Search Results (2,819)

Despite its remarkable moisturizing properties, the inherently high viscosity of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) restricts its practical application in skincare products, cosmetic formulations, and skin-contact medical devices. To overcome this limitation, we propose the incorporation of branched structures into HA to create a branched HA hybrid (bHH) by chemically coupling low-molecular-weight HA (200 kDa) with high-molecular-weight HA (700–2500 kDa). The introduction of branched structures into the HA backbone alters the viscosity of high-molecular-weight HA while preserving its moisturizing potential. Branching reduces the solution viscosity of linear HA, particularly at higher polymer concentrations. In this study, the moisturizing efficacies of branched and linear HAs were extensively evaluated. Branched HA demonstrated equivalent or superior moisturizing effectiveness compared with linear HA and even significantly enhanced the water-binding capacity over simple mixtures of linear HAs. These findings suggest that introducing branched structures can effectively reduce the solution viscosity of linear HA without compromising its moisturizing properties, thereby improving the usability and hydration performance of skincare products and skin-contact devices. Full article

Underground gas storage (UGS) is critical to national reserves and seasonal peak-shaving, and its safe operation is integral to energy security. In UGS surface process pipelines, heterogeneous bimetal composite pipes—carbon-steel substrates lined with stainless steel—are widely used but susceptible under coupled thermal–pressure–flow loading to geometry-induced instabilities (local buckling, adhesion, and collapse), which can restrict flow, concentrate stress, and precipitate rupture and unplanned shutdowns. Conventional ultrasonic testing and magnetic flux leakage have limited sensitivity to such instabilities, while standard eddy-current testing is impeded by the ferromagnetic substrate’s high permeability and electromagnetic shielding. This study introduces magnetically saturated pulsed eddy-current testing (MS-PECT). A quasi-static bias field drives the substrate toward magnetic saturation, reducing differential permeability and increasing effective penetration; combined with pulsed excitation and differential reception, the approach improves defect responsiveness and the signal-to-noise ratio. A prototype was developed and evaluated through mechanistic modeling, numerical simulation, laboratory pipe trials, and in-service demonstrations. Field deployment on composite pipelines at the Hutubi UGS (Xinjiang, China) enabled rapid identification and spatial localization of liner collapse under non-shutdown or minimally invasive conditions. MS-PECT provides a practical tool for composite-pipeline integrity management, reducing the risk of unplanned outages, enhancing peak-shaving reliability, and supporting resilient UGS operations. Full article

This review investigates and analyzes the state of the art on scientific evidence related to educational interventions to improve air quality indoors and outdoors through a mapping review. The review followed proposed guidelines for mapping reviews in environmental sciences and the steps described in the Template for a Mapping Study Protocol. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cinahl, and Google Scholar with no language restrictions, and was completed in January 2025. Three filters were applied: search, selection with inclusion and exclusion criteria (PECOS strategy), and data extraction. Two independent reviewers assessed article eligibility, and disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. Twenty-four studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. Five research questions were answered. Studies published between 1977 and 2024 were included, totaling 7289 participants aged 12 to 85. The geographic distribution was concentrated in China (five studies) and the United States (four studies), followed by South Korea, India, Australia, and other countries, with fewer publications. The methodological predominance was experimental studies; observational studies were also analyzed, although less frequently. The period with the greatest increase in the number of publications was between 2020 and 2024. The educational methods most commonly used in the studies were lectures and the delivery of information leaflets. Particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 μm and 10 μm (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) were the most widely investigated pollutants in the studies. From our analyses, it was observed that the educational interventions to improve air quality, adopted in the selected studies, resulted in the acquisition of knowledge about the environmental effects and the importance of individual actions. The changes in behavior included the adoption of more sustainable practices and an improvement in air quality in the environment, with a significant reduction in pollutant emissions. We conclude that interventions through environmental education demonstrate great potential to improve air quality. Based on the mapped evidence, governments and global policymakers can use this information to develop new strategies or improve existing ones to reduce air pollution in affected environments and regions. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented restrictions on movement and daily life, testing the resilience and adaptability of existing housing stock, as families worldwide were forced to adapt their homes into multifunctional environments. In New Zealand, where lockdowns were among the most stringent globally, homes rapidly transformed into workplaces, schools, gyms, and places of refuge. Little is known about how these adaptations affected the sustainability of homes and occupants’ well-being, particularly in the context of future crises. This study examined the economic, environmental, and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on New Zealand households. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and a quantitative analysis method was employed using survey data from 92 valid responses from New Zealand respondents who experienced lockdowns in various types of housing. To find important patterns and connections, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Findings revealed that economic factors had the strongest influence on respondents’ perceived experience during the COVID-19 lockdown, with households reporting increased electricity and water use but reduced fuel costs. Environmental factors were also significant, with respondents noting the importance of fresh air, sunlight, acoustic privacy, and more spacious rooms, alongside the critical need for a dedicated workspace. Psychosocial effects included higher distraction levels, monotony, and heightened concern for health. Group differences highlighted the influence of age and the number of bedrooms on the perceived experience of lockdown. This pilot work offers a New Zealand perspective on the intersection of the pandemic with the sustainability of homes. The practical implications of this study highlight the need for sustainable housing retrofits, hybrid work policies that support ergonomic and acoustically adequate home offices, and demographic-sensitive interventions to enhance resilience and occupant well-being in future crises. Full article

Background: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common valvular abnormality in the general population and has been linked to mitral regurgitation, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Its prevalence and prognostic significance in athletes remain uncertain, raising important questions for pre-participation screening, eligibility for competition, and long-term follow-up. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases from inception through August 2025 for original studies reporting MVP prevalence in athletes, diagnosed by echocardiography or pathological assessment. Data on study characteristics, diagnostic definitions, prevalence, arrhythmias, and outcomes were independently extracted by three reviewers. Methodological quality was appraised using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: Twelve studies published between 1987 and 2024 met inclusion criteria, enrolling 19,463 athletes from diverse sports and competitive levels. A total of 407 MVP cases were identified, corresponding to a crude pooled prevalence of 2.4%. Prevalence estimates varied substantially (0.2–20%), reflecting heterogeneity in study populations and diagnostic definitions. When all studies were pooled using a random-effects model, the overall prevalence was 2.0% (95% CI 1.2–2.8%). A sensitivity analysis restricted to contemporary, unselected athletic cohorts yielded a prevalence of 1.1% (95% CI 0.4–1.9%), closely aligning with population-based estimates. Ventricular arrhythmias were more frequent than supraventricular arrhythmias, particularly in association with bileaflet prolapse, leaflet thickening, or significant mitral regurgitation. Most athletes were asymptomatic, and only one prospective study provided long-term follow-up, confirming a generally benign prognosis, though rare adverse events (atrial fibrillation, valve surgery) were documented. Conclusions: MVP is relatively uncommon in athletes and occurs at rates similar to the general population. In most cases, prognosis is favorable and should not preclude sports participation. Nonetheless, recognition of high-risk phenotypes with arrhythmogenic potential highlights the need for individualized evaluation and tailored surveillance strategies in sports cardiology practice. Full article

Smallholder farming plays a crucial role in global food security, contributing more than half of the world’s food supply. However, it is increasingly threatened by climate variability, declining soil fertility, and financial constraints, all of which suppress plant growth, reduce yields, and endanger livelihood stability. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to costly and environmentally damaging agrochemicals. Sorghum, a climate-resilient cereal, harbours a diverse microbiome that contributes significantly to its remarkable adaptability under adverse conditions. Harnessing the sorghum-associated microbiome, therefore, represents a promising, low-cost, and sustainable strategy to enhance sorghum productivity and resilience in smallholder farming systems. However, despite its potential, the adoption of microbiome-based technologies among smallholders remains limited due to a lack of local production units, poor government policies, knowledge gaps, and perceived risks. Although many studies report positive outcomes from microbiome-based interventions, translating this potential from controlled experiments to real-world field applications requires a critical evaluation of the efficacy, practicality, and limitations of microbial interventions. Furthermore, the outcomes of these studies are uneven, highly context-dependent, and often restricted to short-term or small-scale trials. This review, therefore, seeks to highlight current understanding of the sorghum microbiome, including its composition and the procedures for isolating and characterising beneficial microbes. It further evaluates the key challenges hindering adoption and proposes strategies to overcome them. Ultimately, this review advocates for integrating sorghum-associated microbiome technologies within integrated farming systems, underscoring their potential to enhance sustainable crop production, strengthen smallholder resilience, and contribute to the global sustainable development goals. Full article

Venture capital (VC) is vital for innovation and economic growth, providing capital and networks to early-stage firms. While research shows a generally positive impact, challenges and failures are often overlooked, potentially creating a skewed perception of success. A review of 72 articles reveals that VC investment is concentrated in developed nations and a few emerging economies, highlighting uneven growth and the need for government interventions to promote a more balanced landscape. The review emphasises the critical importance of examining contextual factors, such as institutional frameworks and technological infrastructure, in assessing the effectiveness of venture capital in various emerging economies. This systematic review offers several key contributions with practical implications for policymakers, private investors, and the business community. First, it provides evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of VC in fostering innovation and economic growth, informing the design of targeted policies to support SME development. Second, it offers a nuanced understanding of the factors that influence the success of VC-backed SMEs in emerging economies, enabling more informed investment decisions. Third, building upon existing research, this study asserts its contribution by providing valuable, practical guidance for entrepreneurs. It offers a deeper understanding of the VC landscape, outlining both its potential benefits and inherent challenges. This enables entrepreneurs to develop more informed strategies for engaging with VC funding and maximising its impact on their businesses. The study also acknowledges limitations related to database restrictions, language bias, and limitations in search terms, suggesting avenues for future research to contribute to shaping venture capital investments and overall economic growth. Full article

Ketosis is one of the most common metabolic disorders in high-yielding dairy cows in early lactation. It has a negative impact on milk yield, reproduction, and general health of the animals. The present review aims to systematize and critically analyze current scientific data on the monitoring, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of subclinical and clinical ketosis, with the aim of developing an applicable protocol for good veterinary medical practices (GMP). Based on the comparative analysis method of data from the literature and clinical practice, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in blood is confirmed as the gold standard for diagnosis with specificity and sensitivity above 90%. Indicators such as fat/protein (F/P) > 1.4 and NEFA > 0.4 mmol/L, as well as reduced citrate content in milk, have been evaluated as useful screening tools, although with lower diagnostic value. Despite the advantages of some indirect methods (such as F/P), critical analysis shows that they are strongly influenced by physiological status, lactation stage, and diet and cannot replace direct blood tests. Preventive approaches emphasize the importance of stable nutrition in the pre- and post-calving period, restriction of ketogenic feeds, and use of oral glucose precursors. Literature analysis shows that propylene glycol is effective, but with prolonged use it can reduce appetite. Combined antiketotic products have also been introduced, providing not only energy support but also liver protection. Particular attention has been paid to monensin (applied in the commercial product “Kexxtone”)—a polyether antibiotic with sustained release, which reduces the incidence of ketosis by over 50% and increases milk yield in the first weeks after calving. However, its high cost, antibiotic nature, and need for veterinary supervision limit its universal use. The treatment protocol is differentiated according to the clinical type: glucose I. V. and propylene glycol in type I ketosis and avoidance of glucocorticoids in suspected type II (hepatic steatosis). In the critical analysis It is noted that improper use of glucocorticoids can lead to a worsening of the condition. A structured protocol for DVMP (Dairy Veterinary Medical Practice) is proposed, which includes targeted metabolic monitoring (NEFA, BHBA, F/P); proven preventive regimens (Kexxtone, propylene glycol, balanced rations), and staged prevention and treatment according to the form of ketosis. The adaptation of good practices to the scale of the farm and the level of knowledge and skills of the staff for their correct application remains a challenge. Providing training, a standardized control log, and access to field diagnostic tools is key to the success of any protocol. Full article

Owing to the inherent safety, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g⁻¹) of zinc metal, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as up-and-coming alternatives to organic lithium-ion batteries. However, the insufficient electrochemically active sites, poor structural stability, and severe interfacial side reactions of cathode materials have always been key challenges, restricting battery gravimetric energy density and cycling stability. This article systematically reviews current mainstream AZIB cathode material systems, encompassing layered manganese- and vanadium-based metal oxides, Prussian blue analogs, and emerging organic polymers. It focuses on analyzing the energy storage mechanisms of different material systems and their structural evolution during Zn²⁺ (de)intercalation. Furthermore, mechanisms of innovative strategies for improving cathodes are thoroughly examined here, such as nanostructure engineering, lattice doping control, and surface coating modification, to address common issues like structural degradation, manganese/vanadium dissolution, and interface passivation. Finally, this article proposes future research directions: utilizing multi-scale in situ characterization to elucidate actual reaction pathways, constructing artificial interface layers to suppress side reactions, and optimizing full-cell design. This review provides a new perspective for developing practical AZIBs with high specific energy and long lifespans. Full article

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira spp., affects multiple domestic species and can result in significant economic and public health impacts. This scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searched PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus for original studies that described complete therapeutic protocols (including dose, duration, and confirmed diagnosis) in dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, and goats. Thirty-five studies met the criteria: 14 (40%) in cattle, 7 (20%) in swine, 2 (5.7%) in small ruminants, 7 (20%) in dogs and cats, and 5 (14.3%) in horses. In livestock, streptomycin monotherapy has predominated, demonstrating high efficacy against renal and genital carriers, but it faces regulatory restrictions in several countries. In companion animals, treatment often addressed acute cases using doxycycline and aminopenicillins, with frequent drug combinations. Horses were mainly treated with penicillin, alone or associated with other agents. Across species, protocols showed substantial heterogeneity, lack of harmonization, and limited evaluation of bacteriological cure, with most studies published before 2000. This scarcity of recent clinical trials reinforces the neglected status of animal leptospirosis. By compiling fragmented evidence, this review identifies converging practices that may serve as a preliminary consensus, highlights discrepancies and knowledge gaps, and provides an evidence-based framework to support the development of standardized, species-specific guidelines urgently needed in a One Health context. Full article

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is a global health concern for women; the disease contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. A key element in the diagnosis of BC involves the histopathological diagnosis, which determines patient management and therapy. However, BC is a multifaceted disease, limiting access to early diagnosis and, therefore, treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming diagnostics in the medical field, especially in the detection of BC. Due to the increased availability of digital slides, it has facilitated the effective integration of AI in breast cancer diagnosis. Diagnosis poses a great challenge, even for experienced pathologists, due to the heterogeneity of this malignancy. Analysing microscopic slides by pathologists requires a considerable amount of time. Implementation of AI into routine workflows holds potential to improve diagnostic sensitivity and inter-observer concordance, and to increase efficiency by reducing the review time, thereby helping to alleviate the burden of diagnosing BC. Previous studies mainly address imaging modalities or oncology broadly, while a few specifically concentrates on the histopathological aspect of breast cancer. This review aims to explore the novel synthesis of AI advancements in digital pathology, including tumour classification, grading, lymph node staging, and biomarker evaluation, and discuss their potential incorporation into clinical workflows. We will also discuss the current barriers and prospects for future advancements. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using the mentioned keywords. Articles published in English until July 2025 were reviewed and synthesised narratively. Results: Recent studies demonstrate that AI models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), YOLO, and RetinaNet achieve high accuracy in tumour detection, histological grading, lymph node metastasis localisation, and biomarker analysis. The reported performance values range from 75% to over 95% accuracy across various tasks, with gains in diagnostic sensitivity and inter-observer concordance, and reduced review time in assisted workflows. However, certain limitations, such as data variability, external validation in clinical practice, and ethical concerns, restrict the growth and optimal performance of AI and its clinical applicability. Conclusions: The future for AI looks promising, as it is rapidly evolving. By analysing evidence across multiple domains, this review evaluates both opportunities and persisting barriers, offering practical overviews for future clinical transition. AI cannot replace pathologists; however, it has the capabilities to enhance diagnostic precision, efficiency, and ultimately patient outcomes. It is only a matter of time before AI is adopted into healthcare. Full article

Modern social work is inseparable from the provision of timely and practical assistance to vulnerable populations, including forced migrants. In the context of increasing geopolitical instability and the growing influx of displaced people, social workers are increasingly required to serve this group not as exceptional but as regular clients. However, significant barriers—such as restrictive social policies and the inadequate preparation of social workers—limit forced migrants’ access to quality support services. This article examines the strengthening of core social work competencies in the learning process (e.g., through developing intercultural communication skills and applying experiential learning and trauma-informed methods). The article presents the results of an empirical study implemented within the Erasmus+ project “Improved Social Workers” in Lithuania and Cyprus. A mixed-methods research strategy combining observations, psychodiagnostic techniques, and reflexive analysis was employed in this study. Quantitative data revealed an increase in social workers’ communicative tolerance and a reduction in ethnocentrism. At the same time, qualitative analysis highlighted significant growth in both professional and personal aspects of the participants’ lives. Following training, both Lithuanian and Cypriot social workers reported improved intercultural communication, increased sensitivity to trauma, and enhanced professional skills. The findings underscore the importance of training social workers to effectively address the complex needs of forced migrants. Full article

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been regarded as the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of treatments for chronic pain and are the foundation for regulatory approval and guideline development. However, their restrictive design and dependence on idealized populations can limit their applicability to the diverse patients seen in routine chronic pain management. Real-world data (RWD), collected from electronic medical records, registries, claims databases, and digital health platforms, can offer a more comprehensive view of treatment adherence and safety that RCTs often overlook. A key issue in pain medicine is the efficacy–effectiveness gap, where discrepancies exist between the outcomes of therapies and interventions in RCTs versus in real-world practice due to variations in patient populations and adherence. Bridging this gap ensures that observed improvements align with patients’ preferred outcomes and functional goals. Integrating the strengths of RCTs and RWD provides a more comprehensive evidence base to guide clinical decision-making, influence reimbursement policies, and develop equitable guidelines. The primary aim of this paper is to identify factors used in FDA-regulated RCTs and RWD that could be implemented or enhanced in everyday practice to deliver more holistic and patient-centered care in the management of chronic pain. Full article

Background: The nurse-initiated administration of medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, at the time of triage may provide the opportunity to treat pediatric patients more quickly. We aimed to create practical flowcharts that can be used by all EDs with a specific focus on the nurse-initiated administration of medications to optimize the assessment and management of pain and fever in pediatric patients. Methods: Three regional expert meetings were held with a restricted working group composed of three chairmen and a wider working group composed of Directors of Pediatric EDs and Directors of Pediatric Departments, along with the main regional key experts for child healthcare management. Existing protocols were collected in the main centers belonging to the three regions and a unique recommendation was elaborated by the restricted group. This was then discussed and revised during discussion in a wider group. Results: Two protocols were developed for the triage nurse, one for pain and one for fever present. Both are initiated with assessment of the child’s pain or fever, followed by a caregiver interview to determine eligibility for the administration of an analgesic/antipyretic. In the case of pediatric pain, an analgesic is administered by the nurse only when the pain is rated as 4–6 and in the absence of specific contraindications. For pediatric fever, an antipyretic should only be administered if the child’s temperature is ≥37.5 °C and in the presence of at least 1 sign of discomfort. If an analgesic/antipyretic is administered, patients should be re-assessed after 1 h, and pediatrician evaluation requested as appropriate. Conclusions: The proposed flowcharts for pediatric pain and fever combine stratification by risk and severity and incorporate the possibility for the prompt administration of an antipyretic/analgesic when indicated. Full article

Building energy conservation through the development of transparent thermal insulation materials that selectively block near-infrared radiation while maintaining visible light transmittance has emerged as a key strategy for global carbon neutrality. WO₃ is a semiconductor oxide with near-infrared absorption capabilities. However, the limited absorption efficiency and narrow spectral coverage of pure WO₃ significantly diminish its overall transparent thermal insulation performance, thereby restricting its practical application in energy-saving glass. Therefore, this study successfully prepared Sn-doped WO₃ materials using a one-step hydrothermal method, controlling the Sn:W molar ratio from 0.1:1 to 2.0:1. Through evaluation of transparent thermal insulation performance of a series of Sn-doped WO₃ samples, we found that Sn:W = 0.9:1 exhibited the most excellent performance, with NIR shielding efficiency reaching 93.9%, which was 1.84 times higher than pure WO₃. Moreover, this sample demonstrated a transparent thermal insulation index (THI) of 4.38, representing increases of 184% and 317%, respectively, compared to pure WO₃. These enhancements highlight the strong NIR absorption capability achieved by Sn-doped WO₃ through structural regulation. When Sn doping reaches a certain concentration, it triggers a structural transformation of WO₃ from monoclinic to tetragonal phase. After reaching the critical solubility threshold, phase separation occurs, forming a multiphase structure composed of a Sn-doped WO₃ matrix and secondary SnO₂ and WSn_0.33O₃ phases, which synergistically enhance oxygen vacancy formation and W⁶⁺ to W⁵⁺ reduction, achieving excellent NIR absorption through small polaron hopping and localized surface plasmon resonance effects. This study provides important insights for developing high-performance transparent thermal insulation materials for energy-efficient buildings. Full article