Search Results (264)

Background/Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) during pregnancy, even in women with normal body mass index (BMI), may affect maternal and fetal metabolic and immune status. This study aimed to evaluate neopterin (NPT), leptin, insulin, and ghrelin concentrations in maternal blood (MB) and umbilical cord blood (CB) in normoglycemic women with and without IR, all with normal BMI. Methods: Peripheral and cord blood was collected from 36 Caucasian women with term, uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. The participants were classified into control (n = 16; age = 30.81 ± 4.875 years) and IR (n = 20; age = 31.95 ± 4.979 years) groups based on a professional medical diagnosis. Anthropometric parameters were recorded, and metabolic/hormonal markers were measured using ELISA and RIA. Results: NPT concentrations in CB were significantly higher in the IR group (p < 0.05), correlated positively with MB NPT levels (r = 0.3809, p < 0.05). A significantly higher concentration of both insulin and leptin was observed in the MB of women with IR compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), whereas in CB, only insulin concentration was significantly higher in the IR group than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Insulin resistance in non-obese pregnant women is associated with increased NPT concentration in CB, which may suggest fetal immune activation. However, defining the role of NTP as a metabolic “messenger” between mother and child requires further study. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing threat to public health, with wildlife recognized as reservoirs and vectors of resistant bacteria. However, the role of wild species in the ecology of AMR remains insufficiently understood, highlighting the need to investigate resistant bacteria in these animals. This study focused on detecting and characterizing Escherichia coli obtained from 43 fecal samples of white storks (Ciconia ciconia), cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), and European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Portugal. Resistance profiles to twelve antibiotics and six virulence factors were characterized phenotypically. ESBL production was also tested. A total of 79 E. coli isolates were obtained from 39 out of 43 samples, and 75 were selected for further characterization. All isolates tested negative for ESBL production. Approximately 64% (n = 48/75) of isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 5.3% (n = 4/75) were multidrug-resistant. Most frequent resistances were to ampicillin (36%, n = 27/75), tetracycline (12%, n = 9/75), and chloramphenicol (8%), while all isolates were susceptible to meropenem, aztreonam, and third-generation cephalosporins. Most isolates (81.3%, n = 61/75) lacked virulence factors. These findings suggest that wildlife may act as a reservoir of resistant strains, emphasizing importance of AMR monitoring and the One Health approach. Full article

Addressing environmental challenges requires the inclusion of local communities with relevant knowledge of the social–ecological system in which they are embedded, in addition to using transdisciplinary approaches that are critical to the co-production of successful and sustainable environmental solutions. A qualitative methodology was used to examine stakeholders’ views of decadal changes in Ria de Aveiro, a coastal lagoon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Seven focus groups were conducted, which included 42 stakeholders from coastal parishes, in order to obtain identical geographical representation with a study conducted a decade ago. Participants represented a diverse sample of groups interested in or affected by management options and activities in the lagoon system and were asked to reflect on the main changes that occurred over the last decade. Positive changes reflected an increase in the levels of environmental awareness, a positive trajectory of the environmental status of Ria de Aveiro, and a decrease in illegal fishing activities. Persisting concerns referred to the lack of an efficient management body for Ria de Aveiro, pressures related to changes in the hydrodynamic regime of the lagoon, the disappearance of native species and increase in invasive alien species, the abandonment of traditional activities (e.g., harvesting of seagrass and seaweed, salt production, agriculture in lagoon margins, and artisanal fishing), and the degradation and lack of maintenance of salt pans. Our findings highlight the importance of longer-term transdisciplinary and social–ecological research and illustrate how stakeholder views regarding the shortfalls of the movement towards the integrated management of ecosystems remain. Full article

The spatiotemporal evolution of coastal rural settlements varies significantly across different geomorphic environments, yet this variation is underexplored in current research. Guided by Coupled Human and Natural Systems, this study examines the adaptation mechanisms between coastal rural settlements and landforms using an integrated framework that combines various bay types, spatiotemporal characteristics, and dynamic drivers. Four representative bay types along Guangdong’s coast were analyzed: Hilly Ria Coast, Platform Ria Coast, Barrier-Lagoon Coast, and Estuarine Delta Coast. Using multi-source remote sensing data and optimized Geodetector modeling (1972 vs. 2022), we identified the patterns of spatiotemporal evolution and their driving forces. The results reveal distinct adaptation pathways: Hilly Ria Coast settlements expanded in a constrained manner, supported by tunnel–bridge infrastructure; Platform Ria Coasts developed multi-nucleated, port-oriented clusters through harbor-linked road networks; Barrier-Lagoon Coasts achieved balanced growth through integrated land–river–sea governance; and Estuarine Delta Coasts experienced urban–rural restructuring accompanied by water network degradation. This study proposes governance strategies tailored to specific landforms to support sustainable coastal planning. Full article

Current research on dosimeters based on radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) primarily focused on enhancing radiation sensitivity or reducing dependencies from interference factors. However, their intrinsic sensing performance has received limited attention. This work proposed application and analysis methods for RIA-based dosimeters, validated by a low-cost apparatus using commercial fibers. Initially, a generic protocol of high-dose detection after low-dose calibration was suggested to overcome the various dependencies of RIA, enabling repetitive monitoring of near-stable radiation by simple replacement of commercial fibers. Experiments comparing three dose-loss models demonstrated that the saturation-exponential model exhibited superior accuracy, achieving absolute errors below 4 Gy within a measurable range of up to ~300 Gy. Subsequently, the system’s RIA-based sensitivity was ~125.6 dB·Gy⁻¹·km⁻¹. The resolution and sensitivity expressed by optical power were newly defined, effectively quantifying the decline in precision and response ratio during detection. Moreover, an additional structure was introduced to extend the measurable range. Simulations and experiments under 1-MeV electron irradiation verified that adjustable ranges could be achieved through configuration of attenuation layers. In summary, these advancements provided critical guidance for component selection and operational evaluation, facilitating the commercialization and practical deployment of RIA-based dosimeters. Full article

Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, which escalated into full-scale military confrontation in February 2022, originated in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the backing of pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. However, this war extends beyond bilateral hostilities, reflecting a broader geopolitical confrontation with the West that aligns with Vladimir Putin’s strategic vision, as signalled in his 2007 Munich Security Conference speech. Russian security doctrines have consistently framed the West as an existential threat, a perception reinforced by state-controlled media. This study examines the role of Russian state media in shaping public perceptions of the West between 2014 and 2022. It explores how Russian media, particularly RIA Novosti, constructed adversarial narratives about Latvia, Poland, and Serbia within the framework of Russian security policy. Through qualitative content analysis, the research investigates the alignment of media narratives with official strategic objectives, the portrayal of Western nations as threats, and the intended audience of these narratives. The findings underscore the integral role of state-controlled media in Russia’s security strategy, highlighting an increasing consolidation of media control to sustain domestic legitimacy and justify external aggression. As Russia faces growing challenges, media restrictions are expected to intensify, reinforcing state-driven narratives and information isolation. Full article

Background: Reamer–irrigator–aspirators (RIAs) are newer orthopedic devices intended to harvest bone while minimizing complications associated with traditional harvesting techniques. Its high success rate has resulted in relatively few studies on its intraoperative and postoperative complications, especially in pediatric populations. This study provides a scoping review of complications associated with the RIA and presents an institutional case series of RIA complications. Materials and Methods: The scoping review was conducted via modified Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Cases at a single institution were selected on an individual basis as they occurred during or after RIA-associated surgeries. Results: Our case series consists of three males and one female, ranging from 8 to 14 years old, with varying comorbid orthopedic conditions. All complications occurred intraoperatively, with three instances of retained hardware and one instance of cortical disruption. Each complication was classified as stage I according to the modified Clavien–Dindo–Sink classification system. There were no long-term sequelae despite limited management. A scoping review of the literature revealed extremely limited data on pediatric complications, but several mechanical and clinical complications have been described. Conclusions: Complications associated with RIA use in children appear to be inconsequential, but data are very sparse, and further studies are required. Full article

Ria de Arousa, one of the Rias Baixas, presents very high economic value for the Galician communities due to its importance for aquaculture, but the changes associated with climate change are expected to have an impact on its hydrodynamics and consequently on the production of cultivated species. The main objective of this work is to study the impact of climate change on the circulation and hydrography of the Ria de Arousa, considering the SSP5-8.5 scenario defined by IPCC. To achieve this goal, the Delft3D hydrodynamic model was implemented three-dimensionally using the results obtained from the CMIP6 MPI-ESM1-2-HR climate model as boundary conditions. Future changes in the hydrodynamic and hydrographic circulation of this coastal system were analysed. The model results were used to assess the impact of climate change on water temperature, salinity, and density patterns of the Ria de Arousa, as well as on stratification, Brunt–Väisälä frequency, and residual circulation. During summer, the water temperature is higher at the surface and lower at the bottom, likely due to the intrusion of water from the Eastern North Atlantic Central Water (ENAWC). In the future, this pattern will continue, albeit with higher temperatures, as the water temperature is expected to increase by around 2.2 °C by 2100. During winter, the water temperature at the bottom is warmer than at the surface, indicating a thermal inversion typical of this season. In the future, the water temperature will also increase, although the increase will be lower compared to summer, with a value of approximately 0.5 °C. Salinity will decrease in the summer and increase in the winter, especially in the areas closest to the rivers. Density analysis shows vertical homogeneity in the water column during winter and stratification during summer. During winter, the Brunt–Väisälä frequency (N) is higher in the region closest to the river’s mouth and lower near the ocean. In the summer, the N value decreases with depth. In the future, the density will increase in winter and decrease in summer, and stratification is expected to decrease. Regarding the residual circulation, it was observed that it will strengthen in the summer and weaken in the winter due to a decrease in freshwater runoff. However, the positive circulation pattern observed in the present will be maintained in the future. Full article

Remote sensing applications for marine placer deposit exploration remain limited due to the mineralogical complexity and dynamic coastal processes. This study presents the first medium- to high-level detailed multi-scale remote sensing analysis of placer deposits in the Rías Baixas, NW Spain, focusing on five beaches within the Vigo Estuary. Ten beach samples were analyzed for their heavy mineral (HM) content and spectral signatures, using bromoform separation and FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer equipment, respectively. The spectral signatures of beach samples with a high HM content were characterized and resampled for the Sentinel-2 application, employing the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm. Field validation and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey confirmed surface placer occurrences and the SAM’s results. Santa Marta Beach exhibited significant placer anomalies (up to 30% HM), correlating with low SAM values (minimum value–0.10), indicating high spectral similarity. The SAM-derived anomaly patches aligned with the field observations, demonstrating Sentinel-2’s potential for placer deposit mapping. This work highlights the application of Sentinel-2 in the exploration of placer deposits and the use of a specific spectral range of these deposits in coastal environments. These tools are non-invasive, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable, and can be extrapolated to other regions of the world with similar characteristics. Full article

Introduction: The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular processes, including maintaining vascular integrity and regulating vascular remodeling. Aneurysm rupture is associated with pathological changes in the arterial wall. Aims: We aimed to investigate the gene expression of transforming growth factors (TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs), and from a control group. Additionally, we evaluated serum levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 and analyzed their associations with various risk factors, including sex, age, aneurysm size, number, shape, smoking, and hypertension. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms (IAs) who were eligible for embolization at the Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers, recruited from the employees of the Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok. Expression levels were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques in PBMCs. Serum concentrations of TGF-β isoforms were evaluated using a multiplexed bead-based immunoassay. Results: Among 32 patients, 24 had unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), including 18 women and 6 men, while 8 presented with ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs), evenly distributed between women and men (4 each). The mean age of the patients was 53 years (range: 24–71 years). The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers, 14 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 51 years (range: 24–71 years). The expression of TGFB1 was significantly higher in the IA versus C group, but TGFB3 expression was significantly higher in the RIA versus C group. The serum level of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 was significantly higher in the RIA versus UIA group. Serum TGF-β1 levels were higher in men and individuals < 60 years of age. Positive correlations were observed between serum TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and aneurysm size, with significantly higher TGF-β3 levels in patients with giant aneurysms. Conclusions: Our study highlights the distinct roles of TGFB1 and TGFB3 in aneurysm pathophysiology, identifying TGFB1 as a molecular contributor to aneurysm formation and TGFB3 with rupture. Increased serum TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 concentrations could serve as promising noninvasive parameters for assessing the risk of aneurysm rupture. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to define cut-off values and validate the method, enabling the use of blood TGF-β levels as a tool for clinical decision-making. Full article

This paper presents an adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable framework for the protection design and development of Bajo community living spaces in Indonesian waters, inspired by the Funaya model in Japan. The framework was developed using the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) method, integrating the principles of Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRRs) to address challenges in coastal management, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability. Key strategies include a protection design based on zonation and space, the application of the principles of RRRs, and the adaptation of the Funaya model. This approach emphasizes participatory governance, legal certainty, and community empowerment through training and incentives. The Funaya adaptation integrates the preservation of traditional houses and tourism development to enhance cultural and economic resilience. While its implementation requires significant resources, the expected benefits include environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and improved livelihoods for the Bajo people. This framework may serve as a replicable model for integrated coastal management across Indonesia. Full article

Background: Complex hindfoot pathologies involving critical-sized bone defects of the talus are difficult to manage. The current management involves arthrodesis and bone grafting with the defective talus, which have limitations in restoring structural integrity and functional goals. The advancement of 3D-printed scaffolds has opened new avenues to address such complex hindfoot pathologies, which may potentially improve treatment outcomes. The addition of platelet-rich fibrin further enhances healing potential. Method: This is a retrospective study involving six patients with severe talar bone loss secondary to osteomyelitis or avascular necrosis, where 3D-printed scaffolds coated with PRF were implemented in salvage surgery performed from 2023 to 2024. We intended to investigate the clinical outcomes in terms of healing time and union rate. Additionally, we evaluated the degree of deformity corrections and the patients’ clinical outcomes. Results: This study reports six complex reconstructions which achieved CT-confirmed union after a mean duration of 20.2 weeks. All patients were able to ambulate with full weight bearing after an average duration of 23.3 weeks. The patients demonstrated improved radiological parameters, VAS scores from 7.5 ± 1.4 points to 2.3 ± 1.2, and functional scores in all domains for AOFAS, FFI and SF-36. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the benefits of PRF-coated 3D-printed scaffolds in managing complex hindfoot cases, especially in the presence of significant bony defects. This modality has the potential to achieve a good union rate, near-anatomical correction and good functional outcomes. Full article

To provide reliable safety margins in reactor design and safety analysis, the best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) analysis, which is recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has drawn increasing attention worldwide. In order to systematically evaluate the sensitivity and uncertainty in the design and safety analysis of molten salt reactors (MSRs), a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis framework has been developed by integrating the reactor system safety analysis code RELAP5-TMSR with the data analysis code RAVEN. The framework is tested using the transient scenarios of the molten salt reactor experiment (MSRE): reactivity insertion accident (RIA) and station blackout (SBO). The testing results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively conducts sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Sensitivity analyses identify key input parameters, including the primary exchanger parameters, air radiator parameters, initial temperatures, delayed neutron parameters and volumetric heat capacity of the INOR-8 alloy. Uncertainty quantification provides 95% confidence intervals for the figures of merit (FOMs) and the steady-state and RIA scenarios remained within safety limits. The developed framework enables automated, efficient, and high-capacity sensitivity and uncertainty analysis across multiple parameters and transient scenarios. The systematic analysis provides sensitivity indicators and uncertainty distributions, offering quantitative insights into the safety margins and supporting the design and safety analysis of MSRs. Full article

The southeastern margin of the Ría de Arosa is a region of great ecological and social importance, characterized by increasing urban development, tourism pressures, and vulnerability to natural hazards, soil erosion, coastal flooding, and mass movements, where sustainable territorial planning poses significant challenges. This study combines Geographic Information Systems tools and quantitative and qualitative overlay techniques to integrate conservation quality and comprehensive risk maps. The main challenge addressed in this research is the integration of geospatial data and diverse natural risk factors. The result was a map of land use recommendations and limitations, and another of degree of land use limitation, which identify priority areas for conservation and zones suitable for the controlled development of recreational, agricultural, and industrial activities. The methodology employed allows for detailed modelling that is easily updated and applicable to other environments for territorial planning and natural resource conservation. Areas of special natural importance, such as Arosa Island and the El Grove Peninsula, stand out as optimal locations for sustainable recreational activities, while the northeastern coastal corridor, between Villanueva de Arosa and Cambados, shows suitability for anthropogenic development. This approach contributes to a balance between socioeconomic development and environmental protection, facilitating the implementation of sustainable planning and conservation strategies in highly fragile coastal areas. Full article