Search Results (2,404)

Exploring the action mechanisms and enhancement pathways of the resilience of agricultural product green supply chains is conducive to strengthening the system’s risk resistance capacity and providing decision support for achieving the “dual carbon” goals. Based on theories such as dynamic capability theory and complex adaptive systems, this paper constructs a resilience framework covering the three stages of “steady-state maintenance–dynamic adjustment–continuous evolution” from both single and multiple perspectives. Combined with 768 units of multi-agent questionnaire data, it adopts Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the influencing factors of resilience and reveal the nonlinear mechanisms of resilience formation. Secondly, by integrating configurational analysis with machine learning, it innovatively constructs a resilience level prediction model based on fsQCA-XGBoost. The research findings are as follows: (1) fsQCA identifies a total of four high-resilience pathways, verifying the core proposition of “multiple conjunctural causality” in complex adaptive system theory; (2) compared with single algorithms such as Random Forest, Decision Tree, AdaBoost, ExtraTrees, and XGBoost, the fsQCA-XGBoost prediction method proposed in this paper achieves an optimization of 66% and over 150% in recall rate and positive sample identification, respectively. It reduces false negative risk omission by 50% and improves the ability to capture high-risk samples by three times, which verifies the feasibility and applicability of the fsQCA-XGBoost prediction method in the field of resilience prediction for agricultural product green supply chains. This research provides a risk prevention and control paradigm with both theoretical explanatory power and practical operability for agricultural product green supply chains, and promotes collaborative realization of the “carbon reduction–supply stability–efficiency improvement” goals, transforming them from policy vision to operational reality. Full article

B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is classified into more than 20 molecular subtypes, and next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of these with high sensitivity. Bulk RNA-seq analysis of bone marrow was realized to identify molecular subtypes in Mexican pediatric patients with B-ALL. High hyperdiploidy (27.3%) was the most frequent molecular subtype, followed by DUX4 (13.6%), TCF3::PBX1 (9.1%), ETV6::RUNX1 (9.1%), Ph-like (9.1%), ETV6::RUNX1-like (9.1%), PAX5alt (4.5%), Ph (4.5%), KMT2A (4.5%), and ZNF384 (4.5%), with one patient presenting both the PAX5alt and low hypodiploidy subtypes (4.5%). The genes TYK2, SEMA6A, FLT3, NRAS, SETD2, JAK2, NT5C2, RAG1, and SPATS2L harbor deleterious missense variants across different B-ALL molecular subtypes. The Ph-like subtype exhibited mutations in STAT2, ADGRF1, TCF3, BCR, JAK2, and NRAS with overexpression of the CRLF2 gene. The DUX4 subtype showed mutually exclusive missense variants in the PDGRFA gene. Here, we have demonstrated the importance of using RNA-seq to facilitate the differential diagnosis of B-ALL with successful detection of gene fusions and mutations. This will aid both patient risk stratification and precision medicine. Full article

This paper presents the results of studies on intra-annual runoff changes in the Ile River basin based on data from gauging stations up to 2021. Changes in climatic characteristics that determine runoff formation in the mountainous and foothill areas of the river catchment have led to alterations in the water regime of the watercourses. The analysis of the temporal and spatial patterns of river flow formation in the basin, as well as its distribution by seasons and months, is essential for solving applied water management problems and assessing the risks of hazardous hydrological phenomena, such as high floods and low water levels. The statistical analysis of annual and monthly river runoff fluctuations enabled the identification of relatively homogeneous estimation periods during stationary observations under varying climatic conditions. The obtained characteristics of annual and intra-annual river runoff in the Ile River basin for the modern period provide insights into changes in average monthly water discharge and, more broadly, runoff volume during different phases of the water regime. In the future, these characteristics are expected to guide the design of hydraulic structures and the rational use of surface runoff in this intensively developing region of Kazakhstan. Full article

The 100-Day Mission, coordinated by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and endorsed by significant international stakeholders, aims to shorten the timeframe for developing and implementing vaccines to 100 days after the report of a new pathogen. This ambitious goal is outlined as an essential first step in improving pandemic preparedness worldwide. This review highlights the mission’s implementation potential and challenges by examining it through the lens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which often face barriers to equitable vaccine access. This article explores the scientific, economic, political, and social aspects that could influence the mission’s success, relying on lessons learned from previous pandemics, such as the Spanish flu, H1N1, and COVID-19. We also examined important cornerstones like prototype vaccine libraries, accelerated clinical trial preparedness, early biomarkers identification, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and rapid pathogen characterization. The review also explores the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement and the significance of Phase 4 surveillance in ensuring vaccine safety. We additionally evaluate societal issues that disproportionately impact LMICs, like vaccine reluctance, health literacy gaps, and digital access limitations. Without intentional attempts to incorporate under-resourced regions into global preparedness frameworks, we argue that the 100-Day Mission carries the risk of exacerbating already-existing disparities. Ultimately, our analysis emphasizes that success will not only rely on a scientific innovation but also on sustained international collaboration, transparent governance, and equitable funding that prioritizes inclusion from the beginning. Full article

In earthquake-prone areas such as Tokyo, accurate estimation of bearing stratum depth is crucial for foundation design, liquefaction assessment, and urban disaster mitigation. However, traditional methods such as the standard penetration test (SPT), while reliable, are labor-intensive and have limited spatial distribution. In this study, 942 geological survey records from the Tokyo metropolitan area were used to evaluate the performance of three machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM), in predicting bearing stratum depth. The main input variables included geographic coordinates, elevation, and stratigraphic category. The results showed that the RF model performed well in terms of multiple evaluation indicators and had significantly better prediction accuracy than ANN and SVM. In addition, data density analysis showed that the prediction error was significantly reduced in high-density areas. The results demonstrate the robustness and adaptability of the RF method in foundation soil layer identification, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive input variables and spatial coverage. The proposed method can be used for large-scale, data-driven bearing stratum prediction and has the potential to be integrated into geological risk management systems and smart city platforms. Full article

Microbiological contamination of healthcare workers’ gowns represents a critical risk for the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Despite their use as protective equipment, gowns can act as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, favouring the spread of pathogens between healthcare workers and patients. The presence of these resistant bacteria on healthcare workers’ gowns highlights the urgent need to address this risk as part of infection control strategies. The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological risks associated with the contamination of healthcare staff gowns with Gram-negative bacteria, including the ESKAPE group, and their relationship with antimicrobial resistance. An observational, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in 321 hospital workers. The imprinting technique was used to quantify the bacterial load on the gowns, followed by bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In addition, antimicrobial resistance profiles were analysed, and tests for carbapenemases and BLEE production were performed. The ERIC-PCR technique was also used for molecular analysis of Pantoea eucrina clones. Several Gram-negative bacteria were identified, including bacteria of the ESKAPE group. The rate of microbiological contamination of the gowns was 61.05% with no association with the sex of the healthcare personnel. It was observed that critical areas of the hospital, such as intensive care units and operating theatres, showed contamination by medically important bacteria. In addition, some strains of P. eucrina showed resistance to carbapenemics and cephalosporins. ERIC-PCR analysis of P. eucrina isolates showed genetic heterogeneity, indicating absence of clonal dissemination. Healthcare personnel gowns are a significant reservoir of pathogenic bacteria, especially in critical areas of Hospital Juárez de México. It is essential to implement infection control strategies that include improving the cleaning and laundering of gowns and ideally eliminating them from clothing to reduce the risk of transmission of nosocomial infections. Full article

The number of publications in the scientific literature dealing with geomorphological mapping has increased over the last two decades. Although geomorphological maps are utilised in various contexts, such as hazard assessment, archaeology, and tourism, there is a noticeable lack of interaction between geomorphological products and the social sciences. This study aims to provide a qualitative assessment of the literature on geomorphological maps published in the 2000s with the intent of identifying the purpose of mapping and its field of application. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted of the articles relating to both geomorphological maps and social issues to identify the tools that facilitate this interdisciplinary collaboration. The results facilitated the identification of the primary fields of interest for map production, showing that only a limited number of articles employed geomorphological maps for social purposes, for instance, enhancing risk awareness and educating the population about natural hazards. Moreover, the analysis reveals that only a limited number of geomorphological maps are intended to be accessible to people without a high degree of education in earth sciences. In particular, this study highlights a lack of attention to non-specialist users who may struggle to understand the information contained in geomorphological maps. This issue limits the dissemination of geomorphological maps, which are, however, vital for territorial planning and practical purposes. The analyses prompted the authors to consider novel applications of research tools to enhance the dissemination of geomorphological maps, even among non-specialist users. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) experience chronic health problems and significant metabolic burden. Timely identification of CCS at higher metabolic risk requires novel biomarkers. Irisin, a novel myokine/adipokine has been associated with metabolic, bone and reproductive diseases, but its role in the health of CCS is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine irisin concentrations in children and adolescent CCS (vs. controls) and their association with metabolic, bone and hormonal parameters. Methods: Children and adolescent CCS, aged 8–18 years, as well as healthy controls, underwent a detailed physical, body composition, biochemical, hormonal and serum irisin assessment at least 6 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 59 children and adolescents (36 CCS, 23 controls; mean age ± SD 12.8 ± 2.9 years; 10 prepubertal, 49 pubertal) participated in the study. Serum irisin concentrations (ng/mL) were significantly lower in CCS than controls [median (IQR) 6.54 (4.12) vs. 11.70 (8.75) ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001]. In the total study sample, serum irisin was correlated negatively with LH (r_s = −0.314, p < 0.05), CRP (r_s = −0.366, p < 0.005), age (r_s = −0.323, p < 0.05) and positively with ALP (r_s = 0.328, p < 0.05). Serum irisin was also positively correlated with ApoB and Lpa (r_s = 0.410 and 0.421, respectively, p < 0.05) in CCS, and with PTH (r = 0.542, p < 0.005) in controls. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated parathyroid hormone (PTH) as the only independent variable affecting irisin concentrations. Conclusions: Study results reinforce the irisin–PTH interplay hypothesis. Future studies are needed to clarify the potential role of irisin as a bone biomarker of CCS in childhood and adolescence. Full article

Bats, as key ecological players, interact with a diverse array of organisms and perform essential roles in ecosystems, including pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. However, their populations face significant threats from habitat contamination, particularly from microplastics (MPs). This study introduces a novel, efficient, and cost-effective method for visualizing transparent microplastics using ultraviolet (UV) light. By employing handheld UV flashlights with a wavelength range of 312 to 400 nm, we enhance the detection of MPs that may otherwise go unnoticed due to color overlap with filtration membranes. All necessary precautions were taken during sampling and analysis to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the reliability of the results. Our findings demonstrate that the application of UV light significantly improves the visualization and identification of MPs, particularly transparent fibers. This innovative approach contributes to our understanding of plastic contamination in bat habitats and underscores the importance of monitoring environmental pollutants to protect bat populations and maintain ecosystem health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The overuse of short-acting β₂-agonists (SABAs) has been associated with increased asthma morbidity and mortality, prompting changes in treatment guidelines. However, the role of frequent short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs) use remains poorly defined and unaddressed in current recommendations. This study offers the first real-world analysis of SAMA overuse in asthma, quantifying its association with exacerbation risk and healthcare utilization and comparing its predictive value to that of SABAs. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) from 132 adults with asthma in the Spanish National Health System (SNS). Associations between annual SAMA use and clinical outcomes were assessed using negative binomial regression and 5000-sample bootstrap simulations. Interaction and threshold models were applied to explore how SAMA use affected outcomes and identify clinically actionable cutoffs. Results: SAMA use was independently associated with a 19.2% increase in exacerbation frequency per canister and a nearly sixfold increase in the odds of experiencing ≥1 exacerbation (OR = 5.97; 95% CI: 2.43–14.66). An inflection point at 2.5 canisters/year marked the threshold beyond which annual exacerbations exceeded one. Increased SAMA use was also associated with a higher number of respiratory consultations and with more frequent prescriptions of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. The risk increased more sharply with SAMAs than with SABAs, and the lack of correlation between them suggests distinct clinical patterns underlying their use. Conclusions: SAMA use emerges as a digitally traceable and clinically meaningful indicator of asthma instability. While the associations observed are robust and consistent across multiple outcomes, they should be considered provisional due to the study’s retrospective design and limited sample size. Replication in larger and more diverse cohorts is needed to confirm external validity. These findings support the integration of SAMA tracking into asthma management tools—alongside SABAs—to enable the earlier identification of uncontrolled disease and guide therapeutic adjustment. Full article

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes across multiple malignancies. Nonetheless, these therapies are associated with immune-related adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity, which remains a critical concern. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ICI-related cardiotoxicity, encompassing its pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies. The onset of cardiotoxicity varies widely, ranging from acute myocarditis to long-term cardiovascular complications. Early identification through clinical assessment, biomarkers, and advanced imaging techniques is crucial for timely intervention. Management strategies include high-dose corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive agents, and supportive therapies, with a focus on balancing oncologic efficacy and cardiovascular safety. Additionally, rechallenging patients with ICIs following cardiotoxic events remains a complex clinical decision requiring multidisciplinary evaluation. As immunotherapy indications expand to include high-risk populations in a curative setting too, optimizing screening, prevention, and treatment strategies is essential to mitigate cardiovascular risks. A deep understanding of the molecular and clinical aspects of ICI-related cardiotoxicity will enhance patient safety and therapeutic decision-making, underscoring the need for ongoing research in this rapidly evolving field. Full article

Technology-based strategies for the prevention and management of suicidal behavior are widely referenced for identifying vulnerable groups and for supporting clinical reasoning, decision-making, and appropriate referrals. In this study, we estimated the interface and content validity evidence of an interactive mobile application developed for managing suicidal behavior. This methodological study employed psychometric parameters to evaluate the content and interface of the mobile application, following five action phases: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. A total of 27 healthcare professionals participated, selected by convenience sampling, all working within the Psychosocial Care Network across different regions of Brazil. Data were collected using an electronic form, the Delphi technique for evaluation rounds, and a Likert scale to achieve consensus. The validity analysis was based on a Content Validity Index (CVI) equal to or greater than 0.80. The results showed that GerenciaVida, a technology developed for healthcare workers—regardless of their level of care or professional category—can be used to screen for suicide risk in the general population and indicate preventive alternatives. The app demonstrated satisfactory indicators of content validity (0.974) and interface validity (0.963), reflecting clarity (0.925), objectivity (1.00), adequacy (0.925), coherence (0.962), accuracy (0.962), and clinical relevance (1.00). The development path of this mobile application provided scientific, technological, and operational support, establishing it as an innovative care tool. It consolidates valid evidence that supports the identification, risk classification, and prevention of suicidal behavior in various healthcare contexts. Full article

In order to recycle plastic waste back to food contact materials (FCMs), it is necessary to identify hazardous substances in plastic packaging that pose a toxicological risk. Printing inks on plastics are not yet designed to withstand the high heat stress of mechanical recycling processes and therefore require hazard identification. In this study, virgin polypropylene (PP) foils were printed with different types of inks (UV-cured, water-based) and colour shades. Thermal analysis of printed foils and pigments was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Samples were then thermally treated below and above measured thermal events at 120 °C, 160 °C, 200 °C or 240 °C for 30 min. Subsequently, migration tests and miniaturised Ames tests were performed. Four out of thirteen printed foils and all three pigments showed positive results for mutagenicity in miniaturised Ames tests after thermal treatment at 240 °C. Additionally, pre-incubation Plate Ames tests (according to OECD 471) were performed on three pigments and one printed foil, yielding two positive results after thermal treatment at 240 °C. These results indicate that certain ink components form hazardous decomposition products when heated up to a temperature of 240 °C. However, further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the chemical processes that occur during high thermal treatment. Full article

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, prompting significant interest in individualized prevention and treatment strategies. This review synthesizes recent advances in genomic and precision medicine approaches relevant to ASCVD, with a focus on genetic risk scores, lipid metabolism genes, and emerging gene editing techniques. A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify key publications from the last decade addressing genomic mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and computational tools in ASCVD. Notable findings include the identification of causal genetic variants such as PCSK9 and LDLR, the development of polygenic risk scores for early prediction, and the use of deep learning algorithms for integrative multi-omics analysis. In addition, we highlight current and future therapeutic applications including PCSK9 inhibitors, RNA-based therapies, and CRISPR-based genome editing. Collectively, these advances underscore the promise of precision medicine in tailoring ASCVD prevention and treatment to individual genetic and molecular profiles. Full article

Sport injury recognition is rapidly evolving with the integration of new emerging technologies. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate technologies capable of detecting injuries during sports participation. A comprehensive search of PUBMED, Sport Discus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024608964). Inclusion criteria focused on prospective studies involving athletes of all ages, evaluating tools which are utilised to identify injuries in sports settings. The review included research between 2014 and 2024; retrospective, conceptual, and fatigue-focused studies were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. Of 4283 records screened, 70 full-text articles were assessed, with 21 studies meeting the final inclusion criteria. The technologies were grouped into advanced imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DFI), and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM), with biomarkers (i.e., Neurofilament Light (NfL), Tau protein, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Salivary MicroRNAs, and Immunoglobulin A (IgA), and sideline assessments (i.e., the King–Devick test, KD-Eye Tracking, modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), DETECT, ImPACT structured video analysis, and Instrumented Mouth Guards (iMGs)), which demonstrated feasibility for immediate sideline identification of injury. Future research should improve methodological rigour through larger, diverse samples and controlled designs, with real-world testing environments. Following this guidance, the application of emerging technologies may assist medical staff, coaches, and national governing bodies in identifying injuries in a sports setting, providing real-time assessment. Full article