Search Results (1,836)

Soil erosion remains a critical ecological challenge on China’s Loess Plateau (LP), where fragile geomorphology and intensive human activities jointly amplify land degradation risks. As land-use and land-cover change (LUCC) is a primary determinant of erosion processes, clarifying the nexus between land patterns and erosion intensity is essential for formulating effective conservation strategies. This study integrates the Chinese Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) with the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil erosion from 2000 to 2020 and project future patterns for 2060 under five scenarios: Natural Development (ND), Ecological Protection (EP), Economic Development (ED), Cropland Protection (CP), and Planning Guidance (PG). Results indicate a fluctuating decline in LP soil erosion during 2000–2020, marked by a transition toward predominantly slight erosion (~70% of the total area), while high-intensity erosion remained concentrated in central and western cropland and grassland. Scenario projections reveal pronounced divergence in erosion outcomes. The EP scenario, characterized by sustained vegetation expansion, demonstrated the highest efficacy in erosion mitigation. Conversely, the ED scenario exhibited the most severe erosion risk due to urban expansion into ecological areas. The PG scenario effectively reconciled the trade-offs between ecological conservation and socioeconomic demands, maintaining a balanced erosion control performance. In the context of global climate change, the complexity of soil and water conservation governance is expected to intensify. This study suggests that future efforts should focus on scientifically guiding the evolution of land-use patterns through sustainable spatial planning. Furthermore, targeted engineering and biological conservation measures must bae implemented for high-risk land categories to ensure the long-term stability of the regional ecological security barrier. Full article

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in molecular characterization and tumor biology have driven the development of antibody-based therapies targeting immune checkpoints, angiogenesis, and oncogenic signaling pathways critical for tumor growth and progression. Among these agents, Ramucirumab, Atezolizumab, and Amivantamab have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in selected NSCLC populations. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, pivotal clinical trials, and current clinical evidence supporting the use of ramucirumab, atezolizumab, and amivantamab in the management of advanced NSCLC. Relevant literature was identified through searches of PubMed, clinical trial registries, and recent international conference proceedings, with an emphasis on therapeutic efficacy, safety profiles, and rational combination strategies. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), has shown a survival benefit when combined with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. Atezolizumab, a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become a cornerstone of NSCLC treatment across multiple disease stages, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET), has demonstrated robust and durable clinical activity in patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion–mutated NSCLC. Collectively, these agents highlight the expanding role of antibody-based therapies in NSCLC and underscore the importance of biomarker-driven patient selection and treatment personalization. Ongoing research into resistance mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, and combination approaches is expected to further refine the integration of antibody-based strategies in precision oncology for NSCLC. Full article

Aging is a progressive and heterogeneous biological process influenced by multiple factors that may compromise physical and cognitive capacities and increase the risk of frailty, functional decline, and falls in older adults. Falls represent a major public health concern due to their impact on independence and long-term care demand. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) delivered through active video games (exergames) has emerged as a preventive strategy that integrates sensory, motor, and cognitive stimulation within controlled and engaging environments, particularly where traditional programs face challenges related to adherence and individual adaptation. This study aims to determine the feasibility and implementation of an IVR-based program for falls prevention in older adults at risk of frailty in primary health care (PHC). A quasi-experimental pre–post design will be conducted with an intervention group (IVR/exergames) and a conventional control group, including a total sample of 40 participants (20 per group). The protocol comprises three phases: baseline assessment and IVR familiarization; a 12-week intervention delivered twice weekly; and post-intervention assessment. The primary outcome will be fall risk assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes include physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB, and handgrip dynamometry) and psychological aspects related to falls (Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC). Feasibility indicators will include recruitment, adherence, retention, and cybersickness. A reduction in TUG time is expected, providing preliminary evidence on the feasibility of integrating IVR-based programs for falls prevention within PHC systems. Full article

Creative expression is no longer separate from monetization. It is increasingly structured by the business models that platforms provide. Content monetization has evolved rapidly: early models focused on advertising revenue, followed by brand partnerships, and most recently, the integration of commerce-oriented features at the platform level. YouTube, for example, launched its YouTube Shopping service in South Korea in June 2024, enabling creators to sell products directly through their content. This development demonstrates that commerciality has become intrinsic to the creator economy. While prior research has emphasized factors such as authenticity, less focus has been placed on commerciality itself. This study addresses this gap by analyzing how varying levels of content commerciality affect performance, using real-world data from a Korean YouTube beauty creator agency (N = 286 short-form videos). The analysis tests the effects of three revenue models (organic, sponsored, and content-driven commerce) and two content types (context-focused and product-focused) through multiple regression. Results reveal a trade-off between engagement and revenue, as while content-driven commerce generates significantly higher engagement than sponsored content, it yields lower immediate revenue. Regarding content strategy, contrary to expectations, product-focused content consistently outperforms context-focused content in driving engagement, except within sponsored videos where a context-focused approach effectively mitigates the negative impact of overt commercial intent. These findings demonstrate the divergent efficacy of monetization models and content strategies in the short-form ecosystem. By empirically validating the relationship between commerciality and performance, this study advances theoretical discussions on the platform-driven creator economy and offers practical insights for creators, brands, and platforms navigating this evolving environment. Full article

Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) remains a high-risk entity despite advances in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunotherapy, and cellular therapies. Relapse driven by clonal evolution, central nervous system (CNS) sanctuary disease, and TKI resistance, particularly T315I mutations, continues to limit durable disease control. Asciminib, a first-in-class allosteric BCR::ABL1 (STAMP) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy and favorable tolerability in chronic myeloid leukemia, but its optimal role in Ph+ ALL remains to be defined. We report a three-patient case series of Ph+ acute leukemia treated with asciminib across diverse high-risk clinical settings, including multiply relapsed disease, CNS involvement, T315I-mutated leukemia, post-CAR-T-cell relapses, and transplant bridging. Clinical outcomes are contextualized through a comprehensive review of emerging clinical trial data, real-world cohorts, and mechanistic studies evaluating asciminib in Ph+ ALL. Across all cases, asciminib was incorporated as part of combination or consolidation strategies rather than as monotherapy in active disease. Asciminib contributed to molecular disease control, CNS leukemia clearance, and successful bridging to allogeneic transplantation or cellular therapy, with acceptable tolerability and no major vascular toxicity. Integration of published evidence demonstrates that asciminib exhibits consistent biological activity in Ph+ ALL, with improved durability when used in rational combinations, particularly with immunotherapy or ATP-competitive TKIs. Preclinical data further support asciminib’s compatibility with antibody-based and cellular therapies through preservation of immune effector function. Asciminib represents a versatile but context-dependent therapeutic option in Ph+ ALL. Its greatest clinical value appears to lie in rational combination regimens, maintenance strategies, and bridging to definitive therapies rather than single-agent salvage. Emerging structural biomarkers and ongoing clinical trials are expected to further refine patient selection, sequencing, and optimal integration of asciminib, particularly in CNS-involved disease and post-CAR-T cell relapse. Full article

Interest in classical psychedelics as potential treatments for ADHD has grown alongside broader psychiatric psychedelic research, but ADHD-specific evidence remains limited. This systematic review examined prospective and experimental studies on whether classical psychedelics, including microdosing-like use and retreat-based exposure, are associated with changes in adult ADHD symptoms and related functioning. A PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted using a PECO/PICO framework focused on adults (≥18 years) with diagnosed ADHD and/or elevated ADHD symptomatology who were exposed to a classical psychedelic and assessed prospectively with quantitative ADHD outcomes. Major databases were searched, with reference screening and targeted checks for recent or registered trials. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for the RCT and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Because of heterogeneity and the small number of studies, findings were synthesized narratively. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Five prospective/experimental studies were included: three naturalistic online microdosing cohorts, one randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2A trial of low-dose LSD, and one pre-post ayahuasca retreat pilot. In uncontrolled naturalistic microdosing studies, participants reported short-term reductions in ADHD symptom ratings together with improvements in well-being and affect-related functioning; however, these studies were highly vulnerable to self-selection, expectancy, attrition, and non-standardized exposure. In contrast, the only randomized placebo-controlled ADHD trial found improvement in both LSD and placebo groups, with no statistically significant advantage for LSD on clinician-rated or self-reported ADHD outcomes. Objective cognitive findings were limited and inconsistent, and safety data outside the supervised trial context were sparse. Naturalistic studies provide, at most, low-certainty signals of perceived short-term improvement, but the strongest controlled evidence does not demonstrate drug-specific efficacy of repeated low-dose LSD for core ADHD symptoms. Current evidence therefore does not allow separation of pharmacological effects from expectancy, setting, self-monitoring, and broader experiential/contextual influences, and is insufficient to support psychedelics as an evidence-based treatment for ADHD. Full article

The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) comprises several coral ecosystems, which are distributed across a variety of coastal zones and oceanic islands. In these ecosystems, reef fish play key roles in their functioning. In ETP, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated fish functional diversity (FD) and compared oceanic and coastal systems from a predominantly trophic perspective. A comparative analysis was conducted on fish FD in seven coral ecosystems, encompassing three distinct environmental contexts: (1) Oceanic, (2) Coastal-influenced, and (3) Coastal. The hypothesis that FD varies spatially along this oceanic–coastal gradient is predicated on the premise that such variation is attributable to differences in disturbance regimes and environmental conditions. Our results show that not all functional α-diversity indices exhibited significant variation among zones. However, analysis of functional dominance, divergence, dispersion, and β-diversity analyses revealed clear spatial variation in functional structure, partially supporting expectations related to disturbance regimes across the oceanic–coastal gradient. These patterns may be indicative of increasing disturbance intensity, in conjunction with other interacting processes such as variability in larval supply, recruitment dynamics, and environmental conditions, including fishing pressure, sedimentation, nutrient inputs, and coastal upwelling. The findings of this study demonstrate the efficacy of functional diversity metrics in assessing reef fish responses to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In addition, the present study offers actionable insights with regard to the formulation of conservation and management strategies in the Mexican Eastern Tropical Pacific. Full article

Academic anxiety frequently emerges when students perceive academic demands as uncertain, uncontrollable, or threatening. Intolerance of uncertainty is widely recognized as a key cognitive antecedent of such anxiety, influencing how learners appraise stressors and mobilize coping resources. This study investigates the relationships among intolerance of uncertainty, academic self-efficacy as a coping mechanism, and academic resilience among vocational high school students in a collectivist educational context. Data were collected from 387 vocational high school students across Istanbul, Turkey via online forms. Contrary to expectations, the results revealed that intolerance of uncertainty positively affects academic self-efficacy. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy was positively associated with academic resilience. Academic self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between these two variables. These findings provide new insights into how uncertainty is managed in collectivist educational contexts and suggest directions for future educational practices and research. Full article

This study investigates the acceptance of an AI-powered decision-support chatbot among professionals in a marketing and sales context, addressing a gap in technology acceptance research by examining data-intensive decision environments that remain underexplored. Building on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study proposes an extended model incorporating Behavioral Intention, Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Output Quality, Time Saving, Source Trustworthiness, Cognitive Load, and Chatbot Self-Efficacy. An experimental study was conducted with 106 professionals using a chatbot-enhanced business analytics platform to complete marketing KPI analysis tasks. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that Behavioral Intention to use decision-support chatbots is significantly influenced by Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, and Social Influence. Performance Expectancy is strongly driven by Output Quality, Time Saving, and Source Trustworthiness, while Effort Expectancy is significantly shaped by reduced Cognitive Load and higher Chatbot Self-Efficacy. The findings suggest that chatbot acceptance in professional decision-making depends not only on usability and performance beliefs but also on cognitive relief, trust in information sources, and efficiency gains, highlighting important implications for both theory and the design of AI-based decision-support systems. Full article

Extensive evidence now confirms Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a causal, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Elevated Lp(a) levels are detected in approximately 20% of the global population, positioning it as a major contributor to residual cardiovascular risk. Circulating Lp(a) levels are determined predominantly by genetic factors, so they are largely unresponsive to lifestyle modifications or conventional lipid-lowering therapies. Therefore, multiple international guidelines now endorse a one-time, lifetime measurement of Lp(a), as lowering Lp(a) concentrations is expected to have a positive impact on the reduction of cardiovascular risk. Currently, the therapeutic landscape of Lp(a) lowering drugs is rapidly evolving. Some RNA-based therapies (antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)) have been demonstrated to reduce plasma Lp(a) concentrations by up to 98% in early-phase clinical trials. The efficacy and safety of these compounds are currently being evaluated in large-scale cardiovascular outcome trials. The results of these studies will be critical in validating the “Lp(a) hypothesis”: specific reduction of Lp(a) levels can lead to a measurable decrease in cardiovascular events. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine and discuss the available evidence on the role of Lp(a) as a risk factor and pharmacological target to provide a practical tool for decision-making in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Implant-associated infections remain among the most severe and clinically challenging complications in contemporary orthopedics, largely due to the formation of persistent bacterial biofilms and the limited penetration of systemically administered antibiotics into the tissue–implant interface. In this context, local antibacterial functionalization of implantable materials represents a promising strategy for the prevention of early infectious complications. The objective of this study was to develop and comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial performance of PLA-based composites loaded with antibiotics from different pharmacological classes, with a view toward their potential application in individualized 3D-printed implants. Methods: Polylactic acid (PLA)-based composites incorporating gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and vancomycin were fabricated using thermal processing under conditions compatible with extrusion and fused filament fabrication. Physicochemical characterization (FTIR, TGA, SEM) was performed to assess the structure and morphology of the composites, and in vitro antibiotic release studies were conducted. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using an agar diffusion assay against ATCC reference strains and clinical isolates of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 10 per species). The antibacterial performance of the composites was evaluated in comparison with standard commercial antibiotic disks used as qualitative reference controls. Results: Antibiotic-loaded PLA composites exhibited consistent and reproducible antibacterial activity, markedly exceeding that of neat PLA. The broadest activity spectrum was observed for PLA–ciprofloxacin (≈29–36 mm) and PLA–gentamicin (≈25–27 mm), which effectively inhibited both Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical isolates, including MRSA and P. aeruginosa. PLA–vancomycin retained selective activity against staphylococci (≈14–15 mm), whereas PLA–doxycycline demonstrated limited efficacy against Gram-negative pathogens. Physicochemical analysis confirmed successful incorporation of antibiotics without detectable degradation of the polymer structure, while release studies demonstrated sustained antibiotic release from the composite materials. Importantly, the expected pharmacological activity profiles of the antibiotics were preserved after incorporation into the polymer matrix and subsequent high-temperature processing. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating clinically relevant antibiotics into a thermoplastic PLA matrix while preserving their selective antimicrobial activity following processing compatible with extrusion and additive manufacturing. The proposed PLA-based composites can be regarded as elements of a pharmacologically tunable antibacterial platform, offering a rationale for the development of context-dependent, biodegradable, 3D-printed implants for the local prevention of implant-associated infections in the setting of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Full article

This research evaluated the efficacy of using two types of biochar (non-modified and acidified) from date palm residues (fronds, leaves, pits) as soil amendments for enhancing soil fertility and maize growth. These biochars were produced through slow pyrolysis under oxygen-limited conditions at 500 °C. Our innovative approach was to minimize gas emissions by converting smoke into liquid fertilizer (LS), which was expected to improve seed germination and early plant growth stages. To assess this aim, a completely randomized experiment was conducted under lab conditions, in which 10 maize seeds were placed on double filter papers in Petri dishes and then exposed to seven concentrations of LS (0.0, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100%, using distilled water for dilution v/v). The LS contains nutrients and bioactive compounds that may enhance seed germination and early plant growth at low concentrations, whereas higher concentrations may cause phytotoxic effects. Results showed that liquefied smoke at 0.1% increased the absolute percentage of maize germination from 75% (control) to 100% and achieved the highest root length of 9.80 cm. Acidified biochars at 5% reduced soil pH from 8.87 to 8.12 and enhanced potassium availability to 87.93 mg kg⁻¹. Conversely, the non-modified biochars contributed to further increases in soil organic matter (up to 1.02%), nitrogen, and phosphorus. In addition, the application of acidified leaf biochar (5%) enhanced maize shoot growth by 133%, chlorophyll content by 39%, and potassium uptake by 110%. This research establishes a scalable approach for converting agricultural waste into climate-resilient resources, effectively addressing soil degradation in arid environments, boosting crop resilience, and furthering the objectives of a circular bioeconomy. Full article

This study investigates the interplay between university students’ motivational beliefs and their regulatory strategies when facing challenging academic tasks. Drawing on the Expectancy–Value–Cost (EVC) model, the research characterizes distinct motivational profiles based on perceived self-efficacy, task value, and perceived cost. A quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 1184 Chilean university students across various disciplines, including Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. Participants identified a recent challenging task and completed a battery of validated instruments, including the Brief Regulation of Motivation Scale (BroMS) and scales for perceived cost, self-efficacy, and task value. Using Machine Learning techniques, specifically the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) algorithm, the analysis identified four distinct student profiles (Agentic Mindset, Alienated Mindset, Paralyzed Mindset, Growth Mindset). These clusters were evaluated based on statistical indices (R², AIC, BIC, and Silhouette) and theoretical coherence. Subsequent ANOVA and post hoc analyses (Holm correction) revealed significant differences among these profiles in their reported levels of motivational regulation and willpower. The findings suggest that students with high self-efficacy and task value combined with manageable perceived costs employ more effective motivational regulation strategies. Conversely, profiles characterized by high perceived cost and low self-efficacy show diminished regulatory capacity. This research contributes to understanding how personal and task-related perceptions interact to shape volitional control in demanding academic environments, offering insights for targeted interventions to support academic persistence and success. Full article

Ocular neovascular diseases represent a major cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, while the complex ocular barrier system significantly limits the efficacy of conventional treatment approaches. In this context, colloidal drug delivery systems (CDDSs) have emerged as an innovative nanomedicine strategy that demonstrates remarkable advantages in enhancing ocular drug bioavailability and treatment precision through the integration of sustained release, active targeting, and stimulus-responsive functional modules. This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in CDDSs for treating ocular neovascular diseases, with a particular focus on design strategies and mechanisms for overcoming physiological barriers and achieving lesion-specific drug delivery. Furthermore, it provides in-depth analysis of key challenges in current clinical translation. With ongoing technological advancements, CDDSs are expected to offer breakthrough solutions for treating ocular neovascular diseases, ultimately leading to significant improvements in patients’ visual prognosis and quality of life. Full article

Introduction: According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, over 770,000 people in Canada are living with dementia. This number is expected to rise to nearly 1 million people by 2030. Although the provision of team-based interprofessional assessment in gerontological care is critical for the early detection and prevention of dementia, its planning and delivery can be a challenge. In Saskatchewan, previous assessments have identified significant gaps between actual and best practices in dealing with this medical condition. The emergence of Geriatric Services Resource Teams (GSRTs), which apply an innovative, team-based model to improve the diagnosis and care of older adults with complex health practices, can be proven beneficial in this regard. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of the care provision process between a GSRT and a traditional medical care channel (i.e., primary health) with respect to dementia patients. Methods: A retrospective patient chart review was conducted by collecting data from a large Primary Care practice (n = 90) and the GSRT in Regina (n = 75). Collected data included information on patient demographics and treatment, and the diagnosis process itself. Results: While demographic characteristics between patient groups were similar, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the involvement of pharmacy and other healthcare professionals, prescriptions for memory loss, and in who made the diagnosis. Moreover, although the dementia diagnosis was usually made first in Primary Care, further clarification of the type of dementia, counseling of diagnosis, review of medication, and assessment of functions and social supports were better managed in the GSRT group. Discussion: The use of Geriatric Services Resource Teams is a relatively new concept in Saskatchewan. As these teams are established, initial results show that their role in complex care management has beneficial outcomes for dementia patients. Full article