Search Results (5,413)

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from renewable biomass are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional nanomaterials for applications in bioimaging, sensing, and photonics. In this study, we reported a one-step synthesis of photoluminescent CDs from Laurus nobilis leaves particularly spread in the Mediterranean area. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited average diameters of 3–5 nm and high colloidal stability in water. Structural analysis by X-Rays Diffraction revealed the presence of amorphous graphitic domains, while infrared spectroscopy confirmed oxygenated functional groups on the CD surface. Spectrofluorimetric analysis showed excitation-dependent blue–green emission with a maximum at 490 nm that can be applied also as label agents for cells. The environmental sustainability of the synthetic procedure was evaluated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), highlighting that the current impacts were primarily associated with electricity consumption, due to the laboratory-scale nature of the process. These impacts are expected to decrease significantly with future scale-up and process optimization. Full article

Despite the rising incidence of osteoporosis (the most common bone disorder) as life expectancy increases worldwide, the genetic and metabolic factors contributing to this multifactorial disease are still poorly understood. This study investigated the role of arginine metabolism in bone formation and its potential for preventing bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The osteogenic effects of arginine were evaluated in vitro by determining calcium mineral deposition and the expression of marker genes in the human osteoblastic cell line Saos-2. In vivo analyses were conducted in ovariectomized mice treated with arginine, focusing on femoral bone microarchitecture, marker gene expression and serum metabolite profiles. Arginine treatment enhanced calcium deposition and osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. In contrast, however, this treatment had a deleterious effect in vivo, exacerbating trabecular bone loss. These results are particularly relevant given the wide availability of arginine as a dietary supplement, and our findings underscore the necessity of verifying the safety of nutritional supplements in different populations and in the presence of disease. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a pathogenic variant in the TPI1 gene. It is characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, progressive neuromuscular dysfunction, and reduced life expectancy. Patients typically present with symptoms in the first few months of life, including muscle weakness, ataxia, and recurrent respiratory infections. Diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing, and management is generally symptomatic as no treatment is available. Case Presentation: We describe the case of an infant diagnosed with TPI deficiency in the context of haemolytic anaemia with progressive neurological deterioration and respiratory failure. Conclusions: This case illustrates the complexity of the disease and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and contributes to the limited literature by providing a detailed clinical description and highlighting the diagnostic challenges associated with this condition. Beyond its clinical relevance, this report emphasises the potential role of personalised medicine in the management of TPI deficiency. Early identification of specific genotypes may inform prognosis and guide individualised supportive strategies. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of TPI deficiency expands, opportunities may emerge for targeted therapeutic approaches tailored to patient-specific characteristics. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition due to the risk of severe acute hemorrhage. Unlike AVMs in other anatomical locations, which are predominantly congenital, uterine AVMs are often acquired, typically developing after uterine procedures such as dilatation and curettage (D&C), cesarean section, or pregnancy-related events. Women commonly present with abnormal bleeding disorders. Case Presentation: We are presenting the case of a 41-year-old Caucasian woman with secondary amenorrhea three months after vacuum curettage in the 7th week of pregnancy. Based on her clinical history and the findings on transvaginal sonography (TVS), uterine AVM was highly suspected. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent successful embolization of the left uterine artery. Follow-up examinations demonstrated complete resolution of the vascular malformation, and regular menstrual cycles resumed during her recovery. With the increasing frequency of uterine surgical interventions, the incidence of uterine AVMs is also expected to rise. The clinical impact is significant when fertility preservation and family planning are still ongoing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which amenorrhea is the primary presenting symptom of a uterine AVM. Conclusions: Given the high risk of life-threatening hemorrhage associated with undetected or incorrectly treated AVMs, their presence must always be carefully ruled out in case of bleeding disorders after pregnancy or uterine surgery. Accurate diagnosis prior to any further intrauterine interventions, such as curettage, is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure appropriate management. In order to avoid life-threatening complications, the possibility of uterine AVM should be considered in the differential diagnosis even in the presence of amenorrhea. The proposed diagnosis and treatment algorithm for uterine AVMs can help avoid misdiagnosis. Full article

Skin metastases represent a rare finding in dermatological practice, but their presence signifies an advanced disease and usually portends a poor prognosis. They commonly arise as multiple painless nodules in patients with a cancer history. Differential diagnoses are challenging, and zosteriform metastases should not be mistaken for herpes zoster. Dermoscopy typically reveals a white, structureless pattern. A skin biopsy with routine hematoxylin–eosin staining is essential for an accurate diagnosis, while immunohistochemistry is particularly useful in cases of anaplastic tumors. Breast cancer is the most common cause of skin metastasis in women, and lung cancer is the most common in men. The life expectancy after diagnosis is generally low. Cutaneous metastasectomy, electrochemotherapy, and radiotherapy are generally regarded as beneficial for palliative purposes. Intralesional cryosurgery was found to be beneficial in a few case series. Systemic immunotherapy can induce the regression of cutaneous metastases in selected patients. Full article

Despite increased focus on resilient planning and construction design in areas prone to wildfire impacts, recent research has found inconsistent approaches, a lack of evidence-based performance criteria, and limited suitable code-based verification methods for use in wildfire contexts. These limitations serve to reduce the potential effectiveness of measures intended to improve wildfire community and build resilience. The lack of suitable verification methods is particularly problematic in Australia, where complex building code requirements associated with enhanced wildfire resilience have been extended to hospitals, child care facilities, schools, and other assembly buildings. To address this issue, this paper proposes the Wildfire Expected Risk to Life and Property (WERLP) verification method. As a holistic absolute probabilistic verification method, WERLP can be applied to both building and urban design contexts within the Australian jurisdiction. The application of WERLP is demonstrated using the case study of a new hospital development. Full article

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection, often triggered by invasive procedures, dental or otherwise, in at-risk individuals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of IE prophylaxis among healthcare professionals, focusing on dentists and physicians. Two validated, anonymous questionnaires were emailed to 27,000 healthcare providers in the province of Milan (Italy). A total of 970 responses were collected (response rate just over 3%), with 49.2% from physicians and 50.8% from dentists. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding years of experience or guideline usage (p > 0.05), although more physicians (12.7%) than dentists (6.7%) reported unfamiliarity with any guidelines. Physicians often misclassified the risk associated with certain cardiac conditions and overprescribed prophylaxis for low-risk procedures, with overall accuracy falling below the expected performance benchmark (H₀: 58.0% ± 2.0%). Dentists showed a better understanding of high-risk dental procedures, yet performance remained suboptimal, with multiple scores below the expected benchmark (H₀: 68.0% ± 2.0%). These findings highlight widespread knowledge gaps and inconsistent adherence to IE prophylaxis guidelines. The results align with international observations and emphasize the urgent need for continuing education and improved dissemination of evidence-based recommendations across medical and dental settings. Full article

Core mathematics courses are fundamental to the academic success of engineering students in higher education. These courses equip students with skills and knowledge applicable to their specialized fields. However, first-year engineering students often face significant challenges in mathematics due to a range of factors, including insufficient preparation, mathematics anxiety, and difficulty connecting theoretical concepts to real-life applications. The transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics remains a key area of educational research, with ongoing discussions about effective pedagogical approaches for teaching engineering mathematics. This study utilized a belief survey to gain general insights into the attitudes of first-year mathematics students towards the subject. In addition, it employed the activity theory framework to conduct a deeper exploration of the experiences of first-year engineering students, aiming to identify contradictions, or “tensions,” encountered within a flipped-classroom learning environment. Quantitative data were collected using surveys that assessed students’ self-reported confidence, competence, and knowledge development. Results from Friedman’s and Wilcoxon’s Signed-Rank Tests, conducted with a sample of 20 participants in 10 flipped-classroom sessions, statistically showed significant improvements in all three areas. All of Friedman’s test statistics were above 50, with p-values below 0.05, indicating meaningful progress. Similarly, Wilcoxon’s Signed-Rank Test results supported these findings, with p values under 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The qualitative data, derived from student questionnaire comments and one-to-one interviews, elucidated critical aspects of flipped-classroom delivery. The analysis revealed emerging contradictions (“tensions”) that trigger “expansive learning”. These tensions encompassed the following: student expectation–curriculum structure; traditional versus novel delivery systems; self-regulation and accountability; group learning pace versus interactive learning; and the interplay between motivation and anxiety. These tensions are vital for academic staff and stakeholders to consider when designing and delivering a first-year mathematics course. Understanding these dynamics can lead to more effective, responsive teaching practices and support student success during this crucial transition phase. Full article

Surgical procedures have significantly contributed to the increased life expectancy of the global population. The surgical procedures are carried out in specialised rooms within a healthcare facility normally designated as operating rooms or operating theatres. These rooms require meticulously designed heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems to ensure optimal thermal comfort, strict sterility, and effective removal of airborne contaminants and anaesthetic gases. The performance of the system directly affects the risk of surgical site infections and associated post-operative complications. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics analysis of disturbance on airflow and particulate distribution within a representative operating room by the surgical staff and lighting fixtures concerning supply air velocity. The removal of the maximum possible particulate matter, precise control of air temperature and humidity, and unidirectional airflow in the surgical field were incorporated as key design strategies. The species transport model simulations revealed that while laminar airflow offers superior protection in terms of surgical site sterility, its performance is sensitive to disruptions caused by surgical lighting configurations and variations in supply air velocity. The findings highlight the complexities involved in maintaining optimal airflow conditions and underscore the need for integrative air conditioning design approaches that account for optimal design of surgical lighting and operational setups. Full article

Tyre wear is a major contributor to global microplastic pollution, affecting air, soil, water, and wildlife as well as human health. In the European Union (EU), the latest Euro 7 regulation foresees the introduction of tyre abrasion limits covering all tyre categories, referring to two testing methods (convoy on road or laboratory drum) developed by the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). In this study, we applied the convoy method adopted by the UNECE Working Group on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) as part of the UN Regulation 117 on tyre performance parameters. The method has been developed by the Task Force on Tyre Abrasion (TFTA) of the UNECE and involves vehicles driving on public roads for about 8000 km. Candidate and reference tyres are fitted in a convoy of up to four vehicles, and an abrasion index for each candidate tyre is determined as a ratio of the abrasion of the candidate and reference tyres. In our tests, in addition to the abrasion rate, we measured the tread depth reduction and defined a service life index (i.e., total mileage potential) without the need of a different methodology. The results from six summer and nine winter C1 class passenger car tyres of various sizes showed a wide range of abrasion rates and service life values. We also compared our results with values reported in the literature and on websites. The conclusions of this study are expected to support the ongoing discussion on limit setting for C1 tyres and the definition of a service life index. Full article

Background/Objectives: To prevent potential complications for patients with metal hypersensitivity requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA), implant coatings have been developed. Thermal nitriding of the titanium surface creates a TiN layer that increases hardness and wear resistance while preventing release of cobalt and chromium ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety and performance of an anatomic implant system comprised of thermally nitrided Ti-6Al-4V. Methods: This is an ongoing prospective, multicenter observational cohort study of primary and revision TKA patients. Patient-reported outcome measures including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS) Expectations subscale, EQ-5D-5L, physical exams, and radiographic assessments to document abnormalities were investigated in 94 patients who provided at least two years of follow-up data. The primary endpoint was improvement in the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), defined as the minimal clinically important difference (MCID, 7.0 points). Results: All outcome measures including patient-reported function (OKS) demonstrated significant improvements (19.4–22.6 points) exceeding the MCID with no between-group differences by bearing types utilized. Health-related quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L improved over the cohort and was maintained at 2-years post-operative. In total, three (1.4%) radiographic abnormalities were observed, all of which resolved at two-year follow-up. 12 (5.3%) serious complications were reported, none of which were related to the device. Two revisions have occurred, one due to infection and one due to a fall, in the ultracongruent bearing cohort (survivorship 98.1%, 95%CI 87.4–99.7). Implant survivorship was 100% in all other bearing cohorts. Conclusions: This anatomically designed, thermally nitrided titanium alloy implant demonstrated clinically significant improvements in function, PROMs, and quality of life in patients undergoing TKA regardless of bearing type. Excellent two-year implant survivorship between 98.1% and 100% across cohorts were observed, with no radiographic abnormalities at 2 years. Full article

The present study had the purpose of creating and studying the psychometric properties of the Compassion Fatigue Scale (CFS) in a sample of 286 firefighters, 69% of whom were males and 78% had previous exposure to a limit situation. All participants were assessed after their informed consent through a protocol composed of a sociodemographic data section, the CFS and the Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL). The CFS evidenced a two-dimensional structure, Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction, with Cronbach’s alphas superior to 0.90 and correlations in the expected direction with ProQOL. Females showed higher levels of compassion fatigue than males, demonstrating that CFS can be a reliable and valid self-report measure of compassion fatigue in firefighters. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, which significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and imposes substantial emotional, practical, and economic burdens on their families. As the most common cause of senile dementia, AD currently affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with projections indicating a threefold increase by 2050 due to rising life expectancy and an aging global population. Diagnosis of AD remains challenging. Neuroimaging techniques reveal atrophy in critical brain regions, particularly in the cortex, hippocampus, and limbic system, which are essential substrates for memory, personality changes, and other cognitive functions. The hallmark molecular changes associated with AD include the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and the formation of tau protein tangles. Several underlying mechanisms contribute to neuron loss, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and insulin resistance. In this context, exosomes—small extracellular vesicles that facilitate cell communication—transport proteins, DNA, mRNA, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA), all of which play a significant role in the neurobiology of AD. Furthermore, emerging research indicates that exosomal ncRNAs may serve as promising biomarkers for AD, offering the possibility of improved diagnostic precision. This review explores the potential of exosomal ncRNAs—specifically circular RNAs and microRNAS—as non-invasive biomarkers for AD, highlighting recent advances and future directions in translational studies. Full article

The role of science and technology in enhancing beer quality is crucial amid growing market demands. This pilot study assessed the clarity and physicochemical stability of laboratory beers treated post fermentation with three clarifying (fining) agents: two chitosan-based and one collagen-based (fish bladder/isinglass). The beers were brewed with Polish barley malt and hops (alpha acids 7.5% and 14.5%). The measured parameters included pH, colour, turbidity, viscosity, surface tension, and foam volume. Within this small-scale, low-power dataset, both the collagen- and chitosan-based agents improved clarity, with the collagen agent showing the lowest turbidity in this sample. The clarifying agents also influenced the colour and surface tension, while the pH was largely unchanged. The foam volume increased with fining. Shelf-life checks suggested improved stability in clarified beers, with no clear differences between agents under these conditions. These findings are preliminary. The results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of replicates. Larger scale studies with adequate replication are required before translating these observations into brewing practice. Chitosan’s effectiveness as a clarifying agent aligns with its high charge density and ability to coagulate suspended particles. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate clarifying agents to optimize beer clarity and stability while maintaining essential physicochemical properties. These findings contribute to the brewing industry’s efforts to meet consumer expectations for high-quality, stable beer products. Full article

Background: Physical activity is essential for public health, yet disparities in access to exercise opportunities and institutional support remain significant across European regions. Objectives: This study examines how locally available physical activity options and support from local authorities relate to exercise participation, life expectancy, and healthy life years within the European Union. Methods: Using artificial neural networks and cluster analysis, the research identifies patterns across EU countries and explores associations between exercise behaviors and public health outcomes. Results: The MLP analysis showed that moderate regular physical activity had the most decisive influence on predicting healthy life years (100%), followed by regular activity (44.7%). In comparison, inactivity had a notable negative impact (40.5%). Life expectancy was most closely associated with the model’s strongest predictive pathway (weight = 2.395). Access to physical activity opportunities (100%) and the presence of supportive community providers (90.8%) were the most influential factors in encouraging active lifestyles. Conclusions: Populations with greater access and engagement in physical activity tend to enjoy longer life expectancies and more years of good health. While the study’s observational nature limits causal interpretations, the findings highlight the potential of community-level strategies and infrastructural investment to foster active lifestyles and enhance population health across varied local contexts. Full article