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Article
Physical Sciences
Theoretical Physics

Richard Oldani

Abstract: Matrix mechanics describes the spectral emissions of hydrogen gas, but quantum mechanics concerns the emission and absorption of radiation by a single atom. To obtain the spectral emissions of a single hydrogen atom we introduce thermal energy in infinitesimal increments registering the spectral lines one by one until a complete spectrum is obtained. We describe the gradual increase of the internal quantum mechanical energy in a non-conservative system by integrating between two specific endpoints, the atomic orbitals, and two specific times, the period τ, which are the conditions necessary for Hamilton’s principle. Wave mechanics is shown to be limited to conservative systems. A complete quantum mechanics is formulated using energy-time conjugate variables as the time integral of a Lagrangian independently of Hamiltonian formulations that use position-momentum conjugate variables.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Endocrinology and Metabolism

Andreea Moroșanu

Abstract: Childhood obesity is a globally pervasive condition driven not only by lifestyle and environmental factors but also by complex molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms involve genetic predisposition, epigenetic regulation, hormonal signaling pathways, adipose tissue biology, immuno-inflammatory responses, and interactions with environmental endocrine disruptors. This review synthesizes current evidence from scientific articles, systematic reviews, and mechanistic studies to elucidate how molecular processes shape the development, onset, and progression of obesity in children. Understanding these pathways is critical for developing precise prevention strategies and targeted interventions.

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Public Health and Health Services

Obinna O. Oleribe

,

Marissa Brash

,

Ricardo Izurieta

,

Simon D. Taylor-Robinson

Abstract: Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly permeating healthcare; yet, U.S. clinicians still report mixed feelings about its reliability, impact on workflow, and ethical implications. Current data on provider sentiment are needed to guide safe, patient-centered AI implementation in healthcare. Objective: To assess U.S. healthcare providers’ perceptions of GenAI adoption, perceived usefulness, training needs, barriers, and strategies for safe integration. Methods: A nationwide, IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey was administered to healthcare professionals using Qualtrics. A convenience sample of clinicians was recruited via professional listservs and e-mail invitations. The 20-page questionnaire captured demographics, GenAI exposure, organizational adoption status, perceived usefulness (5-point scale), barriers, and mitigation strategies. SPSS v27 and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 130 respondents, 109 completed the core survey (completion rate 83.8 %). Participants were 38.5 % physicians, 16.5 % nurses, 12.8 % allied professionals, and 32.2% other providers; 54.2 % were women, and 64.8 % were ≥50 years. Overall, 86.9 % agreed that GenAI is useful in current patient care, rising to 92.9 % when asked about future usefulness. Only 42.4 % had received formal GenAI training, and just 23.2 % reported that their organization had begun adopting AI. The top perceived benefits were improved documentation/clerking (57.0 %) and error reduction (49.4 %). Dominant barriers included limited AI knowledge (24.7 %) and fear of job loss (16.9 %). Despite concerns, 72 % expressed willingness to support broader GenAI adoption, favoring human oversight (67.1 %) and staff training (60.8 %) as key safeguards. There were statistically significant findings in perceived AI usefulness by gender (χ²= 29.2; P<.001); organizational adoption of AI (χ²= 31.6.2; P=.047) and where AI is most useful (χ²=101.1; P<.001) by qualifications; and support for AI adoption by age (χ²= 18.0; P=.02). Conclusions: U.S. clinicians in our survey viewed GenAI positively but lacked the training and organizational infrastructure needed for confident use. Structured education programs and transparent, provider-led implementation strategies may accelerate responsible GenAI assimilation while addressing ethical and workforce concerns. Also, health administrators should use the efficiency gains to improve provider-patient relationships and clinicians' work-life balance while reducing clinician burnout rates.

Article
Computer Science and Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Pengfei Pan

,

Lizi Chen

,

Qi He

,

Keyu Yuan

,

Han Wang

,

Wenchao Zhang

Abstract: Text-attributed graph node classification is still a challenge since it needs to reason about the topology structure simultaneously with the free-text semantics. Although graph neural network can perform well on structural propagation,they tend to be blind for the details in the text associated with nodes. On the other hand, LLMs have excellent NLU skills and are weak on structured,multi-hop reasoning over network agents.To address the above gap, in this work we propose FinSCRA, a novel LLM-powered multi-chain reasoning framework to inject domain-aware reasoning capability into a financial LLM with parameters efficient fine-tuning. Specifically, our framework designs a hierarchy of structured reasoning chains (single-hint,parallel, cascaded, and hybrid methods to extract and fuse the semantic signals like sentiment, correlation, and risk signals in the nodes’ text.A fusion layer based on fuzzy logic fuses the results of different reasoning lines for better robustness and explainability.While FinSCRA is generic and can be applied to other types of text-attributed graphs, here we assess its performance on credit risk analysis in supply chain networks,on the task of entity relation extraction, in which entities are related through their financial relation and described with rich text reports; we show experimentally on realworld datasets that our model FinSCRA greatly outperforms graphbased as well as LLM-based baselines,as an accurate and explainable technique to perform node classification over complex networked systems.We release our code and models for further research on LLM-grap.

Article
Physical Sciences
Theoretical Physics

Olivier Nusbaumer

Abstract: We propose a causal-diamond formulation of semiclassical gravity where a finite-resolution boundary regulator (Coherency Screen) supplies the edge structure for a local Wheeler--DeWitt description. Dynamics are defined by an informational principle: for each diamond \( O \), the action is the relative entropy \( S_{\mathrm{rel}}(\rho_O\|\sigma_O[\lambda]) \) between the physical state and a reference family on a fixed algebra. In the modular/KMS regime, the vacuum is at entanglement equilibrium; the leading dynamics become a linear-response problem governed by the Hessian of relative entropy (Kubo--Mori metric). This Hessian organizes deformations into tensor, vector and scalar sectors, yielding Einstein stiffness, Yang--Mills susceptibilities and mass gaps. The resulting local EFT is organized by a heat-kernel expansion (identifying the leading \( R^2 \) operator) and is compatible with a spinorial transport structure. Edge-mode counting and Newton's constant \( G \) fix the resolution scale at \( M_s \sim 3\times 10^{13}\,\mathrm{GeV} \). Identifying \( M_s \) with stiffness saturation places the high-curvature regime in a plateau universality class, predicting a tensor-to-scalar ratio \( r \sim 10^{-3} \). We further discuss how this boundary logic constrains gauge and mass sectors, suggesting discrete coupling relations and a geometric hierarchy for charged leptons. The construction yields correlated, falsifiable targets tied to a single scale.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Food Science and Technology

Yaiza Rodríguez

,

Juan Manuel del Fresno

,

Carmen González

,

Antonio Morata

Abstract: Climate change presents a challenge for global viticulture due to rising temperatures and water stress, which accelerate grape ripening, increase sugar levels, and reduce acidity. This compromises wine quality and microbial stability, resulting in higher re-liance on sulfur dioxide (SO₂). However, SO₂ can inhibit desirable fermentations, in-cluding those carried out by non-Saccharomyces yeasts, which are key biotechnological tools for climate adaptation due to their ability to modulate acidity, aroma, and etha-nol. Therefore, alternative disinfection methods are needed to control wild microbiota without hindering inoculated yeasts. This review critically analyzes ozone (O₃) as a non-thermal disinfection technology for winemaking. It examines the antimicrobial mechanism of ozone, its efficacy against wine-related microorganisms, its impact on the physicochemical and aromatic parameters of grapes, and its practical viability. Ozone effectively reduces spoilage-causing microbiota while preserving crucial grape compounds and providing a favorable environment for novel fermentation biotech-nologies. Compared to other emerging technologies and SO₂, ozone offers a balanced profile: effective disinfection, minimal residues, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with sustainable winemaking. Ozone is emerging as a promising alternative to facili-tate controlled fermentations and improve wine quality among the current climatic and oenological challenges.

Hypothesis
Biology and Life Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Jiming Chen

,

Jiwang Chen

Abstract: What mechanisms drive and shape the stepwise evolution from simple carbon-based materials (CBMs) to complex organisms and societies? This fundamental question remains unresolved because chemical, biological, and social evolution have often been studied in isolation. Here we propose the Carbon-Based Evolutionary Theory (CBET), which is grounded in rigorous integrative reasoning and supported by extensive empirical evidence, mathematical modeling, resilience to falsification, and cross-hierarchical explanatory power. CBET extends the natural selection mechanism from Darwinian theory and introduces the spirodynamic feedback mechanism. These dual mechanisms respectively drive and shape CBM evolution, resolving the aforementioned fundamental question for the first time and explicitly explaining the increasing orderliness in biological and social systems. Furthermore, CBET reveals the natural balances of competition versus collaboration, elimination versus inclusiveness, selfishness versus altruism, and individual versus collective interests. It thus establishes an evolutionary foundation for the social sciences and fosters the core ethics for harmonious societal development.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Mesut Tuzlali

,

Nagehan Baki

,

Nazik İrem Önügören

,

Kübra Aral

,

Erkan Bahçe

,

Cüneyt Asım Aral

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Low-density cancellous bone can amplify crestal cortical strain around implants because trabecular support is reduced. Osseodensification (OD) compacts trabecular bone and may create a peri-osteotomy densified zone, but its strain-level effects in osteoporotic-like bone are unclear. Given that osteoporosis/osteopenia in aging populations reduce trabecular support and can increase crestal cortical loading, this study tested whether an OD-inspired peri-implant densified trabecular zone lowers high-tail crestal cortical strains versus conventional drilling in an osteoporotic-like cancellous model. Materials and Methods: A 3D finite element mandibular posterior segment (2.0-mm cortical shell and D4 cancellous core) was modeled with a 4.3×11.4-mm titanium implant and a cemented monolithic zirconia crown. CD used a 4.0-mm osteotomy in D4 bone. OD used the same osteotomy plus an axially varying concentric densified shell (D1→D3 radially) with minor buccolingual cortical expansion. The implant–bone interface was bonded. Static 100 N loads were applied axially and obliquely (45°). Outcomes were εeq, εmax, and εmin, summarized as mean top-10 nodal values. Results: OD reduced crestal cortical strains under both loads. Axial loading: εeq 1470→1210 µε (−17.7%), εmax 1420→1150 µε (−19.0%), |εmin| 900→683 µε (−24.1%). Oblique loading: εeq 3370→3040 µε (−9.8%), εmax 2510→2310 µε (−8.0%), |εmin| 3040→2770 µε (−8.9%). Oblique loading produced higher cortical strains than axial loading in both models. Conclusions: OD-inspired peri-implant densification attenuated high-tail crestal cortical strain demand in this osteoporotic-like model, whereas off-axis loading remained the dominant driver of elevated strain. These findings support occlusal/prosthetic strategies that minimize oblique forces and warrant experimental and clinical validation.

Article
Public Health and Healthcare
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Stephen Sunday Ede

,

Jonathan Sinclair

,

Jess Macbeth

,

Matthew Dickinson

,

Ambreen Chohan

Abstract: Patient manual handling during positioning is widely recognised to have low evidence-based practices, which exposes healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study assessed experts’ opinions regarding challenges and best practices during manual handling for patient positioning in long-term care settings. A semi-structured interview was conducted with purposively recruited subject experts in the UK (n=9; aged 30-62 years). Interviews focused on challenges in patient manual handling, experts’ ideas about best practices, and suggested solutions to persistent challenges, and data were analysed thematically. Major gaps in training and in key aspects of positioning were evident, including patient bed mobility, postural management, and turning patients into side-lying. Experts asserted that realistic and comprehensive training structured on optimised use of low-tech equipment such as wedges, breathable pillows, sliding systems, and sleep systems may be more effectively implemented for safer patient handling, even for single-handed care settings. This study provided a novel model and recommendations to optimise practices in patient bed mobility, posture care, repositioning and turning into side-lying, aimed at improving patient outcomes and mitigating occupational risks.

Article
Physical Sciences
Space Science

Viviane Pierrard

,

Alexandre Winant

Abstract: The exceptionally strong geomagnetic storm of 10-11 May 2024 injected new energetic protons and electrons in the terrestrial radiation belts, creating extraordinary conditions to study the loss mechanisms scattering these particles into the atmosphere after the storm. For the first time, four electron belts were observed during several weeks. We show that this structure was due to electron loss highly depending on specific positions. Using the proton and electron fluxes measured by the Energetic Particle Telescope EPT on board PROBA-V, we determine the lifetimes of these populations depending on their energy ranges and positions. We show that the lifetimes are much longer for protons than for electrons, which allows us to determine their time variations independently. For electrons, the wave-particle loss mechanisms depend on the background ionosphere-plasmasphere density. The lifetimes determined after the May 2024 and 10 October 2024 big events are compared with average ones to understand their unusual specificity for the formation of four and three belts, respectively. For the injected protons of 9.5 to 13 MeV, the lifetime is minimum at L~1.9 where the fluxes are maximum, showing a lifetime depending on the flux intensity. Loss is due to pitch angle diffusion and collisions with electrons and nuclei in the ambient plasma and neutral atmosphere. At the outer edge of the proton belt, the flux is depleted at all energies after the geomagnetic perturbation, and we determine that the progressive time of refilling after the storm reaches generally more than 40 days. There is an excellent discrimination between the different populations of energetic electrons (0.5-8 MeV) and the injected protons (9.5-13 MeV) that are still observed several months after the event. Such results contribute to advancing understanding of the interactions between the terrestrial atmosphere and space radiation.

Article
Engineering
Bioengineering

Yutaka Yoshida

,

Kiyoko Yokoyama

Abstract: Sample-wise detection of P-, R-, and T-peaks in electrocardiograms (ECGs) is challenging because each peak type is sparsely represented (≈1:500 samples in a typical 10-s, 500-Hz ECG at 60 bpm), such that even a small number of false-positives (FPs) can markedly degrade positive predictive value (PPV) and limit the practicality of classifier-only approaches. This study proposes a lightweight ECG peak detection framework that combines binary classifiers with physiological temporal constraints (PTC) to address extreme sample-level class imbalance. Local morphological features are first evaluated using lightweight machine-learning models, among which XGBoost (XGB) exhibited the most stable score-ranking performance. Rather than directly thresholding classifier outputs, prediction scores are interpreted within the framework, which encodes physiological timing relationships. R-peaks are detected using score ranking combined with a refractory-period constraint, and the detected R-peaks serve as temporal landmarks for subsequent P- and T-peak detection within physiologically plausible time windows reflecting the P–QRS–T sequence. Quantitative evaluation was conducted using the Lobachevsky University Electrocardiography Database, hereafter referred to as LUDB. With a temporal tolerance of ±20 ms, the XGB-based system achieved an F1-score of 0.87 for R-peak detection (sensitivity 0.96, PPV 0.79), corresponding to approximately 9–10 true R-peaks with only 2–3 FP samples per 10-s segment. For P- and T-peaks, F1-scores of 0.70 and 0.69 were obtained, respectively. Additional evaluation on arrhythmic LUDB records demonstrated robust R-peak detection across rhythm types. In AF-related rhythms, where organized P waves are physiologically absent, the framework appropriately suppressed P-peak detections, with false-positive rates remaining below 0.31%. Qualitative application to ECG recordings from the PTB-XL database further demonstrated physiologically consistent behavior. These results indicate that reliable and interpretable ECG peak detection under extreme class imbalance can be achieved by integrating lightweight classifiers within the proposed framework, without reliance on complex deep learning architectures.

Article
Physical Sciences
Thermodynamics

Dunya Alraddawi

,

Philippe Keckhut

,

Guillaume Payen

,

Jean-Luc Baray

,

Florian Mandija

,

Abdanour Irbah

,

Alain Sarkissian

,

Michaël Sicard

,

Alain Hauchecorne

,

Helene Vérèmes

Abstract: Upper Tropsphere (UT) humidity records are crucial for climat studies.  Pseudo-monthly averaging is applied to maximize temporal representativeness, and enhance the lidar signal allowing to provide WVMR profiles up to 16 km. This study evaluates 11 years (2013–2023) of water vapor mixing ratio (WVMR) profiles from a UV Raman lidar (Lid1200) at the Reunion Island against MLS-Aura satellite retrieval, ERA5 reanalysis, and GRUAN-processed M10 radiosondes.  Results show a systematic dry bias in MLS of up to 30% above 12 km, particularly during the wet season. Lidar exhibits a small underestimates of WVMR around 5% drier than ERA5 all over the UT, with the largest deviations above 14 km, and larger variability during the wet season, Lidar calibration-related challenges during the dry season results in drier than ERA5 WVMR profiles (up to 10%). Aditionnaly, comparisons with GRUAN-processed radiosonde reveal a substantial lidar dry bias, exceeding 100% above 12 km.  Both lidar dry biases might be linked to the GNSS-based lidar calibration. Applying an alternative calibration method produces higher WVMR values, reducing the lidar dry bias w.r.t GRUAN by about 50% at upper-tropospheric levels, improving it's agreement with radiosondes, and revealing ERA5 dry bias increasing with altitude at the UT up to 25%. These efforts complement the global interest in the monitoring and validation of subtropical upper-tropospheric humidity.

Article
Engineering
Marine Engineering

Teresa Abramowicz-Gerigk

Abstract: The paper presents an analysis of the risk of failure of port structures in a modern seaport due to vessel impacts. The analysis addresses potential damage related to port maneuvers of self-maneuvering vessels and possible risk reduction options that can be applied to enhance port resilience. The proposed system model—including ship, port infrastructure and environment—enabled the observation of both implemented and anticipated future risk reduction measures. The analysis was carried out using the ferry terminal in the large Polish Port of Gdynia as a case study. A Bayesian influence diagram—including decisions related to the implementation of risk reduction options—was used to determine the total risk associated with ro-pax ferry port calls. Sustainable risk management led to the implementation of a cloud-based monitoring system and, subsequently, to the design of a new terminal in line with the green port concept. A comparative risk assessment for the two locations demonstrated improved safety and reduced environmental pollution in the new Public Ferry Terminal, primarily due to reduced spatial risk and the implementation of cold-ironing technology in the new terminal. The potential future implementation of an automated mooring system was also discussed.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Paola Miranda Sulis

,

Alice Lima Rosa Mendes

,

Paula Waiss Zanusso Bunick

,

Karina Cesca

,

Carine Royer

,

Bruna Antunes Zaniboni

,

Fernanda Carvalho Cavalari

,

Guilherme Brasil Pintarelli

,

André Luiz Andreotti Dagostin

,

Fátima Regina Mena Barreto Silva

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is marked by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, leading to progressive tissue damage. Flavonoids such as astragalin have emerged as promising antidiabetic compounds. This study investigated the effects of astragalin on glucose uptake, insulin secretion and ionic mechanisms in pancreatic β-cells (MIN6 and INS-1). Glucose uptake and insulin secretion were quantified by bioluminescence and ELISA, respectively, while ionic currents were assessed by whole-cell patch clamp using selective pharmacological blockers. Astragalin progressively enhanced glucose uptake, reaching a plateau between 3 and 5 h, suggesting improved mitochondrial function and modulation of calcium- and AMPK-dependent signaling pathways. Insulin secretion was significantly stimulated after 1 h of treatment with 100 µM astragalin, involving ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels, voltage-dependent K⁺ channels, and L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Electrophysiological patch-clamp studies showed that astragalin reduces potassium channel currents, indicating partial channel closure and consequent membrane depolarization as corroborated by calcium involvement by using verapamil, an ionic environment associated with insulin exocytosis. These findings suggest that astragalin acts as a metabolic modulator and secretagogue in β-cells coupling insulin-stimulus secretion, representing a potential candidate for antidiabetic therapeutic strategies.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Food Chemistry

Huy L Nguyen

,

Thi B N Nguyen

Abstract: Tea tree essential oil (TTO), extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, is increasingly recognized as a powerful natural antimicrobial for modern food safety applications due to its terpene-rich composition and broad biological activity. Dominant constituents such as terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinene contribute to strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm effects, positioning TTO as a clean-label alternative to synthetic preservatives. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physicochemical properties of TTO, including chemotype variability, hydrophobicity and solubility constraints, oxidative instability, and interactions with food components that influence its functionality. The antimicrobial mechanisms of TTO against major foodborne pathogens and spoilage fungi are examined, emphasizing membrane disruption, disturbance of cellular homeostasis, oxidative stress induction, and quorum-sensing interference. Recent advances such as nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and polymer-based delivery systems have improved TTO stability, reduced volatility, and enabled controlled release, supporting its incorporation into edible coatings, active packaging, and sanitation formulations. These innovations enhance microbial reduction in fresh produce, meat, dairy, and minimally processed foods. Remaining challenges include sensory impacts, volatility losses, regulatory limitations, and concentration-dependent toxicity. Overall, current evidence underscores TTO’s potential as a versatile, sustainable antimicrobial for next-generation food protection strategies.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Toxicology

Patrice X. Petit

,

Harold I. Zeliger

Abstract: Background Lipophilic environmental contaminants—including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), PFAS, PCBs, and PAHs - exert a long-term biological influence that cannot be explained by acute toxicity alone. Their extreme hydrophobicity drives high-affinity sequestration within lipid-rich tissues, such as adipose depots, myelin sheaths, and endocrine glands, creating "internal reservoirs" with biological half-lives measured in decades. These reservoirs fuel continuous, low-grade endogenous exposure and sequential absorption of hydrophilic species, persisting regardless of ongoing environmental contact. Scope of Review This article integrates toxicokinetic modeling with modern multi-omics evidence to update Zeliger’s model of lipophilicity-driven chronic disease. We examine how these diverse compounds activate a conserved set of biological injury pathways, regardless of their specific chemical structure. Specifically, we analyze the convergence of nuclear receptor disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction (amplified ROS production), calcium dysregulation, neuroimmune activation, and persistent epigenetic remodeling. Major Conclusions Lipophilic pollutants function as a unified category of systemic toxicants that reorganize cellular and metabolic systems. The identified mechanistic signatures provide a systems-level explanation for the epidemiological links between pollutant burdens and metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular morbidity, neurodegeneration, and cross-generational epigenetic effects. These findings validate the use of "total oxidative stress" as a predictor for non-communicable disease onset and support a paradigm shift toward mixture-based regulation and exposomic biomarkers for early detection.

Article
Medicine and Pharmacology
Otolaryngology

Gennaro Confuorto

,

Renato Baldi

,

Elisa Cigarini

,

Giorgio Di Lorenzo

,

Silvia Menabue

,

Federico Spagnolo

,

Margherita Trani

,

Massimo Zanni

,

Livio Presutti

,

Daniele Marchioni

+1 authors

Abstract: BackgroundPediatric adenotonsillectomy is commonly performed for infectious and obstructive indications, but postoperative hemorrhage remains a concern. This study describes outcomes from a high-volume territorial network in southern Modena province, Italy.Methods: Retrospective observational study of 10,753 pediatric patients (aged 3–18 years) undergoing adenotonsillectomy at Sassuolo Hospital and affiliates (Vignola, Pavullo) from 2005–2024. Indications included recurrent tonsillitis (Paradise criteria), OSA (polysomnography-confirmed or clinical), and recurrent otitis media or otitis media with effusion (OME). Surgical techniques included curettage adenoidectomy and Colorado microdissection needle tonsillectomy. Primary outcomes were postoperative hemorrhage (overall and requiring revision), stratified by indication, age, and technique, compared descriptively with literature ranges. Secondary outcomes included pain (VAS scores), infection rates, and tissue regrowth. Data completeness was verified via electronic records (95.6%). Statistical analyses used descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and χ² tests. Results: A total of 10,753 procedures were analyzed (4,325 tonsillectomies, 3,942 adenotonsillectomies, 2,486 adenoidectomies). Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 202 patients (1.88%; 95% CI 1.64–2.15%); surgical revision was required in 75 (0.70%; 95% CI 0.56–0.87%), with multifactorial stratification showing higher risk for infectious indications (OR 1.41 vs OSA), younger age <5 years (OR 2.1), and tonsillectomy origin (OR 8.25 vs adenoidectomy); all rates at the lower end of literature ranges (2–5% and 0.9–2.5%, respectively; both p < 0.001 vs. literature means, χ² test). Mean VAS pain scores decreased from 3.2 (day 1) to 1.1 (day 7). No significant infections occurred; tissue regrowth rates aligned with literature (adenoidal 6–26%, tonsillar 5–10%). Conclusions: Sassuolo Hospital's experience highlights favorable postoperative outcomes and low complication rates in adenotonsillar surgery. Limitations include retrospective design and potential selection bias. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Case Report
Medicine and Pharmacology
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Réka Solyom

,

Daniela Toma

,

Lorena Elena Meliț

,

Zsuzsanna Erzsébet Papp

,

Zoltán Derzsi

,

Henrietta Dimén

Abstract: Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis, of unknown etiology, that usually occurs in children between the ages of six months and five years. Patients at the extremes of ages rarely meet all the clinical criteria required for the diagnosis of KD. Atypical or incomplete presentation can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a higher incidence of cardiac complications. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 2-month-old female infant who was admitted to our clinic with persistent fever, generalized maculopapular rash and bilateral conjunctivitis. During hospitalization, she developed oral mucosa and extremity changes. On the 7th day from the onset of fever, the diagnosis of KD was established, and she received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The patient responded well to the treatment, presenting no cardiac complications. Conclusions: The presented case underscores that even very young infants can develop complete Kawasaki disease. It also highlights the importance of early identification and appropriate treatment in preventing coronary artery lesions.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Analytical Chemistry

Samuel King

,

Brock Wright

,

Cenk Suphioglu

Abstract: Objectives: Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we developed and validated an in vitro assay for the quantitative determination of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity, supplementing limited current methodologies to assess the efficacy of BACE1 inhibitor compounds. A hexa-histidine tagged peptide substrate of BACE1 was used as the analyte for the determination of in vitro BACE1 activity; it was validated according to ICH guidelines. Methods: The HPLC analysis was performed on the Agilent 1290 Series Infinity II UHPLC System equipped with a Phenomenex Kinetex EVO C18 (100 × 3 mm) 5 µm column. The method was developed using a gradient program comprising of 10 % aqueous acetonitrile (0.02 M TFA) to 30% aqueous acetonitrile (0.02 M TFA) for 5 minutes at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min. Results: The method showed linearity over the range of 14.92 to 72 µM with R^2=0.9997. The accuracy of the method in terms of mean recovery ranged between 96.62 to 98.38 %. The %RSD for intra- and inter-day precision were less than 5 %. Two commercial inhibitors, AZD3839 and OM99-2, were used to evaluate the performance of the method at their respective IC50, resulting in inhibition of 53.46 and 50.74 % respectively. The described method addresses the void for a practical and cheap alternative to quantitatively determine the activity of BACE1 compared to current commercially available detection assays. Conclusions: We have successfully developed a HPLC method to measure the inhibitory function of two commercial inhibitors of BACE1, indicating suitability of the method for the identification and characterisation of novel BACE1 inhibitors.

Article
Engineering
Marine Engineering

Hyunju Lee

,

Hyerim Bae

Abstract: This study presents a large-scale empirical comparison of operational efficiency metrics derived from the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and the EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework. Using a matched dataset of 15,755 dual-reported vessels and over 50,000 ship-year observations from 2019 to 2024, paired non-parametric tests, effect size estimation, and agreement diagnostics were applied to assess consistency across monitoring systems. Results indicate that although statistically significant differences are detected (p < 0.001), practical differences are negligible (Cohen’s d < 0.025), with MRV-based values averaging approximately 1.4% lower Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) and fuel intensity than DCS values. Distributional analysis confirms substantial overlap between datasets, and temporal trends show progressive convergence following the implementation of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation. However, pronounced vessel-type heterogeneity is observed. Flexible cargo vessels exhibit consistent efficiency improvements in EU-related voyages, whereas container ships show minimal variation and LNG carriers demonstrate indicator-dependent patterns. Overall, the findings indicate that DCS and MRV provide broadly comparable representations of operational efficiency, with observed differences primarily reflecting vessel-type-specific operational characteristics rather than structural inconsistencies in reporting systems. The study contributes a scalable statistical validation framework for cross-regulatory monitoring assessment.

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