Search Results (593)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death, causing over 43 million deaths in 2021, including 18 million premature deaths, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. NCDs also incur significant economic losses, estimated at USD 7 trillion from 2011 to 2025, despite low prevention costs. This study evaluated body mapping indicators: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio—for predicting NCD risk, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, using data from a nationally representative survey in Ghana. The study sampled 5775 participants via multistage stratified sampling, ensuring proportional representation by region, urban/rural residency, age, and gender. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Anthropometric and biochemical data, including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles, were collected using standardized protocols. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17.0, accounting for complex survey design. Significant sex-based differences were observed: men were taller and lighter, while women had higher BMI and waist/hip circumferences. NCD prevalence increased with age, peaking at 60–69 years, and was higher in females. Lower education and marital status (widowed, divorced, separated) correlated with higher NCD prevalence. Obesity and high waist circumference strongly predicted NCD risk, but individual anthropometric measures lacked screening accuracy. Integrated screening and tailored interventions are recommended for improved NCD detection and management in resource-limited settings. Full article

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is well adapted to high temperatures, water deficits and low fertility soils, being widely cultivated in regions less favorable to common beans. Its grains are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, representing an important food source and a promising alternative for producing protein at low cost, in a short space of time, given the precocity of its cycle. However, in the state of Minas Gerais there is only a recommendation for one cowpea cultivar, the Poços de Caldas cultivar. In addition to being quite old, it is no longer found in crop production fields. Our objective was to provide local farmers with new cultivar options that exhibit high yield potential, appropriate plant architecture for mechanized cultivation, and superior grain health and quality. The experiments were conducted in Passos city, Brazil, during the second cropping season of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 years. Ten commercial cowpea cultivars were assessed in a randomized block design with five replications, considering morphophysiological traits and phytotechnical yield components. Treatment effects were analyzed using the Scott-Knott test, a statistical method that compares treatments and identifies significant differences among them. The thousand-seed weight and grain index showed a positive correlation with grain yield. The least productive cultivars had the longest pods and, consequently, the highest number of grains per pod. The 2022 and 2023 years provided the most favorable morphophysiological conditions for cowpea cultivation, which significantly enhanced productivity. Among the tested cultivars, BRS Xique-Xique, BRS Novaera, BRS Tumucumaque, and BRS Pajeú were the most suitable for a second cropping season cultivation in the Southwest region of Minas Gerais, while BRS Marataoã, BRS Itaim, and BRS Rouxinol were the least. We emphasize the need for further studies to support the establishment and expansion of cowpea cultivation in this region. Full article

The global textile industry has a significant environmental impact, driven by fast fashion and rising consumption, which leads to large amounts of waste. In Chile, this problem is especially visible, with thousands of tons of discarded clothing accumulating in open areas and landfills. This study explores how to design a practical textile revalorization system grounded in local reality. We used a qualitative mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with six experts in textile circularity and an online survey completed by 328 people. Thematic analysis revealed low public awareness of textile recycling, limited consumer participation, and major structural barriers, including scarce infrastructure and unclear regulations. Experts emphasized the importance of coordinated action among government, industry, and grassroots recyclers, while survey respondents highlighted the need for education and easier recycling options. Based on these insights, we propose an integrated framework that combines education campaigns, better recycling systems, and formal recognition of informal recyclers’ work. While centered on Chile, the study offers ideas that could support textile circularity efforts in other countries facing similar challenges. By merging expert knowledge with everyday public perspectives, the approach helps design more realistic and socially grounded solutions for textile waste management. As with many exploratory frameworks, external validation remains a necessary step for future research to strengthen its robustness and applicability. Full article

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy representing approximately 15% of all lung cancers. Characterized by rapid progression, early metastasis, and high circulating tumor cell burden, SCLC has a poor prognosis. Although initial responses to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are common, relapse due to acquired resistance is nearly inevitable. Molecular studies have identified four transcription factor–driven subtypes—ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, and YAP1—each with distinct biological traits and therapeutic vulnerabilities. However, clinical classification remains largely homogeneous, limiting precision treatment strategies. Immunotherapy has modestly improved survival, as demonstrated in trials like IMpower133, CASPIAN, and ADRIATIC. Yet only a small subset of patients—approximately 12%—achieve long-term survival beyond five years. Understanding the biological and immunological profiles of these exceptional responders is critical. Future research should prioritize comprehensive biomarker integration, including PD-L1, TMB, DLL3, CD3, and emerging targets. Novel agents such as tarlatamab (DLL3-targeting) and ifinatamab deruxtecan (B7-H3–targeting) have shown encouraging efficacy in early-phase trials, though predictive markers remain elusive. A multi-dimensional approach combining tissue, blood, and immune profiling is essential to advance precision oncology in SCLC and improve patient selection for emerging therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne allergic condition increasingly prevalent in the Southern, Eastern and Mid-western regions of the United States. This study aims to assess the awareness and understanding of AGS among Kansas residents, focusing on its symptoms, impact, and available management resources. Methods: Two anonymous, self-reported surveys were administered using Qualtrics software [Qualtrics XM, Provo, UT, USA], one targeting Kansas Extension professionals and the other directed at Kansas community residents. Results: Participants from both groups demonstrated general awareness of AGS, with 82 respondents self-identifying as having the condition. Beyond the dietary restrictions associated with the condition, individuals with AGS also faced a range of social, financial and health-related challenges. The study revealed critical gaps in healthcare preparedness and support infrastructure for managing AGS in rural Kansas communities. Conclusions: While awareness of AGS is increasing in Kansas, individuals affected by this condition continue to encounter significant challenges. These are not limited to personal and emotional hardships but also include systemic challenges in healthcare and community support. Study findings highlight a critical gap between growing awareness and implementation of effective action. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic pulmonary inflammation and the destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma (emphysema), with only symptomatic treatment available. Molecules with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as dimethyl fumarate (DMF), have shown therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the effects of DMF and its metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), on pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke (in vitro) and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) in mice (in vivo). In vitro, human pulmonary epithelial cells (PC-9) were treated with MMF at concentrations of 10, 30, and 100 µM and exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to assess cell viability, oxidative stress (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and nitrite production. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were treated with DMF (30 and 100 mg/kg) during and after the induction of emphysema by PPE. ROS levels, total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung histology, and the expression of oxidative stress proteins (SOD1 and HO-1) were analyzed. MMF reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation under in vitro conditions. In vivo, DMF reduced ROS levels, inflammation, and prevented lung damage, such as alveolar enlargement. The expression of SOD1 and HO-1 was modulated by DMF treatment. The results suggest that DMF could be an effective therapeutic alternative for COPD, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

Background: Post-procedural infection worsens outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) reflects myocardial injury, but its utility for infection risk prediction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) levels are associated with the risk of infection and systemic inflammation. Methods: We performed an exploratory pilot study of consecutive ACS patients undergoing PCI (n = 181) at a tertiary interventional cardiology unit in Romania. Herein, hs-cTn was measured at 24- and 48-h post-PCI. The primary outcome was in-hospital infection (clinical and/or microbiological documentation), with the acknowledgment that nearly half were clinically diagnosed without microbiological confirmation. We assessed discrimination for hs-cTn48h using ROC analysis and explored associations with systemic markers (CRP, ESR, and leukocytes) and NT-proBNP using Spearman correlations. Results: Infections occurred in 9/181 patients (5.0%; 95% CI, 2.6–9.2). Notably, hs-cTn48h showed AUC = 0.49 (approx. 95% CI, 0.30–0.68) for infection discrimination. Correlations between hs-cTn48h and inflammatory markers were weak and non-significant (CRP ρ = 0.126, p = 0.091; ESR ρ = 0.119, p = 0.111; fibrinogen ρ = 0.134, p = 0.073), whereas hs-cTn48h correlated modestly with NT-proBNP (ρ = 0.232, p = 0.002). Conclusions: In this cohort, hs-cTn48h did not predict in-hospital infection after PCI in ACS. These negative findings highlight that troponin should be interpreted primarily as a marker of myocardial necrosis, not infectious risk. Larger multicenter studies with microbiological adjudication and broader biomarker panels are warranted. Full article

Background: This multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of vascular, hepatic, cardiac, endocrine, and bone complications and to identify factors associated with their occurrence in adult patients with neo-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (neo-TDT). Methods: A total of 140 adult neo-TDT patients (defined as receiving >4 transfusions/year; mean age 44.3 ± 12.1 years; 56.4% female) were retrospectively enrolled from the Extension–Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (E-MIOT) network. Iron overload (IO) was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and complications were classified according to established clinical criteria. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of complications with age, sex, splenectomy status, chelation therapy, hemoglobin < 9 g/dL, ferritin ≥ 1000 ng/mL, and hepatic, pancreatic, and cardiac IO. Results: Complications affecting fewer than 5% of patients—including leg ulcers, cirrhosis, thrombosis, heart failure, and hypoparathyroidism—were excluded from statistical analysis. Bone metabolism disorders were the most prevalent complications (68.6%), followed by impaired glucose metabolism (15.7%). The prevalence of other complications was: extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) 19.3%, pulmonary hypertension (PH) 7.1%, arrhythmias 12.1%, hypogonadism 11.4%, and hypothyroidism 15.0%. Male sex was independently associated with EMH (odds-ratio [OR] = 2.67; p = 0.027). Hepatic IO was the only significant predictor of PH (OR = 4.12; p = 0.047). Arrhythmias were strongly associated with older age (OR = 22.67; p < 0.0001), while both older age (OR = 4.42; p = 0.004) and pancreatic IO (OR = 7.40; p = 0.012) were independently associated with impaired glucose metabolism. No significant associations were identified for hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, or bone metabolism disorders. Conclusion: This study offers updated insights into the burden of complications in neo-TDT patients and highlights specific risk factors that may inform comprehensive, multidisciplinary surveillance strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is a frequent complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), potentially contributing to adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between post-procedural inflammatory markers and the severity of DD and to propose a preliminary risk score for early prediction. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 181 ACS patients undergoing PCI, assessing C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte, neutrophil counts, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measured 24–48 h post-PCI. Echocardiographic DD grading was performed according to ASE/EACVI guidelines. Spearman correlation, ordinal regression, and decision-curve analysis were used to evaluate predictive performance. Results: CRP correlated with DD severity (ρ = 0.232, p = 0.002) and showed a borderline independent association (OR 1.004, 95% CI 0.999–1.009, p = 0.081). NT-proBNP correlated positively with both CRP and DD severity, while leukocyte and neutrophil counts were not significant. A three-parameter risk score (CRP > 10 mg/L, NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, age ≥ 65 years) identified patients at higher risk of moderate-to-severe DD (score ≥ 2: sensitivity 62%, specificity 71%). Decision-curve analysis demonstrated clinical utility in guiding post-PCI monitoring. Conclusions: A simple 0–3 point score combining age, CRP, and NT-proBNP showed potential for early identification of patients at risk of moderate-to-severe diastolic dysfunction after PCI. While the model demonstrated acceptable discrimination and calibration, its single-center design, limited sample size, and timing of biomarker assessment warrant cautious interpretation. External validation in larger, multicenter cohorts is required before clinical application. Full article

Compliance with standard treatment guidelines (STGs) for the empirical management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) ensures the rational use of antibiotics and mitigates antimicrobial resistance. Operational research (OR) at Korle Bu Polyclinic in Ghana (2022) showed suboptimal STG compliance (prescription of recommended antibiotics in the correct dose, route, frequency, and duration). Some of the recommendations from the OR, including training of medical residents, implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship team, and an audit–feedback system, were implemented. This before-and-after study compared the changes in empirical prescribing practices for patients diagnosed with uncomplicated UTIs before (October 2019–October 2021) and after (January 2023–December 2024) the OR. Of the 3717 and 3457 UTI patients in the before and after cohorts, 83% and 86% received empirical antibiotics, respectively. Among those who received empirical antibiotics, STG compliance increased from 60% to 66% (p-value < 0.001). However, STG compliance remained significantly lower among males (18%) compared to females (85%) in the after cohort, as 80% of males were prescribed antibiotics for a shorter period than the recommended 10–14 days. Moving forward, the training and audit–feedback system should emphasize longer antibiotic durations for males with UTI. Given its positive impact, the OR’s approach warrants replication for other disease conditions. Full article

Background: Bone regeneration is a key therapeutic objective in periodontology, particularly in the treatment of alveolar defects caused by periodontal disease, dentoalveolar trauma, or surgical interventions. Among current regenerative strategies, collagen-enriched biomaterials have demonstrated an active role in modulating cellular behavior during bone repair. However, the specific effects of different collagen formulations on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) have not yet been fully characterized. Objective: To evaluate the impact of xenogeneic bone grafts with and without collagen—OsteoBiol^® Gen-Os^® (GO), OsteoBiol^® GTO^® (GTO), and Geistlich Bio-Oss^® (BO)—on cell viability, adhesion, migration, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization potential of hDPSCs, and to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects. Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to assess viability (MTT and fluorescence staining), adhesion (SEM), migration (wound healing assay), and mineralization (Alizarin Red S staining). Gene expression analyses (RT-qPCR) were performed for adhesion/migration markers (FN, SDF-1, COL1A1), angiogenic/proliferation markers (VEGF, FGF2), and osteogenic differentiation markers (RUNX2, ALP, COL1A1). Results: GO showed a higher early expression of genes associated with adhesion, migration, angiogenesis (FN, SDF-1, VEGF and FGF2: p < 0.05; COL1A1: p < 0.01), and osteogenic differentiation (7 days: COL1A1 and ALP (p < 0.001)); (14 days: RUNX2, ALP: p < 0.001; COL1A1: p < 0.05), indicating a sequential activation of molecular pathways and mineralization capacity comparable to the control group. GTO demonstrated the best biocompatibility, with significantly higher cell viability (p < 0.05), strong adhesion, and markedly increased mineralization at 21 days (p < 0.001), despite moderate early gene expression. BO showed reduced cell viability at 10 mg/mL (p < 0.05) and 20 mg/mL (p < 0.001), with mineralization levels similar to the control group. Conclusion: Collagen-based xenografts demonstrate favorable interactions with hDPSCs, enhancing viability and promoting osteogenic differentiation. Our findings suggest that beyond the presence of collagen, the specific formulation of these biomaterials may modulate their biological performance, highlighting the importance of material design in optimizing regenerative outcomes. Clinical Significance: The formulation of collagen in xenogeneic bone substitutes may be a determining factor in enhancing periodontal regenerative outcomes by modulating the early cellular response and osteogenic activity in stem cell-based tissue engineering. Full article

The family Anaplasmataceae comprises etiological agents of infectious diseases of significant importance. This study aimed to achieve the in vitro isolation and propagation of an Anaplasma sp. using tick-derived cell lines. The study was realized in Seropédica municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood smears from a naturally infected bovine revealed cytoplasmic inclusions in blood cells. To isolate and propagate the organism, IDE8 and ISE6 tick cell lines derived from Ixodes scapularis were used. Two methods of inoculum preparation were employed: Histopaque^® density gradient and platelet-rich plasma separation. Following infection, cells were maintained in L-15B medium without antibiotics at 34 °C, and infection was monitored weekly by Giemsa-stained cytocentrifuge smears. After achieving ≥ 70% infection, bacteria were subcultured and successfully cryopreserved and resuscitated. PCR amplification and sequencing of 16S rDNA, 23S rDNA, rpoB, and groEL genes were performed for molecular characterization. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated strain clustered within the A. platys-like clade. This study reports the successful in vitro isolation, propagation, and cryopreservation of the ‘A. platys-like strain Natal’ bacterium in tick cell lines and provides molecular evidence supporting its phylogenetic classification. These findings contribute to the understanding of genetic variability and host–cell interactions of Anaplasma spp., laying the groundwork for future research. Full article

The global gold extraction industry has been reported to use cyanide-based recovery processes, which pose environmental effects on water resources. The study examined Coptodon zillii liver rhodanese from a gold mining-impacted reservoir with a specific focus on the enzyme’s critical function in cyanide detoxification. Rhodanese was purified using successive chromatographic techniques with 5.4 U/mg specific activity and 3.1-fold purification. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was 36 kDa, and the subunits were 17 kDa, indicative of a dimeric structure. Optimal enzymatic activity was recorded at pH 8.0 and 50 °C. The effect of metal ions was significantly varied: the activity was inhibited by BaCl₂, CaCl₂, NaCl, and MgCl₂, and KCl enhanced performance. The kinetic determinations showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Km of 20.0 mM for sodium thiosulfate and 25.0 mM for potassium cyanide. The enzyme’s minimal activity was identified toward 2-mercaptoethanol, ammonium persulfate, and ammonium sulfate, but with evidence of preference for thiosulfate utilization under the substrate specificity tests. The major interactions between the enzyme and the substrate were revealed by the molecular docking experiments. These showed Glu159, Gln161, and Arg173 formed important hydrogen bonds with thiosulfate, while Arg156 and Val172 were also involved. Other substrates are bound to Gln121 and Trp139 residues with much lower binding energy than thiosulfate. The findings increase our understanding of biochemical adaptation process knowledge in anthropogenically stressed environments, showing strategies of ecological resilience. The characterized enzymatic features showed potent cyanide detoxification potential, and the possible applications are in bioremediation strategies for mining-impacted aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Detecting trees accurately from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds is crucial for processing terrestrial LiDAR data in individual tree analyses. Due to the heterogeneity of savanna ecosystems, our understanding of how various segmentation methods perform on savanna trees remains limited. Therefore, we compared two segmentation algorithms based on the ecological theory of resource distribution, which enables the prediction of the branching geometry of plants. This approach suggests that the shortest path along the vegetation from a point on the tree to the ground remains within the same tree. The algorithms were tested on a 15.2 ha plot scanned at 0.025° resolution during the dry season, using a Riegl VZ1000 Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) in October 2019 at the Skukuza Flux Tower in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Individual tree segmentation was performed on the cloud using the comparative shortest-path (CSP) algorithm, implemented in LiDAR 360 (v 5.4), and the shortest path-based tree isolation method (SPBTIM), implemented in MATLAB (R2022a). The accuracy of each segmentation method was validated using 125 trees that were segmented and manually edited. Results were evaluated using recall (r), precision (p), and the F-score (F). Both algorithms detected (recall) 90% of the trees. The SPBTIM achieved a precision of 91%, slightly higher than the CSP’s 90%. Overall, both methods demonstrated an F-score of 0.90, indicating equal segmentation accuracy. Our findings suggest that both techniques can reliably segment savanna trees, with no significant difference between them in practical application. These results provide valuable insights into the suitability of each method for savanna ecosystems, which is essential for ecological monitoring and efficient TLS data processing workflows. Full article

This study examined the factor structure of the Kidcope and its associations with social support, psychological symptoms, and mental wellbeing among early adolescents (ages 10–14) in Darjeeling, India. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure: control-oriented and escape-oriented coping. Multivariable regression and structural equation models indicated escape-oriented coping was associated with higher emotional symptoms (b = 3.19; p ≤ 0.001) and peer problems (b = 1.43; p ≤ 0.003), whereas control-oriented coping was linked with lower conduct problems (b = −1.11; p = 0.006), and hyperactivity (b = −1.28; p = 0.001). Control-oriented coping also correlated with higher mental wellbeing (b = 11.59; p = 0.004), prosocial behavior (b = 0.50; p ≤ 0.001), and resilience (b = 4.49; p ≤ 0.001). Results suggest control-oriented coping mediates 23% of the total effect of social support on psychological difficulties and 15% on resilience. Findings highlight early adolescence as a sensitive window for strengthening coping skills to protect mental health and enhance wellbeing in high-adversity settings. Full article