Future Perspectives Research Articles

Chemical Design of Supramolecular Reversible Adhesives for Promising Applications.

Supramolecular reversible adhesives have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields. These adhesives exhibit remarkable properties such as reversible adhesion, self-healing, and high flexibility. This concept aims to present a comprehensive overview of the current research progress in developing supramolecular reversible adhesives. Firstly, the fundamentals of supramolecular chemistry and the principles underlying the design and synthesis of reversible adhesive systems are discussed. Next, the concept focuses on characterizing the reversible adhesion strength of supramolecular adhesive systems that have been developed. The adhesion performance of supramolecular reversible adhesives is summarized, highlighting their unique characteristics and promising applications. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in the field of supramolecular reversible adhesives are discussed. The comprehensive overview provided in this concept aims to inspire further research and innovation in this exciting field.

Myelofibrosis: Current unmet needs, emerging treatments, and future perspectives.

The current standard-of-care for treatment of myelofibrosis (MF) comprises inhibitors of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators (STAT) pathway; however, despite their ability to alleviate symptoms, they do not appear to modify underlying disease and have not demonstrated substantial survival benefit. Allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for patients with MF but is limited to a subset of high-risk and fit patients. Early disease modification could positively affect disease trajectory for lower risk patients with MF as well as those with conditions that can precede MF, such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. Here, the authors discuss critical unmet needs in the MF treatment paradigm, including: the need for safe, impactful therapies for lower risk patients, thus allowing intervention when success is most likely; better development of first-line therapies (likely highly novel or combination strategies) for intermediate-risk/higher risk patients; and approved drugs to manage cytopenia. Finally, a consensus definition of disease modification is needed that informs trial design, allowing the development of clinical end points that enable understanding of therapies and responses and that facilitate the development of therapies that work according to this definition. Through close collaboration between clinicians, patients, and the pharmaceutical industry, better efforts to define benefit and identify patients most likely to benefit from a particular combination or treatment strategy should enable the development of more effective and safe treatments to extend and improve quality of life for patients with MF.

Superficial Venous Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), an inflammatory-thrombotic process of a superficial vein, is a relatively common event that may have several different underlying causes. This phenomenon has been generally considered benign, and its prevalence has been historically underestimated; the estimated incidence ranges from about 0.3 to 1.5 event per 1000 person-years, while the prevalence is approximately 3 to 11%, with different reports depending on the population studied. However, such pathology is not free of complications; indeed, it could extend to the deep circulation and embolize to pulmonary circulation. For this reason, an ultrasound examination is recommended to evaluate the extension of SVT and to exclude the involvement of deep circulation. Also, SVT may be costly, especially in the case of recurrence. Therefore, accurate management is necessary to prevent sequelae and costs related to the disease. This review aims to analyse the epidemiology of SVT, its complications, optimal medical treatment, and open questions with future perspectives.

Ageing with Parkinson's: Identification of Personal Needs in the Northern Spanish Context.

As individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease enter older age, the myriad challenges and complications associated with this condition tend to escalate. Hence, there is a critical necessity to comprehensively discern the perceived needs of these individuals, along with their proposed remedies and essential support requisites. Additionally, understanding the perspectives of their families becomes imperative to formulate tailored interventions aimed at enhancing their overall development, progression, and quality of life. The study's main objective is to assess the perceived needs of individuals with PD and their family members, propose necessary solutions, and suggest future perspectives. The study encompassed a cohort of 268 participants, comprising 179 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 89 of their relatives. A meticulously designed structured interview instrument consisting of 93 items was employed to assess various domains encompassing perceived needs, institutional support mechanisms, essential solutions, and future anticipations. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in health resources, social services resources, obstacles, solutions, and future outlook, with higher mean values from the relatives. Conclusions: The results highlight the most concerning needs in this context. Specifically, those needs related to health resources, social services resources, and future outlook present the greatest differences between the two subsamples, with the family members perceiving more needs. This alignment extended to both the categorization of unmet needs and the requisite solutions envisioned to address them. Suggested improvements include a sociosanitary strategy, stakeholder involvement, and prioritizing flexible home assistance to support older individuals with PD and their families.

Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Transportation and Facilities: Recent Applications and Future Perspectives

At present, increased modes of transport have facilitated daily life. Building information modeling (BIM) integration has become a key strategy to foster efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability in the fields of buildings, transport, and facilities. Currently, there is a scarcity of comprehensive examinations of the performance of integrated BIM with transport facilities and applications to help identify potential prospects for sustainable development. Hence, this research paper attempts to scrutinize the integration of BIM, transportation, and facilities (T and Fs) by highlighting future directions and trends, revealing the existing status and hotspots of research in the field, and clarifying the developmental pulse of research as well as emerging areas in the future. A quantitative research technique is utilized in this study, using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software, and the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The study findings suggest that the hot keywords for the integration of BIM and T and Fs are predominantly concentrated on construction, framework, system, design, and management. In addition, over the previous 34 years (years 1989 to 2023), the applications of point cloud, digital twin, and life cycle assessment have been the current hot topics, and these emerging technologies can offer more innovative breakthroughs for the future. Furthermore, the integration of BIM and T and Fs represents an important trend that is essential for improving the efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence of buildings and infrastructure, from which the three domains can create synergies that contribute to the better planning, construction, and management of building and infrastructure projects.

NTRK Therapy among Different Types of Cancers, Review and Future Perspectives.

Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) has been a remarkable therapeutic target for treating different malignancies, playing an essential role in oncogenic signaling pathways. Groundbreaking trials like NAVIGATE led to the approval of NTRK inhibitors by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat different malignancies, significantly impacting current oncology treatment. Accurate detection of NTRK gene fusion becomes very important for possible targeted therapy. Various methods to detect NTRK gene fusion have been applied widely based on sensitivity, specificity, and accessibility. The utility of different tests in clinical practice is discussed in this study by providing insights into their effectiveness in targeting patients who may benefit from therapy. Widespread use of NTRK inhibitors in different malignancies could remain limited due to resistance mechanisms that cause challenges to medication efficacy in addition to common side effects of the medications. This review provides a succinct overview of the application of NTRK inhibitors in various types of cancer by emphasizing the critical clinical significance of NTRK fusion gene detection. The discussion also provides a solid foundation for understanding the current challenges and potential changes for improving the efficacy of NTRK inhibitor therapy to treat different malignancies.

Selective photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic synthesis of valuable compounds in aqueous medium

In the past decades, photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic methods have been widely employed for the degradation of harmful compounds present both is gaseous and aqueous effluents. In the last years scientists have paid great attention to the synthesis of valuable compounds and hydrogen production. Organic syntheses are generally carried out in organic solvents, under high temperature/pressure, with toxic oxidants such as permanganate. On the other hand, photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis using water as solvent, air or water as oxidant, and sunlight as energy source, can be an efficient alternative to the traditional, non-environmentally friendly methods. This review summarizes the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic transformations of organic molecules to commercially valuable products in water, sometimes evaluating also the contemporary H2 production. The reaction conditions, mechanisms and kinetics are presented and discussed. Future perspectives are also given.

Biodegradable Polymers in Veterinary Medicine-A Review.

During the past two decades, tremendous progress has been made in the development of biodegradable polymeric materials for various industrial applications, including human and veterinary medicine. They are promising alternatives to commonly used non-degradable polymers to combat the global plastic waste crisis. Among biodegradable polymers used, or potentially applicable to, veterinary medicine are natural polysaccharides, such as chitin, chitosan, and cellulose as well as various polyesters, including poly(ε-caprolactone), polylactic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), and polyhydroxyalkanoates produced by bacteria. They can be used as implants, drug carriers, or biomaterials in tissue engineering and wound management. Their use in veterinary practice depends on their biocompatibility, inertness to living tissue, mechanical resistance, and sorption characteristics. They must be designed specifically to fit their purpose, whether it be: (1) facilitating new tissue growth and allowing for controlled interactions with living cells or cell-growth factors, (2) having mechanical properties that address functionality when applied as implants, or (3) having controlled degradability to deliver drugs to their targeted location when applied as drug-delivery vehicles. This paper aims to present recent developments in the research on biodegradable polymers in veterinary medicine and highlight the challenges and future perspectives in this area.

Current status and future perspectives on robot-assisted kidney autotransplantation: A literature review.

This review presents the latest insights on robot-assisted kidney autotransplantation (RAKAT). RAKAT is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and represents a promising alternative to conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy followed by open kidney transplantation for the treatment of various complex urological and vascular conditions. RAKAT can be performed either extracorporeally or intracorporeally. Additionally, a single-port approach can be performed through one small incision without the need to reposition the patient. Of 86 patients undergoing RAKAT, 8 (9.3%) developed postoperative > Grade 2 Clavien-Dindo (CD) complications. Although the feasibility of RAKAT was established in 2014, the long-term efficacy and safety along with outcomes of this surgical approach are still being evaluated, and additional studies are needed. With improvements in the technology of RAKAT and as surgeons gain more experience, RAKAT should become increasingly used and further refined, thereby leading to improved surgical outcomes and improved patients' quality of life.

A travel though the atrane route, a versatile tool for the materials soft‐synthesis: A twenty‐five years perspective

AbstractThe use of triethanolamine in the preparation of materials has been a fertile area of research during the last decades. It is used in sol‐gel synthesis because of its ability to regulate pH, act as a structure‐directing agent, and form atrane complexes with a wide variety of elements. The atranes harmonize the hydrolysis and condensation processes of inorganic species with their interaction with surfactant molecules or micelles for the obtention of homogeneous materials. This review describes the basic principles of the formation of atrane complexes and their use in material synthesis, followed by a compilation of the main examples found in the bibliography. These materials include pure and doped silicas by using micelles as porogen species (MCM‐41, SBA‐15, UVM‐7, etc.), or without using template agents (TUD‐1, UVM‐11, etc.), non‐silica oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, etc.), mesoporous phosphates and phosphonates, zeotypes (zeolites, aluminophosphates or silicoaluminophosphates, and layered double hydroxides. The atrane route shows a versatile approach for the preparation of these materials with up to three elements simultaneously. The focus of the review centers on the synthesis of the materials and the discussion of their main applications. These examples enrich with a discussion about the future perspective of the topic.

Integrating technology and special education: innovative approaches to teaching Autism

This research addressed the integration of technology in special education, focusing specifically on the teaching of students with autism. The main objective was to examine innovative technological approaches applied to special education and assess their effectiveness in the educational process of individuals with autism. Using a literature review methodology, several studies and articles discussing the use of technologies such as digital games, virtual reality, flipped classroom, and collaborative learning in the context of special education were analyzed. The results revealed the significant impact of these technologies on improving engagement and the development of social and cognitive skills in students with autism. However, challenges such as accessibility, costs, and the need for specific educator training were identified. Future perspectives indicate an optimistic scenario, with the continuous evolution of educational technologies promoting increasingly personalized and inclusive approaches. The study concluded by emphasizing the importance of technology as a valuable resource in the education of individuals with autism, despite the existing challenges.

Strategies for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Overview.

Despite significant advances in vaccination strategies and antibiotic therapy, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be the leading disease affecting the global cattle industry. The etiology of BRD is complex, often involving multiple microbial agents, which lead to intricate interactions between the host immune system and pathogens during various beef production stages. These interactions present environmental, social, and geographical challenges. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective disease management. Nevertheless, correct identification of BRD cases remains a daunting challenge for animal health technicians in feedlots. In response to current regulations, there is a growing interest in refining clinical diagnoses of BRD to curb the overuse of antimicrobials. This shift marks a pivotal first step toward establishing a structured diagnostic framework for this disease. This review article provides an update on recent developments and future perspectives in clinical diagnostics and prognostic techniques for BRD, assessing their benefits and limitations. The methods discussed include the evaluation of clinical signs and animal behavior, biomarker analysis, molecular diagnostics, ultrasound imaging, and prognostic modeling. While some techniques show promise as standalone diagnostics, it is likely that a multifaceted approach-leveraging a combination of these methods-will yield the most accurate diagnosis of BRD.

Impacts of Climate Change on Respiratory Health, Case of Asthma: A Comprehensive 24-Year Review (2000 To 2023) of Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Impacts of Climate Change on Respiratory Health, Case of Asthma: A Comprehensive 24-Year Review (2000 To 2023) of Current Trends and Future Perspectives

A Comprehensive and Critical Assessment on the Efficiency of Natural and Synthetic Adsorbents for the Removal of Recalcitrant Malachite Green from Water: Present Level and Future Perspectives

A Comprehensive and Critical Assessment on the Efficiency of Natural and Synthetic Adsorbents for the Removal of Recalcitrant Malachite Green from Water: Present Level and Future Perspectives

Imaging in osteogenesis imperfecta: Where we are and where we are going

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited skeletal dysplasias. The hallmark features of OI include bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, bone deformity, and diminished growth, along with a plethora of associated secondary features (both skeletal and extraskeletal). The diagnosis of OI is currently made on clinical grounds and may be confirmed by genetic testing. However, imaging remains pivotal in the evaluation of this disease. The aim of this article is to review the current role played by the various radiologic techniques in the diagnosis and monitoring of OI in the postnatal setting as well as to discuss recent advances and future perspectives in OI imaging. Conventional Radiography and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) are currently the two most used imaging modalities in OI. The cardinal radiographic features of OI include generalized osteopenia/osteoporosis, bone deformities, and fractures. DXA is currently the most available technique to assess Bone Mineral Density (BMD), specifically areal BMD (aBMD). However, DXA has important limitations and cannot fully characterize bone fragility in OI based on aBMD. Novel DXA-derived parameters, such as Trabecular Bone Score (TBS), may provide further insight into skeletal changes induced by OI, but evidence is still limited. Techniques like Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be useful as problem-solvers or in specific settings, including the evaluation of cranio-cervical abnormalities. Recent evidence supports the use of High-Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) as a promising tool to improve the characterization of bone fragility in OI. However, HR-pQCT remains a primarily research technique at present. Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) is an alternative to DXA for the determination of BMD at central sites, with distinct advantages but considerably higher radiation exposure. Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) is a portable, inexpensive, and radiation-free modality that may complement DXA evaluation, providing information on bone quality. However, evidence of usefulness of QUS in OI is poor. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is an emerging non-ionizing imaging method that holds promise for the diagnosis of low BMD and for the prediction of fracture risk, but so far only one published study has investigated its role in OI. To conclude, several different radiologic techniques have proven to be effective in the diagnosis and monitoring of OI, each with their own specificities and peculiarities. Clinicians should be aware of the strategic role of the various modalities in the different phases of the patient care process. In this scenario, the development of international guidelines including recommendations on the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of OI, accompanied by continuous active research in the field, could significantly improve the standardization of patient care.

Attuning to the World of Peace of Mind and Trust: Women's Lived Experience of the Woman-Midwife Relationship in Japan.

In Japan, many pregnant women and mothers suffer from anxiety, depression, and other postnatal issues that can be exacerbated by their birth experiences. While benefiting from advanced medical care, these women's mental and psychological health may be disregarded in their maternity care. Midwives have the potential to play a significant role in improving women's birth experiences. Hence, this study aimed to explore the meaning of the woman-midwife relationship, with a specific focus on sensing peace of mind and trust to improve women's birth experiences. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, 14 Japanese women were interviewed. Sensing peace of mind and trust was one of the significant meanings of the woman-midwife relationship and is articulated across five themes: (1) attuning to the world, (2) different kinds of safety and trust, (3) relying on and entrusting midwives, (4) making a mother, and (5) an emotional bridge. The positive relationship with midwives enhanced the women's mental well-being through allowing the women to attune to the peaceful mind which directed their future perspectives and sustained them in motherhood. They became confident mothers by trusting their midwives. The maternity care system in Japan needs to shift to more relationship-based care to ensure continuity of midwifery care that will improve women's birth experiences and their long-term well-being.

Active methodologies and digital tools: redefining contemporary teaching

This bibliographic review addressed the integration of active methodologies and digital tools in contemporary education. The central problem investigated was the effectiveness of this integration in redefining educational practices. The main objective was to analyze the impact of combining active methodologies and digital tools on the teaching and learning process. Using a literature review methodology, relevant studies were compiled and analyzed for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The results indicated that the integration of these approaches improves student performance and motivation, promoting more interactive and engaging learning. However, challenges such as the need for teacher training and equitable access to technology were identified. The final considerations suggest that, despite these challenges, the future perspectives for the integration of active methodologies and digital tools in education are promising, indicating a path towards more effective and adaptive teaching.

CHEK2 germline variants identified in familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer lead to impaired protein structure and function

Approximately 5-15% of non-medullary thyroid cancers (NMTC) present in a familial form (FNMTC). Unlike sporadic NMTC, the genetic basis of FNMTC remains largely unknown, representing a limitation for diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up decisions. Recently, germline mutations in DNA repair-related genes have been described in cases with thyroid cancer, suggesting a role in FNMTC etiology. Here, two FNMTC families were studied, each with two members affected with thyroid cancer. Ninety-four hereditary cancer predisposition genes were analysed through next-generation sequencing, revealing two germline missense variants in CHEK2 (c.962A>C, p.E321A and c.470T>C, p.I157T), which segregated with thyroid cancer in each FNMTC family. p.E321A, located in the CHK2 protein kinase domain, is a rare variant, previously unreported in the literature. Conversely, p.I157T, located in CHK2 forkhead-associated domain, has been extensively described, having conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity. CHK2 proteins (wild type and variants) were characterized using biophysical methods, molecular dynamics simulations, and immunohistochemistry. Overall, biophysical characterization of these CHK2 variants showed that they have compromised structural and conformational stability and impaired kinase activity, compared to the wild-type protein. Additionally, CHK2 appears to aggregate into amyloid-like fibrils in vitro, which opens future perspectives towards positioning CHK2 in cancer pathophysiology. CHK2 variants exhibited higher propensity for this conformational change, also displaying higher expression in thyroid tumors. The present findings support the utility of complementary biophysical and in silico approaches towards understanding the impact of genetic variants in protein structure and function, improving the current knowledge on CHEK2 variants’ role in FNMTC genetic basis, with prospective clinical translation.

Inclusive education for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: pedagogical strategies, challenges and perspectives

Inclusive Education has become a priority in the contemporary educational context, especially with regard to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study explores pedagogical strategies, challenges and perspectives associated with the inclusion of these students, recognizing the importance of adapting the educational environment to meet their specific needs. The research aims to analyze Inclusive Education for students with ASD, highlighting effective pedagogical strategies, identifying the challenges faced by educators and students, and anticipating future perspectives to improve the quality of inclusive teaching. The research is characterized as qualitative, seeking to understand the experiences, perceptions and practices of educators, students and family members involved in Inclusive Education for students with ASD. Furthermore, it uses a bibliographical review to theoretically support the discussions, examining previous studies and relevant legislation. The results show the effectiveness of adapted pedagogical strategies, such as the use of visual materials and educational technologies, to provide opportunities for the participation and learning of students with ASD. However, challenges are identified, such as the need to improve teacher training to deal with the specific demands of this group and the importance of promoting inclusion not only in the classroom, but also in the community and in family formation. Given the challenges identified, the final considerations highlight the urgency of investing in continuing training programs for teachers, the development of more comprehensive inclusion strategies and the promotion of an inclusive culture that transcends the physical barriers of the classroom. Therefore, by anticipating future perspectives, it is possible to strengthen the basis for a more effective Inclusive Education that fully meets the educational and social needs of students with ASD.

Bismuth-Based Z-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalysts for Remediation of Contaminated Water.

Agricultural runoff, fuel spillages, urbanization, hospitalization, and industrialization are some of the serious problems currently facing the world. In particular, byproducts that are hazardous to the ecosystem have the potential to mix with water used for drinking. Over the last three decades, various techniques, including biodegradation, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), (e.g., photocatalysis, photo-Fenton oxidation, Fenton-like oxidation, and electrochemical oxidation process adsorption), filtration, and adsorption techniques, have been developed to remove hazardous byproducts. Among those, AOPs, photocatalysis has received special attention from the scientific community because of its unusual properties at the nanoscale and its layered structure. Recently, bismuth based semiconductor (BBSc) photocatalysts have played an important role in solving global energy demand and environmental pollution problems. In particular, bismuth-based Z-scheme heterojunction (BBZSH) is considered the best alternative route to overhaul the limitations of single-component BBSc photocatalysts. This work aims to review recent studies on a new type of BBZSH photocatalysts for the treatment of contaminated water. The general overview of the synthesis methods, efficiency-enhancing strategies, classifications of BBSc and Z-scheme heterojunctions, the degradation mechanisms of Z- and S-schemes, and the application of BBZSH photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes, antibiotics, aromatics compounds, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and volatile organic compounds are reviewed. Finally, challenges and the future perspective of BBZSH photocatalysts are discussed.