Search Results (1,210)

Efficient irrigation management requires reliable information on soil water content, yet low-cost capacitive sensors often lack proper calibration. This study evaluates the metrological performance of two DF Robot probes, SEN0193 (S1) and SEN0308 (S3), under controlled variations in porous media properties. Glass beads of three size classes (<50 µm, 70–110 µm, and 400–600 µm) were used to simulate fine, medium, and coarse textures. Sensors were tested at four water contents (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and four salinity levels (0, 4, 8, and 16 g NaCl L⁻¹). Results show that the manufacturer-recommended air/water calibration is unsuitable for soils or porous media; calibration should instead be performed under dry and saturated conditions specific to the medium. S1 exhibited stable and homogeneous responses, with intra-unit CV ≤ 2%, but moderate calibration accuracy (R² = 0.68–0.80; RMSE = 8.9–12.9% VWC across textures). S3 showed a wider signal range (80–90% larger than S1), better fit in coarse texture (R² = 0.96; RMSE = 3.5% VWC), but higher unit-to-unit variability (CV = 6–14%) and performance degradation in fine and saline media. Although these sensors cannot provide accurate absolute quantification, their ability to track moisture trends makes them useful for irrigation management, provided calibration accounts for medium texture and salinity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Airway inflammation and small airway dysfunction (SAD) are key features of asthma. Inflammation can be assessed by blood eosinophil count (Eos) and exhaled nitric oxide (NO) parameters, including fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), bronchial NO flux (J’awNO), and alveolar NO concentration (CANO), the latter reflecting distal airway inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the association between Eos and the degree of airway inflammation as specified by exhaled NO parameters and to assess the relationships between exhaled NO parameters and small airway dysfunction using spirometric and plethysmographic indices. Methods: We conducted an observational study of asthmatic outpatients who underwent spirometry, plethysmography, and exhaled NO measurements. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate associations between Eos and FeNO, J’awNO, CANO, and spirometric/plethysmographic indices, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and relevant covariates. Results: The analytic cohort included 121 patients (49 men; 72 women; median age 54.2 years). Small airway obstruction and a range of airway inflammation severity were observed. Mean (SD) or median [IQR] values, as appropriate, were: FEF₇₅ z-score −0.62 (0.96); FEF_25–75 z-score −1.27 (1.29); RV z-score 1.26 (0.94); RV/TLC z-score 1.60 (1.10); J’awNO 60.20 nL/min (102.80); FeNO 23.61 ppb (37.61); CANO 3.80 ppb (4.12); and Eos 260 cells/µL (430). Log-transformed Eos (log[Eos]) was associated with FeNO, J’awNO, and CANO (adjusted marginal slope [95% CI]: 12.11 [9.35–14.69], 33.56 [25.34–41.19], and 1.14 [0.84–1.43], respectively). Log(Eos) was also positively associated with RV and RV/TLC, but negatively associated with FEF_25–75, FEF₇₅, and FEV₁. Similarly, CANO was positively associated with RV and RV/TLC and inversely associated with FEF_25–75 and FEF₇₅. No significant associations were observed for FeNO or J’awNO. Conclusions: Blood eosinophils were independently associated with all exhaled NO parameters. The association between CANO and small airway ventilatory function indices supports a link between distal airway inflammation and SAD in asthma. Full article

This study examined the compensatory and risk-protective roles of informal mentoring in the longitudinal associations between discrimination and behavioral health problems among Latino/a adolescents and emerging adults. The study addressed the limited research on mentoring among Latino/a youth, particularly with regard to behavioral health, and considered both the presence of and relationship quality with mentors as well as gender differences (girls vs. boys). Latent growth curve analysis was used to investigate trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems across 11 observations spanning 7 years. Mentor presence assessed at Wave 9 when youth (N = 544) were approximately 15–18 years old had an association with internalizing problems consistent with the compensatory model, in which a resilience factor offsets the harmful effects of a risk factor, for girls. Among girls with a mentor, relationship quality buffered associations between discrimination and internalizing problems, consistent with the risk protective model. Among boys who reported having a mentor, relationship quality had an association with internalizing problems consistent with the compensatory model. For both girls and boys with mentors, relationship quality buffered associations between discrimination and externalizing problems, consistent with the risk protective model. Whereas discrimination consistently shows harmful effects on Latino/a adolescents’ emotional and behavioral adjustment, a resilience perspective underscores the reality that, with adequate support, most youth are able to overcome those risks. The current study fills gaps in the literature by examining how informal mentoring can foster resilience to such harmful effects, and highlights directions for future research and practice aimed at enhancing the well-being of this large and fast-growing population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatitis B remains a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study investigated HBV seroprevalence in Kinshasa and evaluated the diagnostic performance of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) compared with dried blood spot (DBS)–based immunoassays. Methods: DBS samples collected between 2016 and 2022 were transported to Spain for HBsAg and HBc-Ab testing using two chemiluminescence platforms (ECLIA-COBAS (Roche) and ELFA-miniVIDAS (bioMerieux)). A subset of participants also underwent on-site HBsAg screening using Determine™ (Abbott) RDTs. Results: Overall, active HBV infection was detected in 4.3% of participants and resolved infection in 14.3%, with no significant differences by age, sex, cohort, or HIV/HCV status. The RDT showed poor sensitivity (60% (95% CI: 26–88)) but high specificity (100% (95% CI: 98–100)), resulting in a 40% misdiagnosis rate. In contrast, DBS-based HBsAg immunoassays demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy, with both platforms achieving 100% sensitivity (ECLIA-COBAS 100%, 95% CI: 66–100; ELFA-miniVIDAS 100%, 95% CI: 99–100) and specificity (ECLIA-COBAS 100%, 95% CI: 98–100; ELFA-miniVIDAS 100%, 95% CI: 99–100). HBc-Ab detection showed platform-dependent variability, with lower sensitivity on ELFA-miniVIDAS (66% (95% CI: 46–82)) compared with ECLIA-COBAS (100% (95% CI: 96–100)). Predictive values were high across all assays, and inter-method agreement for HBsAg between RDT and chemiluminescence was good (Cohen’s kappa 0.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings indicate moderate HBV transmission in Kinshasa and highlight the limited reliability of RDT-based screening. DBS proved to be a practical, robust, and scalable sampling method with outstanding diagnostic performance, making it well-suited for HBV testing in low-resource settings. Full article

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have rapidly transitioned from research tools into promising platforms for clinical translation. In this review, we analyze 139 PDO-related clinical trials registered between 2023 and 2025 and contrast them with recent advances in disease modelling. Our analysis revealed a predominance of oncology-focused studies, with translational maturity spanning from foundational research to studies in which PDOs directly informed clinical decision-making. In contrast, non-oncology areas show extensive preclinical progress but remain trial-poor. We found that trial registration is geographically concentrated in a small number of countries, reflecting uneven global adoption. We then explored advances in disease modeling, mainly confined to preclinical studies, including immune-competent PDOs, complex organ-on-a-chip systems, synthetic matrices, AI-enabled platforms, and therapeutic transplantation. Based on these findings, we propose a conceptual framework outlining the trajectory of PDO adoption in clinical trials. This trajectory can be understood as three overlapping waves of translation: the first wave, focusing on oncology, has already demonstrated impacts on patient care; the second, targeting non-oncology diseases, is scientifically advanced but has not achieved widespread clinical application; and the third, involving frontier technologies, remains in the preclinical stage. Understanding these trajectories underscores the promise and challenges of PDOs that must be addressed for broader clinical adoption. Full article

Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent an emerging and sustainable source of bioactive compounds for the food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. In this study, the potential of two microalgae-cyanobacteria consortia, consortium 1 (C1) consisting of Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis, and consortium 2 (C2) consisting of Kamptonema sp., Nannochloropsis oculata, Tetraselmis suecica, and Chlorella vulgaris, as a source of bioactive peptides was evaluated. Firstly, protein extraction from both biomasses was optimized by testing different protein solubilization and precipitation pHs, with pH 10 and pH 5 providing the best results in terms of protein recovery in both cases. Selected protein extracts, with protein contents of 28.50 ± 2.69% (C1) and 8.46 ± 0.45% (C2), were further hydrolyzed with Alcalase, evaluating the impact of the incubation time on peptide release and the antioxidant capacity of hydrolysates. A total of 1 h of hydrolysis proved to be enough for antioxidant capacity increase. In addition, in silico hydrolysis of the proteins identified with Alcalase in C1 and C2 (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD077201 and PXD077149 for C1 and C2, respectively) was evaluated, assessing the potential bioactivity of the peptides produced, more specifically their antioxidant capacity. Our findings demonstrate that both microalgae-cyanobacteria consortia are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity, with potential interest as functional ingredients for the food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by transmural inflammation and a progressive course that frequently leads to structural complications such as intestinal fibrosis. Fibrostenosing disease represents a major clinical challenge, affecting up to 50% of patients over time and often requiring surgical intervention. Despite advances in anti-inflammatory therapies, no effective treatments currently exist to prevent or reverse established fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis arises from a dysregulated tissue remodeling process driven by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and persistent activation of mesenchymal cells, particularly fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. This process is orchestrated through complex interactions between immune and non-immune cells and mediated by key signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) and the TL1A/DR3 axis. Genetic susceptibility, notably variants in NOD2 and other fibrosis-related genes, contributes not only to disease risk but also to phenotype progression. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly microRNAs such as the miR-29 and miR-200 families, further modulate fibrogenesis and represent promising non-invasive biomarkers. Additionally, intestinal dysbiosis and specific microbial signatures, including reduced short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the presence of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli, play a critical role in promoting fibrotic pathways. Mesenteric adipose tissue, especially creeping fat, also contributes to fibrosis through immune and metabolic signaling. Emerging biomarkers related to collagen metabolism and advances in molecular profiling are improving early detection strategies. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting fibrogenic pathways, including anti-TL1A agents, show promising preliminary results. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is essential to develop effective antifibrotic therapies and improve long-term outcomes in CD. Full article

Vascular calcification is a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality and lacks effective treatment. The transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteoblast-like phenotypes is a key driver of calcification. This study identifies a regulatory role for Hyaluronan (HA) in VSMC osteogenic differentiation and arterial calcification. Human aortic VSMCs stimulated with high phosphate and/or pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL6 and TGF-β1) exhibited increased RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin expression, along with reduced contractility and elevated calcium deposition. This corresponded with reduced HA deposition and downregulation of HA synthase enzymes (HAS1, HAS2), Hyaluronidase enzymes (Hyal1), and HA binding proteins (CD44, TSG-6), whilst HAS3 and versican were upregulated. Comparable alterations in HA and protein expression were observed in an in vivo model of arterial calcification using vitamin K-deficient warfarin-fed mice. Pharmacological inhibition of HA synthesis, enzyme-mediated HA degradation and siRNA/plasmid modulation of HAS isoenzymes demonstrated a possible functional link between HA regulation and VSMC osteogenic differentiation. This study establishes HA and its associated binding proteins as key regulators of arterial calcification, highlighting a novel pathway for potential therapeutic intervention. Full article

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load monitoring forms the basis of preemptive treatment strategies in patients undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance and inter-method agreement of a laboratory-developed CMV real-time PCR (qPCR) test compared to a commercial reference method using plasma samples. Methods: A total of 100 EDTA plasma samples were analyzed in parallel using a laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test and the reference method (Roche Cobas^® CMV). Analytical sensitivity was determined us-ing synthetic DNA cloned into the pUC57 plasmid backbone containing the US17 region of the CMV genome, and the limit of detection (LoD₉₅) was calculated using probit regression analysis. The relationship between the quantitative results obtained from clinical samples was evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, while inter-method clinical agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. Results: The limit of detection (LoD₉₅) of the laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test, as determined by probit regression analysis, was 63.8 copies/µL. A weak and statistically non-significant correlation was ob-served between the laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test and the reference method in Spearman rank correlation analysis of samples for which numerical quantitative results were available from both methods (ρ = 0.32; p = 0.22; n = 16). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −0.48 log₁₀ units, with the vast majority of measurements falling within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusions: The assay demonstrated measurable analytical performance and inter-method agreement; however, its use for quantitative viral load monitoring, particularly at low CMV DNA levels, should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Hemoglobin A1c is a central biomarker for long-term glycemic control and a key predictor of diabetes-related complications. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine healthcare delivery and introduced potential metabolic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, yet the long-term impact of COVID-19 on glycemic trajectories in individuals with diabetes remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we leveraged harmonized electronic health record data from the National Clinical Cohort Collaborative to evaluate changes in HbA1c before and after documented SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults with diabetes (n = 93,320). Patients were required to have repeated HbA1c measurements pre- and post-infection and stable exposure to key antihyperglycemic medications. A paired statistical analysis was used to identify individuals with statistically significant post-infection changes in HbA1c. We then developed and evaluated multiple supervised machine learning classifiers using an 80/20 train–test split and cross-validation to assess demographic, clinical, and structural factors associated with significant glycemic change. Most patients (71%) did not experience a statistically significant change in average HbA1c following COVID-19 infection, and among those who did, decreases were more common than increases. A random forest classifier achieved the best overall performance, and feature importance and SHAP analyses highlighted body mass index, insulin use, age, and socioeconomic proxies as key contributors. These findings suggest that while COVID-19 infection does not substantially alter long-term glycemic control for most patients with diabetes, individual-level clinical and structural factors influence post-infection glycemic variability. Full article

Constructed wetlands offer a sustainable, decentralized solution for wastewater treatment and reuse in Morocco. This study evaluated mesocosm-scale advanced vertical flow constructed wetlands (AVFCWs) incorporating locally sourced reactive media to assess phosphate mining residues as a novel substrate. Accordingly, four configurations were compared: a sand-based control (CW-A) and three amended systems combining pozzolan with phosphate mining residues (CW-B), clay (CW-C), and biochar (CW-D), operated in batch mode under hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 24, 48, and 72 h. The incorporation of reactive media significantly improved treatment efficiency, with CW-D achieving high removal efficiencies across most parameters. COD and TSS removal reached 80% and 88%, respectively, while nitrogen removal exceeded 82% in optimal configurations. Phosphorus removal reached 76% in CW-B and 88% in CW-C. The removal of Cd and Cu exceeded 85% in all systems, with phosphate mining residues demonstrating strong potential for metal immobilization. However, despite these high removal efficiencies, the treated effluent did not meet Moroccan reuse standards for cadmium and fecal coliforms, indicating that single-stage AVFCWs are insufficient for safe agricultural reuse and require additional polishing steps. Extended HRT improved AVFCWs’ performance, but increased water loss, reaching up to 28% due to evapotranspiration. Hence, phosphate mining residues emerge as a promising substrate, pending further optimization, while supporting circular economy objectives. Full article

Background: Negative public attitudes promote undesirable stereotypes and stigma in stutterers. Method: To mitigate negative attitudes, 403 respondents combined from 16 international samples filled out the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA–S) before and after interventions to improve attitudes and were compared to 249 respondents from seven control groups. Investigators aimed (a) to replicate an extreme case of regression to the mean (i.e., “crossover” effect) reported earlier in larger combined samples in which respondents with high pre-scores ended with low post-scores, respondents with low pre-scores finished with high post-scores, and intermediate scorers were unchanged; and (b) to identify individual POSHA–S items related to overall attitude change and among the high and low scorers. Results: As in previous studies, stuttering attitudes improved in the intervention group but not in the control group. Intervention and control respondents demonstrated “crossover” but less than the earlier samples due to lower pre–post correlations. Item contributions to pre–post change and differences among the three change groups were inconsistent; however, high agreement items by respondents were less likely to vary than low agreement items. Conclusion: The “crossover” effect was replicated, and future research should explore its presence in other measures or conditions. Full article

Objectives: Diagnostic delay in pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant barrier to effective disease control, even in low-incidence settings. This study aimed to identify factors associated with total delay and its components among adults with pulmonary tuberculosis in such a setting. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on adults with pulmonary tuberculosis treated at a tuberculosis care centre in Croatia. Total delay was defined as the interval between symptom onset and treatment initiation. Data were collected through structured patient interviews using a standardized questionnaire, medical record review, and routine tuberculosis notification forms from the national public health registry. Sociodemographic and clinical predictors were evaluated using multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 116 participants, the median total delay was 85 days (interquartile range 48.5–155.3). Rural residence was the strongest independent predictor, with patients experiencing an 88% longer delay than urban residents (p = 0.006). Individuals living in one-person households had a 49% longer delay (p = 0.047). Absence of chest pain was associated with shorter delay (−38%, p = 0.032) and lower odds of extreme delay (odds ratio 0.39, p = 0.047). Retired status independently predicted prolonged health system delay (42.1 days longer) and treatment delay (3.4 days longer). Conclusion: Prolonged delay may become increasingly important in the context of population ageing and changing household structures. Targeted strategies focused on rural, retired, and people living in one-person households may improve the timeliness of tuberculosis detection in settings where declining incidence can reduce clinical suspicion. Full article

Background: Point-of-care (POC) glucometers are essential for rapid blood glucose monitoring but are subject to interference and hematocrit variations. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the new Cobas Pulse glucometer against the Accu-Chek Inform II meter in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 0.32–2.5 mmol/L), ascorbic acid (0.28–2.84 mmol/L), D-galactose (5.5–27 mmol/L), hemolysis (0.5–5 g/L hemoglobin), icterus (200–1600 μmol/L bilirubin), lipemia (2.5–15 g/L Intralipid), and hematocrit variations (20–60%). Methods: Interference testing followed CLSI EP07 guidelines using three whole blood pools with low (2.0–2.7 mmol/L), medium (4.5–7.4 mmol/L), and high (16.3–23 mmol/L) glucose levels. Interferents were spiked into these whole blood pools. Duplicate glucose levels were measured by 2 Pulse meters and 2 Inform II meters. The results were then assessed using the international standards, e.g., ISO 15197:2017 criteria (±15% or ±0.83 mmol/L). Results: Accu-Chek Inform II showed severe positive interference from galactose (up to 446.3%, p < 0.001), ascorbic acid (up to 98.8%, p = 0.002), and NAC (up to 61.4%, p = 0.001), exceeding ISO limits. Cobas Pulse demonstrated minimal interference (maximum biases: −3.7% for galactose, −4.4% for ascorbic acid, 7.7% for NAC, all p > 0.05). Both meters showed similar hematocrit-dependent bias (positive at 20–30%, negative at 50–60%) and acceptable performance for hemolysis, icterus (≤800 μmol/L), and lipemia. Conclusions: Compared to the Accu-Chek Inform II, the Cobas Pulse demonstrated greater resilience to interferences. Cobas Pulse meets strict accuracy standards (±10% for hospital use) with low interference, which makes it suitable for care of critically ill patients. The Cobas Pulse is more dependable for POCT across various clinical situations, supporting its role in critical care. Full article