Search Results (12,048)

Cone Penetration Tests with pore pressure measurements (CPTu) are widely used in geotechnical site investigations due to their high-resolution profiling capabilities. However, traditional interpretation methods—such as the Soil Behavior Type Index ($I_c$)—often fail to capture the internal heterogeneity typical of mining tailings deposits. This study presents a machine learning-based approach to enhance stratigraphic interpretation from CPTu data. Four unsupervised clustering algorithms—k-means, DBSCAN, MeanShift, and Affinity Propagation—were evaluated using a dataset of 12 CPTu soundings collected over a 19-year period from an iron tailings dam in Brazil. Clustering performance was assessed through visual inspection, stratigraphic consistency, and comparison with $I_c$-based profiles. k-means and MeanShift produced the most consistent stratigraphic segmentation, clearly delineating depositional layers, consolidated zones, and transitions linked to dam raising. In contrast, DBSCAN and Affinity Propagation either over-fragmented or failed to identify meaningful structures. The results demonstrate that clustering methods can reveal behavioral trends not detected by $I_c$ alone, offering a complementary perspective for understanding depositional and mechanical evolution in tailings. Integrating clustering outputs with conventional geotechnical indices improves the interpretability of CPTu profiles, supporting more informed geomechanical modeling, dam monitoring, and design. The approach provides a replicable methodology for data-rich environments with high spatial and temporal variability. Full article

Background: Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) often develop non-thyroidal illness syndrome. Potentially, thyroid hormones may be removed during continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), as their molecular size is smaller than the filter pores’ cutoff. The study’s main aim was to assess whether the serum concentration of thyroid hormones changes over time during CVVHDF. Methods: This was a prospective observational trial that included 30 patients treated in an ICU. All patients developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and had clinical indications for implementation of CVVHDF. Blood samples were collected before initiation of CVVHDF and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days after. The last sample was collected three days after CVVHDF withdrawal. Thyroid function was evaluated by determining the serum concentration of TSH, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), free triiodothyronine (fT₃), free thyroxine (fT₄), total triiodothyronine (tT₃), total thyroxine (tT₄) and reverse triiodothyronine (rT₃). We additionally calculated the total activity of peripheral deiodinases (G_D) using a mathematical model. Results: TRH and TSH levels remained mostly within normal ranges. fT4 and tT4 were in normal range or slightly below. In contrast, fT3 and tT3 were undetectably low in most patients throughout. Reverse T3 levels remained within normal limits. There were no statistically significant changes in any thyroid hormone levels over the CVVHDF treatment period. The calculated peripheral G_D activity was lower than normal, but importantly, it did not change significantly over time. Conclusions: Thyroid hormones are not lost due to hemodiafiltration. Decreased deiodinases activity is responsible for alterations in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones in patients during CVVHDF. Full article

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to be a significant concern, despite the advancements in prognosis achieved through Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART). Neuropsychological assessment, recommended by international guidelines for HANDs diagnosis, can be resource-intensive. Brief screening tools, like the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), are crucial in facilitating initial evaluations. This study aims to assess the Italian IHDS (IHDS-IT) and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity in detecting cognitive impairment in HIV patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 294 patients aged ≥30 years, evaluated at the Immunology Unit of the University of Cagliari. Cognitive function was assessed using the MoCA and IHDS. Laboratory parameters, such as CD4 nadir, current CD4 count, and HIV-RNA levels, were also collected. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlation, Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis, and the Youden J statistic to identify the optimal IHDS-IT cut-off for cognitive impairment detection. Results: The IHDS and MoCA scores showed a moderate positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.411, p < 0.0001). ROC analysis identified an IHDS-IT cut-off of ≤9, yielding an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.76, sensitivity of 71.7%, and specificity of 67.2%. At this threshold, 73.1% of patients with MoCA scores below 23 also presented abnormal IHDS scores, highlighting the complementary utility of both cognitive assessment instruments. Conclusions: The IHDS-IT exhibited fair diagnostic accuracy for intercepting cognitive impairment, with a lower optimal cut-off than previously reported. The observed differences may reflect this study cohort’s demographic and clinical characteristics, including advanced age and long-lasting HIV infection. Further, longitudinal studies are necessary to validate these findings and to confirm the proposed IHDS cut-off over extended periods. Full article

This convergent mixed-methods study explores the lived experiences of Black women DEI leaders at predominantly white institutions within the context of an increasingly contentious national discourse surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education. Conducted prior to the 2024 election, a period marked by escalating resistance to DEI efforts, this research explores how America’s racial reckoning influenced institutional DEI initiatives and shaped the realities of those leading this work. Data were collected through a climate survey of 20 DEI administrators and semi-structured interviews with three senior-level Black women DEI leaders. The survey findings suggest that institutional commitments to DEI were largely reactive, emerging as crisis responses to national calls for racial justice. These efforts resulted in the short-term elevation of Black women into leadership roles, often without sustained structural support. The interview data revealed that Black women senior DEI leaders routinely encounter discrimination, marginalization, and the paradox of hypervisibility and invisibility within their roles. This study concludes with implications and suggestions for institutional policy and structural reform aimed at fostering more equitable and sustainable DEI leadership environments. Full article

IgG Fc binding protein (FcGBP) is a mucin-like protein that binds strongly to IgG and IgG–antigen complexes in intestinal mucus. FcGBP presence and its altered expression levels in meconium accumulating in the fetal intestine and amniotic fluid flowing in the intestine may provide new knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the immune adaptation of the fetus to extrauterine life. FcGBP concentrations were measured by ELISA in the first-pass meconium and amniotic fluid samples collected from 120 healthy neonates delivered by either vaginal birth (n = 35) or cesarean section (n = 85) at 36 to 41 weeks gestation. The meconium FcGBP concentrations (405.78 ± 145.22 ng/g) decreased (r = −0.241, p = 0.007) over the course of 36 to 41 weeks gestation, but there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the amniotic fluid FcGBP (135.70 ± 35.83 ng/mL) in the same period. Both meconium and amniotic fluid FcGBP concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in neonates delivered by cesarean section. Decreases in the meconium FcGBP concentrations correlated (r = −0.37, p = 0.027) with the gestational age in neonates delivered by vaginal birth but not in those delivered by cesarean section (p > 0.05). No association was found between the FcGBP concentrations in meconium and amniotic fluid and the birth weight (p > 0.05). With the development of the mucosal immune system in the fetal intestine over the course of the third trimester of gestation, the meconium FcGBP concentrations decrease. Increased FcGBP concentrations measured in the meconium and amniotic fluid of neonates delivered by cesarean section may possibly indicate altered intestinal mucosal function. Intrauterine growth is not associated with the intestinal mucosal barrier maturation involving FcGBP. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented social isolation measures, profoundly disrupting daily life, educational routines, and mental health worldwide. University students, already susceptible to psychological distress, encountered intensified challenges under remote learning and prolonged confinement. This longitudinal study examined fluctuations in anxiety and mood among 102 Brazilian university students during the pandemic, distinguishing between those solely engaged in academic pursuits and those simultaneously balancing work and study. Data collected via the Brunel Mood Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in April and July 2021 revealed that students exclusively focused on studies exhibited significant increases in depressive symptoms, anger, confusion, and anxiety, alongside diminished vigor. Conversely, participants who combined work and study reported reduced tension, fatigue, confusion, and overall mood disturbance, coupled with heightened vigor across the same period. Notably, women demonstrated greater vulnerability to anxiety and mood fluctuations, with socioeconomic disparities particularly pronounced among females managing dual roles, who reported lower family income. These findings suggest that occupational engagement may serve as a protective factor against psychological distress during crises, underscoring the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions and institutional support to mitigate the enduring impacts of pandemic-related adversities on the student population. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) often involves autonomic dysfunction, most notably impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), which disrupts cardiovascular homeostasis and contributes to orthostatic hypotension (OH). Pharmacological and invasive treatments, including deep brain stimulation, have yielded inconsistent benefits and carry procedural risks, highlighting the need for safer, more accessible alternatives. In this systematic review, we evaluated non-invasive interventions—spanning somatosensory stimulation, exercise modalities, thermal therapies, and positional strategies—aimed at improving cardiovascular autonomic function in PD. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eight original studies (n = 8) including 205 participants met the inclusion criteria for analyzing cardiac sympathovagal balance. Results: Five studies demonstrated significant post-intervention increases in BRS. Most reported favorable shifts in heart rate variability (HRV) and favorable changes in the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio. Across modalities, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by an average of 5%, and some interventions produced benefits that persisted up to 24 h. Conclusion: Although sample sizes were small and protocols heterogeneous, the collective findings support the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance BRS and overall cardiovascular regulation in PD. Future research should focus on standardized, higher-intensity or combined protocols with longer follow-up periods to establish durable, clinically meaningful improvements in autonomic function and quality of life for people living with PD. Full article

This study investigates the seasonal effectiveness of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers and window-opening behaviors in three London nurseries, using continuous indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 monitoring, window state and air purifier use, and occupant questionnaire data collected from March 2021 to February 2022. Of the approximately 40–50 nurseries contacted, only three agreed to participate. Results show that HEPA purifiers substantially reduced indoor particulate matter (PM_2.5), with the greatest effect observed during the heating season when windows remained closed for longer periods. Seasonal and behavioral analysis indicated more frequent and longer window opening in the non-heating season (windows were open 41.5% of the time on average, compared to 34.2% during the heating season) driven by both ventilation needs and heightened COVID-19 concerns. Predictive modeling identified indoor temperature as the main driver of window opening, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) had a limited effect. In addition, window opening often increased indoor PM_2.5 under prevailing outdoor air quality conditions, with mean concentrations rising from 2.73 µg/m³ (closed) to 3.45 µg/m³ (open), thus reducing the apparent benefit of air purifiers. These findings underscore the complex interplay between mechanical purification and occupant-controlled ventilation, highlighting the need to adapt indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies to both seasonal and behavioral factors in educational settings. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional education on nutritional knowledge, nutritional status, and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: Thirty patients participated. At baseline, assessments were conducted to collect data on demographics, physical activity, anthropometric and biochemical measures, dietary habits, 24 h food intake, nutritional status, quality of life, and nutritional knowledge. Participants received a 30 min face-to-face nutritional education session by a registered dietitian, repeated after one month. A follow-up phone call was conducted one month later to reinforce the education. Final evaluations were completed one month after the call. Results: A significant upward trend was detected in nutritional knowledge scores after the intervention period (from 7.4 ± 2.76 to 9.2 ± 3.45). The physical component of quality of life improved, while the mental component showed a slight decline. Dietary changes included reduced energy and protein intake among females and increased protein intake in males. In both genders, fat intake increased and carbohydrate intake decreased. Biochemical improvements were observed, including significant reductions in gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides in females and alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in males. Conclusions: Structured nutritional education may improve nutritional knowledge, dietary behavior, and biochemical markers in cirrhosis patients. Longer follow-up durations may further enhance these improvements. Full article

We studied Galápagos barn owls on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Archipelago. We collected and analyzed pellets to determine diet composition. Barn-owl diet consisted—in terms of biomass—of ~89% rodents and ~10% insects. Bird remains occurred in 1% of the pellets. Foraging was studied with data loggers, a method not previously applied to the study of Galápagos barn owls. Owls rested during the day in natural and human-built roosts such as lava holes, trees, or huts. Night-time foraging was characterized by periods during which the bird moved and periods during which the bird stayed within one place, with the latter amounting to ~56% of the time away from the day roost. Birds began foraging shortly after sunset and returned to their day roost before sunrise. The duration of foraging was approximately 11 h per night. Foraging areas were small (median value: 0.28 km²). Although our data demonstrate a continued presence of the subspecies, we regard the situation for this subspecies as labile, as multiple threats, such as road kills, poisoning, and intentional killing by farmers, have increased recently, and suggest the development of a management plan to improve its conservation. Full article

Accurate estimation of groundwater levels in river basins is essential for effective water resource planning. Innovations in deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have been introduced into this field to enhance the accuracy of long-term groundwater level estimation. This study employs the Transformer deep learning model to estimate groundwater levels, with a benchmark comparison against the long short-term memory (LSTM) model. These models were applied to estimate groundwater levels in the Yellow River Basin, where approximately 1100 monitoring wells are located. Monthly average groundwater level data from the period 2018–2023 were collected from these wells. The two models were used to estimate groundwater levels for the period 2003–2017 by incorporating remote sensing information. The Transformer model was enhanced to simultaneously capture features from both historical temporal data and surrounding spatial data, while automatically enhancing key features, effectively improving estimation accuracy and robustness. At the basin-averaged scale, the enhanced Transformer model outperformed the LSTM model: R² increased by approximately 17.5%, while RMSE and MAE decreased by approximately 12.4% and 10.9%, respectively. The proportion of poorly predicted samples decreased by an average of approximately 12.1%. The estimation model established in this study contributes to improving the quantitative analysis capability of long-term groundwater level variations in the Yellow River Basin. This could be helpful for water resource development planning in this densely populated region and likely has broad applicability in other river basins. Full article

Background/Objectives: Due to the significant overlap in symptoms between COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, a multiplex PCR-based platform was developed to simultaneously detect 22 respiratory pathogens. Target sequences were retrieved from the GenBank database and aligned using Clustal Omega 2.1 to identify conserved regions prioritized for primer design. Primers were designed using Primer Express^® 3.0.1 and evaluated in Primer Explorer to ensure specificity and minimize secondary structures. A multiplex strategy organized primers into three groups, each labeled with distinct fluorophores (FAM, VIC, or NED), allowing for detection by conventional PCR or capillary electrophoresis (CE). Methods: After reverse transcription for RNA targets, amplification was performed in a single-tube reaction. A total of 340 clinical samples—nasopharyngeal and saliva swabs—were collected from patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The automated analysis of electropherograms enabled precise pathogen identification. Results: Of the samples analyzed, 57.1% tested negative for all pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 was the most frequently detected pathogen (29%), followed by enterovirus (6.5%). Positive results were detected in both nasopharyngeal and saliva swabs, with SARS-CoV-2 predominating in saliva samples. Conclusion: This single-tube multiplex PCR-CE assay represents a cost-effective and robust approach for comprehensive respiratory pathogen detection. It enables rapid and simultaneous diagnosis, facilitating targeted treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Fixed-dose combinations of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe are increasingly used in clinical practice, but real-world data on their effectiveness and safety in large populations remain limited. Methods: This prospective, single-group, open-label, non-interventional observational study was conducted in the Republic of Korea to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rovazet^® (a fixed-dose combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe). Patients were prospectively enrolled from 235 institutions (50 general hospitals and 185 private clinics) as part of routine clinical practice over a five-year period. Lipid profiles and medication compliance questionnaire results were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 5527 patients with dyslipidemia, the majority were men (53.0%), and the mean age was 60.4 years. Rovazet^® significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 23.5% at 12 weeks (from 117.47 ± 50.65 mg/dL to 81.14 ± 38.20 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and by 27.4% at 24 weeks (from 117.47 ± 50.65 mg/dL to 74.52 ± 33.36 mg/dL; p < 0.0001). Total cholesterol was significantly reduced by 17.7% at 12 weeks and by 19.8% at 24 weeks. Rovazet^® treatment reduced triglycerides by 4.1% at 12 weeks and by 7.2% at 24 weeks. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 4.5% at 12 weeks and by 7.9% at 24 weeks following Rovazet^® treatment. These changes in lipid profiles were consistent, regardless of cardiovascular risk profiles. By 24 weeks of treatment with Rovazet^®, 91.8% of patients had reached their target LDL-C goals. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 2.81% of patients, most of which were minor, indicating that Rovazet^® was well tolerated. Conclusions: Rovazet^® was effective in improving lipid profiles and well tolerated in Korean adults with dyslipidemia. Full article

Objectives: Anisakidosis is an emerging, cosmopolitan, and underdiagnosed parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of third-stage anisakid larvae when consuming raw or improperly prepared seafood. Within hours to days of consuming infected raw seafood, patients may develop acute gastrointestinal symptoms including pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or constipation, as live anisakid larvae attach to the gastric, or more rarely, the intestinal mucosa. Cases have been reported in which the nematodes succeed at migrating from the stomach upwards to the esophagus and then the oral cavity. Therefore, the purpose of the present literature review is to collect, analyze, summarize and present the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data concerning anisakidosis localized inside the oral cavity. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases was performed with them being accessed for the last time on 29 March 2025. Results: The present literature review identified 13 individual case reports of oral mucosa anisakidosis, which were published in the period 1971–2022. Conclusions: Our review aims to summarize the relevant epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, parasitological, therapeutic, and prognostic data regarding the oral localization of anisakidosis, a helminthic infection caused by the accidental ingestion of live anisakid larvae and which manifests mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms. Its localization in the oral mucosa appears to be exceptionally rare and, in most cases, occurs with a characteristic clinical picture, defined by the onset of acute mouth or throat pain immediately after the consumption of raw seafood and by the observation of one or more larvae, either lying on or penetrating the oral mucosa. Despite its rarity, dental health professionals and other clinicians should be aware of this disease and the possibility of its intraoral localization, since environmental factors on the one hand, and the adoption of foreign dietary habits on the other, will likely make anisakidosis a much more common disease worldwide in the near future. Full article

Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low ruminal pH on blood concentrations of certain macrominerals, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins and on the oxidative status of dairy cows during the first half of lactation. Fifty-three randomly selected lactating Holstein cows were used; blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected from all cows on days 30, 90 and 150 of lactation. Blood samples were obtained via coccygeal venipuncture, while the ruminal fluid was obtained by rumenocentesis and the pH was measured immediately after collection. Using a threshold pH of 5.5, samples were classified as normal (pH > 5.5) or low pH (pH ≤ 5.5). Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K were not significantly affected by ruminal pH, either by days in milk or by their interaction (p > 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione followed the same trend (p > 0.05). Copper concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and Fe concentration tended to be higher in cows with low pH compared to those with normal pH (p = 0.052). On day 150 of lactation, Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were significantly higher in low-pH cows compared to normal-pH cows (p < 0.05). Low ruminal pH is associated with significant changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, and cobalt but has no significant effect on the oxidative status of the animals or on the serum concentrations of the macro elements and fat-soluble vitamins studied. Full article