Search Results (752)

Introduction: Long COVID syndrome is defined as persistent or new symptoms that appear after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and last at least three months without explanation. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of those infected develop long COVID; however, data is not precise in Latin America. Although high immunization rates have reduced acute symptoms and the pandemic’s impact, there is a lack of evidence of its efficacy in preventing long COVID in the region. Methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies on vaccinated adults with long COVID from Central and South America and the Caribbean were included (Mexico was also considered). A comprehensive search across multiple databases was conducted. Data included study design, participant characteristics, vaccine type, and efficacy outcomes. Results are presented narratively and in tables. Results: Out of 3466 initial records, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria after rigorous selection processes. These studies encompassed populations from Brazil, Mexico, Latin America, and Bonaire, with 11,333 participants, 69.3% of whom were female. Vaccination, particularly with three or more doses, substantially reduces the risk and duration of long COVID. Variability was noted in the definitions and outcomes assessed across studies. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination exhibits potential in reducing the burden of long COVID in the Americas. However, discrepancies in vaccine efficacy were observed depending on the study design, the population studied, and the vaccine regimen employed. Further robust, region-specific investigations are warranted to delineate the effects of vaccination on long COVID outcomes. Full article

What elements of nature do people involved in conservation projects seek to protect, and why? How do they identify and relate to nature? Answers to such fundamental questions are shaped by normative assumptions that can result in distinct conservation strategies and practices. Despite their importance, normative assumptions are rarely explicitly stated in conservation sciences, possibly because an epistemology of modern science suggests that normative backgrounds are not relevant to the production of objective knowledge, or because researchers and practitioners are unaware of the diversity of positions that exist. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, we created a catalogue of existing normative positions in conservation literature and described their key characteristics. We described 72 distinctive normative positions about human–nature relationships. Each position was characterized by unique combinations of value-states belonging to one or more of the following five dimensions: ontology (the positionality of human with respect to nature), axiology (value systems and ethical frameworks), pragmatism (extent of human interventions), epistemology (knowledge sources), and agency (agents of change). We then scored each position in terms of its alignment (support, opposition, or neutrality) with respect to all value-states within each dimension. A fuzzy correspondence analysis revealed that the field of conservation is heterogeneous beyond the conventional gradient of intrinsic–instrumental–relational values. The frequency and circumstances under which stakeholders adopt different normative positions are unknown, but the list of dimensions and associated values provided in this study may serve as a checklist for scoping this diversity. Consideration of values stemming from alternative normative positions may help broaden support for conservation actions. Full article

In recent years, gut microbiota has emerged as a critical regulator of gastrointestinal health and disease, with its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—being particularly significant. Among the many factors influencing the gut microbiota, dietary components such as fibers, fats, and polyphenols have received substantial attention. However, nitrogen-containing compounds, such as amino acids, nitrates, urea, and even nucleic acids, such as purines, remain underexplored despite their integral role in shaping microbial ecology, host metabolism, and immune responses. Some of these compounds are metabolized by gut bacteria into bioactive molecules such as short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and nitric oxide, which exert diverse effects on mucosal integrity and inflammation. IBD pathophysiology is characterized by chronic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and compromised epithelial barriers. Nitrogen metabolism contributes significantly to these processes by influencing microbial composition, metabolite production, and host immune pathways. The breakdown of various nitrogen-containing compounds in the body leads to the production of byproducts, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which have been implicated in mucosal damage and immune dysregulation. At the same time, nitrogen-derived molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids and nitric oxide, exhibit protective effects, underscoring the dual role of dietary nitrogen in health and disease. This narrative review highlights the complex interactions between dietary nitrogen sources, gut microbiota, and IBD pathogenesis. We summarize the mechanisms by which nitrogen compounds influence microbial dynamics, identify their contributions to inflammation and barrier dysfunction, and explore their therapeutic potential. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating clinical, metabolomic, and microbiome research are essential to unravel the full scope of nitrogen’s role in gut health and identify novel therapeutic targets. Full article

Background: The illegal trade in wildlife remains a critical threat to biodiversity, prompting the development of international regulatory frameworks such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). One of the key challenges in enforcement is the detection of CITES-listed species in highly processed consumer goods. Methods: This study investigates the use of molecular techniques to detect animal DNA in two selected commercially available medicinal products—a balm and a gel—marketed with ingredients suggestive of protected species such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). Results: Although DNA from these target species was not detected, the analysis revealed the presence of genetic material from the American mink (Neovison vison) and domestic pig (Sus scrofa), indicating the undeclared use of animal-derived substances. While limited in scope, these findings suggest potential ethical and transparency concerns, particularly for consumers adhering to vegetarian, vegan, or religious dietary practices. Conclusions: The study illustrates the feasibility of applying DNA-based screening methods in complex, degraded matrices and their potential as supportive tools in consumer product assessment. However, broader studies are necessary before drawing general regulatory or conservation conclusions. Full article

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a debilitating complication in breast cancer survivors, with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) as the greatest independent risk factor. Beyond non-surgical therapies such as complete decongestive and compression therapy, there has been increased interest in immediate microsurgical reconstruction via immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) anastomosing transected lymphatic vessels to a local venous recipient at the time of ALND to mitigate the risks of BCRL. This work provides a scoping review of the landscape surrounding ILR, spanning the updated literature investigating patient outcomes, current accepted best practices, and critical components of surgical techniques for a successful multidisciplinary approach. While limited by heterogeneity in the methods of lymphedema detection, a growing body of work demonstrates the protective effects of ILR. From the pioneering work by Boccardo et al. in 2009 and his introduction of Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA) using an intussusception-type end-to-end microanastmosis, to the first randomized control trial by Coriddi in 2023, which importantly employed relative upper extremity volume change as an outcome measure to circumvent the confounding effects of body size and BMI, the current literature supports ILR following ALND in the prevention of BCRL. Collaboration between the oncologic breast surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon are central to the success of ILR. Critical components for operative success include preoperative and intraoperative lymphatic mapping, preservation of suitable venous targets, availability of supermicrosurgical instruments and sutures, as well as aptitude with a variety of microsurgical anastomotic techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebrolysin is a well-known mixture of peptides that has been used for many years, primarily in patients with neurological disorders. Thanks to its unique properties, this substance supports endogenous repair mechanisms and protects the brain from damaging factors. Cerebrolysin is most widely used in Eastern European countries. However, data on the potential use of cerebrolysin in mental disorders are difficult to find in the literature. This review focuses on the potential use of cerebrolysin in psychiatry, and two independent researchers searched three full-text medical article databases to compile it. Methods: To conduct this scoping review, two independent researchers searched three full-text article databases, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, by entering the following phrases: “cerebrolysin psychiatry”, “cerebrolysin depression”, “cerebrolysin mood”, “cerebrolysin bipolar”, “cerebrolysin schizophrenia”, and “cerebrolysin addiction”. Results: The results show that this specific substance could have a relatively small application in psychiatry. Conclusions: The limited amount of available research on the use of cerebrolysin suggests that it may have some significance in supporting the treatment of depression and autism spectrum disorders and alleviating adverse effects during treatment with neuroleptics. Full article

This study analyzes the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 15 (Life on Land) into the tourism development strategies of Lago Agrio Canton, Sucumbíos Province, Ecuador. The main objective is to assess how tourism can serve as a driver for sustainable infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and inclusive local growth, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving documentary analysis with exploratory and descriptive scopes. The sources included national development plans, regional policy frameworks, institutional reports, and the relevant academic literature. This study employed territorial indicators related to infrastructure quality, ecosystem protection, and stakeholder participation to evaluate SDG alignment. The results highlight that sustainable tourism practices—particularly those incorporating corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship—can stimulate innovation and enhance resilience in underdeveloped territories. Wetlands and forested areas emerge as key natural assets with strong potential for ecological tourism and sustainable investment. The findings suggest that collaborative actions between the public and private sectors, guided by SDGs 9 and 15, can generate long-term benefits, including biodiversity preservation, improved service infrastructure, and economic inclusion for local communities. Overall, the research underscores the potential of sustainable tourism as a practical mechanism for localizing the SDGs in fragile yet high-value ecological regions. Full article

Vitamin E has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties, with increasing evidence supporting its broader roles in brain health. This scoping review aims to systematically identify, analyze, and synthesize evidence of the existing literature over the last 10 years on tocotrienol and tocopherol supplementation in humans. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost yielding 42 eligible articles. Findings suggest that tocopherols, especially α- and γ-forms, are associated with improved cognitive performance, reduced neuroinflammation, and preservation of synaptic proteins. Despite tocotrienol’s lower plasma bioavailability, tocotrienol availability in selective brain regions has been associated with structural protection, particularly in white matter. Both compounds exhibit complementary effects, suggesting a potential advantage of combined supplementation. However, heterogeneity in study designs, subject characteristics, dosage, duration, and assessment methods limit direct comparisons and generalizability of findings. Based on our review’s findings, further research such as dose-optimization, long-term exposures, and delivery methods on human studies should be performed. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of vitamin E in brain health and underscores the urgent need for well-designed studies to clarify the distinct and synergistic effects of tocopherols and tocotrienols, particularly in human populations. Full article

Applicable recommendations play a key role in improving training and procedures used in civil protection. Since 1 January 2025, the Law on Civil Protection and Civil Defense has been in force in Poland. It responds to the experience of current threats, including the war in Ukraine, the 2024 floods in Western Poland, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other crises. The Act systemically regulates the problem of building social resilience, which must be developed and applied regarding today’s modern threats. The primary actor in civil protection is the fire brigade system, in which volunteer firefighters are recruited from local communities and act for their benefit. In this context, it is interesting to ask whether and what solutions should be applied in order to improve the effectiveness of the training and exercise system of volunteer fire brigades (TSOs) in the field of civil protection and crisis management. The aim of this investigation was to develop evaluations and applicable recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the training system for volunteer firefighters based on a survey of volunteer firefighters in the Cracow Poviat. Two survey diagnostic techniques were used: expert interviews and questionnaire research. The findings were compared with the results of an analysis of source documents obtained in TSO units. The expert interviews covered all chief fire officers of the municipalities in the Cracow Poviat. The paper begins with an introduction and a systematic literature review. The conclusions consist of the proposal of applicable changes in the scope of basic, specialist, and additional training. Areas of missing training are also identified. The firefighters’ knowledge of crisis management procedures is verified, deficiencies are identified, and applicable changes in the organization of field exercises are proposed. Full article

The 83rd session of the IMO Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) approved a global pricing mechanism for the shipping industry, with formal adoption scheduled for October 2025. Proposed mechanisms include the International Maritime Sustainable Fuels and Fund (IMSF&F) and a combined approach integrating GHG Fuel Standards with Universal GHG Contributions (GFS&UGC). This study developed a model based on the marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) methodology to assess the cost-effectiveness of alternative fuels under both mechanisms. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impacts of fuel prices, carbon prices, and the GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) indicator on MAC. Results indicate that implementing the GFS&UGC mechanism yields higher net present values (NPVs) and lower MACs compared to IMSF&F. Introducing universal GHG contributions promotes a comparatively fairer transition to sustainable shipping fuels. Investments in zero- or near-zero-fueled (ZNZ) ships are unlikely to be recouped by 2050 unless carbon prices rise sufficiently to boost revenues. Bio-Methanol and bio-diesel emerged as the most cost-competitive ZNZ options in the long term, while e-Methanol’s poor competitiveness stems from its extremely high price. Both pooling costs and universal GHG levies significantly reduce LNG’s economic viability over the study period. MACs demonstrated greater sensitivity to fuel prices (P_fuel) than to carbon prices (P_carbon) or GFI within this study’s parameterization scope, particularly under GFS&UGC. Ratios of P_carbon%/P_fuel% in equivalent sensitivity scenarios were quantified to determine relative price importance. This work provides insights into fuel selection for shipping companies and supports policymakers in designing effective GHG pricing mechanisms. Full article

The Kundulun River Basin is the most prominent branch of the Yellow River system within the jurisdiction of Baotou City. As an important water source and ecological barrier, its ecological quality is directly related to the ecological security and sustainable development of the surrounding areas. This study selected the Kundulun River Basin in Baotou City as the research area. On the basis of collecting relevant information, a field investigation was conducted on the ecological and geological conditions of the atmospheric surface subsurface Earth system, using the watershed as the survey scope and water as the carrier for the transfer and conversion of materials and energy in the watershed. This study selected the main factors that affect the ecological geological quality of the watershed and established an evaluation model using the analytic hierarchy process, the coefficient of variation method, and the comprehensive analysis method. We have established an ecological geological quality evaluation index system for the Kundulun River Basin. We conducted quantitative evaluation and comprehensive analysis of regional ecological and geological environment quality. The results indicate that ecological environment indicators contribute the most to the ecological quality of the study area, while the impact of human activities on ecological quality is relatively small. From the perspective of evaluation indicators, grassland has the highest weight, followed by precipitation, groundwater depth, forest land, and cultivated land. Approximately 30.26% of the land in the research area is in a state of high or relatively high ecological and geological–environmental quality risk. It can be seen that the overall quality of the ecological geological environment is not optimistic and needs further protection. Full article

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions with significant psychological, physical, and economic impacts, prompting national calls to prioritize ED prevention. Despite numerous prevention programs being implemented in Australian schools, no review to date has systematically mapped their scope, design, and outcomes. Aims: This scoping review aimed to map the current landscape of school-based ED prevention programs conducted in Australia. The review focused on their methodological features, participant and school characteristics, data collected, and key findings. Method: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus) were searched for relevant papers published from 2010 to February 2025. Studies were included if they reported on a school-based ED prevention program targeting Australian students. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: A total of 23 studies were identified, representing a range of universal and selective prevention programs. Programs varied in design, delivery, and target populations, with most focusing on students in Grades 7–8. Universal media literacy programs like Media Smart showed good outcomes for boys and girls, while several selective programs demonstrated improvements in body image for girls. Interventions targeting boys or using mindfulness approaches often lacked effectiveness or caused unintended harm. Major gaps in the literature include a lack of qualitative research, limited long-term follow-up, and minimal focus on protective factors. Conclusion: While a range of ED prevention programs have been trialed in Australian schools, few have been rigorously evaluated or demonstrated sustained effectiveness. There is a need for developmentally appropriate, gender-sensitive, and culturally inclusive prevention efforts in schools. Future research should use diverse methods, include underrepresented groups, assess long-term outcomes, integrate broader sociocultural factors shaping students’ environment, and consider enhancing protective factors. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a high prevalence of anxiety and anxiety symptoms in older adults, which can have cognitive, emotional, and physical repercussions on older adults. It is important to understand the risk factors from psychological variables and sociodemographic variables that may be influencing anxiety symptoms to generate more effective interventions based on modifiable variables. In this context, the objective of this review was to identify psychological and sociodemographic variables as risk factors for anxiety and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Methods: The Scoping review followed the guidelines of the (PRISMA-ScR 2018). Five databases were used to reduce bias and identify relevant evidence: Medline via Ovid, PUBMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Results: A total of 2150 articles were identified across the five databases; 16 articles were included for data synthesis and methodological quality assessment. Conclusions: The variables that maintain the strongest association as both risk and protective factors are age, female sex, physical activity, physical health or medical conditions, depression, perceived and family support, and social and family participation. However, methodological limitations—including inconsistent definitions, diverse and often inadequate measurement tools, and lack of causal inference—restrict the generalizability of findings. These results underscore the need for validated age-appropriate instruments and more rigorous research designs in geriatric anxiety studies. Full article

The recent birth of genetically modified canids phenotypically resembling the extinct dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) was hailed as a landmark in synthetic biology. Using genome editing and cloning, the biotech company Colossal Biosciences created three such animals from gray wolf cells, describing the project as an effort in “functional de-extinction”. This case raises significant questions regarding animal welfare, moral justification, and regulatory governance. We used the five domains model framework to assess the welfare risks for the engineered animals, the surrogate mothers used in reproduction, and other animals potentially affected by future reintroduction or escape scenarios. Ethical implications are examined through utilitarian, deontological, virtue, relational, and environmental ethics. Our analysis suggests that the project suffers from ontological ambiguity: it is unclear whether the animals created are resurrected species, hybrids, or novel organisms. While the current welfare of the engineered animals may be manageable, their long-term well-being, particularly under rewilding scenarios, is likely to be compromised. The moral arguments for reviving long-extinct species are weak, particularly in cases where extinction was not anthropogenic. Legally, the current EU frameworks lack the clarity and scope to classify, regulate, or protect genetically engineered extinct animals. We recommend that functional de-extinction involving sentient beings be approached with caution, supported by revised welfare tools and regulatory mechanisms. Full article

Achieving organizational efficiency requires the selection of an appropriate operating model. To date, no objective indicators, methods of measuring, or criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of forest management organizations have been developed. In the heterogeneous forest management of the European Union (EU), multiple objectives and functions—from production to social and ecological services—coexist at regional and national levels. This study provides an overview of the organizational and legal forms of EU forestry, taking into account environmental conditions, ownership structures, and the role of the forestry sector in national economies. The legal information of EU countries on forest management was verified. We examine the impact of the entity’s organizational and legal form on the implementation of sustainable forest management and the objectives of the New EU Forest Strategy 2030, particularly in terms of absorbing external capital for forest protection and climate-related activities. Joint stock companies, public institutions, and enterprises are the most relevant. The private sector is dominated by individual farms, associations, chambers of commerce, and federations. A clear trend toward transforming state-owned enterprises into joint-stock companies and expanding their operational scope has been confirmed. Multifunctional forest management is practiced in both state and private forests. Economic efficiency, legal and property liability, and organizational goals depend on the chosen organizational and legal form. Full article