Search Results (1,448)

Background and Clinical Significance: In gastric cancer, splenic metastases are found in less than 7% of cases and are usually associated with other systemic secondary determinations; much more rarely, they represent the sole secondary determination of the malignant disease. Case presentation: In this paper, we present the case of a 64-year-old patient who underwent curative surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma 10 months ago and, during oncological monitoring, was diagnosed with a splenic tumor formation with intense metabolic activity on PET-CT examination, raising suspicion of splenic metastases. The medical team observed an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, and Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 276 values, along with a slight decrease in Dickkopf Related Protein 3 (DKK 3). Considering that the spleen was the only site of secondary localization of the malignant disease, the patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy with histopathological confirmation of the presence of gastric adenocarcinoma. There are no signs of loco-regional or distant recurrence 15 months postoperatively. In patients with radical excision of gastric cancer who present only with splenic metastases, splenectomy is indicated and is associated with good disease-free survival. If other secondary manifestations of malignant gastric disease are identified or suspected, chemotherapy treatment and the wait-and-see approach are recommended, as the patient does not have a real benefit from splenectomy. Until now, there is no standard protocol for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with gastric cancer and metachronous splenic metastases; thus, the development of a decision-making scheme for these situations is necessary. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary approach, including the tumor board and an infectious disease specialist, are important steps in the effective management of these cases. The role of new biological markers such as CD 276 and DKK 3 for assessing the progression of malignant disease could constitute a new direction for research. Full article

The continuous increase in demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has drawn global attention to the significant environmental pollution caused by the degradation of PET plastics. Exploring new PET-degrading enzymes is essential for enhancing the degradation efficiency of PET, and esterases and lipases with plastic degradation capabilities have become a focal point of research. In this study, we utilized the ultra-efficient mutant FASTase of the PET-degrading enzyme IsPETase, derived from Ideonella sakaiensis, as a positive control, based on the similarity in enzyme activity and substrate. We investigated the PET model substrate degradation activities of the esterase Gs and lipase GI, both derived from Bacillus spp., as well as the lipase CAI derived from Pseudomonas spp. The results indicated that Gs exhibited excellent bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) degradation activity; however, Gs demonstrated a lack of thermal stability when hydrolyzing BHET. Molecular docking analyses were conducted to identify the key amino acids involved in the degradation of BHET by Gs from a structural perspective. At the same time, GI and CAI showed no BHET degradation activity. The combination of Gs and the mono-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (MHET) hydrolase, MHETase, can completely hydrolyze BHET, and Gs also exhibited degradation activity against the PET model substrate bis(benzyloxyethyl) terephthalate and PET nanoparticles. Given the structural similarity between PET hydrolase LCC-ICCG and Gs, this study provides new enzyme resources for advancing the efficient biological enzymatic degradation of PET plastics. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate the importance of ADC, SUVmax, and SUVmax/ADC values in the prognosis and biological behavior of prostate cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, ADC measurements in diffusion MRI were made by two radiologists by correlating the lesions with the highest SUVmax value from Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT examinations of 81 patients with prostate cancer. The quantitative values were compared with histopathological grade, presence of perineural invasion, and lymph node and bone metastasis. Results: For D’Amico high-risk patients, a statistically significant difference among the ADC, SUVmax, and SUVmax/ADC measurements was reported (p < 0.001). Cut-off values were defined as 0.52 (×10⁻³ mm²/s) for ADC, 9.73 for SUVmax, and 20.28 for the SUVmax/ADC ratio (AUC = 0.887, 0.747, 0.817, respectively) for the high-risk categories. The Youden indices were 0.643, 0.405, and 0.437, respectively. In logistic regression, the SUVmax/ADC ratio was a significant predictor of the high-risk group (AUC = 0.844, p = 0.002), demonstrating superior performance to a model with individual ADC and SUVmax values (AUC = 0.796, p = 0.006). For the advanced-grade group, the SUVmax and SUVmax/ADC ratios differed significantly (p < 0.001). The CAPRA score showed significant correlations with all imaging biomarkers: negatively with ADC (rho = −0.456, p < 0.001) and positively with SUVmax (rho = 0.359, p = 0.001) and the SUVmax/ADC ratio (rho = 0.441, p < 0.001). The presence of perineural invasion had no significant correlation with any of the variables (p > 0.05). The presence of bone metastases and PSA and free PSA levels differed significantly (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). In the presence of lymph node metastasis, SUVmax and SUVmax/ADC ratios were found to be significant (p = 0.019, p = 0.01, respectively). In the survival (OS) analysis, a low ADC value was found to be associated with shorter survival (median OS: 61 vs. 106 months). Conclusions: Among advanced-grade and high-risk prostate cancer patients, ADC, SUVmax, and SUVmax/ADC values can be employed as alternative prognostic factors for predicting the biological behavior of the disease. Full article

Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are rare, accounting for approximately 1–7% of all head and neck tumors. The parotid gland is the most commonly affected gland. An accurate preoperative diagnosis distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors is necessary for the appropriate management of patients. The aim of this review is to analyze the results of the most recent literature studying the use of radiomics in malignant tumors of the parotid gland. A comprehensive literature review was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, in accordance with the PRISMA review criteria (from 2020 to July 2025). The final analysis comprised a total of six articles and 560 patients. Four studies evaluated the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), one of Computed Tomography (CT) and one of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT). Radiomics models achieved good overall diagnostic performance, with AUC values ranging from 0.769 to 0.952 across studies, although methodological heterogeneity prevented data pooling. The results of this review indicate that radiomics has the potential to play an important role in the management of malignant tumors of the parotid gland. Nevertheless, the absence of clear and standardized protocols does not allow the comparison of results. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Full article

Microplastics are considered to be one of the major threats that have significant effects on marine ecosystems and marine organisms. These tiny plastic particles can also absorb and carry toxic substances to marine life, potentially affecting human health through food chains. This study investigates microplastics in surface seawater and in two species of sea cucumber, Holothuria atra at Similan Island and Holothuria edulis at Surin Island. Color, shape, and components of microplastics were identified to evaluate sources of the microplastics found in the area. The results found that the average abundance of microplastics in seawater at Similan and Surin Islands is 1.93 ± 1.42 and 1.11 ± 0.75 pieces/m³, respectively. Black fiber is a dominant microplastic found in seawater and both species of sea cucumber. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester are the major components of microplastics in surface seawater, while cotton blends and other mixed components are the major components in sea cucumbers. These findings imply that microplastics found in surface seawater could potentially degrade from fishing and aquaculture equipment, maritime transport, and materials from plastic containers. Microplastics in sea cucumbers, on the other hand, are probably originating from domestic sewage discharge, especially textile washing and fishing equipment. Full article

This study aimed to assess the presence of microplastics (MPs) in an urban river (Gari, Lazio, Italy) using case-building caddisfly larvae as potential bioindicators. Results from the benthic faunal assemblage (STAR_ICMi = 0.797) revealed the presence of a rich and well-diversified macroinvertebrate community, thus reflecting a suitable ecological status. Of 279 caddisfly cases collected, 26% contained small plastic particles of various shapes and colours, while 542 MP items per m² were found in their substrate. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most abundant polymers identified by FT-IR analysis found in the Gari River, while the co-presence of lower-density polymers such as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) reflects the contribution of multiple factors controlling MP deposition. The most abundant MPs were of secondary origin, as evidenced by the Carbonyl Index and the predominant shape. Despite the amounts of MPs found in the Gari River, their ecological and chemical status has been classified as “good” during the monitoring campaigns. These results highlight the need to further investigate the environmental impacts of MPs to implement water quality classification indices. Full article

This study evaluated genetic parameters for test-day egg production in four Thai native synthetic chicken lines—Soi Nin, Soi Pet, Kaen Thong, and Kaimook e-san—under heat stress in Thailand. A total of 11,887 monthly test-day egg records from 1134 hens, collected between January 2023 and July 2025, were analyzed using a repeatability test-day model with the temperature–humidity index (THI) as an environmental covariate. THI thresholds from 70 to 80 were evaluated, and the THI1 equation provided the best model fit with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and the lowest mean squared error (MSE). With increasing THI, heritability estimates declined from 0.255–0.323 at THI 70 to 0.173–0.236 at THI 80, a 26.9–32.2% decrease reflecting reduced additive genetic variance and consequent lower genetic expression under heat stress. Genetic correlations between egg production and heat stress were positive at low THI (0.250–0.600) but became negative at THI ≥ 73, suggesting antagonism between productivity and thermotolerance under severe stress. The rate of decline in egg production increased with increasing THI, from −0.35 to −0.45 eggs/bird/THI at THI 73, −0.80 to −1.22 at THI 76, and −1.76 to −2.35 at THI 80. The ranges of heritability and decline rates reflect the variation observed among the four Thai native synthetic chicken lines examined in this study. Kaimook e-san consistently showed the steepest decline in egg production, whereas Soi Nin exhibited the smallest, indicating greater resilience. These findings reveal significant genetic variation in heat tolerance among Thai native synthetic lines and underscore the need to consider both productivity and environmental sensitivity in breeding programs to sustain egg production under future climate change. Full article

Background: Non-invasive diagnostic tools for the assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are currently being intensively studied. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) and [13N]-ammonia is the gold standard for assessing myocardial metabolism and perfusion. The relationship between right ventricle (RV) myocardial metabolism and perfusion and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has not been studied. Objective: to evaluate correlations between the CPET parameters and RV perfusion and metabolism in IPAH patients. Methods: The study comprised 34 IPAH patients (34.2 ± 8.9 years, 4 males, 6 prevalent). Myocardial metabolism and perfusion were assessed using PET/CT with [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia, respectively. CPET, cardiac MRI and invasive hemodynamics were also evaluated. Results: Significant negative correlations were registered between [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia uptake by the RV (SUVmax _RV/LV) and the oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse and positive correlation with the ratio of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production. The low-risk IPAH patients significantly differed from the intermediate-to-high-risk group in CPET indices and in SUVmax _RV/LV metabolism and SUVmax _RV/LV perfusion parameters. No reliable differences in CPET indices and [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia uptake by the RV were registered between intermediate- and high-risk patients. Conclusions: CPET is a reliable non-invasive diagnostic tool that could distinguish low-risk young IPAH patients without comorbidities from those at intermediate-to-high risk. Significant correlations between CPET parameters and RV myocardial metabolism and perfusion indices, MRI, and invasive hemodynamics confirm the high diagnostic value for CPET. Full article

Background: Hypophosphatemia is a frequently underestimated metabolic disorder, yet it can be one of the first biochemical findings in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Current diagnostic and surgical criteria for PHPT do not include serum phosphate, despite its potential value as an early marker. Methods: We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and osteoarthritis, followed since 2015 for persistent hypophosphatemia (0.8 mg/dL) and stress fractures. Results: Initial calcium and vitamin D levels were normal, but PTH was elevated. Bone scintigraphy revealed multiple stress fractures, while ultrasound and sestamibi scan were inconclusive. Despite cholecalciferol and calcitriol supplementation, hypophosphatemia persisted. From 2023, progressive hypercalcemia developed (10.9 mg/dL), with sustained hypophosphatemia (1.7 mg/dL), persistently high PTH (121 pg/mL) and markedly elevated FGF-23 (1694 kRU/L). Renal phosphate wasting was demonstrated, with reduced tubular reabsorption. An 18F-fluorocholine PET-CT performed in 2024 identified two right parathyroid adenomas, establishing the diagnosis of PHPT. The patient was referred for parathyroidectomy. Conclusions: Hypophosphatemia may serve as a complementary biomarker in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PHPT, but only after other potential causes of low phosphate levels have been excluded, as illustrated in this case. Its consideration could facilitate the early identification of PHPT and improve clinical decision-making, particularly in patients who do not meet classical surgical indications. Full article

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) could be useful to assess inflammation of the aortic wall, a potential early indicator of aneurysm formation. Nonetheless, its current clinical assessment presents several limitations. The study aimed to develop and validate an innovative technique to obtain thoraco-abdominal aortic wall PET uptake maps. PET/magnetic resonance (MR) was acquired in 82 patients with aortic aneurysms. The thoraco-abdominal aorta was segmented and expanded inward and outward (by 1 to 5 mm) and discretized into 80 standardized wall patches. Standard uptake values (SUV) were calculated for each patch and the thrombus. For inter-observer reproducibility, a second blinded observer analyzed 26 random patients. Validation against manual expert measurements was performed. The feasibility of the patch-wise PET analysis was 98.4%. Inter-observer Dice scores were 0.89 for lumen and 0.82 for thrombus segmentations. SUV mapping presented excellent reproducibility, modestly improving with wall thickness (ICC 0.950 to 0.966), while its agreement with expert measurements improved with thinner walls (ICC 0.848 to 0.755). An optimal balance between reproducibility and accuracy was obtained at 6 mm wall thickness. Reproducible and accurate thoraco-abdominal aortic wall 18F-FDG uptake maps can be obtained from PET/MR, potentially facilitating the exploration of local factors associated with vascular inflammation. Full article

Microphysiological systems (MPSs) have emerged as alternatives to animal testing in drug development, following the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. Double-layer channel-type MPS chips with porous membranes are widely used for modeling various organs, including the intestines, blood–brain barrier, renal tubules, and lungs. However, these chips faced challenges owing to optical interference caused by light scattering from the porous membrane, which hinders cell observation. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement offers a non-invasive method for assessing barrier integrity in these chips. However, existing electrode-integrated MPS chips for TEER measurement have non-uniform current densities, leading to compromised measurement accuracy. Additionally, chips made from polydimethylsiloxane have been associated with drug absorption issues. This study developed an electrode-integrated MPS chip for TEER measurement with a uniform current distribution and minimal drug absorption. Through a finite element method simulation, electrode patterns were optimized and incorporated into a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based chip. The device was fabricated by laminating PET films, porous membranes, and patterned gold electrodes. The chip’s performance was evaluated using a perfused Caco-2 intestinal model. TEER levels increased and peaked on day 5 when cells formed a monolayer, and then they decreased with the development of villi-like structures. Concurrently, capacitance increased, indicating microvilli formation. Exposure to staurosporine resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in TEER, which was validated by immunostaining, indicating a disruption of the tight junction. This study presents a TEER measurement MPS platform with a uniform current density and reduced drug absorption, thereby enhancing TEER measurement reliability. This system effectively monitors barrier integrity and drug responses, demonstrating its potential for non-animal drug-testing applications. Full article

The European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is an ecologically and culturally significant forest tree species in Croatia; however, its genetic diversity and population structure remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity, structure, and connectivity of chestnut populations on Zrin Mountain, the country’s largest continuous chestnut area. Using seven nuclear SSR markers, we genotyped 153 individuals from three populations (PET, HRK, and BAC). All populations exhibited moderate genetic diversity (mean He = 0.571), with BAC showing the highest allelic richness and number of private alleles. AMOVA revealed that most genetic variance (67%) occurred among individuals, while population differentiation was low to moderate (FST = 0.064; PhiPT = 0.146), consistent with high inferred gene flow (Nm = 7.48). Both STRUCTURE and PCoA indicated that HRK was the most genetically distinct population, whereas PET and BAC were more similar. Overall, these findings demonstrate substantial gene flow and connectivity among Croatian chestnut populations, providing a foundation for sustainable management and conservation strategies in a broader European context. Full article

A group of Spanish experts of different specialties participated in the ENFOCA2 project, promoted by the Spanish Oncology Genitourinary Group (SOGUG), which was designed to provide updated information on current and novel aspects contributing to the optimal care of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. In localized disease, it is important to implement strategic alliances with other institutions for improving adherence to active surveillance in low-risk groups and to explore genetic testing for a better indication of focal therapy. Local control of the disease should be maximized to prevent local failure and biochemical recurrence. In patients with locally advanced disease, with PSMA PET/CT-positive lesions in M0 staging on conventional imaging techniques, therapeutic decisions should be carefully evaluated due to insufficient evidence regarding the gold standard in this setting. In patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC), assessment of BRCA somatic and germline mutations provides prognostic information and familial cancer risk and informs treatment decisions. Combinations of androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSi) agents and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are emerging alternatives for advanced PCa. The oldest segment of PCa patients (>70 years of age) may require geriatric assessment to evaluate physical and functional reserves, tailoring treatment to their individual characteristics and circumstances. The concept of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach together with inter-center and/or inter-specialty therapeutic alliances should be implemented in the routine care of patients with PCa. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the major health threats to women worldwide; thus, a need has arisen to reduce the number of instances and deaths through new methods of diagnostic monitoring and treatment. The present review is the synthesis of the recent clinical studies and technological advances in the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor the pharmacological treatment of breast cancer. The specific focus is on high-risk groups (carriers of BRCA mutations and recipients of neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and the use of novel MRI methods (dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and radiomics tools). All the reviewed studies show that MRI is more sensitive (up to 95%) and specific than conventional imaging in detecting malignancy particularly in dense breast tissue. Moreover, MRI can be used to assess the response and residual disease in a tumor early and accurately for personalized treatment, de-escalate unneeded interventions, and maximize positive outcomes. AI-based radiomics combined with deep-learning models also expand the ability to predict the therapeutic response and molecular subtypes, and can mitigate the risk of overfitting models when using complex methods of modeling. Other developments are hybrid PET/MRI, image guidance during surgery, margin assessment intraoperatively, three-dimensional surgical templates, and the utilization of MRI in surgery planning and reducing reoperation. Although economic factors will always play a role, the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy and capability to aid in targeted treatment makes MRI a key tool for modern breast cancer. The growing complement of MRI and novel curative approaches indicate that breast cancer patients may experience better survival and recuperation, fewer recurrences, and a better quality of life. Full article

Cultured meat is an emerging innovation with the potential to contribute to sustainable animal production by reducing the environmental and ethical challenges associated with conventional animal farming. In Romania, this new source of protein is viewed with both interest and scepticism, reflecting broader consumer uncertainties about food innovations. Market data indicates that Romania faces a significant deficit in animal protein supply (exceeding 65% for pork, as well as notable deficits in fish and beef), while also recording one of the largest overall trade deficits in pet food. In this context, the present study explored the openness of respondents in northeastern Romania to the consumption of cultivated meat, taking into account both personal diet and pet nutrition. The results showed that 33.2% of participants were fully willing to feed their pets cultured meat products, and 70% supported its introduction to the market, provided that regulatory frameworks ensure product safety and quality. Although Romania does not currently have the legal and technological infrastructure necessary to integrate cultured meat into the food system, these findings highlight the potential role of consumer acceptance in shaping future nutritional strategies aimed at sustainable, high-quality protein alternatives for humans and pets alike. Full article