Search Results (327)

Background: Caffeine (CAF), whether extracted from plants or synthesised as a chemical compound, is considered the safest among other xanthine alkaloids. Novel nano-cream formulations have been successfully developed and evaluated to increase the potential of caffeine as a skin cosmeceutical, targeting the minimisation of cellulite appearance. Methods: Nano-cream formulations were prepared through a process of hot-temperature emulsification, in a variety of homogeniser combinations. Results: When chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) (lanolin, transcutol, and propylene glycol), either alone or in combination, were incorporated into the nano-cream formulations, the permeation of CAF through skin increased. All nano-cream formulations achieved sustained delivery of CAF into and through the skin over 8 h (IVPT). Quantification of CAF from skin tissues was achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The nano-cream formulation containing lanolin (LAN) showed the highest CAF permeation (8.829 ± 1.472 µg/cm²/h) through the skin compared to CAF in an aqueous solution (2.533 ± 0.480 µg/cm²/h) and a commercial CAF cellulite product with the same CAF concentration (2.827 ± 0.555 µg/cm²/h). Therefore, 2% CAF nano-cream formulation containing LAN was chosen for clinical testing. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled paired trial was conducted, in which each volunteer applied active and placebo creams to the upper thighs twice daily for 12 weeks. The effect of the cream on skin appearance was monitored over 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were reduced cellulite scores from 3.96 (95% CI: 3.16–4.76) to 2.50 (95% CI: 1.70–3.30) (active) compared with placebo from 3.88 (95% CI: 3.08–4.67) to 2.83 (95% CI: 2.03–3.63). The effect sizes (E.S.) indicated a moderate effect for the active CAF nano-cream formulation (E.S. = 0.475), while the placebo (E.S. = 0.286) had a small effect. Conclusion: We concluded that our optimised 2% CAF nano-cream formulation containing LAN offered an effective formulation strategy for enhancing skin penetration in the IVPT study. The LAN nano-cream formulation demonstrated efficacy and tolerability, both objectively and subjectively, in a human clinical trial. Full article

The paper sought to examine the role of collaboration in sustaining citizen science activities and projects in academic libraries. The study applied a quantitative approach and a survey design to assess knowledge and understanding of citizen science by academic librarians to advance research relevant to SDGs. A standardised questionnaire was distributed to 185 academic librarians affiliated with the Higher Education and Libraries Interest Group (HELIG). The survey yielded a response rate of 34% since only 63 academic librarians volunteered to participate in the completion of the questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 29. Findings revealed that citizen science is a new concept in academic libraries in South Africa. To advance the use of citizen science in contributing towards SDGs, academic librarians need to raise awareness, foster collaborations, and initiate advocacy efforts to promote and support citizen science activities. The research further revealed that a work-integrated learning and community engagement department should be established within the library to advocate for citizen science activities. There is a need to visit schools to introduce citizen science at the grassroots level to increase the visibility of the field and to lay a foundation for scientific literacy at an early stage. Although the research setting was in academic libraries, for future research, it will be beneficial to conduct such a study in a public library setting to achieve varying perspectives from the community members where the concept of citizen science emanates. Full article

Marine plastic pollution poses severe ecological and economic threats, while people with disabilities (PwDs) often face limited meaningful employment opportunities. This study evaluated a unique social enterprise in Japan that addresses both challenges through upcycling marine plastic waste into accessories while providing employment for PwDs. Using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, we assessed the project’s social and environmental impacts over one year (2020). Data was collected through stakeholder surveys, interviews, and operational records. The analysis identified 15 outcomes across six stakeholder groups, including income generation, environmental awareness-raising, and sustained volunteer engagement. The project achieved an SROI ratio of 3.50, indicating that every JPY 1 invested generated JPY 3.50 in social value. Media exposure (30.5%), employment income (25.6%), and volunteer motivation (18.5%) comprised 74% of the total value. Despite processing only 50 kg of marine plastic annually, the project demonstrated significant symbolic impact through behavior change and public awareness. Key challenges include limited production capacity, wage constraints, and gender-biased consumer demographics. This case illustrates how small-scale, community-based upcycling initiatives can generate multidimensional social value by integrating environmental conservation with social inclusion objectives. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF), characteristic of chaotic atrial electrical activity along with ineffective atrial systole, remains the most frequent sustained cardiac dysrhythmia, with an overall lifetime risk for AF being approximately 15% to 40% in the global population. AF is associated with substantially enhanced risks for multiple adverse clinical outcomes, including thromboembolic cerebral stroke, dementia, chronic kidney disease, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, and even premature cardiac demise. Although remarkable advances have been achieved toward unravelling the complex hereditary etiopathogenesis underpinning AF, it has become increasingly clear that inherited determinants predisposing to AF in a vast majority of individuals are still uncertain. Methods: A Chinese pedigree with idiopathic AF and another group of 236 cases suffering idiopathic AF along with 312 unrelated healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited. Exome-wide sequencing and Sanger sequencing assays were implemented in research participants. The functional effects of the discovered variations in the SOX5 gene were explored through dual-luciferase reporter analysis. Results: Two novel SOX5 mutants, NM_006940.6: c.355C>T; p.(Gln119*) and NM_006940.6: c.640G>T; p.(Glu214*), were identified in the AF pedigree and one of the 236 unrelated patients affected with AF, respectively. These two heterozygous truncating SOX5 variations were absent from the 624 control chromosomes. Quantitative luciferase reporter assays unraveled that both Gln119*- and Glu214*-mutant SOX5 lost the ability to transactivate GJA1. Additionally, the two variations abolished the synergistic transactivation of SCN5A by SOX5 and SHOX2. Conclusions: The current findings indicate SOX5 as a novel gene contributing to AF, which adds more insight to the molecular pathogenesis of AF, and provides a potential target for personalized precision medicine. Full article

Social participation is vital for older adults’ well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily activities, but many adapted using SOC (Selection, Optimization, and Compensation) strategies. This study examines how older adults in Hong Kong navigated adversity through strategic decision-making. Twenty-five participants underwent in-depth interviews, with thematic analysis identifying key SOC-related themes: loss-based selection (reducing physical interactions, shifting engagement modes, pursuing solo activities), elective selection (volunteering, exercise, online learning), optimization (adjusting participation methods and timing, taking preventive measures), and compensation (modifying or substituting activities, supporting physical functions). Despite restrictions, older adults actively sought ways to remain socially engaged. Our findings highlight the role of SOC strategies in sustaining participation and enable us to propose a framework for adaptive changes to enhance future well-being. This research deepens discussions on social participation, offering practical insights for fostering resilience among older adults in challenging conditions. Full article

The increasing demand for advanced cosmetic formulations based on natural biopolymers has stimulated the design of multifunctional and sustainable skin care products. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and silk proteins are widely recognized for their hydrating, barrier-supportive, and biocompatible properties. This study aimed to develop a novel topical formulation, integrating low- and medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA and MMW-HA), encapsulated sodium hyaluronate (NaHA), silk, and hydrolyzed silk as active components, aiming to enhance skin barrier function and biocompatibility. The formulation was subjected to comprehensive physicochemical characterization including evaluation of appearance, odor, color, pH, viscosity, and stability, all assessed over 30 days and microbiological stability testing under controlled storage conditions. Safety evaluation followed a dual-phase strategy: (i) in silico toxicological screening of individual ingredients, including sensitization, and mutagenicity predictions, and (ii) in vivo skin compatibility assessment in 25 human volunteers using a semi-occlusive patch test. The formulation demonstrated good physicochemical stability, as pH remained stable, and viscosity showed no significant changes, confirming structural integrity, indicating preserved structural and microbiological stability throughout the study period. The in silico assessment indicated no mutagenic and/or sensitizing alerts and favorable safety margins for all components, confirming the safety profile of each ingredient, supporting their suitability for dermocosmetic use, while in vivo evaluation revealed no significant adverse effects, with irritation scores indicating no skin reaction (erythema or edema) across the test population. These findings support the potential of this novel biopolymer-based formulation as a safe and well-tolerated dermocosmetic product, aligning with principles of sustainable development and biomimetic design. Full article

Background: Humanitarian surgical missions play a critical role in addressing health disparities, particularly in low-resource settings where conditions such as cleft lip and palate (CL/P) are prevalent. The success of these missions relies heavily on the commitment of volunteers, including healthcare professionals and logistical personnel. While their contributions are widely acknowledged, the psychological and emotional impact of participating in such missions remains underexplored. Objective: This study protocol aims to explore the lived experience of volunteers involved in humanitarian surgical missions. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), will be conducted. Semi-structured interviews will be carried out with volunteers who have participated in at least one humanitarian surgical mission. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to identify emerging themes. Data collection will continue until saturation is reached. The reporting of this study will follow the COREQ guidelines. Expected Results: This study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and professional experiences of volunteers in surgical missions. Expected results include identifying key themes related to motivation and preparation, on-site engagement, field experience, interpersonal relationships and group dynamics, and personal reflections. These results will inform strategies to enhance the effectiveness of missions, improve volunteer support, and ensure the sustainability of humanitarian interventions. Additionally, these findings will contribute to the broader field of international health volunteering and support future program development. Conclusions: This protocol outlines a rigorous qualitative approach to investigating the lived experience of volunteers in humanitarian surgical missions. The anticipated findings are expected to inform targeted training, psychological support, and organizational strategies, ultimately improving the effectiveness and sustainability of future missions and the well-being of volunteers. Full article

Urban revitalization processes are increasingly requiring inclusive and data-driven approaches that address spatial inequalities and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article presents a methodology for utilizing social geoparticipation tools in the revitalization process of the Warsaw University of Technology campus. The study demonstrates how campus-scale geoparticipation can incorporate SDGs and spatial justice principles in micro-urban contexts, with a methodology that is transferable to city-scale projects and provides practical guidance for inclusive and sustainable urban governance. This enables the transformation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) data and spatial databases into practical spatial knowledge that supports sustainable urban development. Empirical analysis of 710 responses and nearly 1000 mapped locations revealed that 83% of respondents identified insufficient greenery as the primary spatial problem. At the same time, accessibility (β = 0.618) and green infrastructure quality (β = 0.553) were the strongest predictors of the need for change. The collected feedback from the academic community was processed using exploratory data analysis and spatial statistics into a spatial knowledge base. ESRI’s ArcGIS Experience Builder (Developer Edition version 1.16) was employed in the app’s development. A custom function was developed to meet the requirements of the geo-questionnaire fully. The application was ultimately deployed within the CENAGIS domain of the IT infrastructure at Warsaw University of Technology. Authors employed the structural equation modeling (SEM) method and provided statistical analysis of community expectations. The findings provide actionable evidence for urban planners, campus managers, and decision-makers seeking to implement data-driven, participatory revitalization strategies, demonstrating how social geoparticipation can directly inform sustainable design and policy-making at both campus and city levels. Full article

Objectives: Breast cancer survivors often experience long-term neurological complications, including balance impairments, following treatment. This study aimed to investigate microstructural changes in white matter tracts in breast cancer survivors with balance impairment using diffusion tensor tractography. Methods: An open, single-center, prospective study was conducted including two groups—healthy age-matched volunteers (n = 28) and breast cancer survivors (n = 35) with balance impairment. All participants underwent diffusion tensor tractography at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period of six months. Quantitative anisotropy was analyzed using DSI Studio to assess white matter integrity. Results: At baseline, patients with balance impairment exhibited significantly reduced quantitative anisotropy values in the middle cerebellar peduncles (p = 0.046) and cerebellar hemispheres (p = 0.024, 0.055) compared to healthy controls. At the end of the follow-up, quantitative anisotropy values were increased across most tracts, though some differences persisted between groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors with balance impairment demonstrate sustained microstructural white matter changes, particularly in cerebellar and vestibular pathways. These findings suggest that diffusion tensor tractography can provide valuable insights into central nervous system alterations contributing to post-treatment balance dysfunction and may serve as a potential tool for early diagnosis and rehabilitation planning. Full article

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global network for age-friendly cities (AFC) movement in 2010, the number of participating cities and towns, as well as the body of literature focusing on this initiative has grown steadily. Nevertheless, few studies have directly examined how older adult volunteers are involved in AFC planning and initiatives for their municipalities. This study explores the experience of citizen volunteers, mostly older adults, engaging in local municipal-level age-friendly (AF) advisory committees as a part of the Age-Friendly Niagara (AFN) movement in Ontario, Canada. Since its conception as a grassroots movement in 2013, the AFN Network (AFNN) has expanded across the entire region, as each municipal government has appointed its local AF advisory committee or an equivalent, which consists of citizen volunteers, at least one councilor and one municipal staff member. Employing a qualitative multisite case study approach, we conducted focus groups with eight municipal AF advisory committees (or their equivalent) (n = 48, average age 69) to explore their roles, achievements and challenges. Our findings highlight the crucial role older adult volunteers play in their local AFC initiatives as they strive to co-produce and co-create sustainable age-friendly communities in collaboration with their municipal government. Full article

Lake-island villages face increasing cultural–ecological pressures due to tourism expansion and rural transformation, yet few studies have systematically assessed their cultural–ecological health. To address this gap, this study aims to quantify the cultural–ecological health of lake-island villages and identify key constraints shaping their sustainability under tourism development. It proposes a quantitative assessment framework integrating the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) model and the entropy weight method to evaluate the cultural–ecological health of Weishan Island, a typical lake-island tourism area in eastern China. Four representative villages (Daguan, Gounan, Lümeng, and Xiaolizhuang) were selected based on spatial distribution and tourism development characteristics. A 27-indicator evaluation system was constructed to measure population dynamics, land pressure, cultural vitality, and governance response. The results show that: (1) indicators related to cultural inheritance and governance (e.g., cultural facility maintenance and youth participation) contribute more strongly to cultural–ecological health than demographic or land pressures; (2) the overall health levels vary significantly among villages, forming a gradient pattern of Daguan > Gounan > Lümeng > Xiaolizhuang; (3) governance response is the key factor differentiating cultural–ecological outcomes under similar development pressures; and (4) cultural facility maintenance, volunteer participation, and youth heritage transmission are common constraints. This study provides an empirical basis for cultural–ecological management in lake-island regions and offers a replicable evaluation framework for sustainable tourism development. Full article

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are multifunctional, UV-absorbing and antioxidant metabolites produced by marine algae, offering promising applications in biotechnology and dermocosmetic sciences. In this study, MAAs were sustainably extracted from nori seaweed (Porphyra spp.) using an ultrasound-assisted aqueous method, an eco-friendly approach that ensures efficiency and industrial scalability. Chromatographic enrichment followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including porphyra-334, palythine, and myc-ornithine. The enriched fraction exhibited potent antioxidant activity (low IC₅₀ in DPPH and ABTS assays) and significant anti-elastase effects, highlighting its potential as a natural anti-aging agent. To optimize delivery, MAAs were incorporated into a stable water-in-oil nanoemulsion, which maintained droplet sizes below 400 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI < 0.2) for up to four months. A randomized, double-blind clinical study in 20 volunteers further demonstrated that the MAA-based nanoemulsion significantly improved skin hydration (+53.6%) and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), confirming its humectant and barrier-strengthening efficacy. These findings position Porphyra spp. as a sustainable marine resource for producing MAAs, and demonstrate their practical potential as natural, multifunctional ingredients in eco-conscious cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Background: Plant-based diets have been widely recommended as sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious alternatives. However, their adoption remains limited due to nutritional and cultural concerns, which may be reinforced in contexts associated with masculinity. This study aimed to explore (a) whether physical activity represents a barrier to plant-based food choices, and (b) whether beliefs about plant-based diets differ between sedentary and physically active individuals. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted, combining focus groups and survey data. Twenty-six Italian volunteers were divided into four groups: (I) physically active omnivores; (II) sedentary omnivores; (III) physically active veg*ans; and (IV) sedentary veg*ans. The discussions focused on protein-rich foods (animal-based vs. plant-based) and addressed nutritional concerns related to athletic performance, as well as attitudes toward plant-based proteins and veg*an individuals. Results: Omnivores—particularly active ones—favored animal-based proteins, perceiving them as more palatable, nutritious, and better suited for physical performance, a view often reinforced by coaches. This group also emphasized sensory pleasure as a barrier to adopting plant-based alternatives. It addressed masculinity-related themes more frequently; moreover, while veg*an participants were more inclined to seek professional advice to ensure a balanced diet, omnivores referred to the traditional Mediterranean diet as their primary source of nutritional guidance. This factor may further hinder openness to plant-based choices. Conclusions: The findings highlight stronger stigma among physically active individuals and suggest the need for interventions that replace the current narrative of plant-based diets as a restrictive or dietetic alternative with one that frames it as compatible with strength, vitality, and overall well-being. Full article

Background: Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are clinically relevant because they lower local pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), can perturb motor control, and may sustain shoulder symptoms even when overt pain is absent. However, even if previous studies assessed stiffness and mechanosensitivity differences between MTrPs and asymptomatic regions, objective patient-level cut-offs and diagnostic-accuracy metrics to distinguish latent MTrPs from adjacent asymptomatic tissue are lacking. Objective: To quantify the diagnostic accuracy of pressure algometry (PPT) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) for distinguishing latent MTrPs from adjacent asymptomatic tissue. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted including 76 volunteers with ≥1 latent infraspinatus MTrP (assessed by following the current Delphi consensus criteria). The most sensitive latent MTrP and a control site 2 cm cranial was measured on the dominant side infraspinatus muscle in each participant. PPT and SWE were acquired with a standardized protocol (long-axis imaging, anisotropy control, minimal probe pressure; three captures per site; 1 cm rectangular ROI; operator blinded to site type). ROC analyses estimated areas under the curve (AUCs), Youden-optimal cut-offs, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LR+/−). Results: Latent MTrPs showed lower PPTs than controls (p < 0.001) and higher stiffness (shear modulus: p = 0.009; shear-wave speed: p = 0.022). PPT yielded AUC = 0.704 with an optimal cut-off of 47.5 N (sensitivity 0.75; specificity 0.592; LR+ 1.84; LR− 0.42), outperforming SWE metrics (shear modulus AUC 0.611; cut-off 23.6 kPa; sensitivity 0.632; specificity 0.605; LR+ 1.60; LR− 0.61; shear-wave speed AUC 0.601; cut-off 2.55 m/s; sensitivity 0.592; specificity 0.632; LR+ 1.61; LR− 0.65). Conclusions: In the infraspinatus, PPT provides moderate discrimination between latent MTrPs and adjacent asymptomatic tissue, whereas resting SWE—despite small mean differences—exhibited lower accuracy. These findings support mechanosensitivity as a primary measurable signal and position SWE as an adjunct. External validation across devices and operators, and multivariable models integrating sensory, imaging, and clinical features, are warranted. Full article

Introduction: Despite global improvements in immunization, major gaps persist. By 2024, an estimated 14.3 million infants, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), remained zero-dose (ZD), never having received even the first DTP vaccine. In 2022, 33 million children missed their measles vaccination (22 million missed the first dose, 11 million missed the second dose), highlighting entrenched structural, behavioral, and systemic barriers that continue to exclude marginalized populations. Addressing these inequities requires innovative, context-adapted approaches that strengthen primary health care (PHC) and extend services to the hardest-to-reach populations. Objectives: This study aims to document and synthesize implementation research (IR) projects on immunization programs in LMICs, identifying key enablers and effective strategies that reduce inequities, improve outcomes, and support efforts to reach ZD children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multiple-case study of 36 IR projects across 13 LMICs, embedded within an evidence review framework and complemented by policy analysis. Data were drawn from systematic document reviews and validation discussions with project leads. A total of 326 strategies were extracted, coded using a structured codebook, and mapped to the WHO–UNICEF PHC Levers for Action. Descriptive analysis synthesized patterns across service delivery and policy outcomes, including coverage gains, improved microplanning, community engagement, and system integration. Results: Of the 326 immunization strategies identified, most (76.1%) aligned with operational PHC levers, particularly monitoring and evaluation (19.3%), workforce development (18.7%), and models of care (12%). Digital technologies (11.7%) were increasingly deployed for real-time tracking and oversight. Core strategic levers comprised 23.9% of strategies, with community engagement (8.9%) and governance frameworks (7.7%) emerging as critical enablers, though sustainable financing (4%) and private-sector engagement (0.9%) were rarely addressed. While the majority of projects focused on routine immunization (n = 32), only a few directly targeted ZD children (n = 3). Interventions yielded improvements in both service delivery and policy outcomes. Improvements in microplanning and data systems (23.5%) reflected the increased uptake of digital dashboards, GIS-enabled tools, and electronic registries. Community engagement (16.2%) emphasized the influence of local leaders and volunteers in building trust, while health system strengthening (15.7%) invested in cold chain, supervision, and workforce capacity. Coverage gains (10.6%) were achieved through delivery innovations, though sustainable financing remained a critical problem (3.4%). Conclusions: Reaching ZD children requires equity-driven strategies that combine digital innovations, community engagement, and resilient system planning. Sustained progress depends on strengthening governance, financing, and research. Embedding IR in immunization programs generates actionable evidence, supports context-specific strategies, and reduces equity gaps, offering practical insights that complement health system research and advance the Immunization Agenda 2030. Full article