Search Results (1,117)

Introduction: Breast density is a well-recognized factor in breast cancer risk assessment, with higher density linked to increased malignancy risk and reduced sensitivity of conventional mammography. Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), observed in contrast-enhanced imaging, reflects physiological contrast uptake in non-pathologic breast tissue. While extensively characterized in breast MRI, the role of BPE in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) remains uncertain due to inconsistent findings regarding its correlation with breast density and cancer risk. Unlike breast density—standardized through the ACR BI-RADS lexicon—BPE lacks a uniform classification system in CEM, leading to variability in clinical interpretation and research outcomes. To address this gap, we introduce the BPE-CEM Standard Scale (BCSS), a structured four-tiered classification system specifically tailored to the two-dimensional characteristics of CEM, aiming to improve consistency and diagnostic alignment in BPE evaluation. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 213 patients who underwent mammography (MG), ultrasound (US), and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) between May 2022 and June 2023 at the “A. Perrino” Hospital in Brindisi were included. Breast density was classified according to ACR BI-RADS (categories A–D). BPE was categorized into four levels: Minimal (< 10% enhancement), Light (10–25%), Moderate (25–50%), and Marked (> 50%). Three radiologists independently assessed BPE in a subset of 50 randomly selected cases to evaluate inter-observer agreement using Cohen’s kappa. Correlations between BPE, breast density, and age were examined through regression analysis. Results: BPE was Minimal in 57% of patients, Light in 31%, Moderate in 10%, and Marked in 2%. A significant positive association was found between higher breast density (BI-RADS C–D) and increased BPE (p < 0.05), whereas lower-density breasts (A–B) were predominantly associated with minimal or light BPE. Regression analysis confirmed a modest but statistically significant association between breast density and BPE (R² = 0.144), while age showed no significant effect. Inter-observer agreement for BPE categorization using the BCSS was excellent (κ = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78–0.92), supporting its reproducibility. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that breast density is a key determinant of BPE in CEM. The proposed BCSS offers a reproducible, four-level framework for standardized BPE assessment tailored to the imaging characteristics of CEM. By reducing variability in interpretation, the BCSS has the potential to improve diagnostic consistency and facilitate integration of BPE into personalized breast cancer risk models. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to validate this classification and assess its clinical impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically assess Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) among children following administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Cervarix^®) included in the Dutch National Immunization Program (NIP) and to characterize the pattern and recurrence risk of AEFI after HPV revaccination. Methods: A longitudinal cohort event monitoring study, using patient-reported outcomes was used among recipients of the HPV vaccine at 10 years of age. Data were available for 3063 children following the first HPV vaccination and for 2209 children following the second HPV vaccination. Results: The most commonly reported AEFI following HPV vaccination were injection site reactions—reported by 46.5% of participants after the first dose and 31.9% after the second dose—followed by headache (8.2% and 3.9%, respectively) and joint pain (4.5% and 3.7%, respectively). Participants who received both HPV vaccine doses reported more AEFI after the first dose than after the second. Among girls, 61.2% reported at least one AEFI following the first dose, compared to 44.2% after the second dose. For boys, these percentages were 55.3% and 38.5%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). For some AEFI, such as injection site reactions, there appears to be a potential increased risk of recurrence following the second dose. Conclusions: This prospective longitudinal cohort event monitoring study showed that AEFI were more frequent after the first HPV dose and more frequent for girls compared to boys. An increased risk of recurrence was seen for AEFI, such as injection site reactions and headache. Furthermore, this study provides insight into the course of AEFI and the extent to which children were affected by these symptoms based on real-world data. Full article

Current treatments against leukemia present several limitations, prompting the search for new therapeutic agents, particularly those derived from natural products. In this context, structural modifications were performed on the triterpene 3α,24-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (T1), isolated from Phoradendron wattii. Among the five derivatives obtained, 3α,24-dihydroxy-30-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (T1c) exhibited the highest activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 12.90 ± 0.1 µM against THP-1 cells. T1c significantly reduced cell viability in both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF-CEM, REH, JURKAT, and MOLT-4) and acute myeloid leukemia (THP-1) cell lines, inducing apoptosis after 48 h of treatment, while showing minimal cytotoxicity toward normal mononuclear cells (MNCs). In silico molecular docking studies were conducted against three key protein targets: BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinase domain), and FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3). The lowest binding energies (kcal/mol) observed were as follows: T1–BCL-2: −10.12, EGFR: −12.75, FLT3: −14.05; T1c–BCL-2: −10.23, EGFR: −14.50, FLT3: −14.07; T2–BCL-2: −11.59, EGFR: −15.00, FLT3: −14.03. These findings highlight T1c as a promising candidate in the search for anti-leukemic drugs which deserves further study. Full article

The most important bauxite deposits in Türkiye are located in the Seydişehir (Konya) and Akseki (Antalya) regions, situated along the western Taurus Mountain, with a total reserve of approximately 44 million tons. Some of the bauxite deposits have been exploited for alumina since the 1970s. In this study, bauxite samples, collected from six different deposits were examined to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition, as well as their REE content, with the aim of identifying which bauxite types are enriched in REEs and assessing their economic potential. The samples included massive, oolitic, and brecciated bauxite types, which were analyzed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDX), and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA). Massive bauxites were found to be more homogeneous in both mineralogical and chemical composition, predominantly composed of diaspore, boehmite, and rare gibbsite. Hematite is the most abundant iron oxide mineral in all bauxites, while goethite, rutile, and anatase occur in smaller quantities. Quartz, feldspar, kaolinite, dolomite, and pyrite were specifically determined in brecciated bauxites. Average oxide contents were determined as 52.94% Al₂O₃, 18.21% Fe₂O₃, 7.04% TiO₂, and 2.69% SiO₂. Na₂O, K₂O, and MgO values are typically below 0.5%, while CaO averages 3.54%. The total REE content of the bauxites ranged from 161 to 4072 ppm, with an average of 723 ppm. Oolitic-massive bauxites exhibit the highest REE enrichment. Cerium (Ce) was the most abundant REE, ranging from 87 to 453 ppm (avg. 218 ppm), followed by lanthanum (La), which reached up to 2561 ppm in some of the massive bauxite samples. LREEs such as La, Ce, Pr, and Nd were notably enriched compared to HREEs. The lack of a positive correlation between REEs and major element oxides, as well as with their occurrences in distinct association with Al- and Fe-oxides-hydroxides based on FESEM-EDS and EPMA analyses, suggests that the REEs are present as discrete mineral phases. Furthermore, these findings indicate that the REEs are not incorporated into the crystal structures of other minerals through isomorphic substitution or adsorption. Full article

In recent years, most of the populations of the world have been using herbal materials for their strong antimicrobial properties and major health benefits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, of a dietary supplement composed of extracts from hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) leaves (Metabolaid^®, Patent P201731147) mixed at a weight ratio of 35:65 (w/w), respectively. The bioactive components of the methanolic extract were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods, while the antimicrobial activity was assessed through the microdilution method against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The total phenols content resulted in being 256.10 ± 2.26 mg GAE/g f.w., the flavonoid content was 48.90 ± 2.95 mg CE/g f.w., flavonols were 60.17 ± 7.68 mg QE/g f.w., and anthocyanins were 3.78 ± 0.17 mg C3GE/g f.w. The FRAP value, observed in the natural mix additive, was 1.25 ± 0.03 mg Fe²⁺/g f.w., while the ORAC showed the value of 1893.77 ± 30.39 µmol TE/g f.w. and the DPPH was 23.33 ± 4.12 µg/mL. We found eight phenolic acids, seven flavonols, five anthocyanins, and nine other phenolic compounds. The extract showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL against E. coli, E. aerogenes, and E. faecalis and of 25 mg/mL against S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. aureus and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25 mg/mL against E. coli, E. aerogenes, and E. faecalis and of 50 mg/mL against S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. aureus. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Metabolaid^® is a rich source of bioactive compounds and provides beneficial effects against oxidative stress and pathogenic bacteria, supporting its nutraceutical potential. Full article

Quality requirements for mineral aggregate for concrete used to construct pavement for busy highways are high because of the fatigue traffic loads and environmental exposure. The use of local aggregate for infrastructure projects could result in important sustainability improvements, provided that the concrete’s durability is assured. The objective of this study was to identify the potential alkaline reactivity of local greywacke aggregate and select appropriate mitigation measures against the alkali–silica reaction. Experimental tests on concrete specimens were performed using the miniature concrete prism test at 60 °C. Mixtures of coarse greywacke aggregate up to 12.5 mm with natural fine aggregate of different potential reactivity were evaluated in respect to the expansion, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of the concrete. Two preventive measures were studied—the use of metakaolin and slag-blended cement. A moderate reactivity potential of the greywacke aggregate was found, and the influence of reactive quartz sand on the expansion and instability of the mechanical properties of concrete was evaluated. Both crystalline and amorphous alkali–silica reaction products were detected in the cracks of the greywacke aggregate. Efficient expansion mitigation was obtained for the replacement of 15% of Portland cement by metakaolin or the use of CEM III/A cement with the slag content of 52%, even if greywacke aggregate was blended with moderately reactive quartz sand. It resulted in a relative reduction in expansion by 85–96%. The elastic modulus deterioration was less than 10%, confirming an increased stability of the elastic properties of concrete. Full article

Over the past few decades, scientific interest in mycotoxins—fungal metabolites that pose serious concern to food safety, crop health, and both human and animal health—has increased. While major mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, zearalenone, citrinin, patulin, and ergot alkaloids are well studied, emerging mycotoxins remain underexplored and insufficiently investigated. Among these, moniliformin (MON) is frequently detected in maize-based food and feed; however, the absence of regulatory limits and standardized detection methods limits effective monitoring and comprehensive risk assessment. The European Food Safety Authority highlights insufficient occurrence and toxicological data as challenges to regulatory development. This study compares three analytical methods—CE-DAD, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-MS/MS—for moniliformin detection and quantification in maize, evaluating linear range, correlation coefficients, detection and quantification limits, accuracy, and precision. Results show that CE-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS provide reliable and comparable sensitivity and selectivity, while HPLC-DAD is less sensitive. Application to real samples enabled deterministic dietary exposure estimation based on consumption, supporting preliminary risk characterization. This research provides a critical comparison that supports the advancement of improved monitoring and risk assessment frameworks, representing a key step toward innovating the detection of under-monitored mycotoxins and laying the groundwork for future regulatory and preventive measures targeting MON. Full article

Detecting small objects using remote sensing technology has consistently posed challenges. To address this issue, a novel detection framework named ACLC-Detection has been introduced. Building upon the Yolov11 architecture, this detector integrates an attention mechanism with lightweight convolution to enhance performance. Specifically, the deep and shallow convolutional layers of the backbone network are both introduced to depthwise separable convolution. Moreover, the designed lightweight convolutional excitation module (CEM) is used to obtain the contextual information of targets and reduce the loss of information for small targets. In addition, the C3k2 module in the neck fusion network part, where C3k = True, is replaced by the Convolutional Attention Module with Ghost Module (CAF-GM). This not only reduces the model complexity but also acquires more effective information. The Simple Attention module (SimAM) used in it not only suppresses redundant information but also has zero impact on the growth of model parameters. Finally, the Inner-Complete Intersection over Union (Inner-CIOU) loss function is employed, which enables better localization and detection of small targets. Extensive experiments conducted on the DOTA and VisDrone2019 datasets have demonstrated the advantages of the proposed enhanced model in dealing with small objects in aerial imagery. Full article

Structural regulation is of great significance for improving the comprehensive performance of energetic materials (EMs). The structural regulation and properties of EMs were summarized. For single-component EMs, particle size control focuses on quality consistency and industrial scalability, morphology modification mainly improves sphericity through monomers or aggregates and explores the possibility of layered energetic materials in improving mechanical properties, and polycrystalline regulation suppresses metastable phases and explores novel crystalline forms using simulation-guided design. Composite EMs (CEMs) employ core–shell structures to balance safety with performance via advanced coating materials, cocrystal engineering to tailor energy release through intermolecular interactions, and lattice strain modulation, and mixing structures integrates component advantages while enhancing the reaction efficiency. Future directions emphasize computational simulations and novel fabrication methods to guide the rational design and precise preparation of next-generation EMs with specific functions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the parameters of the corneal endothelium in a group of patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes (study group) to those of patients who do not have type 2 diabetes (control group). Methods: The study aims to compare the corneal endothelium parameters of 80 eyes (80 patients) with well-controlled type 2 diabetes to 80 eyes (80 patients) without type 2 diabetes. The endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of hexagonal cells (%HEX), coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were recorded using a non-contact specular microscope (Nidek CEM-530, Nidek Co., Ltd., Gamagori, Japan). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were also measured. Results: The groups were matched for age and sex. A significantly lower ECD value was observed in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes (2480.76 cells/mm² ± 303.48) compared to the control group (2629.64 cells/mm² ± 304.73) (p = 0.002). BCVA was also significantly lower in the study group (0.44 ± 0.18) compared to the control group (0.50 ± 0.19) (p = 0.049). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of IOP, CV, %HEX, and CCT. Conclusions: Patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes exhibit a lower ECD compared to individuals without diabetes, even in the absence of advanced diabetic complications. These subtle changes may have clinical implications for preoperative evaluation and long-term management in diabetic patients. The other morphological parameters of the corneal endothelium remain comparable between the groups. Full article

The Tuztaşı low-sulfidation epithermal Au–Ag deposit (Biga Peninsula, Türkiye) records a multi-stage hydrothermal history that can be interpreted through the trace and rare-earth-element (REE) chemistry of quartz. High-precision LA-ICP-MS analyses of five representative quartz samples (23 ablation spots; 10 analytically robust) reveal two fluid stages. Early fluids were cold, dilute meteoric waters (δ¹⁸O₍H₂O₎ ≈ −6.8 to +0.7‰), whereas later fluids circulated deeper, interacted with felsic basement rocks, and evolved in composition. Mineralized quartz displays marked enrichment in As (raw mean = 2854 ± 6821 ppm; filtered mean = 70 ± 93 ppm; one spot 16,775 ppm), K (498 ± 179 ppm), and Sb (57.8 ± 113 ppm), coupled with low Ti/Al (<0.005) and elevated Ge/Si (0.14–0.65 µmol mol⁻¹). Chondrite-normalized REE patterns show pronounced but variable LREE enrichment ((La/Yb)_n ≤ 45.3; ΣLREE/ΣHREE up to 10.8) and strongly positive Eu anomalies (δEu ≤ 9.3) with slightly negative Ce anomalies (δCe ≈ 0.29); negligible Ce–Eu covariance (r² ≈ 0.05) indicates discrete redox pulses. These signatures indicate chemically evolved, reducing fluids conducive to Au–Ag deposition. By contrast, barren quartz is characterized by lower pathfinder-element contents, less fractionated REE profiles, higher Ti/Al, and weaker Eu anomalies. A composite exploration toolkit emerges: As > 700 ppm, As/Sb > 25, Ti/Al < 0.005, Ge/Si > 0.15 µmol mol⁻¹, and δEu ≫ 1 reliably identify ore-bearing zones when integrated with δ¹⁸O data and fluid-inclusion microthermometry from earlier studies on the same vein system. This study provides one of the first systematic applications of integrated trace-element and REE analysis of quartz to a Turkish low-sulfidation epithermal system, offering an applicable model for vectoring mineralization in analogous settings worldwide. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging soil contaminants due to increasing fertilizer use, mining activities, and technological applications. However, few studies have assessed their concentrations in soils or associated environmental risks. Here, we evaluate the influence of land cover types (Eucalyptus plantation, forest, and pasture), parent material, and soil physicochemical properties (predictor variables) on REE content in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and measure pseudo-total REE content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Differences in REE content across land cover types, parent materials, and soil properties were assessed using similarity and variance analyses (ANOSIM, ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis) followed by post hoc tests (Tukey HSD and Dunn’s). We used model selection based on the Akaike criterion (ΔAICc < 2) to determine the influence of predictor variables on REE content. Our results showed that parent materials (igneous and metamorphic rocks) were the best predictors, yielding plausible models (Adj R² ≥ 0.3) for Y, δEu, and La_N/Sa_N. In contrast, Ca:Mg alone provided a plausible model (Adj R² = 0.15) for δCe anomalies, while clay content (Adj R² = 0.11) influenced the Sa_N/Yb_N ratio, though soil properties had weaker effects than parent materials. However, we found no evidence that Eucalyptus plantations or pastures under non-intensive management increase REE content in Brazilian Atlantic Forest soils. Full article

Theobroma cacao L. (cocoa) pod husk, a byproduct of the chocolate industry, has potential for commercial applications due to its bioactive compounds. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and clinical efficacy of a standardized extract. This study compared 80% ethanol (CE) and 80% ethanol acidified (CEA) as extraction solvents. The result indicated that CEA yielded higher total phenolic content (170.98 ± 7.41 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (3.91 ± 0.27 mg QE/g extract) than CE. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) identified various phenolic and flavonoid compounds. CEA demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant (IC₅₀ = 5.83 ± 0.11 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 234.17 ± 4.01 mg AAE/g extract in the FRAP assay) compared to CE. Additionally, CEA exhibited anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 9.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), anti-glycation (IC₅₀ = 62.32 ± 0.18 µg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/mL), nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory (IC₅₀ = 62.68 μg/mL) activities, without causing toxicity to cells. A formulated lotion containing CEA (0.01–1.0% w/w) demonstrated stability over six heating–cooling cycles. A clinical study with 30 volunteers showed no skin irritation. The 1.0% w/w formulation (F4) improved skin hydration (+52.48%), reduced transepidermal water loss (−7.73%), and decreased melanin index (−9.10%) after 4 weeks of application. These findings suggest cocoa pod husk extract as a promising active ingredient for skin hydrating and lightening formulation. Nevertheless, further long-term studies are necessary to evaluate its efficacy in anti-aging treatments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Even though the screening programs have decreased the incidence rates, the prognosis for CRC varies depending on the stage at diagnosis. Thus, early diagnosis is still a big challenge due to screening methods, and subsequent diagnosis is not very sensitive. Methods: In this work, LC-MS-based metabolomics, a powerful and sensitive tool to study complex dynamic changes, was used to analyze 211 human fecal samples from control individuals (CTRL), adenoma (AA), and CRC patients. Results: Multivariate and univariate statistical analysis highlighted cholesteryl esters (CEs) and fecal haemoglobin, quantified by fecal immunochemical test (FIT), as relevant biomarkers that clearly differentiate CRC from AA and CTRL. Predictive models based on random forest and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) demonstrate that CEs, together with FIT measurement, improved the CRC and CTRL classification, but not AA. This study revealed that the AA group is a transitional stage with high heterogeneity. The increased tendency observed in CEs from CTRL to CRC might be related to the imbalance of cholesterol homeostasis due to cancer cells requiring a high cholesterol level for cell development and proliferation. The free cholesterol is probably obtained from CEs, as it is the most cost/effective way to obtain the needed cholesterol. Conclusions: The accumulation of CEs is produced by two possible approaches: (1) dysfunction of cholesterol absorption in the small intestine and/or (2) transported inside exosomes from cell to cell to promote proliferation. Full article

The Yangtze Block, with its widespread Neoproterozoic mafic–felsic magmatic rock series and volcanic–sedimentary rock assemblages, is one of the key windows for reconstructing the assembly and fragmentation process of Rodinia. This study focuses on the Taoyuan syenogranite from the Micangshan Massif on the northern Yangtze Block, by conducting systematic chronology, mineralogy, and geochemistry analyses to investigate their source, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology reveals that the medium- to coarse-grained and medium- to fine-grained syenogranites have crystallization ages of 878 ± 4.2 Ma and 880 ± 6.5 Ma, respectively. These syenogranites have aluminum saturation index (A/CNK) values ranging from 0.79 to 1.06, indicating quasi-aluminous to weakly peraluminous compositions, and are classified as calc-alkaline I-type granites. The geochemical indicators of these rocks, including Mg^# (44–48, mean 46), Zr/Hf (40.07), Nb/La (0.4), and zircon εHf(t) values (+9.2 to +10.9), collectively indicate a depleted lithospheric mantle source. The mantle source was metasomatized by subduction-derived fluids and sediment melts prior to partial melting as evidenced by their higher Mg^#, elevated Ba content, and distinctive ratios (Rb/Y, Nb/Y, Th/Yb, Th/Sm, Th/Ce, and Ba/La). Integrating regional data, this study confirms crust–mantle interaction along the northern Yangtze during the early Neoproterozoic, supporting a sustained subduction-related tectonic setting. Full article