Search Results (39,721)

As internal combustion engines (ICEs) remain dominant in maritime transport, reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is critical to meeting IMO’s decarbonization targets. Ammonia (NH₃) has gained attention as a carbon-free fuel due to its zero CO₂ emissions and high hydrogen density. However, its low flame speed and high ignition temperature pose combustion challenges. This study investigates the combustion and emission performance of NH₃-diesel dual-fuel engines, applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for multi-objective optimization of key operating parameters: ammonia fraction (AF: 0–30%), engine speed (1200–1600 rpm), and altitude (0–2000 m). Experimental results reveal that increasing AF led to a reduction in Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) from 39.2% to 37.4%, while significantly decreasing NOₓ emissions by 82%, Total hydrocarbon emissions (THC) by 61%, and CO₂ emissions by 36%. However, the ignition delay increased from 8.2 to 10.8 crank angle degrees (CAD) and unburned NH₃ exceeded 6500 ppm, indicating higher incomplete combustion risks at high AF. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed AF as the most influential factor, contributing up to 82.3% of the variability in unburned NH₃ and 53.6% in NOₓ. The optimal operating point, identified via desirability analysis, was 20% AF at 1200 rpm and sea level altitude, achieving a BTE of 37.4%, NOₓ of 457 ppm, and unburned NH₃ of 6386 ppm with a desirability index of 0.614. These findings suggest that controlled NH₃ addition, combined with proper speed tuning, can significantly reduce emissions while maintaining engine efficiency in dual-fuel configurations. Full article

Background and objective: Minimally invasive interventions, including irreversible electroporation (IRE), cryoablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), offer promising alternatives for the treatment of low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the oncological efficacy and safety of these treatments. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Central, and EMBASE was conducted up to 5 January 2025, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Recurrence, complication, survival, biochemical, and retreatment rates were evaluated, with risk of bias assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tools. Results: 85 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 42 prospective cohort studies, 36 retrospective cohort studies, six registries, and one randomized controlled trial. Whole-gland HIFU showed significantly lower recurrence (15%) and postoperative mean PSA levels (0.68 ng/mL) than focal HIFU (24%, 2.81 ng/mL). Recurrence rates were similar for focal vs. extended IRE (30% vs. 26%) and focal vs. whole-gland cryoablation (18% vs. 13%). In-field and out-of-field recurrence rates were similar across treatment modalities (5–15%). Retreatment rates were low, with 6–7% of patients receiving a second ablation and 2–8% progressing to radical or hormonal therapy. Major complications were consistently rare. One-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) exceeded 95%, and five-year BRFS approached 80% for HIFU and cryoablation. Conclusions: Minimally invasive focal and whole-gland therapies are safe and effective for treating low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with high survival and low major complication rates. Notably, whole-gland HIFU achieves superior biochemical control and lower recurrence than focal HIFU, emphasizing the clinical importance of treatment extent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unbalanced diets contribute to a rise in low-grade systemic inflammation, a risk factor for metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to systematically review evidence from chronic intervention studies to understand the role of foods in modulating inflammatory responses in humans. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed using specific keywords. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane guidelines. Inclusion criteria required chronic dietary intervention studies measuring cytokine levels in humans. Results: In the 75 studies selected, results revealed extremely high variability both in outcomes, study design, and participant selection criteria. Studies with fruits and vegetables showed a reduction in circulating cytokine levels and/or an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines in 80% of studies (8/10), followed by fish (78%; 7/9), dairy (67%; 4/6), cereals (64%; 7/11), and oils (57%; 4/7). Beverages and hot beverages showed a decrease in circulating cytokines in 50% of cases (10/20 and 4/8, respectively). An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in dietary interventions with beverages. As further findings, we also observed greater effectiveness from fruits and vegetables (87.5%; 7/8), fish (75%; 6/8), and cereals (62.5%; 5/8) when studies were conducted in subjects with pathologies or risk factors. Conclusions: Fruits and vegetables, fish, and cereals reduce systemic inflammation mainly in subjects with pathologies or risk factors. However, the limited number of studies do not allow us to draw solid conclusions on individual foods. Standardized dietary intervention trials are urgently needed to understand the role of foods in modulating inflammatory responses and to deliver findings to the general public. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that underlies both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 may play a role in its progression. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the development of atherosclerosis. Patients and Methods: Common carotid artery (CCA) intima media thickness (IMT) was measured by ultrasonography twice, 12–18 months apart, in a cohort of 92 patients (47 with COVID-19 and 45 controls). Clinical data were collected from medical histories, physical examinations, and laboratory findings. Results: Baseline IMT values were comparable between the study groups (0.85 mm vs. 0.78 mm). However, the COVID-19 group exhibited a significantly greater increase in IMT over time, with a median change of 0.13 mm compared to 0.05 mm in the controls (p = 0.018). Furthermore, 69.2% of COVID-19 patients exceeded the median IMT progression threshold compared to 36% in the control group (p = 0.017). An elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and a higher triglyceride (Tg)-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL) ratio were significantly associated with increased IMT in the COVID-19 group. Age and heart rate were identified as significant predictors of IMT progression across both groups. Conclusion: COVID-19 may accelerate the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. The strong associations of CRP and the TG/HDL ratio with IMT highlight the potential roles of chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in driving these vascular changes. Further large-scale, multicenter studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, confirm these observations, and guide targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies for individuals with an increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a fast-growing cause of death worldwide. Systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the major causes of kidney damage leading to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and to urinary protein loss. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are drugs able to address both of these deleterious effects, preventing kidney damage from progressing. Initially born as hypoglycemic agents, SGLT2is subsequently proved to have not only positive metabolic but also pleiotropic effects on the kidney and the cardiovascular system. Indeed, they improve the metabolic profile, reducing uric acid, blood sugar levels, and body weight. Moreover, they exert an anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effect, reducing endothelial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Finally, they reduce renal hyperfiltration and control blood pressure, inducing osmotic diuresis and restoring tubulo-glomerular feedback. All these metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and hemodynamic effects contribute to significantly reducing the risk of cardiorenal events, as widely demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. The pleiotropic actions of SGLT2is together with their good tolerability make them a pillar treatment of CKD regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus. Further studies will be needed in order to expand the indications to populations previously excluded from clinical trials such as transplant recipients or glomerulonephritis patients. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the nephroprotective mechanisms of SGLT2is which, after initial use as a hypoglycemic agent, have assumed a pivotal role in the actual and future management of patients with CKD. Full article

In Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, the agricultural sector is primarily dedicated to corn cultivation, which is reflected in the region’s economy, culture, and diet. This sector follows an agro-industrial production model dependent on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which impacts both soil health and the population’s well-being. The objective of this study was to assess cytotoxic damage using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay (BMCA) in a population engaged in agricultural activities in San Diego Chalma, Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico. Sociodemographic parameters were analyzed, along with the buccal micronucleus cytome assay, in a sample of 35 individuals composed of an agricultural group (18) and a control group (17). The agricultural group showed a significantly higher number of total micronucleated cells (Median = 714), which was 19.8 times greater than the non-agricultural group. Age, sex, basic education level, time of residence, and involvement in agricultural activities were key factors contributing to the development of buccal cell micronuclei, in addition to the use of pesticides as lambda-cyhalothrin, spinetoram, ethoprophos, carbofuran, methomyl, and chlorpyrifos ethyl without safety measures. There was an increased risk of developing micronucleated cells in males from the control group (OR = 2.386, 95% CI = 2.123–2.681) and in individuals aged 30–59 years (OR = 16.464, 95% CI = 14.315–18.935). The agricultural population for the 0–29 years presented a risk probability developing micronucleated cells of 99.8% in men and 99.9% in women, with a higher risk observed in women and in individuals who had lived their entire lives in San Diego Chalma, where they are continuously exposed to pesticides. Therefore, it is crucial to provide guidance, training, and improved public policies in the region of Puebla, Mexico. Full article

Background: Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a form of deleterious ocular aging mediated by genetic and environmental factors that frequently produces glaucoma (XFG). We aimed to develop a genetic risk score (GRS), assess its clinical utility, and identify metabolites/metabolite classes associated with a high GRS. Methods: For 39,472 Nurses’ Health Studies (NHS, 1980–2018; NHS2, 1989–2019) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2018) participants aged ≥ 40 years reporting eye exams and no baseline glaucoma, we formed an eight-single nucleotide polymorphism Genetic Risk Score (GRS8) using loci with genome-wide associations with XFS. We estimated relative risks (RR) for incident XFG suspect (XFGS)/XFG (n = 118 cases) and Harrell’s C statistics. Among 7547 participants with plasma metabolites measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we evaluated the relation between GRS8 and 427 individual metabolites and 20 metabolite classes, adjusting for multiple comparisons. Results: Higher GRS8 was associated with XFGS/XFG (GRS8 RR_{Quintile(Q)5vs.Q1} = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.76, 8.29). GRS8 significantly (p = 0.04) improved model prediction from C-index of 88% (95% CI: 0.84, 0.92) to 93% (95% CI: 0.91, 0.95) when added to a basic risk model including age, sex, period at risk, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma family history. Metabolite class analyses revealed positive associations of bile acids and inverse associations of fatty acyls with GRS8 (adjusted p < 0.001). Conclusions: XFS GRS8 improved XFGS/XFG prediction, and a higher XFS GRS8 was associated with altered levels of fatty acyl and bile acid metabolite classes. Full article

Coastal marine ecosystems are facing serious ecological risks from metals pollution, threatening biodiversity and human health. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial distributions and ecological risks of dissolved cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) in the Shandong Peninsula coastal areas, China. Two sampling campaigns were conducted at 21 sites in early spring 2025 to measure the concentrations of the three trace metals in the study area using an electrochemical detection system. The results revealed higher metals concentrations in nearshore areas (e.g., port entrances, aquaculture zones, and estuaries). Specifically, the Cd, Pb, and Cu concentrations in the study area ranged from 0 to 0.079 µg L⁻¹, 0.30 to 0.84 µg L⁻¹, and 2.19 to 4.79 µg L⁻¹, with average concentrations of 0.033, 0.55, and 3.18 µg L⁻¹, respectively. The contamination factors (C_f) of the three metals were below 1, indicating low pollution levels and thus meeting China’s Class I seawater quality standard. However, the ecological risk assessment, employing complementary methods, revealed varying interpretations: the risk quotient (RQ), based on species sensitivity distribution and predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs), indicated low risks associated with Cd and Pb (RQ < 0.1) but a high risk for Cu (RQ > 1) at all sites, attributable to the exceedance of Cu’s protective threshold (0.46 µg L⁻¹), despite its low C_f. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of Cu due to its high ecological impacts. In contrast, the Hakanson potential ecological risk index (ERI), which incorporates toxicity coefficients, suggested overall low risks (ERI < 150) for the combined metals; however, Cd contributed approximately 70% to the ERI due to its high toxicity coefficient, warranting attention despite the low individual Erⁱ values for Cd across the study area. This study provides valuable recent data on metals pollution dynamics in the Shandong Peninsula coastal areas, offering a scientific basis for developing marine pollution control policies and sustainable marine resource management. Full article

This study presents the first nationwide, system-level investigation of occupational stress and professional burnout among probation counselors in Romania, in the context of increasing caseloads, complex job demands and limited institutional support. Building on a comprehensive theoretical analysis, we employ a sociological research design involving a representative sample of 247 probation counselors from all 42 national probation services. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Questionnaire, along with stress-related factors, we examine the prevalence, most important factors and typologies of burnout. Advanced quantitative techniques—including multiple linear regression, principal component analysis and K-means clustering—allow for a robust identification of key predictors of emotional exhaustion and three distinct psychosocial profiles: stress-resistant seniors, under involved younger staff and overworked, frustrated employees. We also conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to check the validity of the MBI-HSS. This typology offers a novel conceptual framework for understanding professional burnout in probation, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities and distinct risk categories. Nevertheless, limitations exist: self-reported data may underestimate stress, and omitting variables like resilience or work meaning constrains explanatory depth. Despite these constraints, this study addresses a significant gap in Romanian probation research and lays the foundation for future longitudinal and qualitative studies. These should incorporate psychological and organizational factors to improve targeted interventions and human resources strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Radiotherapy can cause severe and irreversible brain damage, including cognitive impairment, increased dementia risk, debilitating depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Current radioprotective drugs face limitations, such as single-target inefficacy or manufacturing hurdles. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural flavonoid derived from licorice root, exhibits broad bioactivities. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunoregulatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective activities. This study aimed to elucidate ISL’s neuronal radiation mitigation effects and key targets. Methods: In vitro and in vivo models of radiation-induced neuronal injury were established. ISL’s bioactivities were evaluated through cellular cytotoxicity assays, LDH release, ROS, ATP, glutamate, and GSH levels. In vivo, ISL’s radiation mitigation effect was evaluated with sucrose preference test, IL-β level, histopathological analysis, and Golgi-Cox staining analysis. Proteomics, pathway enrichment, and ensemble models (four machine learning models, weighted gene co-expression network, protein–protein interaction) identified core targets. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations validated ISL’s binding stability with key targets. Results: ISL attenuated radiation-induced cellular cytotoxicity, reduced LDH/ROS, restored ATP, elevated GSH, and mitigated glutamate accumulation. In rats, ISL alleviated anhedonia-like phenotypes and hippocampal synaptic loss. ISL also significantly suppressed radiation-induced neuroinflammation, as evidenced by reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Proteomic analysis revealed that ISL’s main protective pathways included the synaptic vesicle cycle, glutamatergic synapse, MAPK signaling pathway, SNARE interactions in vesicular transport, insulin signaling pathway, and insulin secretion. Grm8, Grik3, and Grin3a were identified as key targets using the integrated models. The expression of these targets was upregulated post-radiation and restored by ISL. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations indicated that ISL showed stable binding to these receptors compared to native ligands. Conclusions: ISL demonstrates multi-scale radiation mitigation activities in vitro and in vivo by modulating synaptic and inflammatory pathways, with glutamate receptors as core targets. This work nominates ISL as an important natural product for mitigating radiotherapy-induced neural damage. Full article

In recent years, the consumption of Amanita muscaria has gained popularity as a perceived natural alternative to psychoactive substances, often promoted online for its supposed therapeutic properties. However, the safety of such preparations remains largely unverified, particularly with regard to toxic element content. The present study focused on evaluating how different preparation methods affect the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the most commonly consumed Amanita muscaria products. A total of 50 mushroom caps were collected in October 2024 from the Stąporków Forest District in central Poland. Seven types of preparations were analyzed: dried with skin, dried without skin, tincture (mineralized and direct), boiled, fermented, infusion, and decoction. Samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS); depending on the preparation type, some underwent acid digestion prior to measurement. Statistically significant differences in lead concentrations were observed between the various preparation types (p = 0.002; η² = 0.97). Lead levels in the direct tincture were significantly higher than those in the boiled (p = 0.001), infusion (p = 0.001), decoction (p = 0.009), and dried without skin (p = 0.04) forms. Significant differences in cadmium concentrations were also found (p = 0.006; η² = 0.94), with lower Cd levels in the decoction compared to the dried with skin (p = 0.009) and without skin (p = 0.001), as well as in the fermented form compared to the dried samples (p = 0.03 and p = 0.004, respectively). These findings demonstrate that the type of preparation significantly influences the levels of cadmium and lead in Amanita muscaria products. While aqueous and fermented preparations showed reduced metal concentrations, none can be considered entirely safe, as even lower levels of Cd and Pb may pose health risks with frequent or excessive consumption. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in early childhood development. Dysbiosis in this community has been linked to risk of disease. The transition from an exclusive milk-based diet to complementary feeding and eventual weaning is crucial for the development and maturation of the gut microbiota. However, the impact of breastfeeding duration during the complementary feeding period (typically 6 to 24 months of age) on microbial development trajectories remains incompletely characterized. Here, we investigated whether prolonged breastfeeding during the complementary feeding window influences gut microbiota succession by comparing children who continued breastfeeding with those who were fully weaned at the same ages. We analyzed 16S rRNA gene sequencing profiles of fecal samples collected from a cohort of Peruvian children at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Samples were categorized into two groups: a complementary feeding group (BF), which received both complementary foods and breast milk, and a post-weaning group (NBF), which had stopped receiving breast milk for over 7 days. We conducted both alpha and beta diversity to assess within- and between-sample microbial variation. Relative abundances of microbial taxa at the phylum and genus levels were also quantified. The results showed a clear age-related increase in both species richness and species evenness across early childhood, while BF had more gradual changes relative to NBF. Marked differences in community composition were observed between BF and NBF children at 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Children who continued breastfeeding maintained a Bifidobacterium-rich, lower-diversity microbiota for a longer period, whereas weaned children at the same age exhibited accelerated microbiota development toward an adult-like profile enriched in Bacteroidota and Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes). These findings suggest that breastfeeding during the complementary feeding period exerts a significant influence on gut microbiota development through the first two years of life, which is most likely independent of complementary food. The study provides potential implications for children’s health and nutrition guidelines from a perspective of gut microbiota succession. Full article

Alterations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) have been shown to be key in cancer development and could be useful as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. To identify mtDNA variants associated with breast cancer, we analyzed the whole mtDNA sequence from paired tissues (tumor–peripheral blood) of women with this malignancy and from peripheral blood samples of healthy women. The mtDNA mutational landscape, heteroplasmy levels of the variants, and mitochondrial ancestry were established. Comparative analysis between cases and controls revealed significant differences in the number and location of variants, as well as in the heteroplasmy levels. Cases showed higher mutation number in MT-ND5, tRNAs, and rRNAs genes; increased proportion of missense variants; and elevated mtDNA content, than controls. Notably, a high blood mtDNA mutational burden (OR = 3.83, CI: 1.89–7.95, p = 5.3 × 10⁻⁵) and five mtDNA variants showed association with the risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, a low tumor mutational burden (HR = 7.82, CI: 1.0–63.6, p = 0.05) and the haplogroup L (HR = 12.16, CI: 2.0–72.8, p = 0.0062) were associated with decreased overall and disease-free survival, respectively. Our study adds evidence of the potential usefulness of mtDNA variants as risk and prognosis biomarkers for breast cancer. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their ability to adsorb hazardous chemicals, such as estrogens, and be ingested by marine organisms. This study focuses on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polymer widely used in Kuwait, to assess its role as a carrier of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically estrogens. Biological effects were evaluated using biomarkers such as cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and vitellogenin (Vtg) gene expression. Virgin LDPE MPs were exposed to influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for four weeks to facilitate estrogen absorption. The MPs were then incorporated into fish feed pellets for dietary exposure experiments. Fish were divided into three treatment groups—exposed to either virgin MPs, WWTP-influent MPs, or WWTP-effluent MPs—and monitored over four weeks. The results showed that WWTP-exposed MPs carried detectable levels of estrogen, leading to physiological effects on yellowfin bream. Fish in the control group, which received MP-enriched diets without estrogen, experienced significant weight loss due to nutrient deprivation. In contrast, weight patterns in the treatment groups were influenced by estrogen exposure. The condition factor (CF) decreased across groups during the experiment but remained within acceptable health ranges. A significant reduction in the hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed in the effluent-exposed group, likely due to lower estrogen levels reducing physiological stress. The findings confirm that LDPE MPs can act as carriers for estrogens, impairing fish growth and metabolism while disrupting biological processes such as cytochrome oxidase function. These results highlight the potential risks of MPs in marine ecosystems and underscore the need for further research to understand their long-term effects. Full article

Inflammation and congestion are key pathophysiological processes in heart failure (HF). Our aim was to evaluate the potential modulatory effect of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) on inflammation, assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). We analyzed a cohort of 4043 consecutive patients in whom hs-CRP and CA125 levels were measured during a hospitalization for acute HF. Multivariate Cox regression models were applied to assess the association between the biomarkers and all-cause mortality and death/HF rehospitalization at 6 months. In multivariable analysis, a significant interaction between hs-CRP and CA125 was observed for both outcomes (p-value for interaction = 0.036 and <0.001, respectively). hs-CRP was significantly associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.16–1.41; p < 0.001) and death/HF rehospitalization (HR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.09–1.28; p < 0.001) if CA125 > 35 U/mL. In contrast, hs-CRP was not predictive of events when CA125 ≤ 35 U/mL. In conclusion, in patients with acute HF, the association between hs-CRP and clinical outcomes was modulated by CA125 levels. hs-CRP was associated with a higher risk of events only in patients with elevated CA125. These findings support a potential modulatory and amplifying role for CA125 in the inflammatory response in HF. Full article