Search Results (1,737)

This study investigated white wastewater (WW) as a potential source of antimicrobial peptides, employing hydrolysis with Pronase E followed by separation through electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membranes (EDUF) to increase the value of dairy components within a circular economy framework. The WW hydrolysate was divided into two key fractions: the cationic recovery compartment (CRC) and the anionic recovery compartment (ARC). The EDUF process effectively separated peptides, with peptide migration rates reaching 6.83 ± 0.59 g/m²·h for CRC and 6.19 ± 0.66 g/m²·h for ARC. Furthermore, relative energy consumption (REC) increased from 1.15 Wh/g to 2.05 Wh/g over three hours, in line with trends observed in recent studies on electrodialysis energy use. Although 29 peptides were statistically selected from the CRC (20) and ARC (9) compartments, no antibacterial activity was exhibited against Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; however, antifungal activity was observed in the feed and ARC compartments. Peptides from the ARC demonstrated activity against Mucor racemosus (MIC = 0.156 mg/mL) and showed selective antifungal effects against Penicillium commune (MIC = 0.156 mg/mL). This innovative approach paves the way for improving the recovery of anionic peptides through further optimization of the EDUF process. Future perspectives include synthesizing selected peptides and evaluating their antifungal efficacy against these and other microbial strains, offering exciting potential for applications in food preservation and beyond. Full article

Glioma is a type of neoplasia that spontaneously arises from the glial cells of the brain in humans and dogs, and its prognosis is grave. Current treatment options for glioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or symptomatic treatment. Evidence has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may have anticancer, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this in vivo murine experiment, the canine glioma cell line J3TBG was injected into the frontoparietal cortex of immunodeficient mice using xenogeneic tissue transplantation. A total of 20 mice were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups—Control group (C), CBD group (CBD), Radiation Therapy group (RT), and CBD plus Radiation Therapy group (CBD + RT). After transplantation of J3TBG, a single fraction of 5.5 Gy RT was administered to the RT and CBD + RT groups, and CBD was administered daily to the CBD and CBD + RT groups. Necropsies were performed to collect blood and brain tissue. Although there was not a statistically significant difference, the survival time among mice were longer in the CBD + RT group than the RT group. These results indicate that CBD may be used as an adjunctive therapy to enhance RT treatment. Larger cohort studies are required to substantiate the hypothesis. Full article

Background: Clinical outcomes among older adults hospitalized with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the setting of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate whether MHO status is associated with different rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) during HFpEF-related hospitalizations compared to patients without MHO. Methods: Data from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was analyzed using relevant ICD-10 codes to identify HFpEF admissions in older adults. Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied to generate balanced cohorts of patients with and without MHO. Multivariable adjustments were performed to assess primary outcomes, including MACCEs, all-cause mortality (ACM), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), dysrhythmia, cardiac arrest (CA), and stroke. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Each MHO cohort included 22,405 patients with a median age of 75 years. The MHO+ group demonstrated a significantly higher risk of dysrhythmia (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.43, p < 0.001). Interestingly, an “obesity paradox” was observed, as the MHO+ cohort had lower odds of MACCEs (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.81, p < 0.001), ACM (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.82, p < 0.001), and AMI (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59–0.86, p = 0.001) compared to MHO−. No significant differences were found for CA or stroke between the groups. Conclusions: Although the MHO+ group had an elevated risk of dysrhythmia, they exhibited more favorable outcomes in terms of MACCEs, ACM, and AMI—supporting the concept of an “obesity paradox.” Further research is needed to better understand the role of MHO as a comorbid condition in patients with HFpEF. Full article

This study aimed to compare the performance of three hydroxyapatite–β-tricalcium phosphate (HA–β-TCP) collagen composite grafts in a canine model for extraction socket preservation. Eight mongrel dogs underwent atraumatic bilateral mandibular premolar extraction, and sockets were randomly grafted with HBC28 (20% high-crystalline HA, 80% β-TCP bovine collagen), HBC37 (30% HA, 70% β-TCP, bovine collagen), or HPC64 (60% HA, 40% β-TCP, porcine collagen). Grafts differed in their HA–β-TCP ratio and collagen origin and content. Animals were sacrificed at 4 and 12 weeks, and the healing sites were evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis. At 12 weeks, all groups showed good socket maintenance with comparable new bone formation. However, histological analysis revealed that HBC28 had significantly higher residual graft volume, while HPC64 demonstrated more extensive graft resorption. Histomorphometric analysis confirmed these findings, with statistically significant differences in residual graft area and bone volume fraction. No inflammatory response or adverse tissue reactions were observed in any group. These results suggest that all three HA–β-TCP collagen composites are biocompatible and suitable for socket preservation, with varying resorption kinetics influenced by graft composition. Selection of graft material may thus be guided by the desired rate of replacement by new bone. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a recommended therapeutic strategy for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who are refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Although PVI has demonstrated efficacy in reducing AF recurrence and improving patients’ quality of life, its impact on respiratory function is not well understood, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. The aim of the study was to search for functional predictors of the respiratory system in the process of evaluating the efficiency of clinical assessment of CBA in patients with AF. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 42 patients with symptomatic AF who underwent CBA, assessing their respiratory function through spirometry before and 30 days after the procedure. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing lung disease and cardiac insufficiency. The impact of variables such as body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) on spirometry parameters was analyzed using statistical tests. Results: No significant changes were observed in overall post-PVI spirometry parameters for the full cohort. However, post hoc analyses revealed a significant decline in ΔMEF₇₅ in patients with CAD and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², whereas ΔFEV₁/FVCex was significantly increased in patients with HF, as well as in patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. Conclusions: CBA for AF does not universally affect respiratory function in the short term, but specific subgroups, including patients with CAD and a higher BMI, may require post-procedure respiratory monitoring. In addition, PVI may improve lung function in patients with HF and reduced EF. Full article

Radiation-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a significant late complication in dogs receiving radiation therapy for intranasal tumors, particularly with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). This retrospective case-control study was performed to identify anatomical and dosimetric risk factors for KCS in 15 canine patients treated with IMRT delivered in 4–6 weekly fractions of 8 Gy. Orbital structures were retrospectively contoured, and dose–volume metrics (D50) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and odds ratios were used to evaluate the associations between radiation dose and KCS development. Six dogs (33%) developed KCS within three months post-treatment. Statistically significant dose differences were observed between affected and unaffected eyes for the eyeball, cornea, and retina. ROC analyses identified dose thresholds predictive of KCS: 13.8 Gy (eyeball), 14.9 Gy (cornea), and 17.0 Gy (retina), with the retina showing the highest odds ratio (28.33). To ensure clinical relevance, KCS was diagnosed based on decreased tear production combined with corneal damage to ensure clinical relevance. This study proposes dose thresholds for ocular structures that may guide treatment planning and reduce the risk of KCS in canine patients undergoing IMRT. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these thresholds and explore mitigation strategies for high-risk cases. Full article

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF), a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively due to structural or functional impairments, is a growing public health concern, with profound implications for patients’ physical and emotional well-being. In India, the burden of CHF is rising due to aging demographics and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors. Among the subtypes of CHF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), i.e., heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50% with evidence of spontaneous or provokable increased left ventricular filling pressure, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), i.e., heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less and is accompanied by progressive left ventricular dilatation and adverse cardiac remodeling, may present differing impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), i.e., an individual’s or a group’s perceived physical and mental health over time, yet comparative data remains limited. This study assesses HRQoL among CHF patients using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), one of the most widely used health-related quality of life questionnaires for patients with heart failure based on physical and emotional dimensions and identifies sociodemographic and clinical variables influencing these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 233 CHF patients receiving inpatient and outpatient care at the Department of Cardiology at a quaternary care teaching hospital in coastal Karnataka in India. Participants were enrolled using convenience sampling. HRQoL was evaluated through the MLHFQ, while sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded via a structured proforma. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, independent t-test, Spearman’s correlation and stepwise multivariable linear regression to identify associations and predictors. Results: The mean HRQoL score was 56.5 ± 6.05, reflecting a moderate to high symptom burden. Patients with HFpEF reported significantly worse HRQoL (mean score: 61.4 ± 3.94) than those with HFrEF (52.9 ± 4.64; p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.95). A significant positive correlation was observed between HRQoL scores and age (r = 0.428; p < 0.001), indicating that older individuals experienced a higher burden of symptoms. HRQoL also varied significantly across NYHA functional classes (χ² = 69.9, p < 0.001, ε² = 0.301) and employment groups (χ² = 17.0, p < 0.001), with further differences noted by education level, gender and marital status (p < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression identified age (B = 0.311, p < 0.001) and gender (B = –4.591, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of poorer HRQoL. Discussion: The findings indicate that patients with HFpEF experience significantly poorer HRQoL than those with HFrEF. Older adults and female patients reported greater symptom burden, underscoring the importance of demographic-sensitive care approaches. These results highlight the need for routine integration of HRQoL assessment into clinical practice and the development of comprehensive, personalized interventions addressing both physical and emotional health dimensions, especially for vulnerable subgroups. Conclusions: CHF patients, especially those with HFpEF, face reduced HRQoL. Key factors include age, gender, education, employment, marital status, and NYHA class, underscoring the need for patient-centered care. Full article

Breast-conserving surgery followed by external beam Radiotherapy (RT) is a standard approach for early-stage Breast Cancer (BC). This retrospective study aims to determine the risk of RT-induced lung cancer for both standard and hypofractionated treatments. Fifty-eight Sicilian women treated at Humanitas Istituto Clinico Catanese (Misterbianco, Italy) between 2015 and 2021 with standard fractionated 3D-CRT (50 Gy in 2 Gy/fraction) were included. All treatment plans were designed using a hypofractionated schedule (42.56 Gy in 2.66 Gy/fraction). An Eclipse™ plug-in script was developed using the Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface (ESAPI) to extract patient and treatment data from the Treatment Planning System and compute Organ At Risk (OAR) volume, Organ Equivalent Dose (OED), Excess Absolute Risk (EAR), and Lifetime Attributable Risk (LAR) using the Schneider Mechanistic Model and reference data from regional populations, A-bomb survivors, and patients with Hodgkin’s Disease (HD). The OED distributions exhibited a statistically significant shift toward higher values in standard fractionated plans (p < 0.01, one-tailed paired Student’s t-test), leading to increased EAR and LAR. These results indicate that hypofractionated treatment may lower the risk of radiation-induced lung cancer. The feasibility of a priori risk estimation was evaluated by integrating the script into the TPS, allowing rapid comparison of SF and HF plans during planning. Full article

Some studies performed in our laboratory on pyrrole and its derivatives pointed towards the enrichment of the evaluations of these promising chemical structures for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative conditions in general and Parkinson’s disease in particular. A classical Paal-Knorr cyclization approach is applied to synthesize the basic hydrazine used for the formation of the designed series of hydrazones (15a–15g). The potential neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of the newly synthesized derivatives were investigated in vitro using different models of induced oxidative stress at three subcellular levels (rat brain synaptosomes, mitochondria, and microsomes). The results identified as the least neurotoxic molecules, 15a, 15d, and 15f applied at a concentration of 100 µM to the isolated fractions. In addition, the highest statistically significant neuroprotection was observed for 15a and 15d at a concentration of 100 µM using three different injury models on subcellular fractions, including 6-hydroxydopamine in rat brain synaptosomes, tert-butyl hydroperoxide in brain mitochondria, and non-enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation in brain microsomes. The hMAOA/MAOB inhibitory activity of the new compounds was studied at a concentration of 1 µM. The lack of a statistically significant hMAOA inhibitory effect was observed for all tested compounds, except for 15f, which showed 40% inhibitory activity. The most prominent statistically significant hMAOB inhibitory effect was determined for 15a, 15d, and 15f, comparable to that of selegiline. The corresponding selectivity index defined 15f as a non-selective MAO inhibitor and all other new hydrazones as selective hMAOB inhibitors, with 15d indicating the highest selectivity index of >471. The most active and least toxic representative (15d) was evaluated in vivo on Rotenone based model of Parkinson’s disease. The results revealed no microscopically visible alterations in the ganglion and glial cells in the animals treated with rotenone in combination with 15d. Full article

Objectives: This study sought to echocardiographic manifestations and the related risk factors affecting the prognosis of isolated congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA). Methods: A total of 143 patients (≥18 years of age) were diagnosed with isolated CCTGA at Anzhen Hospital. The patients were classified as the operation group and the non-operation group depending on whether they had undergone tricuspid valve surgery. The echocardiographic data and follow-up were compared, and the primary outcomes examined were defined as death or heart transplantation. Results: The average age of 143 patients with isolated CCTGA was 39.93 ± 13.50 years. Tricuspid valve surgery was performed in 31 patients with isolated CCTGA, and 112 patients did not undergo tricuspid valve surgery. The incidence of tricuspid valve structural changes in the operation group was 39.1%, and this group had higher numbers of patients with right ventricular diastolic diameter, right ventricular systolic diameter, left atrial dimensions, and regurgitation before surgery compared with the non-operation group (p < 0.05). Follow-up results showed no significant difference in the number of death/heart transplantations, and the incidence of systemic ventricular ejection fraction (SVEF) < 40% between the two groups. The survival rate of the surgery group was higher than that of the non-surgery group, although not statistically significant (p = 0.123). Age, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and decreased SVEF at the first diagnosis are independent predictive risk factors for major adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Adult patients with isolated CCTGA may have structural abnormalities in their tricuspid valves. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse outcomes, morphological right ventricular systolic dysfunction, and survival between the surgery group and the non-surgery group. However, this study is a retrospective study, and the sample size of the surgical group is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the research conclusions. In the future, a prospective, large-scale study will be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of tricuspid valve surgery on such patients. Full article

The sorption process is most commonly described by Langmuir isotherms, which can be calculated from either a non-linear form or various linear forms. Despite the fact that the non-linear model is now preferred, articles using linear models continue to be submitted to journals. On the basis of 68 isotherms, it was found that the linear Hanes–Woolf model (the most commonly used) gives the most similar q_m and K_L values to the non-linear model. The largest differences were obtained by determining the isotherm from the non-linear and linear forms of the Lineweaver–Burk model (this is the model often used by researchers). The evaluation of isotherms should not be performed solely on the basis of the coefficient of determination R², which was intended for linear equations. Statistical measures such as the mean relative error, sum of squares of errors, chi-square statistic, sum of absolute errors, hybrid fractional error function, mean squared error were analysed. On the basis of the coefficient of determination, the Hanes–Woolf linear model was found to best describe the actual results, and on the basis of the other statistical measures, the isotherm determined from the non-linear form was found to be the best fit for the study. Full article

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics provide insights into neural pathways, which can be pivotal in differentiating congenital and acquired hearing loss to support diagnosis, especially for those diagnosed late. In this study, we analyzed DTI parameters and developed machine learning to classify these two patient groups. The study included 29 patients with congenital hearing loss and 6 with acquired hearing loss. DTI scans were performed to obtain metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD). Statistical analyses based on p-values highlighted the cortical auditory system’s prominence in differentiating between groups, with FA and RD emerging as pivotal metrics. Three machine learning models were trained to classify hearing loss types for each of five dataset scenarios. Random forest (RF) trained on a dataset consisting of significant features demonstrated superior performance, achieving a specificity of 87.12% and F1 score of 96.88%. This finding highlights the critical role of DTI metrics in the classification of hearing loss. The experimental results also emphasized the critical role of FA in distinguishing between the two types of hearing loss, underscoring its potential clinical utility. DTI parameters, combined with machine learning, can effectively distinguish between congenital and acquired hearing loss, offering a robust tool for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research with larger and balanced cohorts is warranted to validate these findings. Full article

The integration of computational intelligence techniques into pharmaceutical wastewater treatment offers promising opportunities to improve process efficiency and minimize operational costs. This study compares the predictive capabilities of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models in forecasting the rejection efficiencies of caffeine and paracetamol using AFC 40 and AFC 80 nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Experiments were conducted under varying operating conditions, including transmembrane pressure, feed concentration, and flow rate. The predictive performance of both models was evaluated using statistical metrics such as the Coefficient of Determination (R²), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Marquardt’s Percentage Squared Error Deviation (MPSED), Hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), and Average Absolute Deviation (AAD). Both models demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with R² values of 0.9867 and 0.9832 for RSM and ANN, respectively, in AFC 40 membranes, and 0.9769 and 0.9922 in AFC 80 membranes. While both approaches closely matched the experimental results, the ANN model consistently yielded lower error values and higher R² values, indicating superior predictive performance. These findings support the application of ANNs as a robust modelling tool in optimizing NF membrane processes for pharmaceutical removal. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term prognostic value of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in consecutive patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (CA). Background: LVEF is a key prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease, but its value across different clinical indications for CA remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing CA between January 2016 and August 2022 were retrospectively included at one institution. Patients were stratified into four LVEF groups: ≥ 55%, 45–54%, 35–44%, and <35%. The primary endpoint was rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 36 months. Secondary endpoints were acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary revascularization. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted within the entire study cohort and pre-defined subgroups. Results: A total of 6888 patients were included (median age: 71 years; 65.2% males). LVEF < 35% was associated with a higher comorbidity burden and more extensive coronary artery disease (e.g., three-vessel CAD: 38.6% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Event rates for HF rehospitalization and AMI increased progressively with declining LVEF, while revascularization rates varied across categories. Statistically significant differences across LVEF groups were observed for all three endpoints in unadjusted analyses (log-rank p < 0.001). In multivariable models, LVEF < 35% independently predicted HF rehospitalization (HR = 3.731, p < 0.001) and AMI (HR = 4.184, p < 0.001), but not revascularization (HR = 0.867, p = 0.378). The prognostic association was demonstrated across all subgroups stratified by age, sex, subtype of acute coronary syndrome, and CAD severity. Conclusions: Reduced LVEF is an independent predictor of HF rehospitalization and AMI in patients undergoing coronary angiography, irrespective of its indication, whereas no independent association was observed with coronary revascularization. Full article

This study investigates the effect of hemp shive granulometry on the thermal conductivity and microstructure of hemp–lime composites. Three distinct particle size fractions—fine, medium, and coarse—were characterized using high-resolution image analysis to determine geometric parameters such as Feret diameters, circularity, and elongation. Composite mixtures with varying binder-to-shive and water-to-shive ratios were prepared and compacted at a consistent level to isolate the influence of aggregate granulometry on thermal performance. Results demonstrate a clear inverse relationship between particle size and thermal conductivity, with coarse fractions reducing thermal conductivity by up to 7.6% compared to fine fractions. Composite density was also affected, decreasing with increasing particle size, confirming the impact of granulometry on pore structure and packing density. However, binder content exhibited the most significant effect on thermal conductivity, with a 20% increase observed for higher binder-to-shive ratios irrespective of shive size. The study further establishes that a 15 g sample size (~2400 particles) provides sufficient statistical accuracy for granulometric characterization using image analysis. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing hemp–lime composites for enhanced thermal insulation performance, supporting sustainable construction practices by informing material formulation and processing parameters. Full article