Search Results (33,460)

Background/Objectives: Films in the mouth offer a promising alternative drug delivery system for oral administration, with several advantages over traditional oral formulations. Furthermore, their non-invasive nature and easy administration make them conducive to increasing patient compliance. The use of active agents in these films can further improve their drug delivery properties, making them an even more useful drug delivery system. Methods: In this research, carrageenan was used as a polymer, while glycerine was added as a plasticizer, furthermore, lidocaine hydrochloride and diclofenac sodium were used as the active agents. The prepared films were characterized by analytical techniques. Results: The results showed that glycerine reduced the mucoadhesivity and breaking hardness of the films and increasing the temperature made the films brittle. These results are also confirmed by the statistical analysis. Based on the FTIR results, glycerine can be used in films without structural changes. Conclusions: Based on the findings, films prepared from a solution with a concentration of 1.5% carrageenan and 1.5% glycerine at 70 °C are suitable as a drug delivery system for use on the buccal mucosa when combined with active agents. Carrageenan was successfully used as a carrier for two different types of active agents. Full article

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) often coexists with heart failure (HF), and its prevalence increases with the severity of HF. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has been associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with HF and ID. However, while earlier studies showed favorable results, more recent studies have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in outcomes for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and ID. This meta-analysis seeks to provide updated insights into the effectiveness and safety of FCM compared to placebo/standard of care (SoC) among patients with HFrEF and ID/iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from inception to December 2023, utilizing databases such as MEDLINE (via PubMed), Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ScienceDirect portal. A statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 with a random-effects model. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as odds ratios (OR), while continuous outcomes were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test. Results: The final analysis included data from six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 5132 patients. Our findings indicate a significant reduction in total HF hospitalizations among patients with HFrEF and ID/IDA treated with FCM compared to those receiving the placebo or SoC, with an OR of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.40 to 0.88, p < 0.010). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the total number of deaths between the FCM and placebo/SoC groups (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.03, p = 0.09), non-HF hospitalizations (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.41 to 1.25, p = 0.24), or the composite outcome of cardiovascular hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.04, p = 0.07). Regarding functional capacity, as assessed by the change in 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, no significant improvement was found, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 14.03 (95% CI: −10.94 to 38.99, p = 0.27). QoL, measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score, also did not show significant enhancement, with a WMD of 3.85 (95% CI: −0.55 to 8.24, p = 0.09). Furthermore, the safety analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse events between the FCM and placebo/SoC groups, with an OR of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.49 to 1.10, p = 0.13). Conclusions: In patients with HFrEF and IDA, treatment with intravenous FCM significantly lowers the risk of total HF hospitalizations but does not appear to affect functional capacity, QoL, or mortality. Full article

This work evaluates the renewable energy development potential of Polish voivodeships based on the TOPSIS method and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Data were obtained from the Polish Local Data Bank, covering 22 indicators in the field of economic, social, environmental, and energy related to renewable energy initiatives. The TOPSIS method was applied to construct a synthetic indicator for each voivodeship, facilitating a hierarchical ranking based on their proximity to an ideal solution representing optimal conditions. The results indicate that the Mazowiecki voivodeship leads the list in terms of renewable energy development potential, followed by Małopolskie i Pomorskie, and that this is mainly due to good economic conditions and large investments in renewable energy projects. Spatial autocorrelation analysis yielded a Moran’s I value of –0.1137 with a Z score of 0.303 and a p value of 0.752, suggesting a weak negative spatial autocorrelation that is not statistically significant. This implies that the distribution of renewable energy potential across voivodeships is largely random and is not influenced by spatial proximity. The study concludes that non-spatial factors play a more significant role in renewable energy development potential, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to allow them to focus on economic and social variables when promoting renewable energy initiatives in Poland. Full article

Background/Objectives: Current literature has demonstrated the benefits of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption for an array of surgical procedures. Some randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies have compared ultrasound guidance TAP blocks completed by anesthesiologists (US-TAP) to laparoscopic guidance TAP blocks completed by surgeons (LAP-TAP). However, the findings of these studies have not been consolidated to improve recommendations and patient outcomes. Our objective is to consolidate and summarize current literature regarding the efficacy of TAP blocks for postoperative pain control and opioid consumption when performed with ultrasound guidance (US-TAP, compared to laparoscopic guidance (LAP-TAP). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs and retrospective studies to evaluate US-TAP versus LAP-TAP blocks for postoperative pain control and opioid consumption. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for all articles meeting the search criteria until the time of article extraction in February 2024. The primary outcome variables were postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption. The secondary outcome variables were complications, time taken to perform the block, length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, and cost of performing the block. Results: Of the 1673 articles initially identified, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria for evaluation. Of the included studies, 88.9% and 77.8% found no significant difference in postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption, respectively, between US-TAP and LAP-TAP groups. Six studies (33.3%) found that LAP-TAP was faster to perform than US-TAP. Meta-analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption between groups but showed that block times were significantly longer in the US-TAP group. Conclusions: US-TAP and LAP-TAP blocks may be equivocal in terms of reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption. LAP-TAPs may be less time-consuming and more cost-effective and viable alternatives to US-TAP blocks in the perioperative setting. Full article

This meta-analysis studied the impact of conventional versus organic farming practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and mass storage. We aimed to understand the carbon dynamics associated with adopting organic agricultural practices by reviewing and synthesizing data from 1950 to 2023. We analyzed data from 64 experimental field comparisons that involved SOC concentration and mass storage measurements, covering a wide range of studies selected for soil depth analyses, carbon concentration measurements, and comparative methods between conventional and organic systems. Our results indicated a significant increase in SOC under organic agriculture. An analysis of the response ratios (LnRR) for SOC concentration showed variability, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.089–0.149. Similarly, the analysis of carbon storage data indicated a 95% confidence interval of LnRR of 0.053–0.205. These increases in SOC concentration and mass storage reflect the variable but statistically positive impact of organic farming on SOC. Fine soil textures demonstrated the highest mean LnRR for both SOC concentration (0.163) and mass storage (0.173), suggesting the role of soil texture in mediating the effects of organic agriculture on SOC dynamics. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between soil pH and SOC mass storage, with a regression coefficient of −0.174 (p < 0.039). Although a slight positive correlation was observed between temperature and SOC mass storage as LnRR, other environmental factors likely play a critical role in SOC dynamics. These findings emphasize the complexity of SOC dynamics and the significant impact of organic agriculture on increasing SOC concentrations and mass storage. This study broadly contributes to the debate in sustainable agriculture by providing quantitative evidence of the role and benefits of organic agriculture on climate change mitigation. The results also emphasize the importance of adopting organic farming practices for broadly enhancing ecosystems’ resilience and long-term food security. Full article

The aerodynamic performance of twin tall buildings immersed in the atmospheric boundary layer was numerically investigated by adopting the spatial-averaged large eddy simulation (LES) method. This study focused on the effects of corner cutting and chamfering. The buildings were both square and sectional with a width-to-height ratio of 1:6, and were arranged in a tandem configuration with a spacing ratio of 2.0. The corner-cutting and chamfering measures were only applied to the upstream cylinder, with a corner modification rate of 10%. To generate the turbulent inflow boundary condition (IBC) for LES, steady-state equilibrium IBC expressions were introduced into the vortex method, which were implemented in the commercial code Ansys Fluent. The present simulation method and solution parameters were first verified by comparing the simulated wind field and the wind pressure distribution on a single tall building with those of the wind tunnel test. The influences of the corner-cutting and chamfering measures on the wind load of the tandem buildings were then comparatively studied concerning the statistical values of their aerodynamic force coefficients and wind pressure coefficients. The influence mechanism was analyzed based on the simulated time-averaged flow field and the instantaneous vortex structure around the buildings. The results indicated that upstream corner-cutting and chamfering measures can induce a diffusion angle shift in the separated shear flow from the leading edge of the upstream building, thus affecting the separation and reattachment of the separated upstream flow on the downstream building. Among the measures studied, upstream corner cutting is more effective in reducing wind pressure and aerodynamic force coefficients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. People with ASD may exhibit repetitive behaviors, unique ways of learning, and different ways of interacting with the world. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variability in how ASD manifests in individuals, including differences in abilities, symptoms, and support needs, and conditions characterized by difficulties in social interactions, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology, with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid. Previous studies with transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown promising results, suggesting nervous system susceptibility to electromagnetic fields, with evidence indicating that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) treatment may modulate inflammatory responses through multiple pathways, including the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, and the enhancement of anti-inflammatory mediators. Methods: This pilot study included 20 children (ages 2–13) with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. A 15-week protocol involved ELF-EMF treatments using the SEQEX device, with specific day and night programs. Assessment was conducted through standardized pre- and post-treatment tests: Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4, Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test-4, and Conner’s 3GI. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in receptive language (PPVT-4: from 74.07 to 90.40, p = 0.002) and expressive language (EOWPVT-4: from 84.17 to 90.50, p = 0.041). Notable reductions, with statistical significance, were found in externalizing problems across both age groups (1.5–5 years: p = 0.028; 6–18 years: p = 0.027), with particular improvement in attention and behavioral problems. The results were observed over a short period of 15 weeks, therefore excluding the possibility of coincidental age-related gains, that would typically occur during a normal developmental timeframe. Parent evaluations showed significant reduction in ASD symptoms, particularly in the 1.5–5 years group (p = 0.046). Conclusions: ELF-EMF treatment demonstrated a high safety profile and efficacy in mitigating ASD-related symptoms. The observed improvements suggest both direct effects on central and autonomic nervous systems and indirect effects through inflammatory response modulation. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results through broader demographics and randomized control designs. Full article

This paper analyzes the behavior of the entropy of a nuclear fuel rod under deep burnup conditions, beyond standard operational ranges, reaching up to 60 years. The evolution of the neutron source distribution in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel pin was analyzed using the Monte Carlo method and Shannon information entropy. To maintain proper statistics, a novel scaling method was developed, adjusting the neutron population based on the fission rate. By integrating reactor physics with information theory, this work aimed at the deeper understanding of nuclear fuel behavior under extreme burnup conditions. The results show a “U-shaped” entropy evolution: an initial decrease due to self-organization, followed by stabilization and eventual increase due to degradation. A minimum entropy state is reached after approximately 45 years of pin operation, showing a steady-state condition with no entropy change. This point may indicate a physical limit for fuel utilization. Beyond this point, entropy rises, reflecting system degradation and lower energy efficiency. The results show that entropy analysis can provide valuable insights into fuel behavior and operational limits. The proposed scaling method may also serve to control a Monte Carlo simulation, especially for the analysis of long-life reactors. Full article

Accurate analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC) under different land uses in ecologically fragile arid zones is essential for effective regulatory measures and improvement of ecological quality. This study selected the ecologically fragile Tarim River source area as an example, aiming to quantitatively assess the SOC content, storage, carbon sequestration potential, and stratification ratio (SR) of different ecological land use types. Soil depths from 0–50 cm were determined and analyzed using the K₂Cr₂O₇-H₂SO₄ oxidation method, the equivalent soil mass method and mathematical statistics. Forest, shrubland, and grassland ecological land types were included. The results show the following: (1) Both SOC content and storage showed a decrease with increasing soil depth. The total SOC content and storage sequence from high to low were natural forest, grassland, and shrubland. (2) There are variations in the SOC sequestration potential among the different ecological land types and shrubland (40.64 Mg C ha⁻¹) > grassland (37.69 Mg C ha⁻¹). (3) The SRs of the SOC in the forest were significantly greater than those in the shrubland and grassland. The different ecological land types had significant impacts on SR2, SR3, and SR4. SR2 could serve as a reliable index for assessing the impact of management practices on soil quality. The study area has a high potential for soil carbon sequestration in the future under these ecological conservation and management measures. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the internal fit of custom-made posts and cores fabricated using digital impressions (DI) and conventional vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impressions in restorative dentistry. Materials and Methods: A typodont tooth model, simulating the anatomy of the root canal of a central incisor, was utilized for the study. Two groups were formed, Group A and Group B, and each group provided a total of 18 impressions of two types: DIs and VPS impressions. In Group A, posts and cores (PCs) were fabricated using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) from the DIs. Meanwhile, in Group B, conventionally cast (CC) PCs were created from the VPS impressions. Silicone replicas of the internal surfaces were produced, and measurements were made at seven different points for each group. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the differences in internal fit between the two impression techniques. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference in mean internal fit between Group A (DI and SLM) and Group B (VPS and CC), with Group A exhibiting a mean internal fit of 182.6 µm and Group B showing a mean of 205.9 µm. While both groups demonstrated considerable variability in internal fit measurements, the digital impression technique showed promise for achieving superior internal fit, with a significantly greater fit for measuring points on sides and the most apical part of the post for Group A. Variations were observed across different measuring points, emphasizing the impact of impression technique on specific regions within the tooth. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge in digital dentistry by highlighting the potential benefits of DIs in achieving a superior internal fit for custom-made PCs. Clinicians may consider the advantages of digital techniques to enhance the precision of their restorative procedures, although further research is warranted to evaluate the clinical impact of these findings. Full article

The article presents the results of research on the impact of material and construction solutions on energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Field research was conducted in an existing free-standing greenhouse located in southern Poland. The research period covered the entire calendar year. The measurement data were used in the next step to validate the computational model using the numerical method of elementary balances. The data distribution was also analyzed in terms of basic statistics. The validated and verified model was used in the further part of the analysis to conduct computer simulations for three variants, differing in terms of material and construction solutions. The variants included: no foundation insulation, extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation and the use of single-chamber polycarbonate panels with thermal insulation of the foundations. The obtained results showed a high agreement between theoretical and real data (85–89% for the coefficient of determination (R²) and 84–88% for the GOF method). In the case of variant 1, which in terms of material and construction solutions corresponded to the actual construction of the greenhouse, it was found that the annual energy demand for heating purposes amounted to 153,234 kWh/year. In variant 2, in which additional thermal insulation relative to the zero state was used, the energy demand for heating purposes was lower and amounted to 147,704 kWh/year. The lowest heat load was characteristic of variant 3, in which 116,294 kWh/year was required to cover heating needs. The variant with polycarbonate and foundation insulation brought energy savings of 24% and a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 24%. In addition, replacing fuel from hard coal with natural gas brought significant benefits, reducing pollutant emissions by 51%. The paper is a new approach to the use of the mentioned numerical method for the assessment of gaseous pollutant emissions in this type of building based on numerical simulations of energy consumption. Full article

To evaluate the estimation and spatiotemporal variation characteristics of nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural sources in Anhui Province, the nitrous oxide emissions generated during crop cultivation and manure management were assessed based on the recommended methods in the “Guidelines for Provincial Greenhouse Gas Inventories” and official statistical data. The results showed that the overall emission of nitrous oxide from agricultural land showed a downward trend, reaching a valley value in 2019 with an emission of 2.83 × 10⁴ tons. The annual average emissions of nitrous oxide from agricultural land and manure management account for 80.98% and 19.02% of the total annual average emissions of nitrous oxide from agricultural activities in Anhui Province, respectively. Both agricultural land emissions and livestock manure management show a trend of nitrous oxide emissions decreasing from the northern region of Anhui > central region of Anhui > southern region of Anhui. In this paper, we explored and discussed the intrinsic driving factors behind the spatiotemporal changes in nitrous oxide emissions, and analyzed the potential for future emission reductions. It is suggested that the emissions of nitrous oxide from agricultural sources can be reduced through measures such as reasonable nitrogen application, adjustment of aquaculture structures, and the improvement of manure treatment methods, providing a theoretical reference for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural sources. Full article

Background/Objectives: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are common in young adult men and have high cure rates. Conventional serum tumor markers and imaging are not able to differentiate between histologic subtypes of the disease, which portend different prognoses and require distinct therapeutic strategies. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding transcripts involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, which have emerged as promising biomarkers in a variety of tumors. This study aimed to assess the potential of differentially expressed miRNAs in differential diagnosis and prognostication among TGCT patients with various histologic subtypes. Methods: Transcriptomic analysis of 134 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-TGCT database was conducted. miRNA differential expression analysis among seminomatous, embryonal carcinoma, mixed GCT, and teratoma was performed, followed by ROC curve analysis of the most significantly up- and downregulated miRNAs, respectively. Statistical associations of miRNA expression with AJCC stage were also investigated along with miRNA target network analysis and evaluation of miRNA detection in patients’ fluids. Results: Upregulation of seven miRNAs (hsa-mir-135a-1, hsa-mir-135a-2, hsa-mir-200a, hsa-mir-200b, hsa-mir-203b, hsa-mir-375, hsa-mir-582) and downregulation of seven additional miRNAs (hsa-mir-105-1, hsa-mir-105-2, hsa-mir-4433a, hsa-mir-548x, hsa-mir-5708, hsa-mir-6715a, hsa-mir-767) were identified. miRNAs displayed a high sensitivity/specificity of 0.94/1.0 (AUC = 0.98) for the upregulated and 0.97/0.94 (AUC = 0.96) for the downregulated signature. Deregulated expression of these miRNAs was significantly associated with AJCC stage and distant organ metastasis (p < 0.001), overall supporting their prognostic strength. Both signatures were detectable in body fluids, particularly urine. miRNA target network analysis supported the functional role of these miRNAs in the regulation of cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation via deregulation of pivotal oncogenes. Conclusions: These findings support the clinical value of two novel miRNA signatures in differential diagnosis and prognostic stratification of various histologic subtypes of TGCT, with potential treatment implications. Full article

Background: Computed Tomography (CT) is crucial in medical diagnosis, particularly for head examinations. Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are pivotal in balancing diagnostic efficacy with radiation safety. International organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provide guidelines for establishing DRLs, emphasizing their importance in optimizing radiation doses. Aim: This study aimed to establish and standardize DRLs for head CT imaging in institutional and regional settings, emphasizing the need for tailored reference levels specific to each region’s practices and standards. Method: Data collection included patient demographics, imaging parameters, and radiation dose indices, namely volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP). Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the median and 3rd quartile values for establishing DRLs. The results were compared with national and international benchmarks to assess variations in radiation doses across regions. Results: Demographic profiles detailed gender distributions and ages across hospitals. Imaging parameters exhibited variability in tube voltage, milliampere-seconds (mAs), pitch, scan length, and field of view (FOV). For CTDIvol, the 3rd quartile value was 65.8 mGy (range: 24.8–85.9 mGy), and for DLP, it was 1230.95 mGy·cm (range: 382.3–1189.0 mGy·cm). These values were slightly higher than the national DRLs for Saudi Arabia in 2021 and other international benchmarks, underscoring the need for further optimization and alignment of protocols. Conclusion: Optimizing and standardizing DRLs for head CT imaging is crucial for effectively managing radiation doses while ensuring diagnostic accuracy. Comparison with national and international benchmarks highlighted the importance of tailoring reference levels to regional practices and standards, ensuring patient safety without compromising diagnostic efficacy. Full article

Abstract: Introduction: Prostate cancer treatment has been revolutionized by targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors, checkpoint immunotherapies, and PSMA-targeted radiotherapies. Despite such advancements, accurate patient stratification remains a challenge, with current methods relying on genomic markers, tissue staining, and imaging. Extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived proteins offer a novel non-invasive alternative for biomarker discovery, holding promise for improving treatment precision. However, the characterization of plasma-derived EVs in prostate cancer patients remains largely unexplored. Methods: We conducted proteomic analyses on EVs isolated from plasma in 27 metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. EVs were purified using ultracentrifugation and analyzed via mass spectrometry. Proteomic data were correlated with clinical markers such as serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and bone lesion counts. Statistical significance was assessed using Mann–Whitney t-tests and Spearman correlation. Results: The median age of patients was 74 (range: 44–94) years. At the time of blood collection, the median PSA level was 70 (range: 0.5–1000) ng/mL. All patients had bone metastasis. A total of 5213 proteins were detected, including EV-related proteins (CD9, CD81, CD63, FLOT1, TSG101) and cancer-related proteins (PSMA, B7-H3, PD-L1). Proteomic profiling of plasma EVs revealed a significant correlation between specific EV-derived proteins and clinical prognostic markers. B7-H3, LAT1, and SLC29A1 showed a strong association with serum PSA levels and number of bone lesions, indicating potential for these proteins to serve as biomarkers of disease burden and therapy response. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the potential of EV-based proteomics for identifying biomarkers in mCRPC patients. Proteins such as B7-H3 and LAT1 could guide precision oncology approaches, improving patient stratification. Future research incorporating outcomes data and EV subpopulation analysis is needed to establish clinical relevance. Full article