Search Results (403)

Background: Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) is a well-established second-line treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis. While its efficacy is proven, data regarding the correlation between session frequency and clinical response, as well as long-term adherence in hospital-based settings, remain limited. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hospital-based TWI and to analyze the relationship between the number of treatment sessions and clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included 92 patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis treated with TWI. Disease severity was assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). Clinical response was categorized as “Excellent” (≥2-point HDSS reduction), “Good” (1-point reduction), or “No Response.” Relapse rates and reasons for treatment discontinuation were analyzed over a 6-month follow-up period. Results: The overall objective response rate was 65.2% (46.7% Excellent, 18.5% Good). A significant positive correlation was found between the total number of treatment sessions and the degree of clinical response (r = 0.401, p < 0.001). Patients achieving an “Excellent” response completed a significantly higher median number of sessions compared to non-responders (p = 0.001). However, among responders, the relapse rate was 85% within six months. Logistical difficulties were the most common reason for treatment discontinuation (17.5%). No compensatory hyperhidrosis or severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Hospital-based TWI is a safe and highly effective induction therapy, with success rates closely linked to the number of completed sessions. However, the high relapse rate and logistical barriers to adherence suggest that hospital-based protocols should serve primarily as a bridge to home-based maintenance therapy to ensure sustained long-term remission. Full article

To investigate the biosilicification capabilities of Bacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus polymyxa, silicon concentrations in supernatants from quartz and calcium silicate cultures were monitored over a 12-day period using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate changes in the absorption intensity of Si–O–Si characteristic peaks, crystalline phase transformations in the reaction products, and the microstructural morphology of quartz and calcium silicate before and after microbial leaching. The results show that after leaching with B. mucilaginosus, the dissolved silicon concentration in the quartz supernatant reached a maximum of 73.868 mg/L on day 8. In contrast, following treatment with B. polymyxa, the silicon concentration in the calcium silicate supernatant peaked earlier, at 149.153 mg/L on day 4. After microbial leaching, both substrates exhibited marked changes in the intensity of the infrared absorption peaks at 1071 cm⁻¹ and 1083 cm⁻¹, suggesting the formation of Si–O–R type organosilicon complexes. Iron tailings (containing inert silica) and fly ash (containing active silica) were selected for experimental validation. Following treatment with B. mucilaginosus for desilication over an 8-day period, the activity index of iron tailings increased from 77.83% to 90.51%, while that of fly ash rose from 66.32% to 85.01%. ICP-OES analysis confirmed that under the action of B. mucilaginosus, the trends in silicon concentration and activity index in the supernatant of silica-containing solid wastes, such as iron tailings and fly ash, were consistent with those observed in quartz, thereby demonstrating effective biological desilication. These findings provide novel insights into the development of environmentally sound disposal methods for a wider range of solid waste types. Full article

This study aims to propose a non-pharmacological approach to pain relief by analyzing changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters following transcutaneous microcurrent stimulation generated according to the pulse train characteristics of intensity and frequency. Therefore, we analyze and interpret stimulation methods that induce parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, which is the clinical basis for pain relief. There were 14 male participants, with a height of 176.08 ± 7.05 cm, a weight of 77.07 ± 10.32 Kg, and an age of 26.35 ± 1.71 years, and 10 female participants, with a height of 160.6 ± 5.88 cm, a weight of 52.9 ± 9.03 Kg, and an age of 24 ± 1.61 years. The microcurrent stimulation patch was attached to the left wrist. In order to observe the PNS induction effect of the measured electrocardiograms, time and frequency domains were analyzed and additional nonlinear analysis was performed. Data measurements had a rest period of more than 1 h depending on the intensity, and more than 1 day depending on the frequency to ensure sufficient stabilization time. Although physiological changes were shown differently in various pulse trains, among them, after 7 Vpp microcurrent stimulation at 1 Hz, the values of the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals and instantaneous RR interval variability, which indicate PNS activity in the subjects, significantly increased from 41.31 ± 34.13, 29.23 ± 24.14 ms to 65.09 ± 32.46, 44.56 ± 37.92 ms (p < 0.05). Activation of PNS, which can relieve pain, was confirmed only in the 7 Vpp with 1 Hz stimulation. This suggests that microcurrent stimulation can relieve pain in a non-pharmacological way by inducing activation of PNS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) involves nearly simultaneous administration of a rapid-acting induction agent and a neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) to facilitate ideal intubation conditions. The NMBAs most commonly used for RSI are succinylcholine and rocuronium, which cause paralysis for 5–15 min and 45–70 min, respectively. Awareness with paralysis can occur in patients who are given longer-acting NMBAs with delayed initiation of post-intubation sedation or insufficient sedation depth. The previous literature has associated the use of rocuronium with a significantly longer time to sedation and analgesia. However, a recent study found no difference. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between paralytic agent choice and time to initiation of analgesia and/or sedation after RSI in the emergency department (ED) of a large tertiary care hospital. Methods: This study was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, single-center, retrospective cohort evaluation of adult patients (≥18 years of age) who received succinylcholine or rocuronium following administration of an induction agent in the ED for RSI during the study time period. The primary outcome was time to initiation of post-intubation analgesia and/or sedation. Continuous data were analyzed by using Mann–Whitney U or Student’s t-test, and categorical data were analyzed using the Chi Square test or Fisher’s Exact test. Results: A total of 400 patients were included in this study. The median time to sedation with succinylcholine was 9 min compared to 14 min with rocuronium (p < 0.01). No significant differences were identified in the baseline characteristics or secondary outcomes related to induction agent choice or ED length of stay. Conclusions: The results of this study further support that the use of rocuronium for RSI is associated with a significantly longer time to sedation and/or analgesia, making emergency medicine provider awareness essential for minimizing the risks associated with inadequate post-intubation sedation. Full article

Background/Objectives. Self-harm is a heterogeneous behaviour with a lifetime prevalence of around 20% in young people aged 16–25 years old. Recent neurocognitive evidence suggests that, for some individuals, self-harm is associated with motivational processes similar to addiction, including maladaptive mental imagery, reward anticipation, and goal pursuit. However, our knowledge of young people’s subjective experiences of rewards and goals in relation to self-harm behaviour remains limited. Our study aimed to investigate how young people who self-harm experience enjoying and wanting rewards and pursuing goals in daily life and whether this experience changes during periods of self-harm. We also explored their use of mental imagery as a key cognitive process to support motivation. Methods. We conducted two parallel focus groups online (total of N = 12) with young people (mean age = 12.2, SD = 3; nine women, two men, and one non-binary) with a past-year history of self-harm behaviour. Qualitative data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Two young people with lived experience of self-harm informed the topic guide and data interpretation. Examples of questions were “Do you think your experiences of enjoying and/or looking forward to pleasant things are related in any way to self-harm, or not?” and “Do you visualise things you enjoy or may look forward to? If you do, how is that experience?”. Results. There were six themes: rewards need deserving, high self-standards, keeping control, trapped into long-term goals, unhelpful mental imagery, and self-harm alters the experience and anticipation of rewards and goal attainment. Most young people reported enjoying conditional rewards and working towards long-term goals that tend to be unattainable and beyond their control. Imagining these goals was experienced as unhelpful by most. For all young people, periods of self-harm thwarted enjoyment and goal achievement, shifted the preference to short-term immediate gratification, including from self-harm behaviour, and devalued long-term goals. However, our data cannot determine if these experiences are specific to young people who self-harm. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the reciprocal relationship between motivational processes and self-harm behaviour in young people warrants further investigation. Helping individuals develop more adaptive rewards and goals, including appreciation of short-term goals and use of motivational mental imagery, could represent valued support for young people with self-harm. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis that typically develops after a long latency period following asbestos exposure. Although immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is increasingly used, the efficacy of standard treatments remains limited. This study aimed to explore ferroptosis induction as a potential therapeutic strategy for mesothelioma. Methods: We first screened microbial culture extracts collected from soil and marine environments to identify compounds with selective cytotoxicity against mesothelioma cells. Gene expression profiling was performed to investigate the mechanism of cell death induced by the identified compound. To assess intrinsic ferroptosis susceptibility, patient-derived mesothelioma cell lines and immortalized mesothelial cell lines were treated with RSL3, a GPX4 inhibitor. Results: Screening identified brefeldin A as a compound that selectively induces cell death in mesothelioma cells. Gene expression profiling revealed transcriptional changes consistent with ferroptosis induction. Treatment with RSL3 demonstrated marked variability in ferroptosis sensitivity across cell lines; the subgroup showing high sensitivity to RSL3 did not exhibit significant genetic alterations in NF2 or BAP1, but contained a significantly higher proportion of epithelioid tumors in histological classification. Conclusions: Our findings highlight ferroptosis induction as a promising antitumor mechanism in mesothelioma, particularly in the epithelioid subtype. While GPX4 inhibitors such as RSL3 are effective in vitro, further studies are needed to overcome pharmacological limitations and define molecular determinants of ferroptosis susceptibility, which may inform future personalized therapeutic strategies. Full article

This study explores the bioleaching potential of indium from Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens originating from end-of-life mobile phones using Acidithiobacillus spp. The LCD panels were mechanically processed, including dismantling, crushing, and milling, and separated into four size fractions: <1 mm, 1–1.5 mm, 1.5–2 mm and >2 mm. These fractions were leached for a period of four weeks. During the experiment, changes in pH value were monitored, and the concentrations of indium in the solutions were measured by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the highest indium was detected after 4 weeks of leaching for fraction FG <1 mm (146.47 mg/L). The study confirms that bioleaching is an effective and environmentally friendly method for the recovery of critical raw materials such as indium from electronic waste, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical and pyrometallurgical techniques. Full article

In this paper, the inductance of a sensorless PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) drive system equipped with a periodic load torque compensator based on a wavelet denoising and least-order observer with time-delay compensation is estimated in real-time. In a sensorless PMSM system with constant load torque, the magnetically saturated inductance value remains constant. This constant inductance error causes minor performance degradation, such as a constant rotor position estimation error and non-optimal torque current, but it does not introduce a speed estimation error. Conversely, in a sensorless PMSM motor system subjected to periodic load torque, the magnetically saturated inductance error fluctuates periodically. This fluctuation leads to periodic variations in both the estimated position error and the speed error, ultimately degrading the load torque compensation performance. This paper applies the maximum energy-to-Shannon entropy criterion for the optimal selection of the mother wavelet in the wavelet transform to remove the motor signal noise and achieve more accurate inductance estimation. Additionally, the coherence and correlation theory is proposed to address the time delay in the least-order observer and improve the time delay. A self-saturation compensation method is also proposed to minimize periodic speed fluctuations and improve control accuracy through inductance parameter estimation. Finally, experiments were conducted on a sensorless PMSM drive system to verify the inductance estimation performance and validate the effectiveness of vibration reduction. Full article

Purpose: The aim was to compare the short-term outcomes of aflibercept 8 mg and brolucizumab for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: This study included 48 eyes of 48 patients with PCV. Drug selection was based on the treatment period. Sixteen eyes received aflibercept 8 mg and thirty-two eyes received brolucizumab. All eyes underwent three consecutive monthly injections: aflibercept (114.3 mg/mL; 0.07 mL) or brolucizumab (120 mg/mL; 0.05 mL). Indocyanine green angiography was performed at baseline and at the 3-month visit to confirm the presence of polypoidal lesions. Results: In the aflibercept 8 mg group, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.28 ± 0.26 at baseline to 0.18 ± 0.25 at the 3-month visit (p < 0.001). In the brolucizumab 6 mg group, BCVA improved from 0.35 ± 0.26 to 0.29 ± 0.27, although the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Multivariate regression analysis showed that better BCVA at 3 months was associated with better baseline BCVA and lower central retinal thickness (CRT), independent of the drug used. CRT decreased from 382 ± 157 to 198 ± 98 in the brolucizumab 6 mg group and from 358 ± 152 to 192 ± 76 in the aflibercept 8 mg group at 3 months. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) decreased from 201 ± 78 to 167 ± 60 in the brolucizumab 6 mg group and from 186 ± 76 to 153 ± 67 in the aflibercept 8 mg group. The dry macula rate at 3 months was the same for aflibercept 8 mg and brolucizumab 6 mg at 93.8%. Complete regression of polypoidal lesions was observed in 62.5% and 75.0% of patients in the aflibercept and brolucizumab groups, respectively (p = 0.57). Conclusions: During the induction phase, aflibercept 8 mg demonstrated comparable outcomes to brolucizumab 6 mg in reducing CRT and SCT, achieving a dry macula, improving BCVA, and regressing polypoidal lesions in eyes with PCV. Full article

Background: Discontinuing mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is common but may adversely affect postoperative pulmonary function. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of stopping ventilation during CPB on postoperative gas exchange, radiographic findings, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), mortality, reintubation, re-exploration, and bleeding. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed involving adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring CPB. Participants were divided into ventilated and non-ventilated groups according to intraoperative strategy. Postoperative arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO₂), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (P/F ratio), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), and the ratio of PaCO₂ to minute ventilation (PaCO₂/MV) were measured before the induction of anesthesia (within 5 min after transportation into the operating room), postoperatively within 5–10 min after transportation to the ICU, and in a 24 h postoperative period. Chest X-ray data, mechanical ventilation time, LOS in ICU, re-exploration, reintubation, and bleeding parameters were documented. Analyses were also conducted with the estimation of the age effect and BMI. Results: Individuals in the non-ventilated group exhibited lower postoperative P/F ratios and elevated postoperative PaCO₂ and PaCO₂/MV ratios. The difference in gas exchange leveled off within 24 h. There was no difference in the incidence of atelectasis (postoperatively in a 24 h period), mechanical ventilation time, LOS in ICU, or mortality. However, the incidence of bleeding was higher in the non-ventilated group (χ² = 5.78, p = 0.016). Interestingly, postoperative PaCO₂ and PaCO₂/MV peaked in the 50-year age group. Conclusions: Continued mechanical ventilation during CPB correlates with better postoperative gas exchange, better CO₂ clearance, and fewer bleeding events. The results suggest that maintaining low tidal volume ventilation during CPB may provide benefits, especially for patients aged 50 years. Full article

Africa has always been among the top geopolitical priorities for the EU due to the continent’s close geographical proximity and long-standing economic ties. The agro-food trade between the EU27 and Africa is extremely important for both subjects and not only in terms of food security, as it is also a useful tool to secure a long-term partnership between the two continents, making them true and reliable allies ready to give support to each other, especially in the current unstable global situation. The analyzed data were taken from the official publications of the Eurostat (ESTAT). The time frame under analysis is 23 time periods—from 2002 to 2024 inclusive. Such methods and tools of scientific research as textual and tabular methods, empirical, statistical and comparative analyses, as well as the logical method, comprising deductive and inductive reasoning, time series analysis, modelling and forecasting, methods of time series data decomposition, etc. were used while conducting the research presented in the given article. The results for the time series analysis, modelling and forecasting assume the projections for the next four time periods for the EU27 to Africa agro-exports to be around their last observed value, slightly fluctuating or increasing with a delicateslope. The EU27 from Africa agro imports for the next four time periods are projected to increase, with a rather sharp slope. The research and its results can be of great help for public administrators, decision makers, academic community representatives, statisticians, and data analysts. Full article

Soil contamination is a major contemporary issue. In light of increasing efforts to align seedling production with the sustainable use and preservation of soil resources, this study aimed to explore the potential of selected plant-growth-promoting bacteria as natural alternatives to mineral fertilizers, a major soil pollutant in the forestry sector. The experiment involved inoculating one-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea) seedlings with multiple single bacterial treatments and a consortia derived from sessile oak rhizosphere and monitoring their effects on plant physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and nitrogen content, along with selected parameters of the rapid chlorophyll a fluorescence induction curve (an OJIP curve). The results indicated that the selected bacterial strains improved specific plant physiological parameters at certain points during the monitoring period; however, further research is necessary to draw statistically significant conclusions. Although these bacteria did not directly enhance photosynthetic parameters, their potential remains evident and could be harnessed through improved application methods. Future studies should focus on identifying site conditions that support the proliferation of the introduced bacterial populations. Full article

Triploids are typically formed through the fusion of a haploid gamete from a diploid organism and a diploid gamete from a tetraploid organism or through chromosome doubling in gametes by other means. To circumvent the multi-year flowering wait associated with tetraploid parents in conventional breeding, we developed a novel method for inducing triploid in birch through high-temperature treatment of female inflorescences. This approach integrates sexual hybridization with precise thermal treatment, with success hinging on the precise identification of the pollination window and the optimal treatment parameters. Our study systematically defines the optimal conditions for triploid production in birch via this high-temperature induction technique. The results demonstrate that the optimal period for stigma pollination was between day 5 to 6, immediately following the emergence of the stigma from the enclosing bracts. The most effective pollination was characterized by a bract dehiscence angle exceeding 60° on Day 15 after the pollination marks the phase of megaspore mother cell development. At this stage, the optimum treatment is either 40 °C for 2 h or alternately 42 °C for 1 h. These treatments result in the highest triploid induction rates of 33.82%, calculated with the total number of detected seedlings as the denominator. In addition, a logistic model was established between the ovary length-to-width ratio and the accumulated growing degree hours (GDH), providing a reliable quantitative indicator for determining the optimal timing of the high-temperature treatment. Compared with the conventional approach reliant on tetraploid parents, our method eliminates the lengthy phase of tetraploid induction and flowering wait (approximately 8 years), thereby reducing the triploid breeding cycle by about 6 years. The results substantiated the effectiveness of utilizing high temperatures to induce chromosome doubling in female gametes of birch species, providing a viable pathway for efficient polyploid breeding in this tree species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DRd) in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)-eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM) after first-line bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCd) treatment is not yet established. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated ASCT-eligible patients with MM who received second-line therapy with DRd after initial induction therapy with VCd between 2017 and 2023 (salvage group). For comparison, patients who successfully underwent per-protocol treatment with VCd induction, followed by ASCT during the same period, were selected (control group). Results: Eight patients with a median age of 61 years (range, 36–68 years) were included in the salvage group. After a median of 5 DRd cycles, the best response was partial response (PR) in two patients (25%) and a very good partial response (VGPR) in six (75%). All patients underwent ASCT, resulting in PR in one (13%), VGPR in four (50%), and stringent complete response in three (38%). Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessed using multicolor flow cytometry was negative in four patients (50%). The controls included thirteen patients with a median age of 60 years (range, 44–64 years). While most patients in both groups received various post-ASCT therapies, the post-ASCT 2-year time to the next treatment rate was slightly better in the salvage group than in the control group (88% vs. 49%, p = 0.089). However, hypogammaglobulinemia was more common in the salvage group (75% vs. 15%, p = 0.018). Conclusions: This small case series suggests that DRd is promising for ASCT-eligible patients with MM after VCd failure. Full article

Background: Pharmacologic therapy guided by invasive coronary function tests (CFTs) may improve symptomatic outcomes in patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA). In this study, we specifically aimed to investigate whether the induction of coronary microvascular spasm (CMVS) by the acetylcholine (Ach) test predicts a better therapeutic effect of calcium-channel blocker therapy compared to beta-blocker therapy. Methods: We enrolled 31 ANOCA patients, who were divided into two groups according to the result of Ach testing: 16 patients with CMVS (CMVS group) and 15 patients with a negative test (NEG group). Patients with Ach-induced epicardial spasm were excluded. In an open-label crossover trial, patients were randomly assigned to each receive, for a period of 4 weeks, either metoprolol (50 mg twice daily) or diltiazem (120 mg twice daily). At the end of each 4-week period, patients underwent an ECG–exercise stress test (EST) and were invited to fill out the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Results: No significant differences were found between metoprolol and diltiazem in terms of SAQ scores, and ECG-EST results were also largely comparable with the two drug treatments, both in the CMVS group and the NEG group. In particular, the SAQ summary score was 63.1 ± 24 and 66.0 ± 25 (p = 0.59) for metoprolol and diltiazem, respectively, in the CMVS group, and 70.9 ± 17 and 74.3 ± 16 (p = 0.37) with the two drugs, respectively, in the NEG group. Conclusions: Our small open-label study shows that patients with ANOCA with negative Ach test or Ach-induced CMVS show largely comparable short-term symptomatic outcomes and ECG-EST results when treated with either metoprolol or diltiazem. Full article