Search Results (4,873)

Background/Objectives: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as a promising target for oncologic molecular imaging due to its high expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts and low presence in healthy tissues. Among available FAP ligands, [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 has shown rapid tumor accumulation, low background uptake, and broad tumor applicability. This study reports the successful translation of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 from preclinical development to routine clinical radiopharmacy practice, detailing automated synthesis, quality control performance, radiochemical stability, and the first clinical imaging results. Methods: Automated radiolabeling of FAPi-46 with gallium-68 was performed using a synthesis module. Quality control included radiochemical purity assessments by iTLC, SPE, and RP-HPLC (pH, appearance, endotoxin levels, and membrane integrity testing). Radiochemical stability was evaluated in saline (up to 6 h) and human serum (up to 90 min). In vitro characterization included the partition coefficient and serum protein binding determination. A clinical evaluation was conducted in a woman with newly diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma who underwent both [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT and [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 PET/CT. Results: Automated synthesis of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 achieved a high radiochemical yield (87.9 ± 1.3%) and radiochemical purity greater than 98%. All batches met release specifications for sterility, apyrogenicity, and physicochemical parameters. The radiotracer demonstrated high stability in saline and human serum, with radiochemical purity consistently above 95% at all evaluated time points. The compound showed a hydrophilic profile (LogP = −3.32 ± 0.14) and 40–60% serum protein binding. Clinically, [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 PET/CT provided superior lesion delineation compared to [¹⁸F]FDG, revealing additional mediastinal, supraclavicular, and brain metastases. Conclusions: [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPi-46 can be reliably synthesized using automated procedures under routine radiopharmacy conditions, meeting regulatory quality standards and demonstrating excellent stability. Its enhanced lesion detectability compared with [¹⁸F]FDG in the first patient case supports its potential value for oncological staging and clinical implementation. Full article

Micro- and nano-plastic pollution caused by the mismanagement of plastics waste is a significant problem worldwide, causing severe impacts in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of a thermally stable and superhydrophobic bio-substrate to remove microplastic particles (MPPs) from aqueous systems. In this work, the adsorption efficiency of cattail fluff towards MPPs from pristine PP, PVC, PA6, LDPE, HDPE, and their blend was evaluated. The effect of temperature (30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C) and two binding environments (distilled water and industrial wastewater) on adsorption was determined. Non-linear regressions of seven adsorption isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), Redlich–Peterson (R–P), Toth, and Sips were applied to fit the experimental data. Error function analysis confirmed that the D–R adsorption isotherm model offers the best fit of the experimental data. The results show that the bio-substrate is very effective in adsorbing MPPs from aqueous systems with adsorption capacities of q_e = 3597 mg/g and q_e = 2807 mg/g in distilled water and synthetic industrial water, respectively. The composition of the MPPs determines the effect of temperature and binding environment on the adsorption performance of the bio-substrate. Physisorption dynamics for the MPP/bio-substrate system are also provided and discussed. Overall, the hydrophobic bio-substrate is highly effective in removing MPPs from aqueous systems, with the added advantages of low cost, sustainability, and scalability for practical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive condition characterized by bone necrosis, impaired vascularization, and immune dysregulation, often resulting in femoral head collapse. Effective strategies to halt disease progression are limited. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, mediate intercellular communication and influence osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune responses. This review summarizes current evidence on EVs in ONFH and their translational potential. Methods: A structured narrative review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases was conducted, including in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on EVs in ONFH. Data on EV sources, molecular cargo, signaling pathways, functional effects, and translational implications were qualitatively synthesized. No pooled statistical analysis was performed because the extracted data were heterogeneous. Bioinformatic analyses such as Gene Ontology, KEGG enrichment, and protein–protein interaction networks were also summarized. Results: In vitro, EVs from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, and M2 macrophages modulate osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Preclinical studies demonstrate that EV administration reduces femoral head necrosis, improves trabecular structure, and enhances neovascularization. Clinical studies have identified EV-associated molecules (SAA1, C4A, RPS8) linked to disease stage and the risk of femoral head collapse. Bioinformatic analyses connect EV cargo to pathways regulating bone formation, vascularization, immunity, and metabolism. Conclusions: EVs appear to play key roles in ONFH pathogenesis and may represent promising candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. However, current clinical evidence remains limited and requires validation in larger studies. Nonetheless, heterogeneity and limited clinical data require standardized, longitudinal studies to validate their translational relevance. Full article

Thermal–oxidative coking of aviation fuel remains a critical limitation for fuel-cooled aero-engine systems operating under high heat loads. This study systematically investigates the oxidative coking behavior of RP-3 aviation kerosene, focusing on the coupled evolution of deposit morphology, composition, and operating conditions. Experiments were conducted in an electrically heated stainless-steel tube while independently varying dissolved oxygen concentration, fuel temperature, temperature gradient, operating pressure, and heating duration. Deposit layers were characterized by SEM and XPS, and residual fuel chemistry was analyzed using GC/MS. The results show that dissolved oxygen governs both the extent and mechanism of coking in the autoxidation regime (150–450 °C). Normal and elevated oxygen levels promote autoxidation of straight-chain alkanes, generating oxygen-containing intermediates that form flocculent, oxygen-rich deposits, whereas near-deoxygenated conditions suppress autoxidation but sustain sulfur-dominated, needle-like deposits. Temperature primarily controls deposition rate and morphology, with steep temperature gradients inducing localized coke formation, while pressure exerts only a minor indirect influence. Prolonged operation leads to deposit densification and non-linear accumulation behavior. These findings clarify the links between fuel chemistry, thermal conditions, and deposit architecture, providing a basis for morphology-aware coking models in fuel-cooled aero-engine systems. Full article

Background: Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schltdl. (Elaeagnaceae) is a vital sand-fixing tree species in the arid, semi-arid, and desert regions of China, holding significant ecological and economic value. However, its chloroplast (cp) genome has not been previously characterized. Results: In this study, we sequenced the complete cp genome of Elaeagnus oxycarpa using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. We performed de novo assembly, annotation, and comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses with six other Elaeagnaceae species. The results revealed a typical quadripartite structure for the E. oxycarpa cp genome, with a total length of 150,567 bp and a GC content of 36.90%. Annotation identified 132 genes, comprising 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Codon usage bias analysis indicated a preference for A/U endings, with leucine codons being the most frequent (9.5%). Additionally, 77 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were detected, predominantly mononucleotide repeats (71.4%). Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated high sequence conservation among the seven Elaeagnus species, with nucleotide variations primarily concentrated in non-coding regions and intergenic spacers of genes such as rps16, ycf1, and trnC-GCA. These variable regions and SSR loci represent valuable molecular markers for future population genetics and species identification studies on Elaeagnus. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the notion that E. oxycarpa and Elaeagnus angustifolia form a sister clade, indicating their close genetic relationship. Conclusions: Our findings provide crucial genomic resources and a theoretical foundation for the species identification and elucidation of the evolutionary history of Elaeagnaceae. Full article

Traditional Chinese paper cutting represents an important intangible cultural heritage. Can artificial intelligence (AI) reactivate the heritage in a new style? The aim of this study was to use AI to reactivate temple arts and paintings by converting them into the style of traditional Chinese paper cuttings. Thirty sets of old images taken 18 years ago and 10 images of ancient paintings from the National Palace Museum were restyled in Nano Banana (Pro)^®. Related design elements included integrated isolated parts, visual depth, details, and solid and void alternation. Three-dimensional stone and wood sculptures were reconstructed using Rodin^® or Meshy^® and converted into AR models in Sketchfab^®. From the generated 2D images and their 3D representations, a reactivated style of Chinese paper cutting was developed that can be interacted with in the AR smartphone platform or RP in the physical world. Approximately 370 images were regenerated, and 167 versions of models were reconstructed. AI should be considered part of culture. Rethinking traditional folk art highlights demand for the cross-reference and cross-reactivation of heterogeneous art forms. This AI model interprets novel 3D structural and visual details and creates a unique 2D and 3D identity for each subject. Full article

In this study, an ion-pair reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS) method was optimized and validated for purity determination for the quality control of the proposed generic nusinersen oligonucleotide drug substance and drug product. The optimization and considerations of sample preparation, chromatographic and mass spectrometry conditions are discussed. The limit of detection was 2.5 × 10⁻⁵ mg/mL and the limit of quantitation was 4.9 × 10⁻⁵ mg/mL. The linearity of the signal (XIC) for all impurities was linear with correlation coefficients of R² ≥ 0.9669. This study, associated with the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides, examines the subject of product-related impurities. The authors consider an ion-pair reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry for impurity quantitative control. This study contributes to the field by elucidating several critical aspects that, while previously unaddressed in the existing literature, are essential for developing effective analytical methods. Full article

This study compares conventional spur pruning and sap-flow respectful spur pruning, applied at four pruning dates (October, December, January, March), on grapevine ecophysiology, yield, and grape quality in Priorat (Spain) during an exceptionally hot, dry vintage. Although sap-flow respectful pruning has expanded rapidly in commercial vineyards, its performance has not been rigorously evaluated. The trial was conducted in Mas Perinet’s Mas Vell vineyard on Grenache Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pruning date was more critical than method for delaying veraison relative to peak summer heat—especially in Grenache Noir, where late pruning delayed veraison by 16 days. In Cabernet Sauvignon, leaf surface temperature was generally similar between treatments, except for RP-CS, which showed lower temperatures. Multi-year trials are needed to assess the cumulative effects of sap-flow respectful pruning on sap-flow architecture and wood health. These results support late pruning as an immediate adaptation to warming in Priorat, with pruning method as a longer-term strategy requiring further study. Full article

As China accelerates toward carbon neutrality, decrypting the causal drivers of renewable energy expansion is paramount for effective policy design. We develop a hybrid analytical framework bridging data-driven K2 structural learning with expert-informed Bayesian Networks to map the intricate interdependencies between policy instruments, resource endowments, and socio-economic variables. This causal mapping reveals a fundamental paradigm shift from resource-bound growth to institutional-steered expansion, particularly in the solar sector where the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has superseded natural radiation as the primary determinant for capacity scaling. Forward sensitivity and backward diagnostic analyses demonstrate that achieving high-growth milestones requires a synergistic convergence of technological cost reductions and mandatory consumption quotas; conversely, the absence of RPS leads to a 64% degradation in systemic causal connectivity. These findings underscore the necessity of transitioning from price-side stimuli to structural consumption-side mandates to ensure a resilient energy transition. Ultimately, this framework and the identified causal pathways provide a strategic blueprint for other emerging economies navigating the complex transition from subsidy-dependent to market-resilient renewable energy landscapes under stringent climate constraints. Full article

Chicken hemoglobin represents a source of bioactive peptides that could replace synthetic additives. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal potential of chicken hemoglobin hydrolysates and the effect of their fractionation by EDUF. Hemoglobin was hydrolyzed with pepsin at pH 3 for 0.5 h and 6 h, followed by discoloration, and then fractionated by EDUF for 180 min at pH 7. Fractions were characterized using RP-UPLC-MS/MS, and antimicrobial activity was assessed. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was observed only in EDUF fractions (P+180 and P−180), while crude hydrolysates showed no effect. However, MIC values of these EDUF fractions indicated weak inhibition. Antifungal activity was primarily detected in the final feed fractions against Mucor racemosus and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MIC: 0.04–20.00 mg/mL). Database matching of the fractions identified 22 sequences corresponding to peptides previously reported as bioactive, including ALARL, FDK, LARL, and VVYPW, which have been associated with antioxidant, ACE-inhibitory, antihypertensive, and enzyme-inhibitory properties. Nevertheless, EDUF proved to be an efficient, solvent-free, and low-energy approach for the recovery of peptide fractions from chicken hemoglobin, supporting the potential development of natural bioactive ingredients within a circular bioeconomy. Modifications of EDUF parameters, such as membrane configuration, pH, and voltage, could further enhance peptide selective recovery and the enrichment of functional fractions. Full article

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is expressed in retinal Müller glia cells, and its expression increases in response to photoreceptor degeneration. To investigate the physiological relevance of FGF2, we analyzed retinal morphology and cellular responses in Fgf2-deficient (Fgf2^−/−) mice. Loss of FGF2 did not affect photoreceptor survival, retinal vasculature, or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) integrity. To further understand its role in retinal degeneration, Fgf2^−/− mice were crossed with Pde6b^STOP/STOP mice, a model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We then analyzed outer nuclear layer thickness, cone number, rod outer segments length, RPE morphology, and microglia number in Fgf2^−/− Pde6b^STOP/STOP and Pde6b^STOP/STOP mice. Although FGF2 was upregulated in degenerating photoreceptor cells in the Pde6b^STOP/STOP retina, its absence did not accelerate photoreceptor loss in Fgf2^−/− Pde6b^STOP/STOP mice. Interestingly, microglia numbers were significantly changed at early disease stages in Fgf2^−/− Pde6b^STOP/STOP retinas compared with Pde6b^STOP/STOP controls, suggesting that FGF2 modulates inflammatory signaling. Together, these results show that loss of FGF2 does not alter photoreceptor degeneration kinetics or retinal morphology, but may contribute to the regulation of early microglial accumulation during degeneration. Full article

Consumer preference for clean-label products is driving interest in natural antioxidants and antimicrobials that can replace synthetic preservatives. Ziziphus mauritiana (sidr), a resilient desert tree native to the arid Gulf region, has being tested as a multifunctional bio-preservative. This study evaluated the extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and poultry meat-preserving potential of Z. mauritiana. Methanol and ethanol produced the highest extract recoveries, with bark exhibiting the maximum extraction yield of up to 10.7 mg/100 g. Fruits demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (TPC) of around 175 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram (GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of around 7.4 mg catechin equivalents per gram (CE/g), followed by leaves and bark. The antioxidant activity was significantly correlated with the concentration of phenolic compounds in the fruit extracts, which exhibited DPPH inhibition exceeding 60% in the majority of instances. The RP-HPLC investigation revealed a diverse polyphenolic profile, predominantly featuring gallic acid (up to 8.77 mg/g in leaves), catechin (6.30 mg/g in fruits), catechol, and caffeic acid. Leaf extracts showed 24 mm inhibitory zones against E. coli and Y. enterocolitica, while bark and fruit were not very effective. Adding ethanolic leaf extract (0–1%) to chicken breast meat reduced microbial degradation during chilled storage at 4 °C. At day 15, total aerobic counts reached only 5.34 log CFU/g with 1% extract compared with 8.53 log CFU/g in the control. Similar suppression was found for yeasts and molds, while challenge tests showed >3-log reductions in C. jejuni and Salmonella senftenberg. Sensory evaluation confirmed no detrimental effects on color, odor, flavor, or texture. Overall, Z. mauritiana was a valuable, renewable source of phenolic antioxidants and antimicrobial agents and showed strong promise as a natural preservative capable of improving the safety and shelf life of poultry meat in clean-label applications. Full article

Purpose: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-established molecular target in prostate cancer (PCa). Both radionuclide imaging and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging offer high sensitivity for in vivo tumor detection. PSMA-targeted dual-modality probes integrating these two imaging techniques provide complementary preoperative and intraoperative tumor visualization, thereby improving surgical guidance in PCa. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel dual-labeled PSMA probe combining radioactive and fluorescent properties to achieve precise tumor delineation during radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: A high-affinity PSMA-targeted fluorescent probe (PSMA-DF) was synthesized using solid-phase synthesis. Subsequent radiolabeling with the radionuclide [⁶⁸Ga]Ga yielded the successful generation of a dual-modal PSMA-targeted molecular probe, namely [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-DF. The probe was systematically evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, and its safety profile was assessed through acute toxicity testing. Tumor-bearing nude mouse models were established using PSMA-positive 22Rv1 and PSMA-negative PC-3 PCa cell lines. Imaging performance, tumor-targeting specificity, and biodistribution of the probe were comprehensively evaluated using micro-PET imaging, in vivo fluorescence imaging, and biodistribution studies. Results: High-quality and high-purity PSMA-DF was successfully prepared, which exhibited excellent optical properties. Following radiolabeling with [⁶⁸Ga]Ga, a dual-modality radionuclide-fluorescence probe ([⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-DF) was successfully constructed. In vitro cellular uptake studies demonstrated that 22Rv1 cells had relatively high uptake of the probe, reaching 7.34 ± 0.55 IA%/10⁶ cells at 120 min. In contrast, PC-3 cells and blocked 22Rv1 cells displayed minimal uptake, confirming the specific targeting ability of the probe. In vivo evaluations were conducted on tumor-bearing mice using micro-PET/CT and NIRF imaging. The results revealed that [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-DF achieved high specific tumor accumulation in 22Rv1 xenografts, with the peak tumor uptake (SUVmax = 1.748 ± 0.132) and tumor-to-muscle ratio (11.542 ± 1.511) observed at 120 min. Notably, high-contrast fluorescence imaging was also achieved at later time points, yielding a tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) of 6.559 ± 1.415 at 48 h. Notably, ex vivo biodistribution data were consistent with in vivo imaging findings. Conclusions: This preclinical study demonstrates that [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-DF exhibits high and specific uptake in PCa models, supporting its potential as a dual-modality tracer for both PET/CT imaging and real-time intraoperative fluorescence guidance during PCa surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infant regulatory problems (RPs) are at risk of persisting and can contribute to later behavioral difficulties. Parenting stress has been identified as a risk factor associated with child RPs, but its mediating role has rarely been investigated in this context. The aim of the study was (1) to investigate whether RP symptoms were related to subsequent infant RP symptoms/toddler behavioral and emotional problems (BEPs) between two pediatric check-ups in the first 3 years of life and (2) to investigate the potential role of parenting stress as a partial mediator in the association of infant RPs and subsequent RPs/BEPs. Methods: Using data from a German cohort study (CoronaBaBY), associations between infant RPs at baseline and RPs/toddlers BEPs at follow-up (around 8 months later) were analyzed. Parenting stress was included as a mediation variable into the model. Results: In total, 725 parent–child dyads were analyzed. Mean infant age was 5.0 months (SD = 3.4). Elevated RP symptoms at baseline significantly predicted infant RP symptoms and BEPs at follow-up. Parenting stress at baseline significantly predicted feeding problems and BEPs at follow-up. Parenting stress partially mediated the associations between baseline infant RPs and follow-up RPs respectively BEPs in most models. Conclusions: Interventions should consider the partially mediating role of parenting stress, especially for the later development of BEPs. Research should aim to identify additional factors influencing infant regulatory problems and subsequent behavioral difficulties. Full article

Purpose: the prognostic value of positive surgical margins (PSMs) after radical prostatectomy (RP) remains debated, particularly when distinguishing focal from extensive involvement. Moreover, the interaction between margin status and other adverse pathological features, such as tumour stage, grade, and nodal status, is not fully defined. The study aims to evaluate the impact of focal and extensive PSMs on biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS), stratified by pathological stage, Gleason grade, and nodal involvement. Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 1258 patients who underwent robot-assisted RP between 2017 and 2023, evaluating BCRFS as primary endpoint. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests across margin categories (negative, focal, extensive). Analyses were stratified by pT stage (pT2–pT3b), ISUP grade (<3 vs. ≥3), and nodal status (pN0/pNx vs. pN+). Median follow-up was 39 months (IQR 24–62), and 5-year BCRFS was used as the reference endpoint. Results: median age was 68 years and median PSA 6.9 ng/mL. Stage distribution: pT2 56.4%, pT3a 29.8%, pT3b 13.6%; 16.6% were pN+. ISUP grade ≥ 3 was observed in 60.6%. Overall, 20.3% developed biochemical recurrence. In pT2 tumours or primary Gleason pattern 3, focal PSMs showed 5-year BCRFS of 88–90%, very similar to negative margins (91–93%) and clearly better than extensive PSMs (~72%). In pT3 tumours or primary Gleason pattern 4, focal PSMs showed 5-year BCRFS of ~55–60%, similar to extensive PSMs (~40–50%) and significantly worse than negative margins (78% in pT3a and 65% in pT3b, p < 0.01). In N + 5-year BCRFS was similarly poor in negative (~45%), focal (~42%), and extensive margins (~40%, p = 0.455). Conclusions: the prognostic impact of positive surgical margins depends on tumour biology. In organ-confined or ISUP ≤ 2 disease, focal PSMs show recurrence rates similar to negative margins and may be managed with observation. In locally advanced or ISUP ≥ 3 tumours, both focal and extensive PSMs carry a markedly higher risk of biochemical recurrence and might suggest an early intervention. PSMs lose discriminatory value in node-positive patients. Full article