Search Results (13,094)

Background/Objectives: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a growing public health concern in Jordan, with implications for both physical and psychological well-being. While obesity’s physical effects are well-documented, less is known about its broader association with adolescents’ quality of life (QoL), particularly in Middle Eastern contexts. This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight status, psychosocial factors, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Jordanian adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight status, psychosocial factors, and HRQoL among Jordanian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 719 adolescents (63.3% female) aged 11–18, recruited from public schools and pediatric clinics in three regions of Jordan. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing demographics, health behaviors, mental health (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SMFQ), and HRQoL (PedsQL 4.0). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine direct and indirect pathways predicting physical and psychological QoL. Results: Bullying emerged as a key mediator between weight status and QoL, particularly for physical well-being. Depression and anxiety were significant predictors of poorer psychological QoL. Positive school experience, academic performance, physical activity, and paternal education were positively associated with QoL. Nutritional habits were inversely associated with anxiety levels. Model fit indices supported the adequacy of both the physical and psychological QoL models. Conclusions: The findings highlight the interconnected relationship of weight-related stigma, school environment, and lifestyle behaviors on adolescent well-being. Multi-component, school-based interventions targeting bullying, physical activity, and mental health literacy may be effective in improving QoL in this population. Full article

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban or Asiatic pennywort is an important medicinal plant used in traditional medicine, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries; it is also an indigenous vegetable in Asian countries. A total of 169 Centella accessions were collected from all regions of Thailand and assessed for 29 traits, including morphological traits, plant biomass, and centelloside contents. Experiments were conducted in two growing systems, soil and hydroponics, with two harvests every month. The centelloside concentrations were determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) procedure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation matrix, genetic parameters, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering were determined both across all environments and for each growing system separately. The ANOVA revealed significant differences in genotypes and growing systems, along with their interactions. Hydroponic culture produced three- to four-fold higher biomass than soil system while triterpenoid sapogenin concentrations were notably greater in hydroponics. Biomass-related traits showed strong positive correlations with centelloside yields, and genetic analyses revealed moderate to high heritability for these characteristics. PCA and cluster analyses classified accessions into four distinct groups, identifying elite genotypes with both high biomass and centelloside yield. These findings provide a solid foundation for targeted selection in Centella breeding programs. Full article

Compositional Zero-Shot Learning (CZSL) seeks to enable machines to recognize objects and attributes (i.e., primitives),learn their associations, and generalize to novel compositions, enabling systems to exhibit a human-like ability to infer and generalize. The existing approaches, multi-label and multi-class classification, face inherent trade-offs: the former suffers from biases against unrelated compositions, while the latter struggles with exponentially growing search spaces as the number of objects and attributes increases. To overcome these limitations and address the exponential complexity in CZSL, we introduce Concept-oriented Feature ADjustment (CoFAD), a novel method that extracts superordinate conceptual features based on primitive relationships and expands label feature boundaries. By incorporating spectral clustering and membership function in fuzzy logic, CoFAD achieves state-of-the-art performance while using 2×–4× less GPU memory and reducing training time by up to 50× on large-scale dataset. Full article

Manufacturing global value chains (GVCs) play a central role in shaping countries’ export competitiveness. However, existing studies have given limited attention to the impact of regional trade agreements (RTAs) on manufacturing GVCs. This study examines the effects of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on manufacturing GVCs. Using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, based on the GTAP 10 database with dynamic recursion to 2025, this study simulates various scenarios of tariff and non-tariff barrier (NTB) reductions. This model is linked to a GVC accounting framework to evaluate member countries’ trade performance in manufacturing value added, as well as their participation and position in GVCs. The results show that the CPTPP and RCEP, when implemented separately, significantly boost bilateral value-added trade within their regions, with increases of 99.4% and 65.7%, respectively. Their combined effect further strengthens global value-added trade, raising it by 5.1%. Both agreements also promote greater GVC participation in most manufacturing sectors across member economies, although their influence on sectoral positioning differs across countries. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the CPTPP and RCEP are reshaping regional production networks and affecting manufacturing development in member states. They highlight the growing importance of RTAs in shaping value chains and underscore the need to revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development. For policymakers, the results provide timely evidence on how RTAs can be leveraged to support sustainable growth in manufacturing. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women of all ages and backgrounds globally. In recent years, the growing deficit of expert radiologists—particularly in underdeveloped countries—alongside a surge in the number of images for analysis, has negatively affected the ability to secure timely and precise diagnostic results in breast cancer screening. AI technologies offer powerful tools that allow for the effective diagnosis and survival forecasting, reducing the dependency on human cognitive input. Towards this aim, this research introduces a deep meta-learning framework for swift analysis of mammography images—combining a Siamese network model with a triplet-based loss function—to facilitate automatic screening (recognition) of potentially suspicious breast cancer cases. Three pre-trained deep CNN architectures, namely GoogLeNet, ResNet50, and MobileNetV3, are fine-tuned and scrutinized for their effectiveness in transforming input mammograms to a suitable embedding space. The proposed framework undergoes a comprehensive evaluation through a rigorous series of experiments, utilizing two different, publicly accessible, and widely used datasets of digital X-ray mammograms: INbreast and CBIS-DDSM. The experimental results demonstrate the framework’s strong performance in differentiating between tumorous and normal images, even with a very limited number of training samples, on both datasets. Full article

Background: Obesity is a complex metabolic disease associated with several health complications, including insulin resistance, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Growing evidence indicates that fatty acid profiles and the activity of desaturating enzymes—stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), delta-5 desaturase (D5D), and delta-6 desaturase (D6D)—are important factors in the pathophysiology of obesity. This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the alterations in lipid metabolism and desaturase activity in obesity, its complications, and potential therapeutic interventions. Methods: A literature review was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, cross-sectional studies, and animal studies that assessed fatty acid profiles and desaturase activity in the context of obesity were included. Results: Obesity is associated with significant changes in the profiles of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as altered desaturase activity. Increased activity of SCD1 and D6D and decreased activity of D5D are observed even in childhood and correlate with metabolic risk markers. Genetic variation in genes encoding fatty acid desaturases, such as fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and SCD1, influences lipid metabolism and susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Nutritional interventions, supplementation (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and crocin), physical activity, and bariatric surgery positively influence the fatty acid profile and enzymatic activity, modifying the risk of obesity-related diseases. Conclusions: Fatty acid profile and desaturase activity are significantly altered in obesity and represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for its treatment and the prevention of related complications. Their assessment may contribute to a more personalised approach to treating obesity and associated metabolic diseases. Full article

The global demand for high-protein soybeans is rapidly increasing, driven by the growing popularity of healthy foods and plant-based protein products. To address this demand, a novel high-protein soybean variety, Jinyuan 601, was developed through a systematic breeding program. This study details the breeding process, agronomic characteristics, and performance evaluation of Jinyuan 601, which was derived from a cross between Heihe YX10-534 (female parent) and Heihe No. 45 (male parent). The variety was selected over multiple generations (F₂–F₇) and stabilized as Heihe 18-250, demonstrating excellent quality, upright stalks, and resistance to diseases and pests. Jinyuan 601 exhibits a protein content of 43.66% and a fat content of 17.21%, meeting the standard for high-protein soybeans (≥43% protein). It has a growth period of 111 days, with a plant height of 93.2 cm, and shows moderate resistance to soybean mosaic virus (SMV). Yield trials conducted over two years (2021–2022) produced an average of 2292 kg ha⁻¹, representing a 3.0% increase over the control variety (Huajiang No. 2). This variety holds significant potential for applications in health foods, plant-based products, and sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security and reducing reliance on soybean imports. Full article

Using the digital economy as a new carrier to drive innovation has become an indispensable strategic support for the progress of countries, while environmental protection is a necessary condition to ensure its sustainable development. A multi-transition framework is proposed in this article with the purpose of revealing the relations between the digital economy and regional innovation under the indirect effects of environmental performance; a mediating model and threshold effect model are used to examine empirical results considering the panel data at Chinese provincial levels. Moreover, the heterogeneity and the robustness also verified the multi-transition effect. The research findings are as follows: First, the digital economy can significantly enhance regional innovation capacity, which also shows obvious dimensional and geographical heterogeneities. Second, a mediating effect of the digital economy on regional innovation under environmental performance is considered, and environmental performance has an increasingly significant role in fostering regional innovation as the digital economy continues to grow, indicating that improving environmental performance is an essential strategy for achieving the steady release of innovation dividends. Furthermore, the above results are provided with heterogeneity and robustness under PM_2.5, COVID-19, and regional innovation quantiles. Therefore, focusing on regional innovation via environmental performance is necessary, and policymakers and professionals should pay more attention to further stimulating regional innovation potential. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a re-emerging class of tobacco products that present themselves as alternatives to conventional cigarettes with reduced risks. However, recent evidence has shown potential association with lung injury. We present a case of a pulmonary complication associated with use of IQOS, a popular HTP, contributing to the growing evidence of its risks. Case Presentation: A 22-year-old man presented with sharp right posterior thoracic pain, antalgic dyspnea, chills which developed suddenly in the morning, and fever. He had no past medical history. He had been a conventional smoker for 2 years (1 pack-year) but had switched to IQOS for the previous 4 years. A thoracic X-ray examination showed a big emphysematous bulla, about 84/60 mm, located in the right middle pulmonary lobe. A thoracic CT scan described a cyst of 77/84/62 mm with hydroaeric level in the right lobe and another emphysema bulla of 11 mm in the inferior right lobe. A differential diagnosis was performed, and autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis and viral infections were excluded. Alpha-1 antitrypsin level was normal. Blood culture was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy, the infection was cured. Surgery was necessary for pleuro-pulmonary release with division of adhesions of the giant bulla. Conclusions: Case reports of pulmonary injury associated with IQOS use need to be published, contributing to a better understanding of the product’s toxicity and health impact. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and advances in genetic screening have led to a growing number of patients being identified as BRCA mutation carriers. For these women, the safety of pregnancy following cancer treatment remains insufficiently studied, and possible biological mechanisms—including defective DNA repair pathways and accelerated depletion of the ovarian reserve—may influence fertility potential and pregnancy outcomes. This exploratory research set out to examine whether BRCA status impacts reproductive outcomes in breast cancer survivors, while also considering underlying biological explanations for any observed differences. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-institution cohort study involving young women with non-metastatic breast cancer who had undergone BRCA testing over a 17-year period. Clinical, oncologic, and reproductive data were collected and patients were followed longitudinally. Results: Of the 117 women who met eligibility criteria, 15 conceived at least once after cancer therapy; 11 carried no BRCA mutation, and 4 were BRCA-positive (2 with BRCA1 and 2 with BRCA2 variants). While the overall cohorts were broadly comparable, significant differences emerged in terms of tumor grade, hormone receptor status, HER2 expression, and treatment modalities. BRCA mutation status did not appear to influence reproductive outcomes, and all pregnancies in both groups progressed to full-term delivery without major obstetric complications or congenital anomalies. Conclusions: Within the limitations of a small, retrospective, single-center dataset without adjustment for confounding variables, these preliminary findings suggest that pregnancy after breast cancer may be safe for BRCA mutation carriers, with no apparent adverse effect on maternal prognosis or birth outcomes. Confirmation from larger, prospective, multicenter studies is essential to validate these results, clarify possible biological mechanisms, and inform evidence-based fertility counseling and survivorship planning for this patient population. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of asphalt concrete incorporating steel slag aggregates coated with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The aim was to enhance adhesion between aggregate and binder while addressing environmental concerns related to waste management. Laboratory testing was carried out to assess Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and tensile strength ratio, which are commonly used indicators of strength and moisture resistance in asphalt mixtures. The results showed that PET coating enhanced binder-aggregate bonding, resulting in higher stability, which indicates an improved resistance to plastic deformation and moisture damage compared to uncoated slag mixtures. Among the tested combinations, the mixes containing 20% slag with 10% PET and 30% slag with 15% PET demonstrated the most balanced performance. These mixes achieved greater durability while maintaining satisfactory strength values, indicating that PET-coated slag can serve as an effective partial replacement for natural aggregates in asphalt concrete. The study also highlights that the approach can help reduce reliance on natural stone, lower construction costs, and promote recycling of industrial byproducts and plastic waste. This contributes to more sustainable pavement practices while addressing issues of waste disposal and environmental degradation. The findings suggest that PET-coated steel slag can be considered a practical and resource-efficient material for asphalt mixtures. The research not only adds technical evidence to the growing interest in waste-based construction materials but also provides guidance for adopting such methods in developing countries, where cost and sustainability are critical factors. Full article

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) presents significant surgical challenges due to bone fragility, narrow medullary canals, and complex deformities. While telescoping rods like the Fassier–Duval (FD) system are commonly used in growing patients, they are unsuitable when the canal diameter is too small or when patients approach skeletal maturity. The Simple Locking Intramedullary (SLIM) nail offers a solid, non-telescoping alternative in these cases. Methods: We describe the surgical technique for SLIM nail implantation and highlight key technical pearls developed through institutional experience, focusing on preoperative planning, intraoperative strategies, and the management of unique anatomical challenges in OI patients. Results: Three cases illustrate the application of these techniques: the first case demonstrates SLIM nail insertion in a 3-year-old child with a narrow IM canal to correct significant bowing; reaming was performed retrograde from the osteotomy site for the proximal segment and antegrade for the distal segment. The second case is a 15-year-old OI patient with a disengaged FD rod and narrow IM canal showing insertion of SLIM rod, and the third case is a 16-year-old patient with femoral deformity and telescoping rod who needed revision with SLIM nail and supplemental plate fixation. Conclusions: The SLIM nail is a viable option for select OI patients. Full article

The growing need for sustainable and resource-efficient materials increasingly promotes the use of block-glued laminated timber (glulam) in buildings and civil structures such as bridges. While timber is renewable and sustainable, the formaldehyde-based adhesives commonly used in glulam raise environmental and health concerns. This study addresses this gap by presenting one of the first combined life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analyses of bio-based versus synthetic adhesives for block-glued glulam. A pedestrian bridge in Zwolle, the Netherlands, serves as a case study. Three synthetic adhesives—melamine-urea formaldehyde (MUF), phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF), and phenol formaldehyde (PF)—and two bio-based alternatives—lignin phenol glyoxal (LPG) and tannin-furfuryl alcohol formaldehyde (TFF)—are analyzed. The LCA covers raw material sourcing, transport, and end-of-life scenarios, with impacts assessed in accordance with EN 15804+A2 using Earthster and the Ecoinvent v3.11 database. The proposed method integrates environmental and economic assessments, with results presented both per kilogram of adhesive and per cubic meter of glulam to ensure comparability. Results show that synthetic adhesives have higher environmental impacts than bio-based adhesives: the carbon footprint of 1 kg of adhesive averages 0.60 kg CO₂-eq for bio-based adhesives and 2.01 kg CO₂-eq for synthetic adhesives. LCC are similar across adhesives, averaging EUR 400 per m³ of glulam. These findings suggest that bio-based adhesives can compete environmentally and economically, but their limited availability and uncertain long-term performance remain barriers. Overall, the study highlights trade-offs between sustainability and structural reliability and provides guidance for sustainable adhesive selection in timber engineering. Full article

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development and the fast-growing digital economy, aligning corporate ESG practices with digital transformation is key for enterprises’ high-quality development, yet existing studies have not fully explored ESG’s directional impact on digital transformation. This study examines how corporate ESG performance drives digital transformation and the moderating roles of firm characteristics, industry types, and ownership structures, using 11,109 valid observations from Chinese A-share listed companies (2009–2022); it adopts the causal forest algorithm and supplements with OLS, quantile, and Poisson regressions for robustness tests. The results show that ESG significantly promotes digital transformation—with obvious positive effects from E and S dimensions, while G has no statistical impact—and further analysis reveals nonlinear moderation by firm characteristics and contextual differences: the positive effect is stronger in high-tech and private enterprises but weaker in traditional and state-owned enterprises (due to institutional constraints). These findings offer theoretical insights into ESG–digital synergies and practical guidance for targeted sustainability and digital strategies. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most rapidly growing neurological disorders globally. The molecular relationship between common respiratory infections (RIs) and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (iPD) remains a controversial issue. Multiple studies have linked acute respiratory infections to PD, but the molecular mechanism behind this connection is not significantly defined. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate potential molecular interactions between RIs and PD. We retrieved eight publicly available RNA-seq datasets from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO) and performed extensive bioinformatics analysis, including differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, the identification of overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), pathway and functional enrichment analysis, the construction of protein–protein networks, and the identification of hub genes. Additionally, we applied a machine learning method, a Random Forest model (RF), to external RIs datasets to identify the most important genes. We found that ribosomal subunits, mitochondrial complex proteins, proteasome subunits, and proteins encoding ubiquitin are simultaneously downregulated and co-expressed in RIs and PD. Dysregulation of these proteins may disturb multiple pathways, such as those responsible for ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis, autophagy, and apoptosis; the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS); and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. These processes have been implicated in PD’s pathology, namely in the aggregation of α-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the death of dopaminergic neuron cells. Our findings suggest that there are significant similarities in transcriptional responses and dysfunctional molecular mechanisms between RIs, PD, and aging. RIs may modulate PD-relevant pathways in an age- or immune-dependent manner; longitudinal studies are needed to examine the RIs risk factor. Therefore, future studies should experimentally investigate the influence of age, vaccination status, infection type, and severity to clarify the role of RIs in PD’s pathogenesis. Full article