Advances in Photonic and Plasmonic Nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials and nanostructures with different morphologies or geometrical shapes that exploit plasmons, and particularly surface plasmon polaritons, are useful for a wide range device fabrication-related applications [...

Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Sensors: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Exploration.

Multifunctional nanocomposites have become critical components in advancing sensing technologies, owing to their exceptional integration of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. The research landscape of nanocomposites for sensing applications from 2002 to 2024 is examined in this bibliometric review. It identifies key trends, influential works, prominent research areas, and global collaboration networks.

Tuning of Water Vapor Permeability in 2D Nanocarbon-Based Polypropylene Composite Membranes.

This work focuses on the incorporation of 2D carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), into polypropylene (PP) via melt mixing. The addition of these 2D carbon nanostructured networks offers a novel approach to enhancing/controlling the water vapor permeable capabilities of PP composite membranes, widely used in industrial applications, such as technical (building roof membranes) or medical (surgical gowns) textiles. The study investigates how the dispersion and concentration of these graphene nanomaterials within the PP matrix influence the microstructure and water vapor permeability (WVP) performance.

Oxidative Stress and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Focus on Female Fertility and Reproductive Health.

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development.

Expression and Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signalling in Acute Lung Inflammation.

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are central regulators of gene expression in response to oxygen deprivation, a common feature in critical illnesses. The significant burden that critical illnesses place on global healthcare systems highlights the need for a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms and the development of innovative treatment strategies. Among critical illnesses, impaired lung function is frequently linked to hypoxic conditions.

Exploring New Tools in Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke Using an Exoskeletal Aid: A Pilot Randomized Control Study.

Background/objectives: Spasticity commonly occurs in individuals after experiencing a stroke, impairing their hand function and limiting activities of daily living (ADLs). In this paper, we introduce an exoskeletal aid, combined with a set of augmented reality (AR) games consisting of the Rehabotics rehabilitation solution, designed for individuals with upper limb spasticity following stroke.

Methods: Our study, involving 60 post-stroke patients (mean ± SD age: 70.

Measurement of Dehumanization, Self-Dehumanization, and Empathy as Mediating Factors Among Healthcare Professionals.

Background: Dehumanization refers to the tendency of individuals or groups to attribute fewer human characteristics to other individuals or groups (referred to as hetero-dehumanization) or to themselves (referred to as self-dehumanization). This phenomenon currently seems to predominate in the medical and nursing professions. Indeed, healthcare environments facilitate latent forms of dehumanization due to their structure, organization, and inherent professional demands.

Exploring the Levels of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Resilience, Hope, and Spiritual Well-Being Among Greek Dentistry and Nursing Students in Response to Academic Responsibilities Two Years After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Dentistry and nursing students experience significant anxiety, negatively impacting their well-being and academic performance. This study aims to assess the prevalence and relationships of stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, hope, and spiritual well-being among dentistry and nursing students, identify demographic influences and propose strategies to enhance resilience and well-being. This study surveyed 271 students attending Greece's departments of dentistry and nursing at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, using an electronic questionnaire aimed to assess stress, anxiety, and depression (depression, anxiety, stress scale-DASS-21); resilience (resilience assessment questionnaire-RAQ8, brief resilience scale-BRS); hope (adult hope scale-AHS); and spiritual well-being (functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-spiritual well-being scale-FACIT-Sp-12).

Dysphagia in Rare Diseases and Syndromes: Current Approaches to Management and Therapeutic Innovations-A Systematic Review.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the correlation between Rare Diseases and Syndromes (RDS) and the dysphagic disorders manifested during childhood and adulthood in affected patients. Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty or an inability to swallow food of any consistency, as well as saliva or medications, from the oral cavity to the stomach. RDS often present with complex and heterogeneous clinical manifestations, making it challenging to develop standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Smoking History and Nicotine Dependence Alter Sleep Features in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

There are many aspects in the relationship between smoking and sleep that have not been investigated thoroughly yet, especially in regards to obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In this cross-sectional study, 2359 participants, who have visited the sleep clinic of our hospital during a 13-year period and were former or current smokers, were included. Their smoking history, measured in packyears of smoking, and their nicotine dependence, measured with the Fagerström scale, were correlated with various epidemiological and sleep-related variables.

Understanding Interpersonal Influences on Maternal Health Service Utilization at Community Health Centers: A Mixed-Methods Study in Indonesia.

: The utilization of maternal health services at the primary healthcare level is still considered an effective approach despite the critical role in improving maternal health outcomes. The study aimed to assess the influence of sociodemographic characteristics and interpersonal support on the use of maternal health services in three regions of the Province of Jambi, Indonesia. : Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, a quantitative survey of 432 women and qualitative focus group discussions with nine families were conducted.

Improving GPs' Emotional Intelligence and Resilience to Better Manage Chronic Respiratory Diseases Through an Experiential Online Training Intervention: A Mixed Methods Study.

Background/objectives: High levels of emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience in primary care physicians (PCPs) can help them communicate better with patients, build stronger relationships with colleagues, and foster a positive and collaborative workplace. However, studies have indicated that primary care physicians (PCPs) often do not focus enough on developing these skills. Consequently, the purpose of this mixed methods study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an experiential online training (EOT) intervention in enhancing the EI and resilience of PCPs who treat patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs).

Opening Pandora's Box: Exploring Body Image Perceptions and Influencing Factors in Women-An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

: Body dissatisfaction among women has been on the rise, prompting an urgent need to understand the underlying factors influencing their body image. This study explores the perceptions and influencing factors of body image among women in Greek society. : Six in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Towards a Thriving Workplace: A Feasibility Study on Mindfulness and the Mediterranean Lifestyle for Corporate Wellness.

This study explores the potential of integrating mindfulness and the Mediterranean lifestyle into corporate wellness programs to enhance workplace well-being. A survey of 485 employees from Greece and Cyprus examined how mindfulness, resilience, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle, and work ability are connected. Pearson correlation analysis showed statistically significant positive relationships between mindfulness, resilience, and work ability ( < 0.

Carotid artery atherosclerosis: mechanisms of instability and clinical implications.

Cardiovascular disease remains a prominent cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Within this spectrum, carotid artery atherosclerosis is a complex and multifaceted condition, and a prominent precursor of acute ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular events. The intricate interplay among inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, and immune responses participates in the development of lesions, leading to luminal stenosis and potential plaque instability.

Mortality risks in different subtypes of masked hypertension in the Spanish ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the risks of death and cardiovascular death of different subtypes of masked hypertension, defined by either isolated daytime or nighttime blood pressure (BP) elevation, or both, compared with patients with normal both office and 24-h BP.

Methods: We selected 4999 patients with masked hypertension (normal office BP and elevated 24-h BP). They were divided in three different categories: isolated daytime masked hypertension (elevated daytime BP and normal nighttime BP, 800 patients), isolated nighttime masked hypertension (elevated nighttime BP and normal daytime BP, 1069 patients) and daytime and nighttime masked hypertension (elevation of both daytime and nighttime BP, 2989).

Expression of the IGF‑1Ea isoform in human placentas from third trimester normal and idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction singleton pregnancies: Correlations with clinical and histopathological parameters.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second most common obstetric complication after preterm labor. Appropriate trophoblast differentiation and placental structure, growth and function are key for the maintenance of pregnancy and normal fetal growth, development and survival. Extravillous trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion are regulated by molecules produced by the fetomaternal interface, including autocrine factors produced by the trophoblast, such as insulin‑like growth factor (IGF)‑1.

Role of MRI and surgical excision in long-standing diffuse-type GCTTS of the flexor tendon sheath.

Diffuse-type giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a rare, benign, yet locally aggressive soft tissue tumor commonly affecting the hand. This case report presents a 55-year-old male with a 5-year history of GCTTS in the flexor tendon sheath of the long finger. MRI played a critical role in both diagnosis and surgical planning, revealing key features such as the tumor's 10 cm length, hemosiderin deposition, and blooming artifacts.

Investigation of Women's Knowledge and Beliefs About Cervical Cancer and Cervical Smear Examination: A Survey Study in Greece.

Aim This study aimed to investigate women's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer and cervical smear examinations. Methodology The research was conducted at a health center in Greece from May 15, 2023, to August 15, 2023. The study sample consisted of 160 women aged 21-65 years who attended the health center.

Revisiting the Visual Acuity Curves. A Proposed Methodology for the Evaluation of Postoperative Visual Acuity in Presbyopia.

Purpose: To identify the minimally required number of distances of visual acuity (VA) measurements for the reliable estimation of the visual acuity curve (VAC) and area of the curve (AoC) in presbyopia correction.

Patients And Methods: The study was divided into a validation and a clinical phase with a total recruitment of 120 participants (120 eyes) who underwent uncomplicated pseudophakic presbyopia surgery with bilateral premium intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation. This study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Prognostic factors for first recurrence following meningioma surgery.

The present study investigated the role of the Simpson grade system, MIB-1 immunohistochemical marker, meningioma location and grade in the risk of recurrence. Between January, 2008 and January, 2018, the present study retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing craniotomy for the resection of a histopathologically confirmed meningioma. Patients with neurofibromatosis, acoustic neurinomas and radiation treatment prior to surgery were excluded.

The Role of Empiric Antifungal Therapy in Patients With Perforated Peptic Ulcer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Fungal growth is common in intraoperative cultures of patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) leading to the common use of empiric antifungal therapy, with current evidence not clearly supporting this practice. The goal of this updated systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the effect of empiric antifungals in patients with PPU. Eligible studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search in the MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases, following the PRISMA 2020 statement.

Perceived overqualification and service behavior: a moderated mediation model of nurses' silence toward patient safety and praise from patients.

Purpose: Using conservation of resources (COR) theory as our theoretical basis, we investigate how nurses' perceived overqualification influences their service behavior. In doing so, we highlight nurses' silence toward patient safety and praise from patients as a mediator and moderator, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 201 nurses employed in a Greek public hospital.

Mind the gap in kidney care: Translating what we know into what we do.

Historically, it takes an average of 17 years to move new treatments from clinical evidence to daily practice. Given the highly effective treatments now available to prevent or delay kidney disease onset and progression, this is far too long. The time is now to narrow the gap between what we know and what we do.