Search Results (253)

It is widely accepted that chronic inflammation constitutes a significant mechanism that promotes the biological aging process. The pineal gland is regarded as being closely related to the control of the “life clock”. The present study aimed to determine the inflammation associated with pinealectomy in the rat hippocampus and to investigate the extent to which age stage impacts the severity of this inflammation. We evaluated the expression of the Akt/NF-kB signaling pathway in neurons and gliosis level in the dorsal hippocampus (dHipp) of rats subjected to sham surgery or pinealectomy at 3, 14, or 18 months of age. The assessment was conducted using immunohistochemistry. Removal of the pineal gland resulted in significant, region-specific increases in NF-kB expression in neurons of the dHipp in the youngest and middle-aged groups. However, the change in expression of the phosphorylated form of Akt (pAkt1) in neurons went in the opposite direction in these two age groups, and there were also regional differences. Pinealectomy triggered microgliosis in both young and old rats, but middle-aged rats were resistant to microglia activation. Conversely, astrogliosis was observed in young adult and middle-aged groups with melatonin deficiency in certain regions of the dHipp. It is noteworthy that young adult rats demonstrated the highest degree of vulnerability to inflammation associated with the loss of melatonin as a hormone. In contrast, middle-aged rats with pinealectomy exhibited a complex and partial adaptive response. These findings emphasize the dynamic and age-dependent nature of neuroinflammation following pinealectomy, underscoring the developmental stage as a critical determinant of inflammatory susceptibility. Full article

Background: A comprehensive physical therapy process includes prevention against musculoskeletal overload syndromes. Monitoring the occurrence of motor control disorders is one of the tools for preventing overload syndromes of the musculoskeletal system and consequent injuries. Assessing motor control and preventive actions can contribute to minimizing the risk of a soldier being removed from duty, reducing the likelihood of injury and thus preventing job loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate directional control of the lumbar spine using the dissociation tests included in the Kinetic Control physiotherapy method. This physiotherapeutic method is used to identify and assess the occurrence and therapy of motor control disorders, including uncontrolled movement in the locomotor system. Methods: Twenty-three soldiers (40.26 ± 4.5 age) from special units of the Polish Armed Forces were qualified for a one-time assessment. The research methods included the evaluation of motor control using dissociation tests based on the physiological method of kinetic control. The control of the lumbar spine in the directions of flexion, extension, and rotation during hip joint movements was evaluated. Uncontrolled movement was understood as the inability to maintain a stationary lumbar spine in a neutral position during specific directions of hip joint movement included in the tests. Results: The survey showed that the area of pain reported by the operators was the lumbar spine in the last three months. 69.57% of the respondents indicated that this area was the site of their complaints. The results of the motor examination showed statistically significant test results (p-value < 0.0001) indicating the presence of motor control disorders in the form of uncontrolled movement of the lumbar spine in control tests for flexion, rotation, and extension. Conclusions: The main results of the present study showed the appearance of interference with the functional movement patterns of the lumbar spine in a group of special unit operators. Impaired control of movement was observed in the direction of flexion, rotation, and lumbar extension, which may be potentially associated with the generation of lumbar spine pain syndromes. Full article

The observed increase in the diversity and level of pollutant content in the water environment forces the development of more effective technologies for their removal. Using nanomaterials in water and wastewater treatment offers numerous opportunities to remove organic and inorganic contaminants that are hardly removable in conventional processes. In this group, carbon-based nanomaterials, mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene (Gr), and graphene oxide (GO), are very popular. This review aims to present the directions and diversity of applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) in water and wastewater technology, as well as the challenges and environmental dangers that new solutions entail. Authors also present the results of the research on the changes in properties of GO produced in the laboratory as water suspension and a freeze-dried product over time. The results confirm the significant influence of the form of graphene oxide and its storage time on the structural properties, hydrophilicity, and stability of GO. Therefore, they should be considered when selecting an adsorbent or reaction catalyst in environmental applications for developing new greener and sustainable methods of treatment and purification, which use fewer reagents and release safer products. Full article

Background: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the penile albuginea. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the development of the disease, prompting us to investigate OS levels at the site of the disease and in peripheral blood. This article presents our second study in which the OS was evaluated by calculating the OS index (OSI) in blood samples taken directly from the penile corpora cavernosa of patients with PD. Our innovative diagnostic method, which focuses on the analysis of oxidative stress (OS) in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, allows us to accurately identify the “chemical” signals (OS levels) of the pathology in the area where it is present. Methods: Our study included 102 PD patients from our Peyronie’s care center and 100 control cases. To conduct a comprehensive OS analysis, we measured both the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI) as OSI = TOS/TAS × 100. Blood samples were collected from the penis and a vein in the upper extremity, and OS was measured using d-ROMs and PATs (FRAS kit). Results: Pearson’s analyses revealed a significant statistical correlation between penile OSI values and PD plaque volumes (p = 0.003), while no correlation was found between systemic OSI values and plaque volumes (p = 0.356). Penile OSI values decreased significantly after PD plaque removal (p < 0.0001). A comparison of penile OSI values in PD patients (post plaque removal) and the control group showed no significant differences (p = 0.418). Conclusions: The lack of correlation between systemic OSI values and Peyronie’s plaque volume suggests that direct sampling from the site of the disease is preferable for OS studies. Conducting a penile OSI study could provide a precise oxidative marker dependent on plaque volume. In addition, the penile OSI study can biochemically monitor the therapeutic result, alongside penile ultrasound imaging. Full article

Biochar, a porous carbonaceous material derived from the pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions, offers several advantages for environmental remediation, including a high specific surface area, ease of preparation, and abundant raw material sources. However, the application of pristine biochar is limited by its inherent physicochemical shortcomings, such as a lack of active functional groups and limited elemental compositions. To overcome these limitations, metal-modified biochars have garnered increasing attention. In particular, iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) modification significantly enhances the adsorption capacity, redox potential, and microbial activity of biochar, owing to the synergistic interactions between Fe and Mn. Iron-manganese-modified biochar (FM-BC) has demonstrated effective removal of heavy metals, organic matter, phosphate, and nitrate through mechanisms including mesoporous adsorption, redox reactions, complexation, electrostatic interactions, and precipitation. Moreover, FM-BC can improve soil physicochemical properties and support plant growth, highlighting its promising potential for broader environmental application. This review summarizes the preparation methods, environmental remediation mechanisms, and practical applications of FM-BC and discusses future directions in mechanism elucidation, biomass selection, and engineering implementation. Overall, FM-BC, with its tunable properties and multifunctional capabilities, emerges as a promising and efficient material for addressing complex environmental pollution challenges. Full article

Biomimetic lattice structures, inspired by natural architectures such as bone, coral, mollusk shells, and Euplectella aspergillum, have gained increasing attention for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, energy absorption, and deformation control. These properties make them ideal for advanced engineering applications in aerospace, biomedical devices, and structural impact protection. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on biomimetic lattice structures published between 2020 and 2025, aiming to identify thematic trends, collaboration patterns, and underexplored areas. A curated dataset of 3685 publications was extracted from databases like PubMed, Dimensions, Scopus, IEEE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct and merged together. After the removal of duplication and cleaning, about 2226 full research articles selected for the bibliometric analysis excluding review works, conference papers, book chapters, and notes using Cite space, VOS viewer version 1.6.20, and Bibliometrix R packages (4.5. 64-bit) for mapping co-authorship networks, institutional affiliations, keyword co-occurrence, and citation relationships. A significant increase in the number of publications was found over the past year, reflecting growing interest in this area. The results identify China as the most prolific contributor, with substantial institutional support and active collaboration networks, especially with European research groups. Key research focuses include additive manufacturing, finite element modeling, machine learning-based design optimization, and the performance evaluation of bioinspired geometries. Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence into structural modeling is accelerating a shift toward data-driven design frameworks. However, gaps remain in geometric modeling standardization, fatigue behavior analysis, and the real-world validation of lattice structures under complex loading conditions. This study provides a strategic overview of current research directions and offers guidance for future interdisciplinary exploration. The insights are intended to support researchers and practitioners in advancing next-generation biomimetic materials with superior mechanical performance and application-specific adaptability. Full article

Carbonaceous sorbents were prepared from Chlorella vulgaris via hydrothermal carbonization (200 °C and 250 °C) and slow pyrolysis (300–500 °C) to assess their effectiveness in removing the herbicide metribuzin from water. The biomass was cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions, allowing for consistent feedstock quality and traceability throughout processing. Using a single microalgal feedstock for both thermal methods enabled a direct comparison of hydrochar and pyrochar properties and performance, eliminating variability associated with different feedstocks and allowing for a clearer assessment of the influence of thermal conversion pathways. While previous studies have examined algae-derived biochars for heavy metal adsorption, comprehensive comparisons targeting organic micropollutants, such as metribuzin, remain scarce. Moreover, few works have combined kinetic and isotherm modeling to evaluate the underlying adsorption mechanisms of both hydrochars and pyrochars produced from the same algal biomass. Therefore, the materials investigated in the present work were characterized using a combination of standard physicochemical and structural techniques (FTIR, SEM, BET, pH, ash content, and TOC). The kinetics of sorption were also studied. The results show better agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, consistent with chemisorption, except for the hydrochar produced at 250 °C, where physisorption provided a more accurate fit. Freundlich isotherms better described the equilibrium data, indicating heterogeneous adsorption. The hydrochar obtained at 200 °C reached the highest adsorption capacity, attributed to its intact cell structure and abundance of surface functional groups. The pyrochar produced at 500 °C exhibited the highest surface area (44.3 m²/g) but a lower affinity for metribuzin due to the loss of polar functionalities during pyrolysis. This study presents a novel use of Chlorella vulgaris-derived carbon materials for metribuzin removal without chemical activation, which offers practical benefits, including simplified production, lower costs, and reduced chemical waste. The findings contribute to expanding the applicability of algae-based sorbents in water treatments, particularly where low-cost, energy-efficient materials are needed. This approach also supports the integration of carbon sequestration and wastewater remediation within a circular resource framework. Full article

Background and Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that compromises the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to irreversible tissue damage and tooth loss. While subgingival professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) remains the gold standard treatment, there is increasing interest in adjunctive therapies. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained attention as a promising biomaterial to enhance periodontal healing and regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and immunological effectiveness of PRF as an adjunct to PMPR. Materials and Methods: Clinical studies published between January 2019 and August 2024 were included from the ProQuest, PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and EBSCO databases. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on adults with periodontitis treated with PRF + PMPR compared to PMPR alone. Primary outcomes included changes in clinical and immunological parameters. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB2 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using both fixed-effect and random-effects models, depending on heterogeneity. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes in the PRF + PMPR group, with reductions in probing pocket depth (SMD: −1.43 mm; 95% CI: −2.05 to −0.81; p < 0.00001), clinical attachment level (SMD: −1.34 mm; 95% CI: −1.95 to −0.73; p < 0.0001), bleeding on probing (SMD: −0.75 mm; 95% CI: −1.11 to −0.39; p < 0.00001), gingival recession (SMD: −0.79 mm; 95% CI: −1.33 to −0.25; p = 0.004), and gingival index (SMD: −0.82 mm; 95% CI: −1.37 to −0.28; p = 0.003). Favorable trends were also observed in IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF-BB, periostin, and type I collagen levels. Conclusions: PRF enhances clinical and immunological outcomes and supports periodontal tissue stability when used as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Operating rooms represent valuable and pivotal units of any hospital. Therefore, their management affects healthcare service delivery through rescheduling, staff shortage/overtime, cost inefficiency, and patient dissatisfaction, among others. To optimize scheduling, we aim to assess preoperative evaluation criteria that influence the prediction of surgery duration for gastric cancer (GC) patients. In GC, radical surgery with curative intent is the ideal treatment. Nevertheless, the intervention sometimes must be palliative if the patient’s status and tumor staging prove too advanced. Methods: A 6-year retrospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary care hospital, including all cases diagnosed with GC (ICD-10 code C16), confirmed through histopathology, and undergoing surgical treatment (N = 108). Results: The results of our study confirm male predominance (63.89%) among GC surgery candidates while bringing new perspectives on patient evaluation criteria and choice of surgical intervention (curative—Group 1, palliative—Group 2). Surgery duration, including anesthesiology (175.19 [95% CI (157.60–192.77)] min), shows a direct correlation with the number of lymph nodes dissected (Surgical duration [min] = 10.67 × No. of lymph nodes removed − 32.25). Interestingly, the aggressiveness of the tumor based on histological grade (highly differentiated being generally less aggressive than poorly differentiated) shows differential correlation with surgery duration among curative and palliative surgery candidates. Similarly, TNM staging indicates the need for a longer surgical duration (pTNM stage IIA, IIB, and IIIA) for curative interventions in patients with less advanced stages, as opposed to shorter surgery duration for palliative interventions (pTNM stage IIIC and IV). Conclusions: The study quantitatively presents the resources needed for the optimal surgical treatment of different groups of GC patients, as the disease coding systems in use regard the treatment of each pathology as “standard” in terms of patient management. The results obtained are anchored in the global perspectives of surgical outcomes and aim to improve the management of operating room scheduling, staff, and resources. Full article

Satureja montana L. (winter savory, family Lamiaceae) is an aromatic herb that is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region. In a prior study, the optimization of the green hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)-glycerol-assisted extraction procedure of S. montana was performed. As a result, four extracts abundant in total phenols (OPT-TP), total phenolic acids including rosmarinic acid (OPT-TPA-RA), total flavonoids (OPT-TF), and luteolin derivatives (OPT-LG) showing anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase properties, were prepared. Subsequently, we further explored the phytochemical, dermatological, and cosmeceutical potentials of these extracts, evaluating their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-ultraviolet (UV) absorption activities. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the extracts and their wound-healing properties were assessed using HaCaT cells. The results indicate that the extracts exhibited excellent antioxidant and cosmeceutical activities, which surpassed the activities of the employed standards in several assays (DPPH antiradical activity, β-carotene-linoleic acid, anti-lipoxygenase, anti-heat-induced ovalbumin coagulation, and UV absorbance assays). Furthermore, the extracts preserved more than 80% of the HaCaT cell viability at concentrations up to 62.5 µL extract/mL and also enhanced wound healing in the in vitro scratch wound-healing model. For example, the application of OPT-TP and OPT-TF led to 48.6% ± 3.3% and 48.6% ± 5.4% wound closure, respectively, after 48 h, compared to 34.8% ± 2.3% in the control group. The extracts exhibited excellent bioactivities, making them promising candidates for the development of cosmeceutical products, while their high biocompatibility indicates that they are suitable for direct application in cosmetics without prior solvent removal. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit altered neural connectivity and disrupted brain network dynamics, which can be captured through EEG microstate analysis. Most research to date has focused on older children, adolescents, or adults with ASD, while studies focusing on preschool-aged children with ASD remain limited. Given that early brain development is critical for understanding the onset and progression of ASD, more research targeting this age group is essential. Methods: In this study, resting EEG data were collected from 59 preschool-aged children with ASD and 59 typically developing (TD) participants. Results: The results revealed a reduction in global explained variance and coverage of microstate in children with ASD, indicating poorer social performance that was independent of alpha power after the removal of the 1/f-like aperiodic signal. These findings reflect the social symptoms commonly observed in ASD. Additionally, alpha power was found to modulate the occurrence and duration of microstates in both groups. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that atypical microstates can serve as reliable biomarkers for ASD, offering valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the disorder and paving the way for future research directions. Full article

As the sea ice reduces in both extent and thickness and the Arctic Ocean opens, there is substantial interest in mapping the marine ecosystem in this remote and until now largely inaccessible ocean. We used the R/V Kronprins Haakon during surveys in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO) in 2022 and 2023 to record the marine ecosystem using modern fisheries acoustics and net sampling. The 2022 survey reached all the way to the North Pole. In a first, principally manually based post-processing of these acoustic recordings using the Large-Scale Survey Post-processing System (LSSS), much effort was used to remove segments of noise due to icebreaking operations. In a second, more sophisticated post-processing, the KORONA module of LSSS with elements of machine learning was applied for further noise reduction and to allocate the area back-scattering recordings to taxonomic groups as order, families and even species of fish and plankton organisms. These results highlight the need for further advances in post-processing systems to enable the direct allocation of back-scattered acoustic energy to taxonomic categories, including species-level classifications. Full article

Corporate climate transition is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, shaping the future of business sustainability and aligning economic growth with global environmental goals. This article aims to identify the main barriers, opportunities, and best practices associated with the implementation of corporate climate transition plans. Based on a review of studies from leading databases—Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar—the research categorizes barriers into economic, financial, political, regulatory, cultural, organizational, and technological dimensions. Opportunities are grouped into areas like sustainable finance, technological innovation, and resilience building. Best practices are organized into clusters, notably governance, energy efficiency, social equity, and just transition frameworks. In addition to advancing academic understanding, this study offers practical implications for key stakeholders. Financial institutions can use these findings to develop climate-aligned financial products tailored to corporate realities. Policymakers can improve regulatory frameworks to foster sustainable business practices and remove legislative barriers. Companies are empowered to refine their climate strategies, address operational constraints, and explore new sustainability-driven opportunities. By integrating scientific insights with real-world applicability, this review contributes to a more holistic understanding of corporate climate transition, bridging academic research with actionable pathways for businesses, financial actors, and public decision-makers. Full article

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) comprise a diverse group of substances whose presence in the environment is of increasing concern due to their potential negative effects on human health and the environment. Multiple studies have concluded that nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane separation mechanisms are effective barriers for organic pollutants, showing generally high removal efficiency. In this study, nine indicator CECs included in the Directive (EU) 2024/3019 concerning urban wastewater treatment were selected and used as a reference to calculate the removal percentage of all micropollutants present in the influent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). According to the regulations, a minimum average removal percentage of 80% of the influent load must be achieved by analyzing at least six out of a set of twelve micropollutants, including those considered in this study. The treatments were conducted using three commercial RO membranes and one commercial NF membrane. Our findings indicate that membrane technology alone can remove over 80% of the micropollutants studied, except benzotriazole. An analysis of the separation mechanisms was carried out to understand the performance of each CEC in relation to each membrane type, taking into account pollutant physicochemical properties and observed removal efficiencies. Full article

Background: Distal humeral shaft fractures (DHSFs) pose surgical challenges due to the proximity to the elbow joint, limited bone stock, and the risk of radial nerve injury. This study compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of anterolateral and posterior triceps-sparing approaches to determine the most effective surgical strategy. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 75 patients who underwent surgery for a DHSF between 2015 and 2021, with a minimum one-year follow-up, a distal fragment ≥3 cm, and no preoperative radial nerve injury. Fifty patients underwent anterior plating via anterolateral approach, and twenty-five underwent posterior plating. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. Results: Bone union was achieved in 74 patients (98.7%), with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.21). The anterolateral approach resulted in a shorter operative time (116 ± 29.4 vs. 143 ± 31.4 min, p = 0.03). However, intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.36), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (p = 0.71), range of motion (p = 0.36), and complication rates (p = 0.21) were not significantly different. Two cases of transient radial nerve palsy occurred in the posterior group (p = 0.17), and four cases required implant removal due to discomfort (p = 0.18) in the anterolateral group. Conclusions: Both approaches effectively treat DHSFs with high union rates and comparable functional outcomes. However, the anterolateral approach significantly reduces operative time due to supine positioning, direct access, and avoiding radial nerve dissection. Posterior plating remains viable when stable anterior fixation is unachievable. Further studies should assess the long-term outcomes and factors influencing approach selection. Full article