Background/Objectives: A bidirectional association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis has been observed, yet their causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential causal links between these two inflammatory conditions through comprehensive genetic and molecular analyses. Methods: We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis integrated with bioinformatics approaches. The causal relationships were primarily evaluated using inverse variance weighting (IVW), complemented by multiple sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the findings. Additionally, we performed differential gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing data to identify co-expressed genes and shared inflammatory mediators between IBD and periodontitis, followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Results: Bidirectional MR analysis revealed significant causal associations between IBD and periodontitis (p-value < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the consistency of these findings, with no evidence of significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy (p-value > 0.05). Integrated bioinformatics analysis identified key immune regulators, particularly interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and inflammatory signaling pathways, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 17 (IL17), as potential molecular mechanisms underlying the bidirectional relationship between these conditions. Conclusions: Our findings provide genetic evidence supporting a bidirectional causal relationship between IBD and periodontitis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed shared pathological mechanisms and identified crucial immune regulatory factors common to both diseases. These insights enhance our understanding of the molecular interplay between IBD and periodontitis, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies for both conditions.

• Book : 13(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.476-476
• Keyword :

Semiconductors characterized by ultrawide bandgaps (UWBGs), exceeding the SiC bandgap of 3.2 eV and the GaN bandgap of 3.4 eV, are currently under focus for applications in high-power and radio-frequency (RF) electronics, as well as in deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics and extreme environmental conditions. These semiconductors offer numerous advantages, such as a high breakdown field, exceptional thermal stability, and minimized power losses. This study used numerical simulation to investigate, at the material level, the single-particle radiation response of various UWBG semiconductors, such as aluminum gallium nitride alloys (AlxGa1−xN), diamond, and β-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3), when exposed to ground-level neutrons. Through comprehensive Geant4 simulations covering the entire spectrum of atmospheric neutrons at sea level, this study provides an accurate comparison of the neutron radiation responses of these UWBG semiconductors focusing on the interaction processes, the number and nature of secondary ionizing products, their energy distributions, and the production of electron–hole pairs at the origin of single-event effects (SEEs) in microelectronics devices.

• Book : 15(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.186-186
• Keyword :

Fermi acceleration is believed to be the primary mechanism to produce high-energy charged particles in the Universe, where charged particles gain energy successively from multiple reflections. Here, we present the direct laboratory experimental evidence of ion energization from single reflection off a supercritical collisionless shock, an essential component of Fermi acceleration, in a laser-produced magnetized plasma. A quasi-monoenergetic ion beam with two to four times the shock velocity was observed, which is consistent with the fast ion component observed in the Earth’s bow shock. Our simulations reproduced the energy gain and showed that ions were accelerated mainly by the motional electric field during reflection. The results identify shock drift acceleration as the dominant ion energization mechanism, which is consistent with satellite observation in the Earth’s bow shock. Our observations pave the way for laboratory investigations of the cosmic accelerators, also be beneficial to laser fusion and laser-driven ion accelerator.

• Book : 11(7)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Purpose: We sought to compare two radiotherapeutic strategies for treating multiple brain metastases (MBM), assessing delivery efficiency, plan quality, and dosimetry of planning target volume (PTV) and normal tissue.Methods: Our study population included 21 patients treated for MBM, each reliant on high-definition dynamic radiosurgery (Monaco-HDRS) or cone-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment plans. Monaco-HDRS plans called for one isocenter for all targets. In cone-based plans, each target corresponded with one isocenter.To compare these modalities, we assessed: monitor units (MU); new conformity index (nCI); dose gradient index (GI); homogeneity index (HI); PTV minimum/maximum (Dmax/Dmin) and mean (Dmean) doses; maximum doses to lenses, optic nerves, and brainstem; and brain dose volumes at 3, 6, 10, 12, and 22 Gy (V3Gy- V22Gy).Results: The Monaco-HDRS treatment plan proved more efficient, displaying lower MU, HI, and nCI values and better dosimetry (Dmax/Dmin and Dmean) for PTV. The cone-based plan yielded a lower GI value and dose volumes at 3 Gy and 22 Gy (V3Gy, V22Gy) for brain. There were no significant differences among other parameters.Conclusions: The Monaco-HDRS plan improved treatment efficiency, conformity, and homogeneity, although dose fall-off was worse. The cone-based plan reduced normal brain dose volumes at 3 Gy and 22 Gy.

• Book : 57(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.1-5
• Keyword :

Abstract Purpose Consolidation immunotherapy with immune checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Durvalumab is an effective treatment for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% after definitive curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). While this approach is widely used as standard therapy, it carries an increased risk of immune-related and radiation-induced pneumonitis. Currently, there is no data on pneumonitis in patients receiving CCRT with an overall dose of 70 Gy (Gy) compared with the standard protocol of 60 Gy ± 10% in this setting. Methods This study analyzed retrospective data from 39 patients with unresectable NSCLC treated with CCRT. Patients received either 70 Gy (n = 29) or lower than 70 Gy total dose (n = 10) in 2 Gy fractions. Cases of pneumonitis were further classified as RI‑P (Radio-induced Pneumonitis) and ICI‑P (ICI Pneumonitis) based on clinical and radiological findings. Results Of the 39 patients, 15 (38.5%) developed pneumonitis, with 10 out of 29 (34.5%) in the 70 Gy group and five out 10 (50%) in the < 70 Gy group. There was no significant difference in pneumonitis and in occurrence of ICI‑P vs. RI‑P (26.7% vs. 73.3%) within both groups. The 70 Gy group showed a significant benefit in mortality (p = < 0.001). Overall survival (OS) differed significantly between groups (p =0.028). Conclusions 70 Gy radiation dose for CCRT followed by durvalumab is a safe regimen and may provide clinical benefits in NSCLC patients compared to lower doses. Pneumonitis incidence aligns with previous literature. The higher dose is associated with improved overall survival, and reduced disease progression, potentially due to a longer consolidation time.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Abstract This study presents an analysis of a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) system, employing advanced numerical modeling and time-domain simulations to evaluate and optimize the device’s performance. The wave energy converter consists of a single floating body coupled with a spring-mass damper system. Buoys with different drafts are analyzed to maximize the energy absorption of the wave energy converter. The numerical examples in this work were implemented using the boundary element method via the ANSYS Aqwa software. The hydrodynamic parameters analyzed in the paper include excitation force, added mass, radiation damping coefficient, response amplitude operator (RAO), and the wave energy absorption power of the buoy. From the obtained results, the hydrodynamic behavior characteristics, overall cost optimization, and power absorption of buoys with different drafts can be evaluated to ensure their energy absorption.

• Book : 2949(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.012047-012047
• Keyword :

ABSTRACTAimThis study examines trends in paracetamol overdoses among Danish adolescents during and following the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national databases, covering all paediatric departments in Denmark from January 2016 to December 2023. Patients between 10 and 19 years of age diagnosed with paracetamol overdose were stratified by sex, age and number of hospital admissions. As the dataset covers the entire population, observed values reflect true parameters. A one‐sample t‐test compared post‐COVID‐19 values to the pre‐COVID‐19 mean.ResultsA total of 4.448 patients accounted for 5.794 hospital admissions due to paracetamol overdoses, with a majority being girls. During the second year of the pandemic (2021), a rise in overdose cases (26.5%) and hospital admissions (30.3%) was observed, especially among girls. The average number of admissions per patient increased, indicating repeated self‐harm attempts. Cases of severe overdoses leading to acute liver failure increased at Rigshospitalet. These trends reversed post‐pandemic.ConclusionThe findings suggest an association between pandemic‐related isolation and an increase in adolescent paracetamol overdoses. While rates began to normalise after restrictions were lifted, further research is needed to assess the long‐term mental health impact of such restrictions.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. One of the key pathogenic factors implicated in ALS is TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43), an RNA-binding protein encoded by the TARDBP gene. Under normal physiological conditions, TDP-43 predominantly resides in the nucleus, where it plays a critical role in regulating gene expression, alternative splicing, RNA transport, and stability. In ALS, TDP-43 undergoes pathological mislocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, disrupting its normal function and contributing to disease progression. The nuclear loss of TDP-43 leads to widespread dysregulation of RNA metabolism. Moreover, mislocalized TDP-43 aggregates in the cytoplasm, acquires toxic properties that sequester essential RNA molecules and proteins. Importantly, deviations in TDP-43 levels, whether excessive or reduced, can lead to cellular dysfunction, and contribute to disease progression, highlighting the delicate balance required for neuronal health. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms may play a crucial role in regulating TARDBP expression and, consequently, TDP-43 cellular levels. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are increasingly recognized as modulators of gene expression and cellular function in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Dysregulation of these processes could contribute to aberrant TARDBP expression, amplifying TDP-43-associated pathologies. This review explores and summarizes the recent findings on how specific epigenetic modifications influence TDP-43 expression and discusses their possible implications for disease progression.

• Book : 5()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Background: Academic success is influenced by multiple psychological and environmental factors, with family environment playing a pivotal role in shaping students' self-concept, emotional resilience, and motivation. Family cohesion, which includes communication and satisfaction within the household, fosters a sense of security that enhances academic competence. Conversely, shame proneness can hinder academic performance by inducing self-doubt and avoidance behaviors. The complex interplay between these variables remains underexplored, particularly in collectivist societies where cultural values may modify the impact of shame proneness on academic outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between family cohesion, shame proneness, and academic competence among university students, investigating whether family communication and satisfaction predict academic success and whether gender and family structure influence these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 370 university students (Men = 57.6%, Women = 42.4%) with a mean age of 23.12 years (SD = 4.13). The Family Cohesion Scale (Urdu version), including subscales for Family Communication and Family Satisfaction, was used to assess family environment. Shame proneness was measured using the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale, while academic competence was evaluated using the Academic Competence Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and independent sample t-tests to determine relationships and group differences. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between family cohesion and academic competence (r = .54, p < .001). Family communication (r = .48, p < .001) and family satisfaction (r = .50, p < .01) were also positively associated with academic competence. Regression analysis indicated that family satisfaction (β = .35, p < .001) and family communication (β = .23, p < .001) were significant predictors of academic competence, explaining 32% of the variance. Gender differences showed that men reported significantly higher family satisfaction (p = .01) and communication (p = .04) than women. Students from nuclear families demonstrated higher academic competence (p = .01) and family cohesion (p = .03) compared to those from joint families. Conclusion: Family cohesion, particularly communication and satisfaction, plays a vital role in academic success. While shame proneness did not significantly hinder academic competence, cultural factors may moderate its effects. The findings highlight the need for interventions that strengthen family support systems to enhance students' academic resilience. Future research should explore the role of socioeconomic status, peer influence, and coping mechanisms in academic performance.

• Book : 2(2 (Health & Allied))
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.346-356
• Keyword :