Search Results (1,239)

Due to increasing human activities underwater, there is a growing demand for high-speed underwater optical communication (UOWC) data links for security surveillance, environmental monitoring, pipeline inspection, and other applications. Line-of-sight communication is impossible under certain conditions due to misalignment, physical obstructions, irregular usage, and difficulty adjusting the receiver orientation, especially when used in environments with mobile users or submerged sensor networks. Therefore, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical communication is used in this study. Advanced modulation schemes—quadrature amplitude modulation and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (QAM-OFDM)—were used to transmit the signal underwater between two network nodes. QAM increases the data transfer rate, while OFDM reduces dispersion and inter-symbol interference (ISI). The proposed UOWC system is investigated using a 532 nm green laser diode (LD). Reliable high-speed data transmission of up to 15 Gbps is achieved over horizontal distances of 134 m, 43 m, 21 m, and 5 m in four different aquatic environments—pure water (PW), clear ocean (CLO), coastal ocean (COO), and harbor II (HarII), respectively. The system achieves effectively error-free performance within the simulation duration (BER < 10⁻⁹), with a received optical signal power of approximately −41.5 dBm. Clear constellation patterns and low BER values are observed, confirming the robustness of the proposed architecture. Despite the limitations imposed by non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication and the diversity aquatic environments, our proposed architecture excels at underwater long-distance data transmission at high speeds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet not all patients achieve clinically meaningful benefits. Evidence on the determinants of short- and long-term responses from real-world settings remains limited. The aim of this study was to quantify response rates to outpatient PR and identify baseline factors associated with achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in the walking capacity 6 min walk test [6MWT] or endurance shuttle walk test [ESWT] and patient-reported outcomes (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] or COPD Assessment Test [CAT]) at 10 weeks and 1-year follow-up. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data from a PR database (2002–2019) at Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre were analysed. Patients with COPD and complete data on one functional outcome ([6MWT] or [ESWT]) and one patient-reported outcome ([SGRQ] or [CAT]) were included. Multinomial regression models assessed associations between baseline variables and response categories. Results: Among 922 patients, 52% achieved clinically meaningful improvement following PR, and 47% of responders maintained these gains at 1 year. Response rates declined over time. Higher baseline symptom burden (CAT and SGRQ) and walking capacity showed mixed associations with short-term response. Younger age was the most consistent predictor of both short- and long-term responses, while higher baseline FEV₁ was associated with sustained improvement at 1 year. Conclusions: Approximately half of patients with COPD benefit clinically from PR, with sustained improvements in nearly half at 1 year, and response is associated with baseline age, symptom burden, and functional capacity, underscoring the need for a more individualised approach to care. Full article

Ketones are metabolites primarily produced by the liver and are utilized by various organs outside of the liver. Recent advances have demonstrated that ketones serve not only as alternative energy sources but also as signaling molecules. Research indicates that ketones can influence cancer development and metastasis, cardiac metabolic and structural remodeling, physical performance, vascular function, inflammation, and the aging process. Emerging evidence from preclinical and early-phase clinical studies suggests that strategies such as ketone salts, ketone esters, and the ketogenic diet may offer therapeutic benefits for conditions like heart failure, acute cardiac injury, diabetic cardiomyopathy, vascular complications, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and aortic aneurysm. This literature review updates the current understanding of ketone metabolism and its contributions to cardiovascular health and diseases. We highlight the underlying molecular mechanism with post-translational modification known as β-hydroxybutyrylation, which affects the fate and function of target proteins. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic challenges associated with ketone therapy, the potential of using ketone levels as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases, as well as gender- and age-specific differences in ketone treatment. Finally, we explore future research directions and what is needed to translate these new insights into cardiovascular medicine. Full article

Background/Objective: High-risk Human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is the leading cause of premalignant lesions and cervical cancer (CC), affecting disproportionally women living with HIV. Mozambique is among the countries with a heavy triple-burden of HIV, hrHPV infections and CC which accounts for more than 5300 new cases and 3800 deaths each year. In this study, we assessed the age-specific distribution and factors associated with hrHPV and cervical lesions among HIV-positive and -negative women from HPV-ISI (HPV Innovative Screening Initiative) study in Maputo, Mozambique. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1248 non-pregnant women aged ≥18 years who attended CC screening at the DREAM Sant’Egídio Health Centre between July 2021 and April 2022. Screening involved visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and high-risk HPV DNA testing. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and reproductive data were collected through a routine questionnaire. Logistic regression assessed associations between risk factors and hrHPV infection or cervical lesions. Age-specific hrHPV prevalence, partial HPV16/18 genotyping, and abnormal cytology rates were further analyzed by HIV status. Results: The mean age of participants was 43.0 ± 8.6 years. Overall hrHPV prevalence was 28.0%, being higher among HIV-positive women (46.8%) than HIV-negative women (23.8%). Non-16/18 hrHPV genotypes predominated across all age groups. VIA positivity was 11.1%, most frequently involving less than 75% of the cervical area and was more common among younger women (30–45 years) and those living with HIV. Increasing age was associated with lower odds of hrHPV infection (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00; p = 0.017), as was higher parity (≥3 deliveries vs. nulliparity: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.36–0.94; p = 0.029). Contraceptive use (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.15–2.38; p = 0.007) and a partially or non-visible squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.74–4.79; p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of VIA positivity. Conclusions: hrHPV infection and cervical lesions were more frequent in younger and HIV-positive women, highlighting the need for strengthened targeted screening within HIV care services in Mozambique. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) has gained substantial relevance due to its involvement in the pathogenesis of numerous systemic diseases. It is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of endogenous antioxidant systems to neutralize them. Various factors, including trauma, immunological alterations, and psychological stress, may contribute to this condition. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze OS markers and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in asymptomatic and pericoronitis-associated impacted mandibular third molars (ITMs). This review examines the relationship between OS and impacted ITMs, highlighting the importance of timely clinical management to prevent chronic tissue damage. Current evidence indicates that OS biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), and nitric oxide (NO) are elevated in patients with ITMs, including those classified as asymptomatic, and that a reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has been observed. The surgical removal of ITMs can effectively reduce OS levels. Following the procedure, oxidative markers typically return to normal within a relatively short period of time, and there is often a significant improvement in TAC. Full article

Objective: This systematic review aimed to analyze if polywave light curing units can polymerize Bulk Fill resin composites better than monowave. Materials and methods: Inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that evaluated the polymerization of Bulk Fill resin composites by monowave and/or polywave light curing units. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias analysis were performed. Data from selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. A systematic search was performed in May 2025 using PubMed/Medline, EBSCO/Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases and grey literature in English, and 788 studies were found. Results: A total of 65 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Seventeen of them were investigating both monowave and polywave light-curing units for the polymerization of Bulk Fill resin composites. The evidence was graded as medium quality due to the medium risk of bias for most studies. Polywave LED LCUs improved the microhardness ratio, or DC, of Bulk Fill resin composite compared to monowave in 3 of the included studies, while 3 studies revealed that monowave LED LCUs demonstrated a favorable microhardness ratio, or DC, compared to polywave, and the rest of the 11 studies presented material-dependent results. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies included, a meta-analysis was not performed. Conclusion: The existing studies, with their limitations, revealed that polywave light curing units do not seem to have an advantage over monowave in the polymerization of Bulk Fill resin composites. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide. While existing screening tools are effective, their high cost and limited availability restrict widespread adoption, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. The identification of affordable, non-invasive biomarkers is therefore critical to improve early CRC detection and survival outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed through PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting stool- and blood-based biomarkers for CRC detection. Data were extracted using a standardized template, including study details, specimen type, detection method, and diagnostic performance parameters such as sensitivity and specificity. Results: DNA methylation biomarkers demonstrated high diagnostic potential. Syndecan 2 (SDC2) and Short Stature Homeobox 2 (SHOX2) achieved a combined stool sensitivity of 91.35%. Other methylation markers, including NDRG4, SEPT9, and BCAT1, showed a composite sensitivity of 82.7%. Plasma-based methylation markers such as GATA5, FOXE1, and SYNE1 reported sensitivities ranging from 18–47% and specificities of 93–99%. Hypermethylation of SFRP2 and WIF-1 achieved 81.3% sensitivity in CRC and precursor lesions. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were elevated in CRC patients, with stool MMP-9 yielding 72.2% sensitivity and 95% specificity. A stool gene panel (UBE2N, IMPDH1, DYNC1LI1, HRASLS2) reached 96.6% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity, while a methylation-based panel (ALX4, BMP3, NPTX2, RARB, SDC2, SEPT9, VIM) achieved 90.7% sensitivity. MicroRNAs (miR-21, miR-92a, miR-223, miR-182) showed excellent diagnostic performance, with sensitivities exceeding 96% and specificities above 75%. Conclusions: DNA methylation and microRNA biomarkers hold strong promises for non-invasive CRC screening. Multi-marker panels demonstrate superior diagnostic accuracy and may provide a cost-effective, scalable approach for early CRC detection in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background: Menopause, a critical period during a woman’s life, is characterized by various changes, including disturbances in their oxidative balance and circadian rhythm. Currently, the gut microbiome is suggested as an important participant in these processes. Methods: This study involved 96 menopausal women. Their sleep quality was assessed using three questionnaires: the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The GSH and GSTP1 contents in the serum were measured by means of immunoassay methods, while the composition of the gut microbiome was determined via molecular genetic methods. Results: E. coli, K. oxytoca, S. aureus, Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., Streptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., and M. stadmanae were found to correlate with the GSH content in different sleep groups, while the presence of K. oxytoca, S. aureus, Enterococcus spp., K. pneumoniae, and M. stadmanae is also important for the GSH level in several of these groups. F. prausnitzii, S. aureus, P. micra, Acinetobacter spp., and E. rectale are associated with GSTP1 concentration in various sleep groups, while the presence of F. nucleatum and P. micra is also relevant for the GSTP1 content in some of these groups. Conclusions: Thus, in menopausal women, the composition and structure of the gut microbiota are associated with sleep disorders. GSH and GSTP1 are associated with some gut microbiome markers in menopausal women, but these relationships differ in different sleep disorders. Full article

The rapid increase in global data generation has intensified the demand for magnetic storage systems with substantially higher areal density. Double-layer bit-patterned media recording (DLBPMR), which integrates the benefits of bit-patterned media recording (BPMR) and double-layer magnetic recording (DLMR), provides a promising pathway by combining nanoscale patterned islands with multilayer recording structures. However, severe two-dimensional intersymbol interference (ISI) within each layer, together with interlayer interference (ILI) between stacked layers, continues to present significant challenges for reliable data detection. To address these issues, this work investigates and advances the structure of DLMR to improve signal separation and recovery. In particular, we emphasize that detection plays a crucial role in mitigating both ISI and ILI. Accordingly, we propose a maximum a posteriori (MAP) detection scheme derived for a newly developed generalized two-layer partial-response (PR) model that accurately characterizes intra-layer ISI and cross-layer interference coupling. A parallel detection architecture is designed and employed for the upper and lower layers of the DLMR system, enabling the exchange of extrinsic information and enhancing MAP detection performance. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed PR modeling and MAP-based detection framework achieves significant bit error rate (BER) improvements over existing detection methods, highlighting its strong potential for next-generation ultra-high-density DLBPMR systems. Full article

Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems commonly employ optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) to achieve high data rates, benefiting from its robustness against multipath effects and intersymbol interference (ISI). However, a key limitation of asymmetrically clipped direct current biased optical–OFDM (ACO-OFDM) systems lies in their inherently high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which significantly affects signal quality and system performance. This paper proposes a joint chaotic encryption and modified μ-non-linear logarithmic companding (μ-MLCT) scheme for ACO-OFDM–based VLC systems to simultaneously enhance security and reduce PAPR. First, image data is encrypted at the upper layer using a hybrid chaotic system (HCS) combined with Arnold’s cat map (ACM), mapped to quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbols and further encrypted through chaos-based symbol scrambling to strengthen security. A μ-MLCT transformation is then applied to mitigate PAPR and enhance both peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and bit-error-ratio (BER) performance. A mathematical model of the proposed secured ACO-OFDM system is developed, and the corresponding BER expression is derived and validated through simulation. Simulation results and security analyses confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution, showing gains of approximately 13 dB improvement in PSNR, 2 dB in BER performance, and a PAPR reduction of about 9.2 dB. The secured μ-MLCT-ACO-OFDM not only enhances transmission security but also effectively reduces PAPR without degrading PSNR and BER. As a result, it offers a robust and efficient solution for secure image transmission with low PAPR, making it well-suitable for emerging wireless networks such as cognitive and 5G/6G systems. Full article

Background: Insomnia is prevalent and difficult to treat safely over the long term. Given the role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in melatonin and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) regulation, and preclinical evidence for Limosilactobacillus fermentum PS150, we evaluated whether a heat-treated formulation (HT-PS150) could improve sleep and modulate endocrine/circadian markers in adults with poor sleep. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 84 adults aged 20–60 years with PSQI ≥ 5 and ISI < 22 were assigned to receive either placebo or HT-PS150 for eight weeks. Outcomes included patient-reported sleep (PSQI, ISI), anxiety/depression (GAD-7, PHQ-9), quality of life (QLESQ-SF), gastrointestinal symptoms (VAS-GI), wrist actigraphy (Fitbit Inspire 3), and sleep-relevant biomarkers measured from urine, saliva, and/or blood samples (melatonin, cortisol, orexin, serotonin, GABA, and/or norepinephrine). Repeated measures were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. An exploratory proportional regulation analysis classified individual biomarker changes as up- or down-regulated and compared proportions between study arms. Per-protocol analyses required ≥80% compliance. Results: Improvements in the primary outcomes, PSQI and ISI, were observed over time in both groups, while no significant group × time interactions were detected. In exploratory proportional analyses, a higher proportion of participants in the HT-PS150 group exhibited up-regulated nocturnal melatonin secretion and improved daytime plasma orexin levels, as well as a tendency toward greater reductions in nocturnal salivary cortisol compared with placebo. In subgroup analyses with higher baseline insomnia severity (ISI ≥ 8), HT-PS150 was associated with greater improvements in PSQI (notably sleep duration and efficiency) and reduction in anxiety (GAD-7) upon post hoc testing. Conclusions: Although group mean scores on sleep symptom scales did not differ significantly in the full cohort, HT-PS150 appeared to modulate sleep–wake regulation by enhancing nocturnal melatonin secretion, attenuating HPA-axis activity, and stabilizing wakefulness. Clinical benefits were most evident among participants with greater baseline symptom burden, suggesting potential utility in more symptomatic populations. Full article

Insomnia and depression are severe sequelae of COVID-19 and often occur simultaneously. Our study examined associations of insomnia and/or depression with cognitive impairments, white matter changes, and serum biomarkers. In total, 76 long COVID patients and 22 healthy controls were examined using neuropsychiatric (ISI, HADS, and HDRS) and cognitive (MoCA, Stroop, WMT, and TMT) tests, with their blood biomarkers (anti-SARS-CoV-2, BDNF, anti-S100, anti-MBP, and anti-PLP) investigated, and underwent MRI using macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping to quantify myelination. The Insomnia (n = 14), Depression (n = 12), InsDep (comorbid insomnia–depression, n = 13), and PostCovid (long COVID without depression and insomnia, n = 32) groups were identified based on psychiatric/neurological diagnoses and neuropsychiatric assessment. Cognitive performance was most affected in the Insomnia group in the MoCA and CW Stroop tests. The Depression group underperformed in the TMT and W Stroop task; the InsDep group underperformed in the WMT. The Insomnia group showed the greatest demyelination, affecting commissural (CC and tapetum), projection (CR, IC, CST, cerebral peduncles, CP, and ML), and some association pathways (SLF, SFOF), as well as most juxtacortical regions, the thalamus, and the midbrain; these changes correlated with insomnia severity. The Depression and InsDep groups showed smaller but significant overall demyelination correlated with depression severity. The Depression group exhibited the highest MPF decrease in the globus pallidus, putamen, and external capsule, while the InsDep group demonstrated the highest demyelination of the association pathways IFOF, UF, and cingulum. The anti-PLP levels were the highest in the Insomnia group and correlated with both the persistence of insomnia/depression symptoms and demyelination. Demyelination in long COVID is associated with high levels of myelin-specific autoantibodies, but symptoms of insomnia and/or depression are associated with demyelination of a different set of brain structures. Full article

Background/Objectives. Edible oils derived from herbaceous and woody plants are an important nutritional resource, assuring the health and performance of sportspeople. The aim of this study was to review the inventions and experimental articles referring to the application of vegetable oils in food products for sportspeople and published in the period of 2015–2024. Methods. The literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases, as well as by using Google Patents and Espacenet Patent search engines. Results. Altogether, 58 patents and 35 original articles were found. In total, the use of 39 plant taxa belonging to 27 botanical families was documented. The majority of disclosures refer to sports nutrition, post-exercise recovery support, and/or sport performance improvement and may be provided in the form of powders, tablets, beverages, and/or capsules. According to the reviewed studies, the consumption of olive, walnut, and perilla oils beneficially affects the morphological, physiological, and biochemical indicators of sportspeople. The substantial intake of olive oil reported by sportspeople from southern Europe is linked to the recommendations of the Mediterranean diet, while lower consumption of other vegetable oils might be connected to focusing on intake of carbohydrates and/or proteins and/or consumption of other fat sources such as seeds or nuts. Conclusions. Considering the great potential of useful plant species, it might be concluded that future investigations should focus on both (i) further investigations of the effects of well-known vegetable oils on the health and performance of sportspeople, and (ii) searching for novel plant oil sources, suitable for the preparation of food products dedicated to amateur and professional sportspeople. Full article

Background: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has limited therapeutic options and high recurrence rates. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) enables targeted tumor ablation using antibody-photosensitizer conjugates and light activation. We evaluated EGFR, Nectin-4, and TROP-2 as PIT targets using cysteine-modified antibodies conjugated to the photosensitizer WB692-CB2. Methods: Antibodies derived from Cetuximab (Cmb, anti-EGFR), Enfortumab (Enf, anti-Nectin-4), and Sacituzumab (Sac, anti-TROP-2) were engineered with T120C and D265C mutations in the heavy chains for site-specific dye conjugation. Binding of the conjugates to BC cells was tested by flow cytometry and light-induced cytotoxicity of the conjugates, alone or in combination, was assessed by viability assays following irradiation. Results: Cysteine-modified antibodies were produced as intact IgG molecules and were efficiently conjugated with WB692-CB2 without loss of antigen specificity. Sac^T120C/D265C-WB692-CB2 showed the highest target binding and achieved near-complete cell killing at a red-light dose of 32 J/cm². Cmb^T120C/D265C-WB692-CB2 required a fourfold higher light dose for comparable efficacy, while Enf^T120C/D265C-WB692-CB2 demonstrated lower potency. No cytotoxicity was observed in antigen-negative cells. Combined treatment enhanced cytotoxicity, indicating additive phototherapeutic effects. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PIT targeting EGFR, Nectin-4, or TROP-2 merits further preclinical development as a targeted therapeutic approach for NMIBC, including potential combinatorial or personalized strategies. Full article

As smart education evolves, there is an increasing need for the cloud-centric management and sharing of student exercise physiological data gathered through wearable devices in the physical education domain. However, challenges arise in achieving authentication for data sources, ensuring the security of sensitive data, and implementing efficient dynamic access control. Traditional cryptographic schemes face limitations in resisting quantum attacks, authenticating data sources, protecting identity privacy, handling dynamic permission changes, and computational efficiency. To tackle these challenges, we put forward a lattice-based Online/Offline Identity-Based Matchmaking Proxy Re-Encryption (OO-IB-MPRE) scheme. The scheme offers post-quantum security assurances grounded in lattice cryptography (under the LWE/ISIS assumptions); incorporates Identity-Based matchmaking encryption (IB-ME) to realize bidirectional identity matching, which not only enables identity authentication for data sources but also safeguards the sender’s identity privacy from exposure to other entities; leverages Proxy Re-Encryption (PRE) to support dynamic management of access control; and combines online/offline encryption to adapt to resource constrained sensors. The security of the OO-IB-MPRE scheme is verified under standard lattice assumptions to meet the security requirements of semi-selective privacy and authenticity. Performance analysis and experimental validation demonstrate that in comparison to existing lattice-based PRE schemes, the devised scheme shows notable advantages in both space and computational overhead. Therefore, the proposed OO-IB-MPRE offers a secure, efficient, and scalable solution for the sensitive health data in smart physical education. Full article