In several industrial fields, environmental and operational data are acquired with numerous purposes, potentially generating a huge quantity of data containing valuable information for management actions. This work proposes a methodology for clustering time series based on the K-medoids algorithm using a convex combination of different time series correlation metrics, the COMB distance. The multidimensional scaling procedure is used to enhance the visualization of the clustering results, and a matrix plot display is proposed as an efficient visualization tool to interpret the COMB distance components. This is a general-purpose methodology that is intended to ease time series interpretation; however, due to the relevance of the field, this study explores the clustering of time series judiciously collected from data of a wind farm located on a complex terrain. Using the COMB distance for wind speed time bands, clustering exposes operational similarities and dissimilarities among neighboring turbines which are influenced by the turbines’ relative positions and terrain features and regarding the direction of oncoming wind. In a significant number of cases, clustering does not coincide with the natural geographic grouping of the turbines. A novel representation of the contributing distances—the COMB distance matrix plot—provides a quick way to compare pairs of time bands (turbines) regarding various features. Full article

The use of modern spectroscopic methods of analysis, which provide extensive information on the chemical nature of substances, significantly expands our understanding of the molecular composition and properties of soil organic matter (SOM) and its transformation and stabilization processes in various ecosystems and geochemical conditions. The aim of this review is to identify and analyze studies related to the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy techniques to study the molecular composition and transformation of organic matter in virgin and arable soils. This article is mainly based on three research questions: (1) Which NMR spectroscopy techniques are used to study SOM, and what are their disadvantages and advantages? (2) How is the NMR spectroscopy technique used to study the molecular structure of different pools of SOM? (3) How is ESR spectroscopy used in SOM chemistry, and what are its advantages and limitations? Relevant studies published between 1996 and 2024 were searched in four databases: eLIBRARY, MDPI, ScienceDirect and Springer. We excluded non-English-language articles, review articles, non-peer-reviewed articles and other non-article publications, as well as publications that were not available according to the search protocols. Exclusion criteria for articles were studies that used NMR and EPR techniques to study non-SOM and where these techniques were not the primary methods. Our scoping review found that both solid-state and solution-state NMR spectroscopy are commonly used to study the structure of soil organic matter (SOM). Solution-phase NMR is particularly useful for studying soluble SOM components of a low molecular weight, whereas solid-phase NMR offers advantages such as higher ¹³C atom concentration for stronger signals and faster analysis time. However, solution-phase NMR has limitations including sample insolubility, potential signal aggregation and reduced sensitivity and resolution. Solid-state NMR is better at detecting non-protonated carbon atoms and identifying heterogeneous regions within structures. EPR spectroscopy, on the other hand, offers significant advantages in experimental biochemistry due to its high sensitivity and ability to provide detailed information about substances containing free radicals (FRs), aiding in the assessment of their reactivity and transformations. Understanding the FR structure in biopolymers can help to study the formation and transformation of SOM. The integration of two- and three-dimensional NMR spectroscopy with other analytical methods, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc., provides a more comprehensive approach to deciphering the complex composition of SOM than one-dimensional techniques alone. Full article

Chronic pruritus that lasts for over 6 weeks can present in various forms, like papules, nodules, and plaque types, with prurigo nodularis (PN) being the most prevalent. The pathogenesis of PN involves the dysregulation of immune cell–neural circuits and is associated with peripheral neuropathies, possibly due to chronic scratching. PN is a persistent and challenging condition, involving complex interactions among the skin, immune system, and nervous system. Lesional skin in PN exhibits the infiltration of diverse immune cells like T cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells, leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines and itch-inducing substances. Activated sensory nerve fibers aggravate pruritus by releasing neurotransmitters, perpetuating a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Traditional treatments often fail, but recent advancements in understanding the inflammatory and itch transmission mechanisms of PN have paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches, which are explored in this review. Full article

As an industrial waste, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is an ideal substitute for natural rubble and sand. However, its potential instability of volume restricts the application of the BOF slag in engineering. This study aims at investigating the volume stability and mechanical properties of BOF slag and its application as an aggregate in cement-stabilized macadam. As part of this research, the physicochemical properties, especially the volume stability, of two types of BOF slags and andesite were first studied. Then, mechanical properties, volume stability, and an environment analysis are used to evaluate the application of pyrolytic BOF slag in cement-stabilized macadam. The experimental results show that different types of BOF slags have similar thermal expansion coefficients, which are higher than andesite. The free CaO content of pyrolytic BOF slag is much lower than that of ordinary BOF slag and the volume expansion of pyrolytic BOF slag is less than 0.5%. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of cement-stabilized macadam using pyrolytic BOF slag is about 30% higher than that of andesite. Although the water loss rate is higher than a natural aggregate, dry shrinkage of pyrolytic BOF slag cement-stabilized macadam is about 30–50% less than that of a natural aggregate. Meanwhile, its shrinking speed is also slower than that of a natural aggregate. The micro-expansion properties of pyrolytic BOF slag could effectively partially offset the shrinkage characteristics of cement-stabilized macadam. Finally, the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test results indicated that the metal leaching concentration meets the Chinese environmental standards. This study provides a direction for the large-scale and effective sustainable application of pyrolytic BOF slag. Full article

SnPb solder was widely used in electronic packaging for aerospace devices due to its high reliability. However, its creep resistance is poor and can be improved by adding alloying elements. The effects of Sb content on the microstructure, tensile, and creep properties of eutectic SnPb solder were investigated. Sb addition effectively improved the mechanical properties of the SnPb solder. When Sb content exceeds 1.7 wt.%, SbSn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) occurred. And increasing the Sb content increased the tensile strength. Furthermore, Sb addition decreased the steady-state creep rate and increased the stress exponent n, suggesting that the creep resistance had been enhanced, which may be attributed to the hindrance of dislocation movement by SbSn IMCs, as well as the reduction in phase boundaries, which consequently reduced grain boundary sliding. Full article

An environmental, social and governance (ESG) evaluation system can focus on the value of enterprises more comprehensively and better scrutinize the development premise of enterprise. As a novel investment concept, both domestic and foreign investors widely acknowledge the significance of ESG. With the implementation of “carbon peak”, “carbon neutral” and other national strategies, an increasing number of transportation enterprises in China’s international commercial ports have started to focus on the role of ESG evaluation. This not only facilitates self-examination and correction within enterprises but also helps in adjusting the strategic direction toward sustainable development. This shift toward ESG evaluation is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the transportation industry. In this regard, this study aims to evaluate the sustainable development performance of China’s international commercial ports based on ESG elements. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is considered to be a non-parametric performance evaluation method that can effectively solve for multi-criteria decision-making units, so this study mainly selects the DEA model for the performance evaluation. This study conducted research to select eight benchmarking companies within the industry and found that efficient units excelled in their ability to complete capacity levels with high quality and quantity at ports. In contrast, less efficient units scored lower in the domain of social responsibility. Full article

The fungal cell wall serves as the primary interface between fungi and their external environment, providing protection and facilitating interactions with the surroundings. Chitin is a vital structural element in fungal cell wall. Chitin deacetylase (CDA) can transform chitin into chitosan through deacetylation, providing various biological functions across fungal species. Although this modification is widespread in fungi, the biological functions of CDA enzymes in Aspergillus flavus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofunctions of the CDA family in A. flavus. The A. flavus genome contains six annotated putative chitin deacetylases. We constructed knockout strains targeting each member of the CDA family, including Δcda1, Δcda2, Δcda3, Δcda4, Δcda5, and Δcda6. Functional analyses revealed that the deletion of CDA family members neither significantly affects the chitin content nor exhibits the expected chitin deacetylation function in A. flavus. However, the Δcda6 strain displayed distinct phenotypic characteristics compared to the wild-type (WT), including an increased conidia count, decreased mycelium production, heightened aflatoxin production, and impaired seed colonization. Subcellular localization experiments indicated the cellular localization of CDA6 protein within the cell wall of A. flavus filaments. Moreover, our findings highlight the significance of the CBD1 and CBD2 structural domains in mediating the functional role of the CDA6 protein. Overall, we analyzed the gene functions of CDA family in A. flavus, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying aflatoxin contamination and lay the groundwork for potential biocontrol strategies targeting A. flavus. Full article

Autonomous mobile robots are essential to the industry, and human–robot interactions are becoming more common nowadays. These interactions require that the robots navigate scenarios with static and dynamic obstacles in a safely manner, avoiding collisions. This paper presents a physical implementation of a method for dynamic obstacle avoidance using a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network that obtains information from the mobile robot’s LiDAR for it to be capable of navigating through scenarios with static and dynamic obstacles while avoiding collisions and reaching its goal. The model is implemented using a TurtleBot3 mobile robot within an OptiTrack motion capture (MoCap) system for obtaining its position at any given time. The user operates the robot through these scenarios, recording its LiDAR readings, target point, position inside the MoCap system, and its linear and angular velocities, all of which serve as the input for the LSTM network. The model is trained on data from multiple user-operated trajectories across five different scenarios, outputting the linear and angular velocities for the mobile robot. Physical experiments prove that the model is successful in allowing the mobile robot to reach the target point in each scenario while avoiding the dynamic obstacle, with a validation accuracy of 98.02%. Full article

South Africa is endowed with a wealth of coal-fired power stations that can produce extremely high volumes of fly ash per year exceeding 34 million tonnes. The use of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) binders in the construction sector has the capacity to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cement production and offset the carbon footprint of Eskom. The excessive production of fly ash by Eskom warrants the need for developing ultra-high-volume fly ash binders (UHVFA, fly ash/binder > 60 wt%). Nonetheless, fly ash (FA) replacement of cement is still largely limited to 35% regardless of more ambitious research indicating the potential to surpass 60%. In view of the urgent need for South Africa to offset and reduce its carbon footprint, this work reviews and summarises the literature on the performance of HVFA binders with a focus on two specific areas: (i) strength and (ii) durability. On HVFA binder strength, the focus is drawn on work that analysed the compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength. This review focuses on the extant literature analysing the durability of HVFA binders using various tests, including sorptivity, resistivity, permeability, tortuosity, rapid chloride penetration tests, resistance to sulphate attack, and microstructural analysis. As the FA content increases towards optima, i.e., 50–80%, the most indicative composite characteristics of the strength and durability properties are UCS (30–90 MPa) and permeability (low). This review reveals the leading methodologies, instrumentation, findings, challenges, and contradictions. Full article

Water scarcity and the overuse of chemical fertilizers present significant challenges to modern agriculture, critically affecting crop photosynthesis, yield, quality, and productivity sustainability. This research assesses the impact of organic fertilizer on the photosynthetic attributes, yield, and quality of pakchoi under varying irrigation water conditions, including fresh water and brackish water. Findings reveal that the modified rectangular hyperbolic model most accurately captures the photosynthetic reaction to organic fertilization, outperforming other evaluated models. The maximum net photosynthesis rate (P_nmax), yield, soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein content (SP) all exhibited a downward-opening quadratic parabolic trend with increasing amounts of organic fertilizer application. Specifically, under fresh-water irrigation, the optimal P_nmax, yield, SS, and SP were obtained at organic fertilizer rates of 65.77, 74.63, 45.33, and 40.79 kg/ha, respectively, achieving peak values of 20.71 µmol/(m²·s), 50,832 kg/ha, 35.63 g/kg, and 6.25 g/kg. This investigation provides a foundational basis for further research into the intricate relationship between water salinity stress and nutrient management, with the goal of crafting more sophisticated and sustainable farming methodologies. The insights gained could significantly influence organic fertilizer practices, promoting not only higher yields but also superior quality in agricultural outputs. Full article

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices worldwide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are its main metabolic products. The misuse or mixing of cinnamon on the market is quite serious. This study used gas chromatography-ion migration spectroscopy (GC-IMS) technology to analyze the VOCs of cinnamon samples. The measurement results showed that 66 VOCs were detected in cinnamon, with terpenes being the main component accounting for 45.45%, followed by aldehydes accounting for 21.21%. The content of esters and aldehydes was higher in RG-01, RG-02, and RG-04; the content of alcohols was higher in RG-01; and the content of ketones was higher in RG-02. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least squares regression analysis can be performed on the obtained data to clearly distinguish cinnamon. According to the VIP results of PLS-DA, 1-Hexanol, 2-heptanone, ethanol, and other substances are the main volatile substances that distinguish cinnamon. This study combined GC-IMS technology with chemometrics to accurately identify cinnamon samples, providing scientific guidance for the efficient utilization of cinnamon. At the same time, this study is of great significance for improving the relevant quality standards of spices and guiding the safe use of spices. Full article

Background and Objectives: Primary outcome: To assess the level of agreement between the objective and subjective methods for recording gingival colour in each area of the gingiva. Secondary outcome: To compare performance of the subjective visual method of gingival colour selection by a male observer and a female observer. Materials and Methods: A chromatic study was conducted on a total of 101 participants, in five gingival zones, from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival line, using a SpectroShade Micro spectrophotometer for the objective method and 21 ad hoc ceramic gingival shade tabs for the subjective method. A man and a woman of the same age, with the same amount of clinical experience in dentistry, selected the tab that most resembled the colour of participants’ gingiva. The “chromatic error” was then assessed by calculating the colour difference (using the Euclidean and CIEDE2000 formulae) between the CIELAB coordinates of the shade tab selected and the objective coordinates of the gingiva. The unweighted Kappa coefficient was used to calculate the level of agreement between observers. Results: For the male observer, the mean chromatic errors varied between ΔEab* 10.3 and 13.1 units, while for the female observer, the mean errors varied between ΔEab* 11.1 and 12.8: these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found between the mean chromatic errors for the five gingival zones in either the male operator (p = 0.100) or the female operator (p = 0.093). The minimum level of agreement (unweighted Kappa) between the observers ranged from 0.1 to 0.4. Conclusions: Subjective selection of gingival colour was very inaccurate, by both the male observer and the female observer, for any area of the gingiva, with no differences identified between them. The level of agreement between the observers was low. These findings suggest that gingival colour should not be determined using solely subjective methods, given that the chromatic errors significantly exceeded the clinical acceptability threshold for gingiva (4.1 units for ΔEab* and 2.9 units for ΔE00). Both observers showed a tendency to select gingival shade tabs that were redder and bluer than the objective colours. Full article

Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor material were explored. Hence hybrid films in ruthenium complexes were deposited using PMMA as a polymeric matrix. The hybrid films were characterized by infrared spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the ruthenium complexes enhanced the mechanical properties in addition to increasing the transmittance, favoring the determination of their optical parameters. Both hybrid films exhibited a maximum stress around 10.5 MPa and a Knoop hardness between 2.1 and 18.4. Regarding the optical parameters, the maximum transparency was obtained at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, the optical band gap was in the range of 1.73–2.24 eV, while the Tauc band gap was in the range of 1.68–2.17 eV, and the Urbach energy was between 0.29 and 0.50 eV. Consequently, the above comments are indicative of an adequate semiconductor behavior; hence, the target polymeric hybrid films must be welcomed as convenient candidates as active layers or transparent electrodes in organic electronics. Full article

In an effort to reduce the occurrence of chlorine derived residues such as chlorate and trichloromethane (TCM) in milk and ultimately in dairy products, ‘chlorine-free’ cleaning of milking equipment became compulsory in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) from January 2021. While data exists on TCM levels in bulk tank milk, little is known about the prominence and typical levels (mg/kg) of chlorate residue in bulk tank milk. To address this, 3625 bulk milk samples were collected from six milk processors and were analysed for chlorate and TCM residues across 2020 and 2021, with 2020 representing a period before chlorine-free cleaning was introduced and 2021 being the period after chlorine removal. In 2020, 15% of the samples analysed had detectable levels of chlorate (0.0020–1.6 mg/kg), but this reduced to 8% in 2021 (0.0020–3.9 mg/kg), following the introduction of ‘chlorine-free’ cleaning. Chlorate and TCM residues have not been totally eliminated because sources of residue other than cleaning chemicals exist, i.e., chlorinated water. Full article

Machining nickel-based super alloys such as Inconel 718 generates a high thermal load induced via friction and plastic deformation, causing these alloys to be among most difficult-to-cut materials. Localized heat generation occurring in machining induces high temperature gradients. Experimental techniques for determining cutting tool temperature are challenging due to the small dimensions of the heat source and the chips produced, making it difficult to observe the tool–chip interface. Therefore, theoretical analysis of cutting temperatures is crucial for understanding heat generation and temperature distribution during cutting operations. Periodic heating and cooling occurring during cutting and interruption, respectively, are modeled using a hybrid analytical and finite element (FE) transient thermal model. In addition to identifying a transition distance associated with initial period of chip formation (IPCF) from apparent coefficient of friction results using a sigmoid function, the transition temperature is also identified using the thermal model. The model is validated experimentally by measuring the tool–chip interface temperature using a two-color pyrometer at a specific cutting distance. Due to the cyclic behavior in interrupted cutting, where a steady-state condition may or may not be achieved, transient thermal modeling is required in this case. Input parameters required to identify the heat flux for the transient thermal model are obtained experimentally and the definitions of heat-flux-reducing factors along the cutting path are associated with interruptions and the repeating IPCF. The thermal model consists of two main parts: one is related to identifying the heat flux, and the other part involves the determination of the temperature field within the tool using a partial differential equation (PDE) solved numerically via a 2D finite element method. Full article

The reduction in income inequality and its convergence between localities is one of the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This work aims to contribute to the theme, researching the relationship among international trade, the export of sugarcane by-products, and income inequality. A panel data regression was performed for a group of 98 cities from the state of Goiás-Brazil. Results indicate that international trade has a minimal, though positive effect, reducing income inequality. Nevertheless, the export of sugarcane by-product results indicates a harmful effect on workers’ income in the poorest cities who work in the agricultural sector. The results indicate that international trade contributes to sustainable development by generating wealth, contributing to UN SDG number 1, and reducing income inequality, helping to achieve UN SDG number 10. Full article

During the 2022 summer, Europe experienced heatwaves with record temperatures, and a study has argued that they caused about 62,000 deaths between 30 May and 4 September. The total number of excess deaths during the same period was about 137,000, indicating that the heatwaves were a substantial contributor. Not ruling out that explanation entirely, this paper argues that it was unlikely a strong cause. First, if the heatwaves were a strong cause of numerous deaths, one would assume that the older and deprived were relatively likely to die. However, during the 2022 summer heatwaves in England, which were claimed to have caused about 2900 deaths, the oldest age cohort did not have a higher excess death rate than the middle age cohort, and the excess death rate actually decreased with deprivation status. Moreover, Iceland had among Europe’s highest excess death rates during the summer, which cannot be attributed to heatwaves. During June, July, and August 2022, comparable southern hemisphere countries furthermore had high excess death rates, which cannot be attributed to heatwaves either, as it was during their winter. Also, Europe’s excess death rate was higher during the 2022–2023 winter than during the 2022 summer, and intuitively not attributed to heatwaves, but neither to cold weather, as that winter was abnormally mild. Finally, the paper discusses the puzzling issue that about 56% more women than men, relative to the population, presumably died from the heatwaves. Full article

The studies of thymic structure were performed predominantly in cohorts of younger individuals. Here, we established a cohort of body donors whose age at the time of death ranged from 57 to 103 to study the relationship between thymic structure and factors that, in the younger subjects, have shown to affect the organ’s anatomy, including the presence of the organ’s capsule, its weight, size of the left and right lobes, and a transverse diameter. We explored the relationships between these thymic parameters and the subjects’ age, sex, and cause of death (COD), asking how the thymus in the elderly differed from the organ’s macro-anatomy in a broader and younger human population, and whether age, sex, COD, and BMI could influence the thymic parameters in the elderly. Our analyses revealed that the thymic size but not thymic weight in the KYCOM cohort differed significantly from the younger individuals. The size of the thymus in males progressively decreased, but in females, the size of the right lobe increased. The encapsulated thymus was detected with a higher frequency in females than males. We found no associations between thymic parameters and the person’s COD, age, or sex. However, the person’s BMI was associated with thymic weight, suggesting that obesity may influence the aging of the immune system. Full article

This study examines the sustainability of livestock farming in Jordan’s arid regions, focusing on smallholder Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. It assesses breeders, economic factors, herd productivity, and sustainability, evaluating the vitality of these breeds by examining reproductive success through birth and survival rates. In 2021–2022, a total of 53 traditional Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farms in Northern Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate were surveyed using a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data on breeders’ information, farm economics, and herd indicators. Dry seasons in arid lands are tough on sheep and goats, with limited fodder and water availability harming their health and reproductive capacity. While wet seasons bring relief, they can also introduce diseases. Special care for these animals throughout the year is crucial to maintain healthy herds in arid regions. Linear models were employed to analyze sample data, with variance and correlation tests used to explore relationships among variables. Additionally, chi-squared analysis was utilized to assess the impact of male replacement plans on these herds. The main outcomes of this study reveal that breeder indicators pose challenges to the sustainability and growth of Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. Conversely, economic indicators suggest a blend of financial stability alongside obstacles related to profitability and resource ownership. Breeder age emerges as a significant factor in livestock herd management, influenced by elements such as experience, resource availability, and adherence to traditional practices. Experience notably influences breeders’ decisions regarding male insemination replacements, likely due to acquired skills. Crop cultivation is shown to reduce fodder costs, thereby enhancing profitability for each young animal sold and consequently increasing the breeders’ returns. Winter conditions elevate animal mortality rates due to cold stress, while other animals within herds contribute to increased kid mortality by facilitating disease transmission. Breeder experience significantly impacts lamb survival, underscoring its importance in ensuring proper care. Increasing ewe proportions within herds enhances lamb production and lowers lamb mortality rates. Effective ram management and yearling lamb sales further contribute to herd health and productivity. A higher proportion of goats within a herd positively correlates with the number of young yearlings sold but inversely affects breeding males and overall kid numbers, indicating a delicate balance that influences herd productivity and mortality rates. Sheep (92.5%) and goat herds (90.6%) demonstrate reproductive success, indicative of superior long-term vitality. While sheep excel in birth rates, survival, and sales, they exhibit lower ewe and lambing percentages. Goat farming demonstrates high birth rates, sales, and overall success but requires particular attention to ensuring kid survival, especially during the winter months. Improving the characteristics of the Awassi sheep and Baladi goat flocks is crucial for ensuring sustainability, achievable through proper care practices in dry lands. In conclusion, despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities to enhance sheep and goat farming in Jordan. Effective management, informed by the breeders’ experience and economics, is crucial. Empowering small-scale herders and implementing targeted interventions, like winter mortality solutions and selective breeding, is vital for sustainable growth. Full article

Disorders/differences of sex development (DSDs) are defined as broad, heterogenous groups of congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of genetic, gonadal, or phenotypic sex accompanied by abnormal development of internal and/or external genitalia. NR5A1 gene mutation is one of the principal genetic alterations implicated in causing DSD. This review outlines the role of NR5A1 gene during the process of gonadal development in humans, provides an overview of the molecular and functional characteristics of NR5A1 gene, and discusses potential clinical phenotypes and additional organ diseases due to NR5A1 mutations. NR5A1 mutations were analyzed in patients with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX DSD both during the neonatal and pubertal periods. Loss of function of the NR5A1 gene causes several different phenotypes, including some associated with disease in additional organs. Clinical phenotypes may vary, even among patients carrying the same NR5A1 variant, indicating that there is no specific genotype–phenotype correlation. Genetic tests are crucial diagnostic tools that should be used early in the diagnostic pathway, as early as the neonatal period, when gonadal dysgenesis is the main manifestation of NR5A1 mutation. NR5A1 gene mutations could be mainly associated with amenorrhea, ovarian failure, hypogonadism, and infertility during puberty. Fertility preservation techniques should be considered as early as possible. Full article

With the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the important prospects for their application have extended to various medical fields, including domains such as in vitro diagnosis, intelligent rehabilitation, medical imaging, and prognosis. Breast cancer is a common malignancy that critically affects women’s physical and mental health. Early breast cancer screening—through mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—can substantially improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients. AI applications have shown excellent performance in various image recognition tasks, and their use in breast cancer screening has been explored in numerous studies. This paper introduces relevant AI techniques and their applications in the field of medical imaging of the breast (mammography and ultrasound), specifically in terms of identifying, segmenting, and classifying lesions; assessing breast cancer risk; and improving image quality. Focusing on medical imaging for breast cancer, this paper also reviews related challenges and prospects for AI. Full article

Background: This investigation assesses the prognostic value of lactate levels and their clearance in septic shock patients, particularly emphasizing the comparative analysis between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in the emergency department. This study aims to elucidate the unique prognostic implications of lactate dynamics in these distinct patient groups, thereby enhancing the management of septic shock. Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted, enrolling 114 septic shock patients from the Emergency County Hospital Resita, Romania, categorizing them into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups to examine their initial lactate levels, clearance rates, and their correlation with patient outcomes. Results: This study identified significant differences in the initial lactate levels and clearance rates between the two groups, indicating higher initial lactate levels and slower clearance rates in COVID-19 patients. Survivors demonstrated significantly lower initial lactate levels (1.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L) and higher lactate clearance rates (33 ± 15%) compared to non-survivors (2.5 ± 0.5 mmol/L and 24 ± 9%, respectively; lactate levels p = 0.001, clearance rates p = 0.002). Conclusions: Lactate monitoring, particularly clearance rates, is crucial in the prognostic assessment of septic shock patients. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in COVID-19 patients to improve outcomes, underscoring lactate dynamics as a vital component of septic shock management in differing patient populations. Full article