Sort by

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Public Health and Health Services

Fernanda Dias Alves

,

Jacqueline de Torres Boesso

,

Renato Pereira de Torres

,

Elton Euler da Silva Reis

Abstract: Background: Depression is a major public health concern and remains a challenge despite traditional care approaches. This study aimed to describe perceptions of changes associated with depressive experience reported by participants in a program grounded in Permission Theory. Methods: This exploratory and descriptive study employed a quantitative and qualitative approach, grounded in Bardin’s Content Analysis to analyze 23 spontaneous accounts from participants who reported experiences related to depression. The participants evaluated their lives before and during the program. Results: The quantitative analysis showed an increase in self-reported scores of overall life evaluation during the program. Overall, the participants’ accounts indicated that they subjectively perceived changes in emotional, relational, and functional aspects of their everyday lives. Conclusions: These findings emphasize how participants interpret and describe changes in their emotional, relational, and functional lives, aspects that are often less visible in conventional mental health outcome research. These perceptions do not allow for inference of clinical effects or a causal relationship with program participation, reinforcing the need for controlled studies to investigate potential impacts on mental health outcomes.

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics

Remi Cornwall

Abstract: This paper completes a series of earlier papers on the Cosmological Constant as compressible fluid-like zeropoint energy, which acts as a 2nd order perturbation in the stress-energy tensor; this preceded an earlier sketch for a means for Dark-Energy to gravitate. We suggest a replacement to ad-hoc MOND type theories with the theory developed herein, in the light of recent DESI and JWIST discoveries, with a fully covariant version of our earlier gravitating dark-energy model: we show that dark-energy can gravitate if it is considered to be in compression by tidal effects; also it sets a natural cusp-like size limit to galaxies and clusters. A relation is found between the slope of the galactic rotation curve and the slope of the dark-energy/matter zone is found too. An earlier proof by the author that MOND type theories are not Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle compatible is cited here. Finally we ask if an extra-repulsive form of dark-energy may prevent collapse to singularity in Black hole solutions. All-in-all, this paper is a semi-classical treatment of gravity with vacuum corrections that might manifest on the large-scale.

Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Waste Management and Disposal

Felipe Anchieta-Silva

,

Amélia de Santana Cartaxo

,

Antônio Demouthié de Sales Rolim Esmeraldo

,

Elaine Meireles Senra

,

José Carlos Pinto

Abstract: The widespread utilization of plastic materials across various sectors has led to significant increase of plastics demand over the decades. This growth has been accompanied by a mounting challenge related to managing of generated plastic waste, as substantial portions of the plastic residual end up in landfills due to limited recycling efforts. Addressing this global concern demands the development of innovative strategies to better assess and recover polymer waste, which should be treated as a different feedstock. In order to do that, efficient sorting techniques are crucial to integrate valuable materials like plastics into municipal solid waste management and improve recycling outcomes. As a matter of fact, technological innovations in this area have given rise to more sophisticated sorting methods, exploring automated sorting techniques to enhance recycling efficiency. Nevertheless, among traditional and modern sorting approaches, manual strategies are still used to perform plastic waste segregation. In this context, the present study aims to comprehensively review and assess pre-treatment classification techniques employed to transform waste streams into valuable compounds, specifically focusing on polyolefin materials present in large quantities in urban solid waste treatment environments.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Metals, Alloys and Metallurgy

Lixin Fang

,

Liqin Qin

,

Limin Zhang

,

Hao Zhou

,

Xudong He

,

Zekun Ren

,

Tongyi Zhang

,

Yi Liu

Abstract: Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) are typically constructed for homogeneous crystalline systems that exhibit only minimal local deviations from equilibrium configurations. However, substitutional alloying elements in multicomponent engineering alloys are often distributed in a locally heterogeneous form. To address this, we develop a fine tuned MLIP based on the MACE foundation model, specifically tailored for Mo based dilute alloys containing one or two out of 20 substitutional elements: Cr, Fe, Mn, Nb, Re, Ta, Ti, V, W, Y, Zr, Al, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au, Hg, Co, Ni, and Hf. The model is trained on more than 7,000 non equilibrium structures derived from first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimized large scale fine tuned model attains state of the art accuracy, with mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.27 meV/atom and 3.79 meV/atom for energy predictions, and 13.83 meV/Å and 24.26 meV/Å for force predictions, respectively. Systematic evaluation of model transferability to unseen alloying elements under different data splitting protocols demonstrates that incorporating even a modest set of new element DFT data during refinement reduces the energy MAE below ~20 meV/atom. The fine tuned models reduce the MAE by approximately 7–10 times compared to models trained from scratch, and by 10–20 times relative to zero shot foundation models. This performance gain remains consistent across varying dataset sizes (equilibrium vs. non equilibrium structures) and model scales. Our work illustrates the efficacy of transfer learning from globally homogeneous systems to locally heterogeneous multi element alloy environments, delivering a robust MLIP tool for the accelerated design of multicomponent alloys.

Review
Physical Sciences
Theoretical Physics

Joel Almeida

Abstract: The Dead Universe Theory (DUT) proposes a fundamental re-examination of cosmic dynamics, replacing the standard paradigm of an expanding universe from a hot singularity with a model of asymmetric thermodynamic retraction within a viscoelastic spacetime continuum. In this framework, the observable cosmos constitutes a localized photonic anomaly — a transient luminous fluctuation — embedded within the collapsed gravitational geometry of a prior cosmological phase. This work presents the complete mathematical foundation of DUT, deriving the entropic deformation tensor Ξ_μν from a variational principle and incorporating it into modified Einstein field equations. The central result is the emergence of a unique, non-adjustable growth index γ = (√5 − 1)/2 ≈ 0.6180339887, derived as the asymptotic attractor of the perturbation dynamics rather than as a free parameter fitted to observational data. This value — the golden ratio — arises directly from the characteristic equation governing irreversible thermodynamic asymmetry. We present a complete, gap-free derivation of this result in Appendix A, where the golden ratio emerges as the unique fixed point of the scale-invariant dissipation/organization partition of the viscoelastic vacuum — a geometric consequence requiring no phenomenological ansatz or external prescription. The theory yields additional testable predictions including a mildly negative curvature parameter Ω_K ≈ −0.07 ± 0.02, a cosmic energy exhaustion timescale of approximately 166 Gyr, and specific signatures in high-redshift galaxy populations consistent with JWST deep-field results. Decisive falsification tests are provided for the Euclid and Roman Space Telescopes.

Review
Public Health and Healthcare
Primary Health Care

Erik Nilssen

,

James Thorp

,

Claire Rogers

,

Kirstin Cosgrove

,

Steven Hatfill

,

Drew Pinsky

,

Kelly Victory

,

Alejandro Diaz-Villalobos

,

Nicolas Hulscher

,

Peter McCullough

Abstract: Introduction: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are associated with the development of a wide range of autoimmune diseases. Rare autoimmune conditions, such as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), have received limited attention in medical literature. The purpose of this study is to review PMR, examine reports of PMR in the government database monitoring vaccine safety, and evaluate the potential association between PMR, COVID-19 vaccination, and spike protein antibody levels.Methods: Data were obtained from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was queried for reports of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) from January 1, 1990, through January 30, 2026. This period encompasses 433 months for all vaccines; however, COVID-19 vaccines were available to the public for only 61 of those 433 months (January 1, 2021, through January 30, 2026). Odds ratios over time (ORt) were calculated by comparing the occurrence of PMR following the administration of specific vaccinations to including COVID-19, influenza, and all other vaccines combined. The CDC/FDA defines a safety signal as a disproportionality measure of ≥ 2. Data are presented as odds ratios over time ORt with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and Z statistics. Three cases of PMR from the authors’ recent clinical practices were reviewed. A literature review on PMR was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar.Results: Significant safety signals were observed when comparing reports of PMR following COVID-19 vaccination with those following influenza vaccination. This association persisted when PMR following COVID-19 vaccination was compared with PMR following all other vaccines combined. There were 2,227 reported cases of PMR following COVID-19 vaccination during the 61 months after vaccine rollout. In comparison, 233 cases were reported following influenza vaccination, and 526 cases were reported following all other vaccines combined over a 433-month period. The ORt for COVID-19 vaccination compared with influenza vaccination was 69.4, 95% CI 51.4 - 93.6, p < 0.0001, Z statistic 27.7. When comparing PMR following COVID-19 vaccination with PMR following all other vaccines combined including influenza, a significant safety signal persisted: 30.7, 95% CI 23.1 - 40.8, p < 0.0001, 23.6. Three exemplary cases and a review of the literature are also presented. Conclusions: Strong safety signals were detected when comparing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) following COVID-19 vaccination with PMR following influenza vaccination and, when compared to all other vaccines combined. The strength of the signal, its statistical robustness, and its consistency with observed clinical cases and biologically plausible immunoinflammatory mechanisms suggest the need for heightened clinical awareness of PMR occurring temporally following COVID-19 vaccination. These findings corroborate other research documenting the occurrence of PMR after COVID-19 vaccination and the pathophysiological pathway for spike protein-induced autoimmunity. Future research should prioritize validation of direct assays for spike protein detection rather than relying solely on surrogate antibody measurements. Additional investigation is also warranted to clarify the role of COVID-19 vaccinations and spike protein in musculoskeletal pathology and to evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Remote Sensing

Xiaoxia Xu

,

Wujian Yan

,

Ruixin Xiao

,

Xiaofeng Liu

,

Jie Hao

Abstract: This paper takes Tongwei, Gangu, Wushan and Qin'an counties involved in the 1718 Tongwei earthquake as the study area, combines with the case investigation of earthquake damage and historical landslide data, and uses the statistical analysis model to select 10 impact factors related to topography, geology, earthquakes and human activities in the study area.Finally, the relative contribution and coupling effect of different influencing factors to the spatial distribution of earthquake-induced loess landslides are discussed by principal component analysis. The results show that: (1) The loess seismic landslides in the study area are concentrated in the south-facing slope areas with elevation of 1000-1300 m, slope of 10-20°, topographic relief of 0-30 m, 1200-1600 m away from rivers, 2-8 km away from active faults, intensity of X, land use types of grass and farmland, and relatively weak lithology. (2)Further verified that the prone areas of loess landslides in the study area are the areas near rivers with an elevation of 1600-1900m and a slope of 10-20 degrees, and the areas covered by thick loess layers with a distance of 4-12 km from active faults.

Review
Medicine and Pharmacology
Dermatology

Jaap-Jan Roukens

Abstract: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a severe inflammatory dermatosis characterized by profound localized pain. While current pathophysiological feedback loops (vicious cycles) focus on microscopic molecular networks and microbiological dysbiosis, the psychosocial and behavioral burdens of HS are individually well-documented. However, these behavioral maladaptations have not been integrated into a unified macroscopic model. This self-sustaining system operates across three interacting domains: (1) a biomechanical-metabolic loop, where sustained immobility accelerates visceral adiposity and insulin resistance; (2) a psychosocial-physiological loop, where pain-induced sleep disruption and chronic stress drive neuroendocrine dysregulation and maladaptive coping behaviors; and (3) a socioeconomic loop, where economic instability decreases healthcare security. Consequently, these behavioral, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens structurally feed back into the systemic inflammatory core, perpetuating disease chronicity. Moreover, this review explores kinesiophobia (the anticipatory fear of movement) as a potentially critical and overlooked component of the biomechanical-metabolic feedback loop. Currently, there is a notable absence of primary psychometric data quantifying kinesiophobia in the HS population. Future research must first measure this phenomenon to establish its prevalence and role. On a macroscopic level, clinicians should aim to systematically break the broader interconnected behavioral feedback loops through multidisciplinary interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and structured patient education. Ultimately, dismantling these psychological and behavioral barriers may prove biologically imperative to halt systemic inflammatory amplification and improve long-term clinical outcomes.

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics

Thomas J. Buckholtz

Abstract: We discuss gravitational concepts and candidate specifications for dark matter that, together, can help explain known ratios of dark-matter effects to ordinary-matter effects and can help explain eras in the rate of expansion of the universe. The ratios pertain to galaxies and galaxy evolution, galaxy clusters, and densities of the universe. The candidate specifications for dark matter reuse, with variations, a set of known elementary particles. Regarding galaxy evolution and the rate of expansion of the universe, we deploy multipole-expansion methods that combine Newtonian gravity, aspects of motions of sub-objects of gravitationally interacting objects, and Lorentz invariance. One outgrowth from our work suggests relationships among some physics constants. Another outgrowth from our work suggests a basis for a candidate specification for quantum gravity.

Article
Social Sciences
Political Science

Yiping Cheng

Abstract: This paper proposes Scheme M, a new presidential design that evolves the American model by introducing flexibility in election timing while preserving executive stability. Its flexible elements draw inspiration from the post-2017 Turkish presidential system, where variable terms are enabled by early general elections. However, unlike Türkiye—where the Assembly can also trigger early presidential elections, creating perceived insecurity—Scheme M removes this reciprocal power, assigning sole responsibility to the president to identify, assess, and resolve executive-legislative deadlocks. The scheme adapts the established American practice of midterm elections by adding contingent, flexible-timing elements: the mechanism is triggered exclusively by presidential decree, limited to once per five-year term and only within the first three years. It keeps the president's fixed term secure while allowing strategic timing—or avoidance—of midterm legislative elections to refresh or realign parliament at low personal cost. Additional safeguards include a mixed SMDP-PR electoral system to prevent chronic presidential majorities, parliamentary confirmation for the vice-presidential nominee, narrowly defined decree powers, and robust term limits. The scheme has two variants: Scheme FM and Scheme VM. Scheme FM features fixed-time general elections, enhancing predictability, cost efficiency, and campaign depth. Scheme VM introduces variable terms, ensuring near-certain same-party succession, empowering a lame-duck president to renew both branches—avoiding paralysis or premature resignation—and allowing strategic general election timing akin to Westminster practices. Scheme M therefore offers a viable blueprint for stable yet responsive presidential governance.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry

Shrikant S Nilewar

,

Apurva D. Chavan

,

Ankita R. Pradhan

,

Anshuman A. Tripathy

,

Nagaraju Bandaru

,

Prashik Dudhe

,

Perli Kranti Kumar

,

Sandesh Lodha

,

Ghazala Muteeb

,

Ivan Peredo-Valderrama

+2 authors

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a escalating global neuropharmacological crisis, with prevalence in high-growth demographic regions such as India projected to exceed 14 million by 2040. This study addresses the urgent need for high-potency, dual-site acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors through an integrated computational pipeline. Background: We address the failure of mono-target paradigms by designing scaffolds capable of simultaneously anchoring the Catalytic Active Site (CAS) and the Peripheral Anionic Site (PAS). Methods: A robust GA-MLR QSAR model was developed from 115 quinoline analogues using 11,135 descriptors. Lead candidates were prioritized via blind molecular docking (7XN1) and 100-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results: The five-descriptor model (R2 = 0.7569, QLOO2 = 0.7244) was validated by an external set of 8 experimental compounds (Rext2 = 0.8620). Lead Compound 19 emerged as a superior candidate (ΔG = -11.1 kcal/mol), exhibiting a stable MD trajectory (PL-RMSD ≈ 2.4 Å) and preserving essential Gly121-His447 catalytic anti-correlations. Conclusions: This study provides a statistically validated scaffold and mechanistic foundation for future biomimetic chromatography validation, advancing the high-throughput screening of neuroprotective agents on a global scale.

Article
Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics

Jiazheng Liu

Abstract: We prove that \delta^{(4)}(x - y) \notin L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{4}) is not a legitimate physical Green's function under the quantum- mechanical postulate of finite energy (A1). A fourth postulate of closed sourcelessness (A4)—methodologically analogous to Einstein's postulate of the constancy of the speed of light—is derived as a theorem from the quantum- gravity result \dim \mathcal{H}_{\mathrm{universe}} = 1 [1- 8]. Under three independent postulates A1- A3 together with this result, we derive the unique physical Green's function G = \sin (\Omega \sqrt{-\sigma^{2} - i\epsilon}) / (\Omega \sqrt{-\sigma^{2} - i\epsilon}) , \Omega = \pi /t_{P} . The bandlimited two- point function K of the resulting Paley- Wiener space \mathrm{PW}_{\pi /t_{P}} admits the spherical Bessel decomposition
K(x,x^{\prime}) = \frac{\Omega^{3}}{2\pi^{2}}\sum_{l = 0}^{\infty}(2l + 1)j_{l}(\Omega r)j_{l}(\Omega r^{\prime})P_{l}(\cos \theta).
We prove: (i) the l = 0,1,2 sectors are precisely the scalar, photon, and graviton propagators; (ii) gauge symmetry emerges as the zero- set geometry of j_{l} ; (iii) restriction to the light cone \sigma^{2} = 0 yields the celestial sphere S^{2} with 2D CFT two- point structure and conformal dimensions \Delta_{l} = l + 1 , parameter- free; (iv) tensor structure \Pi_{l} follows from the \mathrm{SO}(4,2) representation theory of massless fields on the six- dimensional light cone [9, 10]; (v) fermions arise necessarily from the spinor representations of \mathrm{SO}(4,2) via \mathcal{H}_{\mathrm{tot}} = \mathcal{H}_{\mathrm{pos}}\otimes \mathcal{H}_{\mathrm{int}} .
All four physical regimes (QFT, quantum gravity, gauge fields, dissipation) are restrictions of the single entire function f(z) = \sin (z) / z to different domains of \mathbb{C} . Bandlimitedness is a theorem, not an assumption. Since all cosmological observables—CMB (TT,TE,EE) , large- scale structure, and weak lensing—are recorded along null geodesics (\sigma^{2} = 0 where G = 1 exactly, with no dimensional suppression), they jointly probe the same \Delta_{l} = l + 1 structure on the celestial sphere. Their combined Bayesian posterior P(\theta |\mathrm{data})\propto \prod_{i}\mathcal{L}_{i} compresses the posterior width as 1 / \sqrt{N_{\mathrm{datasets}}} , providing a simultaneous, parameter- free observational test.

Hypothesis
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Jiaxing Liao

Abstract: Irreversible loss of neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system is a core driver of cognitive decline, yet existing "repair after damage" strategies cannot reverse established injury. Here, we propose a disruptive hypothesis: utilizing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) as the molecular switch for "irreversible" apoptosis, we construct a closed-loop system for real-time seamless replacement of apoptotic neurons. The system comprises two core modules: a labeling module that performs specific membrane modification (PS acetylation) on neurons at the earliest stage of irreversible apoptosis, and a replacement module (engineered autologous neural progenitor cells) that precisely targets apoptotic sites via dual-signal recognition (modified PS + chemokine CX3CL1), accomplishing timed clearance of apoptotic debris and in situ neuronal differentiation before cellular disintegration, achieving "zero-latency replacement." The core innovation of this hypothesis lies in not pursuing "pixel-level replication" of the apoptotic neuron's connections. Instead, it relies on the nervous system's inherent plasticity: after precise delivery of newborn neurons to the apoptotic site, subsequent synapse outgrowth, competition, and stabilization are accomplished by the neuron's intrinsic growth programs and local network activity-dependent plasticity. The human nervous system is inherently in a state of continuous synaptic turnover and remodeling; newborn neurons, as participants in this dynamic process, will manifest their functional contributions over time. Therefore, even partial synaptic functional replacement is sufficient to make a substantial contribution to neural network homeostasis—this itself represents a paradigm shift from 0 to 1. All core designs of this hypothesis are grounded in established consensus findings, with clear stepwise validation pathways and strict falsifiability, providing a novel theoretical framework for neural repair and intervention in cognitive aging.

Article
Social Sciences
Geography, Planning and Development

Khang The Nguyen

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between economic growth, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions in Vietnam from 1988 to 2021, using a Vector Error Correction Model. Three key findings emerged. First, economic growth remains strongly coupled with carbon emissions in the long run, indicating a fossil fuel-dependent economic structure. Second, technological innovation yields positive but limited short-term effects, requiring extended periods to achieve a full impact. Third, renewable energy exerts strong positive short-term effects, but negative long-term effects, reflecting structural economic shifts. This study proposes five policy recommendations: commercializing patent innovations, rapidly expanding renewable energy for immediate growth, decoupling growth from emissions, combining clean energy with technological advancement, and implementing policy reforms immediately rather than relying on long-term strategies alone.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Ecology

Ana Claudia Gama Batista

,

Maria Gabriella Araújo

,

Isabela Maria Souza Silva

,

Deoclécio Jardim Amorim

,

Fabiana Cristina Fracassi Adorno

,

Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto

,

Vladimir Eliodoro Costa

,

Mario Tomazello Filho

,

Niro Higuchi

,

Perseu da Silva Aparicio

+7 authors

Abstract:

Stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in wood provide integrative records of plant water use and regional hydroclimatic processes, offering a powerful framework for spatial ecological analysis in tropical forests. Here, we present the first regional-scale δ18O isoscapes for Amazonian wood based on 387 trees sampled across 25 sites. After α-cellulose extraction, δ18O values were modeled using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Random Forest (RF) approaches. A Moran’s I test revealed no significant spatial autocorrelation (p = 0.73), indicating that geostatistical interpolation methods such as kriging were not appropriate for this dataset. The MLR model based on site-average data achieved an R2 of 0.70, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.56‰ and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.68‰. The RF model showed comparable performance (R2= 0.67; MAE = 0.64‰; RMSE = 0.77‰). Both approaches reproduced a coherent southeast-to-northwest gradient, with lower δ18O values in the western Amazon and higher values in the east, consistent with regional patterns in precipitation isotopic composition and evapotranspiration. These findings demonstrate that climate-driven statistical modeling effectively captures large-scale isotopic structure across the Amazon basin, providing a robust spatial representation of δ18O variability in tropical forest wood.

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Structures, Algorithms and Complexity

Vincenzo De Leo

,

Michelangelo Puliga

,

Martina Erba

,

Cesare Scalia

,

Andrea Filetti

,

Alessandro Chessa

Abstract: In this work, we inspected the friendship network on Twitter (recently rebranded as X), concentrating on individuals and organizations intertwined with the energy field. We particularly focus on seasoned professionals, corporate entities, and domain specialists, all connected through `following’ relationships. By meticulously examining these ties, we uncover several distinct groupings within the network, each defined by the unique roles its members occupy. Our analysis demonstrates that the natural emergence of such clusters on social platforms exerts a profound influence on public discourse regarding energy and other critical matters, including climate change. Furthermore, we reveal that the ever-changing interplay of misleading information catalyzes the formation of ideologically divided factions, which often leads to reduced engagement in online conversations. These emergent clusters, characterized by their shared communication styles, form relatively compact communities where the exchange of information is infrequent compared to larger networks and is usually confined to accounts created for specific commercial objectives. Additionally, by leveraging a machine learning approach, we are able to pinpoint pivotal actors within these niche segments and elucidate the mechanisms that sustain their connectivity. This method provides novel insights into how corporate communication unfolds on social media, offering a refreshed perspective on professional networking. Ultimately, our findings highlight the ways in which companies within the energy sector take advantage of Twitter to coordinate their initiatives, with key institutions serving as central nodes in maintaining the organization of these networks.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Carmen Amititeloaie

,

Tinela Panaite

,

Carina Balcos

,

Marcel Costuleanu

Abstract: Background/Objectives Light-assisted in-office whitening procedures are widely used in clinical practice; however, comparative clinical data remain limited, particularly when evaluated using objective outcome measures. This exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the immediate objective performance of two light-assisted in-office whitening protocols using standardized digital spectrophotometry. Materials and Methods Twelve healthy adult participants (18–45 years) presenting extrinsic or mixed-type tooth discoloration (baseline shade VITA A3 or darker) were randomly allocated into two parallel groups (n = 6 each). One group received whitening with a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by a diode laser device, while the other group underwent whitening with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel activated by an LED-based device. Tooth color was measured before and immediately after treatment using a digital spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), and color differences (ΔE) were calculated based on CIE L*a*b* coordinates. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Both light-assisted interventions resulted in clinically perceptible whitening outcomes (ΔE > 3.3). The LED-assisted group showed a slightly higher mean ΔE value (11.62 ± 5.93) compared with the laser-assisted group (10.96 ± 3.27); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.818). Given the limited sample size, the study was not powered for definitive comparative inference. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this exploratory pilot randomized clinical trial, both light-assisted in-office whitening protocols produced immediate clinically perceptible color changes. Although no statistically significant difference was detected, the limited sample size precludes definitive conclusions regarding relative efficacy. Larger, adequately powered randomized studies incorporating longitudinal follow-up and patient-reported outcomes are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Communication
Medicine and Pharmacology
Clinical Medicine

Mina Kelleni

Abstract: Seasonal influenza in children is usually recognized as acute febrile respiratory syndrome. This commentary highlights recent clinical observations in which influenza-like illness was accompanied by conjunctivitis and sleep-related breathing abnormalities (new snoring and brief apnea-like events), sometimes accompanied by oxygen desaturation. Because these features are not classic manifestations of seasonal influenza, they are best framed as associated findings that may reflect upper-airway inflammation, post-nasal drip, or concomitant lower-respiratory involvement. The commentary discusses the Egyptian/African approach using Kelleni’s protocol in its outpatient management and calls for independent monitoring by pediatric and ENT/sleep clinicians to determine whether a reproducible pattern is emerging across settings.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Lamia Boulafrouh

,

Stéphanie Boudesocque

,

Aminou Mohamadou

,

Laurent Dupont

Abstract: This study presents an innovative approach for the selective extraction of Co(II) and its separation from Ni(II) using ethyl ester glycine-betaine derivatives, specifically tri(n-pentyl)[2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl]ammonium dicyanamide, as extractants in combi-nation with continuous-mode liquid–liquid contact. Semi-pilot-scale implementation requires non-equilibrium conditions, characterized by short contact times between ef-fluent and extractant phases. To address this, we propose dissolving analog of gly-cine-betaine ionic liquid (AGB-IL) in low-viscosity MIBK solvents to enhance mass transfer while reducing dependence on fossil-based solvents. Liquid–liquid extraction and continuous-flow stripping experiments were designed based on prior batch results and conducted in a saline environment, employing a chaotropic electrolyte for extrac-tion and a kosmotropic electrolyte for stripping. Both open and closed systems were tested to compare extractive performance with batch conditions and with scenarios representative of industrial operations. Results indicate that continuous-flow systems achieve performance comparable to batch systems in terms of extraction efficiency, Co/Ni separation coefficients, and recyclability. These findings provide proof of con-cept for the development of semi-pilot and pilot-scale processes for efficient cobalt re-covery.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Oncology and Oncogenics

John F. Feller

,

Bernadette M. Greenwood

,

Ara Karamanian

,

R. Jason Stafford

,

Robert J. Toth

,

Jurgen J. Fütterer

Abstract: Background/Objectives: In the United States alone, new prostate cancer (PCa) cases for 2023 are estimated at 288,300 and deaths at 34,13700 [1]. Prostate imaging is increasingly evaluated by artificial intelligence and computer-assisted targeting which opens new opportunities in biopsy and the focal therapy of visualized lesions [2]. Our objective was to investigate the safety and feasibility of using MR-guided focal laser (light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) therapy for these visible cancers using a transrectal approach for both laser applicator placement and therapy delivery in an outpatient setting. Methods: We used a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner (Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) for both image acquisition and real-time thermometry. In addition, we used a commercially available CAD system and targeting hardware (Philips, Best, The Netherlands) for image analysis and interventional planning. Laser focal therapy of biopsy-proven lesions was delivered using a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) cleared laser emitter, laser fiber and thermal mapping visualization software (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) introduced transrectally under MRI-guidance. Results: 112 cancer foci were treated in 81 men, from Gleason Grade 1 (GG1) to GG3 for treatment-naïve patients and all Gleason Grades for salvage patients. With pre-treatment lesion volumes ranging from 0.03 cc to 6.6 cc, with a mean of 1.1 cc and a median of 0.49 cc (25% and 75% quartiles of 0.25 cc and 1.4 cc respectively). The mean MRI volume of coagulation necrosis was 7.1cc and ranged from 0.6cc to 22.9cc. No serious adverse events or morbidity were reported. At six-month MR-guided in-bore biopsy 25 treatment regions were positive for clinically significant disease (GG>1), consistent with in-field residual or recurrent cancer rate of 22% of regions and 23% of subjects. We observed a 40% decrease in mean PSA at 1 year post therapy in the entire cohort. Conclusions: Our data indicate that transrectally delivered MRI-guided laser focal therapy for prostate cancer is both safe and feasible in an outpatient setting and results in a significant biochemical response and acceptable cancer control rate at 6 months.

of 5,669

Prerpints.org logo

Preprints.org is a free preprint server supported by MDPI in Basel, Switzerland.

Subscribe

Disclaimer

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Privacy Settings

© 2026 MDPI (Basel, Switzerland) unless otherwise stated