Search Results (2,348)

This research introduces a synergistic photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) system designed for the effective degradation of tetracycline (TC), integrating a PO₄^3–-grafted Mo-doped BiVO₄ (PO₄^3–-Mo:BiVO₄) photoanode with a Pd-loaded ordered mesoporous carbon (Pd/CMK-3) cathode. The incorporation of Mo doping and PO₄^3– modification significantly improved the photoanode’s charge separation efficiency, achieving a photocurrent density of 2.9 mA cm⁻², and fine-tuned its band structure to enhance hydroxyl radical (·OH) generation. Meanwhile, the Pd/CMK-3 cathode promoted a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction pathway, producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and facilitating molecular oxygen activation via atomic hydrogen (H*) intermediates. Under optimized conditions—1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl of anodic potential, pH 6.58, and oxygen saturation—the combined system accomplished 80% TC degradation within 60 min, markedly surpassing the performance of the photoanode (72%) or cathode (71%) alone. Notably, this synergistic approach also reduced energy consumption to 0.0065 kWh m⁻³, outperforming individual components. Radical quenching experiments and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed that the photogenerated holes (h⁺) and ·OH were the key reactive species responsible for TC mineralization. The system demonstrated remarkable stability, with only a 2.96% decline in activity, and effectively degraded other contaminants, such as phenol, 4-chlorophenol, and ciprofloxacin. This study highlights an energy-efficient PEC strategy that harnesses the combined strengths of anodic oxidation and cathodic molecular oxygen activation to significantly enhance the removal of organic pollutants. Full article

Background: Return to work (RTW) is a fundamental aspect of recovery after stroke, importantly, for workers of working age. Evidence indicates there is little known about the clinical and systematic predictors of RTW in Hungary. We aimed to determine the independent predictors of RTW for stroke survivors using aggregate hospital data and expert opinion. Methods: A mixed-method study using aggregated national level administrative data from the Pulvita platform (the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary) and expert interpretation from the physicians who treat stroke survivors. The data analyzed 13,572 inpatient records for stroke hospitalizations from 2015–2024 across Hungarian counties. Results: Stroke severity, cognitive and psychological recovery, and presence of comorbidities were important clinical predictors of RTW. Rehabilitation intensity was greater for people aged 51–65 years, and work-age men appeared to have slightly better access to rehabilitation compared to work-aged women. Patients accessed more medical rehabilitation services than they did occupational or psychosocial services. Access to rehabilitation services may have varied geographically, with patients in counties such as Budapest and Pest having better access due to higher provider availability and cross-county patient movement. In addition, economic extrapolations from the literature on post-stroke care costs may have introduced bias in estimating annual social productivity losses, reported as EUR 19,953 per patient. Conclusions: Clinical and economic factors both impact RTW potential among stroke survivors in Hungary. Although rehabilitation intensity can indicate likelihood of RTW, the lack of a national RTW program acts as a significant barrier to RTW for stroke survivors. This study suggests a need for integrated rehabilitation and RTW systems, with associated future research linking clinical, economic, and labor market status data to develop effective and efficient policy for stroke survivors. Full article

Elevated human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels decreased in patients with CF (pwCF) in response to CFTR-specific drugs and negatively correlated with FEV1% predicted values (ppFEV1). Objectives: Although elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI, Kaftrio^®) demonstrates more substantial effectiveness than lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUM/IVA, Orkambi^®) in pwCF, plasma biomarkers have not been used to compare treatment efficacy. Hence, our aim was to correlate the change in HE4 levels and the clinical effects of these CFTR modulators (CFTRm). Methods: Serum HE4 concentrations were measured in a total of 123 pwCF homozygous for the p.Phe508del-CFTR variant before treatment and 1–6 months after either ETI or LUM/IVA administration. A correlation between serum HE4 and ppFEV1 was assessed using the Spearman test. HE4 protein levels were also analyzed in the supernatants of p.Phe508del-CFTR CFBE 41o- cells before and after treatment with these CFTRm, and their direct effect on CFTR function was monitored by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results: Serum HE4 levels were reduced below baseline after 3 months of either ETI or LUM/IVA (mean delta HE4: −38.5 vs. −18.5 pmol/L, respectively) when the mean change of ppFEV1 was 13.6 vs. 1.6% and remained decreased up to 6 months. A significant inverse correlation between HE4 and ppFEV1 was observed in both study cohorts (r = −0.537 and r = −0.575, respectively; p < 0.0001). In agreement with ex vivo results, the effect on p.Phe508del-CFTR was more pronounced by ETI than LUM/IVA in CFBE cells, showing a larger improvement in p.Phe508del-CFTR function and reductions in HE4 levels at 24 h. Conclusions: Serum HE4 negatively correlates with lung function improvement and monitors better drug efficacy in pwCF under ETI than LUM/IVA. Full article

The purpose of the present study was twofold: (i) to examine within-group differences in external load metrics during practice and official competition, and (ii) to examine between-group differences in external load metrics across the U16 and U18 levels of play. A total of thirty-six female athletes participated in the present study, of which nineteen were U16 and seventeen were U18 basketball players. The athletes wore an inertial measurement unit system (Kinexon) sampling at 20 Hz during practice and official games. The average values for each external load metric across ten practices and five games were used for performance analysis. Dependent and independent t-tests were used to examine within- and between-group statistically significant differences, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings reveal that the external load placed on the athletes during the game (e.g., distance covered, average speed, total number of accelerations and decelerations) was considerably greater than the external load during practice sessions, both on the U16 and U18 levels of play. Conversely, while the game-induced external load remained consistent across the two competitive levels, U18 players tended to spend more time and cover more distance in low-speed zones than in high-speed zones during practice, compared to their U16 counterparts, suggesting their superior movement efficiency. Full article

A continuous effort is needed to develop sustainable production methods for industrial platform chemicals. B. succiniciproducens, a natural succinic acid-producer, can metabolize five and six carbon atoms containing sugars in pure form as well as from agro-industrial wastes. In our work, we investigate the conversion of industrial by-products, apple pomace from apple juice production, and whey waste from milk processing to succinic acid and other organic acids (lactic, formic, and acetic acid). We obtained a succinic acid yield of 0.224 g/g total consumed fermentable sugars, lactic acid yield was 0.087 g/g, in turn, formic acid was produced at a 0.034 g/g yield, and acetic acid was obtained at 0.010 g/g total consumed fermentable sugars, using a thermal pretreated apple pomace-based medium. In the case of pretreated whey-based medium formulation, we obtained a succinic acid yield of 0.236 g/g consumed lactose, while formic acid and acetic acid were produced as well (0.09 g/g and 0.101 g/g, respectively). We demonstrate that lactose is a promising carbon source for organic acid production by B. succiniciproducens, while our study is the first to propose the use of a similarly available agro-industrial by-product, apple pomace, for the fermentative production of succinic acid by B. succiniciproducens. Full article

Background/Objectives: To prevent flap failure, adequate tissue perfusion and effective regenerative processes, undisturbed wound healing are essential, among others. To improve wound healing, various locally and systematically administered pharmacons can be used. This study investigated the effect of PACAP 1-38 (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) and BGP-15 (a nicotinic amidoxime derivative) on the healing of epigastric fasciocutaneous flaps exposed to ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (no substance), PACAP 1-38, and BGP-15 groups. Groin flaps were prepared bilaterally. The left flap was exposed to 120 min of ischemia prior to suturing it back. We applied wound gels containing substances. Laboratory tests (hematology, erythrocyte deformability, and aggregation) were performed before surgery on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days. Lastly, flap skin samples were taken for histological and tensile strength measurements. Results: Impaired erythrocyte deformability and enhanced aggregation were found because of flap I/R. The pharmacons were able to reduce the systemic micro-rheological impairment to varying degrees. The tensile strength increased in the areas of better perfusion. Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory effects of PACAP 1-38 and BPG-15, as well as the impact of PACAP 1-38 on collagen and elastic fiber composition, have been demonstrated. Full article

Background and objective: Minimally invasive interventions, including irreversible electroporation (IRE), cryoablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), offer promising alternatives for the treatment of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the oncological efficacy and safety of these treatments. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Central, and EMBASE was conducted up to 5 January 2025, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Recurrence, complication, survival, biochemical, and retreatment rates were evaluated, with risk of bias assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tools. Results: 85 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 42 prospective cohort studies, 36 retrospective cohort studies, six registries, and one randomized controlled trial. Whole-gland HIFU showed significantly lower recurrence (15%) and postoperative mean PSA levels (0.68 ng/mL) than focal HIFU (24%, 2.81 ng/mL). Recurrence rates were similar for focal vs. extended IRE (30% vs. 26%) and focal vs. whole-gland cryoablation (18% vs. 13%). In-field and out-of-field recurrence rates were similar across treatment modalities (5–15%). Retreatment rates were low, with 6–7% of patients receiving a second ablation and 2–8% progressing to radical or hormonal therapy. Major complications were consistently rare. One-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) exceeded 95%, and five-year BRFS approached 80% for HIFU and cryoablation. Conclusions: Minimally invasive focal and whole-gland therapies are safe and effective for treating low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with high survival and low major complication rates. Notably, whole-gland HIFU achieves superior biochemical control and lower recurrence than focal HIFU, emphasizing the clinical importance of treatment extent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hormonal contraceptives are widely used, but their effects on respiratory health remain underexplored. This systematic review examined the impact of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on pulmonary function, with an emphasis on asthma-related outcomes and underlying mechanisms. Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro were searched from January 2000 to December 2024. Pulmonary outcomes assessed included PEFR, FEV₁, airway hyperresponsiveness, and exhaled nitric oxide levels. Results: Twelve peer-reviewed studies were included. Most studies reported that OCPs do not impair lung function and may even improve respiratory parameters. Women using OCPs showed enhanced peak expiratory flow and reduced symptom variability, particularly in asthma and cystic fibrosis. Potential mechanisms include the stabilization of airway reactivity and modulation of inflammatory pathways. Heterogeneity across study populations and contraceptive types limited a meta-analysis, and few studies stratified outcomes by hormonal composition or comorbidities. Conclusions: Hormonal contraceptives may provide protective or regulatory effects on pulmonary function in specific populations. Larger precision-based studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and guide contraceptive counseling for women with respiratory conditions. Full article

This study investigates the transformations of the Hungarian Catholic clergy during the 20th century in its social relations, self-perception, and attitudes, with a particular focus on the Diocese of Pécs. It concentrates on events that caused collective shock, such as the advance of the front and the Soviet occupation during World War II; the confiscation of church property; the enforced migration processes; and the impact of the Communist regime’s ecclesiastical and social policies. The analysis emphasizes the role- and context-dependent patterns discernible in the documents produced by the clergy concerning these events, particularly in the parish Historia Domus. The study models the impact of these violent reconfigurations on clergy dispositions within the framework of Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, specifically the notions of “cleft” and “plural habitus”, highlighting the significance of behavior patterns in praxis transmitted through generations of clergy. It interprets the discrepancy between the altered context of action and the long-established, “interiorized” habitus, considering the phenomenon of asynchronicity, and identifies general and context-specific characteristics through a method of historical comparison. Overall, the study offers a perspective that perceives the historically evolved specificities of the norm as intrinsically linked to the local context. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders globally. The primary factor contributing to this condition is the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which results in both motor and nonmotor symptoms. The etiology of neurodegeneration remains unclear. However, it is characterized by the elevated production of reactive oxygen species, which subsequently leads to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The investigation of the applicability of natural compounds and their derivatives to various diseases is becoming increasingly important. The possible role of curcumin from Curcuma longa L. and its derivatives in the treatment of PD has been partially investigated, but there are no data on the action of synthetic cyclic C₅-curcuminoids and chalcones tested in a Parkinson’s model. Two chalcones and five synthetic cyclic C₅-curcuminoids with potential antioxidant properties were investigated in an in vitro model of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurodegeneration in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, thiol and ATP levels, caspase-3 activity, and cytokine release were examined after treatment with the test compounds. Based on these results, one cyclic chalcone (compound 5) and three synthetic cyclic C₅-curcuminoids (compounds 9, 12, and 13) decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in our in vitro model of neurodegeneration. Compounds 5 and 9 were also successful in decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), while promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). These findings indicate that these two compounds exhibit potential antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, rendering them promising candidates for drug development. Full article

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of boron-modified nanotubular titania (NTO) arrays fabricated via a single-step anodizing process with varying concentrations of boric acid (BA). Following anodization, a reductive heat treatment was applied to facilitate the crystallization of the anatase phase in the boron-modified NTO. The effect of the BA concentration on the structural, morphological, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the NTOs was systematically explored through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), luminescence, and UV-Vis spectrometry. The introduction of boron during anodization facilitated the formation of sub-bandgap states, thereby enhancing the light absorption and electron mobility. This study revealed the optimal BA concentration that yielded a 3.3-fold enhancement of the PEC performance, attributed to a reduction in the bandgap energy. Notably, the highest incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) was observed for NTO samples anodized at a 0.10 M BA concentration. These findings underscore the promise of boron-modified NTOs for advanced photocatalytic applications, particularly in solar-driven water-splitting processes. Full article

Dominant species form species-specific fine-scale vegetation matrices in grasslands that regulate community dynamics, diversity and ecosystem functioning. The structure of these dynamic microscale landscapes was analyzed and compared between primary and secondary plant communities. We explored fine-scale monitoring data along permanent transects over seven consecutive years. Spatial and temporal patterns of dominant grass species (Festuca valesiaca, Alopecurus pratensis and Poa angustifolia) were analyzed using information theory models. These matrix-forming species showed high spatiotemporal variability in all grasslands. However, consistent differences were found between primary and secondary grasslands in the spatial and temporal organization of the vegetation matrix. Alopecurus pratensis and Poa angustifolia had coarse-scale patchiness with stronger aggregation in secondary grasslands. The spatial patterns of Festuca valesiaca were nearly random in both types of grasslands. Strong associations were observed among the spatial patterns of each species across years, with a stronger dependence in secondary grasslands. In contrast, the rate of fine-scale dynamics was higher in primary grasslands. The complexity of microhabitats within the matrix was higher in primary grasslands, often involving two to three dominant species, while, in secondary grasslands, patches formed by a single dominant species were more frequent. In the spatial variability of small-scale subordinate species richness, significant, temporally consistent differences were found. Higher variability in secondary grasslands suggests stronger and more spatially variable microhabitat filtering. We recommend that grassland management and restoration practices be guided by preliminary information on the spatial organization of primary grasslands. Enhancing the complexity of the matrix formed by dominant species can further improve the condition of secondary grasslands. Full article

This study proposes a rigid-flexible neural optrode integrated with anti-bending SU-8 optical waveguides and locally soft peptide-functionalized microelectrodes to address the challenges of precise implantation and long-term biocompatibility in traditional neural interfaces. Fabricated via microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, the optrode features a PBK/PPS/(PHE)₂ trilayer electrochemical modification that suppresses photoelectrochemical (PEC) noise by 63% and enhances charge storage capacity by 51 times. A polyethylene glycol (PEG)-enabled temporary rigid layer ensures precise implantation while allowing post-implantation restoration of flexibility and enabling positioning adjustment. In vitro tests demonstrate efficient light transmission through SU-8 waveguides in agar gel and a 63% reduction in PEC noise peaks. Biocompatibility analysis reveals that peptide-coated PI substrates improve cell viability by 32.5–37.1% compared to rigid silicon controls. In vivo validation in crucian carp midbrain successfully records local field potential (LFP) signals (60–80 μV), thereby confirming the optrode’s sensitivity and stability. This design provides a low-damage and high-resolution tool for neural circuit analysis. It also lays a technical foundation for future applications in monitoring neuronal activity and researching neurodegenerative diseases with high spatiotemporal resolution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with limited epidemiological data from Central–Eastern Europe. This study characterized a Hungarian PSC cohort, comparing patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and longitudinally evaluated the predictive efficacy of established prognostic scores (Mayo Risk Score, Amsterdam-Oxford Model [AOM], UK-PSC short/long). Methods: Data from 135 PSC patients (median diagnosis age 31 years, 57.7% male) were collected yearly at two Hungarian centers, with a median follow-up of 8.8 years. Outcomes included liver transplantation (LT) and liver-related death. Prognostic value of baseline clinical scores was assessed for 2-, 5-, 8-, and 10-year composite outcome. Results: PSC-IBD patients (54.1%) were younger with higher baseline Mayo and AOM scores, and had increased rates of colorectal carcinoma (8.22% vs. 0.00%) and liver transplantation (26.03% vs. 9.68%) within 10 years than PSC-only patients. There were no differences in liver-related mortality or composite outcomes between the groups. All prognostic scores showed good short-term predictive ability for poor outcomes (AUROC at 2 years: 0.858–0.958), which diminished over time (AUROC at 10 years: 0.708–0.756). The AOM demonstrated the most consistent performance. Persistent alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation (≥2.2×ULN) 2 years post-diagnosis, despite ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, strongly predicted 10-year adverse outcomes (HR: 3.927, p < 0.001), outperforming formal scoring systems (HR: 2.688–1.522). Conclusions: While PSC-IBD patients had more CRC and liver transplantation, overall transplantation-free survival was similar to PSC-only patients. Prognostic utility of current scores declines with longer follow-up; AOM was most stable. Sustained ALP elevation is a robust long-term prognostic indicator. Full article

Background/Objectives: The presence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in healthy individuals poses a significant public health concern, as these strains may contribute to or even facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors. In this study, we investigated the genomic features of antimicrobial-producing Escherichia coli strains from the gut microbiota of healthy individuals in Singapore. Methods: Using a large-scale screening approach, we analyzed 3107 E. coli isolates from 109 fecal samples for inhibitory activity against E. coli DH5α and performed whole-genome sequencing on 37 representative isolates. Results: Our findings reveal genetically diverse strains, with isolates belonging to five phylogroups (A, B1, B2, D, and F) and 23 unique sequence types (STs). Bacteriocin gene clusters were widespread (92% of isolates carried one or more bacteriocin gene clusters), with colicins and microcins dominating the profiles. Notably, we identified an hcp-et3-4 gene cluster encoding an effector linked to a Type VI secretion system. Approximately 40% of the sequenced isolates were MDR, with resistance for up to eight antibiotic classes in one strain (strain D96). Plasmids were the primary vehicles for ARG dissemination, but chromosomal resistance determinants were also detected. Additionally, over 55% of isolates were classified as potential extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), raising concerns about their potential pathogenicity outside the intestinal tract. Conclusions: Our study highlights the co-occurrence of bacteriocin genes, ARGs, and virulence genes in gut-residing E. coli, underscoring their potential role in shaping microbial dynamics and antibiotic resistance. While bacteriocin-producing strains show potential as probiotic alternatives, careful assessment of their safety and genetic stability is necessary for therapeutic applications. Full article