Search Results (1,193)

Amblyopia, commonly affecting children aged 0–6 years, results from disrupted visual processing during early development and often leads to reduced visual acuity in one eye. This study presents the development and preliminary usability assessment of a non-invasive ocular monitoring device designed to support oculomotor engagement and therapy adherence in amblyopia management. The system incorporates an interactive maze-navigation task controlled via gaze direction, implemented during monocular and binocular sessions. The device tracks lateral and anteroposterior eye movements and generates visual reports, including displacement metrics and elliptical movement graphs. Usability testing was conducted with a non-probabilistic adult sample (n = 15), including individuals with and without amblyopia. The System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded an average score of 75, indicating good usability. Preliminary tests with two adults diagnosed with amblyopia suggested increased eye displacement during monocular sessions, potentially reflecting enhanced engagement rather than direct therapeutic improvement. This feasibility study demonstrates the device’s potential as a supportive, gaze-controlled platform for visual engagement monitoring in amblyopia rehabilitation. Future clinical studies involving pediatric populations and integration of visual stimuli modulation are recommended to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and adaptability for early intervention. Full article

The aim of this work is to analyse the effectiveness of the medical use of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in microsurgical treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs), with a focus on the thermo-mechanical effects on neighbouring tissues to assess any potential damage. Indeed, CUSA emerges as an innovative solution, minimally invasive tumor excision technique, enabling controlled and focused operations. This study employs a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the vibratory and thermal interactions occurring during CUSA application. A computational model of a vertebral column segment affected by an IMSCT was developed and analysed using ANSYS 2024 software. The simulations examined strain distribution, heat generation, and temperature propagation within the biological tissues. The FEA results demonstrate that the vibratory-induced strain remains highly localised to the application site, and thermal effects, though measurable, do not exceed the critical safety threshold of 46 °C established in the literature. These findings suggest that CUSA can be safely used within defined operational parameters, provided that energy settings and exposure times are carefully managed to mitigate excessive thermal accumulation. These conclusions contribute to the understanding of the thermo-mechanical interactions in ultrasonic tumour resection and aim to assist medical professionals in optimising surgical protocols. Full article

A total of 32 fish species were detected in Xinglin Bay using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and traditional morphological survey methods (TSM), covering eight orders, fifteen families, and twenty-six genera. The dominant order was Perciformes, accounting for 43.75% of the total species. Among the identified species, there were ten non-native fish species. Compared with the TSM, the eDNA detected 13 additional fish species, including two additional non-native fish species—Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802). In addition, the relative abundance of fish from both methods revealed that tilapia was overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 80.75% and 75.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-ISK assessment revealed that all non-native fish species were classified as medium or high-risk, with five identified as high-risk species, four of which belong to tilapia. These findings demonstrated that tilapia are the dominant and high-risk invasive species in Xinglin Bay and should be prioritized for management. Population reduction through targeted harvesting of tilapia is recommended as the primary control strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in monitoring fish community structure in brackish ecosystems. Full article

Monitoring sediment concentration in water bodies is crucial for assessing water quality, ecosystems, and environmental health. However, physical sampling and sensor-based approaches are labor-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale, continuous monitoring. This study employs machine learning models to estimate suspended sediment concentration using images captured in natural light, named RGB, and near-infrared (NIR) conditions. A controlled dataset of approximately 1300 images with SSC values ranging from 1000 mg/L to 150,000 mg/L was developed, incorporating temperature, time of image capture, and solar irradiance as additional features. Random forest regression and gradient boosting regression were trained on mean RGB values, red reflectance, time of captured, and temperature for natural light images, achieving up to 72.96% accuracy within a 30% relative error. In contrast, NIR images leveraged gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture features and temperature, reaching 83.08% accuracy. Comparative analysis showed that ensemble models outperformed deep learning models like Convolutional Neural Networks and Multi-Layer Perceptrons, which struggled with high-dimensional feature extraction. These findings suggest that using machine learning models and RGB and NIR imagery offers a scalable, non-invasive, and cost-effective way of sediment monitoring in support of water quality assessment and environmental management. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent and limiting complication of oncological treatment, particularly in patients receiving oxaliplatin. Its onset can significantly affect the quality of life and compromise the continuity of the antineoplastic therapy. Due to the limited efficacy of available pharmacological therapies, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative for symptom management. Case presentation: We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with colorectal adenocarcinoma who developed CIPN following oxaliplatin administration. She underwent a 12-week course of PENS targeting the median nerve, with weekly sessions conducted without interruption of chemotherapy and without adverse effects. The patient showed progressive improvement in neurosensory symptoms, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire. Quantitative sensory testing revealed normalization of thermal and vibratory sensitivity and improved mechanical detection thresholds. The cumulative oxaliplatin dose was maintained throughout treatment. Conclusions: PENS may offer an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing CIPN, enabling symptom control without compromising oncological treatment. This case supports the need for controlled clinical trials to confirm efficacy and establish standardized protocols. Full article

Climbing vines have recently induced increasing threats to forest growth under favourable environmental changes. In mangrove forests, the native vine Derris trifoliata became invasive and is now one of the main threats. Yet current management relies on manual removal with low efficiency. Exploring an alternative, cost-effective method is required. To assess the potential of a proposed biological control method, this study performed a pot-plant experiment using Cuscuta japonica to infect D. trifoliata and three common mangrove species in Beihai, China. Results showed that D. trifoliata had a higher infection rate and high host mortality (90%) than mangrove (0%). It also had significantly decreased moisture by 4%, nitrogen by 14%, phosphorus by 27%, potassium by 49% and increased soluble sugar by 49% and protein by 20%, whereas only moisture (2% reduction) and one or two minerals of Excoecaria agallocha and Aegiceras corniculatum were influenced. Only Kandelia obovata had neither effective haustoria nor any nutrients impact from the infection. This study indicated that C. japonica can cause more damage to D. trifoliata than to mangrove species and has the potential to be used as a biological control agent for the threatened mangrove forests of A. corniculatum and K. obovata with monitoring and control. Further field tests are required to bring this method into practice. Full article

Affecting over 50% of stroke patients, dysphagia is still challenging to diagnose and manage due to its complex multifactorial nature and can be the result of disruptions in the coordination of cortical and subcortical neural activity as reflected in electroencephalographic (EEG) signal patterns. Sample Entropy (SampEn), a signal complexity or predictability measure, could serve as a tool to identify any abnormalities associated with dysphagia. The present study aimed to identify quantitative dysphagia biomarkers using SampEn from EEG recordings in post-stroke patients. Sample entropy was calculated in the theta, alpha, and beta bands of EEG recordings in a repetitive swallowing task performed by three groups: 22 stroke patients without dysphagia (controls), 36 stroke patients with dysphagia, and 21 healthy age-matched individuals. Post-stroke patients, both with and without dysphagia, exhibited significant differences in SampEn compared to healthy subjects in the alpha and theta bands, suggesting widespread alterations in brain dynamics. These changes likely reflect impairments in sensorimotor integration and cognitive control mechanisms essential for effective swallowing. A significant cluster was identified in the left parietal region during swallowing in the beta band, where dysphagic patients showed higher entropy compared to healthy individuals and controls. This finding suggests altered neural dynamics in a region crucial for sensorimotor integration, potentially reflecting disrupted cortical coordination associated with dysphagia. The precise quantification of these neurophysiological alterations offers a robust and objective biomarker for diagnosing neurogenic dysphagia and monitoring therapeutic interventions by means of EEG, a non-invasive and cost-efficient technique. Full article

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest of many fruit crops worldwide. Employing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) could mitigate D. suzukii population growth and crop damage. This study evaluated the efficacy of SIT on commercial fruit, by (1) validating the quality of irradiated sterile males (male mating competitiveness, courtship, and flight performance) in the laboratory, and (2) assessing population suppression and fruit damage reduction in commercial raspberry fields. Treatment with SIT was compared to the grower’s standard chemical insecticide program throughout the season. The principal metrics of efficacy were trap counts of wild adult female D. suzukii in crops and larvae per fruit during harvesting. These metrics together with monitoring of border areas allowed targeting of high-pressure areas with higher releases of sterile males, to maximise efficacy for a given release number. The sterile male D. suzukii were as competitive as their fertile non-irradiated counterparts in laboratory mating competitiveness and flight performance studies while fertility egg-to-pupae recovery was reduced by 99%. In commercial raspberry crops, season-long releases of sterile males significantly suppressed the wild D. suzukii population, compared to the grower standard control strategy; with up to 89% reduction in wild female D. suzukii and 80% decrease in numbers of larvae per harvested fruit. Additionally, relative fruit waste (i.e., percentage of harvested fruits rejected for sale) at harvest was reduced for early, mid and late harvest crops, by up to 58% compared to the grower standard control. SIT has the potential to provide an effective and sustainable strategy for managing D. suzukii in raspberries, increasing marketable yield by reducing adult populations, fruit damage and waste fruit. SIT could therefore serve as a valuable tool for integrated pest management practices in berry production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are one of the most difficult cerebrovascular lesions to treat and account for 0.5–3% of all intracranial aneurysms. They have deep anatomical locations, broad-neck configurations, high perforator density, and a close association with the brainstem, which creates considerable technical challenges for either microsurgical or endovascular treatment. Despite its acceptance as the standard of care for most posterior circulation aneurysms, PICA aneurysms are often associated with flow diversion using a coil or flow diversion due to incomplete occlusions, parent vessel compromise and high rate of recurrence. This case aims to describe the utility of microsurgical clipping as a durable and definitive option demonstrating the value of tailored surgical planning, preservation of anatomy and ancillary technologies for protecting a genuine outcome in ruptured PICA aneurysms. Methods: A 66-year-old male was evaluated for an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured and broad-necked fusiform left PICA aneurysm at the vertebra–PICA junction. Endovascular therapy was not an option due to morphology and the center of the recurrence; therefore, a microsurgical approach was essential. A far-lateral craniotomy with a partial C1 laminectomy was carried out for proximal vascular control, with careful dissection of the perforating arteries and precise clip application for the complete exclusion of the aneurysm whilst preserving distal PICA flow. Results: Post-operative imaging demonstrated the complete obliteration of the aneurysm with unchanged cerebrovascular flow dynamics. The patient had progressive neurological recovery with no new cranial nerve deficits or ischemic complications. Long-term follow-up demonstrated stable aneurysm exclusion and full functional independence emphasizing the sustainability of microsurgical intervention in challenging PICA aneurysms. Conclusions: This case intends to highlight the current and evolving role of microsurgical practice for treating posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly at a time when endovascular alternatives are limited by anatomy and hemodynamics. Advances in artificial intelligence cerebral aneurysm rupture prediction, high-resolution vessel wall imaging, robotic-assisted microsurgery and new generation flow-modifying implants have the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms by embedding precision medicine principles into aneurysm management. While the discipline of cerebrovascular surgery is expanding, it can be combined together with microsurgery, endovascular technologies and computational knowledge to ensure individualized, durable, and minimally invasive treatment options for high-risk PICA aneurysms. Full article

Pre-oxygenation is the key step prior to endotracheal intubation, particularly in a critically ill patient, to prevent life-threatening peri-procedural hypoxemia. This narrative review explores the emerging interest of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) as a pre-oxygenation modality in the intensive care unit (ICU) context. We reviewed data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published from 2000 to 2024 that compare NIPPV to conventional oxygen therapy and High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen (HFNCO). The pathophysiological mechanisms for the successful use of NIPPV, including alveolar recruitment, the decrease of shunting, and the maintenance of functional residual capacity, were reviewed in depth. Existing studies show that NIPPV significantly prolongs the apnea time, reduces the rate of peri-intubation severe hypoxaemia in selected patients and is especially effective for patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Nevertheless, appropriate patient selection is still crucial because some diseases can contraindicate or even be harmful with NIPPV. We further discussed the practical aspects of how to use this ventilatory support (the best ventilator settings, which interface, and when to apply it). We lastly discuss unanswered questions and offer suggestions and opportunities for future exploration in guiding the role of NIPPV use in the pre-oxygenation of the critically ill patient requiring emergent airway management. Full article

Atrial fibrillation remains the most frequent sustained arrhythmia, particularly in the elderly population, and is associated with increased risks of stroke, heart failure, and reduced quality of life. While catheter ablation is widely used for rhythm control, its efficacy is limited in persistent and long-standing atrial fibrillation. Over the past two decades, minimally invasive surgical strategies have emerged as effective alternatives, aiming to replicate the success of the Cox-Maze procedure while reducing surgical trauma. This overview critically summarizes the current minimally invasive techniques available for atrial fibrillation treatment, including mini-thoracotomy ablation, thoracoscopic ablation, and hybrid procedures such as the convergent approach. These methods offer the potential for durable sinus rhythm restoration by enabling direct visualization, transmural lesion creation, and left atrial appendage exclusion, with lower perioperative morbidity compared to traditional open surgery. The choice of energy source plays a key role in lesion efficacy and safety. Particular attention is given to the technical steps of each procedure, patient selection criteria, and the role of left atrial appendage closure in stroke prevention. Hybrid strategies, which combine epicardial surgical ablation with endocardial catheter-based procedures, have shown encouraging outcomes in patients with refractory or long-standing atrial fibrillation. Despite the steep learning curve, minimally invasive techniques provide significant benefits in terms of recovery time, reduced hospital stay, and fewer complications. As evidence continues to evolve, these approaches represent a key advancement in the surgical management of atrial fibrillation, deserving integration into contemporary treatment algorithms and multidisciplinary heart team planning. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Radial nerve palsy typically presents as wrist drop due to nerve compression, with conventional management often yielding prolonged recovery. We report a case where ultrasound-guided hydrodissection (HD) with 5% dextrose in water (D5W) achieved immediate functional restoration, suggesting neurapraxia as the underlying pathology. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old diabetic female presented with acute left wrist drop without trauma. Examination confirmed radial nerve palsy (MRC grade 0 wrist extension), while radiographs ruled out structural causes. Ultrasound revealed fascicular swelling at the spiral groove. Under real-time guidance, 50 mL D5W (no local anesthetic) was injected to hydrodissect the radial nerve. Immediate post-procedure assessment showed restored wrist extension (medical research council (MRC) grade 4+). At one- and three-month follow-ups, the patient maintained complete resolution of symptoms and normal function. Conclusions: This case highlights two key findings: (1) HD with D5W can serve as both a diagnostic tool (confirming reversible neurapraxia through immediate response) and therapeutic intervention, and (2) early HD may circumvent prolonged disability associated with conservative management. The absence of electrodiagnostic studies limits objective severity assessment, though ultrasound localized the lesion. While promising, these observations require validation through controlled trials comparing HD to standard care, particularly in diabetic patients with heightened compression susceptibility. Technical considerations—including optimal injectate volume and the role of adjuvant therapies—warrant further investigation. US-guided HD with D5W emerges as a minimally invasive, surgery-sparing option for acute compressive radial neuropathies, with potential to redefine treatment paradigms when applied at symptom onset. Full article

Background: Perioperative care is an integral part of the procedure of a surgical operation, with strictly defined rules. The need to upgrade and improve some individual long-term processes aims at optimal patient care and the provision of high-level health services. Therefore, preoperative care is drawn up with new data resulting from the evolution of technology to upgrade the procedures that need improvement. According to the international literature, a factor considered to be of major importance is high preoperative anxiety and its effects on the patient’s postoperative course. High preoperative anxiety is postoperatively responsible for prolonged hospital stays, increased postoperative pain, decreased effect of anesthetic agents, increased amounts of analgesics, delayed healing of surgical wounds, and increased risk of infections. The use of Virtual Reality technology appears as a new method of managing preoperative anxiety. Objective: This study investigates the effect and effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in managing preoperative anxiety in adult patients. Methods: A literature review was performed on 193 articles, published between 2017 and 2024, sourced from the scientific databases PubMed and Cochrane, as well as the trial registry ClinicalTrials, with a screening and exclusion process to meet the criterion of investigating VR technology’s effectiveness in managing preoperative anxiety in adult patients. This systematic review was conducted under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Results: Out of the 193 articles, 29 were selected. All articles examined the efficacy of VR in adult patients (≥18) undergoing various types of surgery. The studies represent a total of 2.354 participants from 15 countries. There are two types of VR applications: distraction therapy and patient education. From the studies, 14 (48%) used the distraction VR intervention, 14 (48%) used the training VR intervention, and 1 (4%) used both VR interventions, using a range of validated anxiety scales such as the STAI, VAS-A, APAIS, and HADS. Among the 29 studies reviewed, 25 (86%) demonstrated statistically significant reductions in preoperative anxiety levels following the implementation of VR interventions. VR technology appears to manage preoperative anxiety effectively. It is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological intervention with minimal side effects. Conclusions: Based on the review, the management of preoperative anxiety with VR technology shows good levels of effectiveness. Further investigation of the efficacy by more studies and randomized controlled trials, with a larger patient population, is recommended to establish and universally apply VR technology in the preoperative care process as an effective method of managing preoperative anxiety. Full article

Islands subjected to anthropogenic disturbance are highly susceptible to alien plant invasions. However, the alien floral diversity of China’s islands has been insufficiently studied, hindering its control. Weizhou Island (northern South China Sea) has experienced long-term human exploitation. We inventorized its alien, naturalized, and invasive vascular plants (based on herbarium specimen data for 2018–2024 and surveys of 112 plots); analyzed species composition, origins, life forms, and habitats; and conducted an invasive species risk assessment. This identified 203 aliens, including infraspecific and hybrid taxa, 129 (63.5%) naturalized and 71 (55.0% of the naturalized species) invasive. The aliens were dominated by the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae, particularly genera such as Euphorbia, Senna, and Portulaca, originating primarily in North America, Oceania, and Africa. Perennial herbs were the most common lifeform, followed by annual herbs and shrubs. Invasion hotspots were primarily abandoned farmland, roadsides, and agricultural lands. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, we classified the 71 invasive species as representing high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk (20, 16, and 35 species, respectively). Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Opuntia dillenii, and Leucaena leucocephala pose severe threats to the island ecosystem. This first complete inventory of the alien flora on Weizhou Island offers critical insight into the management of invasive alien plants in island ecosystems. Full article

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article