Search Results (151)

Weeds are one of the main problems in cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs); they negatively affect yield (herba and essential oil), and the overall quantity and quality of biomass, flowers, roots, seeds, and secondary metabolites. This review evaluates mulching as a sustainable, non-chemical method for weed management in the cultivation of MAPs and examines how effectively organic, synthetic, and living mulches reduce weeds and increase yields. Regarding different mulch materials such as straw, sawdust, bark, needles, compost, polyethylene, and biodegradable films, the basic processes of mulch activity, including light interception, physical suppression, and microclimate adjustment, are examined. The review further analyzes the impact of mulching on soil parameters (moisture, temperature, pH, chlorophyll content) and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The findings consistently indicate that mulching substantially reduces weed biomass, improves crop performance, and supports organic farming practices. However, there are still issues with cost, material availability, and possible soil changes, and the efficacy is affected by variables including cultivated plant species, mulch type, and application thickness. The review highlights the importance of further research to optimize the selection of mulch and MAPs and their application across various agroecological conditions, and indicates that mulching is a potential, environmentally friendly technique for weed control in MAP cultivations. Full article

Background: Ultrasound-guided identification of the cricothyroid membrane is more accurate than traditional palpation techniques. Additionally, real-time ultrasound-guided puncture is more precise than ultrasound alone. However, no dedicated device currently exists for ultrasound-guided needle cricothyroidotomy. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate a novel ultrasound-guided cricothyroidotomy device. Methods: A randomized, prospective, crossover simulation study was conducted using a porcine larynx model. Sixteen anesthesiologists and six anesthesia residents participated after receiving video-based and hands-on training. Each participant performed cricothyroidotomy using three methods: ultrasound-guided needle cricothyroidotomy using the novel device (US-G), needle cricothyroidotomy using a commercial cricothyroidotomy kit (QuickTrach^®), and scalpel incisional cricothyroidotomy after conventional palpation identifying the cricothyroid membrane (Pal-SI). The primary outcome was the puncture success rate. Secondary outcomes included procedure time and tracheal wall injury rates. Results: Cricothyroidotomy of the porcine larynx had a success rate of 100% for US-G and Pal-C and 95% for Pal-SI. The US-G procedure time was significantly longer (median: 80 s) than for Pal-C (22 s) or Pal-SI (51 s). No significant differences in the tracheal wall injury rates were noted across methods, and no severe injuries were reported in the US-G group. Conclusions: US-G demonstrated a high success rate and good safety profile. Although the procedure time was longer than other methods, its precision may still be beneficial in cases involving anticipated difficult airways. Further clinical validation is warranted. Full article

Riedel thyroiditis (RT) is a rare immune-mediated inflammatory disease that destroys the thyroid parenchyma, replacing it with storiform fibrosis extending to the extrathyroidal tissue. Secondary fibrotic lesions can be associated as parts of the systemic IgG4-related disease. We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient who presented initially with subacute thyroiditis when corticosteroid treatment was initiated. After a year, compressive respiratory symptoms and dysphagia appear, and fine-needle aspiration cytology is performed to rule out malignancy, but without results. Thyroidectomy is performed, and histopathology shows scleroatrophic thyroiditis, with chronic inflammatory infiltrate containing eosinophils extending in the neighboring tissue, rare atrophic follicles, and obliterative vasculitis. Immunohistochemistry proves abundant plasma cells with IgG4 secretion; the macrophage is mainly the M2 subtype. RT is diagnosed, and a CT (computed tomography) scan is performed to detect peritracheal fibrosis and subtle pulmonary modifications. A literature review was performed that situates our findings in the context of the current literature. The last part discusses the immuno-inflammatory mechanisms behind IgG4-related diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to compare the safety of tenecteplase versus alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including 11 Memorial Hermann Health System hospitals in Houston from 7 December 2022 to 7 June 2023. Adults presenting with an acute ischemic stroke who received alteplase or tenecteplase were included in this study. The primary outcome was the incidence of hemorrhagic conversion after 24 h of thrombolytic administration. Secondary outcomes included door-to-needle time, incidence of a major or minor bleed, length of hospital stay, incidence of any adverse effect, modified Rankin score at discharge, patient discharge disposition, medication cost, and mortality. Results: A total of 173 patients were reviewed, with 87 patients in the tenecteplase group and 86 patients in the alteplase group. Gender, actual body weight, and use of aspirin or dual antiplatelet therapy within 24 h of thrombolytic administration were statistically disproportionate between both groups. Hemorrhagic conversion occurred in seven patients in the tenecteplase group and eight patients in the alteplase group (p = 0.79). Medication cost was statistically significant between both groups. All other secondary outcomes were similar between tenecteplase and alteplase. Conclusions: In this underpowered study, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in the rate of 24 h hemorrhagic conversion between the tenecteplase and alteplase groups. Further studies with a large sample size are warranted to assess safety outcomes. Full article

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) within the masticatory space are a rare but significant complication of oral and maxillofacial procedures. Despite advancements in orthognathic surgery, instrument breakage and accidental loss can lead to challenging secondary procedures. Clinical experience with retained foreign bodies in the masticatory space following orthognathic surgery and related dental procedures is summarized. Methods: A retrospective search was conducted in the surgical and radiological database of a tertiary referral center for maxillofacial surgery, covering procedures from January 2017 to December 2024. Patients were included if they had undergone orthognathic surgery and presented with a retained FB in the masticatory space confirmed through imaging. Clinical records, operative notes, imaging studies, and follow-up data were reviewed. Results: Out of 2092 procedures, four patients (0.19%) were identified. Two FBs were related to broken surgical instruments during orthognathic surgery (a suture needle and a burr fragment), while two were fractured local anesthesia needles during third molar extraction under local anesthesia. All FBs were located in deep compartments of the masticatory space (paramandibular or pterygopalatine region). Surgical retrieval via transoral approach under general anesthesia was successful in all cases. One patient experienced transient facial nerve dyskinesia; no long-term complications or recurrences were noted. Conclusions: Retained foreign bodies in the masticatory space are infrequent yet warrant prompt recognition and surgical management to mitigate the risk of infection, nerve damage, and repeated procedures. Thorough instrument checks, proper technique, and advanced imaging modalities are crucial for minimizing these complications in orthognathic surgery. Full article

Objectives: Oncocyte-rich indeterminate thyroid nodules (O-ITNs) present diagnostic and management challenges due to overlapping features between benign and malignant lesions and differing cytological classifications. This study aimed primarily to assess the ultrasound (US) characteristics and US-based risk of O-ITNs using the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data Systems (ACR TI-RADS). A secondary objective was to compare the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) and Italian Consensus for the Classification and Reporting of Thyroid Cytology (ICCRTC) cytological systems regarding classification and clinical management implications for O-ITNs. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 177 ITNs (TIR3A and TIR3B) evaluated between June 2023 and December 2024 at CTO-Alesini, Rome (Italy). Nodules were assessed with US, cytology, and histology. Oncocyte predominance was defined as >70% oncocytes on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). US features were analyzed according to ACR TI-RADS. Nodules were reclassified by BSRTC, and potential differences in clinical case management (CCM) were analyzed. Results: O-ITNs comprised 47.5% of the sample. Compared to non-O-ITNs, O-ITNs were larger and more frequently showed low-risk US features, including a higher prevalence of ACR TI-RADS 3 nodules. However, no progressive increase in the risk of malignancy (ROM) was observed across ACR TI-RADS classes within O-ITNs. Histological malignancy was identified in 47.1% of O-ITNs, a lower proportion compared to non-O-ITNs, though the difference was not statistically significant. Classification discordance with potential management impact was lower in O-ITNs (20.2%) than in non-O-ITNs (38.7%). Conclusions: O-ITNs typically exhibit benign-appearing US features and lower classification discordance between BSRTC and ICCRTC, yet US risk stratification fails to differentiate malignancy risk within O-ITNs. A tailored approach integrating cytology and cautious US interpretation is essential for optimal O-ITN management. Full article

Circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA) stockpiles release alkaline dust, high-pH leachate, and secondary CO₂/SO₂—an environmental burden that exceeds 240 Mt yr⁻¹ in China alone. Yet, barely 25% is recycled, because the high f-CaO/SO₃ contents destabilize conventional cementitious products. Here, we presents a pressurized flue gas heat curing (FHC) route to bridge this scientific deficit, converting up to 85 wt% CFBFA into structural lightweight gravel. The gypsum dosage was optimized, and a 1:16 (gypsum/CFBFA) ratio delivered the best compromise between early ettringite nucleation and CO₂-uptake capacity, yielding the highest overall quality. The optimal mix reaches 9.13 MPa 28-day crushing strength, 4.27% in situ CO₂ uptake, 1.75 g cm⁻³ bulk density, and 3.59% water absorption. Multi-technique analyses (SEM, XRD, FTIR, TG-DTG, and MIP) show that FHC rapidly consumes expansive phases, suppresses undesirable granular-ettringite formation, and produces a dense calcite/needle-AFt skeleton. The FHC-treated CFBFA composite gravel demonstrates 30.43% higher crushing strength than JTG/TF20-2015 standards, accompanied by a water absorption rate 28.2% lower than recent studies. Its superior strength and durability highlight its potential as a low-carbon lightweight aggregate for structural engineering. A life-cycle inventory gives a cradle-to-gate energy demand of 1128 MJ t⁻¹ and a process GWP of 226 kg CO₂-eq t⁻¹. Consequently, higher point-source emissions paired with immediate mineral sequestration translate into a low overall climate footprint and eliminate the need for CFBFA landfilling. Full article

Y₅F₃[AsO₃]₄ crystallizes needle-shaped in the tetragonal space group P4/ncc with the lattice parameters a = 1143.80(8) pm, c = 1078.41(7) pm and c/a = 0.9428 for Z = 4. The yttrium-fluoride substructure linked via secondary contacts forms a three-dimensional network $\begin{array}{c}3\\ \infty \end{array}${[Y₅F₃]¹²⁺} and the remaining part consists of ψ¹-tetrahedral [AsO₃]³⁻ units, which leave lone-pair channels along [001]. In contrast, platelet-shaped Y₅Cl₃[AsO₃]₄ crystals adopt the monoclinic space group C2/c with the lattice parameters a = 1860.56(9) pm, b = 536.27(3) pm, c = 1639.04(8) pm and β = 105.739(3)° for Z = 4. Condensation of [(Y1,2)O₈]¹³⁻ polyhedra via four common edges each leads to fluorite-like $\begin{array}{c}2\\ \infty \end{array}$ {[(Y1,2)O $\begin{array}{c}e\\ 8/2\end{array}$ ]⁵⁻} layers spreading out parallel to the (100) plane. Their three-dimensional linkage occurs via the (Y3)³⁺ cations with their Cl⁻ ligands on the one hand and the As³⁺ cations with their lone-pairs of electrons on the other, which also form within [AsO₃]³⁻ anions lone-pair channels along [010]. Both colorless compounds can be obtained by solid-state reactions from corresponding mixtures of the binaries (Y₂O₃, As₂O₃ and YX₃ with X = F and Cl) at elevated temperatures of 825 °C, most advantageously under halide-flux assistance (CsBr for Y₅F₃[AsO₃]₄ and ZnCl₂ for Y₅Cl₃[AsO₃]₄). By replacing a few percent of YX₃ with EuX₃ or TbX₃, Eu³⁺- or Tb³⁺-doped samples are accessible, which show red or green luminescence upon excitation with ultraviolet radiation. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ab interno techniques using minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), specifically XEN gel stent implantation, by evaluating its 2-year outcomes in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG). Methods: This retrospective single-center study consecutively included 31 eyes of 31 patients with POAG or PXG who underwent XEN gel stent implantation. Patients were followed for 24 months, with assessments at multiple time points. Success was defined as achieving an IOP of less than 14 mmHg and a reduction of more than 20% from preoperative IOP without additional glaucoma surgery. Bleb morphology was evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and slit-lamp photographs. Postoperative interventions and complications were also recorded. Results: At 24 months, complete success and qualified success rates were 35.5% (11/31) and 51.6% (16/31), respectively. There was no difference in surgical success rates at 2 years based on the tip location (intraconjunctiva, intratenon, and uviform) on the 1st postoperative day. Patients with high sparse wall on AS-OCT imaging or avascular bleb morphology via slit-lamp photography at 6 months postoperatively had higher complete success rates at 2 years than those without (p = 0.007, p = 0.009, respectively). Patients with avascular bleb types at 6 months postoperatively had higher qualified success rates at 2 years compared with the vascular types (p = 0.038). Needling was performed in 32.3% of eyes, with secondary surgical procedures required in 16.1% of eyes. The most common adverse event was hypotony, occurring in 67.7% of eyes on the 1st postoperative day but resolving within 6 months. Conclusions: The ab interno XEN gel stent is an effective and minimally invasive option for managing POAG and PXG, with long-term success predicted by the AS-OCT assessment of bleb morphology at 6 months. Proactive postoperative management, emphasizing early intervention and monitoring, is crucial for maintaining optimal outcomes. Full article

Original compositions of electrical ceramics have been developed and tested using marshalite and wollastonite as raw materials. An analysis of the equilibrium states of the created porcelain masses at different temperatures in Na₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ and K₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ systems was carried out. The amount of melt in these systems was calculated based on equilibrium flux curves. The characteristics of the sintering process of the masses were identified. A scheme for the formation of key secondary needle-like mullite during the thermal treatment of the masses was outlined and the temperature intervals for the formation of intermediate compounds were found. X-ray diffraction patterns and micrographs of the synthesized samples were decoded, and the phase composition and microstructure of the samples were analyzed. The effective influence of silica component dispersion on the mineral formation processes during the sintering of the porcelain masses in model samples of feldspar compositions with quartz sand and marshalite was noted. The optimal firing temperatures for full mineral formation and structure formation have been determined, as well as the physical–mechanical and dielectric properties of the obtained ceramic samples. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Wartenberg sign is a diagnostic feature of ulnar nerve neuropathy. It results from unbalanced activity of the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and extensor digiti minimi (EDM) muscles secondary to weakness of the third palmar interosseous muscle. Rarely, this sign may occur in the absence of an underlying ulnar neuropathy, which we refer to as the “pseudo Wartenberg sign” (PWS). Methods: This is a retrospective review of 10 patients manifesting an inability to adduct the little finger towards the ring finger with no evidence of an ulnar neuropathy. We describe the clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings in these patients and discuss the pathophysiologic basis of PWS. Results: The most common cause was an injury in five (50.0%) patients: avulsion of the third volar interosseous muscle in two (20.0%), contracture of the ADM muscle in one (10.0%), and trauma-related dystonia in two (20.0%). The most frequent mechanism of PWS was focal dystonia of specific hand muscles in seven (70.0%) patients. Needle electromyography (EMG) demonstrated no denervation changes in ulnar nerve-innervated hand muscles; the motor and sensory conduction was normal in the ulnar nerve in all patients. Four (40.0%) patients underwent ultrasound studies, with a hyperechoic, avulsed third volar interosseous muscle in one, a hyperechoic and atrophic ADM muscle in one, normal hypothenar and extensor muscles in one, and a normal hypothenar muscle in one. Conclusions: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and hand and orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the rare cases in which the inability to adduct the little finger may occur in the absence of ulnar neuropathy and look for other causes like avulsion of the third palmar interosseus muscle or focal hand dystonia. Full article

Objectives: Low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) is a ventilatory strategy with the advantages of minimizing diaphragm movements and reducing hypercapnia and barotrauma risks. This preliminary study aims to report on the safety and effectiveness of LTVV applied during percutaneous US-guided liver ablations of focal malignancies. Methods: Patients affected by focal liver malignancies treated with percutaneous microwaves ablation were retrospectively included in this single-center analysis. Arterial gas analysis was performed immediately before and after ablation to evaluate the arterial pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂), partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂), and plasma lactate levels. The primary endpoint of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LTVV during percutaneous liver cancer ablation. The secondary endpoint was to assess the procedural technical success in terms of correct needle probe targeting without the need for repositioning. Results: Ten patients affected by a single liver lesion had been analyzed. The ASA score was three in all patients, with three patients also suffering from COPD. The procedural technical success was 100%: ablations were performed with a single liver puncture without the need for changing access or repositioning the needle. No variations in post-ablation arterial gas analysis requiring anesthesiological management remodulation occurred. Lactate levels remained stable and hemodynamic balance was preserved during all procedures. No switch to standard volume ventilation was required. Conclusions: In this preliminary study, LTVV was a safe and effective anesthesiological protocol in patients treated with percutaneous ablations of liver malignancies, offering an ideal balance between patient safety and percutaneous needle probe positioning precision. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

In this study, Mn²⁺ and Eu²⁺-codoped Sr_3−xBa_xMgSi₂O₈ (x = 0–1.5) phosphors were synthesized at 1400 °C under a reducing atmosphere composed of 5% H₂ and 95% N₂ to produce materials with blue light emission. The resulting powders were characterized using several analytical techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify the crystalline phases, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the microstructure, and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectra were measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results revealed several key findings. XRD analysis showed that the Sr₃MgSi₂O₈ (Sr_3−xBa_xMgSi₂O₈) phase coexisted with secondary phases of Sr₂SiO₄ and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇. SEM observations indicated that the synthesized powders exhibited a distinctive needle-like structure anchored on the surfaces of the particles. The PL and PLE intensities increased sharply as the BaO content increased from x = 0 to x = 0.6, followed by a more gradual increase, reaching a peak at x = 1.2. Additionally, as the value of x increased, the wavelengths corresponding to maximum PL and PLE intensities exhibited a blue shift, moving to shorter wavelengths. Further investigation focused on the excitation behavior by replotting the PLE spectra using energy (eV) as the x-axis. A Gaussian fitting function was applied to deconvolute the excitation bands, enabling an in-depth analysis of how compositional variations influenced the Stokes shift. Full article

Objective: Current interventions for anxiety, depression, and insomnia are efficacious, yet effectiveness may be limited by side effects and/or high withdrawal rates. Other desirable treatment options are needed. Many veterans and civilians are turning to acupuncture as an emerging therapy. Our objective was to conduct a more definitive study comparing verum with sham acupuncture (minimal needling). Methods: A two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) hypothesizing that both verum and sham acupuncture are effective and the effects of verum are superior to those of sham acupuncture. We recruited subjects from a single outpatient-based site, the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA. A total of 93 treatment-seeking combat Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aged 18–55, were allocated to groups by adaptive randomization, and 71 participants completed the intervention protocols. Verum and sham were both offered as 1 h sessions, twice a week, and participants were allowed 15-weeks to complete up to 24 sessions. This was a secondary analysis from a larger study about the efficacy of acupuncture for PTSD. Outcomes for the current study were pre- to post-intervention change in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Outcomes were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. General Linear Models comparing within- and between-group results were analyzed in both intention-to-treat (ITT) and treatment completer models. Results: In total, 85 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 39.2 (median = 37.0), were randomized. For anxiety, the verum acupuncture showed a large treatment effect (d = 1.3), whereas sham acupuncture showed a moderate effect (d = 0.9). There was no statistical difference between the verum and sham acupuncture groups. Similar effects were found for depression and insomnia symptoms. Withdrawal rates were low. Conclusions: Both verum and sham acupuncture were efficacious in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in a population of veterans with PTSD. However, there was no clinical difference between the verum and sham acupuncture groups. These data build on extant literature and suggest that further research on the clinical implementation and durability of acupuncture for anxiety, depression, and insomnia is warranted. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the 30G needle mediated ab externo open conjunctiva approach for the XEN 63 µm implant in primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: A retrospective and non-randomized study was conducted on consecutive cases of medically refractory primary open-angle glaucoma treated with standalone ab externo open conjunctiva XEN^® 63 µm (North Chicago, Illinois) with one-year follow-up. Results: Twenty-two eyes were included. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 21.9 ± 7.2 mmHg, and the mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.4 ± 0.9. All patients underwent mitomycin 0.02% application for 2 min, and Healaflow^® (MedicalMix, Spain), was implanted in 11 cases (50%). Complete surgical success was achieved in 14 cases (63.6%). No statistical differences in complete surgical success were noted based on the use of Healaflow^®. A significant reduction in intraocular pressure (11.8 ± 3.4 mmHg) and in the number of hypotensive medications (0.2 ± 0.5 mmHg) was observed 1 year after the procedure. Transient hypotony was detected in 31.8% of cases. Complications secondary to hypotony included four cases of serous choroidal detachment and one case of localized hemorrhagic choroidal detachment, the latter associated with hypotonic keratopathy and hypotonic maculopathy. All these complications evolved favorably with conservative management and adjusted topical treatment. Conclusions: This study highlights the efficacy and safety of this approach for the XEN 63 µm implant in medically refractory primary open-angle glaucoma. Full article