Search Results (235)

(1) Background: Mongolia has historically reported one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence rates globally, with past national estimates exceeding 15%, making HCV infection a major public health priority. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, genotype distribution, and risk factors of HCV infection among residents of Arkhangai Province. (2) Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 including 2304 individuals aged 0–80 years. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using ELISA and for HCV RNA using PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and demographic and exposure data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. (3) Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 12.0%, and HCV RNA positivity was 7.16%. Infection increased significantly with age (p < 0.001) and was higher among females (14.6%) than males (8.4%). Genotype 1b predominated (98.2%), followed by 1a (1.2%) and 2 (0.6%). Several exposures showed strong associations with HCV infection in univariate analysis, including cupping therapy (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.71–3.28), shared razor use (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.59–3.60), cosmetic procedures (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.11–2.45), and unsafe injections (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40–3.02). In multivariable analysis, four exposures remained independently associated with HCV infection: cupping therapy (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.32–2.70), shared razor use (adjusted OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24–2.89), cosmetic procedures (adjusted OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39–2.24), and unsafe injections (adjusted OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.19–2.83). (4) Conclusions: HCV infection remains prevalent, particularly among older adults and women. Genotype 1b continues to predominate, indicating that the viral genetic distribution has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. Continued education, safe injection practices, and regulation of traditional and cosmetic procedures are essential to reduce HCV transmission and support Mongolia’s elimination goals. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive prevention strategies addressing both unsafe traditional/medical practices and the rapidly expanding cosmetic and aesthetic service sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major public health concern in Taiwan, particularly in southern regions with high endemicity. While HCV elimination is a national priority, resources are often limited. Relying solely on broad, township-level prevalence rates is inefficient, as the true disease burden can vary dramatically at the village level. Therefore, identifying local hotspots through fine-scale mapping is critical for efficient resource allocation and targeted intervention. This study aimed to validate village-level prevalence estimates and evaluate the efficiency of a community-based, targeted screening approach utilizing this detailed prevalence data in Chiayi County. Methods: We integrated data from the Chiayi Health Bureau and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (2000–2015) to generate village-level risk maps for five townships: Lioujiao (LJ), Yijhu (YH), Dongshih (DS), Taibao (TB), and Lucao (LC). Between 2018 and 2021, we conducted door-to-door community screening using anti-HCV testing with reflex HCV antigen (Ag) testing. Anti-HCV/HCV Ag prevalence, number needed to test (NNT), and linkage-to-care rates were calculated to validate prevalence estimates and assess screening efficiency. Results: Among 3910 participants, anti-HCV prevalence ranged from 5.4% (TB) to 8.7% (DS). Estimated and observed village-level prevalence showed moderate-to-strong correlation (r = 0.696–0.830, p < 0.001). Screening efficiency was highest in DS (NNT = 21) and lowest in TB (NNT = 42). Of 132 antigen-positive individuals, 131 (99.2%) initiated direct-acting antiviral therapy. Conclusions: The village-level risk maps accurately predicted local HCV burden, enabling targeted screening with high diagnostic yield and near-complete treatment uptake. This approach maximizes resource efficiency and may serve as a scalable model for advancing Taiwan and the WHO’s 2030 HCV elimination goals. Full article

Amid climate change and land-use transformation, the scientific identification of high-quality arable land reserves is critical for safeguarding both cropland quantity and quality. Conventional approaches, largely based on spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity theories, inadequately capture the multi-scale integration of ecological functions and carbon cycling, particularly in ecologically high-risk areas where systematic identification and mechanism analysis are lacking. To address these challenges, this study introduces a geographically similar “grain-carbon” synergistic framework, paired with a “bidirectional optimization” strategy (negative elimination + positive selection), to overcome the shortcomings of traditional methods and mitigate grain–carbon trade-offs in high-risk areas. Using land-use data from Yunnan’s mountainous areas (2000–2020), integrated with InVEST-PLUS model outputs, multi-source remote sensing, and carbon pool datasets, we developed a dynamic land-use–carbon storage simulation framework under four policy scenarios: natural development, urban expansion, arable land protection, and ecological conservation. High-quality arable lands were identified through a geographic similarity analysis with the Geo detector, incorporating ecological vulnerability and landscape risk indices to delineate priority high-risk zones. Carbon storage degradation trends and land-use pressures were further considered to identify optimal areas for cropland-to-forest conversion, facilitating the implementation of the bidirectional optimization strategy. Multi-scenario simulations revealed an increase of 454.33 km² in high-quality arable land, with the optimized scenario achieving a maximum carbon storage gain of 23.54 × 10⁶ t, reversing carbon loss trends and enhancing both farmland protection and carbon sequestration. These findings validate the framework’s effectiveness, overcoming limitations of traditional methods and providing a robust strategy for coordinated optimization of carbon storage and arable land conservation in ecologically high-risk regions, with implications for regional carbon neutrality and food security. Full article

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) represents one of the clinically validated and therapeutically effective anticancer targets. Methods: This study established a rapid and sensitive HPLC-MS/MS method for quantitative determination of XMD12, a novel CDK4/6 inhibitor developed in our laboratory, in various rat biological matrices including plasma, tissue homogenates, urine and feces. The experimental design comprised three distinct phases: pharmacokinetic evaluation in 10 Sprague-Dawley SD rats (5 receiving 2.0 mg/kg intravenous injection via tail vein and 5 administered 10.0 mg/kg by gastric gavage); tissue distribution assessment in 25 SD rats following a single 20 mg/kg gastric gavage; and an excretion study in 5 SD rats following a single 20 mg/kg gastric gavage. Biological samples were systematically collected post-dosing and analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Results: Key pharmacokinetic characteristics revealed (1) delayed absorption with significantly limited systemic exposure following gastric gavage; (2) preferential hepatic accumulation post-intestinal absorption followed by rapid clearance through metabolic/biliary pathways with multi-organ collaborative elimination; and (3) time-dependent cumulative excretion predominantly via feces, suggesting final clearance through biliary-mediated intestinal elimination of metabolites. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate XMD12’s dynamic disposition pattern characterized by “restricted absorption–hepatic metabolic priority–multi-tissue collaborative clearance” in vivo. This comprehensive investigation provides crucial pharmacokinetic parameters and excretion profiles for the anticancer lead compound XMD12, offering valuable insights for pharmacodynamic and toxicological evaluations while establishing a foundation for structural optimization and derivative screening of lead compounds. Full article

Accurate traffic modeling is essential for effective urban mobility planning within Smart Cities. Conventional capacity assessment methods assume rule-based driver behavior and therefore neglect psychological priority, an informal interaction in which drivers negotiate right-of-way contrary to traffic regulations. This study investigates how the absence of this behavioral factor affects the accuracy of delay and capacity evaluation at unsignalized intersections. A 12 h field observation was conducted at an intersection in Prešov, Slovakia, and 28 driver interactions were analyzed using linear regression modeling. The derived model (R² = 0.83, p < 0.05) demonstrates that incorporating psychological priority significantly improves the agreement between calculated and observed waiting times. Unrealistic results occurring under oversaturated conditions in standard methodologies were eliminated. The findings confirm that behavioral variability has a measurable impact on traffic performance and should be reflected in analytical and simulation models. Integrating these behavioral parameters into Smart City traffic modeling contributes to more realistic and human-centered decision-making in intersection design and capacity management, supporting the development of safer and more efficient urban mobility systems. Full article

The transformation of transport towards solutions based on renewable energy sources (RES) and energy storage systems represents a response to global climate and regulatory challenges. The integration of electric vehicles with charging infrastructure and the power grid reduces emissions and enhances system flexibility; however, it simultaneously introduces new areas of risk and should therefore be subject to significance assessment. This study applies an integrated methodology for assessing the significance of changes, combining FMEA-based analysis with risk registers and sustainability indicators (six criteria). The transport system and associated storage infrastructure were compared before and after the implementation of RES, considering criteria such as the effects of system failure, complexity, innovation, monitoring, reversibility, and additionality. The results indicate that traditional risks associated with fossil fuels (e.g., exhaust emissions, pipeline failures) are eliminated, but new risks emerge. The highest increases in Risk Priority Numbers (RPN) were observed for cyber threats, charging infrastructure overloads, and the cyclic degradation of energy storage systems. Environmental and organizational risks also intensified, including those related to battery recycling as well as the lack of regulatory frameworks and procedures. The integration of transport with RES and energy storage should be regarded as a significant change. In addition to environmental and energy benefits, it introduces new, complex risk areas that require in-depth risk analysis, the implementation of monitoring systems, and adequate regulatory and preventive measures. At the same time, the proposed methodology enables the identification of changes critical to power system stability, the improvement of energy efficiency, and the advancement of the transition towards climate neutrality. Full article

Background: Chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) is characterized by persistent myocardial ischemic due to long-term reduced coronary blood flow. In the past, we mainly relied on surgical intervention or drug therapy to alleviate symptoms, but effective targeted treatments were scarce. Proteomics serves as a key tool to identify novel therapeutic targets. Methods: This study performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis by integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on CIHD (10,894,596 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) with plasma proteomic data encompassing 4907 proteins. We conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis to identify pathways linked to candidate protein biomarkers, searched the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC) database for existing evidence of their association with CIHD, and evaluated druggability through multi-dimensional analysis integrating the DSIGDB, ChEMBL, and clinical trial databases. Results: After eliminating the reverse effect, ultimately identifying 28 protein markers, including 16 risk-associated and 12 protective proteins. We also investigated their roles in the pathways related to CIHD. Meanwhile, the search confirmed that five of them were newly discovered protein markers. Ultimately, through evaluation, three priority therapeutic targets (CXCL12, PLAU, CD14) were identified for development. Conclusions: This study identified some biomarkers related to CIHD and analyzed the possible pathways involved. It also provided some new insights into the identification of the target and druggability. Full article

This paper outlines the inception, conceptualization and primary morphological selection of a robotic system that employs raw lunar regolith for constructing protective berms and shelters on the Moon’s surface. The lunar regolith is considered the most readily available material for in situ resource utilization on the Moon. The lunar environment is characterized, and the operational task is defined, informing the development of high-level system requirements and a functional analysis through the glass-box method. The key morphological areas are identified, and candidate concepts are evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The evaluation process employs a new approach to aggregating expert data through the ZM_II method to establish priorities of the design criteria, which eliminates the need for pairwise comparisons in data collection. Each criterion is associated with a specific and quantifiable metric, which is then used to evaluate the morphologies during the AHP. The selected morphologies are determined as: a vibrating hopper for intake (normalized decision value of 27.5% out of 5 candidate solutions), a roller system for container deployment and filling (26.2% out of 7), a magnetic RCU interface (22.6% out of 7), and a 4-DoF manipulator to place the RCUs in the environment (23.6% out of 5). The final morphology is selected by combining the decision values across the primary morphological areas into a unified decision metric. This is followed by the preliminary selection of the system’s surrounding architecture. The design conceptualization is performed within a real-life operational scenario, namely, to create a blast berm for the landing pad using the lunar regolith provided by an existing excavator. The next phase of the work will include the system’s detailed design, as well as investigations on the requirements for a variety of construction tasks on the lunar surface. Full article

In Abidjan, the treatment of pig waste is becoming a priority given the continued growth of pig farms, which readily reuse manure as organic fertilizer. This study evaluated the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion for simultaneous biogas production and pathogen reduction from pig farm residues. Two 1600 L biodigesters were installed at pig farms in Port Bouët (PBk) and Abobo (Ab). They were fed with pig manure and water (1:4 ratio) and monitored over 56 days. The total biogas production was 22.63 m³ and 16.31 m³ for the PBk and Ab digesters, respectively, with peak production occurring between days 14 and 28. Following biofilter treatment, the methane content increased to 80–82%, yielding potential energy outputs of 2.32–3.29 kWh/d, with optimal production occurring at a pH of 7.28–7.76. The COD, BOD₅, organic acid, and total nitrogen levels decreased progressively in the biodigesters, while the mineral element content remained almost unchanged. Complete elimination was achieved for most of the bacteria tested (E. coli, Enterococcus, Salmonella, etc.). However, Bacillus and Clostridium were able to persist, albeit with significant reductions of between 3.11 and 5.79 log₁₀. Anaerobic digestion is an effective method of combining waste treatment and energy recovery. It eliminates major pathogens while producing valuable biogas. This makes it a sustainable waste management solution for urban agricultural systems. Full article

Local recurrence after breast cancer surgery presents a critical challenge, demanding novel local immunotherapies capable of eliminating residual disease while avoiding systemic toxicity. In situ-forming hydrogels, functionalized with bioactive cargoes, represent a promising platform for precise spatiotemporal drug delivery directly into the post-resection tumor microenvironment. This review comprehensively examines the core design principles governing these advanced materials, highlighting their biocompatibility, stimuli-responsive behavior, tunable mechanics for conforming to surgical cavity, and capacity for multifunctional integration. A key mechanism discussed is how this controlled release profile orchestrates a temporal progression from innate immune activation to robust adaptive immunity. Despite significant promise, translational success faces substantial hurdles, including efficacy validation, scalable manufacturing, regulatory pathway definition, and the lack of predictive biomarkers. Future research priorities include optimizing drug/antigen release kinetics, establishing standardized characterization methods for complex biohybrid systems, and designing adaptive clinical trials incorporating detailed immunomonitoring. By integrating functional biomaterials with immuno-oncology, in situ-forming hydrogels offer a paradigm-shifting approach for postoperative cancer treatment. This review provides a strategic roadmap to accelerate their translation from bench to bedside. Full article

Optimizing warehouse operations is a strategic priority for ensuring the timely and efficient flow of materials in industrial environments. In contexts with limited digital infrastructure, organizations often face persistent challenges such as inefficient picking, poor material traceability, and suboptimal space utilization, ultimately leading to productivity losses and operational delays. This paper introduces a systematic, lean-driven framework for warehouse optimization, structured around a sequential methodology involving Define, Improve, and Control. The approach begins with a comprehensive diagnostic phase to evaluate the current state and identify performance gaps. It then guides the development and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at eliminating waste, standardizing operations, and aligning resources with value-added activities. Finally, the framework supports long-term sustainability through continuous monitoring, process standardization, and performance control. The methodology is validated through its application in a parts warehouse within the glass transformation industry, highlighting its adaptability, practical relevance, and capacity to generate meaningful improvements, even in low-digitalization environments. The framework offers a scalable solution for organizations seeking to enhance warehouse performance through structured lean practices. Full article

Introduction: Eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV is a global health priority to ensure that no child is born with HIV. When EMTCT services are underutilized, mothers and babies face greater risks, including the vertical transmission of HIV and higher rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite ongoing efforts, many women worldwide still struggle to access and use these vital services. Objective: This study sought to explore barriers and facilitators to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission services among pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW) in Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive research design was used. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select participants. The study population consisted of PBFW aged 18 years or above who were utilizing EMTCT services. Data was collected through in-depth face-to-face individual interviews with participants. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data until data saturation was reached after interviewing 25 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Tesch’s open coding method). Trustworthiness and ethical principles were ensured. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data analyzed, namely, barriers associated with EMTCT service utilization, facility-based strategies to improve EMTCT service uptake, community support for enhancing EMTCT engagement, and the role of partner support in service utilization, each with linked sub-themes. This study found that health education about EMTCT, along with community awareness and involvement, encourages the target group to utilize these services. Conclusions: Increasing women’s use of EMTCT services is an important step toward eliminating MTCT and increasing the health and well-being of mothers and their children. Addressing numerous barriers to receiving these services, as well as implementing targeted measures, can help ensure that all women gain access to the care and support that they require to safeguard their families from HIV. Full article

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public health concern, with perinatal transmission as the primary route in endemic populations. Ayacucho is a priority region due to its high incidence (second nationally between 2019 and 2024) and the significant decline in vaccination coverage (~15%). This study aims to synthesize existing epidemiological evidence on HBV seroprevalence in Ayacucho, Peru, emphasizing temporal changes observed before and after the implementation of vaccination programs to inform control strategies. This review was conducted, integrating data from diverse population groups, including children, pregnant women, blood donors, high-risk individuals (military personnel, female sex workers, prisoners), and household contacts, to identify transmission patterns and evaluate the impact of immunization efforts. Historically, Ayacucho was hyperendemic, with an HBsAg prevalence of 20% in Huanta (1985–1986) and a high mortality from liver diseases. The introduction of a vaccination in the 1990s led to a drastic reduction in infection rates among children, from 24.4–30.4% (1994) to 2.3–5.1% (1997), and improved overall Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) coverage. However, recent data (2000–2024) reveal a concerning increase in HBV cases since 2012, with peaks in 2016 and 2023, correlating with a decline in vaccination rates post-2021. HBV prevalence remains elevated among high-risk populations—including military personnel, female sex workers, and prisoners—as well as among blood donors (HBsAg: 3.73–5.0%; anti-HBc: 21–33%). In addition, significant knowledge gaps and low adherence to EPI strategies were observed. Despite initial vaccination success, Ayacucho faces a resurgence of HBV infection, exacerbated by declining vaccine coverage and vulnerabilities in high-risk populations. Reinforcing immunization programs and screening strategies is urgent to control and eventually eliminate HBV cases in the region. Full article

Background: Hansen’s disease or leprosy is one of the 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In Ecuador, leprosy is considered eliminated as a public health problem; however, new cases are reported annually. Additionally, Mycobacterium leprae infection was detected in nine-banded armadillos across the country, suggesting a potential zoonotic reservoir. This literature review aims to provide an updated overview of the epidemiological situation of leprosy in Ecuador, identify knowledge gaps, and outline research priorities to support the development of a comprehensive national strategy for achieving zero autochthonous cases. Methods: This article analyses the current situation of leprosy in Ecuador based on international and national publications. A retrospective literature search using five international, regional, and national publications on leprosy published between 1954 and 2024 (70 years) with no restriction on language or publication date, was performed. Findings: Our review identified 28 publications with the earliest article dating back to 1954. Of these, 14 were published in international journals, 15 (53.6%) were in Spanish. Four nationwide studies documented leprosy cases across Ecuador’s three continental regions (Coast, Andes, and Amazon) with a predominance in the tropical coast. No cases have been reported from the Galápagos Islands. From 1983, Ecuador started multi-drug therapy. Data from the Ministry of Public Health (MoH) system identified 1539 incident cases, showing a significant decline in new cases from 2000 to 2024, with no cases in children. New cases detection rate by 100,000 inhabitants was 0.51 in 2019 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). No study has genotyped the Mycobacterium spp. in human cases, other animal species, or environment. According to the MoH, multibacillary leprosy accounts for 78.95% of diagnosed cases, with confirmation based on Ziehl–Neelsen staining and histopathology. No survey has assessed disabilities, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) or stigma related to leprosy. Research is needed on transmission routes, Mycobacterium genotyping, genetic susceptibility, and antibiotic resistance. BCG vaccination coverage fell to 75.3% in 2021. Cases are currently diagnosed and treated on an outpatient basis in large hospitals. Conclusions: This comprehensive review highlights persistent gaps in leprosy research and critical information, despite seven decades of documented cases in Ecuador. The disease is still endemic across the country, particularly at subnational level in the subtropics and tropics of the Pacific coast and the Amazon. There is a need for nationwide epidemiological research on reservoirs and the environment applying the One Health concept. Increased laboratory facilities and readily available official data are required to improve our understanding of leprosy in Ecuador. Strengthening community-level efforts is essential for Ecuador to meet the targets of the “WHO’s Towards Zero Leprosy: Strategy 2021–2030.” Full article

Generative video diffusion models (GVDs) generate high-fidelity, text-conditioned videos but risk producing unsafe or copyrighted content due to training on large, uncurated datasets. Concept erasure techniques aim to remove such harmful concepts from pre-trained models while preserving overall generative performance. However, existing methods mainly target single-concept erasure and thus cannot satisfy the demand for simultaneously eliminating multi-concept in real-world scenarios. On the one hand, naively applying single-concept erasure sequentially to multi-concept often yields suboptimal results due to conflicts among target concepts; on the other hand, methods that alter concept mappings exhibit very poor adaptability and fail to accommodate the dynamic concept changes. To address these, we propose ConceptVoid, a scalable multi-concept erasure framework formulated as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem. For each target concept, an erasure loss is defined as the discrepancy between noise predictions conditioned and unconditioned on the concept. Non-target generation capabilities are preserved via output-distribution alignment regularization. We apply the multiple gradient descent algorithm (MGDA) to obtain Pareto-optimal solutions, aiming to minimize conflicts among different concept erasure objectives. In addition, we improve MGDA by introducing an importance-weighting mechanism, which adjusts the weights of gradients corresponding to each erasure objective, enabling flexible control over the priority and intensity of erasing different concepts, thereby enhancing the scalability of ConceptVoid. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of ConceptVoid, validating our key contributions: (1) a scalable framework for multi-concept erasure in GVDs; (2) the integration of per-concept erasure with distribution alignment to retain non-target quality; and (3) an enhanced MGDA for conflict-aware, controllable erasure. Full article