Search Results (10,290)

Dogs harbour a wide range of endoparasites, many of which pose a significant risk to public health globally due to their zoonotic potential. Addressing the dynamics of zoonotic parasites comprehensively requires epidemiological studies under the One Health paradigm, incorporating multidisciplinary methodologies to explore the complex interactions among humans, animals and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of canine parasites in public green places (PGPs) in Tandil, Argentina, using epidemiological and geographical tools to enhance efforts towards the prevention and control of canine parasitic diseases impacting public health. Between August 2024 and January 2025, 893 canine faecal samples were collected through a randomised two-stage sampling process from 92 public green places. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 29.9% and the identified parasites were Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma caninum, Eucoleus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, and Cystoisospora sp. Risk factors identified included the presence of playgrounds and a higher dog density, while protective factors comprised sampling during spring vs. winter and presence of areas of bare soil on the public green places. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of high prevalence in areas with lower socioeconomic status, and clusters of low prevalence in higher socioeconomic areas. These findings emphasise the need for targeted preventive measures, including responsible pet ownership policies. Moreover, the methodological approach adopted could be replicated in other regions to enhance public health protection and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic parasitic diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has gained tremendous traction as a target for tumor imaging and cancer treatment, while also playing a key role in fibrosis. Our study aimed to evaluate [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi for PET imaging of replacement fibrosis following myocardial infarction (MI) or interstitial fibrosis associated with hypertrophy. Methods: MI or transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophy was induced in C57BL/6 mice, with sham-operated animals serving as controls. At multiple time points during disease progression (1, 2, and 6 weeks post-surgery), [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi PET/CT scans were performed, followed by ex vivo investigations. Additionally, in vitro cell uptake experiments simulating hypertrophy were conducted. Results: Cardiac uptake of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi significantly increased two weeks after MI induction (MI: 2.1 ± 0.2%ID/g, n = 7 vs. SHAM: 1.1 ± 0.2%ID/g, n = 5; p = 0.002), confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography. No significant difference was observed at six weeks post-MI (MI: 1.1 ± 0.1%ID/g, n = 4 vs. SHAM: 0.8 ± 0.0%ID/g, n = 3), indicating infarct healing completion. In contrast, TAC mice showed increased uptake after six weeks (TAC: 1.8 ± 0.2%ID/g, n = 6; p = 0.007), related to interstitial fibrosis progression. Consistently, high-stretched cardiac fibroblasts demonstrated a higher uptake compared to low-stretched conditioned ones, suggesting the stretch mediates regulation of FAP. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the efficacy of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DATA^5m.SA.FAPi for longitudinal imaging of cardiac fibrosis in response to different cardiac injuries. In vivo FAP imaging during cardiac remodeling may serve as a valuable tool for diagnosing and predicting disease progression, ultimately aiding in the clinical management of patients. Full article

Skin sensitivity is increasingly prevalent, necessitating new therapeutic agents. This study screened multifunctional peptides from Takifugu fasciatus skin for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities and investigated their mechanisms in alleviating sensitive skin (SS). A low-molecular-weight hydrolysate was prepared through enzymatic hydrolysis of T. fasciatus skin, followed by ultrafiltration, with subsequent peptide identification performed using nano-HPLC-MS/MS and molecular docking-based virtual screening. Among 20 TRPV1-antagonistic peptides (TFTIPs), QFF (T10), LDIF (T14), and FFR (T18) exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in (lipopolysaccharide) LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. T14 showed the strongest TRPV1 inhibition; T14 (200 μM) inhibited Ca²⁺ in capsaicin-stimulated HaCaT cells by 73.1% and showed stable binding in molecular docking, warranting further analysis. Mechanistic studies revealed that T14 suppressed NF-κB signaling by downregulating p65 protein expression, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (G-CSF, GM-CSF, ICAM-1, IL-6, TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, T14 (400 μM) inhibited ET-1 in LPS-stimulated endothelial cells by 75.0%; ICAM-1 reached 49.0%. Network pharmacology predicted STAT3, MAPK3, SPHK1, and CTSB as key targets mediating T14’s effects. These study findings suggest that T14 may be a promising candidate for skincare applications targeting SS. Full article

Background: Abnormal sodium-dependent hexose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, accompanied by a functional decrease in sodium and water reabsorption under conditions of increased volemia, may be attributed to a dysfunction of primary transporters related to a genetic defect in the Na,K-ATPase gamma subunit. Methods: We examined two sisters, aged 6 and 8 years, who presented with hypercalciuria, glucosuria, fructosuria, galactosuria, and atypical proteinuria. Primary diabetes, galactosemia, and fructosemia were excluded, suggesting a defect in cellular hexose transport in the proximal tubule. We conducted tests on the family members to assess the impact of gradually increasing volemia, using a water-loading test, on tubular H⁺ transport and urinary excretion of calcium, citrate, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and atypical proteins. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in the affected patients to identify the genetic basis of this phenotype. Results: Extended investigations revealed a complex defect in tubular H⁺ transport, calcium and citrate handling, and atypical proteinuria, resulting from water load-driven overproduction of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous pathogenic variant, c.80G>A, p.(Arg27His), in the FXYD2 gene, which encodes the gamma subunit of sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that a defect in FXYD2 (splice form a) leads to functional impairment of proximal tubular hexose reabsorption. This is the first report on the metabolic consequences of a pathogenic FXYD2 variant affecting the gamma subunit of sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase in humans. The genotype–phenotype correlation in two siblings with a sodium-dependent defect in fructose, galactose, and glucose renal reabsorption allowed us to characterize a disease with a distinct clinical course and biochemical profile, not previously reported in the medical literature or genetic databases. Analysis of this condition was crucial for the early introduction of reno-protective treatment aimed at slowing the progression of nephropathy and for risk assessment in family members, which was essential for genetic counseling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Molecular imaging, especially PET, has advanced significantly, shifting from metabolic radiotracers like 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose [¹⁸F]FDG to target-specific probes. Among these, αvβ6-integrin has emerged as a promising target in cancer and non-cancer diseases. This review focuses on the radiochemical properties and initial clinical applications of the [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-Trivehexin PET probe. Methods: The literature review on [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-Trivehexin systematically evaluated both preclinical and clinical studies, with particular emphasis on its radiochemical characteristics and preliminary clinical applications, while highlighting advancements, associated challenges, and the potential for future developments in the field. Results: This study highlights the significant advancements achieved with [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-Trivehexin in the field of molecular imaging. The optimized multimeric system has substantially enhanced the radiotracer’s pharmacokinetic properties, binding affinity, and selectivity for αvβ6 integrin, demonstrating up to an 18-fold improvement compared to previous monomeric tracers. The synthesis protocol has been refined to achieve high radiochemical purity (>95%), essential for safe clinical use. Preliminary clinical applications, particularly in head and neck cancer (HNC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), have shown promising results, with high detection rates and improved differential diagnosis compared to [¹⁸F]FDG. Furthermore, [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT has shown potential in non-oncological conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary hyperthyroidism, suggesting broader clinical applicability. Conclusions: [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-Trivehexin is a promising PET probe for imaging αvβ6-integrin in cancers and non-oncological diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a broad spectrum of diseases and injuries that significantly affect the musculoskeletal system and impose a considerable burden on global public health. This review focuses on the landscape of MSD diagnoses and emphasizes the high prevalence of these conditions. Additionally, it recognizes the inadequacies of conventional evaluation methods, including radiography and subjective assessments, when addressing their complex pathophysiology. It also attempts to highlight the promise of positron emission tomography (PET), which offers quantitative insights into metabolic and molecular activities before structural changes become evident. The review focuses on key radiotracers, specifically, fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]-FDG) and sodium fluoride ([¹⁸F]-NaF), discussing their efficacy in assessing inflammatory processes and bone metabolism. By exploring the abilities of these advanced imaging modalities, we aim to identify the potential of using PET in the early detection and more accurate assessment of MSDs. Furthermore, we provide a brief outline of directions for future research, advocating for the development of novel radiotracers, the integration of multiple imaging modalities, and the application of artificial intelligence in imaging analysis. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of MSDs and underscores the urgent need for innovative diagnostic strategies to improve patient care and outcomes in musculoskeletal health. Full article

For the management of the water cycle, it is essential to comprehend evapotranspiration (ET) and how it changes over time and space, especially in relation to vegetation. Here, using the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) model, we explored the spatiotemporal variations in ET across different time scales during 1982–2018 in the Wuding River Basin. We also quantitatively evaluated the driving mechanisms of climate and vegetation changes on ET changes. Results showed that the ET estimate by the PT-JPL model showed good agreement (R² = 0.71–0.84) with four ET products (PML, MOD16A2, GLASS, FLDAS). Overall, the ET increased significantly at a rate of 3.11 mm/year (p < 0.01). Spatially, ET in the WRB is higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest. Attribution analysis indicated that vegetation restoration (leaf area index) was the dominant driver of ET changes (99.93% basin area, p < 0.05), exhibiting both direct effects and indirect mediation through the Vapor Pressure Deficit. Temperature influences emerged predominantly through vegetation feedbacks rather than direct climatic forcing. These findings establish vegetation restoration as a key driver of regional ET, providing empirical support for optimizing revegetation strategies in semi-arid environments. Full article

Background: Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in adults with an average incidence of 0.1–0.3 individuals per 100,000 per year. These tumors are often resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, and surgical excision is a mainstay of current treatment. However, survival in the setting of metastatic disease is still poor, and research is needed to identify prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Several studies have examined the role of IDH mutations in chondrosarcoma, but the results vary widely. The goal of this analysis was to aggregate individual patient data from these studies and conduct a high-powered analysis of the impact of IDH mutations on survival outcomes in chondrosarcoma. Methods: Chondrosarcoma studies that included data on the IDH mutation status of tumors were queried, and the individual datasets reporting patient and tumor variables were extracted. The data from these studies were added to the internal dataset from the authors’ home institution. Two-sample tests for equality of proportions were used to assess the distribution of sample characteristics between groups. Univariate Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves and multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards (CPH) models were used to assess the relationship between tumor IDH mutations and five and ten-year patient overall survival (OS). Results: The final cohort included 1152 patients sourced from 21 studies and the authors’ internal dataset. IDH mutations were more common in higher grade tumors and were more likely to be found in individuals over 60 years old. Patients with IDH mutant tumors had shorter five-year OS in univariate KM analysis when analyzing all chondrosarcomas combined. However, multivariate CPH models accounting for age and tumor grade, found that the effect of IDH mutation was isolated to patients with dedifferentiated tumors only. Patients with IDH mutant dedifferentiated tumors displayed significantly shorter five-year OS (HR: 1.99, p = 0.02) relative to patients with IDH wild-type (WT) dedifferentiated tumors. The primary predictor of five-year OS in the conventional chondrosarcoma cohort was tumor grade, regardless of IDH mutation status (HR: 2.72, p < 0.005). Discussion: IDH mutations are relatively common in cartilaginous neoplasms (including benign tumors), with the literature reporting rates as high as 50% in chondrosarcomas. Prior studies have investigated the link between IDH1/2 mutation status, tumor grade and overall survival, with mixed results on the effect of IDH mutation on survival. Vuong et al. performed a meta-analysis in 2021 and found that IDH mutation was associated with older patient age, larger tumor size, higher tumor grade, and increased risk of death compared to WT tumors. Our analysis, which builds on the Vuong et al. study, indicates that IDH status itself is not independently predictive of overall survival in conventional chondrosarcoma, however, it does correlate with survival in dedifferentiated tumors. Further analysis is needed to investigate the potential correlation of IDH mutations in higher grade tumors and patients of older age. Full article

We developed an autonomous navigation system for a solar-panel-cleaning vehicle. The system utilizes the YOLOv4-Tiny object detection model to detect white lines on the solar panels and combines the model with a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller to achieve autonomous navigation functionality. The main system platform was built on Raspberry Pi, and the Intel Neural Compute Stick 2 (NCS2) was used for hardware acceleration, which boosted the model’s inference speed from 2 to 8 frames per second (FPS), significantly enhancing the system’s real-time performance. By tuning the PID controller parameters, the system achieved an optimal performance, with $K_P$ = 11, $K_i$ = 0.01, and $K_d$ = 30, maintaining the average value of the error e(t) at −0.0412 and the standard deviation at 0.1826 and improving the inference speed. The system autonomously followed the white lines on the solar panels and automatically turned when reaching the boundaries. The system also autonomously cleaned itself. The developed autonomous navigation system effectively improved the efficiency and convenience of solar panel cleaning. Full article

This retrospective, single-center study investigates the association between PET parameters and pathological response or disease recurrence in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax_BL), metabolic tumor volume (MTV_BL), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG_BL) were measured at baseline [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT and the change in percentage (ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV, ΔTLG) from baseline to early evaluation [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT was calculated. The optimal cutoff values of the different PET parameters for pathological response, defined as <10% residual viable tumor (RVT) or >15% fibrosis/hyalinization, and recurrence-free survival were obtained for analysis. Forty-two patients who underwent baseline [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT and NACT followed by surgery were included between January 2015 and January 2023. The primary diagnoses were angiosarcoma (n = 15), leiomyosarcoma (n = 15), sarcoma not otherwise specified (n = 9) and synovial sarcoma (n = 3). Twenty-eight (66.6%) patients underwent an early evaluation PET/CT. MTV_BL, TLG_BL, and ΔSUVmax (p = 0.024; p = 0.042, p = 0.009, respectively) values above the cutoff were associated with a pathological response based on RVT. ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV, and ΔTLG (p = 0.002; p = 0.019; p = 0.039, respectively) values above the cutoff were positively related to >15% fibrosis/hyalinization. MTV_BL, TLG_BL, and ΔMTV (p = 0.014; p = 0.022; p = 0.034, respectively) values above the cutoff were prognostic for the recurrence of disease. [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT has a promising role in STS patients treated with NACT. Full article

The most efficient technique for resolving the issue of plastic waste disposal is by converting the wastes into high-quality liquid oils through thermal and catalytic pyrolysis. The objective of this work was to study the composition of liquid oils obtained by thermal and catalytic degradation of plastic wastes containing polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The clay catalysts were characterized by N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The effect of temperature and clay catalyst type on the yields of the end-products resulting in thermo-catalytic degradation of PS has been evaluated. Degradation of PS showed the highest liquid oil production at 86.85% in comparison to other plastic types. The characterization of the liquid oils was performed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS). In liquid oils of PS, eighteen principal compounds (of groups: linear hydrocarbons, mono-aromatics, and di-aromatics) were identified. In the liquid oils of the plastic waste mixture, twenty-four principal compounds (of groups: linear hydrocarbons, mono-aromatics, oxygen-containing aromatic, di-aromatics, and tri-aromatics) were identified. The liquid oils were investigated in order to reconvert them as styrene monomers or other chemicals in energy recovery. Full article

This scoping review examines the distribution, sources, and characterization of atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) in Southeast Asia (SEA), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A comprehensive search of Scopus and PubMed identified 58 relevant articles, with 16 meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate high microplastic (MP) concentrations in urban centres, notably in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, a pattern driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial emissions, textile production, and insufficient waste management. Predominant polymer types include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET), with fibres and black particles being the most common forms. Black particles, often linked to tire wear and vehicular emissions, underscore traffic pollution’s role in AMP distribution, while PET fibres reflect the influence of SEA’s textile industry. Geographic gaps were observed, with limited studies in countries such as Cambodia and Laos. The review highlights the need for standardised sampling and quantification methods to ensure data comparability and calls for expanded research into rural and coastal regions. Future studies should prioritise longitudinal investigations into the effects of chronic exposure on health; this is particularly relevant for nanoplastics (NPs) because of their greater potential for biological penetration. These insights form a crucial foundation for mitigating AMP pollution in SEA. Full article

Background: [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC PET/CT is a valuable technique for identifying neuroendocrine tumors overexpressing somatostatin receptors; however, its diagnostic and prognostic utility for WHO low-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC uptake in well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and determine its predictive capability for metastasis. Methods: Patients with pathologically diagnosed well-differentiated, non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who underwent [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC PET/CT between 2015 and 2021 were included. Medical records and [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC PET/CT indices (maximal and mean standardized uptake values, somatostatin receptor-expressing tumor volume, and total lesion somatostatin receptor expression in pancreatic tumors) were retrospectively reviewed. Correlations between indices were analyzed to determine their collective diagnostic significance. Results: Among 93 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and underwent [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC PET/CT, 48 with well-differentiated, non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors without accompanying genetic syndromes were included. The pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were classified as WHO grade 1 (n = 30, 62.5%) and grade 2 (n = 18, 37.5%), with tumors in 25% of the patients exhibiting initial metastases. A higher incidence of metastasis was observed in larger metabolically active tumors (somatostatin receptor-expressing tumor volume, p < 0.001; total lesion somatostatin receptor expression, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Volumetric parameters derived from [⁶⁸Ga]-DOTATOC PET/CT correlates with initial metastasis in well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Full article

tet(X4)-positive IncHI1 plasmids are widely prevalent in various bacteria. To understand their transmission characteristics, we analyzed two extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Escherichia coli strains isolated from pet dog feces in Henan Province, China. Strain T28R harbored tet(X4)-positive IncHI1, IncF18:A-:B-, and mcr-1-positive IncI2 plasmids, while T16R carried tet(X4)-positive IncHI1, F16:A-:B-, and mcr-1-positive IncX4 plasmids. Four representative fusion plasmids, pT28R-F1, pT28R-F2, pT28R-F3, and pT16R-F1, in transconjugants were analyzed using WGS and PCR mapping. The results showed that IS26 from the IncF18:A-:B--plasmid attacked the conjugative transfer-associated genes trhc and rsp on the IncHI1 plasmid, generating pT28R-F1 and pT28R-F2. pT28R-F3 was generated through ISCro1- and ISCR2-mediated homologous recombination, deleting the Tra1 region of the IncHI1 plasmid. T16R-F1 emerged from ISCR2- and IS1B-mediated homologous recombination, losing transfer regions of parental plasmids. Notably, fusion plasmids lost the temperature sensitivity of the IncHI1 plasmid, with conjugation frequencies between 1.57 × 10⁻⁴ and 3.84 × 10⁻⁵ at 28 °C and 37 °C. The findings suggest that tet(X4)-positive IncHI1 plasmids could be mobilized with the assistance of conjugative helper plasmids and that fusion events enhance the adaptability of these plasmids, thus facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance, posing a growing public health threat. Full article

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBCL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), considered a specific entity with proper characteristics, therapies, and prognosis. First-line treatment is not unique, and subsequent strategies in case of disease persistence or relapse are the subject of debate and studies. In this scenario, [18F]FDG PET/CT plays a pivotal role both in characterizing the mediastinal mass, the main feature of PMLBCL, in staging, in restaging during therapy (interim PET), and at the end of treatment (EoT PET), to guide clinical management and give prognostic insights. The main issue with PMLBCL is distinguishing viable disease from residual fibrotic/inflammatory mass after therapy and, consequently, settling the next clinical strategy. Novel therapeutic approaches are ongoing and associated with the deepening of [18F]FDG PET/CT potentials as a principal tool in this context. In this review, we will explore PMLBCL from a Nuclear Medicine point of view to help clinicians in the management of these patients. Full article