Search Results (279)

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) oil is a lipid-rich natural ingredient with potential cosmetic applications, but its time-dependent clinical effects on skin remain underexplored. This study aimed to characterize pequi oil using GC-MS, develop a minimalist serum formulation containing the oil, and evaluate its immediate, short-term, and long-term clinical efficacy, as well as perceived efficacy. A serum with 3% pequi oil (SPO) and a vehicle control (SV) were developed and tested in twenty healthy female participants (22–30 years). Stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and sebum content were measured on the malar region at baseline (t0) and after 2 h (t2h), 7 days (t7d), and 28 days (t28d) of application. Porphyrin count and sebaceous gland activity were assessed at t7d and t28d and skin microrelief at t28d. GC-MS revealed oleic acid (55.89%) and palmitic acid (34.90%) as the oil’s main constituents. SPO reduced TEWL and increased skin hydration at t2h and t28d compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). At t28d, SPO significantly reduced oily spots and porphyrin scores and improved skin microrelief. Long-term perceived efficacy indicated better hydration, oil control, and skin feel compared with SV. These findings suggest that pequi oil reduced sebum content and sebaceous gland activity, thereby enhancing skin barrier function, hydration, microrelief, and hydrolipidic balance, supporting its potential as an effective cosmetic ingredient. Full article

Background: Photoaging results from cumulative ultraviolet-induced damage, mainly affecting sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and forearms. It manifests with textural roughness, irregular pigmentation, and wrinkles, reflecting structural degeneration across cutaneous layers. Objectives: This retrospective, uncontrolled, pilot study evaluated the efficacy of a biorejuvenating intradermal treatment combining free hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycerol in improving skin quality assessed by VISIA^® CR. Secondary objectives included morphological and structural evaluation with PRIMOS 3D and LC-OCT, and exploratory clustering of post-treatment topography. Methods: Seventeen Caucasian women (45–67 years; mean 54, Fitzpatrick I–III) received HA-glycerol (CROMA Revitalis) via three-session picotage (n = 10) or two-session four-point injection (n = 7). VISIA^® CR5 (spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, porphyrins), PRIMOS 3D (roughness, volumetric parameters), and LC-OCT (stratum corneum and epidermal thickness, DEJ undulation) were analyzed. Results: VISIA^® CR5 showed significant reductions in visible spots and porphyrins, with trends toward improvement in wrinkles and UV spots. PRIMOS 3D demonstrated qualitative improvement in most patients, and LC-OCT documented a significant increase in stratum corneum thickness with positive remodeling trends. Conclusions: This retrospective uncontrolled pilot study suggests that HA–glycerol intradermal biorejuvenation may improve multiple markers of photoaging, although conclusions are limited by sample size and short follow-up. Full article

Background: Rabies virus (RABV) causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. Current pre- and post-exposure vaccination relies on inactivated vaccines (INVs) with limited yield and immunogenicity. We engineered a dual-cationic LNP-based nucleocapsid-like nanostructure (NLS) that co-encapsulates RABV G-mRNA and recombinant RABV-N to engage MHC-I/II pathways and enhance protection. Methods: A pVAX-RABV-G plasmid containing 5′/3′UTRs, Kozak, and poly(A) was transcribed in vitro. RABV-N with an N-terminal 6× His tag was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and purified by Ni-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Dual-cationic LNPs (DHA, DOTAP Cl, mPEG-DTA2K, DOPC) were formulated by microfluidics at a 4:1 (G-mRNA:RABV-N) mass ratio. Vaccine quality was assessed by encapsulation efficiency, DLS, PDI, zeta potential, and TEM. Mice received empty LNPs, INV, G-mRNA, or NLS under varied schedules and doses. ELISA measured RABV-G/N-IgG; RFFIT determined neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers; ELISPOT quantified CTL response; qPCR assessed T-cell activation genes. On day 35 after the first immunization of vaccines, mice were challenged intramuscularly with 25 LD₅₀ of CVS-24. Results: G-mRNA purity was >95% and drove strong RABV-G expression in 293T cells. Purified RABV-N was approximately 52 kDa, >90% pure, and reactive to anti-His and anti-N antibodies. NLS achieved >95% encapsulation, a diameter of 136.9 nm, PDI 0.09, and a +18.7 mV zeta potential. A single dose yielded approximately 10 IU mL⁻¹ nAb by day 7; two doses peaked at approximately 1000 IU mL⁻¹. Mice showed 100% survival and no viral rebound in brain, spinal cord, and sciatic nerve. NLS induced stronger MHC-I/II-linked cellular immunity and higher RABV G/N-specific IFN-γ spot frequencies than G-mRNA or INV. Conclusions: The dual-antigen NLS vaccine co-delivering G-mRNA and RABV-N via dual-cationic LNPs robustly activates MHC-I/II, rapidly generates high-titer nAb (≥10 IU mL⁻¹ within 1 week), and sustains potent CD8⁺ CTL and CD4⁺ Th responses. A two-dose regimen (days 0 and 21) conferred complete protection, supporting the NLS platform as a next-generation rabies vaccine candidate. Full article

The transition to renewable energy is crucial in order to attain sustainable development, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and secure long-term energy security. This study examines spatial–temporal trends in electricity generation (both renewable and non-renewable) across EU-28 countries using monthly Eurostat data (2008–2025) at the NUTS0 level. Two harmonized Space–Time Cubes (STCs) were constructed for renewable and non-renewable electricity covering the fully comparable 2017–2024 interval, while 2008–2016 data were used for descriptive validation, and 2025 data were used for one-step-ahead forecasting. In this paper, the authors present a novel multi-method approach to energy transition dynamics in Europe, integrating forecasting (ESF), hot-spot detection (EHSA), and clustering (TSC) with the help of a new spatial–temporal modeling framework. The methodology is a step forward in the development of methodological literature, since it regards predictive and exploratory GIS analytics as comparative energy transition evaluation. The paper uses Exponential Smoothing Forecast (ESF) and Emerging Hot Spot Analysis (EHSA) in a GIS-based analysis to uncover the dynamics in the region and the possible production pattern. The ESF also reported strong predictive performance in the form of the mean Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) of renewable and non-renewable electricity generation of 422.5 GWh and 438.8 GWh, respectively. Of the EU-28 countries, seasonality was statistically significant in 78.6 per cent of locations that relied on hydropower, and 35.7 per cent of locations exhibited structural outliers associated with energy-transition asymmetries. EHSA identified short-lived localized spikes in renewable electricity production in a few Western and Northern European countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Denmark, and Sweden, termed as sporadic renewable hot spots. There were no cases of persistent or increase-based hot spots in any country; therefore, renewable growth is temporally and spatially inhomogeneous in the EU-28. In the case of non-renewable sources, a hot spot was evident in France, with an intermittent hot spot in Spain and sporadic increases over time, but otherwise, there was no statistically significant activity of hot or cold spots in the rest of Europe, indicating structural stagnation in the generation of fossil-based electricity. Time Series Clustering (TSC) determined 10 temporal clusters in the generation of renewable and non-renewable electricity. All renewable clusters were statistically significantly increasing (p < 0.001), with the most substantial increase in Cluster 4 (statistic = 9.95), observed in Poland, Finland, Portugal, and the Netherlands, indicating a transregional phase acceleration of renewable electricity production in northern, western, and eastern Europe. Conversely, all non-renewable clusters showed declining trends (p < 0.001), with Cluster 5 (statistic = −8.58) showing a concerted reduction in the use of fossil-based electricity, in line with EU decarbonization policies. The results contribute to an improved understanding of the spatial dynamics of the European energy transition and its potential to support energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and foster balanced regional development. These insights are crucial to harmonize policy measures with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (especially Goals 7, 11, and 13). Full article

Background/Objectives: Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal disorder caused by a deficiency of β-glucosidase. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and substrate reduction therapy (SRT). Glucosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb1) is a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity in GD. Methods: In GD patients attending a specialist centre, we evaluated dried blood spot lyso-Gb1 levels (normal values ≤ 6.8 ng/mL) by treatment status, sex, GD type and genotype, ERT dose, DMT type and duration, spleen status, and association with other GD biomarkers. Results: A total of 111 patients were screened; 100 (54M:46F; 93 GD1 and 7 GD3; median age 45.2 years, IQR 34.2–57.2; 7 naive and 93 patients on DMTs for a median of 10.4 years, IQR 5.7–21.2) had at least one lyso-Gb1 measurement. Median lyso-Gb1 values were higher in naïve (195, IQR 48.6–388) patients than treated patients (47.1, IQR 23.1–89.7), p = 0.015; higher in those treated ≥ 15 years (62.9, IQR 36.6–103) than in those treated < 15 years (35.1, IQR 20.3–73.9), p = 0.006; and higher in splenectomised (83.4, IQR 34.7–224.5) patients than non-splenectomised patients (40.7, IQR 21.4–77.1), p = 0.044. ERT dose > 60 U/kg had high median lyso-Gb1 values (87.3, IQR 19.7–126), reflecting greater disease burden, and this high dose was only used in patients with GD3. Lyso-Gb1 correlated with chitotriosidase (r = 0.495; p < 0.001) and haemoglobin (r = −0.231; p = 0.022). In a subset of 50 patients with paired values, lyso-Gb1 decreased from baseline (median −1.7 ng/mL, IQR −24.5–14.8). Conclusions: Whilst there was a modest decrease in lyso-Gb1 over time on DMTs, the values remained significantly above the normal range, which may be driven by underlying mechanisms such as inflammation. Full article

Background: During adolescence, the brain is undergoing anatomical and physiological maturation processes with changes to cognitive development. However, in adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU), executive function and mental health are adversely affected by high blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Objectives: We aim to describe clinical outcomes in adolescents with PKU. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaires were performed on quality of life (EuroQol “EQ-5D-5L” questionnaire), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale- HADS) and food neophobia in a single PKU centre. Retrospective data on metabolic control (previous 12 months) and medical history, and current data on anthropometry, dietary treatment, and comorbidities were collected. Results: In total, 33 adolescents with PKU participated with a mean age of 13.5 ± 1.3 y (16 boys, 17 girls). All were on a Phe restricted diet, with 3 also prescribed sapropterin. Questionnaires were self-completed by n = 25/33 (76%) adolescents. A mean of 36 ± 26 blood Phe spots were performed over 12 months. There was a mean of 83% of blood Phe < 600 µmol/L and 49% < 360 µmol/L. In total, 39% (n = 13/33) of adolescents were overweight/obese, 18% (n = 6/33) overweight and 21% (n = 7/33) obese. Medical history documented mental health disorders (anxiety/depression) in 7 cases, low mood, suicidal thoughts and self-harming in 5, and neuro diversity in 4 (autism and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the HADS questionnaire, 12% (n = 3/25) of adolescents scored borderline abnormal for anxiety and 12% (n = 3/25) abnormal for depression. Mean anxiety scores for females were almost twice as high compared to males. No significant correlation was found between blood Phe and anxiety/depression scores. However, higher Phe levels showed a trend towards reduced enjoyment and emotional responsiveness, including lower scores on measures of pleasure, cheerfulness, and emotional reactivity. Although not statistically significant, these findings suggest a potential subtle association between poorer metabolic control and mood disturbances in adolescents with PKU. No food neophobia was identified in our study. Conclusions: Adolescents with PKU presented with high levels of depression and anxiety. Long term studies focusing on quality of life and neurocognition even when achieving the PKU European guidelines are necessary. Different therapeutic options are needed to improve the outcome of patients with PKU. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation in the United States has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Due to federal and state regulations, only a limited number of studies have examined the chemical options available for controlling pests on C. sativa. In the U.S., two of the most important species of arthropod pests affecting C. sativa are the beet leafhopper Circulifer tenellus Baker (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). This study evaluated the effects of four biopesticides, Chromobacterium subtsugae, Burkholderia spp., Chenopodium ambrosioides, and azadirachtin, under greenhouse conditions against C. tenellus adults and nymphs and T. urticae adults. Biopesticides were applied to foliage using a calibrated hand sprayer. To evaluate the biopesticides’ potency, C. tenellus adults, nymphs, and mites were released 1 h after treatment; to evaluate the residual efficacy, they were released 7 days after treatment (DAT). In both experiments, C. tenellus adults, nymphs, and mites were counted 1, 3, and 7 days after release. Our results indicate that Burkholderia spp. exhibited the highest efficacy against C. tenellus adults at 7 DAT, whereas C. ambrosioides and azadirachtin caused the greatest nymphal mortality at 1 and 3 DAT, respectively. Our results show that Burkholderia spp. had the greatest potency against C. tenellus adults 7 DAT, while C. ambrosioides and azadirachtin highly affect the mortality of nymphs at 1 and 3 DAT, respectively. Treatments with C. subtsugae and C. ambrosioides showed high potency against T. urticae. Finally, C. subtsugae showed the lowest residual effect against the mite pest. The data presented in this article will add to the arsenal of information to improve the current management strategies used against these two hemp pests. Full article

Suspended monorail systems are increasingly adopted in urban rail transit due to their small land requirements and environmental benefits. However, welded details in track beams are prone to fatigue cracking under repeated service loads, posing risks to long-term structural safety. This study investigates the fatigue performance of suspended monorail track beams through 1:4 scaled fatigue experiments and finite element (FE) simulations. Critical fatigue-sensitive locations were identified at the mid-span longitudinal stiffener–bottom flange weld toe and the mid-span web–bottom flange weld toe. Under the most unfavorable operating condition (train speed of 30 km/h), the corresponding hot-spot stresses were 28.48 MPa and 27.54 MPa, respectively. Stress deviations between scaled and full-scale models were within 7%, verifying the feasibility of using scaled models for fatigue studies. Fatigue life predictions based on the IIW hot-spot stress method and Eurocode S–N curves showed that the critical details exceeded the 100-year design requirement, with estimated fatigue lives of 2.39 × 10⁸ and 5.95 × 10⁸ cycles. Furthermore, a modified damage equivalent coefficient method that accounts for traffic volume and train speed was proposed, yielding coefficients of 2.54 and 3.06 for the two fatigue-prone locations. The results provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for fatigue life evaluation, design optimization, and code development of suspended monorail track beam structures. Full article

Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) faces challenges. Accurate and precise SMN1 and SMN2 copy number determination, confirmed by two orthogonal methods, are vital for SMA prognostication and treatment. Single SMN1 copy detection also enables the further feasibility to screen for compound heterozygotes. In SCID, low-level T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) quantification by quantitative PCR is imprecise, necessitating replicates for reliable results. An assay with enhanced accuracy, precision, and high throughput is warranted for NBS SMA and SCID. False positive of SMN1 deletions due to allele dropout are also a potential pitfall in PCR-based methods. We evaluated a first-tier fully automated quadruplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay detecting SMN1, SMN2, TREC, and RPP30 using dried blood spots together with a second-tier Sanger sequencing to exclude SMN1 allele dropout. Five proficiency test samples and six patient samples with known SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were used for accuracy evaluation with full concordance. The ddPCR assay showed high precision for SMN1 and SMN2 (<7% coefficient of variation (CV) for ≥0 copy) and TREC (14.6% CV at 37 copies/µL blood). Second-tier Sanger sequencing identified all SMA cases with homozygous deletions. Accuracy for TREC classification was concordant with 10 proficiency samples. The reference interval of TREC concentration was established for newborns ≥ 34 weeks (n = 1812) and the 2.5th percentile was 57 copies/µL blood. A two-tiered approach with fully automated quadruplex ddPCR and Sanger sequencing delivers accurate and precise quantitation for NBS SMA and SCID, enabling early treatment and counseling. Full article

Rickettsia rickettsii is the most virulent agent of the genus Rickettsia that causes one of the most relevant vector-borne diseases in the Americas (RRSF). RRSF manifests with many non-specific acute clinical symptoms complicating its diagnosis and can lead to death if not treated appropriately. RRSF has been reported in Canada, the United States of America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. In addition to R. rickettsii, mild and severe spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) have been reported in the Americas; however, the true prevalence of these diseases is unknown. In Panama, RRSF have been reported in four of 14 provinces during two outbreak periods: five cases including two fatalities were identified in 1950–1951, and 23 cases including 17 fatalities between 2004 and 2025. This paper presents the clinical characterization of a fatal case of RRSF in Coclé province and a severe case of SFGR in a mountainous area of the Gnäbe Buglé Indigenous Comarca (GBIC). Laboratory confirmation was performed by molecular analysis of tissues obtained from necropsies in the case of RRSF and by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in the case of SFGR. Furthermore, this paper identifies existing gaps in the initial clinical suspicion and pertinent to SFGR in Panama, which may be applicable to other countries in the region. In the last 21 years, cases have occurred upon contact with ticks in rural areas (13), urban and suburban locations (7), rural woodlands (2), and forests (1). Provinces with more cases are Panamá (7 of 23, 6 died), Coclé (5 of 23, 5 died), Colón (3 of 23, 1 died), Panamá Oeste (1 of 23, 1 died), and GBIC (7 of 23, 4 died), including a cluster of seven cases in 2019. Therefore, Coclé province is considered one of the endemic areas for RRSF in Panama, while the latest cases from the GBIC since 2019 indicate that mountainous areas are an eco-epidemiological scenario to include in the transmission of these diseases. Although this disease has a low prevalence, patients who present symptoms commonly associated with more common diseases such as dengue, other arboviruses, malaria, and leptospirosis, among others, should be included in the diagnostic suspicion. Without diagnostic suspicion and adequate treatment, the patient can die. Full article

A pathogenic fungus was isolated from the leaves of strawberry black spot in Zhengzhou China. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis, the isolate was identified as Alternaria alstroemeriae. Hybrid sequencing and assembly yielded a high-quality 38.7 Mb genome with 12,781 predicted genes and 99.6% Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness. Functional annotation revealed enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and virulence-associated genes. Strain L6 harbored 45 biosynthetic gene clusters(BGCs), including 12 clusters for terpenes, 7 for non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, and 7 for polyketide synthases. Six BGCs showed high similarity to known pathways producing alternariol (phytotoxic/mycotoxic compound), alternapyrone (phytotoxin), choline (osmoprotectant), terpestacin (anti-angiogenic agent), clavaric acid (anticancer terpenoid), and betaenone derivatives (phytotoxins). CAZyme analysis identified 596 carbohydrate-active enzymes, aligning with L6’s biotrophic lifestyle. Additionally, 996 secreted proteins were predicted, of which five candidate effectors contained the conserved RxLx [EDQ] host-targeting motif, suggesting potential roles in virulence. This genome resource highlights L6’s exceptional secondary metabolites (SMs) diversity, featuring both plant-pathogenic toxins and pharmacologically valuable compounds, indicating that this endophytic fungus is a potential producer of metabolites meriting further exploration and development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neonatal screening programmes for thyroid function testing, based on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assessment, detect both Permanent Congenital Hypothyroidism (PCH) and Transient Congenital Hypothyroidism (TCH). Maternal iodine-deficient dietary intake may result in compensatory neonatal TSH elevation; screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) is used as an indicator of the degree of iodine deficiency and of its control. In Greece, newborn screening for CH, using TSH measurement in dried blood spots (Guthrie card), began in 1979 through the Institute of Child Health (ICH). Although the general Greek population is considered iodine-replete, most pregnant Greek people are mildly iodine deficient according to the stricter WHO criteria. The aim of this retrospective study was to record the cases of TCH and the main causative factors over a 10-year period (2010–2019) in Greece, when the country was deemed to be iodine-replete. Methods: The number of births in Greece between 2010 and 2019 was retrieved from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) archives: 952,109 births were recorded. The total number of newborns assessed through the ICH was 951,342 (99%). During this period, 22,391 newborns were identified to have TSH > 7 mIU/L after the second check on the initial card. Among those, 17,992 underwent retesting with a serum sample. Out of the retested newborns, 1979 were screened positive for CH and immediately began treatment with levothyroxine. We followed up with families, paediatricians, and paediatric endocrinologists to determine whether L-thyroxine therapy had been successfully discontinued for at least two months after the child’s third birthday. Successful contact was achieved with 889 individuals. From this group, 329 children had successfully discontinued thyroxine, classified as TCH. Demographic data, including gender, gestational age, and birth weight, were collected from the archives of the ICH. Maternal data, including thyroid medication use and the presence of elevated thyroid autoantibodies during pregnancy and childbirth, were also recorded. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that, while controlling for all other predictor variables, the odds ratio of transient hypothyroidism was 2.078 (95% CI: 1.530 to 2.821) for prematurely born children compared to those born at term. The effects of other factors on TCH versus PCH were not significant. Conclusions: It seems that prematurity is the main factor contributing to Transient Congenital Hypothyroidism in Greece, a recently iodine-replete country. Full article

Short-season (90 d) produce packing operations may run double shifts with no clean breaks in between. This practice can result in produce contamination from food contact surfaces that are not cleaned and sanitized. Our study examined the survival of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, and stainless steel surfaces that contact produce in operations that have a short packing season. Coupons were spot-inoculated with five-strain cocktails of rifampicin-resistant Salmonella or L. monocytogenes (~7 log CFU/coupon), stored at 22 °C and 45–55% relative humidity, and enumerated at 0, 0.06, 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 d. Significant differences were evaluated (p ≤ 0.05), and survival was modeled using linear and biphasic models. Salmonella reductions varied significantly by surface type, with rubber showing the greatest survival, followed by stainless steel at 90 d. In contrast, Salmonella concentrations on polycarbonate, polypropylene, and PVC were below the limit of detection at 90 d. L. monocytogenes reductions were not significantly different across materials at 90 d. Biphasic models better fit the inactivation of both pathogens. These findings highlight the importance of clean breaks and focusing interventions where pathogens demonstrate greater persistence in short-season packinghouses. Full article

In this work, the effect of the applied current density (J) during galvanostatic anodization of titanium (5–30 mA/cm²) on the TiO₂ morphology and its influence on the SERS performance after pulsed silver electrodeposition (5 mA/cm², 400 cycles, 50 ms ON/250 ms OFF) was evaluated. SEM micrographs showed a transition from nanotubes with scarce nanograss to a dense coverage of nanograss over the surface, which conditioned the formation and distribution of silver nanoparticles and dendrites. Using methylene blue as a probe molecule, the substrate anodized at 15 mA/cm² exhibited the highest SERS intensity, attributed to the high density of hot spots vertically distributed in the 3D dendrites. The optimized substrate demonstrated detection of methylene blue down to 1 × 10⁻¹¹ M and reached an analytical enhancement factor of 7 × 10⁷, highlighting its strong performance. These results establish galvanostatic anodization as a novel and effective route for designing reproducible and scalable TiO₂/Ag substrates with high SERS response. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-functional pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMA) are uncommon pituitary lesions that do not cause hormonal hypersecretion and are most often discovered at the macroadenoma stage. Consequently, they are more challenging to diagnose, often mimicking other non-secreting sellar masses, among which hypophysitis should be carefully considered. This study aimed to differentiate between non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMA) and hypophysitis, two distinct sellar pathologies with overlapping MRI features, by developing a diagnostic score based on clinical, biological, and radiological criteria. Methods: We conducted a prospective study, including 56 patients with NFPMA and 16 patients with hypophysitis primarily of the lymphocytic subtype. A total of 31 clinical, biological, and radiological variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods to identify significant predictors and to establish a diagnostic score. Results: Nine significant criteria were identified: female sex, headaches, visual disturbances, corticotropic insufficiency, pituitary volume ≤ 7 cm³, loss of the posterior pituitary bright spot, cavernous sinus invasion, optic pathway compression, and pituitary stalk thickening. The established score demonstrated significant performance in predicting the diagnosis of hypophysitis (p < 0.001; Area Under the Curve = 0.967; 95% CI = 0.926–1). The sensitivity and specificity of this score were 93.8% and 87.5%, respectively, using a threshold ≥0.5. The median score was −2 (interquartile range = [−3.5; 0.5]), with extremes ranging from −6.5 to 9. Among these, pituitary stalk thickening emerged as a key diagnostic indicator. Conclusions: This simple and effective multi-parametric score enables rapid and accurate differentiation of hypophysitis from NFPMA, helping to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and to improve the management of pituitary insufficiencies and may be especially valuable in settings when biopsy is unavailable or risky. Full article