Although several studies have found disparities in health outcomes between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)-identifying individuals, few studies have focused on subjective well-being and protective factors for health and well-being. The purpose of this work is twofold: (1) to examine the relevance of sexual orientation to health and well-being in women and men; (2) to identify protective and risk factors for psychological distress, self-rated health, and well-being for gay men, lesbian women, bisexual women and men, and heterosexual women and men. The sample consisted of 908 women and 586 men from the general Spanish population aged 16–64, half of whom identified themselves as LGB and half as heterosexual. All were assessed using eight questionnaires and inventories. The results showed that differences varied depending on the health indicator considered. In general, bisexuals had the poorest health, with lower self-rated health and lower self-esteem. In all groups, self-esteem was a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with better health and well-being. To a lesser extent, social support served as a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with greater well-being in all groups. It is concluded that although sexual orientation is relevant to the health and well-being of individuals, there are differences among sexual minorities, with bisexuals having lower self-esteem than homosexuals. Full article

This study investigates the rationale behind the combination of Buddha mahāstūpas (mahācetiyas) and cetiyas (caityas) within a Buddhist monastery. In integrating a broader intellectual program, the universality of the concept is exemplified, wherein “mahācetiya and cetiya” are combined to symbolize the life of Buddha through architectural arrangements. Adopting a broader intellectual program grounded in the causality principle signifies an inclination toward universality. These combinations represent sacred places and events in Buddha’s life, from birth to Mahaparinirvana. They encompass significant moments, such as great departures, meditation, enlightenment, and preaching. The synthesis of mahācetiyas and apsidal shrines was a pivotal moment at the site, guided by the Mahāsaṅghika School, representing an innovative invention in the pursuit of narrative framing of Buddha’s biography. Full article

This study presents an extensive collection of data on the aerodynamic behavior at a low Reynolds number and geometric coefficients for 2900 airfoils obtained through the class shape transformation (CST) method. By employing a verified OpenFOAM-based CFD simulation framework, lift and drag coefficients were determined at a Reynolds number of 10⁵. Considering the limited availability of data on low Reynolds number airfoils, this dataset is invaluable for a wide range of applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and wind turbines. Additionally, the study offers a method for automating CFD simulations that could be applied to obtain aerodynamic coefficients at higher Reynolds numbers. The breadth of this dataset also supports the enhancement and creation of machine learning (ML) models, further advancing research into the aerodynamics of airfoils and lifting surfaces. Full article

Alterations in intraocular and external pressure critically involve the pathogenesis of glaucoma, traumatic retinal injury (TRI), and other retinal disorders, and retinal neurons have been reported to express multiple mechanical-sensitive channels (MSCs) in recent decades. However, the role of MSCs in visual functions and pressure-related retinal conditions has been unclear. This review will focus on the variety and functional significance of the MSCs permeable to K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺, primarily including the big potassium channel (BK); the two-pore domain potassium channels TRAAK and TREK; Piezo; the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC); and the transient receptor potential channels vanilloid TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 in retinal photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells, and ganglion cells. Most MSCs do not directly mediate visual signals in vertebrate retinas. On the other hand, some studies have shown that MSCs can open in physiological conditions and regulate the activities of retinal neurons. While these data reasonably predict the crossing of visual and mechanical signals, how retinal light pathways deal with endogenous and exogenous mechanical stimulation is uncertain. Full article

Background: Exercise and the consumption of sugars result in a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier (IB). Here, we determined the effect of sugar in a natural matrix on the intestinal barrier after moderate (A) and intensive endurance exercise (B). Method: The IB function was determined before (pre) and after running (post), and 120 and 180 min after consuming the drink by measuring serum endotoxin concentrations (lipopolysaccharides—LPS), IL-6, CD14, and i-FABP. In study A, nonspecifically trained participants (n = 24, males and females, age 26 ± 4) ran for one hour at 80% of their individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). After finishing, the runners consumed, in a crossover setup, either 500 mL of water, diluted cloudy apple juice (test drink), or an identical drink (placebo) without the fruit juice matrix (FJM). In study B, the participants (n = 30, males and females, age 50 ± 9) completed an ultra-marathon run, were divided into groups, and consumed one of the above-mentioned drinks. Results: Study A: Exercise resulted in a significant increase in serum LPS, i-FABP, and IL-6, which decreased fast after finishing. No impact of the different drinks on LPS i-FABP, or IL-6 could be observed, but there was an impact on CD14. Study B: The ultra-marathon resulted in a strong increase in serum LPS, which decreased fast after finishing in the water and test drink groups, but not in the placebo group. Conclusions: The consumed drinks did not affect the kinetics of IB regeneration after moderate exercise, but impacted CD14 serum concentrations, indicating possible beneficial effects of the FJM on the immune system. After an ultra-marathon, IB function regenerates very fast. The intake of sugar (placebo) seems to have had a negative impact on IB regeneration, which was diminished by the presence of the FJM. Full article

This work presents the research results on the development of an innovative, hydrometallurgical technology for the production of manganese(II) perrhenate dihydrate from recycled waste. These wastes are scraps of Ni-based superalloys containing Re and scraps of Li–ion batteries containing Mn—specifically, solutions from the leaching of black mass. This work presents the conditions for the production of Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O. Thus, to obtain Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O, manganese(II) oxide was used, precipitated from the solutions obtained after the leaching of black mass from Li–ion batteries scrap and purified from Cu, Fe and Al (pH = 5.2). MnO₂ precipitation was carried out at a temperature < 50 °C for 30 min using a stoichiometric amount of KMnO₄ in the presence of H₂O₂. MnO₂ precipitated in this way was purified using a 20% H₂SO₄ solution and then H₂O. Purified MnO₂ was then added alternately with a 30% H₂O₂ solution to an aqueous HReO₄ solution. The reaction was conducted at room temperature for 30 min to obtain a pH of 6–7. Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O precipitated by evaporating the solution to dryness was purified by recrystallization from H₂O with the addition of H₂O₂ at least twice. Purified Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O was dried at a temperature of 100–110 °C. Using the described procedure, Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O was obtained with a purity of >99.0%. This technology is an example of the green transformation method, taking into account the 6R principles. Full article

Research has shown that general educators may lack the competencies to effectively include students with disabilities, thus widening the gaps in outcomes between students with disabilities and their peers. In this study, we outline the development and implementation of a competency-based continuing education program, designed to equip general educators to effectively include students with disabilities (SWDs) and earn special education certification. This paper presents the results of a program evaluation conducted using both validated measures and author-developed instruments. Participants included general education teachers, instructional coaches, and those in similar roles. Results indicated that participants significantly increased their knowledge of professional standards, demonstrated knowledge in high-leverage practices, and showed high levels of self-efficacy to implement inclusive practices. We discuss these results, emphasizing the timeliness of this nontraditional approach and its implications for teacher preparation, research, and policy amid the troubling national special education teacher shortage. Namely, this approach epitomizes a model that allows leaders to strategically utilize their existing workforce to address vacancies in special education and emphasizes that the responsibility to support SWDs rests squarely upon all educators. Full article

The concurrent seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been described among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its prevalence is variable. HBV S-gene mutations can affect the antigenicity of HBsAg. Patients with mutations in the ‘α’ determinant region of the S gene can develop severe HBV reactivation under immunosuppression. In this study at a tertiary liver center in the United States, we evaluated the frequency and virological characteristics of the HBsAg mutations among CHB patients with the presence of both HBsAg and anti-HBs. In this cohort, 45 (2.1%) of 2178 patients were identified to have a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 24 had available sera for the genome analysis of the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S regions. The frequency of mutations in the S gene was significantly higher among those older than 50 years (mean 8.5 vs. 5.4 mutations per subject, p = 0.03). Twelve patients (50%) had mutations in the ‘α‘ determinant region of the S gene. Mutations at amino acid position 126 were most common in eight subjects. Three had a mutation at position 133. Only one patient had a mutation at position 145—the classic vaccine-escape mutation. Despite the universal HBV vaccination program, the vaccine-escape mutant is rare in our cohort of predominantly Asian patients. Full article

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are commonly encountered problems in clinical settings. The range of symptoms can be from asymptomatic to palpitations, fatigue, or heart failure symptoms. A higher burden of PVCs is a risk factor for development of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (PIC). Rhythm evaluation by 12-lead ECG and an ambulatory monitoring device are essential. Currently, several imaging modalities, such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, are utilized to evaluate the underlying structure that may be related to PIC. Beta blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs are typically part of the initial management strategy. If these fail, catheter ablation of PVCs is typically the next step. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current evidence/knowledge about PIC. Full article

Beneficial health effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are partly attributed to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which promote inflammation resolution. Strategies to improve n-3 PUFA conversion to SPMs may, therefore, be useful to treat or prevent chronic inflammatory disorders. Here, we explored a synbiotic strategy to increase circulating SPM precursor levels. Healthy participants (n = 72) received either SynΩ3 (250 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lysine salts; two billion CFU Bacillus megaterium; n = 23), placebo (n = 24), or fish oil (300 mg EPA plus DHA; N = 25) capsules daily for 28 days in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled parallel 3-group design. Biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 28 days of intervention. The primary analysis involved the comparison between SynΩ3 and placebo. In addition, SynΩ3 was compared to fish oil. The synbiotic SynΩ3 comprising Bacillus megaterium DSM 32963 and n-3 PUFA salts significantly increased circulating SPM precursor levels, including 18-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) plus 5-HEPE, which was not achieved to this extent by fish oil with a similar n-3 PUFA content. Omega-3 indices were increased slightly by both SynΩ3 and fish oil. These findings suggest reconsidering conventional n-3 PUFA supplementation and testing the effectiveness of SynΩ3 particularly in conditions related to inflammation. Full article

The rapid growth of Natural Fiber Laminate (NFL) innovation is a direct response to environmental challenges, positioning these materials as superior alternatives to synthetic fiber composites. This paper delved into the outcomes of an extensive experimental study investigating the influence of sisal fiber (SLF), banana fiber (BF), and glass fiber (GF) on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of concrete. The water absorption curves were established for sisal fiber concrete (SLFC), banana fiber concrete (BFC), and glass fiber concrete (GFC). Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations were conducted to perform microanalysis and failure analysis of the tested specimens. The results revealed significant improvements in the concrete containing fibers compared to its counterpart in fiber-free concrete. For mixtures with a water-to-binder (W/B) ratio of 0.3, the most optimal mix (GF-30-135) showed improvements in compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strengths by 4.13%, 8.93%, and 10.10%, respectively. On the other hand, for W/B of 0.4, mix GF-30-135 showed improvements of 5.05%, 8.55%, and 11.60%, respectively. Furthermore, as the fiber content increased, microscopic analyses revealed a weakening of the bond between the fibers and the rest of the matrix, contributing to the deterioration of the mechanical properties. Full article

Plant-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. However, their beneficial effects and biomedical applications may be limited due to their low bioavailability. In the present study, we have considered a microencapsulation-based drug delivery system to investigate the anticancer effects of polyphenol-rich (apigenin, caffeic acid, and luteolin) fractions, extracted from a cereal crop pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), using three phenotypically different cellular models of breast cancer in vitro, namely triple negative HCC1806, ER-positive HCC1428, and HER2-positive AU565 cells. Encapsulated polyphenolic extract induced apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells with different receptor status, whereas it was ineffective against non-tumorigenic MCF10F cells. Encapsulated polyphenolic extract was also found to be cytotoxic against drug-resistant doxorubicin-induced senescent breast cancer cells that were accompanied by increased levels of apoptotic and necrotic markers, cell cycle inhibitor p21 and proinflammatory cytokine IL8. Furthermore, diverse responses to the stimulation with encapsulated polyphenolic extract in senescent breast cancer cells were observed, as in the encapsulated polyphenolic extract-treated non-proliferating AU565 cells, the autophagic pathway, here cytotoxic autophagy, was also induced, as judged by elevated levels of beclin-1 and LC3b. We show for the first time the anti-breast cancer activity of encapsulated polyphenolic extract of pearl millet and postulate that microencapsulation may be a useful approach for potentiating the anticancer effects of phytochemicals with limited bioavailability. Full article

Background/Objective: Pudendal neuralgia is a distressing condition that presents with pain in the perineum. While a positive anesthetic pudendal nerve block is one of the essential criteria for diagnosing this condition, this block can also provide a therapeutic effect for those afflicted with pudendal neuralgia. There are multiple ways in which a pudendal nerve block can be performed. The objective of this study is to share our results and follow-up of fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve blocks. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. Included were 101 patients who met four out of the five Nantes criteria (pain in the anatomical territory of the pudendal nerve, pain worsened by sitting, pain that does not wake the patient up at night, and no objective sensory loss on clinical examination) who did not respond to conservative treatment and subsequently underwent a fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve block. Therapeutic success was defined as a 30% or greater reduction in pain. Success rates were calculated, and the duration over which that success was sustained was recorded. Results: For achieving at least 30% relief of pain, using worst-case analysis, the success rate at two weeks was 49.4% (95% CI: 38.5%, 60.3%). In addition to pain relief, patients experienced other therapeutic benefits, such as reductions in medication use and improvements in activities of daily living. Conclusions: Fluoroscopy-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve block appears to be effective in patients who have pudendal neuralgia that is resistant to conservative therapy, with good short-term success. Full article

Transposons are integral genome constituents that can be domesticated for host functions, but they also represent a significant threat to genome stability. Transposon silencing is especially critical in the germline, which is dedicated to transmitting inherited genetic material. The small Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have a deeply conserved function in transposon silencing in the germline. piRNA biogenesis and function are particularly well understood in Drosophila melanogaster, but some fundamental mechanisms remain elusive and there is growing evidence that the pathway is regulated in response to genotoxic and environmental stress. Here, we review transposon regulation by piRNAs and the piRNA pathway regulation in response to stress, focusing on the Drosophila female germline. Full article

Background and Objectives: The objective of this retrospective controlled study is to compare class II growing patients who underwent treatment with two different functional appliances: the Fraenkel regulator (FR-2), utilized as the control group, and the elastodontic device “Cranium Occluded Postural Multifunctional Harmonizers” (AMCOP), utilized as the test group. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 52 patients with class II division I malocclusion (30 males, 22 females, mean age 8.6 ± 1.4 years) who were treated with the two different types of appliances: Group 1 (n = 27, mean age 8 [7.00, 9.00] years, 12 females, 15 males) received treatment with AMCOP, while Group 2 (n = 25, mean age 9.2 years [8.20, 10.00], 10 females, 15 males) received treatment with FR-2. The mean treatment duration for Group 1 was 28.00 [21.50, 38.00] months, while for Group 2 it was 23.70 [17.80, 27.40] months. Cephalometric analyses were performed on lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T1) and after treatment (T2). Results: Significant intragroup differences were observed over time in Group 1 for 1^/PP. Similarly, significant intragroup differences were observed over time in Group 2 for SNB, ANB, and IMPA. Conclusions: Both treatment modalities resulted in the correction of class II malocclusion with dentoalveolar compensation, although the treatment duration with AMCOP tended to be longer on average. Full article

Meningioma classification and treatment have evolved over the past eight decades. Since Bailey, Cushing, and Eisenhart’s description of meningiomas in the 1920s and 1930s, there have been continual advances in clinical stratification by histopathology, radiography and, most recently, molecular profiling, to improve prognostication and predict response to therapy. Precise and accurate classification is essential to optimizing management for patients with meningioma, which involves surveillance imaging, surgery, primary or adjuvant radiotherapy, and consideration for clinical trials. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) grade, extent of resection (EOR), and patient characteristics are used to guide management. While these have demonstrated reliability, a substantial number of seemingly benign lesions recur, suggesting opportunities for improvement of risk stratification. Furthermore, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy for grade 1 and 2 meningioma remains controversial. Over the last decade, numerous studies investigating the molecular drivers of clinical aggressiveness have been reported, with the identification of molecular markers that carry clinical implications as well as biomarkers of radiotherapy response. Here, we review the historical context of current practices, highlight recent molecular discoveries, and discuss the challenges of translating these findings into clinical practice. Full article

This paper highlights the attempts made by the government to integrate electromobility in Mexico, despite not having a well-defined National Electric Mobility Strategy, and compares the advances, challenges and future opportunities of electromobility with other countries with similar conditions in terms of the public policy, the evolution of the electric vehicles market, the charging infrastructure, incentives and legal framework, and diffusion channels. The results showed that Mexico has made partial advances in the infrastructure, production and exportation of electric vehicles, consumer incentives and project implementation. However, the country requires strengthening strategies on the economic incentives for the user and industry, homologation of chargers, training of personnel specialised in electric vehicles, handling and destination of batteries, and defining its National Electric Mobility Strategy. As a way forward, our study suggests comparing the electromobility strategies of other countries and understanding the key aspects that might enable the successful introduction of electric vehicles. Full article

Paper producers are increasingly challenged to meet customer demands for high-quality sanitary papers amidst rising price pressures and diminishing quality of recycled fibers. One promising avenue for enhancing paper quality involves augmenting wet strength. For this purpose, synthetic wet strength resins are used, among other things. This study explores the efficacy of utilizing a polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin-based agent for the internal sizing of white wastepaper. Such chemicals, when added to cellulosic fibers in proper amounts before the paper is made, can not only improve water resistance and air permeability of the finished product but also significantly affect both the dry and wet strength paper, which is a crucial aspect for sanitary papers. This study shows that the appropriate addition of resin allows the wetted recycled paper to retain even more than 30% of its dry strength, while in the dry state, the breaking strength of the paper is improved by approximately 46%. As the demand for more sustainable and resistant paper products continues to grow, the use of wet strength agents is expected to increase in the coming years, as well as the need for research in this field. This research therefore undoubtedly contributes to advancing sustainable practices within the paper industry, aligning with the principles of circular economy by optimizing the utility of recycled fibers while maintaining product quality. Full article

The largest portion of breast cancer patients diagnosed after 70 years of age present with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer subtypes. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor treatment, in conjunction with endocrine therapy, has become standard-of-care for metastatic HR+ breast cancer. In total, 320 patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving CDK4/6 inhibitor combined with fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor were enrolled in an ongoing observational study or were included in an IRB-approved retrospective study. All patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitor-based therapy that were ≥70 years of age (n = 111) displayed prolonged progression-free survival (27.6 months) as compared to patients <70 years of age (n = 209, 21.1 months, HR = 1.38, p < 0.05). Specifically, patients receiving a CDK4/6 inhibitor with an aromatase inhibitor who were ≥70 years of age (n = 79) displayed exceptionally prolonged progression-free survival (46.0 months) as compared to patients receiving the same treatment who were <70 years of age (n = 161, 21.8 months, HR = 1.71, p < 0.01). However, patients ≥70 years of age also experienced more frequent adverse responses to CDK4/6 inhibitor-based treatment leading to dose reduction, hold, or discontinuation than the younger cohort (69% and 53%, respectively). Treatment strategies that may decrease toxicity without affecting efficacy (such as dose titration) are worth further exploration. Full article

This study aims to illustrate the complex relationships between reading motivation and reading comprehension for Black girl readers. There is an urgent need for research that explicitly centers on the reading motivations of Black girls through a humanizing, asset-oriented lens. Through a Situative Black Girlhood Reading Motivations lens, which integrates a situative perspective on motivation and the tenets of Black Girlhood Studies, this multi-year study focuses on a group of Black girl readers participating in a summer reading program. Qualitative data, including video observations, student work artifacts, and small-group artifact-elicited interviews, were analyzed through a generic inductive approach to answer the research question, “How are relationships between Black girls’ reading motivations and their reading comprehension evident in their reading engagement and enactments?” The findings demonstrate that the participants’ most salient reading motivations in this instructional context (meaning-oriented, collaborative, and liberatory reading motivations) (1) were a precursor to their comprehension, (2) worked in tandem with their comprehension, and (3) stemmed from their comprehension. These findings contribute to models of reading by illustrating the need for additional complexity when describing the relationship between reading motivation and comprehension. Full article

A novel visible-light communication (VLC) system with 4 × 1 multi-input–single-output (MISO) channels is designed. In the system, the filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) and offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) techniques are used to generate downlink signals. The principles and implementation methods are proposed and analyzed, and the light intensity and received light power distribution of four LED emitters are discussed. The results demonstrate that it not only satisfies the requirements of indoor information access but also provides daily lighting. The used FBMC-OQAM signals exhibit better reception performance than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The system used has a lower bit error rate (BER) and larger access bandwidth compared to a 1 × 1 single-input–single-output (SISO) system. It has the potential for application advantages in future indoor VLC system applications. Full article

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) represents one of the principal causes of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) is recommended for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony in women who do not respond to pharmacological first-line treatment. The success of UBT in bleeding control is related to the correct positioning of the device, since incorrect insertion can be associated with ineffectiveness and requires time-consuming repositioning maneuvers, with a further increase in blood loss. The use of ultrasound (US) during UBT may increase the success rate by preventing wrong positioning. This study aims to demonstrate the role of US guidance during UBT and to assess whether US guidance can ease positioning and reduce insertion times, preventing additional repositioning maneuvers, in comparison with a US check carried out after balloon insertion. Methods: This was a retrospective study including 370 women who underwent vaginal delivery, had PPH caused by uterine atony and required UBT at Sant’Anna Hospital from 2015 to 2019. The exclusion criteria were an abnormal placental site, vaginal or cervical trauma, coagulation defects, uterine anomalies, previous postpartum hemorrhage and previous caesarean section. Included subjects were divided into two groups: the US-guided group (n = 200) underwent Bakri balloon positioning under US guidance, and the non-guided group (n = 170) received a US check only after balloon insertion. The primary outcome was the success rate of the procedure, expressed as the percentage of cases with bleeding control without the need for balloon repositioning; the secondary outcomes were the length of the procedure and some parameters related to blood loss. Results: The success rate was 99% for the US-guided group vs. 86% for the non-guided group. None of the patients required hysterectomy. In the US-guided group with respect to the non-guided group, we observed a significant reduction in blood loss (1100 ± 450 vs. 1500 ± 600 mL; p < 0.001), Δhemoglobin level (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.7 ± 2.0 g/dL, p < 0.001) and time required for the procedure (8 vs. 13 min, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that the use of US guidance for placement of UBT was associated with reduced need for balloon repositioning, lower blood loss, and faster resolution of postpartum hemorrhage. Full article