Search Results (183)

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT) recipients are still at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Vaccination is a critical strategy to protect this population. This real-world prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the immune response and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in Allo-HSCT recipients. Methods: Allo-HSCT recipients (median age: 48 years) who received either the BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines were included. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were quantitatively measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Patient- and vaccine-related factors affecting antibody responses were analyzed. Adverse events, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and post-vaccine infections, were recorded. Results: Among 95 Allo-HSCT recipients, 86.3% achieved adequate antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination. Patients receiving ≥3 vaccine doses showed significantly higher antibody titers compared to those with only 2 doses (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02–0.53; p = 0.006 **). The use of Ruxolitinib or Ibrutinib was associate with increased odds of low antibody response (OR: 38.39; 95% CI: 3.14–468.95; p = 0.004 **). Hypogammaglobulinemia (low serum IgG levels) was associated with a reduced antibody response (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03–0.96; p = 0.045 *), while no significant correlation was found between serum IgA levels and antibody responses (p = 0.672). Three cases of post-vaccine GVHD were observed, and no fatalities related to COVID-19 occurred during the study. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective in Allo-HSCT recipients, with stronger responses especially following ≥3 vaccine doses. Patients receiving GVHD treatment or with hypogammaglobulinemia exhibited impaired responses, emphasizing the need for tailored vaccination strategies and close monitoring in this population. Full article

Although oily sludge is an industrial waste and difficult to separate, its calorific value can still reach 6000 cal/g, thus possessing significant recycling value. This study compares various types of non-thermal plasma for refining oily sludge. The pre-treatment technology utilized filtration combined with solvent extraction to extract the oil portion from the oily sludge. Subsequently, two types of non-thermal plasma, DC streamer discharge and dielectric plasma discharge, were used to crack and activate the oily sludge under different operating conditions. The fuel compositions and properties of the refined fuel treated by two types of non-thermal plasma were compared. The elemental carbon and oxygen of the oily sludge after treatment in a direct DBD plasma reactor for 8 min were 1.96 wt.% less and 1.38 wt.% higher than those of commercial diesel. The research results indicate that the pre-treatment process can effectively improve the refined fuel properties. After pre-treatment, the calorific value of the primary product from the oily sludge can reach 10,598 cal/g. However, the carbon residue of the oily sludge after pre-treatment remained as high as 5.58 wt.%, which implied that further refining processes are required. The streamer discharge plasma reactor used a tungsten needle tip as a high-voltage electrode, leading to a rather small treated range. Corona discharge and arc formation are prone to being produced during the plasma action. Moreover, the addition of quartz glass beads can form a protruding area on the surface of the oily sludge, generating an increase in the reacting surface of the oily sludge, and hence an enhancement of treatment efficiency, in turn. The direct treatment of DBD plasma can thus have a wider and more uniform operating range of plasma generation and a superior efficiency of plasma reaction. Therefore, a direct DBD type of non-thermal equilibrium plasma reactor is preferable to treat oily sludge among those three types of plasma reactor designs. Additionally, when the plasma voltage is increased, it effectively enhances fuel properties. Full article

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose problems for infection prevention and treatment, so developing new procedures or substances against infection is mandatory. Silver nanomaterials are among the more promising antibacterial agents. Herein, we describe the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using culture broths from an undescribed species of Lysinibacillus. Culture broths with or without NaCl and from the exponential and stationary growth phases produced four AgNP types. Nanoparticles’ shapes were quasi-spherical, with core sizes of 7.5–14.7 nm and hydrodynamic diameters of 48.5–80.2 nm. All the AgNPs contained Ag⁰ crystals and some AgCl ones. Moreover, their coronas presented different proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, and aliphatic compounds. The AgNPs were good antibacterial agents against six bacterial species, three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative, with MICs of 0.3–9.0 µg/mL. Their activity was higher against the Gram-negative bacteria and particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These AgNPs acted synergistically with several of the fifteen tested antibiotics. Interestingly, AgNP combinations with some of these inhibited the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as in the case of S. epidermidis for streptomycin and S. aureus for colistin. The ROS production by E. coli and S. aureus when treated with most AgNPs suggested different mechanisms for bacterial killing depending on the AgNP. Full article

The effect of low-temperature plasma treatment on the surface properties of thermoplastic starch film (TPS) was investigated. The surface layer (SL) modification of polymeric materials is mainly carried out to improve wettability and adhesive properties and to increase surface cleanliness. TPS was modified in an air atmosphere under either atmospheric or reduced pressure. The process parameters for modifying the SL of TPS were determined based on wettability assessment using a goniometer, geometric structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the degree of oxidation (O/C ratio) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, the effect of plasma treatment on TPS film sterilization was investigated. Full article

Since the onset of the COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19) pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has exhibited a high transmission rate, further enhanced by new variants able to better adapt to humans. Addressing this issue has been challenging due to viral resistance and side effects associated with antiviral drugs and vaccines. As a result, there has been a growing interest in plant-derived compounds with antiviral properties. Our study revealed that pistachio extracts significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral entry. Employing pseudotyped particles bearing the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, we demonstrated that treatment with pistachio extracts inhibited binding of alpha (α) and omicron (ο) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, our study revealed that the pistachio carotenoid zeaxanthin exhibited a different inhibitory activity against two SARS-CoV-2 variants. In silico analyses demonstrated a strong interaction between zeaxanthin and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) domain of the omicron spike (S) protein, thus reducing pseudovirus entry. However, zeaxanthin’s weaker interaction with the alpha variant’s RBD was insufficient to inhibit entry. Additionally, zeaxanthin suppressed the expression of the host protease TMPRSS2 at the protein level, thereby limiting the internalization of the alpha variant, which relies on TMPRSS2 for cellular entry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a threat to global public health. The early identification of critical cases is crucial to providing timely treatment to patients. Here, we investigated whether the neutrophil levels could predict COVID-19 complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with COVID-19, admitted to the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco. Laboratory test results collected upon admission and during hospitalization were analyzed based on clinical information. Results: Our study revealed that a rise in neutrophil “PNN” levels was associated with respiratory deterioration and intubation. They were positively correlated with the procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels. Interestingly, PNN (polynuclear neutrophil) levels on day 5 proved to be a better predictor of intubation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality than the initial PNN counts, C-reactive protein, or procalcitonin. Moreover, binary logistic regression with stratified PNN-day 5 data revealed that a PNN level on day 5 > 7.7 (109/L) was an independent risk factor for mortality and ARDS. Finally, the PNN levels on day 5 and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 were positively correlated. Conclusions: Our data showed that neutrophilia proved to be an excellent predictor of complications and mortality during hospitalization and could be used to improve the management of patients with COVID-19. Full article

Background/Objectives: White matter (WM) structural changes have been found in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). In these patients, pain neuroscience education followed by cognition-targeted exercise therapy (i.e., the Modern Pain Neuroscience Approach (MPNA)) was shown to be more effective than biomedically-focused education followed by symptom-contingent exercise therapy for improving clinical outcomes. The present study examined whether an MPNA, compared to biomedically-focused treatment, can change WM structure in regions of interest and whether potential WM structural changes are associated with clinical improvements in patients with CSP. Methods: Patients with CSP were randomized into an experimental (MPNA) or control (biomedically-focused) treatment group. Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Images were acquired pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 1-year follow-up. WM structure was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging in 8 WM regions of interest, and linear mixed models assessed differences between groups in response to treatment. Results: No significant treatment x time interaction effects were found; however, significant main effects of time were found in 7 WM tracts. Significant main effects of time revealed increased fractional anisotropy (FA), decreased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in the cingulum hippocampus, and decreased RD and MD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. In contrast, decreased FA and/or increased MD, AD, or RD values were found in other WM tracts (e.g., anterior corona radiata) from pre-treatment to 1-year follow-up. Greater reduction in kinesiophobia was moderately correlated with a smaller decrease in RD in the superior cerebellar peduncle at 1-year follow-up compared to baseline. No other significant associations were found between WM structural changes and clinical improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with CSP, regional WM structure changed over time irrespective of prescribed treatment (timespan of 12 months). Further research, including Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and a healthy control group, allowing for a more specific examination of WM microstructural changes in response to multimodal treatment in patients with CSP, is warranted. Full article

LBD transcription factors are critical regulators of plant growth and development. Recent studies highlighted their significant role in the transcriptional regulation of plant growth and metabolism. Thus, identifying the CeLBD gene in Cymbidium ensifolium, a species abundant in floral scent metabolites, could provide deeper insights into its functional significance. A total of 34 LBD genes were identified in C. ensifolium. These CeLBDs fell into two major groups: Class I and Class II. The Class I group contained 30 genes, while the Class II group included only 4 genes. Among the 30 Class I genes, several genes in the Ie branch exhibited structural variations or partial deletions (CeLBD20 and CeLBD21) in the coiled-coil motif (LX₆LX₃LX₆L). These changes may contribute to the difficulty in root hair formation in C. ensifolium. The variations may prevent normal transcription, leading to low or absent expression, which may explain the fleshy and corona-like root system of C. ensifolium without prominent lateral roots. The expansion for CeLBDs was largely due to special WGD events in orchids during evolution, or by segmental duplication and tandem duplication. CeLBDs in different branches exhibit similar functions and expression characteristics. Promoter analysis enriched environmental response elements, such as AP2/ERF, potentially mediating the specific expression of CeLBDs under different stresses. CeLBDs were predicted to interact with multiple transcription factors or ribosomal proteins, forming complex regulatory networks. CeLBD20 was localized in the cytoplasm, it may act as a signaling factor to activate other transcription factors. CeLBD6 in Class II was significantly up-regulated under cold, drought, and ABA treatments, suggesting its role in environmental responses. Furthermore, metabolic correlation analysis revealed that its expression was associated with the release of major aromatic compounds, such as MeJA. These findings offer valuable insights for further functional studies of CeLBD genes in C. ensifolium. Full article

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based materials are the most researched polymers in the field of energy harvesting. Their production in thin-film form through printing technologies can potentially offer several manufacturing and performance advantages, such as low-cost, low-temperature processing, use of flexible substrates, custom design, low thermal inertia and surface-scaling performance. However, solution-based processes, like printing, miss fine control of the microstructure during film-forming, making it difficult to achieve a high level of polarization, necessary for PVDF to exhibit electroactive characteristics. Here, corona treatment is investigated for the poling of gravure-printed polyvinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) films, as a particularly suitable poling method for printing since it is rapid, contactless and scalable, and no metal electrodes are required. Effects of corona conditioning on the functional properties of the printed films were examined and discussed. Electroactive properties of corona-poled printed films improved manyfold when they were treated at 9 kV, near room temperature (30 °C) and using very short treatment time (30 s). In particular, piezoelectric and pyroelectric coefficients improved tenfold and by two orders of magnitude, respectively. Considering the upscaling potential of roll-to-roll gravure printing and corona poling, combined with the area-scaling performance of thin-film-based generators, our results can enable the corona-printing process for mass production of future electroactive flexible PVDF-based devices. Full article

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes the potential of technologies based on the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in revolutionizing clinical approaches to the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Recent research suggests that once NPs come into contact with the biological fluid of cancer patients, they are covered by proteins, forming a “protein corona” composed of hundreds of plasma proteins. The concept of a personalized, disease-specific protein corona, demonstrating substantial differences in NP corona profiles between patients with and without cancer, has been introduced. We developed the design of an experimental prospective single-center study with patients allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio of one of three arms: untreated patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), untreated patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), and metastatic prostate cancer patients starting systemic therapies with new androgen-targeted agents or taxanes. The protocol aims to develop and implement sensitive nanotools with two distinct objectives: First, to design NPs capable of selectively binding and detecting biomarkers in order to build a predictive diagnostic model to effectively discriminate between patient sera affected by BPH and PCa. Secondly, within the population with PCa, in the case of initial advanced metastatic diagnosis, the objective is to find biomarkers capable of predicting the response to systemic treatments to improve the precision and efficiency of monitoring treatment outcomes. For protein and metabolite corona experiments, we developed a cross-reactive sensor array platform with cancer detection capacity made of three liposomal formulations with different surface charges. For proteomic-NP studies, proteins were identified and quantified using nano-high-performance LC (nanoHPLC) coupled with MS/MS (nanoHPLC−MS/MS). Metabolites were instead analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Compared with previous review articles, the novelty of this review is represented by the analysis of the possible clinical applications of protein corona NPs focused on PCa and the presentation of a new clinical protocol in the metastatic phase of PCa. Full article

To improve the adhesion strength of polymer functional films, corona treatment is required. Corona rollers are key components for corona treatment, which are used in high-voltage electric fields for a long time. In this work, in order to improve electrical insulation, arc resistance, wear resistance, and chemical stability, a coating is usually sprayed on the surface of the corona roller. Al₂O₃/h-BN composite coatings are prepared on the surface substrate of a corona roller (20 steel) by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technology. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the Al₂O₃/h-BN composite coating had a layered structure and compactness. Two kinds of Al₂O₃/h-BN composite coatings are prepared under different APS process parameters; the porosities of A coating and B coating are 6.04% and 4.75%, the microhardnesses are 781 ± 0.5 Hv and 840.5 ± 0.5 Hv, and the adhesion strengths are 22.0 MPa and 22.3 MPa, respectively. The A and B volume resistivity of the coatings are 9.29 × 10¹⁰ Ω·cm and 3.55 × 10¹⁰ Ω·cm, respectively. The volume resistivity and porosity of the coatings are negatively correlated, and they decrease with the increase in spraying current. But for both coatings, volume resistivity is greater than 1 × 10¹⁰ Ω cm. These results indicate that the Al₂O₃/h-BN composite coatings, as a new type of electrode roller coating, satisfy the use requirement. Al₂O₃/h-BN composite coatings can become the potential for ceramic coatings that have good mechanics and insulation performance. Full article

Cutaneous metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRC) are uncommon and often indicate a poor prognosis. These metastases typically occur on the scalp, face, and trunk, and they can be difficult to diagnose due to their resemblance to benign dermatological tumors. We report the case of a 56-year-old patient with a history of ccRC (TNM stage 4) who was referred to our dermatology department with two rapidly enlarging, painful lesions on the left jawline and scalp, which had developed one month and one week earlier, respectively. On examination, the lesions appeared as well-defined, round to oval plaques with a central ulceration and a peripheral red rim, suggestive of an inflammatory appearance. Dermoscopic examination revealed a structureless pink to orange pattern, atypical central vessels, and irregular linear vessels in a corona-like arrangement. Despite the patient’s stable oncological treatment for six months, pain management had recently included paracetamol, tramadol, and NSAIDs. The primary presumptive diagnosis was of cutaneous metastasis, considering the patient’s history of metastatic ccRC. However, given the recent initiation of new pharmacological agents, the rapid progression of the cutaneous lesions, and their clinical presentation, alternative differential diagnoses were considered, including drug-induced reactions such as erythema multiforme or fixed drug eruption. A biopsy of the facial lesion revealed immunohistochemical positivity for CD10, CAIX, and PAX8, confirming the diagnosis of metastatic ccRC with sarcomatoid differentiation. Unfortunately, despite continued targeted therapies and palliative care, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to death two months later. This case highlights the potential for extremely rapidly evolving cutaneous metastases from ccRC and their capacity to occasionally mimic atypical drug eruptions. Additionally, it reaffirms the poor prognosis of such metastases, as evidenced by the patient’s death within two months. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of direct cold atmospheric plasma (CAPP) treatment for pre-harvest application using four different crop species: Hordeum vulgare L. (barley), Triticum aestivum L. (wheat), Brassica napus L. (rapeseed) and Lupinus angustifolius L. (lupine). The model bacterium Bacillus atrophaeus served as a proxy for spore-forming plant pathogens on the seed surface. After semi-dry inoculation of spores onto the seeds, treatment with two different plasma sources, a volume-dielectric barrier discharge and a corona discharge, and different exposure times was carried out. Subsequently, recovery of viable spores from the seeds’ surfaces was performed. Moreover, seed viability was determined based on maximum germination, as well as water contact angle as a measure for seed surface hydrophilicity. Direct CAPP treatment was efficient in reducing viable spores of B. atrophaeus with no significant differences between the plasma sources, reaching a mean inactivation of 1 log₁₀ CFU/mL across all treatment times and crops species. Maximum germination of seeds was not negatively affected under any treatment condition. Seed hydrophilicity was increased for both plasma sources tested. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the efficiency of direct CAPP treatment of seeds with the purpose of seed hygienization with the premise of unaltered seed vitality and evaluates the potential application in comparison with previous investigated CAPP methods. Full article

One of the primary and still unresolved problems of shotcreting is the high rebound rate of the material, which reaches over 20% in “dry” shotcreting. There is a practical need to improve the very principle of shotcreting and methods for optimizing the movement of torch particles. Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study was to justify the use of the electrostatic treatment of cement–sand mortar in the process of performing shotcreting works using the dry method. It was proposed that the binder and then the finished mixture be ionized step-by-step (by passing it through a non-uniform electrostatic field formed by corona electrodes). As a result, the shotcrete will be held on the fence. Results: Analysis of the modeling results shows that the presence of an electrostatic field slows down the particle and reduces the kinetic energy of the rebound. After theoretical calculations, experiments were conducted, during which, the torch size and the plant productivity were changed, and the rebound mass was weighed. After application to the surface, prototypes were formed and subjected to strength tests. It was determined that gunning in a sharply non-uniform electric field demonstrates its practical and economic efficiency due to the uniform deposition of charged particles on the treated surface and low power consumption. Conclusions: It was established that the electrostatic treatment of a cement–sand mixture during application allows concrete particles to be retained on the shotcrete surface, the rebound of the material to be reduced and the strength of concrete to be increased. Full article

Enhancing the corona resistance of epoxy resin (EP) is crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of electrical equipment and power systems, and the incorporation of inorganic nanofillers into epoxy resin has shown significant potential in achieving this. In this study, functionalized graphene oxide (KHGO) was synthesized via a sol-gel method to enhance the corona resistance of EP with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) used to assess the properties of KHGO/EP composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the successful grafting of epoxy groups onto the GO surface. The thermal conductivity and stability of the KHGO/EP composite initially increased with KHGO content but declined when the content exceeded 1.2 wt.%. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) indicated that KHGO improved interfacial compatibility with EP compared to GO, with agglomeration occurring when KHGO content exceeded a threshold value (1.2 wt.%). EIS analysis revealed that the corona resistance of the KHGO/EP composite was optimal at a filler content of 0.9 wt.%. After corona treatment, the saturation water uptake of the 0.9 wt.% KHGO/EP composite decreased by 15% compared to pure EP with its porosity reduced to just 1/40th of that of pure EP. This study underscores that well-dispersed KHGO/EP composite exhibits excellent corona resistance property suggesting the potential for industrial applications in high-voltage equipment insulation. Full article