Search Results (1,338)

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study compared several CV risk scores in Korean female patients with SLE and searched for an association with subclinical atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism. Methods: Female SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs) underwent carotid ultrasonography and pulse wave velocity (PWV), and serum efflux cholesterol capacity was measured. The Framingham risk scores (FRSs), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) scores, and Korean Risk Prediction Model (KRPM) scores were calculated. Results: While carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the prevalence of carotid plaque did not differ between 67 SLE patients and 37 HCs, carotid plaque scores were higher in SLE patients compared with HCs. While the FRS and the ACC/AHA CV risk scores did not differ, the KRPM scores were higher in SLE patients. The carotid IMT, plaque score, and PWV were correlated with the FRS, ACC/AHA CV risk, and KRPM score in SLE patients. SLE patients with carotid plaque had higher FRS, ACC/AHA CV risk, and KRPM scores than those without carotid plaque. In addition, the serum cholesterol efflux capacity did not differ between SLE patients with and without carotid plaque but was correlated with carotid IMT. Conclusions: The scores obtained from the CV risk-prediction models were correlated with subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE. A cardiovascular risk assessment tool developed specifically for Koreans is suitable for evaluating the CV risk in Korean SLE patients. Full article

The human endometrium is unique in that it has a high potential for regeneration after menstruation without scarring. Although growth factors are thought to be responsible for scar formation, it has recently been shown for foetal skin that CD26-negative fibroblasts are essential. Thus, we investigated whether CD26 might be involved in scar formation. Primary human endometrial stromal cells (HPESCs) were stimulated with interleukin-1 alpha (IL1α) to induce CD26 protein expression, and secretion of the scar-associated proteins collagen 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) and TGF-β3 was measured using ELISAs. The contribution of CD26 to wound closure was analysed using a wound healing assay. The CD26 inhibitor diprotin A (DPA) was used to attenuate CD26 activity. Immunohistochemistry of human uterine samples showed negligible stromal staining of CD26, but CD26 was abundant in the endometrial glands. Treatment of CD26-negative HPESCs with IL1α induced CD26 protein expression, strongly stimulated wound healing in vitro, and increased secretion of COL1A1, but decreased TGF-β3 secretion. DPA effectively attenuated all IL1α-induced effects. We suggest that the stromal non-expression of the scar-associated protein CD26 might contribute to non-scarring during endometrial wound healing. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is prevalent in adolescents with obesity and is linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pancreas steatosis might be associated with MASLD and early CVD. Imaging-based analyses of these associations have not been studied extensively in children. Objectives: To assess the reproducibility of liver and pancreatic steatosis and volume measurement on MRI in adolescents with obesity and MASLD and their association with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and subclinical vascular changes on ultrasound. Methods: This is an observational study on adolescents with MASLD and obesity. Hepatic and pancreatic steatosis, volume, and abdominal fat were assessed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and proton density fat fraction. Reproducibility of these measurements was performed. Vascular markers included non-invasive vascular elastography (NIVE), carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), and pericardial fat thickness. Fasting blood tests measured the HOMA-IR. Bivariate correlation and simple linear regression were performed using SPSS. Results: We obtained 23 participants aged 12 to 17 years (78.3% male). Measurements were reproducible [ICC 0.807–0.998]. Liver steatosis was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.015). Pancreas steatosis was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.02), IMT/diameter (p = 0.002), and pericardial fat (p = 0.03). Liver steatosis was not significantly correlated with pancreas steatosis nor vascular markers. There were negative associations between NIVE metrics and visceral abdominal fat (p = 0.009) and intraperitoneal fat (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Liver and pancreas steatosis measurements on MRI are reproducible. In this exploratory study, adolescents with obesity and MASLD, pancreas steatosis, and pancreas volume show association with subclinical CVD markers. Visceral and intraperitoneal abdominal fat show association with increased vascular stiffness, suggesting a potential role of imaging-based cardiovascular risk assessment in this population if validated. These preliminary findings require validation in larger, diverse prospective cohorts. Full article

Nowadays, fiber optic cables are a strategic issue because of their importance in telecommunications. Due to the densification of optic cables and the reduction in polymeric layer thickness, the flammability of the external sheath has to be improved. Three novel flame-retardant compositions using phosphate low-melting glasses (LMGs) as aluminum trihydrate (ATH) synergist were assessed in a polyethylene–ethylene vinyl acetate (PE-EVA) matrix. It was highlighted that LMG at a 10 wt% content reduced the peak and mean value of heat release rate (HRR), respectively, to 142 and 90 kW/m² corresponding to 52% and 42% reduction compared to ATH only. Potassium phosphate LMG was shown to perform better than sodium or zinc phosphate LMG. The improvement was assigned to the formation of an expanded mineral layer at the surface of the material during combustion that acts as a thermal shield slowing down the pyrolysis rate. The structural analysis revealed that the presence of alkaline cations in glasses led to short phosphate chains that resulted in low softening point and low-viscosity liquid. It was evidenced that under heat exposure the melted glass is likely to flow between the dehydrating ATH particles, creating a cohesive layer that expands. Additionally, interactions between ATH and LMG were also evidenced. The new crystalline species may also play a role in the cohesion of the layer. Full article

Background and Objectives: Distal upper limb injuries are frequent in winter sports, but their functional impact is often underestimated. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, mechanisms, and risk factors for injuries involving the forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers sustained during two consecutive winter seasons in the Italian Dolomites. Materials and Methods: All adult and willing patients presenting to the Emergency Department of Brixen Hospital after ski- or snowboard-related accidents between December 2023 and March 2025 completed a standardized 23-item questionnaire on demographics, experience level, environmental factors, equipment, and trauma mechanism. For the aim of this study only distal upper limb injuries were extracted and analyzed. Statistical analyses compared fracture versus non-fracture injuries, “good” versus “bad” fractures (AO classification and surgical complexity), and isolated ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. Results: A total of 195 patients were analyzed: 96 (49.2%) sustained a fracture and 33 (16.9%) presented with isolated UCL lesions. Fractures occurred more frequently on blue slopes (56.2% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001), whereas non-fracture injuries predominated on red and off-piste slopes. Age, BMI, and skill level did not differ significantly between groups. Surgically classified complex distal forearm fractures were significantly more frequent in females (p < 0.005) but were not associated with environmental factors. UCL injuries occurred mainly on red slopes (54.5%) and were often related to pole entrapment during falls. None of the injured patients reported the use of protective wrist or thumb supports. Conclusions: Distal upper limb injuries are a common pattern of alpine sports trauma, with wrist fractures and skier’s thumb being predominant lesions. Low-speed falls on easy slopes are associated with wrist fractures, while UCL injuries are linked to intermediate slopes. Preventive strategies should include fall technique education, protective gloves, and improved pole ergonomics. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) are pathologies that impact mortality and morbidity worldwide. These chronic diseases have multiple causes, and they share some common clinical symptoms, such as diaphragm dysfunction (DD) and cognitive decline (CD), which, in turn, increase the mortality and morbidity rates in patients with COPD and CHF. One of the causes of CD is impaired glymphatic system function, with an accumulation of proteins and metabolites in the central nervous system. The glymphatic system is a structure that has not yet been widely considered by researchers and clinicians. Three key factors stimulate the ongoing physiological function of the glymphatic system: autonomic balance, heart rate, and, most importantly, the diaphragm. All these factors are altered in patients with COPD and CHF. This article reviews the relationship between the importance of the diaphragm, the glymphatic system, and CD, focusing on inspiratory rehabilitation training (IMT). Based on the data reported in this narrative review, we can strongly speculate that a consistent regimen of IMT in patients can improve cognitive status, reducing the cascade of symptoms that follow the diagnosis of CD. Further research is needed to understand whether targeting the glymphatic system with IMT is an effective option for helping patients delay the onset of CD. Full article

This work introduces 2-(azulen-1-yldiazenyl)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (L) as a functional monomer capable of forming stable, redox-active films with high affinity for lead in aqueous solutions. L was synthesized and characterized using physical chemical methods and electrochemistry. Polymer films of L were prepared through oxidative electro polymerization on glassy carbon electrodes in L solutions in 0.1 M TBAP in acetonitrile. They were characterized through electrochemistry. The surface of chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) prepared through controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) at variable concentrations, potentials, and electric charges was characterized through scanning electron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the films’ formation. Electrochemical sensing of the films deposited on these CMEs was tested with respect to heavy metal (HM) ion analysis in aqueous solutions to obtain sensors for HMs. The obtained CMEs presented the best characteristics for the recognition of Pb among the investigated HMs (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Hg). Calibration curves were obtained for the analysis of Pb(II) in aqueous solutions, which allowed for the estimation of a good detection limit of this cation (<10⁻⁸ M) for non-optimized CMEs. The resulting CMEs show promise for deployment in portable environmental monitoring systems, with implications for public health protection and environmental safety. Full article

Background and Objectives: Post-menopausal estrogen decline is considered a contributing factor to sarcopenia, and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may provide benefits in this demographic. This study examined the impact of a four-week IMT program on diaphragm thickness, abdominal wall muscle thickness (AWMT; transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique), and liver fat percentage in healthy elderly women. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six women aged 60–80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT group (n = 13) or a control group (n = 13). The IMT group used the PowerBreathe^® Classic device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with weekly increments of 10%. Training was performed twice daily, five days per week, with 30 breathing cycles per session (60 per day). The control group maintained their usual routines. AWMT, diaphragm thickness (DT), and fatty liver density (FLD) were measured by a radiologist before and after the intervention. Results: After four weeks, the IMT group showed significant improvements in all parameters compared to controls. Mid-diaphragm thickness (MDT) increased by 11.44% (effect size (ES) = 0.358, p < 0.001) versus 0.76% in controls (p = 0.271). Posterior diaphragm thickness (PDT) improved by 7.48% (ES = 0.282, p < 0.001) versus 0.38% (p = 0.564). Right AWMT increased by 12.7% (ES = 0.492, p < 0.001) compared to 0.10% (p = 0.872), and left AWMT increased by 9.93% (ES = 0.395, p < 0.001) versus 2.64% (p = 0.014). FLD improved by 11.79% (ES = 0.959, p < 0.001) in the IMT group, while the control group showed no meaningful change (−0.13%, p = 0.847). Conclusions: A short-term IMT protocol significantly enhanced diaphragm and AWMT and reduced liver fat in elderly women. These findings support the use of IMT as a simple, non-invasive intervention to preserve musculoskeletal and metabolic health in aging populations. Full article

This research is to assess the potential use of phosphate sludge from the Gafsa (Tunisia) phosphate laundries as an alternative raw material for the manufacture of ecological refractory bricks. Feasibility was evaluated through comprehensive physico-chemical and mineralogical characterizations of the raw materials using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). Bricks were formulated by substituting phosphate sludge with clay and diatomite, then activated with potassium silicate solution to produce geopolymeric materials. Specific formulations exhibited mechanical performance ranging from 7 MPa to 26 MPa, highlighting the importance of composition and minimal water absorption values of approximately 17.8% and 7.7%. The thermal conductivity of the bricks was found to be dependent on the proportions of diatomite and clay, reflecting their insulating potential. XRD analysis indicated the formation of an amorphous aluminosilicate matrix, while FTIR spectra confirmed the development of new chemical bonds characteristic of geopolymerization. Thermal analysis revealed good stability of the materials, with mass losses mainly related to dehydration and dehydroxylation processes. Environmental assessments showed that most samples are inert or non-hazardous, though attention is required for those with elevated chromium content. Overall, these findings highlight the viability of incorporating phosphate sludge into fired brick production, offering a sustainable solution for waste valorization in accordance with the circular economy. Full article

The recycling of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) in cementitious materials is an interesting way of managing the end of life of this type of material. As the solutions of landfilling and incinerating have reached their limits, the material recovery by recycling approach appears to be suitable to develop cement-based materials with enhanced properties. Different recycling methods, including mechanical, thermal and chemical recycling, are commonly used for the recovery of fibers and resins. Mechanical recycling is more suitable due to its low cost and ease of implementation. Moreover, mechanical recycling has limited environmental impact and is ideal for use with cementitious materials (fiber and resin). Several studies are being conducted to find the best incorporation method, notably the incorporation of recycled GFRP of different sizes (small, medium, large and coarse) and shapes (fibrous, cubic, random) as a substitute for sand and/or aggregate in mortars and concretes or as reinforcement materials. This article aims to establish a state of the art perspective on the incorporation of rGFRP into cement-based materials. The benefits of this incorporation are highlighted as well as the limitations. The various challenges to be overcome to make this incorporation useful from a practical point of view are reported. Full article

The 316L stainless steel, uncoated and coated with two types of EB-PVD thin-film deposits, was tested in liquid lead both under oxygen-saturated conditions (~10⁻³ wt.%) for exposure times of 1000 and 2000 h and under low-oxygen conditions (~10⁸ wt.%) for 1000 h. The first coating consisted of a ~1 µm NiCrAlY thin film. At the same time, the second was a NiCrAlY/Al₂O₃ multilayer with a total thickness of ~3 µm, on top of which an additional 100–200 nm metallic Cr layer was deposited. Uncoated specimens tested under oxygen-saturated conditions developed a duplex oxide layer on their surface. SEM-EDS analyses revealed that the inner layer was denser and contained Fe, Cr, and O, whereas the outer layer was more porous and composed mainly of Fe and O. Microscopic examinations indicated that the multilayer-coated specimens exposed to low-oxygen conditions exhibited no signs of material degradation. In contrast, both the uncoated samples and those coated only with a single NiCrAlY layer showed generalised corrosion over the entire surface after exposure to liquid lead at low oxygen concentrations. The austenitic microstructure was degraded to a depth of 100–200 µm. Vickers microhardness indentations performed on the structurally altered regions revealed two distinct corrosion zones with markedly different hardness values. Full article

Background: A major factor in the development of atherosclerosis is the presence of a chronic inflammatory state. The CX₃CL1/CX₃CR1 axis has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, but until now, scarce data are available regarding the influence of the CX₃CL1/CX₃CR1 axis in familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH). Since FCH is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, the objective of the present study was to assess the presence of alterations in the CX₃CL1/CX₃CR1 axis in patients with FCH and to evaluate the influence of insulin resistance (IR) and sex. Methods: A cohort of 47 subjects with FCH and 38 control subjects was included. We measured the lipid profile, glucose, and insulin levels in plasma, circulating blood CX₃CL1 levels, and CX₃CR1 mRNA expression. Carotid IMT and the presence of atheroma plaques were also evaluated. Results: FCH subjects showed significantly higher activation of the CX₃CL1/CX₃CR1 axis than controls. In addition, FCH individuals with IR showed the worst profile of inflammation status, higher carotid IMT, and a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque compared to controls and FCH patients without IR. However, sex did not influence the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis. Conclusions: FCH patients showed an increased CX₃CL1/CX₃CR1 axis, which was positively correlated with IR, but not with sex. These data could partially explain the increased risk of cardiovascular events in primary dyslipidemic patients. Full article

Aristotle’s theory of soul was a hot topic in the Late Middle Ages and it sparked a great series of debates with serious theological and philosophical implications. The medieval commentators of Aristotle played a crucial role in the dissemination of these debates since their explanations and commentaries on Aristotle’s theory of soul served as a springboard for further discussions. One of the most important medieval commentators of Aristotle was Albert the Great (ca 1200–1280) who dealt extensively with the topic of soul and its connection with the doctrine of intellect. Albert discussed the subject of soul not only in the Aristotelian commentaries but also in many genuine works of his which delineated Albert’s theory of soul in great detail. This paper will primarily focus on two works of Albert, De homine and Liber de natura et origine animae; it aims to provide a coherent account of Albert’s early theory of soul and to shed some light on important hermeneutical issues that derive from these two works. Full article

Karst aquifers are critical yet vulnerable water resources in semi-arid Mediterranean regions, where structural complexity, nonlinearity, and delayed hydrological responses pose significant modeling challenges under increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study examines the Jebel Zaghouan aquifer in northeastern Tunisia, aiming to simulate its natural discharge dynamics prior to intensive exploitation (1915–1944). Given the fragmented nature of historical datasets, meteorological inputs (rainfall, temperature, and pressure) were reconstructed using a data recovery process combining linear interpolation and statistical distribution fitting. The hyperparameters of the artificial neural network (ANN) model were optimized through a Bayesian search. Three deep learning architectures—Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)—were trained to model spring discharge. Model performance was evaluated using Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE′), Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), and R² metrics. Hydrodynamic characterization revealed moderate variability and delayed discharge response, while isotopic analyses (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, ³H, ¹⁴C) confirmed a dual recharge regime from both modern and older waters. LSTM outperformed other models at the weekly scale (KGE′ = 0.62; NSE = 0.48; R² = 0.68), effectively capturing memory effects. This study demonstrates the value of combining historical data rescue, ANN modeling, and hydrogeological insight to support sustainable groundwater management in data-scarce karst systems. Full article

Background and Aims: Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an important predictive marker of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. The aim of this study is to assess whether PlGF measured outside of pregnancy is a predictive marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young women. Methods: This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study. PlGF concentrations, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), cardiac outcomes, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and central retinal arteriolar and venular calibres of 5077 women, were assessed six years after pregnancy, which was considered baseline. Four years after baseline, we measured blood pressure and intimal media thickness (IMT). Eight years after baseline, we measured blood pressure and the post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia index (PORH index). In addition, we examined the influence of pregnancy complications on these associations. Results: We found a positive association between PlGF levels with SBP (0.46, 95% CI 0.04; 0.89). PlGF was not associated with retinal or echocardiographic measurements. PlGF was positively associated with DBP after four years and with both SBP and DBP eight years after baseline, independent of the occurrence of pregnancy complications. PlGF was not associated with IMT or the PORH index. Conclusions: PlGF is associated with higher blood pressure. PlGF may, therefore, be used as a marker of hypertension. These results need to be replicated in an independent cohort study. Full article