Explore the vast range of titles available.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) of average weight 18 g, were fed for two weeks with diet supplemented with 0.5 g (= 0.5%), 1 g (= 1%) and 2 g (= 2%) 100 g-1 of lupin (Lupinus perennis), mango (Mangifera indica) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), and with normal diet as controls. Following challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, there was a reduction in mortality compared with the controls. Furthermore, the fish, which were fed with dietary supplements, recorded enhanced haematological and immunological parameters including phagocytic, respiratory burst, lysozyme, bactericidal, complement, myloperoxidase and antiprotease activities, and total protein, compared to the controls. Feeding for 2 months with 1% and 2% of the dietary supplements led to an increase in growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme (total proteases, amylase, lipase and pepsin), total protein and glucose compared to controls, whereas there was not any effect on kidney or liver function. The expression of IL-1ß, IL-8 and TGF- ß1 in head kidney of rainbow trout fed for 2 months was upregulated after feeding with 1% lupin and 1% stinging nettle. In contrast, there was not any significant effect following feeding with mango.

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) has been described as an advanced technology to remove toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne microorganisms from indoor air environments . This technique is economic, stable, safe, and capable to remove a wide variety of organic contaminants under UV irradiation. This study presents a case study on the effect of a fabricated filter in the removal of toluene at 26 mg/L and disinfection of ambient air under a given operating condition. The principal goals of this study were to synthesize Ag nanoparticles/TiO 2 filter for the first time via the deposition of Ag nanoparticles on a commercial immobilized TiO 2 tissue sheet by impregnation technique and to investigate the performance of this prepared Ag/TiO 2 tissue based filter system for toluene removal as well as to remove airborne microorganisms from indoor air. The results illustrated that under the experimental conditions, Ag/TiO 2 -based filter was able to disinfect well the microorganisms. The performance of Ag/TiO 2 filter shows two different stages; the first one is a slight adsorption phase in dark with approximately 15% of toluene removal within 60 min. The second stage is a photooxidation phase under UV irradiation in which the toluene removal efficiency was significantly enhanced with extension of the operational time and reached 97% during this stage. Additionally, the Ag/TiO 2 filter has a higher disinfection capacity of airborne microorganisms that completely removed to reach 100% after 300 min of application. This filter could be practically introduced as an effective system in industrial, hospital, and home applications for air purification. Graphical abstract

Cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) remains one of the least diverse surgical specialties, marked by significant gender and racial disparities. Despite increased medical school enrollment and the inclusion of more women and underrepresented minorities in the medical workforce, the number of locally trained cardiothoracic surgeons remains disproportionately low, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized care. This lack of diversity is compounded by systemic barriers such as limited exposure to the specialty, a shortage of mentors and role models, and the persistence of gender bias and discrimination. These factors contribute to a workforce that does not adequately reflect the demographic diversity of the patient population, further hindering access to quality care. To address these challenges, this article outlines several policy recommendations aimed at improving equity in CTS training and workforce development. Key strategies include increasing awareness and exposure to CTS among medical students, expanding training opportunities, and establishing regional centers of excellence. Gender equity should be prioritized through the implementation of zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and harassment, and financial incentives should be introduced to retain cardiothoracic professionals locally. Additionally, mentorship, collaboration, and international partnerships can enhance surgical skills and knowledge sharing across regions. Public health policies focusing on improving access to cardiothoracic services, particularly in underserved communities, are critical for reducing disparities. Enhanced community awareness campaigns, improved data collection, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure are vital to ensure equitable access to care. Ultimately, achieving equity in CTS requires collaborative efforts between governments, academic institutions, healthcare providers, and international partners, aimed at building a resilient and diverse cardiothoracic workforce capable of meeting the needs of diverse populations.

IntroductionObese postnatal women are prone to diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), resulting in postural instability and low back pain, and poorer quality of life. This study was designed to ascertain how ultrasound cavitation (UC) affects the static and dynamic postural balance of obese postpartum women with DRA.Material and methodsSixty obese postnatal women with DRA, age 25 to 35 years, body mass index 30 to 39.9 kg/m2, were recruited and assigned randomly into two equal groups. The study group was treated by UC twice weekly in addition to a caloric restriction diet for two months (n = 30), while the control group was treated by the same caloric restriction diet alone (n = 30). The primary outcome measure was the overall stability index (OSI) of static and dynamic balance, which was evaluated by the biodex balance system, while the secondary outcome measures included inter recti distance (IRD) and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, which were evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography.ResultsSignificant within-group improvements were noted post-treatment versus pre-treatment for all outcome variables. Post-treatment, the study group demonstrated more significant improvements in static OSI (mean difference (MD) = 0.51; p = 0.001), dynamic OSI (MD = 0.18; p = 0.007), subcutaneous fat (MD = 1.01; p = 0.001) and IRD (MD = 0.98; p = 0.001).ConclusionsUC may be considered an effective modality in improving both static and dynamic balance, besides reducing abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and IRD in obese postnatal women with DRA.