Search Results (205)

Background/Objectives: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in older adults and is associated with reduced quality of life, functional decline, frailty, and an increased risk of delirium and cognitive impairment. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving age-related changes in gastrointestinal motility, neural regulation, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. However, this condition has traditionally been regarded as a localized gastrointestinal disorder, which may not fully reflect its systemic clinical significance in older populations. While prior narrative reviews have described multifactorial contributors to constipation, none have formally applied a geriatric syndrome framework to integrate these dimensions. This review proposes a three-criterion operational definition—multifactorial pathogenesis, association with functional decline and frailty, and contribution to adverse systemic outcomes—to characterize constipation in older adults as a “systemic geriatric syndrome,” and evaluates available evidence against each criterion. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2023, and 31 December 2025. MeSH terms included “Constipation” [Major Topic] and “Aged” [MeSH Terms]. Eligible articles included English-language original studies, systematic reviews, and clinical or epidemiological studies involving individuals aged ≥65 years. Results: Diagnosis in older adults is often complicated by secondary causes, including medications and neurological disorders, as well as atypical symptom presentations in individuals with cognitive impairment. Key pathophysiological mechanisms include reductions in interstitial cells of Cajal, impaired smooth muscle contractility, dysfunction of the enteric and autonomic nervous systems, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, which may promote chronic low-grade inflammation. Major contributing factors include physical inactivity, sarcopenia, dehydration, inappropriate defecation posture, and polypharmacy, particularly opioids and anticholinergic agents. Importantly, these factors interact through the brain–gut–microbiota axis, contributing not only to gastrointestinal dysfunction but also to systemic outcomes such as frailty, cognitive decline, and increased healthcare burden, thereby supporting a multidimensional disease framework. Conclusions: The available evidence collectively supports the plausibility of framing constipation in older adults as a systemic geriatric syndrome, though formal validation of this classification requires further longitudinal and mechanistic research. Comprehensive and individualized management strategies, extending beyond simple laxative use, are essential to reduce complications and preserve functional health in aging populations. Further studies are required to validate this framework. Full article

Zinc deficiency is recognized as a global public health concern, affecting populations of all ages. This study aims to develop zinc supplements (nutraceuticals) based on by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry. Dehydrated apple and beetroot pomace powders were enriched with vitamin C and zinc via fluid-bed wet granulation, producing granules with substantially improved flowability (Carr’s index reduced by up to 45%, Hausner ratio by up to 25%, while the bulk and tapped density were reduced by up to 25% and 40%, respectively). Microbiological and long-term storage stability was demonstrated by low water activity (aw) (≤0.3), moisture content (<10%), and glass transition temperatures (T_g = 29–34 °C) that were well above standard storage conditions. The formulated nutraceuticals exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to the starting powders, as well as significant anti-hyperglycemic activity. Furthermore, the enhanced bioaccessibility of zinc was confirmed upon in vitro digestion of granulated samples, using atomic absorption spectrometry and differential pulse voltammetry. The present findings demonstrate that apple and beetroot pomaces can be successfully valorized as sustainable and functional matrices for zinc enrichment, being free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, colorants, preservatives, anti-caking agents, and anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid. Full article

Synthetic derivatives of testosterone known as 17α-alkylated anabolic–androgenic steroids have been developed to retain anabolic effects while enabling oral administration. Here, we present newly identified hydrated solid forms of three agents: oxandrolone hemihydrate (C₁₉H₃₀O₃·0.5H₂O), fluoxymesterone hydrate (C₂₀H₂₉FO₃·H₂O), and methandienone hemihydrate (C₂₀H₂₈O₂·0.5H₂O). Their crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, supplemented by powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. Computational methods were employed to investigate molecular interactions and crystal packing. Lattice energy evaluations revealed that the hydrated forms are energetically less stable than their anhydrous counterparts, with significantly less negative values (e.g., −113.4 kJ/mol for oxandrolone hemihydrate vs. −164.4 kJ/mol for the anhydrous form). Energy decomposition analysis indicates that while water molecules participate mostly in electrostatic-driven hydrogen bonding, they disrupt the dispersive packing efficiency found in the anhydrous phases. Specifically, intermolecular interaction energies show that host–host hydrogen bonds (up to −62.2 kJ/mol in oxandrolone) dominate over weaker host–water couplings (−8.9 to −34.9 kJ/mol). The newly reported crystal structures contribute to the expanding catalog of solid-state forms for 17α-alkylated steroids and provide important details regarding their metastable nature and the dehydration-driven phase transformations observed under climatic stress conditions. Full article

The number of confiscated CITES-listed animals has increased dramatically worldwide, creating significant health, logistical, and resource challenges for responsible authorities. Rescue centers represent a scientific and humanitarian response to this challenge, providing solutions through rehabilitation, research, and environmental education. This postmortem survey provides information on disease and mortality during a four-year period, in confiscated CITES-listed birds and reptiles housed in an authorized rescue center. A total of 29 animals (17 birds and 12 reptiles) were examined by necropsy and histopathology. Infectious disease accounted for the mortality of 58.8% of birds and 49.8% of reptiles, with overrepresentation of bacterial disease in both groups. Lesions consisted mainly of granulomas in multiple organs. Suspected viral disease occurred in 23.3% of birds, and protozoal infections were found in 17.3% of birds. Systemic disease caused by an unknown haemosporozoan was the cause of death in a Lonchura oryzivora. An unknown infectious agent was associated with renal disease in a Ctenosaura sp. Gout secondary to dehydration was overrepresented in reptiles (33.3%). This study highlights the complexity of disease processes affecting confiscated birds and reptiles in CITES rescue settings and provides invaluable information for other rescue centers that may impact the success of conservation strategies. Full article

Background: Furosemide is one of the most frequently prescribed loop diuretics for cardiovascular conditions, particularly in the management of volume overload and acute elevations in blood pressure. However, detailed real-world data describing its utilization characteristics and documented safety outcomes in primary healthcare settings remain limited, especially in underrepresented health systems. Objective: This study aimed to describe real-world patterns of furosemide utilization, including indications and concomitant treatment patterns, and to document associated adverse drug events and short-term clinical outcomes in routine primary healthcare practice. Methods: A retrospective pharmacoepidemiological observational study was conducted between January and December 2025 in a primary healthcare center. Medical records of 1300 adult patients who received furosemide for cardiovascular indications were reviewed. Indications included arterial hypertension, hypertensive crises, and conditions related to volume overload. Utilization characteristics were operationalized as indication distribution, monotherapy versus combination therapy, and recurrence patterns within the study period. Data collected included demographic characteristics, primary and comorbid diagnoses, blood pressure values recorded before and after administration, furosemide dose and route of administration, concomitant antihypertensive therapy, documented adverse drug events as recorded in routine clinical documentation, recurrent presentations related to hypertensive crises, and the need for hospital referral. Descriptive statistics and paired comparative analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean patient age was 62.4 ± 11.8 years, with a male predominance (54.1%). Arterial hypertension was the most frequent recorded indication (78.6%), while 32.4% of patients had multiple cardiovascular diagnoses. A statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (from 176.3 ± 18.5 mmHg to 148.7 ± 16.2 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (from 101.2 ± 11.4 mmHg to 89.6 ± 9.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) was observed between measurements recorded before and after administration during the same clinical episode. Recurrent presentations related to hypertensive crises were documented in 27.9% of patients during the study period. Adverse drug events were documented in 9.6% of cases, most commonly dehydration and suspected electrolyte disturbances as noted in routine clinical records. Hospital referral was required in 6.8% of patients. Conclusions: In this real-world primary healthcare cohort, furosemide was commonly used across a heterogeneous mix of cardiovascular indications, predominantly in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Observed temporal reductions in blood pressure and documented adverse events reflect routine clinical practice rather than controlled treatment effects. These findings provide descriptive pharmacoepidemiological evidence from a primary care setting and underscore the importance of careful monitoring, documentation, and rational prescribing in patients receiving loop diuretics. Full article

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) and its salts, including iron, aluminum, sodium, and lanthanum phytate, are perhaps the most recent discovery in the field of bio-sourced flame retardants. Phytic acid can be extracted from sustainable resources, such as beans, cereals, and oilseeds. Its high phosphorus content (28 wt.% based on molecular weight) organized into six phosphate groups justifies the growing interest this biomolecule has attracted over the last decade in various sectors (as a corrosion inhibitor, antioxidant, and anticancer additive, among others). In addition, when exposed to a flame or an irradiative heat flux, phytic acid is a highly efficient dehydrating and char-forming agent. It also contributes to excellent flame-retardant properties when combined with other carbon sources, such as chitosan, or nitrogen-containing additives, including melamine, urea, and polyethyleneimine. This paper reviews the most recent advances in using phytic acid and its derivatives to design effective flame-retardant systems for textiles, bulk polymers, and foams. It also provides perspectives on possible future developments and implementations. Full article

This paper introduced a simple, efficient method to prepare mechanically strong lignin-based foams (lignofoams) with open-cell structures using a facile baking technique. The self-expansion of lignin occurred without any additional chemical blowing agents, foaming agents, plasticizers, or lubricants. During heating, kraft lignin softened, and the internal water, either initially adsorbed or generated in situ through the dehydration of hydroxyl groups, acted as a natural blowing agent for foaming a porous foam structure. Incorporating a small amount of polypropylene (PP) enhanced mechanical properties by coating the inner walls of open cells. The porous, softened composite was then cooled to room temperature and solidified into the self-expanded lignofoam. The resulting lignofoams exhibited tunable densities ranging from 0.21 to 0.49 g/cm³ and a maximum compressive strength of 3.6 MPa. The lignofoam also showed excellent thermal insulation properties with low thermal conductive coefficients (0.057–0.098 W/mK). These features highlight the great potential of lignofoam for a bio-based thermal insulation material for construction applications. Full article

This research designed a high-performance superabsorbent gel aligned on the integration of lignite humic residue (LHR) with a polymeric organic network in order to address ecological restoration challenges in the arid mining area in Xinjiang. This water-retaining agent was synthesized by employing solution polymerization techniques using acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM) as monomers, lignite hydrothermal residue (LHR) as a functional additive, and ammonium persulphate (APS) as the initiator. The resulting lignite hydrothermal residue–polyacrylic gel composite material was obtained by using N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide (MBA) as the primary crosslinking agent. The water absorption capacity and mechanical strength of the acrylic gel were further enhanced by specifically incorporating low-cost, safe, and non-toxic lignite humic residue (LHR). The performance test indicated that this gel achieved a maximum water absorption of 522 g·g⁻¹ in distilled water and 65.5 g·g⁻¹ in 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Its reusability and water absorption capacity remained above 81.8% even after five cycles of natural dehydration and reabsorption. The method for synthesizing this superabsorbent gel effectively constructs a soil water retention network structure, improving the soil microenvironment, and enhancing plant salt tolerance. The field trial results showed that the application of this LHR-AA-AM superabsorbent gel considerably improved vegetation coverage in mining areas. Hence, this study provides an efficient and economical superabsorbent material for ecological restoration of saline–alkali land in arid regions without soil replacement, demonstrating promising application prospects. Full article

Phosphogypsum, a by-product of phosphate fertilizer production, has shown promising potential as a shrinkage-reducing additive in ordinary Portland cement-based mortar. The incorporation of low PG dosages (≤6%) enhances early hydration, slightly increases the hydration peak temperature, and promotes the formation of additional ettringite and bound-water-rich hydrates, contributing to improved early performance. PG also substantially reduces drying shrinkage—from 0.0397 mm/m (reference) to −0.1600 mm/m at 15% PG—through ettringite-induced expansion and pore refinement, demonstrating its effectiveness as a shrinkage-reducing agent. Thermal analysis (XRD/TG–DTA) confirms that PG modifies hydration chemistry by increasing low-temperature dehydration while reducing portlandite and carbonate phase formation due to clinker dilution. As a result, Ca(OH)₂ content decreases from 11.89 wt% for the reference mix to 8.55 wt% at 15% PG. However, higher PG levels (>9%) negatively affect strength: at 15% PG, flexural and compressive strength decrease by 38% and 47%, respectively, due to clinker dilution, excess ettringite, and unreacted gypsum. All compositions maintained durability levels corresponding to roughly 300–450 freeze–thaw cycles. Overall, PG effectively reduces shrinkage and alters hydration behavior while offering environmental benefits through industrial waste valorization. Nevertheless, high replacement levels compromise mechanical performance, underscoring the importance of optimizing PG dosage to balance shrinkage control, strength, and sustainability. Full article

As the core abrasive in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes, the morphology, size uniformity, and chemical reactivity of CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial factors determining the surface precision and yield of devices. In this work, a KNO₃–LiNO₃ eutectic molten salt was used as the reaction medium. By systematically adjusting key processing parameters (such as the type of cerium source, the species and dosage of surfactants, and calcination conditions), the regulatory effects of these factors on particle growth mechanisms were clarified. This adjustment enabled the controlled synthesis of spherical CeO₂ NPs with customized morphology, particle size, and surface defect states. The multi-stage reaction process of the precursor during calcination was identified by applying thermal analysis techniques, including TG-DSC and TG-FTIR. This process includes dehydration, ion exchange, and thermal decomposition. Microstructural analysis shows that the type and dosage of the cerium source and template agent significantly affect the uniformity of particle size and spherical morphology. Moreover, by using an optimized process with a heating rate of 6 °C/min and maintaining at 400 °C for 3 h, spherical CeO₂ NPs with an average particle size of 60 nm, uniform size distribution, and high sphericity were successfully synthesized via a single-step calcination process. Based on these findings, a further proposal was put forward regarding a crystal growth mechanism mediated by micelle-directed assembly and oriented attachment. This method only requires a single calcination step, has mild reaction conditions, and involves a simple process without the need for specialized equipment—features that show great potential for scalable production. It provides both a theoretical basis and experimental support for the controlled preparation of high-performance CeO₂ abrasives. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fever and pain are among the most common symptoms in pediatric infections and chronic diseases, causing significant discomfort for children and concern for caregivers. Effective management is essential to relieve distress while avoiding overtreatment or undertreatment. Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly ibuprofen, are the primary antipyretic and analgesic agents in pediatric care, but their use in children with chronic conditions might be challenging. Methods: A narrative review and clinical expert judgment were used to synthesize current evidence on the use of paracetamol and NSAIDs (especially ibuprofen) in children with some common chronic diseases. Results: Paracetamol is often considered a first-line option in several chronic conditions. Caution is warranted in children with pre-existing malnutrition, obesity, and neuromuscular disorders as these factors might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. NSAIDs provide additional anti-inflammatory effects and comparable analgesic efficacy but should be used cautiously in some high-risk populations due to potential gastrointestinal, renal, and bleeding complications. Their use is contraindicated in children with dehydration, renal impairment, nephrotic syndrome relapses, while careful risk-benefit assessment is required in small and vulnerable neonates. Some data also suggests NSAIDs may worsen outcomes in certain acute bacterial and viral infections. Data on chronic infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, and viral hepatitis are limited, highlighting the need for further research. Combination therapy with paracetamol and ibuprofen may enhance analgesia in postoperative settings without significantly increasing adverse events. Overall, available evidence is limited and largely observational. Conclusions: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence and clinical expertise to provide practical guidance on the rational use of paracetamol and NSAIDs in children, emphasizing individualized therapy according to comorbidities, risk factors, and clinical context, particularly in vulnerable populations. A risk-adapted, evidence-based approach ensures optimal symptom control while minimizing harm, supporting safer, more effective, and family-centered care for children with fever and pain. Full article

From August to November 2023, a disease outbreak occurred in a research colony of 33 mixed-sex, five-month-old central bearded dragons obtained from a private breeder in the USA. Clinical presentation consisted primarily of dehydration, lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, neck extension, sporadic open mouth breathing indicating dyspnea, and sudden death. A total of six deaths occurred during this period. Pathological investigation followed by molecular diagnostics and whole-genome sequencing revealed Mycoplasma pogonae as the cause of disease. Pneumonia (5/6) was diagnosed from necropsy. Types of pneumonia included histiocytic (1/5), combined histiocytic and lymphocytic (2/5), histiocytic and granulocytic (1/5), and heterophilic pneumonia (1/5). Our results confirmed that M. pogonae infection is associated with sudden mortality in a colony of captive central bearded dragons in the USA and that M. pogonae has a potential pathogenic role as a primary infectious agent. Full article

In response to the requirements of wellbore plugging and lost circulation control, this study designed and prepared a new type of thixotropic polymer gel system. The optimal formula was obtained through systematic screening of the types and concentrations of high molecular polymers, cross-linking agents, flow pattern regulators, and resin curing agents. Comprehensive characterization of the gel’s gelling performance, thixotropic properties, high-temperature stability, shear resistance, and plugging capacity was conducted using methods such as the Sydansk bottle test, rheological testing, high-temperature aging experiments, plugging performance evaluation, as well as infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis, and its mechanism of action was revealed. The results show that the optimal formula is 1.2% AM-AA-AMPS terpolymer + 0.5% hydroquinone + 0.6% S-Trioxane + 0.8% modified montmorillonite + 14% modified phenolic resin. This gel system has a gelling time of 6 h, a gel strength reaching grade H, and a storage modulus of 62 Pa. It exhibits significant shear thinning characteristics in the shear rate range of 0.1~1000 s⁻¹, with a viscosity recovery rate of 97.7% and a thixotropic recovery rate of 90% after shearing. It forms a complete gel at a high temperature of 160 °C, with a dehydration rate of only 8.5% and a storage modulus retention rate of 80% after aging at 140 °C for 7 days. Under water flooding conditions at 120 °C, the converted pressure-bearing capacity per 100 m reaches 24.0 MPa. Mechanism analysis confirms that the system forms a stable composite network through the synergistic effect of “covalent cross-linking—hydrogen bonding—physical adsorption”, providing a high-performance material solution for wellbore plugging in high-temperature and high-salt environments. Full article

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have become key therapeutic agents based on their protective cardiovascular and renal effects. However, their safety and efficacy in patients with kidney failure, especially undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), who are a population at very high cardiovascular risk, remain largely unexplored. Methods: We conducted a retrospective global cohort study using the electronic health records of 19,871 adult peritoneal dialysis patients from the Global Collaborative Network TriNetX database. Of these, n = 412 patients used SGLT2is within 3 months after PD initiation. After propensity score matching, n = 367 patients per cohort were evaluated for cardiovascular risk, mortality and adverse events related to SGLT2is-treatment. Results: The mean age of PD patients with SGLT2is use was 58.7 years and common comorbidities were heart failure (74.0%) and type 2 diabetes (62.1%). Comedication included beta blocking agents (75.5%), diuretics (74.0%), statins (64.6%), insulins (60.2%) and renin- angiotensin blockade (56.3%) in the majority of patients. After propensity score matching, SGLT2is use showed a trend towards reduced all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events but no significant risk reduction. Further, incidence of hemodialysis was not lowered by SGLT2is use. Known adverse events of SGLT2is use such as ketoacidosis, genitourinary infections, dehydration or peritonitis were not increased among users. Conclusions: In this cohort of PD patients with high cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, SGLT2is use was safe with regard to unchanged adverse events, while effects on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and technique failure were neutral. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study focused on synthesizing novel alkenyl derivatives of azinylferrocenes and evaluating their potential as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapeutics. Methods: 1-Azinyl-1′-acetylferrocenes were obtained by regioselective acetylation of azinylferrocenes, followed by the Wittig reaction or reduction of 1-azinyl-1′-acetylferrocenes and subsequent dehydration of the resulting alcohols. The synthesized compounds underwent the following biological activity testing relevant to AD: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and off-target carboxylesterase (CES); antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP assays); inhibition of Aβ₄₂ self-aggregation (thioflavin method); blocking AChE-induced β-amyloid aggregation (propidium displacement); and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y and MSC-Neu cells (MTT assay). Results: Quinoline and bipyridine derivatives demonstrated effective cholinesterase inhibition, especially quinoline 7b (AChE IC₅₀ 3.32 μM; BChE IC₅₀ 3.68 μM), while acridine derivatives were poor inhibitors. Quantum chemical (QC) calculations predicted that acridine derivatives were especially prone to form stable dimers. Molecular docking into protein targets generated by an AlphaFold3 reproduction code showed that these dimers were too bulky to access enzyme active sites, yet they could bind to protein surfaces to inhibit Aβ₄₂ self-aggregation and displace propidium from the AChE peripheral anionic site. All compounds showed high antioxidant activity in ABTS and FRAP assays, with quinoline derivatives being 2–4 times more potent than Trolox. QC calculations supported these findings. Quinoline and bipyridine derivatives also exhibited low cytotoxicity and scant CES inhibition. Conclusions: Overall, the synthesized ferrocenes, particularly the quinoline and bipyridine derivatives, appear promising for further research as multifunctional therapeutic agents targeting AD due to their anticholinesterase, antiaggregating, and antioxidant activities combined with low toxicity. Full article