Search Results (3,130)

Soil structural instability in reservoir riparian zones, induced by water level fluctuations, threatens sustainable land use by accelerating land degradation. This study examined the impact of water-level variations on soil aggregate composition and stability based on key indicators, including water-stable aggregate content (WSAC), mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD). The Savinov dry sieving, Yoder wet sieving, and Le Bissonnais (LB) methods were employed for analysis. Results indicated that, with decreasing water levels and increasing soil layer, aggregates larger than 5 mm decreased, while aggregates smaller than 0.25 mm increased. Rising water levels and increasing soil layer corresponded to reductions in soil stability indicators (MWD, GMD, and WSAC), highlighting a trend toward soil structural instability. The LB method revealed the lowest aggregate stability under rapid wetting and the highest under slow wetting conditions. Correlation analysis showed that soil organic matter positively correlated with the relative mechanical breakdown index (RMI) (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the relative slaking index (RSI), whereas soil pH was negatively correlated with both RMI and RSI (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis of aggregate stability methods demonstrated that results from the dry sieving method closely resembled those from the SW treatment of the LB method, whereas the wet sieving method closely aligned with the FW (Fast Wetting) treatment of the LB method. The Le Bissonnais method not only reflected the outcomes of dry and wet sieving methods but also effectively distinguished the mechanisms of aggregate breakdown. The study concluded that prolonged flooding intensified aggregate dispersion, with mechanical breakdown influenced by water levels and soil layer. Dispersion and mechanical breakdown represent primary mechanisms of soil aggregate instability, further exacerbated by fluctuating water levels. By elucidating degradation mechanisms, this research provides actionable insights for preserving soil health, safeguarding water resources, and promoting sustainable agricultural in ecologically vulnerable reservoir regions of the Yangtze River Basin. Full article

Sensor selection in IoT-based smart healthcare systems is a complex fuzzy decision-making problem due to the presence of numerous uncertain and interdependent evaluation criteria. Traditional fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches often assume independence among criteria and rely on aggregation operators that impose sharp transitions between preference levels. These assumptions can lead to decision outcomes with insufficient differentiation, limited discriminatory capacity, and potential issues in consistency and sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel fuzzy decision-making framework by integrating Quasi-D-Overlap functions into the fuzzy MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution) method. Quasi-D-Overlap functions represent a generalized extension of classical overlap operators, capable of capturing partial overlaps and interdependencies among criteria while preserving essential mathematical properties such as associativity and boundedness. This integration enables a more intuitive, flexible, and semantically rich modeling of real-world fuzzy decision problems. In the context of real-time health monitoring, a case study is conducted using a hybrid edge–cloud architecture, involving sensor tasks such as heartrate monitoring and glucose level estimation. The results demonstrate that the proposed method provides greater stability, enhanced discrimination, and improved responsiveness to weight variations compared to traditional fuzzy MCDM techniques. Furthermore, it effectively supports decision-makers in identifying optimal sensor alternatives by balancing critical factors such as accuracy, energy consumption, latency, and error tolerance. Overall, the study fills a significant methodological gap in fuzzy MCDM literature and introduces a robust fuzzy aggregation strategy that facilitates interpretable, consistent, and reliable decision making in dynamic and uncertain healthcare environments. Full article

Saproxylic beetles are key bioindicators of forest ecosystem quality and play essential roles in deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, deadwood removal, and climate-driven environmental changes. For this reason, an integrated sampling method can increase the detection of species with varying ecological traits. We evaluated the effectiveness of integrative sampling methodologies to assess saproxylic beetle diversity within Sila National Park, a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of high conservation value, specifically in two beech forests and four pine forests. The sampling methods tested included Pan Traps (PaTs), Malaise Traps (MTs), Pitfall Traps (PTs), Bait Bottle Traps (BBTs), and Visual Census (VC). All specimens were identified to the species level whenever possible, using specialized dichotomous keys and preserved in the Entomological Collection TB, Unical. Various trap types captured a different number of species: the PaT collected 32 species, followed by the PT with 24, the MT with 16, the VC with 7, and the BBT with 5 species. Interestingly, biodiversity analyses conducted using PAST software version 4.17 revealed that PaTs and MTs recorded the highest biodiversity indices. The GLMM analysis, performed using SPSS software 29.0.1.0, demonstrated that various traps attracted different species with different abundances. By combining multiple trapping techniques, we documented a more comprehensive community composition compared to single-method approaches. Moreover, PaTs, MTs, and PTs recorded 20%, 40%, and 33% of the Near Threatened species, respectively. We report new records for Sila National Park, including the LC species Pteryngium crenulatum (Curculionidae) and the NT species Grynocharis oblonga (Trogossitidae). For the first time in Calabria, the LC species Triplax rufipes (Erotylidae) and the NT species Oxypleurus nodieri (Cerambycidae) and Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Nitidulidae) were collected. Our results emphasize the importance of method diversity in capturing species with distinct ecological requirements and highlight the relevance of saproxylic beetles as indicators of forest health. These findings support the adoption of multi-method sampling protocols in forest biodiversity monitoring and management programs, especially in biodiversity-rich and structurally heterogeneous landscapes. Full article

The growing interest in probiotic bacteria within the food industry is driven by their recognized health benefits for consumers. However, preserving their therapeutic viability and stability during gastrointestinal transit remains a formidable challenge. Hence, this research aimed to enhance the viability of Lactobacillus reuteri through microencapsulation using a binary polysaccharide mixture composed of low acyl gellan gum (LAG), high acyl gellan gum (HAG), and calcium for the microencapsulation of L. reuteri. To achieve this, the Box–Behnken design was applied, targeting the optimization of L. reuteri microencapsulated to withstand simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The microcapsules were crafted using the internal ionic gelation method, and optimization was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design. The model demonstrated robust predictive power, with R² values exceeding 95% and a lack of fit greater than p > 0.05. Under optimized conditions—0.88% (w/v) LAG, 0.43% (w/v) HAG, and 24.44 mM Ca—L. reuteri reached a viability of 97.43% following the encapsulation process. After 4 h of exposure to simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF), the encapsulated cells maintained a viable count of 8.02 log CFU/mL. These promising results underscore the potential of biopolymer-based microcapsules, such as those containing LAG and HAG, as an innovative approach for safeguarding probiotics during gastrointestinal passage, paving the way for new probiotic-enriched food products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The expansion of National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for dental implants in South Korea has substantially increased implant placements among older adults. While implants offer functional and esthetic benefits, their lack of periodontal ligaments alters occlusal force distribution, potentially increasing biomechanical stress on adjacent or opposing teeth. This study aimed to investigate the association between the increased number of dental implants and the incidence of cracked teeth following the introduction of implant insurance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Clinical Data Warehouse of Seoul St. Mary’s Dental Hospital. Patients who underwent molar crown restorations between 2014 and 2022 were included. The incidence and clinical features of cracked teeth were compared before (2014–2015) and after (2016–2022) the introduction of implant insurance. Statistical analyses assessed differences in symptom presentation, pulp status, and treatment outcomes. Results: Among 5044 molars restored with crowns, 1692 were diagnosed with cracks. The incidence of cracked teeth significantly increased after NHI coverage for implants (25.5% vs. 32.6%, p < 0.001). Cases after insurance implementation showed fewer signs and symptoms at initial presentation (67.4% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001), reduced irreversible pulpitis (37.2% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001), and increased preservation of pulp vitality (46.9% vs. 57.8%, p < 0.001). These shifts may reflect changes in occlusal adjustment practices and earlier clinical intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest a temporal link between increased implant placement and the rising incidence of cracked teeth. Implant-induced occlusal changes may contribute to this trend. Careful occlusal evaluation and follow-up are essential after implant placement, and further prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality and refine prevention strategies. Full article

Microglia-mediated chronic neuroinflammation is a common pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Strong evidence suggests that activated microglia can lesion neurons by releasing exosomes. However, the mechanisms of exosome release from activated microglia remain unclear. We recently revealed a key role of complement receptor 3 (CR3) in regulating microglial activation in the process of progressive neurodegeneration. This study aimed to investigate whether CR3 can regulate exosome release from activated microglia, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We found that LPS, an inducer of microglial M1 activation, induced exosome release from activated microglia. Inhibition of exosome synthesis suppressed LPS-induced microglial activation, gene expression of proinflammatory factors, and related neurotoxicity. Silencing or knocking out CR3 attenuated LPS-induced exosome release in microglia. NADPH oxidase (NOX2) was further identified as a downstream signal of CR3, mediating microglial exosome release and related neurotoxicity. CR3 silencing blocked LPS-induced NOX2 activation and superoxide production through inhibition of p47^phox phosphorylation and membrane translocation. Moreover, NOX2 activation elicited by PMA or supplementation of H₂O₂ recovered exosome release from CR3-silenced microglia. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the CR3-NOX2 axis regulates syntenin-1 to control microglial exosome release. Finally, we observed that the expression of CR3 was increased in the brain of LPS-treated mice, and genetic ablation of CR3 significantly reduced LPS-induced NOX2 activation, microglial M1 polarization, and exosome production in mice. Overall, our findings revealed a critical role of the CR3-NOX2 axis in controlling microglial exosome release and related neurotoxicity through syntenin-1, providing a novel target for the development of a therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegeneration. Full article

In many developing African countries, milk safety is often managed through traditional methods such as fermentation or boiling over firewood. While these approaches reduce some microbial risks, they present critical limitations. Firewood dependency contributes to deforestation, depletion of agricultural residues, and loss of soil fertility, which, in turn, compromise environmental health and food security. Solar pasteurization provides a reliable and sustainable method for thermally inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in milk and other perishable foods at sub-boiling temperatures, preserving its nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal and microbial performance of a low-cost solar milk pasteurization system, hypothesized to effectively reduce microbial contaminants and retain milk quality under natural sunlight. The system was constructed using locally available materials and tailored to the climatic conditions of the Savanna ecological zone in West Africa. A flat-plate glass solar collector was integrated with a 0.15 cm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat, featuring a 2.2 cm hot water jacket and 0.5 cm thick aluminum foil insulation. The system was tested in Navrongo, Ghana, under ambient temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 43 °C. The pasteurizer successfully processed up to 8 L of milk per batch, achieving a maximum milk temperature of 74 °C by 14:00 GMT. Microbial analysis revealed a significant reduction in bacterial load, from 6.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL to 1.0 × 10² CFU/mL, with complete elimination of coliforms. These results confirmed the device’s effectiveness in achieving safe pasteurization levels. The findings demonstrate that this locally built solar pasteurization system is a viable and cost-effective solution for improving milk safety in arid, electricity-limited regions. Its potential scalability also opens avenues for rural entrepreneurship in solar-powered food and water treatment technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Predicting comprehensive patient characteristics is essential for optimal individualized rehabilitation plans for acute stroke patients. However, current models primarily predict single outcomes. This study aimed to assess the applicability of latent class analysis (LCA) in rehabilitation practice by identifying comprehensive characteristics and associated predictors in acute stroke patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the Japan Association of Rehabilitation Database, including 10,270 stroke patients admitted to 37 acute-care hospitals between January 2005 and March 2016. Patients were classified using LCA based on outcomes at discharge, including Functional Independence Measure (FIM), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) subscales for upper-extremity function, length of hospitalization, and discharge destination. Predictor variables at admission included age, FIM scores, NIHSS subscales for upper-extremity function, stroke type, and daily rehabilitation volume. Results: 6881 patients were classified into nine distinct classes (class size: 4–29%). Class 1, representing the mildest cases, was noted for independent ambulation and good upper limb function. Class 2 comprised those with the most severe clinical outcome. Other classes exhibited a gradient of severity, commonly encountered in clinical practice. For instance, Class 7 included right-sided paralysis with preserved motor activities of daily living (ADLs) and modified dependence in cognitive functions, such as communication. All predictors at admission were significantly associated with class membership at discharge (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LCA effectively identified unique clinical subgroups among acute stroke patients and demonstrated that key admission variables could predict class membership. This approach offers a promising insight into targeted, personalized rehabilitation practice for acute stroke patients. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a major contributor to pain and disability; however, the current management is largely reactive, focusing on symptoms rather than preventing irreversible cartilage loss. This review first examines the mechanistic foundations for pharmacological chondroprotection—illustrating how conventional agents, such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, can potentially restore extracellular matrix (ECM) components, may attenuate catabolic enzyme activity, and might enhance joint lubrication—and explores the delivery challenges posed by avascular cartilage and synovial diffusion barriers. Subsequently, a practical “What–How–When” framework is introduced to guide community pharmacists in risk screening, DMOAD selection, chronotherapeutic dosing, safety monitoring, and lifestyle integration, as exemplified by the CHONDROMOVING infographic brochure designed for diverse health literacy levels. Building on these strategies, the P4–4P Chondroprotection Framework is proposed, integrating predictive risk profiling (physicians), preventive pharmacokinetic and chronotherapy optimization (pharmacists), personalized biomechanical interventions (physiotherapists), and participatory self-management (patients) into a unified, feedback-driven OA care model. To translate this framework into routine practice, I recommend the development of DMOAD-specific clinical guidelines, incorporation of chondroprotective chronotherapy and interprofessional collaboration into health-professional curricula, and establishment of multidisciplinary OA management pathways—supported by appropriate reimbursement structures, to support preventive, team-based management, and prioritization of large-scale randomized trials and real-world evidence studies to validate the long-term structural, functional, and quality of life benefits of synchronized DMOAD and exercise-timed interventions. This comprehensive, precision-driven paradigm aims to shift OA care from reactive palliation to true disease modification, preserving cartilage integrity and improving the quality of life for millions worldwide. Full article

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) is eroding therapeutic options for urinary tract infections. We isolated a multidrug-resistant strain from the urine of a chronically bacteriuric patient and confirmed its identity by Vitek-2 and MALDI-TOF MS. Initial disk-diffusion profiling against 48 antibiotics revealed susceptibility to only 5 agents. One month later, repeat testing showed that tetracycline alone remained active, highlighting the strain’s rapidly evolving resistome. Given the scarcity of drug options, we performed an “aromatogram” with seven pure essential oils, propolis, and two commercial phytotherapeutic blends. Biomicin Forte^® produced a 30 mm bactericidal halo, while thyme, tea tree, laurel, and palmarosa oils yielded clear inhibition zones of 11–22 mm. These in vitro data demonstrate that carefully selected plant-derived products can target CR-Kp where conventional antibiotics fail. Integrating aromatogram results into One Health’s stewardship plans may therefore help preserve last-line antibiotics and provide adjunctive options for persistent urinary infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early gut colonization by bifidobacteria, occurring more favorably in vaginally born infants than in those delivered via C-section, is crucial for maintaining overall health. The study investigated the health-promoting properties of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17 both as viable cells and as postbiotics (i.e., cell-free supernatant and heat-killed cells), with the purpose of developing oral formulations to support intestinal health. Methods: The safety, effects on the adhesion of bifidobacteria and enteropathogens to intestinal cells, and anti-inflammatory properties of L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics were evaluated. Fast-disintegrating tablets were formulated by freeze-drying cell-free supernatant in combination with heat-killed or viable cells alongside maltodextrins. Results: The formulations were shown to be non-genotoxic and compatible with intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29). BC17 viable cells survived in co-culture with intestinal cells up to 48 h and exhibited moderate adhesion to the cell lines. Notably, both BC17 viable cells and postbiotics enhanced the adhesion of beneficial bifidobacteria to Caco-2 cells by up to 250%, while reducing enteropathogens adhesion by 40–70%. Moreover, they exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages by 40–50% and protecting intestinal cells from SDS-induced damage. The formulations allowed administration of at least 10⁹ BC17 cells in infants and adults through easy and rapid dispersion in milk or water, or directly in the oral cavity without chewing, and preserved their functional properties for up to 3 months of storage. Conclusions: L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics, as well as fast-disintegrating tablets, showed promising functional and safety profiles. Although further in vivo validation is needed, this approach represents a compelling strategy for promoting gut health. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess changes in body composition, with a specific focus on fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), in obese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with once-weekly (OW) subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide. Methods: This was a single-center, 12-month, real-world, ambispective study (6-month prospective and 6-month retrospective). Body composition parameters were assessed via segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SMF-BIA). Results: A total of 117 patients with DM2, with a median age of 56 years, a median HbA1c level of 9.4%, and a median body weight of 102.5 kg, were included in the study. The median body weight, body fat mass, and visceral fat significantly decreased at 6 months, with values of −9.3, −7.5, and −1.8 kg, respectively. There were further reductions from 6 to 12 months, albeit at a slower rate. The median skeletal muscle mass significantly decreased at 6 months (−1.2 kg), although no further significant reductions were observed at 12 months. Conclusions: OW s.c. semaglutide for 12 months significantly improved body composition parameters, mainly at the expense of fat mass loss, with the preservation of skeletal muscle mass. These changes are clinically meaningful, since they impact general metabolic health and are associated with improvements in metabolic control and clinical parameters associated with renal and CV risks, as well as presumable improvements in quality of life. Full article

Skeletal muscle aging and related diseases are characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and metabolic function. Central to these processes is mitochondrial dysfunction, which impairs energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and proteostasis. In addition, non-mitochondrial factors such as muscle stem cell exhaustion, neuromuscular junction remodeling, and chronic inflammation also contribute significantly to muscle degeneration. This review integrates recent advances in understanding mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial mechanisms underlying muscle aging and disease. Additionally, we discuss emerging therapeutic approaches targeting these pathways to preserve muscle health and promote healthy aging. Full article

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF), a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively due to structural or functional impairments, is a growing public health concern, with profound implications for patients’ physical and emotional well-being. In India, the burden of CHF is rising due to aging demographics and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors. Among the subtypes of CHF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), i.e., heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50% with evidence of spontaneous or provokable increased left ventricular filling pressure, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), i.e., heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less and is accompanied by progressive left ventricular dilatation and adverse cardiac remodeling, may present differing impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), i.e., an individual’s or a group’s perceived physical and mental health over time, yet comparative data remains limited. This study assesses HRQoL among CHF patients using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), one of the most widely used health-related quality of life questionnaires for patients with heart failure based on physical and emotional dimensions and identifies sociodemographic and clinical variables influencing these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 233 CHF patients receiving inpatient and outpatient care at the Department of Cardiology at a quaternary care teaching hospital in coastal Karnataka in India. Participants were enrolled using convenience sampling. HRQoL was evaluated through the MLHFQ, while sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded via a structured proforma. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, independent t-test, Spearman’s correlation and stepwise multivariable linear regression to identify associations and predictors. Results: The mean HRQoL score was 56.5 ± 6.05, reflecting a moderate to high symptom burden. Patients with HFpEF reported significantly worse HRQoL (mean score: 61.4 ± 3.94) than those with HFrEF (52.9 ± 4.64; p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.95). A significant positive correlation was observed between HRQoL scores and age (r = 0.428; p < 0.001), indicating that older individuals experienced a higher burden of symptoms. HRQoL also varied significantly across NYHA functional classes (χ² = 69.9, p < 0.001, ε² = 0.301) and employment groups (χ² = 17.0, p < 0.001), with further differences noted by education level, gender and marital status (p < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression identified age (B = 0.311, p < 0.001) and gender (B = –4.591, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of poorer HRQoL. Discussion: The findings indicate that patients with HFpEF experience significantly poorer HRQoL than those with HFrEF. Older adults and female patients reported greater symptom burden, underscoring the importance of demographic-sensitive care approaches. These results highlight the need for routine integration of HRQoL assessment into clinical practice and the development of comprehensive, personalized interventions addressing both physical and emotional health dimensions, especially for vulnerable subgroups. Conclusions: CHF patients, especially those with HFpEF, face reduced HRQoL. Key factors include age, gender, education, employment, marital status, and NYHA class, underscoring the need for patient-centered care. Full article

Background: The advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved survival rates in pediatric patients, with five-year survival now exceeding 80% in many high-income countries. However, these life-saving therapies often carry long-term consequences, including impaired fertility. The reproductive health of childhood cancer survivors has emerged as a key issue in survivorship care. Objective: This narrative review aims to examine the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatments on pediatric patients, evaluate fertility preservation strategies in both males and females, and provide guidance on the long-term monitoring of reproductive function post treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, including randomized trials, cohort studies, and clinical guidelines published up to March 2024. The keywords focused on pediatric oncology, fertility, and reproductive endocrinology. Studies were selected based on relevance to treatment-related gonadotoxicity, fertility preservation options, and follow-up care. Results: Radiotherapy and alkylating agents pose the highest risk to fertility. Postpubertal patients have access to standardized preservation techniques, while prepubertal options remain experimental. Long-term effects include premature ovarian insufficiency, azoospermia, hypogonadism, and uterine dysfunction. The psychosocial impacts, especially in female survivors, are profound and often overlooked. Conclusions: Fertility preservation should be discussed at diagnosis and integrated into treatment planning in pediatric patients with cancer. While options for postpubertal patients are established, more research is needed to validate safe and effective strategies for younger populations. A multidisciplinary approach and long-term surveillance are essential for safeguarding future reproductive potential in childhood cancer survivors. Full article