Abstract: Background: Postural problems such as head forward posture, thoracic hyperkyphosis and lumbal hyperlordosis, when seen together, further complicate postural control, increasing the importance of comprehensive approaches in treatment. This study aims to examine the effect of 6 weeks telerehabilitation with web-based exercises and compare the home based exercises in individuals with postural problems. Trial Design: A Randomized Controlled Study. Methods: 34 volunteers with postural deformity among young adults were randomly divided into telerehabilitation (n=17) and control (n=1) groups. Craniovertebral, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbal lordosis angles of all individuals were evaluated with a smartphone application (Clinometer+ Bubble), hamstring, and pectoral muscle shortness with a goniometer, and trunk muscle endurance with endurance tests created by McGill and Sorenson. Whilst the tele-rehabilitation group was provided with a videobased exercise programme, the control group was advised to follow the same exercise programme at home. Exercises were performed 3 days a week for 6 weeks, 1 hour session. Participants in the telerehabilitation group were followed up with synconised video conference. Results: A significant difference was observed in the telerehabilitation group in muscle shortness and the endurance tests (p<0.05). Only a significant difference in left (p=0.03) and right (p=0.04) muscle shortness was observed in the home exercise group. Significant differences were observed in Craniovertebral and lumbal lordosis angles between groups (p<0.05), with the telerehabilitation group showing better outcomes. When examined kyphosis angle, muscle shortness, and endurance tests between groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). Conclusions: Six weeks of telerehabilitation can improve muscle shortness and trunk endurance in young adults with postural deformities. Both the exercise program using telerehabilitation and the home exercise program were beneficial for individuals with postural problems, with more favorable effects observed in the telerehabilitation group.

Abstract: Female rugby league performance is influenced by multiple interacting systems; however, the extent to which sensory and autonomic function differentiates playing level remains unclear. This study investigated whether visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and auto-nomic performance differ by playing level and positional group in female rugby league athletes. Elite and sub-elite athletes completed lower-limb proprioception testing using an Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment protocol, alongside visual–vestibular and autonomic measures obtained via a virtual-reality eye-tracking system. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to examine the effects of playing level, positional group (adjustables, backs, forwards), and their interaction, with posterior inference based on probability of direction and region of practical equivalence analyses. Interaction effects between level and position were observed for selected variables across somatosensory, vestibulo-oculomotor, and autonomic domains. Elite adjustables demonstrated higher ankle proprioceptive acuity than sub-elite adjustables (PD = 0.94), with additional interaction effects identified for vestibulo-oculomotor time on target (PD = 0.95) and autonomic dilation velocity (PD = 0.98). However, findings were not consistent across positional groups or outcome measures, and substantial within-group variability was evident. Overall, sensory and autonomic performance did not consistently differentiate playing level, suggesting limited utility for cross-sectional discrimination but potential value for longitudinal, individualised athlete monitoring.

Abstract: Academic stress is a growing public health concern in higher education, particularly during examination periods, when increased anxiety and psychological distress negatively affect students’ wellbeing and academic performance. In this context, scalable and accessible interventions that promote emotional regulation and reduce stress are increasingly relevant within university health promotion strategies. This study examines the perceived benefits, conditions, and limitations of dog-assisted interventions in higher education, based on the implementation of the StressLess pro-gramme at the University of Costa Rica. A mixed exploratory design was used, combining qualitative narratives with quantitative content analysis. A total of 51 videoecorded testimonies were analysed, including university students (n = 22) and professionals from diverse disciplines (n = 29). Results indicate predominantly positive perceptions across all dimensions, particularly in emotional support and stress reduction. The only statistically significant difference be-tween groups was found in emotional support, with higher ratings among students. Professionals were more likely to identify implementation conditions, risks, and potential cognitive benefits. These findings support the integration of dog-assisted interventions as complementary strategies within university public health frameworks and contribute to the limited evidence available in Latin American contexts.

Abstract: Despite millennia of successful biological reproduction, the daily execution of child-rearing remains notoriously fraught and highly resistant to optimization. Societyfrequently attributes parental burnout and daily perceived failures in parenting tasks topsychological shortcomings, a lack of patience, or organizational failure. In this paper,we propose a mathematically rigorous defense of the exhausted parent by modelingroutine domestic tasks as formal decision problems. We demonstrate that the pursuit of“Optimal Parenting” (OP) is fundamentally intractable (assuming P ≠ NP). Byperforming polynomial-time reductions from classic NP-complete problems—specifically 0-1 Integer Linear Programming, Maximum Independent Set, and MAX-3-SAT—to simplified models of moral development, contradictory behavioral curricula,and developmental milestones, we prove that OP is strictly NP-hard. Consequently, weestablish that finding a perfect, conflict-free parenting strategy requires non-deterministic polynomial time, vastly exceeding the processing capabilities of anybiological parent. Our results mathematically absolve caregivers of domestic guilt andformally validate constraint relaxation (colloquially known as “lowering expectations”,or simply “doing one’s best”) as a necessary and optimal heuristic for surviving acomputationally hostile environment.

Abstract: Organic farming in the European Union is strongly shaped by Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support, yet participation durability remains less examined than supported organic area or organ-ic–conventional comparisons. This study assesses whether the length of participation in CAP-supported organic farming is associated with the organizational, production, and economic out-comes of organic farms in Poland. It applies a two-level approach: CAP support trajectories based on ARMA data for 2008–2025 and organic production duration based on Polish FSDN data for 2008–2022. The results show that organic farming in Poland is highly CAP-dependent and follows an unstable trajectory, with expansion up to 2012–2013, subsequent decline, and renewed growth after 2019. Longer participation is associated with differences in land resources, supported organic UAA, ANCs conditions, production organization, and livestock presence, indicating both adapta-tion and structural selectivity. FSDN data show that fully organic farms have lower land and labor productivity than conventional farms, but persistent fully organic farms achieve similar income per hectare when subsidies are included; without subsidies, their income remains much weaker. The findings indicate that the evaluation of organic farming support should move beyond benefi-ciary counts and certified organic area to include participation durability, production-system co-herence, economic viability, and territorial embeddedness. More differentiated instruments are needed to strengthen durable, knowledge-intensive, and territorially embedded organic farming systems.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer systems based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) have attracted significant attention for fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability, tunable mechanical behavior, and potential to reduce stress-shielding effects associated with metallic implants. However, the immiscibility of PHB/PBAT blends, limited melt stability, and poor balance between stiffness and ductility restrict their processability and functional performance. In this study, rheology was employed as the central design parameter to establish the relationship between reactive compatibilization, melt structure evolution, filament formation, printability, mechanical response, and degradation behavior in PHB/PBAT-based systems. PHB/PBAT blends containing varying Joncryl® ADR and MgO nanoparticle contents were prepared through reactive melt blending, followed by filament extrusion and FDM processing. FTIR analysis confirmed epoxy-mediated reactions between Joncryl and polyester chain ends, indicating chain extension, branching, and enhanced interfacial interactions. Rheological analysis demonstrated that reactive compatibilization significantly increased storage modulus, complex viscosity, melt elasticity, and relaxation times, particularly at low frequencies, indicating the formation of a more interconnected viscoelastic network favorable for stable filament extrusion and shape retention during FDM processing. Stress relaxation measurements further confirmed delayed stress dissipation and enhanced melt structural recovery in compatibilized systems. In contrast, MgO incorporation introduced rheological heterogeneity and altered relaxation dynamics through polymer-filler interactions and localized chain confinement. Mechanical characterization revealed a transition from brittle PHB behavior to ductile PBAT-rich systems. Among the investigated formulations, PHB/PBAT/J0.3 exhibited the most favorable balance between tensile strength, elongation, toughness, and filament stability, while excessive MgO loading reduced ductility and impact resistance despite modest stiffness enhancement. SEM observations demonstrated improved phase morphology and interfacial adhesion after reactive compatibilization, whereas MgO-containing systems exhibited increased structural heterogeneity. Thermal analysis showed that compatibilization modified crystallization behavior through chain branching and reduced crystallinity, while MgO influenced crystallization efficiency and degradation pathways. In vitro degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at 37 °C demonstrated controlled degradation behavior and gradual pH evolution over 42 days. The results demonstrate that reactive compatibilization governs the viscoelastic state required for stable FDM processing and balanced mechanical performance, while MgO provides secondary control over stiffness and degradation behavior. The developed biodegradable PHB/PBAT-based systems show promising potential for additively manufactured orthopedic and biomedical applications where controlled degradation, flexibility, and processability are required.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The semi-solid enteral nutrition method, in which semi-solid nutrients are administered through a gastrostoma rather than liquid nutrients, is a medical technology for nutritional management developed in Japan. This nutritional method has spread rapidly, and in 2018, the Home Semi-solid Enteral Nutrition Guidance and Management fee was newly established in the payment system for medical services. However, there are few studies evaluating this nutrition method in actual clinical practice. Methods: Using the DeSC medical claims database, we investigated patient characteristics, the number of fee calculations, and the length of hospital stay for all hospitalizations and for pneumonia during and after fee calculation. Results: Home semi-solid enteral nutrition guidance and management was received at least once by 3105 patients (mean age: 79.4 years). Cerebrovascular disease, nervous system disease, dementia, and pneumonia were the most common diseases at the start of guidance and management, and the mean number of sessions received was 7.7. The mean length of stay for any hospitalization was significantly shorter during the guidance and management period than after the last guidance and management session (8.2 vs. 29.1 days). Notably, the mean length of hospital stay for pneumonia was also significantly shorter during the guidance and management period than after the last guidance and management session (3.1 vs. 10.2 days). Conclusions: This study clarified the clinical status and outcomes of patients who received Home Semi-solid Enteral Nutrition Guidance and Management. The results suggested that application of the semi-solid enteral nutrition method can contribute to stable patient home care.

Abstract: The research paper explores the intersections of colonialism, apartheid, gender, sexuality, and nationalism through the narratives of women from Mpumalanga, in South Africa. I critically examine how these factors shape the identities and experiences of Black women in South Africa, especially in the wake of the country’s transition to democracy. I employ qualitative methods, engaging with women’s narratives alongside existing literature, to frame my analysis. This approach allows for an understanding of women’s embodied experiences and how these relate to broader socio-political contexts. By utilising personal narratives, this research highlights the lived realities of Black women, illuminating the ongoing effects of socio-political and cultural legacies on their sexualities and identities. The theoretical frameworks guiding my analysis are rooted in decolonial and African feminist scholarship. These frameworks challenge conventional narratives on gender and sexuality, emphasising the need to contextualise African experiences within their unique historical and socio-cultural landscapes. I draw on diverse scholarly contributions that examine the effects of the colonial gaze, gender roles imposed by colonial ideologies, and the historical narrative of Black women under surveillance. To conclude, through women’s personal narratives and Focus Group Discussions, my research aims to critically interrogate the historical constructions of gender and sexuality, foregrounding women's voices to deepen understanding of power dynamics in post-apartheid South Africa. Through this, I assert that the legacies of racial and sexual disparity continue to influence contemporary discourses and women’s lived experiences today.

Abstract: Background: Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) plants remain a cornerstone of grid stability and renewable-energy integration in Europe, yet a large share of the European fleet is ageing and was built under design codes that predate modern geotechnical standards. The Dychów pumped-storage power plant (ESP Dychów, 88 MW, Lubusz Voivodeship, western Poland), in service since the 1930s, is classified as part of the national critical energy infrastructure. Its earthen retaining structures have a documented history of surface mass movements – including the 1997 landslide on the frontal dam, which damaged around 60 m of the crest road and the powerhouse – and require recurrent safety assessment in complex glaciotectonic settings. Methods: Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) performed in a gradient array was combined with hydrogeological observations and finite-element slope-stability analyses in ZSoil. Two cross-sections were examined – the earthen frontal dam of the upper reservoir and the embankment of the derivation channel feeding the reservoir – each with four calculation variants and two groundwater scenarios. The shear-strength reduction technique was used to obtain the “global” safety factor SF. Results: SF equals 1.75 for the frontal dam and ranges from 1.80 to 2.10 for the channel embankment. Parametric reduction of the internal friction angle of saturated medium sand yields limit values of φ = 12.3° (dam) and φ = 20.3° (embankment), clearly below realistic in-situ values. Conclusions: Both structures comply with the safety threshold F ≥ 1.50 specified for Class I hydraulic engineering structures. The presented non-invasive ERT–FEM workflow offers a cost-effective tool for the periodic reassessment of ageing PSH infrastructure, supporting its continued role in balancing variable renewable generation in decarbonising power systems.

Abstract: One of the most important traditional dairy products in Kosovo is cheese. On the other hand, there are few data regarding the characterization and classification of cheese in Kosovo. The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify the varieties of cheese in Kosovo, depending on their physicochemical characteristics and properties. This paper collects samples of cheese from various regions in Kosovo and analyzes them regarding some of the most important physicochemical properties. The results showed that there are differences in their composition, which range from 42.5 to 74.5% in the moisture content, average 24.8% for the fat content of the cheese, and average 18.6% for the protein content of the cheese. There are differences about the kinds of milk used to produce these kinds of cheese, which are dominated by cow milk, followed by sheep, goat, and mixed milk. Cluster analysis grouped the cheeses into distinct categories corresponding to soft, semi-soft, and semi-hard varieties. As can be seen from the information provided above, one can notice that various kinds of cheese are available in Kosovo. Information provided above can be considered to serve as the scientific basis for standardization of traditional cheese products. Information provided above can be of major importance for quality control of cheese products in Kosovo.

Abstract: The 12-lead electrocardiogram is essential for cardiovascular diagnosis but limited by inter-observer variability, low sensitivity for subclinical disease, and labor-intensive telemonitoring analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, addresses these constraints by extracting high-dimensional patterns that correlate with arrhythmias, structural abnormalities, and systemic conditions. This review synthesizes recent AI-enabled ECG advances, covering technical foundations—including foundation models and validation strategies—and clinical applications such as arrhythmia detection, structural heart disease identification, and digital biomarker derivation. We discuss emerging trends like self-supervised learning, multimodal integration, generative models, and explainability techniques. Furthermore, we address critical challenges regarding generalizability, algorithmic bias, privacy, and regulatory frameworks. Finally, we outline research priorities, including curated open datasets, personalized continuous-learning systems, and deployment in resource-limited settings. With rigorous validation, transparent governance, and human-centered design, AI-ECG has the potential to democratize cardiovascular diagnostics and improve clinical outcomes across diverse environments.

Abstract: Background. The main protease (Mpro/3CLpro) of coronaviruses (CoVs) is an essential enzyme involved in viral replication and represents an attractive target for antiviral drug discovery. Based on the similar binding pocket residues within the Mpro of different CoVs, the study aimed to identify potential inhibitors of Mpro from PDB ID 6M2N, using inte-grated computational approaches. Methods. Structure-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, MM-GBSA binding energy calculation, and molecu-lar dynamics (MD) simulation were performed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The vali-dated pharmacophore model was utilized to screen the ZINC database, followed by dock-ing and 100 ns MD simulation analyses of the top-ranked compounds. Results. The pharmacophore model 01 demonstrated favourable predictive performance (AUC = 0.781). Virtual screening identified 483 compounds, from which 21 compounds were selected for docking studies. Among them, ZINC95473654 (Lig-1), ZINC95473725 (Lig-2), and ZINC08792368 (Lig-3) exhibited strong binding affinity toward Mpro. Lig-1 demonstrated the best docking score and binding free energy along with stable interactions with key cat-alytic residues HIS41, CYS145, and GLU166. MD simulation analyses further confirmed that Lig-1 and Lig-2 maintained stable conformations and persistent intermolecular inter-actions throughout the 100 ns simulation period. Conclusion. The findings suggest that Lig-1, followed by Lig-2, may serve as promising CoVs Mpro inhibitors and warrant fur-ther experimental validation. Further experimental validation are required to consolidate the identified compounds as universal inhibitors of the CoVs-Mpro enzyme.

Abstract: Effective canine gastrointestinal health depends on suppression of enteric pathogens and maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity. Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6127 (Lr6127) is a dog‑derived probiotic, but evidence supporting its protective capacity remains limited. Here, we evaluated the antimicrobial and epithelial‑supportive effects of Lr6127 using a canine epithelial cell model. Cell‑free supernatant (CFS) from Lr6127 significantly inhibited the growth of canine‑relevant pathogens, including Escherichia coli (52.0 ± 1.3%), Clostridium perfringens (54.0 ± 2.7%), and Salmonella typhimurium (48.6 ± 1.2%), compared with the medium control (P <  0.0001). Pathogen inhibition increased in a dose‑dependent manner with increasing CFS concentrations. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed enrichment of multiple antimicrobial‑associated metabolites, indicating multi‑component pathogen suppression, with genomic analysis supporting the aromatic amino acid–derived metabolite findings. In addition, viable Lr6127 significantly reduced epithelial adhesion of all tested pathogens (P <  0.01). Beyond direct antimicrobial effects, Lr6127 CFS promoted epithelial wound healing at later time points, accompanied by coordinated modulation of proteins associated with cytoskeletal remodeling and barrier repair. Collectively, these findings suggest that Lr6127 is associated with pathogen suppression, reduced adhesion, and epithelial wound repair mechanisms.

Abstract: Background: Maxillary hypoplasia and skeletal Class III malocclusion are deeply intertwined with upper airway constriction and paranasal sinus dysfunction. Conventional orthopedic interventions often struggle to achieve true 3D skeletal translation without inducing undesirable rotational side effects. The Right Angle Maxillary Protraction Appliance (RAMPA) therapy offers a biomimetic and mechanotherapeutic approach, focusing on anterosuperior protraction to restore both structural harmony and respiratory function. Methods: This feature paper systematically reviews the multi-disciplinary evidence supporting RAMPA therapy, synthesizing findings from recent computational and clinical studies. We examine Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations detailing sutural mechanotransduction and osteogenic "BMP-2 Trigger Zones", Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) utilizing shear-thinning rheological models for two-phase air-mucus interactions, and large-cohort CBCT and Coben analyses quantifying longitudinal growth. Results: FEM studies confirm that RAMPA, especially when combined with intraoral devices (e.g., gHu-1, VomPress, Hybrid), achieves predictable anterosuperior displacement and concentrates tensile stress to trigger molecular bone remodeling. CFD simulations reveal that this precise skeletal remodeling optimizes wall shear stress (WSS) and actively facilitates paranasal mucus clearance via enhanced suction and shear-thinning effects. Clinically, RAMPA induces a 1.2-fold acceleration in natural sinonasal growth velocity. Furthermore, volumetric gains are distinctively pronounced in patients with pre-existing empyema (61.2% increase) compared to those with clear sinuses (18% increase), indicating rapid pathophysiological obstruction relief. Conclusions: By integrating controlled biomechanical forces with fluid-dynamic airway optimization, RAMPA therapy acts as a mechanotherapeutic modulator. It bridges the gap between mechanical intervention, molecular signaling, and physiological homeostasis, offering a comprehensive paradigm for pediatric craniofacial and respiratory restoration.

Abstract: Half-cell testing has long served as a convenient and informative platform for screening electrode materials in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. However, the electrochemical performance obtained under such simplified conditions often fails to predict the behavior of practical full cells, where electrode balancing, mass loading, areal capacity, electrolyte amount, pressure, and interfacial instability impose much stricter constraints. In this review, we examine the limitations of half-cell-based assessment and discuss why moving beyond idealized configurations is essential for the realistic evaluation of advanced battery materials. Particular attention is given to the dynamic nature of interfacial chemistry, including the formation and evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase and cathode electrolyte interphase, as well as to the role of electrolyte decomposition, additives, binders, and electrode formulation in determining cell performance. We further analyze how operando and in situ characterization techniques, including X-ray-based methods, vibrational spectroscopies, microscopy, and electrochemical impedance analysis, are reshaping the understanding of structural evolution, interphase development, and degradation processes under realistic operating conditions. Major failure pathways in practical cells, such as capacity fade, impedance growth, mechanical degradation, electrolyte consumption, gas evolution, transition-metal dissolution, and surface reconstruction, are critically discussed for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion systems. Representative electrode chemistries are considered to illustrate how promising material-level properties do not always translate into practical-cell success. Finally, we address the metrics that matter for practical relevance, summarize current mitigation strategies, and highlight validation criteria and testing workflows that can better connect academic materials research with realistic battery development. By integrating interfacial chemistry, operando insight, and practical performance criteria, this review aims to provide a more translational framework for the design and assessment of next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Abstract: The increasing adoption of cloud computing has expanded organizational attack surfaces and increased exposure to credential compromise, ransomware, and cloud misconfiguration. Conventional security information and event management (SIEM) systems, based primarily on static correlation rules and signature-based detection, often struggle to process heterogeneous cloud telemetry and prioritize high-severity incidents in real time. This study evaluates the operational impact of an artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented SIEM and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) architecture for cloud threat detection and automated incident response. A mixed-methods comparative case study was conducted across two enterprise-style security environments: an AI-augmented cloud-native SIEM/XDR architecture and a conventional baseline environment based on manual triage and signature-based controls. Three attack scenarios were analyzed: phishing-led account takeover, multi-stage ransomware, and shadow-IT data exfiltration. The AI-augmented environment reduced mean time to triage from 17.4 hours in the conventional baseline to 10.7 minutes and enabled ransomware containment in under five minutes through automated response playbooks. The results also showed improved prioritization of high-severity incidents, reduced analyst workload, and a high automated closure rate. However, limitations were observed in the calibration of behavioral models, vendor dependency, and detection gaps involving legitimate third-party services and password-protected content. The findings should be interpreted as operational evidence at an architectural level, not as an isolated evaluation of individual AI models.

Abstract: Census-style records contain sensitive personal information that must be transformed into structured fields before it can support record linkage, geocoding, duplicate detection, identity verification, and statistical processing. This task is challenging because addresses appear in many forms, including standard street addresses, apartment and unit addresses, university addresses, military APO/FPO/DPO addresses, rural routes, highway addresses, and attention-line records. Rule-based parsers are efficient and transparent but often fail on non-standard formats. Single-prompt Large Language Model (LLM) approaches improve generalization but can suffer from record skipping, field conflation, and long-context degradation when processing heterogeneous documents. In addition, privacy and governance requirements limit the use of cloud-hosted models for sensitive census-style data. This paper presents a three-stage hierarchical multi-agent architecture for structured knowledge extraction from census-style records using a locally deployed open-weight LLM. A Planner Agent analyzes the input document and formulates an extraction strategy. A Manager Agent converts this strategy into a dependency-aware task graph. A fleet of eight specialized Worker Agents performs extraction, validation, and formatting, while a bounded feedback loop supports limited autonomous recovery from extraction failures. The system runs on gpt-oss-20b, a 21-billion-parameter open-weight model deployed on local infrastructure, so input records do not need to be transmitted to an external model provider. The system is evaluated on 700 synthetically generated records across seven address categories. It achieves 95.7% component-level exact match accuracy, compared with 52.3% for a rule-based baseline and 80.9% for a single-prompt LLM baseline using the same model. The largest improvements occur on challenging non-standard categories, including highway addresses (93% vs. 11% rule-based), military addresses (91% vs. 28%), and attention-line records (90% vs. 22%). The results suggest that multi-agent decomposition can improve the robustness and completeness of open-weight LLM extraction while preserving the privacy advantages of on-premise deployment. The study should be interpreted as a prototype evaluation on synthetic data rather than a production-readiness claim.

Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal human malignancies, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive metastatic behavior, and profound resistance to current therapies. Ion channels are increasingly recognized as active participants in oncogenesis, challenging the historic view of cancer as solely a genetic and biochemical disease. Emerging evidence has established that potassium (K+) channels, a structurally and functionally diverse superfamily of ion-conducting proteins, are systematically dysregulated in PDAC and play active roles in virtually every hallmark of this cancer, including uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced cell migration and invasion, metabolic reprogramming, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment remodeling. Potassium channels deregulation form part of a major deregulation frame, that is the electrochemical network deregulation (ECND). ECND is a neglected player in PDAC that is just recently being recognized as an interesting opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Potassium channels play an important role in ECND because they participate directly or indirectly in all the main manifestations of ECND, that is intracellular alkalosis, extracellular acidosis, plasmatic and mitochondrial membranes voltage, ROS homeostasis, calcium ion signaling, and pseudosynapsis. The lack of success of all pharmacological treatments attempted so far compels us to explore new therapeutic avenues. The deregulation of the electrochemical network in cancer, and in particular of the potassium channels that are an integral part of this network, are poorly recognized and investigated potential targeting areas. Furthermore, there are existing and developing drugs in this regard. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the major K+ channel families involved in PDAC: voltage-gated (Kv) channels, inward rectifier (Kir) channels, two-pore domain (K2P) channels, and calcium-activated (KCa) channels. We examine the molecular mechanisms by which each channel subfamily contributes to oncogenic signaling, discuss their crosstalk with key PDAC driver pathways including KRAS, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin, and evaluate their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Special attention is paid to the pharmacological landscape, including repurposed drugs and novel channel-targeting strategies. Collectively, the literature supports a model in which K+ channel dysregulation is not an epiphenomenon but a mechanistically integral feature of PDAC physiopathology, warranting prioritized investigation in preclinical and clinical settings.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a black raspberry extract-containing composite gel in treating persistent cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and to analyze the clinical factors influencing treatment outcomes, with the goal of informing precision treatment strategies for this population.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that enrolled 161 patients with persistent hrHPV infection. Participants received vaginal applications of a black raspberry gel every other day (discontinued during menstruation) for three consecutive months, followed by a three-month off-treatment period before re-examination. The primary efficacy endpoint was the viral clearance rate, defined as the clearance of any high-risk HPV subtype that was positive at baseline. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between clinical characteristics and efficacy. Additionally, data from 121 contemporaneous patients who received other treatments were retrospectively collected, and after propensity score matching, the efficacy was compared between the two groups.Results: The response rate among 161 patients who received black raspberry gel intervention was 50.9% (82/161). Univariate analysis showed that significantly higher response rates were observed in younger patients (P=0.011) and those who were premenopausal (P=0.003). Patients with multiple HPV infections had a significantly higher response rate compared to those with single infections (P=0.043). The clearance rates for HPV16 and HPV18 were 66.7% and 70.0%, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported during the intervention period. After propensity score matching, 99 patients were matched in the black raspberry gel group and 99 in the concurrent alternative treatment group. The response rate in the black raspberry gel group (57.6%, 57/99) was non-inferior to that in the concurrent alternative treatment group (55.6%, 55/99). Subtype analysis revealed that the black raspberry gel achieved a significantly higher clearance rate for hrHPV types 16, 18, 33, 39, 51, and 59 compared to the concurrent alternative treatment group (61.5% vs. 31.3%, P=0.011). For hrHPV types 52, 53, 58, and 68, the overall clearance rate was comparable between the black raspberry gel group and the concurrent alternative treatment group (51.0% vs. 50.0%, P=1.000). However, for hrHPV types 31, 35, 56, 66, and 73, the overall clearance rate was significantly lower in the black raspberry gel group than in the concurrent alternative treatment group (39.1% vs. 69.6%, P=0.038).Conclusion: The black raspberry extract-containing composite gel demonstrated a favorable safety profile and certain clinical efficacy in patients with persistent hrHPV infection, particularly showing enhanced effectiveness in younger, premenopausal women and exhibiting potential advantages in clearing high-risk subtypes such as HPV16/18. This study provides new real-world evidence for topical pharmacotherapy in persistent hrHPV infection and offers a preliminary theoretical basis for developing individualized, subtype-specific precision intervention strategies in the future.

Abstract: This study investigates the provenance, weathering history, and tectono-sedimentary evolution of Lower Ediacaran siliciclastic rocks of the Imiter Formation (Saghro Group, Imiter Sub-inlier, Anti-Atlas, Morocco) deposited along the northern margin of Gondwana. An integrated approach combining petrography, whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry, rare earth elements (REE), Sm–Nd isotopes, and organic geochemistry (TOC and δ¹³Cₒᵣg) was used to constrain sediment sources and deposi-tional conditions. Geochemical proxies, including Th/Sc, La/Sc, and Zr/Sc ratios, to-gether with REE distribution patterns, indicate that the sediments were mainly derived from felsic to intermediate rocks of the upper continental crust, with only minor sedi-ment recycling. The negative εNd(t) values (−8.5 to −6.2) and Paleoproterozoic Nd model ages (1.6–2.1 Ga) further suggest erosion of evolved crustal sources related to the West African Craton. Weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA) suggest weak to moder-ate chemical weathering under predominantly arid conditions. Redox-sensitive proxies (V–Ni, V/Cr, V/(V+Ni)) and low TOC contents (0.1–0.3 wt.%) indicate deposition under mainly oxic to dysoxic conditions with only transient reducing episodes. Tectonic dis-crimination diagrams, supported by regional magmatism, point to sedimentation within an extensional basin evolving from active margin to continental rift conditions during the late Pan-African orogeny. The Imiter Formation records a system dominat-ed by crustal recycling, syn-rift tectonics, and dynamic redox conditions in a shallow marine environment.