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24 pages, 967 KB  
Article
Effects of Aerobic-Resistance Training and Nutritional Intervention on Adiponectin, Interleukin-6, and hs-CRP Concentrations in Men with Abdominal Obesity—A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Karol Makiel, Aneta Targosz, Piotr Kosowski and Agnieszka Suder
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199500 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the changes in adiponectin concentrations and inflammatory markers in men with abdominal obesity following physical exercise and exercise combined with dietary intervention. This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to assess the changes in adiponectin concentrations and inflammatory markers in men with abdominal obesity following physical exercise and exercise combined with dietary intervention. This study included 44 males with abdominal obesity (mean age 34.7 ± 5.5 years, waist circumference [WC] 110.3 ± 8.5, BMI 32.0 ± 3.9), who were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group without interventions (CG, n = 12), an experimental group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise (EG, n = 16) and a group engaging in aerobic-resistance exercise combined with an ad libitum high-protein, low-glycemic index carbohydrate diet (EDG, n = 16). Body composition metrics: the body fat-, fat-free mass-, and abdominal fat-to body mass (BF/BM, FFM/BM, ABD/BM) indexes and the body adiposity index (BAI), along with biochemical blood analyses—adiponectin (ADIPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Castelli-II Index (CRI II) and fasting glucose–insulin (FG/I) ratio—were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The effects of the interventions on the analyzed variables across groups were assessed using mixed ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons. Effect size (ES) was also calculated using partial eta squared (ηp2). The exercise intervention (EG) resulted in a significant reduction in the BAI (p < 0.01), insulin resistance FG/I (p < 0.02), and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.01) and initiated an increase in ADIPO secretion (p = 0.03). The combined intervention (EDG) reduced the insulin resistance FG/I (p = 0.02) and atherogenic index CRI II (p = 0.01), decreased inflammatory markers IL-6 (p = 0.01) by 48% and hs-CRP (p = 0.04) by 30%, and simultaneously increased the ADIPO (p = 0.02) concentration by 15%. These effects were accompanied by significant changes in body composition: reductions in visceral fat ABD/BM (p < 0.01), total fat BF/BM (p < 0.01), and BAI (p = 0.02) and an increase in FFM/BM (p < 0.01). A crucial role in achieving these outcomes was played by dietary modifications, i.e., the inclusion of low-glycemic index carbohydrates (p < 0.01), a 23% increase in protein intake (p < 0.01), and a 50% increase in dietary fiber intake (p < 0.01), which consistently deepened the energy deficit (p < 0.01) and reduced fat intake (p < 0.01). These findings underscore that short-term interventions, whether exercise alone or combined with dietary modifications, can effectively reduce inflammation and lower insulin resistance in men with visceral obesity. However, the combined intervention, involving both exercise and dietary modifications, resulted in more pronounced beneficial changes in both body composition and concentrations of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and atherogenic indices and insulin resistance. Full article
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16 pages, 1641 KB  
Article
A Cost-Effective Screening Inflammation Indicator for Atopic Dermatitis Suitable for Primary Care and Self-Assessment
by Chengbin Ye, Xuyang Zhou and Ying Zou
Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192483 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, significantly impairs quality of life but remains underdiagnosed in primary care. Blood-cell-count-derived inflammatory indices are emerging as cost-effective biomarkers, but their pathological relevance to AD is limited and requires further discussion. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, significantly impairs quality of life but remains underdiagnosed in primary care. Blood-cell-count-derived inflammatory indices are emerging as cost-effective biomarkers, but their pathological relevance to AD is limited and requires further discussion. Methods: We developed the Atopic Inflammation Index (AII), a novel blood-cell-based biomarker reflecting AD pathogenesis, and initially assessed its levels in AD patients and healthy controls using clinical samples from Shanghai, China. We then analyzed data from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 2005–2006 cohort (n = 6855) to verify the AII-AD association and compared AII’s diagnostic performance with IgE and eosinophils. Results: Clinical analysis showed a nonlinear association between AII and AD severity. AII effectively distinguished AD patients (including mild cases) from healthy controls (p < 0.001) without elevation in psoriasis or urticaria, unlike eosinophils. In NHANES 2005–2006 (n = 720 AD cases, 10.5%), AII levels were higher in AD compared to non-AD patients (2.33 [1.39–4.09] vs. 2.03 [1.19–3.49], p = 0.007) and remained independently associated after adjustment (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.01–1.04, p = 0.003), while IgE/eosinophils showed non-significant trends. Restricted cubic splines confirmed linear prediction (p = 0.006), and subgroup analyses supported consistency (P-interaction > 0.05). AII outperformed eosinophils (AUC:0.568 vs. 0.546, p = 0.025) with improved detection (sensitivity 0.361→0.614). Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness after excluding medications, chronic diseases and adult populations. Conclusions: AII is stable and reliable in screening and diagnosing AD, offering a low-cost, practical solution for primary care. This verifies the feasibility of integrating existing detection indicators into new biomarkers, providing valuable inspiration for precision medicine research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
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28 pages, 4404 KB  
Article
Nanostructured Dual-Delivery System with Antioxidant and Synergistic Approach for Targeted Dermal Treatment
by Lucia Dzurická, Julie Hoová, Barbora Dribňáková, Petra Skoumalová, Paola Rappelli and Ivana Márová
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199485 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Biocompatible nanofibrous dressings integrating bioactive compounds with antioxidative and antimicrobial properties offer a promising solution for effective wound healing. In the presented study, we developed a novel dual-delivery system by combining forcespun nanofibres with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-liposomes to enhance bioavailability and enable targeted release [...] Read more.
Biocompatible nanofibrous dressings integrating bioactive compounds with antioxidative and antimicrobial properties offer a promising solution for effective wound healing. In the presented study, we developed a novel dual-delivery system by combining forcespun nanofibres with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-liposomes to enhance bioavailability and enable targeted release of bioactive agents (eugenol, thymol, curcumin, ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin). These agents exhibited notable antioxidant activity (2.27–2.33 mmol TE/g) and synergistic or partially synergistic antimicrobial effects against E. coli, M. luteus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa ( Fractional Inhibitory Concentration index 0.09–0.73). The most potent combinations, particularly thymol, eugenol, and ampicillin, were encapsulated in the nanofibre–liposomal matrix. The successful preparation of a new combined delivery system was confirmed by structural analysis using Electron and Fluorescence Microscopy. The dual-composite materials retained the antimicrobial properties of the individual compounds upon release, with the highest increases of ~73.56% against S. epidermidis. Cell viability and in vitro immunology assays using the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) showed a slight decrease in viability and immune response stimulation, while not impairing wound re-epithelisation. These findings highlight the potential of firstly reported novel carrier utilising both PHB-nanofibres and PHB-liposomes, exhibiting simultaneous antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as promising candidates for the treatment of infected wounds under oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds and Their Antioxidant Role: 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 1979 KB  
Article
Bayesian Structure Learning Reveals Disconnected Correlation Patterns Between Morphometric Traits and Blood Biomarkers in White Stork Nestlings
by Alma Mikuška, Sabina Alić, Ivona Levak, Jorge Bernal-Alviz, Mirna Velki, Rocco Nekić, Sandra Ečimović and Dora Bjedov
Birds 2025, 6(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds6040051 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Environmental stressors, particularly agricultural pesticides, can influence both growth and physiology in developing birds, yet the relationship between morphometric condition indices and biochemical biomarkers remains poorly understood. We investigated body mass, beak length, tarsus length, and body condition index (BCI) alongside plasma and [...] Read more.
Environmental stressors, particularly agricultural pesticides, can influence both growth and physiology in developing birds, yet the relationship between morphometric condition indices and biochemical biomarkers remains poorly understood. We investigated body mass, beak length, tarsus length, and body condition index (BCI) alongside plasma and S9 biomarkers, including the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nestling White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) from Croatia. Bayesian undirected graphical model (BUGM) inferred a disconnected correlation structure composed of two communities, with a strong beak length–GSH association. Biomarkers further exhibited plasma-specific affinity: plasma markers reflected short-term adjustments, whereas S9 enzymes represented distinct metabolic pathways. Overall, morphometry and physiological status showed only limited integration, restricted mainly to plasma biomarkers, and residual body condition index did not serve as a reliable proxy for physiological stress. We conclude that integrated monitoring approaches, combining morphometric and biochemical profiling, provide a more nuanced assessment of nestling condition and strengthen the use of White Storks as sentinels of agroecosystem health. Full article
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23 pages, 5279 KB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Characterization, Photocatalytic Performance, and Evaluation of Their Impact on Seed Germination Parameters in Crops
by Hanan F. Al-Harbi, Manal A. Awad, Khalid M. O. Ortashi, Latifah A. AL-Humaid, Abdullah A. Ibrahim and Asma A. Al-Huqail
Catalysts 2025, 15(10), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15100924 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study reports on green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), focusing on their physicochemical characterization, photocatalytic properties, and agricultural applications. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 337.3 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.400, indicating moderate polydispersity and [...] Read more.
This study reports on green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), focusing on their physicochemical characterization, photocatalytic properties, and agricultural applications. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 337.3 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.400, indicating moderate polydispersity and nanoparticle aggregation, typical of biologically synthesized systems. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) showed predominantly spherical particles with an average diameter of ~28 nm, exhibiting slight agglomeration. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of zinc and oxygen, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a dominant (002) plane and an average crystallite size of ~29 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy displayed a distinct near-band-edge emission at ~462 nm and a broad blue–green emission band (430–600 nm) with relatively low intensity. The ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum of the synthesized ZnONPs exhibited a strong absorption peak at 372 nm, and the optical band gap was calculated as 2.67 eV using the Tauc method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed both similarities and distinct differences to the pigeon extract, confirming the successful formation of nanoparticles. A prominent absorption band observed at 455 cm−1 was assigned to Zn–O stretching vibrations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that raw pigeon droppings contained no Zn signals, while their extract provided organic biomolecules for reduction and stabilization, and it confirmed Zn2+ species and Zn–O bonding in the synthesized ZnONPs. Photocatalytic degradation assays demonstrated the efficient removal of pollutants from sewage water, leading to significant reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). These results are consistent with reported values for ZnO-based photocatalytic systems, which achieve biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels below 2 mg/L and COD values around 11.8 mg/L. Subsequent reuse of treated water for irrigation yielded promising agronomic outcomes. Wheat and barley seeds exhibited 100% germination rates with ZnO NP-treated water, which were markedly higher than those obtained using chlorine-treated effluent (65–68%) and even the control (89–91%). After 21 days, root and shoot lengths under ZnO NP irrigation exceeded those of the control group by 30–50%, indicating enhanced seedling vigor. These findings demonstrate that biosynthesized ZnONPs represent a sustainable and multifunctional solution for wastewater remediation and agricultural enhancement, positioning them as a promising candidate for integration into green technologies that support sustainable urban development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Photocatalysis)
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22 pages, 4596 KB  
Article
Image Super-Resolution Reconstruction Network Based on Structural Reparameterization and Feature Reuse
by Tianyu Li, Xiaoshi Jin, Qiang Liu and Xi Liu
Sensors 2025, 25(19), 5989; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25195989 (registering DOI) - 27 Sep 2025
Abstract
In the task of integrated circuit micrograph acquisition, image super-resolution reconstruction technology can significantly enhance acquisition efficiency. With the advancement of deep learning techniques, the performance of image super-resolution reconstruction networks has improved markedly, but their demand for inference device memory has also [...] Read more.
In the task of integrated circuit micrograph acquisition, image super-resolution reconstruction technology can significantly enhance acquisition efficiency. With the advancement of deep learning techniques, the performance of image super-resolution reconstruction networks has improved markedly, but their demand for inference device memory has also increased substantially, greatly limiting their practical application in engineering and deployment on resource-constrained devices. Against this backdrop, we designed image super-resolution reconstruction networks based on feature reuse and structural reparameterization techniques, ensuring that the networks maintain reconstruction performance while being more suitable for deployment in resource-limited environments. Traditional image super-resolution reconstruction networks often redundantly compute similar features through standard convolution operations, leading to significant computational resource wastage. By employing low-cost operations, we replaced some redundant features with those generated from the inherent characteristics of the image and designed a reparameterization layer using structural reparameterization techniques. Building upon local feature fusion and local residual learning, we developed two efficient deep feature extraction modules, and forming the image super-resolution reconstruction networks. Compared to performance-oriented image super-resolution reconstruction networks (e.g., DRCT), our network reduces algorithm parameters by 84.5% and shortens inference time by 49.8%. In comparison with lightweight image reconstruction algorithms, our method improves the mean structural similarity index by 3.24%. Experimental results demonstrate that the image super-resolution reconstruction network based on feature reuse and structural reparameterization achieves an excellent balance between network performance and complexity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)
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12 pages, 892 KB  
Article
AISI, SIRI, and MLR in Predicting Surgical Outcomes After Radical Cystectomy: Revisiting Inflammatory Risk Markers
by Mertcan Dama, Enis Mert Yorulmaz, Serkan Özcan, Osman Köse, Sacit Nuri Görgel and Yiğit Akın
Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101756 (registering DOI) - 27 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of systemic inflammatory response markers—namely, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR)—in determining the occurrence of major complications following radical cystectomy. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of systemic inflammatory response markers—namely, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI), and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR)—in determining the occurrence of major complications following radical cystectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 200 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables, including albumin, creatinine, eGFR, smoking, and ASA score, were collected. SIRI, AISI, and MLR were calculated from preoperative blood counts. Major complications and their subtypes (infectious, wound, cardiopulmonary, thrombotic, and anastomotic) were adjudicated independently. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression, ROC curves, calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow, intercept, slope, and plots), bootstrap resampling (B = 2000), linearity checks (restricted cubic splines and Box–Tidwell), incremental value metrics (ΔAUC, IDI, and NRI), and decision-curve analysis (DCA). Results: Major complications occurred in 57 patients (28.5%). SIRI values were significantly higher in patients with major complications (median 2.12 vs. 1.63, p = 0.006), whereas AISI and MLR did not differ. SIRI remained an independent predictor in multivariable analysis (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.86, p = 0.045). An AUC of 0.624 (95% CI 0.538–0.709) with a negative predictive value of 83.3% was observed for SIRI. The baseline clinical model yielded an AUC of 0.648, and an AUC of 0.672 was obtained when SIRI was added (ΔAUC = +0.024, 95% CI −0.022–0.071, p = 0.16). Calibration was excellent (intercept = 0.07, slope = 1.08), and superior net benefit was demonstrated for the SIRI-augmented model within threshold probabilities of 0.15–0.45 in DCA. A statistically significant improvement in IDI (0.024, p = 0.024) was identified, while NRI was positive but not significant. Subtype analyses indicated that the strongest associations of SIRI were with infectious and wound complications. Conclusions: SIRI was found to be an independent predictor of major complications after open radical cystectomy. Although gains in discrimination were modest, incremental analyses demonstrated improved calibration and net clinical benefit when SIRI was incorporated into a clinical model. External validation is required before translation into clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Urology & Nephrology)
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13 pages, 1949 KB  
Article
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Clinical Presentation in Infants with Congenital Laryngomalacia: A Polysomnographic Study
by Sergii Bredun, Anatolii L. Kosakovsyi, Krzysztof Trzpis, Jarosław Szydłowski, Anna Wiśniewska, Beniamin Oskar Grabarek, Piotr Żychowski and Jaroslaw Szydlowski
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6844; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196844 (registering DOI) - 27 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Congenital laryngomalacia (LM) is the most common cause of stridor in infants, presenting with a clinical spectrum that ranges from benign, self-limiting symptoms to severe airway obstruction. This study aimed to objectively characterize the type and severity of sleep-disordered breathing in infants [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Congenital laryngomalacia (LM) is the most common cause of stridor in infants, presenting with a clinical spectrum that ranges from benign, self-limiting symptoms to severe airway obstruction. This study aimed to objectively characterize the type and severity of sleep-disordered breathing in infants with LM using polysomnography (PSG) and to correlate findings with LM subtypes, clinical presentation, and type of surgical intervention. Methods: A cohort of 42 infants diagnosed with LM (Type I: n = 14, Type II: n = 18, Type III: n = 10) underwent overnight PSG before surgical treatment. The Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), minimum and mean SpO2, and heart rate were recorded. Clinical features (stridor, feeding difficulties, respiratory effort) and type of surgery (supraglottoplasty [S] or supraglottoplasty with epiglottopexy [S + E]) were analyzed across LM subtypes. Results: Baseline AHI was significantly higher in LM Type III (25.41 ± 6.95 events/h) compared with Type II (12.50 ± 5.05) and Type I (2.84 ± 1.96; p < 0.001). After surgery, AHI decreased to 1.76 ± 1.56 in Type III and 0.97 ± 0.70 in Type II. ODI showed a similar trend (Type III: 9.87 ± 5.99 before vs. 0.78 ± 0.69 after surgery; p < 0.001). Minimum SpO2 increased from 69.50 ± 7.76% to 93.60 ± 1.82% in Type III (p < 0.001). Feeding difficulties were observed in 100% of Type III patients, compared with 83.3% of Type II and 42.9% of Type I patients. The distribution of apnea type differed significantly across groups (p < 0.001), with mixed obstructive–central apnea predominating in Type III. Conclusions: Polysomnography is an effective and objective tool for assessing LM severity and guiding surgical qualification. Increasing LM severity is associated with more pronounced PSG abnormalities, greater clinical burden, and a higher likelihood of requiring advanced surgical correction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing)
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16 pages, 702 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess Healthcare Professionals’ Views on Parental Presence During Neonatal Resuscitation
by Paraskevi Volaki, Rozeta Sokou, Abraham Pouliakis, Nikoleta Aikaterini Xixi, Zoi Iliodromiti, Styliani Paliatsiou, Georgios Kafalidis, Theodora Boutsikou, Theodoros Xanthos and Nicoletta Iacovidou
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(10), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15100352 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Childbirth is a natural and joyfully anticipated life event for parents and relatives. Yet, in some cases, it can be a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, i.e., neonatal resuscitation. The majority of newborns breathe spontaneously; a small number, though, may receive [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Childbirth is a natural and joyfully anticipated life event for parents and relatives. Yet, in some cases, it can be a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, i.e., neonatal resuscitation. The majority of newborns breathe spontaneously; a small number, though, may receive basic life support (assisted transition), and an even smaller but clinically significant number require advanced life support (resuscitation). Within the context of family-centered care, the presence of parents during resuscitation has emerged as a factor with potential implications for emotional adjustment, communication with healthcare providers, and early parent–infant bonding. However, the presence of family members during neonatal resuscitation remains a subject of ongoing debate among healthcare professionals (HCPs). Despite increasing recognition of its potential benefits, HCPs’ views on parental presence during such critical procedures have not been extensively investigated in Greece. This study aims at developing and validating a tool to assess healthcare professionals’ views on parental presence during neonatal resuscitation. Methods: A preliminary questionnaire was developed based on the principles of family-centered care and adapted to the Greek population. The first phase included expert assessment of validity, clarity, and relevance using a modified Delphi method. Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale CVI (S-CVI) were calculated. Pilot testing was conducted to assess test–retest reliability. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analyses. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring anonymity, informed consent, and confidentiality. Results: The questionnaire includes 37–50 items allocated in four sections. It demonstrated excellent content validity (CVI = 1.00) and good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.86). Qualitative feedback indicated that the tool is user-friendly and comprehensive. Interestingly, participants expressed genuine concerns regarding the implementation of parental presence in neonatal resuscitation. Conclusions: The questionnaire development process led to a comprehensive tool, ready for large-scale testing in order to further establish its validity and internal consistency. Full article
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23 pages, 4793 KB  
Article
Contrasting Drydown Time Scales: SMAP L-Band vs. AMSR2 C-Band Brightness Temperatures Against Ground Observations and SMAP Products
by Hongxun Jiang, Shaoning Lv, Yin Hu and Jun Wen
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(19), 3307; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17193307 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Surface water loss, regulated by natural factors such as surface properties and atmospheric conditions, is a complex process across multiple spatiotemporal scales. This study compared the statistical characteristics of drydown time scale (τ) derived from multi-frequency microwave brightness temperatures (TB, including L-band and [...] Read more.
Surface water loss, regulated by natural factors such as surface properties and atmospheric conditions, is a complex process across multiple spatiotemporal scales. This study compared the statistical characteristics of drydown time scale (τ) derived from multi-frequency microwave brightness temperatures (TB, including L-band and C-band), SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) soil moisture (SM) products, and in situ observation data. It mainly conducted a sensitivity analysis of τ to depth, climate type, vegetation coverage, and soil texture, and compared the sensitivity differences between signals of different frequencies. The statistical results of τ showed a pattern varying with sensing depth: C-band TB (0~3 cm) < L-band TB (0~5 cm) < in situ observation (4~8 cm), i.e., the shallower the depth, the faster the drying. τ was sensitive to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) when NDVI < 0.7 and climate types, but relatively insensitive to soil texture. The global median τ retrieved from TB aligned with the spatial pattern of climate classifications; drier climates and sparser vegetation coverage led to faster drying, and L-band TB was more sensitive to these factors than C-band TB. The attenuation magnitude of L-band TB was smaller than that of C-band TB, but the degree of change in its attenuation effect was greater than that of C-band TB, particularly regarding variations in NDVI and climate types. Furthermore, given the similar sensing depths of SMAP SM and L-band TB, their τ statistical characteristics were compared and found to differ, indicating that depth is not the sole reason SMAP SM dries faster than in situ observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing for Soil Property Mapping)
19 pages, 2040 KB  
Article
Diagnosis of mTBI in an ER Setting Using Eye-Tracking and Virtual Reality Technology: An Exploratory Study
by Felix Sikorski, Claas Güthoff, Ingo Schmehl, Witold Rogge, Jasper Frese, Arndt-Peter Schulz and Andreas Gonschorek
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15101051 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to systematically explore point-of-care biomarkers as diagnostic indicators for the detection and exclusion of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in an emergency room (ER) setting using Eye-Tracking and Virtual Reality (ET/VR) technology. The primary target group [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to systematically explore point-of-care biomarkers as diagnostic indicators for the detection and exclusion of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in an emergency room (ER) setting using Eye-Tracking and Virtual Reality (ET/VR) technology. The primary target group included patients who had suffered an acute trauma to the head and presented within 24 h to the emergency department. Methods: The BG Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin and the BG Klinikum Hamburg participated in this explorative, prospective, single-arm accuracy study. This study included patients who presented to the emergency department with suspected mTBI and were examined using ET/VR glasses. All further steps corresponded to clinical routine (e.g., decision on hospital admission, imaging diagnostics). After the completion of treatment, the patients were divided into mTBI and non-TBI subgroups by consensus between two independent clinical experts, who were blinded to the results of the index test (examination using ET/VR glasses) in the form of a clinical synopsis. The diagnosis was based on all clinical, neurological, neurofunctional, neuropsychological, and imaging findings. Routine trauma and neurological history, examination, and diagnosis were performed in each case. All statistical analyses were performed with exploratory intent. Results: The use of ET/VR glasses was found to be predominantly unproblematic. Two of the fifty-two analyzed parameters can be statistically distinguished from a random decision. No difference in oculomotor function was found between the two subgroups, and no correlations between the parameters recorded by the VR goggles and the detection of mTBI were found. Conclusions: At present, the use of VR goggles for the diagnosis of mTBI in an ER setting cannot be recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging)
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8 pages, 215 KB  
Article
Is There a Relationship Between Serum BDNF Levels, Disease Severity, and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis?
by Shahzada Orujova, Demet Kartal, Esra Demirci, Didem Barlak Keti, Berhan Akdağ, Eda Öksüm Solak, Salih Levent Cinar and Murat Borlu
Children 2025, 12(10), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101304 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, disease severity, and various psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD), compared to a healthy control group. Methods: This study included 50 patients aged 10–18 years with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, disease severity, and various psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD), compared to a healthy control group. Methods: This study included 50 patients aged 10–18 years with AD, along with a control group matched for age and gender. Measurements included complete blood count, basal cortisol, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum BDNF levels. Disease severity was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Participants also completed several instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Body Appreciation Scale, the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children—Revised. Results: The AD group experienced a more impaired dermatological quality of life, lower body appreciation, more severe depressive symptoms, and poorer sleep quality compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in serum BDNF, basal cortisol, and CRP levels. Furthermore, serum BDNF levels showed no significant correlation with disease severity or psychosocial parameters in patients with AD. Conclusions: The current findings do not suggest a link between serum BDNF levels and disease severity or psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with AD. Further research is necessary in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Dermatology)
15 pages, 1103 KB  
Article
Water Footprint and Evapotranspiration Partitioning in Drip-Irrigated Faba Bean: Effects of Irrigation Regime and Planting Pattern
by Saad E. Aldulaimy, Huthaifa J. Mohammed, Basem Aljoumani and Adil K. Salman
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2282; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102282 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Efficient water management is critical for sustainable crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effects of two irrigation regimes—25% and 50% Management Allowable Depletion (MAD) and two planting patterns (single-row and double-row) on evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning, water use efficiency [...] Read more.
Efficient water management is critical for sustainable crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effects of two irrigation regimes—25% and 50% Management Allowable Depletion (MAD) and two planting patterns (single-row and double-row) on evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning, water use efficiency (WUE), and water footprint (WF) in drip-irrigated faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Field data were combined with a leaf area index (LAI)-based model to estimate the relative contributions of transpiration (T) and evaporation (E) to total ET. The highest grain yield (6171 kg ha−1) and the lowest blue (570 m3 ton−1) and green (68 m3 ton−1) water footprints were recorded under the 25% MAD with double-row planting. This treatment also achieved the highest proportion of transpiration in ET (70%), indicating a shift toward productive water use. In contrast, the lowest-performing treatment (50% MAD, single-row) had the highest total water footprint (792 m3 ton−1) and the lowest transpiration share (44%). Although high-density planting slightly reduced WUE based on transpiration, it improved overall water efficiency when total input (ETc) was considered (1.57 kg m−3 for total input WUE, 4.17 kg/m−3 for T-based WUE). These findings highlight the importance of integrating irrigation scheduling and planting pattern to improve both physiological and agronomic water productivity. The approach offers a practical strategy for sustainable faba bean production in water-scarce environments and supports climate-resilient irrigation planning aligned with Iraq’s National Water Strategy. Full article
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20 pages, 5163 KB  
Article
Exploring Nighttime Fishing and Its Impact Factors in the Northwestern South China Sea for Sustainable Fisheries
by Zhiyong Long, Gao Zuo, Tao Zhang and Jinjun Zheng
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8641; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198641 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
The South China Sea (SCS) is an important region of fishery resources. However, its fishery resources have been threatened, mainly because of overfishing. In this study, we explored the distribution of night-time fishing boats and analyzed the relationship between fishing activities and marine [...] Read more.
The South China Sea (SCS) is an important region of fishery resources. However, its fishery resources have been threatened, mainly because of overfishing. In this study, we explored the distribution of night-time fishing boats and analyzed the relationship between fishing activities and marine environmental factors in the northwestern SCS (NWSCS). Firstly, the spatiotemporal variations in nighttime fishing boats in each month of 2021 in the NWSCS were studied. Meanwhile, a fishery activity center index was used to analyze the overall fishery activity trend in the NWSCS. Finally, the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of corresponding environmental factors (i.e., Chl-a, SSS, SST, latitude, longitude) were analyzed, and the nonlinear relationship between environmental factors and fishery activities was quantitatively studied using the generalized additive model. The results showed that fishery activities were mainly distributed in the waters of Beibu Gulf and the southwest of Hainan Island. Meanwhile, there were obvious seasonal differences (i.e., trimodal distribution) in the intensity of fishery activities in the NWSCS. Chl-a was the most important impact factor with a contribution of 21.7%, followed by SSS, longitude, SST, and latitude, with contributions of 12.8%, 9.4%, 4.2%, and 0.5%, respectively. Fishery activities in the NWSCS were mainly distributed in the area with Chl-a of 0~0.35 mg/m3, SST of 21.2~26.4 °C, and SSS of 32.9~33.8 Practical Salinity Unit. This study reveals that more efforts are required to prevent IUU fishing activities for the sustainable development of marine ecosystems in the NWSCS. It is also necessary to improve remote sensing technology to support making sustainable fishing plans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Oceans)
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17 pages, 5663 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Performance of Satellite-Derived Vegetation Indices in Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) Estimation at 30 m and 500 m Spatial Resolution
by Deli Cao, Xiaojuan Huang, Gang Liu, Lingwen Tian, Qi Xin and Yuli Yang
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(19), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17193291 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Vegetation indices (VIs) have been extensively employed as proxies for gross primary productivity (GPP). However, it is unclear how the spatial resolution effects the performance of VIs in GPP estimation in different biomes when matching the flux tower footprint. Here, we examined the [...] Read more.
Vegetation indices (VIs) have been extensively employed as proxies for gross primary productivity (GPP). However, it is unclear how the spatial resolution effects the performance of VIs in GPP estimation in different biomes when matching the flux tower footprint. Here, we examined the relationship with tower GPP between Landsat-footprint VIs and MODIS-footprint VIs. We first calculated Landsat-footprint VIs (e.g., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), two-band EVI (EVI2), near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv) and kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI)) averaged over all the pixels within the footprint and MODIS-footprint VIs with 3 × 3 km or 1 × 1 km around the tower, respectively. We then examined the relationship between Landsat- and MODIS-footprint VIs and tower GPP at monthly scale over 76 FLUXNET sites across ten vegetation types worldwide. The results showed that Landsat-footprint VIs had stronger performance than MODIS-footprint VIs for GPP estimation in all ecosystems, with high improvement on croplands, wetlands, and grasslands and moderate improvements on mixed forest, evergreen needleleaf forest, and deciduous broadleaf forest. Moreover, NIRv showed a stronger correlation with tower-based GPP than NDVI, EVI, EVI2, and kNDVI in ten ecosystems both at 30 m and 500 spatial resolutions. Our findings highlighted the critical role of VIs with high spatial resolution and footprint-aware matching in GPP estimation. Full article
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