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22 pages, 4857 KiB  
Article
Evaluating an Ensemble-Based Machine Learning Approach for Groundwater Dynamics by Downscaling GRACE Data
by Zahra Ghaffari, Abdel Rahman Awawdeh, Greg Easson, Lance D. Yarbrough and Lucas James Heintzman
Limnol. Rev. 2025, 25(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev25030039 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Groundwater depletion poses a critical challenge to global water security, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and sustainable development. The Mississippi Delta, a region heavily reliant on groundwater for agriculture, has experienced significant groundwater level declines due to intensive irrigation. Traditional in situ monitoring methods, while [...] Read more.
Groundwater depletion poses a critical challenge to global water security, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and sustainable development. The Mississippi Delta, a region heavily reliant on groundwater for agriculture, has experienced significant groundwater level declines due to intensive irrigation. Traditional in situ monitoring methods, while valuable, lack the spatial coverage necessary to capture regional groundwater dynamics comprehensively. This study addresses these limitations by leveraging downscaled Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data to estimate groundwater levels using random forest modeling (RFM). We applied a machine-learning approach, utilizing the “Forest-based and Boosted Classification and Regression” tool in ArcGIS Pro, (ESRI, Redlands, CA) to predict groundwater levels for April and October over a 10-year period. The model was trained and validated with well-water level records from over 400 monitoring wells, incorporating input variables such as NDVI, temperature, precipitation, and NLDAS data. Cross-validation results demonstrate the model’s high accuracy, with R2 values confirming its robustness and reliability. The outputs reveal significant groundwater depletion in the central Mississippi Delta, with the lowest water level observed in the eastern Sunflower and western Leflore Counties. Notably, April 2014 recorded a minimum water level of 18.6 m, while October 2018 showed the lowest post-irrigation water level at 54.9 m. By integrating satellite data with machine learning, this research provides a framework for addressing regional water management challenges and advancing sustainable practices in water-stressed agricultural regions. Full article
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17 pages, 2697 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Distribution of Boundary Shear Stress at an Overfall
by Zhangxin Qi, Zenghui Wang, Yue Pan and Pengbo Chu
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082652 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Overfall flow, characterized by high Froude numbers and intense turbulence, generates boundary shear stress on vertical surfaces, which is considered the direct cause of headcut erosion. This study aims to analyze the hydraulic characteristics of nappe flow over a vertical or near-vertical overfall. [...] Read more.
Overfall flow, characterized by high Froude numbers and intense turbulence, generates boundary shear stress on vertical surfaces, which is considered the direct cause of headcut erosion. This study aims to analyze the hydraulic characteristics of nappe flow over a vertical or near-vertical overfall. Detailed experiments using hot-film anemometry were conducted in an indoor flume to examine the shear stress distribution on vertical surfaces under varying flow rates, overfall heights, and backwater depths. The results show that when the jet dynamic pressure head is less than the backwater depth, the dimensionless relative shear stress and relative depth relationship can be fitted with a beta probability density function. When the dynamic pressure head exceeds the backwater depth, the distribution follows a cubic polynomial form. Dimensional analysis and flow trajectory calculation methods were used to establish shear stress distribution formulas, with determination coefficients of 0.829 and 0.652, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the measured and predicted values being 0.106 and 0.081, respectively. The findings provide valuable insights into the effects of complex flow structures on shear stress and offer essential support for the development of scour models for overfall structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrodynamics, Pollution and Bioavailable Transfers)
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28 pages, 5633 KiB  
Article
Investigation into Efficacy and Mechanisms of Neuroprotection of Ashwagandha Root Extract and Water-Soluble Coenzyme Q10 in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Caleb Vegh, Gabrielle Walach, Keanna Dube, Bromleigh Dobson, Rohan Talukdar, Darcy Wear, Hasana Jayawardena, Kaitlyn Dufault, Lauren Culmone, Subidsa Srikantha, Iva Okaj, Rachel Huggard, Jerome Cohen and Siyaram Pandey
Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162701 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and the most common form of dementia. Although current treatments examine disease progression, many have side effects and primarily target symptomatic relief as opposed to halting further neurodegeneration. Objective: The current [...] Read more.
Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and the most common form of dementia. Although current treatments examine disease progression, many have side effects and primarily target symptomatic relief as opposed to halting further neurodegeneration. Objective: The current study aims to determine the neuroprotective effects of water-soluble coenzyme Q10 (Ubisol-Q10) and an ethanolic Ashwagandha extract (E-ASH) on a transgenic mouse model of AD. Methods: A variety of immunofluorescence staining of biomarkers was conducted to assess mechanisms commonly implicated in the disease. Additionally, spatial and non-spatial memory tests evaluated cognitive functions at two timepoints throughout the progression of the disease. Results: A substantial reduction in microglial activation and amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques when treated with a combination of natural health products (NHPs), Ubisol-Q10 and E-ASH. Moreover, activation of autophagy was upregulated in both the Ubisol-Q10 and combination (Ubisol-Q10+E-ASH given as a combined “Tonic” solution) groups. Oxidative stress was decreased across treated groups, while astrocyte activation was elevated in both the E-ASH and Tonic group. The Tonic group expressed an elevation in the fluorescent intensity of neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Interestingly, treatment with E-ASH and Ubisol-Q10 enhanced synaptic vesicle formation compared to controls. Pre-mortem memory tests revealed the treatments to be effective at preserving cognitive abilities. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the combination of E-ASH and Ubisol-Q10 may effectively mitigate the various mechanisms implicated in AD and ultimately prevent further disease progression. Full article
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27 pages, 1408 KiB  
Article
Physico-Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Extruded Cereal Composite Flour Porridge Enriched with House Crickets (Acheta domesticus)
by Tom Bbosa, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Christophe Matthys, Jolien Devaere, Ann De Winne, Deniz Zeynel Gunes and Mik Van Der Borght
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162893 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study assessed the physico-chemical and sensory effects of enriching composite cereal porridges, typically consumed in Uganda, with undried house crickets (Acheta domesticus), a rich source of protein and vitamin B12. Composite flours containing 8.3% undried crickets, 66.7% maize, [...] Read more.
This study assessed the physico-chemical and sensory effects of enriching composite cereal porridges, typically consumed in Uganda, with undried house crickets (Acheta domesticus), a rich source of protein and vitamin B12. Composite flours containing 8.3% undried crickets, 66.7% maize, and 25.0% millet were compared to a control formulation with 73.0% maize and 27.0% millet, both extruded at 140 °C. Cricket enrichment slightly reduced lightness L* (59.99 vs. 61.28) and significantly increased aroma intensity (23,450 × 104 AU vs. 18,210 × 104 AU; p < 0.05), attributable to higher extrusion-induced Strecker degradation, Maillard reaction, and lipid oxidation. Rheological analysis revealed that paste made from cricket-enriched flour had lower critical strain (≈0.01%) and softened sooner than the control paste (≈0.03%) without becoming fragile. Both flours displayed stable paste-like behavior at stresses >10 Pa, with elastic moduli under 104 Pa, which is typical for soft pastes. Reduced pasting values relative to native flours are attributable to starch pre-gelatinization during extrusion. Sensory evaluation showed positive hedonic ratings for both porridges, and a choice test indicated no significant consumer preference. Generally, physico-chemical and sensory changes were minimal, supporting the use of house crickets for nutrient enrichment of composite cereal porridges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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16 pages, 2363 KiB  
Article
The Involvement of the S2P2 Intramembrane Protease in the Response of Arabidopsis thaliana Chloroplasts to High Light Stress
by Maria Ciesielska, Małgorzata Adamiec and Robert Luciński
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162584 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
High light intensity constitutes a critical abiotic stress factor that profoundly affects the structural and functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Excessive irradiance triggers accelerated degradation of the PsbA polypeptide, increases susceptibility to photoinhibition, and promotes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby [...] Read more.
High light intensity constitutes a critical abiotic stress factor that profoundly affects the structural and functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Excessive irradiance triggers accelerated degradation of the PsbA polypeptide, increases susceptibility to photoinhibition, and promotes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Among the chloroplast-localized site-2 proteases of Arabidopsis thaliana, S2P2 remains the least characterized. In this study, our analyses revealed a pronounced upregulation of the S2P2 (AT1G05140) gene and a concomitant accumulation of the S2P2 protein under high light conditions. Functional characterization using two independent S2P2 insertional mutant lines lacking the protease demonstrated that loss of S2P2 significantly exacerbates photoinhibition. Mutants exhibited reduced photosystem II (PSII) efficiency, accompanied by accelerated degradation of the PSII core proteins PsbA, PsbD, and PsbC, as well as elevated ROS generation. These findings provide the first direct evidence that S2P2 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stoichiometric balance of PSII core components and conferring resilience of the photosynthetic machinery to high light stress. This work expands the functional repertoire of chloroplast site-2 proteases and underscores S2P2 as a potential target for improving stress tolerance in plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Photobiology)
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16 pages, 2789 KiB  
Article
Thermal Comfort and Tourism in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina): A Human Bioclimatic Information Sheet for Visitors and Planners
by Milica Pecelj, Slavica Malinović-Milićević and Andreas Matzarakis
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080987 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the context of growing climate change and more frequent heat extremes, tourism in Mediterranean cities like Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is becoming increasingly vulnerable. This study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the human bioclimatic conditions in Mostar using the physiologically [...] Read more.
In the context of growing climate change and more frequent heat extremes, tourism in Mediterranean cities like Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is becoming increasingly vulnerable. This study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the human bioclimatic conditions in Mostar using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) index, the modified PET (mPET), and the Climate-Tourism Information Scheme (CTIS), based on hourly meteorological data for the period 2000–2020. By applying the RayMan model, relevant bioclimatic parameters were calculated for three key times of day (07:00, 14:00, and 21:00 CET), and the results were analyzed in terms of seasonal and daily patterns of thermal stress. The most intense thermal stress was observed during summer afternoon hours, while the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) offer significantly more favorable conditions for tourist activities. A major contribution of this study is the creation of the first integrated bioclimatic information sheet for Mostar, which brings together PET, mPET, and CTIS outputs in accessible format tailored to local tourism needs. It serves as a scientifically based and practical tool for informing visitors and improving the planning of tourism activities in accordance with local climatic characteristics. Due to its visual clarity and ease of interpretation, the information sheet has strong potential for strategic adaptation in climate-sensitive tourism management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Tourism: Impacts and Responses)
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26 pages, 3939 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Proteomic Associations of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination in Multimorbid Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
by Anett Hudák, Aladár Pettko-Szandtner, Annamária Letoha and Tamás Letoha
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168007 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Vaccines played a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic, but their long-term biological effects and efficacy in vulnerable populations remain under intensive investigation. This study assessed clinical outcomes, comorbidities, and systemic biomarker and proteomic profiles in 366 multimorbid patients, stratified into four groups [...] Read more.
Vaccines played a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic, but their long-term biological effects and efficacy in vulnerable populations remain under intensive investigation. This study assessed clinical outcomes, comorbidities, and systemic biomarker and proteomic profiles in 366 multimorbid patients, stratified into four groups based on SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination status (COV+ vac+, COV+ vac−, COV− vac+, COV− vac−). Clinical and laboratory data, including comorbidities and relevant biomarkers, were collected. Proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry was performed to identify molecular changes associated with infection and vaccination. Statistical analyses examined associations between clinical status, biomarkers, and patient outcomes. As most participants received mRNA-based vaccines, the results primarily reflect responses to spike protein-expressing platforms. Biomarkers of cardiac and renal stress—namely proBNP and carbamide—were elevated in vaccinated individuals. Five deaths occurred in the COV+ vac+ group and two in the COV+ vac− group, most of which were attributed to exacerbations of pre-existing chronic diseases rather than to COVID-19 pneumonia. Protection against breakthrough infections waned over time, particularly beyond 200 days post-vaccination. Mass spectrometry identified proteins such as actin, fibrinogen chains, and SAA2 as potential diagnostic targets. Although the cross-sectional observational design limits the ability to draw causal inferences, the observed waning immunity and potential systemic alterations in vaccinated multimorbid patients highlight the importance of longitudinal follow-up to guide tailored immunization strategies and post-vaccination monitoring in high-risk groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Pathophysiology (6th Edition))
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22 pages, 6179 KiB  
Article
Impact of Grinding Depth on Dislocation Structures and Surface Hardening in C45 Steel
by Alicja Stanisławska, Dorota Moszczyńska, Jarosław Mizera, Pasquale Cavaliere and Marek Szkodo
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163870 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 114
Abstract
This study investigates the strain hardening and dislocation structure in the surface layers of C45 steel subjected to precision grinding at various depths. The aim was to assess how different grinding conditions influence the mechanical response and defect structure of ferrite. Nanoindentation was [...] Read more.
This study investigates the strain hardening and dislocation structure in the surface layers of C45 steel subjected to precision grinding at various depths. The aim was to assess how different grinding conditions influence the mechanical response and defect structure of ferrite. Nanoindentation was used to evaluate mechanical properties, while X-ray diffraction analysis provided data on the microstrain, crystallite size, and residual stress. The character and density of dislocations were further examined using modified Williamson–Hall and q-parameter analysis. The results revealed that the sample ground to a depth of 2 μm exhibited the highest density of statistically stored dislocations, as well as the lowest dislocation mobility. This condition also corresponded to the highest residual stresses and the greatest share of screw dislocations, indicating intense strain localization. In contrast, deeper grinding depths resulted in lower dislocation densities and reduced the strain energy. The observed trends highlight the formation of a dislocation-rich nanostructured layer in the shallowest ground region. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of surface hardening in ferritic steels and demonstrate how the depth of material removal during grinding governs the subsurface microstructure and strengthening effects. Full article
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21 pages, 20253 KiB  
Article
Study on Stress Testing and the Evaluation of Flood Resilience in Mountain Communities
by Mingjun Yin, Hong Huang, Fucai Yu, Aizhi Wu, Yingchun Tao and Xiaoxiao Sun
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167463 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 117
Abstract
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events pose significant challenges to mountain communities, particularly in terms of flash flood risks. This study presents a framework for stress testing and evaluating flood resilience in mountain communities through the integration of high-resolution InfoWorks [...] Read more.
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events pose significant challenges to mountain communities, particularly in terms of flash flood risks. This study presents a framework for stress testing and evaluating flood resilience in mountain communities through the integration of high-resolution InfoWorks ICM two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling and systematic resilience assessment. The framework makes three key innovations: (1) multi-scale temporal stress scenarios combining short-duration extreme events (1–2 h) with long-duration persistent events (24 h) and historical extremes; (2) integrated infrastructure–drainage stress analysis that explicitly models roads’ dual role as critical infrastructure and emergency drainage channels; and (3) dynamic resilience quantification under multiple stressors across 15 systematically designed stress conditions. Using Western Beijing as a case study, the model is validated, achieving Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values exceeding 0.9, demonstrating its robust capability in simulating complex mountainous terrain flood processes. Through systematic analysis of fifteen rainfall scenarios designed based on Chicago rainfall patterns and historical events (including the July 2023 Haihe River basin flood), encompassing various intensities (30–200 mm/h), durations (1 h, 2 h, 24 h), and return periods (10, 50, 100 years), the key findings include the following: (1) A rainfall intensity of 60 mm/h represents a crucial threshold for system performance, beyond which significant impacts on community infrastructure emerge, with built-up areas experiencing inundation depths of 0.27–0.4 m that exceed safe passage limits. (2) Road networks become primary drainage channels during intense precipitation, with velocities exceeding 5 m/s in village roads and exceeding 5 m/s in country road sections, creating significant hazard potential. (3) Four major risk spots were identified with distinct waterlogging patterns, characterized by maximum depths ranging from 0.8 to 2.0 m and recovery periods varying from 2 to 12 hours depending on the topographic confluence effects and drainage efficiency. (4) The system demonstrates strong recovery capability, achieving >90% recovery within 3–6 hours for short-duration events, while showing vulnerability to extreme scenarios, with performance declining to 0.75–0.80, highlighting the coupling effects between water depth and flow velocity in steep terrain. This research provides quantitative insights for flood risk management and for enhancing community resilience in mountainous regions, offering valuable guidance for infrastructure improvement, emergency response optimization, and sustainable community development. This study primarily focuses on physical resilience aspects, with socioeconomic and institutional dimensions representing important directions for future research. Full article
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15 pages, 4559 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of Fatigue Crack Propagation of Deck-Rib Welded Joint in Orthotropic Steel Decks
by Xincheng Li, Zhongqiu Fu, Hongbin Guo, Bohai Ji and Chengyi Zhang
Modelling 2025, 6(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling6030083 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 163
Abstract
This study conducts numerical analysis of fatigue crack propagation in deck-rib welded joints of orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The stress intensity factor for central surface cracks under constant range bending stress is calculated, and single and multi-crack propagation [...] Read more.
This study conducts numerical analysis of fatigue crack propagation in deck-rib welded joints of orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The stress intensity factor for central surface cracks under constant range bending stress is calculated, and single and multi-crack propagation are simulated by a numerical integration method. The research results show that deck geometry critically influences crack propagation behavior. Wider decks accelerate propagation of cracks after the crack depth exceeds half the deck thickness, thicker decks exhibit linearly faster propagation rates yet retain larger residual section to bear loads, and increased weld penetration reduces fatigue life. Initial defects rapidly converge to a preferred propagation path, stabilizing near af/cf0.1 (af is the failure crack depth and cf is the half surface crack length) regardless of initial aspect ratio. For multi-crack scenarios, defect density dominates merging, doubling density increases final cracks by 45%. Merged cracks adhere closely to the single-crack path, while total section loss escalates with defect density and deck thickness but remains stress range independent. The identified convergence preferred propagation path enables depth estimation from surface-length measurements during real bridge inspections. Full article
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19 pages, 882 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evaluation of a Six-Day Outpatient Psychotherapeutic Training (DIAT) for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Adults: A Three-Month Follow-Up
by Beata Zarzycka, Barbara Krasiczyńska and Marcin Wojtasiński
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5806; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165806 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Background: This study presents a preliminary evaluation of a six-day outpatient psychotherapeutic training based on the Duc in Altum Therapy (DIAT) approach, examining its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among adults. Given the growing demand for brief, effective mental [...] Read more.
Background: This study presents a preliminary evaluation of a six-day outpatient psychotherapeutic training based on the Duc in Altum Therapy (DIAT) approach, examining its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among adults. Given the growing demand for brief, effective mental health interventions, this format aims to provide intensive support within a condensed timeframe. Methods: The intervention consisted of supportive and experiential group therapy delivered over six days and included 109 participants. Outcomes were assessed at three time points—pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up—using the Direct Behavior Rating Scale Items, the Brief Screen for Depression (BSD), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: Participants reported lower levels of anxiety (B = −1.435, p < 0.0001), depression (B = −0.717, p < 0.001), and stress (B = −1.882, p < 0.001) after training, reflecting statistically significant within-group changes. These improvements were maintained at the three-month follow-up. Conclusions: Although the absence of a control group limits causal inference, the findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of DIAT as a brief psychotherapeutic intervention. Participants reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress after the training, reflecting statistically significant within-group changes. These improvements were maintained at the three-month follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment Personalization in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy)
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15 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Differences and Clinical Presentations in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Italian and Romanian Outpatient Settings
by Claudiu Gabriel Ionescu, Gennaro Musella, Federica Canfora, Cristina D’Antonio, Lucia Memé, Stefania Leuci, Luca D’Aniello, Ioanina Parlatescu, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Michele Davide Mignogna, Serban Tovaru and Daniela Adamo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5805; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165805 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning sensations without visible mucosal lesions. Although its biopsychosocial complexity is increasingly recognized, cross-cultural comparison data remain limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 60 patients with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning sensations without visible mucosal lesions. Although its biopsychosocial complexity is increasingly recognized, cross-cultural comparison data remain limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 60 patients with BMS (30 Italian, 30 Romanian) who underwent standardized clinical, psychological, and sleep evaluations. Data collected included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic history, comorbidities, and symptomatology. The assessment tools used included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical comparisons were conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Results: No significant differences were observed in age, sex, or body mass index. Italian patients had fewer years of education (p = 0.001), higher pain intensity (NRS, p < 0.001), poorer sleep quality (PSQI, ESS, p = 0.001), and more frequent pre-existing sleep disorders (p < 0.001). Romanian patients showed higher levels of anxiety (HAM-A, p < 0.001), longer diagnostic delays (p = 0.002), and more dysesthetic or perceptual symptoms, including tingling and oral dysmorphism (p < 0.05). Stressful events before onset were more common among Romanians (p < 0.001), while Italians more often received a correct diagnosis at first consultation (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This first cross-national comparison of BMS in Western and Eastern Europe shows that cultural, healthcare, and clinician education differences can shape symptom profiles, comorbidities, and diagnostic delays, underscoring the need for personalized, country-specific management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspective of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery)
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18 pages, 1709 KiB  
Article
Effects of Light–Nitrogen Interactions on Leaf Functional Traits of (Picea neoveitchii Mast.)
by Sibo Chen, Siyu Yang, Wanting Liu, Kaiyuan Li, Ninghan Xue and Wenli Ji
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162550 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Picea neoveitchii Mast., a critically endangered spruce species endemic to China, is classified as a national second-level key protected wild plant and listed as critically endangered (CR) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its habitat features complex forest [...] Read more.
Picea neoveitchii Mast., a critically endangered spruce species endemic to China, is classified as a national second-level key protected wild plant and listed as critically endangered (CR) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its habitat features complex forest light environments, and global climate change coupled with environmental pollution has increased regional nitrogen deposition, posing significant challenges to its survival. This study explores the effects of light–nitrogen interactions on the leaf functional traits of Picea neoveitchii Mast. seedlings by simulating combinations of light intensities (100%, 70%, and 40% full sunlight) and nitrogen application levels (0, 10, and 20 g N·m −2·a−1, where g N·m−2·a−1 denotes grams of nitrogen applied per square meter per year). We examined changes in morphological traits, anatomical structures, photosynthetic physiology, and stress resistance traits. Results indicate that moderate shading (70% full sunlight) significantly enhances leaf morphological traits (e.g., leaf length, leaf area, and specific leaf area) and anatomical features (e.g., mesophyll tissue area and resin duct cavity area), improving light capture and stress resistance. Medium- to high-nitrogen treatments (10 or 20 g N·m−2·a−1) under moderate shading further increase photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, and antioxidant enzyme activity. According to the comprehensive membership function evaluation, the L2N0 (70% full sunlight, 0 g N·m−2·a−1) treatment exhibits the most balanced performance across both growth and stress-related traits. These findings underscore the critical role of light–nitrogen interactions in the growth and adaptability of Picea neoveitchii Mast. leaves, offering a scientific foundation for the conservation and ecological restoration of endangered plant populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Photobiology)
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17 pages, 3458 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Heart Valve Dynamics: A Fluid-Structure Interaction Approach
by Muhammad Adnan Anwar, Mudassar Razzaq, Muhammad Owais, Kainat Jahangir and Marcel Gurris
Fluids 2025, 10(8), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10080215 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
This study presents a numerical investigation into the heart valve through a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) framework using a two-dimensional, steady-state, Newtonian flow assumption. While simplified, this approach captures core biomechanical effects and provides a baseline for future extension toward non-Newtonian, pulsatile, and three-dimensional [...] Read more.
This study presents a numerical investigation into the heart valve through a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) framework using a two-dimensional, steady-state, Newtonian flow assumption. While simplified, this approach captures core biomechanical effects and provides a baseline for future extension toward non-Newtonian, pulsatile, and three-dimensional models. The analysis focuses on the influence of magnetic field intensity characterized by the Hartmann number (Ha) and flow regime defined by the Reynolds number (Re) on critical hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress (WSS), velocity profiles, and pressure gradients in the valve region. The results demonstrate that stronger magnetic fields significantly stabilize intravalvular flow by suppressing recirculation zones and reducing flow separation distal to valve constrictions, offering protective hemodynamic benefits and serving as a non-invasive method to modulate vascular behavior and reduce the risk of cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cardiovascular Flows)
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14 pages, 1108 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Type of Metal-on-Metal Hip Endoprosthesis on the Clinical, Biochemical, and Oxidative Balance Status—A Comparison of Resurfacing and Metaphyseal Implants
by Aleksander Augustyn, Michał Dobrakowski, Dominika Rokicka, Marta Wróbel, Sławomir Kasperczyk, Krzysztof Strojek, Bogdan Koczy and Tomasz Stołtny
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(16), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15161258 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the increasingly rare use of metal-on-metal articulation, in many countries, there is a large group of patients after hip arthroplasty using this method. The operation of the dysfunctional hip joint using metal-on-metal articulation can be performed by resurfacing or total, stemmed [...] Read more.
Introduction: Despite the increasingly rare use of metal-on-metal articulation, in many countries, there is a large group of patients after hip arthroplasty using this method. The operation of the dysfunctional hip joint using metal-on-metal articulation can be performed by resurfacing or total, stemmed arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the metaphyseal and resurfacing methods in metal-on-metal articulation and its impact on clinical status and variability of oxidative stress parameters, as well as the concentration of chromium and cobalt ions in blood. Materials and methods: The first group operated using BHR (Smith & Nephew) and Biomet ReCap-Magnum metal-on-metal hip resurfacing implants. The second group operated using Biomet ReCap-Magnum with a Microplasty metaphyseal stem. Two clinical evaluations were conducted in each patient with the use of SF-12, HHS, and WOMAC-hip examination scale systems. The concentrations of metal ions in blood and their impacts on the antioxidant system were also determined twice using various oxidative stress markers. Results: The study included 61 males. The mean values of the Cr (p = 0.019) and Co (p = 0.009) ion concentrations were higher in patients after resurfacing arthroplasty. A higher intensity of oxidative stress (activities of sulphydryl groups, malondialdehyde, and lipofuscin) was observed in the resurfacing group compared with the metaphyseal group. Conclusions: The resurfacing hip implant in the metal-on-metal articulation, to a greater extent than the metaphyseal one, elevates the concentration of Cr and Co ions in the blood and is associated with oxidative stress and the functioning of the antioxidant system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare)
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