Search Results (51,267)

Naturally fermented sour bamboo shoots represent a potential source of functionally active lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This study screened LAB from sour bamboo shoots and evaluated their potential to modulate patient-derived fecal microbiota in vitro. A total of 42 candidate isolates were obtained by morphological and physiological/biochemical screening. Five isolates showing intermediate antibiotic resistance were excluded, and the remaining 37 isolates were evaluated for gastrointestinal tolerance, antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens, and adhesion-related properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified nine strains for further evaluation. These strains were individually introduced into an in vitro colonic fermentation system prepared from pooled fecal samples of patients with bacterial diarrheal enteritis. After 48 h of fermentation, microbial community composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified. LAB treatment was associated with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and a lower relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Compared with the mixed fecal suspension (MFS) control, the relative abundance of Escherichia–Shigella decreased to below 1% in the MRS-6, MRS-12, MRS-36, and MRS-46 groups, accompanied by increases in health-associated commensal genera including Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Bacteroides. Total SCFA concentrations reached 14.51, 13.55, and 12.16 mmol/L in the MRS-36, MRS-46, and MRS-6 groups, respectively, with the highest butyrate concentrations observed in the MRS-36 and MRS-46 groups. These findings establish a sequential screening framework linking in vitro functional phenotypes with validation in a complex fecal microbial community and identify candidate strains with promising microbiota- and SCFA-modulating potential. Full article

The development of novel high-performance materials is a key driver of technological progress in biomedicine. To date, polymeric materials have represented one of the most significant advances in addressing a broad range of challenges. Owing to their versatility and tunable properties, polymers have found countless applications, including in highly demanding biomedical fields, particularly when the availability of donor tissue is limited and transplantation is not always a viable option. To overcome these limitations, increasing research efforts have been devoted to the development of tailor-made biocompatible materials capable of restoring physiological functions. Within this context, the present research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of innovative aromatic polyesters containing polar comonomeric units to enhance their hydrophilicity. The reference homopolymer, poly(pentamethylene naphthalate), was chemically modified by incorporating different molar amounts of dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate subunits, with the aim of improving surface wettability and biological integration. In addition to high thermal stability and processability, the resulting materials exhibited good optical transparency, with low color saturation and a faint bluish hue, making them potentially suitable for biomedical applications, including the treatment of ocular tissues. Finally, biocompatibility was preliminarily assessed through in vitro cytotoxicity tests. Overall, these findings may lay the foundation for developing a new generation of materials capable of providing advanced solutions for biomedical applications. Full article

This study reports on a new one-pot copolymerization process by simultaneous oxidative disulfide and β-thioester formation by reacting bifunctional monomers, 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octane-dithiol (DODT) with diacrylates, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDODA), in the presence of N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), as the same base catalyst for both reactions, in air at room temperature with short reaction times. The resulting random copolymers consist of disulfide linkages between DODTs and β-thioester units formed by thiol-ene Michael addition click reaction. With a stoichiometric DODT/diacrylate feed ratio, diacrylate-telechelic copolymers are obtained in a single-step polymerization reaction. The T_gs of the P(DODT-co-PEGDA) copolymers are nearly constant at around −53 °C, while it decreases with increasing HDODA content in the P(DODT-co-HDODA) copolymers. Reductive degradation with thiols, such as 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol, led to chain scission via the disulfide–thiol exchange reaction. Treatment with NaOH solution resulted in further degradation by hydrolysis of the β-thioester units. These results indicate that these novel copolymers are fully degradable under mild conditions. This new process, applying simultaneous thiol oxidation and thiol-ene reactions, enables to prepare a large variety of sulfur-containing end-functional degradable copolymers useful for a broad range of advanced application possibilities. Full article

Whilst early debridement and autologous skin grafting remain the cornerstones of treatment for deep burns, there has been a shift towards a more selective and regenerative medicine-oriented approach in the topical management of burn wounds. The most critical issue is whether the wound can achieve epithelialization within approximately 2 to 3 weeks. This timeframe is of clinical significance due to the strong association between delayed epithelialization and hypertrophic scarring, which can result in contractures and functional impairment. However, given that the likelihood of epithelialization is influenced by factors such as the mechanism of injury, anatomical location and skin thickness at that site, age, and blood flow, its prediction remains incomplete and relies heavily on experience. The second challenge is to remove necrotic tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, thereby creating a wound bed with an adequately controlled microbial burden. Excessive excision should be avoided. The cytotoxic effects of several topical antimicrobial agents can inhibit the migration of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other cells, as well as damaging the extracellular matrix. In order to address these issues, a range of methods are employed, including enzymatic debridement. The third challenge pertains to the reconstruction of the dermis in full-thickness burns, and the role of dermal and matrix-based materials is expanding. In addition to conventional artificial dermis, acellular fish skin matrices, synthetic biodegradable temporary matrices, and recombinant biomaterials are now being used. These materials can be regarded not solely as wound dressings, but also as instruments for preserving or re-establishing a biologically functional dermal matrix prior to epithelialization. Once these conditions are achieved, autologous skin cell suspension or cultured epidermal autografting may become appropriate options in selected wounds. This Perspective proposes a framework for precision-oriented local burn wound care structured around four sequential but iterative objectives. Full article

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arising in a kidney allograft is a rare but challenging condition, requiring a careful balance between oncologic control and preservation of graft function. Minimally invasive nephron-sparing approaches may represent a valuable treatment option in selected recipients. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 59-year-old kidney transplant recipient diagnosed with papillary RCC in the renal allograft during routine imaging follow-up. The patient underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation, combined with conversion of immunosuppressive therapy to an mTOR inhibitor-based regimen. The procedure was completed successfully without complications, and graft function was preserved. At 3-year follow-up, no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis was detected, with stable renal function maintained throughout the observation period. Conclusions: This case highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation as a nephron-sparing treatment for RCC arising in a renal allograft. In carefully selected high-risk transplant recipients, this approach may provide durable oncologic control while preserving graft function. Full article

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign but locally aggressive osteolytic lesions that are rarely reported in dogs and may progress or recur following surgical treatment. This case report describes the diagnosis, surgical management, postoperative progression, and long-term outcome of an ABC affecting the left ulna of a four-month-old Labrador Retriever. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a rapidly progressive, expansile osteolytic lesion with marked cortical thinning. Histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of ABC, with no evidence of malignancy. Initial treatment consisted of corticotomy, intralesional curettage, autologous bone grafting, and stabilization of the cortical segment with lag screws. Despite complete clinical resolution of lameness, surveillance radiographs six weeks postoperatively demonstrated progression of the lesion proximal to the original surgical site. Revision surgery involving a larger cortical window and more extensive curettage was subsequently performed, followed by bone grafting. Histopathology again confirmed ABC without malignant transformation. The dog regained normal limb function, and serial radiographic and computed tomographic examinations demonstrated progressive osseous remodeling with no evidence of further progression or recurrence through 35 months of follow-up. This case highlights the importance of adequate surgical excision and scheduled postoperative imaging, as ABC progression may occur despite apparent clinical recovery. Full article

Freiberg’s disease is a rare condition involving osteochondrosis and collapse of the metatarsal head, often leading to chronic pain and impaired mobility. Traditional surgical treatments such as osteotomies, autografts, and joint replacements can relieve symptoms but may compromise joint mechanics or cause donor-site complications. In this case, a 23-year-old woman with Smillie stage 3–4 disease underwent a Valenti-type resectional arthroplasty combined with a folded, decellularized dermal graft spacer to preserve joint function. The procedure resulted in rapid recovery, with pain-free motion and restored within weeks. Radiographs showed remodeling of the metatarsal head, and the patient remained fully ambulatory without complications. This technique offers a promising joint-preserving alternative for young, active patients, although further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy. Full article

The gut microbiome of rainbow trout plays a crucial role in fish nutrition, immune function and stress resistance, making it a key factor in aquaculture sustainability. This review systematizes metagenomic data that enable the distinction between resident and transient microbial communities and the identification of a core microbiome. At the phylum level, the core is predominantly composed of Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, and Mycoplasmatota, with additional phyla detected depending on the gut region and methodological approach. Diet-induced changes are often rapid and reversible: insect meal and certain probiotics increase the abundance of beneficial Bacillota and suppress opportunists. Unlike dietary shifts, chronic stressors—particularly elevated temperatures and antibiotic treatment—can override these benefits, causing a persistent alpha diversity reduction, overgrowth of Pseudomonadata, and depletion of key commensals. The autochthonous mucosal microbial community is more resilient to short-term fluctuations but can be irreversibly altered by prolonged stress or antimicrobial therapy, leading to dysbiosis and reduced colonization resistance. A holistic understanding of host–microbe–environment interactions is essential for establishing dynamic reference ranges for a “healthy” microbiome. Such knowledge would enable early detection of dysbiosis and support the rational development of functional feeds and probiotics in commercial trout farming. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by significant treatment challenges and poor prognosis. Traditional therapies such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often suffer from limitations including insufficient therapeutic specificity, potential damage to normal tissues, and limited imaging capability. The integrated diag{Pareja, 2018 #13}nosis-treatment platform combines diagnostic and therapeutic functions, offering a novel approach for real-time tumor monitoring and precision therapy. Methods: Accordingly, this study designed and developed an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic platform called A₂S-TT NPs, utilizing self-assembled nanoparticles incorporating organic conjugated molecules for precise photodynamic therapy (PDT) guided by dual modalities of Near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic imaging (PA). Results: Under 808 nm laser excitation, A₂S-TT NPs efficiently generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the tumor site, inducing mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and DNA damage to activate apoptosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that A₂S-TT NPs exhibited intense NIR-II fluorescence and photoacoustic signals, showcasing excellent dual-modal imaging potential. Moreover, it demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity in the absence of light exposure but significantly enhanced tumor cell killing under laser irradiation, demonstrating superior biosafety and photodynamic efficacy. In vivo studies further confirmed that A₂S-TT NPs effectively accumulated at tumor sites, enabling visualization-based monitoring through its mediated NIR-II and PA dual-modal imaging. Additionally, A₂S-TT NPs-mediated PDT exhibited remarkable tumor-suppressive effects while avoiding significant damage to normal tissues. Discussion: This study constructs a novel PA/NIR-II dual-modal imaging-guided PDT platform based on donor–acceptor conjugated polymer A₂S-TT NPs for integrated TNBC theranostics. PA provides high-resolution deep-tissue imaging, while NIR-II fluorescence offers high sensitivity and deep penetration; their complementary strengths support precise tumor localization and real-time therapeutic monitoring. Under dual-modal guidance, A₂S-TT NPs enrich in tumors and generate abundant ROS upon 808 nm laser irradiation to boost PDT efficacy. In vitro and in vivo biosafety tests confirm its favorable biocompatibility with minimal systemic toxicity at therapeutic doses. Conclusions: In conclusion, A₂S-TT NPs achieved precise, efficient, safe, and controllable PDT through dual-mode imaging using NIR-II and PA, providing a novel strategy with clinical translation potential for the integrated diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. Full article

Acute inflammatory challenge can impair intestinal barrier function and bile acid homeostasis in weaned piglets. Glutamate serves as an important energy substrate and functional amino acid for intestinal epithelial cells, yet the epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying its potential protective effects remain poorly defined. This study investigated whether dietary glutamate supplementation is associated with m⁶A-dependent regulation of SLC10A2 and bile acid signaling in weaned piglets subjected to an acute LPS challenge, with supporting validation in IPEC-J2 cells. LPS challenge (100 μg/kg body weight) impaired ileal morphological structure, activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and aggravated intestinal inflammatory responses in piglets. In contrast, glutamate supplementation was associated with restored ileal mucosal morphology, up-regulated expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, and suppressed TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation. Further metabolomic analysis indicated that LPS stimulation and glutamate intervention altered ileal bile acid metabolism: LPS decreased total bile acid (TBA) content in ileal tissue while increasing TBA accumulation in ileal chyme, whereas glutamate treatment partially reversed this pattern, by elevating ileal tissue TBA and reducing chyme TBA, suggesting a facilitatory effect of glutamate on intestinal bile acid reabsorption. Glutamate supplementation was also associated with increased ileal ASBT (SLC10A2) and FXR (NR1H4) expression. The SLC10A2 transcript exhibited detectable m⁶A modification; glutamate supplementation rescued the LPS-induced downregulation of m⁶A demethylases FTO and ALKBH5, which was associated with reduced global and SLC10A2-specific m⁶A modification. In vitro experiments in IPEC-J2 cells suggested that inhibition of FTO or glutamate dehydrogenase attenuated the effects of glutamate on m⁶A modification and SLC10A2 expression, and that YTHDF2 may contribute to the degradation of hyper-m⁶A-modified SLC10A2 mRNA. Glutamate-derived α-KG may serve as a cofactor supporting demethylase expression and activity after LPS stimulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that glutamate may alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in weaned piglets through a pathway involving α-KG-dependent maintenance of m⁶A demethylase expression, reduced m⁶A modification of SLC10A2, and preserved ASBT/FXR signaling. This study provides evidence for a nutritional–epitranscriptomic axis that may contribute to intestinal protection under acute inflammatory stress. Full article

Background: Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare disorder characterized by excessive epidural fat accumulation. Diagnosis may be challenging because imaging findings are frequently overlooked, and evidence-based management guidelines, particularly thoracic disease, remain limited. Case report: We present a case report of a 54-year-old male patient, who suffered from lower limb spastic paresis and associated muscle spasms (Nurick grade V). After a difficult diagnostic process, MRI of the thoracic spine confirmed dorsal/posterior spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL; Manjila grade IIb-α) extending from Th2 to Th9, with moderate thecal sac compression. A small Th6–Th7 intervertebral disc prolapse was also present, without evidence of scoliosis, syrinx, spinal cord edema, or myelomalacia. Following bilateral thoracic decompression and complete resection of the SEL tissue, the patient’s neurological function improved markedly, from Nurick grade V preoperatively to Nurick grade II at 11 months of follow-up. Consequently, bilateral laminectomy of the thoracic region was performed with total resection of the SEL tissue. Following surgery, the patient’s neurological symptoms improved markedly (Nurick grade II; 11 months postoperatively), and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of spinal epidural lipomatosis. Methods: We performed a systematic review of case reports of SEL occurring, or co-occurring in the thoracic region based on the literature identified on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, after using search terms: “(thoracic) AND (“spinal” OR “epidural”) AND (lipomatosis)” and filters: [English], [humans] and [year 2020–2026], with the accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: We identified 21 cases of thoracic SEL from 19 articles. In 12 cases the patients were male, in 9 female. Reported etiological associations included type 1 diabetes mellitus, exogenous corticosteroid exposure, obesity/metabolic syndrome, Cushing syndrome, and CLOVES syndrome. Given the small, case-report-based sample, these findings should be considered reported associations rather than estimates of prevalence or independent risk factors. Surgical treatment of thoracic SEL can be accomplished by various techniques such as laminectomy (continuous or skip), laminoplasty, or minimally invasive procedures—including endoscopic spine surgery. Conclusions: Large-volume, multicenter studies with long-term clinico-radiological follow-up would be necessary to understand the natural history and treatment outcomes, and to form evidence-based guidelines for interventions. Our case report and findings highlight that thoracic SEL should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained compressive myelopathy, even when imaging studies are inconclusive. Rapid identification or possibly reversible causes of myelopathy and initiation of treatment can significantly relieve symptoms, so it is important to remember this disease in the diagnostic process. Full article

Background/Objectives: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may progress despite antifibrotic therapy, highlighting the need for biomarkers of early treatment-associated biological changes. This study aimed to assess the potential role of hepcidin in monitoring treatment response by evaluating pre- and post-treatment serum hepcidin levels in patients with IPF receiving antifibrotic therapy. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included 38 clinically stable patients diagnosed with IPF according to the 2022 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS)criteria between January and July 2025. Serum hepcidin was measured by ELISA at antifibrotic therapy initiation and month 3. Demographic data, pulmonary function tests, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and 6 min walk test results were recorded. Analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. Results: Mean serum hepcidin decreased from 33.00 ± 16.74 to 24.41 ± 12.42 ng/mL (p < 0.001), with reductions observed in 30 of 38 patients (78.9%). Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) increased from 73.83 ± 18.10% predicted to 77.74 ± 15.70% predicted (p < 0.001). Median DLCO increased from 68.50 (51.00–80.50)% predicted to 72.50 (60.00–83.75)% predicted (p < 0.001). Six-minute walk distance did not change significantly (p = 0.078), nor did hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The change in hepcidin did not differ between the pirfenidone and nintedanib groups (p = 0.817). Although FVC and DLCO increased over three months, these short-term functional changes should be interpreted cautiously, as test familiarization, measurement variability, and regression to the mean cannot be excluded; therefore, they should not be considered evidence of fibrosis reversal or a direct treatment effect. Conclusions: Our study provides the first real-world data demonstrating a significant decrease in serum hepcidin following antifibrotic treatment in patients with IPF. These findings suggest that serum hepcidin may have potential clinical utility as a biomarker for assessing response to antifibrotic therapy in IPF. Full article

Colles fracture is a common type of wrist fracture, typically resulting from falling onto an outstretched hand. Postoperative patients often require long-term self-rehabilitation to restore wrist function. However, traditional rehabilitation relies on medical personnel and lacks real-time feedback and progress tracking, which may lead to poor rehabilitation or even deterioration of the condition. This article proposes an intelligent wearable system based on edge computing to enhance the efficiency of self-rehabilitation, improve system portability, and ensure comprehensive recording of rehabilitation data. The system performs real-time data processing and feedback to assist patients and healthcare providers in monitoring rehabilitation progress and optimizing recovery outcomes. The proposed system integrates an STM32 microcontroller, NanoEdge AI, and a 9-axis inertial sensor to detect and evaluate the accuracy of hand rehabilitation movements, ensuring the precision of self-rehabilitation. All rehabilitation movements are schemed under the guidance of professional physicians to ensure correctness and minimize the risk of secondary injuries caused by improper rehabilitation. Data such as motion records, training duration, and count are transmitted via Bluetooth to the Local database for further analysis. A custom web interface allows healthcare providers to monitor and analyze collected data. This approach improves diagnostic accuracy, supports personalized rehabilitation recommendations, and improves treatment outcomes and patient recovery success rates. Full article

This paper offers a diachronic and ecoanthropological analysis of the existence, function, and treatment of sacred waters within Macedonian monasteries, from the High Middle Ages and Byzantine rule (eleventh century) to the National Revival period of the nineteenth century. Across this centuries-long span, the sanctity of water underwent a significant ontological and spatial transformation, shaped by complex relationships of ecclesiastic, cultural, historical, social and political factors. The paper’s central argument traces a shift from a strictly ecclesiastic and theological framework toward a vernacularized, folkloric sacrality of the water. In the medieval period, the sanctity of water depended chiefly on the liturgical act of epiclesis, the institutionalized consecration effected through invocation of the Holy Spirit, whereas in the period from the late 18th to the beginning of the 20th century happened an unprecedented proliferation of localized “holy water” springs. Their sanctity was regarded as immanent, independent of sacerdotal phenomena. Where medieval hagiasmata were dedicated predominantly to the Theotokos and to the Life-giving Spring (Baloukli), the 19th century brought a marked democratization of sacred waters. The sacral topography of monasteries came to include springs dedicated to a wide pantheon of saints or to specific days of the week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday waters, associated with St. Paraskevi, St. Nedela/Kyriaki, St. George, and St. Demetrius). This diversification finds little grounding in official theological doctrine; its sources lie instead in the deep syncretism of folk religion and in enduring traces of pre-Christian belief. Read through an ecoanthropological lens, the paper argues that the sacralization of water functioned not only as a religious phenomenon but also as a cultural mechanism for establishing a sustainable, reciprocal relationship between human communities and the natural environment. Sacred springs operated as biocultural reservoirs in which spiritual ethics contributed directly to the long-term conservation of vital hydrological resources and sacred landscapes. Full article

Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and real-world data on outpatient management are limited. Methods: In total, 697 patients with previously diagnosed CCS who visited outpatient cardiology clinics at 25 centers in Turkey between June 2023 and December 2023 were prospectively enrolled and followed up for 12 weeks. Demographic and clinical characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, a modified questionnaire derived from the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (modified SAQ-based questionnaire), and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: The most common diagnostic modalities were exercise stress testing (31.6%) and coronary angiography (38.2%). Medical therapy (58.5%) was preferred over interventional treatment (41.5%). Among patients who were not receiving the respective medication at baseline, beta-blockers (61.8%), statins (46.5%), and ranolazine (40.4%) were the most commonly newly initiated medications. Patients in the intervention group were younger, were more frequently current smokers, had greater nitrate use, and had lower ejection fraction than those in the medical treatment group. Patient-reported responses to the modified SAQ-based questionnaire shifted toward less functional limitation, lower angina burden, and better perceived quality of life over the 12-week follow-up. Conclusions: Medical therapy was the predominant management strategy for CCS in Turkey. The observed diagnostic and therapeutic patterns reflect real-world management of patients with established CCS, with substantial use of invasive coronary angiography and high baseline utilization of guideline-directed medical therapies. Full article