Search Results (287)

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance, an evolutionarily entrenched microbial capacity amplified by extensive antibiotic exposure, has increased the burden of difficult-to-treat infections caused by priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we assessed whether phytochemical-rich extracts from fully ripe Rosa canina pseudo-fruits (WF) and fully developed Colchicum autumnale flowers (CA) can provide combined antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Plant materials were processed using seven extraction systems spanning non-polar to polar conditions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous, 40% ethanol, 60% ethanol, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis). Fractions were quantified for total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, evaluated for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion and MIC/MBC), and assessed for inhibition of early biofilm attachment. Differences among extraction methods and fractions were analyzed using standard comparative statistics (group comparisons across solvents/fractions), and relationships between chemical composition and bioactivity were examined using correlation-based analysis. Results: Extraction strategy emerged as the main determinant of bioactivity across endpoints. The WFE/ENZ fraction maximized phytochemical recovery (TPC 203.34 ± 11.55 mg GAE/g DW; TFC 35.67 ± 3.06 mg QE/g DW; TTC 53.00 ± 2.65 mg TAE/g DW) and showed strong antioxidant performance (DPPH IC₅₀ 33.60 ± 0.02 μg/mL; FRAP A₇₀₀ 1.90 ± 0.010 at 250 μg/mL). Antibacterial effects were strongest in polar fractions, particularly hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts, while n-hexane fractions were consistently weakest. Across eight clinical isolates and three reference strains, MIC values ranged from 0.04875 to 6.25 mg/mL for WF extracts and 0.0975–12.5 mg/mL for CA extracts. In the biofilm model, suppression of early attachment was most consistent for CAE/E60–ENZ and WFE/E40–E60–ENZ fractions. Conclusions: Correlation analysis indicated that antibacterial potency aligned primarily with flavonoid levels in R. canina pseudo-fruits and with tannin content in C. autumnale material. Overall, these results support hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction as rational strategies to enrich polyphenol-dense fractions with convergent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, reinforcing plant-derived matrices as a structured discovery space for developing complementary antimicrobial solutions beyond conventional antibiotics. Notably, this is among the first studies to evaluate the antibacterial potential of C. autumnale plant material in this context and to comprehensively assess R. canina pseudo-fruit extracts against multidrug-resistant clinical. Full article

As sportswear becomes everyday attire, brands are increasingly investing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. However, the psychological mechanisms linking these multidimensional efforts to consumer behavior remain insufficiently integrated in the existing literature and have rarely been tested simultaneously within a unified framework, particularly regarding the transition from green brand loyalty to green brand evangelism. This study addresses this gap by disaggregating perceived ESG initiatives into three distinct dimensions and modeling dual behavioral outcomes (green brand loyalty and green brand evangelism), while also examining the moderating role of self-green brand congruity. By integrating Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) and Self-Congruity Theories, data from 308 Chinese consumers were analyzed using PLS-SEM by SmartPLS 4.1. Results indicate that all three perceived ESG dimensions significantly enhance green brand attachment, with environmental initiatives exerting the strongest effect. Green brand attachment serves as a key mediator linking perceived ESG stimuli to behavioral responses, and green brand loyalty is found to be positively associated with brand evangelism. Furthermore, self-green brand congruity plays a moderating role in the relationship between ESG perceptions and green brand attachment, suggesting that identity alignment amplifies the impact of sustainability cues. These findings provide actionable strategies for managers to leverage perceived ESG and identity-based marketing to transform loyal consumers into vocal brand advocates. Full article

This article examines the emerging role of artificial intelligence in mental health contexts, with a particular focus on psychotherapy and the risks associated with deploying large language models (LLMs) in sensitive clinical domains. It aims to provide a broad review of current literature, highlighting key risks of general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) systems, while also exploring the potential of clinically oriented LLMs for therapist training, supervision, and professional development. It discusses several key concerns, including AI-related psychosis, the development of parasocial attachments, and the growing number of crisis-related interactions users have with general-purpose AI models. These challenges raise important questions about the safety, reliability, and ethical management of AI systems when individuals seek support during periods of psychological crisis. Beyond identifying these risks, the article explores the potential of clinical LLMs specifically designed for mental health applications. In particular, AI can serve as a tool for therapists’ training, supervision, and professional development, offering simulated clinical scenarios, structured feedback, and support for reflective practice. The article concludes by outlining key directions for the responsible development of therapeutic AI. These include the importance of human oversight, the use of specialized and clinically informed training datasets, advances in model fine-tuning and safety alignment, and the establishment of clear professional guidelines and regulatory frameworks. Together, these developments may help ensure that AI technologies are integrated into mental healthcare in ways that prioritize safety, ethical practice, and the continued central role of human clinicians. Full article

Background: Foster adolescents face elevated socioemotional risk, yet the joint and differential contributions of family adversity, attachment insecurity, and relational trauma to distinct adjustment domains remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to examine their joint, incremental, and differential contribution to emotional regulation difficulties and social competence. Methods: Forty-six adolescents (12–17 years; 63% female) in residential care in Uruguay completed self-report measures of family problems, attachment dimensions (anxiety, avoidance, socioemotional functioning), and relational trauma (SENA, CAA-R, CaMir-R). Hierarchical multiple regression examined their sequential prediction of emotional regulation difficulties and social competence. Results: Emotional regulation difficulties were explained by family problems, avoidant attachment, and relational trauma, whereas social competence was explained by anxious attachment and socioemotional attachment functioning. Final models explained 49% and 47% of variance, respectively. Discussion: This differential predictive pattern aligns with theoretical distinctions between deactivating and hyperactivating attachment strategies. Relational trauma’s specific contribution to regulatory, but not social, functioning supports neurobiologically grounded models of complex trauma. Conclusions: Findings suggest that emotional regulation difficulties were more closely associated with family problems, avoidant attachment, and relational trauma, whereas social competence was more strongly linked to anxious attachment and socioemotional attachment functioning. These results support differentiated, attachment-informed, and trauma-sensitive approaches in residential care settings. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Mallet finger is a common injury of the extensor mechanism at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint; however, open double mallet lesions are rare and may present a complex reconstruction challenge. Case Presentation: A 15-year-old male high school student who sustained an open injury to the left ring and little fingers after a high-energy buggy accident. The ring finger showed an open double mallet lesion in which the extensor tendon remained attached to a tiny avulsion fragment, and a separate dorsal base fragment was also present. The adjacent little finger had a concomitant open fracture with substantial soft tissue injury. Emergency surgery was performed on the day of the injury. For the ring finger, reduction of the tendon-attached avulsion fragment and separate dorsal base fragment was achieved using extension-block pinning, transarticular DIP pinning, and pull-out fixation over a volar button. For the little finger, cross-pinning was performed because the distal fragment was too small for stable non-transarticular fixation. Serial radiographs showed maintained alignment and progressive healing. At the final follow-up, 21 months after the injury, residual deformity and limitation of DIP motion remained; however, no infection, major skin complications, or nail deformity were observed. The little finger DIP joint became ankylosed, whereas some residual mobility remained in the ring finger DIP joint. Despite persistent functional limitations, the patient was able to continue school attendance and percussion-related activities. Conclusions: This case highlights that in an open double mallet lesion, disruption of both the tendon-attached fragment and its bony bed should be considered, and stabilization of the base may be useful in selected injury patterns before definitive tendon-side repair. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical effects of different attachment placement strategies using rectangular attachments on palatal root torque control of maxillary central and lateral incisors with clear aligners. Methods: Three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to simulate simultaneous 1° palatal root torque of maxillary central and lateral incisors. Six attachment configurations were evaluated: no attachment (control), canine-only, both incisors, central incisor-only, lateral incisor-only, and all anterior teeth. Three-dimensional tooth displacement and torque expression were analyzed across 200 iterative simulations. Model validation was confirmed through mesh convergence analysis and comparison with published studies. Results: Only the control and canine-only groups simultaneously achieved the appropriate torque direction for both incisors. Attachments on central incisors produced reverse torque, with the central incisor-only group showing the most severe magnitude, while the control and canine-only groups achieved expected directions, validating model reliability. Lateral incisors exhibited different responses, including reverse torque in the lateral incisor-only group. The canine-only attachment demonstrated the most balanced torque expression. Increasing anterior attachments was associated with greater extrusion and canine displacement. Conclusions: Attachment placement using rectangular attachments significantly influenced torque expression during palatal root torque. Central and lateral incisors responded differently to attachments, and certain configurations produced reverse torque. For small torque movements (1–2°), a “less is more” approach using rectangular canine attachments for anchorage proved most effective, suggesting that anchorage may be more critical than incisor attachments for anterior torque control. Full article

The badminton smash is a decisive scoring technique whose effectiveness depends on adequate preparation and a proper proximal-to-distal sequencing of the kinetic chain. This study integrates a You Only Look Once (YOLO)-based real-time vision detector with five wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the right shoulder, right elbow, right wrist, right hip, and right knee of right-handed players. A high-speed camera provides video for shuttlecock and joint localization via YOLO, and the IMUs provide instantaneous joint accelerations at impact. The following four coaching-oriented indicators are defined: (1) rapid lowering of the center of mass after the opponent’s shot; (2) immediate forward acceleration after the shuttle is released; (3) alignment at the hitting position with the right shoulder/hip rotated backward and the left shoulder facing the approaching shuttle; and (4) a proximal-to-distal sequence in which the shoulder leads the elbow and then the wrist. Using two athletes with 15 trials each, the system achieved an overall recognition accuracy above 93% against manually annotated video. The method can provide objective feedback for coaches and players and is suitable for instructional use in physical education classes. Full article

Background: The plantaris muscle (PM) shows substantial variability in its proximal belly attachments. Although often deemed vestigial, specific variants may narrow or reshape the popliteal corridor and contribute to vascular (popliteal artery entrapment syndromes, PAES) and neural conflict (TN, CPN, sural nerves). Despite abundant anatomical descriptions of the plantaris, its contribution to neurovascular compression has not been organised into a classification-linked, imaging-integrated framework. Objective: To synthesise adult and foetal anatomical data with clinical–radiological evidence into a classification-linked framework that stratifies vascular and neural compression risk by proximal PM variants, and to propose an integrated risk matrix and variant-directed diagnostic/operative pathway. Methods: Narrative, classification-centred review centred on the Olewnik schema (Types I–VI) and multi-headed/accessory variants. We mapped variant geometry to (1) physiological compromise on provoked Doppler US and (2) anatomical correlates on MRI/MR angiography (MRA) (axial “band sign”), deriving graded risk for vascular and neural axes and an integrated, action-oriented grade per limb. Results: Baseline risk is low for canonical/compact footprints (Type I–IA, Type V), moderate for capsular-junction patterns (Types II/III), and potentially higher-risk for lateral linkage (Type IV; iliotibial band (ITB)/Kaplan fibres continuity) and multi-headed configurations (duplication, bifurcation, ≥3–4 heads; accessory proximal slips). The integrated matrix upgrades risk for a clear band sign, reproducible compromise on provoked Doppler US, or multi-headed/Type IV anatomy and downgrades when rigorous provocation is negative and muscle volume is small. We provide a variant-indexed imaging checklist, common pitfalls (e.g., Type IV misread as ITB thickening; multi-headed variants misread as cyst/tumour), and operative checkpoints to target capsular clefts, lateral bands, tunnels, and accessory slips. Conclusions: A classification-linked, imaging-integrated approach clarifies which proximal PM variants are plausibly associated with neurovascular entrapment (based on case-level evidence) and aligns work-up with targeted decompression and may improve diagnostic precision and inform surgical planning. Clinical relevance: The framework operationalises variant naming in reports, standardises dynamic provocation and axial mapping, and prioritises variants considered higher risk (Type IV; multi-headed) for early multidisciplinary review. Given that most clinical signals derive from case reports/series (Level IV), these recommendations are inferential and should be applied with clinical judgement. Full article

A wall-dependent identification method for low-speed streamwise streaks in turbulent channel flows is presented to overcome a key limitation of uniform thresholds, which tend to produce either an excess of detected structures near the wall or an apparent lack of streaks farther from it. The method is constructed following wall-dependent threshold requirements established in the literature and is applied to DNS data of Couette–Poiseuille flows at $R{e}_{\tau }\approx 250$ using percolation analysis and clustering to extract three-dimensional objects. In addition, a percolation study at a significantly higher Reynolds number is included to assess the effect and robustness of the filter beyond the reference case. Although some global trends remain consistent with previous results obtained using uniform thresholds, the present work provides a direct comparison between both approaches and shows more clearly how the threshold definition affects the identification of streaks away from the wall. The detected structures are classified into wall-attached and wall-detached families, separated by a transition region at $y_{\min }^{+}=20$, and both exhibit self-similar geometric trends. Their spatial distribution is also analysed, showing differences mainly associated with the alignment of attached streaks in pure Poiseuille and pure Couette flows. Full article

We present a systematic evaluation of the positional and rotational tracking accuracy of the Meta Quest 3 mixed-reality headset using a TECHMAN TM5-900 collaborative robot (±0.05 mm repeatability) as a highly repeatable robot-driven reference. The headset was rigidly attached to the robot’s tool flange and subjected to single-axis translational motions (200 mm along X, Y, and Z) and rotational motions (Roll ± 65°, Pitch ± 85°, and Yaw ± 85°). Each test was repeated three times, and the resulting trajectories were averaged to improve statistical robustness. Both data sources were integrated into a single Python-based application running on the same computer. The headset streamed its data via UDP, while the robot, implemented as an ROS2 node, published its data to the same host. This configuration enabled simultaneous acquisition of both streams, ensuring temporal consistency without the need for offline interpolation. All comparisons were performed in a relative reference frame, thereby avoiding the need for absolute hand–eye calibration. Coordinate-frame alignment was achieved using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)-based rigid-body Procrustes analysis. Over 2848 synchronized samples spanning 151.46 s, the Meta Quest 3 achieved a mean translational RMSE of 0.346 mm (3D RMSE = 0.621 mm) and a mean rotational RMSE of 0.143°, with Pearson correlation coefficients greater than 0.9999 on all axes. These results show sub-millimeter positional tracking and sub-degree rotational tracking under controlled conditions, supporting the potential of the Meta Quest 3 for precision-oriented mixed-reality applications in industrial and research settings. Full article

The management of complex acute and chronic wounds remains a formidable challenge in modern medicine, underscoring the urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies that accelerate healing, prevent infection, and promote functional tissue regeneration. Electrospun nanofibers have attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field due to their extracellular matrix-like architecture, high surface area, interconnected porosity, and tunable physicochemical composition, which drive advances in wound regeneration, tissue engineering, and biopolymer-based therapeutics. In wound healing, nanofibrous dressings composed of natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, collagen, and cellulose promote cell attachment and proliferation, support angiogenesis, and enable infection control while delivering bioactive agents, thereby addressing significant challenges related to inflammation, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial resistance. In tissue engineering, aligned and hierarchically organized scaffolds fabricated from biopolymers such as collagen, gelatin, chitosan, and cellulose enhance the guided orientation of cells, differentiation, and functional regeneration of neural, musculoskeletal, vascular, and skin tissues. In addition to their conventional regenerative applications, recent studies have demonstrated that electrospun biopolymer nanofibers can be used in multifunctional biomedical platforms, including smart and stimuli-responsive systems for drug delivery, biosensing, regenerative interfaces, and wearable medical technologies. The integrated constructs that incorporate diagnostic or therapeutic functionalities, hybrid fabrication approaches that combine 3D printing with electrospinning, and intelligent biopolymer frameworks that enable telemedicine, real-time physiological monitoring, and personalized regenerative therapies offer new opportunities for developing improved biomedical systems. Overall, these advances position electrospun nanofiber systems as promising biomaterials for next-generation biomedical innovation. This review summarizes recent progress in tissue-engineered scaffolds, wound dressings, fabrication strategies for integrative therapeutics, and wearable devices with transformative potential for biomedical applications. Finally, the review addresses significant challenges related to scalability and clinical translation. It offers perspectives on future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and the regeneration of complex skin appendages, which will shape the next generation of nanofiber-based wound-healing therapies. Full article

This Finite Element Analysis study evaluated the biomechanical responses associated with posterior tooth intrusion using clear aligners in conjunction with buccal and palatal mini-screw anchorage. Three-dimensional finite element models were reconstructed from cone beam computed tomography images obtained from patients without craniofacial anomalies. To assess the differential effects of buccal versus palatal attachment placement in combination with a mini-screw-supported closing coil spring, two configurations of the maxillary arch were created: Model A (right side) and Model B (left side). Biomechanical parameters—including stress distribution, patterns of tooth displacement, and anchorage stability—were systematically assessed using finite element analysis. Analysis of Model A revealed buccal crown inclination and moderate extrusion of the first premolar, whereas the first molar showed limited mesial displacement along with mild buccal tipping and extrusion. In contrast, Model B revealed palatal crown inclination of the first premolar, accompanied by buccal root torque and minor intrusion; the first molar demonstrated enhanced vertical control with palatal root torque. The incorporation of palatal mini-screw anchorage in Model A contributed to diminished stress levels and reduced tooth displacement, suggesting a tendency toward more favorable force distribution and anchorage stability under the simulated conditions. Conversely, Model B experienced increased mechanical loading and more pronounced displacement. Full article

Non-metallic hydride donors have emerged as an interesting, highly tunable class of compounds capable of CO₂ reduction, with benzimidazoles being simple, yet efficient and regenerable, representatives. In this work, the role of superbases as auxiliary groups attached to the benzimidazole framework was investigated using the CPCM(CH₃CN)/ωB97xD/aug-cc-pVTZ//CPCM(CH₃CN)/ωB97xD/6-31+G(d,p) approach. Three modes of operation were assessed through hydricity calculations and the modeling of two different CO₂ reduction mechanisms. Among the superbases considered, phosphazene substituents yielded the largest increase in the hydride donation ability, lowering hydricity by 6 kcal mol⁻¹ relative to 2-methylbenzimidazole, with the α-substitution exerting a stronger effect than β-substitution. For most systems, changes in hydricity correlate with changes in aromaticity, except in systems where steric congestion limits optimal substituent alignment. CO₂ activation pathways encompassing guanidine/CO₂ hydrogen bonding and guanidinium carboxamidine formation were modeled. In the former, transition state structures were significantly stabilized, and the overall exergonicity of the reduction is enhanced. Also, utilizing the longer and more flexible linker additionally decreases the barrier for the reaction. The carboxamidine pathway is disfavored because of the high stability of the carboxamidine intermediate and low barrier for the C–N bond cleavage, which reverses the mechanism to the reduction of isolated CO₂. Full article

Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal biomaterial for next-generation clinical wound dressings due to its biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. Cell therapies for wound healing have explored using SF as the base for delivering beneficial cargo; however, retention is poor due to exudate “wash out.” To address concerns with the premature release of cargo from SF-fabricated wound dressings, we utilized amine-reactive chemistry to conjugate SF mats with azido-reactive dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) that can then attach complementary azido-tagged cargo through chemoselective immobilization. SF mats were made using electrospinning of a 1:1 SF/PCL solution and were then conjugated with N-Hydroxysuccinimide-dibenzocyclooctyne ester (DBCO). PBS soaking was used for control SF mats. SF mats were then imaged and characterized using the following metrics: pore size, fiber alignment, fiber distribution, fiber diameter, ultimate tensile strength, tangent modulus, proteolytic degradation, absorption, and retention. Successful DBCO conjugation of SF mats was confirmed through the presence of the Az-Cy5 dye while exhibiting no significant changes to the DBCO SF mats in any of the tested metrics compared to controls. Our results provide evidence that the amine chemistry responsible for the DBCO conjugation does not alter important SF mat properties. This confirms that DBCO augmentation paired with Az-Cy5 tags may be a viable approach for immobilizing different therapeutic cargoes to aid wound healing efforts. Full article

This research presents a machine learning-based vibration signal acquired from aluminum grinding experiment for potential application in smart and intelligent manufacturing. The study addresses the challenges of traditional surface finishing quality inspection by integrating vibration sensing and support vector machine (SVM). A robot manipulator lab grinding experiment consist of a four-axis DOBOT Magician with a handheld cylindrical grinding tool attached on the end-effector of the DOBOT Magician. This customized lab grinding experiment was designed to perform consistent surface finishing experiment for different aluminum work coupon and time duration. Triaxial accelerometer was used to collect the vibration signal and to investigate the most relevant vibration signal direction (x, y, and z) to the surface quality prediction of the aluminum work coupon. The vibration signal was acquired via LabVIEW and NI data acquisition (DAQ) system. The vibration features were extracted and analyzed using Python programming in Google Colab. The SVM algorithm in Python (3.11 and 3.12) is used to classify surface roughness quality into coarse, medium, and fine categories based on the extracted vibration features. Vibration feature parameters such as root mean square (RMS), Peak to RMS, Skewness, and Kurtosis were also investigated to determined which feature pairs are most critical for effective surface roughness monitoring and prediction using SVM classification. The classification model achieved high accuracy across all three vibration axes (x, y, and z), with the z-axis yielding the most consistent results. The proposed system has potential applications in real-time surface quality prediction within smart manufacturing practices aligned with Industry 4.0 principles. Full article