Search Results (4,224)

Background/Objectives: The treatment of dual disorders (DDs) must be comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Evidence supports the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating DDs. The second part of this consensus synthesizes the available evidence on psychological treatment for specific DDs. Methods: Two consensus methods were sequentially implemented: the nominal group technique and the Delphi method. Results: This consensus review encompassed a compilation of recommendations for the psychological treatment of neurodevelopmental, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, somatic symptom, eating, and personality disorders. Finally, recommendations for the future research agenda on the psychological treatment of DD were included. Conclusions: (1) Psychological treatment, particularly integrated treatment, is effective. (2) In the case of dual autism, interventions for substance use disorders should be adapted to this population’s characteristics. (3) More research is needed on dual social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, somatic symptom, and eating disorders, for which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment. (4) For dual attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multicomponent treatment is recommended (psychoeducation, CBT, and peer or family support). (5) For dual anxiety disorders, CBT is the first-line treatment. (6) For dual post-traumatic stress disorder, CBT (cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy), acceptance and commitment therapy, stress inoculation training, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective. (7) For dual personality disorders, evidence is scarce. (8) For borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy, dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy, and dual-focus schema therapy show promise. (9) For antisocial personality disorder, CBT, contingency management, and counseling on impulsive lifestyles may be useful. (10) Much more evidence is needed from studies that overcome the methodological limitations of existing ones. Full article

This commentary re-evaluates the study by Makó et al. which reconstructs dust accumulation rates from loess–paleosol sequences in the Carpathian Basin. Several methodological and factual issues substantially limit the reliability of their interpretations. The study reports linear sedimentation rates (mm a⁻¹) as mass accumulation rates (MARs) without accounting for bulk density, rendering their values non-comparable with established MAR datasets. It also overlooks a documented systematic bias between ¹⁴C and luminescence-derived MARs which are shown to differ by a factor of nearly three in Perić et al., a directly relevant synthesis that is not cited. Furthermore, the conflation of distinct sites (Surduk and Veliki Surduk) and the incorrect attribution of the Surduk section’s location indicate errors in basic site metadata. Together, these issues suggest that the reported “high accumulation axis” may reflect methodological artefacts rather than genuine environmental gradients. Improved methodological transparency and consistency are essential for robust regional reconstructions. Full article

Thermal aging is an effective strategy for improving the functional properties of fruit-based ingredients via physicochemical modifications. This research investigates the effect of thermal aging on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and Maillard conjugation properties of dried lychee pulp aged at 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C for 20 days under controlled relative humidity. Comprehensive analyses were performed, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual phenolic profiles, saccharide composition, free amino acid content, degree of glycation (DG), peptide molecular weight distribution, and antioxidant activity assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The results demonstrated that aging at moderate temperatures (60–70 °C) significantly enhanced TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, alongside an increased degree of glycation, peaking at approximately 47% at 70 °C. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed strong correlations between these compositional changes and antioxidant responses. In contrast, aging at 80 °C led to the degradation of thermolabile phenolics, sugars, and amino acids, resulting in reduced antioxidant activity compared with non-aged samples. Overall, the results highlight a temperature-dependent balance between constructive Maillard conjugation and thermal degradation, identifying 60–70 °C as an optimal aging range for improving the functional quality of dried lychee pulp. These findings provide mechanistic insight into thermal modulation of fruit bioactivity and support the potential application of controlled thermal aging in the development of value-added functional food ingredients. Full article

Metallic seismic dampers are an effective tool for reducing structural damage during seismic events. While previous reviews have often focused on cataloging device types, this review presents a deep analysis of the underlying science governing their performance. Particular emphasis is placed on advanced computational methods, such as non-linear kinematic hardening (e.g., Chaboche) and micromechanical damage models (e.g., GTN), which are essential for accurately predicting low-cycle fatigue and fracture. Furthermore, advances in materials science are analyzed, ranging from low-yield-strength (LYS) steels to self-centering shape memory alloys (SMAs). Finally, the influence of manufacturing processes (including additive manufacturing) is explored, and critical future challenges in design, modeling, and long-term durability are identified. This analysis provides a foundational resource for researchers seeking to advance beyond simple phenomenological design toward physics-based prediction of damper performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: With rising diabetes rates, early detection of complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of visual impairment, is crucial. Incorporating DR screening into primary care has shown positive results, and integrating technological advances and artificial intelligence (AI) into these processes offers promising potential. The overall study aims to evaluate the agreement between primary care physicians, ophthalmologists, and an AI system in DR screening and referral decisions within a real-world primary care setting. Methods: In this brief report, we present the study protocol and provide an initial overview and description of our sample. A total of 1517 retinographies, obtained by a non-mydriatic retinal camera, were retrospectively collected from 301 patients with diabetes. Results: Primary care physicians referred 34.5% of the patients to ophthalmology, primarily due to opacification, suspicion of DR, or other retinal diseases. Overall, 13.62% of the participants were suspected of having DR, with 9.63% having a definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: These initial descriptive findings will be further explored in the next phase of the study through the analysis of concordance between primary care physicians, the AI-based software, and ophthalmology specialists. Future results are expected to provide valuable insights into the reliability of DR screening across different evaluators and support the integration of effective DR screening strategies into real-world clinical practice. Full article

The dressed body can reveal a great deal about the social, economic, political and artistic milieu that propelled a fashion style. Louis Braun used fashion to augment the narrative of his artwork, the Murten Panorama, a 10 m × 100 m cylindrical painting commemorating the Swiss victory against the army of the Duchy of Burgundy, 1476. The Laboratory for Experimental Museology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, led by Sarah Kenderdine, has digitized the panorama, producing a 1.6-trillion-pixel digital twin, the largest digital image of a particular object ever created. Exhibitions of the twin are in progress across Switzerland and other international venues to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the Burgundian wars. Volumetric videos, 3D objects and historic costume characters, motion capture and a dynamic soundscape present a multisensory immersive experience. This paper outlines our method of ‘materializing’, in 3D, the dress of the Burgundian prostitute, a prominent character in the panorama. Researching the sartorial, historical and artistic influences affecting Braun while he created the artwork revealed multiple layers of fashion interpretation and informed our research on how to embody the materiality of the character’s costume. We discuss our multi-disciplinary process to ‘materialize’ the character and the software used in the development. Full article

Vanda orchids are a commercially significant genus in the global floriculture industry, yet their cultivation often depends on substantial chemical fertilizer inputs, which raise both economic and environmental concerns. Endophytic bacteria offer a promising, sustainable alternative by promoting plant growth and enhancing nutrient acquisition. This study aimed to characterize native endophytic bacteria and assess their potential to improve nitrogen uptake and growth in Vanda orchids. Three potent nitrogen-fixing bacterial isolates (2R13, 3S19, and 3R14) were selected for this research. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, they were identified as Curtobacteriumcitreum, Stenotrophomonas panacihumi, and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The efficacy of these isolates was evaluated in both controlled in vitro and practical greenhouse conditions using various dilution ratios. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful colonization of isolate 3S19 within the root tissue of inoculated Vanda plantlets. The results revealed a significant interaction between the bacterial treatments and the growing environment. In vitro, isolate 3S19 applied at a 1:25 ratio yielded the highest total nitrogen content (12.46 mg g⁻¹ DW). Conversely, in the greenhouse experiment, isolates 2R13 and 3S19 were most effective at a 1:50 ratio, achieving nitrogen contents of 11.18 and 10.83 mg g⁻¹ DW. Furthermore, bacterial inoculation in the greenhouse generally led to significant improvements in plant growth parameters, including height, leaf count, and root development, compared to non-inoculated controls. These findings highlight the potential of these endophytic bacteria as effective biofertilizers for Vanda orchid cultivation. The contrasting outcomes between the two experimental settings underscore the critical importance of optimizing application rates based on specific environmental conditions to maximize benefits in commercial production. Full article

Chronic pain is inherently multifactorial, with biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to neuropathic pain (NP) and central sensitization (CS) syndromes. Comorbidity between functional disorders and the lack of clinical biomarkers adds to the challenge of diagnosis and treatment, leading to frustration for healthcare professionals and patients. Available treatments are limited, increasing patient suffering with personal and financial costs. This systematic review examined multisensory processing alterations in chronic pain and reviewed current pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. A structured search was conducted on the PubMed database using the keywords Central Sensitization, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Neuropathic Pain, combined with the keywords Vision, Audition, Olfaction, Touch, Taste, and Proprioception. Papers were then filtered to discuss current treatment approaches. Articles within the last five years, from 2018 to 2023, have been included. Papers were excluded if they were animal studies; investigated tissue damage, disease processes, or addiction; or were conference proceedings or non-English. Results were summarized in table form to allow synthesis of evidence. As this study is a systematic review of previously published research rather than a clinical trial or experimental investigation, the risk of bias was assessed independently by at least two reviewers. 138 studies were identified and analyzed. Of these, 96 focused primarily on treatment options for chronic pain and were analyzed for this systematic review. There were a few emerging themes. No one therapy is effective, so a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, including pharmacological, somatic, and psychological treatment, is generally predicted to achieve the best outcomes. Cranial neurovascular compromise, especially of the trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and potentially the vestibulocochlear nerve, is being increasingly revealed with the advancement of neuroimaging. Cortical and deep brain stimulation to evoke neuroplasticity is an emerging and promising therapy and warrants further investigation. Finally, including patients in their treatment plan allows them control and offers the ability to self-manage their pain. Risk of bias limits the ability to judge the quality of evidence. Full article

Background: Spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis, most common in adolescents and athletes involved in sports requiring repetitive spinal loading, extension, and rotation. The condition is often underdiagnosed due to delays in presentation and diagnosis, particularly among non-orthopedic providers. Aims: This review aims to summarize the current understanding of spondylolysis, focusing on its etiology, diagnosis, management strategies, and identify gaps in research for future exploration. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify studies relevant to pediatric and adolescent spondylolysis, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis, particularly in the context of athletic injuries. The initial search yielded 143 citations. Applying filters for English language publications within the past five years reduced this to 125 citations. Limiting to populations that were aged 18 years and under returned 50 studies. After screening the titles and abstracts, 12 non-specific or irrelevant articles (including letters to the editor) were excluded, leaving a final dataset of 38 articles for detailed review. In addition, foundational and landmark studies outside this window were included to provide historical and conceptual context, bringing the total evidence base to 50 papers. Findings: Spondylolysis most commonly affects the L5 vertebra, with a higher incidence in male athletes. Conservative treatments like physical therapy and bracing are effective, especially when initiated early. However, the efficacy of bracing remains debated, with limited evidence on long-term clinical benefits. Surgical intervention is considered for severe or non-responsive cases. Diagnostic methods, including CT and MRI, are preferred, with emerging techniques like ultrasound showing potential for non-ionizing, cost-effective, early detection. Implications: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing progression to spondylolisthesis. While conservative treatments often yield favorable outcomes, more research is needed to compare the effectiveness of bracing and pharmacological interventions. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effective, non-ionizing diagnostic methods, and the role of emerging therapies like regenerative medicine. A multi-disciplinary approach is vital for optimal patient care, particularly in young athletes. Full article

This study addresses the challenge of identifying heavy Building Information Modeling (BIM) library components that disproportionately degrade model performance. While BIM has become standard in the construction industry, heavy components characterized by excessive geometric complexity, numerous instances, or inefficient optimization—cause extended file loading times, interface lag, and coordination difficulties, particularly in large cross-industry projects. Current identification methods rely primarily on designer experience and manual inspection, lacking systematic evaluation frameworks. This research develops a multi-criteria evaluation method based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) that quantifies component performance impact through five weighted criteria: instance count (20%), geometry complexity (30%), face count (20%), edge count (10%), and estimated file size (20%). These metrics are aggregated into a composite Weight Score, with components exceeding a threshold of 200 classified as requiring optimization attention. The method was implemented as HeavyFamilies, a pyRevit plugin for Autodesk Revit featuring a graphical interface with tabular results, CSV export functionality, and direct model visualization. Validation on three real BIM projects of varying scales (133–680 families) demonstrated effective identification of heavy components within 8–165 s of analysis time. User validation with six BIM specialists achieved 100% task completion rate, with automatic color coding and direct model highlighting particularly valued. The proposed approach enables a shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive quality control, supporting routine diagnostics and objective prioritization of optimization efforts in federated and multi-disciplinary construction projects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diencephalic syndrome (DS) is an uncommon pediatric disorder presenting with severe failure to thrive despite adequate caloric intake and preserved linear growth. First characterized by Russell, this condition predominantly affects infants under 12 months and remains diagnostically challenging. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review examining clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, associated pathology, diagnostic approaches, and long-term outcomes of DS. Results: DS typically manifests in the first year of life with profound cachexia, normal or increased appetite, preserved height velocity, and characteristic features including hyperactivity, euphorism, and visual pathway involvement. Low-grade gliomas of the hypothalamic–chiasmatic region, particularly pilocytic astrocytomas, represent the predominant underlying pathology. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood but likely involve complex dysregulation of hypothalamic energy homeostasis. While overall survival exceeds 90% at five years, most patients experience significant long-term morbidity including visual impairment, multiple endocrine deficiencies, and hypothalamic obesity. Diagnostic delays averaging 11 months contribute to irreversible complications. Conclusions: Early recognition of DS is essential to prevent permanent visual loss and optimize outcomes. Multidisciplinary management incorporating chemotherapy as first-line treatment for underlying gliomas has improved survival while reducing radiation-associated toxicities. However, survivors face substantial lifelong sequelae requiring comprehensive monitoring and intervention. Future research should focus on elucidating precise pathophysiological mechanisms, developing targeted molecular therapies, and improving management of hypothalamic obesity and other late effects. Full article

Rural governance is a key means of promoting sustainable rural development and is gradually evolving toward interdisciplinary research across multiple scales. How should governments at all levels implement precise policy to achieve rural revitalization goals? To reveal the multi-scale characteristics of rural spatial governance, this study proposes theoretical hypotheses and constructs a three-level analytical framework encompassing the municipal, functional area, and township dimensions. Taking Nanning City as a case study, it comprehensively employs global and local spatial autocorrelation methods to quantitatively analyze the spatial differentiation patterns and governance effectiveness across the five dimensions of rural revitalization at different scales. The results indicate that indicators such as ecological livability, industrial prosperity, life affluence, rural civilization, and effective governance all exhibit significant clustering patterns at various scales, with notable differences in the intensity of clustering across these scales. Specifically, the ecological livability indicator exhibits the strongest spatial agglomeration at the municipal level (Moran’s I = 0.578), industrial prosperity and affluent living show the strongest correlations at the functional area level (with average Moran’s I values of 0.281 and 0.414, respectively), while rural civilization and effective governance display the most pronounced clustering at the township level (Moran’s I values of 0.363 and 0.350). The findings provide direct evidence for implementing differentiated and precise rural spatial governance in Nanning City and similar regions, while also contributing to the optimization of cross-level policy resource allocation. Future research should further integrate multidisciplinary perspectives and expand the analysis of multi-stakeholder participation mechanisms. Full article

Acrylamide is a heat-induced food contaminant that can be formed through the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and asparagine in carbohydrate-rich foods. It is recognized as having carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive risks, prompting global regulatory and research attention. This review synthesizes recent advances (2013–2025) in understanding acrylamide’s formation mechanisms, detection methods, mitigation strategies, and health implications. Analytical innovations such as LC–MS/MS have enabled detection at trace levels (≤10 µg/kg), supporting process optimization and compliance monitoring. Effective mitigation strategies combine cooking adjustments, ingredient reformulation, and novel technologies, including vacuum frying, ohmic heating, and predictive modeling, which can achieve up to a 70% reduction in certain food categories. Dietary polyphenols and fibers also hold promise, lowering acrylamide formation and bioavailability through carbonyl trapping and enhanced detoxification. However, significant gaps remain in bioavailability assessment, analysis of metabolic fate (glycidamide conversion), and standardized global monitoring. This review emphasizes that a sustainable reduction in dietary acrylamide requires a multidisciplinary framework integrating mechanistic modeling, green processing, regulatory oversight, and consumer education. Bridging science, industry, and policy is essential to ensure safer food systems and minimize long-term public health risks. Full article

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress, innate immune dysregulation, vascular instability, and microbiome-related triggers. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg, licorice) root contains phenolics and triterpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties that may benefit rosacea-prone skin. Xanthan-gum hydrogels containing 2% methanolic Gg extract (S1, S2) were prepared and characterized. Rheology, in vitro release, and in vitro permeation were evaluated, with the aim of assessing their suitability as topical formulations for rosacea-prone skin. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial effects were tested against S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and C. acnes. Safety and bioactivity were examined through HaCaT keratinocyte assays (MTT, Neutral Red, LDH), the HET-CAM irritation test, and the CAM angiogenesis assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed on rosacea-related inflammatory markers. Both hydrogels showed suitable rheology, sustained release, and preserved strong antioxidant activity. Moderate antimicrobial effects were observed, particularly against S. pyogenes and C. acnes. HaCaT cell viability remained above 84% for the S2 formulation at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL), indicating improved cytocompatibility compared with formulation S1. The hydrogels were non-irritant in the HET-CAM model and reduced neovascularization in the CAM assay, with a more sustained effect observed for formulation S2. Immunohistochemistry supported potential modulation of inflammatory pathways relevant to rosacea, evidencing suppressed VEGF expression and preserved CD44-mediated integrity, particularly in the Labrasol-based formulation (S2), while Caspase-3 staining indicated a controlled apoptotic profile. Overall, Gg hydrogels are safe, biocompatible, non-irritant, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic activities, supporting their potential as biocompatible topical formulations with antioxidant and pathway-modulating properties relevant to the biological features associated with rosacea, while underscoring the importance of formulation design. Full article

There is a lack of focus on psychological support for fathers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), both in research and practice, with fathers receiving far less support from NICU providers as compared with mothers. This article aims to discuss the current literature and limitations related to providing psychological support to fathers in the NICU and proposes short- and long-term efforts for improving psychological care for NICU fathers. We conducted a narrative literature review to summarize interventions for supporting fathers in the NICU, including emotional support, educational support, social support, family-integrated care, and multi-component interventions. While initial work is promising, there are major limitations. Very few studies have examined interventions specific to providing support to fathers in the NICU, and little work has investigated differences in the support needs and responses to interventions for NICU fathers as compared with mothers. Fathers have historically been overlooked in the NICU. Given the growing recognition of paternal mental health challenges and their impact on infant development, there is a pressing need for efforts aimed at supporting fathers in the NICU. Efforts must consider system structure, policy, multidisciplinary training, and implementation protocols to improve the quality of care provided to NICU fathers. Full article