Search Results (2,754)

Background: Advanced heart failure (HF) carries high morbidity and mortality, and deterioration on the heart transplantation (HT) waiting list remains a major challenge. Intermittent outpatient levosimendan has been proposed as a bridge strategy, but the optimal regimen and its impact on peri-transplant outcomes remain uncertain. Within a personalized-medicine framework, we targeted a low-output/INTERMACS 3 phenotype and operationalized an adaptable, protocolized levosimendan pathway focused on perfusion/congestion stabilization to preserve transplant candidacy. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 25 consecutive adults actively listed for HT between 2019 and 2024, treated with a standardized outpatient program of a 14-day interval of 6 h intravenous levosimendan infusions (target 0.2 μg/kg/min infusions) continued until transplant. Personalization in this program was operationalized through (i) phenotype-based eligibility (low CI and elevated filling pressures despite GDMT), (ii) predefined titration and safety rules for blood pressure, arrhythmias, and renal function, and (iii) individualized continuation until transplant with nurse-supervised monitoring and review of patient trajectories. Baseline characteristics, treatment exposure and safety, changes in hospitalizations and biomarkers, and peri-transplant outcomes were analyzed. Results: Patients were predominantly male (68%), with a mean age of 47.9 ± 17.5 years and severe LV dysfunction (LVEF 30.6 ± 9.8%). Median treatment duration was 131 days (IQR 60–241). No infusions required discontinuation for hypotension or arrhythmia, and no adverse events were directly attributed to levosimendan. Two patients (8%) died on the waiting list, both unrelated to therapy. During treatment, HF hospitalizations decreased significantly compared with the previous 6 months (48% vs. 20%, p = 0.033), renal function remained stable, and NT-proBNP trended downward. Of the 23 patients transplanted, two (9%) underwent urgent HT during decompensation. Post-transplant, vasoplegia occurred in 26% (n = 6 of 23), and 30-day mortality was 9% (n = 2 of 23). Conclusions: By defining the target phenotype, therapeutic goals, and adaptation rules, this study shows how a standardized but flexible outpatient levosimendan regimen can function as a personalized bridge strategy for low-output advanced HF. The approach was associated with fewer hospitalizations, stable renal function, and acceptable peri-transplant outcomes, and merits confirmation in multicenter cohorts with attention to patient heterogeneity and treatment effect refinement. Full article

Although methotrexate (MTX) is a magnificent cure for cancerous neoplasms and inflammatory disorders, its usage is bound due to associated hazards, especially nephrotoxicity. The present study investigated the possible therapeutic impact of alogliptin (ALO), prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, on renal injury caused by MTX and explored the mechanisms that could illustrate this suggested protective effect. Four rat groups were involved: control, ALO (20 mg/kg/d, intragastrically (I.G.)) for ten days, MTX, and MTX + ALO groups. The latter two groups were given MTX (20 mg/kg, I.P.) on the 7th day, while the MTX + ALO group was administered ten days of 20 mg/kg of ALO. A significant impairment in renal function, catalase activity, reduced glutathione content, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, coupled with an increase in kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and cleaved caspase-3 (c-caspase-3) expressions, was observed in MTX-intoxicated rats, evidenced by remarkable deterioration in renal construction. Conversely, ALO improved renal function and architecture. Moreover, ALO retrieved the oxidative balance, the attenuated Nrf2/HO-1 expression, and the elevated KIM-1, TNF-α, and c-caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, ALO might abrogate MTX-elicited kidney damage by rectifying the deviation in oxidative status, apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, paving the way for managing MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), the most prevalent clinical subtype within the frontotemporal lobar degeneration spectrum disorders, is characterized by early and prominent changes that significantly disrupt everyday functioning. This study aims to identify the key correlates of functional status in bvFTD by investigating the relative contributions of cognitive deficits, behavioral disturbances, personality changes, and brain perfusion abnormalities. Additionally, it seeks to develop a theoretical framework to elucidate how these factors may interconnect and shape unique functional profiles. Methods: A total of 26 individuals diagnosed with bvFTD were recruited from the 2nd Neurology Clinic of “AHEPA” University Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece, and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to evaluate their cognitive functions. Behavioral disturbances, personality traits, and functional status were rated using informant-based measures. Regional cerebral blood flow was assessed using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging to evaluate brain perfusion patterns. Penalized Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis was performed to identify the most robust correlates of functional impairment, followed by path analyses using structural equation modeling to explore how these factors may interrelate and contribute to functional disability. Results: The severity of negative behavioral symptoms (e.g., apathy), conscientiousness levels, and performance on neuropsychological measures of semantic verbal fluency, visual attention, visuomotor speed, and global cognition were identified as the strongest correlates of performance in activities of daily living. Neuroimaging analysis revealed hypoperfusion in the right prefrontal (Brodmann area 8) and inferior parietal (Brodmann area 40) cortices as statistically significant neural correlates of functional impairment in bvFTD. Path analyses indicated that reduced brain perfusion was associated with attentional and processing speed deficits, which were further linked to more severe negative behavioral symptoms. These behavioral disturbances were subsequently correlated with declines in global cognition and conscientiousness, which were ultimately associated with poorer daily functioning. Conclusions: Hypoperfusion in key prefrontal and parietal regions, along with the subsequent cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations, appears to be associated with the pronounced functional limitations observed in individuals with bvFTD, even in early stages. Understanding the key determinants of the disease can inform the development of more targeted, personalized treatment strategies aimed at mitigating functional deterioration and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Full article

Edible composite coatings represent an alternative approach to reducing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of perishable fruits. This study developed a nano-biopolymer coating by integrating pullulan (PUL), nano-silica (Nano-SiO₂), and tea polyphenols (TP) to retard deterioration in cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). Optimized through response surface methodology (0.06% Nano-SiO₂, 0.1% TP, 1.8% PUL, 0.77% glycerol), the resulting Nano-SiO₂/PUL/TP composite film showed improved barrier properties (water vapor permeability, WVP: 0.2063 g·mm·m⁻²·h⁻¹·kPa⁻¹) and increased mechanical strength (tensile strength, TS: 2.62 MPa; elongation at break, EB: 67.67%), which may be attributed to a homogeneous microstructure stabilized via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The composite coating exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (59.04% DPPH·scavenging) compared to the PUL film (1.17%) and showed efficacy against S. aureus. When applied to cherry tomatoes stored at 4 °C for 15 days, the coating contributed to improved postharvest quality by reducing weight loss (−27.6%) and decay incidence (−32.3%), delaying firmness loss (2.40 vs. 0.54 N in uncoated group, CK), suppressing respiration rate (−38.8%), and enhancing the retention of total acidity (+9.7%), vitamin C (+49.6%), and total soluble solids (+48.6%) compared to the CK (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis supported sensory evaluation results, indicating the coating helped maintain sensory quality (scores > 6.0) and commercial value while extending shelf life from 9 to 15 days. These results suggest that the Nano-SiO₂/TP/PUL composite coating may serve as a preservative for extending the shelf-life of cherry tomatoes by effectively reducing decay and mitigating quality degradation. Full article

Postharvest Hupingzao jujubes are prone to softening and reddening during storage. To investigate the influence of glycine betaine on the fruit quality of cold-stored jujubes, the jujubes were immersed in a 15 mmol L⁻¹ glycine betaine solution for 10 min, then stored at 0 ± 1 °C for 100 days. The relevant physical and chemical quality indicators were determined every 20 days. The results indicated that glycine betaine treatment effectively maintained fruit firmness, reduced weight loss, slowed down the respiration rate, and lessened the redness of the fruit peel. Compared with the control group, the malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ contents in glycine betaine-treated fruit decreased by 26.65% and 9.04%, respectively. In addition, glycine betaine treatment elevated the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including ascorbic acid, total flavonoids, total phenols, and proanthocyanidins. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase in the jujube fruit were enhanced after glycine betaine treatment. In conclusion, glycine betaine treatment preserved the quality of the jujube fruits by enhancing the antioxidant metabolism. The results establish a scientific basis for the potential application of glycine betaine in postharvest fruit preservation, providing a strategy to mitigate storage-related quality deterioration. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes in COVID-19 pneumonia patients using parameters derived from a commercial deep learning-based automatic detection algorithm (DLAD) applied to serial chest radiographs (CXRs). We analyzed 391 patients with COVID-19 who underwent serial CXRs during isolation at a residential treatment center (median interval: 3.57 days; range: 1.73–5.56 days). Patients were categorized into two groups: the improved group (n = 309), who completed the standard 7-day quarantine, and the deteriorated group (n = 82), who showed worsening symptoms, vital signs, or CXR findings. Using DLAD’s consolidation probability scores and gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM)-based localization maps, we quantified the consolidation area through heatmap segmentation. The weighted area was calculated as the sum of the consolidation regions’ areas, with each area weighted by its corresponding probability score. Change rates (Δ) were defined as per-day differences between consecutive measurements. Prediction models were developed using Cox proportional hazards regression and evaluated daily from day 1 to day 7 after the subsequent CXR acquisition. Among the imaging factors, baseline probability and ΔProbability, ΔArea, and ΔWeighted area were identified as prognostic indicators. The multivariate Cox model incorporating baseline probability and ΔWeighted area demonstrated optimal performance (C-index: 0.75, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.68–0.81; integrated calibration index: 0.03), with time-dependent AUROC (Area Under Receiver Operating Curve) values ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 across daily predictions. These findings suggest that the Δparameters of DLAD can aid in predicting short-term clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Full article

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is a nutritionally rich and economically significant fruit, highly valuable for its flavor, bioactive compounds, and therapeutic properties. However, it is highly perishable and has a short postharvest lifespan. This review aims to provide knowledge for preserving quality and improving postharvest storage by integrative strategies aimed at extending the shelf life of jujube. The literature was collected from recent peer-reviewed studies on postharvest physiology and handling technologies of jujube fruit. Key physiological factors, influencing postharvest deterioration such as water loss, softening, browning, and decay, are discussed, along with the underlying biochemical and enzymatic mechanisms driving quality decline. Conventional strategies such as cold storage, MAP, and CA effectively slow respiration, delay reddening, and extend storage up to 2–4 months, while emerging approaches such as ozone and cold plasma treatments reduce microbial decay and maintain antioxidant activity. Edible coatings like chitosan, aloe vera, and composites cut weight loss by 20–40%, and chemical regulators such as 1-MCP and calcium dips further delay ripening, preserve firmness, and enhance postharvest quality. Emphasis is placed on integrating innovative technologies with physiological insights to optimize storage conditions, control microbial contamination, and maintain nutritional integrity. The significance of this review lies in integrating physiological insights with innovative preservation methods, offering practical guidance for researchers, growers, and industry stakeholders to achieve sustainable, safe, and market-oriented solutions for jujube storage. Full article

This work examines the colloidal properties of clays sampled from two different locations in Ventzia basin processed as low-density solid additives for water-based drilling fluid applications. The obtained samples were mechanically processed to reach a size less than 2 cm. The material was then activated with 3 wt% soda ash without oven drying, keeping the moisture in environmental conditions to simulate industrial activation conditions. After laying for one month curing time, samples were oven dried at 60 °C and further ground to <120 μm. Two groups of samples were created mixing clays from Ventzia basin and additives. The first group contained clay, xanthan gum and sodium polyacrylate (PAA), while the second group contained clay, xanthan gum and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). Standard tests were performed for the rheological behavior and filtration properties prior to and after dynamic thermal aging. Results obtained were compared with commercial clays from Milos and Wyoming used in drilling fluid systems, after thermally deteriorating also their properties. The obtained results revealed that the enhanced clays under study maintain excellent thermal stability. Notably, the top-performing formulation met the critical American Petroleum Institute (API) benchmark for filtrate loss (<15 mL) and exhibited a robust rheological profile at temperatures up to 105 °C, demonstrating its suitability for water-based fluid (WBF) applications. Full article

The enzymatic browning and oxidative deterioration of cauliflower during mechanical processing are major challenges for the fresh-cut cauliflower industry. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of cutting styles on the antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut cauliflower during storage. One flower (12 × 1.8 cm) of cauliflower was designated as cutting style 1 (CS1). CS1 was cut longitudinally into strips as cutting style 2 (CS2). CS1 was also cut transversely into cubes, as cutting style 3 (CS3), and longitudinally and transversely into small cubes, as cutting style 4 (CS4). Results indicated that at the conclusion of the 72 h storage period, cutting treatments enhanced the total antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut cauliflower in the ABTS assay by 128.1%, 82.9%, 50.1%, and 38.9% for CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4, respectively. All treatment groups except CS1 exhibited increased total antioxidant capacity in the FRAP assay. Phenolic compound accumulation increased by 106.82%, 105.24%, 270.4%, and 295.3% in CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4, respectively. In addition, the O₂⁻· scavenging activity was enhanced; the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were also increased. In conclusion, the extent of the effect on antioxidant capacity was as follows: CS4 > CS3 > CS2 > CS1. This study has elucidated the patterns of influence exerted by cutting methods upon the quality of fresh-cut cauliflower, thereby providing theoretical foundations and empirical data to inform the selection of appropriate cutting techniques for both commercial processing and domestic culinary applications. Full article

This study investigated the Yongning Fortress ruins in Taiyuan through a comprehensive analytical approach employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and ion chromatography (IC). The research focused on elucidating the disturbance mechanisms and environmental impacts induced by the root systems of five representative herbaceous species on rammed earth structures. The results demonstrated distinct, species-specific disturbance patterns. Melica roots created three-dimensional network damage, Artemisia capillaris primarily caused deep root penetration, Fallopia aubertii exhibited coupled physical–chemical effects, Convolvulus arvensis induced shallow horizontal expansion damage, while Cirsium formed a heterogeneous structure characterized by dense taproots and loose lateral roots. Environmental conditions, particularly moisture content, significantly influenced disturbance intensity. All root activities led to common deterioration processes, including particle rounding, gradation degradation, and formation of organic–mineral composites. Notably, vegetation markedly altered soluble salt distribution patterns, with Cirsium increasing total salt content to 3.7 times that of undisturbed rammed earth (0.48%), while sulfate ion concentration (1.16 × 10⁻³) approached hazardous thresholds. The study established a theoretical framework linking plant traits, disturbance mechanisms, and environmental response, and proposed risk-based zoning strategies for preservation. These outcomes provide significant theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the scientific conservation of rammed earth heritage sites. Full article

Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry) undergoes rapid quality deterioration after harvest owing to its high water activity and abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS). Carbon-dot-mediated photodynamic treatment (CD-PDT) has recently been shown to extend shelf life by modulating ROS-scavenging and defense enzymes, yet the global metabolic reprogramming that supports this protection remains unresolved. Here, we applied ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomics to decode the metabolic footprint of CD-PDT in freshly harvested goji berries. Our results revealed a total of 17,603 differentially expressed metabolites between the treatment and control groups under both positive- and negative-ion modes. Principal component analysis indicated that CD-mediated PDT significantly altered the metabolic profile of fresh goji berries. The treatment activated the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, promoting the accumulation of compounds such as kaempferol-3-sophoroside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and galactoside, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the fruit. Furthermore, CD-mediated PDT induced the tricarboxylic acid cycle, providing sufficient energy to support the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. In conclusion, these findings provide the systems-level evidence that CD-PDT orchestrates a coordinated activation of primary and secondary metabolism in postharvest goji berries, establishing a mechanistic framework for preservation of horticultural products. Full article

The surrounding rocks of roadways are typically subjected to cyclic loading–unloading stress states in underground engineering. In addition, cyclic loads are discontinuous under real working conditions, usually while loading rock mass in a cycle–intermission–cycle manner. Based on the XTDIC 3D (XTOP Three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation) full-field strain measurement system and AE (Acoustic Emission) system, the work performed uniaxial cyclic loading–unloading tests with constant-pressure durations of 0, 0.5, 2, and 6 h. The purpose was to investigate the damage degradation mechanism of sandstone under multi-stage equal-amplitude intermittent cyclic loading and unloading. The results are as follows. (1) As the constant-pressure duration increased, the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstone samples decreased, along with a decline in elastic modulus and a deterioration in stiffness and deformation recovery capacity. (2) The evolution of deformation localization zones became more intense in sandstone samples during cyclic loading and unloading with the increased constant-pressure duration. The maximum principal strain field became more active at failure. Sandstone samples exhibited shear failure accompanied by spalling failure and an increased failure degree. (3) As the constant-pressure duration increased, the damage variable of sandstone samples increased, indicating that the constant-pressure stage promoted the damage degradation of sandstone samples. The above results reveal the damage degradation mechanism of sandstone under multi-stage equal-amplitude intermittent cyclic loading and unloading, which is of significant importance for maintaining the safety of underground engineering. Full article

Wendan pomelo (Citrus maxima), valued for its unique quality and high nutritional value, is susceptible to postharvest decay caused by mechanical damage and fungal infection. This study developed a bio-based preservation strategy by incorporating Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) into a sodium alginate (SA)-based coating. An antagonistic B. subtilis strain, isolated from the pomelo growth environment, demonstrated effective inhibition against the pathogenic fungi P. digitatum and P. italicum. The B. subtilis/SA (2.0%) coating maintained high bacterial viability without adversely affecting the viscosity, gas barrier properties, or mechanical strength of the film. The application of the B. subtilis/SA coating significantly delayed fruit appearance deterioration, pulp softening, and decay in pomelo. Furthermore, the treatment enhanced flavonoid accumulation and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby maintaining quality and extending storage life to 90 d. This study provides an effective bio-preservation strategy for the postharvest management of pomelo. Full article

Aging is accompanied by complex cellular and molecular changes that compromise CNS function. Among these, glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) play a central role in maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating synaptic activity, and supporting metabolic demands. Emerging evidence indicates that aging disrupts glial cell physiology through processes including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteostasis, chronic low-grade inflammation, and altered intercellular signaling. These alterations contribute to synaptic decline, myelin degeneration, and persistent, low-grade inflammation of the CNS. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the bidirectional relationship between aging and glial cell dysfunction, highlighting how age-related systemic and CNS-specific factors exacerbate glial impairments and, in turn, accelerate neural deterioration. Finally, this study discusses some potential therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring glial function to promote CNS resilience in aging populations. Understanding this interplay offers critical opportunities for mitigating cognitive decline and improving quality of life in older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma of follicular helper T-cell (TFH) origin, often associated with immune dysregulation and EBV-positive B-cell proliferation. Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), typically arising in immunocompromised individuals. The synchronous occurrence of AITL and KS in HIV-negative patients is exceptionally rare, with only three cases previously reported worldwide. Case Presentation: We describe an 81-year-old HIV-negative Korean woman presenting with progressive generalized edema and dyspnea. Imaging revealed multifocal lymphadenopathy. Excisional biopsy of the inguinal lymph node showed two distinct but adjacent neoplastic processes. The AITL component demonstrated a polymorphous infiltrate of atypical TFH cells expressing CD3, CD4, CD10, PD-1, and Bcl-6, with monoclonal TCR-γ rearrangement and TET2 and RHOA mutations. The KS component comprised spindle cells with slit-like vascular spaces, red blood cell extravasation, and immunoreactivity for HHV-8, CD31, CD34, and ERG. The findings were consistent with a collision tumor. Despite supportive care, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and she was discharged with palliative care. Discussion: The coexistence of AITL and KS in an HIV-negative setting raises important pathogenetic considerations. AITL is characterized by profound immune dysregulation, with depletion of normal T-cell subsets, abnormal B-cell activation, and cytokine milieu changes that may favor latent viral reactivation. This immunologic environment may permit HHV-8 reactivation, thereby facilitating the development of KS even in the absence of overt immunodeficiency due to HIV infection. Our findings support the hypothesis that AITL-related immune dysfunction may create a permissive niche for HHV-8-driven neoplasia. Conclusions: This is the first reported case in Asia and the fourth worldwide of a collision tumor comprising AITL and KS in an HIV-negative patI dient. The case suggests that AITL-associated immune dysregulation may facilitate HHV-8 reactivation and KS development even in the absence of HIV infection. Awareness of this association is critical for accurate diagnosis and optimal patient management. Full article