Search Results (42,059)

Periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease initiated by dysbiotic biofilms and sustained by an exaggerated host immune response, for which scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the cornerstone of therapy. However, mechanical debridement alone may be insufficient to fully resolve inflammation in complex cases and in susceptible patients. In this context, natural products and host modulatory strategies have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies owing to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of natural products used as adjuncts to SRP on periodontal clinical outcomes. Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, SciELO, and Google Scholar through December 2025, and randomized controlled clinical trials were included. Ninety studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and thirty-three were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The interventions encompassed a broad spectrum of plant-derived, host-modulatory and nutraceutical compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, propolis, Aloe vera, green tea catechins, and omega-3 fatty acids, administered via local, systemic, or rinse-based approaches. Meta-analytic findings demonstrated that adjunctive natural products significantly enhanced probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain compared with SRP alone, with additional improvements in gingival inflammation and bleeding outcomes; however, substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies. Overall, natural products provide measurable adjunctive benefits to SRP in the management of periodontitis, although further well-designed, standardized, and long-term randomized trials are necessary to support their routine clinical implementation. Full article

Historical water management infrastructures, often comprising underground environments, represent a significant example of the interplay between built heritage and the natural substrate. This study proposes an interdisciplinary, integrated and multi-scalar investigative methodology for such structures. Through the analysis of the case study of Palombaro Purgatoro Vecchio, a large historical public water cistern located in Matera in Italy, this paper presents a rigorous methodology replicable in different contexts. Bibliographic and archival research establish the knowledge base regarding the structure’s historical evolution; territorial and hydromorphic analyses, supported by GIS, highlight the dynamics of the surrounding watersheds. Meanwhile, a digital survey integrating SLAM and photogrammetry provides geometric-dimensional data, serving as the foundation for analysing construction techniques and materials. The selection of accessible and manageable technologies promotes a practical, replicable investigative methodology aimed at the protection, comprehension, enhancement and dissemination of water UBH. Full article

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an unmet need for reliable blood-based biomarkers. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocytic structural protein, is established in hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury, but its role in AIS remains incompletely defined. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we enrolled AIS patients and healthy controls. Serum GFAP was measured within 24 h using the Lumipulse G1200 automated assay. Stroke severity and outcome were assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcome with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Associations with clinical measures were explored using Spearman correlation, and diagnostic accuracy was determined by ROC analysis. Results: GFAP levels were significantly higher in AIS patients than controls (median 132.9 vs. 30.0 pg/mL, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.96). A cutoff of 71 pg/mL achieved 74% sensitivity and 92% specificity, while 150 pg/mL and 32 pg/mL optimized positive and negative predictive values (95% and 96%). GFAP was correlated with stroke severity (NIHSS, ρ = 0.37–0.40, p < 0.001) and disability (mRS, ρ = 0.48–0.49, p < 0.001). No significant differences appeared across TOAST subtypes. Conclusions: Serum GFAP is significantly elevated in AIS and demonstrates strong diagnostic and prognostic value. Integration of GFAP into clinical workflows may enhance early stroke detection and outcome prediction, supporting its role as a promising biomarker in AIS. Full article

This study investigates the effects of an arch rib inclination angle and loading scenario on the elasto-plastic stability of steel basket-handle arches to support bridge design. A parametric finite element analysis was performed on 48 models, with inclination angles ranging from 0° to 15° under three vertical loading conditions: uniformly distributed (V), transversely eccentric (V₁), and longitudinally eccentric (V₂). A nonlinear analysis was conducted using the arc-length method. The results indicate that the ultimate bearing capacity is highest under loading V, followed by V₁ and V₂, irrespective of the inclination angle. The initial stiffness increases monotonically with inclination in all cases. Under V, the capacity peaks at a 10° inclination before declining, with a corresponding transition from out-of-plane to in-plane buckling at this critical angle. Under V₁, out-of-plane buckling dominates, and the capacity fluctuates slightly before increasing with the inclination. Under V₂, in-plane antisymmetric buckling prevails, and the capacity decreases gradually as the inclination increases. Eccentric loading induces severe stress concentration and local buckling at the arch feet, accelerating global failure. It is concluded that an inclination angle up to 10° enhances elasto-plastic stability under symmetric vertical loading, whereas eccentric loading substantially reduces the capacity; therefore, symmetric and simultaneous loading on both arches is recommended during construction. Full article

The increasing penetration of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems has introduced significant challenges to voltage regulation and power quality within low voltage (LV) distribution networks. Reverse power flows during periods of high solar generation and low local demand can lead to overvoltage issues, voltage unbalance, and increased neutral-to-ground potential. This paper presents a comprehensive review of voltage regulation challenges and mitigation strategies for PV-rich distribution networks. The review consolidates findings from recent literature, focusing on traditional methods such as on-load tap changers and reactive power compensation, as well as modern techniques including smart inverter functionalities, community energy storage, static compensators, and advanced coordinated control schemes. A detailed examination of the suitability and limitations of these approaches in the Australian regulatory and network context is provided. The literature review demonstrates that previous work has mainly considered generic LV regulation issues without explicit four-wire MEN modelling or detailed LV–MV time series impact analysis. As a response to the lack of detailed practical analysis, a detailed three-phase four-wire LV–MV modelling and case study analysis, which illustrates the technical implications of high PV penetration on a representative Australian LV feeder, has been completed. The network is modelled using a three-phase four-wire unbalanced load flow formulation, explicitly incorporating the neutral conductor and multiple earthed neutral (MEN) system configuration. Results demonstrate pronounced voltage rise and unbalance during midday generation periods, highlighting the need for distributed and adaptive voltage-management solutions. The paper concludes by identifying key research gaps and future directions for voltage regulation in Australian distribution networks, emphasizing the importance of low voltage visibility, coordinated control architectures, and the integration of emerging distributed energy resources. The novelty of this work lies in combining a focused review of state-of-the-art with respect to management of voltage regulation in the presence of high penetration of distributed PV generation with a detailed three-phase four-wire LV–MV modelling framework and time-series case study of a representative Australian residential feeder, which illustrates the practical implications of increasing PV penetration. Full article

In this paper, we discuss the atomic models developed for the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) analysis of the spectra of two odd-Z chemical elements, the little-studied potassium and copper, whose nuclei are often thought to form in Cosmos through different astrophysical processes. The K I and Cu I atomic models have been developed and updated over the past decade and applied to determine non-LTE abundances of these elements in the hot and cool dwarfs, giants, and supergiants of different metallicities, from solar to extremely low metallicity. The abundances of potassium and copper in old metal-poor halo stars are of considerable interest because these objects bear the imprints of nucleosynthesis in Type II supernovae and hypernovae in the early Galaxy. The vast majority of the studies of the spectra of these atoms have been based on the assumption of LTE. In some cases, this approach has led to incorrect results, which have sometimes affected our understanding of evolutionary processes in stars and stellar systems. The main objective of this article is to highlight the importance of using the non-LTE stellar abundance data to improve or modify existing theoretical models of cosmic chemical evolution. In particular, significantly different results for the copper abundance in old Galactic stars were obtained compared to LTE data. This finding could inspire specialists working in the field of chemodynamic models to search for realistic pathways for the formation of this element in massive stars. Despite this, since the first non-LTE results on the copper abundance in the oldest Galactic stars, LTE data remained in use for several years. This situation seriously hinders progress in research into some certain aspects of cosmic nucleosynthesis. Full article

This paper examines the use of high-rigidity Tau-robots in friction stir welding, where process loads are very high. The rigidity of Tau-robots increases at the expense of the workspace. Therefore, the right configuration of the Tau-robot is sought to reconcile rigidity and workspace requirements. This is studied by use of kinematics, followed by static and modal analysis. In particular, by extending an existing kinematic model employing free vectors, the robot workspace was derived in non-dimensional parametric form and was then maximized through evolutionary optimization. However, finite element static and modal analysis that were carried out subsequently may prove, as in a case demonstrated here, that the optimized configuration may not withstand high loads, typically axial forces of 15 kN and torques of 80 Nm, and it may also be susceptible to forced vibrations in the typical spindle rotation range up to 3000 rpm. As a rectification measure, it was shown how a modified configuration by placing robot kinematic chain bases further apart and shortening robot links achieves higher rigidity, axial displacement being reduced by one or two orders of magnitude to below 1 mm and increases critical modal frequency 3 to 5 times depending on the workspace position, of course sacrificing part of the workspace, i.e., reducing it 3-fold to enclose welding lines in a rectangle of dimensions 700 × 800 mm. In the quest for the appropriate robot configuration desired dimensions of parts to be welded and available standard components are briefly considered, too. Full article

The quality of wind power output data directly impacts the assessment of wind farm operational status and the accuracy of power forecasting models. However, due to factors such as sensor precision, communication interference, and the complex harbor environment, raw data collected from port-area wind turbines often contain noise, outliers, and missing values. Without effective cleaning, the resulting power curves can be distorted, reducing the generalization capability of predictive models. To overcome the limitations of traditional outlier detection methods in terms of adaptability and robustness, this study proposes a two-stage port-area wind power data cleaning approach based on dynamic interquartile range and an improved Sigmoid function fitting. In the first stage, an adaptive binning and density-weighting mechanism dynamically expands the interquartile range to identify and remove local outliers across different wind speed intervals. In the second stage, the cleaned wind speed–power data are subjected to secondary fitting and residual analysis using an improved Sigmoid model to detect hidden anomalies and boundary-type outliers. Using measured data from the #1 WT in the Chuanshan Port area as a case study, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high data retention while outperforming the conventional interquartile range, density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise and isolation forest algorithms in terms of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.93) and the coefficient of determination (R² = 0.89), with mean squared error and root mean squared error reduced to 446.39 kW and 545.58 kW, respectively. The findings verify the efficiency, stability, and practical feasibility of the method for port-area wind power data cleaning, providing a reliable data foundation for wind power forecasting and operational optimization in port environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a heterogeneous multisystem disease caused by pathogenic transthyretin gene (TTR) variants. Increased awareness and availability of disease-modifying therapies have resulted in increased diagnoses, even in previously nonendemic regions. The aim of this study was to update the nationwide Austrian ATTRv registry by characterizing the clinical, genetic, and regional distribution of TTR variants. Methods: This multicenter, observational analysis examined ATTRv cases diagnosed in Austria between 2014 and 2025. Individuals were included according to the presence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) in TTR. Results: In total, 100 individuals were identified, including symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Compared with our previously presented data, the number of genetically confirmed ATTRv cases has more than doubled. Twenty-three TTR variants were identified. The most frequent pathologic variants were p.His108Arg (26%), p.Ile127Phe (11%), and p.Thr69Ile (9%), while p.Val113Leu (9%) represented the most frequent VUS. Significant regional clustering of p.His108Arg was documented in Vienna and Lower Austria. Other findings included a rising number of p.Val142Ile carriers and phenotypically relevant VUSs in 20 patients. Conclusions: Our findings revealed an increasing detection rate of ATTRv in a nonendemic European region. These data underscore the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation, cascade testing, and long-term monitoring to improve early diagnosis and timely management in hereditary amyloidosis. Full article

In this work, we derive necessary optimality conditions for a class of fractional variational problems involving Caputo-type derivatives. We consider functionals defined on appropriate spaces of absolutely continuous functions and study both periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions, treated in a unified framework. The analysis covers the cases $0<\alpha <1$ and $1<\alpha <2$, leading to fractional Euler–Lagrange equations supplemented by suitable transversality conditions. We further extend the results to problems with integral constraints and holonomic constraints, as well as to a fractional Herglotz variational principle. Full article

Climate change and growing water scarcity necessitate that irrigation districts allocate limited water resources more efficiently, with explicit consideration of multi-source uncertainties. To maximize the effective utilization coefficient of irrigation water, an uncertainty-informed optimization and dynamic regulation framework for agricultural water allocation (UODRA) was developed. The framework quantifies and characterizes uncertainties arising from meteorological forcings, soil heterogeneity, irrigation practices, and water losses during conveyance and field application. The fractional programming model derived therefrom is solved via Dinkelbach’s algorithm, and Monte Carlo simulation is adopted in a reduced scenario space to propagate the dominant uncertainty drivers and assess the distribution characteristics of outcomes and associated risks. A case study was conducted in the Fendong Irrigation District to evaluate three water supply scenarios. The results indicate that with sufficient water supply and diminishing marginal returns, the effective utilization coefficient of irrigation water increases accordingly. Uncertainty mainly exerts an impact on the degree of dispersion and downside risks rather than at the average level. Sensitivity analysis shows that efficiency-related perturbations are the primary drivers of output variability, and their impacts are greater than those of supply-side perturbations and demand-side variation in simulated irrigation demand. Further technical comparison reveals that the adoption of high-efficiency irrigation can significantly improve the performance at the regional level: under drip irrigation conditions, the efficiency reaches 0.614, while that of sprinkler irrigation is 0.499, with a simultaneous improvement in operational stability. Overall, UODRA provides a quantitative decision support method for robust irrigation water resource allocation and adaptive management under uncertain conditions. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming virology by strengthening pandemic preparedness, enhancing our molecular understanding of virus–host interactions, and accelerating the discovery and development of novel antiviral therapies. Yet, the same technologies also pose urgent biosecurity risks, particularly by enabling the development of bioweapons or identifying strategies that maximize harm. This paper presents a critical content analysis of current and emerging AI applications in virology, including tools used to detect synthetic alterations in viral genomes, assess the severity of new variants, and design clinical vectors for gene therapy. It also highlights the potential for misuse, whether intentional or due to poor data quality and flawed model training. Drawing on case studies, public databases, and documented applications from research institutions and biotechnology firms, the analysis shows that AI can integrate large datasets to reduce reliance on animal testing in drug development, improve therapeutic precision, and allocate resources more effectively during outbreaks. However, the increasing accessibility of AI tools and genomic data also creates vulnerabilities, especially as models become capable of autonomously interpreting the scientific literature and mining bioinformatics databases. To address this dual-use dilemma, the paper proposes targeted and adaptable policy recommendations for governments, research institutions, and commercial biotech firms, emphasizing pre-emptive oversight, responsible innovation, and ethical AI deployment. These recommendations are designed for immediate relevance yet flexible enough to evolve alongside the expanding role of AI in global health. Full article

Regional curtain grouting for water interception serves as a critical technique for achieving safe and efficient mining under complex hydrogeological conditions in deep mine deposits. This study focuses on the Cuihongshan Iron-Polymetallic Mine, where repeated incidents of water inrush and sand outbursts have occurred due to complex hydrogeological conditions. By identifying the water-conducting pathways and characterizing the spatial distribution of relative aquitards within the mining area, a precise hydrogeological model was established. On this basis, the engineering application and performance evaluation of horizontal curtain grouting were systematically investigated. Through field monitoring and multi-method joint analysis, the water-blocking effectiveness of the grouting technique was comprehensively assessed. The results demonstrate a significant sequential reduction in grout take per meter for primary, secondary, and tertiary grouting holes, indicating a clear cumulative grouting effect. The grout effectively filled karst fractures, forming a continuous and stable water-resisting curtain. The project successfully severed the hydraulic connection between the highly water-rich Quaternary aquifer and the mine workings, substantially reducing mine water inflow. This study provides important theoretical support and practical reference for water hazard control in similar deep metal mines. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes often develop silently and may remain undiagnosed for years. This is particularly relevant in regions where laboratory-based screening is not always readily accessible. Against this background, the present work explores whether multilead electrocardiography can provide physiologically meaningful markers potentially associated with disturbances in glucose metabolism. We developed and tested an upgraded wearable 12-lead ECG system capable of synchronized multichannel recording under controlled conditions. ECG signals were acquired in sitting and standing positions, with a sampling frequency of 500 Hz and a recording duration of one minute per posture. The hardware architecture included a high resolution analog front-end and wireless data transmission; the accompanying software provided acquisition control, preprocessing, visualization, and data storage within a unified framework. Signal processing focused on the extraction of rhythm-related and morphological parameters, with particular attention to ventricular repolarization indices. QT interval, heart rate–corrected QT (QTc), and QT dispersion (QTd) were calculated across leads, as these parameters are known to reflect heterogeneity of repolarization and autonomic influences on myocardial electrophysiology. The analysis was structured to ensure reproducible boundary detection and systematic feature formation rather than isolated parameter measurement. The study had a pilot character and included a limited and unbalanced sample (healthy n = 10; prediabetes n = 1; T2DM n = 1). For this reason, the results are presented descriptively and should be regarded as preliminary observations. In representative cases, differences in QT-related indices were noted between categories of glycemic status; however, the potential influence of age, sex, and other confounders cannot be excluded. A pilot expert comparison of T-wave end detection demonstrated close agreement between the automated algorithm and cardiologist assessment (mean Δ$T_{end}$ approximately −1 to −2 ms; MAE 10–24 ms). Diagnostic performance metrics such as ROC/AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were not calculated at this stage, as validation in a larger cohort with biochemical confirmation (HbA1c, OGTT) is required. The study demonstrates the technical feasibility of combining synchronized 12-lead wearable acquisition with structured multilead repolarization analysis. The proposed system should therefore be considered a research platform intended to support further clinical validation and methodological development rather than a finished screening solution. Full article

The development of sternal infection in neonates after cardiac defect correction using median sternotomy is a serious complication, increasing the length of hospital stay, mortality, and treatment costs. One effective method for preventing this complication is the local administration of antibiotics to the wound. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of local antibiotic application on renal and hepatic function in the postoperative period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the treatment of 130 newborns with congenital heart defects (CHDs) was conducted. A local antibiotic (vancomycin, 0.5–1 g) was administered to the wound during sternotomy closure to prevent sternal infection. Liver and kidney function were assessed based on changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine levels preoperatively and at 1 and 3 days postoperatively. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Friedman’s chi-square test. Results: In total, local vancomycin was administered to the wound during sternotomy closure in 130 newborns after the correction of CHDs. Thirty-three patients were excluded from the study because intraoperative signs of acute kidney injury were noted. Thus, 97 newborns were included in the study and there were no cases of sternal infection in this cohort of patients. According to the results from the statistical data analysis, the preoperative ALT level was lower (Md = 19.2) than the postoperative ALT level on the first day (Md = 23, p = 0.076). On the third day of postoperative observation, after the local application of vancomycin, the ALT level increased slightly, but remained within the normal range (Md = 26, p < 0.001). The AST level on the first day was higher (Md = 43.2) than the preoperative AST level (Md = 39, p = 0.002). However, on the third day after surgery, the AST level decreased (Md = 36.4, p = 0.059) and remained within the normal range. The differences in the dynamics of ALT levels on the third day and AST on the first day after surgery were statistically significant. These levels corresponded to normal levels, leading to the conclusion that the local application of vancomycin has no effect on the levels of AST and ALT. On the first day after surgery, creatinine values were lower (M = 58.3) than before (M = 62.3, p = 0.073). On the third day of postoperative observation, the creatinine values were lower than before surgery (M = 56.8, p = 0.009). Creatinine levels decreased after the local application of vancomycin. Conclusions: The use of vancomycin locally in the wound intraoperatively in newborns after CHD repair did not result in a clinically significant increase in ALT, AST, or creatinine in the blood plasma in the early postoperative period, proving that there were no negative effects on renal and hepatic function during three postoperative days. Full article