Search Results (474,437)

Periodontal disease is driven by a dysbiotic subgingival microbiota enriched in anaerobic pathogens, and novel antimicrobial strategies are needed to complement conventional therapy. This pilot study assessed changes in the subgingival microbiota following diode laser-activated indocyanine green-based treatment (EmunDo) using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of paired samples collected before and after therapy. Microbiome analysis revealed compositional shifts across all taxonomic levels, with reductions in disease-associated genera including Porphyromonas, Treponema, Fretibacterium, and Prevotella, and relative increases in taxa more commonly associated with periodontal health, such as Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Haemophilus. Functional prediction further suggested treatment-associated variation in metabolic categories. Overall microbial richness was preserved between groups. These findings suggest that EmunDo treatment was associated with a restructuring of the subgingival microbiota toward a less dysbiotic profile, warranting further investigation in larger controlled studies using higher-resolution approaches such as shotgun metagenomics. Full article

Naturally fermented tofu whey is a nutrient-rich byproduct of tofu production that harbors diverse lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with potential probiotic properties. However, the antioxidant mechanisms of these LAB, particularly the roles of different cellular fractions and their metabolic basis, remain unclear. This study aimed to isolate LAB from naturally fermented tofu whey and evaluate their antioxidant activities across cellular fractions, combining in vitro assays, 16S rDNA-based identification, metabolomic profiling, and cellular validation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Six LAB strains were isolated and screened for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and environmental stress tolerance. Among the identified isolates, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCS1903 exhibited the highest extracellular antioxidant activity. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of cell-free supernatant revealed distinct metabolic profiles compared with the MRS control, with significant enrichment of antioxidant-related metabolites and pathways. In Caco-2 cells, MCS1903 supernatant (<5%, v/v) showed no significant cytotoxicity and effectively alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by modulating the Nrf2/Keap1-HO-1 signaling pathway. These findings indicate that tofu whey is a valuable source of functional LAB, and MCS1903 represents a promising candidate for probiotic and functional food applications, supporting the valorization of tofu whey and development of natural antioxidant probiotics derived from fermented food byproducts. Full article

Introduction: The most common method for controlling invasive fishes is mechanical removal, although it is time-consuming and operationally demanding. In Portugal, commercial inland fisheries are permitted, but the extent to which they could represent a complementary tool for invasive species control remains unknown. Objective: We compared fish assemblages in two sections of a branch of the Cedillo Reservoir where commercial fishing is allowed (i.e., downstream the Lentiscais bridge) and where it is prohibited under the regulations of the International Tagus Natural Park (i.e., upstream). Methodology: Fish were sampled in 2023 and 2024, using a total of 116 gillnets: 72 downstream and 44 upstream. The proportion of blank nets between sections was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Variations in community composition were assessed using NMDS and PERMANOVA, while homogeneity of multivariate dispersion was evaluated with PERMDISP. Total CPUE was compared between sections using Mann–Whitney tests. At the species level, CPUE were assessed using permutation-based Mann–Whitney U tests adjusted for multiple comparisons using the FDR procedure. The direction and magnitude of between-section differences were quantified using the rank-biserial correlation, and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by section-stratified bootstrap resampling. Results: In total, 20 gillnets yielded no fish, and there was no significant difference in their proportions between sections. Total CPUE per gillnet was significantly higher upstream than in the commercially fished section. Fish assemblage composition differed significantly between sections, and there were no dissimilarities in multivariate dispersion, indicating a genuine, although partial, separation between assemblages. The species contributing most to the dissimilarity between the two sections were Silurus glanis, Cyprinus carpio, Sander lucioperca, and Luciobarbus bocagei, which are also among the main target species for national inland commercial fisheries. Among these species, L. bocagei and S. glanis showed significantly lower CPUE in the commercially fished section, while S. lucioperca showed higher CPUE. Variations in C. carpio CPUE were barely significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that commercial fishing may at least partially influence fish catches and assemblage structure in this reservoir branch. Future studies should partition the influence of commercial fishing from other drivers of assemblage variation to further evaluate whether it may represent a complementary tool for managing fish invasions under specific management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The maxillary lateral incisor (U2) root has been proposed to influence the eruption pathway of the maxillary canine. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between mesial root tipping of the U2 and the eruption of impacted maxillary canine (IPU3), and to identify radiographic predictors of eruptive movement. Methods: Orthopantomograms of 37 IPU3 from 29 patients aged 10–12 years were analyzed in this retrospective responder study; all included cases showed initiation of IPU3 eruption following U2 mesial root tipping, and this design was considered when interpreting potential selection bias and overestimation of effect. U2 and canine (U3) positions were measured at treatment initiation (T0) and at the 1-year follow-up (T1). Positional changes were analyzed using paired t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: Significant positional changes were observed for both U2 and U3 (all p < 0.001). The blockage point on the distal U2 root (2DBlock) shifted mesially by 2.0 mm, and U2 root angulation increased by 5.6° at the distal surface and 6.3° along its long axis. The U3 cusp tip (3Cusp) moved vertically by 3.7 mm, distally by 2.1 mm, and tipped distally by 7.5°. A strong correlation (r = 0.697) was observed between mesial root movement (2DHorz) and vertical cusp displacement (3Vert). Regression analysis identified 2DHorz as the only significant predictor of 3Vert (p < 0.001), explaining 51% of the variance; this indicates moderate explanatory power, while the remaining 49% suggests that additional biological, developmental, and three-dimensional spatial factors may also influence eruptive movement. Conclusions: Mesial root tipping of the U2 facilitates IPU3 eruption in early adolescents (10–12 years), specifically in cases with non-palpable IPU3 in sector II and fully developed U2 roots. Horizontal repositioning of the U2 root may serve as a clinically relevant radiographic indicator for guiding interceptive treatment; however, these findings should be interpreted as associations rather than evidence of causality. Full article

The report presents the electrical, structural, and microstructural properties of high-pressure–high-temperature-treated (HPHT) composites composed of δ-like Bi₂O₃ nanograins embedded in an aluminosilicate glassy matrix. Nanocomposites were obtained by heat treatment of the Bi₂O₃-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ ternary glass system, followed by high-pressure molding (above 750 MPa). The total oxygen conductivity σ_t of the studied nanocomposites was high and approached a value of 4.5 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at 600 °C. Due to HPHT treatment, we could also determine the intragrain conductivity of δ-Bi₂O₃ nanocrystallites. In this case, the value of σ_δ was even higher and was equal to 1.3 × 10⁻³ S/cm at 600 °C. It was also possible to study the temperature dependence of intragrain conductivity, showing two activation energies, which probably reflect the order–disorder transition within the sublattice of mobile O²⁻ ions. The obtained nanocomposites exhibited promising properties for applications in electrochemical devices operating in the intermediate temperature range from 300 to 600 °C. Full article

Introduction: Glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing intermittent hemodialysis represents a clinical challenge. The pathophysiological alterations inherent to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the dialysis procedure limit the usefulness of traditional metrics. In this context, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables dynamic assessment of glycemic profiles and can reveal patterns of dysglycemia that go undetected in routine clinical practice. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical pilot study involved 10 patients from the hemodialysis (HD) unit. CGM was carried out for 14 days. A paired analysis was performed to compare glycemic parameters on days with and without HD. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Student’s t-test; a p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Time in range (TIR) showed considerable interindividual variability (24–100%), with hyperglycemia being the predominant factor. During HD sessions, glucose levels showed a marked intradialytic decline followed by incomplete post-dialysis recovery, a pattern that differed from non-dialysis days (paired t-test, p < 0.001; n = 10 paired observations). These findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Hypoglycemic episodes were infrequent, whereas persistent hyperglycemia prevailed. Conclusions: CGM reveals metabolic dysregulation frequently overlooked by traditional indicators such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). These exploratory findings suggest that CGM may provide clinically relevant information in this population, although larger studies are needed before therapeutic recommendations can be established. Full article

This paper presents a full-scale case study on real-time corrosion monitoring in an underground reinforced-concrete potable water tank built in 1968. The study aims to demonstrate how continuous electrochemical monitoring can support durability assessment and predictive maintenance in ageing water-retaining infrastructure, where direct inspection is often limited and exposure conditions are spatially variable. Fourteen monitoring points were installed in beams, columns and domes subjected to different exposure conditions. Corrosion potential, concrete resistivity, corrosion current density and temperature were recorded every 3 h and used to assess the corrosion state of the reinforcement. The monitored durability indicators were reinforcement section loss, estimated from corrosion current density using Faraday’s law, and corrosion-induced crack-width evolution, used as a serviceability-related indicator for maintenance planning. The results show that beams remained predominantly passive, with corrosion current densities below 0.1 µA/cm² and incremental sectional losses below approximately 2 µm during the monitoring period. Columns showed the highest vulnerability, particularly at lower elevations subjected to prolonged immersion, with estimated incremental section losses reaching approximately 4–6 µm and a clear correlation between submerged time and corrosion progression. Domes exhibited intermediate behaviour, with occasional activation events associated with environmental fluctuations. A multivariable model combining resistivity and temperature was used to interpret corrosion kinetics, while Faraday-based section-loss estimates were coupled with empirical crack-width models to forecast serviceability indicators up to 2045. These forecasts are presented as scenario-based maintenance-support indicators rather than deterministic predictions of future damage, since corrosion propagation and crack development may evolve nonlinearly under changing exposure conditions. The proposed approach demonstrates how continuous corrosion monitoring can be linked to durability limit-state assessment, enabling risk-informed and performance-based maintenance of critical water infrastructure. Full article

The paper presents the results of an empirical study comparing the operational and environmental effects of using industrial printing machines under a subscription-based model (PaaS) versus a traditional ownership model. The analysis covered two identical, high-performance Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106-8P machines operating in print production facilities with similar production profiles. A range of quantitative indicators were examined, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), as well as parameters such as operating time, production cycles, and the amount of production waste over a 14-month period. The results indicate that the subscription model delivers benefits in terms of quality, stability, and reduced material losses, despite a lower production volume. Statistically significant differences in favor of the subscription model were recorded in OEE Speed, OEE 10,000, and waste indicators (Run Waste % and avg). The article demonstrates substantial, independent of scale effects, operational and environmental benefits of the subscription model in manufacturing industrial applications. Full article

This study examines the association between digitalization-enabled green human resource management (GHRM) practices and employee green behavior (EGB) within a South African metropolitan municipality. Anchored in an extended Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) framework, a convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 66 HR employees (from a target population of 80) and analyzed using Spearman’s correlation and hierarchical regression, while qualitative data from seven HR managers were analyzed thematically. Results indicate statistically significant positive associations between digital green training (ρ = 0.524, p < 0.01) and EGB, and between digital performance management (ρ = 0.463, p < 0.01) and EGB. However, regression estimates suggest moderate explanatory power within this context-specific public-sector setting. Qualitative findings identify automation, paperless systems, and e-HRM tools as key digital enablers, alongside infrastructural constraints, skills deficits, and institutional barriers that limit implementation. By integrating quantitative associations with qualitative evidence of implementation gaps, the study proposes a Digitalization-Integrated GHRM–EGB framework and demonstrates that digital HR systems are associated with pro-environmental workplace behaviors, contingent on organizational readiness in resource-constrained municipal environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Premature ventricular contractions are among the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical practice. However, this disorder can be associated with arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy or be the first sign of primary myocardial diseases. Certain morphologies of premature ventricular contractions are associated with a higher risk for sudden arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction in the adult population. There is data on the clinical value and significance of the contraction morphology in adults, but there is a lack of such data for children. Materials and Methods: This observational prospective study of pediatric outpatients with premature ventricular contractions was conducted at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics. Inclusion criteria comprised children aged 3–17 years with more than 5% premature ventricular contractions over 24 h. Exclusion criteria included previously diagnosed congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathies, channelopathies, or the presence of any acute condition. The electrocardiographic morphology and measurements were assessed, analyzed, and described in this study. Results: The electrocardiograms of 80 patients were analyzed according to the ECG-estimated morphology of the arrhythmia complex, arrhythmic QRS complex duration, ratio with the normal QRS complex, and maximum deflection index in V5–V6 derivations. Cardiac MRI abnormalities (8 of 30 MRI studies) was reliably associated with a PVC duration of >150 ms and the maximal amount of extrasystoles per 24 h, with a median amount of 29.6%. A long postcoupling interval (>0.9 s) was associated with PVC progression. Conclusions: In this exploratory pediatric cohort, wider PVC QRS duration and higher maximal PVC burden were associated with ventricular MRI abnormalities, while longer postcoupling interval was associated with PVC progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: Contemporary minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) for benign prostatic hyperplasia carry retreatment rates up to 32%, with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) increasingly used as salvage therapy. Prior reviews focused on salvage HoLEP (sHoLEP) following transurethral resection; however, technical challenges specific to the post-MIST field remain uncharacterised. We aimed to characterise technical barriers during sHoLEP following contemporary MISTs, with secondary evaluation of efficacy, safety and feasibility. Methods: Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261321711), five databases were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies reporting sHoLEP outcomes in adults with prior MIST were included. Qualitative findings were synthesised thematically; quantitative outcomes reported by three or more studies underwent random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) and certainty of evidence using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Results: Ten studies (354 sHoLEP, 3618 primary HoLEP (pHoLEP) patients) were included. Technical difficulty was MIST-type dependent: thermoablative procedures and prostatic artery embolisation preserved the enucleation plane, while prostatic urethral lift (PUL) introduced morcellation-specific challenges including blade jamming and staged procedures. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in operative time or tissue weight, but reduced enucleation efficiency (weighted mean difference; WMD −0.11 g/min, p = 0.027) and peak urinary flow improvement (WMD −3.0 mL/s, p < 0.001). Both findings were sensitive to analysis, losing significance on restriction to predominantly MIST cohorts, and the enucleation efficiency result additionally lost significance on removal of the most heavily weighted study (p = 0.94). Complication rates were equivalent (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, p = 0.787). Conclusions: sHoLEP is safe and efficacious following contemporary MIST. Surgeons should anticipate MIST-specific challenges, particularly morcellation difficulties after PUL requiring tailored instrumentation. Prospective MIST-specific studies are needed. Full article

KOH pretreatment is an effective approach to improve the biodegradability and methane yield of crop straw during anaerobic digestion (AD). Linking microbial ecology to system functionality is essential for optimizing anaerobic digestion (AD). This study investigated how KOH pretreatment alters the microbial communities and process performance of corn stover AD by comparing pretreated and untreated systems, using 16S rRNA sequencing to correlate taxonomic and functional shifts with operational parameters. The results showed that pretreated CS exhibited enhanced hydrolysis, with cellulose and hemicellulose removal rates of 61.0% and 53.9%, which were 57.2% and 102.3% higher than UN, respectively, and achieved 24.3% higher cumulative methane production compared with untreated CS. System stability was improved, with lower volatile fatty acid accumulation and faster pH recovery. Microbial community analyses showed increased diversity and accelerated succession, with functional hydrolytic and syntrophic taxa (Proteiniphilum, Ruminofilibacter) and mixotrophic methanogens (Methanosarcina) enriched, leading to stronger interspecies interactions. These results highlight the dual role of KOH pretreatment in reshaping both material conversion pathways and microbial ecology, providing mechanistic insights and practical guidance for enhancing lignocellulosic AD performance. Full article