Assessment of Water Balance Dynamics and Resource Stress in the Gaza Strip, Palestineby
![]() Abstract Water scarcity is one of the most pressing global challenges, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In this context, the Gaza Strip, where groundwater is the only available natural water resource, faces severe water stress due to overexploitation and drought conditions. This study aimed to review the recent water budget for the Gaza Strip by colle [...] |
Mental Health Disorders Following Exposure to Endocrine Disruptor ChemicalsAbstract There is growing scientific concern regarding how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impact central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Both anecdotal and preclinical studies suggest a link between EDC exposure and major depressive disorder (MDD), potentially leading to neurodegenerative outcomes. EDCs primarily exhibit their biological effects by intera [...] |
Utilizing Machine Learning to Map Aquatic Weed Yields for Biochar Production: A Case Study in the Bangweulu Wetlands, ZambiaAbstract Aquatic weeds present significant ecological and socio-economic challenges in the Bangweulu Wetlands of northern Zambia, where their proliferation disrupts aquatic ecosystems, impedes fishing activities, and affects local livelihoods. Despite these challenges, aquatic weeds also offer a unique opportunity for sustainable biochar production, a clean [...] |
Rejuvenating the Skin: The Role of Macro and Microalgae in Preventing AgingAbstract The increasing consumer demand for cosmetic products has led to the widespread use of synthetic substances, which are inexpensive and readily available but can sometimes harm the skin and body. Examples include hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens) and phthalates, which are considered endocrine disruptors, and synthetic fragrances that may cause irritat [...] |
Updates in Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Related Liver Diseaseby
![]() ![]() Abstract The prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) has increased in the last two decades. ALD is currently the most common indication for both waitlist additions and liver transplant (LT) in the United States, including alcohol-associated cirrhosis, alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), and acute-on-chronic liver failure [...] |
Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in the Mutoshi Deposit Environment, Kolwezi (Lualaba, DR Congo)Abstract This study examines the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Mutoshi mining environment in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, addressing gaps in understanding the impact of mining on water quality. Despite the DRC's vast water resources, only 26% of the urban population has access to safe drinking water, with the Mutoshi aquifer, [...] |
Mental Health Service Users' Experiences of Receiving Ear Acupuncture as a Complement in Psychiatric Care in ICELAND – A Qualitative and Quantitative Pilot Studyby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract Depression, insomnia, cravings, and anxiety are significant and often long-lasting health problems. As medication has limited effect and often side effects, complementary methods such as ear acupuncture are used in mental health care. To describe mental health care users' experiences of ear acupuncture, including ratings of sleep, anxiety, depression [...] |
Neurotoxicity Following Exposure to ChlorpyrifosAbstract Neurotoxicity occurs when exposure to a biological, chemical, or physical agent, especially a neurotoxin, alters the normal activity of the nervous system in a way that results in permanent or reversible damage to neurons and nerve tissue and disrupts the functioning of the brain and nervous system. Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus [...] |
Agrobacterium-Mediated Genome Modification for Improvement of Oil Palm Planting Materialsby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract Oil palm is the most productive vegetable oil crop compared to other oil-bearing crops because it produces the highest oil yield per hectare. Palm oil is very versatile since it is used for producing food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics, cleaning products, biofuel, and bioenergy. To cater to the increasing demand in the global palm oil market [...] |
Advancing Single-Cell Detection of Senescent Cells: Laboratory Methods and Clinical Applicationsby
![]() ![]() Abstract Cellular senescence (aging) is a physiological process that plays a role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and embryogenesis. Prolonged senescence of cells can have detrimental effects and trigger a secretory phenotype (SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype), degenerative disorders, cancer, and age-related diseases. Suitable biomarkers [...] |
Exploring the Genetic Landscape of Knobloch Syndrome: Novel Variant Identification and Literature Reviewby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract Knobloch Syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by ocular abnormalities and central nervous system (CNS) defects, which are attributed to collagenopathy. The primary gene implicated in KS is COL18A1, which encodes the alpha chain of type XVIII collagen. This type of collagen functions as a proteoglycan, predominantly located in the basem [...] |
Experiences and Support Needs of Informal Caregivers in Managing Behavioral Symptom of DementiaAbstract About 90% of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias experience behavioral and psychological symptoms during the course of the disorder. Although extensive research exists on the roles of informal caregivers in dementia care, their abilities to manage behavioral symptoms and the resources they turn to for support remain understudied [...] |
Assessment of the Main Elements for a Healthcare Waste Management System Using Analytical Hierarchical Processby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract When addressing Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM), numerous factors play a crucial role in ensuring its safety and environmentally responsible handling within institutional processes. Recognizing this imperative, this study employed the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodology to establish a comprehensive assessment of 10 primary criteria [...] |
Unraveling the Involvement of Serotonergic 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor-6 Activation in Chronic Pain: A Narrative Reviewby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract Chronic pain is a significant and global healthcare issue that hugely implies the quality of life and productivity of the affected individuals. It is challenging to treat and thus necessitates a deeper understanding of its underlying pathomechanisms to develop targeted interventions. Serotonin is one of the essential neurotransmitters involved in the [...] |
When Immunity Falls Short: Meningoencephalitis Despite Vaccination - A Case ReportAbstract Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) significantly impacts the central and peripheral nervous systems, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This case report details a rare presentation of VZV meningoencephalitis in a 42-year-old woman with interstitial lung disease and connective tissue disease undergoing lung transplant evaluation who presented with [...] |
The Crucial Role of Vitamin D in Regulating Gut Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseAbstract In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), particularly in Western countries. This chronic condition is intricately linked to the composition and health of the gut microbiota (GM) — a complex community of microorganisms [...] |
Household Exposure to Secondhand Cigarette Smoke during Pregnancy and Adverse Offspring Health Outcomes in The Gambia: A Cross-Sectional Studyby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract The adverse effects of maternal passive smoking during pregnancy on offspring health remain understudied in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in The Gambia, where smoke-free regulations are limited. To determine the prevalence of maternal passive smoking (MPS) during pregnancy and investigate its associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes and offspring [...] |
Sustainable Alternatives for Energy Generation and Food Production in Brazilby
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Abstract Urbanization driven by industrialization and population growth amplifies food consumption and reinforces the need for more fuels and energy. However, the expansion of biofuels can impose risks on long-term food security. This paper examines potential alternative crops for energy generation and food production, including those used by family farmers [...] |