Search Results (1,199)

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition, affecting women all over the world, and is commonly treated through surgical interventions that present limitations such as recurrence or complications associated with synthetic meshes. In this study, biodegradable poly($ϵ$-caprolactone) (PCL) cog threads are proposed as a minimally invasive alternative for vaginal wall reinforcement. A custom cutting tool was developed to fabricate threads with varying barb angles (90°, 75°, 60°, and 45°), which were produced via Melt Electrowriting. Their mechanical behavior was assessed through uniaxial tensile tests and validated using finite element simulations. The results showed that barb orientation had minimal influence on tensile performance. In simulations of anterior vaginal wall deformation under cough pressure, all cog thread configurations significantly reduced displacement in the damaged tissue model, achieving values comparable to or even lower than those of healthy tissue. A ball burst simulation using an anatomically accurate model further demonstrated a 13% increase in reaction force with cog thread reinforcement. Despite fabrication limitations, this study supports the biomechanical potential of 3D-printed PCL cog threads for POP treatment, and lays the groundwork for future in vivo validation. Full article

Outdoor access, often referred to as pop holes, is widely used to improve the production and welfare of hens. Such cage-free environments present an opportunity for precision flock management via best environmental control practices. However, outdoor access disrupts the integrity of the indoor environment, including properly planned ventilation. Moreover, complaints exist that hens do not use the holes to access the outdoor environment due to the strong incoming airflow through the outdoor access, as they behave as uncontrolled air inlets in a negative pressure ventilation system. As the egg industry transitions to cage-free systems, there is an urgent need for validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to optimize ventilation strategies that balance animal welfare, environmental control, and production efficiency. We developed and validated CFD models of a cage-free hen house with outdoor access by specifying real-world conditions, including two exhaust fans, sidewall ventilation inlets, wire-meshed pens, outdoor access, and plenum inlets. The simulations of four ventilation scenarios predict the measured air flow velocity with an error of less than 50% for three of the scenarios, and the simulations predict temperature with an error of less than 6% for all scenarios. Plenum-based systems outperformed sidewall systems by up to 136.3 air changes per hour, while positive pressure ventilation effectively mitigated disruptions to outdoor access. We expect that knowledge of improved ventilation strategy will help the egg industry improve the welfare of hens cost-effectively. Full article

Background and clinical significance: Trichoblastomas are rare, mixed epithelial tumors with a mesenchymal component and hair follicle differentiation. Case presentation: Herein, we present a case report of a 51-year-old female patient presenting to the obstetrics and gynecology department with complaints of edema and erythema of the right Bartholin gland, and a lesion measuring 2 cm on the right lateral edge of the mons pubis, towards the inguinal fold. Marsupialization of the Bartholin gland was performed, as well as an incision into the pubo-inguinal lesion, which the patient depicted as grossly resembling an ingrown hair. Upon incision into the pubic–inguinal lesion, it was dark brown in color and spontaneously popped out of the subcutis, without an attempt at enucleation. Histology and subsequent immunohistochemistry of the lesion showed a blue basaloid tumor with an extensive pigment component located deep in the dermis that was sharply demarcated from the surrounding tissues. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry was diffusely and strongly positive for epithelial markers; melanocytic markers were positive only in dendritic melanocytes dispersed within the tumors, and the proliferative index was low. As such, the tumor was identified as melanotrichoblastoma. Full article

The demand for anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is growing due to their applications in water electrolysis, CO₂ reduction conversion and fuel cells, as well as water treatment, driven by the increasing energy demand and the need for a sustainable future. However, current AEMs still face challenges, such as insufficient permeability and stability in strongly acidic or alkaline media, which limit their durability and the sustainability of membrane fabrication. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) biopolymers are selected for membrane preparation. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and porous organic polymer (POP) nanoparticles are also introduced within the PVA-CS polymer blends to make mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with increased OH⁻ transport sites. The membranes are characterized based on typical properties for AEM applications, such as thickness, water uptake, KOH uptake, Cl⁻ and OH⁻ permeability and ion exchange capacity (IEC). The OH⁻ transport of the PVA-CS blend is increased by at least 94.2% compared with commercial membranes. The incorporation of non-porous ZnO and porous POP nanoparticles into the polymer blend does not compromise the OH⁻ transport properties. On the contrary, ZnO nanoparticles enhance the membrane’s water retention capacity, provide basic surface sites that facilitate hydroxide ion conduction and reinforce the mechanical and thermal stability. In parallel, POPs introduce a highly porous architecture that increases the internal surface area and promotes the formation of continuous hydrated pathways, essential to efficient OH⁻ mobility. Furthermore, the presence of POPs also contributes to reinforcing the mechanical integrity of the membrane. Thus, PVA-CS bio-based membranes are a promising alternative to conventional ion exchange membranes for various applications. Full article

This article highlights the importance of the discourse on sound media for the development of so-called “cosmic music” in Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Already the slogan of the Ohr record label “Macht das Ohr auf” (Open up your ears) testifies to the awareness of Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser, the founder of the label, and the bands gathered around him about the impact of media on everyday practices and the reflection on the physiological effect of sound. In particular, this article focuses on the figure of Kaiser and his Buch der neuen Pop-Musik (1969), where the author stresses the emancipatory potential of popular music starting from the considerations put forward by H. Marcuse, T. W. Adorno and M. McLuhan. On the basis of these suggestions, Kaiser envisages the possibility of a ‘functional transformation’ of sound media, placing himself in a long German tradition of reflections on the relationship between man and technology, in which it is possible to identify a line that proposes a progressive and socialist use of technical reproduction apparatuses (Benjamin, Brecht, Enzensberger) and another line that questions the connection between media and mystical experience (Mann, Hesse). In this sense, this paper explores the intellectual and literary context of the media anthropology on which the sound aesthetics of German cosmic music was founded. Full article

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a diagnostic tool for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients and evaluate the applicability of quantification cycle (Cq) data for PCP diagnosis. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records of 96 immunocompromised patients hospitalized at the Hadassah hospital from 2018 to 2022, for lower respiratory tract infection. PCP diagnosis was independently categorized by two infectious disease specialists, blinded to PCR results, as either “definite” (confirmed by microscopic identification of P. jirovecii) or “probable” (compatible clinical data and negative microscopy). Clinical characteristics, PCR test performance, and Cq values were then compared between these PCP diagnostic groups and a control group of 85 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for indications unrelated to P. jirovecii infection. Results: The PCR test was found to be highly reliable for diagnosing PCP, with high sensitivity and specificity (93.1%, 98.7%, respectively), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.4%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.1%, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.71, and a positive likelihood ratio of 46.5. A Cq cutoff value of 21.89 was found to discriminate between probable PCP and definite PCP. In addition, patients with probable PCP had lower in-hospital mortality than those with definite PCP or no PCP. Conclusions: PCR offers a promising approach for diagnosing PCP in immunocompromised patients with negative respiratory microscopy results. While further research may be warranted, its use may allow for more timely treatment and potentially improved outcomes. Full article

Human milk has been used for over 70 years to monitor pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Despite the growing body of data, our understanding of the pollutant exposome, particularly co-exposure patterns and their interactions, remains limited. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers considerable potential to enhance biomonitoring efforts through advanced data modelling, yet its application to pollutant dynamics in complex biological matrices such as human milk remains underutilized. This study applied an AI-based framework, integrating machine learning, metaheuristic hyperparameter optimization, explainable AI, and postprocessing, to analyze PCB-170 levels in breast milk samples from 186 mothers in Zadar, Croatia. Among 24 analyzed POPs, the most influential predictors of PCB-170 concentrations were hexa- and hepta-chlorinated PCBs (PCB-180, -153, and -138), alongside p,p’-DDE. Maternal age and other POPs exhibited negligible global influence. SHAP-based interaction analysis revealed pronounced co-behavior among highly chlorinated congeners, especially PCB-138–PCB-153, PCB-138–PCB-180, and PCB-180–PCB-153. These findings highlight the importance of examining pollutant interactions rather than individual contributions alone. They also advocate for the revision of current monitoring strategies to prioritize multi-pollutant assessment and focus on toxicologically relevant PCB groups, improving risk evaluation in real-world exposure scenarios. Full article

Japan’s 8.5 million vacant homes (Akiyas) represent a paradox of scarcity amid surplus: while rural depopulation leaves properties abandoned, housing shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder their reuse. This study proposes AKI2ALL, an AI-blockchain framework designed to automate the circular repurposing of Akiyas into ten high-value community assets—guesthouses, co-working spaces, pop-up retail and logistics hubs, urban farming hubs, disaster relief housing, parking lots, elderly daycare centers, exhibition spaces, places for food and beverages, and company offices—through smart contracts and data-driven workflows. By integrating circular economy principles with decentralized technology, AKI2ALL streamlines property transitions, tax validation, and administrative processes, reducing operational costs while preserving embodied carbon in existing structures. Municipalities list properties, owners select uses, and AI optimizes assignments based on real-time demand. This work bridges gaps in digital construction governance, proving that automating trust and accountability can transform systemic inefficiencies into opportunities for community-led, low-carbon regeneration, highlighting its potential as a scalable model for global vacant property reuse. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) have multifactorial etiology. This makes treatment challenging and often unsatisfactory. This project introduces robust data on risk factors for PFDs and explores opportunities for their prevention, focusing on previous gynecological surgical interventions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analytical cohort study analyzing demographic and clinical data from 832 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery at a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Cologne between 2010 and 2019. Patient characteristics—including age, body mass index (BMI), parity, mode of delivery, and symptoms—were collected from medical records. Associations between patient factors and surgical history were assessed using Kendall’s Tau (KT) for correlations and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the impact of previous hysterectomies and pelvic surgeries on PFD. Results: First vaginal delivery and age were the strongest factors associated with PFD. BMI had a smaller impact, and multiple vaginal deliveries did not significantly influence apical (KT 0.037), posterior (KT 0.007), anterior midline (KT 0.015), or lateral defects (KT 0.015). Cesarean section was protective. Subtotal hysterectomy showed no significant association with PFD. Total hysterectomy was strongly associated with posterior defects (RR 4.750, 95% CI: 1.871–12.059) and anterior midline defects (RR 1.645, 95% CI: 0.654–4.139). Recurrent urinary infections were associated with abdominal colposuspension (RR 4.485, 95% CI: 1.12–18.03). Dyspareunia occurred more frequently after vaginal (RR 3.971, 95% CI: 0.78–20.14) and abdominal hysterectomy (RR 1.620, 95% CI: 0.32–8.15). Vaginal hysterectomy was linked to fecal incontinence (RR 5.559, 95% CI: 1.17–26.30), MUI (RR 2.156, 95% CI: 1.09–4.23), and UUI (RR 4.226, 95% CI: 1.82–6.85). Conclusions: The factors identified as influencing (PFD) offer a solid foundation for evidence-based patient counseling within our population. Our large dataset confirmed key risk factors, notably childbirth and advancing age. However, the influence of BMI on symptoms and anatomical defects appears to be less significant than previously assumed. Subtotal hysterectomy was not associated with new PFD in our cohort and may represent a viable option when hysterectomy is indicated, though further studies are needed to confirm this potential advantage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Research has focused largely on older women, while experiences of younger women remain relatively underexplored despite challenges unique to this population. Informed by the biopsychosocial model of illness, this study aims to assess the symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs of younger women complaining of prolapse by analyzing questionnaire responses from an existing electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire—Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) dataset. Methods: Mixed-methods content analysis was conducted using free-text data from an anonymized multi-site ePAQ-PF dataset of 5717 responses collected across eight UK NHS trusts (2018–2022). A quantitative, deductive approach was first used to identify younger women (≤50 years old) with self-reported prolapse. ePAQ-PF scores for younger women with prolapse were compared with those aged >50 years, using Mann–Whitney tests. Free-text response data were analyzed inductively to qualitatively explore younger women’s symptom burden, treatment goals, and information needs. Results: Of the 1473 women with prolapse identified, 399 were aged ≤50 years. ePAQ-PF scores of the younger cohort demonstrated significantly greater symptom severity and bother than those aged >50, particularly in bowel, prolapse, vaginal, body image, and sexual health domains (p < adjusted threshold). Qualitative analysis undertaken to understand women’s concerns and priorities produced five health-related themes (physical health; functionality; psychosocial and emotional wellbeing; reproductive and sexual health; and healthcare journeys) and a sixth intersecting theme representing information needs. Conclusions: The findings highlight the substantial symptom burden of younger women with prolapse, as well as treatment goals and information needs specific to this population. The development of age-specific resources is identified as a requirement to support this group. Full article

Background: Recurrent apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) presents significant management challenges, with limited evidence on optimal surgical approaches. This study evaluated the safety and long-term effectiveness of minimally invasive sacrospinous ligament (SSL) fixation using the EnPlace^® device for treating recurrent apical POP. Methods: A cohort analysis was performed on 82 consecutive patients (mean age 65.9 ± 8.6 years) with stage III or IV recurrent symptomatic apical POP. All patients underwent transvaginal SSL fixation using the EnPlace^® device between January 2021 and July 2023. Primary outcomes included anatomical cure rates, patient satisfaction, and complications. Long-term follow-up was conducted via a structured telephone survey in December 2024. Results: The mean interval between primary and recurrent repair was 3.2 ± 2.6 years. Most patients (64.6%) underwent surgery under regional anesthesia with a mean operative time of 24.1 ± 7.1 min and minimal blood loss (23.8 ± 6.5 mL). No intraoperative complications occurred, and 98.8% of patients were discharged the same day. Two early postoperative complications occurred, neither requiring surgical intervention. At six-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in POP-Q measurements for apical prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele. Long-term follow-up (mean 31.6 ± 8.3 months) revealed that only 11 patients (13.4%) reported mild POP symptoms. Patient satisfaction scores averaged 90.8 ± 17.1, with only 8.5% reporting low satisfaction. Only two patients (2.4%) required additional intervention for recurrent apical POP. Conclusions: Minimally invasive SSL fixation using the EnPlace^® device demonstrates favorable safety and efficacy for recurrent apical POP, offering a viable alternative to more invasive procedures with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence rates. Full article

Nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties that position them as promising candidates for environmental remediation, particularly in the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from aqueous systems. Their high surface area, tunable functionality, and strong adsorption capabilities have attracted significant attention. In this context, this paper reviews the mechanisms of nanomaterial-based POP decontamination, also providing a critical overview of the limitations and challenges in applying these methods. Specifically, issues of stability, reusability, and aggregation are discussed, which can lead to performance decay during repeated use. In addition, the practical application requires nanocomposites to enable efficient separation and mitigate agglomeration. Environmental concerns also arise from nanomaterials’ fate, transport, and potential toxicity, which may impact aquatic ecosystems and non-target organisms. When checking for large-scale application feasibility, impurities typically add to production costs, recovery problems, and general infrastructure limitations. In addition to these points, there are no standard guidelines or clear risk assessment procedures for registering a product. Unprecedented cross-disciplinary research between natural, human, and technological studies and outreach programs is needed to facilitate the development and diffusion of the results. The barriers will eventually be breached to move from laboratory success in developing the desperately needed new water purification technologies to field-ready water treatment solutions that can address the global POP contamination problem. Full article

Our research explores the dynamic relationship between CO₂ emissions and four major influencing factors: foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth (GDP), renewable energy consumption (REN) and population (POP) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and three large Asian countries—China, India and Pakistan, collectively referred to as LACs (larger Asian countries), from 1990 to 2022. The study has three main objectives: (1) to assess the short-run and long-run effects of GDP, FDI, REN and POP on CO₂ emissions; (2) to compare the adjustment speeds and environmental policy responsiveness between ASEAN and LAC regions; and (3) to evaluate the role of renewable energy in mitigating environmental degradation. Against the backdrop of increasing environmental challenges and divergent development paths in Asia, this research contributes to the literature by applying a dynamic heterogeneous panel autoregressive distributed lag (panel ARDL) model. Unlike traditional static panel models, the panel ARDL model captures both long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run adjustments, allowing for country-specific dynamics. The results reveal a significant long-run cointegration among the variables. The error correction term (ECT) indicates a faster adjustment to equilibrium in LACs (−1.18) than ASEAN (−0.37), suggesting LACs respond more swiftly to long-run disequilibria in emissions-related dynamics. This may reflect more responsive policy mechanisms, stronger institutional capacities or more aggressive environmental interventions in LACs. In contrast, the slower adjustment in ASEAN highlights potential structural rigidities or delays in implementing effective policy responses, emphasizing the need for enhanced regulatory frameworks and targeted climate strategies to improve policy intervention efficiency. Results show that GDP and FDI increase emissions in both regions, while REN reduces them. POP is insignificant in ASEAN but increases emissions in LACs. These results provide insights into the relative effectiveness of policy instruments in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, highlighting the need for differentiated strategies that align with each country’s institutional capacity, development stage and energy structure. Full article

The synergistic development of ecosystems and socioeconomic systems constitutes a critical foundation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Large river basins characterized by ecological and socioeconomic spatial heterogeneity frequently present contradictions and conflicts in regional sustainable development, thereby impeding the realization of SDGs. This study employed the Yellow River Basin (YRB), a typical large sediment-laden river system, as a case study. Based on the secondary water resource zones, the spatial variability and temporal evolution of ecosystem service value (ESV), population (POP), GDP, nighttime light (NTL), and Human Development Index (HDI) were analyzed at the water resource partition scale. A consistent mode was applied to quantify the spatiotemporal consistency between ESV and socioeconomic indicators across water resource partitions. The results indicated that from 1980 to 2020, the ESV of the YRB increased from 1079.83 × 10⁹ to 1139.20 × 10⁹ yuan, with no notable spatial pattern variation. From upstream to downstream, the population density, GDP per unit area, and NTL per unit area displayed increasing trends along the river course, whereas the total population, GDP, and NTL initially increased and then declined. Temporally, the population fluctuated with an overall upward tendency, while GDP and NTL experienced significant growth. The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of HDI remained comparatively stable. The coefficients of variation for population, GDP, and NTL were significantly higher than those for ecosystem services and HDI. The study highlighted an overall lack of coordination between ESV and socioeconomic development in the YRB, with relatively stable spatial patterns. These findings could offer a theoretical reference for the formulation of policies to enhance the synergistic development of ecosystems and socioeconomic systems in the YRB. Full article

In recent years, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) cases have been rising, affecting women’s quality of life. Synthetic surgical transvaginal meshes used for POP treatment were withdrawn from the United States market in 2019 due to high risks, including infection, vaginal mesh erosion, and POP reoccurrence. Biodegradable mesh implants with three-dimensional printing technology have emerged as an innovative alternative. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) meshes for POP repair were fabricated using melt electrospinning writing (MEW) and mechanically evaluated through uniaxial tensile tests. Following this, they were coated with antibiotics—azithromycin, gentamicin sulfate, and ciprofloxacin—commonly used for genitourinary tract infections. Zone inhibition and biofilm assays evaluated antibiotic effectiveness in preventing mesh infections by Escherichia coli, and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus. The meshes presented a mechanical behavior closer to vaginal tissue than commercially available meshes. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed antibiotic incorporation. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated antibacterial activity against MRSA, with a 92% reduction in metabolic activity and a 99% biomass reduction. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin displayed inhibitory activity against MSSA and E. coli. Scanning electron microscopy images support these conclusions. This methodology may offer a more effective, patient-friendly solution for POP repair, improving healing and the quality of life for affected women. Full article