diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The objective of this study is to develop a practical, low-cost, AI-based decision-support tool that integrates clinical test data (blood/stool) and, if needed, colonoscopy images to help reduce misdiagnosis and improve early detection of colorectal cancer for clinicians. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are utilized in conjunction with a graphical user interface (GUI), which caters to individuals lacking programming expertise. The performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) is measured using the mean squared error (MSE) metric, and the obtained performance is 7.38. For CNN, two distinct cases are under consideration: one with two outputs and one with three outputs. The precision of the models is 97.2% for RGB and 96.7% for grayscale, respectively, in the first instance, and 83% for RGB and 82% for grayscale in the second instance. However, using a pretrained network yielded superior performance with 99.5% for 2-output models and 93% for 3-output models. The GUI is composed of two panels, with the best ANN model and the best CNN model being utilized in each. The primary function of the tool is to assist medical personnel in reducing the time required to make decisions and the probability of misdiagnosis. Full article
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16 pages, 1317 KiB  
Systematic Review
Association Between Oral Dysbiosis and Depression: A Systematic Review
by Paula García-Rios, Miguel R. Pecci-Lloret, María Pilar Pecci-Lloret, Laura Murcia-Flores and Nuria Pérez-Guzmán
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145162 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
Background: Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a combination of somatic and cognitive disturbances, in which a predominantly sad or irritable mood significantly interferes with the patient’s functioning. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Currently, various [...] Read more.
Background: Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a combination of somatic and cognitive disturbances, in which a predominantly sad or irritable mood significantly interferes with the patient’s functioning. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Currently, various studies are exploring a possible association between oral dysbiosis and depression—an increasingly relevant topic, as confirmation of such a relationship could position the oral microbiota as a potential etiological or diagnostic factor for depression, given its accessibility and ease of analysis. Aim: To present a qualitative synthesis of studies addressing how oral dysbiosis influences the onset of depression, as well as the importance of controlling this alteration of the oral microbiota to aid in the prevention of the disease. Materials and Methods: The PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) outline the procedures to be followed for conducting this systematic review. The article search was carried out on 22 May 2025, across the PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and The Cochrane Library databases, using terms related to “depression” and “oral dysbiosis”. Studies published within the last 10 years that addressed the potential association between oral dysbiosis, and depression were included. Furthermore, the quality of the studies was assessed using various tools depending on their design: the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to case-control and cohort studies; the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used for cross-sectional studies; and experimental studies were evaluated using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias Tool. Results: A total of eleven studies were included in this systematic review. The findings suggest the presence of alterations in the oral microbiota of patients with depression, particularly in terms of composition, structure, and diversity. A reduction in alpha diversity—an indicator of local microbial balance—was observed, along with an increase in beta diversity, indicating greater inter-individual variability, which may be associated with inflammatory processes or immunological dysfunctions. Some studies reported differing results, which may be attributable to methodological variability regarding study design, or the populations sampled. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that the oral microbiome could be considered a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for depression, as the analyzed studies demonstrate a significant association between oral microbiome dysbiosis and this mental disorder. However, the methodological heterogeneity among the studies highlights the need for further research to confirm this potential relationship. Full article
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18 pages, 671 KiB  
Article
Instructors’ Views on and Experiences with Last Aid Courses as a Means for Public Palliative Care Education—A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study
by Georg Bollig, Sindy Müller-Koch and Erika Zelko
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071117 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Background and aims: The Last Aid Course (LAC) has been established to enhance the discussion about dying, death and grief and to raise the public’s awareness of palliative care. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of German [...] Read more.
Background and aims: The Last Aid Course (LAC) has been established to enhance the discussion about dying, death and grief and to raise the public’s awareness of palliative care. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of German Last Aid Course instructors with the LAC as means for Public Palliative Care Education (PPCE), including their opinion about the course content and format and practical aspects of teaching in different settings. Methods: A longitudinal mixed-methods approach was used to explore the views and experiences of the Last Aid Course instructors over a period of five years. Social space orientation was used as the framework for the data analysis. Results: The LAC participants felt empowered after the LACs. Continuing development was a characteristic of the LAC project. The positive effects of the LACs included empowerment and positive interactions between the instructors and participants. In addition, the LACs had a positive impact on all five principles of social space orientation. Conclusions: LACs can contribute to raising public awareness about dying, death, grief and palliative care and empower people to participate in caring for those who are serious ill, dying and grieving. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue End-of-Life Care and Nursing)
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28 pages, 516 KiB  
Article
Evaluation and Selection of Public Transportation Projects in Terms of Urban Sustainability Through a Multi-Criteria Decision-Support Methodology
by Konstantina Anastasiadou and Nikolaos Gavanas
Future Transp. 2025, 5(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp5030090 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
Climate change, the consequences of which have been more intense than ever in the last few decades, makes the need for sustainable transportation even more imperative. The promotion of public transportation and the discouragement of private car use are among the main priorities [...] Read more.
Climate change, the consequences of which have been more intense than ever in the last few decades, makes the need for sustainable transportation even more imperative. The promotion of public transportation and the discouragement of private car use are among the main priorities of sustainable transport planning in modern urban areas. However, the selection of the most appropriate transport project, apart from significant opportunities, is also accompanied by significant challenges, especially under the demand of compromising—often conflicting—social, environmental, and economic criteria, as well as different stakeholders’ interests. The aim of the present paper is to provide decision analysts and policy-makers with a decision-support tool for the prioritization and optimum selection of public transport projects for an urban area within the framework of sustainability. For this purpose, a comprehensive inventory of criteria for the evaluation of urban public transport systems (alternatives), along with a standardized table with the relevant performance of the most common alternatives (i.e., metro, tram, monorail, and BRT) are provided based on international literature review. A multi-criteria decision-aiding methodology based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), allowing for the direct exclusion of an alternative not meeting certain “binding” criteria from further evaluation, thus saving time, effort and cost, taking into account different stakeholders’ interests and preferences, as well as the particularities and special characteristics of the study area, is then proposed and tested through a theoretical case study. Full article
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15 pages, 936 KiB  
Review
Lipodystrophy in HIV: Evolving Challenges and Unresolved Questions
by Marta Giralt, Pere Domingo, Tania Quesada-López, Rubén Cereijo and Francesc Villarroya
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146546 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
The advent of effective antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s, which successfully prevented the progression to AIDS in people living with HIV (PLWH), was associated with the appearance of the so-called HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This condition involved subcutaneous fat atrophy; abdominal fat hypertrophy; and, in [...] Read more.
The advent of effective antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s, which successfully prevented the progression to AIDS in people living with HIV (PLWH), was associated with the appearance of the so-called HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This condition involved subcutaneous fat atrophy; abdominal fat hypertrophy; and, in some cases, lipomatosis. It was also associated with systemic metabolic disturbances, primarily insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Following the replacement of certain antiretroviral drugs, particularly the thymidine-analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors stavudine and zidovudine, with less toxic alternatives, the incidences of lipoatrophy and lipomatosis significantly declined. However, lipodystrophy resulting from first-generation antiretroviral therapy does not always resolve after switching to newer agents. Although the widespread use of modern antiretroviral drugs—especially integrase strand transfer inhibitors and non-lipoatrophic reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as tenofovir alafenamide—has reduced the incidences of severe forms of lipodystrophy, these regimens are not entirely free of adipose tissue-related effects. Notably, they are associated with weight gain that resembles common obesity and can have adverse cardiometabolic consequences. Recent evidence also suggests the hypertrophy of specific fat depots, such as epicardial and perivascular adipose tissue, in PLWH on last-generation treatments, potentially contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. This evolving landscape underscores the persistent vulnerability of PLWH to adipose tissue alterations. While these morphological changes may not be as pronounced as those seen in classic HIV-associated lipodystrophy, they can still pose significant health risks. The continued optimization of treatment regimens and the vigilant monitoring of adipose tissue alterations and metabolic status remain essential strategies to improve the health of PLWH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Lipodystrophy)
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21 pages, 6884 KiB  
Review
Advanced Strategies for Suppressing the Self-Corrosion of the Anode in Al–Air Batteries
by Shenjia Li, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiangfeng Wei, Hao Wu, Haoyu Mei and Jiehua Liu
Metals 2025, 15(7), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15070760 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Aluminum–air batteries are highly promising energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. However, the self-corrosion of aluminum anodes in alkaline electrolytes remains a critical issue that significantly limits their practical application and commercialization. This review paper [...] Read more.
Aluminum–air batteries are highly promising energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. However, the self-corrosion of aluminum anodes in alkaline electrolytes remains a critical issue that significantly limits their practical application and commercialization. This review paper comprehensively examined various advanced strategies aimed at suppressing the self-corrosion of anodes in Al–air batteries. We summarized the fundamental principles of these approaches, their advantages and disadvantages, and provided an in-depth analysis of their effectiveness, supported by experimental and theoretical evidence. Specifically, this review systematically analyzes six major strategies for suppressing anode self-corrosion: anode alloying, electrolyte additives, novel electrolytes, anode surface treatment, battery structural design, and computer-aided investigation. Furthermore, we proposed the challenges and future research directions in this field. Overall, this review aimed to offer valuable insights and guidance for the development of high-performance, long-lasting Al–air batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion and Protection)
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44 pages, 3351 KiB  
Review
Review: Sensing Technologies for the Optimisation and Improving Manufacturing of Fibre-Reinforced Polymeric Structures
by Thomas Allsop and Mohammad W. Tahir
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070343 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Over the last three decades, composite structures have become increasingly more common in everyday life, such as in wind turbines as part of the solution to produce clean energy, and their use in the aerospace industry due to their advantages over conventional materials. [...] Read more.
Over the last three decades, composite structures have become increasingly more common in everyday life, such as in wind turbines as part of the solution to produce clean energy, and their use in the aerospace industry due to their advantages over conventional materials. Most of these advantages are dependent upon the reliability and quality of the manufacturing process to ensure that there are no defects/faults or imperfections during manufacturing. Thus, it is critical to monitor the enclosed environment of moulds during fabrication in real time. This need has caused many researchers—past and present—to create or apply many sensing technologies to achieve real-time monitoring of the manufacturing processes of composite structures to ensure that the structures can meet their requirements. A consequence of these research activities is the myriad of sensing schemes, (for example, optical, electrical, piezo, and nanomaterial schemes and the use of digital twins) available to consider, and the investigations all of them have both strengths and weaknesses for a given application, with no apparent option having a distinct advantage. This review reveals that the best possible sensing solution depends upon a large set of parameters, the geometry of the composite structure, the required specification, and budget limits, to name a few. Furthermore, challenges remain for researchers trying to find solutions, such as a sensing scheme that can directly detect wrinkles/waviness during the laying-up procedure, real-time detection of the resin flow front throughout the mould, and the monitoring of the resin curing spatially, all at a spatial resolution of ~1 cm with the required sensitivity along with the need to obtain the true interpretation of the real-time data. This review offers signposts through the variety of sensing options, with their advantages and failings, to readers from the composite and sensing community to aid in making an informed decision on the possible sensing approaches to help them meet their composite structure’s desired function and tolerances, and the challenges that remain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Molecular Characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus spp. from Clinical Samples and Identification of a Novel Sequence Type in Mexico
by Raúl Alejandro Atriano Briano, Nallely S. Badillo-Larios, Perla Niño-Moreno, Luis Fernando Pérez-González and Edgar A. Turrubiartes-Martínez
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070663 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Background:Enterococcus spp. is the third leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in the American continent, often because of the virulence factors that protect the bacterium against host defenses and facilitate tissue attachment and genetic material exchange. In addition, vancomycin, considered a last-resort treatment, [...] Read more.
Background:Enterococcus spp. is the third leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in the American continent, often because of the virulence factors that protect the bacterium against host defenses and facilitate tissue attachment and genetic material exchange. In addition, vancomycin, considered a last-resort treatment, has shown reduced efficacy in Enterococcus spp. strains. However, the relationship between bacterial resistance and virulence factors remains unclear. This study intends to evaluate the prevalence of glycopeptide-resistant genotypes and virulence factors in Enterococcus spp. strains. Methods: Over six months, 159 Enterococcus spp. strains causing nosocomial infections were analyzed. Multiplex PCR was performed to identify species, glycopeptide-resistant genotypes, and 12 virulence factors. Results: The most abundant species identified were Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium. Vancomycin resistance was observed in 10.7% of the isolates, and the vanA genotype was present in 47% of resistant samples. The main virulence factors detected were acm (54%), which is related to cell adhesion; gel E (66%), a metalloproteinase linked to tissue damage; and the sex pheromones cpd (64%) and ccf (84%), which are involved in horizontal gene transfer. A significant association was found between the prevalence of acm, ccf, and cpd in VRE isolates, indicating the potential dissemination of genes to emerging strains via horizontal gene transfer. In addition, a new E. faecium, which displayed five virulence factors and harbored the vanA sequence type, was identified and registered as ST2700. Conclusions:Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium are clinically critical due to multidrug resistance and virulence factors like acm, which aids host colonization. Genes ccf and cpd promote resistance spread via horizontal transfer, while the emerging ST2700 strain requires urgent monitoring to curb its virulent, drug-resistant spread. Full article
16 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Acute Effects of Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice on Cardiovascular and Hemodynamic Responses to Flywheel Resistance Exercise: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
by Mateus Chaves Primo, Ítalo Santiago Alves Viana, Leonardo Silveira Goulart-Silva, Wanderson Matheus Lopes Machado, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Pedro Forte, Ricardo C. Calhelha, António M. Monteiro, Luís Branquinho, Sandro Fernandes da Silva, Claudia Eliza Patrocínio Oliveira and Osvaldo Costa Moreira
Physiologia 2025, 5(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5030020 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 696
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Beetroot juice is a popular nutritional resource in sports due to its ergogenic effects, promoting vasodilation, hypotension, improved energy efficiency, and reduced oxygen cost. However, its role in modulating the autonomic nervous system during strength training remains understudied. This study assessed the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Beetroot juice is a popular nutritional resource in sports due to its ergogenic effects, promoting vasodilation, hypotension, improved energy efficiency, and reduced oxygen cost. However, its role in modulating the autonomic nervous system during strength training remains understudied. This study assessed the effects of acute nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to flywheel resistance exercise. Methods: Fifteen male participants (age 22 ± 3.64 years) from the Federal University of Viçosa completed a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Each participant consumed either 400 mg of standardized nitrate or a placebo before performing 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 100% of their maximum concentric strength using a leg extension exercise, with 90 s recovery intervals. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and subjective perception of effort were measured after each set. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, t-test for related samples, and MANOVA with time and supplement factors. Results: NO3 supplementation led to a smaller increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise compared to the placebo and reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the last set, reflecting decreased peripheral vascular resistance. However, no significant effects were observed for heart rate, rate–pressure product, oxygen saturation, time under tension, or subjective perception of effort. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NO3 supplementation can offer cardiovascular benefits by attenuating blood pressure increases during strength training, highlighting its potential as a low-risk ergogenic aid for healthy young men. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 2093 KiB  
Article
Strategic Web-Based Data Dashboards as Monitoring Tools for Promoting Organizational Innovation
by Siddharth Banerjee, Clare E. Fullerton, Sankalp S. Gaharwar and Edward J. Jaselskis
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2204; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132204 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 682
Abstract
Knowledge extraction and sharing is one of the biggest challenges organizations face to ensure successful and long-lasting knowledge repositories. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) commissioned a web-based knowledge management program called Communicate Lessons, Exchange Advice, Record (CLEAR) for end-users to promote [...] Read more.
Knowledge extraction and sharing is one of the biggest challenges organizations face to ensure successful and long-lasting knowledge repositories. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) commissioned a web-based knowledge management program called Communicate Lessons, Exchange Advice, Record (CLEAR) for end-users to promote employee-generated innovation and to institutionalize organizational knowledge. Reusing knowledge from an improperly managed database is problematic and potentially causes substantial financial loss and reduced productivity for an organization. Poorly managed databases can hinder effective knowledge dissemination across the organization. Data-driven dashboards offer a promising solution by facilitating evidence-driven decision-making through increased information access to disseminate, understand and interpret datasets. This paper describes an effort to create data visualizations in Tableau for CLEAR’s gatekeeper to monitor content within the knowledge repository. Through the three web-based strategic dashboards relating to lessons learned and best practices, innovation culture index, and website analytics, the information displays will aid in disseminating useful information to facilitate decision-making and execute appropriate time-critical interventions. Particular emphasis is placed on utility-related issues, as data from the NCDOT indicate that approximately 90% of projects involving utility claims experienced one or two such incidents. These claims contributed to an average increase in project costs of approximately 2.4% and schedule delays averaging 70 days. The data dashboards provide key insights into all 14 NCDOT divisions, supporting the gatekeeper in effectively managing the CLEAR program, especially relating to project performance, cost savings, and schedule improvements. The chronological analysis of the CLEAR program trends demonstrates sustained progress, validating the effectiveness of the dashboard framework. Ultimately, these data dashboards will promote organizational innovation in the long run by encouraging end-user participation in the CLEAR program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Power of Knowledge in Enhancing Construction Project Delivery)
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34 pages, 1692 KiB  
Review
Classification of Hiking Difficulty Levels of Accessible Natural Trails
by Alessandro Mantuano and Fabio Bruno
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5699; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135699 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
The accessibility of nature trails for people with motor disabilities and impairments stands as a significant challenge for inclusive tourism. In the present study, we would like to present a review of research, approaches, and solutions to enable people with motor impairments to [...] Read more.
The accessibility of nature trails for people with motor disabilities and impairments stands as a significant challenge for inclusive tourism. In the present study, we would like to present a review of research, approaches, and solutions to enable people with motor impairments to enjoy nature trails independently or with assistance. The study is conducted from the perspective of public bodies that aim to reduce the accessibility barriers for People with Disabilities (PwDs) by adapting and improving the conditions of the trails and by providing clear and comprehensive information about the difficulties that hikers may encounter on a trail while using a specific aid. The paper initially presents the wide variety of aids for outdoor mobility, including both those to be used independently (i.e., self-propelled wheelchairs that can be equipped with additional small wheels, off-road wheels and/or auxiliary drives) and those that require assistance (e.g., single-wheeled wheelchairs). Then, we shift focus onto the difficulty classification of trails for PwDs, analysing papers and guidelines that tried to define objective evaluation criteria such as the slope, the trail surface, and the length of the sloping sections. Starting from these studies, the paper proposes a synthesis of the different classifications that consider, for the first time, all the aids available on the market, thus filling the gaps of the single studies. In the last sections, we present some national and international guidelines with tailored and practical solutions to improve the accessibility of nature trails and some studies about the inclusive planning that directly involves PwDs, as well as on the need for a better training of tourism service providers. The present work aims to stimulate a debate on the barriers and opportunities related to the accessibility of hiking trails, contributing to making nature a truly accessible experience for all. Full article
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12 pages, 6359 KiB  
Case Report
3D Model-Guided Robot-Assisted Giant Presacral Ganglioneuroma Exeresis by a Uro-Neurosurgeons Team: A Case Report
by Leonardo Bradaschia, Federico Lavagno, Paolo Gontero, Diego Garbossa and Francesca Vincitorio
Reports 2025, 8(3), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8030099 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Robotic surgery reduces the need for extensive surgical approaches and lowers perioperative complications. In particular, it offers enhanced dexterity, three-dimensional visualization, and improved precision in confined anatomical spaces. Pelvic masses pose significant challenges due to their close relationship with [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Robotic surgery reduces the need for extensive surgical approaches and lowers perioperative complications. In particular, it offers enhanced dexterity, three-dimensional visualization, and improved precision in confined anatomical spaces. Pelvic masses pose significant challenges due to their close relationship with critical neurovascular structures, making traditional open or laparoscopic approaches more invasive and potentially riskier. Robot-assisted resection, combined with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, may therefore offer a safe and effective solution for the management of complex pelvic lesions. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with an 11 cm asymptomatic pelvic mass located anterior to the sacrum. Initial differential diagnoses included neurofibroma, teratoma, and myelolipoma. Histopathological examination confirmed a ganglioneuroma. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent a robot-assisted en bloc resection using the Da Vinci Xi multiport system. Preoperative planning was aided by 3D modeling and intraoperative navigation. Conclusions: Surgery lasted 322 min. Preoperative and postoperative eGFR values were 145.2 mL/min and 144.0 mL/min, respectively. The lesion measured 11 cm × 9 cm × 8 cm. The main intraoperative complication was a controlled breach of the iliac vein due to its close adherence to the mass. No major postoperative complications occurred (Clavien-Dindo Grade I). The drain was removed on postoperative day 3, and the bladder catheter on day 2. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without further complications. Presacral ganglioneuromas are rare neoplasms in a surgically complex area. A multidisciplinary approach using robotic-assisted laparoscopy with nerve monitoring enables safe, minimally invasive resection. This strategy may help avoid open surgery and reduce the risk of neurological and vascular injury. Full article
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23 pages, 1236 KiB  
Review
Navigating the Genetic Landscape: Investigating the Opportunities and Risks of Cross-Species SNP Array Application in Catfish
by Bettina Hegedűs, Zoltán Bagi and Szilvia Kusza
Genes 2025, 16(6), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060717 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 714
Abstract
Aquaculture has become a crucial component of global food production, yet catfish (10.8% of global finfish production) breeding programs often lack sufficient genetic data to fully utilize their production potential. In the last 15 years, there have been improvements in this field as [...] Read more.
Aquaculture has become a crucial component of global food production, yet catfish (10.8% of global finfish production) breeding programs often lack sufficient genetic data to fully utilize their production potential. In the last 15 years, there have been improvements in this field as two high-density (HD) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays (250K and 690K) and low-density panels have been developed for North American channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus). This lack of genomic tools hinders genetic improvement efforts in other commercially relevant catfish species besides them. Therefore, this review investigated the reason behind the lack of SNP chip usage in genetic-based selections in most catfish breeding programs and the cross-species applicability of the already existing high-density SNP arrays for genotyping members of the Clariidae, African catfish (Clarias gariepinu), and Siluridae, European catfish (Silurus glanis), families. This paper systematically reviews the literature of more than 16 SNP arrays, with 66 non-target species, and assesses the possibility of adapting catfish SNP arrays to the catfish families of interest. With lowered filtering (e.g., MAF > 0) thresholds, the Affymetrix Axiom 250K and Axiom Catfish 690K Genotyping Array could potentially be used on important market species like African and European catfishes. In the long term, chip development would be the solution for these species, but, until then, cross-application is a viable alternative. Despite low polymorphic SNPs (~1%) and call rates (~0%), this SNP array could aid researchers and breeders, improving catfish aquaculture and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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23 pages, 4433 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Disease Spread Using a Soliton-Based SIR Framework for Nomadic Populations
by Qura Tul Ain, Xiaoli Qiang, Noor Ul Ain and Zheng Kou
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(6), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9060387 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
This study enhances the classical deterministic SIR model by incorporating soliton-like dynamics and gradient-induced diffusion, effectively capturing the complex spatiotemporal patterns of disease transmission within nomadic populations. The proposed model incorporates an advection–diffusion mechanism that modulates the spatial gradients in infection dynamics, transitioning [...] Read more.
This study enhances the classical deterministic SIR model by incorporating soliton-like dynamics and gradient-induced diffusion, effectively capturing the complex spatiotemporal patterns of disease transmission within nomadic populations. The proposed model incorporates an advection–diffusion mechanism that modulates the spatial gradients in infection dynamics, transitioning from highly localized infection peaks to distributed infection fronts. We discussed the role of diffusion coefficients in shaping the spatial distribution of susceptible, infected, and recovered populations, as well as the impact of gradient-induced advection in mitigating epidemic intensity. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effects of varying key parameters such as transmission rates, recovery rates, and advection–diffusion coefficients on the epidemic’s progression. The soliton-like dynamics ensure the stability of infection waves over time, specifying targeted intervention strategies such as localized quarantines and vaccination campaigns. This model underscores the critical importance of spatial heterogeneity and mobility patterns in managing infectious diseases. The applicability of the model has been tested using the AIDS data from the last 25 years. Full article
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