Search Results (62,556)

Background: Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can be achieved with appropriate antiviral treatment. However, few studies have evaluated the added benefits of achieving functional cure. We aimed to conduct a quantitative analysis of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of CHB patients who achieved functional cure to provide evidence for economic analysis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in five provinces in China in 2021. The study population was recruited in hospitals and divided into three groups: functional cure, antiviral treatment, and healthy control group. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Short Form-36 version 2. Results: 497 participants (163 with functional cure, 192 with antiviral treatment, and 142 with healthy control) were used in this study. The eight scale scores (physical function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health) and two summary scores (physical composite and mental composite) in the functional cure and healthy control groups were similar. Compared to the healthy control group, the general health scores in the functional cure group were worse with −0.052 (95% CI: −0.094, −0.010), and the antiviral treatment group had significantly worse scores with −0.127 (95% CI: −0.170, −0.083). The antiviral treatment group had lower vitality scores (β = −0.048, 95% CI: −0.089 to −0.007) and MCS scores (β = −0.023, 95% CI: −0.042, −0.003, p = 0.022) compared to the healthy control. The mental composite summary scores of all groups were > 50 (p > 0·05). Conclusions: Health-related quality of life decreases with CHB disease progression. The results indicate that functional cure is associated with HRQoL levels comparable to those of the healthy population, both on the physical and psychological aspect, reinforcing the clinical value of this therapeutic goal. Full article

Eutrophication of water bodies significantly accelerates water quality degradation, leading to the decline of aquatic organisms. To evaluate the synergistic restoration effects of submerged macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata and filter-feeding bivalve Anodonta woodiana on hypereutrophic water, a 40-day mesocosm simulation experiment in hypereutrophic aquatic ecosystems was conducted by setting up four treatments: control group (CK), A. woodiana group (Aw), H. verticillata group (Hv), and combined H. verticillata + A. woodiana group (HA). The results indicated that the combined application of H. verticillata and A. woodiana significantly reduced total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration, and turbidity in the water, with removal rates reaching 58.3%, 60.6%, and 85.4%, respectively. The introduction of A. woodiana substantially altered the algal community composition. At the end of the experiment, the average proportion of cyanobacteria in the CK and Hv groups was 55.6%, whereas in the Aw and HA groups it decreased to 36.0%. Both total phosphorus and water-soluble phosphorus contents in H. verticillata tissues were significantly lower in HA compared to Hv, indicating that the combined treatment could reduce the risk of internal phosphorus release after H. verticillata senescence. These findings collectively demonstrate that the combination of H. verticillata and A. woodiana represents an efficient and environmentally friendly ecological restoration technology of eutrophic waters. Full article

In a hospital ward, transmission of airborne pathogens can occur in any area where people breathe the same air. These areas include patient rooms and specialised treatment rooms, as well as corridors and common areas. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the risk of airborne transmission within hospital rooms where patient care activities take place; however, studies assessing the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens in common areas such as nurse stations and corridors, in which healthcare workers spend up to 63% of their time, are very rare. In this study, we addressed this gap by simulating aerosol transport in the common area of a real inpatient ward encompassing different types of patient rooms and equipped with a mixing ventilation system. The risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in the ward was evaluated using a spatially resolved risk model, coupled with the clinical and pathological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that the central-return ventilation system causes directional air flows in the corridors, which enhanced long-distance aerosol transport and were conducive to infection transmission between different rooms. An improved ventilation system was proposed that aimed to reduce air mixing and minimise directional air flows. The improvement involved only rearrangement of air supply and exhaust vents, but led to significant reductions in both particle residence time and travelling distance within the ward, contributing to a nearly two-fold increase and 60% decrease in the areas of low-risk and high-risk zones, respectively, resulting in a 34% reduction in the overall infection probability in the studied area. This study demonstrated the potential of preventing hospital-acquired infection (HAI) via engineering controls and provided recommendations for future studies to assess novel ventilation configurations to reduce transmission risk. Full article

The use of bioinoculants aligns with ecological intensification in agriculture, but their effects on crop performance and soil microbiota under different fertilization regimes remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of a bioinoculant containing two phosphate-solubilizing bacterial strains (Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis) on maize yield, root architecture, and rhizosphere microbial communities via seed inoculation in a clayey soil. Maize was cultivated for two consecutive seasons under treatments combining inoculation, phosphorus sources (triple superphosphate or reactive rock phosphate), and P doses (0 or 120 kg ha⁻¹ of P₂O₅). Root traits, phosphatase activities, and microbial diversity were assessed at flowering, while agronomic parameters and nutrient content were measured at harvest. In the first season, microbial alpha diversity was higher, accompanied by a 31.5% increase in root surface area and a 46.2% increase in P-resin availability. In contrast, the second season showed greater phosphatase activity and higher grain P and K concentrations, by 42.3% and 38.2%, respectively. Grain yield did not differ significantly between inoculated and non-inoculated treatments; however, root, plant, and microbial traits varied markedly across seasons. Principal component analysis revealed that productivity was primarily driven by seasonal variation rather than by fertilization or inoculation. These findings emphasize that the effectiveness of bioinoculants and P fertilization, as well as their influence on the microbiota, are highly context-dependent, being shaped by environmental conditions, soil nutrient availability, and crop genotype. Full article

Background: This study addresses an important vulnerability in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). NB is characterized by high rates of metastasis, drug resistance, relapse, and treatment-related toxicities. Current treatments, which include intensive chemotherapy, surgical removal of tumors, and stem cell transplants, have less than 50 percent survival rates among high-risk NB patients, demonstrating the need for novel targeted treatment approaches. CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), a G-protein-coupled receptor, has been implicated in promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and maintaining cancer stem cells. Methods: We analyzed transcriptomic data from 1,464 primary NB patient samples to evaluate the prognostic significance of CXCR2 expression. Pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 using SB225002, a selective small-molecule antagonist, was evaluated to determine its effects on cell growth, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression in different NB cell lines. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models were used to examine tumor growth under physiologically relevant conditions. Mechanistic studies included gene expression analyses and immunoblot validation of key signaling regulators. Results: High CXCR2 expression was found to be inversely correlated with overall survival in patient datasets, suggesting a role in NB pathogenesis. Treatment with SB225002 significantly inhibited NB proliferation and colony formation while inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner. In 3D spheroid models, SB225002 significantly impaired spheroid formation and growth, confirming its potent anti-tumor efficacy. Mechanistically, CXCR2 blockade inhibited the expression of key pathway targets, including GLIPR1, BACH2, JUN, CHEK1, AKT1, and CXCR2 itself. Immunoblot analysis confirmed significant inhibition of CXCR2 and GLIPR1 protein levels in response to SB225002 treatment. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 using SB225002 effectively inhibits NB tumor cell growth and tumorigenicity by modulating oncogenic signaling networks. This study provides strong evidence for elucidating CXCR2-targeted therapies as an attractive treatment option for NB. These findings support the development of CXCR2-targeted therapies for high-risk NB. Full article

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by hypoxia; acidic pH; oxidative stress; and immune suppression; all of which severely impair the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies. Recent advances in inorganic nanotechnology have led to the development of smart nanomaterials capable of modulating these abnormal features; thereby reprogramming the TME toward a more therapy-responsive state. Inorganic nanomaterials such as manganese dioxide; iron oxide; and cerium oxide can selectively alleviate hypoxia; buffer acidity; regulate redox balance; and even stimulate anti-tumor immunity through catalytic or structural mechanisms. These materials can further serve as carriers for stimuli-responsive drug delivery; enabling synergistic therapies that include chemodynamic; photothermal; and immunomodulatory treatments. This review summarizes recent developments in smart inorganic nanomaterials for TME modulation; discusses design considerations including biosafety and biodegradability; and evaluates the current translational status and future directions. Such strategies represent a promising leap toward precise and personalized cancer nanomedicine Full article

This study investigates the effect of silylation and cellulose loading on the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. We use the hydrolyzed 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) as a crosslinker for epoxy and as a coupling agent for cellulose. The mechanical properties of the epoxy composites are evaluated using molecular dynamics simulations. The improvement in the interfacial adhesion between epoxy and cellulose, achieved by using KH550, is demonstrated through the pulling out of cellulose from the epoxy composites. The results indicate that the nanocovalent bonds formed by KH550 at the epoxy/cellulose interface have a higher enhancement effect on the pulling force compared to increasing the cellulose content. For instance, the force needed for pulling 44.1 wt.% of raw cellulose is 93 ± 5 (kcal/mol)/Å, while the one required to pull the 28.1 wt.% of silylated cellulose is 97 ± 4 (kcal/mol)/Å. The silylated cellulose at 28.1 wt.% enhances the tensile modulus, shear modulus, and strength of the epoxy-KH550 composite by 14.55%, 15.65%, and 15.64%, respectively, compared to its counterpart reinforced with raw cellulose. Using the silylation treatment on cellulose that reinforces epoxy-KH550 at 43.9 wt.% improves the elastic modulus, shear modulus, and tensile strength of the epoxy composite by 4.23%, 4.64%, and 18.07%, respectively. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malignant tumors of the sinonasal tract are rare, accounting for approximately 3–5% of all head and neck tumors. Despite recent advances in therapy, overall survival in sinonasal cancer remains limited, with local recurrence representing the leading cause of treatment failure. Consequently, the preoperative identification of patients at higher risk of recurrence or developing more aggressive tumors is of critical importance to guide treatment strategies and improve outcomes. The aim of this review is to analyze the results of the most recent literature studying the use of radiomics in malignant sinonasal tumors. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, in accordance with the PRISMA review criteria (from 2020 to July 2025). Results: The final analysis comprised a total of five articles and 629 patients. At present, radiomics in sinonasal cancer is mainly applied to the prediction of Ki-67 expression, the early assessment of recurrence risk, and the evaluation of response to induction chemotherapy. Conclusions: The results of this review indicate that radiomics has the potential to play an important role in the management of sinonasal malignant tumors. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (uhRT) is increasingly used for low- and intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer, necessitating exceptional precision compared to conventional fractionation. CBCT-based online-adaptive uhRT may help mitigate pelvic organ motion but has not yet been established in clinical routine. We report initial clinical experiences focusing on the feasibility and technical aspects of treatment delivery. Materials and Methods: Seven patients (35 fractions) with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated with online-adaptive uhRT on the Varian Ethos^® system within routine clinical care. The target included the prostate and proximal seminal vesicles (CTV1, 5 × 7.25 Gy), with an integrated boost to the prostate (CTV2, 5 × 8.00 Gy). For each fraction, dose–volume histogram (DVH) parameters for targets and organs at risk (OARs) were recorded retrospectively for both scheduled and adaptive plans, along with the plan selection decision. Plan quality was evaluated per clinical DVH constraints and target coverage. The treatment time was recorded. Results: Online-adaptive uhRT was successfully delivered every day in 5 patients and on alternate days in 2 patients. Mean treatment time was 30:17 (±05:49 SD) minutes per fraction. The median recorded change in target and OAR volumes was <10%. Adaptive plans resulted in a statistically significantly improved target coverage for CTV1 (V100%, p = 0.01), PTV1 (D98%, p < 0.001), PTV2 boost (D98%, p < 0.001) in Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. OAR dose reduction was limited, with a small improvement in bladder V40Gy (p = 0.02). Adaptive plans were applied in 32/35 fractions (91.4%). To encompass intra-fractional motion in 95% of fractions, positional adjustments up to 0.77 cm (longitudinal), 0.37 cm (lateral), and 0.59 cm (sagittal) were required. Conclusions: Online-adaptive uhRT appears feasible, leading to optimized target volume coverage. Considerable treatment times must be taken into account. A second CBCT is recommended to compensate for intra-fractional motion. Further research regarding patient-related endpoints and cost-effectiveness is highly needed. Full article

Cenchrus setaceus is an alien invasive species with significant ecological impact on both natural ecosystems and agricultural areas across the Canary Islands. In this study, we evaluated the allelopathic effects of foliar lixiviates from two endemic species, Artemisia thuscula and Plocama pendula, on Cenchrus setaceus and a group of crop species to assess (i) germination inhibition of the invasive species and (ii) selectivity towards non-target crops. A preliminary trial tested undiluted and diluted forms (1%, 10%) of concentrated lixiviates prepared at a 1:3 (w:v) leaf-to-water ratio, using C. setaceus and Lactuca sativa under growth chamber conditions. In the validation trial, lixiviates prepared at a 1:6 (w:v) ratio were applied directly to C. setaceus and seven crops (Zea mays, Allium cepa, Hordeum vulgare, L. sativa, Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica oleracea, and Raphanus sativus) under both growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. Germination indices were calculated across assays, and plumule and radicle lengths were measured in growth chamber assays. In both trials, C. setaceus germination was inhibited by up to 60% by both ratios of lixiviates (Dunn p < 0.05), with reduced speed and seedling growth (plumule: −37.5%; radicle: −85%). Crop sensitivity varied: A. cepa and H. vulgare showed no significant inhibition; B. oleracea and R. sativus were affected by P. pendula (germination reduced 2.5–2.7×); and Z. mays, L. sativa, and S. lycopersicum exhibited delayed germination and reduced seedling growth under both treatments. These results support the selective use of native plant lixiviates for integrated management of Cenchrus setaceus in sensitive agroecosystems. Full article

Background: Since 2008, the kiwifruit industry has been significantly impacted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the agent responsible for bacterial canker in kiwifruit. Existing treatments, such as copper-based compounds and antibiotics, have faced challenges related to resistance and soil contamination. Phage therapy is a promising and safe alternative for controlling this pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a mixture of four isolated and characterized bacteriophages as potential biocontrol agents against Psa. Methods: Trials were conducted at two locations in Chile, where Psa presence was reported during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons, with a focus on the spring stages. Different formulations were tested each season to evaluate possible improvements in effectiveness. Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained from epiphyte populations were characterized using morphological, biochemical (LOPAT), and molecular techniques. Results: Field trials demonstrated that the phage mixture effectively reduced the damage associated with Psa on kiwi leaves, resulting in a decrease in the Pseudomonas spp. bacterial load (42.9% for Peumo and 25% for Linares) at both locations during the first season trials. This decrease is associated with a reduction in the incidence and severity of the disease in kiwi plants in the Peumo orchard. In both seasons, bacteriophages reduce Psa symptoms in treated kiwi plants compared to untreated controls, at least at one location and evaluation. In both orchards during the first season, bacteriophages also outperformed copper- and antibiotic-based treatments used by farmers. Bacteriophage therapy is eco-friendly and safe for both applicators and consumers. Full article

CB₁ agonist compounds may be potential drug candidates for the treatment of gliomas, as they have been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce angiogenesis in various preclinical models. Their ability to modulate the endocannabinoid system suggests a promising therapeutic approach for targeting glioma growth and progression. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, biological studies, and bioinformatics assays of novel benzo[d]imidazole–naphthalen-arylmethanone regioisomers with affinity for the CB₁ receptor, as well as propose an indirect methodology to evaluate their presumed CB₁ agonist activity. Compounds that showed a propensity for binding to the CB₁ receptor were regioisomers 4d, 5b, 5e, 5f, and 5f′. Likewise, derivatives that displaced more than 50% of the radioligand [³H]CP-55940 at the CB₁ receptor were subjected to in vitro viability experiments. Compounds 4d, 5b, 5e, and 5f′ showed toxicity against U87MG cells (malignant glioma) in a considerable percentage. Notably, compound 5f′ showed CB₁ affinity, with a K_i of 2.12 µM, and was selectively toxic to U87MG cells, which highly express the CB₁ receptor, while exhibiting no toxicity toward the healthy HEK293 cell line, which expresses both cannabinoid receptors at negligible levels. Docking studies at the CB₁ orthosteric site indicate that 5f′ forms π-π interactions, a T-shaped interaction, and hydrogen bonding through the oxygen atom of the furan ring. Biologically, our experimental indirect model-based on a simple viability assay is supported by well-established evidence that activation of CB₁ and CB₂ receptors by agonists induces cell death and inhibits tumor cell growth. Structurally, we conclude that the presence of a furan ring at the 2-position of the benzo[d]imidazole core is beneficial for the development of new ligands with potential CB₁ agonist activity. Full article

Standard heat treatments for metals of a particular composition are typically designed with the assumption of a conventional starting microstructure, such as that produced by casting or wrought processing. When applied to metals fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) metal additive manufacturing (AM), these heat treatments can produce inconsistent performance due to the unique as-built microstructures. This study investigates how modifications to standard heat treatments for 17-4 PH steel influence the microstructure and mechanical properties of LPBF-fabricated material. Specimens were produced and subjected to varying solutionizing and homogenizing treatments followed by standard aging treatments. Microstructures were characterized using optical microscopy, Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical properties were evaluated through uniaxial tensile testing. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for achieving improved wrought-like performance in LPBF 17-4 PH steel. Full article

Background: Immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly improving patients’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the medical burden of response assessment has worsened for long-term maintenance therapy. It remains unclear whether a specific response assessment interval could provide both survival benefits and cost savings. Methods: We retrospectively included patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent immunotherapy and achieved PFS > 12 months. We utilized propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce the selection bias. The survival outcomes were evaluated using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models, while the economic impact was assessed through the performance of a cost minimization analysis (CMA). A medical expenditure extrapolation model was developed based on epidemiological statistics and data from clinical trials. Results: After PSM, a total of 376 patients were included. The survival difference was not significant [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.78, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 0.53–1.14; p = 0.200] between the 2-month response assessment group (n = 188) and the 3-month response assessment group (n = 188). Patients receiving immunotherapy alone and those with a positive PD-L1 expression experienced a significant survival benefit. Our extrapolation model projects that, annually, there will be approximately 7026 new long-term responders to immunotherapy in the United States. Adopting a 3-month assessment strategy could reduce annual healthcare expenditure by nearly USD 6 million. Conclusions: This study presented the first statistical evidence supporting a refined response assessment strategy for long-term responders to immunotherapy with advanced NSCLC. These findings support the adoption of a less frequent, yet equally effective, monitoring approach to make tumor surveillance more precise and cost-effective. Full article

Cryptotanshinone (CPT), the main active compound of Salvia miltiorrhiza, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antifibrotic effects. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect and mechanisms of CPT were explored using transcriptome and network pharmacology. A carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mouse model was established. The anti-ALI effects of different doses of CPT were evaluated by analysis of biochemical indicators, histopathological staining, and immunohistochemical analysis. Combining network pharmacology with transcriptomic analysis revealed therapeutic targets, which were subsequently validated through polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. CPT (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β in model mice and regulated oxidative stress indicators, including malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. MCP-1 protein expression in the liver was inhibited by treatment with CPT. Network pharmacology revealed 72 core targets involved in the treatment of ALI by CPT. By combining transcriptomic data from liver tissue, three key targets—TNF-α, TLR9, and ADORA2B—were identified, along with the TLR, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. Furthermore, PCR and Western blot assays revealed that CPT significantly decreased TNF-α, TLR9, and ADORA2B expression levels in the livers of ALI mice. In conclusion, the hepatoprotective effects of CPT may be related to the suppression of TNF-α-, TLR9-, and ADORA2B-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These results provide a foundation for the development of CPT as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI. Full article