Search Results (9,435)

(1). Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a method of extracorporeal plasma filtration designed to remove immunoglobulins and pro-inflammatory factors as pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Procedures are performed in intensive care units (ICUs); however, the complications and treatment outcomes remain unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and identify risk factors of complications associated with TPE. (2). Methods: In this multi-center, retrospective, 5-year cohort study, we analyzed a database of 56 adult ICU patients who had undergone TPE at two academic hospitals and one regional hospital. (3). Results: In our study, the median APACHE II was 7.5 IQR 12.5 (4–16.5) and SOFA score was 2 IQR 4 (1–5). In the multivariate analysis, the APACHE II (p = 0.043) and SOFA score (p = 0.046) were the predictors of prolonged length of stay. The SOFA score was a predictor of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) (p = 0.011). Multivariate logistic regression revealed age (p = 0.011), SOFA (p = 0.011), and APACHE II score (p = 0.032) as independent predictors of the development of shock as a TPE complication. (4). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the SOFA and APACHE II scores are significant predictors of the length of hospitalization and the occurrence of shock. In addition, the SOFA score was a predictor of HAI in patients treated TPE in ICU. Full article

The transition toward renewable-powered greenhouse agriculture offers opportunities for reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, yet challenges remain in managing fluctuating energy loads and optimizing agricultural inputs. While second-life lithium-ion batteries provide a cost-effective energy storage option, their thermal and electrical characteristics under real-world greenhouse conditions are poorly documented. Similarly, although plasma-activated water (PAW) shows potential to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, its integration with renewable-powered systems requires further investigation. This study develops an adaptive monitoring and modeling framework to estimate the thermal resistances (R_u, R_c) and internal resistance (R_int) of second-life lithium-ion batteries using operational data from greenhouse applications, alongside a field trial assessing PAW effects on beefsteak tomato cultivation. The adaptive control algorithm accurately estimated surface temperature (T_s) and core temperature (T_c), achieving a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.31 °C, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.25 °C, and a percentage error of 0.31%. Thermal resistance values stabilized at R_u ≈ 3.00 °C/W (surface to ambient) and R_c ≈ 2.00 °C/W (core to surface), indicating stable thermal regulation under load variations. Internal resistance (R_int) maintained a baseline of ~1.0–1.2 Ω, with peaks up to 12 Ω during load transitions, confirming the importance of continuous monitoring for performance and degradation prevention in second-life applications. The PAW treatment reduced chemical nitrogen fertilizer use by 31.2% without decreasing total nitrogen availability (69.5 mg/L). The NO₃⁻-N concentration in PAW reached 134 mg/L, with an initial pH of 3.04 neutralized before application, ensuring no adverse effects on germination or growth. Leaf nutrient analysis showed lower nitrogen (1.83% vs. 2.28%) and potassium (1.66% vs. 2.17%) compared to the control, but higher magnesium content (0.59% vs. 0.37%), meeting Japanese adequacy standards. The total yield was 7.8 kg/m², with fruit quality comparable between the PAW and control groups. The integration of adaptive battery monitoring with PAW irrigation demonstrates a practical pathway toward energy efficient and sustainable greenhouse operations. Full article

In order to obtain a gradient coating with excellent performance, novel titanium-modified plasma nitriding was primarily used as a support layer for the PVD coating of 38CrMoAl steel. The samples were subjected to titanium-modified plasma nitriding by placing sponge titanium around the samples, resulting in a thicker ductile diffusion layer and a thinner and denser compound layer. The research results showed that this thinner, denser compound layer formed by titanium-modified plasma nitriding provides stronger support for the AlCrN coating and thus bring about better performance compared to a conventional plasma nitrided layer, with the adhesion strength increasing from 16.8 N to 29.4 N, which is 42.8% higher than the conventional PN compound layer; the surface hardness increasing from 3650 HV_0.05 to 3780 HV_0.05; the friction coefficient and wear rate reducing from 0.64 and 5.4849 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/(N·m) to 0.61 and 2.3060 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/(N·m), respectively; and the wear performance improving by 137.85%. Additionally, the corrosion potential increased from −979.2 mV to −711.51 mV, and the value of impedance increased from 1.5515 × 10⁴ Ω·cm² to 9.4518 × 10⁴ Ω·cm², resulting in a significant improvement in corrosion resistance. In all, the novel support layer by titanium-modified plasma nitriding can provide much better support for AlCrN coating and thus bring about excellent enhanced performances, including adhesion strength and wear and corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is of great value in the PVD coating field, and it can provide valuable insights into gradient coating technology. Full article

The application of plasma technology in agriculture has emerged as a promising approach to enhance plant health and manage microbial interactions, offering potential solutions for sustainable crop production and disease control. This study contributes to this field by exploring the effects of plasma treatments on plant physiology and microbial dynamics, with a focus on their potential to improve agricultural outcomes. This investigation aims to systematically determine optimal plasma seed treatment parameters for enhancing plant vigor and promoting beneficial microbial associations while minimizing pathogenic interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. This study focuses on understanding the effects of various plasma treatments on chlorophyll content, root length, microbial growth, and microbial quantification in plants and microbes. The treatments involve the use of an atmospheric jet plasma handheld device, a globe plasma, and a glow discharge plasma chamber with air and argon. These treatments were applied for varying time durations from 10 s to 5 min. The results demonstrated that the globe plasma treatment for 1 min significantly enhanced chlorophyll a extraction and root length, outperforming the other treatments. Additionally, the study examined the impact of plasma on plant–microbe interactions to assess whether plasma treatments affect beneficial microbes. Plasma treatments showed minimal impact on most beneficial microbe activity, though species-specific sensitivities were observed, with Pseudomonas cedrina showing moderate growth inhibition, revealing no significant disruption to their activity. The microbial quantification assays indicated that the globe plasma treatment effectively reduced microbial counts, while combined treatment with plant and microbe plasma together did not yield significant changes. Additionally, the chlorophyll estimation of plasma-treated samples indicated that the globe plasma and atmospheric jet plasma treatments were effective in enhancing chlorophyll content, whereas the combined treatment with both plant and microbe plasma did not yield significant changes. These findings suggest that plasma treatments, especially the globe plasma, are effective in improving plant health and controlling microbial activity. Future research should focus on optimizing plasma conditions, exploring the influence of plasma parameters and the underlying mechanisms, and expanding the scope to include a wider range of plant species and microbial strains to maximize the benefits of plasma technology in agriculture. Full article

Globally, syphilis cases are rising, and varied symptoms hinder diagnosis, highlighting the role of serological testing. Comprehensive institutional analysis is needed, as many reports are limited. We retrospectively reviewed 23 persons with syphilis treated at Kanazawa University Hospital (January 2007–December 2023). Of 9145 individuals tested for treponemal (chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay) and nontreponemal (rapid plasma reagin, RPR) antibodies, diagnoses were based on clinical assessment and serology. Data on history, stage, lesions, and treatment were collected. From 2007 to 2023, antibody testing increased, but treated cases stayed stable (0–4/year). Males comprised 60.9% and females 39.1%. In the treated 23 patients, ophthalmology (30.4%) and dermatology (17.4%) accounted for nearly half of test requests, though cases arose across specialties. Early-stage and ocular syphilis each occurred in 34.8%. Uveitis was the most common lesion (26.1%). Treatment included amoxicillin (69.6%) or penicillin (21.7%). At diagnosis, 78.3% were dual-positive and 21.7% treponemal-only positive. Nine patients (64.3%) had a ≥4-fold RPR titer decline (median 143.5 days); no RPR increases suggested treatment failure or reinfection. This study found stable treated numbers, with ocular syphilis and uveitis frequent. In specialized institutions, clinicians should consider syphilis in persons with varied symptoms across departments, ensuring comprehensive testing and appropriate follow-up. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on adhesive bonding in Class II composite restorations in vitro. Methods: Forty-eight standardized Class II cavities were assigned to six groups (n = 8), varying in phosphoric acid conditioning, CAP treatment (1.5 W or 3 W), composite filling, and thermo-mechanical loading (TML). Evaluations included dye penetration, adhesive layer morphology, resin tag length, and hybrid layer thickness. Results: CAP combined with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) significantly increased hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length (p < 0.006). The lowest dye penetration was observed in Groups 1 and 4. Conclusions: CAP in combination with phosphoric acid improved the adhesive interface in Class II cavities. CAP alone showed limited benefits, and higher power levels may negatively affect bonding. Full article

To explore the influence of the microstructure of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating on the loading of corrosion inhibitors and the silanization treatment on its surface, PEO coatings were first prepared on the surface of AZ31B magnesium alloy under different voltages. Secondly, sodium tungstate (Na₂WO₄) was loaded into the micropores and onto the surface of the PEO coatings via vacuum impregnation, and which were subsequently subjected to silanization treatment. The phase composition of the coatings was studied by XRD, while the elemental composition and valence state were investigated by XPS. The surface and cross-sectional morphology of the coatings, as well as the composition and distribution of elements, were studied by SEM and EDS. Image J software was employed to analyze the thickness of the coatings. The results show that the microstructure of PEO coatings prepared under different voltages varies, which affects the loading of Na₂WO₄ on the surface of PEO coating and the sealing effect of silanization treatment, thereby influencing the corrosion resistance of the coatings. As the voltage increases, the coating thickness and roughness gradually increase, while the surface porosity first increases and then decreases, and the loaded content of Na₂WO₄ also follows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Meanwhile, at 300 V and 350 V, silanization treatment effectively seals the PEO coatings loaded with Na₂WO₄. However, when the voltage increases to 400 V, due to the uneven surface of the PEO coating, nonuniform distribution of micropores, and high roughness, the silanization treatment fails to completely cover the coating. This results in defects such as pits on the surface of the composite coating prepared at 400 V. Therefore, the composite coating prepared at 350 V exhibits the best corrosion resistance. After immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 240 h, the composite coating formed at 350 V remains intact, and its low-frequency impedance modulus |Z|_0.01Hz is as high as 1.06 × 10⁶ cm². This value is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of the composite coating fabricated at 400 V and about three orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure PEO coating prepared at 350 V. Full article

Eugenol is a compound with promising antimicrobial properties. The rising phenomenon of multidrug resistance of Candida albicans is driving researchers to search for new, alternative therapeutics that would synergize with conventional antifungal drugs. The aim of the present study is to investigate how eugenol and eugenol-based extracts impair C. albicans growth by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plasma membrane (PM) disruption. The methods that we applied involve structural analysis of eugenol extracts by HPLC, ATR-FTIR, and polyphenol detection. Additionally, determination of ROS level in C. albicans was performed using microscopic and flow cytometry studies and analysis of PM integrity (PI-staining, observation of PM transporter—Cdr1p—localization) and fluidity (fluorometric study). The results indicate that eugenol impacts fungal growth, and this corresponds with increased ROS levels and diminished PM fluidity in the C. albicans WT strain. C. albicans strains deprived of ergosterol (erg11Δ/Δ) exhibited lowered ROS level and no change in PM fluidity in response to the tested eugenol extracts, but they affected its growth and caused PM permeabilization and Cdr1p delocalization. These conclusions indicate that mode of action of eugenol can be related to disruption of PM structure by both ergosterol-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Ergosterol can play a crucial role in maintaining the PM integrity during treatment with lower concentrations of eugenol. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of plasma cell neoplasm, accounting for approximately 10% of hematologic malignancies, with a high mortality rate. Apigenin (APG), a flavonoid, has been reported to have antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, the impact of APG on MM and bortezomib (BTZ) sensitization has not been investigated. The effects of APG on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of RPMI-8226 and U266 cells were investigated using CCK-8 assay, crystal violet staining, flow cytometry, Western blot, and PCR. It was observed that APG treatment increased the G1 phase cells, by which the expression of P21 increased, and the expression of CDK2 and Cyclin D1 decreased. Even though Necrostatin-1 (a potent necroptosis inhibitor) and Fer-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor) could attenuate the effect of APG, the effect of Z-VAD-FMK (a pan-caspase inhibitor) was more significant. APG treatment increased the transcription of P53 and BAX, and the level of cleaved-PARP1 and cleaved-Caspase 3 in two MM cell strains. In addition, the APG application could dose-dependently increase the ROS, MDA, and GSSH levels, and decrease the GSH level in both cell strains, by which the transcription of GCLC, NQO1, GSTM2, NRF2, and GPX4 were attenuated. Finally, APG enhances the inhibitory effect of BTZ on MM cell growth. This study provides a potential therapeutic approach of APG on MM. Full article

Allopregnanolone (allo) and isoallopregnanolone (isoallo) are neuroactive steroid epimers that differ in hydroxyl orientation at carbon three. Allo is a potent GABA-A receptor agonist, while isoallo acts as an antagonist, influencing brain function through their interconversion. Their metabolism varies across brain regions due to enzyme distribution, with AKR1C1–AKR1C3 active in the brain and AKR1C4 restricted to the liver. In rats, AKR1C9 (liver) and AKR1C14 (intestine) perform similar roles. Beyond AKR1Cs, HSD17Bs regulate steroid balance, with HSD17B6 active in the liver, thyroid, and lung, while HSD17B10, a mitochondrial enzyme, influences metabolism in high-energy tissues. Our current data obtained using the GC-MS/MS platform show that allo and isoallo in rats undergo significant metabolic conversion, suggesting a regulatory role in neurosteroid action. High allo levels following isoallo injection indicate brain interconversion, while isoallo clears more slowly from blood and undergoes extensive conjugation. Metabolite patterns differ between brain and plasma—allo injection leads to 5α-DHP and isoallo production, whereas isoallo treatment primarily yields allo. Human plasma contains mostly sulfate/glucuronided steroids (2.4–6% non-sulfate/glucuronided), whereas male rats exhibit much higher free steroid levels (29–56%), likely due to the absence of zona reticularis. These findings highlight tissue-specific enzymatic differences, which may impact neurosteroid regulation and CNS disorders. Full article

The global problem of environmental pollution by textile particles from various sources has led to the need to research preventive methods to reduce the occurrence of particles in environmental systems. In this research, plasma and ozone pretreatment are used as environmentally friendly technologies to achieve specific surface modifications of polyester fabrics and create a stable polyester/chitosan structure that reduces the release of fibre particles during the washing process and does not affect mechanical and functional properties. The effects of advanced treatments of the surface of polyester fabrics were realised with argon (Ar) and oxygen (O₂) plasma and ozone (O₃) after subsequent modification with a chitosan agent. The efficiency of such pretreatments of the fabric surface as well as the stability of the polyester/chitosan structure was analysed on the basis of the changes in the physical-mechanical and chemical properties of the treated polyester standard fabric. Despite the changes in the mechanical properties of the pretreated materials, the favourable protective effect of chitosan in the resulting polyester/chitosan structures after advanced pretreatments was confirmed in all washing cycles, especially in the first cycles, which are considered crucial for significant particle release. Full article

This investigation focuses on understanding the pharmacokinetic behavior of intravenously administered carprofen at doses of 0.7, 1.4, and 4 mg/kg in goats. Eighteen animals were randomly assigned into three groups, with six goats per group, and blood samples were collected at 22 time points post-administration. Plasma concentrations were analyzed using a validated HPLC-UV method, and key pharmacokinetic parameters were derived using non-compartmental analysis. Results show that, at 0.7 mg/kg, carprofen exhibited the total clearance (Cl_T) of 2.19 mL/h/kg, volume of distribution at steady state (V_dss) of 126.56 mL/kg, area under the curve (AUC_0-last) of 321.00 h*µg/mL, and elimination half-life (t_1/2ʎz) of 44.32 h. When comparing doses, an increase in Cl_T was observed at 4 mg/kg, and the volume of distribution increased at both 1.4 and 4 mg/kg dosages. Additionally, a reduction in dose-normalized AUC_0-last was evident at the highest dose. Data showed that the effect of the drug may be prolonged as the dose increases. These differences between dose groups may be clinically insignificant after the single administration of all doses. Carprofen can be used at all three dose levels in goats; however, vigilance regarding the potential side effects and drug residues is essential, especially during repeated treatments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely associated with gut dysbiosis, and sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables, may help to mitigate this condition. Methods: These are secondary exploratory analyses from a previous study that included 16 patients with CKD (stages 3 to 5). The patients were divided into two groups: the Sulforaphane (SFN) group (400 mcg/day of SFN) and the placebo group, both of which received treatment for four weeks. Fecal DNA extraction was performed, and amplicon sequencing was conducted on an Illumina MiSeq V3 platform. The sequence data were analyzed using the QIIME 2 software package. Plasma uremic toxin concentrations (indoxyl sulfate, IS, and p-cresyl sulfate, pCS) were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results: No significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota alpha microbial richness and diversity after supplementation. However, supplementation with SFN altered the taxonomic composition and resulted in changes to the complexity of the microbial network. A distinct set of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) was observed post-supplementation with SFN, dominated by genera such as Megamonas, Sphingobium, Clostridia, and Hungatella, indicating a treatment-specific microbial signature. The placebo group showed significant increases in IS and pCS, whereas the SFN group presented non-significant changes. Conclusions: SFN supplementation for one month did not significantly alter microbial diversity or uremic toxin levels in non-dialysis CKD patients; however, it led to changes in microbial composition and network complexity, suggesting a modulatory effect on specific microbial interactions. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of plasma cells. Despite the development of increasingly advanced treatments, multiple myeloma remains challenging to cure completely. Consequently, the underlying mechanisms of this neoplasm are being investigated to identify new therapeutic targets and understand chemoresistance. A particular focus has been placed on the MM bone marrow microenvironment, with chemokines being one of its key components. This review examines the role of chemokines that activate the CXCR2 and CXCR3 receptors in both monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and MM, highlighting all CXC chemokines and their receptors, including CXCL1, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and platelet factor 4. We focus on the direct effects of selected CXC chemokines on MM cells, specifically their roles in proliferation, migration, interaction with bone marrow cells, the formation of extramedullary disease, and chemoresistance. Additionally, we explore the impact of these chemokines on the MM bone marrow microenvironment, particularly in relation to mesenchymal stromal cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, osteoclasts, M2 macrophages, and natural killer cells, as well as processes such as bone destruction and angiogenesis. Finally, we discuss the potential use of drugs targeting the two chemokine axes described, with a focus on inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy. Full article

Risdiplam is an orally administered small molecule that modifies the mRNA splicing of SMN2 for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Its use is approved in presymptomatic patients diagnosed by neonatal screening with early and severe forms with two copies of SMN2, but we do not have real data on the evolution of oral treatment in this early phenotype of SMA. We present two cases treated at one month of life with a follow-up of 12 months and discuss their different evolutions and the causes of this. Familial adherence to treatment is important, as discontinuation can convert an early form of presymptomatic SMA to symptomatic. Molecular biomarkers such as plasma monitoring of neurofilament light chain (pNf-L) should be considered in the follow-up of early forms of SMA and may support the decision to change treatment in infants with SMA. Full article