Search Results (898)

Road dust resuspension is widely recognized as a major contributor to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) in urban environments. Nevertheless, reported emission factors exhibit substantial variability. These discrepancies stem not only from the intrinsic complexity of the resuspension process but also from limitations in measurement techniques, which often fail to adequately control or characterize the influencing parameters. As a result, the contribution of each parameter remains difficult to isolate, leading to inconsistencies across studies. This study presents an experimental protocol developed to quantify PM10 and PM2.5 emission factors associated with vehicle-induced road dust resuspension. Experiments were conducted on a dedicated test track seeded with alumina particles of controlled mass and size distribution to simulate road dust. A network of microsensors was strategically deployed at multiple upwind and downwind locations to continuously monitor particle concentration variations during vehicle passages. Emission factors were derived through time integration of the mass flow rate of resuspended dust measured by the sensor network. The estimated PM10 emission factor showed excellent agreement, within 2.5%, with predictions from a literature-based formulation, thereby validating the accuracy and external relevance of the proposed protocol. In contrast, comparisons with U.S. EPA formulas and other empirical equations revealed substantially larger discrepancies, particularly for PM2.5, highlighting the persistent limitations of current modeling approaches. Full article

Brazil possesses a large bioenergy resource, embedded in agro-industrial, livestock, and urban residues; this study quantifies its technical magnitude and associated energy value. An assessment was conducted by substrate, combining official statistics with literature-based yields and recovery factors. Biogas volumes were converted into biomethane using representative upgrading efficiencies, and thermal and electrical equivalents were derived from standard lower heating values and conversion efficiencies. Uncertainty bounds reflect the variability of feedstock yields and process performance. The national technical potential is estimated at roughly 80–85 billion Nm³/year of biogas, corresponding to ~43–45 billion Nm³/year of biomethane and around 168–174 TWh/year of electricity. Contributions are led by the sugar–energy complex (~one-third), followed by livestock and other agro-industrial residues (~one-third), while urban sanitation supplies ~8–10%. Potentials are concentrated in the Southeast, Center-West, and South, and current production represents only ~2–3% of the assessed potential. The findings indicate that realizing this potential requires targeted measure standardization for grid injection, support for pretreatment and co-digestion, access to credit, and alignment with instruments such as RenovaBio and “Metano Zero” to unlock significant methane-mitigation, air-quality, and decentralized energy-security benefits. Full article

Over a quarter of human pregnancies are associated with complications, including fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. These are major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, and also lead to a 3–5-fold increased risk of subsequent development of cardio-metabolic diseases. Although the mechanistic details remain elusive, a dysfunctional placenta is central to the pathophysiology of these conditions. The placenta ensures sufficient nutrient supply to the fetus without compromising maternal wellbeing. This balance is achieved by the secretion of large quantities of placental-derived peptide hormones into the maternal circulation. Consequently, the placenta is susceptible to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and we were the first to demonstrate the presence of ER stress in placentas from complicated pregnancies. The mouse placenta provides an ideal model for studying the impact of ER stress as it is composed of two distinct regions, an endocrine zone and a transport zone. Therefore, perturbation of placental endocrine function by ER stress can be generated without directly affecting its capacity for nutrient exchange. In this review, we summarise the current literature on how transgenic mouse models enhance our understanding of ER stress-mediated perturbation of placental endocrine function, and its contribution to the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications and life-long health. Full article

Background: Black transgender women experience high rates of intersectional discrimination contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. While sleep typically buffers psychological distress among general populations, these relationships remain underexplored among Black transgender women, and existing protective sleep literature derives primarily from non-Hispanic White, cisgender, socioeconomically advantaged populations. Methods: This exploratory secondary cross-sectional analysis of 155 Black transgender women (aged 18+) examined whether sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) moderates associations between discrimination (Intersectional Discrimination Index) and PTSD symptoms (PTSD Symptom Checklist-DSM-5) using moderated multiple linear regression models, controlling for age (n = 139–149). Results: Contrary to expectations, better sleep quality strengthened associations between day-to-day (p = 0.0126) and major discrimination (p = 0.0235) and the PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions: These exploratory findings reveal paradoxical sleep-distress relationships among Black transgender women that contradict patterns documented among general populations, highlighting critical limitations in applying existing psychological frameworks to multiple marginalized communities. Results underscore urgent needs for culturally validated assessment instruments and comprehensive measurement of structural determinants (housing stability, economic security, and neighborhood safety) before concluding psychology in populations experiencing intersectional oppressions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The composition and function of gut microbiome is significantly influenced by dietary factors. Growing evidence suggests that A1-type and A2-type beta casein (β-CN) may exert distinct effects on the gut environment, with implications for digestive discomfort and broader health outcomes. This review summarizes current evidence on how milk-derived A1 and A2 β-CN affect the gut microbiota. Methods: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies examining effects of milk β-CN on gut microbiota. Results: A total of eight studies were included. Results show inconsistencies within the limited number of studies. However, compared to A2, A1 β-CN was more frequently associated with dysbiosis and an increased abundance of potentially pathogenic species. Conversely, A2 β-CN promoted microbial diversity, which is linked to improved gut integrity and metabolic health. Conclusions: These findings suggest that β-CN variants distinctly influence the gut microbiota composition, and results were more significant in immunosuppressed subjects or those with other underlying health conditions, indicating that dairy products rich in A2 β-CN may offer advantages in personalized dietary management. However, well-designed human studies are essential to translate findings from rodent models to clinically relevant outcomes and future research should focus on mechanistic exploration and population-specific responses. Full article

Forests play a central role in climate change mitigation by acting as biogenic carbon reservoirs and providing renewable biomass for energy systems. In Portugal, where fire-prone landscapes and species composition dynamics pose increasing management challenges, understanding the carbon storage potential of forest biomass is crucial for designing effective decarbonization strategies. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the Portuguese forest and quantifies the biogenic carbon stored in live and dead biomass across the main forest species. Species-specific carbon contents, rather than the conventional 50% assumption widely used in the literature, were applied to National Forest Inventory data, enabling more realistic and representative carbon stock estimates expressed in kilotonnes of CO₂ equivalent. While the approach relies on inventory-based biomass data and literature-derived carbon fractions and is therefore subject to associated uncertainties, it provides an improved representation of species-level carbon storage at the national scale. Results show that Pinus pinaster, Eucalyptus globulus, and Quercus suber together represent the largest share of carbon storage, with approximately 300,000 kilotonnes of CO₂ equivalent retained in living trees. Wood is the dominant carbon pool, but roots and branches also account for a substantial fraction, emphasizing the need to consider both above- and below-ground biomass in carbon accounting. In parallel, a bibliometric analysis based on the systematic evaluation of scientific publications was conducted to characterize the evolution, thematic focus, and geographic distribution of global research on forest-based biogenic carbon. This analysis reveals a rapidly expanding scientific interest in biogenic carbon, particularly since 2020, reflecting its growing relevance in climate change mitigation frameworks. Overall, the results underscore both the strategic importance of Portuguese forests and the alignment of this research with the broader international scientific agenda on forest-based biogenic carbon. Full article

Objectives: Despite the increasing scientific evidence regarding the application of Cranberries in dentistry, a comprehensive understanding of their potential benefits, active constituents, and mechanisms of action remains lacking. Consequently, this narrative review aims to meticulously analyze and consolidate the existing scientific literature on the utilization of Cranberries for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched up to October 2025. This review included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research studies. A two-phase selection process was carried out. In phase 1, two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify potentially eligible studies. In phase 2, the same reviewers performed the full-text assessments of the eligible articles. Results: Among the 93 eligible articles, most assessed Cranberry use in Cariology (n = 28) and Periodontics (n = 26). Biofilm and microbial virulence factors (n = 46) were the most frequently studied topics. Cranberry extract (n = 32) and high-molecular-weight non-dialyzable material (NDM) (n = 23) were the most evaluated Cranberry fractions. Overall, Cranberry-derived compounds were identified as non-toxic and demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity against dental caries-related microorganisms in preclinical studies (n = 20). Regarding periodontal and peri-implant diseases, Cranberry demonstrated host immune modulator effects, counteracting the inflammatory and destructive mechanisms (n = 8). Additionally, Cranberries presented benefits in reducing the inflammation associated with periodontal disease and temporal mandibular joint lesions (n = 1). Regarding dental erosion, Cranberry inhibited dentin erosion (n = 4); however, no effect was observed on enamel lesions (n = 2). As an antioxidant agent, Cranberry showed effectiveness in preventing dental erosion (n = 18). Beyond that, Cranberry neutralized reactive oxygen species generated immediately after dental bleaching, enhancing bond strength (n = 2) and counteracting the oxygen ions formed on the tooth surface following bleaching procedures (n = 3). In osteoclastogenesis assays, A-type proanthocyanidins inhibited bone resorption (n = 1). In osteogenic analysis, preservation of hydroxycarbonate apatite deposition and an increase in early and late osteogenic markers were observed (n = 2). Conclusions: Cranberry bioactive compounds, both individually and synergistically, exhibit substantial potential for diverse applications within dentistry, particularly in the prevention and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases. This review provides insights into the plausible incorporation of Cranberries in contemporary dentistry, offering readers an informed perspective on their potential role. Full article

Background: Pediatric craniocervical junction (CCJ) anomalies consist of a unique subset of anatomically complex spine conditions. The aims of intervention are to achieve long-term stability, correct existing deformity, and prevent neurological compromise. However, surgery is challenging due to critical neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures in the limited operative space of a young child. Recently, the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed models has been demonstrated to be valuable neurosurgical adjuncts. We therein report the application of a 3D-printed model for a pediatric case with a complex CCJ condition. A systematic review of the related literature is concurrently performed. Case description: A 10-year-old male presented with torticollis associated with neck pain and progressive thoracic kyphosis. Neuroimaging reported an unfused os odontoideum inferior to the basion and anterior half of the C2 vertebral body and anteriorly angulated with the C1 anterior arch. Of note, there was a large vertebral vein coursing over the left C2 lamina that was predominantly draining into the CCJ venous plexus. A radiologically derived 3D model of the patient’s CCJ was printed and used for pre-operative planning, multi-disciplinary team discussion, and detailed counseling with the patient and caregivers. The patient underwent an uneventful C1–C2 posterior screw fixation and has recovered well since. Separately, we observed there is a paucity of publications specific to this topic. Conclusions: As demonstrated, a custom-made 3D model was useful for clinicians work through technical difficulties and improve the perioperative discussion process in an otherwise difficult case. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies worldwide. Early identification of high-risk patients is essential to improve outcomes. Computed tomography (CT)-derived muscle mass indices, such as the psoas muscle index (PMI) and paravertebral muscle index (PvMI), have recently emerged as potential prognostic markers reflecting both nutritional and inflammatory status. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CT-derived PMI and PvMI with disease severity, complications, and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement in patients with acute pancreatitis, and to evaluate their prognostic value across age- and sex-specific subgroups. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 179 patients hospitalized with AP between January 2023 and February 2025. The psoas muscle area (PMA) and paravertebral muscle area (PvMA) were measured at the L3 vertebral level on CT scans and normalized to height squared to calculate the PMI and PvMI levels. Additionally, patients were classified as having low or normal PMA and PvMA levels based on cutoff values from the existing literature. Clinical, biochemical, and outcome data—including disease severity, complications, and ICU requirement—were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex and age (≥65 years). Logistic regression and ROC analyses were used to identify independent predictors and optimal cutoff values. Results: Overall, complications developed in 39.7% of patients, and ICU admission was required in 11.2%. The PMI levels were significantly correlated with albumin, hemoglobin, and inflammatory marker levels. In women, the PMI was independently associated with complicated AP (adjusted OR = 0.655, p = 0.018). In patients ≥65 years, the PvMI level was independently associated with ICU requirement (adjusted OR = 0.780, p = 0.047). The ROC analysis identified PMI ≤ 4.04 cm²/m² as the optimal cutoff for predicting complicated AP (AUC = 0.641, p = 0.049), and PvMI ≤ 18.88 cm²/m² for predicting ICU need (AUC = 0.684, p = 0.020), with moderate discrimination. Conclusions: CT-derived muscle indices might be associated with disease severity and adverse outcomes in AP, particularly among older (≥65 years) and female patients. PMI and PvMI may serve as practical prognostic markers to identify high-risk patients early, enabling timely nutritional and supportive interventions. Validation in larger prospective cohorts is warranted. Full article

Gut microbiota play a central role in shaping bile acid (BA) metabolism through community-specific capacities for deconjugation, dehydroxylation, and other transformation reactions. Distinct microbiome compositional patterns—often referred to as enterotype-like clusters—correspond to reproducible functional profiles that generate unique BA metabolic signatures with relevance for metabolic and gastrointestinal health. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence describing the interplay between microbial composition, BA metabolism, and metabolic dysfunction. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus using predefined keywords related to bile acids, microbiome composition, metabolic disorders, and enterotypes. Studies were screened for human clinical relevance and mechanistic insights into BA–microbiome interactions. Across the evidence base, Bacteroides-, Prevotella-, and Ruminococcus-associated community types consistently demonstrate different BA transformation capacities that influence secondary BA production and downstream host signaling through FXR and TGR5. These differences are linked to variation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Host genetic variations in BA synthesis, transport, and signaling further modify these microbiome–BA interactions, contributing to the heterogeneity of dietary intervention responses. Overall, the literature supports a model in which microbiome-derived BA profiles act as metabolic phenotypes that shape host lipid and glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and gut–liver axis integrity. Emerging clinical applications include microbiome-stratified dietary strategies, targeted probiotics with defined BA-modifying functions, and therapeutic approaches that align BA-modulating interventions with an individual’s microbial metabolic capacity. Establishing integrated biomarker platforms combining microbiome clustering with BA profiling will be essential for advancing precision nutrition and personalized management of metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases. Full article

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. The identification of prodromal symptoms could support earlier detection. Among these, depression is frequently reported, raising the question of whether it may represent not only a reactive response but also a paraneoplastic manifestation. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of clinical, epidemiological and biological literature published between 1988 and 2025. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using predefined keywords related to pancreatic cancer, depression, prodromal symptoms, cytokines, and the kynurenine pathway. Eligible studies included clinical cohorts, population-based analyses, biological investigations, and case reports exploring the temporal or mechanistic link between depression and PDAC. Results: A substantial proportion of patients (10–20%) exhibit depressive symptoms in the months preceding the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In several cases, depression occurs independent of weight loss and new-onset diabetes. Biological evidence highlights the involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), NF-κB signaling, and activation of the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway (IDO), suggesting a link between tumor-related processes and mood alterations. These mechanistic findings are actually hypothesis-generating, deriving mainly from small clinical cohorts and preclinical models. Clinically, depression is associated with reduced adherence to treatment, poorer quality of life, and shorter survival. However, no specific depressive phenotype has been identified. Conclusions: Depression may represent a potential prodromal symptom of pancreatic cancer, reflecting systemic biological processes as well as psychological reactions. Its utility as a standalone marker remains limited; future studies should integrate psychiatric, clinical and biological biomarker assessments to enhance early clinical diagnosis. Full article

Background: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of many oral and systemic diseases and has long been recognised as a risk factor for cancer development. Central to inflammatory responses are inflammasomes—multiprotein complexes that, upon activation, trigger caspase-1–mediated release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Their emerging contribution to chronic oral inflammatory conditions has generated interest in understanding whether persistent inflammasome activity may also influence pathways involved in oral carcinogenesis. This review summarises current evidence on the role of inflammasomes in oral inflammatory diseases and explores their potential involvement in the transition from chronic inflammation to malignant transformation. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted by searching major scientific databases for studies investigating inflammasome activation in oral tissues, inflammatory oral diseases, and mechanisms linking chronic inflammation to oral cancer. Eligible articles included experimental studies, animal models, observational clinical research, and review papers that provided mechanistic or associative insights. Due to heterogeneity in study designs, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: Available evidence indicates that inflammasomes, particularly NLRP3 and AIM2, contribute to the pathophysiology of pulpitis, periodontitis, and several systemic conditions that affect oral health. Preclinical and observational findings also suggest potential involvement of inflammasome-related pathways in early tumorigenic processes, although these associations require further clarification. Preliminary biomarker-based studies demonstrate that inflammasome components measurable in saliva, pulpal blood, or gingival crevicular fluid may offer minimally invasive indicators of inflammatory burden and oral health status. Conclusions: Inflammasomes appear to play a meaningful role in oral inflammatory diseases, and growing evidence links their persistent activation to mechanisms relevant to oral carcinogenesis. However, current findings are largely associative and derived primarily from experimental and early clinical research. Additional work is needed to define precisely how inflammasomes contribute to the progression from chronic oral inflammation toward malignant change and to evaluate whether targeting inflammasome pathways offers viable therapeutic or diagnostic potential. Full article

Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits represent one of the most critical global uranium resources suitable for in situ recovery, with their formation closely associated with organic matter (OM). We conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize over 100 published studies sourced from authoritative databases (Elsevier, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, etc.). This study systematically summarizes the types and geological characteristics of OM in sandstone reservoirs and thoroughly analyzes the geochemical mechanisms by which OM regulates the transport and precipitation of aqueous uranium. By integrating case studies of representative sandstone uranium deposits globally, three major OM-related metallogenic models are proposed with distinct core characteristics: the humic-dominated model is driven by the complexation and direct reduction of uranium by humic substances/coal-derived OM; the roll-front model relies on reactions between oxidized uranium-bearing fluids and scattered OM, as well as microbially generated sulfides at the migration front; and the seepage-related model is fueled by upward-migrating deep hydrocarbon fluids (petroleum, methane) that act as both uranium carriers and reductants. Furthermore, this review explores the spatial coupling relationships between OM distribution and uranium mineralization in typical geological settings, evaluates the guiding significance of OM for uranium exploration, and outlines key unresolved scientific issues. The findings refine the genetic theoretical framework of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits and provide important technical support and theoretical guidance for future uranium exploration deployment and resource potential evaluation. Full article

Pregnancies following Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are associated with increased risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, it is not clear if these associations are derived from infertility or fertility treatment itself. The goal of this review is to investigate if there are differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes between pregnancies conceived through either intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to obtain an estimate of the effect of the fertility treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the literature for original studies comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies following IUI to those following IVF. To reduce confounding, our synthesis focuses on singleton gestations, while excluding donor sperm and multifetal pregnancies. Findings are interpreted alongside recent ART vs. non-ART evidence to contextualize potential treatment-related effects. Most studies suggest no difference in maternal outcomes, but outcomes were inconsistently reported between studies. Neonatal outcomes were more consistently reported, and there was less variation between results. Current evidence does not suggest a large difference in neonatal outcomes between IVF and IUI. However, almost all studies have significant limitations that hinder clear conclusions. To summarize, even though the current literature does not suggest significant differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes following IVF and IUI, further high-quality studies are needed to establish a definite correlation. Full article

Bacterial biofilms are critical contributors to chronic infections and antimicrobial resistance. Among the diverse extracellular matrix components, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and amyloid proteins have recently emerged as pivotal structural and functional molecules. Both individually contribute to biofilm stability and antibiotic tolerance, yet their cooperative roles remain underappreciated. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the origins and functions of eDNA and amyloid proteins in biofilms, to highlight their molecular interactions, and to discuss how their synergistic effects promote biofilm-mediated resistance to antimicrobial agents. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to September 2025. Keywords included “biofilm”, “extracellular DNA”, “amyloid proteins”, “matrix”, and “antimicrobial resistance”. Relevant original research and review articles were systematically screened and critically analyzed to integrate emerging evidence on eDNA–amyloid interactions in bacterial biofilms. Current studies demonstrate that eDNA originates primarily from autolysis, active secretion, and host-derived DNA, while amyloid proteins are produced by multiple bacterial species, including Escherichia coli (curli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Fap), Bacillus subtilis (TasA), and Staphylococcus aureus (phenol-soluble modulins). Both molecules independently strengthen biofilm integrity and provide protective functions against antimicrobial agents. Importantly, recent evidence shows that eDNA can act as a nucleation template for amyloid fibrillation, while amyloid fibers stabilize and protect eDNA from degradation, creating a dense extracellular network. This synergistic eDNA–amyloid assembly enhances biofilm robustness, impedes antibiotic penetration, sequesters antimicrobial peptides, protects persister cells, and facilitates horizontal gene transfer of resistance determinants. The interplay between eDNA and amyloid proteins represents a central but underexplored mechanism driving biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance. Understanding this cooperative network not only deepens our mechanistic insights into bacterial pathogenesis but also highlights novel therapeutic targets. Strategies that disrupt eDNA–amyloid interactions may offer promising avenues for combating persistent biofilm-associated infections. Full article