Search Results (1,347)

Fish pathogens pose significant challenges to aquaculture, causing high mortality and economic losses. Thus, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective identification methods for disease management are needed. Conventional bacterial identification techniques are time-consuming and costly. Raman spectroscopy is an emerging alternative, enabling species differentiation based on molecular signatures. This study investigates surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with principal component analysis with linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to classify three relevant Vibrio species: Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus. SERS spectra from bacterial cultures were analyzed to identify species-specific variations. Distinct clustering was observed, with V. vulnificus showing stronger amide-related signals, V. parahaemolyticus exhibiting higher sulfur-related Raman peaks, and V. alginolyticus showing distinct lipid region signals. The PCA-LDA model achieved 100% classification and 97.06% cross-validation accuracy under standardized laboratory conditions in this controlled proof-of-concept study using spectral replicates obtained from cultured laboratory bacterial stocks. The PLS-DA model showed excellent discriminatory performance (AUC = 1.00), with strong calibration for two species (R² > 0.80) and slightly lower for V. alginolyticus (R² = 0.71). These findings demonstrate that SERS combined with multivariate analysis is a promising approach for rapid and label-free Vibrio identification and classification under controlled laboratory conditions. Full article

Pullulan, a natural microbial polysaccharide composed of repeating maltotriose units, is widely explored as a candidate for advanced cell culture configurations, tissue engineering (TE), and regenerative medicine (RM). Due to its excellent biocompatibility, lack of immunogenicity, and structural flexibility, it serves as a versatile base material. Pristine pullulan exhibits high water solubility and lacks intrinsic signals for cell attachment and proliferation. However, the presence of nine reactive hydroxyl groups per repeating maltotriose unit enables extensive chemical functionalization to address these limitations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of multi-functional design strategies used to tailor pullulan into distinct structural forms, such as hydrogels, porous scaffolds, electrospun fibrous membranes, thin films, 3D-printed scaffolds, and self-assembling nanosystems. Polymer blending, chemical modification, and crosslinking strategies are discussed in relation to scaffold microstructure, pore size, degradation rate, and mechanical properties. In addition, these structural and physicochemical properties are correlated with biological performance, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Pullulan-based materials are particularly suited for applications requiring extensive chemical tunability, such as injectable hydrogels, bioinks, and multifunctional delivery systems. However, their intrinsic bioinertness and limited mechanical strength generally require combination with complementary components to achieve effective cell adhesion and structural stability. Finally, current processing limitations and future strategies are discussed for translating pullulan-based systems into clinical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Valid and culturally adapted instruments are essential for accurately assessing sports nutrition knowledge among coaches, given their influential role in shaping athletes’ dietary behaviors and performance outcomes. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) for Greek certified coaches, while also examining knowledge levels and associated demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 certified coaches representing various sports disciplines. The translation followed a standardized forward–backward procedure with expert panel review to ensure cultural relevance. The psychometric properties of the NSKQ-Gr were evaluated using complementary Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch approaches. Item difficulty, item discrimination, Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20), McDonald’s omega, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) using the WLSMV estimator for dichotomous items were performed. Test–retest reliability was examined via Pearson’s correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical analyses explored associations between nutrition knowledge and demographic and professional characteristics. Results: Item discrimination varied across domains; the strongest performance was observed for the Alcohol domain and the weakest for Weight Management and Sports Nutrition. KR-20 and McDonald’s omega indicated moderate internal consistency for most domains, apart from Weight Management and Sports Nutrition, the reliability of which was lower. The temporal stability was excellent (ICC = 0.998). CFA findings were heterogeneous across domains, whereas Rasch analyses showed generally acceptable item-level fit. Most coaches demonstrated average (56.8%) or poor (32.3%) sports nutrition knowledge. Good or excellent knowledge was demonstrated by only 10.9% of the participants. Knowledge scores differed according to age, certification pathway, previous athletic experience, and several nutrition-related coaching practices. Conclusions: The NSKQ-Gr provides a useful multidomain instrument for assessing sports nutrition knowledge among Greek coaches. The present study extends previous validation work by providing complementary evidence from CTT, CFA, and Rasch modeling, thereby offering a more comprehensive psychometric evaluation of the NSKQ-Gr. The findings indicate that the NSKQ-Gr is a multidomain knowledge assessment instrument suitable for Greek coaches. Future validation studies are encouraged to further refine its psychometric properties. Full article

Burkholderia gladioli pv. cocovenenans (B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans), the most representative pathovar of B. gladioli, is capable of producing thermostable and highly virulent bongkrekic acid, which can result in multiple organ failure and an extremely high case fatality rate in humans. This research aims to mine specific targets for B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans and develop a rapid and accurate assay for the detection of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans in food. Two novel specific target genes (group_0918 and group_0110) were successfully screened through pan-genome analysis, and the excellent specificity and sensitivity of both targets were verified in comparison to PCR assays. Based on these targets, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was developed to specifically identify B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans. In pure culture and spiked fresh black fungus samples, the LAMP assay achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.1 × 10¹ CFU/mL and 4.1 × 10² CFU/g for the detection of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans, respectively. To enable point of care testing, a LAMP-based lateral flow dipstick(LFD) assay was established with a detection sensitivity of 4.1 × 10³ CFU/g in fresh black fungus. Tests on naturally infected food samples demonstrated that the developed LAMP and LAMP-assisted visual detection assays can serve as an effective alternative for the accurate identification of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans. The novel molecular detection technology established in this study offers an efficient and reliable detection method for the prevention and control of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans contamination in food, which holds significant application value and promotion prospects. Full article

Kombucha is a reservoir of health-promoting yeast strains. In this study, molecular characterization of the Kombucha microbiota led to the identification of 52 distinct yeast isolates, highlighting a complex community, where Brettanomyces anomalus was identified as the dominant yeast species. Other key species were identified, such as Pichia membranifaciens, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Starmerella bacillaris, and Meyerozyma guilliermondii. These isolated yeasts were screened for essential probiotic requirements, demonstrating excellent functional traits showing over 80% survival rate under simulated gastric and gastrointestinal conditions. Regarding the surface properties, wide cell hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation capabilities were seen. Broad antioxidant ability and robust antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were observed, highlighting a protective function. Two strains of T. delbrueckii and one strain of Z. bailii stood out as probiotic candidates and were technologically evaluated in different culture combinations: yeast formulation pools using a specialized “probiotic pool” (PP) and a broader “yeast pool” (YP) both yielded successful analytical and sensory profiles. A strain of Lachancea thermotolerans, isolated from a distinct natural matrix, was employed as a technological booster to drive a yeast-based, bacteria-free kombucha. This study confirmed that specialized kombucha yeasts were not just fermentation drivers, but sustainable assets for developing novel functional plant-based probiotic beverages. Full article

Given the urgent need to regulate oxidative stress microenvironments in chronic wound healing, hydrogel dressings that simultaneously integrate antioxidant, antibacterial, mechanically adaptive, and biocompatible properties are highly desirable. In this study, a natural polymer-based composite hydrogel dressing loaded with zinc-quercetin nanozyme (Zn-Q) was designed. The gel skeleton was constructed via a dual network of photocrosslinked methacrylated silk fibroin (SilMA) and mercaptolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) via thiol-ene click chemistry, with the catalase (CAT)-like Zn-Q nanozyme encapsulated in situ within the network, thereby achieving synergy between chemical crosslinking and dynamic metal-polyphenol coordination. Systematic characterization revealed that Zn-Q nanozyme adopted a stable octahedral coordination configuration, and its continuous porous structure exposed abundant catalytically active sites. The composite hydrogels exhibited a highly interconnected, three-dimensional (3D) porous morphology, with swelling ratios that increased significantly with Zn-Q nanozyme content (up to around 1082%). Rheological and mechanical tests demonstrated that although incorporating the nanozyme reduced the storage modulus, the reversible physical crosslinks formed via hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions endowed the material with excellent tensile toughness and energy-dissipation capacity, exhibiting typical Mullins softening behavior. Functional evaluation showed that Zn-Q nanozyme conferred superior free radical scavenging capability to the hydrogels and exerted dose-dependent inhibition against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibited favorable adhesion to various wet organs and heterogeneous material surfaces, with hemolysis rates below 5% and cell viability exceeding 100% after 3 days of culturing with fibroblasts, confirming their excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. This study provides an experimental basis for developing a new type of wound repair materials that integrate antioxidant, anti-infective, and mechanically adaptive properties, holding significant application potential in oxidative stress-related tissue repair fields. Full article

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the abstracts from the 2026 Annual Conference, titled “A New Horizon: Expanding the Access and Impact of Psychosocial Oncology”. The 41st Annual CAPO Conference was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland from 8 June 2026 to 9 June 2026. As we stand at a new horizon in psychosocial oncology, we recognize the unprecedented opportunities to expand both the access to and the impact of comprehensive cancer care. This conference will explore innovative strategies for breaking down traditional barriers that have historically limited access to psychosocial support, including geographic isolation, resource constraints, cultural disparities, and systemic inequities in healthcare delivery. This expansion of reach and influence represents not merely growth in service numbers, but a fundamental transformation in how we conceptualize, design, and implement patient-centered psychosocial care across diverse communities and care settings. We will explore scalable solutions that amplify impact while maintaining the deeply personal, human-centered approach that defines excellence in psychosocial oncology. From telehealth innovations and peer support networks to community-based interventions and integrated care models, this conference will showcase evidence-based strategies that expand our collective ability to support individuals and families navigating the cancer journey, wherever they may be. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over one-hundred and fifty (150) abstracts were submitted for presentation as symposia, 20 min oral presentations, 10 min oral presentations, 90 min workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contributions. Full article

This study investigated the relationships between ambivalent sexism, social roles, and body compassion in Albanian and Italian women. The participants were 251 Albanian and 280 Italian women who completed validated measures assessing hostile and benevolent sexism, social role transcendence, link to social roles, and three subdimensions of body compassion (defusion, common humanity, and acceptance). Path analyses indicated excellent model fit across samples. In Albanian women, hostile sexism negatively predicted social role transcendence and positively predicted a link to social roles, both of which were associated with lower body compassion. Benevolent sexism was positively associated with social role transcendence, which in turn was related to higher body compassion. In contrast, Italian women showed a different pattern: benevolent sexism positively predicted a link to social roles, while social role transcendence and link to social roles were both negatively related to defusion. Age positively predicted defusion and acceptance, highlighting a possible protective effect. Explained variance was higher in the Italian sample, particularly for the link to social roles. Overall, the findings suggest that the pattern of associations between sexist attitudes, social role attitudes, and body compassion was not identical across the two samples. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory evidence from two distinct sociocultural contexts rather than as formal cross-cultural comparisons. Full article

Thailand’s ceramic manufacturing tradition possesses a long and distinguished history, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and capacity for technological adaptation. Traditional Thai ceramics extend beyond their functional purposes, serving as important expressions of indigenous knowledge, craftsmanship, social values, and religious beliefs that have been transmitted across generations. While preserving their distinctive Thai characteristics, these ceramic traditions have continuously evolved through cultural exchanges with neighboring civilizations, particularly China and India, as well as later influences from the West. Among the various decorative techniques employed in Thai ceramics, stamping and hand-painted ornamentation are recognized as two of the most significant methods, contributing to the aesthetic and cultural value of ceramic works. These techniques enable ceramic products to embody both artistic expression and practical functionality by harmoniously integrating aesthetic design with reliable craftsmanship. In contemporary manufacturing environments, traditional stamping and painting methods are increasingly integrated with semi-automated processes and advanced ceramic machinery to enhance production efficiency while preserving cultural authenticity. This study proposes an Internet of Things (IoT)-based control system for ceramic stamping and painting machines, designed to support remote operation, real-time monitoring, and performance evaluation, with particular attention given to response time and error characteristics. By incorporating sensors, controllers, and networked communication technologies into ceramic manufacturing equipment, the proposed system establishes a meaningful connection between intelligent automation and traditional artistic practices. Full article

Approximately half of Japanese patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have epi-dermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations. Therefore, EGFR is the most critical therapeutic target in treating LUAD. This study’s purpose is to explore novel therapeutic targets for LUAD and further improve EGFR inhibitor combination therapy. We created microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures from clinical specimens of LUAD patients harboring EGFR gene mutations using RNA sequencing. Based on the miRNA signature, we focused on miR-206, which had the most downregulated expression. We searched for its target gene in LUAD cells by facilitating transfection of miR-206 into the EGFR mutant cell line PC9 and searching for genes with suppressed expression. A total of 821 genes were downregulated in PC9 cells. Through molecular classification of these genes, we revealed that 18 genes were closely related to the cell cycle. Among these genes, we focused on cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and investigated the synergistic effects of a CDK4/6 inhibitor (abemaciclib or palbociclib) and osimertinib, an EGFR inhibitor in LUAD cells. In vitro and three-dimensional culture analyses showed that combination therapy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and an EGFR inhibitor synergistically suppressed proliferation of LUAD cells with EGFR mutations. Our miRNA-based analysis is an excellent strategy for identifying therapeutic targets for LUAD. Continued analysis will reveal target molecules that enhance the therapeutic effects of EGFR inhibitors. Full article

Teachers’ socio-emotional competencies are increasingly recognized as essential for professional well-being, adaptive teaching, and effective participation in digitally transforming educational systems. However, valid and culturally appropriate instruments for assessing these competencies among teachers remain limited, particularly in multilingual and underrepresented educational contexts. This study aimed to adapt the Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI) for teachers in Kazakhstan and to examine its preliminary psychometric properties and socio-emotional competency profiles. The instrument was translated and culturally adapted into Kazakh and Russian using a TRAPD-based (Translation, Review, Adjudication, Pretesting, and Documentation) procedure involving translation, review, adjudication, pretesting, and documentation. Data were collected from 1458 school teachers across Kazakhstan representing different subject areas and language groups. After data-quality screening, the final analytic sample included 918 valid observations. Reliability analyses demonstrated excellent total-scale internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; McDonald’s ω = 0.94), while domain-level reliability ranged from moderate to acceptable (α = 0.60–0.76; ω = 0.73–0.81). Exploratory factor analysis suggested an empirical eight-factor structure rather than a direct replication of the original BESSI framework, indicating that socio-emotional competencies may be organized differently in teacher populations. Model-based clustering identified four exploratory teacher profiles reflecting different configurations of self-management, emotional regulation, interpersonal, and innovation-related competencies. The profiles differed not only in overall competency levels but also in specific patterns of strengths and developmental needs. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of the adapted BESSI as a promising research and diagnostic instrument for assessing teachers’ socio-emotional competencies in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the results indicate the need for further confirmatory validation, measurement invariance testing, and external validity evidence before broader application. Full article

Background: Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a complex global public health threat requiring validated tools for its assessment globally. This study aimed to evaluate an extended adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) among Greek-speaking adults. Methods: This study evaluated a newly developed extended version of a widely used aVHS, incorporating five additional items on long-term safety, risk–benefit evaluation, vaccine-related harm, scientific credibility, and perceived alternatives, on a cross-sectional sample of 491 adults in Greece and Cyprus. Cross-cultural adaptation of the extended aVHS involved translation, back-translation, and pilot testing. Structural validity was assessed using parallel analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability using Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Criterion validity was assessed against focus-group classification using ROC analysis in 68 participants. Results: A one-factor EFA solution appeared the most parsimonious, showing strong loadings for the original and extended aVHS (0.67–0.86 and 0.65–0.87), with similar explained variance (60.31% and 60.06%). The one-factor solution was confirmed by parallel analysis for both scales. Internal consistency was excellent, and slightly higher for the extended than the original aVHS (α = 0.95; ω = 0.95 vs. α = 0.92; ω = 0.93). The five newly added items performed strongly, with item–rest correlations of 0.69–0.85 and loadings of 0.72–0.87. Criterion validity was excellent, with a slightly higher AUC (0.991 vs. 0.981) and numerically higher classification performance for the extended than the original aVHS. Conclusions: The extended aVHS is a psychometrically coherent tool that improves the performance of the original scale among Greek-speaking individuals. This scale may enhance VH surveillance, aiding targeted vaccination communication strategies. Full article

Rapid and accurate identification of Candida species is critical for guiding antifungal therapy, especially with the emergence of intrinsically resistant pathogens. However, diagnostics using culture-based methods remain slow and labor-intensive, limiting timely treatment decisions. This systematic review evaluated the diagnostic performance and clinical applicability of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Candida species identification using a PubMed search completed on 23 June 2025. A total of 888 records were screened, 333 full-text articles were assessed, and 158 studies were included based on criteria including comparison with standard diagnostic methods, diagnostic performance reporting, and involvement of clinical samples. PCR-based approaches were the most widely used, including conventional, nested, multiplex, real-time, and droplet digital PCR. Isothermal methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) were increasingly represented. Common molecular targets included the ITS and 18S/28S rDNA regions. The risk of bias assessment was completed with the QUADAS-2 tool. Diagnostic performance varied depending on assay design, specimen type, gene target, and reference method. Excellent specificity and low limits of detection were achieved, especially with isothermal platforms offering the shortest turnaround times and greatest potential for point-of-care implementation. Multiplex assays were particularly advantageous for detecting mixed-species samples, while highly specific assays were optimal for distinguishing clinically important species such as Candidozyma auris, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Pichia kudriavzevii. Overall, NAATs represent a promising diagnostic tool for Candida species identification, but broader clinical adoption will require improved standardization, validation across diverse patient populations, and clearer interpretation of fungal burden in the context of colonization versus infection. Full article

Pleurotus is a genus of edible mushrooms widely cultivated worldwide on various substrates under controlled conditions. Its exceptional adaptability allows the production of biomass with increased macronutrient and mycochemical content. It is an excellent source of crude fiber and polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, which are present in the dry mass of fruiting bodies, estimated as a percentage by weight (10.3% and 25.9%, respectively). The Pleurotus genus possesses a unique mycochemical profile, with numerous studies confirming its antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, and immunomodulatory activities. In the last 10 years, approximately 30 types of polysaccharides were isolated from Pleurotus spp., and their preliminary structures have been studied; however, their fine structures have rarely been reported. The polysaccharides showed immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and hypolipidemic activities, as well as regulation of intestinal flora, although the underlying mechanisms require further study. The unique potential of polysaccharides from Pleurotus spp. can be used as precursors of bioactive layers on various surfaces, including biomaterials, implants, medical devices and cosmetics. This paper reviews the state of the art and describes selected properties of polysaccharides derived from in vitro biomass from Pleurotus spp. cultures as a component of layer materials with confirmed antimicrobial activity. The mechanism of action of these polysaccharide layers on selected microorganisms is described. Pleurotus spp. are among the most valuable and common edible mushrooms species with polysaccharides being one of their active components. Their unique structures, biological activities and structure–activity relationships have been analyzed and discussed to explore future research directions and application prospects. Full article

Public spaces in Iraqi cities carry social memory, daily trade, and civic trust; therefore, post-conflict reconstruction must be evaluated through social performance as well as physical repair. This study develops a user-satisfaction framework for sustainable and resilient public space reconstruction in post-conflict Iraq. A convergent mixed-methods design was used, combining literature and site analysis with Likert-scale surveys of residents and experts in two public-commercial case studies: Eskan Bazaar and Najafi Street. The resident survey included 901 valid respondent records (Eskan Bazaar, n = 451; Najafi Street, n = 450), and the expert survey included 89 respondent records (Eskan Bazaar, n = 48; Najafi Street, n = 41). The analysis used weighted means, standard deviations, medians, percentage agreement, site comparison, and reliability testing. Cronbach’s Alpha showed acceptable to excellent internal consistency for the local surveys (0.79 and 0.91) and excellent internal consistency for the expert surveys (0.93 for both sites). Results show that Najafi Street scored higher than Eskan Bazaar across all local factors, especially cultural preservation (3.15 versus 2.71) and accessibility (2.57 versus 2.30), while accessibility remained the weakest local dimension in both cases. Expert results similarly favored Najafi Street, particularly for cultural preservation (3.28 versus 2.83) and accessibility (3.26 versus 2.94). The findings were translated into a five-pillar framework covering community engagement, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, economic revitalization, and adaptive resilience. The framework is preliminarily validated through construct reliability, cross-case application, expert-local triangulation, and monitoring indicators, while future post-occupancy testing is recommended. Full article