All Articles in july, 2025

The capabilities approach, based on the work of Sen and Nussbaum, proposes a transformation in housing design by prioritizing human well-being over economic criteria. This framework assesses individuals’ real opportunities to develop fulfilling lives (“capabilities”), responding to contemporary challenges such as climate change and urbanization. Recent studies indicate that 68% of architects integrate this approach into sustainable projects (Chen, et al. Journal of Sustainable Architecture, 2023, Q1), demonstrating its relevance for creating resilient and inclusive environments. The methodology combines theoretical analysis (UTAUT model for technology adoption and the capabilities approach) with global case studies. Designs are examined that incorporate: Smart technology: IoT and AI systems for security and energy efficiency; Biophilic design: Integrating nature into interior spaces; and Net-Zero Homes (NZEH): Energy self-sufficiency through renewables. Data were collected from projects in Belgium, Australia, and the US, assessing social and environmental impact using well-being and sustainability metrics. We determined the results and discussed the approach using Positive Impact: Smart-technology homes improve autonomy in older adults by 72% (Liu, et al. Gerontology, 2022, Q1). Projects such as Savonnerie Heymans (Brussels) reduced energy consumption by 40% through solar panels and thermal insulation, while increasing social cohesion with community spaces. Biophilic design: Associated with 30% less stress and 25% higher productivity; Barriers: High initial costs (up to 20% more than conventional housing) and regulatory complexity limit widespread adoption. Furthermore, feminist and decolonial critics warn that the approach can perpetuate inequalities if it ignores sociopolitical contexts. In conclusion, the capabilities approach revolutionizes future housing by merging human well-being, sustainability, and inclusion. However, its implementation requires overcoming economic and ethical challenges: Accessibility: Universal designs for vulnerable populations. Collaborative governance: Policies that balance innovation, data privacy, and affordability. Cultural adaptation: Integration of non-Western perspectives. Projections indicate that NZEHs will grow by 40% by 2030, highlighting their potential to build equitable and resilient societies.

Background: Obesity is a global health concern associated with a range of perioperative challenges, particularly during general anesthesia. Altered respiratory mechanics, pharmacokinetics, and increased comorbidities in obese patients may compromise anesthetic safety and recovery outcomes. Despite rising obesity rates in Libya, local data on anesthesia-related risks in this population remain limited.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of obesity on anesthetic recovery times and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing general anesthesia in a public hospital in Libya.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 20 adult surgical patients from January to May 2023. Patients were divided into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2)and non-obese groups. Parameters assessed included time to spontaneous ventilation, Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) removal time, eye-opening time, and post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) discharge time. Intraoperative hemodynamic measures and the prevalence of comorbidities were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Obese patients (n = 12) exhibited significantly longer recovery times compared to non-obese patients (n = 8): spontaneous ventilation (12.8 vs. 9.4 min, p = 0.002), LMA removal (14.1 vs. 10.1 min, p = 0.001), eye opening (13.5 vs. 9.7 min, p < 0.001), and PACU discharge (68.3 vs. 49.5 min, p < 0.001). Obese patients also had lower mean arterial pressure (82.4 vs. 91.5 mmHg, p = 0.026), higher heart rates (95.2 vs. 88.3 bpm, p = 0.041), and reduced oxygen saturation (94.1% vs. 96.7%, p = 0.018). Comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes were significantly more prevalent among obese patients.Conclusion: Obesity significantly prolongs anesthetic recovery and impairs hemodynamic stability in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia. These findings support the need for targeted perioperative strategies, preoperative risk stratification, and extended postoperative monitoring for obese individuals, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.

Background: Toumbak, a form of smokeless tobacco made from Nicotiana rustica and sodium bicarbonate, is widely used in Sudan and poses potential health risks, particularly concerning cardiovascular function. Despite its high prevalence, especially among adult males, limited data exist regarding its impact on blood pressure.Objective: To assess and compare blood pressure parameters among Sudanese Toumbak users and non-users, and to investigate the association between Toumbak use, age, and gender with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP).Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2025 among 1000 Sudanese adults (500 Toumbak users and 500 matched non-users) aged 18–60 years in Khartoum State. Blood pressure measurements were recorded using a digital sphygmomanometer following WHO guidelines. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare SBP, DBP, and PP between groups. A p - value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Toumbak users exhibited significantly elevated SBP (141.7 ± 21.9 mmHg), DBP (89.3 ± 6.0 mmHg), and PP (52.4 ± 19.3 mmHg) compared to non-users (SBP: 121.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, DBP: 80.5 ± 3.8 mmHg, PP: 40.7 ± 3.9 mmHg), with p < 0.001 for all parameters. Males demonstrated significantly higher SBP (145.6 ± 24.0 mmHg) and PP (56.7 ± 22.1 mmHg) than females (SBP: 137.8 ± 18.6 mmHg, PP: 48.2 ± 14.5 mmHg). While no statistically significant differences were observed in BP across age groups, adolescents and middle-aged users had the highest SBP.Conclusion: Toumbak use is significantly associated with elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk, particularly among male users. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and awareness campaigns addressing the health consequences of smokeless tobacco in Sudan.

The objective of this research was to estimate the energy potential of walnut pruning residues (biomass) as a renewable resource for use in greenhouse heating systems in the south-central region of the state of Chihuahua. To achieve this, data were collected on the weight of fresh firewood generated per tree based on trunk diameter, considering three common pruning methods practiced in the area. Additionally, the percentage of weight loss during the biomass drying process was determined, and the regional area cultivated with walnut trees was documented. Based on this information, the potential energy availability and the feasibility of its use as a sustainable energy source for the agricultural sector under controlled climate conditions were calculated.

Microscope dentistry has been shown to enhance the visual capabilities and motor skills of dentists, regardless of their specialization. Additionally, there is an often-overlooked benefit: cognitive support. This assistance boosts confidence in their tasks, leading to improved decision-making by influencing the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, using a microscope helps protect the brain’s mental functions, which is crucial in a profession that demands precision and focus. Overall, this tool promotes the health and well-being of the operator by integrating ergonomic principles.

Background: The motivation of this paper is to analyze the growing air pollution level in the city of Bengaluru, as it was once a green city but is now facing problems with the use of private vehicles, such as increasing levels of air pollutants. Green buildings focus on reducing their negative environmental impacts by using less energy and water, and causing less disruption to the environment during construction. Green buildings, which also strive to enhance human health through the design of healthy indoor spaces, are arguably less well-known.Objective: The main objective is to analyze the most suitable zone in Bangalore for the construction of green buildings. The review of existing green building technologies with the use of natural materials, renewable energy, water conservation, and indoor air quality.Method: The methodology will include a study of six green building literature reviews with eminent researchers and scientists. The main principles of green building include having indoor air quality of Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter are the most common air impurities released into the atmosphere by the variability of natural processes and human actions. The advantages of lessened energy and water use are well known, but the potential advantages of green buildings for human health have only lately come into focus. In addition, case study review for Electronic City, Whitefield, and International Airport in BangaloreResult: To address the comparative study of case study review, Bangalore city data was collected regarding the pollutant levels, then linear regression models were created and reviewed to design green buildings in the future. Conclusion: The goal of the study is to comprehend how toxins, a rise in urban population density, the usage of novel artificial resources, and traffic contamination all work together to worsen indoor air quality and increase harmful impacts on people.

This study used smartphones as an Instructional tool to determine their effects on students’ Interest and retention in Agricultural Water Engineering in Colleges of Education, Benue State, Nigeria. Five purposes of the study were stated, five research questions were posed and answered with means and standard deviations, and five hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Quasi-experimental design of non-randomized pre-test post-test control group design was utilized. The research was carried out in two Colleges of Education in Benue State, Nigeria, with a population of 410 NCE Students. The population size of 200 NCE III students was sampled from colleges of Education, Katsina-Ala and Oju in the study area. The research instruments were ‘Basic Agricultural Water Inventory Test’ (BAWEIIT) and Basic Agricultural Water Retention Test (BAWERT), AND were validated by three experts. The reliability coefficient of the instruments was 0.74. The study found that the students who were taught with SIT demonstrated positive interest and enhanced their retention (XS=3.92) in Basic Agricultural Water Engineering than those taught without Smartphones. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean interest and retention rating scores (XS = 1.24 > 0.05), in Basic Agricultural Water Engineering (AGE, 324) concepts with Smartphone as an instructional tool (SIT). Based on findings, recommendations were made that smartphone (SIT) should be included among instructional materials in the scheme of lesson delivery for lecture by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in the curriculum for both teaching and learning activities at the Colleges of Education in Benue State. There should be constant, strong Wi-Fi connections power National Commission for Colleges of Education instructional via College administrators should orient lecturers and students by organizing workshops and seminars on how to effectively utilize smartphones for their academic activities. College administrators should endeavour to supervise implementation of smartphones as instructional tools in Agricultural Water Engineering and NCE courses for students

Anthropogenic activity has escalated the planet’s temperature and resulted in dire consequences on our environment, and our health, whether physical or mental. The imbalance created in the planet’s environmental conditions has consequently caused a rupture in mental health, and ecoanxiety has become one of the adverse indirect repercussions. Not quite recently, a sense of urgency has been spreading in the literature of climate change, evoking a call for action, and requesting commitment from us all: individuals, communities, and countries. This paper attempts to establish a link between the climate crisis and ecoanxiety in the aim to restore our cognition of our roles to save the planet, salvage our health and preserve, and conserve, environmental resources for future generations.

Background: Intravascular Leiomyomatosis (IVL) is an often misdiagnosed rare benign mesenchymal tumor characterized by the presence of vascular extension and invasion of smooth muscle cells in a serpiginous-like pattern, first originating in uterine smooth muscle cells. Its growth pattern can involve both ovarian veins, the inferior vena cava, and even reach the right atrium/ventricle in 45% of the cases. The incidence has been reported to be 0.25 to 0.40% of patients with uterine leiomyoma, with about 300 cases reported in the literature. Also, since the tumor is hormone-dependent, most affected individuals are premenopausal women in middle age. Optimal treatment for IVL is complete surgical removal with hysterectomy and oophorectomy, independent of stage. The most frequent perioperative complications are hemorrhage due to tumoral hypervascularization, embolism, and the usual laparotomy complications. We present the case of a 51-year-old female with IVL stage 3 with complete single-stage surgical resolution.

The pandemic has been observed as a security phenomenon due to the dimensions it entails, although these dimensions have not been confirmed. The objective of this work was to compare the theoretical structure of security with empirical observations. A cross-sectional, correlational, psychometric, and confirmatory study was conducted with a sample of 100 students selected for their affiliation with institutions committed to implementing the SDGs. The results confirm four of the seven dimensions, and the extension of the model is recognized as an area of ​​opportunity to confirm the remaining three dimensions. It is recommended to expand the number of items and the sample size to increase the total percentage of variance and align the empirical model with the theoretical model reported in the literature.

Digital regression models based on an interactive questionnaire and objectively measured results were used for the investigation of new objective methods of remote monitoring of respiratory patients. 43 patients with COPD and 26 with bronchial asthma were examined in a retrospective-prospective observation study before and after exacerbation in the hospital (the first observation). After that, theywere monitored by a digital system with an interactive questionnaire including results of Smart Watch use and a velometric test at home for at least 6 months. The effectiveness of remote patient monitoring was achieved by changes in the treatment program and rehabilitation. An integrative scale for patient monitoring effectiveness evaluation was used for a comparison study before and after remote monitoring wasstarted (historical control). The results of correlation, regression analysis, and OR calculation showed that new monitoring parameters: velometric test distance, daily steps count, night sleep duration, and the number of night awake ups were dependent on the dyspnea score and FEV1. The system of remote patient monitoring based on a digital model decreased the number of calls for emergency medical care, hospitalizations, and increased the effectiveness score of patient monitoring.

Objective: To study the use of cefazoxime sodium for injection in inpatients of the Third People’s Hospital of Yancheng City, and to provide reference for the rational clinical use of cefazoxime sodium. Methods: A retrospective study method was used to retrieve the medical records of patients discharged from 2 departments of urology and general surgery of the hospital using cefazoxime sodium in June-August 2023, and the rationality of the clinical use of injectable cefazoxime sodium was evaluated with reference to the relevant standards. Results: A total of 328 valid cases were included, of which 6 cases did not meet the dosage criteria, 10 cases did not meet the treatment time criteria; 44 cases did not meet the indication criteria. The comprehensive judgement of the reasonableness of the clinical use of cefazoxime sodium for injection resulted in 272 cases of reasonable use of the drug; 56 cases of unreasonable use of the drug. Conclusion: The clinical use of cefazoxime sodium for injection in this hospital is irrational and needs to be further strengthened and corrected.

Geothermal energy, with a global installed capacity of 16.7 GW by 2023 and an annual generation of more than 97 TWh, is consolidating its position as a key pillar in the energy transition. From the pioneering Lardarello plant (1913) to The Geysers complex in California (the largest in the world with 1.5 GW of capacity), this energy source has demonstrated its potential to supply baseload electricity 24 hours a day, with a carbon footprint up to 10 times lower than fossil fuels. The article explores how the architectural design of these plants integrates geological, environmental, and technological factors. Systems such as binary cycles (which operate at 90°C and reduce emissions by 95%) allow the exploitation of low-temperature resources, expanding their applicability to non-volcanic regions. However, challenges remain: reservoir exploration is 30-40% uncertain, and initial costs exceed $4,500 per installed kW, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Iconic cases like The Geysers illustrate innovative solutions. Since 2003, its recharge project with treated wastewater (11 million gallons/day) has revitalized the reservoir, extending its lifespan by decades. This circular economy approach not only optimizes resources but also reduces water conflicts in arid areas. The future points to disruptive designs: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which could increase global potential tenfold by enabling dry reservoirs, and urban heating districts with heat pumps, capable of providing heating at -20°C. By 2030, drilling innovations—such as smart drill bits and robotics—could reduce costs by 50%, accelerating adoption. In a world that needs to double clean energy by 2040, geothermal energy is emerging not only as a renewable source, but as an architectural canvas where engineering and sustainability converge to redefine the energy landscape. Its evolution will depend on creatively overcoming technical barriers, transforming the Earth’s heat into the cornerstone of a decarbonized era.

The escalating volume of solid waste due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization poses significant environmental and public health challenges. Improper disposal of solid waste, especially organic and municipal garbage, leads to pollution of soil, air, and water, causing a surge in health risks and ecosystem degradation. Traditional waste management practices are often inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming. Composting and vermicomposting have emerged as eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives for organic waste management. Vermicomposting, which employs earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, has shown potential in improving soil fertility, reducing pathogenic microbes, and recycling essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Various organic wastes such as agricultural residues, municipal waste, animal dung, and market garbage have been effectively treated through vermicomposting using species like Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. This review emphasizes the technological, environmental, and agricultural benefits of vermicomposting in transforming biodegradable solid waste into valuable compost, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Objective: To provide a rigorous, multidisciplinary synthesis of the epidemiological, genetic, immunological, and environmental factors contributing to Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), with particular attention to regional disparities, occupational exposures, the impact of chemotherapy, the occurrence and recurrence of endometrosis, and emerging fertility preservation strategies. Design: A structured literature review with an emphasis on recent advances in genetic and immunological understanding.Setting: Academic research and clinical insights from multidisciplinary contributors.Patients: Individuals diagnosed with POF as reported in the literature.Interventions: Review of literature concerning epidemiology, genetic mutations, immunological disorders, and surgical outcomes linked to POF.Main outcome measures: Identification of both established and emerging risk factors, validation of genetic and immunological markers, and clarification of diagnostic and preventive clinical approaches.Results: The prevalence of POF varies globally, affecting 1% of women under 40. Genetic factors, particularly mutations in the FMR1 and BMP15 genes, play a significant role, alongside autoimmune diseases. Chemotherapy is a leading iatrogenic cause, while endometriosis and ovarian cyst surgeries significantly contribute to diminished ovarian reserve.Conclusion: POF is a multifactorial condition with rising incidence in specific subgroups. Improved early detection, standardized biomarker use, and expanded access to fertility preservation are essential. Targeted genomic and occupational risk screening may enable personalized interventions. Further genomic studies are needed to elucidate rare mutations and their impact.

Telemedicine has become widely used, primarily following or during the COVID pandemic. However, it was used a long time ago in specific cases, like submarines and space. Telemedicine has been developed to facilitate diagnosis and treatment in areas without physicians, either because the area is isolated without a medical doctor (as in submarines and space) or because we need expertise. This article is a review using studies selected via PubMed to collect generic knowledge on some technical details on both sides: Earth and Space, where telemedicine activity is regularly provided. The goal was to compare tools, data collected, and ways of improvement in each area. As experienced on both sides, indeed, the author has already worked in the spaceflight area with astronauts as well as doing teleconsultations with patients nowadays, which allows us to see how we could improve the way we are doing teleconsultation on Earth by teaching the users as done with the astronauts in the pre-flight period. It seems telemedicine will still be mandatory for a while because as seen in many countries even out of the scope of isolated area (or very difficult to be accessed (like mountains, desert …), more and more small cities and even bigger are lacking general practitioner (GP) as well as some specialists. Taking into account the time needed to have a functional doctor (for a GP mainly 8 years and for specialists longer, up to 12 years), telemedicine should improve and take a real place in the health system. This review gives a few definitions, also the term telehealth or e-health is widely used. It refers to the use of an internet communication system to transmit data, receive data, communicate in real time, and guide and provide healthcare services to the patient remotely. Improvements in technologies have mainly been done for Earth applications, and tools are becoming smaller and more resistant. The different purposes of using telemedicine are increasing nowadays, and it is not used only because of a lack of physicians but to teach remotely and avoid travel, as well as to have direct access /advice with a specialist. We can find a lot of reasons to use it. Living in space is a real challenge for the human body used to gravity. As explained in a lot of reviews, the body in space loses bone, muscle, and has changes in heart volume and excitability. All the body systems will suffer from microgravity. Other factors impacting the body in space are the high level of ionized radiation, plus isolation. This is why, since the beginning of space flight, the so-called flight surgeon (more GP of the astronaut than a surgeon) is using telemedicine with the astronauts to prevent disease and, in case a medical event happens, to help the astronaut receive a diagnosis and efficient treatment. The actual ISS, International Space Station, allows real-time communication with the astronauts. This will be used for direct discussion or conferences to check the medical/psychological/fitness status. In other cases, remote access can always be done to communicate pictures or movies to provide advice on health or science. Furthermore, some medical tests will be done to guide the astronauts because some tools need real expertise to be interpreted correctly. In that case, eye exam is a good example: an astronaut uses devices following the recommendation of the specialist based on the NASA Console in Houston. Of course, new improvements are needed to facilitate the next challenges of spaceflight, also going a step further beyond LEO (Low Earth Orbit), like doing an interplanetary trip and going to Mars. In that next scenario, to allow the mission where the Earth will not be seen anymore, when the real-time exchange will not be feasible, a new autonomy of the astronauts will be required. As on Earth, space with all technologies like satellite is not only used as for direct health care facility with the astronauts but also in a more preventive way. It is possible to follow changes on the ground, climate changes too, as a witness to a possible new epidemic, and another specific use is to help in locating people. Finally, we see how the way telemedicine is done in space could help improve telemedicine on the ground. First of all, we could improve telemedicine in many ways on Earth for classical consultation by increasing the utilization of simple tools like otoscope and… more in that case we need to train the patient like the astronauts are trained on ground before flying, this has a huge positive effect in allowing easier diagnostic and then better treatment for example when good pictures are provided. The new tools as Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Virtual Reality (VR), on trial if needed for long-duration missions and specifically for missions beyond low Earth orbit, should be beneficial as well on Earth. Maybe the big challenge for Earth’s Telemedicine is increasing the trust in practitioners who are still convinced that this way of providing medicine could be a competitor, and for that reason, they are reluctant to use it. Nowadays, it should become more and more obvious that we need to work on some specific weak points, like security, training in using tools to make sure telemedicine is efficient and useful, where we have a lack of physicians.

The forensic identification of nitrate ions in post-blast pit soil samples is crucial for investigating nitrate-based explosive incidents owing to environmental factors such as rainfall and monsoon conditions, which can significantly alter the concentration and distribution of nitrate residues at blast sites, as nitrate ions are completely soluble in water. This study investigated the influence of rainfall on the retention and detectability of nitrate ions in pit soil collected from spiked simulated explosive samples, replicating the topographical conditions of hilly regions frequently impacted by insurgent and terrorist activities. Ion Chromatography (IC), a highly sensitive and selective analytical technique, was employed to quantify nitrate ion concentrations within the soil matrix. This study aimed to elucidate the mobility, leaching behavior, and retention of nitrate ions in soils affected by blast under natural drizzling rainfall conditions.

Vildagliptin is an orally active, potent, and selective Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, shown to be effective and well tolerated in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as either monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents. Vildagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, typically in conjunction with diet and exercise. Vildagliptin is usually administered orally, with a common dosing regimen of 50 mg twice daily. It can be taken with or without food; however, it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness.This study focuses on the most recent advancements in analytical methods for determining the presence of Vildagliptin in different biological media, such as human plasma and urine, as well as in bulk and commercial dose forms. The following analytical techniques will be fully investigated in this paper: High-pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High Efficiency Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry system (LC-MS), and electrophoresis. These techniques include several parameters, such as the following: matrix, dynamic phase composition, permanent phase RF value for sensing frequency, retention duration, DL, carrier gas, flow rate, capillary wavelength, separation voltage, temperature, and pressure.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is classically seen in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV, organ transplants, or receiving immunosuppressive therapy. It is exceedingly rare in immunocompetent patients and can pose a diagnostic challenge, especially when it presents as a mass-like lesion mimicking colon cancer. We report a case of a 78-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with hematochezia and was found to have a bleeding cecal mass initially suspicious for adenocarcinoma. Subsequent histopathology revealed CMV colitis. This case emphasizes the importance of considering CMV colitis in the differential diagnosis of colonic masses, even in immunocompetent hosts.

Fish are important organisms as they indicate the ecological and environmental processes and the producer-consumer interactions. The fish samples of Cirrhinus mrigala and Oreochromis niloticus were collected from the Yamuna River at Allahabad (now Prayagraj), India, from August 2011 to July 2012. During the study period, 335 specimens of Cirrhinus mrigala and 516 specimens of Oreochromis niloticus were examined for the estimation of the age pyramid. The age groups varied from 0+ to 10+, and a heavy bottom or broad-based age pyramid was recorded in C. mrigala. The age groups varied from 0+ to 6+, and Urn shaped age pyramid was recorded in O. niloticus. The age group 2+ dominated by virtue of numbers in the lower stretch of the Yamuna River in both species of stock.

Adherence, in a healthcare context, refers to the extent to which a person’s behavior aligns with recommendations from a healthcare provider. This can involve taking medication as prescribed, following a specific diet, or adhering to lifestyle changes. Although it is known that adherence is critical and requires a special approach to health, in Mexico, there are few studies on this issue. We confirm the information collected from 786 patients using an original questionnaire (AFEC) in Spanish, previously validated. Perfect adherence was detected in only 179 (22.8%), good adherence in 334 (42.5%), and nonadherence in 452 (57.5%). The age, obesity, and number of comorbidities were significantly associated with non-adherence (p < 0.05). Special strategies to approach this critical problem in health need to be reconsidered in Mexico. Non-adherence may help explain the low control rate of Mexican patients and the high rate of cardiovascular mortality.

Background: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a clinically, radiologically, and biologically heterogeneous condition. This variability contributes to diagnostic challenges and inconsistent responses to therapy. Identifying homogeneous subgroups or phenotypes within ARDS may enhance precision medicine and therapeutic targeting.Objective: This review evaluates the utility of decision tree–based supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms—specifically CART, Random Forest, and AdaBoost—in phenotyping ARDS using clinical, radiological, and biological data.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included ‘decision tree in ARDS’, ‘phenotype in ARDS’, and ‘ML in hypo- and hyperinflammatory ARDS’. Twenty-six relevant articles were included, comprising original studies and reviews.Results: Decision tree–based models have demonstrated significant potential in classifying ARDS subtypes using routine clinical variables, radiographic features, and biomarker profiles. These algorithms have shown strong predictive performance in differentiating inflammatory phenotypes, forecasting mortality, and enabling early ARDS prediction.Conclusion: Decision tree algorithms offer a promising approach to ARDS phenotyping by leveraging routinely available data. Their interpretability and predictive accuracy may aid in translating complex biological insights into bedside clinical decision-making, advancing personalized care in critical illness.

We report the case of a 29-year-old male referred to our surgical department for evaluation of two progressively enlarging lumbar masses with an eight-month history.

Y-chromosomal DNA (Y-DNA) testing plays a critical role in forensic investigations involving male suspects, especially when traditional autosomal DNA evidence is insufficient or degraded. This review explores how different environmental factors—such as heat, moisture, Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and microbial activity—impact the ability to recover Y-DNA from fabrics commonly found at crime scenes, including cotton, polyester, and denim. The study found that longer exposure to harsh environments, especially humidity and UV radiation, led to a sharp drop in the amount and quality of recoverable Y-DNA. The type of fabric also influenced results, with cotton generally retaining more DNA than synthetic materials like polyester. These findings reinforce the need for quick evidence collection and proper storage to preserve the integrity of Y-DNA.  Several real-world cases are highlighted where Y-DNA analysis provided clear forensic outcomes, especially when autosomal DNA failed due to issues like allelic dropout—where one or more genetic markers fail to appear during testing—or secondary transfer, which occurs when DNA is unintentionally passed from one surface or person to another. In such cases, Y-DNA profiling was crucial in narrowing down or identifying male suspects, particularly when other forms of DNA were inconclusive. This review underscores the unique value of Y-DNA analysis in situations involving degraded or limited biological material and calls for the development of better recovery techniques to improve success in challenging forensic contexts.

Hydrogen sulphide [H2S] is created when sewage material breaks down. The well-known "rotten egg" odour is linked to H2S at low quantities. It is a colourless and odourless gas that, at greater quantities, can cause cerebral and respiratory depression, fast unconsciousness, and impending death. As a sad occupational accident, worker deaths in septic tanks or sewage systems are not unusual in medico-legal practice.Death is attributed to poisoning with hazardous gases, particularly hydrogen sulphide, but the depletion of oxygen in the air due to an excess of carbon dioxide is not mentioned. Colleague fatalities are frequently linked to deaths in similar situations. Two tragic accidents that resulted in victim deaths are detailed in this paper. Here, the morphological findings—pulmonary diseases, submucosal/sub-serosal congested haemorrhage, and discolouration from postmortem staining—were discovered in both cases. A detailed scene investigation about the potential for life-threatening H2S poisoning for the assistants, the characteristic rotten egg smell that may be detected on the corpses, and the previously described morphological results should be the foundation for any suspicion of a deadly H2S poisoning. A qualitative and, if feasible, quantitative study of H2S should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Advanced forensic approaches are necessary to handle digital crimes, as they must provide transparent methods that foster trust and enable interpretable evidence in judicial investigations. The current black-box machine learning models deployed in traditional digital forensics tools accomplish their tasks effectively yet fail to meet legal standards for admission in court because they lack proper explainability.This study creates an Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) system for digital forensics to improve flagging events as legal evidence by establishing high levels of trust and transparency. A digital evidence system employs interpretable machine learning models together with investigative analysis techniques for the detection and classification of computer-based irregularities, which generate clear explanations of the observed anomalies.The system employs three techniques, including SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) alongside LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) and counterfactual reasoning to deliver understandable explanations about forensic findings, thus enhancing investigation clarity for law enforcement agents and attorneys as well as stakeholder professionals.The system performs successfully on actual digital forensic datasets, thus boosting investigation speed while minimizing false alerts and improving forensic decision explanations. The system must demonstrate GDPR and digital evidence admission framework compliance to maintain legal and ethical correctness for usage in court procedures.Forensic digital investigations need explainable Artificial Intelligence as an essential integration for creating reliable and legally sound practices.

Background: This study explored whether emotional distress, coping, and/or resilience contributed to return to driving (RTD) following experienced mild traumatic brain injury, and whether these variables of interest differed among those who had and had not RTD.  Methods: The present study evaluated de-identified archival data of 65 patients with mTBI following an MVA. Patients were either the driver, passenger, /or pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle, and aged 22 to 69 years. The sample consisted of 36 men and 29 women with an average education. The mean months elapsed between the accident and the assessment was 16.82 months. Pearson correlations were used to test for associations between all explanatory and outcome variables. Separate linear and hierarchical regressions were carried out to evaluate whether variables of interest were significant predictors of RTD.  Results: Findings revealed that the presence of depressive symptoms was associated with coping, irrespective of style, resilience, driving-related anxiety, and RTD. Moreover, RTD was related to driving-related anxiety, too, and in fact, anxiety (considering the presence of depressive symptoms) appeared to be an even greater limiting factor when considering RTD in this population. Age, gender, and education did not influence RTD. Conclusion: The present study revealed that depressive symptoms and driving-related anxiety in particular contribute to whether patients with mTBI RTD, irrespective of time since injury, age, and gender. Coping styles and resilience did not predict RTD. Further work is warranted to address the paucity of research investigating RTD parameters that contribute to and/or hinder RTD among mTBI sufferers.