Search Results (6,645)

Background: Public beliefs about dietary risks, such as excessive salt intake, are often not isolated misconceptions but part of structured cognitive systems. This study aimed to explore how individuals organize their beliefs and misperceptions regarding salt-related health consequences. Material and Methods: Using data from an international online survey, we applied a system of multivariate proportional odds logistic regression (POLR) models to estimate conditional associations among beliefs about salt’s links to various diseases—including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, neuropsychiatric, and mortality outcomes. In addition, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to identify and validate latent constructs underlying the belief items. Beliefs were modeled as interdependent, controlling for latent constructs, sociodemographics, and self-reported health awareness. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were visualized via a heatmap of beta coefficients. Results: Physicians showed almost universal agreement that salt contributes to hypertension (µ = 0.97), compared to non-medical respondents (µ = 0.85; p < 0.0001). Beliefs about mortality (µ = 1.55 for MDs vs. 0.99 for non-medical; p < 0.0001) emerged as central hubs in the belief network. Strong inter-item associations were observed, such as between hypertension and heart failure (β = −0.39), and between obesity and type 2 diabetes (β = −0.94). Notably, cognitive gaps were found, including a lack of association between atrial fibrillation and stroke, and non-reciprocal links between hypertension and heart failure. Conclusions: Beliefs about the health effects of salt are structured and sometimes asymmetrical, reflecting underlying reasoning patterns rather than isolated ignorance. Understanding these structures provides a systems-level view of health literacy and may inform more effective public health communication and education strategies. Full article

Background: Surgical excision of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often results in challenging defects. While flap techniques offer durable coverage, they are typically invasive. We present a modified method combining peripheral defect reduction with two sliding triangular island flaps from the arm and chest, designed to optimize healing with minimal invasiveness. Methods: Twelve patients (Hurley II–III) underwent excision and dual V-Y advancement flap reconstruction. Flaps were mobilized without perforator dissection. Outcomes were assessed using patient and surgeon Likert-scale ratings at one and six months. Results: Good healing was achieved in 91.7% of cases. Both patient acceptance and cosmetic outcomes were favorable (83.3%). No major complications were noted; one recurrence (8.3%) occurred at six months. Conclusions: The described technique offers a safe, effective, and cosmetically favorable option for medium-sized axillary HS defects. It provides a less invasive alternative to conventional flaps, with high healing rates and patient acceptance. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with a poor prognosis driven by late diagnosis, systemic toxicity of existing therapies, and rapid development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to agents such as paclitaxel and cisplatin. MDR arises through multiple mechanisms, including overexpression of efflux transporters, alterations in apoptotic pathways, and tumour microenvironment-mediated resistance. The application of nanotechnology offers a potential solution to the aforementioned challenges by facilitating the enhancement of drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, and tumour-specific delivery. Additionally, it facilitates the co-loading of agents, thereby enabling the attainment of synergistic effects. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring aluminosilicate nanocarriers with unique dual-surface chemistry, allowing hydrophobic drug encapsulation in the positively charged lumen and functionalisation of the negatively charged outer surface with targeting ligands or MDR modulators. This architecture supports dual-delivery strategies, enabling simultaneous administration of phytocannabinoids and chemotherapeutics or efflux pump inhibitors to enhance intracellular retention and cytotoxicity in resistant tumour cells. HNTs offer additional advantages over conventional nanocarriers, including mechanical and chemical stability and low production cost. Phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) show multitarget anticancer activity in lung cancer models, including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, and oxidative stress modulation. However, poor solubility, instability, and extensive first-pass metabolism have limited their clinical use. Encapsulation in HNTs can overcome these barriers, protect against degradation, and enable controlled, tumour-targeted release. This review examined the therapeutic potential of HNT-based phytocannabinoid delivery systems in the treatment of lung cancer, with an emphasis on improving therapeutic selectivity, which represents a promising direction for more effective and patient-friendly treatments for lung cancer. Full article

Nuclear processes are fundamental to the regulation of cellular, tissue, and organismal function, especially in complex multicellular systems. Central to these processes are lamins and lamin-associated proteins, which contribute to nuclear structure, gene expression, and chromatin organization. The discovery that mutations in genes coding for lamins and lamina-associated proteins give rise to rare disorders—collectively called laminopathies—has intensified interest in this field among cell biologists and medical scientists. While many practical and clinically relevant questions about phenotype development and potential treatments require mammalian models, key molecular mechanisms and interactions have also been effectively studied in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. This review focuses on a discussion of Drosophila lamins, their major properties, functions, interactions and post-translational modifications, with comparison to mammalian lamins, and a discussion of the value of fly models in studies of lamins in muscle tissue development and function in comparison to mammalian lamin B-type and A/C-type. In this paper, we have discussed the overall impact of lamin Dm and lamin C level manipulations on overall phenotype, especially on larval and adult muscles. We have thoroughly discussed the conclusions, which may have been drawn from experiments with overexpression of lamin C mutants mimicking lamin A laminopathy mutations. We have presented and discussed the suggestion that the mechanisms underlying Drosophila muscle phenotype development are similar not only to human dystrophic laminopathies but also to classical human muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Hutchison–Gilford Progeria syndrome. We suggest that the activation of the stress response contributes to the laminopathic phenotype detected in Drosophila. Finely, this review discusses in depth the lamin Dm and lamin C interactomes, discrepancies between String-based interactome networks, and our map of interactomes based on manual verification of experimental data on Drosophila lamin interactions. Full article

Background: Multi-organ failure (MOF) is a common complication of advanced heart failure (HF), significantly influencing patient prognosis. This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on the severity of MOF, as measured by the model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR (MELD-XI) score. Methods: Data from 1 month before to 1 year after HTx or LVAD implantation were analysed. The MELD-XI score was calculated using average bilirubin and creatinine values. Comparative assessments of MELD-XI scores were performed within the HTx and LVAD groups at various time points pre- and post-procedure. Results: The analysis included 107 HTx patients and 30 LVAD patients. The median MELD-XI score 1 month pre-procedure was 11.7 (9.4–16.7) in all patients. There were no significant differences in MELD-XI scores between the groups at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. However, a significant difference was observed 1 month post-procedure [HTx: 14.8 (9.4–17.7) vs. LVAD: 11.2 (7.3–14.9), p = 0.02]. In the LVAD group, a significant decrease in MELD-XI score was noted for 3 months post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (p < 0.001), whereas at 6- and 12-month follow-ups the score did not differ from pre-procedural scores. In the HTx group, significant decreases in MELD-XI scores were observed from 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-procedure compared to 1 month pre-procedure (p < 0.002). Conclusions: The MELD-XI scale reveals different MOF trajectories between HTx and LVAD recipients. Both interventions lead to early improvements in liver and kidney function, with sustained benefits in HTx patients, highlighting the distinct impacts on organ function. Full article

The article examines the application of controlling in energy and heating (E&H) companies, with particular emphasis on diagnosing the extent to which reporting and management controlling are implemented, as well as identifying barriers that limit the development of their managerial functions. The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which management controlling is applied in the managerial practice of the E&H sector and how its use differs from practices observed in other sectors of the economy. The research employed a mixed methods approach, including a literature review, a case study of controlling implementation in a selected energy company, and a quantitative analysis based on the Managerial Controlling Index (MCI). The central research question addressed the impact of legal, market, and organisational conditions on the scope of controlling in the E&H sector. The findings indicate that E&H companies record lower MCI scores than companies in other industries, regardless of their size, age, or business profile. The article concludes with a set of managerial recommendations outlining directions for the development of management controlling as a tool for supporting decision-making and enhancing integration with the overall management system. Full article

Innovative technologies have been helping to improve comfort and safety at work in high-risk sectors for years. The study analysed the impact, along with an assessment of potential implementations (opportunities and limitations) of innovative technological solutions for improving occupational safety in two selected sectors of the economy: mining and construction. The technologies evaluated included unmanned aerial vehicles and inspection robots, the Internet of Things and sensors, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, innovative individual and collective protective equipment, and exoskeletons. Due to the extensive nature of the obtained materials, the research description has been divided into two articles (Part I and Part II). This article presents the first three technologies. After the scientific literature from the Scopus database was analysed, some research gaps that need to be filled were identified. In addition to the obvious benefits of increased occupational safety for workers, innovative technological solutions also offer employers several economic advantages that affect the industry’s sustainability. Innovative technologies are playing an increasingly important role in improving safety in mining and construction. However, further integration and overcoming implementation barriers, such as the need for changes in education, are needed to realise their full potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Booster vaccination coverage in the adult population in Poland remains insufficient. The objective of this study was to utilize the opportunity of a visit to the Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Wroclaw—associated with blood donation—as a means to remind individuals about the need for tetanus booster vaccination and to assess tetanus immunity in healthy adults (30–40 years after their last mandatory dose) who had not received booster immunizations. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 blood donors aged 50 to 64 years (median age: 54 years) were enrolled, of whom 78% were male. 1. Tetanus immunity was assessed by a single measurement of serum anti-tetanus IgG antibody concentration. 2. A questionnaire was used to collect data relevant to tetanus immune status. 3. Individuals with insufficient protection received a booster dose of the tetanus vaccine, and the post-vaccination serologic response was evaluated. Results: 1. In the study group, 10.3% of participants had no protective immunity against Clostridium tetani, while 5.2% exhibited uncertain protection. An additional 32% demonstrated antibody levels conferring only short-term protection. Satisfactory protection—defined as immunity lasting at least 3 years—or long-term protection (at least 5 years) was identified in 52.5% of patients. Although 72% of donors reported receiving mandatory childhood immunizations, only 5% could provide medical documentation. In this subgroup, a significantly higher geometric mean antibody concentration was observed (0.69 vs. 0.52 IU/mL; p = 0.04), and significantly fewer participants required immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (1/39 vs. 14/54; p = 0.003). 2. Among the 46 individuals eligible for a booster dose, 17 (37%) returned for vaccination. Of these, 16 (94%) achieved antibody titers consistent with long-term protection following a single vaccine dose. Conclusions: Tetanus immunity among adults is heterogeneous and difficult to predict due to the frequent lack of vaccination records and unreliable self-reported histories. A history of injury and associated surgical wound care involving injection often serves as the only indication of prior vaccination. A single booster dose is highly effective in eliciting a robust immune response in individuals vaccinated during childhood but lacking recent boosters. Rising vaccine hesitancy toward both mandatory and recommended immunizations in Poland negatively influences adult decisions regarding tetanus vaccination. Participation in voluntary blood donation programs presents a valuable opportunity for immunization education, immune status screening, and the implementation of effective catch-up vaccination strategies. Full article

Electrospun alginate nanofibers are emerging as versatile materials for biomedical, environmental, and packaging applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional tunability. However, the direct electrospinning of alginate remains a significant challenge, mainly due to its polyelectrolytic nature, rigid chain structure, and limited chain entanglement. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent strategies developed to overcome these limitations, including polymer blending, chemical modification, the addition of surfactants, multi-fluid techniques, and process optimization. We systematically discuss the integration of nanofibers with functional agents such as microorganisms, bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and nanoparticles, highlighting their potential in wound healing, active packaging, bioremediation, and controlled release systems. This review also examines the scalability of alginate electrospinning, summarizing recent patents, industrial solutions, and challenges related to the standardization of the process. Key knowledge gaps are identified, including the need for long-term stability studies, structure–function correlations, green processing approaches, and expansion into novel application domains beyond healthcare. Addressing these research directions will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of alginate nanofibers as sustainable, high-performance materials for industrial use. Full article

Photoaging is a multifactorial and progressive skin aging process primarily triggered by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This condition leads to both structural and functional impairments in the skin, including the formation of wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation irregularities, and an elevated risk of skin malignancies. At the core of photoaging is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which generate oxidative stress, initiate chronic inflammation, cause DNA damage, and accelerate the breakdown of the extracellular matrix—largely through the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The review provides a comprehensive analysis of various natural substances, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, photoprotective compounds, and emerging regenerative treatments, based on in vitro and in vivo research. Special emphasis is placed on natural substances, including polyphenols, cannabinoids, carotenoids, retinoids, and vitamins, highlighting their potential in preventing and treating photoaging. This review aims to present a detailed, evidence-based overview of photoaging mechanisms and innovative approaches to mitigate its effects. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health issue exacerbated by biofilm-associated infections that often resist conventional therapies. Photodithazine-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDZ-aPDT) has emerged as a promising alternative, demonstrating a broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, including those in biofilms. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of PDZ-aPDT by synthesizing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were systematically searched, resulting in the inclusion of 13 studies for qualitative analysis. PDZ-aPDT consistently reduced the microbial burden in various models, including oral candidiasis, denture stomatitis, acne, and infections related to medical devices. Synergistic combinations with conventional antimicrobials and adjunctive therapies (e.g., DNase I) further enhanced its effectiveness. However, the evidence base remains limited by methodological variability, small sample sizes, and short follow-up periods. Future research should focus on rigorous clinical trials with standardized protocols and extended follow-up to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles, facilitating a broader clinical implementation in combating antimicrobial resistance. Full article

The paper presents the results of research focused on configuring a system for stereoscopic view capturing and processing. The system is being developed for use in staff training scenarios based on Virtual Reality (VR), where high-quality, distortion-free imagery is essential. This research addresses key challenges in image distortion, including the fish-eye effect and other aberrations. In addition, it considers the computational and bandwidth efficiency required for effective and economical streaming and real-time display of recorded content. Measurements and calculations were performed using a selected set of cameras, adapters, and lenses, chosen based on predefined criteria. A comparative analysis was conducted between the nearest-neighbour linear interpolation method and a third-order polynomial interpolation (ABCD polynomial). These methods were tested and evaluated using three different computational approaches, each aimed at optimizing data processing efficiency critical for real-time image correction. Images captured during real-time video transmission—processed using the developed correction techniques—are presented. In the final sections, the paper describes the configuration of an innovative VR-based training system incorporating an edge computing device. A case study involving a factory producing wheel rims is also presented to demonstrate the practical application of the system. Full article

Oxidative stress, driven by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this context, copper dysregulation can also contribute to this imbalance, being responsible for enhanced ROS production, so that copper scavenging has been investigated as a possible therapeutic strategy. This study investigates the behavior of two isostructural ligands, featuring an N₃O donor set, that effectively chelate Cu(II) in aqueous solution. Interestingly, their resulting mono- or dinuclear copper complexes feature a coordination environment suitable to foster antioxidant activity. By transforming copper’s oxidant potential into antioxidant action, these systems may reduce copper-induced oxidative damage. The work examines the pH-dependent metal-binding behavior of the ligands, the catalytic properties of the resulting complexes under physiological conditions, and their ability to inhibit β-amyloid peptide aggregation. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 445 nm diode laser in enhancing enamel resistance to acid-induced demineralization and to investigate the associated compositional and structural modifications using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallographic analysis. Methods: A total of 126 extracted human teeth were used. A total of 135 (n = 135) enamel discs (4 × 4 mm) from 90 teeth were assigned to either a laser-irradiated group or an untreated control group for SEM, ESCA, and XRD analyses. Additionally, 24 mono-rooted teeth were used to measure pulp temperature changes during laser application. Laser irradiation was performed using a 445 nm diode laser with a pulse width of 200 ms, a repetition rate of 1 Hz, power of 1.25 W, an energy density of 800 J/cm², a power density of 3980 W/cm², and a 200 µm activated fiber. Following acid etching, SEM was conducted to assess microstructural and ionic alterations. The ESCA was used to evaluate the Ca/P ratio, and XRD analyses were performed on enamel powders to determine changes in phase composition and crystal lattice parameters. Results: The laser protocol demonstrated thermal safety, with minimal pulp chamber temperature elevation (0.05667 ± 0.04131 °C). SEM showed that laser-treated enamel had a smoother surface morphology and reduced acid-induced erosion compared with controls. Results of the ESCA revealed no significant difference in the Ca/P ratio between groups. XRD confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite structure in laser-treated enamel and detected an additional diffraction peak corresponding to a pyrophosphate phase, potentially enhancing acid resistance. Results of the spectral analysis showed the absence of α-TCP and β-TCP phases and a reduction in the carbonate content in the laser group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the a-axis lattice parameter suggested lattice compaction in laser-treated enamel. Conclusions: Irradiation with a 445 nm diode laser effectively enhances enamel resistance to acid demineralization. This improvement may be attributed to chemical modifications, particularly pyrophosphate phase formation, and structural changes including prism-less enamel formation, surface fusion, and decreased permeability. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of laser-induced enhancement of acid resistance in enamel. Full article

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and substantially affects the quality of life (QoL) of both survivors and their caregivers. The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable period characterized by discontinuity of care and insufficient caregiver support. Dyadic interventions—targeting both the survivor and caregiver—have shown promise in improving recovery outcomes. This protocol outlines a mixed-methods study to evaluate the impact of a video-based training intervention on the stroke survivor–caregiver dyad during the first year post-discharge. Methods: A mixed-methods design based on the TIDieR checklist will be implemented. Stroke survivors and their caregivers will be recruited from stroke units and rehabilitation hospitals across Italy prior to discharge. Approximately 150 dyads will receive a video training intervention followed by nurse-led transitional care support. Assessments will occur at baseline (T0) and at 1 (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3), and 12 months (T4) post-discharge. Outcomes will include physical functioning, disability, anxiety, depression, caregiver preparedness, burden, social support, sleep quality, and both generic and stroke-specific QoL. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, July 2024. Conclusions: Integrating caregivers into transitional care through structured training and support is essential for improving dyadic outcomes after stroke. Strengthening knowledge and preparedness in both survivors and caregivers enhances recovery, reduces caregiver burden, and may alleviate healthcare system costs associated with poor post-discharge outcomes. Full article