Search Results (7,409)

Alterations in the gastric mucosal barrier, one of whose fundamental components is phosphatidylcholine (PC), may play an important role in the pathophysiology of erosive gastritis secondary to sepsis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been shown to reduce tissue damage in various experimental models of sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PTX on gastric mucosa PC synthesis, leukocyte infiltration, arachidonic acid-related metabolites, inflammation, oxidative stress, NO, CO, and somatostatin in a rat model of LPS-induced sepsis. Rats were administered LPS (10 mg/kg b.w.) intraperitoneally. After 30 min (early treatment group) or 120 min (late treatment group) of LPS administration, they were randomly divided into two groups that were intraperitoneally administered saline (5 mL/kg; LPS + Saline group) or PTX (45 mg/kg; 5 mL/kg; LPS + PTX group). Control rats received only saline instead of LPS and/or PTX. Two hours after saline or PTX administration (total of 150 or 240 min of procedure), animals were anesthetized, and then gastric lavage, gastric mucosa and plasma samples were obtained and kept frozen until determination. LPS-induced sepsis changed the gastric mucosal barrier by reducing its phospholipid content, PGI2, and somatostatin levels, as well as increasing MPO, TXB2, LTB4, PLA2, and MDA. Alterations may be mediated, at least in part, by modifications in the production of NO, CO, and cGMP content. PTX had a beneficial effect on gastric lesions secondary to sepsis by restoring PC production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiculopathy leads to pain, consequently reducing patient’s quality of life (QoL). Research indicates that certain nucleotides, such as cytidine and uridine, along with vitamins B1 and B12, may help alleviate pain and enhance QoL. This study assessed the impact of adding a supplement containing cytidine and uridine nucleotides and vitamins B1 and B12, alongside standard treatment, on radiculopathy-associated pain. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, two-cohort, randomized, open-label study was conducted. The control group received standard treatment, while the experimental group received standard treatment plus the supplement. The primary endpoint was pain reduction measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints included functional improvement (Roland Morris questionnaire), clinical improvement (Clinical Global Impression [CGI] scale), and QoL improvement (EQ-5D-5L questionnaire). Results: A total of 122 patients were included from 17 centers across Spain. Both groups showed pain improvement, but the VAS reduction (control: 24.58 vs. experimental: 31.35) was not statistically significant. The Roland Morris score decreased significantly in the experimental group (estimate: −1.70, 95% CI −3.29 to −0.10; p = 0.038), and these patients were 5 times more likely to progress to a better CGI category (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.57; p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in EQ-5D-5L scores or analgesic consumption. Conclusions: The addition of supplemental pyrimidine nucleotides and vitamins B1 and B12 to standard of care treatment improved radiculopathy functional and clinical outcomes. Regarding pain, however, although there was a numerical improvement, it did not reach statistical significance. Full article

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on various outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF), including live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates, fertilization rates, and implantation rates, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic searches were carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science from January 2010 to November 2023. Studies comparing IVF outcomes in women with and without endometriosis were included. The primary outcome was live birth rate; secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, fertilization, and implantation rates. Data were extracted and analyzed using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with fixed or random-effects models, depending on heterogeneity. Results: From 1340 studies initially identified, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 8970 women with endometriosis and 42,946 control participants. There were no significant differences between the endometriosis and control groups in terms of live birth rate (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.75–1.41, p = 0.84), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.72–1.02, p = 0.1), or fertilization rate (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79–1.15, p = 0.64). However, endometriosis was associated with a significantly lower implantation rate (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Endometriosis significantly negatively affects implantation rates in women undergoing IVF, despite the absence of significant differences in live birth, clinical pregnancy, and fertilization rates. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of different stages of endometriosis on IVF outcomes and to develop optimized management protocols for these patients. Full article

The Ethylene Diamine Tetra-acetic Acid (EDTA) titration test is widely used for determining cement content, but its reliability is influenced by the hydration process of cement, which is affected by factors such as water content and hydration time. Despite their importance, these factors have received limited attention in existing research. This study explores the relationships between the volume of titrant required for stabilization, cement content, water content, and hydration time. Using a regression orthogonal test, the primary and secondary relationships, as well as the interdependencies among these factors, are analyzed. Results reveal a negative linear relationship between the titrant volume and both water content and hydration time. Cement content, water content, and hydration time are identified as the most significant factors, with minimal interdependencies observed. Within the test parameters, calculated values exhibit an error margin below 2.4%. Deviations of 2.9% in water content and 86 min in hydration time correspond to an approximate 0.5% change in cement content. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing cement content detection in Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) mixes, promoting more sustainable construction practices. Full article

In the modern world, intelligent and digital wastewater disposal systems are increasingly in demand for real-time decision-making on the environmental efficiency of wastewater disposal. The aim of the study is to develop wastewater management processes for monitoring and predicting the parameters of sewerage networks. This paper presents the results of physical modeling of changes in the properties of aqueous solutions transported through the sewerage network to the treatment plant. It was found that the quality of wastewater without additional pollutants is stable, but under the influence of complex, disturbing factors, significant fluctuations in parameters are observed, requiring preventive control to prevent secondary pollution. In order to eliminate the disadvantages of prototypes and improve the environmental safety of wastewater disposal, a conceptual model of digitalization of the wastewater disposal system of water supply and sewerage facilities in the segment “Transport—wastewater treatment” based on the criteria of environmental efficiency of treatment facilities was justified and created. This model for regulating wastewater discharge parameters considers the quality indicators of domestic and industrial wastewater, which excite technological processes at municipal wastewater treatment plants and makes corrections through local treatment methods. This will reduce the risk of secondary pollution and increase management efficiency and environmental compliance of treatment facilities but, at the same time, requires significant investment, infrastructure modernization, qualified personnel and solutions to the issues of integrating processes into a single system. Also, a conceptual scheme of monitoring and forecasting sewerage network parameters and the sequence of sewerage system digitalization using the example of a settlement was created. Further research will be aimed at building a digital system of regulation of water supply and sewerage facilities in the segment based on the criterion of the ecological efficiency of treatment facilities with regard to disturbance. Full article

We examined data from Naval Sea Systems Command grant project N0463A-12-C-001, “Hypercapnia: cognitive effects and monitoring”, with the objective of validating or repudiating heart rate variability (HRV) as a warning sign of cognitive impairment from diving gas narcosis or oxygen toxicity. We compared HRV feature scores to their temporally corresponding cognitive outcomes under normal and narcotizing conditions to identify specific HRV features associated with cognitive changes. N0463A-12-C-001 was conducted between 17 September 2013 and 29 January 2016 and employed NASA’s multi-attribute task battery (MATB-II) flight simulator to examine the independent effects of CO₂, N₂, and O₂ partial pressure on diver performance at simulated depths up to 61 msw (200 fsw). We assessed the association of 23 distinct HRV features scores from 432 of the study’s analyzable exposure stages in relation to MATB-II’s four performance subclasses (motor, memory, attention, strategy) while controlling for exercise and CO₂, N₂, and O₂ gas partial pressure. Performance decrements were associated with normalized high-frequency HRVfeatures (HFnu, p = 0.0016) and the number of pairs of successive R-R intervals that differed by more than 50 ms (NN50count1, p = 0.04). Secondary analysis with stratification restricted to non-exercise stages showed that several HRV parameters, including root mean square of the successive difference (RMSSD, p = 0.0015), width of Poincaré plot (p = 0.0017), NN50count1 (p = 0.0019), and standard deviation of normal-to-normal R peaks (p = 0.0082), were associated with performance impairment. The RMSSD association retained statistical significance after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. HRV features collected from divers tested under narcotizing conditions of breathing gas partial pressure and exercise were associated with performance impairment. Full article

Calendula is an edible flower with highly beneficial bioactive compounds for human health. Environmental factors such as light influence flower yield and quality. Calendula is cultivated under controlled environments in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), which enhance its productivity. However, electricity is the main operating cost, with fees based on the time of use in some countries. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lighting patterns on calendula growth and yield. Two varieties of calendula seedlings were cultivated in a PFAL and subjected to six different lighting patterns, i.e., 6 h/6 h, 12 h/12 h, 6 h/2 h, and 18 h/6 h (light/dark) and two continuous lighting patterns with varying light intensities (24 h-200 and 24 h-400). The results indicated that plants cultivated under the 6 h/2 h, 18 h/6 h, 24 h-200, and 24 h-400 conditions showed a more rapid appearance of the first flower bud than those cultivated under the 6 h/6 h and 12 h/12 h conditions. The number of flowers and the fresh and dried weights tended to increase with a longer photoperiod. Interestingly, the total carotenoid content (TCC) of “Citrus Orange” increased under 6 h/6 h and 12 h/12 h conditions compared with the others. For “Orange Gem”, continuous lighting (24 h) increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in flowers compared with the 6 h/6 h 12 h/12 h, and 6 h/2 h treatments. The energy use efficiency (EUE) under the 24 h-200 condition was the highest in terms of flower yield and secondary metabolite production. These results suggest that lighting patterns can be used to modulate the growth and flowering of calendula and to maximize EUE. Full article

Aims: This study assessed the effect of immersive virtual reality (IVR) on anxiety and intraoperative pain in adult patients undergoing dental extractions with local anesthesia. Methods: In a single-blind, randomized clinical trial from September 2022 to December 2023 at a private dental clinic, 190 patients with dental anxiety were randomly assigned to either an IVR or a control group. Primary outcomes—dental anxiety and perioperative pain—were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), recorded at various stages. Results: The IVR group showed significant reductions in total anxiety, state anxiety, and MDAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pain intensity was also lower in the IVR group (p = 0.03). Additionally, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were consistently lower in the IVR group across different stages. Post anesthesia, the IVR group showed notably lower mean SBP and DBP values (p < 0.001). After surgery, the IVR group also showed lower HR (p = 0.01), SBP (p < 0.001), and DBP (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: IVR significantly reduced STAI, STAI-S, and MDAS scores and decreased intraoperative pain compared to the control group. Full article

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are highly valuable across various industries due to their advantageous properties, including biocompatibility and enhanced release control, which are particularly important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Fungi, through secondary metabolism, are capable of producing biosurfactants (BSs)—amphiphilic molecules that reduce surface tension and can therefore substitute synthetic surfactants in PNP stabilization. In this study, we investigated the production of biosurfactants by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus welwitschiae CG2-16, isolated from the Amazon region, as well as its use as a PNP stabilizer. The fungus exhibited a 36% reduction in the surface tension of the culture medium during growth, indicative of BS production. The partially purified biosurfactant demonstrated an emulsification of 24%, a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 280 mg/L, and an FTIR spectrum suggesting a lipopeptide composition. The biosurfactant was employed in the synthesis of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles via nanoprecipitation and emulsion/diffusion methods. Nanoprecipitation yielded spherical nanoparticles with a low polydispersity index (0.14 ± 0.04) and a high zeta potential (−29.10 ± 8.70 mV), indicating suspension stability. These findings highlight the significant role of biosurfactants in polymeric nanoparticle formation and stabilization, emphasizing their potential for diverse applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industrial sectors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is often asymptomatic, progresses slowly, and leads to multiple secondary diseases. Thus, a regular blood pressure check is recommended. The objective of this study is to assess the intention to undergo a blood pressure check and its associated factors among adults in Southwest Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A healthcare-facility-based cross-sectional design was utilized. A standardized questionnaire, adapted from previous research, was administered by trained interviewers. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors the intention to undergo blood pressure checks is associated with, utilizing SPSS version 27. Results: Four hundred twenty-one participants provided a complete response, yielding a 99.7% response rate. Of these participants, 153 (36%) had had their blood pressure checked at some point. The vast majority of the study participants (387, 91.9%) did not know the normal blood pressure range. The median score for intention to undergo blood pressure check was 11 (interquartile range 10–13). Female participants were 59% less likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.408, 95% confidence interval 0.208–0.801) to intend to undergo a blood pressure check than male participants. Participants in the poorest wealth quintile were 82% less likely (AOR 0.183, 95% CI = 0.063–0.533) to intend to undergo a blood pressure check than those in the richest quintile. Participants who intended to undergo a blood pressure check had a significantly favorable attitude (t = 10.801, p < 0.001) and lower perceived behavioral control (t = −2.865, p < 0.001) compared with those who had no intention of checking. Conclusion: A high intent to undergo a blood pressure check should prompt healthcare facilities to offer regular blood pressure check-up services. Behavioral change communication interventions should address the attitude and perceived behavioral controls of individuals associated with the intention to undergo a blood pressure check. In doing so, special attention should be given to female and economically disadvantaged populations. Full article

Biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus is a major cause of secondary food contamination, leading to significant economic losses. While rhamnolipids (RLs) have shown effectiveness against Bacillus cereus, their ability to remove biofilms is limited when used alone. Ultrasound (US) is a non-thermal sterilization technique that has been found to enhance the delivery of antimicrobial agents, but it is not highly effective on its own. In this study, we explored the synergistic effects of combining RLs with US for biofilm removal. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of RLs was determined to be 32.0 mg/L. Using a concentration of 256.0 mg/L, RLs alone achieved a biofilm removal rate of 63.18%. However, when 32.0 mg/L RLs were combined with 20 min of US treatment, the removal rate increased to 62.54%. The highest biofilm removal rate of 78.67% was observed with 256.0 mg/L RLs and 60 min of US exposure. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that this combined treatment significantly disrupted the biofilm structure, causing bacterial deformation and the removal of extracellular polymeric substances. This synergistic approach not only inhibited bacterial metabolic activity, aggregation, and adhesion but also reduced early biofilm formation and decreased levels of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins. Furthermore, US treatment improved biofilm permeability, allowing better penetration of RLs and interaction with bacterial DNA, ultimately inhibiting DNA synthesis and secretion. The combination of RLs and US demonstrated superior biofilm removal efficacy, reduced the necessary concentration of RLs, and offers a promising strategy for controlling biofilm formation in the food industry. Full article

Foodborne pathogens are microorganisms that cause illness through contamination, presenting significant risks to public health and food safety. This review explores the metabolites produced by these pathogens, including toxins and secondary metabolites, and their implications for human health, particularly concerning cancer risk. We examine various pathogens such as Salmonella sp., Campylobacter sp., Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, detailing the specific metabolites of concern and their carcinogenic mechanisms. This study discusses analytical techniques for detecting these metabolites, such as chromatography, spectrometry, and immunoassays, along with the challenges associated with their detection. This study covers effective control strategies, including food processing techniques, sanitation practices, regulatory measures, and emerging technologies in pathogen control. This manuscript considers the broader public health implications of pathogen metabolites, highlighting the importance of robust health policies, public awareness, and education. This review identifies research gaps and innovative approaches, recommending advancements in detection methods, preventive strategies, and policy improvements to better manage the risks associated with foodborne pathogens and their metabolites. Full article

Strategies for controlling cholesterol and lipid metabolism, including the use of food supplements, are part of the non-pharmacological intervention to ameliorate cardiovascular health. To demonstrate the efficacy of a standardized flavonoids (150 mg/day) extract from Citrus bergamia on cholesterol and lipid management, a placebo-controlled clinical trial on 64 subjects with high cholesterol was carried out. The total study duration was 4 months, with intermediate checkpoints at 1-month intervals. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC) levels, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and paraoxonase activity (PON1) were measured as primary endpoints (efficacy evaluation), while weight, blood pressure, hepatic and renal function blood markers were measured as secondary endpoints (safety evaluation). After 4 months, both TC and LDL-C significantly decreased by 8.8% and 11.5%, respectively, along with a 5.5% increase in HDL-C which was trending towards significance. In addition, ox-LDL was significantly reduced by 2.0%, while PON1 was significantly increased by 6.5%. The secondary endpoints were not changed during the study, demonstrating a good tolerability of the test product. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of the extract as a natural approach for cholesterol and lipid metabolism management. Full article

Nasal packing is a critical procedure in postoperative care and trauma management aimed at controlling bleeding, providing structural support, and promoting tissue healing. However, conventional nasal packs often lead to discomfort, infection risks, and secondary tissue damage. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential use of biodegradable and biocompatible gelatin–carrageenan composite scaffolds as an alternative nasal packing material. Five compositions of gelatin–carrageenan scaffolds (ratios 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10) were fabricated and evaluated for physicochemical properties, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility. Results suggest that balanced ratios, such as 7:3 and 5:5, may provide a combination of structural integrity, improved biocompatibility, and controlled degradation, making them a potential candidate for nasal packing applications. The scaffolds exhibited low cytotoxicity and reasonable blood compatibility, which could reduce the risks associated with conventional materials. While these findings are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of these scaffolds in clinical settings. If proven effective, gelatin–carrageenan scaffolds may help address some of the limitations of conventional nasal packing materials and improve postoperative care outcomes. Full article

Background: Hwa-Byung is a culturally bound syndrome prevalent in Korea, characterized by intense emotional distress and physical symptoms related to suppressed anger. Patients frequently report experiencing chest tightness, heat sensations, and globus pharyngeus (the sensation of a lump in the throat). These physical symptoms often accompany psychological distress and can exacerbate the sense of frustration and helplessness associated with the condition. The distinctive presentation of these symptoms highlights the necessity for therapeutic interventions that address both the emotional and physical aspects of Hwa-Byung. Conventional therapeutic methods, such as Emotion-to-Emotion Therapy (ETE), have shown efficacy in treating this condition. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Virtual Reality-based Emotion-to-Emotion Therapy (VR-based ETE) compared to conventional ETE, utilizing immersive digital platforms to enhance therapeutic engagement. Methods: This single-center, randomized, assessor-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will enroll 96 participants, evenly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. Over eight weeks, each participant will undergo 12 intervention sessions. Experimental group 1 will receive conventional ETE, experimental group 2 will receive VR-based ETE, and the control group will receive Hwa-Byung management training materials. The primary outcome will be the change in symptoms, measured by the Likert Scale for Major Symptoms of Hwa-Byung from baseline to 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include psychometric scales and physiological measures such as the core seven-emotions inventory short form, physical health questionnaire, stress response index, Beck depression inventory, state-trait anger expression inventory, state-trait anxiety inventory, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and heart rate variability. For economic efficiency assessment, quality-adjusted life-years will be the primary outcome using the EuroQol-5 dimension, and the secondary outcome will be using the EuroQol visual analog scale. Discussion: ETE is a recognized oriental psychotherapy that enhances symptom management, self-regulation, and stress coping. VR is expected to deepen treatment immersion. By combining these strengths, VR-ETE may further improve emotion regulation and alleviate psychosomatic symptoms. If successful, this study will not only advance the treatment of Hwa-Byung but also contribute to the modernization of traditional Korean medicine through the integration of digital therapies. Full article