Search Results (1,254)

Background: The aqueous and methanolic extracts (AE and ME) of Bergenia ciliata leaves have contradictory silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesis potential, influenced by photoirradiation. Method: In the current study, photoirradiation-mediated AgNP synthesis potential of two sub-extracts of ME, namely aqueous precipitated ME (PME) and aqueous dissolved ME (DME), were studied through comparison of their physicochemical properties. Results: In dark, DME demonstrated significant AgNP synthesis, whereas PME did not synthesize AgNPs. However, photoirradiation reversed the role of both the sub-extracts in nanoparticles synthesis. PME also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on AE-mediated AgNP synthesis in dark. GC-MS identified pyrogallol as the major reducing agent in both the sub-extracts. Photoirradiation significantly influenced the nanoparticle size and percent elemental composition of the AgNP. In dark, PME and DME produced AgNP of approx. 23.94 nm and 31.08 nm diameters, respectively, which significantly increased to 47.26 nm and 47.48 nm, respectively, on photoirradiation. Although no significant change in the percent silver composition was observed in PME-AgNP on photoirradiation (approx. 68%), DME demonstrated enhanced silver percent from approx. 58% to 72% on photoirradiation. Both DME- and PME-AgNPs were stable up to 15 days at 4 °C. Conclusions: PME has photoirradiation-mediated dual property of inhibition and enhancement of AgNPs synthesis. Full article

While large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek are evaluated based on their accuracy and truthfulness, “hallucinations” betray underlying structural limitations. These results are not simply incorrect answers, but statistical resonances; they are instances where models stabilize into statistically significant (though semantically unfounded) response patterns. Current frameworks fail to accommodate contextual semantics, experiential time, and intentionality as key dimensions for effective experience-based decision-making in complex digital spaces. This article presents an integration paradigm offered by the theory of uncertainty and incompleteness of information, extended by the Sophimatics approach with 2D complex time (t = t + i·t₀) and Super Time Cognitive Neural Network (STCNN) that provides both memory management, imagination enhancement, and creativity generation as computational primitives. By integrating probability with plausibility, credibility, and possibility, our model reconsiders the issue of evaluating the reliability of LLM results as a problem that goes beyond traditional probabilistic approaches. Accepting that hallucinations are an emerging phenomenon of resonance between statistical distributions, we suggest an extended probability method in which these resonances can be mitigated and directed towards a coherent cognitive understanding. The paper places this approach in the broader perspective of digital transformation at the information systems level and its implications for AI reliability, explainability, and adaptive decision-making in post-generative AI. Intuitive scenarios are described, based on the inclusion of complex time and Sophimatics in theoretical modelling, illustrating how prediction, historical-contextual adoption, and resistance to paradoxical or contradictory information are strengthened. The results point to this paradigm as a springboard for reliable, human-aligned AI capable of enabling digital transformation in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and governance. Full article

Skin disorders are a major global cause of morbidities, and increasing evidence links several to gut microbiome dysregulation. Because of this the bidirectional gut-skin axis, nutraceuticals have been proposed as therapeutic adjuncts, but their clinical effects across skin conditions remain unclear. To understand how pro/pre/synbiotics can affect health, we conducted a systematic review to investigate disease severity indices, inflammatory and immunological markers, quality of life, and changes in gut microbiota composition. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were utilized to identify relevant randomized clinical trials. Selected articles were pre-piloted for in-depth analysis and data extraction. We included 60 randomized controlled trials involving human participants with 5 dermatological conditions, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, chronic urticaria, and melasma, treated with probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics. Risk of bias was generally low across trials, with some having concerns. The SCORAD of the treated group was substantially lower than that of the placebo group in 30 of the 47 trials on atopic dermatitis. Inflammatory markers showed a range of results; some showed significant changes, while others produced contradictory results. Five trials that examined atopic dermatitis and psoriasis independently showed a significant improvement in Quality of Life. The PASI score was considerably lower in psoriasis in three of the five RCTs. Acne vulgaris, melasma, and chronic urticaria were not well documented. Major limitations included heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, small sample sizes, and inconsistent reporting of microbiome analyses. Nutraceuticals show potential as additional treatments, but further, large scale studies are required. Full article

Vitamin D is well established for its skeletal effects, being a cornerstone of several endocrine disorders. In recent years, it has come under investigation as a potential disease-modifying drug in several endocrine disorders through its immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic action, particularly in thyroid disease, gynecologic disorders, and general fertility. Vitamin D supplementation is well established in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, and primary hyperparathyroidism. In autoimmune thyroid disease, there is a negative correlation between 25(OH)D3 levels and prevalence. Currently available data are inconclusive on supplementation as a disease-modifying treatment. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, while some found improved thyroid function, a decline in progression, and antibody titers, these findings were not consistent, and some found no improvements. Painless postpartum thyroiditis severely lacks evidence. Interventional studies failed to demonstrate benefits in Graves’ disease. The literature consistently reports lower vitamin D levels in infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. In PCOS, data suggest that vitamin D supplementation is beneficial; however, results in exact benefits vary and there is no consensus on dosing. Current guidelines support supplementation as part of preconception nutritional care. In general, for female infertility and endometriosis, the results are conflicting, with a lack of high-quality evidence. The literature suggests there is a possible benefit regarding sperm motility, but not in testosterone levels for males. In conclusion, while in vitro studies and animal models are promising, the available evidence is often contradictory, with high heterogeneity in study designs and populations. Our paper highlights the need for further high-quality research to resolve current controversies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between time spent on social media and eating behaviours among young Australian adults. It also examined the types of content discussed and linguistic styles used by health and nutrition content creators on Instagram. Methods: Young adults (aged 18–30 years) who reported viewing social media for nutrition or health content were recruited to complete a self-administered, cross-sectional survey. Data on demographics, time spent on Instagram and TikTok, health content creators viewed, and responses to the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviours (SESMEB) were collected. Associations between time spent on Instagram and TikTok and SESMEB scores were analysed. Inductive content and thematic analysis were conducted on health-related posts from Instagram accounts viewed by study participants. Results: From the 57 participants who completed the demographic survey, 42 participants completed the full study including the SESMEB survey. There was no significant association between SESMEB score and time spent on Instagram (p = 0.38) or TikTok (p = 0.40). A total of 1420 Instagram posts from 71 distinct content creators were analysed. Health and fitness product endorsements or advertisements (56.3%), predominantly posted by laypersons (55.3%), were the most common type of post in the sample. The most common communication style was ‘expert advice’ (47.9%), with ‘informal language’ (85.9%) as the dominant linguistic style. Results from thematic analysis suggest health and nutrition information on social media is often presented to consumers in emotionally charged, stylised, or contradictory ways and requires users to sift through conflicting messages, aesthetics, and ideologies to construct their own understanding of health. Conclusions: This study suggests that young adults are primarily exposed to health and fitness product promotions from unqualified content creators on social media. Dietitians and nutrition professionals may need to consider adopting specific linguistic and communication styles to enhance the dissemination and engagement of credible nutrition information online. These findings have implications for improving digital health literacy and strengthening the impact of evidence-based nutrition messaging in digital environments. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), widely recognized as a whitening food additive, has been extensively employed in food products such as confectionery, sauces, and coffee creamers. The potential genotoxicity of TiO₂ has recently raised increasing concern, especially after the European Union prohibited its use as a food additive due to genotoxicity risks. The contradictory outcomes of in vitro and in vivo studies emphasize the necessity for more rigorous and systematic evaluation. In this study, we assessed the potential genotoxicity of food-grade TiO₂ in human intestinal cell lines and intestinal barrier models. Three distinct genotoxicity assays were conducted: the comet assay (DNA tail formation), chromosomal aberration analysis, and the micronucleus assay. The results revealed that TiO₂ exposure led to DNA damage primarily associated with oxidative stress in various intestinal cell systems at actual intake levels, regardless of metabolic activation; however, it did not trigger chromosomal aberrations or micronucleus formation. Thus, TiO₂ appears to cause in vitro genotoxic damage at the DNA level, but not at macroscopic endpoints, such as chromosomal aberrations or micronucleus formation. Further in-depth in vivo study is required to definitively determine the potential genotoxicity of TiO₂ in the food industry. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease is characterized by the progressive loss of functioning nephrons due to structural and functional alterations in the kidneys. It is clinically defined through the presence of a glomerular filtration rate below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or persistent kidney damage lasting at least three months. Patients undergoing haemodialysis frequently present with sarcopenia and frailty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intradialytic exercise on sarcopenia and frailty in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were executed in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and Dialnet. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) on haemodialysis who engaged in exercise interventions compared with passive control groups. Exclusion criteria included any conditions conflicting with the inclusion criteria, systematic reviews, study protocols, and articles not meeting the PICO framework or contradictory to the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of interest were sarcopenia and frailty, assessed through measures of physical function and muscle strength. Methodological quality was appraised using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions consisted of aerobic training, resistance training, or combined exercise programs. Across studies, exercise interventions consistently improved physical function and muscle strength, although no significant effects on body composition were observed. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence that intradialytic exercise may produce clinically relevant improvements in sarcopenia by enhancing muscle strength and functional performance, as measured by tests such as the sitting-to-standing test. These results suggest that intradialytic exercise could be beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease. Full article

Background: Vaspin (also known as serpinA12) is a recent discovery among adipokines. It plays a significant role in obesity-related conditions, many of which are classified as chronic, inflammatory or lifestyle diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, vaspin has been investigated as a biomarker and potential therapeutic agent. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases using the phrases “vaspin” and “serpinA12” to summarize the most recent and influential research concerning vaspin’s mechanisms and influence on various tissues. Results and Conclusions: Vaspin is notably involved in metabolic syndrome, and it is generally associated with mitigating conditions like insulin resistance and obesity-related chronic inflammation. In addition, its beneficial effects on endothelial and smooth muscle cells under hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions are also well documented. There is growing evidence that vaspin positively impacts cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of ischemic stroke and the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, some studies suggest a direct influence of vaspin on the central nervous system, with its administration shown to reduce the expression of neuropeptide Y, a key regulator of food intake. Many of the reviewed sources highlight vaspin not only as a possible biomarker but also as a promising therapeutic candidate. However, despite intensive research on vaspin over the past 20 years, there are significant disparities between animal and in vitro studies versus human studies. A further limitation in the field is the lack of standardization in research methodologies, which contributes to inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results. Full article

This work represents the natural continuation of the development of the cognitive architecture developed and named Sophimatics, organically integrating the spatio-temporal processing mechanisms of the Super Time Cognitive Neural Network (STCNN) with the advanced principles of Sophimatics. Sophimatics’ goal is as challenging as it is fraught with obstacles, but its ultimate aim is to achieve a more humanized post-generative artificial intelligence, capable of understanding and analyzing context and evaluating the user’s purpose and intent, viewing time not only as a chronological sequence but also as an experiential continuum. The path to achieving this extremely ambitious goal has been made possible thanks to some previous work in which the philosophical thinking of interest in AI was first inherited as the inspiration for the aforementioned capabilities of the Sophimatic framework, then the issue of mapping concepts and philosophical thinking in Sophimatics’ AI infrastructure was addressed, and finally a cognitive-inspired network such as STCNN was created. This work, on the other hand, addresses the challenge of how to endow the infrastructure with both chronological and experiential time and its powerful implications, such as the innate ability to resolve paradoxes, which generative AI does not have among its prerogatives precisely because of structural limitations. To reach these results, the model operates in the two-dimensional complex time domain ℂ², extending cognitive processing capabilities through the implementation of dual temporal operators that simultaneously manage the real temporal dimension, where past, present, and future are managed and the imaginary one, that considers memory, creativity, and imagination. The resulting architecture demonstrates superior capabilities in resolving informational paradoxes and integrating apparently contradictory cognitive states, maintaining computational coherence through adaptive Sophimatic mechanisms. In conclusion, this work introduces Phase 4 of the Sophimatic framework, enabling management of two-dimensional time within a novel cognitively inspired neural architecture grounded in philosophical concepts. It connects with existing research on temporal cognition, hybrid symbolic–connectionist models, and ethical AI. The methodology translates philosophical insights into formal computational systems, culminating in a mathematical formalization that supports two-dimensional temporal reasoning and paradox resolution. Experimental results demonstrate efficiency, predictive accuracy, and computational feasibility, highlighting potential real-world applications, future research directions, and present limitations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stability, retention, and support are removable partial denture (RPD) biomechanical principles. The literature shows contradictory opinions on indirect retention in RPDs, but no solid scientific evidence exists. This in vitro research aims to analyze indirect retainers’ (IRs) influence on forces transmitted to abutment teeth of a Kennedy Class I mandibular RPD. Methods: Bilateral distal-extension mandibular RPDs—differing only in the presence or absence of an IR on tooth 44 (IR model vs. nonIR model, respectively)—were installed on an acrylic master model. Tensile forces were applied perpendicularly to the occlusal plane on the longest free-end saddle’s distal aspect. Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) measurements were obtained with and without an IR. The three-dimensional out-of-plane displacements of both models were acquired. Results: Abutment teeth 46 and 47 contralateral to the longest distal extension suffered more deformation under displacement forces when an IR was used. In turn, the IR’s influence on the deformation values of the abutment tooth 34 adjacent to the larger edentulous area depended on the intensity of the tensile force exerted: low-intensity forces resulted in reduced deformation, while higher-intensity forces resulted in higher deformation. Conclusions: This study’s findings indicate that indirect retention promotes better tensile force distribution in the existent teeth. However, they also question the IR’s role in protecting abutment teeth against excessive torque forces. This study’s preliminary results highlight the need for research on indirect retention principles using new methodologies, namely, in silico and ex vivo studies, and their experimental and clinical validation. Full article

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of periodontal disease (PD). Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that a diet rich in antioxidants, such as several vitamins and essential minerals, may positively affect periodontal health. However, the evidence from the relevant literature is yet inconclusive. Studies evaluating the levels of intake of nutritional antioxidants in relation to periodontal status demonstrate contradictory results. This inconsistency could be attributed to heterogeneity in study design and methodological limitations, such as the small sample size, the assessment of periodontal status based on partial mouth measurements that usually underestimate the actual severity of PD, the lack of adjustment for confounders, which may obscure any potential but weak effect of nutrition, and the use of a 24 h recall to assess nutrient intake. Regarding the intervention studies that evaluated the effect of nutritional antioxidant supplementation as an adjunct to periodontal therapy, again, the results are not consistent. Few studies are randomized, and often different nutritional supplements are combined, making it difficult to distinguish the actual effect of each nutrient. Moreover, the dosage and duration of use of these supplements vary, rendering comparisons impossible. Therefore, better designed studies are necessary for the future. The assessment methods used for both PD and vitamin/mineral intake need to be more accurate and standardized to improve comparability. Also, prospective longitudinal and randomized controlled studies are important to establish the optimal dosing and the long-term effects of vitamin/mineral supplementation on periodontal health in different patient populations. Full article

HIV-induced apoptosis is a contradictory complicated phenomenon that occurs at the intersection of viral persistence and host defense. HIV primarily affects CD4 T cells during an infection, causing widespread immune cell death through both direct infection and indirect (bystander) mechanisms. This immunopathologic process is caused by viral proteins such as Tat, Nef, Env, and Vpr, which modify host signaling cascades such as the PI3K/Akt, p53, NF-κB, and mitochondrial pathways. Dysregulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic mediators, particularly Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase activation, which results in mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress, and cytochrome c release, exacerbates immune depletion. Although apoptosis serves as a host antiviral mechanism to limit viral replication and spread, HIV exploits it to evade immune surveillance and establish chronic infection. HIV pathogenesis, which includes lymphoid tissue destruction, microbial translocation, and persistent inflammation, is significantly influenced by apoptosis of both infected and bystander cells. Furthermore, alterations in death receptor signaling (Fas/FasL and TNF pathways) and mitochondrial dysfunction highlight the delicate balance between immune defense and viral manipulation. Despite considerable progress in antiretroviral therapy, immune restoration is still incomplete due to ongoing apoptotic loss and immune exhaustion. This review examines the biological mechanisms underlying HIV-induced apoptosis, evaluates the dual role of cell death in host defense versus viral persistence, and highlights novel therapeutic targets intended to restore immune homeostasis and reduce HIV-associated immunopathology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although parental mediation has been widely recognized as a protective factor against cyberbullying, evidence regarding restrictive mediation remains inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. This inconsistency underscores the need to identify potential moderators. The present study examines whether parent–child relationship qualities (trust and alienation) and child gender moderate the associations between restrictive mediation and both cyber-aggression and cyber-victimization. Methods: Participants included 2075 adolescents (M_age = 16.50, SD = 3.11; 926 boys) from Grades 7–12 in urban China. Self-report measures assessed restrictive mediation, parent–child trust and alienation, and adolescents’ involvement in cyber-aggression and cyber-victimization. Results: Parental restrictive mediation and parent–child alienation were positively associated with adolescents’ cyber-aggression and cyber-victimization, whereas parent–child trust was negatively associated with both outcomes. Moreover, parent–child alienation significantly moderated the associations between parental restrictive mediation and cyberbullying, such that restrictive mediation predicted higher levels of cyber-aggression and cyber-victimization under conditions of greater alienation. These moderating effects were particularly pronounced among boys, whereas for girls, the association was weaker or non-significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that inconsistencies in prior research may be explained by variations in parent–child alienation and gender. The results highlight the need to foster trust and reduce alienation in parent–child relationships, rather than relying solely on restrictive Internet control, to prevent adolescents’ involvement in cyberbullying. Full article

Ground deformation data are crucial for understanding the processes driving volcanic unrest. The current unrest at the Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy, presents a significant challenge, primarily due to the presence of inconsistencies between seismic data and recent ground deformation model outcomes. While there are no seismic indicators of magma movement during the period of unrest, the analysis of ground deformation yielded mutually contradictory results. Despite the indications from prior analyses that the shape of the ground deformation field remains almost constant over time, recent findings based on different DInSAR (Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) time series suggest the upward migration of an ellipsoidal magmatic body at shallow depths, as well as significant changes to its shape. These findings carry strong implications for the related volcanic risk. By comparing DInSAR and GPS (Global Positioning System) displacement time series in detail, we identified a bias in the DInSAR time series used to support the upward migration and shape changes in magmatic bodies. The results of this paper emphasize that the source of ground deformation during the current unrest at Campi Flegrei is quasi-stationary, with no clear evidence of magma migration. Full article

Studies of the genomic stability of Ewing sarcoma (EwS) have produced contradictory findings. While they are generally characterized by low mutation rates of individual genes, several cases exhibit genomic alterations that manifest as chromosomal gains and losses. Taken together, these alterations represent independent biomarkers for EwS, such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) or an altered genome. Patients with primary EwS tumors with fewer than three copy number alterations (CNAs) have a better prognosis than those with more CNAs. The functional mechanisms underlying this chromosomal instability are not yet clear. However, there are indications that this may be directly caused by the EWSR1::ETS translocations that are characteristic of EwS. The transcriptional behavior of the chimeric transcription factor EWSR1-FLI1 leads to the formation of R-loop DNA–RNA hybrids that form when RNA binds back to DNA during transcription and increased replication stress, which may result in structural chromosomal changes. Additionally, the formation of EWSR1 fusion genes in EwS results in the loss of one or both wild-type EWSR1 alleles in sarcoma cells. As chromosome segregation has been observed under loss of wild-type EWSR1, EWSR1 loss has been proposed as a potential source of LOH. So, it is highly probable that a chromosomal translocation and the subsequent formation of the EWSR1-ETS fusion protein cause the genomic alterations in EwS. This indicates that targeted therapy should be directed against the CNA and LOH biology caused by the fusion protein. Full article