FRAGRANCE

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) represent a common orthopedic condition, the diagnosis of which often requires advanced imaging techniques. Notably, plain radiography may not accurately differentiate between small to medium RCTs and other shoulder pathologies. Deep learning (DL) models may facilitate preliminary assessment of RCTs, helping avoid unnecessary advanced imaging and expediting patient care. For this study, we used a dataset comprising 587 shoulder radiographs (339 from patients with small to medium RCTs and 248 from without RCTs). The study dataset was divided into a training set (406 images [69% of the dataset]) and a validation set (101 images [17% of the dataset]). In addition, an independent test set consisting of 80 radiographs (39 with small to medium RCTs and 41 without RCTs [14% of the dataset]) was used for external validation of the model performance. The test set was strictly held out and not used during model training or model selection. Three pretrained DL models (ResNet-50, ResNet-101, and InceptionV3) were fine-tuned using transfer learning. These three models were integrated using a majority voting strategy to develop a hybrid DL ensemble model. On the validation set, the hybrid DL ensemble model outperformed the individual models in classifying rotator cuff images, achieving an accuracy of 78% (95% CI 69-86), a precision of 79% (68-88), a recall (sensitivity) of 87% (77-95), a specificity of 66% (51-80), an F1-score of 0.83 (0.74-0.89) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.85 (0.76-0.92). On the independent test set, the hybrid DL ensemble model achieved an accuracy of 81% (73-90), a precision of 72% (60-84), a recall of 100% (100-100), a specificity of 63% (48-78), an F1-score of 0.84 (0.75-0.91), and an AUROC of 0.93 (0.87-0.97). Our hybrid DL ensemble model can detect small to medium RCTs from shoulder radiographs. Thus, it holds promise as a cost-effective and efficient tool for preliminary assessment of RCTs. This artificial intelligence-based approach has the potential to improve diagnostic reliability and assist clinical decision-making as a screening and triage support tool for RCTs. Retrospective study.

Coriandrum sativum L. is a widely cultivated aromatic herb exhibiting substantial variation in essential oil quality and yield among different accessions. This study assessed germination performance, essential oil composition, yield, chemotype distribution, and fragrance characteristics in 48 C. sativum accessions collected from 19 countries spanning four Köppen-Geiger climate zones: Tropical/Subtropical, Arid/Semi-arid, Temperate, and Continental/Cold. All accessions were grown under standardized field conditions, and essential oils were extracted from aerial parts using steam distillation followed by direct-GC/MS analysis. Seed germination rates were consistently high (mean: 92.25 ± 5.85%; range: 71-100%) and did not differ significantly by climate zone (Kruskal-Wallis H = 5.500, p = 0.139) or country of origin (H = 21.833, p = 0.240), indicating that post-harvest management, rather than climatic provenance, primarily determines seed viability. Essential oil profiles were dominated by (E)-2-decenal (mean: 44.56%), decanal (11.75%), and 2-dodecenal (13.47%). Principal component analysis (PCA) of 18 compounds detected in at least 19 accessions accounted for 70.16% of total variance across five components, with PC1 reflecting a gradient from long-chain saturated aldehyde accumulation to linalool enrichment. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) demonstrated significant compositional differentiation among climate zones (Pseudo-F = 1.662, p = 0.028), whereas country-level grouping was not significant ( p = 0.256). Tropical/subtropical accessions exhibited the highest linalool content (mean: 15.39 ± 8.71%) and essential oil yield (mean: 0.269 ± 0.120% v / w ), significantly surpassing arid/semi-arid and temperate zones ( p < 0.05). Two chemotypes were identified, (E)-2-decenal (91.7%) and linalool (8.3%), each associated with distinct fragrance profiles (earthy/aldehydic/woody versus herbal/sweet, respectively). These findings demonstrate that climate zone of origin is significantly associated with C. sativum essential oil composition and productivity, with tropical/subtropical accessions providing superior yield and linalool content. Chemotype characterization offers an additional criterion for germplasm selection in targeted industrial applications.

This study aimed to enhance the in vitro digestion and permeability of β-carotene (BC), a lipophilic antioxidant with therapeutic potential in oxidative stress-related disorders, by developing a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) system based on medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Although BC exhibits strong antioxidant activity, its poor solubility and low gastrointestinal absorption limit clinical use. This study addresses these barriers by formulating a novel medium-chain fatty acid-based NLC using ethanol injection method that improves BC's solubility, permeability, and bioactivity. The approach offers a scalable oral promising platform for antioxidant therapies targeting chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress. BC-loaded NLC (BC-NLC) was prepared via ethanol injection and subsequently optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Physicochemical properties, biopharmaceutical performance, and antioxidant effects were evaluated. The optimized BC-NLC showed a particle size of 153.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.29, zeta potential of -14.1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 62.0%. In vitro digestion revealed 63-fold and 38-fold increases in BC micellar efficiency in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively. A 9.1-fold enhancement in intestinal transport was observed. Stability testing confirmed >88% BC retention over 28 days at 5 °C. Antioxidant assays demonstrated ≥2.3-fold higher radical scavenging activity and a 22.7-fold increase in reducing power compared to free BC. The MCFAs-based BC-NLC effectively overcomes key biopharmaceutical limitations, offering enhanced in vitro digestion, stability, and antioxidant efficacy. It represents a promising oral delivery strategy for oxidative stress-related therapeutic applications.

Black bean protein isolate-gum Arabic (BBPI-GA) coacervates were employed for citronellal encapsulation, and the feasibility of citronellal-loaded microcapsules for strawberry preservation was investigated. The optimal BBPI-to-GA ratio and pH value for fabricating BBPI-GA coacervates were 4:1 and 4.1, with hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions serving as two primary drivers for complex coacervation. The characteristic core-shell morphology of the prepared wet microcapsules and the intact surface of the freeze-dried microcapsules indicated the successful encapsulation of citronellal in coacervates, with a high encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 82.95 ± 0.37%. The prepared citronellal microcapsules displayed a uniform particle size distribution, with an average size of 25.63 ± 2.69 μm. The encapsulated citronellal displayed improved thermal and storage stability, sustained release property, and stronger antimicrobial activity than free citronellal. Furthermore, compared with free citronellal, microencapsulated citronellal more effectively inhibited spoilage microorganisms, mitigated weight loss, and retarded firmness degradation in stored strawberries, verifying its great potential for fruit preservation.

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is a complication of thyroidectomy associated with postoperative morbidity. However, its short-term clinical and economic effects remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical and economic outcomes associated with VFP in adults undergoing thyroidectomy. This retrospective cohort study included adults ≥18 years who underwent thyroidectomy between 2016 and 2020, using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were divided into two groups-with/without VFP. Propensity score matching (1:4) was used to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. Primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, postoperative complications, and 30- and 90-day readmission. Among 33 360 eligible patients, 1521 patients with VFP were propensity score matched to 6084 patients without VFP. VFP was significantly associated with longer length of stay (3.61 days, 95% CI: 3.06-4.17) and increased total hospital charges (USD 45 700, 95% CI: 38 120-53 280) (both P < 0.001). Patients with VFP also had significantly higher odds of multiple postoperative complications, including dysphagia, dysphonia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, respiratory failure or mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury, bleeding or hemorrhage, and nervous system complications (all P < 0.05). In addition, VFP was significantly associated with increased 30- and 90-day readmission, including unplanned readmission (all P < 0.001). No significant difference in in-hospital mortality was observed. VFP following thyroidectomy is associated with greater postoperative morbidity and health care resources utilization. Preventive strategies and improved perioperative care are essential to mitigate these adverse outcomes.

The oral cavity harbours a complex microbial ecosystem that plays a critical role in periodontal health and disease. Despite growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), long-term surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility in oral bacteria remains limited. This study aimed to assess the temporal trends in AMR among oral bacteria isolated from periodontitis patients in Taiwan over a 14-year period, with emphasis on genus-specific, Gram-specific, and sex-related patterns. A total of 980 bacterial isolates were obtained from 466 periodontitis patients between 2008 and 2021. E-strip testing was performed for six antibiotics: amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, metronidazole, minocycline, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Susceptibility data were analysed by year and bacterial genus. Polymicrobial infections were predominant (98.1%), and resistance rates increased significantly over time, particularly for metronidazole (from 37.8% to 90.9%) and ciprofloxacin (from 33.1% to 51.5%). Streptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, and Capnocytophaga were more prevalent in females, while Neisseria, Fusobacterium, and Pseudomonas were more common in males. High resistance rates were observed in Neisseria, Escherichia, and Staphylococcus, with over 80% of some isolates resistant to multiple agents. Our findings reveal a progressive rise in AMR among oral bacteria and highlight the need for localized antibiotic stewardship in dentistry. This is the first long-term oral AMR surveillance study in Taiwan and offers a foundation for updating empirical treatment guidelines and informing public health policy. This study provides long-term, real-world AMR data for oral bacteria in Taiwan. The findings support more informed antibiotic selection in periodontal therapy and highlight the need to re-evaluate empirical use of metronidazole and fluoroquinolones in routine dental practice.

Chemical hair straighteners may contribute to adverse health outcomes, particularly among women of color, due to their higher use of these products. However, there is limited research on which chemical ingredients and contaminants may be the most putative agents. We conducted a scoping review to summarize the existing exposure assessment literature on chemicals of concern in two popular types of chemical hair straighteners (chemical relaxers and keratin treatments) and provide recommendations for future research. Twenty-one studies and reports used one or more of the following methods to identify chemicals of concern: product testing, ingredient label analysis, biomonitoring, and air monitoring. Multiple chemicals were characterized in these products including formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing preservatives (FRPs), volatile organic compounds, fragrance ingredients, metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) (e.g., phthalates, phenols, and parabens). Chemical composition varied by product type, with keratin treatments more frequently containing formaldehyde or FRPs and relaxers containing EDCs and fragrance ingredients. In addition to assessing potential exposures for consumers, several studies highlighted the potential for higher exposures in salon workers. Multiple chemicals of concern, including endocrine active and carcinogenic chemicals, were identified in these products, and composition varied by product type. Future research should use new approaches, such as exposomics, to understand the full extent of environmental exposures among consumers and salon workers. Community-informed interventions are also imperative for reducing chemical exposures of concern and related health outcomes.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an economically significant medicinal and aromatic species valued for its diverse phytochemical profile and essential oil (EO) composition. Despite its economic importance, there is a critical need to characterize genetic resources to identify stable, high-yielding genotypes adapted to specific environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical diversity and industrial potential of 90 basil genotypes under Mediterranean climatic conditions, focusing on identifying superior chemotypes for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. A field experiment was conducted using an augmented randomized complete block design at the Çukurova University Research and Application Area during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Phytochemical screening included the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging assays. The chemical composition of the EOs was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Significant biochemical variation was observed among the 90 genotypes. Genotypes MT08, MT86, MT38, and MT67 exhibited the highest bioactive potential, characterized by superior TPC and antioxidant activities. EO yields were notably higher in genotypes MT63 and MT74. Chemical profiling revealed five distinct chemotypes within the population: linalool, methyl chavicol, citral, methyl cinnamate, and methyl eugenol. Pearson correlation, PCA, and cluster analyses supported that these genotypes represent a broad phytochemical basis for selection and breeding. This study provides a detailed characterization of basil germplasm, identifying specific genotypes with high industrial value. The classification of five major chemotypes offers a strategic foundation for targeted breeding programs aimed at developing high-quality cultivars. These findings contribute to the standardization of raw materials for the global pharmaceutical and fragrance industries.

Understanding the mechanotransduction mechanisms underlying the tactile dimension of skin aging remains an underexplored aspect of dermatological and neurosciences. This investigation introduces a novel mechanosensory responsiveness index, tactile acuity index (TAI), derived from a time-frequency analysis of friction-induced vibrations recorded during controlled touch interactions utilizing the wearable tactile acquisition device (WTAD). By decomposing tactile signals across frequency bands specific to Merkel, Meissner, Ruffini, and Pacinian mechanoreceptors, TAI quantifies both the amplitude and spectral organization of vibrational energy transmitted through the skin.In a first experimental phase, TAI exhibited a clear monotonic decline across seven grades of paper textures, confirming that smoother surfaces produce weaker and spectrally narrower mechanical stimulation, thereby reducing mechanoreceptor recruitment. The strongest correlations were observed for Ruffini (R 2  = 0.89) and Pacinian (R 2  = 0.95) receptors, reflecting their sensitivity to macroscopic strain and high-frequency vibration. In an ensuing aging study involving 40 women aged 20-65, TAI revealed a pronounced reduction in mechanosensory activity across all receptor types, with the largest declines in deep mechanotransductive pathways. The associated time-frequency spectrograms further highlighted shorter, lower-amplitude bursts and restricted spectral bandwidths in older skin, indicating a progressive simplification of tactile encoding with age.Together, these findings validate TAI as a quantitative biomarker of tactile vitality, capable of distinguishing between textural and biological sources of sensory decline. By providing receptor-specific insights into mechanotransduction efficiency, this approach establishes a novel framework for diagnosing, monitoring, and potentially restoring tactile function through targeted cosmetic or therapeutic interventions.

Dried Lyophyllum decastes , which possesses a diversity of varieties and a distinctive flavor profile, is highly appreciated by consumers. Electronic nose, electronic tongue, GC-IMS, and GC-O-MS were used to investigate the flavor of four dried L. decastes samples. The aroma of dried L. decastes could be classified into seven categories, among which rancid, sweet, and floral constituting the dominant notes. Taste attributes varied significantly among samples, especially, the SH dried L. decastes exhibited prominent umami and sweet flavors due to its high content of sweet amino acids (4577.62 mg/100 g) and reducing sugars (20.13 mg/g). Multiple factor analysis indicated that electronic nose coupled with electronic tongue could effectively distinguish different samples (RV = 0.945). Furthermore, non-volatile compounds were found to correlate with aroma properties. This study provided valuable analytical data for characterizing and distinguishing the flavor profiles of different dried L. decastes , demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-technique applications in flavor characterization.

γ-decalactone (GDL) is a high-value lactone renowned for its natural peach aroma, with broad applications in the food, fragrance, and cosmetics sectors. This study presents integrated evaluation of GDL production via de novo fermentation using Ashbya gossypii, combining technical, economic, and environmental analyses to assess its industrial feasibility. Process simulations predict substantial annual GDL yields with a final purity close to 96%, achieved through downstream processing comprising adsorption resins and ethanol recovery after extraction. The techno-economic assessment showed that economic performance is strongly affected by the cost of myo-inositol and the low fermentation titer. However, competitiveness may be possible under favourable market and process improvement scenarios. Life cycle analysis (LCA) identifies key contributors to environmental impact such as mineral salts, steam, and resin, while sensitivity analysis reveals optimization opportunities that could substantially reduce these burdens. Although residual biomass valorization could provide an additional revenue stream, its contribution remains secondary compared to GDL sales. This work demonstrates a promising and scalable biosynthetic route for producing high-purity, natural GDL, offering a strategic alternative to conventional extraction methods.

Preservatives and antioxidants are widely used in consumer products to inhibit microbial growth and oxidative degradation. However, their excessive use may pose potential health risks, highlighting the need for regulatory control and reliable analytical methods to ensure safety and compliance. This study aimed to develop a simple, environmentally friendly, and unified sample preparation strategy based on a pH-responsive deep eutectic solvent (pH-DES) coupled with homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction (HLLME). The method was applied to extract six preservatives and one antioxidant from aqueous and oily matrices, followed by analysis using narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The pH-DES was generated in situ in the sample using 4-methylcyclohexanol as the hydrogen bond acceptor and decanoic acid as the hydrogen bond donor at a 1:1molar ratio. As the pH-responsive component, decanoic acid, together with 4-methylcyclohexanol, facilitates the selective capture of target analytes through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The developed method exhibited satisfactory linearity in both aqueous and oily matrices and was successfully applied to 15 commercial food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products, yielding good recoveries (90.6-104.6%). In addition, AGREEprep evaluation confirmed the green performance of the proposed method. Overall, the in situ pH-DES-HLLME approach provides a simple and environmentally friendly strategy for the extraction of preservatives and an antioxidant from complex real-world samples.