Search Results (4,165)

Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents an aggressive malignancy associated with a poor prognosis, underscoring the critical demand for enhanced monitoring methodologies. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) constitutes a promising non-invasive biomarker; however, reports employing highly sensitive tumor-informed assays in SCLC remain scarce. This investigation aimed to assess the clinical utility of a personalized ctDNA monitoring strategy for predicting therapeutic outcomes and resistance in SCLC patients. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled patients diagnosed with unresectable SCLC. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on baseline tumor specimens to design customized 16-plex multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels. Serial blood samples were obtained at baseline, at six-week intervals during treatment, and upon disease progression. Detection of ctDNA-based minimal residual disease (MRD) was performed using a tumor-informed assay (Huajianwei^® bespoke MRD) with ultra-deep sequencing. Results: Among seven evaluable patients, the baseline ctDNA-MRD positivity rate was 100%. A significant positive correlation was observed between the baseline ctDNA levels and radiographic tumor burden (r = 0.821, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.179–0.973, p = 0.034). Longitudinal analysis indicated that patients exhibiting an early decline in MRD levels demonstrated a non-significant trend toward superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those with an MRD increase. Though this between-group difference did not reach conventional statistical significance, it represented a trend-level finding (p = 0.0665, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.02–3.19), with no definitive prognostic association confirmed in this pilot cohort. Notably, an elevation in MRD preceded radiographic progression by as much as 135 days in certain instances. Conclusions: This study shows that dynamic tumor-informed ctDNA-based MRD monitoring reflects tumor burden changes and may correlate with clinical outcomes in SCLC, supporting its potential to guide personalized treatment and facilitate earlier therapeutic interventions compared to conventional imaging techniques. Prospective multicenter validation is needed to confirm its clinical utility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perceptual–cognitive abilities such as visual discrimination, reaction time, and attentional control are important for performance in dynamic sports. However, evidence remains limited regarding how simplified visual tasks capture performance variability and dynamics under repeated exposure. This study examined session-to-session performance changes and individual trajectories in a programmable visual discrimination task of increasing complexity in elite futsal players. Methods: An exploratory repeated-measures study was conducted with ten first-league futsal players. Participants completed between six and ten sessions of a color-cue visual discrimination task (“Follow the Color”) under one- and two-stimulus conditions. Outcomes included correct responses, errors, and reaction time per session. A total of 465 observations were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to assess changes across sessions and the influence of task complexity. Individual analyses were also performed to explore player-specific trajectories. Results: Mean session accuracy was 63.8 ± 9.8 correct responses, with a mean error rate of 3.6 ± 6.1 and a mean reaction time of 0.63 ± 0.15 s. Error rates declined significantly across sessions (β = −0.008, p < 0.001), while reaction time improved modestly (β = −0.00011, p = 0.025). Correct responses showed a small negative trend over time. Increased task complexity was associated with fewer correct responses, higher error rates, and slower reaction times (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: This programmable visual discrimination task captured variability in visuomotor responses under controlled conditions and may support monitoring of performance dynamics in sports vision research. Full article

Background: In the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), certain drugs should be avoided or administered with strict precautions and close monitoring. This is due to their potential for toxicity or adverse effects or a lack of safety data, especially for critically ill children with organ failure. Additionally, practitioners must assess the unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs when treating critically ill children. In this narrative review, we highlight the risks, advantages, and disadvantages of three exemplary cases of drugs for paediatric patients hospitalised in the PICU: chloramphenicol, acetylsalicylic acid, and propofol. Methods: Apart from key papers on these drugs, a retrospective analysis of the English literature on chloramphenicol, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and propofol was performed on PubMed for papers from January 2014 to December 2025. Results: Chloramphenicol should be avoided in neonates due to the risk of grey baby syndrome. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is contraindicated in children ≤18 years with suspected viral illness because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, but remains essential for Kawasaki disease and post-cardiac surgery antiplatelet therapy. Propofol should be avoided when used for a longer period at high doses. With proper dosing and monitoring, propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) is preventable, but high-risk patients should receive alternative treatment. Conclusions: This narrative review highlights the significant risks associated with the use of chloramphenicol, ASA, and propofol in paediatric intensive care settings. Their potential for life-threatening and severe adverse reactions emphasises the need for cautious and informed use. Clinicians must carefully consider the risks and benefits of these drugs. To minimise adverse events, strict monitoring, dose adjustments, and the use of safer alternatives are essential. However, it appears that their use in well-defined circumstances in acute illness in children is still warranted. The findings of this narrative review underscore the need for further research to focus on identifying high-risk biomarkers, genetic predispositions, and safer alternatives to improve evidence-based guidelines and reduce morbidity and mortality in paediatric intensive care. Full article

Multi-window map interfaces are widely used in geospatial monitoring systems and map-based analytical environments, where users must rapidly locate task-relevant information across multiple spatial displays. Designing visual cues and display conditions that effectively support visual search in such environments remains an important challenge for map interface design. This study examines how luminance contrast and highlighting influence visual search performance in multi-window map interfaces. A within-subject eye-tracking experiment was conducted using five highlighting conditions (No Highlighting as the control condition, Outer Border Highlighting, Text Highlighting, Title-Bar Highlighting, and Background Highlighting) and three luminance-contrast levels (low, medium, and high). Behavioral performance (accuracy and reaction time) and eye-movement measures (total viewing duration, fixation count, saccade count, and time to first fixation) were analyzed to evaluate how perceptual visibility and visual cue structures affect spatial information search. Results show that higher luminance contrast improved accuracy and reduced reaction time, although differences between medium and high contrast were small, suggesting that performance stabilized once a sufficient visibility threshold was reached. All highlighting conditions facilitated search relative to the control condition, with background and title-bar highlighting producing the most efficient gaze behavior and earlier target acquisition. A significant interaction between luminance contrast and highlighting was also observed, indicating that structured highlighting mitigates the performance costs associated with low contrast. Eye-movement evidence further indicates that region-based cues guide attention at the level of spatial interface regions rather than simply increasing local salience. These findings provide empirical guidance for improving spatial information retrieval efficiency in multi-window geospatial interfaces. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Korean Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System monitors bloodstream Staphylococcus aureus infections by combining antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) with conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Considering the clinical significance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), we performed an in-depth analysis of isolates showing genotypic–phenotypic discrepancies. Methods: Isolates were collected from designated collection centers in the Republic of Korea between 2017 and 2024. The 30 μg cefoxitin disk diffusion method was used to define the phenotypes. PCR targeting mecA and the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) was used to identify genotypes through gel electrophoresis. Long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using the Revio system (Pacific Biosciences) for isolates exhibiting discrepancies between phenotypes and genotypes. Results: In total, 5808 isolates were screened, and seven cases of genotypic–phenotypic discrepancies were identified, including one infant and six elderly patients with chromosomal SCCmec type IV. Although WGS confirmed intact PCR primer-binding sites, structural alterations were observed: three isolates had normal-length mecA and mecR1, two had partial deletions in mecA, and two featured either mecA or mecR1 split into two proteins. Notably, although the six isolates with intact mecR1 genes matched the nucleotide length of SCCmec type IV, their sequences exhibited high homology with SCCmec type II. Conclusions: Despite the presence of mecA, the non-standard configuration of regulatory genes within the SCCmec elements suppressed actual resistance expression. Because conventional PCR focusing on partial gene segments could overlook such phenotypic traits, the meticulous observation and implementation of WGS are crucial for the accurate characterization of genotypic–phenotypic discrepancies. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) develops as a progressive dementia condition through the step-by-step breakdown of nerve cells. Neurodegeneration in this context primarily results from metal ions, including copper, iron, zinc, and aluminum, building up in the system. The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides and oxidative stress generation stem from metal ion involvement acting as defining characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. We developed a comprehensive mathematical model based on 24 coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to represent the interactions between metal ions, Aβ peptides, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant defenses, and tau protein phosphorylation. The mathematical model monitors how metal ion concentrations change over time and examines their competitive binding effects, which trigger a series of reactions, resulting in oxidative stress and subsequent tau protein damage. The model uses analytical and numerical mathematical methods to expose nonlinear behaviors and threshold effects while offering mechanistic insights into the course of disease development. This model functions as a quantitative framework for assessing how therapeutic interventions that target metal dyshomeostasis and oxidative stress can potentially affect outcomes. Full article

Microbial contamination in aquatic environments poses severe threats to aquaculture sustainability, ecological balance and public health. Traditional culture-based detection methods, while standardized, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, often failing to meet the urgent need for rapid on-site monitoring required to prevent disease outbreaks and manage water quality effectively. By integrating latest research advances (2020–2025), this study reviews advances in rapid detection technologies for aquatic microorganisms, including the evolution of nucleic acid amplification strategies, with a focused comparison of the analytical sensitivity and field deployability of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and mainstream isothermal amplification techniques (loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP; recombinase polymerase amplification, RPA). Furthermore, this study reports on the emergence of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) systems as next-generation diagnostic tools, highlighting their integration with microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) platforms to achieve attomolar sensitivity. We also consider the application of portable nanopore sequencing for real-time pathogen identification and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analyzing complex diagnostic datasets. Advanced molecular methods have achieved significant reductions in time consumption—from days to less than one hour—while challenges regarding sample preparation and environmental matrix inhibition remain. The future of aquatic monitoring lies in integrated, automated systems that combine the specificity of CRISPR-Cas diagnostics with the connectivity of IoT-enabled biosensors. Comparative analysis indicates that isothermal amplification methods (LAMP, RPA) coupled with CRISPR-Cas systems offer the optimal balance of sensitivity, speed, and field deployability for point-of-care aquaculture diagnostics, while qPCR/dPCR remain indispensable for quantitative regulatory applications. We propose a structured technology selection framework to guide researchers and practitioners in choosing appropriate detection modalities based on specific sensitivity, cost, throughput, and deployment requirements. Full article

Cooking-related emissions represent a major contributor to indoor air pollution in residential kitchens, producing complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor-causing gases, oil vapors, particulate matter (PM_2.5), and combustion-related pollutants (CO and NO_x). In this study, a controlled ozone-assisted oxidation approach was integrated into a recirculating (ductless) domestic kitchen hood equipped with a confined reaction chamber and experimentally evaluated under closed-loop operating conditions where treated air was returned to the indoor environment after post-treatment. A multivariate Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework based on the Box–Behnken design was employed to quantify and optimize the coupled effects of temperature (20–30 °C), relative humidity (40–60%), ozone dosage (1–3 ppm within the confined reaction zone), and airflow rate (150–250 m³/h) on multi-pollutant removal performance. The results demonstrate that ozone assistance substantially improves the abatement of oxidation-sensitive pollutants, particularly VOCs and odor, while airflow rate strongly governs transport-dominated pollutants such as PM_2.5 and oil vapors. In contrast, CO and NO_x exhibited limited improvement, indicating that ozone-assisted oxidation alone is insufficient for comprehensive control of combustion-related gases under short-residence-time recirculating hood conditions. The main contribution of this work is the implementation of a demand-driven ozone management strategy, supported by dual ozone sensing for reaction-zone control and outlet safety verification, where ozone generation is activated only in the presence of reactive gaseous pollutants and automatically reduced or terminated once pollutant concentrations fall below predefined thresholds, minimizing unnecessary oxidant release. Residual ozone downstream of the reaction stage was continuously monitored to prevent excess ozone return to the occupied zone. Overall, the proposed closed-loop, feedback-controlled ozone-assisted recirculating range hood concept demonstrated device-level reductions in measured VOC/odor signals under controlled conditions, while also highlighting the need for complementary post-treatment components for particle- and combustion-related pollutants. However, the potential formation of secondary oxidation byproducts was not characterized in this study, and therefore the results should be interpreted with respect to device-level pollutant removal rather than comprehensive indoor air quality improvement. Full article

The European Regulation (UE) 432/2012 includes a specific health claim for olive-oil-associated with its phenolic content, which is based on its protective role against lipid oxidation in the blood. To make use of the health claim, olive oil must have a minimum concentration in phenolic compounds of 250 mg/kg. Reviewing the health claim, the phenolic compounds referred to are the secoiridoid derivatives of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. A method based on absolute quantification of phenolic compounds in olive oil is proposed for the recognition of the health claim. The method involves liquid–liquid extraction with a 1:8 (v/v) oil:extract ratio to avoid saturation of the extract in oils with a higher phenolic content and its subsequent determination through LC–MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, the gold standard technique in many application fields because of its analytical features. The optimized method was applied to a set of 100 extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), and the results obtained were compared with the classic Folin–Ciocalteu method. The comparison between the two methods showed that the classic method is a non-selective method that can be affected by many interferences and that the Folin method underestimates the real phenolic content. Full article

Background/Objective: In recent years, epidemiological and clinical evidence has suggested an association between the use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and hyperglycemic complications: notably, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). However, the role of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) remains less well understood. To conduct a systematic review of evidence established in case reports (CRs) on adverse drug reactions, specifically DKA and HHS, associated with the use of both FGAs and SGAs in order to identify patterns that may inform clinical awareness and future research. Methods: Pertinent bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) were searched using index phrases and keywords up until 17 October 2025. Eligible CRs discussed exposure to at least one US FDA-approved antipsychotic drug (APD) and assessed either DKA or HHS. Results: A total of 151 CRs were included in the systematic review (DKA, n = 121; HHS, n = 28; both conditions, n = 2). Patients aged 30 to 39 years accounted for the highest number of emergencies (n = 49, 32.5%), which occurred mostly in males (n = 108, 71.5%). The most common mental health diagnosis was schizophrenia (n = 77, 51%), followed by bipolar disorder (n = 26, 17.2%). Olanzapine was associated with the highest number of DKA cases (n = 53, 43.1%), followed by clozapine (n = 24, 19.5%). The average blood glucose at presentation was 842.8 mg/dL for DKA patients and 1252.8 mg/dL for HHS patients. The average hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c) were 11.5% and 12%, respectively, for these two conditions. Of the 12 reported fatalities, treatment with olanzapine was noted in four DKA cases and in one HHS case. Conclusion: This analysis provides additional evidence of an association between the use of atypical APDs and DKA or HHS. Clinicians should continue to monitor metabolic risk factors for these conditions, as well as educating patients about the prevention of acute diabetic complications. Full article

Anti-A and anti-B antibodies are essential for monitoring adverse reactions in organ transplants and transfusions. However, their importance is also growing due to their involvement in the pathophysiology of various human diseases, such as infections, although this is currently the subject of heated debate. A characteristic heterogeneity in the titers and classes of anti-A and anti-B antibodies is observed among individuals. Several factors appear to be responsible, such as everyone’s specific immune profile, age, sex, microbiota composition, lifestyle, and health status. The immune profile, the result of a specific genetic predisposition and mediated and controlled by cytokines, shows a bidirectional relationship with ABO antigen expression, the gut microbiota, and the levels and class switching of anti-ABO antibodies. Associations between ABO groups and circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines further highlight this complex interaction. To better understand the role of the immune profile in this context, we evaluated, for the first time, the possible association between polymorphic variants in the regulatory regions of the genes encoding the cytokines IL-18, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 and anti-A and anti-B antibody titers and classes by group and in total. We also assessed the levels of these cytokines in each group and their correlations with anti-A and anti-B antibodies, as well as with age and associations with gender. Significant data were obtained that may contribute to a better understanding of the other roles of ABO antibody titers. Full article

Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare congenital disorder of keratinization frequently associated with ocular complications, most commonly cicatricial ectropion and exposure keratopathy. We present a case of severe mixed exposure-related and neurotrophic keratopathy with marked corneal thinning in a 61-year-old man with genetically confirmed lamellar ichthyosis. At presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the right eye was limited to hand motion (logMAR 2.3). Slit-lamp examination revealed a large central to inferocentral corneal ulcer measuring approximately 3 × 4 mm with severe stromal thinning in the setting of marked lower eyelid ectropion, incomplete eyelid closure, and chronic ocular surface exposure, while anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrated a minimal corneal thickness of approximately 165 µm. Microbiological swabs obtained from the conjunctival sac were negative, and no purulent discharge, hypopyon, or anterior chamber inflammatory reaction was present, making active infectious keratitis unlikely. Corneal sensitivity measured with Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometry at presentation, centrally and in all four peripheral quadrants of both eyes, was markedly reduced, more severely in the affected right eye, supporting the presence of a severe neurotrophic component contributing to impaired corneal healing. Intensive conservative therapy including preservative-free lubricants, dexpanthenol gel, autologous serum eye drops, topical insulin, prophylactic antibiotics, and systemic doxycycline was initiated. Serial AS-OCT imaging demonstrated progressive structural recovery, with corneal thickness increasing to 438 µm after one month of treatment and complete corneal epithelialization. The BCVA improved to 0.2 Snellen (0.7 logMAR). This case highlights the diagnostic value of multimodal anterior segment imaging in monitoring severe mixed keratopathy with advanced corneal thinning and demonstrates that intensive conservative therapy may stabilize the ocular surface and prevent corneal perforation in patients with lamellar ichthyosis. Full article

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory material basis and quality control of Pinellia ternata (P. ternata) to provide a modern scientific interpretation for its therapeutic properties. First, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis was used to analyze different polar fractions of P. ternata, resulting in the identification of 79 compounds. Next, an in vitro evaluation using an LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. Three cyclodipeptides, cyclo (Pro-Leu), cyclo (Phe-Pro), and cyclo (Leu-Phe), which displayed notable differences from other fractions, were subsequently screened. Molecular docking studies showed binding free energies below −5 kcal/mol with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating potential anti-inflammatory targeting properties. Cellular experiments further confirmed that the reduction in NO production induced by these cyclodipeptides ranged from 11.03% to 40.38%. To enable their simultaneous quantification, a method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was established, meeting all analytical validation criteria. Application of this method to P. ternata samples from different origins and growth conditions demonstrated that the contents of these cyclodipeptides were significantly influenced by both the origin and cultivation method. In conclusion, this study preliminarily identifies cyclodipeptides as an important anti-inflammatory material basis of P. ternata, and the established quantitative method provides methodological support and data for constructing its quality evaluation system. Full article

Gallium-based liquid metals have garnered significant attention due to their distinct combination of metallic and liquid behavior at room temperature. This review systematically examines the fundamental properties and advanced multifunctional applications of this class of materials. Key characteristics such as low melting point, excellent fluidity, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and biocompatibility are first highlighted. Subsequently, progress in four major application areas is discussed. In sensing, these materials enable the fabrication of highly compliant and responsive devices capable of monitoring strain, temperature, and electromagnetic fields. Within biomedical engineering, their inherent low toxicity and biocompatibility underpin advances in biosensing platforms, precision drug delivery, and engineered tissue scaffolds. For energy-related applications, they are utilized in batteries and high-efficiency thermoelectric systems for converting heat into electricity. In catalysis, their dynamic and tunable interfaces facilitate efficient carbon dioxide conversion and selective thermocatalytic reactions. This review summarizes current advances in the application of gallium-based liquid metals and provides critical perspectives on future developments and opportunities in this technology. Full article

In liquid composite moulding processes, the curing behaviour of thermoset matrices plays a decisive role in determining manufacturing quality and cycle time. Premature demoulding may lead to insufficiently cured components, whereas excessively long curing times reduce production efficiency. Reliable monitoring and modelling of the curing process are therefore essential for process optimisation. In this study, the cure kinetics of a fast-curing epoxy resin system are modelled using the Grindling kinetic model, which accounts for diffusion-controlled reaction behaviour and vitrification effects. Model parameters are identified using both dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. In addition, the glass transition temperature is described as a function of the degree of cure using the DiBenedetto relationship. To demonstrate the applicability of the model for process monitoring, an experimental mould equipped with temperature sensors was developed to simulate real-time estimation of the degree of cure during isothermal processing. The predicted degree of cure is validated by post-process DSC analysis of the manufactured samples. Initial comparisons reveal systematic deviations caused by temperature measurement uncertainties. After implementing a temperature correction based on experimentally determined sensor deviations, the predicted degree of cure shows significantly improved agreement with DSC measurements. The results demonstrate that combining kinetic modelling with temperature monitoring enables reliable real-time estimation of the curing state for fast-curing epoxy systems. The study also highlights the critical importance of accurate temperature measurement for curing monitoring and provides insights into the practical implementation of sensor-based monitoring strategies in liquid composite moulding processes. Full article