Abstract: Airborne microplastics (AMPs) undergo ultraviolet (UV)–driven physicochemical aging during atmospheric transport, influencing cloud processes, greenhouse-gas release, and potential respiratory health impacts. Quantifying this transformation is particularly challenging for particles smaller than 10 µm and for polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), whose intrinsic ester carbonyl band obscures newly formed acid carbonyls in conventional infrared analyses. Here, we develop a µFTIR attenuated total reflection (µFTIR-ATR) imaging method combined with a fourth-derivative oxidation index (carbonyl ratio at 1701/1716 cm⁻¹) that resolves these overlapping bands and enables sensitive, quantitative evaluation of PET surface oxidation. The approach automates detection, identification, and oxidation analysis of particles down to ~2 µm. Laboratory UV irradiation experiments show a systematic increase in this derivative-based oxidation index with exposure dose. Application to ambient PET collected from Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Osaka (Japan), and Siem Reap (Cambodia) reveals clear regional differences corresponding to local UV-A environments: PET from Siem Reap exhibited the highest oxidation, whereas particles from the Japanese sites showed moderate but variable aging. These results demonstrate that derivative-based µFTIR-ATR imaging provides a practical and highly sensitive tool for quantifying photo-oxidative degradation in fine airborne microplastics and highlight the value of chemical-aging metrics for interpreting atmospheric processing and transport pathways.

Abstract: A series of Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts with varying Fe loadings were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Their catalytic performance was evaluated for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia. The catalyst with a Fe:Al molar ratio of 1:1 demonstrated the highest NOx conversion (99.9%) and exhibited a broader operating temperature window (240–390°C) compared to catalysts with other Fe/Al ratios. Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) confirmed that the incorporation of iron ions preserved the high crystallinity and MFI structure of the ZSM-5 zeolite. NH3-temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) profiles revealed the presence of two distinct acid sites at approximately 250 °C and 400 °C.

Abstract: Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder marked by the production of abnormally shaped, rigid red blood cells that obstruct blood flow, resulting in pain, organ damage, and increased infection risk. SCD poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, which has the highest global burden, with about 150,000 affected children born an-nually. The high prevalence is exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure, low public awareness, and so-cio-economic barriers, making effective disease management difficult. Understanding the knowledge of home-based caregivers is essential to identify gaps that may impact care quality. Aim: This study explores the knowledge, experiences, and educational needs of home-based caregivers of children with SCD attending the Paediatric Haematology Clinic, ABUTH, Zaria. Methods: A qualitative case study design was used, involving in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected caregivers. Inter-views were conducted in Hausa, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was performed. Results: Four themes emerged: 1.Understanding of SCD aetiology 2. Knowledge of symptoms 3. Awareness of complications and 4. Knowledge of SCD type. Conclusion: Home-based caregivers had limited knowledge of the genetic basis of the disease, but possess some knowledge of SCD key symptoms, enabling basic disease management and healthcare seeking. However, there is a need to enhance care-giver education to improve, care quality and health seeking behavior for children with SCD.

Abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a widely used non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that gained growing interest as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for Parkinson’s disease (PD), as well as for some atypical parkinsonisms and secondary parkinsonian syndromes. Briefly, TMS enables targeted stimulation of specific cortical regions through externally applied magnetic pulses, avoiding surgical intervention (as occurs in deep brain stimulation) and making it a safe, repeatable, and well-tolerated approach. Over the past two decades, extensive research has explored the clinical utility of TMS in PD, with particular emphasis on motor cortex excitability, synaptic plasticity, and functional connectivity, which are central contributors to both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients. In addition, TMS has been shown to modulate cortical plasticity, i.e., the brain’s capacity to reorganize neural circuits, suggesting potential benefits for longer-term non-pharmacological management and rehabilitation protocols. More recently, studies have also investigated the role of TMS in atypical and secondary parkinsonisms, indicating that it may help characterize distinct neurophysiological abnormalities and provide symptomatic improvement in selected patients. This updated literature review critically synthesizes current evidence on the application of different TMS protocols across the spectrum of parkinsonian disorders, highlighting clinical potential, methodological limitations, and future research directions.

Abstract: A more comprehensive approach to probability studies an infinite number of probability laws that are formally admissible. Thus, an infinite number of weighted averages can be handled. Areinterpretation of the central limit theorem is accordingly shown. The deviations or errors from a fixed value are calculated. It is proved that they are normally distributed. Furthermore, such deviations are invariant with respect to geometric translations identifying repeated samples. In this paper, the way of understanding the statistical model to which a specific and pragmatic distribution is compared is not a functional scheme in the continuum, but it is itself a specific and pragmatic distribution. It is possible to enlarge the reasoning, so developments and future perspectives that underlie the reinterpretation of the central limit theorem are discussed.

Abstract: Background: Cocaine is the second most widely abused illicit substance worldwide and exerts potent sympathomimetic effects by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. While cardiovascular and neurological complications are well recognized, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are increasingly reported. These arise from multifactorial mechanisms including vasospasm, endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, ischemia, and direct mucosal toxicity, often with severe clinical consequences. Objective: This narrative review summarizes the mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, routes of use, and spectrum of GI complications associated with cocaine exposure, with emphasis on ischemic, ulcerative, hemorrhagic, inflammatory, fibrotic, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic sequelae. Methods: We reviewed published case reports, cohort studies, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed and major databases up to 2023. Articles focusing on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic features, and outcomes of cocaine-induced GI disorders were included. References with available abstracts were prioritized. Results: Cocaine induces GI injury through vasoconstriction, pro-thrombotic effects, microvascular dysfunction, and direct cytotoxicity. Pharmacokinetically, cocaine demonstrates rapid absorption via intranasal, inhalational, or intravenous routes, with hepatic metabolism and elimination through benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester. Clinical gastrointestinal complications include: • Ischemic/Vascular: Mesenteric ischemia/infarction, colonic ischemia, ischemic/ hemorrhagic colitis, Vascular thrombosis • Ulcerative/Perforative: Peptic ulcer disease, Gastric, duodenal, small and large bowel perforations • Inflammatory/Fibrotic: Enteritis, enterocolitis, strictures, retroperitoneal fibrosis • Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic • Splenic • Other: GAVE, IBD mimic Rare complications such as intussusception and small bowel hematomas have also been described. Cocaine adulteration with levamisole increases risk of agranulocytosis and ischemic necrosis. Mortality is particularly high in cases of acute mesenteric ischemia, infarction, and fulminant ischemic colitis. Conclusion: Cocaine use is a significant and under-recognized contributor to severe GI morbidity and mortality. Its complications span from ischemia and perforation to hepatopancreatic injury, often requiring emergent intervention. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for cocaine-related GI disease in young patients presenting with abdominal pain or ischemic features, as early recognition and management may improve outcomes.

Abstract: Customer-grade affordable active radon monitors occupy a growing segment of the radon measurement market. This is no surprise given the fair price, easy operation, versatile applicability and reasonable performance. A relatively recent member of the family is the Aranet Radon-plus, made by a Latvian company. Two devices were tested in parallel together with one RadonEye, an already well established monitor of this class. In comparison with the latter, the Aranet has a somewhat lower sensitivity, but additional useful features, namely a time stamp and measurement of meteorological parameters. Operability via Smartphone and Bluetooth is very similar. One difficult issue is data smoothing that introduces artificial autocorrelation of reported data which is problematic in certain applications. In this paper, several experiments under different exposure scenarios (indoors, outdoors, thoron, moving) to assess the performance of the Aranet and some considerations regarding counting statistics are presented.

Abstract: This research paper focuses on determining the pressure wave propagation velocity in closed hydraulic pipes, a fundamental parameter relevant to a wide range of engineering applications, from aerospace to land-based and marine systems. It was indicated that, under transient conditions, the pressure wave propagation velocity depends, among other factors, on temperature, pressure, and the substitute bulk modulus. Furthermore, it was also indicated that accurate knowledge of this velocity is crucial for predicting pressure amplitudes during transient flows, including water-hammer phenomena. Finally, the analysis indicated that excessive pressure amplitudes in the pipe can lead to critical damage to the pipeline and increased vibration. Experimental investigations were carried out to determine the pressure wave propagation velocity in flexible steel-braided pipes and in a rigid pipe over a wide range of internal pressures.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the human immune system and strategies to enhance its function. Whole-body cryother-apy (WBC), a short-term therapeutic application of extreme cold of about minus 90 de-grees, seems to show a positive influence on the immune system, physical pain, body composition and other human regulatory systems. Methods: In this one- armed prospec-tive monocentric observational study 20 adult participants underwent 18 sessions of cry-otherapy over 9 weeks (–90°C, 3 – 6 minutes each), followed by a 9-week post-intervention phase. Results: In many parameters of bioimpedance analysis, blood parameters and subjective perception of stress, statistically significant improvement could be found, especially directly after intervention phase. Some improvements persist till end of study time frame. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study underscore the impact of cryotherapy on pathways related to immune function and metabolic regulation. The results will pave the way for further randomized controlled trials that study and confirm the efficacy of WBC.

Abstract: The Ermakov-Pinney (EP) equation and its associated invariant are shown to arise naturally in stationary quantum mechanics when the Schr\"{o}dinger equation is written in Bohm-Madelung (BM) form and the Hamiltonian is diagonal and separable. Under these conditions, the quantum continuity constraint induces a nonlinear amplitude equation of EP type for each degree of freedom, revealing a hidden invariant structure independent of whether the evolution parameter is time or space. This framework is illustrated using the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, clarifying the role of the second independent solution, which is typically suppressed in standard quantum mechanics. The results establish Ermakov invariants as an intrinsic amplitude-space structure underlying separable stationary problems and motivate further investigation using extended variational formulations of Bohmian dynamics.

Abstract:

The term fascia encompasses more than just connective tissue: it creates cohesion, space, and freedom of movement. This, however, contrasts with classical anatomical and histological classifications that reduce the fascia to a set of separate connective tissue structures and describe it in the narrowest possible sense. A phenomenological analysis of embryonic development now suggests that fascia is better understood as the inner-tissue that forms a continuous multi-dimensional matrix and thereby lays the foundation for physical cohesion of the body. The fascia is then no longer just another discrete anatomical system but is characterized by its continuities and the prerequisite for the formation of all the body’s ‘parts’. This study posits that the so-called mesodermal germ layer is NOT one of three equivalent elements, but rather the mesenchymal inner-tissue dimension of the body: an organizing substrate within which the organs and tissues differentiate. The hypothesis that fascia forms the neurophysiological basis of ‘interoception’ is then questioned with the latter also appearing as a non-anatomical dimension analogous to the fascia. Understanding fascia from this broader perspective thus requires a consideration of embryonic development as a whole-body process: one in which the ‘inner-self’ differentiates into the recognizable organs and tissues of anatomy.

Abstract: The rapid expansion of probiotics and other microbiome-modulating interventions has been accompanied by a growing number of human clinical trials. Yet, despite frequent reports of statistically significant microbiome changes, relatively few studies generate evidence that convincingly supports health claims or translates into reproducible, clinically meaningful outcomes. This gap is often attributed to the inherent complexity and inter-individual variability of the gut microbiome; however, recurring shortcomings in trial design and interpretation likely play an equally important role.In this Commentary, we examine common failure modes that weaken the clinical validation of microbiome-mediated interventions. These include overreliance on descriptive microbiome metrics (e.g., alpha diversity and taxonomic shifts) as surrogate endpoints, misalignment between prespecified endpoints and the claims ultimately advanced, and excessive dependence on symptom-only outcomes in settings characterized by substantial placebo responsiveness. We further highlight how inadequate control of key confounders—particularly diet, antibiotic exposure, and concomitant medications—combined with endpoint overload and underpowered study designs, can obscure true biological signal and increase the risk of irreproducible findings.We argue that stronger evidence emerges when the microbiome is treated as a mechanistic mediator rather than a clinical endpoint. Trials are most interpretable when intended claims are prospectively defined, linked to explicit biological mechanisms, and evaluated using a hierarchy of endpoints that prioritizes host-relevant outcomes and objective biomarkers, with microbiome measures integrated to support mechanistic plausibility. Adoption of staged development pathways, disciplined statistical planning, and transparent management of confounding variables can further improve reproducibility and clinical relevance.

Abstract: A new electro-gravity theory, referred to as a unified electro-gravity (UEG) theory, is applied to self-consistently model the complete structure of a spinning electron. The results from the new theory, evaluated in comparison with concepts and parameters from basic quantum mechanics (QM) and quantum electrodynamics (QED), clearly indicate that the QM and the QED trace their fundamental origin to the new UEG theory. As a significant fundamental development, the fine structure constant and the electron g-factor, which are key QED parameters, are directly related to a parameter (referred to as the UEG constant) used in the UEG theory. A QM wave function would be physically equivalent to a space-time ripple in the permittivity function of the free space, produced by the strong UEG fields surrounding a spinning charge, and the basic QM relationship between energy and frequency would then naturally emerge from the UEG model. Further extension and generalization of the theory could also explain other quantum mechanical concepts including particle-wave duality, frequency shift in electrodynamic scattering, and charge quantization.

Abstract: Purpose: This study conducts a systematic literature review on the intersection of real estate exposure and geotechnical hazards, focusing specifically on seismic and subsurface risks. The objective is to synthesize key thematic trends, methodologies, and governance frameworks that informrisk-informed planning in seismically vulnerable urban areas. Design/methodology/approach: A Boolean search query was implemented on Lens.org, identifying 55 peer-reviewed articles published between January 2020 and May 2025. Inclusion criteria required explicit focus on property exposure to seismic or ground instability risks. Thematic analysis was conducted based on title and abstract data, supported by a Python-generated word cloud to inductively identify five core clusters: (1) seismic assessment and earthquake risk, (2) building vulnerability and structural performance, (3) subsurface hazards and ground instability, (4) urban areas, heritage, and social vulnerability, and (5) risk mitigation, planning, and resilience frameworks. Findings: The review reveals a shift from hazard-centric, engineering-based models toward integrated, multi-scalar frameworks that embed risk within socio-economic, spatial, and institutional contexts. While consensus exists on the importance of probabilistic modeling, retrofitting, and GIS-based tools, divergences persist around behavioral valuation, policy uptake, and equity in implementation. Heritage cities and informal settlements emerge as under-addressed but critically vulnerable domains. Originality/value: This study systematically maps interdisciplinary research on real estate exposure to seismic and subsurface risks post-2020. By bridging engineering, planning, behavioral economics, and disaster governance, the review provides a unique synthesis relevant for academics, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to design equitable and resilient urban futures.

Abstract: With the progressive implementation of China's dual-carbon strategy, the proportion of renewable energy in the power system continues to rise. Large-scale renewable energy clusters for centralized power transmission have been established in regions such as Northeast and Northwest China, while offshore wind power in coastal areas of East China is experiencing rapid growth. The inherent intermittency and stochastic variability of wind and solar resources introduce significant uncertainty into power output, leading to frequent operational challenges within renewable energy clusters, including voltage fluctuations and reactive power oscillation. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a multi-mode adaptive coordinated reactive power control strategy for renewable energy clusters. The research framework proceeds as follows: First, two key indicators characterizing the voltage dynamic behavior of renewable energy clusters are analyzed, namely, voltage sensitivity and the Multi-plant Short-Circuit Ratio (MRSCR). Subsequently, based on the physical implications of these indicators, conventional control modes, including constant voltage, constant reactive power, and constant power factor control, are refined and adaptively deployed, forming an integrated multi-mode coordinated control strategy. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified through a closed-loop, co-simulation testing platform that combines digital simulation with physical hardware-in-the-loop elements. The results indicate that, compared to conventional automatic voltage control (AVC) methods, the proposed strategy demonstrates enhanced adaptability to frequently changing grid operating conditions and contributes more effectively to the mitigation of voltage oscillation issues in renewable energy clusters.

Abstract: Background: Microbiome-targeted interventions have shown promise for metabolic health, yet clinical evidence remains inconsistent, particularly across stages of metabolic disease. This study evaluated the metabolic effects, safety, and tolerability of EDC-HHA01, a microbiome-informed, non-pharmacologic intervention, in adults with prediabetes (PD) or Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants received EDC-HHA01 or placebo for six months. The study was adequately powered (≥80%) for the primary endpoint. Outcomes included changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), indices of insulin resistance, markers of metabolic endotoxemia, safety-related laboratory parameters, and exploratory patient-reported measures. Analyses were stratified by metabolic status and background metformin use. Results: In participants with PD, EDC-HHA01 supplementation was associated with a statistically and clinically meaningful reduction in HbA1c compared with placebo, supported by concordant improvements in fasting insulin, insulin resistance indices, and reductions in endotoxemia markers. In participants with T2DM, changes were directionally similar but attenuated and did not reach statistical significance. The intervention was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events, high adherence, and no clinically relevant adverse changes in renal or lipid parameters. Exploratory patient-reported outcomes indicated favorable acceptability but were not interpreted as efficacy endpoints. Conclusions: EDC-HHA01 was associated with biologically coherent, stage-dependent metabolic effects, most evident in PD. These findings support further investigation of microbiome-informed strategies as metabolic support in early-stage dysregulation.

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of female mortality, especially if diagnosed in late stages. While mammography is the cornerstone of screening, its diagnostic accuracy is limited by tumor heterogeneity and subjective interpretation. Objective: Herein, we explored the potential of radiomics and machine learning to improve the diagnostic accuracy of mammograms and personalise patient management in breast cancer. Methods: We manually segmented tumours and lymph nodes to analyse mammograms of the open-source INbreast dataset, which comprised multiple cases of benign and malignant breast masses with and without lymphadenopathy. Ra- diomics features (morphological, texture, wavelet) were extracted using PyRadiomics. Stratified sampling ensured balanced class representation. Then, we trained ML classifiers (XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, etc.) to detect malignancy from the extracted radiomical features. Random Forest classifier was used to prognosticate the molecular subtype of the tumour from radiomical findings. Results: Significant radiomic differences were observed between benign and malignant lesions. Combining features of breast mass and lymph node yielded the highest classification accuracy (up to 99%) in detecting malignancy. The Random Forest model achieved 90.8% accuracy in identifying Luminal A molecular subtypes, with first-order and shape-based features contributing most to model perfor- mance. Conclusion: Radiomics-based ML models significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and enable non-invasive prediction of breast cancer subtypes. This approach supports precision oncology by enhancing screening efficiency and informing personalized treatment strategies.

Abstract: Background: Digital workflows have significantly improved accuracy and predictability in implant prosthodontics; however, full-arch rehabilitations in completely edentulous patients remain challenging due to the need for precise implant position transfer and passive fit of prosthetic frameworks. Although artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted digital workflows have shown promising results in vitro, prospective clinical evidence remains limited. This study aimed to clinically evaluate the accuracy of a novel AI-integrated digital impression workflow (SmartX) for all-on-X full-arch implant-supported rehabilitations. Methods: This prospective observational case series included 10 completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with all-on-X implant-supported full-arch prostheses. Digital impressions were obtained using extended SmartFlag scan bodies combined with an AI-assisted SmartX workflow and an intraoral scanner. Clinical accuracy was evaluated using visual and tactile inspection, the one-screw (Sheffield) test, and a screw resistance test, all recorded as dichotomous outcomes (acceptable passive fit: yes/no). Secondary outcomes included implant and prosthesis survival rates and the incidence of biological or technical complications. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. Results: A total of 54 implants were placed (mean: 5.4 implants per patient), with no dropouts during follow-up. All cases demonstrated acceptable passive fit according to all accuracy assessments (100% positive outcomes). Progressive screw tightening revealed a consistent angular displacement of approximately 60° in all cases. Implant and prosthesis survival rates were 100%, and no biological or technical complications were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this prospective clinical study, the SmartX AI-assisted digital workflow combined with extended scan bodies demonstrated high clinical accuracy for full-arch implant-supported rehabilitations. This approach appears to be a reliable and clinically feasible option for digital full-arch prosthodontics. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Abstract: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) threatens public health by driving widespread antimicrobial resistance transmission in environmental and agricultural settings. This study examined the prevalence, genetic determinants, and phylogenetic relationships of ESBL-EC isolated from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and farm environments in southeastern North Carolina. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and September 2025 across two WWTPs and two farms (cattle and poultry). We sampled influent and effluent wastewater, plus fecal and water specimens collected from chickens, ducks, and cattle. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against nine drugs, while PCR and sequencing were used for genotypic characterization. Phylogenetic analysis assessed genetic relatedness among isolates. ESBL-EC was detected in 27.4% (n = 124) of 452 samples, with the highest prevalence in chickens (31.5%), followed by WWTP influents (28.2%), ducks (18.5%), and cattle (12.1%). Dominant resistance genes included blaCMY-2 (71.8%), blaCTX-M-1 and blaOXA (54% each), and blaSHV (29.8%). Co-occurrence of blaCMY-2 with blaCTX-M-1 and blaOXA was observed in poultry isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clonal relatedness between poultry and cattle isolates. These findings highlight poultry as a key reservoir and emphasize the need for One Health surveillance to mitigate cross-reservoir transmission of resistant E. coli.

Abstract: This empirical study examines how FinTech innovation is adopted, scaled, and sustained in a small and highly regulated market, such as Latvia. The triangulated analytical framework is applied in this study, integrating Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory IDT [1], De Meyer’s Innovation Ecosystem framework [2], and the Value Chain Theory [3], [4]. This framework enables the exploration of the interaction between innovation characteristics, ecosystem relationships, and restructuring in the value chain. The data was collected from FinTech leaders, conventional financial institutions (banks), regulators, and associations, and it was analysed thematically. Based on the interviews with stakeholders, the relative advantage of Latvian FinTechs lies in their flexibility, speed, and trialability; however, the adoption barrier is the complexity of regulation and unevenness in infrastructure and institutional readiness. The authors found strong collaboration among the ecosystem's players but limited proactive regulatory engagement. This research provides a replicable model for cross-border or cross-sector analysis to assess the progress of innovation in regulatory and Environmental, Social and Governance ESG integration.