Search Results (1,112)

Background/Objectives: The expansion of intensive swine production in Córdoba, Argentina, underscores the need to assess the risks associated with antimicrobial (AM) use, whose extensive application has driven antimicrobial resistance, a major global threat within the One Health framework. This study aimed to characterize AM use practices and evaluate the epidemiological resistance profiles (non-wild-type phenotypes, NWT) of commensal Escherichia coli of fecal origin from swine farms, using epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) as a surveillance criterion. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 19 farrow-to-finish farms in Córdoba during 2023. Information on AM use (prophylaxis, metaphylaxis, treatment) across production categories was collected. A total of 437 E. coli isolates were obtained from fecal samples, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for 10 AMs of critical importance for human and animal health. NWT phenotypes were classified according to EUCAST ECOFFs, and multidrug resistance (MDR) was assessed. Results: AM use was frequent and predominantly prophylactic (89.5% of farms), mainly through mass medication (66.3%), with macrolides and amoxicillin being the most commonly administered AMs. NWT proportions were extremely high (90–92%) for ampicillin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol and substantial for ciprofloxacin (50.6%), sulfamethoxazole (68.2%), and trimethoprim (44.9%). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing phenotypes were detected. Alarmingly, 92% of isolates were classified as MDR E. coli, with homogeneous distribution across production categories. Conclusions: Findings reveal intensive and largely empirical AM use that has consolidated a stable intestinal resistome in the swine population. High MDR levels, even in categories with limited direct AM exposure or involving banned compounds, suggest that co-selection and horizontal gene transfer are key drivers of resistance. This scenario highlights the urgent need to strengthen integrated surveillance and promote prudent AM use strategies under the One Health approach to preserve therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Solanum betaceum (tamarillo) is Andean fruit rich in secondary metabolites with increasing relevance in food, nutraceutical, and biotechnological research. Despite growing scientific interest, the available evidence remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous. This systematic review consolidates and critically analyzes recent studies on the bioactive composition of S. betaceum, the effects of conventional and emerging processing technologies, and the functional activities reported for fresh fruits, by-products, and processed matrices. A comprehensive search of Lens.org, Scopus, and PubMed was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. From 1049 records identified, 65 studies published between 2020 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The literature reveals substantial variability in polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, and other metabolites, driven by cultivar, maturity stage, edaphoclimatic conditions, and analytical approaches. Emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, high-pressure homogenization, and spray drying generally improved the recovery and stability of bioactive compounds, whereas intensive thermal treatments were associated with degradation of thermolabile constituents. Functional evidence supports antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic modulatory, and cytotoxic activities; however, interpretation is limited by inconsistent reporting practices, limited bioaccessibility assessment, and the predominance of in vitro models. Overall, S. betaceum shows considerable functional and technological potential, but further standardized methodologies, mechanistic studies, and human-relevant models are required to support translational and industrial validation. Full article

This study optimized a homogeneous photo-Fenton process for the simultaneous degradation of the emerging pesticides atrazine and methomyl in water using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A synthetic agricultural effluent containing 2.0 mg L⁻¹ of each pesticide (COD = 103.2 mg O₂ L⁻¹; TOC = 26.1 mg C L⁻¹; BOD₅ = 45.8 mg O₂ L⁻¹) was treated in a recirculating UV–H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ reactor. A 2³ factorial design with replication and five central points identified the H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ ratio and irradiation time as the main factors controlling mineralization, achieving up to 88.9% COD removal in the best screening run. Steepest-ascent experiments were then performed to approach the region of maximum response, followed by a rotatable Central Composite Design (20 runs). The resulting quadratic model explained 98.14% of the COD variance (R² = 0.9814; adjusted R² = 0.9646; predicted R² = 0.8591; CV = 0.2736%) and predicted a maximum COD removal of 94.5% at a volumetric flow rate of 0.466 L min⁻¹, a Fenton ratio of 12.713 mg mg⁻¹, and a treatment time of 71.0 min. Experimental validation under these optimized conditions yielded highly reproducible removals of 94.2 ± 0.04% COD and 81% TOC, confirming the predictive capability of the RSM model and demonstrating a high degree of organic mineralization. The response surfaces revealed that increasing the Fenton ratio enhances oxidation up to an optimum, beyond which hydroxyl-radical self-scavenging slightly decreases efficiency. Overall, the integration of multivariable experimental design and RSM provided a robust framework to maximize photo-Fenton performance with moderate reagent consumption and operating time, consolidating this process as a viable alternative for the mitigation of pesticide-laden agricultural wastewaters. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular risk models, such as the Framingham and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) calculators, have improved risk prediction but often fail to identify individuals who experience ASCVD events despite low or intermediate predicted risk. This suggests that underrecognized, non-traditional risk factors may contribute significantly to the development of atherosclerosis. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes and summarizes recent evidence on high-yield non-traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, with a focus on clinically significant, emerging, and applicable contributors beyond conventional frameworks. This review is distinct in that it aggregates a wide array of non-traditional risk factors while also consolidating recent data on ASCVD in more vulnerable populations. Unlike the existing literature, this manuscript integrates in a single comprehensive review various domains of non-traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, including inflammatory, metabolic, behavioral, environmental, and physical pathways. An additional unique highlight in the same manuscript is the discussion of non-traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in more vulnerable populations, specifically South Asians. We also focus on clinically actionable factors that can guide treatment decisions for clinicians. Results: Key non-traditional risk factors identified include inflammation and biomarker-based risk factors such as C-reactive protein or interleukin-6 levels, metabolic and microbial risk factors, behavioral factors such as E-cigarette use, and environmental or infectious risk factors such as air and noise pollution. We explore certain physical exam findings associated with atherosclerotic burden, such as Frank’s sign and Achilles tendon thickness. Conclusions: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process influenced by diverse and often overlooked factors. Integrating non-traditional risks into clinical assessment may improve early detection, guide prevention and personalize care. Future risk prediction models should incorporate molecular, behavioral, and environmental data to reflect the complex nature of cardiovascular disease. Full article

CO₂ laser processing has emerged as an efficient dry-finishing technique capable of inducing controlled chemical and morphological transformations in cotton and denim textiles. The strong mid-infrared absorption of cellulose enables localised photothermal heating, leading to selective dye decomposition, surface oxidation, and micro-scale ablation while largely preserving the bulk fabric structure. These laser-driven mechanisms modify colour, surface chemistry, and topography in a predictable, parameter-dependent manner. Low-fluence conditions predominantly produce uniform fading through fragmentation and oxidation of indigo dye; in comparison, moderate thermal loads promote the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups that increase surface energy and enhance wettability. Higher fluence regimes generate micro-textured regions with increased roughness and anchoring capacity, enabling improved adhesion of dyes, coatings, and nanoparticles. Compared with conventional wet processes, CO₂ laser treatment eliminates chemical effluents, strongly reduces water consumption and supports digitally controlled, Industry 4.0-compatible manufacturing workflows. Despite its advantages, challenges remain in standardising processing parameters, quantifying oxidation depth, modelling thermal behaviour, and assessing the long-term stability of functionalised surfaces under real usage conditions. In this review, we consolidate current knowledge on the mechanistic pathways, processing windows, and functional potential of CO₂ laser-modified cotton substrates. By integrating findings from recent studies and identifying critical research gaps, the review supports the development of predictable, scalable, and sustainable laser-based cotton textile processing technologies. Full article

Macroalgae are increasingly recognized as a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for animal nutrition, including for aquatic species. However, the complex structure of the macroalgal cell wall limits the accessibility of intracellular components, restricting their use in feeds. To overcome this limitation, macroalgal hydrolysis using various technological treatments has been tested, often employing a low solid-to-water ratio, which complicates downstream processing due to phase separation. In contrast, high-solids loading hydrolysis has the advantage of producing a single and consolidated fraction, simplifying subsequent processing and application. The present study assessed the effectiveness of high-solids loading water or alkaline (0.5 and 1N NaOH) autoclaving for 30 or 60 min, applied alone or followed by sequential enzymatic hydrolysis, using a xylanase-rich enzymatic complex aimed at promoting cell wall disruption and increasing the extractability of intracellular components in the red macroalga Palmaria palmata with minimal free water. The 1N NaOH treatment for 30 min decreased neutral and acid detergent fiber while increasing Folin–Ciocalteu total phenolic content (GAE) (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) and the water-soluble protein fraction and decreased crude protein, indicating enhanced extractability of these components. Microscopic examination showed relatively mild structural changes on the surface of P. palmata after high-solids loading alkaline (1N NaOH) autoclaving for 30 min. Following alkaline or water treatment, the enzymatic complex hydrolysis further increased the Folin–Ciocalteu total phenolic content (GAE), with minimal effects on NDF, ADF, or crude protein. Overall, these results showed that high-solids loading alkaline autoclaving, with or without subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis, effectively disrupts P. palmata cell walls and induces substantial modifications while simplifying processing by avoiding phase separation. Full article

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for simultaneously treating wastewater and recovering energy, yet scaling them from lab prototypes to practical systems poses persistent challenges. This review addresses the scale-up gap by systematically examining recent pilot-scale MFC studies from multiple perspectives, including reactor design configurations, materials innovations, treatment performance, energy recovery, and environmental impact. The findings show that pilot MFCs reliably achieve significant chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (often 50–90%), but power densities remain modest (typically 0.1–10 W m⁻³)—far below levels needed for major energy generation. Key engineering advances have improved performance; modular stacking maintains higher power output, low-cost electrodes and membranes reduce costs (with some efficiency trade-offs), and power-management strategies mitigate issues like cell reversal. Life cycle assessments indicate that while MFC systems can outperform conventional treatment in specific scenarios, overall sustainability gains depend on boosting energy yields and optimizing materials. The findings highlight common trade-offs and emerging strategies. By consolidating recent insights, a roadmap of design principles and research directions to advance MFC technology toward sustainable, energy-positive wastewater treatment was outlined. Full article

The hospital-at-home (HaH) model delivers hospital-level care to patients in their homes, with point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) serving as a cornerstone diagnostic tool for respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. This review—the third in a series—addresses the prognostic, synchronous, and potential overdiagnostic concerns of lung ultrasound (LUS) in managing pneumonia within HaH settings. LUS offers advantages of safety and repeatability, allowing clinicians to identify “red flag” sonographic findings that signal complicated or severe disease, including pleural line abnormalities, fluid bronchograms, absent Doppler perfusion, or poor diaphragmatic motion. Serial LUS examinations correlate closely with clinical recovery, showing progressive resolution of consolidations, B-lines, and pleural effusions, and thus provide a non-invasive method for monitoring therapeutic response. Compared with chest radiography, LUS demonstrates superior sensitivity in detecting pneumonia, pleural effusion, and interstitial syndromes across pediatric and adult populations. However, specificity may decline in tuberculosis-endemic or obese populations due to technical limitations and overlapping imaging patterns. Overdiagnosis remains a concern, as highly sensitive ultrasonography may identify minor or clinically irrelevant lesions, potentially leading to overtreatment. To mitigate this, PoCUS should be applied in parallel with conventional diagnostics and integrated into comprehensive clinical assessment. Standardized training, multi-zone scanning protocols, and structured image acquisition are recommended to improve reproducibility and inter-operator consistency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental condition, and pharmacogenetic studies aim to clarify interindividual variability in treatment responses and adverse effects. Despite increasing research, the field remains fragmented. This review provides a bibliometric analysis of ADHD pharmacogenetics (2005–2025), identifying its intellectual foundations, thematic structure, and global distribution. Methods: A bibliometric search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science, retrieving 711 documents published between 2005 and July 2025. Data were analyzed with the Bibliometrix R package and Biblioshiny interface, applying bibliometric mapping, Bradford’s Law, co-word analysis, and thematic mapping. Only peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and book chapters were included to ensure scientific rigor. Results: The dataset shows a modest annual growth rate but strong impact, with an average of 29.6 citations per article. Highly cited works converge into four domains: (i) clinical guidelines and pharmacological treatments; (ii) cognitive heterogeneity and subtypes; (iii) neurodevelopmental and genetic mechanisms; (iv) environmental and health-related influences. Geographically, the United States leads with 24.8% of publications, followed by Brazil, China, and European countries. Keyword analysis reveals two main clusters: a clinical–therapeutic pole (methylphenidate, atomoxetine, child) and a genetic–molecular pole (dopamine transporter, SNPs, genotype). Conclusions: ADHD pharmacogenetics shows consolidation with strong clinical and genetic cores but limited integration of comorbidity, adult populations, and non-stimulant treatments. Future research should prioritize multi-center cohorts, multi-omic designs, and stronger international collaboration to advance precision medicine in ADHD. Full article

Background: Durvalumab consolidation following radiochemotherapy is now the standard treatment for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT offers valuable insights not just for staging but also for tumor characterization via radiomics, which can potentially predict histology, immunophenotype, and prognosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT scans from stage IIIA–IIIB NSCLC patients treated at the Clinical Centre, University of Pécs. All biopsy samples were classified histologically (squamous vs. adenocarcinoma) and tested for PD-L1. Lung tumors were segmented using MEDISO InterViewTM FUSION software (version 3.12.002.0000). with an SUVmax threshold of four. Imaging features were extracted and compared based on histology, PD-L1 status, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)-based prognosis groups. Statistical analyses were performed with Jamovi (v2.6.44), using Shapiro–Wilk, t-test/ANOVA, Mann–Whitney/Kruskal–Wallis, or Chi-square tests as appropriate. Results: Fifty-six patients were included (38 PD-L1-positive, 18 -negative). Among PD-L1-positive cases, poor versus good NLR prognosis groups differed in maximum diameter (p = 0.046), short-zone emphasis (p = 0.026), and zone-length non-uniformity (p = 0.027). Focusing on PD-L1-positive squamous carcinoma, maximum diameter, metabolic tumor volume, busyness, and coarseness showed significant differences (all p < 0.05). SUVmax, mean SUV, SUVpeak, and complexity were higher in squamous than in adenocarcinoma subtypes. PD-L1-positive and -negative squamous tumors differed in zone percentage (p = 0.039) and long-zone high gray-level emphasis (p = 0.024), while no significant differences were observed among adenocarcinomas. Conclusions: [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT radiomics showed potential for differentiating NSCLC histological subtypes and for identifying PD-L1-associated imaging patterns in squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, certain metabolic features were associated with NLR-based prognostic groups in PD-L1-positive patients. Full article

Background: Oligometastatic bladder cancer (OMBC) is increasingly recognised as an intermediate state between localised and widespread metastatic disease, although its definition and optimal management remain uncertain. Patients with OMBC have a generally more favourable prognosis compared to patients with metastatic disease. However, its definition, diagnostic criteria, and optimal management remain poorly standardised. Methods: This narrative review summarises current evidence on the definitions, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for OMBC, with an emphasis on emerging biological and molecular insights that may refine disease classification and guide therapy. Results: Existing definitions of OMBC rely on lesion count and anatomical distribution, overlooking molecular and clinicopathological heterogeneity that influences prognosis and treatment response. Advances in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved detection of small-volume disease, while liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA show promise for assessing micrometastatic burden. Therapeutic approaches, including metastasis-directed and consolidative therapies, are under investigation. Nonetheless, most data are derived from small, retrospective series, and evidence from prospective studies remains limited. Conclusions: Prospective, biomarker-integrated, and randomised trials are essential to refine definitions, optimise patient selection for therapy, and define the role of precision-based multimodal therapy in OMBC management. Full article

This study presents the first application of an automatic ultrasonic mapping system for the assessment of natural consolidants applied to replicas of painted wall surfaces. In Cultural Heritage conservation, evaluating consolidation efficiency remains a critical issue, particularly for substrates characterized by high porosity, heterogeneity, and mechanical fragility. Ultrasonic testing offers a fully non-contact diagnostic approach capable of detecting variations in cohesion, stiffness, and internal discontinuities, thus overcoming the limitations of semi-invasive mechanical procedures. Three polysaccharide-based consolidants—Arabic gum, Funori, and Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage—were applied to wall-painting replicas prepared according to historically documented techniques. Their performance was investigated through a comparative methodology combining a peeling test with non-contact air-coupled ultrasonic probes. Results indicate that Opuntia mucilage, although still at an experimental stage, provides significant improvements in cohesion, confirming its potential as a sustainable and substrate-compatible alternative to conventional consolidants. By demonstrating the complementary nature of ultrasonic mapping and peeling tests, this work contributes to the development of reproducible, non-invasive diagnostic strategies for evaluating consolidation treatments, particularly on fragile surfaces where conventional mechanical testing is unsuitable. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the top causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and its complex tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to poor responses to immunotherapy. Although PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has emerged as an effective treatment strategy, therapeutic resistance frequently limits its clinical benefit. Here, we uncover a distinct macrophage population associated with anti-PD-1 resistance in HCC. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling reveals an NFKBIZ⁺ M0 macrophage subset predominantly present in non-responders. Notably, these macrophages exhibit a hypoxia-induced phenotype characterized by the secretion of VEGFA and HBEGF, which cooperatively enhance tumor angiogenesis, alongside an elevated expression of the inflammatory chemokines CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 that consolidate an immunosuppressive, pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Transcriptional regulatory network analysis further identified FOSB–VEGFA and FOS–HBEGF axes as key drivers of this pathogenic macrophage phenotype. Our findings define a distinct NFKBIZ⁺ macrophage population that mechanistically links hypoxia, angiogenesis, and immune evasion to PD-1 blockade resistance. This work provides new insights into the cellular and molecular basis of immunotherapy failure in HCC and highlights potential targets for overcoming treatment resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Computed tomography remains the reference standard for assessing lumbar interbody fusion, yet significant methodological heterogeneity, documented across more than 250 different assessment combinations, directly impacts treatment decisions and outcome reporting. The main challenge is applying uniform criteria to technique-specific anatomical configurations that generate distinct bridging patterns. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 2000 to 2025 through PubMed and Google Scholar searches, examining imaging protocols, radiographic criteria validated against surgical exploration and reliability studies, and classification systems with emphasis on clinical application. Results: Modern protocols that incorporate iterative metal artifact reduction and dual-energy imaging substantially improve visualization of the hardware–bone interface. Zone-based evaluation shows that bridging patterns primarily reflect cage configuration and graft placement strategy rather than the surgical approach alone—a key distinction that affects assessment methodology. Validation studies confirm higher inter-observer reliability for extracage zones (ICC 0.79–0.84) compared to intracage regions (ICC 0.70–0.79). Evidence supports three main bridging patterns: graft-dependent consolidation, ungrafted-zone bridging, and accessibility-dependent variation. Assessment at 12 months captures most successful fusions, although 15–16% show delayed progress and require longer follow-up. Conclusions: This review synthesizes current evidence on technical optimization and temporal healing patterns, proposing a principle-based interpretive framework that accommodates technique-specific differences instead of strict categorical criteria. This framework allows personalized assessment correlated with surgical documentation, addressing the documented heterogeneity while enhancing diagnostic consistency. Full article

Background: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) contributes significantly to recurrent childhood urinary tract infections and renal scarring, yet predicting which patients will develop adverse outcomes or benefit from specific investigations or treatments remains challenging. Numerous prognostic tools have been proposed, but none have achieved widespread adoption. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature available on MEDLINE, PUBMED, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, and Google Scholar was performed to identify combinations of factors, scoring systems, ratios, models, and tools relating to VUR. This included predicting the spontaneous resolution of established vesicoureteral reflux, the risk of breakthrough urinary tract infections (UTIs), and guiding clinical decision making regarding the need for VCUG in patients with UTIs, continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP), or surgical intervention in patients with confirmed VUR. Articles were included if they either described or validated a predictive tool that was designed to aid clinical decision making in patients with either suspected or confirmed VUR with regards to investigation or management strategies. All the studies included were then analysed, and the predictive tools have been summarised in a narrative format. Results: Seventeen predictive tools developed over thirty-nine years were identified: six predicting spontaneous resolution, four predicting breakthrough urinary tract infection (BTUTI) on CAP, two determining which children benefit from CAP, and five estimating the probability of VUR or high-grade VUR after a first febrile UTI. Approaches ranged from radiological ratios to multifactorial clinical–radiological scores and machine-learning models. Only five tools had any external validation, and none demonstrated sufficient reliability for universal clinical use. Significant heterogeneity in design, imaging interpretation, inclusion criteria, and outcome definitions limited comparison and wider applicability. Conclusions: This atlas provides the first consolidated overview of prognostic tools in paediatric VUR. Future development should prioritise multicentre, prospectively validated models that integrate established clinical and radiological predictors with transparent computational methods to create practical, generalisable risk-stratification frameworks for routine care. Full article