Search Results (1,323)

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with favorable metabolic outcomes in the general population. However, evidence of these associations among thyroid cancer survivors remains limited. This study examined whether higher MD adherence at diagnosis is associated with longitudinal changes in insulin resistance and lipid profiles in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: We analyzed 345 Korean patients aged ≥20 years with histologically confirmed PTC at a tertiary hospital between April 2023 and March 2024. MD adherence at baseline (diagnosis) was assessed using the Korean Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and categorized into tertiles. Changes in body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index were evaluated between baseline and one year post-diagnosis. A stratified analysis was conducted according to BMI (<25 vs. ≥25 kg/m²). Results: During the one-year follow-up, patients with PTC experienced significant reductions in BMI, HbA1c, METS-IR, HOMA-β, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and the TyG index, whereas HDL-cholesterol levels increased. Patients in the high MD adherence group showed decreased HOMA-IR and increased HDL-cholesterol levels compared to those in the low adherence groups. In BMI-stratified analyses, reductions in insulin and HOMA-IR were observed only among patients with obesity in the high MD adherence group. Conclusions: Higher adherence to the MD at diagnosis was associated with decreases in insulin resistance markers and an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels among patients with PTC during the first year after diagnosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) poses diagnostic challenges due to its sonographic similarity to benign nodules and the modest sensitivity of conventional ultrasound (US) and TIRADS-based risk stratification. Elastography, using strain (SE) and shear-wave (SWE) techniques, has demonstrated high accuracy in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but remains underexplored in MTC. This study investigates whether elastographic stiffness measurements can enhance diagnostic precision for MTC when combined with conventional US. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 20 nodules confirmed as MTC by pathology after surgical resection (January 2013–June 2024) and evaluated via conventional US, SE, and SWE at a specialized endocrinology center. Elasticity scores (ES) and Emean/Emax values were compared with US features, TIRADS categories, calcitonin levels, nodule size, and lymph node status. Results: Qualitative SE showed a mean ES of 3.2 (55% ES 4, 20% ES 3), while 87.5% of nodules exceeded an SWE Emean cutoff of 30.5 kPa, indicating increased stiffness in most MTC nodules and outperforming TIRADS, where only 60% were high-risk. Moderate correlations were found between calcitonin and nodule size (r = 0.52, p = 0.018) and between ES and size (r = 0.48, p = 0.034), but calcitonin did not correlate with ES (r = 0.07, p = 0.768). Nodules with suspicious lymph nodes showed higher Emean and ES trends, though not significant. Conclusions: Elastography identifies increased stiffness in MTC, challenging its “soft” classification, and improves risk stratification beyond TIRADS. We suggest integrating elastography as a complementary tool alongside TIRADS to guide fine-needle aspiration, without replacing calcitonin or cytology. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to validate thresholds and optimize multimodal risk assessment in MTC. Full article

Thyroid cancer (TC) represents the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) comprising approximately 80% of cases and accounting for the majority of annual incidence and mortality. PTC is generally confined to the thyroid gland and demonstrates an excellent prognosis after surgery, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 90%. Nevertheless, recurrence can occur, and the ten-year survival rate for the advanced PTC is below 50%. Even after effective successful surgical intervention, many still require ongoing surveillance, additional treatment, and lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, while facing the potential adverse effects such as hormone fluctuations, surgical complications, and sequelae of radioactive iodine exposure. Naturally occurring compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer properties and hence the potential to be used as therapeutic options, impacting the same drivers and pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer. This narrative review focuses on the natural compounds’ convergence on molecular nodes of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and JAK/STAT to overcome therapeutic resistance and restore apoptosis, highlighting their potential in advanced and recurrent PTC. Full article

Parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) are effective solar thermal systems, but their performance can be significantly enhanced through surface treatments. This research investigates the enhancement of thermal performance in parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) by experimentally evaluating the results of surface coating on the absorber tube surface. To achieve this objective, a closed-loop PTC system was fabricated to conduct an experimental comparison between a conventional simple copper tube and a black-painted copper tube. The experimental setup was placed in Islamabad, Pakistan, operated under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions to measure key performance metrics, of temperature difference (ΔT) between the inlet and outlet. The results demonstrate a significant performance advantage for the black-painted tube. In laminar flow, the black-painted tube achieved an average ΔT of 3.54 °C, compared to 2.11 °C for the simple copper tube. Similarly, in turbulent flow, the black-painted tube’s ΔT was 2.1 °C, surpassing the simple copper tube’s 1.57 °C. This superior performance is primarily attributed to the black surface’s high solar absorptivity, which more effectively captures and converts solar radiation into thermal energy. The findings highlight the critical role of surface treatment in optimizing PTC efficiency and provide a practical method for improving solar thermal energy systems. Full article

Efficient O₂ transport through the ionomer film in cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) is a critical factor for the output performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), yet the molecular mechanisms of gas transport in ionomers remain elusive. Herein, molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations are employed to investigate short-side-chain (SSC) and long-side-chain (LSC) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers on Pt/C surfaces with the coexistence of O₂/N₂. The results reveal that the side-chain structures significantly modulate the ionomer nanostructures and gas transport. SSC ionomers form compact hydrophobic domains and more interconnected hydrophilic–hydrophobic interfaces, thereby facilitating more efficient O₂ transport pathways than LSC ionomers, particularly at low hydration (λ = 3). At high hydration (λ = 11), swelling of water domains attenuates these structural disparities and becomes the dominant factor governing gas transport. In addition, O₂ diffusion consistently exceeds that of N₂, while the diffusion coefficients of O₂, N₂ and H₃O⁺ become larger at high hydration. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the structural advantages of SSC ionomers in facilitating coupled oxygen and proton transport, offering molecular-level insights to inform the rational design of high-performance PEMFCs. Full article

The aim of the manuscript is to study the effect of volume fraction on the bending properties of selected thermoplastic cellular structures (Primitive, Diamond, and Gyroid) from a mechanical and energy absorption perspective, with a view to their promising prospects and use not only for bumpers, but also for various vehicle and aircraft components, or other applications. Samples belonging to the group of so-called complex structures with Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces, dimensions of 20 × 20 × 250 mm, and volume fractions of 30, 35, 40, 45, and 55%, were prepared by PTC Creo 10.0 software and produced using the Fused Filament Fabrication technique from Nylon CF12 material, while the basic cell size of 10 × 10 × 10 mm was maintained for all samples and the volume fraction was controlled by the wall thickness of the structure. Experimental bending tests were performed on a Zwick 1456 machine and based on recorded data; in addition to the maximum forces, the stiffness, yield strength, and effective modulus of elasticity in bending were evaluated for individual structures and volume fractions. Furthermore, the amount of energy absorbed until reaching the maximum force and until failure was compared, as well as the ductility indices μ_d and μ_U (derived from deformation and absorbed energy, respectively), as an important dissipation factor in absorbers, based on which it is also possible to predict which of the structures will have better damping. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common type of endocrine neoplasm and is increasing in incidence, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Early-stage disease has a favorable prognosis; however, advanced forms, such as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, complicate treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), longer than 200 nucleotides and non-coding, together with microRNAs, have emerged as major regulators of TC pathogenesis. This review summarizes data on how dysregulated lncRNAs influence the hallmarks of cancer in thyroid malignancies. Methods: We reviewed the literature on the role of lncRNAs and microRNAs in TC, focusing on their functions as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), regulators of PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and controllers of epigenetic alterations. Results: Dysregulated lncRNAs contribute to hallmarks including sustained growth, evading suppressors, resisting death, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, invasion, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, genomic instability, and tumor-promoting inflammation. ceRNA mechanisms amplify immune evasion by regulating checkpoint proteins and cytokines, altering immune cell activity. Altered lncRNA profiles correlate with aggressiveness, metastasis, and prognosis. Notable lncRNAs, such as H19, MALAT1, and DOCK9-AS2, dysregulate oncogenic pathways and represent potential biomarkers. Conclusions: Advances in therapeutics suggest inhibiting oncogenic lncRNAs or restoring tumor-suppressive lncRNAs via RNA interference, antisense oligonucleotides, or CRISPR/Cas9 editing. New technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, will improve understanding of heterogeneous lncRNA–microRNA networks in TC and support precision medicine. LncRNAs signify both molecular drivers and clinical targets for thyroid cancer. Full article

Background: This study validated the Italian version of the Confusion Assessment Protocol (CAP), a tool designed to assess Post-Traumatic Confusional State (PTCS) in patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) who are not evaluable with standard neuropsychological evaluations. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to promote the CAP as a tool for assessing patients who are not still eligible for standard neuropsychological evaluation and to adapt it to Italian-speaking sABI patients by translating it into Italian and conducting a cross-cultural adaptation and evaluating its psychometric properties. The secondary objective was to correlate the CAP scores with broader functional scales, such as the Levels of Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale (LCF) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS). Methods: A total of 42 sABI patients were enrolled at IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia. The CAP was translated and culturally adapted using international back-translation guidelines. Cross-cultural validity was assessed in 20 patients. The final version was administered by three trained raters over two days to evaluate inter- and intra-rater reliability. Results: The Italian version of the CAP demonstrated high internal consistency and substantial inter-rater reliability for key symptoms, including night-time sleep disturbances, decreased daytime arousal, and psychotic-type symptoms. Cognitive impairment showed moderate inter-rater agreement, likely due to symptom fluctuations typical of this recovery phase. The convergent validity of the CAP was confirmed through its correlations with the Levels of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS), demonstrating its clinical utility in integrating cognitive and behavioral symptom assessments. Conclusions: The Italian version of the CAP is a reliable and valid tool for assessing PTCS in sABI. Future developments should address limitations related to symptom intensity, behavioral domains, and differential symptom weighting. Full article

Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP) suffer from drops in power and efficiency due to summer time ambient conditions. This power reduction is especially important in regions with extreme summer ambient conditions. Given the substantial investment and labor involved in the establishment and operation of these power plants, mitigating power loss using various methods emerges as a promising solution. In this context, the integration of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies has been proposed in this research not primarily to improve the overall performance efficiency of power plants as other recent studies entail, but to ensure continuous power generation throughout summer days, improving stability. This research aims to address this issue by conducting an extensive study covering the different scenarios in which Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can be integrated into the power plant. Multiple scenarios for integration were defined including CSP integration in the Heat Recovery Steam Generator, CSP-powered chiller for Gas Turbine Compressor Cooling and Gas Turbine Combustion Chamber Preheating using CSP, and scenarios with inlet air fog cooling and hybrid scenarios were studied. This systematic analysis resulted in the selection of the scenario where the CSP is integrated into the combined cycle power plant in the HRSG section as the best case. The selected scenario was benchmarked against its equivalent model operating in Seville’s ambient conditions. By comparing the final selected model, both Yazd and Seville experience a noticeable boost in power and efficiency while reaching the maximum integration capacity at different reflector lengths (800 m for Seville and 900 m for Yazd). However, both cities reach their minimum fuel consumption at an approximate 300 m total reflector length. Full article

Induction motors piloted by voltage source inverters constitute a major source of acoustic noise in industry. The discrete tonal bands generated by induction motor stator current spectra controlled by the fixed Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique have damaging effects on the electronic noise source. Nowadays, the investigation of new advanced control techniques for variable speed drives has developed a potential investigation field. Finite state model predictive control has recently become a very popular research focus for power electronic converter control. The flexibility of this control shows that the switching times are generated using all the information on the drive status. Predictive Torque Control (PTC), space vector PWM and random PWM are investigated in this paper in terms of acoustic noise emitted by an induction machine fed by a three-phase two-level inverter. A comparative study based on electrical and mechanical magnitudes, as well as harmonic analysis of the stator current, is presented and discussed. An experimental test bench is also developed to examine the effect of the proposed PTC and PWM techniques on the acoustic noise of an induction motor fed by a three-phase two-level voltage source converter. Full article

The term SHIP (solar heat for industrial processes) or SHIPs (solar heat for industrial plants) refers to the use of collected solar radiation for meeting industrial heat demands, rather than for electricity generation. The global thermal capacity of SHIP systems at the end of 2024 stood slightly above 1 GWth, which is comparable to the electric power capacity of a single power station. Despite this relatively small presence, SHIP systems play an important role in rendering industrial processes sustainable. There are two aims in the current study. The first aim is to cover various types of SHIP systems based on the variety of their collector designs, operational temperatures, applications, radiation concentration options, and solar tracking options. SHIP designs can be as simple as unglazed solar collectors (USCs), having a stationary structure without any radiation concentration. On the other hand, SHIP designs can be as complicated as solar power towers (SPTs), having a two-axis solar tracking mechanism with point-focused concentration of the solar radiation. The second aim is to shed some light on the status of SHIP deployment globally, particularly in 2024. This includes a drop during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the current study show that more than 1300 SHIP systems were commissioned worldwide by the end of 2024 (cumulative number), constituting a cumulative thermal capacity of 1071.4 MWth, with a total collector area of 1,531,600 m². In 2024 alone, 120.3 MWth of thermal capacity was introduced in 106 SHIP systems having a total collector area of 171,874 m². In 2024, 65.9% of the installed global thermal capacity of SHIP systems belonged to the parabolic trough collectors (PTCs), and another 22% of this installed global thermal capacity was attributed to the unevacuated flat plate collectors (FPC-Us). Considering the 106 SHIP systems installed in 2024, the average collector area per system was 1621.4 m²/project. However, this area largely depends on the SHIP category, where it is much higher for parabolic trough collectors (37,740.5 m²/project) but lower for flat plate collectors (805.2 m²/project), and it is lowest for unglazed solar collectors (163.0 m²/project). The study anticipates large deployment in SHIP systems (particularly the PTC type) in 2026 in alignment with gigascale solar-steam utilization in alumina production. Several recommendations are provided with regard to the SHIP sector. Full article

Mealybugs are high-priority quarantine pests in fresh-produce trade due to cryptic habits, broad host ranges, and market-access risks. Phytosanitary irradiation (PI) provides a non-residual, process-controlled option that is increasingly integrated with modified-atmosphere (MA/MAP) logistics. Because molecular oxygen enhances indirect radiation damage (oxygen enhancement ratio, OER), oxygen limitation may modulate PI outcomes in mealybugs. The Jack Beardsley mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi) has an IPPC-adopted PI treatment of 166 Gy (ISPM 28, PT 45). We exposed adult females to 166 Gy under air and 1% O₂ and generated whole-transcriptome profiles across treatments. Differentially expressed genes and co-differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) were integrated with protein–protein interaction (PPI) and regulatory networks, and ten hubs were validated by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Hypoxia attenuated irradiation-induced transcriptional disruption. Expression programs shifted toward transport, redox buffering, and immune readiness, while morphogen signaling (Wnt, Hedgehog, BMP) was coherently suppressed; hubs including wg, hh, dpp, and ptc showed stronger down-regulation under hypoxia + irradiation than under irradiation alone. Despite these molecular differences, confirmatory bioassays at 166 Gy under both atmospheres (air and 1% O₂) achieved complete control. These results clarify how oxygen limitation modulates PI responses in a quarantine mealybug while confirming the operational efficacy of the prescribed 166 Gy dose. Practically, they support the current international standard and highlight the value of documenting oxygen atmospheres and managing dose margins when PI is applied within MA/MAP supply chains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and cellulitis (PTC) often present with similar clinical features, making differentiation challenging despite imaging. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of serum HMGB1 and kallistatin levels as potential independent biomarkers to distinguish PTA from PTC. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, 97 patients aged 18 to 65 years who met the inclusion criteria and presented with peritonsillar infection (39 PTA; 58 PTC) between February and July 2025 were enrolled. Serum levels of HMGB1, kallistatin, and routine inflammatory markers were measured and compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors for distinguishing PTA from PTC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the clinical net benefit of individual biomarkers and their combinations across a range of threshold probabilities. Results: Compared to controls, patients with peritonsillar infection had significantly higher WBC, neutrophil, CRP, procalcitonin, and HMGB1 levels and significantly lower kallistatin levels (all p < 0.05). Within the infection group, PTA patients showed significantly higher CRP (p = 0.036) and HMGB1 (p = 0.003) levels and lower kallistatin (p < 0.001) levels compared to PTC patients. In univariate analysis, CRP, HMGB1, and kallistatin were significantly associated with PTA; however, in multivariate analysis, only elevated HMGB1 (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.09–1.35; p < 0.001) and reduced kallistatin (OR: 0.395; 95% CI: 0.24–0.648; p < 0.001) remained independent predictors. ROC analysis showed that both HMGB1 and kallistatin demonstrated good discriminative ability in distinguishing PTA from PTC. DCA revealed that the three-biomarker combination (kallistatin + HMGB1 + CRP) achieved the highest mean net benefit (0.183) across all threshold probabilities, outperforming individual biomarkers (kallistatin: 0.131, HMGB1: 0.111, CRP: 0.099) and the two-biomarker model (0.176). The combined model maintained superior net benefit across threshold probabilities of 25–75%, indicating optimal clinical utility within this decision range. Conclusions: Serum HMGB1 and kallistatin may be effective adjunctive biomarkers for differentiating PTA from PTC. Full article

Genomic studies have provided key insights into the molecular pathogenesis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), including the role of genes involved in the homologous recombination (HR) related to DNA repair and genomic stability. This research aimed to investigate the genetic landscape of HR genes in thyroid pathology, associated with recurrence risk and clinical prognosis. The study involved six individuals with thyroid conditions, including two patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and four individuals with benign thyroid disease. The research material consisted of tumor samples collected during surgical procedures. Protein interactions were analyzed using the STRING database (string-db.org). Homologous recombination genes were sequenced using the HRR Panel vr1.0 on the MiSeq™ Sequencing System. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a relationship between BRAF mutations and HR gene defects in PTC. Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and FANCA genes, typically associated with thyroid tumors, were identified in the tissue of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). A statistically significant correlation was found between the FANCA gene mutation (rs7195066) and the recurrent course of the PTC. The preliminary findings suggest a potential role for non-pathogenic BARD1 mutations in follicular adenoma. No significant association was found between genes involved in homologous recombination repair and the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma, suggesting that these genes may not play a major role in the development of this type of thyroid cancer. Full article

Ethylene glycol oxidation (EGOR) transforms waste plastic-derived chemicals into high-value products, representing an upcycling strategy that enhances resource efficiency. Pt-based electrocatalysts have shown promise for oxidizing ethylene glycol (EG) to high-value glycolic acid (GA), but they still suffer from high Pt usage, limited activity and stability, and poor low-potential selectivity. In this work, we report a highly dispersed PtBiCoAgSn multi-component alloy (MCA) electrocatalyst (denoted as MCA-PtBiCoAgSn) with outstanding catalytic activity and deactivation resistance, demonstrating a remarkable EGOR mass activity of 16.65 A ${mg}_{Pt}^{-1}$ at 0.76 V vs. RHE, which is 8-fold higher than that of commercial Pt/C (2.03 A ${mg}_{Pt}^{-1}$). Also, it can maintain an EGOR current density of 4.89 A ${mg}_{Pt}^{-1}$ after an extended long-term stability test. Additionally, it shows superior Faradaic efficiency (FE) for C2 products compared to Pt/C across the potential window of 0.5~0.9 V vs. RHE, with the FE of GA being up to 91% at a very low potential of 0.5 V vs. RHE. Moreover, in situ electrochemical infrared spectroscopy in a thin-layer configuration confirmed that EGOR proceeds via the C2 pathway on MCA-PtBiCoAgSn surfaces. This work may provide new insights into the design of high-efficiency and low-cost EGOR catalysts. Full article