Search Results (353)

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) is a thermoplastic polyester with a unique structure due to having three methylene groups in the glycol unit. PTT competes with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) in carpets, textiles, and thermoplastic materials, primarily due to the development of economically efficient synthesis methods. PTT is widely utilized in textiles, carpets, and engineering plastics because of its advantageous properties, including quick-drying capabilities and wrinkle resistance. However, its low melting point, resistance to chemicals, and brittleness compared to PET, have limited its applications. To address some of these limitations for targeted applications, PTT nanocomposites incorporating clay, carbon nanotube, silica, and ZnO have been developed. The distribution of nanoparticles within the PTT matrix remains a significant challenge for its potential applications. Several techniques, including sol–gel blending, melt blending, in situ polymerization, and in situ forming methods have been developed to obtain better dispersion. This review discusses advancements in the synthesis of various PTT nanocomposites and the effects of nanoparticles on the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization of PTT. Full article

Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is a complex parasitic disease marked by dynamic host–parasite interactions and immunomodulation. Extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from immune cells have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and potential biomarkers in infectious diseases. In this study, we combined a modified lymphocyte proliferation assay with nano-flow cytometry to quantify and phenotype EV released by CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD14⁺ cells in PBMC cultures from CL patients at different clinical stages: before treatment (PBT), during treatment (PDT), and post-treatment (PET) with antimonial. Healthy individuals (HI) were included as physiological controls. Upon stimulation with L. (V.) braziliensis antigens, we observed a distinct modulation of EV subsets. In the PBT group, CD4⁺ and CD14⁺ EV were significantly reduced, while CD8⁺ EV remained elevated. During PDT and PET, EV concentrations were restored across all subsets. These findings suggest that L. (V.) braziliensis selectively modulates the release of immune cell–derived EV, possibly as an immune evasion mechanism. The restoration of EV release following antimonial therapy highlights their potential as sensitive biomarkers for disease activity and treatment monitoring. This study offers novel insights into the immunoregulatory roles of EV in CL and underscores their relevance in host–parasite interactions. Full article

Halogenated flame retardants have been amongst the most widely used and effective solutions for enhancing fire resistance. However, their use is currently strictly regulated due to serious health and environmental concerns. In this context, phosphorus-based and mineral flame retardants have emerged as promising alternatives. Despite this, their combined use is neither straightforward nor guaranteed to be effective. This study scrutinizes the interactions between these two classes of flame retardants (FR) through a systematic analysis aimed at elucidating the antagonistic pathways that arise from their coexistence. Specifically, this study focuses on two inorganic fillers, mineral huntite and chemically precipitated magnesium hydroxide, both of which produce basic oxides upon thermal decomposition. These fillers were incorporated into a poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) matrix to be utilized as advanced-mattress FR coating fabric and were subjected to a series of flammability tests. The pyrolysis products of the prepared polymeric composite compounds were isolated and thoroughly characterized using a combination of analytical techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric analysis (dTGA) were employed to monitor decomposition behavior, while the char residues collected at different pyrolysis stages were examined spectroscopically, using FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy, to identify their structure and the chemical reactions that led to their formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were also conducted to complement the spectroscopic findings in the chemical composition of the resulting char residues and to pinpoint the different species that constitute them. The morphological changes of the char’s structure were monitored by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Finally, the Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) and UL94 (vertical sample mode) methods were used to assess the relative flammability of the samples, revealing a significant drop in flame retardancy when both types of flame retardants are present. This reduction is attributed to the neutralization of acidic phosphorus species by the basic oxides generated during the decomposition of the basic inorganic fillers, as confirmed by the characterization techniques employed. These findings underscore the challenge of combining organophosphorus with popular flame-retardant classes such as mineral or basic metal flame retardants, offering insight into a key difficulty in formulating next-generation halogen-free flame-retardant composite coatings. Full article

Mitochondria are currently of great interest to scientists. The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations has been proven in the genesis of more than 200 pathologies, which are called mitochondrial disorders. Therefore, the study of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA is of great interest not only for understanding cell biology but also for the treatment and prevention of many mitochondria-related pathologies. There are two main trends of mitochondrial therapy: mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) and mitochondrial transplantation therapy (MTT). Also, there are two main categories of MRT based on the source of mitochondria. The heterologous approach includes the following methods: pronuclear transfer technique (PNT), maternal spindle transfer (MST), Polar body genome transfer (PBT) and germinal vesicle transfer (GVT). An alternative approach is the autologous method. One promising autologous technique was the autologous germline mitochondrial energy transfer (AUGMENT), which involved isolating oogonial precursor cells from the patient, extracting their mitochondria, and then injecting them during ICSI. Transmission of defective mtDNA to the next generation can also be prevented by using these approaches. The development of a healthy child, free from genetic disorders, and the prevention of the occurrence of lethal mitochondrial disorders are the main tasks of this method. However, a number of moral, social, and cultural objections have restricted its exploration, since humanity first encountered the appearance of a three-parent baby. Therefore, this review summarizes the causes of mitochondrial diseases, the various methods involved in MRT and the results of their application. In addition, a new technology, mitochondrial transplantation therapy (MTT), is currently being actively studied. MTT is an innovative approach that involves the introduction of healthy mitochondria into damaged tissues, leading to the replacement of defective mitochondria and the restoration of their function. This technology is being actively studied in animals, but there are also reports of its use in humans. A bibliographic review in PubMed and Web of Science databases and a search for relevant clinical trials and news articles were performed. A total of 81 publications were selected for analysis. Methods of MRT procedures were reviewed, their risks described, and the results of their use presented. Results of animal studies of the MTT procedure and attempts to apply this therapy in humans were reviewed. MRT is an effective way to minimize the risk of transmission of mtDNA-related diseases, but it does not eliminate it completely. There is a need for global legal regulation of MRT. MTT is a new and promising method of treating damaged tissues by injecting the body’s own mitochondria. The considered methods are extremely good in theory, but their clinical application in humans and the success of such therapy remain a question for further study. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in orthopedic oncology, offering significant advances in the diagnosis, classification, and prediction of treatment response for primary malignant bone tumors (PBT). Through machine learning and deep learning techniques, AI leverages computational algorithms and large datasets to enhance medical imaging interpretation and support clinical decision-making. The integration of radiomics with AI enables the extraction of quantitative features from medical images, allowing for precise tumor characterization and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Notably, convolutional neural networks have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in pattern recognition, significantly improving tumor detection, segmentation, and differentiation. This narrative review synthesizes the evolving applications of AI in PBTs, focusing on early tumor detection, imaging analysis, therapy response prediction, and histological classification. AI-driven radiomics and predictive models have yielded promising results in assessing chemotherapy efficacy, optimizing preoperative imaging, and predicting treatment outcomes, thereby advancing the field of precision medicine. Innovative segmentation techniques and multimodal imaging models have further enhanced healthcare efficiency by reducing physician workload and improving diagnostic accuracy. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The rarity of PBTs limits the availability of robust, high-quality datasets for model development and validation, while the lack of standardized imaging protocols complicates reproducibility. Ethical considerations, including data privacy and the interpretability of complex AI algorithms, also warrant careful attention. Future research should prioritize multicenter collaborations, external validation of AI models, and the integration of explainable AI systems into clinical practice. Addressing these challenges will unlock AI’s full potential to revolutionize PBT management, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing personalized care. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of local use of Brazilian Green Propolis (BGP), either as an ethanolic extract (the most common formulation) or incorporated into lipid-based nanostructures, as an adjuvant therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment in managing experimental periodontitis (EP) in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Fifty-six female Wistar rats underwent bilateral ovariectomies. After 10 weeks, a cotton ligature was placed around the lower first molar and remained in place for two weeks to induce EP. The ligature was removed, and the rats were randomly assigned in the groups NLT (n = 14), SRP (n = 14), SRP-BGPee (n = 14), and SRP-BGPlns (n = 14). In the NLT group, no local treatment was performed. The SRP group received scaling and root planing (SRP), along with irrigation using a physiological saline solution. The SRP-BGPee group underwent SRP and irrigation with ethanolic extract of BGP. The SRP-BGPlns group underwent SRP and irrigation with BGP-loaded lipid nanostructure (BGPlns). Each group received one SRP session followed by four irrigation sessions with the specified solutions, which were conducted immediately after SRP and subsequently after 2, 4, and 6 days. Euthanasia was performed at 7 and 28 days following the removal of the ligatures. The hemimandibles were processed for the following analyses: microtomographic analysis; histological analysis; histometric analysis of the percentage of bone tissue in the furcation region (PBT); and immunohistochemical analysis for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity (TRAP), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), and osteocalcin (OCN). Results: The SRP-BGPlns group demonstrated superior periodontal tissue repair, reduced alveolar bone loss, fewer TRAP-positive cells (at 7 days), and higher levels of immunolabeling for TGFβ1 (at both 7 and 28 days) and OCN (at 28 days) compared to the other experimental groups. Conclusions: The irrigation with BGP is an effective adjuvant therapy for non-surgical periodontal treatment in managing EP in ovariectomized rats. Its application in lipid-based nanostructures proved to be more effective than the ethanolic extract form. Full article

Background: Occupational therapists assess cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to determine the impact of impairments on occupational performance. In acute care settings, occupational therapists’ decision-making regarding the assessment of cognitive function is influenced by multiple factors. Aims: The aims of this study were to explore the perceived influences on choice of cognitive assessment by occupational therapists, the ways in which they incorporate observation of occupational performance in assessment, and their attitudes towards and experiences of implementing performance-based testing (PBT) in acute care. Methods: Fifteen occupational therapists with an average of 16.5 years of clinical experience working in acute care TBI management participated in an individual semi-structured interview. The interviews were conducted in person or online and consisted of six questions about which cognitive assessments they use in acute care, influences on this choice, and their experiences of assessing functional cognition using performance-based testing. Data were analysed using interpretive description. Results: The final four themes included (1) an emphasis on ‘functional observation of occupational performance’ and use of structured and tailored processes to make assessments, (2) ‘individualised and efficient’ assessment methods, (3) contextual influences on assessment choice, including the ‘occupational therapy department culture and hospital context’, and (4) ‘safety and management of risks’. Conclusions: Occupational therapy assessment of functional cognition in acute care depends on comprehensive understanding of individual patient-specific factors. Therapists are influenced by pragmatic factors when choosing assessments, which has led to the modification of standardised tests drawn from occupation-based approaches to fit within the time constraints of the acute care setting. The results indicate that therapists may benefit from guidance on how to safely assess patients’ functional cognition in an individualised way in the acute care setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: European healthcare systems are increasingly adopting automation technologies to improve efficiency. This study evaluates the economic viability of hospital automation and medication management digitalization. Methods: An economic evaluation was based on a standardized hospital model comprising 561 beds, representative of an average acute care hospital across EU27 + UK. For each technology, several cost items were estimated using country-specific parameters such as labor costs, medication error rates, healthcare expenditure, and money discount rate. The financial metrics (Return On Investment—ROI, Net Present Value—NPV, Payback Time—PBT) were first calculated at the hospital level. These results were then extrapolated to the national level by scaling the per-hospital estimates according to the total number of hospital beds reported in each country. Finally, national results were aggregated to derive the overall European impact. Results: The analysis estimated a total European investment of EUR 3.55 billion, with an average PBT of 4.46 years and annual savings of 1,96 billion. ROI averaged 167%, and the total NPV was 8.21 billion. A major saving driver was the reduction in Medication Administration Errors that has an impact of 37.2% on the total savings. Payback times ranged from 3 years in high-GDP countries, to 7 years in lower-GDP nations. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate how providing structured data on hospital automation benefits could support decision-making processes, highlighting the organizational and economic feasibility of the investment across different European national contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: PBT enables precise targeting of tumors, which reduces side effects on surrounding organs, with particularly significant benefits for pediatric tumors. However, the efficacy of PBT compared to photon RT for pediatric medulloblastoma is unclear. A meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of PBT vs. photon RT for this disease was performed. Methods: Articles focusing on postoperative primary medulloblastoma from 1990 to 2022 were systematically reviewed and survival outcomes were extracted for medulloblastoma treated with PBT or photon RT. Meta-regression was used to identify predictive factors for treatment outcomes, including modality (PBT vs. photon RT), disease risk classification, gender, and age. Results: From 935 records, 18 articles were included (14 on photon RT, with 6 focusing on high-risk cases, and 4 on PBT). In standard-risk cases, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.5% (95% CI: 87.2–98.4%) vs. 96.7% (95% CI: 93.5–98.4%) (p = 0.1210); 89.8% (95% CI: 85.3–92.9%) vs. 88.0% (95% CI: 83.7–91.3%) (p = 0.5416); and 82.9% (95% CI: 76.6–87.6%) vs. 82.4% (95% CI: 77.2–86.5%) (p = 0.8313), respectively. For high-risk cases, the OS rates were 88.9% (95% CI: 85.5–91.6%); 73.6% (95% CI: 60.9–82.8%); and 68.6% (95% CI: 56.1–78.3%), respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in standard-risk cases were 95.2% (95% CI: 91.8–97.2%) vs. 93.8% (95% CI: 89.4–96.5%) (p = 0.5275); 82.9% (95% CI: 77.3–87.2%) vs. 82.5% (95% CI: 80.1–84.7%) (p = 0.4294); and 79.6% (95% CI: 73.1–84.6%) vs. 77.0% (95% CI: 72.7–80.8%) (p = 0.3938), respectively. For high-risk cases, the PFS rates were 83.5% (95% CI: 77.0–88.3%); 64.8% (95% CI: 53.2–74.2%); and 60.4% (95% CI: 47.0–71.4%), respectively. Meta-regression analysis indicated no significant differences in 1- to 5-year OS and PFS between radiation modalities. Standard-risk cases were significantly associated with better OS and PFS. Younger age was significantly associated with 1- and 2-year OS and 1-year PFS, and male gender was significantly associated with 3-year OS and 3-year PFS. Conclusions: Postoperative irradiation for pediatric medulloblastoma using PBT has a therapeutic effect comparable to that of photon RT. This suggests that PBT is a useful option among RT modalities for medulloblastoma. Full article

Background/objectives: Major head and neck oncologic surgeries requiring microvascular reconstruction frequently result in complications such as perioperative blood transfusion (PBT). Not only are blood products overutilized and associated with risks, but preoperative anemia is both a modifiable and predisposing factor for PBT. Our objective was to assess risk factors for PBT and determine a high-risk preoperative hemoglobin to inform transfusion stewardship practices. Methods: Patients that underwent head and neck cancer free flap reconstruction (n = 363) between 2012 and 2019 were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses evaluated predictors of PBT. Results: Overall, 11% of patients were anemic and 19% were transfused. Mean preoperative hemoglobin was significantly lower in the PBT group (128 g/L vs. 145 g/L, p < 0.0001). In our multivariable model, lower preoperative hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.94), higher T stage (OR = 2.65), and lower body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.89) increased the odds of PBT. Adjusting for staging and BMI, the OR of PBT was increased below 120 g/L hemoglobin. Higher mean units of PBT were administered for hemoglobin below 150 g/L with a large inflection below 120 g/L (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Low preoperative hemoglobin is the strongest predictor of PBT in major head and neck cancer surgery. Recognizing and managing anemia is essential in surgical planning. Full article

Background: Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is a highly aggressive cancer with unique biology distinct from adult high-grade glioma, limiting the effectiveness of standard treatment protocols derived from adult research. Objective: The purpose of this report is to present preliminary results from an ongoing pilot study integrating spectroscopic magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) to guide proton beam therapy and longitudinal imaging analysis in pediatric patients with high-grade glioma (pHGG). Methods: Thirteen pediatric patients under 21 years old with supratentorial WHO grade III-IV glioma underwent baseline and serial whole-brain spectroscopic MRI alongside standard structural MRIs. Radiation targets were defined using T1-weighted contrast enhanced, T2-FLAIR, and Cho/NAA ≥ 2X maps. Longitudinal analyses included voxel-level metabolic change maps and spatial overlap metrics comparing pre-proton therapy and post-. Results: Six patients had sufficient longitudinal data; five received sMRI-guided PBT. Significant positive correlation (R² = 0.89, p < 0.0001) was observed between T2-FLAIR and Cho/NAA ≥ 2X volumes. Voxel-level difference maps of Cho/NAA and Choline revealed dynamic metabolic changes across follow-up scans. Analyzing Cho/NAA and Cho changes over time allowed differentiation between true progression and pseudoprogression, which conventional MRI alone struggles to achieve. Conclusions: Longitudinal sMRI enhanced metabolic tracking in pHGG, detects early tumor changes, and refines RT targeting beyond structural imaging. This first in-kind study highlights the potential of sMRI biomarkers in tracking treatment effects and emphasizes the complementary roles of metabolic and radiographic metrics in evaluating therapy response in pHGG. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of thermal neutron fluence generated during proton-beam therapy (PBT) scanning, focusing on neutrons produced within the body using Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs). MCSs used the Particle and Heavy Ion Treatment Code System to define a 35 × 35 × 35 cm³ water phantom, and proton-beam energies ranging from 70.2 to 228.7 MeV were investigated. The MCS results were compared with neutron fluence measurements obtained from gold activation analysis, showing good agreement with a difference of 3.54%. The internal thermal neutron distribution generated by PBT was isotropic around the proton-beam axis, with the Bragg peak depth varying between 3.45 and 31.9 cm, while the thermal neutron peak depth ranged from 5.41 to 15.9 cm. Thermal neutron generation depended on proton-beam energy, irradiated particle count, and depth. Particularly, the peak of the thermal neutron fluence did not occur within the treatment target volume but in a location outside the target, closer to the source. This discrepancy between the Bragg peak and the thermal neutron fluence peak is a key finding of this study. These data are crucial for optimizing beam angles to maximize dose enhancement within the target during clinical applications of neutron capture-enhanced particle therapy. Full article

Background: Patient motion poses significant challenges for the accurate delivery of radiotherapy. In children undergoing proton beam therapy (PBT), up to 30 treatments under general anesthesia may be required over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. To date, the impact of this many iterative anesthetic exposures on patient outcomes remains unclear. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of iterative anesthesia with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (propofol-TIVA) on overall survival. The secondary objective was to assess the association between propofol-TIVA and the occurrence of an unplanned admission or emergency room visit within 30 days of treatment start. Methods: This was a retrospective study of children (≤19 years) who had undergone PBT (with or without anesthesia) for central nervous system disease. The Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. Propensity score matching and E-value analyses were used to adjust for selection bias. Results: The average age of the 461 children included was 9.0 years (SD ± 4.9). The majority, 261/461 (56.6%), were male, and 267/461 (57.9%) had undergone PBT without anesthesia. The group who underwent PBT with propofol-TIVA were younger (4.7 years vs. 12.2 years, p < 0.001) and had higher proportions of patients with treatment interruptions (111/194 [57.2%] vs. 118/267 [44.2%], p = 0.006), chemotherapy history (64/194 [33.0%] vs. 18/267 [6.7%], p < 0.001), concurrent chemotherapy (37/194 [19.1%] vs. 27/267 [10.1%], p = 0.006), and unplanned admissions/emergency room visits (26/194 [13.4%] vs. 1/267 [0.4%], p < 0.001). Overall survival rates (propofol-TIVA vs. no anesthesia) at 1yr (94% vs. 96%), 2 years (88% vs. 90%), and 3 years (88% vs. 89%) were similar between patient groups (p = 0.558). In the multivariable analysis, PBT with propofol-TIVA was associated with increased odds of an unplanned admission/emergency room visit before (OR, 38.311; 95%CI, 5.139–285.580; p < 0.001) and after (OR, 42.012; 95% CI, 5.322–331.632; p < 0.001; E-value = 83.52) propensity score matching. Conclusions: In this retrospective study of children undergoing PBT for central nervous system disease, there was no association between anesthesia exposure with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia and overall survival. However, PBT with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia was associated with an increased risk of an unplanned admission/emergency room visit within 30 days of treatment start. Full article

Background/Objectives: The physical and psychosocial impacts of cancer treatment can be distressing and profound for many patients, but little is known about the specific impacts of undergoing radiotherapy and proton beam therapy (PBT). This study explores the hidden burdens of treatment and aims to identify the gaps in our current understanding of patients’ experience when attending a large radiotherapy and PBT service. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with patients undergoing treatment. A purposive sample of participants were recruited, reflecting the main indications for radiotherapy and PBT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 2023 and January 2024 either in person, virtually, or by telephone. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. Results: In total, 20 patients were interviewed. Five themes were identified: informational needs, emotional wellbeing, logistical concerns, physical impacts, and interpersonal impacts. Patients reported additional financial burdens such as transport and staying away from home, difficulty carrying out normal responsibilities, caregiver burden, and increased anxiety. Many patients reported the post-treatment drop in healthcare interaction, which resulted in distress and isolation, difficult. Conclusions: This study indicates that there are many burdens of radiotherapy and PBT outside of the physical symptoms and side-effects of cancer treatment. Tailored support is needed to address treatment-specific concerns within the radiotherapy and PBT service, but this study also suggests that supportive interventions developed for broader cancer populations may be helpful for this patient cohort. Full article

Muscular strength is an essential factor in sports performance and general health, especially for optimizing mechanical power, as well as for injury prevention. The present study biomechanically characterized the half squat (HS) using a systemic structural approach based on mechanical power, called Power-Based Training (PBT), through which four phases of the movement were determined (acceleration and deceleration of lowering and lifting). Five weightlifters from the Mexican national team (categories U17, U20, and U23) participated, who performed five repetitions per set of HS with progressive loads (20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80% of the one repetition maximum). The behavior of the center of mass of the subject–bar system was recorded by photogrammetry, calculating position, velocity, acceleration, mechanical power, and mechanical work. The results showed a significant reduction in velocity, acceleration, and mechanical power as the load increases, as well as variations in the duration and range of displacement per phase. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed analysis to understand the neuromuscular demands of HS and to optimize its application. The PBT approach and global center of mass analysis provide a more accurate view of the mechanics of this exercise, facilitating its application in future research, as well as in performance planning and monitoring. Full article