Search Results (537)

This case report presents a multidisciplinary forensic investigation into a cold case involving a missing person in Italy, likely linked to a homicide that occurred in 2008. The investigation applied a standardized protocol integrating satellite imagery analysis, site reconnaissance, vegetation clearance, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and cadaver dog (K9) deployment. A dedicated decision tree guided each phase, allowing for efficient allocation of resources and minimizing investigative delays. Although no human remains were recovered, the case demonstrates the practical utility and operational robustness of a structured, evidence-based model that supports decision-making even in the absence of positive findings. The approach highlights the relevance of “negative” results, which, when derived through scientifically validated procedures, offer substantial value by excluding burial scenarios with a high degree of reliability. This case is particularly significant in the Italian forensic context, where the adoption of standardized search protocols remains limited, especially in complex outdoor environments. The integration of geophysical, remote sensing, and canine methodologies—rooted in forensic geoarchaeology—provides a replicable framework that enhances both investigative effectiveness and the evidentiary admissibility of findings in court. The protocol illustrated in this study supports the consistent evaluation of large and morphologically complex areas, reduces the risk of interpretive error, and reinforces the transparency and scientific rigor expected in judicial settings. As such, it offers a model for improving forensic search strategies in both national and international contexts, particularly in long-standing or high-profile missing persons cases. Full article

Sourdough fermentation, driven by the biochemical activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), presents a scientifically promising approach to addressing nutritional limitations in cereal-based staples. This review critically examines both the underlying mechanisms by which LAB enhance the nutritional profile of sourdough and the translational challenges in realizing these benefits. Key improvements explored include enhanced mineral bioavailability (e.g., up to 90% phytate reduction), improved protein digestibility, an attenuated glycemic response (GI ≈ 54 vs. ≈75 for conventional bread), and the generation of bioactive compounds. While in vitro and animal studies extensively demonstrate LAB’s potential to reshape nutrient profiles (e.g., phytate hydrolysis improving iron absorption, proteolysis releasing bioactive peptides), translating these effects into consistent human health outcomes proves complex. Significant challenges hinder this transition from laboratory to diet, including the limited bioavailability of LAB-derived metabolites, high strain variability, and sensitivity to fermentation conditions. Furthermore, interactions with the food matrix and host-specific factors, such as gut microbiota composition, contribute to inconsistent findings. This review highlights methodological gaps, particularly reliance on in vitro or animal models, and the lack of long-term, effective human trials. Although LAB hold significant promise for nutritional improvements in sourdough, translating these findings to validated human benefits necessitates continued efforts in mechanism-driven strain optimization, the standardization of fermentation processes, and rigorous human studies. Full article

Background: Stress hyperglycemia (SH), a transient elevation in blood glucose levels during acute stress such as stroke, has been increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of clinical outcomes. This review aims to evaluate the association between SH and clinical outcomes across different stroke subtypes and its role as a prognostic indicator. Methods: The current literature review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. Initial title and abstract screening was conducted by two independent reviewers depending on the relevance to the topic of interest. Final study inclusion was based on the clinical relevance and agreement between reviewers. Results: Current evidence links SH with higher stroke severity (Higher national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS)), larger infarct volumes, increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation, and worse functional recovery (Lower modified rankin scale (mRS)), especially in ischemic stroke. In hemorrhagic stroke, SH is associated with hematoma expansion, perihematomal edema, and worsening neurological function. Although SH has been shown to be a reliable stroke outcome predictor, there is no scientific consensus regarding the most reliable measurement method. The use of absolute blood glucose values may not accurately reflect SH, particularly in diabetic patients, where chronic baseline hyperglycemia complicates interpretation. This underscores the necessity for individualized assessment rather than a uniform interpretation. Clinically, the early detection of SH may provide enhanced monitoring and supportive care; however, rigorous glucose management remains contentious due to the risk of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: This review synthesizes evidence from recent studies and supports SH as a prognostic marker of both short- and long-term adverse outcomes in stroke patients. Further research is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of targeted glycemic treatments on such outcomes. Full article

A critical gap exists between coastal communities’ need for accessible flood risk assessment tools and the availability of sophisticated modeling, which remains limited by technical barriers and computational demands. This study introduces three key innovations through Coastal Defense Pro: (1) the first operational web-based AI ensemble for coastal flood risk assessment integrating real-time multi-agency data, (2) an automated regional calibration system that corrects systematic model biases through machine learning, and (3) browser-accessible implementation of research-grade modeling previously requiring specialized computational resources. The system combines Bayesian neural networks with optional LSTM and attention-based models, implementing automatic regional calibration and multi-source elevation consensus through a modular Python architecture. Real-time API integration achieves >99% system uptime with sub-3-second response times via intelligent caching. Validation against Hurricane Isabel (2003) demonstrates correction from 197% overprediction (6.92 m predicted vs. 2.33 m observed) to accurate prediction through automated identification of a Chesapeake Bay-specific reduction factor of 0.337. Comprehensive validation against 15 major storms (1992–2024) shows substantial improvement over standard methods (RMSE = 0.436 m vs. 2.267 m; R² = 0.934 vs. −0.786). Economic assessment using NACCS fragility curves demonstrates 12.7-year payback periods for flood protection investments. The open-source Streamlit implementation democratizes access to research-grade risk assessment, transforming months-long specialist analyses into immediate browser-based tools without compromising scientific rigor. Full article

Procedural physician-scientists have made significant contributions to medicine and science, with twelve proceduralists receiving a Nobel Prize. Unfortunately, several systemic challenges have jeopardized the existence, let alone the flourishing, of procedural physician-scientists: the widening gap in the National Institutes of Health salary cap, decreasing funding from nonfederal public and private agencies, and shifting priorities among U.S. hospitals, payers, and policymakers toward relative value unit productivity-based compensation and fee-for-service models. Additional pressures include prolonged training pathways and the need to maintain clinical continuity. Adopting a team science approach may offer a powerful strategy to mitigate these competing demands, support rigorous scientific inquiry, and address the growing complexity of biomedical research. Concerted efforts by the federal government, policymakers, corporations, institutions, and procedural departments will also be crucial to restoring the vitality of this diminishing workforce. Full article

Investigating the construction of greenway network systems in mountainous suburban areas from an integrated “ecology–recreation” perspective is crucial for promoting the coordinated development of regional multifunctionality. Taking Jinma Mountain in Kunming as a specific case study, this research comprehensively adopts a multivalue, multidimensional perception evaluation method to construct an assessment framework for suburban mountainous greenway networks that couples ecological and recreational functions. The results show that the Jinma Mountain greenway network exhibits a unique “multiple rings intertwined and dense network” pattern, with an optimized density of 0.79 km/km², achieving efficient utilization. Compared to single-function greenways, the network’s ring index (α), connectivity index (β), and cohesion index (γ) have improved by 12.88%, 20%, and 4.19%, respectively, demonstrating a high degree of coupling and coordination. These improvements demonstrate the rationality and scientific rigor of the designed evaluation system, offering significant advantages over traditional single-function greenways. This comprehensive evaluation system not only supplements existing research on greenway networks but also provides a theoretical reference for integrated “ecology–recreation” and sustainable development in mountainous suburban areas. Full article

Background: Percutaneous electrolysis (PE) is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes galvanic current delivered through a needle. PE is increasingly employed for musculoskeletal disorders, despite the scarcity of scientific evidence supporting its use. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the existing evidence and explore the applications of PE in rehabilitation. Methods: In line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro databases from inception to July 2025. The search strategy employed the term “Percutaneous Electrolysis” without applying additional filters or time restrictions, ensuring a comprehensive search. Cited references from screened articles were also evaluated for potential inclusion. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: peer-reviewed articles, intervention-based research, relevance to the topic, and publication in English. Results: Of the 181 papers retrieved, 143 were excluded for various reasons, leaving 38 studies. The evidence suggests that PE appears effective in reducing pain and improving function, particularly when combined with exercises such as eccentric training or stretching, though inconsistencies in protocols and patient characteristics, along with unclear mechanisms, show that it warrants further investigation. Conclusions: In conclusion, while PE emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for musculoskeletal disorders, its full integration into rehabilitation practice necessitates further rigorous research to standardize treatment protocols, elucidate the underlying mechanism, and validate its cost-effectiveness. These steps are essential to establish PE as a robust and evidence-based option within the field of rehabilitation. Full article

The cosmetic industry faces a critical need to balance commercial innovation with scientific validation, especially regarding the safety and efficacy of raw materials. Plant-derived materials (PDMs) offer a promising alternative to animal-derived ingredients in cosmetics, particularly due to their safety and compliance with vegan and ethical standards. Unlike compounds such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is derived from the testis or seminal fluid of Salmonidae species and raises concerns regarding its origin, sustainability, and consumer acceptability, PDMs provide a cleaner, ethically preferable profile. In this study, we evaluated 50 PDM candidates using in vitro cell viability, wound healing, and immunocytochemistry assays, along with primary skin irritation tests in human participants. None of the samples showed harmful effects. Notably, sample Nos. 38 and 42 demonstrated significant wound-healing capacity and upregulated filaggrin expression without causing notable irritation in clinical testing. These findings support the biological activity and safety of specific PDMs as functional cosmetic ingredients. This study presents scientifically validated evidence for plant-based alternatives to animal-derived materials and offers a new milestone in the shift toward sustainable and ethical cosmetic development. By bridging the gap between consumer demand and scientific rigor, this study provides a robust platform for future innovations in vegan cosmetics. Full article

In this cross-disciplinary investigation, we uncover a suite of previously unexamined factors and their intricate interplay that hold causal relationships with the distribution of Trachurus japonicus in the northern reaches of the South China Sea, thereby extending the existing research paradigms. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and causal inference, our robust experimental design uncovered nine key global and regional factors affecting the distribution of T. japonicus density. A robust experimental design identified nine key factors significantly influencing this density: mean sea-level pressure (msl-0, msl-4), surface pressure (sp-0, sp-4), Summit ozone concentration (Ozone_sum), F10.7 solar flux index (F10.7_index), nitrate concentration at 20 m depth (N3M20), sonar-detected effective vertical range beneath the surface (Height), and survey month (Month). Crucially, stable causal relationships were identified among Ozone_sum, F10.7_index, Height, and N3M20. Variations in Ozone_sum likely impact surface UV radiation levels, influencing plankton dynamics (a primary food source) and potentially larval/juvenile fish survival. The F10.7_index, reflecting solar activity, may affect geomagnetic fields, potentially influencing the migration and orientation behavior of T. japonicus. N3M20 directly modulates primary productivity by limiting phytoplankton growth, thereby shaping the availability and distribution of prey organisms throughout the food web. Height defines the vertical habitat range acoustically detectable, intrinsically linking directly to the vertical distribution and availability of the fish stock itself. Surface pressures (msl-0/sp-0) and their lagged effects (msl-4/sp-4) significantly influence sea surface temperature profiles, ocean currents, and stratification, all critical determinants of suitable habitats and prey aggregation. The strong influence of Month predominantly reflects seasonal changes in water temperature, reproductive cycles, and associated shifts in nutrient supply and plankton blooms. Rigorous robustness checks (Data Subset and Random Common Cause Refutation) confirmed the reliability and consistency of these causal findings. This elucidation of the distinct biological and physical pathways linking these diverse factors leading to T. japonicus density provides a significantly improved foundation for predicting distribution patterns globally and offers concrete scientific insights for sustainable fishery management strategies. Full article

Dioscorea species, known as “Yams”, belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. Members of the Dioscoreaceae family are widely distributed across subtropical and tropical regions. They are notable for their high content of starch, dietary fiber, and various bioactive compounds. In addition to serving as a staple food source, these tubers possess significant medicinal value in traditional medicine, particularly for treating diabetes, diarrhea, and various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the active components and food development potential of Dioscorea species from research over the past decade by searching commonly used databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the classification of bioactive compounds in Dioscorea spp. using the NPClassifier tool. We discuss 60 representative bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, alkaloids, and amino acids. Additionally, we discuss the functional food applications and regulations of Dioscorea spp., which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to prioritizing the optimization of extraction technologies, the execution of rigorous clinical trials to confirm therapeutic effects, and the exploration of novel applications of Dioscorea spp. bioactives to fully harness their potential in improving human health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to be applied in wound ballistics, showing preliminary potential to improve the accuracy and objectivity of forensic analyses. This review explores the current state of AI applications in forensic firearm wound analysis, emphasizing its potential to address challenges such as subjective interpretations and data heterogeneity. Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. Keywords focused on AI and GSW classification identified 502 studies, narrowed down to 4 relevant articles after rigorous screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: These studies examined the role of deep learning (DL) models in classifying GSWs by type, shooting distance, and entry or exit characteristics. The key findings demonstrated that DL models like TinyResNet, ResNet152, and ConvNext Tiny achieved accuracy ranging from 87.99% to 98%. Models were effective in tasks such as classifying GSWs and estimating shooting distances. However, most studies were exploratory in nature, with small sample sizes and, in some cases, reliance on animal models, which limits generalizability to real-world forensic scenarios. Conclusions: Comparisons with other forensic AI applications revealed that large, diverse datasets significantly enhance model performance. Transparent and interpretable AI systems utilizing techniques are essential for judicial acceptance and ethical compliance. Despite the encouraging results, the field remains in an early stage of development. Limitations highlight the need for standardized protocols, cross-institutional collaboration, and the integration of multimodal data for robust forensic AI systems. Future research should focus on overcoming current data and validation constraints, ensuring the ethical use of human forensic data, and developing AI tools that are scientifically sound and legally defensible. Full article

The secondary sex ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of male to female births in a population, has long been a subject of scientific inquiry due to its potential as a health indicator. The interplay between catastrophic events and the delicate balance of male and female births presents a nuanced and compelling study area. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, have been known to disrupt ecosystems and human populations, leading to both short-term and long-term consequences. Studies have suggested a potential influence of these disasters on the SSR, with varying degrees of impact observed across different regions and disaster types. Similarly, nuclear accidents, such as the infamous Chernobyl disaster, have sparked interest in their potential effects on human health and development. The release of radioactive materials into the environment can have far-reaching consequences, including impacts on reproductive outcomes. Through a rigorous examination of the existing literature, the present review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impacts of natural disasters and nuclear accidents on the SSR and unravel the mechanisms that explain SSR fluctuations. By shedding light on the diverse influences shaping the SSR, this narrative review contributes to a deeper appreciation of the intricate interplay between environmental, biological, and societal factors that determines the SSR, calling for targeted strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects on sex ratios in the aftermath of such events. Full article

Groundwater systems are intrinsically linked to climate, with changing conditions significantly altering recharge, storage, and discharge processes, thereby impacting water availability and ecosystem integrity. Critical knowledge gaps persist regarding groundwater equilibrium timescales, water table dynamics, and their governing factors. This study develops a novel remote sensing framework to quantify factor controls on groundwater–climate interaction characteristics in the Heihe River Basin (HRB). High-resolution (0.005° × 0.005°) maps of groundwater response time (GRT) and water table ratio (WTR) were generated using multi-source geospatial data. Employing Geographical Convergent Cross Mapping (GCCM), we established causal relationships between GRT/WTR and their drivers, identifying key influences on groundwater dynamics. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) further quantified the relative contributions of climatic (precipitation, temperature), topographic (DEM, TWI), geologic (hydraulic conductivity, porosity, vadose zone thickness), and vegetative (NDVI, root depth, soil water) factors to GRT/WTR variability. Results indicate an average GRT of ~6.5 × 10⁸ years, with 7.36% of HRB exhibiting sub-century response times and 85.23% exceeding 1000 years. Recharge control dominates shrublands, wetlands, and croplands (WTR < 1), while topography control prevails in forests and barelands (WTR > 1). Key factors collectively explain 86.7% (GRT) and 75.9% (WTR) of observed variance, with spatial GRT variability driven primarily by hydraulic conductivity (34.3%), vadose zone thickness (13.5%), and precipitation (10.8%), while WTR variation is controlled by vadose zone thickness (19.2%), topographic wetness index (16.0%), and temperature (9.6%). These findings provide a scientifically rigorous basis for prioritizing groundwater conservation zones and designing climate-resilient water management policies in arid endorheic basins, with our high-resolution causal attribution framework offering transferable methodologies for global groundwater vulnerability assessments. Full article

With the increase in the global aging population, the demand for elderly-friendly game products is growing rapidly. To address existing limitations, particularly in user demand extraction and design parameter setting, this study proposed a design framework integrating the BTM–AHP–AD–TOPSIS methods. The goal was to accurately identify the core needs of elderly users and translate them into effective design solutions. User reviews of elderly-friendly game products were collected from e-commerce platforms using Python 3.8-based web scraping. The Biterm Topic Model (BTM) was employed to extract user needs from review texts. These needs were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and translated into specific design parameters through Axiomatic Design (AD). Finally, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was applied to comprehensively evaluate multiple design schemes and select the optimal solution. The results demonstrate that the proposed design path offers a holistic method for progressing from need extraction to design evaluation. It effectively overcomes previous limitations, including inefficient need extraction, limited scope, unclear need weighting, and unreasonable design parameters. This method enhances user acceptance and satisfaction while establishing rigorous design processes and scientific evaluation standards, making it well suited for developing elderly-friendly products. Full article

Slope stability analysis is conventionally performed using the strength reduction method with the proportional reduction in shear strength parameters. However, during actual slope failure processes, the attenuation characteristics of rock mass cohesion ($c$) and internal friction angle ($\phi$) are often inconsistent, and their reduction paths exhibit clear nonlinearity. Relying solely on proportional reduction paths to calculate safety factors may therefore lack scientific rigor and fail to reflect true slope behavior. To address this limitation, this study proposes a novel approach that considers the non-proportional reduction of $c$ and $\phi$, without dependence on predefined reduction paths. The method begins with an analysis of slope stability states based on energy dissipation theory. A Bayesian Gaussian Mixture Model (BGMM) is employed for intelligent interpretation of the dissipated energy data, and, combined with energy mutation theory, is used to identify instability states under various reduction parameter combinations. To compute the safety factor, the concept of a “reference slope” is introduced. This reference slope represents the state at which the slope reaches limit equilibrium under strength reduction. The safety factor is then defined as the ratio of the shear strength of the target analyzed slope to that of the reference slope, providing a physically meaningful and interpretable safety index. Compared with traditional proportional reduction methods, the proposed approach offers more accurate estimation of safety factors, demonstrates superior sensitivity in identifying critical slopes, and significantly improves the reliability and precision of slope stability assessments. These advantages contribute to enhanced safety management and risk control in slope engineering practice. Full article