Search Results (222)

Background/Objective: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a disabling secondary headache disorder that arises from an underlying primary headache, most commonly migraine. Although treatment reduces headache frequency and medication overuse, the interictal burden—the impact experienced between headache attacks—remains poorly characterized over the long term. This study evaluated interictal burden and clinical outcomes two years after MOH diagnosis. Methods: This study was derived from a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with MOH, using data from a single center. Of 149 patients enrolled between April 2020 and November 2022, 117 (78.5%) completed the two-year follow-up. Clinical characteristics, medication overuse, monthly headache days, and standardized questionnaires were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Interictal burden was evaluated at two years using the Migraine Interictal Burden Scale (MIBS-4), with scores ≥5 indicating severe burden. Results: At baseline, patients (81.2% female; median age, 45.0 years) reported a median of 16.0 monthly medication days (interquartile range, 13.0–23.0). Medication overuse decreased from 100% at baseline to 24.2% at one year and 17.1% at two years. Among 117 patients with available two-year MIBS-4 data, 25 (21.4%) had severe interictal burden. Compared with those without severe burden, these patients had greater headache-related impact and disability (HIT-6: 68.0 vs. 64.0, p = 0.019; MIDAS: 110.0 vs. 36.0, p = 0.002), higher psychological burden (PHQ-9: 11.0 vs. 8.0, p = 0.032; GAD-7: 7.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.010), and were more likely to be current smokers (20.0% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.036). Notably, 14.4% of patients with resolved medication overuse still reported severe interictal burden. Conclusions: Two years after MOH diagnosis, severe interictal burden was observed in a substantial proportion of patients and was associated with greater baseline disability and psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring and management beyond initial medication withdrawal. Full article

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) represent a promising photovoltaic technology for indoor and building-integrated applications due to their colour tunability, semi-transparency, and favourable spectral response. However, the sustainability of conventional devices is hindered by the use of volatile organic solvent-based electrolytes, which raise concerns regarding toxicity, flammability, and long-term stability. This review analyses the evolution of DSSC architecture, with particular focus on electrolyte media, ranging from aqueous systems to deep eutectic solvents and bio-derived quasi-solid architectures. Special attention is focused on the interplay between electrolyte composition, dye design, and interfacial charge-transfer processes. By highlighting recent progress and remaining challenges, this work outlines viable strategies toward safe, durable, and fully sustainable DSSCs tailored for indoor and integrated photovoltaic applications. Full article

The impact of a commercial microbial population (product name “RAS Right”) on the off-flavours geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) in water and fish of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for Nile tilapia production was studied over five months. The “RAS Right” product contains a microbiome that is reported to reduce geosmin. In the system that received “RAS Right”, geosmin ranged from 1.6 to 171.2 ng/L, while 2.4 to 89.3 ng/L occurred in the control RAS. After fluctuations in the first two months, water in the control RAS had lower geosmin concentrations (mean of 8.8 ng/L) than the treated RAS (mean of 16.6 ng/L). 2-MIB was low (<4.3 ng/L) or undetectable in both the control and treated systems. In the fish, geosmin varied from 112 to 3683 ng/kg, with the highest levels measured in the treated RAS during three of eight samplings. 2-MIB in the fish ranged from 11.6 to 136 ng/kg and peaked in the treated RAS in one sampling. The results indicate that “RAS Right” did not produce a significant reduction of geosmin or 2-MIB in water or fish. However, optimisation of the treatment with respect to dose or addition frequency may improve its effect, though this remains to be examined. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven strategy to slow disease progression. The Preserflo^® Microshunt (PMS) is a minimally invasive subconjunctival drainage device used to treat uncontrolled glaucoma. Given that cataracts and glaucoma often coexist, this study aimed to compare the 12-month efficacy and safety of PMS implanted as a standalone procedure versus combined with phacoemulsification (PCE). Methods: This single-center retrospective case–control study included 104 eyes (26 PMS + PCE; 78 standalone PMS) from patients treated between 2019 and 2023. Controls were matched 3:1 to cases on sex, age, glaucoma severity, baseline IOP, and number of prior glaucoma surgeries. Success at 12 months was defined as absolute (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg without medications) or qualified (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with the same or fewer medications). Secondary outcomes included changes in IOP, medication burden, and safety profiles. Results: At 12 months, absolute success was achieved in 23.1% of the PMS + PCE group versus 43.6% in the standalone PMS group (p = 0.13). However, the Kaplan–Meier survival probability of absolute success was significantly higher for standalone PMS (75.2% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.0028). Qualified success rates were comparable (53.9% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.30). Both groups showed similar reductions in mean IOP and medication counts. Although safety profiles were comparable, the mean time to first bleb revision (p = 0.031) and first needling (p = 0.015) was significantly shorter in the combined group. Conclusions: Both standalone and combined PMS procedures are effective and safe in achieving sustained IOP reduction. Although standalone implantation appears to be associated with higher medication-free success rates, combined surgery remains a reasonable option for patients with coexisting cataract, despite a tendency toward earlier bleb fibrosis likely related to the inflammatory response induced by PCE. Full article

Background/Objectives: To compare the five-year efficacy and safety of the 63 µm (XEN63) vs. 45 µm (XEN45) XEN^® Gel Stent in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods: This retrospective matched (1:1) cohort study included adults with OAG who underwent standalone ab interno implantation of the XEN63 or the XEN45 between 2014 and 2021 at a tertiary referral center in Belgium. The primary outcome was IOP at five years. The secondary outcomes included surgical success, topical medication use, postoperative hypotony, complications and interventions. Results: Thirty eyes of 30 patients (15 XEN63 and 15 XEN45) were analyzed. The baseline characteristics were comparable. At five years, the mean IOP did not differ between the XEN63 and the XEN45 (11.5 vs. 11.0 mmHg; p = 0.54). The XEN63 demonstrated higher complete success rates than the XEN45 for both the IOP < 18 mmHg (10 vs. four eyes; p = 0.016) and <15 mmHg criteria (10 vs. three eyes; p = 0.003). The topical medication use was low and comparable (0.6 vs. 0.9 medications; p = 0.57). The numerical (13 vs. five eyes; p = 0.008) and symptomatic (six vs. two eyes; p = 0.2) hypotony were more frequent after the XEN63 implantation. The two eyes with XEN63 and none with XEN45 experienced clinically significant hypotony. The needling procedures and secondary glaucoma surgeries were more frequent after the XEN45. Conclusions: The XEN63 implantation was associated with higher long-term success rates and also with a higher incidence of early postoperative hypotony. These findings indicate a trade-off between efficacy and safety and suggest that careful patient selection and postoperative management are essential when considering larger lumen subconjunctival drainage devices. Full article

Research suggests that the quality of mother–infant bonding (MIB) is a critical factor for long-term infant development. This study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the Mother–to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) for use among Greek mothers. Methods: A total of 750 mothers (Mage = 33.6 ± 4.6) with infants aged 0–12 months completed the MIBS and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The sample was randomly split to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). Results: Analyses supported a unidimensional structure after removal of the ‘protective’ item. The MIBS demonstrated good reliability and convergent validity against the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Discussion: MIBS is a reliable and valid tool to assess bonding in a general population of Greek mothers up to one year postpartum. Future studies should examine the structure of MIBS in different timepoints during the postpartum period. The MIBS appears to be a reliable screening instrument for early identification of bonding difficulties. Full article

While the sturgeon farming industry is renowned for its valuable caviar, sturgeon muscle tissue remains an underutilized byproduct. The present investigation evaluated the physiological profiles and meat quality attributes of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × Acipenser schrenckii ♂) cultivated in freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW) in terms of conventional nutritional components, color, amino acid, texture, fatty acid, as well as volatile flavor substances. Results revealed that the SW group demonstrated significantly higher muscle whiteness and hardness. The SW group showed significantly higher contents of crude protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in the total hydrolyzed amino acids between the SW and FW groups (p > 0.05), the SW group exhibited significantly higher levels of umami free amino acids, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid (p < 0.01). Flavor profiling indicated that the SW group exhibited lower levels of several off-flavor compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, and 3,5-octadien-2-one. Notably, the contents of geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), responsible for earthy off-flavors, were significantly lower in the SW group (p < 0.05). Overall, seawater-cultured hybrid sturgeons offer superior nutritional value and sensory characteristics compared to their freshwater counterparts. These findings provide important scientific insights for enhancing the value-added processing of sturgeon products and the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Full article

This article introduces the design and implementation of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), named “AquaMIB”, which introduces a novel and integrated approach for real-time and autonomous water quality monitoring in aquatic environments. The system integrates modular hardware and software, combining sensors for temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and oxidation reduction potential with GPS, LiDAR, a digital compass, communication modules, and a dedicated power unit. Software components include Python on a Raspberry Pi for navigation and control, C on an Atmega 324P for sensing, C++ on an Arduino Uno for remote control, and C#/JavaScript for the web-based control center. Users assign task points, and the USV autonomously navigates, collects data, and transmits it via RESTful API. Field trials showed 96.5% navigation accuracy over 2.2 km, with 66% of task points reached within 3 m. A total of 120 measurements were processed in real time and visualized as GIS-based spatial maps. The system demonstrates a cost-effective, modular solution for aquatic monitoring. The system’s ability to generate real-time GIS maps enables immediate identification of environmental anomalies, transforming raw sensor data into an actionable decision-support tool for aquatic management. Full article

Background: Site-specific long-term outcomes, including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Ki-67 prognostic value, and very late recurrences of small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), remain inadequately defined. Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and long-term outcomes of patients with small bowel GISTs. This retrospective, single-center study (2008–2024) analyzed 27 consecutive patients (average age: 62.2 years) with jejunal/ileal GISTs. Clinicopathologic features, diagnostic yield of balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE), treatments, and outcomes were evaluated during a 10.2-year median follow-up period. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier with log-rank testing. Ki-67 was assessed using MIB-1; a prespecified 5% cut-off was chosen based on prior evidence. Results: Tumor (mean size, 62.4 mm) sites included the jejunum (74.1%) and ileum (25.9%). NF1 was present in 3/27 (11.1%) patients, all with multiple jejunal tumors. Among the 14 patients who underwent BAE, biopsy was attempted in six and yielded a histological diagnosis in one (16.7%). Six patients had recurrence; two died from disease >10 years postoperatively. Five-year OS and RFS were 91.3% and 68.7%, respectively. Adverse RFS was associated with ileal location (p = 0.03), size ≥ 10 cm (p < 0.001), mitoses > 5/50 high-power fields (p = 0.002), and Ki-67 ≥ 5% (p < 0.001). One patient labeled low risk by conventional models had recurrence with Ki-67 = 10%. Another classified as low risk by conventional models experienced recurrence >10 years after surgery, with a Ki-67 index of 10%. Conclusions: Extended, risk-adapted surveillance may be reasonable for small-bowel GISTs, and it may be beneficial to incorporate Ki-67 (≥5%) into site-based risk stratification. These observations remain hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger, multicenter cohorts and prospective studies. Full article

One controversial issue in pituitary pathology is the simultaneous proliferation of PitNETs and endothelial cells. No previous studies have compared the MIB1 Labeling Index (MIB1 LI) of PitNETs and stromal endothelial compartments and its connection with VEGF protein and gene expression. Simultaneous PitNETs proliferation index assessment in tumor and endothelial cells is related to VEGF protein and gene expression, and by using the automated QuPath platform for digital image analysis (DIA), it can be determined whether this dual proliferation specifically characterizes certain PitNETs subtypes. A total of 109 PitNETs were immunostained for endothelial cells (CD34) and proliferation (MIB1). VEGF was assessed by using IHC and RNA scopes. QuPath_DIA measured hormone-dependent MIB1 nuclear expression in tumor and stromal endothelial cells. MIB1 LI correlated with VEGF_mRNA and protein expression. PRL-secreting and non-functioning PitNETs had a high MIB1 LI in stromal endothelial cells. MIB1-positive tumor cell (%MIB1 LI.T) and endothelial cell (%MIB1 LI.E) percentages were substantially correlated (p = 0.01). The profiles of VEGF and hormones significantly and heterogeneously impact the MIB1-LI of tumor and endothelial cells. Tumor–endothelial cell proliferative interaction is specific to PRL-secreting and non-functioning PitNETs. These findings suggest that digital analysis of MIB1 and VEGF expression may serve as a valuable tool for risk stratification in PitNETs. Full article

Freshwater cladocerans such as Daphnia magna (D. magna) are keystone grazers whose hormone-regulated life history traits make them sensitive sentinels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The organophosphate flame-retardant tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS) now co-occur at ng L⁻¹–µg L⁻¹ in surface waters, yet their chronic sub-lethal impacts on invertebrate endocrine networks remain unclear. We analysed two publicly available 21-day microarray datasets (TBOEP: GSE55132; PFECHS: GSE75607) using gene ontology enrichment, STRING protein interaction networks, Drosophila phenotype mapping, and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes)-anchored frameworks to build putative adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) for D. magna. Differentially expressed genes were clustered into functional modules and hub nodes were ranked by degree and betweenness. TBOEP suppressed moulting and growth, altering 1157 genes enriched for metabolism and membrane processes; hubs VRK1, MIB2, and adenylosuccinate synthetase formed a muscle anatomical development sub-network. PFECHS down-regulated vitellogenin and shifted 879 genes dominated by oxidative-stress and glutathione-metabolism signatures; central nodes UBC9, eIF4A-III, Tra-2α, and HDAC1 linked meiotic-cycle, oogenesis, and cyclic-compound binding. Despite chemical dissimilarity, both compounds converged on Wnt-signalling nodes—TBOEP via presenilin-1, and PFECHS via CK1ε/CK2—thereby reducing TCF/LEF-dependent transcription. Predicted outcomes include impaired oocyte maturation, reduced fecundity, and stunted body size, consistent with observed decreases in length and vitellogenin protein. Our network analysis, based on high-dose, sub-lethal exposures used in the underlying microarray studies, indicates that TBOEP- and PFECHS-induced perturbations can destabilise endocrine, developmental, and metabolic pathways in D. magna without overt lethality, and highlights Wnt-centred key events and hub genes as candidate biomarkers to be evaluated in future low-dose studies that use environmentally realistic exposure scenarios. Hub genes and Wnt-mediated key events emerge as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring mixed EDC exposure. Full article

The demand for effective, economical, and sustainable anode materials for metal-ion batteries (MIBs) has increased significantly due to the rapid growth of energy storage technologies. Among various candidates, carbon-based materials have emerged as highly promising due to their abundance, structural versatility, and favorable electrochemical properties. This review highlights the current status and future directions of carbon-based anode materials in MIBs, with a particular focus on graphite, hard carbon, carbon nanotubes, heteroatom-doped carbons, carbon-based composites, and other related structures. Various synthesis strategies for these materials are presented, along with discussions on their physicochemical characteristics, including structural features that influence electrochemical performance. Furthermore, we provided an overview on the performance of newly developed carbon-based anode materials in lithium-, sodium-, potassium-, and other emerging metal-ion battery systems to assess the impact of different synthesis approaches. Special attention is given to surface engineering, heteroatom doping, and composite design that can address intrinsic challenges such as limited ion diffusion, low reversible capacity, and poor cycling stability in MIBs. This review does not cover any carbon materials which have been used as an additive. In addition, the review explores emerging opportunities enabled by advanced characterization techniques, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence for optimizing the design of next-generation carbon anode. Finally, this article provides future perspectives and insights into the design principles of novel carbon-based anode materials that can accelerate the development of high-performance, durable, and sustainable MIB technologies. Full article

Introduction: The proteasome is a multicatalytic complex responsible for protein degradation and regulation of immune responses, and has been implicated in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) pathogenesis. Zinc (Zn²⁺) is essential for insulin granule biogenesis and modulates proteasomal activity. This study investigated associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in proteasomal subunits predicted to bind Zn²⁺ and T1DM susceptibility or related traits. Methods: This case–control study included 654 patients with T1DM and 573 subjects without DM from Southern Brazil. SNPs were selected through in silico analysis using MIB docking platform to identify Zn²⁺-interacting residues in proteasomal subunits. Five SNPs in proteasomal subunit genes—PSMA6 (rs1048990), PSMB6 (rs2304975), PSMB9 (rs17587), PSMC6 (rs2295825), and PSMD3 (rs3087852)—were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Results: The PSMC6 rs2295825C allele was associated with lower T1DM (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.97; p = 0.028) and diabetic retinopathy (DR; OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.42–0.99; p = 0.048) risk, and a more favorable lipid profile (higher HDL-C, lower triglycerides) compared to the G/G genotype. The PSMB9 rs17587A/A genotype was linked to higher total cholesterol and HbA1c levels. The PSMA6 rs1048990G allele was linked to increased prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD; OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.02–2.99; p = 0.042), and the PSMD3 rs3087852A allele was associated with lower urinary albumin excretion. No significant associations were observed for the PSMB6 rs2304975 SNP. Conclusions: The PSMC6 rs2295825 SNP may confer protection against T1DM. The PSMC6 rs2295825, PSMB9 rs17587, PSMA6 rs1048990, and PSMD3 rs3087852 SNPs appear to influence lipid metabolism and diabetic microvascular complications. Full article

Bioindication is a key tool for monitoring habitat quality and ecosystem dynamics under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Among model organisms, ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) play a particularly important role, and one of the widely applied functional indicators describing their assemblage structure is the Mean Individual Biomass (MIB). Introduced in the 1980s, this index reflects the average body mass of Carabidae and allows assessment of successional stages. Its computational simplicity and intuitive interpretation have led to its application in forests, agricultural landscapes, post-industrial areas, and glacier forelands. This paper synthesizes the development and applications of the MIB, highlighting both its advantages and methodological limitations (including variability of length–mass models, seasonal activity patterns, and dependence on sampling methods). Particular attention is given to the potential of the MIB in the context of global environmental change, including its role as an indicator of ecosystem responses to climate change and processes related to soil carbon sequestration. Based on a literature review, future research directions are identified, encompassing methodological standardization, integration of MIB with other ecological and molecular indicators, and expansion of analyses to regions beyond Europe. By linking classical bioindication with ecosystem functioning studies, the MIB may serve as a universal tool for environmental monitoring and the assessment of ecosystem services under accelerated global change. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the relationship between sensory processing skills, mother–infant bonding, and prematurity in 12-month-old infants. Methods: Twenty-two preterm infants with gestational age < 34 weeks and 20 term infants were included in the study. At four months, mothers evaluated their bonding with infants using the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). At the age of 12 months, the sensory processing skills of infants were assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI). Results: MIBS scores were significantly higher in the preterm group compared to the term group (p < 0.01). TSFI total scores and subdomains (tactile deep pressure, adaptive motor function, and vestibular stimulation) were significantly lower in preterm infants (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Multiple linear regression revealed that each one-point increase in bonding score (weaker bonding) was associated with a −0.65 decrease in the TSFI total score, a −0.61 decrease in tactile deep pressure, and a −0.63 decrease in vestibular stimulation scores, independent of gestational age. Conclusions: This study concluded that mother-to-infant bonding is associated with sensory processing skills, especially in the vestibular and tactile domains. Additionally, prematurity was found to be related to sensory processing. Full article