The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an economically important polyphagous quarantine pest of horticultural crops endemic to South and Southeast Asia. Methyl eugenol (ME), a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid, is a male attractant used to lure and (when mixed with an insecticide) annihilate the males from the wild population, a method of pest control termed the male annihilation technique (MAT). ME is reported to enhance the mating success of sterile males of Bactrocera spp., which is critical for enhancing the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). The suppressed response of ME-treated males to ME-baited traps/devices allows the simultaneous application of the MAT and SIT, increasing the efficiency of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programs. However, ME treatment in sterile males in SIT facilities is logistically difficult. β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a widely occurring, safer plant compound and is considered suitable for treating males in SIT facilities. Here, we demonstrate that BCP feeding enhanced B. zonata male mating success to the same extent as ME feeding. Feeding on BCP suppressed the male’s subsequent attraction to ME-baited traps, but not to the same degree as feeding on ME. The results are discussed and BCP is suggested as an alternative to ME for the concurrent use of the MAT and SIT. Full article

Contactless and label-free detection of urea content in aqueous solutions is of great interest in chemical, biomedical, industrial, and automotive applications. In this work, we demonstrate a compact and low-cost instrumental configuration for label-free, reagent-free, and contactless detection of urea dissolved in water, which exploits the absorption properties of urea in the near-infrared wavelength region. The intensity of the radiation transmitted through the fluid under test, contained in a rectangle hollow glass tubing with an optical pathlength of 1 mm, is detected in two spectral bands. Two low-cost, low-power LEDs with emission spectra centered at λ = 1450 nm and λ = 2350 nm are used as readout sources. The photodetector is positioned on the other side of the tubing, in front of the LEDs. The detection performances of a photodiode and of a thermal optical power detector have been compared, exploiting different approaches for LED driving current modulation and photodetected signal processing. The implemented detection system has been tested on urea–water solutions with urea concentrations from 0 up to 525 mg/mL as well as on two samples of commercial diesel exhaust fluid (“AdBlue™”). Considering the transmitted intensity in presence of the urea–water solution, at λ = 1450 nm and λ = 2350 nm, normalized to the transmitted intensity in presence of water, we demonstrate that their ratio is linearly related to urea concentration on a wide range and with good sensitivity. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, poses significant challenges in perioperative management due to its complexity and multifactorial nature. With a global prevalence of approximately 22.6%, OSA often remains undiagnosed, and increases the risk of cardiac and respiratory postoperative complications. Preoperative screening has become essential in many institutions to identify patients at increased risk, and experts recommend proceeding with surgery in the absence of severe symptoms, albeit with heightened postoperative monitoring. Anesthetic and sedative agents exacerbate upper airway collapsibility and depress central respiratory activity, complicating intraoperative management, especially with neuromuscular blockade use. Additionally, OSA patients are particularly prone to opioid-induced respiratory depression, given their increased sensitivity to opioids and heightened pain perception. Thus, regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia are strongly advocated to reduce perioperative complication risks. Postoperative care for OSA patients necessitates vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies, such as supplemental oxygen and Positive Airway Pressure therapy, to minimize cardiorespiratory complications. Health care institutions are increasingly focusing on enhanced monitoring and resource allocation for patient safety. However, the rising prevalence of OSA, heterogeneity in disease severity, and lack of evidence for the efficacy of costly perioperative measures pose challenges. The development of effective screening and monitoring algorithms, alongside reliable risk predictors, is crucial for identifying OSA patients needing extended postoperative care. This review emphasizes a multidimensional approach in managing OSA patients throughout the perioperative period, aiming to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse outcomes. Full article

In this research, the adaptive event-triggered neural network controller design problem is investigated for a class of state-constrained pure-feedback fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs) with external disturbances, unknown actuator saturation, and input delay. An auxiliary compensation function based on the integral function of the input signal is presented to handle input delay. The barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is utilized to deal with state constraints, and the event-triggered strategy is applied to overcome the communication burden from the limited communication resources. By the utilization of a backstepping scheme and radial basis function neural network, an adaptive event-triggered neural state-feedback stabilization controller is constructed, in which the fractional-order dynamic surface filters are employed to reduce the computational burden from the recursive procedure. It is proven that with the fractional-order Lyapunov analysis, all the solutions of the closed-loop system are bounded, and the tracking error can converge to a small interval around the zero, while the state constraint is satisfied and the Zeno behavior can be strictly ruled out. Two examples are finally given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Full article

Background: Physical activity could increase the production of oxidative stress biomarkers, affecting the metabolism and excretion of antiretroviral drugs and, consequently, the clinical outcome. Nowadays, people living with HIV (PLWH) are mostly switching from triple to dual therapy, but no data are available in terms of physical functioning and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate if some antioxidant biomarkers and physical functioning tests could be different according to triple or dual antiretroviral therapy. Methods: PLWH were evaluated at baseline (BL), while treated with three drugs, and six months after the switch to dual therapy. Physical functioning was quantified using validated tools. Mitochondrial and cytosol antioxidant molecules were evaluated through liquid chromatography. Results: Twenty-five patients were analyzed. A statistically significant difference between triple and dual therapy was found for mitochondrial glutathione, but not for physical tests. Evaluating differences between physically active and inactive individuals, the following statistically significant differences were suggested, considering triple therapy (mitochondrial n-formyl-methionine p = 0.022, triglycerides p = 0.023) and double therapy (mitochondrial glycine p = 0.035, cytosol glutamic acid p = 0.007, cytosol s-adenosylmethionine p = 0.021). Conclusions: For the first time, this study suggests possible differences in terms of antioxidant molecules and physical functioning in PLWH switching from triple to dual therapy. Full article

Diabetes is known as a “silent epidemic” and is a public health problem that accounts for 9% of all deaths worldwide. The prevention of diabetes is a significant challenge, as its prevalence and incidence are both increasing rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), education is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment. Since the severity of oral diseases is significantly higher in diabetic patients, this systematic review aims to highlight the oral care of diabetic patients as a priority for glycemic control and the importance of education for diabetic patients’ oral health. We evaluated 20 clinical studies and 15 meta-analyses from PubMed and Google Scholar over the last five years. Their main themes are the direct relationship between diabetes and oral health, especially periodontitis, and the necessity of education and behaviors that can lead to a better quality of life. Our analysis indicated that good oral health is a critical factor of glycemic control in diabetic patients and can be enhanced by targeted educational programs, backed by long-term medical and dental follow-up. Healthcare personnel should be encouraged to develop their knowledge of oral health in relation to the disease so that behaviors can be adopted to improve patients’ quality of life. Telemedicine could also contribute to patient education and self-management of the disease. Full article

Tap water and its pricing have predominantly interested economists, partly due to the perception of water services primarily as production processes. As a result, much of the existing literature focuses on the economic value of water, leaving the social and cultural importance of water for citizens underexplored. This study adopts a sociological lens to explore the significance of water, delving into citizens’ experiences and perceptions regarding their water usage. Applying a social practice approach to value creation, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews. The results show that although the price of tap water is a concern for people, the actual value of water extends well beyond its price. Water has direct values for citizens in their everyday lives, as well as indirect value by contributing to broader societal systems. In their everyday lives, citizens use water not so much for the sake of water itself, but in various household water practices (e.g., showering) associated with certain values: hygiene, health, relaxation, warmth, and so on. Finally, our study directs attention towards the tensions people may experience between the various values they attach to tap water and the sense of responsibility to use it prudently. Future research needs to consider this water value ambivalence when encouraging water conservation. Full article

UV radiation was combined with the incorporation of fish protein hydrolysates to improve the performance of active bio-based films for food packaging. UV radiation was not used previously to enhance the packaging performance of blend films of starch/protein, and fish protein hydrolysates were not incorporated in bio-based polymer surfaces previously. Rice starch and fish proteins (from Whitemouth croaker muscle) were utilized to prepare films by the casting technique, which were UV-radiated under different exposure times (1, 5, and 10 min). The packaging performance of the films was determined according to the mechanical and barrier performance, solubility, and color. Fish protein hydrolysates (from Argentine croaker muscle) were then incorporated into the films (bulk structure or surface). The results showed that UV radiation for 1 min increased the tensile strength and modified the optical properties of films. It also altered the structure of the polymeric matrix, as demonstrated by the microstructure and thermal analysis, in agreement with the data obtained in packaging properties. The evaluation of antioxidant capacity through 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and reducing power indicated that incorporating fish protein hydrolysates either in the films’ bulk structure or film surface promoted antioxidant properties; control films (produced with rice starch/fish proteins without hydrolysates) also presented antioxidant potential. According to the peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays, control films and the films containing hydrolysates in their bulk structure or on the surface could prevent the lipid oxidation of Italian salami. Thus, combining UV radiation to shape the characteristics of bio-based materials with fish protein hydrolysates to reduce lipid oxidation contributes to the performance of active bio-based films for food packaging. Full article

Multilingual speakers’ languaging practices are undervalued and problematised in formal teaching and learning spaces in higher education. The environment has legitimised monolingualism as the only acceptable practice, hence students often lack the confidence to recruit their full linguistic repertoires. In the third and fourth years of their Occupational Therapy studies, many African students faced challenges due to socio-historic-political factors that put them at risk of failure. These challenges were addressed in academic support tutorial spaces using pedagogical translanguaging. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the use of translanguaging as a socially just strategy, its affordances, and its challenges. This paper utilises data from a case study within a larger project aiming to describe the use of translanguaging in multilingual teaching and learning settings at a historically White university in South Africa. The case study comprised of eight African students. Linguistic ethnography and Moment analysis were employed. Pedagogical translanguaging and humour were used to create a space conducive to collaborative learning and co-construction of knowledge that granted epistemic access to occupational therapy discourse. Respect and dignity were fundamental in fostering cohesion, improving confidence, enacting speaking rights, and creating a sense of belonging among students who often felt alienated. Full article

The human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Most HPV infections clear spontaneously within 2 years of infection; however, persistent infection can result in a wide array of diseases, ranging from genital warts to cancer. Most cases of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers are due to HPV infection, with cervical cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Screening is available for HPV and cervical cancer, but is not available everywhere, particularly in lower-resource settings. HPV infection disproportionally affects individuals living with HIV, resulting in decreased clearance, increased development of cancer, and increased mortality. The development of the HPV vaccine has shown a drastic decrease in HPV-related diseases. The vaccine prevents cervical cancer with near 100% efficacy, if given prior to first sexual activity. Vaccination uptake remains low worldwide due to a lack of access and limited knowledge of HPV. Increasing awareness of HPV and access to vaccination are necessary to decrease cancer and HPV-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers new possibilities in soft robotics as materials can easily be combined in multi-material designs. Proper sensing is essential for the soft actuators to interact with the surroundings successfully. By fabricating sensors through AM, sensors can be embedded directly into the components during manufacturing. This paper investigates NinjaTek Eels electrical resistance response to strain and the feasibility of using the material to create strain sensors. Strain sensors were 3D-printed out of NinjaTek Eel, a soft conductive TPU, and was tested during cyclic loading. A custom resistance–strain test rig was developed for measuring sensor behavior. The rig was calibrated for electric resistance, able to measure electric resistance as a function of strain. A parabolic response curve was observed during cyclic loading, which led to ambiguous readings. A 10-specimen validation test was conducted, evaluating the statistical variation for the first 100 loading cycles. The validation test showed that the sensor is capable of accurate and predictable readings during single load cases and cyclic loading, with the overall root mean square error being 66.9 Ω. Combining two sensors of different cross-sections gave promising results in terms of calibrating. By monitoring load cycles and strain rates, calibration can also be achieved by machine learning models by the microcontroller used to extract data. The presented work in this article explores the potential of using conductive TPUs as sensors embedded in products such as soft robotics, life monitoring of products with structural, and digital twins for live product to user feedback. Full article

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital genetic syndrome primarily affecting the first and second pharyngeal arches, leading to defects in the mandible, external ear, and middle ear. The pathogenic genes remain largely unidentified. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on 12 HFM probands and their unaffected biological parents. Predictive structural analysis of the target gene was conducted using PSIPRED (v3.3) and SWISS-MODEL, while STRING facilitated protein-to-protein interaction predictions. CRISPR/Cas9 was applied for gene knockout in zebrafish. In situ hybridization (ISH) was employed to examine the spatiotemporal expression of the target gene and neural crest cell (NCC) markers. Immunofluorescence with PH3 and TUNEL assays were used to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis. RNA sequencing was performed on mutant and control embryos, with rescue experiments involving target mRNA injections and specific gene knockouts. CDC27 was identified as a novel candidate gene for HFM, with four nonsynonymous de novo variants detected in three unrelated probands. Structural predictions indicated significant alterations in the secondary and tertiary structures of CDC27. cdc27 knockout in zebrafish resulted in craniofacial malformation, spine deformity, and cardiac edema, mirroring typical HFM phenotypes. Abnormalities in somatic cell apoptosis, reduced NCC proliferation in pharyngeal arches, and chondrocyte differentiation issues were observed in cdc27^−/− mutants. cdc27 mRNA injections and cdkn1a or tp53 knockout significantly rescued pharyngeal arch cartilage dysplasia, while sox9a mRNA administration partially restored the defective phenotypes. Our findings suggest a functional link between CDC27 and HFM, primarily through the inhibition of CNCC proliferation and disruption of pharyngeal chondrocyte differentiation. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is marked by impaired skin barrier function and persistent pruritus. It significantly deteriorates patients’ quality of life, making it one of the most burdensome non-lethal skin disorders. Filaggrin plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of barrier disruption in AD, interacting with inflammatory mediators. It is an integral part of the extracellular matrix architecture, serving to protect the skin barrier and attenuate the inflammatory cascade. In this study, we engineered a novel recombinant human filaggrin (rhFLA-10) expression vector, which was subsequently synthesized and purified. In vitro and ex vivo efficacy experiments were conducted for AD. rhFLA-10, at low concentrations (5 to 20 μg/mL), was non-toxic to HACaT cells, significantly inhibited the degranulation of P815 mast cells, and was readily absorbed by cells, thereby exerting a soothing therapeutic effect. Furthermore, rhFLA-10 demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties (p < 0.05). In vivo, efficacy experiments further substantiated that rhFLA-10 could effectively ameliorate AD in mice and facilitate the repair of damaged skin (p < 0.001). These findings underscore the considerable potential of rhFLA-10 in the treatment of AD. Full article

The high demand for aesthetic treatments among the population has resulted in a wide array of bleaching products available on the market. It is imperative to investigate the potential adverse effects these products may have on dental health. The objective of this systematic review is to assess, based on available experimental in vitro studies in the scientific literature, whether bleaching products exhibit cytotoxic properties against pulp stem cells and fibroblasts. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the Medline, Scopus, and Lilacs databases using the search formula ((Tooth whitening) OR (bleaching agent)) AND cytotoxicity AND ((stem cell*) OR fibroblast). Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were deemed suitable for full analysis. The most utilized assay in the evaluated studies was the MTT cell viability assay. Fibroblasts emerged as the most scrutinized cell type due to the potential adverse effects of bleaching, such as invasive cervical resorption, which primarily affects the periodontal ligament where fibroblasts are located. It was observed that as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide increases, so does the cytotoxicity of the product. Additionally, other factors such as application time, activation methods, and the type of peroxide used also play a significant role. Bleaching products have been shown to exert cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts. Further exploration of the impact of bleaching agents on dental pulp stem cells is warranted to better understand their implications for these cells. Full article

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained considerable attention due to their versatile and designable properties. ILs show great potential as antibacterial agents, but understanding the mechanism of attack on bacterial cells is essential to ensure the optimal design of IL-based biocides. The final aim is to achieve maximum efficacy while minimising toxicity and preventing resistance development in target organisms. In this study, we examined a dose–response analysis of ILs’ antimicrobial activity against two pathogenic bacteria with different Gram types in terms of molecular responses on a cellular level using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In total, 18 ILs with different antimicrobial active motifs were evaluated on the Gram-negative enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results showed that most ILs impact bacterial proteins with increasing concentration but have a minimal effect on cellular membranes. Dose–response spectral analysis revealed a distinct ante-mortem response against certain ILs for MRSA but not for EPEC. We found that at sub-lethal concentrations, MRSA actively changed their membrane composition to counteract the damaging effect induced by the ILs. This suggests a new adaptive mechanism of Gram-positive bacteria against ILs and demonstrates the need for a better understanding before using such substances as novel antimicrobials. Full article

In the late 1970s, adolescents in East Harlem, New York, participated in a program called the Youth Action Program where they worked collectively to address systemic issues causing inequities in their communities (e.g., inequities in housing and education). In the current study, we integrate the sociopolitical development framework with life-course health development to explore how participation in the program shaped adolescents’ skills and capacities for social transformation in ways that were health-promotive and informative for life trajectories. Data included retrospective interviews and member-checking focus group data of 10 former Youth Action Program members (current M_age = 63; 45% female; 55% male) from predominantly Black and Latinx backgrounds. We used reflexive thematic analysis and adopted a case study approach to highlight how participants’ adolescent experiences of sociopolitical development and resistance against oppressive circumstances propelled healthy life-course development. Specifically, participants were able to establish healthy lives through four health-promotive sociopolitical developmental processes: questioning the system not the self; carving out alternative spaces and pathways; building agency in a dehumanizing society; and finding purpose through committing to social change. Our study suggests that contemporary youth organizing programs can incorporate sustaining practices including the careful vetting and training of adult staff, pursuing tangible opportunities to create change, and embedding youth voice and leadership into programmatic structures to encourage healthy development via sociopolitical development. Full article

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) use multiple channels to communicate using wireless access in vehicular environment (WAVE) standards to provide a variety of vehicle-related applications. The current IEEE 802.11p WAVE communication channel structure is composed of one control channel (CCH) and several service channels (SCHs). SCHs are used for non-safety data transmission, while the CCH is used for broadcasting beacons, control, and safety. WAVE devices transmit data that alternate between CCHs and SCHs, and each channel is active for a duration called the CCH interval (CCHI) and SCH interval (SCHI), respectively. Currently, both intervals are fixed at 50 ms. However, fixed-length intervals cannot effectively respond to dynamically changing traffic loads. Additionally, when many vehicles are simultaneously using the limited channel resources for data transmission, the network performance significantly degrades due to numerous packet collisions. Herein, we propose an adaptive resource allocation technique for efficient data transmission. The technique dynamically adjusts the SCHI and CCHI to improve network performance. Moreover, to reduce data collisions and optimize the network’s backoff distribution, the proposed scheme applies reinforcement learning (RL) to provide an intelligent channel access algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can ensure high throughputs and low transmission delays. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable energy production through the conversion of agricultural waste into different bioenergy resources is of paramount importance given its potential to mitigate environmental impact while meeting energy demands. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the technologies for the biochemical and thermochemical conversion of agricultural waste into bioenergy is provided. A summary of the process of its conversion into different bioenergy products such as biogas, bio-oil, and biofuel is provided, in addition to the potential advantages and challenges faced using different biomass conversion technologies. The review highlights the potential of agricultural waste valorization to address the current energy demand while at the same time contributing to environmental benefits and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Moreover, this review highlights some significant gaps for improvement. These include the challenges in the pretreatment of agricultural waste biomass in optimizing the conversion rates and lowering the required energy consumption throughout the process while enhancing both the quantity and quality of the output. Some recommendations are proposed to address the identified challenges. These include the need for further studies for a thorough assessment to evaluate the efficacity and sustainability of agricultural waste valorization technologies. Assessment methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle analysis (LCA), net energy ratio (NER) calculations, life cycle costing (LCC), as well as techno-economic assessment (TEA), are recommended, together with collaboration among governments, farmers, and researchers, as well as the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance various aspects of agricultural waste, optimizing the conversion process, cost efficiency, time management, and labor requirements, consequently boosting the conversion efficiency and product quality. Full article

Coffee is a crop of global importance, and it is especially important in countries such as Peru. However, the presence of the pest Hypothenemus hampei represents a significant challenge with a notable economic impact. This study addresses this challenge using entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria peruviensis and Metarhizium sp. The compatibility of three strains of Beauveria peruviensis (F5, P19, and P4) and seven strains of Metarhizium sp. (MMR-M1, LLM-M2, MHR-M4, PMR-M12, MMR-M15, TOR-M16, and GOR-M18) was evaluated for approximately 2 months. A total of 14 treatments were designed, each consisting of one strain of B. peruviensis and one strain of Metarhizium sp. The Skott–Knott test (p ≤ 0.05) revealed that strain LLM-M2 (Metarhizium sp. strain) had the highest conidial production (3.75 × 10⁷ conidia/mL). Except for T6 (MMR-M1/F5), which showed a mutual growth type interaction (type A), all other strain combinations showed a type B interaction (mutual inhibition by contact or separation between colony margins (<2 mm)). The combination with the highest germination rate was T10 (MHR-M4/F5) at 89%. In addition, the pathogenicity of the combined strains was evaluated, showing a direct correlation with mortality and mycosis development in the coffee berry borer in treatments T1 (PMR-M12/P19), T10 (MHR-M4/F5), and T11 (MMR-M15/P19), reaching 100% mortality at 72 h with grade 4 mycosis. Regarding mycelial growth, treatments T1 (PMR-M12/P19), T4 (MMR-M1/P19), and T12 (GOR-M18/P19) reached the highest percentages, between 85.8% and 83.10% at 240 h. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using native strains of B. peruviensis and Metarhizium sp. as a biocontrol strategy against the coffee berry borer in the Amazon department, presenting them as an alternative to traditional chemical methods. Full article

The academic community has witnessed a notable increase in paper publications, whereby the rapid pace at which modern society seeks information underscores the critical need for literature mapping. This study introduces an innovative automatic model for categorizing articles by subject matter using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for classification and category labeling, alongside a proposed ranking method called SSS (Scientific Significance Score) and using Z-score to select the finest papers. This paper’s use case concerns industry productivity. The key findings include the following: (1) The Decision Tree model demonstrated superior performance with an accuracy rate of 75% in classifying articles within the productivity and industry theme. (2) Through a ranking methodology based on citation count and publication date, it identified the finest papers. (3) Recent publications with higher citation counts achieved better scores. (4) The model’s sensitivity to outliers underscores the importance of addressing database imbalances, necessitating caution during training by excluding biased categories. These findings not only advance the utilization of ML models for paper classification but also lay a foundation for further research into productivity within the industry, exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, efficiency, industry 4.0, innovation, and sustainability. Full article

Overdiagnosis, associated with mass testing in healthy populations, is a significant issue for breast, prostate, renal, and thyroid cancers. During the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensity of cancer screening was expected to go down. In this study, we analyzed the impact of the expected reduction in screening intensity on morbidity and mortality from certain malignancies. Cumulative data from the Russian National Cancer Registry available from 2000 to 2022 were analyzed. It was noted that there has been no noticeable effect of the COVID-19 lockdowns on mortality rates from breast, prostate, renal, or thyroid cancers. At the same time, the detectable incidence decreased markedly in 2020 at the time of the lockdowns and then returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. At the moment, there is no sufficient reason to believe that skipping screening tests in 2020 could have any impact on breast, prostate, renal, or thyroid cancer mortality two years later (2022). The data presented further confirm that the overdiagnosis of these types of malignancies is caused by widespread screening among a generally healthy population. Full article

The perception of pain is strongly influenced by various social, emotional, and cognitive factors. A psychological variable which has consistently been shown to exert its influence on pain is a cognitive process referred to as pain catastrophizing. Numerous studies have found it to be a strong predictor of pain intensity and disability across different clinical populations. It signifies a maladaptive response to pain marked by an exaggerated negative assessment, magnification of symptoms related to pain, and, in general, a tendency to experience marked pain-related worry, as well as experiencing feelings of helplessness when it comes to dealing with pain. Pain catastrophizing has been correlated to many adverse pain-related outcomes, including poor treatment response, unsatisfactory quality of life, and high disability related to both acute and chronic pain. Furthermore, there has been consistent evidence in support of a correlation between pain catastrophizing and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding pain catastrophizing, with special emphasis on its clinical significance, and emerging treatment modalities which target it. Full article