Search Results (305)

Zirconia restoration debonding is one of the common issues in its dental applications because of its dense and chemically inert structure that is difficult to bond to. In this study, plasma treatment of zirconia was performed to improve its bond strength and longevity with dental resin cement. Sandblasted zirconia specimens were treated using argon cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs), followed by applying a thin layer of 10-MDP primer, dental resin cement with light curing. Micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) test results showed that 300 s of CAP treatment significantly increased the initial µSBS to 38.3 ± 5.6 MPa as compared with the 21.6 ± 7.9 MPa without CAP treatment. After 30 days of storage in 37 °C deionized (DI) water, CAP-treated zirconia specimens had 191.2% higher bond strength than the bonded specimens without plasma treatment. After 1000 cycles of thermal cycling (TC) between 5 °C and 55 °C, the CAP-treated zirconia specimens gave 30.5% higher bond strength than the bonded specimens without plasma treatment. Surface–water contact angle measurements indicated that the zirconia surface became much more hydrophilic but showed rapid hydrophobic recovery within the first hour of CAP treatment, indicating the importance of promptly applying the primer after the plasma treatment. These findings suggest that the argon CAP technique is effective in the surface preparation of zirconia for enhancing bond strength and longevity with dental cement. Full article

Background: Local audits of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prescriptions and outcomes are necessary to assess guideline awareness among clinicians and treatment effectiveness. Aims: The aims were to investigate first-line prescriptions and effectiveness over a 10-year period in Ireland and evaluate the influence of the 2017 Irish consensus guidelines on these trends. Methods: Data were collected at e-CRF AEG-REDCap from the European Registry on H. pylori management (Hp-EuReg) and quality reviewed from 2013 to 2022. All treatment-naïve cases were assessed for effectiveness by modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis. Multivariate analysis was also performed. Results: Data from 1000 patients (mean age 50 ± 15 years; 54% female) were analyzed. Clarithromycin (C) and amoxicillin (A) triple therapy represented 88% of treatments, followed by sequential C, A, and metronidazole (M) therapy (4.3%) and triple C + M (2.7%). Bismuth quadruple therapy was prescribed in 1.7% of cases. Treatment durations of 14, 10, and 7 days accounted for 87%, 4.5%, and 8.5% of prescriptions, respectively. High-, standard-, and low-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; 80 mg, 40 mg, and 20 mg omeprazole equivalent b.i.d.) were used in 86%, 0.9%, and 13% of cases, respectively. The overall eradication rate was 80%, while it was 81% for triple C + A. Good compliance and high-dose PPI were associated with higher overall mITT eradication rates (OR 4.5 and OR 1.9, respectively) and triple C + A eradication rates (OR 4.2 and OR 1.9, respectively). Overall eradication rates increased from 74% pre-2017 to 82% (p < 0.05) by the end of 2022. Similarly, the triple C + A eradication rates increased from 76% to 83% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While first-line treatment effectiveness improved in clinical practice over time, cure rates remain below 90%. Alternative first-line strategies are required in Ireland. Full article

Hyperketonemia (HYK) is a common disorder in high-producing dairy cows, resulting in significant economic losses. Defined by elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB; ≥1.2 mmol/L) without clinical signs, HYK is often considered a gateway disease, predisposing cows to other metabolic and infectious problems. Our objective was to investigate the association between previous lactation risk factors and both BHB concentration and HYK status during the first week postpartum in the subsequent lactation. A retrospective study was conducted using previously collected blood samples from 2336 Holstein multiparous dairy cows from 7 dairy herds, where BHB concentration was measured during the first week postpartum. Data from the previous lactation were extracted from electronic farm records. Log-transformed BHB concentrations and HYK status were each modeled using separate linear mixed models. Both models included the same set of risk factors—lactation, previous lactation total times bred, dry length period, previous lactation days in milk, previous lactation days open, previous lactation days carried calf, previous lactation peak milk production, previous lactation total milk production, previous lactation total milk fat, and previous lactation total milk protein—to investigate their association with these outcomes. Potential confounding variables were offered to the models, and stepwise backward elimination was used to determine which covariates to retain. Significant associations were detected between BHB concentration and dry period length (DDRY), lactation number (LACT), previous lactation total milk protein (TOTP), and previous lactation days open (PDOPN). Inclusive, significant associations were detected between HYK status and previous lactation total milk production (PTOTM), DDRY, LACT, TOTP, and PDOPN. Our results suggest that a dry period longer than 60 days, days open exceeding 130 days, being in their third or greater lactation, and each additional 1000 kg of milk produced in the previous lactation are associated with an increased risk of having high BHB and HYK in the first week postpartum in the subsequent lactation. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Implantation of an embryo in the cervical canal is the rarest location of ectopic pregnancy, as it occurs between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 18,000 pregnancies. Dilation and curettage in previous pregnancies have been identified as risk factors in most cases. Other predisposing factors include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), prior tubal surgeries, assisted reproductive technologies, as well as the presence of fibroids and intrauterine. Importantly, ectopic pregnancies are the main cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester. Given the rarity of cervical ectopic pregnancies (CEPs) and the lack of specific recommendations, clinical data supporting current evidence is of utmost significance. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old nulliparous woman presented with spotting from the genital tract and lower abdominal pain persisting for four days. Pregnancy could not be ruled out based on the patient’s medical history. The level of β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) on admission was 1487.99 mIU/mL. The first ultrasonography examination revealed a non-specific imaging appearance suggestive of the presence of cervical mucus. Targeted examination with visualization of the cervical canal revealed a gestational sac measuring 4–5 mm in diameter, containing an embryonic echo. The patient was treated with 84 mg of methotrexate (MTX) i.v. in a 1, 3, 5, 7 scheme along with 0.1 mg/kg calcium folinate i.m. in a 2, 4, 6, 8 scheme prior to curettage. Conclusions: A diagnosis of cervical pregnancy cannot be excluded even in the absence of prior risk factors. Methotrexate should be considered a safe and efficient option in the management of CEP. As shown in our case, early detection of CEP is of utmost significance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen recognized as a serious global public health threat. Herein, we report a C. auris outbreak that was successfully contained in a general hospital located in Athens, Greece. Methods: This study was conducted between December 2021 and December 2023. Upon identification of the first imported case of C. auris, the following infection control measures were applied in a stepwise approach: the promotion of hand hygiene, contact precautions and isolation, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing of patients, enhanced environmental cleaning, and active surveillance cultures of all high-risk patients upon admission. Active surveillance cultures were performed weekly in non-colonized ICU patients. Results: A total of 1564 screening samples from 890 patients were analyzed. Sixty-three patients were identified to be colonized and three to be infected with C. auris. After implementing screening and enhanced environmental cleaning, the quarterly incidence of hospital-acquired cases decreased from 0.37 to 0.04 cases per 1000 patient-days (slope of linear trend: −0.08; 95% CI: −0.16 to −0.0004; p = 0.05), despite the continuous inflow of already colonized patients. Conclusions: A bundle of infection control measures, including active surveillance cultures upon admission and enhanced environmental cleaning, can contain C. auris dissemination in acute healthcare settings. Full article

A pilot-scale (4000 L) continuous flow electromethanogenic reactor (EMR), also known as a microbial electrochemical cell coupled with an anaerobic digester (MEC-AD), treating brewery wastewater was designed and installed at Hepworth’s Brewery, UK. This investigation presents a 4-fold increase in size compared to the next largest pilot-scale MEC-AD system presented in the literature, providing findings to inform the operation of a 52,000 L MEC-AD system (currently under construction). Housed in a 20 ft shipping container, the pilot system features four 1000 L reaction vessels arranged in series, each with a working volume of 900 L. Each reaction vessel contained 8 electrode modules. The system was tested over varying organic loading rates (OLRs), achieved through systematic reductions in hydraulic retention time (HRT). HRTs between 24 and 1.8 days were investigated to align with commercial viability targets. OLRs were observed from 0.4 to 7.5 kgCOD/m³/d. A maximum stable OLR of 6.75 kgCOD/m³/d at a HRT of 2.3 days was observed while maintaining COD removal of 65 and 88% over the first two vessels. This pilot demonstrated commercially viable performance of an EMR at a brewery, resulting in the purchase of the technology at commercial scale (52,000 L) to form part of a wastewater treatment system. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in skin aging and carcinogenesis. Phytochemicals such as sulforaphane (SF, from broccoli sprouts or seeds) or curcumin (CUR, from turmeric) can be highly protective against this stress. They each induce a suite of cytoprotective and antioxidant enzymes that are coordinately transcribed via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway in mammals, such as the prototypical cytoprotective enzyme NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). Methods: Eighteen healthy human volunteers (9 males, 9 females, aged 18–69. were randomized to receive daily glucoraphanin (GR), which is converted to SF upon ingestion (450 mg; 1 mmol), CUR (1000 mg; 2.7 mmol), or both (450 mg GR + 1000 mg CUR), as oral supplements. After 8 days of a diet low in both compounds, blood and urine were collected for compliance and biomarker measurements. Randomized spots on the buttock’s skin were exposed to 2 x M.E.D. of UVB, and punch biopsies were obtained 1 and 3 days later for biomarker and histological measurement. Erythema was measured with a chromameter daily for 3 consecutive days following UVB. The process was repeated after receiving oral supplements, both with and without UVB exposure. Results: Compared to baseline, each treatment (n = 6 for each) induced NQO1 mRNA levels in skin biopsies: 3.1-fold with GR, 3.3-fold with CUR, and 3.6-fold with the combination of GR and CUR. Across all treatments (n = 18), expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α were reduced, as were IL-6, IL-17, STING, and CYR61, though less robustly. Modulation of these biomarkers persisted, but was less pronounced, in biopsies taken following UV exposure. The presence of SF and its metabolites in the skin post-treatment was confirmed by examining 6 of 12 subjects who ingested GR. Supplement effects on erythema following UV exposure were not significant, and no significant changes were measured in the same biomarkers in blood cells (PBMC), or by counting dyskeratotic keratinocytes. Supplements were well tolerated and compliance was excellent. Conclusions: Oral GR and CUR are well tolerated and have for the first time been shown to result in increased expression of cytoprotective genes and reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in human skin in vivo. This mechanism-based clinical study suggests that an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective benefit from these oral supplements is delivered to the skin in humans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our study aimed to assess longitudinal trends in blood culture contamination in a regional secondary care teaching hospital before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate differences in the interpretation of trends using two distinct quasi-experimental statistical methods, including interrupted time-series analysis. Methods: We analyzed data from a 10-year period spanning from 2015 to 2024, encompassing 147,733 admissions and 634,158 patient-days, as well as a total of 25,068 blood cultures. The (i) blood culture contamination rate, (ii) contaminant proportion, (iii) single blood culture rate, and (iv) first-to-second bottle contamination ratio were calculated. Results: The observed usage rate of blood cultures per 1000 patient-days was 38.9. The contamination rate of blood cultures increased from 0.9% to 1.5% (p = 0.001) in the post-COVID-19 period, accompanied by a rise in the proportion of contaminant bacteria from 9.8% to 14.2% (p = 0.016). Additionally, the proportion of single blood culture collections increased from 23.1% to 33.6% (p < 0.001). Finally, the overall first-to-second bottle contamination ratio was 1.54, while the ratio in the post-COVID-19 period was 1.92. Conclusions: In a low-COVID-19-burden secondary care teaching hospital setting, blood culture contamination rates have progressively increased over the past decade, irrespective of the pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of sustained vigilance in infection prevention and control practices, strict adherence to blood culture collection protocols, and the ongoing need for staff training. Full article

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) remains a significant toxicity of concomitant chemoradiation (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). This trial assessed the safety and efficacy of EC-18, an innate immune response mitigator, in attenuating severe OM (SOM) in HNC patients being treated with CRT. Methods: This was a two-stage, Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional trial. Stage 1 consisted of a blinded parallel group dose-finding safety and tolerability study of 24 subjects in four equally sized groups of EC-18 (500 mg, 1000 mg, or 2000 mg or placebo). Stage 2 randomized subjects (1:1) to receive placebo or 2000 mg of EC-18. Twice-daily dosing was carried out from the first to the last day of radiation (LDRT). Patients were assessed twice weekly. OM scores were assigned centrally using WHO criteria. Adverse events were reported using NCI-CTCAE v4.0 criteria. Tumor response was reported up to 12 months following the LDRT. Results: Among patients who received a cumulative radiation dose of at least 55 Gy, at least 80% were compliant with the study’s drug dosing during the first 28 days of treatment and continued to use the study drug for more than 4 weeks. EC-18 effectively reduced the duration, onset, and incidence of SOM compared to placebo. Opioid use was delayed in EC-18-treated patients. Efficacy was associated with weekly cisplatin use and HPV positivity. No significant differences in AEs were observed between study cohorts. Conclusions: EC-18 administered orally may be a safe and effective CRT-associated SOM intervention in patients with HNC. Full article

Chile contributes 4% of global hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) production, mainly developed in temperate regions with high autumn rainfall and humidity during harvest, which can compromise nut quality and increase postharvest losses. Thus, synchronizing harvests has become a critical aspect for growers in the southern region of Chile. This study focused on the effects of ethephon (ETH) spraying on trees to optimize nut drop timing and assess its impact on yield optimization and its influence on vegetative growth and inflorescence activity. From the 2020/2021 to the 2022/2023 seasons, experiments were conducted on a commercial hazelnut orchard of Tonda di Giffoni (TDG) planted in southern Chile. Four ETH (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg L⁻¹) treatments were sprayed 15 days preharvest and denoted as ETHA (sprayed 2020/2021) and ETHB (sprayed twice, in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022). Nut drop synchronization was periodically monitored at 7, 15, 21, 28, and 35 days after application (DAA), along with industrial quality parameters (nut weight, kernel yield) and inflorescence activity. In the first season, ETH significantly synchronized nut drops, achieving optimal results at 15–28 DAA with ETH 250 and 500, while ETH 1000 induced earlier drops but reduced yields. Total nut yield varied among seasons and demonstrated consistent performance of ETH 250, identified as the most efficient treatment for balancing nut drop timing. Industrial parameters showed seasonal differences but no adverse effects on nut quality. Conversely, the inflorescence activity remained unaffected by ETH concentrations. ETHA and ETHB treatments influenced tree shoot length variably across three seasons, showing significant concentration and seasonal interaction effects. These results demonstrate that ETH effectively synchronizes hazelnut harvests under temperate conditions, reducing post-harvest losses and optimizing logistics without compromising yield or quality. Full article

Cyvirus cyprinidallo3, also known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), is a common pathogen of koi and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Infection of CyHV-3 can lead to high mortality in fry under 4 months of age. CyHV-3 can become latent in recovered fish, and latent CyHV-3 can reactivate under stress conditions and spread the virus. Reactivation of CyHV-3 can also lead to mortality and diseases in latently infected fish. No effective drugs are available to prevent CyHV-3 infection or reactivation from latency. There is a need for the discovery of anti-CyHV-3 drugs. Harmine (HAR) and harmaline (HAL) are β-carboline alkaloids found in the medicinal plant Peganum harmala with antiviral activities against many viruses, including HSV. Here, HAL was evaluated against CyHV-3 infection in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Immediately after a one-hour infection exposure of ~1000 FPU/plate or ~500 PFU/plate, cells treated with 5 µM HAL for 2 h can block nearly 50% or 90% plaque formation in vitro. Only around 50% inhibition was observed in cells treated with the common anti-herpesvirus drug acyclovir (ACV) at 10 or 20 µM for 2 h following 1 h post-infection of ~500 PFU/plate. Cells treated with 10 µM HAL for 30 min, 60 min, 2 h, and 6 h can reduce 60%, 65%, 85.5%, and 85% CyHV-3 replication in vitro, respectively. HAL at 20 µM is still effective against CyHV-3 DNA replication and virion production when the treatment started at 3 and 5 days post-infection for 1 or 2 h, respectively. HAL under 50 µM has little toxicity to cells treated for 24 h. Immersion treatment with 10 µM HAL for 3–4 h daily within the first 5 days post-infection can increase the survival of fry by 60%. In addition, IM injection of HAL at 20 µM can reduce the rate of CyHV-3 reactivation induced by heat stress in latently infected koi. This study demonstrated that HAL could potentially be used to prevent CyHV-3 infection or reactivation from latency. Full article

To develop a prevention program for rowing-related injuries, it is crucial to study the epidemiological characteristics of injuries among Chinese rowing athletes. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and incidence of injuries among Chinese rowing athletes aged 12–24 years. A retrospective study was conducted in 2024 among 207 rowing athletes in China using a rowing-specific questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised two sections: the first section collected basic information, including gender, age, height, weight, years of training experience, daily training hours, weekly training days, and weekly training hours; the second section collected information on rowing-related injuries over the past year, including injury locations, mechanisms, and severity. An injury was defined as a physical complaint with time loss and/or medical care. Rowing-related injuries were normalized to rates per 1000 training hours and per 1000 training sessions, calculated using the Poisson distribution based on age and gender. A total of 131 injuries were reported, including 51 (38.9%) acute-onset and 80 gradual-onset (61.1%) injuries. The lower back was the most common site (39.7%, 52 cases), followed by the knee and shoulder. Over two-thirds of the injuries caused less than a week’s absence from rowing. The overall injury rate per 1000 training hours was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.38–0.54), and the overall injury rate per 1000 training sessions was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.79–2.53). Rowing-related injuries were significantly associated with gender (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.37–9.02, p = 0.009) and BMI (OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.33–9.95, p = 0.012). Among Chinese rowing athletes, injuries frequently occurred, especially in female athletes. Lower back injuries were the most common, followed by knee and shoulder injuries. This study contributes to improving injury prevention and early detection in high-risk anatomical regions and vulnerable athletes among elite rowers. Full article

Stunting is a major global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to its persistently high prevalence. It often originates from chronic malnutrition during the critical first 1000 days of life. Maternal and child nutrition are critical determinants of a child’s growth and development. This article aimed to explore the impact, causes, and evidence-based strategies to accelerate the reduction of stunting incidence worldwide. This review was undertaken with sources from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and MEDLINE from October 2024 to January 2025. This review was undertaken with sources from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and MEDLINE from October 2024 to January 2025 using the keyword “Stunting”, “Causes of stunting”, “Stunting Impact”, “Stunting Intervention”, and “Stunting Prevention”. The findings highlight the multifactorial causes of stunting, including maternal malnutrition, inadequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding, poor sanitation, and socioeconomic factors. Stunting is associated with impaired linear growth, cognitive deficits, gut dysbiosis, endocrine disruption, anemia, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Addressing stunting demands multisectoral strategies focusing on maternal and child nutrition, infection prevention, improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, and socioeconomic support. The evidence presented may guide policy development and targeted interventions to prevent stunting and its long-term effects. Full article

The first 1000 days of life starts from conception to a child’s second birthday. Research suggests that the period is critical for cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Investments in maternal and child healthcare during this period have a profound impact on long-term health, educational attainment, and economic productivity. This study examined the impact of such investments on child health outcomes in Kenya, using data from the 2015/2016 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS). Key areas of focus included maternal healthcare, early antenatal care, skilled delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, proper weaning practices, immunization, and the timely treatment of childhood illnesses. Using the Cox regression hazard model, the study revealed that twins faced a higher risk of mortality compared to single births, while firstborns were less likely to die before their fifth birthday; larger household sizes were associated with reduced child mortality, and children in female-headed households had a lower likelihood of dying, likely due to better adherence to proper health and nutritional practices. Maternal health conditions, the place of delivery, and assistance during childbirth significantly influenced survival, with government health facility deliveries yielding better outcomes than homebirths. This study emphasizes the importance of educating pregnant women and mothers on health risks and public health protocols during this critical period. Strengthening healthcare systems and promoting equitable access to essential services during the first 1000 days could improve child survival rates and enhance long-term economic productivity. Full article

Wildlife behavior can be influenced by the deployment of sensory cues in a landscape, but different cues vary in the strength and duration of their effectiveness. We aimed to identify the most effective and cost-efficient countermeasures (sensory cues) to deter wild boar (Sus scrofa) entry and damage to cornfields in Hunchun, Jilin Province, China. These cornfields have experienced severe damage by wild boars during the critical 30-day period when this crop was ripening. From 2016 to 2021, different countermeasures were applied sequentially seeking to control this damage by using either (1) visual deterrents, i.e., solar blinkers of different colors; (2) auditory deterrents, i.e., playbacks of Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) calls, wild boar calls, or wolf (Canis lupus) calls; (3) tactile deterrents, i.e., electric fencing; (4) olfactory deterrents, i.e., Adult Amur tiger feces; or (5) various combined deterrents. We first evaluated the effectiveness of these broad categories, then performed a detailed analysis of the individual countermeasures to assess their specific deterrence effectiveness and duration. A cost-effective analysis was subsequently performed on the most effective countermeasures to evaluate the best option for practical applications. Across the broad categories of deterrents, the tactile group proved the most effective overall. For individual deterrents, the seven countermeasures showing significantly higher effectiveness than the others tested included the following: (1) 1000 mA red solar blinker (32.25 ± 4.22 days), (2) 1000 mA yellow solar blinker (29.67 ± 4.58 days), (3) 1000 mA green solar blinker (29.58 ± 5.60 days), (4) electric fencing with three wires (29.67 ± 0.58 days), (5) electric fencing with two wires (28.00 ± 2.00 days), (6) Adult Amur tiger calls for 15 s and wild boar calls for 15 s plus a combined 30 s plus a blank recording for 5 min (26.50 ± 2.38 days), and (7) Adult Amur tiger feces and calls (27.34 ± 2.94 days). Except for the Adult Amur tiger feces and calls, each countermeasure would cover most of the period over which control is necessary (30 days). The 1000 mA red solar blinker of achieved the highest repellency per cost ratio (0.31) at 30.29 IUS$/hm² but showed reduced effectiveness over time. Although electric fencing with three wires offers longer deterrence, its cost-effectiveness ratio was lower (0.27) due to higher installation and maintenance costs at 319.69 IUS$/hm². The 1000 mA red solar blinker offers a highly cost-effective short-term deterrent, while the electric fencing with three wires provides durable, long-term protection despite its higher costs. Balancing cost and duration can optimize wild boar deterrence strategies across different management needs. Full article