Mean Size Research Articles

Size matters: Biomolecular compositions of small and large extracellular vesicles in the urine of glioblastoma patients.

The promise of urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) in biomarker discovery is emerging. However, the characteristics and compositions of different uEV subpopulations across normal physiological and pathological states require rigorous explication. We recently reported proteomic signatures of small (s)-uEVs (<200nm membranous nanoparticles) and described putative biomarkers corresponding to the diagnosis, tumour burden and recurrence of the lethal adult primary brain tumour, glioblastoma. Here, we comprehensively characterise uEV populations with significantly different mean and mode particle sizes obtained by differential centrifugation at 100,000×g (100K-uEVs; smaller) and 17,000×g (17K-uEVs; larger) using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and quantitative data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. We show distinct differences in protein and lipid content, prominent protein secondary structures, and proteome distributions between uEV populations that can distinguish glioblastoma patients from healthy controls and correspond to clinically relevant tumour changes (i.e., recurrence and treatment resistance). Among the key findings is a putative seven-protein biomarker panel associated with 17K-uEVs that could distinguish all glioblastoma patients from healthy controls and accurately classify 98.2% of glioblastoma samples. These novel, significant findings demonstrate that both uEV populations offer individual and combined biomarker potential. Further research is warranted to elucidate the complete diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive capabilities of often-neglected 17K-uEV populations.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Applications of CuO Nanoparticles Using Prosopis Cineraria Seed Extract

Abstract The current study used a seed extract of Prosopis cineraria as a stabilizing and reducing agent to produce CuO nanoparticles via an easy, low-cost, affordable, and environmentally friendly synthesis process. The formation of copper oxide nanoparticles and the maximum absorbance of the CuO nanoparticles produced in the solution at 565 nm were verified by UV-vis. Copper oxide nanoparticles were found to have secondary metabolites on their surface, as shown by a distinctive Cu-O stretching band at 532 cm−1, which confirmed the reduced Cu2+ ions in copper oxide nanoparticles. This was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The XRD analysis confirmed the produced copper oxide nanoparticles’ monoclinic crystalline nanostructure with an average particle size of 34 nm. The phytonutrients in Prosopis cineraria seed extract stabilized and reduced copper, as demonstrated by the existence of copper and oxygen atoms at 85.2% and 12.5%, respectively, as demonstrated by SEM-EDX analysis. According to the HR-TEM study, copper oxide nanoparticles with a mean size of 18 nm are spherical in shape and well distributed. Prosopis cineraria seed extract-derived copper oxide nanoparticles were utilized as a catalyst in the Ullmann process to produce diphenyl ether. CuO nanoparticles produced by Prosopis cineraria seed extraction as a catalyst yielded 91% diphenyl ether. The results showed that a more ecologically friendly way of synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles with great homogeneity of particle sizes could be achieved using seed extract. This work aims to facilitate heterogeneous catalysis from CuO nanoparticles utilising Prosopis cineraria seed extract. Overall, this technique offers several advantages, like high yields at fast reaction times, and low catalyst loading are just a few of this approach’s many benefits.

Accuracy of imaging of BI-RADS 4 subcategorizations in breast lesion diagnosis: Radiologic-pathologic correlation.

To correlate breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) category 4 lesions with histopathology results to assess the accuracy of subcategorization. A retrospective study was carried out from September 2021 to June 2022. A total of 247 breast lesions were reviewed categorized as BI-RADS 4 using ultrasound (US) and digital mammography. Feature analysis of the lesions were obtained using BI-RADS terminology and assigned to subcategories (4A, 4B, and 4C). Pathological analysis was carried out on tissue obtained through US-guided core biopsy. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Of the 247 lesions, 135 were categorized as subcategory 4A, 68 as 4B, and 44 as 4C. Overall, 41 (16.6%) had malignant lesions, while 206 (83.4%) had benign lesions. The mean age of the patients with benign versus malignant lesions was (43.18±14.02 vs. 51.24±14.15 years; p<0.001). Mean size of benign versus malignant lesions was (1.93±1.65 vs. 3.82±3.89cm; p<0.001). Findings were compared with histopathology, and the positive predictive value fell within the reference range for subcategories 4C (>70%). High reliability was observed between the 2 readers, with a weighted Cohen's Kappa value of 0.79 (0.73-0.85). Significant disagreements in the assignment of features on radiological lesion characterization were observed between the 2 readers regarding lesion density, shape, echo pattern, vascularity, and borders. The results of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines for the characterization of BI-RADS 4 subcategories and improved diagnostic accuracy in the management of breast lesions.

Postoperative Outcome And Complications Among Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Patients

Introduction: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a recurrence pattern in gastric cancer, commonly complicating the postoperative course, especially in high-risk individuals. These complications adversely affect quality of life, increase mortality, and have immediate postoperative clinical implications. Surgery is the best treatment for early-stage tumors, despite its associated risks, including mortality. Aim: To evaluate the impact of postoperative complications on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing peritoneal cancer surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over twenty-one months from July 2017 to March 2019. Forty-two patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and diagnosed clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically. Data were collected using a structured case record form and analyzed using SPSS-22. Results: The mean age of participants was 66.19 ± 10.38 years, with 33.3% aged 56-65 years. The cohort included 64.3% males and 35.7% females, with 52.4%, 40.5%, and 7.1% having a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m², 25- 30 kg/m², and &gt;30 kg/m², respectively. Smoking and betel leaf use were common (61.9% and 83.3%, respectively), with 69% from the middle class. Tumors primarily involved the proximal and distal stomach, with a mean size of 6.20 ± 1.86 cm, predominantly Type 3 and Type 4, and stages T4a and N2. No metastasis was observed. Total and lower radical gastrectomies were performed, with complications occurring in 9.5% (chest infection) and 14.3% (wound infection), while 76.2% had no complications. Conclusion: Complications can serve as indicators of postoperative clinical outcomes. The findings highlight the need for systemic changes in healthcare to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality, thereby decreasing hospital stays.

Functional outcome after arthroscopic mosaicplasty for localised osteochondral defects in the knee

Background: Knee injuries are commonly encountered in active sports persons as well as nonathletes, with approximately 60% of patients having cartilage damage with or without associated ligament and meniscal injuries. In this study, we report on the functional outcome of autologous osteochondral grafting in localised cartilage lesions of the knee. MethodsA longitudinal follow-up study was conducted on 50 patients aged between 18-55 years with symptomatic focal cartilage defect in the knee of size less than 2.0 cm2 after necessary inclusion/exclusion criteria. Management involved arthroscopic autologous osteochondral grafting. The donor cartilage was from the non–weight-bearing region of the ipsilateral knee. Other associated intra-articular injuries were addressed in the same sitting. The patients were followed up after 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and clinical status documented by the Lysholm Knee Function Scale (LKFS). ResultsMost patients were young active males. Clinical presentation involved pain in all participants, followed by joint line tenderness. There was at least one associated injury to other intra-articular structures in 52% of the patients. The commonest associated injury was anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear followed by meniscus tear. The mean size of the focal cartilage defect was 1.013 cm2, ranging from 0.8 cm2 to 1.6 cm2. The mean preoperative LKFS was 56.97 ± 1.38 (standard error). There was a statistically (p < 0.001) as well as clinically significant (clinically important difference >13.0 and patient acceptable symptomatic state >70.0) improvement in the mean Lysholm score, which was 70 ± 1.32, 81.3 ± 1.12 and 92.1 ± 1.11 at the end of 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months respectively. Eighty-four percent of the patients showed excellent functional outcome at 6 months (LKFS >90), whereas 8% and 4% had good and fair outcomes, respectively, at 6 months (LKFS: 70–90). Two patients (4%) who had failed ACL reconstruction had poor outcome (LKFS <70)at 6 months. ConclusionMosaicplasty is an excellent procedure for managing cartilage defects of small to medium sizes, less than 2.0 cm2. The short-term results are satisfying and can accelerate rehabilitation of sports injuries. It is noteworthy that instability is a contra-indication for the procedure to succeed.

Cerium doped superparamagnetic Mn-Zn ferrite as a promising material for self-regulated magnetic hyperthermia

Recently, cubic ferrites (CF) have been widely explored in biomedical applications, especially those that display superparamagnetism behavior due to the desirable absence of remanent field. In this study, we report the self-stabilization of the magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) temperature in the cancer therapy range (42 - 48 ºC) by Ce3+ substitution in superparamagnetic Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2-xCexO4 ferrite with x = 0.0; 0.015; 0.030; 0.050 and 0.100. A comprehensive characterization was performed in order to investigate the influence of this replacement on the magnetic and structural properties of the ferrite. The samples were synthesized by the sol-gel auto-combustion method and the properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), vibrational sample magnetometry (VSM), and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Magnetic hyperthermia essays were used to obtain the heat induction curves and calculate energy dissipation. We refined the XRD data by the Rietveld method to determine the cation distribution and calculate interionic parameters. Magnetic characterization confirms the superparamagnetic behavior at 300 K, which is expected from the TEM results that show a narrow distribution of particle sizes, with a mean size of about 6.5 nm for all samples. The VSM results show a consistent decrease in magnetization saturation with cerium content that result in a weaker self-heating induction capacity for the cerium-doped samples. FMR results also show a smaller relaxation time T2 for these samples, suggesting a slower energy dissipation rate. These conclusions are confirmed by the heat induction curves and the values of the specific absorption rate (SAR), which are smaller for cerium-doped samples. For the a field with an amplitude of 35.33 kA/m and a frequency of 222 kHz, the temperature of the cerium-doped samples saturates in the optimum interval for cancer treatment, between 42 and 48 ºC. These results suggest that Ce3+ is a promising doping ion to optimize the heating rate behavior of Mn-Zn ferrite for cancer treatment by hyperthermia.

A 3-arm randomized control trial to compare the efficacy of re-circulant hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy versus conventional intravesical mitomycin C and BCG therapy for intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of re-circulant hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy versus conventional treatments for intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A randomized 3-arm, parallel group trial was conducted at a single tertiary care centre. 135 patients with low-grade intermediate-risk cancer, having undergone complete resection of bladder tumor were included. Patients were assigned 1:1:1, to receive intra-vesical chemo-hyperthermia (C-HT), mitomycin-C (MMC) or BCG therapy. There was no treatment crossover. Patients were followed up with check cystoscopy every 3 months for histopathological recurrence. The three arms were comparable in terms of age, gender, tumor size, number of tumors and clinical stage or grade of tumors. Mean tumor size was 2.58 (± 0.88) cm and the mean number of tumors resected was 2.04 (± 1.02) (Range 1-5). There was no significant difference between the various groups for tumor recurrence (χ2 = 1.96, p = 0.375) or time to recurrence (13.6 vs. 10.8 vs. 9.8 months, p = 0.844)though incidence of non-healing necrotic area was higher with C-HT (22.2% vs. 11.1% and 4.8%, χ2 = 6.093, p = 0.048). Median (IQR) follow up period was 26 (12-52) months. Treatment discontinuation or drug intolerance was significantly higher in BCG arm (p = 0.03). Intravesical C-HT with MMC, conventional MMC and BCG are equally effective and comparable alternatives for intravesical therapy in low-grade intermediate-risk NMIBC. Higher incidence of non-healing resection site with C-HT and higher local symptoms with BCG are a concern.

Dependence of Thermal Conductivity on Size and Specific Surface Area for Different Based CoFe2O4 Cluster Nanofluids

Enhancing the thermal conductivity of fluids by using nanoparticles with outstanding thermophysical properties has acquired significant attention for heat-transfer applications. Nanofluids have the potential to optimize energy systems by improving heat-transfer efficiency. In this study, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles clusters with controlled mean sizes ranging from 97 to 192 nm were synthesized using a solvothermal method to develop novel nanofluids with enhanced thermal conductivity. These clusters were comprehensively characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry, and nitrogen physisorption. The CoFe2O4 cluster nanofluids were prepared using the two-step method with various base fluids (water, propylene glycol, and a mixture of both). Dynamic light scattering analyses of the average Z-size of the dispersed nanoadditives over time revealed that the stability of the dispersions is influenced by cluster size and the proportion of glycol in the base fluid. The thermal conductivity of the base fluid and nine different 0.5 wt% CoFe2O4 cluster nanofluids was measured using the transient hot wire method at temperatures of 293.15, 303.15, and 313.15 K, showing different temperature dependencies. The study also explores the relationships between the thermal conductivity, cluster size, and specific surface area of the nanoadditives. A maximum thermal conductivity enhancement of 4.2% was reported for the 0.5 wt% nanofluid based on propylene glycol containing 97 nm CoFe2O4 clusters. The findings suggest that the specific surface area of nanostructures is a more relevant parameter than size for describing improvements in thermal conductivity.

Statistical analysis of lamellar and Widmannstätten structures obtained in Nb-rich γ-TiAl alloy with varied cooling rate and annealing duration

Nb-rich γ-TiAl alloys are of interest for enhanced mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. The influence of cooling rate and annealing duration on microstructural evolution of Nb-rich γ-TiAl alloy (Ti-45Al-8Nb-0.2B) has been meticulously investigated, with emphasis on phase volume fraction, grain size, and lamellar spacing. The alloy was annealed at 1320 °C for 15 min, and then furnace-cooled, oil-quenched or cryogenic quenched, whereas annealing for 2 h and 26 h was followed by water quenching. The post-anneal microstructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy, along with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscattered diffraction. Across all samples, a fully lamellar microstructure comprising α2 and γ phases has been consistently achieved, along with sporadically observed small β precipitates, and elongated ribbon-like TiB2. Widmannstätten colonies (WC) have been observed with diverse morphologies, most of which exhibited an angle of around 64° to regular lamellae, supporting the theory of {1‾1‾22} twinning in the α-phase for WC formation. The γ phase fraction has decreased with increasing cooling rate and annealing time. Grain size and lamellar spacing have also declined with cooling rate but increased with annealing time. Additionally, the mean size of equiaxed γ grains has enlarged with annealing duration.

Real-world Referral Pattern of Unplanned Excision in Patients With Soft-tissue Sarcoma: A Multicenter Study Conducted by the Bone and Soft-tissue Tumor Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group.

Despite the well-publicized clinical outcomes after unplanned excision (UE) and re-excision (re-excision) in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), there is little information about the real-life referral patterns for UE, such as patient profile, details of procedures, and subsequent management after UE. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with UE who were referred to sarcoma-specific centers. Between May 2022 and June 2023, we registered 97 patients who underwent UE and were referred to sarcoma-specific centers in Japan. We excluded those with well-differentiated liposarcomas and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberances. We investigated the details of UE and additional treatment after UE. There were 49 men and 48 women, with a mean age of 62 years. A broad range of surgeons performed UE; 36 plastic surgeons, 22 orthopedic surgeons, 17 general surgeons, 17 dermatologists, and 5 others. The mean tumor size was 4.1 cm. Local anesthesia was administered to 58 patients. Forty-five patients underwent UE without prior magnetic resonance imaging. Inappropriate transverse skin incisions were performed in 42 patients. Of the 97 patients, 82 underwent re-excision after UE. The mean time between UE and date of initial presentation at the referral hospital was 46 days. The mean interval between UE and re-excision was 96 days. Of the 82 patients, 59 underwent soft-tissue reconstruction after re-excision. A broad range of surgeons performed UE. Continuous education about STS should be considered for all surgeons. UE should be avoided because residual tumors are common, and reconstructive surgery may be necessary.

Telemedical Franconian Obesity Aftercare Therapy (Tele-FANT) Results of a Formative Evaluation

Following rehabilitation, patients are often unable to continue with the behavioral changes they had learned there in the long term. It is therefore important to offer aftercare services to improve self-management. Internet-based and telephone aftercare concepts in particular are low-cost and flexible in application, and offer an opportunity to significantly increase the use of aftercare measures. In, the"Tele-FANT" project, obese patients were supported by an aftercare therapist over a period of 12 months following their inpatient rehabilitation stay by regular telephone or video consultations. A one-group pre-post design was used for the formative evaluation. Participants took part in a written survey at the start of rehabilitation, at the end of rehabilitation and 4, 8 and 12 months after rehabilitation. As a key variable, body weight (external measurement by the family doctor) was also recorded at all measurement times to calculate the percentage weight loss from the start of rehabilitation. Descriptive parameters were calculated at the beginning, as well as mean differences and standardized effect sizes (SES) at the post-measurement time points. A total of 47 obese rehabilitation patients (mean BMI=44.56, SD=7.23) from the Frankenlandklinik Bad Windsheim were recruited to participate in the aftercare program. The complete program up to the 12-month follow-up was completed by 30 participants (drop-out: 36.2%). The remaining participants showed a high level of acceptance for both the structural processes and the content of the aftercare program. A weight loss of at least 10% was achieved by 13 participants (50%) at the 12-month follow-up, a further 4 participants (15.4%) had lost 5 to 10%. The participants were able to reduce their BMI by an average of 4.45 BMI points from 43.69 (SD=7.25) to 39.24 (SD=7.25) since the start of rehabilitation (mean effect size: SES=0.61). In the formative evaluation, the "Tele-FANT" aftercare program shows good feasibility and promising results with regard to the goal of weight reduction/stabilization. However, the high drop-out rate indicates that some of the participants were not satisfied with the program or were unable to achieve the desired outcome. The next step would be to test the effectiveness of the "Tele-FANT" aftercare concept in a randomized control group study.

The Diagnostic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles Derived From the Blood Plasma of Glioblastoma Patients.

Biomarkers for patients suffering from glioblastoma (GBM) are scarce. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are a promising candidate for a potential biomarker. Therefore, EV concentration could be a potential biomarker of tumor burden, volume, and prognosis. Large EV (lEV) and small EV (sEV) were isolated from 36 GBM patients' blood plasma by differential centrifugation. Nanoparticle tracking was used to measure EV concentration. Quantitative analysis of tumor volume was performed by evaluating T2/FLAIR relaxation times. The mean size of lEV was 173.3 nm ± 18.2 nm, while sEV measured 148.3 ± 9.0 nm. Patients with higher lEV concentrations showed a trend towards longer overall survival (36.1 vs. 16.5 months, p=0.08). Regarding inflammatory markers, higher leukocyte count was positively correlated with higher sEV concentration (r2=0.3887, DF 21, p=0.0015). No significant relationship was found between lEV or sEV concentration and tumor volume. Overall EV concentration in the peripheral blood is not a predictor of tumor volume. sEV concentration is associated with a potential pro-inflammatory metabolism.

Numerical study of aluminum combustion with agglomerate size distribution in solid rocket motor

The aluminum agglomerate size distribution plays an important role in influencing the particle distributed combustion in motor, which subsequently affects the performance of solid rocket motor significantly. In this work, a three-phase model to describe distributed combustion of aluminum agglomerates is established based on the Eulerian-Lagrangian method. Then, the agglomerate size, including mono size and distributed size, is studied to reveal its effect on aluminum combustion and motor flow field. The simulated results indicate that the increasing agglomerate mono size observes the obvious decrease of the average temperature inside the motor combustion chamber, implying the low combustion efficiency of large agglomerate size. When considering the agglomerate size distribution, the size distribution mode and the mean size D43 determine the combustion efficiency together. In particular, even the mean size is similar, with different distribution mode, like skewed distribution, bimodal or trimodal distribution, the combustion efficiency and flow field parameters are nonnegligible different. However, when the size distribution mode is the same and the peak range is similar, the mean size D43 becomes the only and predominant factor as the mono size.

Social inequalities in the mental well-being of adolescents in Barcelona (2016-2021)

Abstract Crises have the potential to affect mental well-being (MWB), especially at vital stages of personal development such as adolescence. The objective of this study was to investigate the 2016-21 trends of social inequalities in the MWB of adolescents in Barcelona, stratifying by sex. Sequential, cross-sectional study based on the FRESC survey, held by the ASPB, representative of 8th and 10th grade adolescents (13-16 years old) schooled in Barcelona, in 2016 (N = 2,154) and 2021 (N = 2,299). MWB was examined using the validated WEMWBS, scoring from 14 (lowest) to 70 (highest) MWB. A temporal trend analysis of inequalities in MWB was carried out using the student socioeconomic status (SES) (low/average/high), measured with the validated FAS. For each group, the effect size of the WEMWBS means was measured with Cohen’s D. Linear regressions were performed, adjusting for academic grade, student country of origin, type of school and school index of vulnerable students. Adjusted β coefficients (aβ) and their statistical significance (p&amp;lt;.05) were estimated. In 2016, boys had higher MWB mean scores than girls (54.0 vs 50.8) (p&amp;lt;.01). In 2021, sex differences persisted, but with lower scores (51.7 vs 47.0) (p&amp;lt;.01) and still with a moderate effect size (0.52 in 2021 vs 0.40 in 2016). In multivariate regression models, boys in low SES showed the greatest MWB decrease in 2016 (low vs high SES: aβ= -3.44; p&amp;lt;.01). A significant temporal trend 2016-2021 of MWB worsening was observed in all groups, except for boys in low SES. The greatest deterioration in MWB was observed in girls, similarly in different SES (low SES: aβ= -3.52; p&amp;lt;.01). Boys in low SES showed the worst MWB in 2016 whereas all SES categories of girls had a significant trend of deterioration in MWB (2016-21). The latter could be attributed, among other factors, to a differential effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results underline the importance of addressing inequalities in the MWB, particularly among adolescent girls. Key messages • This study reveals a deterioration in mental well-being temporal trends (2016-2021) among adolescents in Barcelona, especially in girls. • Findings emphasize the need to address social inequalities for improving mental well-being outcomes in adolescent populations.

Impact of spilanthol supplementation with balance training on neuromuscular performance

Abstract Background Age-related reductions in muscle mass, muscle contraction power, force, and coordination contribute to an elevated risk of falls and associated consequences. Research suggests that the enhancement of neuromuscular function is attainable through a regimen of targeted exercises and the strategic inclusion of certain supplements like spilanthol. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of resistance exercise with either spilanthol plus coordination/ balance training (BAL) or BAL-alone on neuromuscular function (countermovement jump, multiple one-leg hopping, and sit-to-stand test). Materials and methods In the course of this study, a cohort of 68 healthy male participants, aged 40 to 50 years, completed a rigorous 6-month intervention, from the initial 75 recruits. In the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, participants engaged in 30 minutes of resistance exercise sessions four times a week, complemented by daily supplementation of 17.5 mg of spilanthol. Results The analysis of the results showed significant improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, particularly evident in the peak countermovement power (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The mean effect size for this parameter was a + 1.5[0.9 to 2.1] W/kg greater change in spilanthol-plus-BAL group than BAL-alone group after six months. Moreover, multiple one-leg hopping performance showed significant enhancement in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group post-intervention. The parameters of sit-to-stand duration (1.04 s vs. 1.95 s; p = 0.03) and average acceleration (1.54 g vs. 1.06 g; p = 0.04) both exhibited substantial improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group compared to the BAL-alone group. Conclusions The findings of this investigation contribute empirical evidence supporting the proposition that spilanthol supplementation, when integrated with BAL training, can exert a more pronounced impact on select facets of neuromuscular function. Key messages • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training can exert a pronounced impact on neuromuscular function. • Spilanthol supplementation with balance training demonstrates potential in mitigating sarcopenia and other degenerative conditions.

Novel algae-mediated biosynthesis approach of chitosan nanoparticles using Ulva fasciata extract, process optimization, characterization and their flocculation performance

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are promising biopolymeric nanoparticles with excellent physicochemical, antimicrobial, and biological properties. In this investigation, CNPs were produced using Ulva fasciata biomass extract as a reducing agent. The SEM micrograph revealed that the biosynthesized CNPs appeared to be spheres with a mean size of 32.49 nm. The ζ-potential pattern of CNPs has a single peak at +33.1 mV, indicating a positively charged surface. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the biosynthesized CNPs exhibited three different peaks at 2θ = 25.24, 52.96, and 72.28°. The FTIR analysis identifies various functional groups. The thermogravimetric analyses demonstrate that CNPs have high thermal stability. Additionally, the highest biosynthesis of CNPs (8.96 mg CNPs/mL) was obtained via FCCCD when the initial pH level was 4, Ulva fasciata extract concentration was 45 %, v/v, and chitosan concentration was 0.9 %. Algae-mediated synthesized CNPs were used as coagulating/flocculating agents. By using the jar test, CNPs exhibited superior flocculation performance compared to commercial coagulants like alum, FeCl3, and chitosan in bulk form. Further, different parameters were screened, and the maximum flocculating activity (FA) recorded was 83.58 ± 0.47 % at 500 mg/L of CNPs, 1–5 % clay suspension at pH and temperature ranges of 6–8 and 10–80 °C, respectively. CNPs displayed eminent performance in water clarification.

In Vitro Lipid Digestion of Milk Formula with Different Lipid Droplets: A Study on the Gastric Digestion Emulsion Structure and Lipid Release Pattern.

In this study, the digestive properties of milk formulas (two concept milk formulas L1 and L2 with D4,3 ∼5 μm and a control milk formula S1 with D4,3 ∼0.5 μm) were evaluated using a dynamic digestion model simulating the infant gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that L1 and L2 had a lower lipolysis degree compared to S1 during gastric digestion and no significant difference at the end of the digestion process. Triacylglycerol lipolysis products were highly related to the lipid sources of milk formulas. At the end of digestion, glycerophospholipids in milk formulas were hydrolyzed to lysophospholipids (∼60-80%), while sphingomyelins were barely hydrolyzed. Concept milk formulas showed a complete spherical structure with a mean size of 3-5 μm during gastric digestion, while the control formula had large aggregates consisting of small lipid droplets. This study reveals that the structure of lipid droplets moderates the gastric digestion emulsion structure and further influences the digestive properties of milk formulas.

Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma response to radiation segmentectomy using an MRI-based machine learning approach.

To evaluate the value of pre-treatment MRI-based radiomics in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the prediction of response to Yttrium 90 radiation segmentectomy. This retrospective study included 154 patients (38 female; mean age 66.8years) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI prior to radiation segmentectomy. Radiomics features were manually extracted on volumes of interest on post-contrast T1-weighted images at the portal venous phase (PVP). Tumor-based response assessment was evaluated 6months post-treatment using mRECIST. A logistic regression model was used to predict binary response outcome [complete response at 6months with no-re-treatment (response group) against the rest (non-response group, including partial response, progressive disease, stable disease and complete response after re-treatment within 6months after radiation segmentectomy) using baseline clinical parameters and radiomics features. We accessed the value of different sets of predictors using cross-validation technique. AUCs were compared using DeLong tests. A total 168 HCCs (mean size 2.9 ± 1.7cm) were analyzed in 154 patients. The response group consisted of 113 HCCs and the non-response group of 55 HCCs. Baseline clinical parameters (AUC 0.531; sensitivity, 0.781; specificity, 0.279; positive predictive value (PPV), 0.345; negative predictive value (NPV), 0.724) and AFP (AUC 0.632; sensitivity, 0.833; specificity, 0.466; PPV, 0.432; NPV, 0.851) showed poor performance for response prediction. The model using a combination of radiomics features and clinical parameters/AFP showed the best performance (AUC 0.736; sensitivity, 0.706; specificity, 0.662; PPV 0.504; NPV, 0.822), significantly better than the clinical model (p < 0.001) or AFP alone (p < 0.001). The combination of radiomics features from pre-treatment MRI with clinical parameters and AFP showed fair performance for predicting HCC response to radiation segmentectomy, better than that of AFP. These results need further validation.

Comparative Diagnostic Value of 18F-FDG-PET-CT and Intraoperative Examination in Cervical Cancer Staging.

Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of 18F-FDG-PET-CT in preoperative staging of cervical cancer, focusing on determining surgical operability and exploring the correlation between its quantitative parameters and clinicopathological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 62 cervical cancer patients treated at the Department of Gynecology, Clinic for Operative Oncology at the Institute of Oncology Vojvodina between January 2016 and January 2020, where preoperative clinical examinations and 18F-FDG-PET-CT were performed to assess the extent of cancer, followed by intraoperative and pathohistological examinations of surgically removed specimens to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Results: The mean tumor size measured by 18F-FDG-PET-CT was slightly greater than that obtained through clinical examination (26.4 mm vs. 26.0 mm), with a strong linear correlation (r = 0.678, p < 0.001) observed between the two measurement methods. The overall prediction accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET-CT for primary tumors is 88.7% (55/62) [sensitivity 86.8%, specificity 100.0%, PPV 100.0%, NPV 56.2%] and for intraoperative examination is 88.7% (55/62) [sensitivity 98.1%, specificity 33.3%, PPV 89.7%, NPV 75.0%]. The agreement with histopathological examination was good for 18F-FDG-PET-CT and moderate for intraoperative examination for primary tumors. Regarding lymph nodes, the overall prediction accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET-CT is 82.2% (51/62) [sensitivity 53.8%, specificity 89.8%, PPV 58.3%, NPV 88.8%] and for intraoperative examination 66.1% (41/62) [sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 63.3%, PPV 35.7%, NPV 91.2%]. The agreement with histopathological examination was moderate for 18F-FDG-PET-CT and poor for intraoperative examination for lymph node metastasis, highlighting that the overall accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET-CT (82.1%) was significantly higher than that of intraoperative examination (66.1%) (p = 0.002). Conclusions: In conclusion, 18F-FDG-PET-CT provides high accuracy in detecting primary tumors and superior predictive value for lymph node metastases compared to intraoperative examination, highlighting the importance of incorporating this imaging modality into the preoperative evaluation process to enhance diagnostic precision and inform treatment decisions.

Enhancing bevacizumab efficacy in a colorectal tumor mice model using dextran-coated albumin nanoparticles.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that prevents the growth of new blood vessels and is currently employed in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, like other mAb, bevacizumab shows a limited penetration in the tumors, hampering their effectiveness and inducing adverse reactions. The aim of this work was to design and evaluate albumin-based nanoparticles, coated with dextran, as carriers for bevacizumab in order to promote its accumulation in the tumor and, thus, improve its antiangiogenic activity. These nanoparticles (B-NP-DEX50) displayed a mean size of about 250nm and a payload of about 110µg/mg. In a CRC mice model, these nanoparticles significantly reduced tumor growth and increased tumor doubling time, tumor necrosis and apoptosis more effectively than free bevacizumab. At the end of study, bevacizumab plasma levels were higher in the free drug group, while tumor levels were higher in the B-NP-DEX50 group (2.5-time higher). In line with this, the biodistribution study revealed that nanoparticles accumulated in the tumor core, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic exposure. In summary, B-NP-DEX can be an adequate alternative to improve the therapeutic efficiency of biologically active molecules, offering a more specific biodistribution to the site of action.