Search Results (7,360)

Postoperative pain management after hospital discharge remains one of the main clinical challenges. The use of digital and telemedicine tools offers new opportunities for the continuous monitoring of, and timely intervention in, patients discharged and followed at home. This scoping review, conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, analyzed 26 studies selected through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria comprised studies published between 2015 and 2025 that involved patients discharged home after surgery, that used digital or telemedicine tools for pain management, and that included active involvement of healthcare professionals and reported clinical outcomes. Studies show the use of a variety of digital tools, including mobile applications, web platforms, wearable sensors, automated messaging systems, and virtual reality technologies, alternating across settings for the assessment and management of pain at home, educational and therapeutic support, and to enhance communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Most reported outcomes focus on improved home-based pain control, a reduction in opioid consumption, and a high level of patient satisfaction. However, some challenges remain, particularly the low level of digital literacy among certain segments of the population. In conclusion, the implementation of telemedicine and digital technologies for managing postoperative pain at home proves to be a promising strategy. Nonetheless, it requires further scientific investigation and, from policymakers, significant investments in professional training and technological infrastructure to ensure an increasingly equitable and sustainable distribution of home healthcare services. Full article

Based on Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) technology, this study integrates laboratory tensile tests and similarity simulation experiments to systematically investigate the relationship between overlying strata collapse and fiber strain during coal seam mining. An analytical expression was established to describe the correlation between overlying strata displacement and fiber strain. The horizontal fiber monitoring results indicate that fiber strain accurately captures the evolution of overlying strata collapse and exhibits strong agreement with actual displacement height. When the working face advanced to 115 m and 155 m, the rock strata primarily underwent stress adjustment with minimal failure. At 195 m, the collapse zone expanded significantly, resulting in a notable increase in fiber strain. By 240 m, severe roof failure occurred, forming a complete caving zone in the goaf. The fiber strain curve exhibited a characteristic “double convex peak” pattern, with peak positions closely corresponding to rock fracture locations, further validating the feasibility of fiber monitoring in coal seam mining. Vertical fiber monitoring clearly delineated the evolution of the “three-zone” structure (caving zone, fracture zone, and bending subsidence zone) in the overlying strata. The fiber strain underwent a staged transformation from compressive strain to tensile strain, followed by stable compaction. The “stepped” characteristics of the strain curve effectively represented the heights of the three zones, highlighting the progressive and synchronized nature of rock failure. These findings demonstrate that fiber strain effectively characterizes the collapse height and evolution of overlying strata, enabling precise identification of rock fracture locations. This research provides scientific insights and technical support for roof stability assessment and mine safety management in coal seam mining. Full article

Leaf functional traits are important indicators that reveal plant adaptation and response to environmental changes. Characteristics and adaptive strategies of leaf functional traits of staple bamboo species (SBSs) for the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) remain unclear, which limits conservation management of the giant panda and its habitat. Here, this study investigated 10 SBSs in 15 nature reserves across 36 counties, measured eight leaf functional traits, analyzed trait characteristics, variation, and drivers of variation, and examined trait-based strategies and strategy–environmental constraint relationships. Our results indicate that: coefficients of variation in leaf functional traits spanned from 9.58% to 79.16%, and significant differences were found among SBSs for leaf functional traits except chlorophyll concentration. The linear mixed-effects models revealed that the taxonomic factors explained 20.16 to 77.94% of variation, and environmental factors explained 17.03 to 29.12%. Leaf functional traits exhibited distinct environmental associations, primarily driven by geographic location, topography, and soil phosphorus availability. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed 10 SBS clustered into two groups, corresponding to conservative and acquisitive resource-use strategies. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that SBSs with conservative strategies were distributed in warm and moist habitats, and SBSs with acquisition strategies were distributed in habitats with high solar radiation. Our results reveal the key trait characteristics of SBSs and the strategy-environmental constraint model based on traits, which can provide scientific basis for the ecological management practice of SBSs. Full article

The study of the microbiome has rapidly progressed over the past few decades, capturing the interest of both scientists and the general public. Nevertheless, there is still no widely agreed-upon definition for the term “microbiome” despite tremendous advances in our knowledge. The international scientific literature consistently underscores the difference between the human microbiome and human microbiota. Recent research has emphasized the importance of the female reproductive tract microbiome in fertility, impacting natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This review explores the relationship between infertility and the microbiota of the female reproductive tract through a thorough evaluation of research papers and large-scale studies published up to 2024. The objective of this review is to critically assess current evidence on the role of the reproductive tract microbiome in female infertility and ART outcomes. Relevant papers were identified and analyzed through the electronic medical databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. A comprehensive synthesis of data from 36 original studies was performed, including observational, case–control, cohort, and randomized trials. By focusing on the vagina, cervix, and endometrium, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the microbiome throughout the female reproductive tract. RIF and poor reproductive outcomes are strongly linked to dysbiosis, which is characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus crispatus, in particular, plays a significant role in protecting against bacterial vaginosis and infertility. A thorough understanding of how the microbiome impacts fertility and the development of clinical strategies to improve reproductive outcomes requires standardized microbiome investigation techniques and larger, randomized trials that account for diverse patient characteristics. Full article

Since 2015, research on liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerators (L-S TENGs) has shown steady growth, with the primary focus on application domains such as engineering, physics, materials science, and chemistry. These applications have underscored the significant attention L-S TENGs have garnered in areas like human–nature interaction, energy harvesting, data sensing, and enhancing living conditions. Presently, doping composite dielectric materials and surface modification techniques are the predominant methods for improving the power generation capacity of TENGs, particularly L-S TENGs. However, studies exploring the combined effects of these two approaches to enhance the power generation capacity of TENGs remain relatively scarce. Following a review of existing literature on the use of composite material doping and surface modification to improve the power generation performance of L-S TENGs, this paper proposes an experimental framework termed “self-assembled surface TENG@carbonyl iron particle doping (SAS-TENG@CIP)” to investigate the integrated power generation effects of L-S TENGs when combining these two methods. Research cases and data results indicate that, for TENGs exhibiting capacitor-like properties, the enhancement of power generation performance through composite material doping and superhydrophobic surface modification is not limitless. Each process possesses its own inherent threshold. When these thresholds are surpassed, the percolation of current induced by material doping and electrostatic breakdown (EB) triggered by surface modification can lead to a notable decline in the power output capacity of L-S TENGs. Consequently, in practical applications moving forward, fully realizing the synergistic potential of these methods necessitates a profound understanding of the underlying scientific mechanisms. The conclusions and insights presented in this paper may facilitate their complex integration and contribute to enhancing power generation efficiency in future research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ultrasound Doppler diagnostics is a modern diagnostic method, routinely used to determine the blood flow velocity in vessels in clinical practice and scientific experiments. The aim of this study was to investigate hemodynamics and identify blood flow velocity norms for various age groups of animals in the range of two to six months. Methods: This study presents the blood flow velocity characteristics in different areas of the abdominal aorta of 30 growing Wistar rats two to six months old. The data from senile rats aged 24 months were used as a reference, since these animals should not show any changes in hemodynamics associated with the active growth of the organism. Ultrasound screening in the group of growing rats was performed monthly, and blood flow velocity was measured at three points: proximal to the renal arteries, distal to the renal arteries, and before the bifurcation zone of the abdominal aorta. Conclusions: The obtained data can be used as normative values in in vivo small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) studies to assess changes in hemodynamics. Full article

Fractional-order differential equations are prevalent in many scientific fields; hence, their study has seen a renaissance in recent years. The fascinating realm of fractional calculus is explored in this research study, with particular emphasis on the Harry Dym equation. To solve this problem, we use the Laplace Residual Power Series Method (LRPSM) and introduce the New Iterative Method (NIM). Both the mathematical complexity of the Harry Dym problem and the viability of the Caputo operator in this setting are investigated in our work. We go beyond the limitations of traditional mathematical methods to provide novel insights into the results of fractional-order differential equations via careful analysis and cutting-edge procedures. In this paper, we combine theory and practice to provide a novel perspective to the results of high-order fractional differential equations. Our efforts pay off by expanding our knowledge of mathematics and revealing the latent potential of the Harry Dym equation. This study expands researchers’ and mathematicians’ perspectives, bringing in a new and exciting period of progress in the field of fractional calculus. Full article

Although they show great promise in the medical field, the safety of fullerenes—discovered forty years ago—is still uncertain, according to regulatory experts at the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. This is a major obstacle to progress in the field. Meanwhile, oily solutions of fullerenes intended for human and pet consumption can be purchased online, without any marketing authorization. Therefore, to avoid any potential public health issues, regulatory-compliant preclinical studies on fullerene oily solutions are urgently needed. We present the first in vivo genotoxicity study of a C60/C70 fullerene mixture (4.1/1, w/w) dissolved in extra virgin olive oil (0.8 mg/mL). The study was conducted using the Mammalian Micronucleus Test (MMT) in an independent GLP-laboratory, in compliance with the OECD and EPA guidelines. The MMT was performed on NMRI mice following the oral administration of fullerenes at doses of up to 3.6 mg/kg. This dose is almost the maximum dose that can be administered to rodents. The data obtained clearly show that fullerene oily solutions have no genotoxic activity under these conditions. This should pave the way for further regulatory investigations of fullerene oily solutions. Full article

Background/Objectives. Carbapenemase production is the most diffused carbapenem-resistance mechanism among Enterobacterales, with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), Verona-imipenemase (VIM), New-Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), imipenemase (IMP), and oxacillinase (OXA-48) being reported as the main types within Europe. Particularly, Southern Italy holds a concerningly high percentage of carbapenemases-producing Enterobacterales diffused among different hospital settings. These strains may colonize critical patients’ gastrointestinal tracts, often causing disseminations and severe complications. Scientific data recently reported carbapenemase variants’ worldwide diffusion and several double-carbapenemases reports. The diagnostic routine needs devices whose detection rates are extended to similar epidemiological conditions, avoiding a lack of specificity and potential negative results. Methods. We planned a retrospective study including carbapenem- and/or ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant Enterobacterales (62) which were tested with the KPC/IMP/NDM/VIM/OXA-48 Combo Test Kit (KINVO, Medomics Medical Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China) based on the lateral flow assay (LFA) method. Results. We compared its results to the phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) MIC results, obtaining a 100% agreement rate. The LFA kit reported carbapenemases in all the tested strains, also identifying cases of KPC variants and double-carbapenemases production. Conclusions. Our data demonstrated how LFAs may represent a reliable alternative requiring minimum economic and personnel resources along with simple result interpretations. Future studies will be necessary to further investigate the system effectiveness on a larger isolates’ number and a broad carbapenemase variant spectrum. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the main pathologies of our time, whose incidence and prevalence are suggested to be strongly underestimated. AD presents as a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by marked neuroinflammation and a significant decline in the cognitive and mnemonic functions of affected patients. Recognized AD pathological hallmarks include amyloid beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, synaptic dysfunction with considerable apoptosis of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons, and high levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The available pharmacological treatments are represented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat the mild to moderate form of the disease and N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors alone or in combination with the previously cited ones in the late stage of the neurodegenerative condition. Furthermore, emerging drug therapies such as monoclonal antibodies are promising agents in AD management. Although scientific evidence highlights these chemicals as effective in slowing down disease progression, significant limitations behind their employment derive from the notable dose-dependent side effects and the single-target mechanism of action. In this context, two well-studied phytotherapeutics, W. somnifera (W. somnifera) and fungi belonging to the genus Cordyceps, have gained attention for their chemical composition regarding their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Ashwagandha (obtained principally from the roots of W. somnifera) is an adaptogen that relieves stress and anxiety. It contains several ergostane-type steroidal lactones—such as withanolides and withaferin A—and various alkaloids, contributing to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Likewise, cordycepin is the main bioactive principle found in Cordyceps fungi. This natural nucleoside has been reported to possess therapeutic potential as an anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory agent, with some studies suggesting a beneficial role in AD treatment. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the pharmacological properties of W. somnifera and Cordyceps species in the context of AD treatment and explore the therapeutic potential of the constitutive bioactive molecules in preclinical models mimicking this neurodegenerative condition. Full article

Against the background of global warming, forests across environmental gradients show distinct responses to climate change, necessitating research on tree growth patterns under specific conditions. Climate and competition are critical factors affecting tree growth, yet their combined effects across altitudinal gradients remain unclear, especially in arid regions such as Central Asia. This study investigated how climate and competition influence radial growth of Picea schrenkiana Fisch. et C.A.Mey. across altitudinal gradients (1500–2670 m) in the Middle Tianshan Mountains. Using dendroclimatology, competition indices, multivariate statistical analyses, and nonlinear models across 12 plots, we examined spatial variability in growth responses. Results revealed significant altitudinal differences in growth responses to climate and competition across altitudes. At low elevations, growth is primarily limited by water availability; drought indices and spring precipitation exert positive effects, while high temperatures inhibit growth. At mid-elevations, climate becomes the dominant driver, particularly spring temperature and precipitation playing key roles, while competition has no significant effect. At high elevations, temperature becomes the primary driver of growth; however, the overall sensitivity to climate is reduced compared to lower elevations. Multiple regression analyses confirm that water-related factors drive growth at lower and middle elevations, whereas temperature is the primary driver at higher elevations. Further model comparison indicates that while nonlinear models performed slightly better at mid-elevations, linear approaches similarly provided interpretable climate–growth relationships. This study demonstrates significant spatial variation in growth determinants, with water-driven controls dominating at lower elevations and competition effects ranging from significant to non-significant as altitude increases. Future warming may further intensify drought stress at lower elevations, and whether or not the weak positive responses currently observed at higher elevations will persist remains uncertain. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable management of arid mountain forests under climate change. Full article

Background: Chemosensation in ticks opens a novel and unique field for scientific research. This study highlights ticks’ chemosensory system to comprehend its host-searching behavior and other integrated chemistry and biology involving Haller’s structure. Methodology: This study combines microanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments to investigate the role of Haller’s organ in adult ticks in response to different classes of organic compounds. Results: We showed the microscopic anatomy of Haller’s organ in Haemaphysalis darjeeling, present at the terminal segment of the first pair of appendages. Haller’s structure serves a vital function in perceiving odor. The electrophysiological activity of adult ticks to different classes of organic compounds via electroscutumography was explored at five different concentrations: w/v 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0%. Among 55 organic compounds, moderate to high stimulation was recorded with pyruvate (13.28 mv at 2%), ammonia (12.26 mv at 2%), benzoic acid (1.99 mv at 0.001%), isobutyric acid (1.39 mv at 0.001%), 2,6-dichlorophenol (1.34 mv at 0.001%), p-Tolualdehyde (1.26 mv at 2%), tetradecane (1.23 mv at 2%), docosane (1.17 mv at 2%), citronellal (1.13 mv at 0.1%), isopropyl acetate (1.05 mv at 0.01%), cyclohexanol (1.03 mv at 2%), 1-octane-3-ol (1.02 mv at 2%), and 1-octanol (1.01 mv at 0.001%). Olfactometric bioassays at w/v 2.0% concentration further confirmed that ammonia, pyruvate, 1-octane-3-ol, hematin porcine, p-Tolualdehyde, methyl salicylate, uric acid, tetradecane, carbon dioxide, propanoic acid, 3-hexanol, hexanoic acid, adenine, 2,6-dichlorophenol, hexadecane, heptanoic acid, pentanoic acid, octadecane, guanine, and nonanoic acid acted as strong attractants, while citronellal, eugenol, butyric acid, geraniol, benzaldehyde, and tiglic aldehyde showed an active repellent effect against the tick species. Conclusions: This investigation provides knowledge of the olfactory sensilla of Haller’s structure as biosensors behind tick olfaction and the possibility for chemical detection of diverse attractants and repellents for future development of anti-tick compounds. Full article

Background: Food allergy (FA) is associated with dietary habits, antibiotic use, living environment, and delivery method. Pregnancy and lactation represent critical periods for neonatal immune system development. Methods: This study investigated the relationship between maternal dietary habits and FA risk in offspring. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice (8-week-old males and females) were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with fermented apple juice (FAJ) during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were nursed by their respective dams until weaning at 21 days postpartum, followed by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Lipid profiles, acylcarnitines, immunological, and histopathological analyses were performed. Gut microbiota composition and serum markers were also assessed. Results: The findings indicated that maternal HFD had a negative impact on OVA-sensitized offspring mice. Early-life FAJ intervention modulated gut microbiota alterations and alleviated maternal HFD-worsened allergic symptoms through Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immunity balance and intestinal barrier repair. Maternal serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, along with gut microbiota profiles, significantly influenced offspring gut microbiota composition. Moreover, reduced short-chain and medium-chain acylcarnitines in offspring may be associated with increased allergy risk. Conclusions: Maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation disrupted gut microbiota balance and exacerbated offspring FA susceptibility. These findings provide a scientific foundation for developing early-life FA prevention strategies. Full article

Although virtual reality (VR) was originally conceived of as a multi-sensory experience, most developers of the technology have focused on its visual aspects to the detriment of other senses such as hearing. This paper presents design patterns to make virtual reality fully accessible to non-visual users, including totally blind users, especially with non-verbal social interactions. Non-visual VR has been present in the blindness audio game community since the early 2000s, but the conventions from those interfaces have never been described to a sighted audience, outside of a few limited sonification interface papers. This paper presents non-visual design patterns created by five of the top English-speaking audio game developers through a three round Delphi method, encompassing 29 non-verbal social interactions grouped into 12 categories in VR, including movement, emotes, and self-expression. This paper will be useful to developers of VR experiences who wish to represent non-verbal social information to their users through non-visual conventions. These methods have only been rigorously tested through the commercial market, and not through scientific approaches. These design patterns can serve as the foundation for future investigation in exploring non-visual non-verbal social interactions in VR. Full article

Background: Beach volleyball (BVb) is a highly demanding Olympic sport characterized by intense physical activity and unique environmental challenges, including varying weather conditions and sandy, unstable court surfaces. Despite its popularity, there is a notable lack of scientific research addressing the metabolic and immune responses of elite female athletes in this sport. This study aims to address this gap by investigating two world-class Olympic medalists, female BVb players, who represent a country with a rich history in the sport. Methods: Two athletes underwent a simulated competition day consisting of two matches. A standardized protocol was utilized to collect blood and urine samples at seven time points, allowing for analysis throughout the competition and recovery phases. The analysis included various electrolytes, as well as hematological, metabolic, and inflammatory markers. Additionally, we assessed selected hormones, such as insulin, serotonin, ACTH, and cortisol, along with amino acids related to energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Results: Both athletes presented a trend toward electrolyte disturbances, especially hypokalemia, with a mean decrease of 15% and individual values reaching as low as 3.3 mmol/L post-match. This indicates that BVb may pose a risk for such disturbances. Additionally, the matches led to 20% to 60% increases in muscle injury markers, with incomplete recovery even after a day of rest, signaling persistent physiological stress post-competition. This increase was matched by stimulating stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol rose up to 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively), and markers of exercise intensity, such as lactate and ammonium. Moreover, the simulated BVb competition day impacted the amino acid response, with the Fischer ratio (BCAA/AAA) and blood tryptophan decreasing to a minimum of 60% of the initial levels and blood serotonin increasing by up to 180%, which are signs of an increased risk of central fatigue onset, according to the Fischer and Newsholme theory. Conclusions: The responses examined in this exploratory study contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolic and immune demands placed on elite female BVb players, suggesting practical applications. By addressing the similar physiological responses observed among the athletes and emphasizing their unique individual responses—despite following the same protocol under identical conditions and sharing similar life habits for an extended period—this study highlights the critical necessity for the n-of-1 monitoring of athletes. Full article