Search Results (7,146)

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) play a vital role in driving the transition to sustainable energy systems by facilitating inclusive and cost-effective renewable energy production. They empower citizens to actively participate in the energy sector, promote local energy resource sharing, and improve local energy balancing efforts. This study presents a model for investment and operational decision-making within an REC framework, enabling multiple members to invest in renewable energy generation and battery energy storage systems. The model determines optimal capacities for each technology, facilitates energy sharing among members, and evaluates both individual and collective economic benefits through an internal electricity sharing price. By examining various scenarios within an established three-member REC, the research identifies key factors influencing the acceptance of a new member into the community. The findings indicate that the economic advantages of expanding the REC are significantly dependent on the characteristics of the prospective new member. Full article

The SHCBP1 (SHC SH2-domain-binding protein 1) is identified as an important regulator of cancer biology, participating in the modulation of multiple cancer hallmarks. Initially discovered as a component of the mitotic midbody essential for cytokinesis, SHCBP1 is now recognized for orchestrating a broad spectrum of oncogenic processes such as persistent proliferation, apoptosis resistance, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immune system evasion. This review comprehensively explores the molecular features of SHCBP1, its regulatory networks, and its multifaceted roles in cancer progression. SHCBP1 is commonly overexpressed in diverse cancers, with elevated expression levels strongly associated with more aggressive tumors and unfavorable patient prognosis. Mechanistically, SHCBP1 serves as a potential mediator of oncogenic signaling pathways, thereby regulating mitotic processes, transcriptional alterations, and cytoskeletal reorganization. In addition to its biological functions, SHCBP1 offers translational promise as a prognostic marker and a prospective therapeutic target. Preclinical models indicate that genetic depletion or pharmacologic disruption of SHCBP1 limits tumor growth, increases sensitivity to chemotherapy, and reduces metastatic capacity. Despite significant progress, the development of selective SHCBP1 inhibitors remain challenging areas. This review summarizes SHCBP1’s diverse roles in tumor pathogenesis and outlines future research directions to develop SHCBP1-targeted strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Neonates with moderate-to-severe hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain at high risk of neurological sequelae despite access to therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Real-time accessible biomarkers are required to improve risk stratification and guide neuroprotective care in these settings. This study evaluated the predictive capacity of heart rate variability (HRV) metrics for brain injury detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neonates with HIE who underwent TH at an LMIC. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 87 neonates treated with TH in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia. HRV was recorded during the first 24 h of TH, during rewarming, and 24 h after rewarming. Brain MRI was performed within the first week of life and scored using the Rutherford system. Associations between HRV metrics and global and regional brain injuries were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) powers were significantly lower in neonates with MRI abnormalities. LF power during rewarming demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.90), followed by HF power during the first 24 h (AUC = 0.80). Region-specific analyses showed that LF power reduction was significantly associated with white matter and basal ganglia injury. Conclusions: HRV, particularly LF power during rewarming, is a promising and accessible biomarker for regional brain injury in neonates with perinatal asphyxia treated with TH. Full article

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive components of Panax ginseng, exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, ranging from anticancer to neuroprotective effects. However, traditional production by ginseng cultivation faces limitations due to extended growth cycles, insufficient yields, intricate extraction processes, and significant environmental dependencies. Synthetic biology and synthetic metabolic engineering offer promising alternatives for sustainable manufacturing of essential bioactive compounds, including ginsenosides. First, this review describes the ginsenoside biosynthesis pathways, emphasizing crucial enzymes (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase, squalene epoxidase, dammarenediol-II synthase, amyrin synthase, and various UDP-glycosyltransferases) and their regulatory networks. Understanding these fundamental pathways enables rational engineering of production systems. Second, it examines current synthetic biology approaches, encompassing plant cell, tissue, and hairy root cultures, engineered microbial hosts including Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli, and cell-free enzymatic synthesis. Third, it evaluates the medicinal significance, market prospects, and industrial feasibility of these biomanufactured compounds. Finally, it analyzes the sustainability of production models and explores the emerging potential of engineered plant chassis. These advanced methodologies directly address traditional agricultural constraints and establish a robust framework for future ginsenoside synthesis. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing technologies are increasingly used in pediatric surgery, offering improved anatomical visualization, surgical planning, and personalized approaches to complex conditions. Compared to standard imaging, patient-specific 3D models—virtual or printed—provide a more intuitive spatial understanding of congenital anomalies, tumors, and vascular anomalies. This review compiles evidence from pediatric surgical fields including oncology, abdominal, and thoracic surgery, highlighting the clinical relevance of 3D applications. The technological workflow—from image segmentation to computer-aided design (CAD) modeling and multimaterial printing—is described, emphasizing accuracy, reproducibility, and integration into hospital systems. Several clinical cases are presented: neuroblastoma, cloacal malformation, conjoined twins, and two cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (one with congenital pulmonary airway malformation, CPAM). In each, 3D modeling enhanced anatomical clarity, increased surgeon confidence, and supported safer intraoperative decision-making. Models also improved communication with families and enabled effective multidisciplinary planning. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, such as production time, cost variability, and lack of standardization. Future directions include artificial intelligence-based automation, expanded use of virtual and mixed reality, and prospective validation studies in pediatric cohorts. Overall, 3D modeling represents a significant advance in pediatric precision surgery, with growing evidence supporting its safety, clinical utility, and educational value. Full article

The pathogenesis of Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) remains poorly understood. The most important event is the deficiency of frataxin, a protein related to iron metabolism and, therefore, involved in oxidative stress. Studies on oxidative stress markers and gene expression in FRDA patients have yielded inconclusive results. This is largely due to the limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and methodological differences. A notable finding is the decreased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II, and III, as well as aconitase, in endomyocardial tissue. In contrast, numerous studies in experimental models of FRDA (characterized by frataxin deficiency) have shown evidence of the involvement of oxidative stress in cellular degeneration. These findings include increased iron concentration, mitochondrial dysfunction (with reduced respiratory chain complex activity and membrane potential), and decreased aconitase activity. Additionally, there is the induction of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione levels, elevated markers of lipoperoxidation, and DNA and carbonyl protein oxidation. The expression of NRF2 is decreased, along with the downregulation of PGC-1α. Therefore, it is plausible that antioxidant treatment may help improve symptoms and slow the progression of FRDA. Among the antioxidant treatments tested in FRDA patients, only omaveloxolone and, to a lesser extent, idebenone (particularly for cardiac hypertrophy) have shown some efficacy. However, many antioxidant drugs have shown the ability to reduce oxidative stress in experimental models of FRDA. Therefore, these drugs may be useful in treating FRDA and are likely candidates for future clinical trials. Future studies investigating oxidative stress and antioxidant therapies in FRDA should adopt a prospective, multicenter, long-term, double-blind design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cytokines play a fundamental role in the tumor microenvironment, influencing breast cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic impact and therapeutic relevance of key cytokines in breast cancer, based on human studies published between 2015 and 2025. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for eligible studies reporting on cytokine expression and clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Inclusion criteria were based on the PRISMA framework, focusing on human cohorts and excluding in vitro or animal models. Data were extracted on cytokine types, measurement methods, patient population, and outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models for cytokines with sufficient data, notably IL-6 and TNF-α. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Elevated IL-6 was consistently associated with poor overall survival (pooled HR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.83–2.76), while high TNF-α levels showed a trend toward worse outcomes but without statistical significance. IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 were also linked to increased metastasis and reduced response to therapy. Immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β facilitated tumor immune evasion, while IL-17 promoted inflammation and angiogenesis. Cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-γ were associated with improved immune responses and a favorable prognosis. Conclusions: Cytokines are central mediators of breast cancer progression and immune regulation. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokines correlate with poor outcomes and may serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Their integration into personalized treatment strategies holds significant clinical potential but requires further prospective validation and biomarker standardization. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, resulting from defects in insulin secretion or impaired insulin action. In cases of severe pancreatic cell dysfunction and deficiency, the primary treatment remains lifelong insulin injections. A potential alternative is allogeneic pancreatic cell transplantation from a donor, which can stabilize glucose levels. However, the scarcity of donor material and the risk of immune rejection limit the widespread use of this approach. An alternative solution involves using in vitro-derived insulin-producing cells generated through the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which could overcome the shortage of transplantable material. Furthermore, patient-specific cells—obtained directly from the patient via reprogramming of blood or skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—would avoid immune rejection. Advances in this field have led to the active development and optimization of PSC differentiation into hormone-producing cells worldwide, with more than hundred patients dosed in clinical trials with ESC-derived cells and the single trial of iPSC-derived cells. This review highlights recent progress and prospects in generating insulin-producing cells from human PSCs, their applications in therapy development and disease modeling, as well as the current challenges and potential solutions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Crohn’s disease (CD) is one of the most frequent causes of short bowel syndrome (SBS), a severe clinical condition with huge morbidity and social costs. SBS occurs when, following intestinal resections, the remaining small bowel in continuity is less than 200 cm in length. Intestinal failure (IF) can complicate SBS when intravenous nutritional or electrolyte supplementation is required to maintain dietary needs. The primary aim of this study was to identify clinical predictive factors of SBS in a cohort of outpatients with CD. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, cohort study enrolling consecutive CD outpatients at a tertiary-level inflammatory bowel disease center. Detailed demographic and clinical features were collected. Significant factors associated with the onset of SBS in the univariate analysis were input into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of SBS. Results: In total, 232 CD patients (52.6% male, median age 49 years [IQR 37–60]) were included: 24.6% of them were smokers; extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) were present in 21.6% of patients; and 67.7% of patients had at least one intestinal resection (27% of them with more than one surgical intervention). At enrollment, 96.1% of patients were on advanced therapies, and considering the course of the disease, 24.6% of patients were exposed to ≥3 different advanced therapies. A total of 18 patients had SBS and 9 had IF. In univariate analysis, the following variables were statistically associated with the risk of developing SBS: disease duration (p < 0.001), upper gastrointestinal disease localization (L4) (p < 0.001), penetrating behavior (p = 0.023), perianal disease (p = 0.036), length of first intestinal resection (p < 0.001), shorter time elapsing from CD diagnosis to start the first advanced therapy (p < 0.001), and treatment with advanced therapy after first intestinal resection (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, disease duration (OR 1.083, 95% C.I. 1.025–1.145, p = 0.005) and L4 (OR 20.079, 95% C.I. 2.473–163.06, p = 0.005) were independently associated with the development of SBS. Conversely, the number of different advanced therapies before the onset of SBS was independently associated with a reduced risk of developing SBS (OR 0.247, 95% C.I. 0.107–0.58, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our data identifies several clinical features that could possibly predict the development of SBS in CD. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our findings. Full article

The aim of the present paper is to study the antimicrobial effects of Nb₂O₅-containing nanosized powders. A combination of inorganic [telluric acid (H₆TeO₆)] and organic [Ti(IV) n-butoxide, Nb(V) ethoxide (C₁₀H₂₅NbO₅)] precursors was used to prepare gels. To allow for further hydrolysis, the gels were aged in air for a few days. The gels were amorphous, but at 600 °C the amorphous phase was absent, and only TiO₂ (anatase) crystals were detected. The average crystallite size of TiO₂ (anatase) was about 10 nm. The UV-Vis spectrum of the as-prepared gel showed red shifting in the cut-off region. The obtained nanopowders were evaluated for antimicrobial properties against E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, S. aureus ATCC 25923, and C. albicans 18804. Among these, only E. coli was examined in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to assess whether there was a potential synergistic effect. The results showed that the material exhibited antibacterial activity against the abovementioned bacterial strains but not against C. albicans. In the case of E. coli combined with ciprofloxacin, a concentration-dependent enhancement in antibacterial activity was observed. The obtained samples can be considered as prospective materials for use as environmental catalysts. The newly synthesized nanocomposite showed a balancing, modulating, and neutralizing effect on the generation of ROS. The inhibitory effect was preserved in all tested model chemical systems at pH 7.4 (physiological), indicating potential biological applications in inflammatory and oxidation processes in vivo. Full article

With the rapid development of large-space buildings, their fire risk has become increasingly prominent. Conventional fire detection technologies are often limited by spatial height and environmental interference, leading to false alarms, missed detections, and delayed responses. This paper reviews 83 publications to analyze the limitations of conventional methods in large spaces and highlights the advantages of and current developments in image-based fire detection technology. It outlines key aspects such as equipment selection, dataset construction, and target recognition algorithm optimization, along with improvement directions including scenario-adaptive datasets, model enhancement, and adaptability refinement. Research demonstrates that image-based technology offers broad coverage, rapid response, and strong anti-interference capability, effectively compensating for the shortcomings of conventional methods and providing a new solution for early fire warning in large spaces. Finally, future prospects are discussed, focusing on environmental adaptability, algorithm efficiency and reliability, and system integration, offering valuable references for related research and applications. Full article

Background: Blood pressure variability (BPV) has emerged as an important clinical factor in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with evidence linking excessive fluctuations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) to secondary brain injury. This study aimed to assess the association between SBP variability during the first week of hospitalization and the risk of early post-stroke complications, specifically hemorrhagic transformation and infarct growth. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 138 AIS patients admitted to the Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, between November 2022 and December 2024. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed three times daily over a period of seven days, with variability determined as the standard deviation (SD) of the recorded values. Patients were categorized based on treatment modality (conservative versus intravenous thrombolysis), and complications were evaluated using repeated computed tomography (CT) imaging. Results: SBP variability was significantly higher in patients who developed hemorrhagic transformation (OR 3.64, 95% CI: 2.21–5.99, p < 0.001) or infarct growth (OR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.24–2.61, p = 0.001). A monotonic trend was observed across SBP variability categories, with complication rates increasing significantly with higher variability levels (p < 0.001 for hemorrhagic transformation; p = 0.001 for infarct growth). In multivariable models, SBP variability remained an independent predictor of hemorrhagic transformation in both the conservative group (OR 4.78, 95% CI: 2.07–37.14, p = 0.02) and thrombolysis group (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.13–2.08, p = 0.01), and was also associated with infarct growth in the thrombolysis group (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.13–2.25, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Medium-term SBP variability is an independent predictor of early ischemic and hemorrhagic complications following AIS, particularly in patients receiving thrombolysis. These findings support the need for targeted strategies to stabilize BP during the acute phase of stroke care. Full article

In recent years, the application of deep learning technology in the field of food engineering has developed rapidly. As an essential food raw material and processing target, the number of kernels per maize plant is a critical indicator for assessing crop growth and predicting yield. To address the challenges of frequent target ID switching, high falling speed, and the limited accuracy of traditional methods in practical production scenarios for maize kernel falling count, this study designs and implements a real-time kernel falling counting system based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The system captures dynamic video streams of kernel falling using a high-speed camera and innovatively integrates the YOLOv8 object detection framework with the ByteTrack multi-object tracking algorithm to establish an efficient and accurate kernel trajectory tracking and counting model. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves a tracking and counting accuracy of up to 99% under complex falling conditions, effectively overcoming counting errors caused by high-speed motion and object occlusion, and significantly enhancing robustness. This system combines high intelligence with precision, providing reliable technical support for automated quality monitoring and yield estimation in food processing production lines, and holds substantial application value and prospects for widespread adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep plays a key role in female fertility. Sleep disturbances (SDis) during pregnancy are common and may negatively affect maternal health, contributing to an increased risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Aim: The present prospective study aimed to examine the interplay of sleep, anxiety, and depression during the pregnancy and postpartum stages, comparing women who conceived naturally (NC) with those who conceived through assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Methods: The study included five timepoints: pre-pregnancy (t0), the end of each trimester (t1–t3), and the postpartum period (t4). SDis were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS); perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Given the imbalance in group size and the dispersion of values, a negative binomial regression model with robust variances and Satterthwaite approximation for the degrees of freedom was applied. Results: Compared to women with NC (N = 37), those undergoing ART (N = 57) were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001), unemployed (p < 0.001), and have a history of thyroid disease (p = 0.008). Significant differences between different time points were observed in both NC (N = 37) and successfully conceived ART groups (N = 9) in all sleep, fatigue, and well-being parameters. Notably, at the end of the first trimester (t1), the ART group reported more severe insomnia symptoms (p = 0.02). Conclusions: SDis are common in pregnancy, but more pronounced during the first trimester among women on ART. These findings highlight the need for early screening and targeted psychological support during perinatal care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lidocaine has demonstrated immunomodulatory properties and promising antitumor effects in experimental models, but its impact on long-term outcomes following oncologic surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the impact of intraoperative lidocaine versus remifentanil on long-term cancer outcomes after primary lung cancer surgery. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NCT03905837, EudraCT 2016-004271-52). From 154 patients who underwent elective lung resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) between January 2019 and June 2021 and were randomized to receive intraoperative lidocaine (intravenous or paravertebral) or remifentanil, we analyzed data from patients with confirmed primary lung cancer in the surgery specimen. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed through May 2025. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Among the 97 patients with primary lung cancer finally included in the analysis, those in the lidocaine group exhibited improved OS compared with those who received intravenous remifentanil (log-rank p = 0.022). This association remained significant in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.13–5.96, p = 0.025). No significant differences were observed in DFS overall (log-rank p = 0.283) or in DFS limited to recurrences of cancers present at the time of surgery, either the resected primary tumor or a prior malignancy (log-rank p = 0.080). Conclusions: In this post hoc analysis, lidocaine administration during oncologic lung resection was associated with improved OS in primary lung cancer patients. No differences in DFS were observed between groups; however, a non-significant trend toward improved DFS in lidocaine patients was noted when focusing on recurrences of cancers present at the time of surgery. Further investigation in larger prospective studies is warranted. Full article