Search Results (19,221)

Recent sampling efforts in northern Algeria and the investigation of some collection material has revealed the presence of taxa with conchological and genital morphological similarities to the Candidula-like group. A detailed investigation of the anatomy of the genitalia combined with the analysis of two mitochondrial and two nuclear markers of representatives of the known genera as well as two Algerian taxa has been conducted. The result confirms the affiliation of the latter in the Candidula-like complex. Comparative anatomical analysis led to the description of a new genus, Kherattolactea gen. nov., endemic to northern Algeria with Xerophila keratae, Kobelt, 1892 as the type species. The anatomical distinction corroborates the result of the molecular analysis that reveals apomorphic nucleotide substitution. Moreover, the result of the combined analysis provides the first confirmed record of the genus Orexana Chueca, Gómez-Moliner, Madeira & Pfenninger, 2018, in north Africa, represented by the species Orexana lemoinei Kobelt, 1882 nov. comb. A new Xerogyra species, Xerogyra halgassi nov. sp., from the Apennine Mountain has been described based on the combination of morphoanatomical and molecular traits. For the first time, the morphoanatomical description of the known Xerogyra species has been presented. Full article

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article

Background and Objectives: Accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis (AA) in children remains clinically challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other pediatric conditions and limitations in conventional diagnostic tools. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has emerged as a promising biomarker in adult populations; however, its utility in pediatrics is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SII in distinguishing pediatric acute appendicitis from elective non-inflammatory surgical procedures and to assess its predictive value in identifying complicated cases. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 397 pediatric patients (5–15 years), comprising 297 histopathologically confirmed appendicitis cases and 100 controls. Demographic and laboratory data were recorded at admission. Inflammatory indices including SII, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: SII values were significantly higher in the appendicitis group (median: 2218.4 vs. 356.3; p < 0.001). SII demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy for AA (AUROC = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97), with 91% sensitivity and 88% specificity at a cut-off > 624. In predicting complicated appendicitis, SII showed moderate discriminative ability (AUROC = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.60–0.73), with 83% sensitivity but limited specificity (43%). Conclusions: SII is a reliable and easily obtainable biomarker for diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis and may aid in early detection of complicated cases. Its integration into clinical workflows may enhance diagnostic precision, particularly in resource-limited settings. Age-specific validation studies are warranted to confirm its broader applicability. Full article

A facile and versatile strategy to obtain NPs@ZnAlO nanocomposite materials, comprising controlled-size nanoparticles (NPs) within a ZnAlO matrix is reported. The mono-(Au, Ni) and bimetallic (Ni-Au) NPs serving as an active phase were prepared by the polyol-alkaline method, while the ZnAlO support was obtained via the thermal decomposition of its corresponding layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the successful fabrication of the nanocomposites, including the synthesis of the metallic NPs, the formation of LDH-like structure, and the subsequent transformation to ZnO phase upon LDH calcination. The obtained nanostructures confirmed the nanoplate-like morphology inherited from the original LDH precursors, which tended to aggregate after the addition of gold NPs. According to the UV-Vis spectroscopy, loading NPs onto the ZnAlO support enhanced the light absorption and reduced the band gap energy. ATR-DRIFT spectroscopy, H₂-TPR measurements, and XPS analysis provided information about the functional groups, surface composition, and reducibility of the materials. The catalytic performance of the developed nanostructures was evaluated by the photodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA), under simulated solar irradiation. The conversion of BPA over the bimetallic Ni-Au@ZnAlO reached up to 95% after 180 min of irradiation, exceeding the monometallic Ni@ZnAlO and Au@ZnAlO catalysts. Its enhanced activity was correlated with good dispersion of the bimetals, narrower band gap, and efficient charge carrier separation of the photo-induced e⁻/h⁺ pairs. Full article

Background and Objectives: A correct diagnosis of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus (GAS)-pharyngitis allows the prevention of complications and unnecessary use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the management of pediatric GAS-pharyngitis in Romanian general practitioners (GPs)’ practice. Material and Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to Romanian GPs. Results: In total, 56 GPs completed the questionnaire, mostly females (83.9%, n = 47) from an urban area (60.7%, n = 34). They treated 5–10 (35.7%) or more than 10 (32.1%) cases of GAS monthly and considered white exudate on tonsils (92.9%, n = 52) to be the most suggestive clinical sign. Of the GPs, 25% (n = 14) used the Centor Criteria, 10.7% (n = 6) performed a rapid antigen detection test, and 42.9% (n = 24) requested throat culture for diagnosis. The younger GPs used the Centor Criteria significantly more often (p = 0.027) than the older ones. Most GPs (69.6%, n = 39) preferred targeted antibiotic therapy. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was the most commonly used antibiotic (55.4%, n = 31). Most GPs preferred oral antibiotics (89%, n = 50) for 10 days (55.4%, n = 31). Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment was initiated mostly based on clinical symptoms and in a short-course therapy. GPs stated that they prefer targeted antibiotic therapy, but they did not use proper diagnostic tools. Full article

Closed-loop processes can help reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector. Despite its growing popularity, the reuse of materials is still not a common practice. There are many studies available on material processing, design processes, and case studies, but the opportunities and challenges in this area have not been identified. Through a review of the scientific literature, including articles published in peer-reviewed journals, this study aims to organise the information collected in the form of an article and identify areas that require further research and expansion. When the articles are divided into the three groups mentioned above, the barriers and benefits of the research already carried out have been identified. The tools used in the research or processes were identified to highlight good practices that are worth replicating in the future. The challenges that commonly arose, the links between them, and their causes were also identified. Full article

This study aims to enhance the performance of an innovative steel slag–ceramsite foam concrete (SSCFC) to advance sustainable green building materials. An eco-friendly composite construction material was developed by integrating industrial by-product steel slag (SS) with lightweight ceramsite. Employing a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design at a fixed density of 800 kg/m³, 12 mix proportions (including a control group) were investigated with the variables of water-to-cement (W/C) ratio, steel slag replacement ratio, and ceramsite replacement ratio. The governing mechanisms of the W/C ratio, steel slag replacement level, and ceramsite replacement proportion on the SSCFC’s fluidity and compressive strength (CS) were elucidated. The synergistic application of range analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) quantified the significance of factors on target properties, and partial least squares regression (PLSR)-based prediction models were established. The test results indicated the following significance hierarchy: steel slag replacement > W/C ratio > ceramsite replacement for fluidity. In contrast, W/C ratio > ceramsite replacement > steel slag replacement governed the compressive strength. Verification showed R² values exceeding 65% for both fluidity and CS predictions versus experimental data, confirming model reliability. Multi-criteria optimization yielded optimal compressive performance and suitable fluidity at a W/C ratio of 0.4, 10% steel slag replacement, and 25% ceramsite replacement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preoperative strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requiring major hepatectomy remain controversial, particularly in “borderline resectable” cases. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological benefit and perioperative safety of Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients undergoing right or extended right hepatectomy for HCC. Material and Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent right or extended right hepatectomy for HCC at a single tertiary center between January 2013 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on whether they received preoperative TARE or underwent upfront resection. Outcomes analyzed included perioperative morbidity and long-term oncological endpoints. Results: A total of 39 patients were included, of whom 18 received preoperative TARE and 21 underwent upfront surgery. Patients in the TARE group showed significantly greater tumor necrosis at pathology (70% vs. 10%, p = 0.002) and more frequent extended resections. Five-year cancer-specific survival (80.4% vs. 33.5%, p = 0.011), recurrence-free survival (33.8% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.047), and curative-intent disease-free survival (69.3% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.0037) were significantly higher in the TARE group. Overall survival showed a favorable trend. Intraoperative outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and 90-day mortality were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Preoperative TARE is a safe and effective neoadjuvant strategy in selected patients with HCC undergoing major hepatectomy. It may enhance long-term oncological outcomes without increasing surgical risk, supporting its potential role in the management of borderline resectable HCC. Full article

Spruce wood is a natural polymeric material, consisting of cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses and other secondary components, which gives it a unique chemical footprint and architecture. Varnishes are used in musical instruments to protect the wood against humidity variations, wood being a hygroscopic material, but also to protect the wood from dirt. The varnishes used both to protect the wood from resonance and to ensure a special aesthetic appearance are either polymeric varnishes (nitrocellulose, oil-based) or volatile solvents (spirit). In this study, the color changes, the surface morphology and the chemical spectrum produced by three types of varnishes, applied in 5, 10 and 15 layers, on resonance spruce plates were analyzed. The results revealed significant changes in the color parameters: the lightness decreased by approximately 17% after the first layer, by 50% after 5 layers, by 65% after 10 layers and by 70% after 15 layers. The color parameters are most influenced by the anatomical quality of spruce wood (annual ring width and earlywood/latewood ratio) in the case of oil-based varnishes and least influenced in the case of nitrocellulose varnishes. The chemical fingerprint was determined by FTIR spectrum analysis, which revealed that the most pronounced absorptions were the double band 2926–2858 cm⁻¹, corresponding to aliphatic methylene and methyl groups (asymmetric and symmetrical C-H stretch), and the bands at 1724 cm⁻¹ (oil-based varnish), 1722 cm⁻¹ (nitrocellulose varnish) and 1708 cm⁻¹ (spirit varnish), all assigned to non-conjugated carbonyl groups in either carboxylic acids, esters aldehydes or ketones. The novelty of the study lies in the comparative analysis of three types of varnishes used in the musical instrument industry, applied to samples of spruce resonance wood with different macroscopic characteristics in three different layer thicknesses. Full article

Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various methods for preparing biodiesel catalysts from solid waste. These methods not only enhance the utilization rate of waste but also reduce the production costs and environmental impact of biodiesel. Finally, the limitations of waste-based catalysts and future research directions are discussed. Research indicates that solid waste can serve as a catalyst carrier or active material for biodiesel production. Methods such as high-temperature calcination, impregnation, and coprecipitation facilitate structural modifications to the catalyst and the formation of active sites. The doping of metal ions not only alters the catalyst’s acid-base properties but also forms stable metal bonds with functional groups on the carrier, thereby maintaining catalyst stability. The application of microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted methods reduces reaction parameters, making biodiesel production more economical and sustainable. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the reuse of solid waste and ecological protection, emphasizes the development potential of waste-based catalysts in biodiesel production, and offers unique insights for innovation in this field, thereby accelerating the commercialization of biodiesel. Full article

Background and Objectives: Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with treatment challenges including limited access, stigma, and poor adherence. Gamification, which applies game elements such as points, levels, and storytelling into non-game contexts, offers a promising strategy to enhance engagement and augment traditional treatments. Our research is the first study designed to explore the implementation of gamification within the Malaysian context. The objective was to explore the feasibility of implementation of gamification as an adjunctive treatment for adults with depression. Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions were held with five mental health professionals and ten patients diagnosed with moderate depression. The qualitative component assessed perceptions of gamified interventions, while quantitative measures evaluated participants’ depressive and anxiety symptomatology. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) understanding of gamification as a treatment option, (2) factors influencing its acceptance, and (3) characteristics of a practical and feasible intervention. Clinicians saw potential in gamification to boost motivation, support psychoeducation, and encourage self-paced learning, but they expressed concerns about possible addiction, stigma, and the complexity of gameplay for some patients. Patients spoke of gaming as a source of comfort, escapism, and social connection. Acceptance was shaped by engaging storylines, intuitive design, balanced difficulty, therapist guidance, and clear safety measures. Both groups agreed that gamification should be used in conjunction with standard treatments, be culturally sensitive, and be presented as a meaningful therapeutic approach rather than merely as entertainment. Conclusions: Gamification emerges as an acceptable and feasible supplementary approach for managing depression in Malaysia. Its success depends on culturally sensitive design, robust clinical oversight, and seamless integration with existing care pathways. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes and establish guidelines for the safe and effective implementation of this approach. We recommend targeted investment into culturally adapted gamified tools, including training, policy development, and collaboration with key stakeholders to realistically implement gamification as a mental health intervention in Malaysia. Full article

The increasing demand for rapid, sensitive, and eco-friendly methods for the detection of trace heavy metals in environmental samples, attributed to their serious threats to health and the environment, has spurred considerable interest in the development of sustainable sensor materials. Toxic metal ions, namely, lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), mercury (Hg²⁺), arsenic (As³⁺), and chromium, are potential hazards due to their non-biodegradable nature with high toxicity, even at trace levels. Acute health complications, including neurological, renal, and developmental disorders, arise upon exposure to such metal ions. To monitor and mitigate these toxic exposures, sensitive detection techniques are essential. Pre-existing conventional detection methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), involve expensive instrumentation, skilled operators, and complex sample preparation. Electrochemical sensing, which is simple, portable, and eco-friendly, is foreseen as a potential alternative to the above conventional methods. Carbon-based nanomaterials play a crucial role in electrochemical sensors due to their high conductivity, stability, and the presence of surface functional groups. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich product, has emerged as a promising electrode material for electrochemical sensing due to its high surface area, sustainability, tunable porosity, surface rich in functional groups, eco-friendliness, and negligible environmental footprint. Nevertheless, broad-spectrum studies on the use of biochar in electrochemical sensors remain narrow. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the development of biochar-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of toxic heavy metals such as Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and the simultaneous detection of multiple ions, with special emphasis on BC synthesis routes, surface modification methodologies, electrode fabrication techniques, and electroanalytical performance. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating BC into next-generation sensor platforms are outlined. Full article

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a critical public health threat due to its rapid nosocomial dissemination, limited therapeutic options, and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, carbapenemase profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CRKP isolates, as well as the clinical features and outcomes observed in infected or colonized patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from patients with CRKP infections or colonization admitted between January 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. Two binary logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of sepsis and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 89 CRKP isolates, 45 underwent carbapenemase typing. More than half were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, with 44.4% co-harbouring NDM and OXA-48-like enzymes. Surgical intervention was associated with a significantly lower risk of sepsis (p < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045), whereas intensive care unit (ICU) stay was a strong predictor of both outcomes. ICU admission conferred a 10-fold higher risk of sepsis (95%Cl 2.4–41.0) and a 40.8-fold higher risk of in-hospital death (95% Cl 3.5–473.3). Limitations: This single-center retrospective study included a limited number of isolates in certain groups. Additionally, cefiderocol (FDC) susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion rather than by the broth microdilution method. Conclusions: Our study underscores the increasing prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing CRKP, particularly strains harbouring dual carbapenemases. Timely recognition of high-risk patients, combined with the implementation of targeted infection control measures and the integration of novel therapeutic options, is crucial to optimize clinical management and reduce mortality associated with CRKP. Full article

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) represent an advancing class of electrochemical energy storage systems showing considerable promise for large-scale grid integration due to their unique aqueous organic chemistry. However, the use of small-molecule active materials in AORFBs is significantly limited by the issue of stability and crossover. To address these challenges, we designed a high-water-solubility polymer cathode material, P-T-S, which features a polyvinylimidazole backbone functionalized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and sulfonate groups. P-T-S exhibits a solubility of 34 Ah L⁻¹ in water and 31 Ah L⁻¹ in 1.0 M NaCl aqueous solution (NaCl_aq). When paired with methyl viologen to assemble a pH-neutral AORFB with a theoretical capacity of 15 Ah L⁻¹, the system exhibits a material utilization rate of 92.0%, an average capacity retention rate of 99.74% per cycle (99.74% per hour), and an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.69% over 300 consecutive cycles at 30 mA cm⁻². This work provides a new design strategy for polymer materials for high-performance AORFBs. Full article

The contamination of drinking water by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) presents a global concern due to their extreme persistence, driven by strong C–F bonds. This study investigated the potential of graphene as a filtration material for PFAS removal, focusing on six key compounds regulated by the U.S. EPA: PFOA, PFNA, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and PFHxS. Using molecular simulations, adsorption energy, diffusion coefficients, and PFAS-to-graphene distances were analyzed. The results showed that adsorption strength increased with molecular weight; PFOS (500 g/mol) exhibited the strongest adsorption (−171 kcal/mol). Compounds with sulfonic acid head groups (e.g., PFOS) had stronger interactions than those with carboxylate groups (e.g., PFNA), highlighting the importance of head group chemistry. Shorter graphene-to-PFAS distances also aligned with higher adsorption energies. PFOS, for example, had the shortest distance at 8.23 Å (head) and 6.15 Å (tail) from graphene. Diffusion coefficients decreased with increasing molecular weight and carbon chain length, with lower molecules like PFBS (four carbon atoms) diffusing more rapidly than heavier ones like PFOS and PFNA. Interestingly, graphene enhanced PFAS mobility in water, likely by disrupting the water structure and lowering intermolecular resistance. These results highlight graphene’s promise as a high-performance material for PFAS removal and future water purification technologies. Full article