Abstract: The Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) is a distinct subspecies whose ongoing population recovery in Italy has progressively increased the demand for live capture protocols validated for scientific monitoring and conservation management. Despite the widespread use of mechanical and chemical immobilization in European wolf management, no study has to date systematically evaluated the integrated combina-tion of a humane mechanical restraint system and a structured chemical immobiliza-tion protocol — and specifically the association of the Fremont™ humane foot snare with a medetomidine-ketamine-acepromazine (MKA) protocol, in terms of their joint physiological effects and welfare implications for this subspecies under operational field conditions. Between June 2010 and July 2017, thirteen free-ranging Apennine wolves were captured in Maiella National Park (central Apennines, Italy) using the Fremont™ snare and immobilized with a standardized MKA protocol. Cardiorespira-tory parameters, body temperature, peripheral oxygen saturation, venous blood gas values, and a comprehensive hematological and serum biochemical panel were rec-orded during immobilization. Mean heart rate was 100 ± 15 bpm, respiratory rate 24 ± 13 breaths/min, and body temperature 38.1 ± 1.0°C. No clinically significant hyper-thermia was recorded in the cohort as a whole. Hematological and biochemical values were broadly consistent with published reference ranges for the species, with condi-tion-specific deviations identified in two individuals (one pregnant female and one ju-venile presenting signs of transient capture-related myopathy), both of which resolved without clinical sequelae. No capture-related mortality occurred. All thirteen individ-uals survived the minimum post-capture monitoring period, and preliminary GPS da-ta suggest a transient reduction in movement activity in the immediate post-release period. These findings support the welfare adequacy and operational feasibility of the combined Fremont™ snare–MKA protocol for the Apennine wolf, and provide base-line physiological and hematobiochemical reference data for Canis lupus italicus rele-vant to future capture and conservation management programmes.

Abstract: Introduction: Conventional oncological pathology practice faces critical challenges stemming from interobserver variability and an ever-growing clinical workload. This review evaluates the technological maturity and clinical utility of artificial intelligence (AI) as a diagnostic and predictive support tool in histopathology. Methods: An integrative review of the literature (2019–2026) was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore, following the methodology of Whittemore and Knafl. Studies on the diagnostic accuracy of deep learning algorithms in neoplasia histopathology were selected, with methodological quality assessed using QUADAS-2. Results: The evidence confirms that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to or exceeding that of pathologists in binary classification tasks, consistently reporting areas under the curve (AUC) > 0.98 in lung, breast, and prostate cancer. A disruptive finding is the validation of predictive computational histology, capable of inferring genotypic alterations—such as EGFR mutations or microsatellite instability—directly from standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images, offering a cost-effective alternative for molecular screening. The evidence strongly supports the “augmented intelligence” model, in which the pathologist–AI synergy surpasses individual performance and mitigates visual fatigue. Conclusions: AI has transcended the experimental phase to become a robust technology for triage and digital phenotyping. Its definitive clinical adoption requires prioritizing multicenter external validation and the development of explainable AI (XAI) interfaces to overcome the “black box” barrier.

Abstract: Foundation-model agents increasingly rely on reusable skills to support tool use, long-horizon planning, and cross-task adaptation. Yet the term remains ambiguous in the literature, where it may refer to prompt packages, executable workflows, learned routines, or repository artifacts. This ambiguity makes it difficult to compare methods, evaluate progress, and reason clearly about security and governance.We study agent skills as reusable and adaptive units of competence that sit between model capability and situated task execution. The survey first separates skills from nearby constructs such as prompts, tools, memory, and policies. It then organizes the literature around representation, lifecycle and orchestration, evaluation, security and governance, and application domains. The evidence suggests that skill quality alone is not enough: useful skills also depend on abstraction choices, retrieval and composition mechanisms, ecosystem structure, and infrastructure security. We therefore treat agent skills as a research object in their own right and identify open problems in automatic induction, cross-environment transfer, longitudinal evaluation, and trustworthy sharing in open agent ecosystems.

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with immune dysregulation, which may influence the development of autoimmune diseases. However, population-based evidence on the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in individuals living with HIV remains limited, particularly in Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in individuals living with HIV in Korea using nationwide population-based data. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patient Samples from 2012 to 2015, including 4,851,064 individuals aged ≥15 years. HIV infection and autoimmune diseases were identified using ICD-10 codes. The prevalence of autoimmune diseases in individuals with HIV infection was compared with that in the general population. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) status was determined based on prescription records. Results: A total of 1,023 individuals were identified with HIV infection, all of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy. The overall prevalence of autoimmune diseases was 4.37% in males and 2.38% in females with HIV, without significant differences compared to controls. However, the prevalence of Behçet’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and primary biliary cholangitis was significantly higher in males with HIV (P < 0.05), while dermatomyositis was significantly more prevalent in females with HIV (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the overall prevalence of autoimmune diseases was not significantly increased in individuals living with HIV, specific autoimmune diseases showed higher prevalence in this population. These findings suggest that clinicians should consider autoimmune dis-eases in the differential diagnosis of patients with HIV and highlight the need for further research on underlying immunological mechanisms.

Abstract: The present study assessed heavy metal and microbial contamination in soil and groundwater around a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Zomba, Malawi. The potential ecological and health risks to communities were also examined. The results revealed that wet season groundwater had elevated total coliforms (20900 CFU/100 mL), Escherichia coli (3300 CFU/100 mL), Staphylococcus aureus (2500 CFU/100 mL), and Vibrio cholerae (5900 CFU/100 mL), which were significantly higher than the permissible limits of the Malawi Standards. In water samples, heavy metals, in-cluding Chromium (0.011–0.14 mg/L) and Cadmium (0. 07 – 041 mg/L), raise concern. In the soil samples, the Lead concentration ranged from 0.16 to 224.05 mg/kg, the Copper ranged from 3.03 to 94.86 mg/kg, the Cadmium concentration varied between the BDL and 0.89 mg/kg, Arsenic ranged from the BDL to 1.88 mg/kg, and the Cr varied between 0.07 and 0.91 mg/kg. Further-more, the cancer risk assessment indicated that all sampling points had CR levels greater than 1 × 10^-3 for adults, with 40% of the sampling points showing elevated CR levels for infants and chil-dren, highlighting the cancer risk from Cd exposure, especially among vulnerable populations.

Abstract: The development of healthy mangroves strongly depends on several factors including water physiochemical characteristics, soil composition and tidal inundation regimes. This paper presents a characterization of tidal inundation regimes for mangroves in Abu Dhabi, based on a field measurement campaign combined with hydrodynamic modelling. Water-level measurements were collected over a 9-month period at a site where Avicennia marina is present and widespread, capturing spring-neap cycles and seasonal variability. The results provide a detailed quantification of tidal inundation characteristics. Mangroves at the study site were inundated for approximately 33-56% of the time, depending on the season, with higher inundation durations during summer months associated with seasonal mean sea level variability. Mean inundation durations averaged 371 min per event and 620 min per day, with an average of 1.7 inundation events per day. A hydrodynamic numerical model was developed and validated against in situ measurements. Model outputs were used to spatially extend site-specific observations and derive estimates of suitable ground elevation for mangrove development, corresponding to values between +0.12 m and +0.14 m relative to local mean sea level. These findings provide a physically based framework to support mangrove restoration and conservation efforts in Abu Dhabi, where improper tidal exposure remains a key factor limiting restoration success.

Abstract: Generation Z, a cohort defined by digital connectivity, sensitivity to social influence, and environmental awareness, has attracted considerable scholarly attention in sustainable consumption research. Yet a persistent gap between their expressed pro-sustainability attitudes and actual purchasing decisions remains well-documented. This study examines whether Gen Z characteristics help bridge that gap by directly influencing sustainable purchase behavior and by moderating the role of purchase intention in that process. A quantitative design was employed using survey responses from 302 Gen Z consumers. The findings suggest that while Gen Z characteristics significantly predicted actual sustainable purchasing and purchase intention exerted a positive direct effect, the interaction between the two was negative and statistically significant. Conditional effects analysis further revealed that the influence of generational characteristics on purchasing behavior is stronger at lower levels of purchase intention and progressively weaker as intention increases. These results suggest that traits such as digital responsiveness, social embeddedness, and environmental orientation do not merely reinforce existing intentions but appear to compensate for their absence, activating sustainability-aligned behavior even when motivational commitment is limited. The study repositions the intention-behavior gap among Gen Z as something modulated by generational characteristics that drive purchasing behavior when intention alone falls short.

Abstract: Purpose: This research intends to explore the relationships between digital risk management practices and the successful implementation of innovative banking services with moderation effect of digital capabilities and moderation effect of digital culture. Methodology Approach: In this study, the data was gathered using a quantitative approach and the cross-sectional survey method with responses from participants who were chosen as the unit of analysis of being investigated for the study. Islamic finance institutions in Jordan were used as the unit of analysis in this study. Responses of different Islamic finance institutions were surveyed in a structured manner to collect data. The current study then used a structural equation modeling using SmartPLS to investigate the relationship between the variables. Findings: The results show that utilizing digital risk management advanced analytics artificial intelligence and automated compliance systems is essential to fostering innovation while upholding Shariah compliance. The study also shows that efficient digital risk management boosts users confidence increases service effectiveness and facilitates the launch of cutting-edge Shariah-compliant products. The findings reveal meditation and moderation significant effect of digital capabilities and digital culture respectively among between digital risk management and innovative banking services. Originality: By investigating digital risk management in the particular context of Islamic innovative banking services, this study provides novel insight. In contrast to earlier research that focuses on innovation in Islamic finance or digital risk management in conventional banking independently this paper examines how digital risk management frameworks impact the creation governance and sustainability of innovative banking services that adhere to Shariah.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate, collect, and analyze the different technologies that are being integrated into vehicle automation systems. These technologies can range from LIDAR/RADAR sensors, voice recognition, and AI models. With the continued push for the development of AI and au- tonomous vehicles in both the economy and among the populace, designers and engineers are more incentivized than ever to break new ground. As technology in the industry changes, so must the priorities of its developers. First, data and analysis on the safety of autonomous vehicles will be provided, providing context for the importance of the topic. Second, an overview of the research and development of the technology used to address the previous concerns is provided. Third, an examination of the successes and failures of the technology in regard to those concerns will be made. Lastly, this paper will explore the emerging breakthroughs and future advancements that will drive the mass adoption of autonomous vehicles, specifically those that can be scaled up to civilian automobiles.

Abstract: Introduction: Systemic inflammation is a key contributor to the pathophysiology of carotid plaque burden (CpB). Increasing evidence supports a link between periodontitis and systemic conditions, including endothelial dysfunction, and CpB. This study aimed to explore the relationship between periodontal status, inflammatory biomarkers, and CpB, as well as the potential impact of periodontal therapy. Methods: A pilot study was conducted on subjects presenting with both periodontitis and CpB. Of 87 initially screened participants, 10 met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. Periodontal parameters—probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP)—were recorded. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers, including matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), were analyzed. Results: Participants demonstrated severe periodontal disease, with mean PPD of 5.5 mm (maximum 8 mm), mean CAL of 6.46 mm (maximum 12 mm), and BOP of 67%. High serum Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with increased periodontal tissue destruction and inflammatory burden, supporting its role in both periodontitis and CpB pathophysiology. MMP-8 and MPO showed positive correlations with periodontal parameters, although these did not consistently reach statistical significance. Following periodontal therapy, a significant reduction in MMP-8 and Lp-PLA2 levels was observed, while MPO and sCD40L exhibited a decreasing trend without statistical significance. Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers may represent important mechanistic links between periodontitis and carotid artery disease. Within the limitations of this pilot study, non-surgical periodontal therapy was associated with reductions in selected systemic inflammatory biomarkers, supporting the feasibility of investigating the periodontitis–carotid plaque axis in larger translational cohorts. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.

Abstract: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are systemic immune-mediated diseases, but the features that distinguish cutaneous-dominant psoriasis from musculoskeletal involvement remain unclear. We analyzed four core public cross-sectional datasets spanning whole-blood methylation, PBMC single-cell RNA sequencing summarized at the subject level, skin RNA sequencing, and purified CD4+ T-cell methylation, and used two additional public skin cohorts for external contextual checks to define an inflammatory disease axis (DIR) and a contrast-resolved systemic-state coordinate (CRS) representing additional systemic immune-state variation associated with PsA. In whole-blood methylation, DIR primarily separated healthy controls from psoriasis, whereas CRS separated psoriasis from PsA with minimal correlation to DIR. In PBMC single-cell data, CRS was higher in PsA and in the source-defined PSX subgroup (joint pain without CASPAR-classified PsA) than in PsO. Cell-type-resolved analyses localized CRS-related shifts to CD8 naive T cells, NK cells, CD14 monocytes, and regulatory T cells and identified multicompartment pathway-state remodeling along the CRS continuum. In contrast, skin RNA sequencing mainly captured lesional inflammatory burden and showed only limited additional PsA-related separation within the same tissue state. These findings support a model in which PsA is distinguished from psoriasis by an additional systemic immune-state axis rather than by skin inflammatory burden alone.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the correlations of procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lactate (Lac) with disease severity (assessed by APACHE II score) and organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock, and to compare their predictive values. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 320 patients with septic shock across four clinical centers from June 2023 to March 2025. Patients were divided into a Survival group (n = 248) and a Death group (n = 72) based on 28-day outcomes. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships of PCT, IL-6, and Lac with APACHE II scores and organ function indicators (creatinine, platelet count, ALT). Results: Lactate showed the strongest correlation with APACHE II scores and was significantly associated with renal dysfunction and coagulopathy. Lactate (Lac) remained the most potent independent predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.884, 95% CI: 0.832-0.936). However, a tri-marker combined model (Lac + IL-6 + NGAL) achieved a superior AUC of 0.942, significantly outperforming any single biomarker (p < 0.001). Conclusion: lactate should be considered a core biomarker for assessing critical illness and prognosis in septic shock.

Abstract: This paper discusses a proposed operator-theoretic framework for the study of the Riemann zeta function's zeros within the critical strip. By defining a differential interaction operator $\Phi(s, \delta)$ on the Hilbert space $l^2(\mathbb{N})$, we explore the geometric behavior of the operator trace in regions where $Re(s) \neq 1/2$. Our approach utilizes a Master Inequality applied to the resulting phase torque $J(\delta, t)$, suggesting that a hyperbolic sine bias might provide a mechanism for establishing an analytical threshold against tail interference. Using Baker’s Theorem on Linear Forms in Logarithms, we examine how a primary interaction term may maintain signal dominance within the truncated Head. While preliminary, these results suggest a potential path for investigating the confinement of non-trivial zeros to the critical line through the lens of operator stability.

Abstract: Oxidative stress is a major contributor to neuronal apoptosis and subsequent neurofunctional deficits. This study investigates the dual role of the mitochondrial membrane-anchored protein NIX in PC12 cells, a model for mature neurons. We demonstrate that both overexpression and knockdown of NIX attenuate apoptosis under oxidative stress, albeit through distinct mechanisms. Overexpression of NIX promotes cell survival by activating NIX-mediated mitophagy, which clears damaged mitochondria and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby maintaining redox homeostasis. Conversely, knockdown of NIX reduces apoptosis primarily by diminishing the intrinsic pro-apoptotic function of the protein. Collectively, these findings reveal that NIX expression levels critically gate PC12 cell fate under oxidative stress by differentially activating pro-survival or anti-apoptotic pathways.

Abstract: Healthcare organizations face emerging challenges that threaten the safety of professionals and patients, as well as the performance and long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. Health problems such as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are highly prevalent among nurses, not only due to the physical demands but also because of significant psychosocial stressors and mental health challenges inherent in healthcare environments. This study investigates the impact of psychosocial risks at work on the occurrence of WRMSD in nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a snowball recruitment method, from Octobre 2025 to March 2026, among 266 nurses. Data were collected using the Psychosocial Risk Factors scale (INSAT_ERPS) and The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21), and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the predictive role of the psychosocial risk on burnout dimensions. This study analyzed the relationships between PSR, mental health and WRMSD. Key psychosocial determinants of WRMSDs include high psychological strain—manifesting as anxiety—compounded by psychosocial stressors such as low job control, role ambiguity, and barriers to professional development. The results highlight the importance of addressing PSR and mental health, to reduce the incidence of WRMSD among nurses. Interventions focused on improving working conditions and promoting mental health may be effective in preventing WRMSD.

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between insurance market development and economic growth in 33 OECD countries over the period 2011–2021, with particular emphasis on life insurance markets and structural characteristics. To capture the multidimensional nature of insurance development, the analysis distinguishes between insurance depth (density), size (penetration), and structure (retention and foreign participation). Using a two-way fixed effects panel framework with country and year effects and insurance-market controls, the results reveal a differentiated pattern. Insurance density—both total and life—is positively and statistically significantly associated with GDP per capita, indicating that the intensity of insurance usage remains economically relevant in advanced economies. In contrast, life insurance penetration is negatively associated with economic growth. Life insurance retention is also negatively associated with economic growth, highlighting the role of risk allocation in mature insurance systems. Foreign insurer participation does not exhibit a statistically significant effect. The findings suggest that in OECD countries, the economic contribution of insurance markets depends more on efficiency and structure than on scale.

Abstract: Background: Traditional cardiovascular risk models often overlook "residual risk" driven by psychopathological factors. This study investigates the independent and in-cremental predictive value of Type D personality (TDP) and specific symptomatic di-mensions on long-term all-cause mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 221 patients with confirmed CAD. An-atomical complexity was quantified via the SYNTAX Score (SS). Psychological profil-ing utilized the DS14 scale for TDP and the SCL-90 for granular symptoms (depression, anxiety, and hostility). Mortality was analyzed over a mean follow-up of 1,026 days using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results: TDP prevalence was 33.0% and significantly correlated with higher anatomical complexity (SS: 26.21 vs. 15.49; p < 0.001). In the integrated psychological model, Anxiety emerged as a signifi-cant independent predictor of survival (HR = 0.941; p = 0.049). This suggests an "Anxi-ety Paradox," where heightened vigilance may improve outcomes. The psychological model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy (C-index = 0.624) compared to the clinical model (C-index = 0.527). Significant correlations were confirmed between SS and psychological distress (e.g., depression: r = 0.493). Conclusions: TDP and granular psychological symptoms are robust, independent determinants of mortality that transcend anatomical severity. TDP acts as a marker of biological vulnerability and accelerated vascular aging, while manageable anxiety may enhance treatment adher-ence. Integrating systematic psychological screening into routine CAD care is essential for refined risk stratification and improved long-term survival.

Abstract: Microplastic contamination in coral reef environments is increasingly recognized as a global concern; however, the extent to which polymer composition can resolve contamination sources and transport processes remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the abundance, composition, and diversity of microplastics (< 300 µm) across multiple reef systems in the Cuban archipelago using high-resolution spectroscopic analysis. Microplastic abundance varied substantially among sites, with a median concentration of 66 particles L⁻¹ (IQR: 45–115 particles L⁻¹), ranging from 8 to 218 particles L⁻¹. A total of 11 polymer types were identified, with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) dominating the assemblages and accounting for approximately 77% of detected particles. While these polymers were consistently observed across all sites, indicating a pervasive regional background signal, highly impacted reefs exhibited more complex polymer profiles, including the enrichment of polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), reflecting localized anthropogenic inputs. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct compositional groupings associated with different contamination regimes. Notably, some sites exhibited elevated microplastic abundances while remaining dominated by common polymers, indicating a decoupling between contamination levels and source-specific signatures. This pattern suggests that regional transport and mixing processes, including circulation through the Caribbean basin and the Yucatán Channel, play a major role in shaping microplastic distributions in reef environments. These findings demonstrate that polymer composition provides critical information beyond abundance alone, enabling the differentiation between source-driven contamination and transport-driven accumulation. The integration of polymer-specific analysis with abundance and diversity metrics offers a robust framework for improving source apportionment and informing monitoring and management strategies in coral reef systems.

Abstract: The energy balance model (EBM) and its operational form, calories-in-calories-out (CICO), have dominated obesity research and clinical practice for decades. While these frameworks have yielded valuable public health insights, they rely on indirect conversions between mass and energy and rest on misconceptions about thermodynamic principles. This Perspective argues that a mass balance model (MBM) provides a conceptually simpler, mathematically consistent, and biologically more faithful paradigm. By tracking macronutrient mass directly – without intermediate energy-unit conversions or misapplications of thermodynamic laws – the MBM aligns analysis with physiological reality and better predicts body composition dynamics. Clarifying that the first law of thermodynamics concerns only energy (not mass), that calories cannot be eaten or oxidized, and that E=mc² has no relevance to human metabolism paves the way for more precise translational interventions in metabolic medicine.

Abstract: Background: Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection causes over 99% of cervical precancers and cancers worldwide, with HPV genotype 16 (HPV16) responsible for 50% of the cases. Latvia ranks among the top EU countries for cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In the general Latvian population, 4.2% women are hrHPV-infected, mostly with HPV16. However, information on the circulating HPV16 isolates is missing. Objectives: To study the genomic variability of the Latvian HPV16 isolates, compare them with HPV16 in Europe and across the globe, reveal features associated with the severity of cervical disease and uncover eventual sequence changes due the national HPV vaccination. Methods: DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical tissues of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) stages I-III and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grades 1-3 collected between 2012 and 2024. Samples positive for HPV16 were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) on the Illumina platform (n=16) or Sanger sequencing of the E6/E7 coding region (n=31). Consensus HPV16 sequence was generated, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and eventual amino acid substitutions (AAS) were analysed. Results: Complete genomes of 16 HPV16 variants were reconstructed, 13 related to the European sublineage A1, and 3, to the sublineage A2 references. Sequences showed high conservation, still 93 non-redundant variants were identified. The highest variability was observed for the capsid protein L2, the lowest, for oncoprotein E7. Prevalence of SNPs and AAS in the Latvian HPV16 variants, specifically in capsid protein L1, did not increase with time, showing no effect of HPV vaccination. Associations between HPV16 sequence features and severity of cervical disease were limited to AAS E6:L90V which was significantly more common in SCC grade 2/3 than in CINII/III cases (p=0.015). Conclusions: Highly conserved HPV16 genomes circulating in Latvia harbour series of unique, as well as common nonsynonymous SNPs with respective AAS, with one, AAS E6:L90V, associating with disease severity. No HPV vaccine escape variants were detected. Deciphering complete genomes of HPV16 from CIN and SCC cases in Latvia informs public authorities performing HPV vaccination and is useful for management of HPV-associated cervical diseases.