Search Results (157)

Background/Objectives: This study developed a targeted drug delivery nanoplatform for treating HER2-positive breast cancer. The nanoplatform encapsulated two hydrophobic anticancer agents, neratinib (NTB) and docetaxel (DTX), within nanoparticles (DTX+NTB−NP) functionalized for conjugation to trastuzumab to form trastuzumab-tagged nanoparticles (TRZ−NP). Trastuzumab is a HER2-specific monoclo-nal antibody that binds to HER2 receptors, blocking signal transduction and inducing an-tibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Upon receptor-mediated endocytosis, neratinib inhibits cytosolic HER2 signaling, while docetaxel disrupts mitotic cell division, collectively leading to tumor cell death. Methods: Nanoparticles were fabricated by the nanoprecipitation technique, followed by surface modification with a crosslinker and a targeting moiety. DTX+NTB−NP, TRZ−NP, and singly loaded nanoparticles (NTB−NP and DTX−NP) were characterized and their effects evaluated in HER2-positive cancer cell line and xenograft model. Results: In vitro antiproliferation assay in SKBR-3 cell line re-veals a dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity. There was no significant difference in cyto-toxicity observed between DTX+NTB−NP and its free form (DTX+NTB) [p = 0.9172], and between TRZ−NP and its free form (TRZ+DTX+NTB) [p = 0.6750]. However, TRZ−NP, at half the concentration of the singly loaded nanoparticles, significantly reduced the viabil-ity of SKBR-3 cells compared to pure trastuzumab (TRZ) [p < 0.001], NTB−NP [p = 0.0019], and DTX−NP [p = 0.0002]. In vivo evaluation in female athymic nude mice showed sig-nificant log relative tumor volume (%) reduction in groups treated with TRZ−NP and DTX+NTB−NP compared to PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) controls (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Notably, TRZ−NP demonstrated a statistically significant regression in the log relative tumor volume (%) compared to DTX+NTB−NP (p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential and suitability of these nanoplatforms for the precise and controlled targeting of HER2-positive tumors. This study is the first to synchronize the delivery of multiple agents-docetaxel, neratinib, and trastuzumab-within a nanoparticle system for treating HER2-positive tumors, offering a promising strategy to enhance treatment outcomes for HER2 positive breast cancer patients. Full article

This paper is a case study of the Tang-dynasty Gilded Silver “Bodhisattva Holding up the True Body” (peng zhenshen pusa 捧真身菩薩) Statue (dated 871) excavated from the relic crypt of the Famen Temple pagoda in Fufeng 扶風 County, Shanxi 陝西. Commissioned to commemorate Emperor Yizong 懿宗’s 39th birthday, the statue was designed both to support the Buddha’s relic and to express a wish for the emperor’s longevity. Most strikingly, the Bodhisattva is seated on a three-layered pedestal richly adorned with esoteric Buddhist images and Siddhaṃ scripts. Departing from previous Buddhalogical approaches, this paper suggests that the Famen Temple statue did not serve to illustrate a specific maṇḍala, theological doctrine, or scripture. Instead, together with the five miniature garments interred underneath it, the statue draws upon esoteric ritual technology—particularly the Three Siddhi mantras—as well as cosmological, botanical, and embryological imagery to create a soteriological matrix of bodily transformation for the intended beneficiaries. By situating the object within the historical circumstances and religious practices of the late Tang imperial court, this study illuminates the statue’s conceptual design, symbolic significance, and intended function—namely, to address the patrons’ concerns with spiritual salvation and the renewal of life after death. Full article

During pregnancy, uterine circulation undergoes profound structural and functional adaptations to accommodate the dramatically increased metabolic demands of the growing fetus. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation have emerged as central regulators both physiologically, to drive vascular remodeling and angiogenesis, and pathologically, when dysregulated, to promote endothelial dysfunction, maladaptive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and heightened arterial stiffness. This review synthesizes insights into the molecular sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the uterine vasculature, endothelial and immune-mediated inflammatory pathways, the bidirectional crosstalk between OS and inflammation, and their combined impact on vascular stiffness. We further discuss clinical implications for conditions such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), highlight circulating and imaging biomarkers of redox–inflammatory imbalance, and evaluate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies. Finally, we identify critical knowledge gaps and propose future research directions aimed at translating mechanistic understanding into personalized maternal–fetal care. For this narrative review, we searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify all human and animal studies investigating OS and inflammation on uterine vasculature remodeling during pregnancy. Full article

Anxiety has become an important issue affecting students’ mental health. There is some evidence that mindfulness-based art interventions (MBAIs) can reduce students’ anxiety symptoms. However, some studies have shown the opposite view. Therefore, it is necessary to explore whether MBAIs are effective in alleviating students’ anxiety. In this meta-analysis, we chose 17 articles that met the criteria for inclusion, involving a total of 1548 participants, to figure out how big an impact the interventions had on student anxiety as a whole. The results show that MBAIs can reduce students’ anxiety (g = −0.387, p = 0.000). The effect size varies based on different moderators, including learning stage, sample size, intervention type, research design, measuring instrument, and intervention duration. Intervention type, research design, and measuring instrument are significant moderators. Specifically, the mindfulness-based art intervention (MBAI) showed stronger effects than the mandala coloring activity. Single-group experimental designs showed significantly higher effect sizes than studies that included a control group, and studies that used other measurement instruments had significantly higher effect sizes than those that used the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. On this basis, the researchers put forward specific suggestions based on MBAIs to alleviate the anxiety of students from different educational backgrounds. However, due to the nascent nature of this field, the number of included articles is relatively small. The effectiveness of the research needs further testing. Full article

This study aimed to develop novel oleogels using whey protein (WP) and bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW) to expand the potential applications of spent coffee grounds oil (SCGO). An emulsion-templated approach was employed to structure SCGO with varying WP:SCGO ratios, while the incorporation of BCNW was evaluated as a potential stabilizing and reinforcing agent. All oleogels behaved as “true” gels (tan δ < 0.1). Rheological analysis revealed that higher WP content significantly increased gel strength, indicating enhanced structural integrity and deformation resistance. The addition of BCNW had a significant reinforcing effect in oleogels with a higher oil content (WP:SCGO 1:5), while its influence was less evident in formulations with lower oil content (WP:SCGO 1:2.5). Notably, depending on the WP:SCGO ratio, the storage modulus (G′) data showed that the oleogels resembled both hard (WP:SCGO 1:2.5) and soft (WP:SCGO 1:5) solid fats, highlighting their potential as fat replacers in a wide range of food applications. Consequently, this study presents a sustainable approach to structuring SCGO while tailoring its rheological behavior, aligning with global efforts to reduce food waste and develop sustainable food products. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Serratus Anterior Muscle Pain Syndrome (SAMPS) is an underdiagnosed cause of anterior chest wall pain, often attributed to myofascial trigger points of the serratus anterior muscle (SAM) or dysfunction of the Long Thoracic Nerve (LTN), leading to significant disability and affecting ipsilateral upper limb movement and quality of life. Current diagnosis relies on exclusion and physical examination, with limited treatment options beyond conservative approaches. This case report presents a novel approach to chronic SAMPS, successfully diagnosed using Sonoguided Digital Palpation (SDP) and treated with ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the LTN using 5% dextrose in water (D5W) without local anesthetic (LA), in a patient where conventional treatments had failed. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old male presented with a three-year history of persistent left chest pain radiating to the upper back, exacerbated by activity and mimicking cardiac pain. His medical history included two percutaneous coronary interventions. Physical examination revealed tenderness along the anterior axillary line and a positive hyperirritable spot at the mid axillary line at the 5th rib level. SDP was used to visualize the serratus anterior fascia (SAF) and LTN, and to reproduce the patient’s concordant pain by palpating the LTN. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the LTN was then performed using 20–30cc of D5W without LA to separate the nerve from the surrounding tissues, employing a “fascial unzipping” technique. The patient reported immediate pain relief post-procedure, with the pain reducing from 9/10 to 1/10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and sustained relief and functional improvement at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Sonoguided Digital Palpation (SDP) of the LTN can serve as a valuable diagnostic adjunct for visualizing and diagnosing SAMPS. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the LTN with D5W without LA may provide a promising and safe treatment option for patients with chronic SAMPS refractory to conservative management, resulting in rapid and sustained pain relief. Further research, including controlled trials, is warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and generalizability of these findings and to compare D5W to other injectates. Full article

This study explored the potential of chitosan (CH)/bacterial cellulose (BC) complexes (0.5% w/v) as novel emulsifiers to stabilize oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsions (20% v/v sunflower oil), with a focus on their gel-like behavior. Emulsions were prepared using CH combined with BNC derived via H₂SO₄ (BNC1) or H₂SO₄-HCl (BNC2) hydrolysis. Increasing BNC content improved stability by reducing phase separation and enhancing viscosity, while CH contributed interfacial activity and electrostatic stabilization. CH/BNC1_25:75 emulsions showed the highest stability, maintaining an emulsion stability index (ESI) of up to 100% after 3 days, with minimal change in droplet size (R_h ~8.5–8.8 μm) and a positive ζ-potential (15.1–29.8 mV), as confirmed by dynamic/electrophoretic light scattering. pH adjustment to 4 and 10 had little effect on their ESI, while ionic strength studies showed that 0.1 M NaCl caused only a slight increase in droplet size combined with the highest ζ-potential (−35.2 mV). Higher salt concentrations led to coalescence and disruption of their gel-like structure. Rheological analysis of CH/BNC1_25:75 emulsions revealed shear-thinning behavior and dominant elastic properties (G′ > G″), indicating a soft gel network. Incorporating sunflower-seed protein isolates into CH/BNC1 (25:75) emulsions led to coacervate formation (three-layer system), characterized by a decrease in droplet size and an increase in ζ-potential (up to 32.8 mV) over 7 days. These findings highlight CH/BNC complexes as sustainable stabilizers for food-grade Pickering emulsions, supporting the development of biopolymer-based emulsifiers aligned with bioeconomy principles. Full article

In this paper we explore ChatGPT’s ability to produce a summary, a precis, and/or an essay on the basis of excerpts from a novel—The Solid Mandala—by Nobel Prize Australian writer Patrick White. We use a number of prompts to test a number of functions related to narrative analysis from the point of view of the “sujet”, the “fable”, and the style. In the paper, we illustrate extensively a number of recurrent semantic mistakes that can badly harm the understanding of the contents of the novel. We made a list of 12 different types of semantic mistakes or parrotting we found GPT made, which can be regarded as typical for stochastic-based generation. We then tested Gemini for the same 12 mistakes and found a marked improvement in all critical key issues. The conclusion for ChatGPT is mostly negative. We formulate an underlying hypothesis for its worse performance, the influence of vocabulary size, which in Gemini is seven times higher than in GPT. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing evidence suggesting that their origins may lie in prenatal life. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA), have been implicated in the alteration of fetal programming mechanisms that cause a predisposition to long-term cardiovascular vulnerability. However, the impact of prenatal endocrine disruption on fetal heart development and its sex-specific nature remains incompletely understood. This study investigates the molecular and structural effects of low-dose prenatal BPA exposure on fetal rat hearts. Our results reveal that BPA disrupts estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in a sex-dependent manner, with distinct alterations in ERα, ERβ, and GPER expression. BPA exposure also triggers significant inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis; this is evidenced by elevated NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, as well as impaired antioxidant defenses (SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and SELENOT), increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and protein oxidation, decreased GPX4, and increased ACSL4 levels. These alterations are accompanied by increased markers of cardiac distension (ANP, BNP), extracellular matrix remodeling mediators, and pro-fibrotic regulators (Col1A1, Col3A1, TGF-β, and CTGF), with a more pronounced response in males. Histological analyses corroborated these molecular findings, revealing structural alterations as well as glycogen depletion in male fetal hearts, consistent with altered cardiac morphogenesis and metabolic stress. These effects were milder in females, reinforcing the notion of sex-specific vulnerability. Moreover, prenatal BPA exposure affected myocardial fiber architecture and vascular remodeling in a sex-dependent manner, as evidenced by reduced expression of desmin alongside increased levels of CD34 and Ki67. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the crucial role of prenatal endocrine disruption during fetal heart development and its contribution to the early origins of CVD, underscoring the urgent need for targeted preventive strategies and further research into the functional impact of BPA-induced alterations on postnatal cardiac function and long-term disease susceptibility. Full article

Indonesia’s commitment to digital transformation is exemplified by the Gerakan 100 Smart City program, aiming to enhance public sector performance through technology integration. This study examines how information technology capability and 21st century digital skills influence public sector performance, mediated by managerial digital readiness and moderated by digital leadership. Grounded in Dynamic Capability Theory and Upper Echelon Theory, data from 1380 civil servants were analyzed using PLS-SEM via SmartPLS 4.1.0.9. Results show that both IT capability and digital skills significantly improve managerial digital readiness, which in turn positively impacts public sector performance. Managerial readiness mediates the effect of both predictors on performance, while digital leadership strengthens these relationships. Theoretically, this study frames managerial digital readiness as a dynamic capability shaped by leadership cognition. Practically, it highlights the importance of aligning infrastructure, skills, and leadership development to advance digital governance. Future research should consider longitudinal, multilevel, and qualitative designs to deepen insights. Full article

In this study, we explored the development and characterization of fungus-immobilized foamed bacterial cellulose (FBC) scaffolds using Pleurotus ostreatus and Aspergillus oryzae. FBC, a porous biomaterial with high structural integrity and resistance to enzymatic degradation, served as a three-dimensional matrix for fungal cultivation. The results indicated effective fungal immobilization, with the 1% A. oryzae-immobilized FBC group (FBC/1A) achieving the highest production yield. The water content (97%) and swelling behavior (95.9%) analyses revealed that P. ostreatus-immobilized FBC maintained high hydration levels and rehydration capacities, whereas A. oryzae immobilization led to slightly reduced water retention. Morphological assessments via SEM confirmed the presence of fungal-derived fibers integrated with native cellulose structures, suggesting successful immobilization. A thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability in fungus-immobilized FBC, particularly in the A. oryzae group, while FTIR spectra suggested possible structural alterations induced by fungal activity. Collectively, these findings support the potential of fungal-immobilized FBC as a robust, biodegradable material with promising applications in biotechnology and sustainable material development. Full article

Guomari fortress in eastern Qinghai Province exemplifies vernacular architecture shaped by multiethnic interaction, environmental adaptation, and localized defense strategies. Originally a Ming Dynasty military-agricultural outpost, it evolved into a Tu ethnic settlement. Fieldwork, including architectural surveys and spatial analysis, identified a three-tiered defensive system: (1) strategic use of terrain and rammed-earth walls; (2) labyrinthine alleys with L-, T-, and cross-shaped intersections; and (3) interconnected rooftops forming elevated circulation routes. Courtyards are categorized into single-line, L-shaped, U-shaped, and fully enclosed layouts, reflecting adaptations to terrain, ritual functions, and thermal needs. Architectural features such as thick loam-coated walls and flat roofs demonstrate climatic adaptation, while the integration of Han timber frameworks, Tibetan prayer halls, and Tu decorative elements reveals cultural convergence. Traditional craftsmanship, including carved wooden scripture blocks and tsampa-based murals, is embedded within domestic and ritual spaces. The fortress’s circulation patterns mirror Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, with mandala-like alleys and rooftop circumambulation routes. These findings offer insights into vernacular resilience and inform conservation strategies for multiethnic fortified settlements. Full article

Urban areas are characterized by growing populations and industrial and economic sectors. This leads to trends of increasing hazardous wastes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of hazardous waste risks in several districts in urban Jakarta for the years 2021 and 2022. The results confirmed that, from 2021 to 2022, there were increases in hazardous-waste-producing sites and particular sectors, and decreases in the amount of hazardous waste produced. From 2021 to 2022, the hazardous-waste-producing sectors increased by 55.96%, and the total hazardous waste amount across Jakarta decreased from 644,999.93 tons in 2021 to 521,036.75 tons in 2022. The hazardous-waste-producing sectors were mostly in North and East Jakarta, and there were trends of new hazardous-waste-producing sectors emerging in West and South Jakarta districts from 2021 to 2022. The hazardous-waste-producing sectors were dominated by the manufacturing sectors and emerging healthcare sector. From 2021 to 2022, the hazardous waste trends shifted from industrial to medicinal wastes, and the risks shifted from corrosive, explosive, and toxic to infectious risks. The risk levels of urban Jakarta based on hazardous waste risk scores fall into the medium levels. Based on the spatial statistical analyses, Moran’s I, and LISA, the hazardous waste sites and high amounts of waste in 2021 tended to be clustered in North, East, and West Jakarta, while in 2022, this cluster tended to be dispersed. Full article

Objective: Early diagnosis and treatment of metastatic pericardial disease are crucial to prevent the life-threatening complication of cardiac tamponade. Thin Layer Cytology (TLC), a widely adopted technique in cytology, has gained significant acceptance for most specimens. Our study aimed to assess the utility of TLC in diagnosing metastatic neoplasms and their origins in pericardial effusions, as well as monitoring response to chemotherapy. Methods: We examined 184 pericardial fluids collected by pericardiocentesis and processed using the ThinPrep liquid-based technique. Various immunocytochemical markers were used to determine the site of metastatic neoplasms. We also evaluated the response to therapy in 53 patients with lung and breast cancer. Results: Out of 184 specimens, 113 pericardial fluids were diagnosed as positive for malignancy, while 71 were negative. Twenty-three cases of unknown primary site were included in the total positive cases. Ninety cases positive for malignancy had a known primary site of origin, including 31 lung carcinomas, 22 breast carcinomas, 10 ovarian carcinomas, 6 T-cell lymphomas, 3 urinary bladder carcinomas, 4 renal carcinomas, 5 adenocarcinomas of the colon, 5 prostate carcinomas, 2 parotid adenocarcinomas, and 2 melanomas. Regarding the 53 cases with chemotherapy treatment, the cytologic examination of pericardial fluid showed a remarkable reduction in neoplastic burden after the third dose of cisplatin or thiotepa instilled into the pericardial cavity. ThinPrep provided excellent preservation of cytomorphological features, high cellularity per slide, and a clear background. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial information about the types and distribution of cancerous cells present in the samples. Conclusions: Thin Layer Cytology (TLC) is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting metastatic pericardial malignancy. It allows the examination of exfoliated cells from the pericardial fluid, providing crucial information for diagnosis, management, and monitoring the acute responsiveness to intrapericardial chemotherapy. Immunocytochemistry (IHC) can identify specific markers for various types of cancer, enabling a more accurate diagnosis and guiding further treatment decisions. Full article

Accurate delineation of ECG signals is critical for effective cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. However, previous studies indicate that models developed for specific datasets and environments perform poorly when used with varying ECG signal morphology characteristics. This paper presents a novel approach to ECG signal delineation using a multi-layer filter (MLF) combined with a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) model, namely iCOR. The proposed iCOR architecture enhances noise removal and feature extraction, resulting in improved classification of the P-QRS-T-wave morphology with a simpler model. Our method is evaluated on a combination of two standard ECG databases, the Lobachevsky University Electrocardiography Database (LUDB) and QT Database (QTDB). It can be observed that the classification performance for unseen sets of LUDB datasets yields above 90.4% and 98% accuracy, for record-based and beat-based approaches, respectively. Beat-based approaches outperformed the record-based approach in overall performance metric results. Similar results were shown in an unseen set of the QTDB, in which beat-based approaches performed with accuracy above 97%. These results highlight the robustness and efficacy of the iCOR model across diverse ECG signal datasets. The proposed approach offers a significant advancement in ECG signal analysis, paving the way for more reliable and precise cardiac health monitoring. Full article