Search Results (1,115)

Background/Objectives: Staphylococcus haemolyticus is a common commensal bacterium that has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen. Its multi-antibiotics resistance presents substantial therapeutic challenges in healthcare settings worldwide. Despite its growing clinical relevance, most investigations into antimicrobial resistance determinants have been focused on Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, leaving S. haemolyticus comparatively understudied. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of multi-drug resistance by characterizing mobile genetic elements associated with predominant S. haemolyticus clones circulating in Taiwan. Methods: From 2010 to 2017, 140 clinical targeted isolates of S. haemolyticus were obtained from individual patients. Two representative strains, SH53 (ST3) and SH51 (ST42), were sequenced using the PacBio^TM platform. The structural organization of SCCmec cassettes and phage-associated resistance islands in the remaining 138 isolates was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specifically designed primers. Results: Of the 140 isolates, 92 (65.7%) were ST42 and 48 (34.3%) were ST3. PCR analysis showed that over two-thirds harbored heavy metal resistance genes. cadD, cadX, arsC, arsB, and arsR occurred in 90.2% of ST42 isolates, with copA in 71.7%. In ST3, these five genes were present in 89.6%, and copA in 64.6%. Fusidic acid (FA) resistance was more frequent in ST42 (46.7%) than ST3 (22.9%) (p = 0.015). Only one ST42 isolate carried fusC. The remaining 52 FA-resistant isolates contained a type I aj1–leader peptide (LP)–fusB structure downstream of smpB, except for a single ST42 isolate with the type IV structure. Conclusions: MDR ST42 S. haemolyticus carrying SCCmec cassettes with heavy metal resistance genes and phage-related islands carrying type I aj1–leader peptide (LP)–fusB structures may represent emerging opportunistic pathogens in Taiwan. Continued longitudinal surveillance is warranted to track the evolution of resistance-associated mobile elements under selective antimicrobial pressure. Full article

Background: Insomnia is strongly associated with stimulant use across various populations and for a wide range of substances. It represents a significant clinical problem among individuals with stimulant use disorders, yet treatment guidelines for this specific population are limited. This gap underscores the need for a systematic review to analyze the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia in individuals with stimulant use disorders. The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy, safety, and limitations of these approaches and their impact on psychiatric symptoms, stimulant use, and adverse events. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted through January–July 2025 using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review focused on the management of chronic insomnia associated with stimulant use, including substances such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, nicotine, caffeine, and cocaine. The systematic review was structured in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and identified studies were assessed by title/abstract and full-text evaluation. Results: A total of twenty studies were included in the systematic review. Seven studies examined pharmacological interventions, including modafinil, naltrexone/buprenorphine-naloxone, varenicline, combination NRT, and ramelteon. Thirteen studies investigated non-pharmacological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation (VeNS), maximal strength training, electroacupuncture (EA), and probiotics. The majority of interventions demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing insomnia severity, with some participants achieving non-clinical levels. Commonly reported clinical symptoms related to insomnia included difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, and sleep dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions showed promise. However, the lack of validated guidelines underscores the need for integrated therapeutic approaches that address the complex comorbidity of insomnia, stimulant use, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Full article

The crystal structure of kuliokite-(Y), Y₄Al(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂F₅, has been re-investigated using the material from the type locality the Ploskaya Mt, Kola peninsula, Russian Arctic. It has been shown that in contrast to previous studies, the mineral is monoclinic, Im, with a = 4.3213(1), b = 14.8123(6), c = 8.6857(3) Å, β = 102.872(4)°, and V = 541.99(3) ų. The crystal structure was solved and refined to R₁ = 0.030 on the basis of 3202 unique observed reflections. The average chemical composition determined by electron microprobe analysis is (Y_2.96Yb_0.49Er_0.27Dy_0.13Tm_0.07Lu_0.05Ho_0.05Gd_0.01Ca_0.01)_Σ4.04Al_0.92Si_2.04O₈-[(OH)_2.61F_4.42]_Σ7.03; the idealized formula is (Y,Yb,Er)₄Al[SiO₄]₂(OH)_2.5F_4.5. The crystal structure of kuliokite-(Y) contains two symmetrically independent Y sites, Y1 and Y2, coordinated by eight and seven X anions, respectively (X = O, F). The coordination polyhedra can be described as a distorted square antiprism and a distorted pentagonal bipyramid, respectively. The refinement of site occupancies indicated that the mineral represents a rare case of HREE fractionation among two cation sites driven by their coordination numbers and geometry. In agreement with the lanthanide contraction, HREEs are selectively incorporated into the Y2 site with a smaller coordination number and tighter coordination environment. The strongest building unit of the structure is the [AlX₂(SiO₄)₂] chain of corner-sharing AlX₆ octahedra and SiO₄ tetrahedra running along the a axis. The chains have their planes oriented parallel to (001). The Y atoms are located in between the chains, along with the F⁻ and (OH)⁻ anions, providing the three-dimensional integrity of the crystal structure. Each F⁻ anion is coordinated by three Y³⁺ cations to form planar (FY₃)⁸⁺ triangles parallel to the (010) plane. The triangles share common edges to form [F₂Y₂]⁴⁺ chains parallel to the a axis. The analysis of second-neighbor coordination of Y sites allowed us to identify the structural topology of kuliokite-(Y) as the only case of the skd network in inorganic compounds, previously known in molecular structures only. The variety of anionic content in the mineral allows us to identify the potential existence of two other mineral species that can tentatively be named ‘fluorokuliokite-(Y)’ and ‘hydroxykuliokite-(Y)’. Full article

This work provides a comparison of two commercial carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials: HexPly^® M18 1/G939 and RTM6/G939. Differences due to the additional thermoplastic in one CFRP are investigated for the two otherwise nearly identical, aromatic epoxy-based composites with respect to thermal degradation. The scenario chosen for testing is based on real incidents of repeated overheating by hot gases between roughly 200 and 320 °C, leading to moderate thermal damage. A special test setup is designed to continuously and alternately load CFRP with hot air in a rapid change. Post-mortem analysis is performed by mass loss, ultrasonic, and mechanical testing. Polymer degradation is analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Even if the temperature-resistant thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) in the M18-1 matrix is enriched between the plies and a compensation of thermal strain during rapid temperature changes is expected, only a weak improvement is observed for residual strength in the presence of PEI, for continuous as well as alternating thermal loading. Thermally induced delaminations are even more pronounced in M18-1/G939. Deep insight is gained into degradation after repeated overheating of CFRP within the chosen scenario. Multivariate data analyses based on infrared spectroscopy allow for the determination of thermal history and residual strength, valuable for failure analysis. Full article

Dopamine D2-like receptors, including D2, D3, and D4, are members of the aminergic G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and are targets for neurological disorders. The development of subtype selective ligands is important for enhanced therapeutics and reduced side effects; however, it is challenging to design and develop selective ligands owing to the high degree of sequence homology among D2-like subtypes. To gain insight into the structural basis of subtype selectivity of piperazinylalkyl pyrazole/isoxazole analogs for D2-like dopamine receptors, we carried out 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking studies. The 3D-QSAR models for the D2, D3, and D4 subtypes showed robust correlation coefficients (r²) of 0.960, 0.912, and 0.946, as well as reliable predictive values (Q²) of 0.511, 0.808, and 0.560, respectively. Contour map analysis revealed key structural determinants for ligand activity, highlighting the distinct steric and electrostatic requirements for each subtype. These findings were further rationalized by molecular docking studies, which confirmed that interactions with non-conserved residues modulate binding affinity. Crucially, our analysis identified a critical structural basis for D4 subtype selectivity. This selectivity is attributed to a spatial constraint within the hydrophobic pocket formed by TMs 3, 5, and 6. This constraint restricts the orientation of bulky substituents on the 4-phenylpiperazine moiety. These findings provide actionable structural insights for the rational design of next-generation subtype-selective antagonists for D2-like dopamine receptors. Full article

Treatment-resistant peripartum depression (TRPD) is a significant public health concern due to the dual imperative of maternal symptom relief and fetal/neonatal safety with complex therapeutic challenges, particularly among expecting mothers worldwide. This comprehensive review focused on current pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)/peripartum depression (PPD), highlighting their mechanisms, efficacy, safety profiles, and practical considerations. The search strategy is based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), using a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for English-language articles published between 2000 and 2024, with a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms for TRD/TRPD. After screening, the initial search yielded 142 articles; only 67 articles were qualified for eligibility and quality assessment. According to related research, pharmacological treatments such as SSRIs or brexanolone and zuranolone can be effective in addressing TRPD challenges, but they carry concerns regarding fetal and neonatal risk. In contrast, non-pharmacological interventions—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and exercise—offer safe, evidence-based alternatives that are becoming increasingly accessible. Our findings imply that innovative therapeutics and integration of these interventions personalized to individual needs are the optimal clinical approach that may help in balancing maternal symptom control and perinatal safety. Also, expanded mental health infrastructure with enhanced research is essential for advancing TRPD care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epilepsy is identified by irregular neuronal hyperexcitability, generating recurrent seizures. Despite many available pharmacological treatments, certain patients with drug-resistant epilepsy may require novel therapeutic approaches. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lacosamide, low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and their combination on intracellular calcium dynamics in an in vitro model of neuronal excitability, hypothesizing that these interventions could mitigate potassium chloride-induced neuronal excitation. Methods: We utilized differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells as an in vitro model of neuronal excitability. Neuronal excitability was induced with 50 mM KCl, and cells were treated with lacosamide (300 µM), rTMS (1 Hz), or their combination. Intracellular calcium levels were quantified using fluo-4 AM fluorescence calcium imaging, with changes expressed as percentage change in fluorescence intensity (%ΔF/F) relative to baseline. Results: The combination of lacosamide and rTMS was the most effective, significantly reducing KCl-induced calcium elevation (ΔF/F = 9.15) compared to lacosamide alone (ΔF/F = 17.11), rTMS alone (ΔF/F = 23.70), and the untreated cells serving as controls (ΔF/F = 66.70). The combination showed a statistically significant effect, with enhanced suppression of neuronal excitability compared to individual treatments. Conclusions: Lacosamide and low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz) effectively attenuated KCl-induced changes in intracellular calcium levels in vitro, with their combination demonstrating the highest efficacy. These findings suggest a promising foundation in the management of drug-resistant epilepsy. Future studies are necessitated to validate these results and benefit clinical translation. Full article

Mental health disorders are increasingly being recognized as a major global challenge. In the Arabic-speaking Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this challenge is compounded by sociocultural stigma, political instability, and limited mental health infrastructure, all of which restrict access to effective care. While neurostimulation modalities such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have proven effective and are gaining traction, their use in the MENA region remains limited and underexplored. This narrative review aims to bridge critical gaps by examining knowledge levels, attitudes, perceptions, and the clinical application and accessibility of ECT and rTMS across Arabic-speaking countries. We searched multiple databases using keywords related to neurostimulation and psychiatry, covering all 22 Arabic-speaking MENA countries. Studies were included if they were published in English and were related to psychiatric applications of ECT or rTMS. Findings were categorized by geography and grouped into four thematic domains: knowledge, perception, availability, and clinical use. The findings revealed an uneven distribution of neurostimulation research and services across the region; ECT is more established than rTMS. Additionally, public awareness remains low, and high levels of stigma persist. Among clinicians, psychiatrists tend to support neurostimulation, while general medical staff show mixed opinions. rTMS is gaining clinical interest but remains limited in accessibility due to high costs and limited infrastructure. Although neurostimulation should be more widely implemented in psychiatry in the MENA region, it is still underrecognized and underused. Region-specific strategies addressing stigma, training gaps, and policy standardization are essential to optimize neurostimulation use and its public acceptance. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are common and pose a major public health issue. An inflammatory microenvironment drives their development and progression. The α7nAChR receptor, known to suppress autoimmune and inflammatory bowel diseases, is also linked to colorectal cancer. It enhances anti-inflammatory activity, influences tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment response, and is associated with tobacco use. NLRP3, a key inflammatory mediator, connects immunity and cancer. The α7nAChR receptor modulates tumorigenesis and therapy response by suppressing inflammatory pathways, while also regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation through inhibition of mitochondrial DNA release. This study examines α7nAChR and NLRP3 expression in gastric and colorectal cancers, colitis, and normal tissues to clarify pathogenic mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Methods: Tissue samples of gastric tumor (S-Tm) (n = 10), colorectal tumor (C-Tm) (n = 10), colitis (UC) (n = 10), healthy stomach (S-C) (n = 10) and healthy colorectal tissue (C-C) (n = 10) taken during routine endoscopy protocols were homogenized. The α7nAChR and NLRP3 levels were examined using the ELISA method, and groups were compared. Results: We identified statistically significant differences in α7nAChR levels between the S-C and S-Tm (p < 0.05), C-C and C-Tm (p < 0.05), and S-C and C-Tm (p < 0.001) groups. The NRLP3 levels also differed significantly between the UC and C-Tm (p < 0.05), the S-C and C-Tm (p < 0.01), and the C-C and C-Tm groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Paradoxically, given the inflammatory regulatory role and oncogenic effects of α7nAChR, the relationship between α7nAChR and NLRP3 has become an important target for both oncological and inflammatory therapeutic approaches, particularly in inflammation-related GI cancers. Full article

Background and Objectives: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, with a bleak prognosis and few treatment options. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), represent emerging approaches aimed at modulating cortical hyperexcitability, a relevant pathogenetic mechanism in ALS. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, exploring the Scopus and PubMed databases from April to June 2025 with terms related to ALS and NIBS. A total of 18 relevant studies were selected from the initial 708 articles, analysing stimulation protocols, clinical and neurophysiological outcomes, and associated biomarkers; their validity was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB2) tool. Results: The selected studies were extremely heterogeneous, with NIBS techniques, including magnetic (rTMS, cTBS, tSMS) and electrical (tDCS) stimulation, showing variable effects. Low-frequency protocols (1 Hz rTMS) and cTBS showed a slight slowing of clinical progression, while prolonged home stimulation with tDCS and tSMS showed more significant improvements in terms of efficacy, tolerability, and adherence. The main limitations concern the heterogeneity of patients and protocols and the lack of standardised biomarkers, which is why the analysis remained at a descriptive level. The use of telemonitoring and caregiver training are essential to ensure safety and accessibility. Conclusions: NIBS represents a promising therapeutic approach for ALS, but further multicentre, standardised studies with prolonged follow-up are needed. Future strategies should include customisation of stimulation, combination with other therapies, and extension of application to pre-symptomatic phases. Full article

Refractory neuropathic pain of the head and neck remains a major clinical challenge, particularly when mediated through the cervicotrigeminal complex (CTC), a unique anatomical hub integrating trigeminal and upper cervical nociceptive inputs. This narrative review synthesizes neuroanatomical, pathophysiological, and clinical evidence to provide a unifying framework for diagnosis and management. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English-language clinical and mechanistic studies addressing CTC-mediated pain, with case reports excluded unless mechanistically informative. We propose multidimensional refractoriness criteria that integrate pharmacological non-response, failed interventional strategies, and objective functional impairment. Current treatments span pharmacotherapy, peripheral interventions (nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation), and neuromodulation at multiple network levels (occipital nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, deep brain stimulation). Non-invasive approaches such as rTMS, tDCS, and vagus nerve stimulation are emerging but remain investigational. Advances in imaging and neurophysiological biomarkers now permit greater precision in detecting CTC dysfunction and tailoring therapy. By combining anatomical precision, mechanistic insight, and multidisciplinary strategies, this review proposes a clinically actionable definition of refractoriness and supports a stepwise, mechanism-based approach to therapy. CTC emerges as a targetable hub for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in refractory head and neck pain. Full article

In the design of gel phase change composite wall materials for solar greenhouses, the alteration of material composition could directly affect the thermal performance of gel phase change composite wall materials. In order to obtain better suitable gel phasechange composite wall material for solar greenhouses, Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O-based gel phasechange materials with different content of ingredient (Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O, C₃₅H₄₉O₂₉, KCl, and nano-α-Fe₂O₃) were obtained via the Taguchi method and machine learning algorithms, such as Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting Trees (GBDT). The result shows that the GBDT is more suitable for the thermal performance optimization prediction of gel phase change composite wall materials, including time cooling (TC), latent heat of phase change (ΔH_m), supercooling degree (ΔT), and phase change temperature (T_m). The determination coefficient (R²) of time cooling (TC), latent heat of phase change (ΔH_m), supercooling degree (ΔT), and phase change temperature (T_m) by GBDT are 0.9987, 0.99965, 1, and 0.9995, respectively. The mean absolute error (MAE) coefficient percentage of supercooling degree (ΔT), phase change temperature (T_m), latent heat of phase change (ΔH_m), and time of cooling (TC) by GBDT are 0.32%, 0.25%, 0.17%, and 0.26%, respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) of supercooling degree (ΔT), phase change temperature (T_m), latent heat of phase change (ΔH_m), and time of cooling (TC) by GBDT are 0.41%, 0.32%, 0.19%, and 0.35%, respectively. The optimal result predicted by GBDT is Na₂HPO₄·12H₂O + 5% Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O + 12% KCl + 0.2% Nano-α-Fe₂O₃ + 3% C₃₅H₄₉O₂₉, which was verified by experiments. Full article

Addiction remains a persistent public health crisis, marked by poor treatment retention and limited pharmacotherapy options. Emerging treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and neuromodulation, offer promising avenues for circuit-level interventions in behavioral addictions. This narrative review synthesizes the current landscape of psychedelic compounds and neuromodulation techniques with a focus on their mechanisms of action, applications in specific behavioral addictions, and translational potential. By targeting disrupted reward, executive control, and stress regulation networks, these interventions may facilitate meaningful recovery and long-term remission in otherwise treatment refractory cases. We highlight key findings, current research limitations, and future directions in integrating these novel therapies into the treatment of gambling disorder; internet gaming disorder/gaming disorder, predominantly online; internet use disorder; and compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Full article

Our study focuses on investigating the present-day influence of wildfires on the global atmosphere. To achieve this, we utilized four observational biomass burning (BB) emissions datasets for present-day simulations employing the TM5 Chemical Transport Model (CTM). To assess how different emissions estimates influence the model’s ability to simulate the atmosphere, we compared the following datasets over the period 2003–2015: GFED4s, GFASv1.2, FEERv1.0-G1.2 and QFEDv2.6r1. Our study aims to investigate the role of wildfires in affecting important trace gases and aerosols. Their impact on atmospheric composition and their interactions with solar radiation affect the radiative balance at the Earth’s surface and, consequently, temperature trends in the troposphere. Full article

As fluvial deposition features, river islands originate from persistently exposed sandbars. Their morphological evolution responds to hydrological dynamics, sediment budgets, and human modifications of river systems. This study conducts a quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of four river islands in China’s Yangtze River Estuary (YRE), utilizing multitemporal Landsat imagery (MSS, TM, ETM+, and OLI) at five-year intervals from 1974 to 2024. This analysis employed thresholding, binarization, image registration, cropping, and cluster analysis. Hydrological data (runoff and sediment flux) from Datong Station were concurrently evaluated to explore the driving factors of evolution. The findings suggested the following: (1) MSS/TM/ETM+/OLI images were effective for accurately extracting river island information, and the results were consistent with the accuracy verification. (2) The cumulative area and growth rate of the river islands have exhibited an upward trend over time, with Jiuduansha growing the fastest. (3) Runoff and sediment discharge are the primary natural controls on morphological evolution, with a weak positive correlation (R = 0.293) and a strong negative correlation (R = −0.915) with the area of river islands, respectively. Anthropogenic drivers such as land reclamation, sediment enhancement projects, and the Three Gorges Dam are equally critical. Full article