Search Results (277)

Background: Obesity is a known risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, potentially due to impaired clearance of brain waste through the glymphatic system. While the association between obesity and brain dysfunction has been widely studied in populations with neurological conditions, it remains unclear whether glymphatic system function is already reduced in neurologically healthy individuals with obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether glymphatic system function, measured via the diffusion tensor image (DTI) analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, differs according to obesity status in neurologically healthy adults. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed brain DTI data from 62 neurologically healthy participants stratified into underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (BMI ≥ 18.5 and <23.0 kg/m²), overweight (BMI ≥ 23.0 and <25.0 kg/m²), and obese (≥25.0 kg/m²) groups based on the World Health Organization Asia-Pacific body mass index (BMI) criteria. Group differences were examined using Mann–Whitney U tests and analysis of covariance, after adjusting for age. Results: Participants with obesity had significantly lower DTI-ALPS index values (1.262 ± 0.150) compared to those in the normal weight (1.405 ± 0.168, p = 0.048) and overweight (1.423 ± 0.195, p = 0.029) categories, even after adjusting for age. The DTI-ALPS index was also significantly reduced in participants with obesity compared to participants in the BMI < 25 kg/m² group (1.410 ± 0.176, p = 0.015). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that obesity is linked to reduced glymphatic system function, as reflected by lower DTI-ALPS index in neurologically healthy adults. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight to preserve brain waste clearance mechanisms and may offer insights into early vulnerability to neurodegenerative changes. Full article

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory dermatosis with substantial quality-of-life impact. HS frequently co-exists with obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent and has been linked to heightened inflammatory activity and impaired wound healing. The role of cumulative tobacco exposure (packyears) in relation to metabolic comorbidities in HS is less well defined. We therefore investigated whether lifetime pack-years relate to laboratory parameters and the presence of comorbidities in HS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study involving 131 patients with HS. We collected clinical data, including disease severity scores and quality of life indices, along with laboratory markers such as complete blood count and C-reactive protein. Smoking status and cumulative exposure (pack-years) were assessed based on patient history. To compare laboratory parameters between smoking subgroups, we used Mann–Whitney U tests. Additionally, we performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between cumulative cigarette exposure and the presence of comorbidities. Results: Among the cohort, 63.4% were active smokers with a median of 15 pack-years. Smokers had significantly higher leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts, indicating elevated systemic inflammation. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were also significantly higher in smokers, while C-reactive protein levels did not differ notably between groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia had significantly more pack-years than those without these conditions. These comorbidities, components of metabolic syndrome, were strongly associated with higher lifetime tobacco exposure in HS patients. Conclusions: Smoking contributes not only to heightened inflammatory activity in HS but is also significantly associated with the presence of metabolic comorbidities. These findings underscore the importance of early interdisciplinary intervention and structured smoking cessation programs to improve outcomes in HS patients. Full article

Background: Placental thickness has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, but the relationship to specific fetal abnormalities seems to not yet be well understood. This study investigates whether increased placental thickness correlates with the severity of fetal cardiac and extracardiac conditions using a structured classification and severity-weighted scoring system. Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of 1452 fetal echocardiograms conducted during the third trimester at a tertiary referral institution from the years 2022 to 2025. The diagnoses were categorized into four distinct classifications: congenital heart anomalies, cardiac dysfunctions, extracardiac malformations, and extracardiac dysfunctions. Each diagnostic category was allocated a severity weight predicated on established fetal and neonatal mortality risk literature. The evaluation of placental thickness was regarded not merely as a persistent variable but also categorized into three distinct classifications: thin (≤40 mm), intermediate (41–69 mm), and thick (≥70 mm). The examination of correlations was performed utilizing Spearman’s ρ; comparative evaluations among the groups were conducted employing the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Placental thickness revealed a moderate positive correlation with weighted extracardiac dysfunctions (ρ = 0.36, p < 0.00001), displayed a comparatively weaker yet statistically significant association with cardiac dysfunctions (ρ = 0.13, p = 0.01). Fetuses identified by increased placental thickness (≥70 mm) exhibited notably higher mean scores for both cardiac and extracardiac dysfunctions. Within the cohort exhibiting thick placentas, 25.8% displayed extracardiac dysfunction scores surpassing 0.3, in contrast to only 7.7% within the cohort with thinner placentas. Conclusions: Augmented placental thickness correlates with an elevated cumulative load of fetal dysfunction, especially in the realms of extracardiac and functional cardiac impairments. The measurement of placental thickness may function as a straightforward, supplementary indicator of fetal distress in the third trimester, particularly when utilized alongside targeted imaging modalities. Full article

The current transformation of global energy systems has been the subject of a multi-faceted scientific discourse for years. Researchers focus on technical and technological aspects, seeking new and improved alternatives to current solutions. They also analyse formal and legal frameworks of the changes and evaluate their economic aspects or environmental effects. The public’s attitude towards the changes in light of demanding environmental conditions is investigated the least. In particular, little heed is paid to the opinions of rural populations, especially in Poland. In light of the above, this paper aims to analyse the issue of Poland’s energy transition and the public’s perception of the challenges of environmental protection and the resulting need to improve energy solutions to promote the dissemination of renewable energy sources. The research area was Poland, and detailed research was conducted in five districts (Małopolska region), where the age of the respondents was taken as the differentiating feature. The study was based on a literature review and, at a detailed level, on a diagnostic survey among residents of Wadowicki, Miechowski, Krakowski, Limanowski, and Tarnowski Districts. The 2024 CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) survey involved 300 randomly selected interviewees. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative approach, utilising statistical tools such as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis rank test, and the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test. The statistical analysis was supported by IBM’s SPSS v.25. The results show that the majority of the population understand and agree with the need for an energy transition in Poland towards renewable energy. Indications of no opinion or in favour of non-renewable energy in the Polish energy system are distinct. This class of indications is determined by the interviewees’ age and suggests potential for improving public awareness of the matter in the group of mature respondents. Full article

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies such as Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) are widely used in dental implantology for the fabrication of surgical guides. While both methods offer clinical viability, their comparative accuracy, efficiency, and material consumption remain subjects of debate. Objectives: To compare the dimensional accuracy, printing time, and material consumption of dental surgical guides fabricated using an SLA printer (Formlabs Form 3B) and a DLP printer (NextDent 5100) at various printing orientations. Methods: A standardized surgical guide was designed and printed on both printers across seven orientations (0–90°). Five guides per angle were fabricated per technology (n = 35 per printer), scanned, and compared with the CAD reference to evaluate dimensional accuracy. Printing time and resin consumption were recorded. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro–Wilk test and Mann–Whitney U test (α = 0.05). Results: Within the evaluated printers and resins, SLA-printed guides demonstrated slightly lower Root Mean Square (RMS) values in most regions, especially in occlusal and drill hole surfaces, while DLP guides tended to undersize Optimal accuracy was observed at 45° for SLA and 60° for DLP. Material consumption was lower for the SLA printer compared with the DLP printer, but SLA required longer printing time (90–200 min vs. 25–75 min for DLP). Conclusions: Both technologies produced clinically acceptable guides under the tested conditions. The tested SLA printer tended to offer slightly higher accuracy and material efficiency, whereas the DLP printer achieved shorter printing times, supporting its use in high-throughput workflows. Printing orientation significantly influenced accuracy and resource use. Full article

Background: Bruxism is defined as repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or stiffening or protrusion of the mandible, referred to as sleep bruxism or awake bruxism. It is believed that in generally healthy individuals, bruxism should not be considered a disorder, but rather a behavior that may be a risk factor (and/or protective factor) for certain clinical consequences. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence and strength of the correlation between bruxism and sleep disorders (parasomnias and insomnia), as well as to evaluate the correlation between bruxism and the nature of dreams. Methods: The study involved 276 people aged 18–55. The research was conducted using an online survey in the period from January to March 2022. The author’s own questionnaire was composed of five segments of test questions (basic questions, bruxism severity test, Athens Insomnia Scale, parasomnia test, sleep evaluation test). The respondents were divided into groups based on the severity of bruxism, insomnia, parasomnias and the occurrence of dreams related to the oral cavity and teeth. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s correlation coefficients, chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA, and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The analysis revealed a significant correlation between the severity of bruxism and insomnia symptoms. Participants with moderate and severe bruxism reported insomnia more frequently and with greater intensity. Similar correlations were observed with parasomnias and the frequency of dreams concerning the oral cavity and teeth. The strongest association with bruxism was found for physical dreams. Moreover, correlations were also noted between insomnia and parasomnias. Conclusions: These findings suggest that individuals experiencing bruxism, particularly sleep bruxism, may be more vulnerable to other sleep disturbances. Addressing one of these conditions could potentially have a beneficial impact on the others. Full article

This study investigates the determinants of Romanian workers’ migration intentions towards Italy, integrating economic, social, and psychological perspectives. Based on a sample of 358 respondents, four hypotheses were tested concerning perceived living standards, working conditions, quality of public services, and anticipated integration difficulties. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation, Mann–Whitney U, Chi-square, ANOVA, and ordinal logistic regression. The results confirm that higher perceived living standards and better working conditions in Italy significantly increase the likelihood of expressing migration intentions, while favourable evaluations of healthcare and education act as additional pull factors. Conversely, anticipated integration difficulties, particularly language barriers and cultural adaptation, reduce migration intentions, indicating that socio-psychological obstacles can counterbalance economic incentives. By combining non-parametric and multivariate analyses, the study demonstrates that migration is a multidimensional process shaped not only by structural opportunities but also by behavioural and psychological appraisals. These findings are consistent with recent research on European labour mobility and contribute to the literature by highlighting the role of subjective perceptions in shaping migration decisions. Implications for policy include the need to address both economic disparities and integration barriers to support more balanced mobility within the European space. Full article

Background: Up to 40% of people with hypertension (HTN) develop mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease during their lifetime. This study aimed to compare physical and cognitive performance in older adults, classified as non-HTN or with HTN, under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions. Methods: In total, 46 individuals (71 ± 5.96 years), divided equally into non-HTN and HTN groups, participated. Normality of the data was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. In this cross-sectional study, groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test applied to non-parametric variables and the independent samples t-test applied to parametric ones. Physical and cognitive functions were evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), HandGrip Strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the L-Test, both in ST and DT conditions (with arithmetic tasks). Results: Significant differences were observed between groups in MoCA and the physical performance of SPPB, TUG, and L-Test under ST. In the DT condition, differences were found in the physical performance of TUG, L-test, and SPPB total score as well as in different components such as the 3 m walk and the Sit to Stand (STS). Regarding physical–cognitive interference, there was a statistically significant difference in the SPPB dual task cost between the HTN and non-HTN groups. Conclusions: Individuals with HTN exhibit impairments compared to non-HTN individuals in physical performance under DT conditions as well as in physical–cognitive interference. Static balance and HGS appear unaffected; however, differences are evident in gait (TUG and L-Test) and lower-limb strength (STS). Full article

Background: Since quality of life encompasses social, psychological, and physical well-being, it is a crucial component of overall health and well-being. The quality of life has a significant impact on both the mother and the unborn child throughout the perinatal period. Both parties suffer when a threat, such as an illness, materialises because it lowers the quality of life. Using the SCL-90-R and SF-36, the current study aims to investigate variations in anxiety levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between pregnant women with and without relevant medical conditions. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study between April 2023 and December 2024. Eligibility criteria were: (a) pregnant women; (b) at least 18 years old; (c) of Romanian nationality residing in Romania; and (d) who signed informed consent and agreed to participate. A Personal Information Form (PIF), the SF-36 Health Survey, and the SCL-90-R questionnaire were used to collect data. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS v26, using non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Spearman correlations). Results: Ninety-five of the 212 patients in the study reported having related medical conditions. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the physical or mental components of the SF-36. Nonetheless, the pathological group’s anxiety scores were noticeably higher. Particularly in the pathological group, Spearman correlation revealed an inverse relationship between anxiety and SF-36 physical component scores. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological screening into prenatal care, particularly for women with medical comorbidities. Early identification and management of elevated anxiety may help preserve maternal HRQoL and contribute to better perinatal outcomes. Full article

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disease whose occurrence is steadily increasing worldwide. This pathology is multifactorial and often combined with other diseases. ED of organic genesis in 50–80% of men is vasculogenic. Methods: A survey was conducted of 88 men (aged 44 to 62) who complained of erectile dysfunction. It consisted of a questionnaire administered according to the protocols “International Index of Erectile Function” and “Aging Male Screening”, and was followed by a color Doppler ultrasound (Logiq 9 ExpertGE with a 7 MHz linear transducer using B mode) and penile scintigraphy (single-photon emission computed tomography). The procedures were initially performed at rest, then during pharmacologically induced erection, which was achieved through the intake of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Patients who did not respond to pharmacological stimulation and had IIEF scores below 5–7 were offered surgical treatment—penile prosthesis followed by histological examination of the tissue of the corpus cavernosum. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel and STATISTICA 10.0 software. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess differences between quantitative variables, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Penile scintigraphy shows high sensitivity (85.2%) and specificity (83.3%), outperforming color Doppler ultrasonography in detecting vasculogenic ED. Conclusion: Penile scintigraphy is demonstrated to be a highly informative method, allowing us to analyze the condition of the magistral and organ blood flow, as well as the microcirculatory bed of the cavernous bodies of the penis. This improves the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing various types of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), which opens opportunities for its use together with ultrasound examination when the latter is less informative. Full article

Access to microbiologically safe water in preschool educational settings constitutes a pressing public health challenge, particularly in rural areas with deficient infrastructure. Repeated exposure to enteropathogens present in contaminated water has been associated with acute gastrointestinal infections, environmental enteropathy, and disruptions in the intestinal microbiota of young children. Motivated by this concern, the present study evaluates the microbiological quality of water in 32 public preschool facilities in the municipality of Matehuala, San Luis Potosí—18 urban and 14 rural—by analyzing the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and helminth eggs. The assessment was conducted in accordance with Mexican standards NOM-092-SSA1-1994 and NOM-230-SSA1-2002 and supplemented with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for drinking-water quality. The findings revealed a marked territorial disparity: 100% of rural schools that relied on rooftop water tanks exceeded permissible limits for TC, and 35.7% tested positive for FC. In contrast, all urban schools—supplied through piped water systems—complied with current regulations. Statistical analysis (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences in microbiological contamination based on geographic location and type of water supply. In all FC-positive cases, a lack of sewage infrastructure and inadequate sanitation practices in storage containers were documented. These results demonstrate that formal access to water does not ensure its microbiological safety, particularly in settings with poor structural conditions. The study underscores the urgent need to implement point-of-use water treatment technologies, establish regular microbiological monitoring protocols, and provide training for educational staff in water hygiene practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental neglect represents a preventable form of child maltreatment that may lead to significant oral and systemic health complications. This study primarily aimed to investigate the main oral manifestations and determinants of dental neglect in a pediatric population from Bihor County, Romania. Additionally, it assessed the association between systemic factors, such as nutritional status and psychological conditions, and the severity of oro-dental lesions, with the goal of informing future preventive strategies and public health interventions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 333 pediatric patients diagnosed with dental neglect. Clinical data were collected from two centers between 2020 and 2024. Oral health status, socio-demographic characteristics, and psychological conditions were evaluated. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s Exact Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and Bonferroni-adjusted Z-tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among the 333 participants, 52.9% were male, with a mean age of 8.75 ± 3.29 years. Most children (81.7%) resided in rural areas, and 55.6% were first-born. Carious lesions were identified in 100% of cases, with 54.7% showing complications such as endodontic pathology. Poor oral hygiene was reported in 99.1% of children, while 58.6% presented signs of periodontal disease and 37.2% reported spontaneous gingival bleeding. Acute pain was experienced by 40.2% of participants. Nutritional issues were prevalent, with 24.3% classified as obese and 21.6% as malnourished. Significant associations were found between lesion severity and both psychological disorders (p < 0.001) and malnutrition (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study identifies untreated carious lesions, poor oral hygiene, acute dental pain, and oro-dental trauma as key clinical indicators of pediatric dental neglect, with rural residency and limited education as significant socio-demographic risk factors. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, community-based strategies, including school-based screenings, parental education, and referral pathways, to improve early detection and prevention in Romania. Full article

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) is increasingly recognized not merely as a movement disorder but as a multifactorial condition in which physiological, behavioral, and contextual factors converge. Objective: To comprehensively characterize SB in young adults, integrating polysomnography (PSG) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to describe sleep architecture, periodic limb movements (PLMs), and masticatory muscle activity; compare these parameters with matched controls; and explore clinical correlations relevant to dental practice and individualized management. Methods: Forty university adults (20 PSG-confirmed SB; 20 controls) underwent PSG assessment of total sleep time, sleep stages, arousals, apnea, oximetry, and PLMs. EMG activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles was recorded in 37 participants (18 SB, 19 controls). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of SB. Results: SB participants exhibited higher bruxism event counts (p ≤ 0.001; PS = 0.94), increased PLMs (p ≤ 0.01; PS = 0.75), shorter REM sleep duration (p = 0.04; d = 0.69), and higher bruxism-related arousal indices (p ≤ 0.001; PS = 83.4). Left masseter activity differed significantly (p = 0.03; d = 0.50), while other muscle measures showed no significant differences. Logistic regression identified age (OR = 0.59, p = 0.02), PLMs (OR = 0.96, p = 0.03), and REM sleep duration (OR = 0.98, p = 0.05) as independent predictors, explaining 58% of the variance. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive profile of SB in young adults. Integrating PSG, sEMG, and oral assessments supports early diagnosis, personalized management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent complications. Full article

K-jarosite (KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆), the most common jarosite-type mineral in natural and industrial settings, has been widely studied to understand its dissolution behavior in both environmental and industrial contexts. However, reported kinetic data remain inconsistent due to the combined influence of kinetic factors, despite the importance of such data for optimizing system conditions and improving process control and environmental management. The present work aims to help elucidate K-jarosite dissolution by carrying out new experiments in sulfuric acid medium (pH 1 and 2) at different temperatures (296, 323 and 343 K) and using two initial concentrations (0.4 and 1 g of K-jarosite/kg of solution). K-jarosite was synthesized and characterized by analytical techniques (XRD, SEM and BET), and the composition was determined by induction-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Derivative (DVKM), Noyes–Whitney (NWKM) and Shrinking Core (SCKM) kinetic models previously used in the literature of jarosite-type compounds were adjusted to the data obtained here and compared. The results showed that higher temperatures and lower pH led to faster dissolution rates. Smaller initial concentrations decreased the rates slightly but had less impact than the other variables. Experiments at pH 1 led to the dissolution of all jarosite solids, while at pH 2 they led to incomplete dissolution. Remarkably, at pH 2 and at higher temperatures (mainly at 343 K), there was slight reprecipitation of the iron. XRD analysis identified no peak other than K-jarosite peaks after dissolution. DVKM and NWKM represented the effect of the studied parameters well. However, only using SCKM was a kinetic equation describing the dissolution process obtained. While the behavior of the kinetic curve is well established, the model fails to correctly describe the induction period. Under extreme conditions (>323 K, pH 1), dissolution is described by a chemical reaction controlling stage and it changes to mass transport in mild conditions. As theoretically expected, the results obtained in this work give important information about the prediction of the behavior of jarosite dissolution in terrestrial environments (acid mine and acid rock drainages) and hydrometallurgical process in mild acidic conditions and high temperatures. Full article

This study presents an advanced diagnostic methodology for assessing mechanical faults in high-performance jet engines using non-contact laser vibrometry and Fourier-based vi-bration analysis. Focusing on Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines used in F-16 aircraft, thise research identifies critical measurement locations, including the gearbox, turbine, and compressor supports. High-resolution vibration signals were collected under test bench conditions and processed using fFast Fourier tTransform (FFT) techniques to extract frequency-domain features indicative of rotor imbalances, bearing wear, and structural anomalies. Comparative analysis between nominal and degraded engines confirmed strong correlations between analytical predictions and empirical spectral patterns. Thise study introduces a signal processing framework combining time–frequency analysis with Relief-F-based feature selection, laying the groundwork for future integration with ma-chine learning algorithms. This non-intrusive, efficient diagnostic method supports early fault detection, enhances engine availability, and contributes to the development of a na-tional vibration reference database, especially vital in the absence of OEM-supplied tools. Full article