Search Results (1,883)

Background: Escherichia coli and Salmonella contamination in goose bath water releases endotoxins like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), compromising immunity and hindering goose farming. Objective: This study evaluated effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis and bacteriophage supplementation on water quality, carcass traits, and muscle growth in Magang geese. Method: A total of 288 geese were divided into four groups based on similarity in weight (n = 6 geese): A (basal diet); B (basal diet + bacteriophage: 5.0 × 10¹⁰ PFU/L at 1:1000 dilution); C (basal diet + Bacillus subtilis: 5.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg); D (basal diet + bacteriophage + Bacillus subtilis). Results: Supplementation significantly increased wing length, tibia length, and live weight at 60 days. It reduced water and plasma endotoxin levels and suppressed viable counts of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and total bacteria in water across rearing stages. Supplementation up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of myogenic regulators (MYOD, MYOG, MYH1) and IGF-1, while down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), suggesting enhanced myofiber growth. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis and bacteriophage supplementation improves goose growth performance and immune status by modulating key genes, reducing pathogens and endotoxins, offering an eco-friendly strategy to enhance productivity and potentially reduce antibiotic dependency. Full article

Selenium is an important trace element with certain antioxidant effects. Nano-selenium, as a novel selenium source, has the advantages of strong biological activity, high absorption efficiency, and low toxicity. The aim of the present study was to compare the protective effects of sodium selenite and nano-selenium on intestinal oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in mice. A total of 60 female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 replicates per group and 1 mouse per replicate (n = 10). The first three groups were as follows: the Control group (C), fed with basal diet; the sodium selenite group (SS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹ sodium selenite; and the nano-selenium group (NS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹ nano-selenium. The latter three groups (CH, SSH, NSH) were fed the same diet as the former three groups, but the last 10 days of the experiment were fed with drinking water containing 0.3% H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress. The results showed that under normal conditions, the supplementation with sodium selenite or nano-selenium decreased the spleen index of mice; sodium selenate up-regulates GPX3 expression in the ileum, and increases T-SOD in the colon of mice; and nano-selenium up-regulated GPX1 expression but decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. After drinking water treated with H₂O₂, H₂O₂ increased the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and selenium proteins, such as IL-1β and SOD in jejunum, IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, and CAT in ileum, and IL-1β and SOD in colon. At the antioxidant level, H₂O₂ decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. In the H₂O₂ treatment, sodium selenite and nano-selenium increased the ratio of VH to CD (VH/CD) in jejunum; sodium selenite up-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in jejunum, down-regulated the expression of GPX3 in ileum, at the antioxidant level, decreased the T-SOD and T-AOC in colon, and increased the content of MDA in ileum; and nano-selenium down-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in colon. At the same time, the expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX4, and CAT can be restored to normal levels by selenium supplementation. According to the results, drinking H₂O₂ induced intestinal oxidative stress in mice to a certain extent, and selenium supplementation mitigated the destructive effect of H₂O₂ on the intestinal morphology of mice jejunum and restored the level of related inflammatory factors, and had a positive effect on antioxidants. Full article

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains the least treatable form of stroke, with inflammation implicated as a major pathophysiological feature. Hence, this study sought to associate serum proteins and hormones associated with inflammation and ICH outcomes. Patients presenting to Duke University Hospital with computed tomography-verified spontaneous, supratentorial, non-traumatic ICH within 24 h of symptom onset were prospectively recruited. In this pilot study, equal numbers of men and women and Black and White individuals were included and matched by a 6-month modified Rankin Score (mRS). The primary analyses were the correlation of L-ratios (LR; Log2(Day 2/Day 1 concentrations)) of serum gonadal hormones and neuroinflammatory proteins with mRS > 3 at 6 months. A total of 40 participants were included in this pilot study. LRs were significantly higher for C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.013) and lower for interleukin-6 (IL-6; p = 0.026) and surfactant protein-D (p = 0.036) in participants with unfavorable outcomes at 6 months after ICH. Further, higher CRP (p = 0.02) and lower IL-6 (p = 0.035) and surfactant protein-D (p = 0.041) LRs were associated with mRS > 3 at 6 months after ICH in multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for race and sex. The relationship amongst gonadal hormones, neuroinflammatory proteins, and ICH outcome is complex. In this pilot study, unfavorable outcomes after ICH may have been associated with selected inflammatory biomarkers. A larger scale study is warranted to define interactions between hormones, proteins, and their effects on ICH outcomes. Full article

The current study evaluated the role of dietary fennel essential oil (FO) supplementation in ameliorating the effects of heat stress on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant activity, inflammatory responses, and liver histopathology in broiler chickens. Six hundred male broiler chicks (three-day-old ROSS broilers) were allocated into six experimental treatments (TRTs); the first was the negative control (Neg. CON, not subjected to hot temperature conditions), and the second was the positive control group (PS CON, subjected to hot temperatures). The control groups (Neg. and PS) were fed the basal diet without supplements. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed diets supplemented with 1 g FO/kg diet, 2 g FO/kg diet, and 3 g FO/kg diet, respectively and subjected to hot temperatures. The sixth group was fed the basal diet, received 500 mg of paracetamol per liter of drinking water, and subjected to hot temperatures. Hot temperature conditions (36 ± 0.5 °C) was applied for 6 h/day from the 22nd to the 25th day of the feeding period. The feeding period lasted for 35 days. The results showed that FO supplementation improved the body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to those in the PS CON and paracetamol groups. The growth hormone concentrations increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and the paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups and the paracetamol TRTs. The serum TAC increased in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The serum activity of CAT and SOD increased in the 3 and 2 g FO/kg TRTs and the paracetamol TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum MDA concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The IL1β and IFN-α concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented and paracetamol groups compared to those in the PS CON groups. The HSP70 concentration was the highest in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The immune expression of IL1-β and TGF-β in the liver tissues was downregulated in the FO-supplemented groups, especially the FO3 group, compared to those in the PS CON group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FO increased the broiler chickens’ growth more than that in the PS CON and paracetamol groups under hot temperatures. Fennel oil supplementation (3 g/kg diet) can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler chickens’ antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is more prevalent and severe in women with overweight or obesity. This study evaluated the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention—comprising supervised exercise, a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, and optional meal replacement—on lymphedema outcomes in this population. Methods: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 112 women with BCRL and BMI 25–40 kg/m² were assigned to an intervention group—receiving supervised resistance and aerobic training, dietary counseling, and optional high-protein meal replacement—or to a control group with standard advice. The primary outcome was change in affected limb volume at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included morphofunctional parameters, muscle strength, dietary intake, and serum levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α). Analyses also explored outcomes according to whether participants achieved ≥ 5% weight loss. Results: Ninety-four participants completed the trial (intervention n = 43, control n = 51). At 6 months, women who achieved ≥5% weight loss had greater reductions in affected limb volume (−664.9 ± 362.1 mL vs. −395.6 ± 596.9 mL). The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in BMI (−1.14 ± 1.22 kg/m²), waist circumference (−3.59 ± 4.6 cm), triceps skinfold (−4.61 ± 3.02 mm), fat mass (−2.38 ± 2.75 kg), extracellular water (−0.58 ± 0.85 L), and quadriceps strength (+7.1 ± 9.7 kg). No significant changes were observed in circulating cytokines. Conclusions: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, a structured dietary and exercise intervention improved morphofunctional outcomes in overweight women with BCRL. Weight loss of ≥5% emerged as a potentially relevant therapeutic target that may inform the design of future studies aimed at optimizing lymphedema management. Full article

Glacial-lake outburst floods (GLOFs) threaten more than three million residents of south-east Kazakhstan, yet quantitative data on lake growth and storage are scarce. We inventoried 154 lakes on the northern flank of the Ile-Alatau and selected four moraine-dammed basins with the greatest historical flood activity for detailed study. Annual lake outlines (2016–2023) were extracted from 3 m PlanetScope imagery with a Normalised Difference Water Index workflow, while late-ablation echo-sounder surveys (2023–2024) yielded sub-metre bathymetric grids. A regionally calibrated area–volume power law translated each shoreline to water storage, and field volumes served as an independent accuracy check. The lakes display divergent trajectories. Rapid thermokarst development led to a 37% increase in the surface area of Lake 13bis, expanding from 0.039 km² to 0.054 km² over a 5-year period. In contrast, engineering-induced drawdown resulted in a 44% reduction in the area of Lake 6, from 0.019 km² to 0.011 km². Lakes 5 and 2, which are supplied by actively retreating glaciers, exhibited surface area increases of 4.8% and 15%, expanding from 0.077 km² to 0.088 km² and from 0.061 km² to 0.070 km², respectively. The empirical model reproduces field volumes to within ±25% for four lakes, confirming its utility for rapid hazard screening, but overestimates storage in low-relief basins and underestimates artificially drained lakes. This is the first study in Ile-Alatau to fuse daily 3 m multispectral imagery with ground-truth bathymetry, delivering an 8-year, volume-resolved record of lake evolution. The results identify Lake 5 and Lake 2 as priority targets for early-warning systems and demonstrate that sustained intervention can effectively suppress GLOF risk. Incorporating these storage trajectories into regional disaster plans will sharpen evacuation mapping, optimise resource allocation, and inform transboundary water-hazard policy under accelerating climate change. Full article

Objective: This study aims to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese herbal formula RuHaoDaShi (RHDS) granules against the influenza virus in experimental models. Methods: This study aims to employ network pharmacology to identify the active components of RHDS and its potential targets and mechanisms of action against H1N1. The molecular docking approach validated the interactions between the core targets and the RHDS compounds. In vitro, the antiviral activity of RHDS was assessed by therapeutic, prophylactic, and premixed administration to H1N1-infected A549 cells. An in vivo experiment was conducted using a mouse H1N1 pneumonia model. The model was treated with a dose of 1.04, 2.08, and 4.16 g/kg of RHDS, administered via gavage daily. The study’s objective was to evaluate the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of RHDS in mice. Mice were evaluated on day 6 by assessing survival, viral load (RT-qPCR), lung pathology (HE staining), inflammatory cytokines (ELISA, immunohistochemistry), and ferroptosis markers (WB, qPCR). Results: Network pharmacology identified 77 biologically active RHDS compounds (e.g., quercetin and kaempferol) and 32 core targets common to RHDS, H1N1, and ferroptosis. Molecular docking was used to verify a high affinity for binding between the core targets HIF-1α, MAPK3, and key RHDS compounds. In vitro studies demonstrated that RHDS exhibited protective properties against H1N1-infected cells, with the therapeutic delivery method proving the most efficacious. In vivo studies have shown that RHDS reduces mortality, lung index, and viral load in mice while attenuating histopathological damage. The study demonstrated a reduction in the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, and decreased expression levels of MPO and F4/80 proteins in lung tissue. Mechanistically, the administration of RHDS resulted in the up-regulation of the expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2 proteins while concomitantly inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α, COX2, and ACSL4. These findings confirm the modulatory effect of RHDS on the GPX4/SLC7A11/Nrf2 pathway. Conclusions: RHDS demonstrated a protective effect against H1N1-induced cytopathy in vitro and was effective in attenuating H1N1-induced pneumonia in murine models. The study suggests that RHDS has antiviral potential to treat H1N1 viral pneumonia by modulating inflammatory cytokines and the GPX4/SLC7A11/Nrf2 pathway. Full article

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is implicated in cardiovascular disease in healthy adults and after transplantation, but analyses in people living with HIV (PLWH) are difficult as almost all have CMV co-infections. Here, we address whether coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with levels of CMV-reactive antibodies or with sensitivity to inflammation associated with CMV. PLWH stable on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a recent diagnosis of CAD were matched with PLWH without CAD. Plasma samples stored at the time of the CAD event and 6, 12, 24 or 36 months earlier (n = 34–55 per group) were used for analyses. Antibodies reactive with a lysate from CMV infected cells were quantitated using an in-house ELISA, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed using commercial kits. Bivariate analyses demonstrated similar levels of CMV antibodies in PLWH with and without CAD at all time points (p > 0.5). However, in PLWH with CAD, levels of CMV antibody correlated directly with plasma sCD14, LBP, CXCL10 and/or IL-6 at the earlier points. These correlations were not impacted by detectable plasma HIV RNA. Our findings suggest that individual differences in sensitivity to the inflammatory effects of CMV impact upon the development of CAD. Full article

Pinus yunnanensis is an essential tree species in southwest China. However, its genetic degeneration problem urgently needs to be addressed. Decapitation promotes seedling propagation primarily by disrupting apical dominance, triggering hormonal changes that stimulate lateral bud growth. To investigate the response of hormones and photosynthetic pigments in P. yunnanensis to decapitation at different seedling ages, seedlings aged 6, 10, 14, 18, and 30 months were used as materials to carry out unified decapitation treatment, and the dynamics of photosynthetic pigments, changes in endogenous hormones, and their relationship with tillering ability were analyzed. The results showed that the photosynthetic pigments were higher in younger decapitated seedlings than in older ones, and carotenoids showed an upward trend with time. Additionally, decapitation significantly altered the balance of endogenous hormones, including the contents of GAs, ABA, SA, JA, JA-Ile, and ACC. The GA₃ and ABA contents in the middle-aged decapitated seedlings of P. yunnanensis were higher. The seedlings with older decapitation ages showed higher contents of IAA, SA, and JA. Overall, seedlings with different decapitation ages exhibit significant differences in their responses to decapitation, as indicated by variations in photosynthetic pigments and hormones. This research elucidated the optimal decapitation age for P. yunnanensis, providing a theoretical foundation for establishing efficient decapitation nurseries and promoting near-natural propagation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) are frequently co-existing eosinophilic disorders related to type 2 inflammation, which significantly impair the quality of life of patients. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4 receptor alpha and anti-IL-13, has demonstrated a promising profile of efficacy and safety in the treatment of CRSwNP; however, evidence on its role in concomitant EOM and CRSwNP remains limited in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of dupilumab in patients with concomitant CRSwNP and EOM over a six-month observational period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on twenty-two patients (aged 18–75 years) over six months with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP and confirmed refractory EOM who were treated with dupilumab (300 mg every two weeks). Demographic data are collected, and outcome measures included Nasal Polyp Score (NPS), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Visual Analog Scale for nasal congestion (VAS), tympanogram classification, and Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test (COMOT-15), evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Results: Over the six-month treatment period, patients with coexisting CRSwNP and eosinophilic otitis media experienced significant improvements across the multiple validated clinical and patient-reported outcome measures. The Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) significantly decreased from a median of 5.7 (IQR: 1.2) at baseline to 1.5 (IQR: 1.3) at six months (p < 0.0001). The SNOT-22 showed a substantial decline from a median of 77.6 (IQR: 19.0) to 21.5 (IQR: 13.4), p < 0.0001. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for nasal congestion improved significantly from 8.4 (IQR: 1.1) to 1.7 (IQR: 1.2), p < 0.0001. Tympanogram scores improved from Tympanogram type “B” to Tympanogram type “A” (p = 0.018). COMOT-15 scale decreased from a median of 51.3 (IQR: 8.4) to 19.2 (IQR: 5.0) (p < 0.0001). Peripheral eosinophil counts remained unchanged or increased (baseline 0.80 vs. 0.84 cells/μL at six months, (p = 0.834)). Conclusions: Dupilumab treatment in patients with CRSwNP and EOM led to significant clinical improvements in sinonasal symptoms, middle ear function, and quality of life over six months, with no significant change in peripheral eosinophilia. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to establish a transgenic mouse model expressing nucleus-localized human α-synuclein (α-syn) to investigate its impact on the central nervous system and behavior and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods: A nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was added to the end of the human SNCA (hSNCA) gene. Subsequently, an empty vector and a mammalian lentiviral vector of the hSNCA-NLS were constructed. Transgenic mice were generated via microinjection, with genotyping and protein expression confirmed by PCR and western blotting. Only male mice were used in subsequent behavioral and molecular experiments. Immunofluorescence identified the colocalization of human α-syn with the cell nucleus in mouse brain tissues. Behavioral changes in transgenic mice were assessed using open field, rotarod, and O-maze tests. qPCR and Western blotting detected expression levels of genes and proteins related to inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and apoptosis. Bulk RNA sequencing was used to screen for differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways. Results: We successfully constructed a transgenic mouse model expressing human α-syn. Human α-syn was widely expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain of the mice, with distinct nuclear localization observed. Behavioral assessments demonstrated that, by 2 months of age, the mice exhibited motor dysfunction alongside astrocyte proliferation and neuroinflammation. At 6 months, the elevated expression of ERS-related genes (ATF6, PERK, and IRE1) and activation of the PERK-Beclin1-LC3II pathway indicated progressive ERS. By 9 months, apoptotic events had occurred, accompanied by significant anxiety-like behaviors. Bulk RNA sequencing further identified key differentially expressed genes, including IL-1α, TNF, PERK, BECLIN, GABA, IL-6α, P53, LC3II, NOS, and SPAG, suggesting their involvement in the observed pathological and behavioral phenotypes. Conclusions: The nuclear localization human α-syn transgenic mice were successfully established. These findings demonstrate that nucleus-localized α-syn induces early motor deficits, which are likely mediated by neuroinflammation, whereas later anxiety-like behaviors may result from ERS-induced apoptosis. This model provides a valuable tool for elucidating the role of nuclear α-syn in Parkinson’s disease and supports further mechanistic and therapeutic research. Full article

Background: Glaesserella parasuis (GPS) is a conditional pathogen that colonizes the upper respiratory tract in pigs and causes Glässer’s disease, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in piglets. GPS infection increases the vascular endothelial permeability, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Luteolin (Lut) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in plants such as vegetables, herbs, and fruits, but its potential to treat the increased vascular endothelial permeability caused by GPS infection has not been evaluated. Results: This study revealed that GPS infection induces increased vascular endothelial permeability in porcine iliac artery endothelial cells (PIECs) by increasing the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-1β, and by regulating F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Mechanistically, GPS infection or Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) overexpression significantly increased the expressions of vascular-endothelial-permeability-related proteins (CD44; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA); matrixmetalloProteinase-3 (MMP-3); MMP-9; and SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Src)) and increased the vascular endothelial permeability; these changes were alleviated by a Lut treatment or CD44 silencing in the PIECs. Conclusions: This study comprehensively illustrates the potential targets and molecular mechanism of Lut in alleviating the GPS-induced increase in vascular endothelial permeability. The CD44 pathway and Lut may be an effective target and antibiotic alternative, respectively, to prevent the increased vascular endothelial permeability caused by GPS. Full article

Background: Cirrhosis represents an advanced stage of hepatic fibrosis, and the metabolic changes resulting from liver dysfunction can cause impairment in physical capacity and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance exercise on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, physical conditioning, and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 38 patients paired in the exercise (EG) and control (CG) groups participated in this study. The EG submitted to two weekly sessions of a program composed of resistance exercises. We evaluated the inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), oxidative stress (carbonylated protein, total thiols, enzyme superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity), body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), total volume of training, cardiorespiratory capacity (VO₂, VCO₂, and VE_peak), exercise capacity, and quality of life. Results: Regarding the EG, when comparing the follow-up period to the baseline, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in BMI, HGS, total training volume, cardiorespiratory capacity variables, the 6 min walk test, and quality of life. Improvements were observed, without significant differences, in the inflammatory profile, oxidative stress, and one of the markers of liver function. The CG showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in HGS and cardiorespiratory capacity after the intervention. Conclusions: In patients with liver cirrhosis, a resistance exercise program improved physical fitness and quality of life, without adverse events. In addition, it seems that this type of training can bring some benefit to the inflammatory profile and oxidative stress of this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiolabeled interleukin-2 (IL2) could allow for imaging activated T-lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The aims of this study were to assess the shelf life of a lyophilized kit containing THP-desIL2 to allow for the labeling of IL2 with ⁶⁸Ga at room temperature and to test the in vitro binding of ⁶⁸Ga-THP-desIL2 on different T-cell populations in order to determine which specific T-cell subset expresses the CD25 subunit of the IL2 receptor (IL2R). Methods: desIL2 was conjugated with THP and lyophilized. ⁶⁸Ga labeling was performed and several quality controls, including HPLC, iTLC and SDS-PAGE, were carried out at different storage times (1, 3 and 6 months) and temperatures (4 °C and −80 °C). Moreover, flow cytometric analysis on different T-cell populations and the in vitro and competitive binding of ⁶⁸Ga-THP-desIL2 were performed. Results: The lyophilized kit of THP-desIL2 was stable up to 6 months at −80 °C, preserving its sterility, integrity and acceptable values of labeling yield (51.80 ± 3.74%), radiochemical purity (>96%) and specific activity (5.59 ± 0.40 MBq/µg). Binding of ⁶⁸Ga-THP-desIL2 on activated lymphocytes was specific and exhibited a low dissociation constant from IL2R on stimulated Tregs (Kd: 10⁻⁹–10⁻¹⁰ mol/L). Conclusions: We assessed the shelf life of a lyophilized kit containing THP-desIL2 for the easy labeling of IL2 with ⁶⁸Ga at room temperature. The kit can be stored at −80 °C up to 6 months, thus facilitating the adoption of ⁶⁸Ga-THP-desIL2 into clinical practice. ⁶⁸Ga-THP-desIL2 showed high affinity and specificity for CD25 on activated T-lymphocytes, particularly Tregs, thus opening new opportunities for imaging immune cells trafficking in the TME. Full article

Long COVID is a persistent post-viral syndrome with the significant involvement of both the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, often extending well beyond the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging evidence has highlighted a spectrum of chronic alterations, including endothelial dysfunction, microvascular inflammation, perivascular fibrosis, and in some cases, the persistence of viral components in the cardiac and pulmonary tissues. At the molecular level, a sustained inflammatory milieu—characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6)—and chronic platelet hyperreactivity contribute to a prothrombotic state. These mechanisms are implicated in microvascular damage, cardiac strain, and impaired gas exchange, correlating with clinical manifestations such as fatigue, dyspnea, chest discomfort, and reduced exercise capacity. In certain patients, especially those who were not hospitalized during the acute phase, cardiac MRI and myocardial biopsy may reveal signs of myocardial inflammation and autonomic dysregulation. These often subclinical cardiovascular alterations underscore the need for improved diagnostic strategies, integrating molecular and histopathological markers during post-COVID evaluations. Recognizing persistent inflammatory and thrombotic activity may inform risk stratification and individualized therapeutic approaches. The interdependence between pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care. In this context, molecular and tissue-based diagnostics play a pivotal role in elucidating the long-term cardio-pulmonary sequelae of long COVID and guiding targeted interventions. Early identification and structured follow-up are essential to mitigate the burden of chronic complications in affected individuals. Full article