Search Results (120)

Using orange peels as a biowaste, fluorescent N-CDs were prepared simply and rapidly through a one-step microwave-assisted method and urea as a nitrogen source. The synthesized N-CDs exhibited a high QY value of 47.12% compared to CDs prepared using different methods. Moreover, the N-CDs have good pH and thermal stability. N-CDs exhibited high sensitivity toward Fe(III), Hg(I), and Hg(II) ions with low LOD values of about 0.0555, 0.15379, and 0.02505 μM, respectively. This approach is hopeful for the large-scale formation of N-CDs and could encourage their utilization as fluorescent chemosensors due to their affordability, simplicity, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Full article

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune-mediated disease characterized by chronic, non-suppurative, small-duct lymphocytic cholangitis. The prognosis largely depends on early disease recognition and treatment. Suboptimal response to first-line therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid) is associated with risk for disease progression. Reliable biomarkers are also required to enhance risk stratification. The traditional gold standard for assessing fibrosis is liver biopsy, but it is invasive and unsuitable for serial evaluations. Hence, trends are towards non-invasive surrogate biomarkers (blood-based and imaging biomarkers respectively) which have a much better safety profile. Blood-based biomarkers include: (i) Fibrosis-4 [Fib-4], (ii) Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index [APRI], (iii) Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score [ELF], and (iv) total bile acid to platelet ratio [TPR]. They show much potential but are not particularly sensitive tests. Ultrasound-based imaging biomarkers are increasingly being utilized for liver stiffness measurement (LSM), with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) emerging as the preferred technique. However, despite its growing popularity, VCTE is limited by technical issues. Hence, currently, none of the non-invasive tests fulfill the prerequisites to be the new gold standard as defined by the FDA. Nonetheless, there may be value to combining LSM with various serum biomarkers such as Fib-4, APRI, as aforementioned. The hope is to create nomograms for predicting liver-related events and decision tree algorithms. Newer studies are investigating microbiota in the gut-liver axis, biomolecules such as nanovesicles/nanofibers, and metabolic reprogramming as it pertains to e.g., proteomics and lipidomics. These approaches hold much promise, and if validated, could significantly change the management of PBC. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrates substantial clinical and biological diversity across age groups, ancestral backgrounds, and treatment settings, alongside a rising incidence of early-onset disease (EOCRC). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major driver of CRC development and therapy response; however, the distribution and prognostic value of MAPK alterations across distinct patient subgroups remain unclear. Methods: We analyzed 2515 CRC tumors with harmonized demographic, clinical, genomic, and treatment metadata. Patients were stratified by ancestry (Hispanic/Latino [H/L] vs. non-Hispanic White [NHW]), age at diagnosis (early-onset [EO] vs. late-onset [LO]), and FOLFOX chemotherapy exposure. MAPK pathway alterations were identified using a curated gene set encompassing canonical EGFR-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling components and regulatory nodes. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI-HOPE and AI-HOPE-MAPK) enabled natural language-driven cohort construction and exploratory analytics; findings were validated using Fisher’s exact testing, chi-square analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results: MAPK pathway disruption demonstrated marked heterogeneity across ancestry and treatment contexts. Among EO H/L patients, FGFR3, NF1, and RPS6KA6 mutations were significantly enriched in tumors not receiving FOLFOX, whereas PDGFRB alterations were more frequent in FOLFOX-treated EO H/L tumors relative to EO NHW counterparts. In late-onset H/L disease, NTRK2 and PDGFRB mutations were more common in non-FOLFOX tumors. Distinct MAPK-associated alterations were also observed among NHW patients, particularly in non-FOLFOX settings, including AKT3, FGF4, RRAS2, CRKL, DUSP4, JUN, MAPK1, RRAS, and SOS1. Survival analyses provided borderline evidence that MAPK alterations may be linked to improved overall survival in treated EO NHW patients. Conversational AI markedly accelerated analytic throughput and multi-parameter discovery. Conclusions: Although MAPK alterations are pervasive in CRC, their distribution varies meaningfully by ancestry, age, and treatment exposure. These findings highlight NF1, MAPK3, RPS6KA4, and PDGFRB as potential biomarkers in EOCRC and H/L patients, supporting the need for ancestry-aware precision oncology approaches. Full article

Background: Radspherin^® is a novel α-emitting radiopharmaceutical administered intraperitoneally following complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases. It delivers short-range radiation aimed at eliminating residual microscopic disease. This qualitative study explored how participants with colorectal cancer experienced participating in an early-phase clinical trial involving CRS-HIPEC followed by Radspherin^®. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants enrolled in a phase 1/2a trial involving CRS-HIPEC and intraperitoneal Radspherin^®. The analysis was guided by a phenomenological and interpretive approach using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants expressed a strong sense of motivation and hope tied specifically to receiving Radspherin^®, which they perceived as an opportunity to improve their prognosis. Many also viewed participation as a contribution to future cancer research. None attributed complications or side effects to Radspherin^®. Clear and supportive verbal communication from healthcare professionals was highly valued, while the written information was described as overwhelming. Despite fears of recurrence, most participants remained optimistic about regaining a meaningful life. While experiences with Radspherin^® were largely positive, participants also described pain, fatigue, and prolonged recovery related to CRS-HIPEC, including ongoing functional and psychosocial challenges. Conclusions: Participants associated Radspherin^® with hope and a therapeutic benefit but did not link it to their adverse events. Their willingness to participate in experimental treatment was shaped by trust in clinicians, clear communication, and a desire for extended survival. However, the burden of CRS-HIPEC-related side effects underscores the importance of tailored follow-up and support. Full article

The ideals of community and collective action are key tenets of the environmental justice (EJ) movement. Yet the pervasive grind culture that underpins capitalist societies makes it challenging to embrace these core values. EJ convenings are organized by a variety of entities, including grassroots organizations, government agencies, environmental non-governmental agencies, and academic institutions, and often reflect the tone of the organizing entity. This work explores the impact of a community and academic partnered EJ summit in addressing ecological grief (eco-grief) and ecological anxiety (eco-anxiety), supporting collective action, and attending to healing justice. We interviewed thirteen participants who attended the 2024 Pittsburgh Environmental Justice Summit using semi-structured, open-ended questions. Drawing on insights from lived experiences with the environment and environmental harms, we sought to understand how participants perceived EJ, health, and healing, as well as the role of summits and community efforts in shaping these perspectives. Emotional impacts like eco-grief, eco-anxiety, and intergenerational trauma were other common themes established through the interviews. Despite negative emotions being more commonly expressed than positive emotions, hope emerged as the most widely expressed theme. The summit was viewed as a space for reflection, support, establishing new contacts, and promoting growth and resilience. The results underscore the importance of integrating emotional and psychological aspects into EJ frameworks as well as the value of community-based approaches that combine EJ and healing practices to foster resilience, promote equitable health outcomes, and cultivate hope through collective action and support. Full article

This study conducts a comparative content analysis of media coverage of the Russia–Ukraine war by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and Voice of America (VOA), focusing on emotional content and framing strategies. Analyzing 4997 articles from CGTN and 4975 articles from VOA, the study examines how each outlet emphasizes emotions such as neutrality, anger, fear, and hope. The findings reveal that CGTN predominantly adopts a neutral and analytical tone, prioritizing geopolitical implications; in contrast, VOA employs a more emotionally charged approach, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and expressing solidarity with Ukraine. While CGTN emphasizes hope and diplomatic solutions, VOA underscores anger and fear to justify international intervention and support for Ukraine. The contrasting framing strategies reflect the geopolitical interests of China and the U.S., with CGTN positioning China as a mediator advocating for peace and stability, and VOA framing Russia as the aggressor to bolster Western democratic values. By leveraging divergent emotional narratives, both media outlets serve the strategic objectives of their countries, shape global perceptions, and garner public support for their respective policies. This study contributes to understanding how emotional framing functions as a strategic tool in international media coverage during geopolitical conflicts. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted rural communities in unique ways. Those living in rural communities encounter several challenges in managing the effects of COVID-19, and exploring the perceptions of those from rural communities provides valuable information about rural health behaviors. This study aimed to explore the various reactions that individuals in a predominantly rural Midwestern state had regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on them at two time points (December 2020 and March 2021) during the initial rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Utilizing an inductive thematic approach to analyze data, researchers found several themes reflecting the participants’ reactions to COVID-19. Results: Participants described varying reactions to public health information around COVID-19 and how those reactions, and subsequent behaviors, were impacted by different rural values. The themes that emerged from the data were Vulnerability factors, Experiences of Emotions, Government Response, COVID-19 Guidelines, Politicization of Pandemic, and Hope/Optimism. Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of a community-responsive approach to implementing public health interventions that align with community values and priorities. Using behaviorally based interventions that acknowledge individual experiences, beliefs, capacity/resources, and cultural norms may be effective in supporting promotive health behaviors in rural communities. Full article

Background: This study aimed to explore the application value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based three-dimensional segmentation and reconstruction technology for spatial structural identification and volumetric quantification of glandular and adipose tissues in bilateral gynecomastia (GM) patients undergoing surgical treatment, hoping to provide precise imaging data to support clinical surgical decision-making. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on preoperative MRI images and general clinical data of 52 patients with bilateral gynecomastia at the patient level (bilateral totals, N = 52) who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from March 2023 to September 2024. All images were acquired using a SIEMENS Aera 1.5 T MRI scanner with T1-weighted three-dimensional fat-suppressed sequence (t1_fl3d_tra_spair). Semi-automatic segmentation and active contour modeling (Snake model) using ITK-SNAP 4.0 software were employed to independently identify glandular and adipose tissues, reconstruct accurate three-dimensional anatomical models, and quantitatively analyze tissue volumes. Results: The MRI-based three-dimensional segmentation and reconstruction method accurately distinguished glandular and adipose tissues in male breasts, establishing precise three-dimensional anatomical models with excellent reproducibility and operational consistency. Among the 52 patients with bilateral gynecomastia, glandular tissue volume exhibited a markedly non-normal distribution, with a median of 6.11 cm³ (IQR, 3.03–12.98 cm³). Adipose tissue volume followed a normal distribution with a mean of 1348.84 ± 494.97 cm³. The total breast tissue volume also showed a normal distribution, with a mean of 1361.97 ± 496.83 cm³. The proportion of glandular tissue in total breast volume was non-normally distributed with a median of 0.50% (IQR, 0.27–1.21%), while the proportion of adipose tissue was also non-normally distributed with a median of 99.50% (IQR, 98.79–99.73%). Conclusions: MRI combined with computer-assisted three-dimensional segmentation and reconstruction technology efficiently and accurately achieves spatial identification, three-dimensional modeling, and volumetric quantification of glandular and adipose tissues in patients with bilateral gynecomastia. It objectively reveals the spatial compositional characteristics of male breast tissues. This approach provides precise, quantitative data for clinical decision-making regarding surgical treatment of gynecomastia, featuring robust standardization and strong clinical applicability. Full article

This research concerns a graphical method for analyzing species assemblages sampled in an ensemble of different habitats or sites. This approach provides a preference classification of species of an assemblage, combining two parameters in the same graphic, namely the abundance of species and their preferences for habitats, and the preferences are measured using an index adapted from the Shannon formula. In its initial version, this method provided pertinent analyses of assemblages, but it also showed some weaknesses. One weakness concerns taxonomic groups, where the available sampling methods provide only low abundances, generally converted into abundance notes or indices with low values. Therefore, a comparison between assemblages with different demographic strategies is inadequate. This research aims primarily to normalize this graphic method in the hope of minimizing the effect of demographic strategies on measuring the preference. Normalization mainly concerns the format of abundances, for which we propose alternative values that do not affect the other graphic components. Full article

Spinfoam theories propose a well-defined path-integral formulation for quantum gravity, and it is hoped that they will provide the dynamics of loop quantum gravity. However, it is computationally hard to calculate spinfoam amplitudes. The well-studied Euclidean Barrett–Crane model provides an excellent setting for testing analytical and numerical tools to probe spinfoam models. We explore a data-driven approach to accelerating spinfoam computations by showing that the vertex amplitude is an object that can be learned from data using deep learning. We divide the learning process into a classification and a regression task: Two networks are independently engineered to decide whether the amplitude is zero or not and to predict the precise numerical value, respectively. The trained networks are tested with several accuracy measures. The classifier in particular demonstrates robust generalisation far outside the training domain, while the regressor demonstrates high predictive accuracy in the domain it is trained on. We discuss limitations, possible improvements, and implications for future work. Full article

The emphasis on collaborative governance and effective leadership to bring any social change is gaining prominence among researchers. This study investigates how leadership and collaborative governance can drive social change in waste management in Campania, using a qualitative, multi-site case study approach. Interviews of relevant politicians, public managers, citizens, waste management organizations and academics were conducted (2023–2024). This research uses the lens of multiple theoretical frameworks such as collaborative governance, network agency, public value framework and transformational leadership to explore different dynamics of the research such as stakeholder engagement, public value creation and leadership effectiveness in waste management. Moreover, several obstacles in the way of achieving social change in Campania concerning waste management and environmental sustainability are identified. The findings of this study added to the theoretical understanding of collaborative governance and social change through the demonstration of how transformational leadership, stakeholder participation and trust-based relationships drive good waste management while identifying structural limitations such as corruption and organized crime that hindered governance. Practically, it highlights five interconnected themes from interviews of leadership that civic leaders and managers must establish to promote positive social change: Difficulties in leadership effectiveness, civic potential unused, media mobilization, hope for a miracle and stakeholder engagement diversification. The public value framework is used to analyze the potential role of leadership in bringing change in society. The research findings are replicable and can be applied to a similar set of circumstances. This study advances existing research by addressing the gap in understanding how collaborative governance and transformational leadership can be integrated to tackle waste management and environmental sustainability challenges. The findings can be applied to other regions facing similar governance challenges, making it relevant for global sustainability efforts. Italy’s government has green-lighted projects to make these activities more visible while downplaying their negative impacts on the environment and public health. Full article

CO₂ emissions, a significant contributor to climate change, have spurred the exploration of sustainable solutions. One putative solution involves using recycled aggregates (RAs) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) to substitute natural sand in construction materials. This not only extends the life cycle of the waste but also reduces the use of natural resources. The potential to capture CO₂ in RAs presents a promising route to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction industry and contribute to its much anticipated decarbonization. This research takes a unique approach by investigating the incorporation of an amine-based additive—specifically 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD)—to enhance CO₂ capture into a real-case RA from recycling plants, transforming CDW with low carbon-capture potential into a highly reactive CO₂ capture material. Through TG analysis, FTIR-ATR and the combination of both (TG-FTIR), we were able to validate the use of RA materials as a support medium and quantify the CO₂ capture potential (12%) of the AMPD amine; a dual valorization was achieved: new value was added to low-quality CDW and we enhanced CO₂ sequestration, offering hope for a more sustainable future. Full article

Metalloporphyrins, owing to their structural resemblance to natural enzyme active sites and highly tunable coordination environments, have emerged as promising catalysts for converting CO₂ into value-added chemicals and fuels. Considerable efforts have been made to modify metalloporphyrins to improve their catalytic capability for CO₂ reduction. One approach involves modifying the metal coordination environment (known as the first coordination sphere) to generate heteroatom-containing metalloporphyrins, particularly N-confused and O/S-substituted variants. While heteroatom-containing metalloporphyrins were first synthesized in 1989, their use in CO₂ reduction catalysis was not reported until after 2020. Herein, we review the recent progress in the design, catalytic performance, and mechanistic studies of N-confused and O/S-substituted metalloporphyrins towards CO₂ reduction. This review encompasses both experimental and theoretical computational work, as well as the use of porphyrins as catalysts in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Finally, based on the current research advances, we present critical recommendations and future research directions, with a focus on theoretical studies, in the hope of facilitating the rational design of novel catalysts for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. Full article

The strength and conditioning literature examining neuromuscular physiology, bioenergetics, neuroendocrine factors, nutrition and metabolic factors, and the use of ergogenic aids, as well as physical and physiological responses and adaptations, have clearly identified the benefits of participating in regular resistance training programs for athletic populations, especially as it relates to improving muscular strength. Beyond evidence-based research, models for resistance training program implementation are of considerable value for optimizing athletic performance. In fact, several have been provided that address general to specific characteristics of athleticism (i.e., strength endurance, muscular strength, and muscular power) through resistance training over the decades. For instance, a published model known as the strength–endurance continuum that enhances dynamic correspondence (i.e., training specificity) in athletic populations by developing structural, metabolic, and neural capacities across a high-load, low-repetition and low-load, high-repetition range. Further models have been developed to enhance performance approaches (i.e., optimum performance training model) and outcomes (i.e., performance pyramid), even within specific populations, such as youth (i.e., youth physical development model). The ten, five, three, or 10-5-3 (TFT) model for strength and conditioning professionals synthesizes currently available information and provides a framework for the effective implementation of resistance training approaches to suit the needs of athletes at each stage of development. The model includes three key components to consider when designing strength and conditioning programs, denoted by the acronym TFT (ten, five, three). Over recent years, the model has gained much support from teams, coaches, and athletes, mainly due to the ability to streamline common knowledge within the field into an efficient and effective resistance training system. Furthermore, this model is distinctly unique from others as it prioritizes the development of strength–endurance, muscular strength, and muscular power concurrently. This paper explains the model itself and begins to provide recommendations for those interested in implementing TFT-based approaches, including a summary of points as a brief take-home guide to implementing TFT interventions. It is the author’s hope that this paper encourages other performance professionals to share their models to appreciate human ingenuity and advance our understanding of individualized approaches and systems towards the physical development of the modern-day athlete. Full article

A sustainable peace process requires more than temporary agreements or the resolution of immediate conflicts—it demands a deep, enduring transformation rooted in the values, perceptions, and interactions of individuals within a society. Traditional peacebuilding often emphasizes events, political power struggles, and leadership, but the collective impact of individual perspectives may be the true determinant of lasting peace. This multidisciplinary study empirically examines the role of wisdom—a fundamental psychological construct—in shaping individual attitudes and its cascading influence on the broader peace process. The findings highlight the profound implications of wisdom for sustainability in peacebuilding. Greater wisdom strongly correlates with a predisposition for peace, reconciliation, and societal reunification, aligning with sustainable development principles. Thus, this study advocates for a sustainability-oriented approach to peace processes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual wisdom, collective hope, and the long-term viability of peace. By fostering wisdom, maintaining hope, and addressing systemic challenges, societies can move toward a more sustainable and harmonious future, rooted in reconciliation, equity, and mutual understanding. This holistic approach strengthens peace prospects and advances the broader goal of a just, sustainable world for future generations. Full article