Search Results (2,267)

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which includes vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and other bothersome genitourinary symptoms, affects over half of postmenopausal women and has a considerable impact on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an injectable combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids for treating GSM-related symptoms. In this prospective, multicenter study, 84 women aged 46–60 with moderate to severe VVA confirmed by gynecological examination received three intradermal treatments at 21-day intervals, targeting the vestibule, introitus, lower vaginal wall, and labia majora. Symptom severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), while tolerability and satisfaction were evaluated via a five-point Likert scale. Quality of life was measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, after each injection, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. After three months, significant improvements were noted in vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia (all p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased from 59.0% to 80.7%, and SWLS scores rose from 4.57 ± 1.76 to 6.53 ± 1.10, reflecting enhanced quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that this injectable formulation may represent an effective, non-hormonal option for women with VVA, particularly those who are not candidates for hormone therapy. Full article

Microalgae have emerged as sustainable biofactories producing diverse bioactive compounds with significant applications in nutrition and cosmetics. Their high metabolic versatility makes them promising alternatives to conventional resources for addressing global challenges such as malnutrition, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. This review provides an integrated perspective on microalgal bioactives, highlighting their role in functional foods, dietary supplements, and maternal and infant nutrition, as well as their incorporation into cosmetic formulations for anti-aging, photoprotection, hydration, and microbiome support. Mechanistic insights reveal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and extracellular matrix-preserving effects, alongside UV absorption and barrier reinforcement. The review also discusses their biochemical diversity, mechanisms of action, safety, regulatory considerations, and emerging technologies for formulation and delivery. AI-driven and machine-learning approaches using microalgae for cosmetic and nutritional applications have also been discussed. Overall, microalgae serve as a cornerstone for next-generation nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, aligning with sustainability and circular-economy principles. Full article

The development of the railway system has emerged as an imperative in strengthening the freight transportation system, particularly considering the inherent restrictions of road transport. Road congestion, limited carrying capacity, cost inefficiencies, speed constraints, and numerous socio-environmental concerns are common limitations. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of railway development initiatives varies across nations owing to distinct macro-scale influences. Accordingly, developing rail freight requires a systematic evaluation of both its constraining elements and strategic imperatives, tailored to a country’s specific context and competencies in rail freight operations. In response to this necessity, a comprehensive model assessing rail freight performance has been formulated in this research by employing a unique methodology targeting the underlying causal factors. The model consists of an initial phase of problem analysis, identification of rail freight performance drivers, followed by a study of rail freight performance in 64 countries and a subsequent non-linear multiple regression analysis. Key findings from the model emphasize the importance of evaluating controllable and uncontrollable variables, strategic considerations, and factors leading towards degradation of rail freight performance in formulating strategies to enhance rail freight system in a country. Full article

Primula beesiana is a perennial herbaceous plant predominantly distributed in the alpine wetland regions of Yunnan Province, China. This species faces dual threats from habitat fragmentation and climate change, but research into its genetic background is severely lacking. Consequently, systematic analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of Primula beesiana is crucial in formulating scientific conservation strategies. In this study, 86 individuals from six natural populations in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, were collected and genotyped using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). A total of 1537 high-quality SNP loci were identified and used for genetic diversity, principal component (PCA), population structure (STRUCTURE), and gene flow analyses. Analysis of base substitutions revealed twelve mutation types, with transversions accounting for 67.9% and a transition/transversion ratio (Ti/Tv) of 0.47, potentially indicating strong environmental selection pressure. Although high overall genetic diversity was observed, significant genetic differentiation may exist among populations (Fst = 0.0056-0.0407), with heterozygote deficiency detected across all populations. Genetic structure analyses consistently grouped the six populations into four distinct clusters. Populations MDJ, WH, and HS each formed independent clusters, exhibiting clear genetic isolation, whereas XHC2, XHC1, and NX clustered together, showing high genetic similarity and frequent gene flow. Mantel tests demonstrated a significant positive correlation between genetic and geographical distances (r = 0.854, p < 0.01), supporting an isolation-by-distance model. Gene flow estimates varied considerably among populations (5.90-44.69) and decreased with increasing geographical distance. This study provides the first genomic-level evidence of significant genetic differentiation and isolation based on distance in Primula beesiana populations, offering crucial scientific support in identifying evolutionarily significant units and developing zoned conservation management strategies for this species. Full article

Nanoemulgels have emerged as a promising hybrid drug delivery system that integrates the advantages of nanoemulsions and gels, offering enhanced drug penetration, prolonged residence time, and improved patient compliance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic applications of nanoemulgels in wound healing, microbial infections, skin cancer, and various dermatological disorders. The article begins with an overview of skin architecture and its implications for cutaneous drug delivery, followed by a clear distinction between transdermal and topical drug delivery systems. The mechanisms of drug transport into and through the skin are discussed in detail, highlighting the role of nano-sized carriers, particularly nanoemulsions, in overcoming the stratum corneum barrier. Mechanistic insights into nanocarrier-mediated cutaneous drug transport and their versatility as dermal delivery platforms are described. The formulation aspects of nanoemulgels, including their components and both high-energy and low-energy methods for nanoemulsion preparation, are critically discussed to elucidate their impact on formulation performance. An overview of in vitro characterization techniques and biological screening methods employed to evaluate nanoemulgel performance is presented, along with a tabulated compilation of relevant patents to highlight translational progress. Finally, current challenges, regulatory considerations, and future perspectives are discussed, underscoring the potential of nanoemulgels as a versatile and effective platform for advanced topical drug delivery. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major clinical challenge, with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) accounting for a substantial share of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections worldwide. These organisms undermine antibiotic efficacy through reduced permeability, surface shielding, biofilm formation, and rapid genetic adaptation, mechanisms that primarily restrict effective exposure at infection sites. Bacteriophages, phage-derived enzymes, and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based antimicrobials provide selective and mechanistically distinct alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but their performance in vivo is often limited by instability in physiological environments, immune neutralization, uneven tissue distribution, and insufficient access to bacteria protected by biofilms or surface-associated barriers. This narrative review examines how nanotechnology-based delivery systems can address these constraints. We first outline the delivery-relevant biological barrier characteristic of ESKAPE pathogens, then summarize the therapeutic potential and inherent limitations of whole phages, phage-derived enzymes, and CRISPR-based antimicrobials when used without formulation. Major nanotechnology platforms for antibacterial delivery are reviewed, followed by analysis of how nano-enabled systems can improve stability, localization, and persistence of these biological agents. A pathogen-aware integration framework is presented that links dominant barriers in each ESKAPE pathogen to the biological modality and nano-enabled delivery strategy most likely to enhance exposure at infection sites. Translational challenges, regulatory considerations, and emerging directions, including responsive delivery systems and personalized approaches, are also discussed. Overall, nano-enabled phage-based therapeutics represent a realistic and adaptable strategy for managing MDR ESKAPE infections. Therapeutic success depends on both continued discovery and engineering of antibacterial agents and effective delivery design. Full article

Constructing ecological networks (ENs) is an effective measure to mitigate the conflict between urban development and ecological conservation. However, existing simulating methods lack adequate consideration of human ecological demands and the spatial scale differences between these demands and natural ecological processes. This might lead to issues such as incomplete ecological process cycles or structural mismatches being overlooked during ENs simulations. To address these gaps, this study proposed an urban multi-scale nested ENs simulating framework that integrates human ecological demands with natural ecological processes. The framework first simulated an ENs focused on natural ecological process cycles at a global scale (GS). Then, it simulated an ENs centered on human ecological needs within the core urban areas at local scale (LS). Finally, it nested these multi-scale ENs by using cross-scale ecological supply sources as connecting points. This framework was applied to simulate spatio-temporal pattern changes in ENs of Jinan City, a core city in downstream of the Yellow River in China, aiming to mitigate cross-scale ecological conflicts between human–nature interactions under the background of urbanization. The study’s findings revealed that the area of demand sources increased by 8.56 times over 20 years. the area of cross-scale supply sources decreased by 15 km² relative to 2000, and the deterioration in connectivity was more pronounced in GS compared to LS, with a decline of approximately 13.8%. These changes indicate the presence of incomplete ecological process cycles and structural mismatches across the multi-scale boundaries within the study area, which have been worsening annually. We recommend optimizing Jinan City’s multi-scale ecological network through three key strategies: rectifying internal structural mismatches, protecting core ecological areas, and aligning regional ecological demands. Implementing these strategies could significantly improve the network structure, reduce cross-scale mismatches, and enhance ecological connectivity by about 9%. This study highlights the importance of addressing structural mismatches and promoting complete ecological cycles in urban multi-scale ENs simulating, providing valuable insights for formulating urban multi-scale ecological conservation and restoration policies. Full article

Bacillus atrophaeus has considerable potential for development as a microbial pesticide. Optimization of fermentation conditions and the wettable powder (WP) formulation is critical for its industrialization and application in sustainable agriculture. In this study, the fermentation of B. atrophaeus YL84 was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. Based on these results, a WP formulation was developed and further optimized. The optimal carbon, nitrogen, and inorganic salt sources were sucrose (13.9 g·L⁻¹), tryptone (11.8 g·L⁻¹), and MgSO₄ (5.9 g·L⁻¹), respectively; optimal fermentation conditions were pH 7.0, 32 °C, and 210 r·min⁻¹. After optimization, the inhibition rate and OD₆₀₀ reached 83.71% and 1.758, respectively. The optimized formulation comprised attapulgite-based powder (79%, as carrier), sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate (5.4%) as a wetting agent, PEG-6000 (12.6%), CaCO₃ (2%), and vitamin C (1%). The resulting WP exhibited a spore viability of 2.63 × 10⁹ CFU·g⁻¹, and its 50-fold dilution demonstrated antagonistic activity in vitro against Cytospora pyri (Korla pear valsa canker agent) and biocontrol efficacy in vivo on detached-branch assays. These findings demonstrate that the YL84 WP is a promising candidate for the biological control of Korla pear valsa canker. Full article

Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is essential for ensuring safe, effective, and individualized anti-infective therapy, particularly in patients with complex clinical needs. Variability in pharmacokinetics, challenges in drug administration, and high-dose regimens can compromise adherence and increase the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. Swallowing difficulties, a common barrier to oral therapy, often necessitate alternative administration routes or customized formulations. However, interventions such as pharmaceutical compounding or manipulation of solid dosage forms may significantly alter drug bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles, making TDM indispensable for guiding dose adjustments and maintaining therapeutic targets. Objectives: This review not only emphasizes the clinical relevance of TDM but also addresses practical strategies that enable therapy when standard formulations are unsuitable or unavailable, while minimizing risks that could compromise treatment efficacy and safety. Special focus is given to anti-infective agents, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, illustrating how TDM, combined with tailored pharmaceutical approaches, supports precision dosing and informed decision-making. Conclusions: Through clinical examples and pharmacokinetic considerations, we demonstrated that TDM is a cornerstone of personalized medicine, improving outcomes, and reducing adverse effects in anti-infective treatment. Full article

Following the discovery of therapeutic molecules and the identification of specific biological targets, preparation of regulatory dossiers entails extensive product development and characterization to support their safety, efficacy, and stability. We have examined the drug development and relevant regulatory considerations related to inhaled biological proteins in the accompanying article. This review focuses on the characterization of locally acting inhaled biological proteins. Drug product characterization is a regulatory requirement, and it ensures drug product safety, efficacy, stability, and usability by the target populations. Together, these two articles provide a comprehensive discussion based on our review and analysis of the available open literature. We have attempted to fill gaps and simulate discussion of challenges following sound scientific pathways. This approach has the prospect of addressing regulatory expectations leading to rapid solutions to unmet medical needs. The robustness of characterization strategies and the development of analytical methods used in the in vitro testing for the evaluation of drug product attributes is assured through application of the Design-of-Experiment (DOE) and Quality-by-Design (QBD) approaches. Drug product characterization entails a variety of in vitro studies evaluating drug products for purity and contamination, and determination of drug delivery by the intended route of administration. Measurement of the proportion of the labeled amount per dose and the form suitable for delivery to the intended target sites is central to this assessment. For respiratory Drug–Device combination products, the testing may vary with the product designs. However, determination of the single-dose content, delivered-dose uniformity, aerodynamic particle size distribution, and device robustness when used by the target populations is common to all combination products. Characterization of aerosol plumes is limited to inhalation aerosols that produce specific aerosol clouds upon actuation. The flow rate dependency of devices is also examined. Product characterization also includes safety-related product attributes such as degradation products and leachables. For inhaled biological proteins, safety-related in vitro testing includes additional testing to assure maintenance of the three-dimensional structural integrity and the sustained biological activity of the drug substance in the formulation, during aerosolization and upon deposition. This article discusses various tests employed for regulatory-compliant product characterization. In addition, the stability testing and handling of possible changes during product development and post-approval are discussed. Full article

From adaptation to building effective resilience to climate change is critical for transforming West and Central Africa (WCA) agricultural system. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach initiated by leading international organizations to ensure food security, increased adaptation to climate change and mitigation. Its application spans from innovative policies, practices, technologies, innovations and financing. However, CSA initiatives lack scientific-based assessment prior to implementation to ensure their effectiveness. To fill this gap, future interventions should not only be assessed using rigorous methodology but should also be built on lessons learned from previous initiatives. Although there are a lot of climate related agricultural initiatives in WCA, most of them have not been analyzed through a CSA lens and criteria to capitalize on their experiences to improve future interventions. In this study we mapped previous climate-related initiatives in WCA, highlighted their gaps and lessons learned to accelerate the implementation of CSA in the region. The study covered 20 countries in WCA: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo. CSA initiatives were reviewed using a three-steps methodology: (i) national data collection, (ii) regional validation of the national database, (iii) data analysis including spatial mapping. Data was collected from the websites of international, regional and national organizations working in the field of agricultural development in the region. Each initiative was analyzed using a multicriteria analysis based on CSA principles. A total of 1629 CSA related initiatives were identified in WCA. Over 75% of them were in the form of projects/programs with more of a focus on the first CSA pillar (productivity and food security), followed by adaptation. The mitigation pillar is less covered by the initiatives. Animal production, fisheries, access to markets, and energy are poorly included. More than half of these initiatives have already been completed, calling for more new initiatives in the region. Women benefit very little from the implementation of the identified CSA initiatives, despite the substantial role they play in agriculture. CSA initiatives mainly received funding from technical and financial partners and development partners (45%), banks (22%), and international climate financing mechanisms (20%). Most of them were implemented by government institutions (48%) and development partners (23%). In total, more than 600 billion EUR have been disbursed to implement 83 of the 1629 initiatives identified. These initiatives contributed to reclaiming and/or rehabilitating almost 2 million ha of agricultural land in all countries between 2015 and 2025. Future initiatives should ensure the consideration of the three CSA pillars right from their formulation to the implementation. These initiatives should consider investing in mixed production systems like crop-animal-fisheries. Activities should be built around CSA innovation platforms to encourage networking among actors for more sustainability. Full article

Banana Fusarium wilt represents a considerable threat to the sustainable development of the global banana industry. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms through which different nitrogen forms (nitrate, ammonium) and concentrations (low, normal) affect the growth and photosynthetic functions of banana seedlings following Foc TR4 infection are not yet fully elucidated. This study employed these nitrogen treatments to assess seedling growth indicators, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and light response curves both prior to and following Foc TR4 infection. The findings indicated that, before infection, ammonium nitrogen significantly enhanced root growth and increased leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values, whereas low-nitrogen conditions promoted biomass allocation to roots but inhibited maximum photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Post-infection, critical photosynthetic parameters such as SPAD value and Fv/Fm were significantly elevated in the nitrate nitrogen treatment compared to the ammonium nitrogen treatment, with the normal-nitrogen treatment yielding the most favorable results. Furthermore, Foc TR4 infection significantly reduced the leaf electron transport rate (ETR) across all treatments. In summary, nitrogen is integral to the modulation of seedling growth and stress resistance, primarily through its regulation of leaf photosynthetic apparatus efficiency, photoprotection mechanisms, and biomass allocation. These findings offer significant insights for formulating nitrogen management strategies aimed at the sustainable prevention and control of banana Fusarium wilt. Full article

The present study examined the impact of agricultural exports on economic growth in Lambayeque, Peru, during the period 2010–2023. An ordinary least squares (OLS) econometric model was employed to analyze the relationship between gross value added (GVA) and key macroeconomic variables, including agricultural exports, private investment, real wages, terms of trade, and the real multilateral exchange rate. The findings indicate that the model possesses considerable explanatory power (R² = 0.973) and that agricultural exports exert a positive and significant influence on regional GVA. In addition, private investment and real wages demonstrate positive elasticities, while terms of trade exhibit a negative relationship with regional economic growth. This highlights Lambayeque’s vulnerability to external price shocks. The study thus underscores the pivotal role of the Olmos Project, which has been instrumental in transforming arid land into fruitful agricultural zones through the implementation of an irrigation system encompassing over 22,000 hectares. This initiative has not only augmented agricultural exports, accounting for an impressive 90% of Lambayeque’s supply, but also contributed significantly to regional economic development by supporting employment generation and poverty reduction. Nevertheless, the presence of negative terms of trade indicates that the regional economy exhibits structural vulnerability in the face of external shocks. Notwithstanding the intrinsic limitations of regional, trade, and macroeconomic statistics, an understanding of the correlation between agro-exports and economic growth in a paradigmatic region of northern Peru provides substantial evidence for formulating policies to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the agro-export model. Full article

Volcanic Scoria Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (VSLAC) has been identified as a material with considerable potential for use in carbon-neutral construction; however, its application is often hindered by two main issues. Firstly, the low density of scoria often results in aggregate segregation and stratification. Secondly, its high hygroscopicity can lead to shrinkage cracking. In order to address the aforementioned issues, this study proposes a multi-scale modification strategy. The cementitious matrix was first strengthened using a binary blend of Fly Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), followed by the incorporation of a ternary admixture system containing Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion (SAE), a foaming agent (FA), and alkali-treated Straw Fibres (SF) to enhance workability and durability. The findings of this study demonstrate that a mineral admixture comprising 10% Fly Ash and 10% GGBS results in a substantial enhancement of matrix compactness, culminating in a 20% increase in compressive strength. An orthogonal test was conducted to identify the optimal formulation (D13), which was found to contain 4% SAE, 0.1% FA, and 5% SF. This formulation yielded a compressive strength of 35.2 MPa, a flexural strength of 7.5 MPa, and reduced water absorption to 8.0%. A comparative analysis was conducted between the mineral admixture mix ratio (Control group) and the Optimal mix ratio (Optimization group). The results of this analysis reveal that the Optimization group exhibited superior durability and thermal characteristics. Specifically, the water penetration depth of the optimized composite was successfully restricted to within 3.18 mm, while its thermal insulation performance demonstrated a significant enhancement of 12.3%. In the context of freeze–thaw cycles, the modified concrete demonstrated notable durability, exhibiting a 51.4% reduction in strength loss and a marginal 0.64% restriction in mass loss. SEM analysis revealed that the interaction between SAE and the FA resulted in the densification of the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ). In addition, the 3D network formed by SF redistributed internal stresses, thereby shifting the failure mode from brittle fracture to ductile deformation. The findings demonstrate that modifying VSLAC at both micro- and macro-levels can effectively balance structural integrity with thermal efficiency for sustainable construction applications. Full article

The application of bioactive nanoemulsions in the meat industry has attracted great interest due to their ability to improve the stability, bioavailability, and functionality of bioactive compounds, contributing to the extension of the shelf-life of highly perishable products, such as sausages and meat patties. Thus, this review provides a critical analysis of the application of nanoemulsions in sausages and meat patties, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, formulation strategies, and performance in improving oxidative stability and microbial safety. Nanoemulsions, typically characterized by droplet sizes below 200 nm, increase interfacial area and penetration into meat matrices, resulting in reductions of 30–60% in lipid oxidation markers and decreases of 1–2 log CFU/g in spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Preparation and stabilization approaches, including high-energy and low-energy methods, are summarized, and the influence of nanoemulsion characteristics on texture, color, pH, and sensory perception is discussed. Particular attention is given to technological barriers, such as scale-up feasibility, stability during processing and storage, interactions with meat proteins, as well as regulatory and labeling considerations related to nano-enabled foods. Overall, the current evidence indicates that NEs represent a viable strategy to replace synthetic preservatives while supporting clean-label product development; however, further research on safety assessment, optimal dosing, and consumer acceptance is still required for broader industrial implementation. Full article