Search Results (7,131)

Accurate prediction of settling velocities for irregular particles offers significant advantages in various fields, including more efficient water/wastewater treatment, environmental pollution control, industrial productivity, and sustainable resource utilization. These predictions are essential for advancing sustainable hydraulic engineering and environmental management. In this study, a new algorithmic modeling framework was proposed to estimate the terminal settling velocity of irregularly shaped particles/materials. The framework integrates advanced non-linear regression techniques with robust optimization methods. The model successfully incorporated seven key input parameters to construct a comprehensive mathematical representation of the settling process. The proposed explicit model demonstrates superior prediction accuracy compared to existing empirical and drag correlation models. The model’s validity was confirmed using a large and morphologically diverse dataset of 86 irregular materials and rigorously evaluated using an extensive battery of statistical goodness-of-fit parameters. The developed model is a robust and highly accurate tool for predicting the settling behavior of non-spherical particles in the transition flow regime. Beyond its technical merits, the model could offer significant sustainability benefits by enhancing the design and optimization of wastewater treatment systems. More precise predictions of non-spherical particle settling behavior could improve sedimentation or particle removal efficiency, potentially reducing energy consumption and mitigating adverse environmental impacts on industrial waste management and aquatic ecosystem preservation. Full article

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading cause of death worldwide. LC is classified into two main histological subtypes: non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), representing the 85% of all LC types, and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), representing 15% of all lung neoplasm. The recent discovery and clinical approval of new therapeutic approaches has resulted in significant advancements in the management of NSCLC patients. This review aims to summarize the current and ongoing clinical trials that have led to the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the emerging immunotherapy approaches for advanced NSCLC patients. Additionally, the current benefits and drawbacks of these therapeutic strategies will be explored. The treatment for NSCLC is evolving toward a more comprehensive approach that considers both the tumor immune history and genomic features. In this respect, we hope that the ongoing research will make it possible to treat each NSCLC patient individually in the near future. Full article

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling offers non-invasive insights for personalized prostate cancer management. This systematic review provides the first comprehensive appraisal of ctDNA assay methods, genomic targets, and their clinical correlations and proposes practical recommendations to guide future standardization and validation. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library starting December 2024 following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. From 229 records, 44 studies (10,631 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Plasma ctDNA analyzed by NGS predominantly profiled TP53 (72.7%), AR (70.4%), BRCA1/2 (61.3%), ATM (50%), RB1 (47.7%), and PTEN (41%). ctDNA positivity and specific key alterations correlated with poorer overall and progression-free survival. BRCA1/2-mutant patients benefited from Olaparib plus Abiraterone, while persistent alterations predicted early progression. Beyond synthesizing existing evidence, we identify key gaps, such as inconsistent reporting of variant allele fractions, limited diversity in study populations, and underexplored rare alterations. We recommend unified reporting standards (e.g., variant allele frequency thresholds and panel composition) and prioritized prospective trials to validate high-impact targets. These steps will accelerate the integration of ctDNA into routine precision oncology practice worldwide. Full article

Background: The integration of radiotherapy (RT) and immunotherapy (IO) is transforming oncologic paradigms by combining local tumor control with systemic immune activation. In urological cancers—prostate, bladder, and renal cell carcinoma—this strategy is supported by growing biological rationale and promising early clinical results. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence on RT–IO combinations in urological malignancies. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, focusing on mechanistic insights, clinical trials, and translational challenges related to RT–IO synergy. Results: Early-phase studies in bladder and renal cell carcinoma demonstrate feasibility, immunogenic enhancement, and manageable toxicity when RT is combined with checkpoint inhibitors. Prostate cancer remains less immunoresponsive but may benefit from RT-induced immune priming, particularly in biomarker-enriched subgroups. Innovations in precision RT, biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and novel immunotherapeutics are shaping future applications. Conclusions: RT–IO combinations represent a promising yet complex frontier in urological oncology. Future success will rely on precision-guided patient selection, optimized trial design, and equitable global implementation to ensure durable clinical benefit. Full article

Urban park areas mitigate urbanization’s negative impacts by integrating environmental, social and cultural benefits. Development strategies should enable participation and consider all user groups’ needs, following sustainability principles. However, ensuring multifunctionality often generates conflicting decisions. While the universal necessity for safety is widely acknowledged, its implementation frequently results in the diminution of a crucial sense of privacy. For example, the universally recognized need for safety may compromise the willingness sense of privacy or intimacy. This can discourage those for whom this need is important and prevent urban parks from fully utilizing their social potential. This study examines how spatial configurations of plant forms within urban parks shape personal experiences. We used an intra-group design to evaluate photographs of park spaces, manipulated using Photoshop AI algorithms to examine safety, privacy, preference, and willingness to spend time. Variables included space size and shape. The study used Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) with 300 participants. Regression and mediation analyses showed willingness to visit derives from space attractiveness, influenced by perceived safety and privacy. Analyses revealed the following: open areas were safest but the least private, corridor spaces were the least safe but the most private; curtain screens enhanced perception better than corridor screens; small spaces with corridor screens were least attractive; space size mattered less for open spaces than screened spaces; and spatial configuration was critical in assessing small spaces. The findings of this research enhance our comprehension of the perception of park spaces. They hold potential practical implications for sustainable design, facilitating the development of plant forms that are more socially effective, particularly those with substantial environmental value, such as dense vegetation that serves as visual screens. Neglecting these preferences may result in inappropriate design decisions that fail to accommodate users’ needs and behaviors, thereby not fully capitalizing on the potential of urban green spaces. Full article

Background: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-inflammatory vascular disorder that affects medium and large arteries, with a notable association with intracranial aneurysms (IAs). This review aims to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and implications of IAs in patients with FMD, highlighting gaps in current knowledge and the need for further research. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed using keywords related to FMD and intracranial aneurysms. The search focused on studies published over the last 28 years, identifying relevant data on the prevalence and morphological features of IAs in FMD patients. Due to the limited quality and availability of information, a narrative review format was adopted to synthesize findings. Results: The review found that the prevalence of IAs in FMD patients is significantly higher than in the general population, with estimates varying widely (4.7–21.7%). The majority of patients identified with IAs were female, and the age range of affected individuals varied significantly. Key risk factors for aneurysm formation included hypertension, smoking, and the presence of multifocal or multisite FMD. Notably, the study indicated that routine screening for IAs in FMD patients has to be weighted with the relatively low prevalence of asymptomatic IAs and the risk-to-benefit ratio of treatment in older patients. Conclusions: The association between FMD and intracranial aneurysms is significant, and timely detection of these aneurysms may allow preventing subarachnoid hemorrhage, whose fatality rate is high. Identification of subgroups where the screening may be cost-effective, also considering the impact of the awareness to have an IA without treatment proposal, is warranted. Further research is essential to clarify the relationship between FMD and IAs, optimize screening protocols, and improve outcomes for affected patients. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing registries to enhance understanding of the natural history and treatment of IAs in the context of FMD. Full article

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing and often coexists with frailty. The management of anticoagulation therapy in frail older adults with AF is especially challenging due to the high risk of bleeding complications. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence about the management of anticoagulation in frail older adults with non-valvular AF. First, frailty itself should not be considered a contraindication. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is recommended to identify and potentially address conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as inappropriately prescribed medications or malnutrition. Overall, the net clinical benefit remains in favour of oral anticoagulation in frail older adults, even if it decreases with increasing frailty severity. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) show a better effectiveness and safety profile compared with Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in this population. Among DOACs, apixaban seems to be the safest. Also, edoxaban at a very low dosage (15 mg/day) could be an effective therapy in patients for whom the standard anticoagulation is contraindicated. Moreover, switching from VKAs to DOACs in frail older adults is a complex decision and should be personalized according to the stability of the ongoing anticoagulant therapy, the bleeding risk profile, and the severity of frailty. Finally, although further studies are required to confirm their effectiveness, factor XIa inhibitors are emerging as new promising alternative therapies because they have been associated with a lower bleeding risk compared with DOACs. Full article

Active methodologies are consolidated as a key trend in education for the competence development of students at all educational stages, due to the academic, social, personal, and professional benefits that their implementation in the classroom provides. The profusion of systematic reviews on different types of active methodologies in recent years provides a high level of accumulated evidence. Therefore, a review of reviews allows comparing and contrasting different studies, offering a comprehensive perspective on their impact on Basic Education (Primary and Secondary Education). This study carries out an umbrella review through a qualitative systematic analysis using WoS, Scopus, and Dialnet databases. Reviews carried out in the last six years on the use of different active methodologies have been analysed, obtaining a total of 33 final references. The findings indicate that general research on active methodologies in Basic Education is limited, and these have a positive impact on students with favorable effects on their academic performance and comprehensive development. Despite their relevance, passive and directive methodologies remain predominant. Furthermore, the need for teacher training for effective implementation of active methodologies in the classroom is highlighted. Full article

Background: Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease characterized by excessive weight gain and fat accumulation. There is growing evidence that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity are effective in preventing and alleviating obesity. Methods: Initially, we screened bacterial strains with high hydrolytic activity against glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GDCA), and constructed an isogenic bsh1 knockout mutant. Subsequently, male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were randomly assigned to receive daily gavage of either the wild-type Lp20 (Lp20-WT) or the bsh1-deficient mutant (Lp20-Δbsh1) for 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol levels and histopathological changes in liver sections were monitored. Hepatic gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR, and fecal bacterial communities were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These comprehensive assessments aimed to evaluate metabolic improvements and uncover the potential mechanisms behind the observed effects. Results:L. plantarum Lp20 hydrolyzed 91.62% of GDCA, exhibiting the highest bile-salt hydrolase (BSH) activity among tested isolates. Whole-genome sequencing and in-silico analyses mapped this activity to bsh1; gene deletion of bsh1 confirmed the role of bsh1 in GDCA hydrolysis. Daily gavage of the wild-type strain (Lp20-WT) to diet-induced obese mice markedly attenuated weight gain, reduced inguinal white adipose tissue and mesenteric fat mass, and lowered serum TC and LDL-C by 20.8% and 33.3%, respectively, while decreasing ALT and AST levels and reversing hepatic steatosis. In contrast, the bsh1-null mutant (Lp20-Δbsh1) failed to elicit any measurable metabolic benefit. Mechanistically, Lp20-WT upregulated rate-limiting bile-acid synthetic enzymes CYP7A1 and CYP27A1, thereby accelerating the catabolism of cholesterol into bile acids. Concurrently, it activated hepatic TGR5 and FXR signaling axes to modulate hepatic metabolism. Moreover, Lp20-WT restructured the gut microbiota by notably enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Akkermansia, and Alistipes, while reducing the abundance of potentially harmful taxa, including norank_f__Desulfovibrionaceae, Dubosiella, and Mucispirillum. Conclusions: This study provides direct evidence of BSH’s anti-obesity effects through gene deletion. Specifically, BSH lowers cholesterol by modulating hepatic bile-acid metabolism-related gene expression and altering the gut microbiota composition. However, the study is limited by a small sample size (n = 6), the use of male mice only, and its preclinical stage, indicating a need for further validation across diverse strains and human populations. Full article

Ultrasound-assisted microextraction (UAME) has emerged as a powerful and sustainable technique for food chemical contaminant analysis, offering a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the application of UAME for the determination of various food chemical contaminants, including pesticide residues, potentially toxic elements, mycotoxins, veterinary drugs, and other chemical contaminants. The fundamental principles of ultrasound-assisted extraction are discussed, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of acoustic cavitation and mass transfer enhancement that enable improved analyte recovery from complex food matrices. Key factors influencing extraction efficiency (solvent selection, ultrasonic frequency and power, extraction time, and sample characteristics) were critically analyzed. Additionally, the integration of UAME with modern analytical platforms, such as LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, was explored, highlighting its compatibility with high-throughput and multiresidue detection. Compared with traditional techniques, UAME offers significant benefits, including reduced solvent consumption, shorter extraction times, and improved analytical performance. This review also addresses current limitations and future perspectives, particularly regarding standardization, automation, and application in routine food safety monitoring. Overall, UAME represents a promising direction for more sustainable and efficient food chemical contaminant analysis, aligning with the growing demand for green analytical chemistry approaches. Full article

Background: Aging populations make expanded workforce participation among older adults an economic and public health priority. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of virtual work, providing new opportunities for healthy aging in the workplace through increased flexibility and less physical strain. However, digital exclusion, ergonomically challenging tasks, and social isolation can limit these opportunities for older populations. Objective: This scoping review aimed to synthesize interdisciplinary research on the relationship between remote work and labor force participation among adults aged 45 years and older, focusing on health-related outcomes, barriers, and facilitators. Methods: Following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across seven databases for peer-reviewed and gray literature published between 2000 and 2025. Of 2108 records screened, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized charting tool and analyzed thematically. Results: Most studies were published after 2020 and originated in North America (45%) and Europe (40%). Core barriers included digital exclusion, ageism, and adverse ergonomic environments. Facilitators involved flexible working hours, a supportive organizational environment, and digital skills. Health-related outcomes such as stress reduction and improved well-being were commonly reported. However, only 18% of studies assessed policy effects, and very few examined intersectionality (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status). Conclusions: Remote and flexible work options can improve the health and participation of older adults in the workforce, but technology, infrastructure, and social barriers remain. Age-inclusive policies, digital equity efforts, and inclusive workplace practices are necessary to maximize the benefits of remote arrangements for aging populations. Full article

Currently, an active debate is underway among the academic community, urban planners, and policymakers regarding optimal models of urban development, given that the majority of the population now resides in cities. One concept under discussion is the 15 min city, which posits that all urban residents should be able to reach key, frequently used services within a 15 min walk or cycle. Although the literature suggests numerous potential benefits, debate persists about whether such cities would be optimal from the standpoint of sustainable development objectives and residents’ quality of life. The ongoing discussion also concerns the extent to which existing cities are capable of aligning with this concept. This is directly linked to the actual spatial distribution of individual services within the city. The literature indicates a research gap arising from a shortage of robust case studies that would enable a credible assessment of the practical implementation of this idea across diverse cities, countries, and regions. This issue pertains to Poland as well as to other countries. A desirable future scenario would involve comprehensive mapping of all cities, with respect to both the spatial distribution of specific services and related domains such as the quality and coherence of linear infrastructure. This article presents an analysis of the spatial accessibility of basic urban services in the context of implementing the 15 min city concept, using the city of Koszalin (Poland) as a case study. This city was selected due to its representative character as a medium-sized urban centre, both in terms of population and area, as well as its subregional functions within Poland’s settlement structure. Koszalin also exhibits a typical spatial and functional layout characteristic of many Polish cities. In light of growing challenges related to urbanisation, climate change, and the need to promote sustainable mobility, this study focuses on evaluating access to services such as education, healthcare, retail, public transport, and green spaces. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools enabled the identification of spatial variations in service accessibility across the city. The results indicate that only 11% of Koszalin’s area fully meets the assumptions of the 15 min city concept, providing pedestrians with convenient access to all key services. At the same time, 92% of the city’s area offers access to at least one essential service within a 15 min walk. Excluding forested areas not intended for development increases these values to 14% and 100%, respectively. This highlights the extent to which methodological choices in assessing pedestrian accessibility can shape analytical outcomes and the interpretations drawn from them. Moreover, given this article’s objective and the adopted analytical procedure, the assumed pedestrian walking speed is the key parameter. Accordingly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, comparing the reference scenario (4 km/h) with alternative variants (3 and 5 km/h). This approach demonstrates the extent to which a change in a single parameter affects estimates of urban-area coverage by access to individual services reachable on foot within 15 min. The analysis reveals limited integration of urban functions at the local scale, highlighting areas in need of planning intervention. This article proposes directions for action to improve pedestrian accessibility within the city. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional kombucha is produced by fermenting a sweetened infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves with a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). The growing interest in this beverage has driven the exploration of alternative substrates, including a wide range of plant-based raw materials, such as leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. Consequently, numerous products are being investigated for their differential properties, not only organoleptic but also nutritional and bioactive. This review aims to summarize recent advances in alternative kombucha research, focusing on the substrates used, their physicochemical and biochemical characteristics, and the biological activities studied. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to select articles related to alternative kombuchas. A critical analysis of their current state was carried out through the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) methodology. Results: The SWOT analysis led to the identification of strengths, including promising in vitro results and growing consumer interest; weaknesses, including a lack of animal studies, clinical trials, and approved health claims, and an excessive focus on antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds; opportunities, including substrate diversity, innovation, and consumer education; and threats, including elaboration risks, misinformation, competitors, and potential consumer rejection. Conclusions: Despite the promising results achieved to date, it is essential that the scientific community and the food industry continue efforts to generate robust evidence, particularly through clinical validation, in order to draw reliable conclusions regarding the benefits of alternative kombuchas for human health. Full article

This research pioneers the incorporation of grape pomace (GP) as a sustainable additive in unfired adobe construction materials, establishing a novel circular pathway that valorises agro-waste in zero-emission, low-energy building components. Five mix designs were developed with GP contents of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight, using a soil matrix composed of 15% clay, 25% silt, and 60% sand with a 20% water content. Comprehensive characterization included physical properties, mechanical performance, thermal behavior, acoustic properties, and durability assessment. The incorporation of GP demonstrated dose-dependent effects on all measured properties. Bulk density decreased linearly from 1951 kg/m³ (0%GP) to 1595 kg/m³ (10%GP), representing an 18.3% reduction. Optimal mechanical performance was achieved at a 2.5–5% GP content, with compressive strength ranging from 1.51–1.64 MPa and flexural strength of 0.56–0.80 MPa, while higher GP contents resulted in significant strength reductions. Thermal conductivity improved substantially, decreasing from 0.99 to 0.25 W/Mk (66% RH) with increasing GP content, indicating enhanced insulation properties. The sound insulation performance showed a single-value sound reduction index (Rw) of 41–43 dB for all compositions, making them suitable for facade applications. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between GP content and material properties. The results indicate an optimal GP content of around 5%, which balances mechanical integrity, thermal performance, and durability while providing environmental benefits through the valorization of agro-waste. This research offers a sustainable approach for producing low-energy, eco-friendly building materials by incorporating grape pomace into unfired adobe, promoting waste valorization and improved thermal and acoustical insulation for green construction. Further research is needed to assess durability performance, standardize production methods, and evaluate large-scale implementation. Full article

As an effective energy storage solution, gas reservoir compressed air energy storage (CAES) can efficiently utilize curtailed wind power to meet urban electricity demands. Well pattern optimization enables rational design and adjustment of well layouts to maximize productivity, efficiency, and economic benefits while reducing energy losses and operational costs. To address limitations in conventional optimization methods—including oversimplified constraints, neglect of reservoir heterogeneity, and insufficient consideration of complex flow regimes—this study proposes an innovative multi-constraint well pattern optimization method incorporating productivity, energy conversion efficiency, drainage area, and economic performance for quantitative evaluation of well configurations. First, the reservoir flow domain was partitioned based on two flow regimes (Darcy and non-Darcy flow) near wells. Mathematical flow equations accounting for reservoir heterogeneity were established and solved using the rectangular grid method to determine productivity and formation pressure distributions for vertical and horizontal wells. Second, a drainage radius prediction model was developed based on pressure drop superposition principles to calculate gas drainage areas. Finally, an optimization function F, integrating productivity models and drainage radius calculations through ratio optimization criteria, was formulated to quantitatively characterize well pattern performance. An optimization workflow adhering to inter-well interference minimization principles was designed, culminating in a comprehensive CAES well pattern optimization framework. Case studies and sensitivity analyses on the depleted Mabei Block 8 CAES reservoir demonstrated the following: The quantitative optimization metric w decreases with increasing reservoir heterogeneity. w exhibits a unimodal relationship with production pressure differential, peaking at approximately 2.5 MPa. Optimal configuration was achieved with 3 horizontal wells and 23 vertical wells. Full article