Search Results (18,983)

As chemical exposures are increasingly emphasised as public health concerns, understanding how people perceive chemical risks is vital for shaping responsive and inclusive human biomonitoring (HBM) programmes. Public awareness not only influences individual behaviours but can also inform national policy priorities and scientific focus. This study reports findings from the Human Biomonitoring for Ireland (HBM4IRE) feasibility study, which conducted a social survey adapted from the HBM4EU framework. The survey assessed awareness and perceived harmfulness of 24 chemical groups among 218 Irish residents, distinguishing between experts (involved in chemical management) and non-experts. Lead, arsenic, mercury, pesticides, tobacco alkaloids, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) received the highest perceived harmfulness scores. Non-experts reported lower perceived harmfulness for substances such as phthalates, parabens, and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), indicating significant awareness gaps. These findings demonstrate convergence between public and expert views for well-recognised substances but also highlight gaps for certain emerging chemicals. This study highlights the importance of targeted, country-specific education campaigns and shows the added value of integrating public perceptions into HBM design and priority setting. Full article

Ficopomatus enigmaticus, a reef-forming serpulid, has emerged as a promising candidate for biomonitoring and ecotoxicology studies. Recent research has focused on adult stress responses, highlighting the need to understand population-specific responses. This study employed a multi-biomarker approach to investigate how F. enigmaticus adults from two populations in the NE Adriatic (Site A) and NE Tyrrhenian (Site B) responded to chronic exposure to heat and chemical stress (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO), individually and in combination. The analysis detected significant differences in protein content and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) between populations. Notably, no oxidative damage (measured as lipid peroxidation, LPO) was detected in any population or treatment. Similarly, no significant differences were detected in the integrated biomarker response index (IBRv2i). However, lower IBRv2i values at Site A suggested reduced stress conditions, possibly indicating that this site may have lower baseline stress. Overall, treatment effects were limited and site-specific: only the combined heat and DMSO exposure at Site A lowered GST activity compared to heat stress alone. Nevertheless, both populations exhibited broadly similar biochemical response patterns to stress. Our findings deepen the understanding of stress physiology in F. enigmaticus, underscoring the ecological importance of multi-stressor approaches in environmental monitoring. Full article

Accurate and automated identification of water bodies from satellite imagery is critical for environmental monitoring, water resource management, and disaster response. Current deep learning approaches, however, suffer from a strong dependence on manual hyperparameter tuning, which limits their automation capability and robustness in complex, multi-scale scenarios. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a fully automated segmentation framework that synergistically integrates an enhanced U-Net model with a novel hybrid evolutionary optimization strategy. Extensive experiments on public Kaggle and Sentinel-2 datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our method, which achieves a Pixel Accuracy of 96.79% and an F1-Score of 94.75, outperforming various mainstream baseline models by over 10% in key metrics. The framework effectively addresses the class imbalance problem and enhances feature representation without human intervention. This work provides a viable and efficient path toward fully automated remote sensing image analysis, with significant potential for application in large-scale water resource monitoring, dynamic environmental assessment, and emergency disaster management. Full article

This review focuses on hydrogel-based systems specifically designed for non-opioid analgesics, aiming to improve efficacy, safety, and translational applicability. The opioid crisis has intensified the need for safer and more effective alternatives in pain management. Non-opioid analgesics including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentinoids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, NMDA receptor antagonists, topical agents, and cannabinoids offer promising options but are limited by rapid clearance, short half-lives, and off-target effects. Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems present a novel solution by enabling controlled, localized, and sustained release of analgesics, thus improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing systemic toxicity. Advances in stimulus-responsive, self-healing, mechanically robust, and hybrid or nanocomposite hydrogels have broadened their biomedical applications and clinical relevance. This narrative review summarizes key hydrogel technologies and their integration with non-opioid analgesic agents. We explore encapsulation strategies, drug release mechanisms, and emerging clinical data, while also addressing critical challenges such as biocompatibility, mechanical durability, and translational scalability. Interdisciplinary collaboration between material scientists, clinicians, and regulatory experts is essential to advance hydrogel-based therapies from bench to bedside. Overall, hydrogel platforms hold transformative potential in optimizing non-opioid analgesic delivery and redefining the future of pain management. Full article

Rising atmospheric CO₂ is expected to fertilize forest photosynthesis; yet, ecosystem-scale observations often reveal muted responses, creating a critical knowledge gap in global climate projections. In this review, we explore this paradox by moving beyond the traditional ‘CO₂ fertilization’ paradigm. We propose an integrated framework that positions elevated CO₂ as a complex modulator whose net effect is determined by a hierarchy of cross-scale constraints. At the plant level, photosynthetic acclimation acts as a universal first brake on the initial biochemical potential. At the ecosystem level, nutrient availability—primarily nitrogen in temperate/boreal systems and phosphorus in the tropics—emerges as the dominant bottleneck limiting long-term productivity gains. Furthermore, interactions with the water cycle, such as increased water-use efficiency, create state-dependent dynamic responses. By synthesizing evidence from pivotal Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) experiments, we systematically evaluate these constraining factors. We conclude that accurately predicting the future of the forest carbon sink necessitates a paradigm shift: from single-factor analysis to multi-stressor approaches, and from ecosystem-scale observations to an integrated understanding that links these phenomena to their underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. This review provides a roadmap for future research and informs more realistic strategies for forest management and climate mitigation in a high-CO₂ world. Full article

Increasing healthcare demands and physician shortages have prompted many countries to expand clinical responsibilities of pharmacists. Although Canada, the UK, and the US have implemented pharmacist prescribing, other nations lag behind. This review compares international roles, identifies inferred competencies, and explores implications for role expansion. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library was conducted using the PICO framework; studies were appraised with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists, and interrater reliability assessed via Cohen’s Kappa. Data from 23 studies were thematically synthesized following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Four themes emerged: (1) expanding clinical and public health roles and pharmacists’ self-perceived readiness; (2) regulatory frameworks defining legal authority, qualifications, and temporary pandemic exemptions; (3) inferred competencies, including micro-skills (patient assessment, guideline application) and macro-capabilities (clinical judgment, accountability, reflective practice); and (4) contextual barriers such as training gaps, limited funding, unclear legal provisions, and workflow challenges. Implementation implications were synthesized and included training, funding, acceptance, and integration. Evidence indicates pharmacist prescribing is safe and patient-centered when supported by regulation, structured training, and systemic integration. Insights from established models can guide incremental implementation, optimizing medication management, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting equitable care. Full article

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges, including gender inequality, child marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting and sexual and gender-based violence remain pervasive globally, particularly in Ethiopia. The Power to You(th) programme was designed to address these issues by centering youth voices and fostering transformative community change. This evaluation applied Outcome Harvesting, drawing on mixed quantitative and qualitative data, and employed a participatory approach that engages youth and stakeholders in identifying and verifying programme outcomes between 2021 and 2023. The findings revealed substantial improvements in youth participation in decision-making platforms, advocacy capacity, and awareness of SRH rights. Community attitudes shifted positively, particularly among religious and traditional leaders, who increasingly advocate against harmful practices. Youth-led networks emerged as powerful agents of change, contributing to policy shifts such as increased youth representation in health governance bodies. The evaluation also captured unexpected yet influential changes in community dynamics and institutional responsiveness. These findings highlight the value of participatory approaches in capturing complex social transformations and underscore the role of youth as active agents in reshaping SRHR outcomes. Outcome Harvesting proved effective in documenting both intended and emergent changes, offering valuable insights for scaling inclusive, youth-driven interventions. Full article

The photocatalytic degradation of Crystal Violet (CV) using ZnO-based nanomaterials presents a promising solution for addressing water pollution caused by synthetic dyes. This review highlights the exceptional efficiency of ZnO and its modified forms—such as doped, composite, and heterostructured variants—in degrading CV under both ultraviolet (UV) and solar irradiation. Key advancements include strategic bandgap engineering through doping (e.g., Cd, Mn, Co), innovative heterojunction designs (e.g., n-ZnO/p-Cu₂O, g-C₃N₄/ZnO), and composite formations with graphene oxide, which collectively enhance visible-light absorption and minimize charge recombination. The degradation mechanism, primarily driven by hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, leads to the complete mineralization of CV into non-toxic byproducts. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the emerging role of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as superior tools for optimizing degradation parameters, demonstrating higher predictive accuracy and scalability compared to traditional methods like Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Potential operational challenges and future directions—including machine learning-driven optimization, real-effluent testing potential, and the development of solar-active catalysts—are further discussed. This work not only consolidates recent breakthroughs in ZnO-based photocatalysis but also provides a forward-looking perspective on sustainable wastewater treatment strategies. Full article

Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is a common and debilitating symptom of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The epileptogenic zone, defined as cortex responsible for seizure generation, is located at the peritumoral region for most tumors, and lower-grade intrinsic brain tumors have the highest seizure incidence. Surgery is often the most effective treatment for the reduction in seizures in BTRE. However, surgical decisions have historically often been made exclusively for oncologic reasons, with less emphasis on seizure control. Surgical approaches for all tumor types are reviewed, highlighting relevant risk factors. Adjunctive tools during surgery, such as intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG), may help identify and remove surrounding brain areas which are epileptogenic. Minimally invasive surgery is also gaining traction, given its utility in treating seizures deep-seated tumors. This review explores epileptogenic brain tumors, surgery for BTRE, and emerging strategies to better achieve seizure control. Full article

Introduction: Acute iron poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal, hepatic and cardiovascular systems. While it most often occurs accidentally in children, intentional overdoses in adolescents and adults remain an important clinical concern. Case description: We report the case of a 14-year-old male patient with a history of depression who intentionally ingested 100 ferrous sulfate tablets (equivalent to 118 mg/kg of elemental iron). The patient was admitted to the emergency department three hours after ingestion. He presented with vomiting tablet remnants, headache, and mild abdominal pain. Supportive measures included intestinal irrigation with polyethylene glycol (PEG), gastric protection, and N-acetylcysteine intravenous administration. The iron chelator therapy with deferoxamine was not possible because the medication was unavailable, so treatment with the oral iron chelator (deferasirox) was initiated. The iron levels gradually decreased, with no evidence of liver or cardiovascular involvement. The patient was discharged on day 20 post-ingestion with outpatient psychiatric follow-up. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of early initiation of gastrointestinal decontamination with PEG to limit systemic iron absorption. The use of deferasirox as an alternative chelating agent in the absence of deferoxamine has been associated with a favorable response. Conclusions: The rational use of oral chelators, gastrointestinal decontamination, and hepatoprotective therapies in acute iron poisoning might prevent major complications and improve prognosis. Alternative therapies can be valuable when an antidote is not immediately available; however, further clinical research is required before making a recommendation. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) encompass Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They represent idiopathic and chronic inflammatory conditions. Mucosal immune dysfunction and compromised gastrointestinal barrier integrity are implicated in the pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent studies have identified endothelial dysfunction as a pivotal mediator in IBD pathogenesis. Through multiple cellular and molecular interactions, endothelial dysfunction orchestrates inflammatory responses. Objectives: This systematic review examines contemporary evidence (2019–2025), emphasising the role of endothelial dysfunction in intestinal inflammation mechanisms, focusing on vascular-epithelial crosstalk, molecular signalling pathways, and therapeutic implications. Methods and results: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Europe PMC and DOAJ databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2025. Following the database search and screening process, a total of 53 studies met the eligible criteria and were included in the final analysis. Keywords included “endothelial dysfunction,” “inflammatory bowel disease,” “gut-vascular barrier,” “nitric oxide,” and “intestinal inflammation.” Contemporary research demonstrates that endothelial dysfunction in IBD manifests through decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, enhanced oxidative stress, aberrant cytokine networks, pathological angiogenesis, and compromised gut-vascular barrier integrity. The emerging concept of dual barrier dysfunction highlights the interdependent relationship between epithelial and endothelial barriers in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Conclusions: Offering novel therapeutic targets for precision medicine approaches, endothelial dysfunction represents a central driver in the pathophysiological mechanism in IBD. Understanding vascular-epithelial interactions provides fundamental insights for developing targeted interventions to restore intestinal barrier function and resolve chronic inflammation. Full article

Road safety has emerged as a global issue, driven by the rapid rise in vehicle ownership and traffic congestion. Human error, like distraction, drowsiness, and panic, is the leading cause of road accidents. Conventional driver monitoring systems (DMSs) frequently fail to detect these emotional and cognitive states, limiting their potential to prevent accidents. To overcome these challenges, this work proposes a robust deep learning-based DMS framework capable of real-time detection and response to emotion-driven driver behaviors that pose safety risks. The proposed system employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs), specifically the Inception module and a Caffe-based ResNet-10 with a Single Shot Detector (SSD), to achieve efficient, accurate facial detection and classification. The DMS is trained on a comprehensive and diverse dataset from various public and private sources, ensuring robustness across a wide range of emotions and real-world driving scenarios. This approach enables the model to achieve an overall accuracy of 98.6%, an F1 score of 0.979, a precision of 0.980, and a recall of 0.979 across the four emotional states. Compared with existing techniques, the proposed model strikes an effective balance between computational efficiency and complexity, enabling the precise recognition of driving-relevant emotions, making it a practical and high-performing solution for real-world in-car driver monitoring systems. Full article

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease with a complex interplay between microbial, environmental, and host-related factors. Among host factors, genetic susceptibility plays a significant role in influencing both disease onset and progression. Over the past two decades, a wide range of genetic tests, ranging from single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have been explored to assess individual risk profiles and potential treatment responses. However, despite initial enthusiasm, the clinical integration of genetic testing in periodontics remains limited. This narrative review aims to critically examine the current landscape of genetic testing in periodontitis, including commercially available tests, their scientific validity, and their clinical utility. Methods: Most relevant studies which were published in recent years were identified by using the major scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles discussing genetic susceptibility, key gene polymorphisms, and emerging technologies were included in this narrative review. Results: Polymorphisms in genes coding for IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and in others involved in immune modulation and bone metabolism, are associated with periodontitis. Nevertheless, there are limitations related to heterogeneity in study design, population stratification, and gene–environment interactions. Moreover, emerging technologies, including polygenic risk scoring and machine learning approaches, may enhance the predictive value of genetic tools in periodontology. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of genetic susceptibility could pave the way for precision dentistry and personalized periodontal care, but significant hurdles remain before genetic testing can become a routine component of periodontal diagnostics. Full article

The transcription factor homeodomain-only protein X (HOPX) is the smallest member of the homeodomain protein family. Lacking a DNA-binding domain, it acts as a co-effector, interacting with other transcription factors such as serum response factor (SRF) and GATA-binding factor 6 (GATA6) to regulate the differentiation and development of the heart and lung. HOPX exerts a tumor-suppressive function in various types of epithelial-derived carcinoma, while it promotes oncogenic effects in mesenchymal-derived sarcoma, indicating a distinct role of HOPX in the two major types of the malignancy. In addition, accumulating evidence shows that HOPX is expressed in the immune system and involved in the differentiation of immune cells. Recently, the emerging role of HOPX in metabolism has gained attention. This review describes the identification of HOPX in various tissues and discusses its role in carcinogenesis, as well as its functions in tissue differentiation, lipid metabolism, immunity, and the tumor microenvironment. The participation of HOPX in carcinogenesis and immunity implies that it may serve as a potential enhancer in tumor immunotherapy. Full article

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is marked by profound differences in survival between the localized and disseminated disease, estimated to result in a 70% and less than a 40% five-year survival rate with surgical and/or radiation approaches (in localized cases) and chemotherapy (in metastatic cases), respectively. Given the suboptimal efficacy of current management options, new therapeutic approaches are needed to supplement existing chemotherapies and improve outcomes. One emerging therapeutic option is naltrexone (NTX), an opioid antagonist that has shown promising outcomes at low doses in other forms of cancer. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of intermittent dosing of naltrexone on oral cancer cell survival, either as a single agent or in combination with traditional chemotherapy. Two human OSCC lines (locally invasive SCC-25 and metastatic Detroit 562) were cultured. Cells were exposed to 1 µM and 10 µM NTX alone, using intermittent (5 h once, 5 h daily, 5 h every other day) or constant 72 h exposure. Cells were exposed to combination therapy with cisplatin or docetaxel under three NTX regimens (5 h, 24 h, and continuous). Cell viability was determined using Sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Differences across treatments were assessed using ANOVA (p < 0.05). The effect of low-dose NTX alone, across varying treatment regimens, did not yield significant, consistent changes in OSCC cell survival. Combination with cytotoxic drugs reduced cell viability more efficiently than chemotherapy alone at select doses, particularly through intermittent short-term pretreatment schedules, but the full dose response demonstrated antagonism between NTX and chemotherapy, independent of the dosing schedule. These results contrast with previous findings in other cancers, and, thus, further study and optimization will be needed to determine the clinical benefit and reproducibility of these findings. Full article