Research Efforts Research Articles

Potentials and challenges of biofuels as a replacement for naphtha in steam cracking units

Bio-naphtha is gaining importance as a renewable feedstock for fossil naphtha in steam cracking which is one of the most critical steps in the manufacture of ethylene and other olefins within the petrochemical industry. Manufactured from biomass, waste oils, and algae; bio-naphtha is associated with considerable environmental benefits from the lower carbon footprint while also meeting global sustainability goals. This review describes the production routes of bio-naphtha, its chemical and physical properties, and its compatibility with steam cracking technologies as they currently stand. While bio-naphtha exhibits comparable ethylene yields to fossil naphtha and lower impurities, challenges persist due to feedstock variability, pretreatment requirements, and generally high production costs. Of the developing technologies, this review identifies hydrothermal liquefaction and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis as key to the scaling and cost-effectiveness of bio-naphtha. These could be facilitated by the adoption of policy interventions, such as subsidies and blending mandates. Conclusively, coordinated research effort, industry collaboration, and regulatory support will enable biomonomers like bio-naphtha to become key enablers for the decarbonization of the petrochemical value chain and the circular economy.

Technological Adjuncts to Streamline Patient Recruitment, Informed Consent, and Data Management Processes in Clinical Research: Observational Study.

Patient recruitment and data management are laborious, resource-intensive aspects of clinical research that often dictate whether the successful completion of studies is possible. Technological advances present opportunities for streamlining these processes, thus improving completion rates for clinical research studies. This paper aims to demonstrate how technological adjuncts can enhance clinical research processes via automation and digital integration. Using one clinical research study as an example, we highlighted the use of technological adjuncts to automate and streamline research processes across various digital platforms, including a centralized database of electronic medical records (enterprise data warehouse [EDW]); a clinical research data management tool (REDCap [Research Electronic Data Capture]); and a locally managed, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant server. Eligible participants were identified through automated queries in the EDW, after which they received personalized email invitations with digital consent forms. After digital consent, patient data were transferred to a single Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant server where each participant was assigned a unique QR code to facilitate data collection and integration. After the research study visit, data obtained were associated with existing electronic medical record data for each participant via a QR code system that collated participant consent, imaging data, and associated clinical data according to a unique examination ID. Over a 19-month period, automated EDW queries identified 20,988 eligible patients, and 10,582 patients received personalized email invitations. In total, 1000 (9.45%) patients signed consents to participate in the study. Of the consented patients, 549 unique patients completed 779 study visits; some patients consented to the study at more than 1 time period during their pregnancy. Technological adjuncts in clinical research decrease human labor while increasing participant reach and minimizing disruptions to clinic operations. Automating portions of the clinical research process benefits clinical research efforts by expanding and optimizing participant reach while reducing the limitations of labor and time in completing research studies.

Avoiding causal fraud in the evaluation of clinical benefits of treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Recent regulatory approvals of three amyloid-lowering monoclonal antibody therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have triggered a polarizing debate in the field on the clinical meaningfulness of their reported effects. The question of how to define clinical meaningfulness for any treatment that has a modest effect size is important and will likely be subject to influence from interested stakeholders. We warn of claims of evaluating meaningful within-individual change from randomized parallel-group trials of AD treatments, sometimes purportedly assessed by a commonly recognized "responder" analysis approach, and explain why it is likely to mislead and should simply be avoided. The average between-group difference in score change is where the debate and research efforts should be focused to contextualize and evaluate the clinical meaningfulness of the true treatment effect. The statistical and communication principles we consider and would recommend are applicable to the evaluation of most interventions in medicine. HIGHLIGHTS: Dichotomized outcome analysis approaches purporting to evaluate within-individual meaningful change are highly likely to mislead. In our view, the most valid statistical approach to understanding the true treatment effect is to analyze the average between-group difference in outcome scores. The average between-group difference in score change is where the debate and research efforts should be focused to contextualize and evaluate the clinical meaningfulness of the true treatment effect.

Research Directions in Software Supply Chain Security

Reusable software libraries, frameworks, and components, such as those provided by open-source ecosystems and third-party suppliers, accelerate digital innovation. However, recent years have shown almost exponential growth in attackers leveraging these software artifacts to launch software supply chain attacks. Past well-known software supply chain attacks include the SolarWinds, log4j, and xz utils incidents. Supply chain attacks are considered to have three major attack vectors: through vulnerabilities and malware accidentally or intentionally injected into open-source and third-party dependencies/components/containers ; by infiltrating the build infrastructure during the build and deployment processes; and through targeted techniques aimed at the humans involved in software development, such as through social engineering. Plummeting trust in the software supply chain could decelerate digital innovation if the software industry reduces its use of open-source and third-party artifacts to reduce risks. This paper contains perspectives and knowledge obtained from intentional outreach with practitioners to understand their practical challenges and from extensive research efforts. We then provide an overview of current research efforts to secure the software supply chain. Finally, we propose a future research agenda to close software supply chain attack vectors and support the software industry.

Just-in-time adaptive ecological momentary assessment and ecological momentary interventions for posttraumatic psychopathology in the modern age of technology.

One technique for tailoring interventions and matching evidence-based procedures to idiographic problems is just-in-time adaptive approaches, also referred to as ecological momentary intervention. These technology-based approaches involve real-time delivery of evidence-based skills when most needed, which can be tailored to individual data inputs. The current article reviews just-in-time adaptive ecological momentary assessment (JITA-EMA; Schneider et al., 2023) and ecological momentary interventions (EMIs; Heron & Smyth, 2010) with respect to the field of trauma-related psychopathology in the modern age of technology. We provide a broad, narrative overview. Heterogeneity in posttraumatic psychopathology, posttraumatic psychopathology diagnostic classification models, and applicability of technology are reviewed. Next, we discuss JITA-EMA and EMI frameworks, EMA of posttraumatic psychopathology, EMI outcomes, and JITA-EMA and EMI outcomes. We conclude by discussing clinical application and considering dilemmas, ethical issues, and limitations. Future research directions and potential treatment adaptations and innovations are given. JITA-EMA/Is have the potential to reinforce skill acquisition and uptake in evidence-based treatments if implemented as standalones or in conjunction with established, evidence-based interventions. JITA-EMA and EMIs may eventually inform clinical and research efforts by affording an understanding of how idiographic variability in biopsychosocial factors relates to changes in etiology, course, and treatment outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Adaptive Phase Change Microcapsules for Efficient Sustainable Cooling.

Passive radiative cooling has recently gained significant attention as a highly promising technology that offers a zero-energy and electricity-free solution to tackle the pressing issue of global warming. Nevertheless, research efforts have predominantly focused on enhancing daytime and hot-day radiative cooling efficacy, often neglecting the potential downsides associated with excessive cooling and the consequent increased heating expenses during cold nights and winter days. Herein, we demonstrate a micro-nanostructured engineered composite film that synergistically integrates room-temperature adaptive silica-shell/oil-core phase change microcapsules (S-PCMs) with commercially available cellulose fibers. The resultant composite film exhibits a solar reflectance of 0.92 and a mid-infrared emissivity of 0.96, achieving a remarkable average daytime subambient cooling of 7.5 °C under direct sunlight in hot conditions. Encouragingly, upon reaching the phase transition temperature, the heat previously absorbed and stored by S-PCMs is released, resulting in a temperature elevation of the composite film with an average temperature differential of merely 3.0 °C compared to surrounding air. The exceptional latent heat storage capability of our S-PCMs/cellulose composite film mitigates the radiative overcooling effect and substantially diminishes the heating demand, particularly across a diverse array of environmental conditions.

The Role of KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer: Biological Insights, Clinical Implications, and Future Therapeutic Perspectives

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with KRAS mutations occurring in 30–40% of cases, contributing to poor prognosis and resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. This review explores the biological significance, clinical implications, and therapeutic targeting of KRAS mutations in CRC. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and clinical trials was performed, highlighting the role of KRAS mutations in CRC pathogenesis, their impact on prognosis, and recent advancements in targeted therapies. Specific attention was given to emerging therapeutic strategies and resistance mechanisms. Results: KRAS mutations drive tumor progression through persistent activation of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. These mutations influence the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cell formation, macropinocytosis, and cell competition. KRAS-mutant CRC exhibits poor responsiveness to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and demonstrates primary and acquired resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Recent breakthroughs include the development of KRAS G12C inhibitors (sotorasib and adagrasib) and promising agents targeting G12D mutations. However, response rates in CRC remain suboptimal compared to other cancers, necessitating combination therapies and novel approaches, such as vaccines, nucleic acid-based therapeutics, and macropinocytosis inhibitors. Conclusions: KRAS mutations are central to CRC pathogenesis and present a significant therapeutic challenge. Advances in KRAS-targeted therapies offer hope for improved outcomes, but resistance mechanisms and organ-specific differences limit efficacy. Continued efforts in personalized treatment strategies and translational research are critical for overcoming these challenges and improving patient survival.

Work Related Health Problems and Healthcare Seeking Among Tea Garden Worker

Background: Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is a globally consumed beverage with a rich history. Despite its widespread production, smaller gardens produce unique teas highly valued by enthusiasts. The tea industry in Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet, plays a pivotal role in the economy but is plagued by challenges such as work-related health issues among its predominantly marginalized and tribal labor force. This study aimed to explore the health and lifestyle challenges faced by tea workers in Sylhet. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tea gardens in Sylhet, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related health problems, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Data were collected from 255 participants using a semi-structured questionnaire, and statistical analyses, including Chi-Square test, were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The socio-economic profile revealed a predominantly female, Hindu, and illiterate workforce with low income. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were prevalent, affecting 77.6% of participants, with lower back pain being the most common. Common diseases, injuries, and respiratory issues were reported. Allopathic treatment was preferred by 78% of respondents. Significant associations were found between MSDs and age, education, smoking, and drug use. Job-related factors like nature of work and weekly working hours also showed significant associations (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by tea garden workers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions considering socio-demographic and occupational factors. Insights from this research can inform policies and healthcare strategies to improve the well-being of this vulnerable population. Further research and collaborative efforts are warranted to address the complexities of the tea industry and promote the health and rights of its workforce. JOPSOM 2023; 42(2): 36-42

Genomic Insights Into a Strong Biofilm‐Forming Enterococcus faecalis MTR_EFS01 Strain Isolated From a Shrimp in Bangladesh

ABSTRACTEnterococcus faecalis is known for its ability to form strong biofilms and its role as an opportunistic pathogen. In this study, we screened and characterized a multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and strong biofilm‐forming E. faecalis isolate obtained from a shrimp sample to determine its genetic diversity, molecular epidemiology, and underlying factors associated with antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs). The E. faecalis MTR_EFS01 strain was isolated using culturing, staining, and biochemical tests and MALDI‐TOF methods. The MDR profile of the strain was determined through the disk diffusion test. The complete genomic sequence of E. faecalis MTR_EFS01 was obtained using the Illumina NextSeq2000 platform. The de novo assembly of the E. faecalis MTR_EFS01 genome revealed a total length of 2,862,301 bp with 80.0 × coverage. This genome comprised 38 contigs, a G + C content of 37.4%, and identified two CRISPR arrays, seven prophages, and 55 RNA genes. The E. faecalis MTR_EFS01 strain was classified as ST862 with a high pathogenicity index of 0.896. The strain harbored eight ARGs conferring resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and MDR efflux pumps. Furthermore, 27 VFGs were identified in this strain, linked to antiphagocytosis, adherence, biofilm formation, enzymes, and immune invasion. Metabolic functional analysis revealed that our strain had 243 subsystems, with the most abundant genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, amino acids and derivatives, and protein metabolism. The findings in this study underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, research, and collaborative efforts to address the growing threat of MDR and biofilm‐forming pathogens in diverse settings.

Exploring the clinical profiles and management of juvenile dermatomyositis in Africa: a survey of African rheumatology care providers

BackgroundThere are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical. Our objectives are to understand the burden of JDM in Africa and provider access to diagnostic tools and therapy through survey methodology.MethodsA survey (available in English and French) was distributed via WhatsApp to 363 total members of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR; n = 233) and Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR; n = 130) from November 2022-January 2023. Topics included respondent specialty, number of JDM patients followed, severe manifestations, and available diagnostic tools and medications (with and without considering cost).ResultsForty-three (12%) of the 363 providers who received the survey started it. Among the 43 who started the survey, 37 (86%) provided consent and manage JDM patients; of these 37 providers, 4 (11%) partially and 16 (43%) fully completed the survey. Most were adult and/or pediatric rheumatologists (n = 19; 95%). Respondents represented all 5 African regions and described 216 children with JDM within the last 10 years. There was high prevalence of calcinosis (as high as 100%) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) (as high as 32%); mortality rates in Kenya (6/42; 14%) and Zambia (2/7; 29%) exceeded the 1–3% mortality reported in studies of high-income countries. Thirteen of 27 diagnostic tools and medications were accessible to ≤ 50% of respondents after considering cost, mostly in Northern or Southern Africa (9/13; 69%). Despite being cost-free, disease assessment tools and physical exam to assess calcinosis were not reported as universally available or accessible.ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore experiences of providers caring for children with JDM in Africa. Respondents identified 216 children with JDM seen within the last 10 years, exceeding the 196 children with JDM reported within the last 25 years but likely still underestimating prevalence. Our findings align with reports of severe manifestations and poor outcomes in African children with JDM. Access to many diagnostics and medications is limited, and differences in accessibility parallel regional healthcare disparities. The potential differences in JDM severity warrant systematic study and highlight the need to include patients and providers from LMIC in collaborative research efforts.

Automated Integration of AI Results into Radiology Reports Using Common Data Elements.

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into radiology practice can create opportunities to improve diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes. Integration demands the ability to seamlessly incorporate AI-derived measurements into radiology reports. Common data elements (CDEs) define standardized, interoperable units of information. This article describes the application of CDEs as a standardized framework to embed AI-derived results into radiology reports. The authors defined a set of CDEs for measurements of the volume and attenuation of the liver and spleen. An AI system segmented the liver and spleen on non-contrast CT images of the abdomen and pelvis, and it recorded their measurements as CDEs using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Structured Reporting (DICOM-SR) framework to express the corresponding labels and values. The AI system successfully segmented the liver and spleen in non-contrast CT images and generated measurements of organ volume and attenuation. Automated systems extracted corresponding CDE labels and values from the AI-generated data, incorporated CDE values into the radiology report, and transmitted the generated image series to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for storage and display. This study demonstrates the use of radiology CDEs in clinical practice to record and transfer AI-generated data. This approach can improve communication among radiologists and referring providers, harmonize data to enable large-scale research efforts, and enhance the performance of decision support systems. CDEs ensure consistency, interoperability, and clarity in reporting AI findings across diverse healthcare systems.

Pilot-Related Factors Involved in Runway Incursions: An Epidemiological Approach

ABSTRACT Objective This research investigates the role of pilot deviation in runway incursions, a persistent safety risk for aviation safety. Background Despite many research efforts focusing primarily on the evaluation of advanced technical systems as mitigation solutions, there remains a significant lack of studies investigating the central figure in this issue: the pilot, as well as the underlying human factors and mitigating circumstances that contribute to runway incursions. Method An in-depth analysis of incident and accident reports from 1993 to 2021, sourced from both Australia and the United States was employed. A comprehensive codebook was developed to capture key information for investigating significant relationships between variables. An extended taxonomy derived from the U.S. Department of Defence - DoD HFACS was used to systematically analyze pilot-related causal factors. Results The results highlight critical causal factors from a human factors perspective, with wide-ranging issue such as miscommunication being prevalent. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the severity of runway incursions and other key factors. Conclusion The study underscores the importance of considering pilot-related causal factors of runway incursions to gain better understanding of potential mitigation solutions.

Plasma-induced optically active defects in hexagonal boron nitride

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has been the subject of numerous research efforts in the last decade. Of particular interest is the creation of optically active defects in hBN because of their easy integration, e.g., in van der Waals heterostructures, and their room temperature photon emission. Many methods to create such defects in hBN are still under investigation. In this work, we present our approach to creating single defect emitters in hBN using remote plasma with different plasma species and report on the outcome statistically. We have used argon, nitrogen, and oxygen plasmas and report statistics on the emitters, produced by the different gas species and their optical properties. In particular, we examine the emission of the exfoliated flakes before and after the plasma processes without an annealing step to avoid creating emitters that are not caused by the plasma exposure. Our findings suggest that the purely physical argon plasma treatment is the most promising route for creating optically active defect emitters in hBN by plasma exposure.

Human–wildlife coexistence needs more evidence‐based interventions to reduce the losses of crops, livestock and fishery catches

Abstract Evidence‐based interventions designed to reduce wildlife‐caused losses are essential for human–wildlife coexistence. The lack of systematic summarization of research effort and evidence makes it challenging for researchers, managers and policymakers to prioritize interventions for evaluation and implementation. Here, we compiled experimental case studies of nonlethal technical interventions designed to reduce the losses of crops, livestock and fishery catches caused by terrestrial carnivores, elephants, farmland birds and marine fauna worldwide. Then, we summarized the research effort and the performance of interventions by their sensory stimuli and target animals. We found that: (i) 54 of 88 interventions included in this study had statistically effective evidence, where only 39% (21/54) were evaluated with more than three experiments; (ii) physical‐, sound‐, chemical‐ and light (or visual) ‐based interventions were the most in numbers and their performance varied greatly; (iii) farmland birds, seabirds and cetaceans were the most studied animal groups while there are only a few experiments for elephants; and (iv) the interventions for marine fauna generally had no impact on the target catch of fisheries. Syntheses and applications: Our results indicated that collective effort is needed to further evaluate interventions using various sensory stimuli and launch incentive programs to motivate the implementation of interventions, particularly related to marine fauna conservation. Our synthesis could be helpful for stakeholders to tackle the negative human‐wildlife interactions outlined as Target 4 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Use of images to assess awareness and use of emerging nicotine pouch products.

Accurate measurement is critical for understanding the population health impact of nicotine pouches, yet precise, standardized measures of nicotine pouch use are lacking, possibly driving disparate prevalence estimates across studies. We implemented a split sample survey experiment to assess the impact of including a product image when asking about nicotine pouches. We randomized an online sample of US adults ages 18-45 (N=2,130) recruited through the February 2023 wave of the Rutgers Omnibus Study to view either a text-only or text-plus-image description of oral nicotine pouches before being asked about awareness of the products. Participants who endorsed awareness were then asked about their use and brands they had tried. We calculated prevalence of awareness, ever, and current use of nicotine pouches and used chi-square tests to assess differences in responses to each question by survey condition. Participants in the image condition were more likely than those in the text condition to report awareness (40.6% vs 31.5%, P<.001) and ever use (7.2% vs 5.2%, P=.044). Among those reporting nicotine pouch use, 5.9% in the text-only condition, compared to 0% in the image condition, listed a smokeless tobacco brand as one they tried, suggesting they were misclassified by the text-only question. Inclusion of product imagery can improve nicotine pouch measurement accuracy in surveys, while text-only measures may misestimate prevalence of awareness and use. Differences in nicotine pouch prevalence estimates may be explained in part by differences in survey measures, highlighting a need to harmonize measures across studies. In this first study to evaluate nicotine pouch measurement methods, findings suggest that existing surveillance and research efforts may be undermined by misclassification. Text-only measures of nicotine pouch awareness and use may produce biased prevalence estimates, and inclusion of product imagery can improve nicotine pouch measurement accuracy in surveys.

Global, regional, and national burden of esophageal cancer using the 2019 global burden of disease study

Esophageal cancer, with its aggressive nature and high mortality, poses diverse epidemiological challenges worldwide. Over the past three decades, esophageal cancer has exhibited a substantial global burden, marked by a significant increase in absolute numbers, contrasting with a decline in age-standardized metrics. Prevalence nearly doubled, reaching 0.961 million in 2019, while the age-standardized rate (ASR) decreased to 11.6 per 100,000 cases. New incidence cases surged by 67.07%, yet the age-standardized incidence rate reduced to 6.5 per 100,000 cases. Deaths increased to 0.498 million, with a decline in age-standardized mortality to 6.1 per 100,000 cases. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) rose to 11.67 million, but the ASR decreased to 139.8 per 100,000 cases. Gender-specific analysis revealed consistently higher rates in males, with increasing gaps over time. Correlations with SDI indicated a negative association, and frontier analysis underscored the impact of socio-economic progress on disease control. Projections suggest a continued rise in prevalence, incidence, deaths, and DALYs, with gender-specific variations. The research underscores the importance of continued efforts in public health and medical research to adapt to and manage the changing landscape of esophageal cancer globally.

CO2 Capture: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Scalable Materials and Sustainable Solutions

The greenhouse effect and global warming, driven by the accumulation of pollutants, such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and CO2, are primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions. These phenomena represent an international crisis that negatively impacts human health and the environment. Several studies have reported novel carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, promising solutions. Notable methods include chemical absorption using solvents, and the development of functionalized porous materials, such as MCM-41, impregnated with amines like polyethyleneimine. These technologies have demonstrated high capture capacity and thermal stability; however, they face challenges related to recyclability and high operating costs. In parallel, biodegradable polymers and hydrogels present sustainable alternatives with a lower environmental impact, although their industrial scalability remains limited. This review comprehensively analyzes CO2 capture methods, focusing on silica-based porous supports, polymers, hydrogels, and emerging techniques, like CCUS and MOFs, while including traditional methods and a bibliometric analysis to update the field’s scientific dynamics. With increasing investigations focused on developing new CCUS technologies, this study highlights a growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives. A bibliometric analysis of 903 articles published between 2010 and 2024 provides an overview of current research on environmentally friendly carbon capture technologies. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India are leading research efforts in this field, emphasizing the importance of scientific collaboration. Despite these advancements, implementing these technologies in industrial sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions remains scarce. This underscores the need for public policies and financing to promote their development and application in these sectors. Future research should prioritize materials with high capture capacity, efficient transformation, and valorization of CO2 while promoting circular economy approaches and decarbonizing challenging sectors, such as energy and transportation. Integrating environmentally friendly materials, energy optimization, and sustainable strategies is essential to position these technologies as key tools in the fight against climate change.

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms (BPSD) in Alzheimer's Disease (AD): Development and Treatment.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, apathy, and psychosis, are highly prevalent and have a significant impact on patients and their care partners. The neurobiology of BPSD involves a complex interplay of structural brain changes and alterations in the neurotransmitter system. Various genetic and plasma biomarkers have also been studied. Research in BPSD has been limited by heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. As such, there have been ongoing efforts to develop a gold-standard assessment tool and diagnostic criteria. Current practice guidelines recommend nonpharmacological therapies as first-line treatments. Pharmacological options are often used when there is an insufficient response to nonpharmacological strategies, but there can be serious adverse effects with existing pharmacological agents. This has resulted in growing efforts to develop novel therapeutics with more favorable tolerability profiles, with some showing promising results. Other biological therapies, such as neurostimulation, have also demonstrated positive results. As our understanding of BPSD evolves, ongoing research efforts in treatment of BPSD are warranted in order to enhance the quality of life for patients and their care partners.

Biochanin a modulates steroidogenesis and cellular metabolism in human granulosa cells through TAS2Rs activation: a spotlight on ovarian function

BackgroundEndocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the endocrine system and negatively impact reproductive health. Biochanin A (BCA), an isoflavone with anti-inflammatory and estrogen-like properties, has been identified as one such EDC. This study investigates the effects of BCA on transcription, metabolism, and hormone regulation in primary human granulosa cells (GCs), with a specific focus on the activation of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs).MethodsPrimary human GCs from 60 participants were treated with 10 µM BCA, and selective antagonists were used to block TAS2R activation. The study assessed the expression of TAS2R14 and TAS2R43, and analyzed the impact on StAR and CYP17A1 gene expression. Intracellular calcium levels, lipid droplet size, and mitochondrial network complexity were measured to evaluate cellular metabolism and energy dynamics.ResultsBCA treatment significantly upregulated TAS2R14 and TAS2R43 expression, leading to a 70% increase in StAR mRNA levels and a twofold increase in CYP17A1 expression (p < 0.05). These effects were reversed by TAS2R antagonists. Additionally, BCA treatment decreased intracellular Ca2+ levels (p < 0.01) and reduced lipid droplet size (p < 0.001), both of which were counteracted by antagonists. Enhanced mitochondrial network complexity (p < 0.001) was also observed, suggesting increased mitochondrial fusion and improved cellular energy dynamics.ConclusionThe findings indicate that BCA modulates transcriptional and metabolic processes in GCs through the activation of TAS2Rs, highlighting their role in endocrine regulation. The statistically significant results emphasize the relevance of further exploring the effects of EDCs like BCA on reproductive health. Collaborative research efforts are essential to address and mitigate the adverse impacts of EDCs on fertility.

Decadal evolution of GIS in disaster management and risk assessment

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in disaster risk management and assessment over a 25-year period, from 2000 to 2024. Utilizing a dataset derived from academic publications indexed in prominent scientific databases, we examine the growth trajectory, thematic evolution, scholarly collaboration, and technological advancements within the field. Our findings reveal a significant increase in the volume of GIS-related research in disaster management, underscored by a shift from foundational applications toward the integration of cutting-edge computational techniques. Analysis of collaboration networks highlights the global nature of research efforts, demonstrating extensive international cooperation that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries. Thematic analysis indicates a progressive focus on vulnerability assessments, climate change impacts, and the incorporation of remote sensing and machine learning technologies, reflecting the field's response to emerging challenges and the dynamic landscape of disaster risk management. The study not only charts the historical development of GIS applications in this domain but also identifies key research trends, influential works, and potential future directions, underscoring the critical role of GIS in enhancing disaster resilience. This bibliometric perspective provides valuable insights into the maturation of GIS as an indispensable tool in disaster management and offers a roadmap for future research and technological innovation aimed at mitigating disaster risks and building resilient communities