Search Results (74,800)

Disproportionality in missing persons cases raises critical questions about forensic and legal decision making. In the UK, Black individuals comprise 14% of missing persons but only 3% of the population. This study analysed 18,266 cases from nine police forces in England and Wales to examine how case characteristics and ethnicity influence risk assessments. Analyses proceeded in three stages: (i) descriptive profiling of demographic, contextual, and risk-related factors; (ii) statistical comparison across ethnic groups; (iii) predictive modelling of how these characteristics influence risk classification. Ethnicity did not independently predict risk classification once other characteristics were controlled for. However, characteristics disproportionately associated with Black missing persons, such as youth and care orders, were linked to lower risk classifications. In contrast, White individuals were more often reported with mental health, health, or harm risks, which strongly predicted high-risk classification. This suggests police decision making may be indirectly shaped by ethnicity via associated characteristics, raising concerns about equity in assessment and investigative prioritisation. Potential mechanisms include underreporting of vulnerabilities in minority communities and inconsistencies in police recording practices. The study highlights the need for culturally informed, evidence-based decision frameworks in missing persons investigations to support just and accurate decision making in policing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent worldwide, causing progressive destruction of the alveolar bone and eventual tooth loss when not treated. Despite advances in conventional periodontal therapies, complete tissue regeneration remains limited. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical relevance of stem cell-based tissue engineering approaches for regeneration of periodontal bone lesions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 17 studies in humans that met predefined PICO criteria. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251229271). These studies assessed various stem cell sources, including dental and bone marrow-derived cells among others, both on their own and in combination with scaffolds or growth factors. Results: Most studies reported favorable outcomes in terms of clinical attachment gain, radiographic bone fill, probing depth reduction, and implant stability. No major adverse effects were noted, indicating good safety. However, results varied based on cell type, culture protocols, and defect characteristics. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy shows strong potential for periodontal regeneration, with outcomes that may potentially surpass those of conventional methods in selected cases. Further standardization, cost reduction, and long-term clinical trials are essential to confirm these findings and support their integration into daily dental practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder & Elbow Score (KJOC) is used to identify dysfunctions and estimate injury risk in overhead sports athletes. Although it has been validated in several countries, a European Portuguese version is currently unavailable. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and assess psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the European Portuguese KJOC (KJOC-PT). Methods: The KJOC-PT was translated and culturally adapted according to international guidelines. One hundred athletes were selected (median age 24 [IQR 17] years, 72% male) and divided into two groups: asymptomatic and symptomatic athletes. The convergent validity was assessed by correlating the KJOC-PT with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and DASH-Sports. 31 athletes from the initial sample were considered to assess between-day reliability and agreement (Bland-Altman analysis). Floor and ceiling effects were also calculated. Sampling adequacy was assessed using the Kaiser Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. Results: Minor cultural and linguistic changes were made in the KJOC-PT. This version demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91 to 0.97) and moderate negative correlations for validity (KJOC-PT with DASH, rho = −0.595; with DASH-Sports, rho = −0.533, both p < 0.001). Good reliability (ICC_2,1 = 0.77 to 0.89 [95%CI 0.36 to 0.96]), measurement error (SEM = 4.11 to 6.90; MDC = 11.39 to 19.13) and mean difference ranging from −0.08 ± 6.14 to 3 ± 9.17 were found. No floor effect (0%) and ceiling effects of 24.2% for the total sample (50% for asymptomatic and 5.1% for symptomatic athletes) were found. Conclusions: KJOC-PT is now available and is a valid and reliable instrument for use by athletes in overhead sports. Full article

Background and Objectives: The quality of cumulus cells (CCs) is a major determinant of germinal vesicle (GV) oocyte maturation, yet the reciprocal effect of GV oocytes on cumulus cell function remains unclear. Materials and Methods: GV oocytes were cultured with or without cumulus cells (only oocytes or Oocytes–CCs), and GVBD rates were evaluated after 24 h. In parallel, cumulus cells were cultured either alone (only cumulus) or with oocytes (CCs + Oocytes). Cell morphology, growth, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression were assessed by fluorescence and immunocytochemistry. Results: GVBD rates were significantly higher in Oocytes + CCs than in only oocytes (66.7% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.05). Cumulus cells co-cultured with oocytes exhibited improved growth, tighter cell connections, and greater extracellular matrix formation. ROS levels were reduced in CCs + Oocytes compared with only the cumulus group (12.1% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.01), whereas AMPK expression increased markedly (229% of CCs–Oocytes, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In vitro co-culture underscores not only the supportive role of cumulus cells in oocyte maturation but also a reciprocal, beneficial effect of oocytes on cumulus cell viability and function, revealing the bidirectional nature of oocyte–cumulus interactions. Full article

Plant endophytic fungi, which colonize plant tissues and form symbiotic relationships with their hosts, are known for their high diversity and wide distribution. These fungi often influence plant growth and development through the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), whose effects can extend beyond host plants to non-host species. In this study, we isolated two endophytic fungi, Trametes hirsuta RR1 and Talaromyces pinophilus RR2 from healthy rice roots. The VOCs mixtures produced by strains RR1 and RR2 were both able to promote rice growth when these strains were co-cultured with rice seedlings. Specifically, strain RR1 and RR2 increased rice shoot fresh weight by 44.22% and 26.69%, root fresh weight by 58.24% and 41.76%, shoot length by 30.35% and 25.07%, and root length by 29.11% and 4.23%, respectively. They significantly enhanced the contents of chlorophyll a and carotenoids, which increased by 18.61% and 17.04%, and by 18.73% and 31.55%, respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to analyze the VOCs emitted by the two strains. The analysis successfully identified a total of 13 major compounds. Among them, at appropriate concentrations, 1-pentanol, methyl DL-2-methylbutyrate, ethylbenzene, 2-ethyl-p-xylene, ethyl benzoate and dimethyl phthalate, can promote rice growth and alter the contents of photosynthetic pigments and hydrogen peroxide to varying degrees. This study provides an important basis for the in-depth research and development of biofumigants for promoting crop growth. Full article

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is a keystone species in Mediterranean agroecosystems, where it plays a central economic and cultural role. However, the Mediterranean Basin is increasingly exposed to climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts threatening the long-term sustainability of olive cultivation. Understanding the adaptive responses of olive trees to water scarcity is critical for ensuring resilience in olive-based agroecosystems. This study investigates the functional responses of the Moroccan Menara olive cultivar under different controlled deficit irrigation (DI) strategies, namely regulated (RDI) and sustained (SDI) deficit irrigation. By analyzing key leaf functional and biochemical traits, we assessed how varying levels of water stress influence resource allocation and stress mitigation mechanisms. Under full irrigation (100% of crop water evapotranspiration) throughout the growing season and during sensitive growth periods, trees exhibited increased stomatal density, leaf area, and higher leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents, traits associated with enhanced growth and photosynthetic capacity. Meanwhile, under RDI treatments, with a 20% water reduction during sensitive periods and 40% during non-sensitive periods, Menara trees showed increased leaf tissue density and accumulation of polyphenols. SDI treatments, however, triggered higher concentrations of osmoprotectants (glycine, sugars, and proline), reduced stomatal density, and smaller leaf area associated with increased stomatal size. Principal component analysis revealed a major trade-off between growth-related and stress-protective traits, primarily driven by water availability during phenological growth stages. Notably, the strength of this trade-off was positively associated with olive fruit yield, underscoring the importance of strategically timed irrigation in balancing physiological resilience and productivity. These findings emphasize the crucial role of irrigation strategy in modulating functional responses of olive trees to water deficit, offering insights into optimizing water use under future climate scenarios. Full article

The study and preservation of illuminated manuscripts, particularly miniatures on parchment, are crucial for understanding the artistic, cultural, and technological history of the past. This research investigates the materials used in a 16th-century illuminated scroll, analyzing both the miniatures and the written text through non-invasive techniques. A multi-analytical approach was applied, including optical microscopy, Hypercolorimetric Multispectral Imaging (HMI), infrared reflectography in the 950–1700 nm range, Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS), macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and External Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ER-FTIR) spectroscopy. These methods provided a comprehensive characterization of the painting materials’ chemical composition and the artistic techniques utilized, revealing new information on Renaissance materials and practices. The detected mineral pigments primarily include smalt, vermilion, lead white, and minium, which are consistent with materials commonly found in illuminated manuscripts. Aluminosilicate and calcite were identified as fillers or substrates utilized for organic dyes, particularly those generating pink hues. An uncommon finding was the green pigment, which was identified as copper hydroxynitrate. Furthermore, gold and silver were extensively employed in the decorative elements, both as metal foils and in shell pigment form. Finally, the capital letters were executed using smalt and vermilion, while the black text ink was characterized as iron gall ink, a composition typically employed on parchment supports. Full article

This participatory action research (PAR) study explored the diversity and cultural competencies essential for working effectively and appropriately with diverse patients in healthcare and healthcare education. Ninety-four (94) medical students participated in two PAR cycles, engaging in brainstorming, group exercises, collaborative work, discussions, reflections, and role-plays. Together, they addressed the central question regarding the diversity and cultural competencies that are necessary for working effectively with diverse patients in healthcare. Participants identified eight core competencies, namely open-mindedness, empathy and cultural empathy, deep listening, explore further, knowledge, self-reflection, work in partnership, and praise the patient. They also ranked these competencies and explained their significance in healthcare settings. Based on participants’ explanations, a thematic network was developed, illustrating how these competencies interrelate. The analysis highlighted that these competencies must function together to foster a deeper understanding of patients, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes. This interrelationship is represented in the Wheel Model proposed in the study, showing that empathy and cultural empathy sit at the center of the wheel, supported and reinforced by the other competencies all of which interact to enable the wheel to roll smoothly. Interestingly, the driving force seems to be the competency “open mindedness” as it puts most of the rest competencies in motion. The study also revealed that participants came to appreciate the importance of these competencies gradually, particularly after engaging in specific diversity-related activities and completing the two PAR cycles. This finding highlights that prior experience or knowledge alone might be insufficient for working effectively with diversity, underscoring the need for lifelong training, continuous learning, and the accumulation of relevant experience. In the absence of other PAR on diversity and cultural competencies in healthcare and healthcare education, the findings of this study both align with and diverge from those of Delphi studies, offering new directions for future research. Full article

Candida viswanathii has been sporadically reported in Asia and South America but not in Europe. This study reports the first European outbreak of C. viswanathii in a paediatric hospital, outlining diagnostic challenges and containment measures. Fifteen C. viswanathii isolates were recovered from blood cultures of consecutive pediatric patients admitted to intensive care units between April and August 2025. Identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, chromogenic media, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. All isolates were initially misidentified as C. tropicalis by MALDI-TOF MS and undetected by the FilmArray BCID2 panel. WGS confirmed C. viswanathii, and FT-IR analysis revealed clonally related strains, indicating an outbreak. Colonies displayed a distinct deep-blue color on chromogenic CHROMagar™ medium. Elevated fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations were observed, while isolates remained susceptible to echinocandins and amphotericin B. A multidisciplinary infection-control response halted transmission within four weeks. This investigation documents the first C. viswanathii outbreak in Europe, highlighting diagnostic limitations of current commercial tools and the need for updated databases. Integration of FT-IR spectroscopy and WGS facilitated outbreak detection and containment, underscoring the importance of advanced diagnostics and surveillance for emerging fungal pathogens. Full article

Most individuals experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetime, which can lead to the development of psychopathological symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). First responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, emergency medical professionals) are exposed to traumatic events daily, making them particularly vulnerable to developing such symptoms. Using an online questionnaire, this study aimed to compare self-reported exposure to traumatic events and the presence of psychopathological and PTSD symptoms between a sample from the general community (n = 137) and first responders (n = 672) residing in Portugal. We also sought to identify factors associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. Results showed that although first responders reported higher exposure to traumatic events, there were no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between first responders and the general community. However, general psychopathological symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, were higher in the general community than among first responders. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive–compulsive tendencies, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and personally experienced traumatic events emerged as significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, whereas demographic variables showed no significant predictive value. The potential influence of factors such as terror management theory, training and education, professional selection, the “hero lifestyle”, and the “police culture” is discussed, along with implications and directions for future research. Full article

Background: Excessive sun exposure is a major modifiable risk factor for skin cancer, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation identified as a key contributor. Saudi Arabia’s high UV index and hot climate increase the risk of photo-induced skin damage among residents. Although awareness of sun protection is growing, inconsistent use of preventive measures persists, often due to misconceptions and limited knowledge. This study aimed to assess patterns of current and prior sun exposure across demographic groups in Saudi Arabia using the validated Arabic version of the Sun Exposure and Behaviour Inventory (Ar-SEBI). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 across all five Saudi regions using non-probability quota sampling to ensure geographic representation. Sun-exposure practices and protective behaviours were measured using the Ar-SEBI. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Normality was assessed via Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests. Depending on the distribution, data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, unpaired t-tests, or ANOVA. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 11,491 adults participated. Significant demographic and regional differences in sun-related behaviours were observed. Overall, 72.7% of participants were unaware of the SPF level of their sunscreen. Males and individuals under 30 years of age had significantly higher sun exposure scores than females and older adults, respectively (p < 0.001). Residents of the Southern region had the highest exposure and behaviour scores (p < 0.001), despite also reporting higher engagement in some protective measures. Additionally, sun exposure scores increased progressively with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) (p < 0.001), suggesting a common belief that darker skin confers adequate protection. Conclusions: This study reveals notable disparities in sun-protection practices across Saudi Arabia. Younger adults, males, and individuals with darker skin types reported greater sun exposure and indicators of lower protective awareness. These findings support the need for targeted, culturally tailored public health campaigns and policy measures to enhance sun safety and reduce long-term dermatological risks. Full article

Porcine embryo cryopreservation remains challenging due to high lipid content, oxidative stress, and ice recrystallization that compromise post-thaw survival and developmental competence. We evaluated an integrated vitrification approach combining antioxidants (berberine, melatonin), iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles, and antifreeze protein I (AFP I) with post-thaw interventions (glutathione and zona pellucida digestion) to synergistically improve cryosurvival and developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. In vitro-matured parthenogenetic embryos were vitrified on Cryotop using a protocol that included berberine and melatonin in embryo culture, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and AFP I in cryoprotectant solutions, and post-warming treatment with glutathione and a brief zona pellucida digestion. Survival, hatching, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cytoskeletal integrity, and the expression of BAX, BCL2, OCT4, and SOX2 genes were measured. Both the dual antioxidant (berberine + melatonin) and nanoparticle + AFP interventions produced greater improvements than individual additives. Fully integrating all components yielded the highest post-thaw viability, with ~94% survival and ~90% hatching, values statistically equivalent to those of fresh embryos. Treated embryos also showed significantly higher ATP levels, lower ROS accumulation (approaching levels in fresh embryos), and preserved microtubule structure (~91% normal). Vitrification alone upregulated BAX and downregulated BCL2, OCT4, and SOX2, whereas the integrated protocol restored their expression levels to near control levels. This multi-component antioxidant, nanoparticle, antifreeze strategy synergistically enhances the cryotolerance and developmental competence of vitrified porcine embryos by mitigating oxidative stress and cryoinjury. Post-thaw viability and molecular markers were restored to near-fresh conditions, demonstrating a promising approach to improve embryo cryopreservation outcomes in swine and potentially other species. Full article

This entry delineates artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and the field’s core ethical challenges, surveys the principal normative frameworks in the literature, and offers a historical analysis that traces and explains the shift from ethical monism to ethical pluralism. In particular, it (i) situates the field within the trajectory of AI’s technical development, (ii) organizes the field’s rationale around challenges regarding alignment, opacity, human oversight, bias and noise, accountability, and questions of agency and patiency, and (iii) compares leading theoretical approaches to address these challenges. We show that AI’s development has brought escalating ethical challenges along with a maturation of frameworks proposed to address them. We map an arc from early monisms (e.g., deontology, consequentialism) to a variety of pluralist ethical frameworks (e.g., pluralistic deontology, augmented utilitarianism, moral foundation theory, and the agent-deed-consequence model) alongside pluralist governance regimes (e.g., principles from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Asilomar AI principles). We find that pluralism is both normatively and operationally compelling: it mirrors the multidimensional problem space of AI ethics, guards against failures (e.g., reward hacking, emergency exceptions), supports legitimacy across diverse sociotechnical contexts, and coheres with extant principles of AI engineering and governance. Although pluralist models vary in structure and exhibit distinct limitations, when applied with due methodological care, each can furnish a valuable foundation for AI ethics. Full article

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and a key example for targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which have significantly improved survival rates. However, no effective treatments exist for TKI-resistant or mutation-negative tumours. Until now, research on the effects of TKIs has mainly used 2D cultures or mouse models, lacking patient-specific 3D GIST models. We investigated various 3D GIST models, including spheroids, organoids, patient-derived microtumours (PDMs), and precision-cut tumour slices (PCTSs), to assess their feasibility as alternatives for 2D cell culture or in vivo mouse models. Moreover, 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid GIST cell lines showed mutation-dependent responses to TKI treatment, but differences between 2D and 3D cultures were minimal. Thus, patient-derived 3D models, incorporating tumour microenvironment cells, were developed for more accurate in vivo representation. PDMs and PCTSs were successfully isolated from primary tumours and cultivated for up to two weeks. Three-dimensional models were immunohistochemically characterised, and the response to TKI therapies was tested and compared with expected clinical outcomes. In addition to already established 2D cell cultures and mouse models, PDMs and PCTSs are novel patient-derived 3D models that can be used to study tumour cell interactions within the microenvironment. Moreover, they could be used to investigate TKI resistance, and novel treatment options such as immunotherapies and combination therapies. Full article