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Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), or gliflozins, have recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure, representing a revolutionary therapeutic tool. The purpose of this review is to explore their multifaceted mechanisms of actions, beyond their known glucose reduction power. The cardioprotective effects of gliflozins seem to be linked to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and to an action on the main metabolic pathways. They improve the oxygen supply for cardiomyocytes with a considerable impact on both functional and morphological myocardial aspects. Moreover, multiple molecular actions of SGLT2i are being discovered, such as the reduction of both inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis, all responsible for myocardial damage. Various studies showed controversial results concerning the role of SGLT2i in reverse cardiac remodeling and the lowering of natriuretic peptides, suggesting that their overall effect has yet to be fully understood. In addition to this, advanced imaging studies evaluating the effect on all four cardiac chambers are lacking. Further studies will be needed to better understand the real impact of their administration, their use in daily practice and how they can contribute to benefits in terms of reverse cardiac remodeling.

Objective  To investigate the impact of sleep quality on postural control in teachers. Methods  Cross-sectional study with 41 schoolteachers (mean age 45.7 ± 10.4 years). Sleep quality was assessed in two ways: objectively (through actigraphy), and subjectively (through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Postural control was assessed in an upright posture during 3 trials of 30s (bipedal and semitandem stances in rigid and foam surfaces with eyes open) with a period of rest across trials, on a force platform, based in the center of pressure measurements in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Results  The prevalence of poor sleep quality in this study sample was 53.7% ( n  = 22). No differences were found between Poor and Good sleep in the posturographic parameters (p > 0.05). Although, there was moderate correlation between postural control in the semitandem stance and subjective sleep efficiency for center of pressure area (rs = -0.424; p  = 0.006) and amplitude in anteroposterior direction (rs = -0.386; p  = 0.013). Discussion  There is correlation between poor sleep quality and postural control in schoolteachers, as sleep efficiency decreases, postural sway increases. Poor sleep quality and postural control were investigated in other populations, but not in teachers. Several factors such as work overload, insufficient time for physical activities, among others, can contribute to a worse perception of sleep quality, as well as deterioration in postural control. Further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these findings., (Brazilian Sleep Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

This study explores the use of silica-coated bacterial nanocellulose (BC) scaffolds with bulk macroscopic yet nanometric internal pores/structures as functional supports for high surface area titania aerogel photocatalysts to design flexible, self-standing, porous, and recyclable BC@SiO 2 -TiO 2 hybrid organic-inorganic aerogel membranes for effective in-flow photo-assisted removal of organic pollutants. The hybrid aerogels were prepared by sequential sol-gel deposition of the SiO 2 layer over BC, followed by coating of the resulting BC@SiO 2 membranes with a porous titania aerogel overlayer of high surface area using epoxide-driven gelation, hydrothermal crystallization, and subsequent supercritical drying. The silica interlayer between the nanocellulose biopolymer scaffold and the titania photocatalyst was found to greatly influence the structure and composition, particularly the TiO 2 loading, of the prepared hybrid aerogel membranes, allowing the development of photochemically stable aerogel materials with increased surface area/pore volume and higher photocatalytic activity. The optimized BC@SiO 2 -TiO 2 hybrid aerogel showed up to 12 times faster in-flow photocatalytic removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution in comparison with bare BC/TiO 2 aerogels and outperformed most of the supported-titania materials reported earlier. Moreover, the developed hybrid aerogels were successfully employed to remove sertraline drug, a model emergent contaminant, from aqueous solution, thus further demonstrating their potential for water purification.

Climate change is a significant driver of human migration, especially in vulnerable regions like Somalia. This study investigates the relationship between climate variables—average annual precipitation, temperature, and CO₂ emissions—and net migration in Somalia, using time series data from 1990 to 2020. Additionally, it examines the role of population growth as a factor influencing migration. Applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, this research captures both short- and long-term dynamics, providing insights into how environmental and demographic factors impact migration in this climate-sensitive region. The results indicate that favorable rainfall conditions positively influence net migration, as improved agricultural productivity stabilizes livelihoods, reducing pressures to migrate. In contrast, increased CO₂ emissions, associated with environmental degradation, negatively impact migration by limiting financial capacity, creating a "trapped population" effect. Population growth also intensifies migration pressures by increasing competition for limited resources. Interestingly, temperature variations do not significantly influence migration, possibly due to adaptive strategies or resilience to temperature fluctuations in the region. These findings underscore the need for policies focused on enhancing agricultural resilience, restoring degraded environments, and creating economic opportunities to reduce migration pressures in Somalia. Investments in sustainable land use, climate adaptation, and population management strategies are essential to address the complex challenges of climate-induced migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, although many of its urban centers, including Woldia, the capital of the North Wollo Zone, are undergoing rapid growth. Woldia has recently faced significant urban challenges due to its expanding horizontal growth. One of the major issues associated with this growth is the increasing demand for land and space, driven by population pressure, largely attributed to migration. This migration has led to the annexation of agricultural land at the rural periphery, further contributing to the town's horizontal expansion. This study aims to explore the key drivers behind the horizontal growth of Woldia, particularly in its peripheral areas. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of 395 respondents, complemented by key informant interviews and secondary data sources. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods were employed. The findings indicate that poor social services and poverty in migrants' areas of origin are the primary push factors. Conversely, improved social infrastructure and job opportunities at the destination are the main pull factors. Consequently, the influx of migrants has resulted in significant pressure on peri-urban areas, where housing availability and accessibility remain limited. The study recommends that local government officials and urban planners enhance their understanding of migration dynamics to effectively manage the town's spatial expansion and address the challenges of accommodating a growing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of geotextiles as filter materials in various systems, such as biofilters, wetlands, and wastewater treatment plants, has grown significantly in recent years. The ability of these materials to support biofilm growth makes them ideal for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants present in wastewater. The objective of this research was to analyze clogging through variations in permeability, using column tests for 80 days with two types of nonwoven geotextiles with different grammages (GT120 and GT300), as well as to study the efficiency in the removal of organic matter. A synthetic wastewater was used, allowing the specific observation of biological clogging and the treatment carried out exclusively by microorganisms. The results indicated that bioclogging was not a significant factor within the experimental period. Through the mass test, a continuous increase in biofilm growth over time was observed for both geotextiles. For scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, GT300 presented a larger biofilm area. A higher removal of COD (80%), N (52%), and P (36%) by microorganisms present in GT300 was found, which appears to be associated with its greater thickness and weight. The higher mesh density provides a larger area for the growth of microorganisms, allowing a greater amount of biomass to establish itself and contributing to the efficient removal of pollutants. These findings highlight the potential of using geotextile filters in wastewater treatment applications, where biofilm growth can positively contribute to contaminant removal without immediately compromising permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with other organs in the body, the human brain is extremely sensitive to changes in O2 and CO2 levels. This study applied functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to analyze the changes in cerebral oxygen saturation (COS) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in response to various atmospheric gas concentrations and investigate their effects on brain function. Twenty-nine adults were exposed to four gas conditions, namely atmospheric concentration (C1), high O2 concentration (C2), high CO2 concentration (C3), and high O2 and CO2 concentrations (C4). Changes in COS and Hb concentrations were measured using fNIRS, whereas heart rate (HR) and percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured using a patient monitor. COS, oxy-Hb (HbO), and total-Hb (HbT) increased progressively from C1 to C4, whereas deoxy-Hb (HbR) exhibited a decreasing trend. Moreover, the COS and Hb concentrations were more strongly influenced by high CO2 levels than by high O2 levels. High O2 concentrations increased the blood O2 saturation, whereas high CO2 concentrations increased blood flow as a physiological response, enhancing O2 delivery to the brain. Additionally, HR and SpO2 increased at high CO2 concentrations. However, at high O2 concentrations providing a sufficient O2 supply, SpO2 increased while HR decreased. Therefore, adjusting the concentrations of CO2 and O2 may improve cerebral blood flow and change brain function, supporting cerebrovascular health and preventing related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of laboratory tests conducted to identify the granulometric stabilization and chemical improvement techniques used in an experimental segment of the unpaved BR-030 highway in the Maraú Peninsula, Bahia. The segment was designed to evaluate the performance of primary coating sections stabilized with sand, clayey gravel, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and simple graded crushed stone (GCS), as well as chemically improved with Portland cement and hydrated lime. The laboratory campaign focused on mechanical resistance, resilient modulus, and permanent deformation tests. In this research, chemical improvement with the addition of 2% Portland cement presented the most promising results for potential application in the section of the BR-030 highway intended to remain unpaved. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that mechanical stabilization of the primary coating has the lowest environmental impacts, making it a suitable and sustainable option among stabilization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome that requires tailored and patient-centered treatment. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) constitute one of the four pillars of the medical treatment of HF. However, the 2023 ESC guidelines treat HF as a single entity without making clear distinctions in phenotypes according to etiology. This creates a "gap in knowledge", causing much debate about the applicability of these drugs in peculiar clinical settings that are etiological and/or predisposing clinical conditions for HF. Furthermore, considering the variety of etiologies and different pathophysiological backgrounds of HF, one might question whether the use of SGLT2is is equally beneficial in all types of HF and whether certain drug-related properties may be exploited in different contexts. For example, SGLT2is can improve the metabolic and inflammatory state, which is fundamental in ischemic heart disease. Anti-inflammatory power can also play a paramount role in myocarditis or cardiotoxicity, while improving the congestive state and reducing filling pressure may be even more fundamental in restrictive heart disease or advanced heart disease. This review aims to gather the evidence currently present in the literature concerning the advantages or the disadvantages of using these drugs in these particular clinical settings, with the goal being an optimized and highly personalized treatment for HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why, and to what extent, must taxpayers share the costs of raising children with parents? The most influential argument over this question has been the public goods argument : Taxpayers must share costs with parents because and to the extent that child-rearing contributes toward public goods by helping to develop valuable human capital. However, political theorists have not examined the public goods argument in a context in which replacement migration is available: If replacement migration can provide valuable human capital more efficiently than child-rearing, can the public goods argument still justify a taxpayer obligation to share the costs of child-rearing? This article argues that there are importantly different versions of the public goods argument, and that on a plausible version of that argument, it can withstand the replacement migration challenge under most circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion has been causing an imbalance in nature and the environment. It is mainly caused naturally but is also due to human interventions leading to desertification and possible contamination. Therefore, engineering, geography, and cartography have been allies in applying erosion models to predict, address, and remediate the impacts. Therefore, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) linked to Geographic Information Systems (GISs) could boost decision making as tools to mitigate issues. This study applies the RUSLE and SWAT models from a geotechnical point of view to analyze a sub-watershed at Idanha-a-Nova (Portugal) over 4 years, showing a predominant erosion risk class with losses lower than 5 t.ha−1.year−1 (60 to 86%), characterized as very low risk. The modeling permitted the development of soils erosion susceptibility charts, in addition to material availability and the suitability for construction areas, exposing a replicable methodology that could contribute to minimizing environmental impacts while encouraging a more intelligent use of the land towards a greener exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a pilot study on the treatment of sludge from a water treatment plant in the city of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, to ensure further disposal. The main objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of sludge drying by natural and artificial methods. The qualitative characteristics of the leachate from the dewatering unit, the chemical composition of the dried sludge and the granulometric analysis of the dried sludge were also studied. The greatest reduction in moisture content was recorded for drying in natural conditions (2.1%), but this process required the longest drying time. The leachate obtained from sludge dewatering was characterized by significant contamination (e.g., turbidity—55.65 on average, color—67.7, total Fe—5.15 mg/L, total N—79.6 mg/L, COD—311 mg/L, BOD—336.15 mg/L), which indicates the need for its pretreatment before further management in the technological system of the treatment station. The content of chemical substances contained in the dry residue of the sludge was also determined, of which aluminum was 0.94–13.8 mg/kg, silicon was 50.24–146.3 mg/kg, potassium was 1.72–5.51. mg/kg, calcium was 71.8–79.1 mg/kg, iron was 2.0–7.54 mg/kg and nickel was 0.9–4.4 mg/kg. A particle size analysis of the dried sludge showed that the majority fractions were fine and very fine sand, with a total of 20.2%, and silt and clay, with a total of 78.3%. Such properties justify the rationality of considering the reuse of dried sludge as a raw material for making, for example, construction materials or soil remediation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has been a widely concerned issue for decades. As the key policy target, the economic impact caused by climate change has received general attention from scholars and governments around the world. For the number of literatures is huge and the relationships among the literatures are not clear, we aim to clarify the research hotpots and the research trends of current literatures and provide inspiration for the development directions of future research in this paper. Using the bibliometric method, this paper characterizes the literatures on the economic impact of climate change based on the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. The results reveal that the USA occupies the leading position of the studies, which publishes most documents, and contains the most productive institutes and well-known scholars. From 2009, the number of documents published by a Chinese scholar started to increase rapidly, which makes China the second most productive country in recent years. The journals both belong to the WoS Categories of economics and environmental sciences and tend to publish more literatures than others. Adaptation, vulnerability, uncertainty, economic growth, climate policy, ecosystem service, energy consumption, renewable energy, food security, and land use are the representative keywords that have both high frequency and high centrality. Potential benefits, fat-tailed risk, social cost, international migration, and sustainable intensification are the top five main research hotspots. Based on the citation network of the top 50 documents with the highest local citation score, four research trends are sorted out: (i) the methodological innovation to monetized estimate the economic impact of climate change, (ii) the effect of current and future adaptive measures on agriculture, (iii) the interactional relationship between induced technological change and carbon tax, and (iv) the effect on labor market caused by climate change., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Post-COVID-19 condition is recognized as a multifactorial disorder, with persistent presence of viral antigens, discordant immunity, delayed viral clearance, and chronic inflammation. Obesity has emerged as an independent risk factor for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its subsequent sequelae. In this study, we aimed to predict the molecular mechanisms linking obesity and post-COVID-19 distress. Viral antigen-exposed adipose tissues display remarkable levels of viral receptors, facilitating viral entry, deposition, and chronic release of inflammatory mediators and cells in patients. Subsequently, obesity-associated inflammatory insults are predicted to disturb cellular and humoral immunity by triggering abnormal cell differentiation and lymphocyte exhaustion. In particular, the decline in SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and T-cell exhaustion due to chronic inflammation may account for delayed virus clearance and persistent activation of inflammatory responses. Taken together, obesity-associated defective immunity is a critical control point of intervention against post-COVID-19 progression, particularly in subjects with chronic metabolic distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer screening is a critical public health measure, especially vital for underserved communities where disparities in access and outcomes are pronounced. Despite the life-saving potential of regular screening, numerous barriers--including geographical isolation, cultural and linguistic challenges, and socioeconomic factors--severely hinder accessibility for these populations. Multicancer early detection (MCED) tests emerge as a potentially effective intervention, offering a less invasive, more accessible approach that could transform how screenings are conducted. This paper explores the existing challenges in traditional cervical cancer screening methods, the potential of MCED tests to address these barriers, and the implications of these technologies for global health equity. Through a comprehensive review, we highlight the need for culturally sensitive, tailored interventions and the importance of effectively overcoming logistical and financial difficulties to implement MCED tests. Despite the promise shown by MCED tests, the paper acknowledges significant implementation challenges, including cost, logistical obstacles, and the need for cultural acceptance and validation studies. This study emphasizes the necessity for equitable MCED test implementation strategies, highlighting the potential of these innovative technologies to advance global health equity in cervical cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose in the nano regime, defined as nanocellulose, has been intensively used for water treatment. Nanocellulose can be produced in various forms, including colloidal, water redispersible powders, films, membranes, papers, hydrogels/aerogels, and three-dimensional (3D) objects. They were reported for the removal of water contaminants, e.g., heavy metals, dyes, drugs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microbial cells, and other pollutants from water systems. This review summarized the recent technologies for water treatment using nanocellulose-based materials. A scientometric analysis of the topic was also included. Cellulose-based materials enable the removal of water contaminants, and salts offer advanced technologies for water desalination. They are widely used as substrates, adsorbents, and catalysts. They were applied for pollutant removal via several methods such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, coagulation/flocculation, chemical precipitation, sedimentation, filtration (e.g., ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF)), electrofiltration (electrodialysis), ion-exchange, chelation, catalysis, and photocatalysis. Processing cellulose into commercial products enables the wide use of nanocellulose-based materials as adsorbents and catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid the escalating global climatic challenges, hydrological risks significantly influence human settlement patterns, underscoring the imperative for an in-depth comprehension of hydrological change's ramifications on human migration. However, predominant research has been circumscribed to the national level. The study delves into the nonlinear effects of hydrological risks on migration dynamics in 46,776 global subnational units. Meanwhile, leveraging remote sensing, we procured globally consistent metrics of hydrological intrusion exposure, offering a holistic risk assessment encompassing hazard, exposure, and vulnerability dimensions, thus complementing previous work. Here, we show that exposure is the primary migration driver, surpassing socioeconomic factors. Surrounding disparities further intensified exposure's impact. Vulnerable groups, especially the economically disadvantaged and elderly, tend to remain in high-risk areas, with the former predominantly migrating within proximate vicinities. The nonlinear analysis delineates an S-shaped trajectory for hydrological exposure, transitioning from resistance to migration and culminating in entrapment, revealing dependence on settlement resilience and adaptability. Hydrological risks drive migration more than socioeconomic factors. Vulnerable groups often stay in high-risk areas or migrate nearby. The study reveals an S-shaped migration pattern influenced by settlement resilience and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Physical disabilities may exacerbate the natural decline in sleep quality that occurs with aging. In the current study, we assessed sleep quality and medicinal sleep aid use among 87 community-dwelling older adults with (n = 24) and without (n = 63) physical disabilities. Method: Sleep quality, duration, and efficiency were assessed subjectively with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep duration and efficiency were objectively measured with actigraphy. Participants self-reported medicinal sleep aid use. Results: Significant group differences were observed in sleep duration measured objectively (p = 0.01) and subjectively (p = 0.04). No other group differences were observed for sleep factors (p > 0.05) or medicinal sleep aid use (p = 0.41). Conclusion: Findings show that physical disability may be a factor in sleep duration; however, physical disability was not found to be associated with worsened sleep perception or greater reliance on medicinal sleep aids. Future research should consider longer objective actigraphy assessment windows and explore potential subgroup differences in sex and race/ethnicity. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(7), 12–18.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water treatment sludge (WTS) is the residue produced during water treatment processes for public use. Exploring the reintroduction of these wastes into the production chain to generate new, value-added materials presents a current challenge. This could promote their reuse and reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with their disposal. This study assessed the technical feasibility of using aluminum-based WTS to partially replace silty sand soil in mixtures that include two stabilizers (hydrated lime and Portland cement), potentially for use in road pavements. After conducting a thorough physical, chemical, and geotechnical characterization of both the soil and the sludge, bench-scale experiments were carried out to test the mixtures' resistance, with WTS proportions of 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, stabilized with either lime or cement. The findings confirm that WTS does not contain potentially toxic elements, according to Brazilian standards, and all tested composites appear suitable for paving. However, the mechanical resistance of the soil–sludge–cement mixtures decreases as the WTS content increases, with an optimum California bearing ratio (CBR) of 41.50% achieved at a 5% WTS addition. Meanwhile, incorporating 15% WTS into soil–sludge–lime mixtures resulted in the highest CBR value of 21.25% for this type of mixture. It is concluded that incorporating stabilizers into soil–WTPS mixtures for road construction allows for an increased percentage of WTPS in silty-sandy soils. Further studies are recommended with different soil types and the addition of fibers to the mixes, to assess the long-term performance of the structure, along with economic and environmental analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the robustness of the "natalist bias" of pollution control in de la Croix and Gosseries (J Environ Econ Manage 63:271–287, 2012), according to which taxing emissions encourage agents to shift from production to procreation, further deteriorating the environment and gradually impoverishing the next generations. We relax the assumptions that human capital does not depend on environmental quality and that society does not allocate resources to pollution control. Using a similar Overlapping Generations (OLG) growth model, our findings indicate that taxation does not necessarily encourage agents to permanently shift away from production because living under better environmental conditions enhances productivity through human capital formation. As the government increases the emissions price, agents reduce consumption and education spending, hurting output in the short term. However, in the long run, the reduction in emissions that follows taxation more than compensates for the initial adverse effects, provided that the sensitivity of human capital accumulation to environmental degradation is strong enough. Furthermore, as we increase the coefficient capturing such pollution externality, a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation occurs, making the system compatible with persistent endogenous fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases of tinnitus have been reported following administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The aim of this study was to characterize COVID-19 vaccinationrelated tinnitus to assess whether there is a causal relationship, and to examine potential risk factors for COVID-19 vaccination-related tinnitus. We analyzed a survey on 398 cases of COVID-19 vaccination-related tinnitus, and 699,839 COVID-19 vaccine-related reports in the Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System (VAERS) database that was retrieved on 4 December 2021. We found that following COVID-19 vaccination, 1) tinnitus report frequencies for Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines in VAERS are 47, 51 and 70 cases per million full vaccination; 2) the symptom onset was often rapid; 3)more women thanmen reported tinnitus and the sex difference increased with age; 4) for 2-dose vaccines, the frequency of tinnitus was higher following the first dose than the second dose; 5) for 2-dose vaccines, the chance of worsening tinnitus symptoms after second dose was approximately 50%; 6) tinnitus was correlated with other neurological and psychiatric symptoms; 7) preexisting metabolic syndromes were correlated with the severity of the reported tinnitus. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of tinnitus, and metabolic disorders is a risk factor for COVID-19 vaccination-related tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing awareness of the importance of a clean and sustainable environment, coupled with the rapid growth of both population and technology, has instilled in people a strong inclination to address the issue of wastewater treatment. This global concern has prompted individuals to prioritize the proper management and purification of wastewater. Organic pollutants are very persistent and due to their destructive effects, it is necessary to remove them from wastewater. In the last decade, porous organic polymers (POPs) have garnered interest among researchers due to their effectiveness in removing various types of pollutants. Porous biopolymers seem to be suitable candidates among POPs. Sustainable consumption and environmental protection, as well as reducing the consumption of toxic chemicals, are the advantages of using biopolymers in the preparation of effective composites to remove pollutants. Composites containing porous biopolymers, like other POPs, can remove various pollutants through absorption, membrane filtration, or oxidative and photocatalytic effects. Although composites based on porous biopolymers shown relatively good performance in removing pollutants, their insufficient strength limits their performance. On the other hand, in comparison with other POPs, including covalent organic frameworks, they have weaker performance. Therefore, porous organic biopolymers are generally used in composites with other compounds. Therefore, it seems necessary to research the performance of these composites and investigate the reasons for using composite components. This review exhaustively investigates the recent progress in the use of composites containing porous biopolymers in the removal of organic pollutants in the form of adsorbents, membranes, catalysts, etc. Information regarding the mechanism, composite functionality, and the reasons for using each component in the construction of composites are discussed. The following provides a vision of future opportunities for the preparation of porous composites from biopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial nanocellulose hydrogels offer a versatile platform and promising porous support for the integration of inorganic photoactive nanostructures, enabling the design of functional hybrid and nanocomposite materials for water treatment and purification. However, the impact of different drying methods on the resulting hybrid gels needs to be investigated to optimize their photocatalytic and adsorptive performance. In this study, we present the preparation of hybrid BC/MoS2 membranes and sphere-like particles through the exploration of biosynthesis routes and hydrothermal modification. We systematically evaluated the effects of conventional heat drying (HD), freeze-drying (FD), and CO2 supercritical drying (SCD) on the structural and textural properties of pristine BC and hybrid BC/MoS2 membranes and sphere-like particles. The prepared materials were characterized using SEM, XRD, and N2 physisorption analysis. Material characterization revealed that hydrothermally grown semiconductor MoS2 nanosheets are successfully incorporated along the BC nanofibrils, while the BC scaffold maintains its open porous structure in SCD-dried membranes and sphere-like particles. Both SCD and FD methods effectively preserved the pore structure of membranes, resulting in materials with high specific surface area and pore volume. Conversely, drying the membranes using the heat drying (HD) method led to pore collapse and a drastic decrease in surface area. However, the FD method could not produce crack-free membranes. Among the sphere-like particle samples, only the SCD method was capable of producing materials with a high surface area and an open porous structure. Prepared SCD-dried BC/MoS2 hybrid aerogel sphere-like particles exhibited high adsorption capacity towards MB dye and Pb2+ contaminants, while SCD-dried hybrid membranes were explored for adsorptive filtration and for in-flow photo-assisted water purification. This study underscores the crucial role of drying methods in the preparation of nanocellulose-based hybrid and nanocomposite materials for water purification purposes. Highlights: Biosynthesis/hydrothermal method for preparation of BC/MoS2 sphere-like particles and membranes Systematic evaluation of drying methods effect on structural and textural properties SCD and FD maintain membrane pore structure, high surface area and high pore volume Only SCD yields crack-free aerogel membranes and high surface area sphere-like particles Drying methods crucial for hybrid materials performance for in-flow photocatalysis and adsorption [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced oxidation processes, including photocatalysis, have been proven effective at organic dye degradation. Tailored porous materials with regulated pore size, shape, and morphology offer a sustainable solution to the water pollution problem by acting as support materials to grafted photocatalytic nanoparticles (NPs). This research investigated the influence of pore and particle sizes of photocatalytic MICROSCAFS® on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution (10 mg/L). Photocatalytic MICROSCAFS® are made of binder-less supported P25 TiO2 NPs within MICROSCAFS®, which are silica–titania microspheres with a controlled size and interconnected macroporosity, synthesized by an adapted sol–gel method that involves a polymerization-induced phase separation process. Photocatalytic experiments were performed both in batch and flow reactors, with this latter one targeting a proof of concept for continuous transformation processes and real-life conditions. Photocatalytic degradation of 87% in 2 h (batch) was achieved, using a calibrated solar light simulator (1 sun) and a photocatalyst/pollutant mass ratio of 23. This study introduces a novel flow kinetic model which provides the modeling and simulation of the photocatalytic MICROSCAFS® performance. A scavenger study was performed, enabling an in-depth mechanistic understanding. Finally, the transformation products resulting from the MO photocatalytic degradation were elucidated by high-resolution mass spectrometry experiments and subjected to an in silico toxicity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels have emerged as appealing materials for various applications due to their unique features, such as low density, high porosity, high surface area, and low thermal conductivity. Aiming to bring the advantages of these materials to the environmental field, this study focuses on synthesizing magnetic silica aerogel-based films suitable for water decontamination. In this respect, a novel microfluidic platform was created to obtain core-shell iron oxide nanoparticles that were further incorporated into gel-forming precursor solutions. Afterward, dip-coating deposition was utilized to create thin layers of silica-based gels, which were further processed by 15-hour gelation time, solvent transfer, and further CO2 desiccation. A series of physicochemical analyses (XRD, HR-MS FT-ICR, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, and EDS) were performed to characterize the final films and intermediate products. The proposed advanced imaging experimental model for film homogeneity and adsorption characteristics confirmed uniform aerogel film deposition, nanostructured surface, and ability to remove pesticides from contaminated water samples. Based on thorough investigations, it was concluded that the fabricated magnetic aerogel-based thin films are promising candidates for water decontamination and novel solid-phase extraction sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a case involving a 37-year-old woman discovered in an operating freezer. Suicide hypothesis has been considered from the beginning. Due to the exceptional scene circumstances, a forensic autopsy was performed. Apart from some non-specific hypothermia and asphyxia signs, the autopsy revealed several skull fractures, prompting extensive anatomopathological and histological analyses. These analyses confirmed the fractures origin and determined whether they were ante-mortem or post-mortem, thus ruling out the possibility of a criminal act disguised as suicide. The authors also describe the challenges in determining the cause of death, particularly the issues related to the post-mortem diagnosis of lethal hypothermia and asphyxia. This case is the first in the literature to describe suicide by exposure to cold in a confined environment. It highlights the importance of close collaboration between forensic pathologists, histologists, toxicologists, and police investigators to answer judicial inquiries., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: Not applicable. Research involving human participants and/or animals: Not applicable. Informed consent: Not applicable. Consent to publish: Not applicable. Competing interests: No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Globally, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among all female cancers. Hereditary factors only account for 5-10% of breast cancers, highlighting the importance of non-hereditary factors, such as obesity. The increasing prevalence of obesity underscores the need to understand its contribution to breast cancer risk. Multiple mechanisms may mediate procarcinogenic effects of obesity, including altered adipokine levels, local and systemic inflammation, disruption of insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling, increased estrogen levels, and alterations of the microbiome. In this review, we focus on the link between gut microbiome alterations and breast cancer risk in the context of obesity. First, we discuss how obesity influences the gut microbiome. Next, we describe the effect of such microbiome alterations on breast carcinogenesis, highlighting underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we review preclinical data on the interactions between host and bacteria, current challenges to study the obesity-microbiome connection, and future perspectives in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an innovative version of a recently studied converter. A Double Dual Ćuk Converter was recently studied with advantages like the possibility of designing it for achieving a low-input current ripple. The proposed converter, called the Improved Double Dual Ćuk Converter, maintains the advantages of the former one, and it is characterized by requiring one less capacitor and inductor than its predecessor. This allows addressing the challenge of optimizing the topology to reduce component count without compromising the operation; this work proposes an efficient design methodology based on theoretical analysis and experimental validation. Results demonstrate that the improved topology not only retains the advantages of the previous version, including high efficiency and robustness, but also enhances power density by reducing the number of components. These advancements open new possibilities for applications requiring compact and efficient power converters, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and portable power supply systems. This work underscores the importance of continuous innovation in power converter design and lays the groundwork for future research aimed at optimizing converter topologies. A detailed discussion of the operating principles and modeling of the converter is provided. Furthermore, simulation outcomes highlighting differences in steady-state duration, output voltage, input current ripple, and operational efficiency are shared. The results from an experimental test bench are also presented to corroborate the efficacy of the improved converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Two main problems the globe currently facing are migration and weather variation. Weather change has a significant impact on the agricultural industry, which affects the majority of poor people. There is a dearth of adequate methodological documentation when examining the relationship between weather variation, agricultural output, and migration. We aimed to identify methodological reporting difficulties by reviewing the quantitative literature on weather‐related migration through agricultural channels. Methods: A systematic evaluation was conducted using papers published between January 2010 and June 2022, indexed in the SCOPUS, PUBMED, and Google Scholar databases. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria, we selected 22 original research articles out of 18,929 distinct articles for review, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data from each study to understand how various concepts, research designs, and investigative techniques influence our understanding of migration patterns related to weather in the agricultural sector. Results: The majority (64%) of the study's data consisted of time series data. In 50% of the studies, secondary data were used. Additionally, 55% of these studies did not state the sample size. In 40% of the studies, model assumptions were fully adhered to, whereas in 36% of the studies, they were not followed at all. The majority of the articles used the Ordinary Least Squares technique, while about 41% applied the Two‐Stage Least Squares technique. Various tests were conducted across these studies, such as robustness checks (59.1%), endogeneity tests (31.8%), omitted variable bias tests (22.7%), sensitivity analyses (22.7%), and weak instrument tests (13.6%), to name a few. In the research we selected, the methodology section had various shortcomings and lacked organization. Furthermore, the justifications for deviations from model assumptions were unclear, potentially affecting the study outcomes. Conclusion: This study has important indications for researchers in studying climatic (weather) migration through agricultural channels besides for policymakers by giving a thorough review of the methods and techniques. Key points: Providing narrative insights on how various issues, research designs, and analytical techniques shape our understanding of the association between weather variation and migration via agricultural production.Providing a broad overview of the pertinent literature, covering 22 articles, as a complement to earlier studies.Our study has important ramifications for researchers studying climatic (weather) migration through agricultural channels as well as for policymakers by giving a thorough review of the methods and techniques currently used in this sector.Future studies on weather variation, agricultural production, and migration should use prudent and comparable models that capture whole climatic (weather) impacts on migration through mediating factors like agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the electrochemical energy storage field, supercapacitors occupy an extremely important position and have broad development prospects. However, the method for solving the low energy density of supercapacitors is approaching a bottleneck. The application of magnetic field-assisted electrochemistry is highly desirable because it can significantly promote the design of functional electrode materials, affect the morphology and assembly of materials and provide a large specific surface area and short ion transport channels. Moreover, five main forces (magnetohydrodynamic, Lorentz force, magnetization force, magnetic torque, and the interaction between the magnetization energy and magnetic dipoles) can promote rapid interfacial charge transfer of reactants and improve material wettability, thus improving electrochemical performance. In this article, we reviewed typical strategies for designing different nanostructures and various assemblies of electrode materials to enable unique electrochemical advantages under magnetic fields. An overview of recent research advances in magnetic field-enhanced electrochemical performance in supercapacitors is presented for a representative material that is essential for energy and sustainability, including direct and indirect improvements in the performance of supercapacitors through magnetic fields. Due to their excellent performance, the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Meanwhile, the important achievements and key challenges are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hearing loss is a common disorder, affecting both children and adults worldwide. Individuals with hearing loss suffer from mental health problems that affect their quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss in a Jordanian population using Arabic versions of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE). Methods: This study included 300 Jordanian participants aged 18–90 years with hearing loss. Each participant underwent a complete audiological evaluation before answering the questionnaires. Results: The median overall scores of the HHIA and HHIE groups were 39 and 65, respectively. Both HHIA (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, p < 0.001) and HHIE (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the social, emotional, and overall scores. Compared to the adult group, the median emotional and social scores of the older adults group were significantly higher than the adults group (Z = -4.721, p = 0.001), using the Mann-Whitney test. Conclusion: The present research revealed that psychological disabilities associated with hearing loss in the adult Jordanian population are more frequent and severe than in other nations. This may be attributed to the lack of awareness of the mental consequences of hearing loss among Jordanian healthcare providers and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous nutritional factors increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The dysregulation of zinc, copper, and selenium homeostasis is associated with the occurrence of HCC. The impairment of the homeostasis of these essential trace elements results in oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle progression, and angiogenesis, finally leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. These essential trace elements can affect the microenvironment in HCC. The carrier proteins for zinc and copper and selenium-containing enzymes play important roles in the prevention or progression of HCC. These trace elements enhance or alleviate the chemosensitivity of anticancer agents in patients with HCC. The zinc, copper, or selenium may affect the homeostasis of other trace elements with each other. Novel types of cell death including ferropotosis and cupropotosis are also associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Therapeutic strategies for HCC that target these carrier proteins for zinc and copper or selenium-containing enzymes have been developed in in vitro and in vivo studies. The use of zinc-, copper- or selenium-nanoparticles has been considered as novel therapeutic agents for HCC. These results indicate that zinc, copper, and selenium may become promising therapeutic targets in patients with HCC. The clinical application of these agents is an urgent unmet requirement. This review article highlights the correlation between the dysregulation of the homeostasis of these essential trace elements and the development of HCC and summarizes the current trends on the roles of these essential trace elements in the pathogenesis of hepatocarcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worsening heart failure (WHF) is a severe and dynamic condition characterized by significant clinical and hemodynamic deterioration. It is characterized by worsening HF signs, symptoms and biomarkers, despite the achievement of an optimized medical therapy. It remains a significant challenge in cardiology, as it evolves into advanced and end-stage HF. The hyperactivation of the neurohormonal, adrenergic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are well known pathophysiological pathways involved in HF. Several drugs have been developed to inhibit the latter, resulting in an improvement in life expectancy. Nevertheless, patients are exposed to a residual risk of adverse events, and the exploration of new molecular pathways and therapeutic targets is required. This review explores the current landscape of WHF, highlighting the complexities and factors contributing to this critical condition. Most recent medical advances have introduced cutting-edge pharmacological agents, such as guanylate cyclase stimulators and myosin activators. Regarding device-based therapies, invasive pulmonary pressure measurement and cardiac contractility modulation have emerged as promising tools to increase the quality of life and reduce hospitalizations due to HF exacerbations. Recent innovations in terms of WHF management emphasize the need for a multifaceted and patient-centric approach to address the complex HF syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2004 EU enlargement has triggered large and rapid migration movements from the new to the old member states. The scale of this outflow was unprecedented in the CEE history and its structure was also different from previous emigration waves as it was more heavily biased towards young and educated people. I exploit this post-accession emigration wave to study the aggregate and redistributive effects of emigration. Using a small open economy general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents and endogenous migration choice calibrated to Polish data, I show that emigration lowers output per capita and improves the international investment position of the source country. Changes in population structure resulting from population outflows affect the wage distribution between high-skilled and low-skilled workers, thereby increasing economic inequalities. Moreover, I find that lifting labour mobility barriers is beneficial not only for people who move abroad, but also for skilled never-migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the practical operation of traditional landfills, compaction clay often experiences cracking, while the HDPE geomembrane may tear and bulge, resulting in a compromised performance of the landfill covering system. To address this issue, a capillary retarding covering material for landfill sites is proposed by utilizing municipal sludge and construction waste particles as substrates and incorporating a small quantity of calcium bentonite. The mechanical characteristics of the covering material were investigated using a standard consolidation test and a triaxial compression test. A permeability test and a soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) test were conducted to examine the permeability and capillary retarding effect of the covering material. Microscopic tests including SEM scanning, laser particle size analysis, and T2 NMR analysis were performed to investigate the connection mode, particle size composition, and pore structure characteristics of the covered particles. Based on the aforementioned research, the following conclusions can be drawn: The cohesion of the covering material ranged from 50 to 150 kPa, while the internal friction angle ranged from 24.23° to 31°. The cohesion was directly proportional to the content of construction waste, whereas the internal friction angle was inversely proportional to calcium bentonite content. The permeability coefficient ranged from 5.04 × 10−6 cm/s to 7.34 × 10−5 cm/s, indicating a certain level of impermeability. Both the sludge and the calcium bentonite contents jointly influenced the final permeability coefficient in a negative correlation manner, with a notable hydraulic hysteresis phenomenon observed. A higher content of construction waste leads to a more pronounced supporting force exerted by the formed skeleton structures within a load pressure range between 0 and 1600 kPa. When considering a mass ratio of municipal sludge: construction waste: calcium bentonite as 30:60:7, respectively, only a decrease in the pore ratio by approximately 13.20% was observed. This study provides valuable data support for designing and applying capillary retarding cover barrier systems in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central banks around the world are examining the possibility of introducing Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The public's preferences concerning the usage of CBDC for paying and saving are important determinants of the success of CBDC. However, little is known yet about consumers' attitudes towards CBDC. Using data from a representative panel of Dutch consumers we find that roughly half of the public says it would open a CBDC current account. The same holds for a CBDC savings account. Thus, we find clear potential for CBDC in the Netherlands. This suggests that consumers perceive CBDC as distinct from current and savings accounts offered by traditional banks. Intended CBDC usage is positively related to respondents' knowledge of CBDC and trust in the central bank. Price incentives matter as well. The amount respondents say they would want to deposit in the CBDC savings account depends on the interest rate offered. Furthermore, intended usage of the CBDC current account is highest among people who find privacy and security important and among consumers with low trust in banks in general. These results suggest that central banks can steer consumers' adoption of CBDC via the interest rate, by a design of CBDC that takes into account the public's need for security and privacy, and by clear communication about what CBDC entails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human migration triggered by flooding will create sociodemographic, economic, and cultural challenges in coastal communities, and adaptation to these challenges will primarily occur at the municipal level. However, existing migration models at larger spatial scales do not necessarily capture relevant social responses to flooding at the local and municipal levels. Furthermore, projecting migration dynamics into the future becomes difficult due to uncertainties in human–environment interactions, particularly when historic observations are used for model calibration. This study proposes a stochastic agent-based model (ABM) designed for the long-term projection of municipal-scale migration due to repeated flood events. A baseline model is demonstrated initially, capable of using stochastic bottom-up decision rules to replicate county-level population. This approach is then combined with physical flood-exposure data to simulate how population projections diverge under different flooding assumptions. The methodology is applied to a study area comprising 16 counties in coastal Virginia and Maryland, U.S., and include rural areas which are often overlooked in adaptation research. The results show that incorporating flood impacts results in divergent population growth patterns in both urban and rural locations, demonstrating potential municipal-level migration response to coastal flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric extreme events cause severe damage to human societies and ecosystems. The frequency and intensity of extremes and other associated events are continuously increasing due to climate change and global warming. The accurate prediction, characterization, and attribution of atmospheric extreme events is, therefore, a key research field in which many groups are currently working by applying different methodologies and computational tools. Machine learning and deep learning methods have arisen in the last years as powerful techniques to tackle many of the problems related to atmospheric extreme events. This paper reviews machine learning and deep learning approaches applied to the analysis, characterization, prediction, and attribution of the most important atmospheric extremes. A summary of the most used machine learning and deep learning techniques in this area, and a comprehensive critical review of literature related to ML in EEs, are provided. The critical literature review has been extended to extreme events related to rainfall and floods, heatwaves and extreme temperatures, droughts, severe weather events and fog, and low-visibility episodes. A case study focused on the analysis of extreme atmospheric temperature prediction with ML and DL techniques is also presented in the paper. Conclusions, perspectives, and outlooks on the field are finally drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse climate change is more than an environmental concern. The are several consequential outcomes of climate change such as loss of oil wealth, depletion of scarce resources, decline in sources of livelihood, property loss, water shortages, and land scarcity. Secondary effects could include increased mortality, deteriorating health, hunger, poverty, inequality, and financial hardship. Studies over the years have shown that climate change could also precipitate conflicts and lead to displacements. For many women in conflict situations, it is difficult to access medical care, especially reproductive healthcare. Amid efforts to contain insecurity and its devastating effect, the government often loses sight of the vulnerabilities of women and girls, whose reproductive health challenges have been exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Men and women may encounter health challenges in climate change-induced conflict situations however, women may be affected more differently than men. Specific healthcare services, treatments, and commodities for women's general and reproductive/sexual health are often ignored despite the need for healthcare, menstrual hygiene products, health education, and general health supplies in times of conflict. In addition to the associated conflict-related risk, women may face a heightened risk of rape and other sexual-related violence. The risk to women and girls may further increase if resources are diverted from sexual and reproductive health care to respond to the insecurity and crises or where the supply chain is affected by climate change-induced conflicts. This study examines the challenges that women face in climate change-induced conflict and post-conflict situations, particularly as it affects their reproductive health rights. It further argues that the realization that women's reproductive and sexual health in a climate change-induced conflict setting is a human right that warrants concerted attention. Ultimately, it advocates for gender-sensitive responses to the reproductive and sexual health of women and girls as a matter of fundamental human right. Plain Language Summary Extreme weather brought on by climate change and associated calamities has the potential to harm economies, deplete resources, and exacerbate social inequalities. When these elements are coupled with other conflict-causing factors, the likelihood of violence may rise. This study looks at the challenges women face in conflict circumstances caused by climate change, especially in relation to their rights to sexual and reproductive health. It raises the point that threats to human security and the likelihood of violence may grow as a result of climate change, which may have a negative impact on women's general, reproductive, and sexual health. Prioritizing resilience-building, fair resource distribution, sustainable development, and international collaboration to lessen and prepare for the effects of climate change are essential for addressing these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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