Search Results (241)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an acute, devastating neurologic condition that results in permanent progressive motor deficits, sensory disturbances, and autonomic dysfunctions, which limit function, participation, and quality of life. Although substantial progress has been made during the last several decades for both early trauma care and rehabilitation protocols following SCI, long-term neurological recovery remains unpredictable and often incomplete. This manuscript summarizes mechanistic and clinical evidence regarding robotic-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) and spinal neuromodulation (SN), which have been published since 2010 until the present time in a structured narrative review of the literature on these two emerging areas for neurorehabilitation after SCI. RAR provides high-intensity, task-specific training that consistently results in improvements in functional outcomes such as balance, coordination, and independence; however, its impact is limited when it comes to walking speed or voluntary motor control. SN (particularly epidural stimulation) can activate the residual neural pathways to standing up and stepping even after a complete injury but effects are typically stimulus dependent, with heterogeneous clinical results that often lack strong long-term evidence due in part to variability in patient selection, stimulation parameters and rehabilitation protocols. However, there is emerging mechanistic data supporting combining modulation of excitability through SN approaches along with structured sensorimotor training as an approach for enhancing recovery. Collectively, these findings support a shift toward more physiology-driven neurorehabilitation strategies and the need for future research to improve clinical translation and outcome predictability by patient stratification using standardized intervention protocols that include longitudinal evaluation. Full article

Conscious sedation is widely used in pediatric dentistry to manage dental anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and systemic diseases that compromise patient compliance with dental care. Despite its clinical importance, international recommendations vary considerably. Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis and evidence mapping of international clinical practice guidelines on conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry. Methods: A comparative guideline analysis and evidence mapping study was performed. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, TRIP, and OpenGrey up to December 2023. Guidelines issued by recognized professional or governmental organization addressing conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry were included. Predefined domains were analyzed, including indications, contraindications, pharmacological agents, dosages, routes of administration, monitoring, discharge criteria, and professional training. Data were synthesized descriptively and graphically mapped to illustrate coverage patterns. Results: Twelve international guidelines were included. Complete convergence (100%) was observed in core safety domains, such as patient assessment, monitoring, and professional training. A high agreement was found for discharge criteria (91.67%) and contraindications (83.33%). However, substantial variability emerged in pharmacological protocols, with only 16.67% of guidelines providing comprehensive drug and dosage descriptions. Routes of administration and emergency equipment recommendations were inconsistently reported, appearing in 66.67% and 50% of guidelines, respectively. Conclusions: Although foundational safety principles are consistently addressed, significant heterogeneity persists in pharmacological and procedural recommendations. This variability may contribute to differences in practice and uncertainty among practitioners. Greater international harmonization of guidelines may improve consistency, enhance clinical decision-making, and strengthen patient safety in pediatric dental care. Clinical Relevance: Identifying areas of convergence and variability across international guidelines may support the development of more standardized sedation protocols and promote safer evidence-based clinical practice in pediatric dentistry. Full article

The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has expanded technological opportunities, but it has also increased the exposure surface to cyber threats, creating a need for a more precise understanding of the field’s scientific evolution. This study aims to systematically analyse academic output related to cybersecurity and cyber threats within cryptocurrency and NFT ecosystems, identifying central themes, the most influential authors, and emerging trends. A bibliometric methodology was employed, based on the PRISMA 2020 protocol and scientific mapping tools such as SciMAT (v1.1.06) and VOSviewer (v1.6.20), using a corpus of 337 articles published between 2014 and 2025. The findings indicate sustained growth in the literature, a marked geographical and editorial concentration, and the presence of motor themes such as blockchain, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and illegal mining, alongside emerging areas such as intrusion detection. The results also reveal a progressive integration of artificial intelligence techniques in the detection and prevention of attacks. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, identifies critical gaps, and underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches to strengthen security in decentralised environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: The second victim phenomenon is increasingly recognized as a significant issue affecting nurses involved in adverse events resulting from clinical decisions or interventions. Although patients and families, considered the first victims, are directly impacted, nurses often undergo challenges as second victims. With the growing awareness of these effects, this study aimed to map recent evidence on the second victim phenomenon among nurses in Western countries. Methodology: A Scoping Review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology in September 2024 and updated in November 2025. Eligibility criteria were defined using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, SciELO, and Scopus. Two independent reviewers carried out study selection, data extraction, and synthesis. Rayyan^® supported screening, performed in two phases: title/abstract review and full-text analysis. Data extraction was conducted in Excel^®, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorized into thematic areas. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and was registered in the Open Science Framework. Results: Of the 111 articles retrieved, 39 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence shows that although several support programs exist for nurses as second victims, they are often perceived as inadequate or inconsistently implemented. Second victim experience is associated with physical (e.g., sleep disturbances), emotional (e.g., fear), and psychological (e.g., distress) symptoms, with consequences such as absenteeism, professional dissatisfaction, loss of meaning in life, and even suicide. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for more comprehensive, accessible, and consistently implemented support strategies to meet the complex needs of nurses affected by the second victim phenomenon. Full article

The Acrocomia aculeata is a promising palm tree for biofuel production, but it faces challenges related to propagation, especially due to seed dormancy. This article presents an integrative review, supported by bibliometrics, of the sexual and asexual propagation methods of the species, conducted through searches in Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science databases. The results indicate that sexual propagation is the predominant approach in the literature, although it faces significant challenges due to seed dormancy, such as the physical resistance to embryo protrusion imposed by the operculum. Asexual propagation demonstrates great potential through micropropagation techniques, which allow obtaining genetically uniform plants in relatively short periods. The non-deep physic dormancy exhibited by the seeds interferes with germination by constraining embryo growth potential and postponing the metabolic reactivation essential for successful germination. Despite the existence of promising methods for overcoming dormancy, additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in this process. This review maps the scientific literature to highlight areas of proven research success, identify critical gaps and underexplored topics, and indicate how future investigations can support the development of efficient propagation protocols and the establishment of commercial plantations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition with an increasing life expectancy in recent years. As a result, addressing psychosocial aspects in this population has become an increasingly important concern. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to update the current knowledge on the psychosocial aspects of living with CF in adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in November 2024 across several databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Supplemental Index, Complementary Index, APA PsycInfo, Business Source Complete, SciELO, and the Directory of Open Access Journals via EBSCO. Results: Of the 701 articles retrieved, 24 were analyzed, including a total of 2023 participants (mean age: 31.2 years; 57.2% female). Quantitative findings identified optimistic coping as the most frequent strategy associated with improved survival. High social support and gratitude emerged as key factors for treatment adherence and quality of life, while depression remained the primary mental health concern. Qualitatively, the findings highlighted concerns with adult life transitions and financial stressors. Participants described experiences of social stigma and embarrassment linked to chronic symptoms, often leading to selective disclosure to avoid discrimination. Conclusions: This review confirms that psychosocial factors are central to the adult CF experience, shifting the focus beyond biological survival and highlighting areas that require clinical intervention. As life expectancy increases, clinical care must evolve to incorporate interventions that address these factors to improve mental health and overall quality of life (QoL), ensuring that patients are supported through the unique challenges of extended adulthood. Full article

Diseases caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, expressed as leaf spot blotch (SB) and common root rot (CRR), continue to limit spring wheat production, particularly in dry regions where yield losses may reach 35–40%. This study evaluated resistance to SB and CRR in fifty spring wheat genotypes at both seedling and adult plant stages and identified genetic sources of resistance using molecular markers linked to the Sb1 and Sb2 genes. Field trials were conducted in 2023 and 2024 in the Aktobe region under natural infection, artificial inoculation, and a fungicide-treated background. Based on leaf spot blotch severity quantified as the area under the disease progress curve (leaf AUDPC) under natural infection, nine genotypes displayed stable resistance across both years, while fungicide-treated plots revealed twenty-three resistant genotypes in 2023 and eighteen in 2024. Artificial inoculation identified five resistant lines in 2023 and one in 2024. Resistance to common root rot (CRR) was assessed independently based on subcrown internode (SCI) browning at the adult plant stage. Seedling assays confirmed consistent resistance in six genotypes, all of which carried Sb1, Sb2, or their combination. In total, Sb genes were detected in thirty-six of the fifty accessions, including genotypes from Kazakhstan, Russia, and several other countries. The presence of Sb1 or Sb2 was associated with reduced disease severity, particularly at the seedling stage. These findings identify valuable germplasm for breeding wheat with improved resistance to B. sorokiniana in Kazakhstan. Full article

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of comprehensive, focused reviews on the topic of open bite in the literature. This study aims to quantitatively reveal publication productivity, annual trends, publication sources, key themes, and citation patterns in the field of open bite. Materials and Methods: A total of 1208 articles and reviews published between 1973 and 2025, obtained from the Web of Science database, were analyzed using bibliometric and network analysis methods. Results: A significant increase in the number of publications after 2010, acceleration particularly after 2015, and high productivity observed in the 2018–2024 period. A clear increasing trend was observed over time. 71.5% of publications are included in SCI-Expanded. Journal distribution is centralized, with the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and Angle Orthodontist being the dominant publications. Keyword and cluster analyses showed that the literature is concentrated on four main thematic axes: (1) etiology and biomechanical processes, (2) surgical approaches and orthognathic interventions, (3) early intervention and habit control, (4) post-treatment stability and relapse. Furthermore, treatment-oriented concepts such as “miniscrew/temporary anchorage device,” “molar intrusion,” and “cephalometric analysis” are central. Conclusions: The study reveals that open bite has become an increasingly prevalent and thematically diverse area of research in the orthodontic literature. The current distribution indicates that research focuses on both clinical application and treatment outcomes; however, it also highlights the importance of long-term comparative data and studies on treatment stability. In the future, methodological standardization and comparable long-term data will contribute to the maturation of the literature. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a major clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system (CNS). Effective scaffolds for repair must combine mechanical compatibility with host tissue, controlled degradation matching the time course of regeneration, and microarchitectural features that promote neuronal survival. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds mimic the structural and mechanical features of the extracellular matrix, providing critical cues for neuronal adhesion and glial modulation in neural regeneration. Here, we fabricated biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) scaffolds using a dichloromethane/tetrahydrofuran (DCM/THF) solvent system to induce surface porosity via solvent-driven phase separation. The DCM/THF solvent system formulation produced nanofibers with porous surfaces and increased area for cell interaction. PLA/PCL scaffolds showed a Young’s modulus of ~26 MPa and sustained degradation, particularly under oxidative conditions simulating the post-injury microenvironment. In vitro, these scaffolds enhanced neuronal density up to fivefold and maintained ~80% viability over 10 days in primary neuron–glia cultures. Morphometric analysis revealed that DCM/THF-based scaffolds supported astrocytes with preserved process complexity and reduced circularity, indicative of a less reactive morphology. In contrast, scaffolds fabricated with 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) displayed reduced bioactivity and promoted morphological features associated with astrocyte reactivity, including cell rounding and process retraction. These findings demonstrate that solvent-driven control of scaffold microarchitecture is a powerful strategy to enhance neuronal integration and modulate glial morphology, positioning DCM/THF-processed PLA/PCL scaffolds as a promising platform for CNS tissue engineering. Full article

Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a major chronic sequela of spinal cord injury (SCI) with substantial implications for rehabilitation and long-term management. However, population-level evidence describing how gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic codes are used following SCI, particularly within administrative healthcare systems, remains limited. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). A total of 584,266 adults with trauma-related SCI encounters between 2009 and 2019 were identified. GI diagnostic codes—paralytic ileus (K56), irritable bowel syndrome (K58), and functional bowel disorders (K59)—were evaluated as administrative proxies for bowel dysfunction. Demographic characteristics, disability status, regional factors, and health behaviors were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: GI diagnostic codes were frequently recorded after SCI, most commonly irritable bowel syndrome (approximately 30%) and functional bowel disorders (approximately 37%), whereas paralytic ileus was uncommon. Greater disability severity, female sex, older age, and rural residence were consistently associated with higher odds of GI diagnostic coding. Physical activity showed robust inverse associations across all models. Inverse associations observed with smoking and alcohol consumption were interpreted as reflecting residual confounding or health-related selection, rather than biological protective effects. Conclusions: Patterns of GI diagnostic coding after SCI likely reflect the clinical burden and management needs of neurogenic bowel dysfunction within healthcare systems, rather than the development of new gastrointestinal diseases. These findings underscore the importance of individualized bowel management, incorporation of structured physical activity into rehabilitation programs, and equitable access to SCI rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with greater disability or those living in rural areas. Full article

Agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming essential to building more sustainable, efficient, and resilient food systems. As climate change, food security pressures, and labour shortages intensify, the integration of intelligent technologies in agriculture has gained strategic importance. This systematic review provides a consolidated assessment of AI and robotics research in agriculture from 2000 to 2025, identifying major trends, methodological trajectories, and underexplored domains. A structured search was conducted in the Scopus database—which was selected for its broad coverage of engineering, computer science, and agricultural technology—and records were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria across title, abstract, keywords, and eligibility levels. The final dataset was analysed through descriptive statistics and science-mapping techniques (VOSviewer, SciMAT). Out of 4894 retrieved records, 3673 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. As with all bibliometric reviews, the synthesis reflects the scope of indexed publications and available metadata, and potential selection bias was mitigated through a multi-stage screening workflow. The analysis revealed four dominant research themes: deep-learning-based perception, UAV-enabled remote sensing, data-driven decision systems, and precision agriculture. Several strategically relevant but underdeveloped areas also emerged, including soft manipulation, multimodal sensing, sim-to-real transfer, and adaptive autonomy. Geographical patterns highlight a strong concentration of research in China and India, reflecting agricultural scale and investment dynamics. Overall, the field appears technologically mature in perception and aerial sensing but remains limited in physical interaction, uncertainty-aware control, and long-term autonomous operation. These gaps indicate concrete opportunities for advancing next-generation AI-driven robotic systems in agriculture. Funding sources are reported in the full manuscript. Full article

Rural revitalization constitutes a vital strategic initiative in advancing China’s socialist modernization. At the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference, the objective of building China into a financial powerhouse was formally articulated, thereby establishing higher benchmarks for financial support of rural revitalization. A critical question arising from this agenda is how to simultaneously advance agricultural technological innovation while effectively implementing green development principles. Accordingly, it is essential to investigate the role of the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance in promoting rural revitalization. Against this backdrop, this study employs provincial-level panel data from China spanning the period from 2011 to 2021. A two-way fixed effects model is adopted to examine the impact of the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance on rural revitalization. The analysis identifies three primary transmission mechanisms: financial supply, green agricultural development, and linkages between smallholder farmers and modern agriculture. Furthermore, the study explores heterogeneity across different financial environments from two dimensions: the level of digital inclusive finance development and the intensity of financial regulation. The empirical results indicate that (1) the integrated development of sci-tech finance and green finance significantly promotes rural revitalization, exhibiting a nonlinear effect whereby its catalytic impact intensifies markedly once the coupling coordination between the two surpasses a critical threshold; (2) such integration alleviates rural financing constraints, enhances agricultural green total factor productivity, and facilitates rural revitalization through the establishment of green agricultural cooperatives; and (3) the enhanced impact of this holistic progress is particularly noticeable in areas with advanced digital financial inclusion and robust financial oversight. In light of these results, this research puts forth three policy suggestions. First, institutional and policy preparations for integrating green finance and sci-tech finance should be accelerated through coordinated government policies, financial product innovation, and financial market reforms. Second, the channels through which sci-tech finance and green finance support rural revitalization should be strengthened by expanding agricultural credit, improving the coverage of rural financial institutions, and fostering specialized green agricultural cooperatives. Third, the financial ecosystem should be optimized by prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure and reinforcing financial supervision throughout the development of digital inclusive finance, particularly in rural regions. Full article

Despite the growing interest in physiological stress monitoring, an objective measure of stress is currently lacking, especially in clinical and rehabilitation contexts. With the emerging integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in data analytics, heart rate variability (HRV) has gained attention as an effective biomarker; however, the literature remains fragmented across disciplines, stress types, and methodological approaches. This scoping review aims to investigate how AI techniques are applied to HRV analysis for stress detection and prediction in adult populations. Although this review does not focus on a specific subtype of stress, its primary objective is to explore the current methodological state of the art as reported in the literature, without restrictions on stress typology. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2005 and 2025, using MeSH terms including “HRV”, “Rehabilitation”, “SCI” (for Spinal Cord Injury), “Stress”, “Sympathetic”, “Parasympathetic”, “Non-linear”, “Gamification”, “AI” and “Machine Learning”. Inclusion criteria targeted adult human populations and studies employing HRV features as input for AI and machine learning techniques for psychophysical stress assessment. Of the 566 records identified, 15 studies met the eligibility criteria. The reviewed studies exhibit substantial heterogeneity in terms of settings, populations, sensors, and algorithms with most employing supervised methods (e.g., random forest, support vector machine), alongside several applications of deep learning and explainable AI. Only one study focused specifically on physiological stress, none focused on SCI populations, and rehabilitation-related research was scarce, thereby underscoring important gaps in the current literature. Overall, HR variability analysis, especially when combined with artificial intelligence techniques, represents a promising approach for stress assessment; however, the field is methodologically fragmented and clinically underdeveloped in critical areas, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary methodological framework. Full article

The Belamcanda chinensis (L.) Redouté is a perennial herb belong to the genus Belamcanda, primarily found in China, but with additional distribution in North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and India. The rhizomes of B. chinensis have a long history of use as a traditional herbal medicine in China, one that is recognized for its effects in clearing heat, in detoxifying and eliminating phlegm, and in soothing the throat. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search across several databases, both Chinese and international, using the primary keyword Belamcanda chinensis paired with a relevant research area (e.g., chemical composition, pharmacology). The databases included Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wiley, Springer Baidu Scholar and Research Gate, as well as domestic materia medica. We illustrated the chemical structures using ChemBioDraw Ultra 22.0 software. There are more than 10 proprietary Chinese medicines already on the market that consist of or originate from B. chinensis. More than 200 natural products have been isolated and identified from B. chinensis, including iridal-type triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, quinones, sesquiterpenes, and polysaccharides. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that both crude extracts and monomeric compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activities, with potential regulatory pathways. Additionally, B. chinensis demonstrates toxicity to fish, mollusks and arthropods. Clinical studies have shown that formulas containing B. chinensis as the main ingredient have a good therapeutic effect on respiratory diseases. In summary, B. chinensis presents promising prospects for application in medicine, functional food, cosmetics and agriculture. Therefore, we have reviewed the chemical composition, pharmacological activities (both in vivo and in vitro), structure–activity relationships, toxicity and clinical application of B. chinensis over the past 40 years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent comprehensive utilization of the plants. Full article