Psychotic disorders are a group of severe psychiatric conditions with onset typically occurring in adolescence or early adulthood. Despite significant efforts to identify clinically useful candidates, no validated biomarkers for psychiatric disorders currently exist. The diagnosis of psychotic disorders is exclusively based on clinical assessment, significantly affected by individual differences and symptom overlap. Although circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential peripheral biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease evolution, most studies concentrate on adult, medicated cohorts. Studies on miRNA profiles in drug-naïve adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) are scarce. This study aims to identify the plasma miRNA profile in treatment-naïve Romanian adolescents with first-episode psychosis and to compare it with that of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The plasma from 14 adolescents, seven drug-naïve FEP and seven and age-matched controls (CTRL) aged 15-18 years was collected. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using PANSS, HAM-D, and YMRS scales. The levels of 179 miRNAs were assessed using qRT-PCR. A case-control analysis on miRNAs levels between FEP and CTRL was performed, as well as correlations with clinical measures. Twenty-one miRNAs showed significantly lower levels and two higher levels in FEP patients compared to controls. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, miR-125a-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-363-3p, and miR-23b-3p remained statistically significant (FDR<0.05). Notably, miR-125a-5p, miR-23b-3p, and miR-146a-5p levels negatively correlated with psychotic, depressive, and manic symptom severity, while miR-16-5p and miR-363-3p positively correlated with symptom scores. Comparison with previous studies indicated limited overlap, reflecting potential influences of age, treatment status, and genetic or environmental factors. This work demonstrates that Romanian treatment-naïve adolescents with first-episode psychosis had a unique circulating miRNA profile correlated with symptom severity, indicating their potential as early-stage biomarkers. The results underscore the necessity of accounting for age, treatment status, and environmental variables in the interpretation of miRNA modifications in psychotic illnesses.
Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are leading causes of foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide, with poultry representing the primary reservoir for human infection. Understanding species-specific differences in virulence-associated features, antimicrobial resistance genes, and population structure is essential for assessing public health risks and guiding surveillance strategies. A total of 26 Campylobacter isolates (22 C. coli and 4 C. jejuni) were recovered in 2023 from poultry caeca collected from farms in north-western, central-western, and south-western Romania. Species identification and detection of the hcp gene, a marker of the type VI secretion system (T6SS), were performed using multiplex PCR. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) based on seven housekeeping genes was performed to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure. The hcp gene was detected exclusively in C. jejuni isolates, indicating that it was detected only in C. jejuni within this collection of the primary T6SS component. Both species shared a broad set of core virulence genes related to motility, colonization, quorum sensing, adhesion, and surface polysaccharide biosynthesis, while notable differences were observed in accessory virulence gene profiles. Genes associated with antibiotic resistance, including the tetracycline resistance gene tet(O) and multiple efflux-related determinants, were frequently detected in both species. MLST analysis revealed high genetic diversity, with most isolates not assignable to previously defined sequence types, consistent with an open pan-genome and substantial genomic plasticity. These findings feature clear differences between C. jejuni and C. coli in the distribution of virulence markers, while validating the widespread presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in poultry-associated isolates. This study highlights the adaptive potential of Campylobacter and underscores the need to advance molecular surveillance to monitor virulence and antimicrobial resistance risks relevant to animal and human health.
Testicular cancer represents the most common solid tumor in young adult males and is associated with excellent long-term survival outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of a large Romanian institutional cohort. We conducted a retrospective study including 246 patients with testicular cancer treated at a tertiary oncology center between January 2005 and December 2015. Clinical, pathological, and treatment data were extracted from institutional medical records, and survival outcomes were obtained from administrative registries. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The study included 246 patients, with a mean age at diagnosis of 32.3 years. Non-seminomatous mixed germ cell tumors were the most frequent histological subtype, followed by seminoma. Stage I disease was the most common presentation, while approximately one-third of patients had advanced disease. At last follow-up, 210 patients (85.4%) were alive. Survival was significantly better in early-stage disease and worse among patients with advanced stage and poor IGCCCG risk. In this Romanian cohort, nearly one-third of patients with testicular cancer presented with advanced-stage disease, and non-seminomatous tumors were the most frequent histological type. Long-term outcomes were excellent for stage I-II disease, while advanced stage and poor IGCCCG risk were associated with worse survival.
West Nile virus is one of the most significant arboviruses circulating in the Russian Federation. Although WNV is classified into nine lineages, only lineage 2 has caused most outbreaks in Europe and Russia in recent years. Since 2018, molecular genetic surveillance has been conducted, but the evolutionary dynamics and routes of introduction and spread of WNV lineage 2 in Russia remain incompletely investigated. This study aimed to reconstruct the origin, migration routes, and evolutionary processes that drive the genetic diversity of WNV lineage 2 in Russia. The results showed that the WNV lineage 2 population circulating in Russia is genetically heterogeneous. It consists of four distinct genetic variants. Phylogeographic reconstruction allowed estimation of the migration routes and introduction dates for each variant. The viral diffusion rate was estimated at 92 km per year. Two major routes of introduction were identified: a southern route from Africa via the southern coast of the Black Sea, and a western route from Europe through Central and Eastern European countries, including Hungary and Romania. The observed dispersal patterns suggest that WNV lineage 2 circulation in Russia is maintained by repeated introductions along African and European transboundary routes. This contributes to the expansion of its geographic range. Selection pressure analysis showed that most codons were under strong purifying selection. Fourteen sites in structural and nonstructural proteins were under positive selection, including unique substitutions in NS4B, NS5, and E proteins. These may play a role in viral adaptation.
Despite the vital role migrant live-in care workers play in elder care across Europe, they often confront precarious employment conditions with limited legal protections and low visibility. Quantitative evidence on their work and health has been scarce. This study (i) describes live-in care workers' sociodemographic characteristics and job conditions in German homecare; (ii) compares their job demands, resources and motivational, and health-related outcomes with those of geriatric nurses and the German general working population; and (iii) analyses the extent to which their demands and resources are linked to motivational and health outcomes. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used to assess the psychosocial working conditions, health-related and motivational outcomes of the participating live-in care workers. The sample comprised 429 migrant live-in care workers, of whom 93% were women and 77% were older than 49 years. Most live-ins originated from Poland (50%), followed by Bulgaria (30%), Croatia (13%), and Romania (4%). Nearly half lack formal contracts. Compared to geriatric nurses and all occupations, they experience higher work-privacy conflicts (d = 0.66; d = 0.93) and emotional demands but lower quantitative and physical demands. They report lower job satisfaction, higher burnout, greater presenteeism, and stronger turnover intentions (d = 0.71; d = 0.81). Job demands and resources are significant predictors of health and motivational outcomes. Our study highlights the importance of work-privacy conflict as a central occupational stressor for live-ins. Policy actions and interventions must improve their working conditions, strengthen job resources and protect their health and well-being.
Temperate agricultural landscapes are experiencing unprecedented biodiversity declines. Landscape simplification is commonly identified as a driver of species loss across taxonomic groups, but the contribution of crop and non-crop habitats to farmland biodiversity conservation is surprisingly poorly known. Using 86 paired permanent grasslands and oilseed rape fields in five European countries, we assess how habitat type shaped plant, butterfly, wild bee, and carabid assemblages and whether increasing grassland amount in surrounding landscapes fosters the spillover of grassland-associated biodiversity to oilseed rape fields. We find habitat type rather than landscape-level grassland amount determines diversity and shapes species assemblages: plants and butterflies are more diverse in grasslands, while wild bees and carabids are equally or more diverse in oilseed rape fields. Increasing landscape-level grassland amount affects species assemblage composition but only reduces turnover between habitats in wild bees. Overall, both grasslands and oilseed rape fields harbour distinct sets of species, together contributing complementarily to regional diversity. Safeguarding biodiversity in agricultural landscapes therefore requires not only the conservation of permanent semi-natural habitats but also biodiversity-friendly management of disturbed habitats such as crop fields that can contribute valuable species.
EUS point shear‑wave elastography (EUS‑pSWE) permits near‑field, intraluminal assessment of liver stiffness.We examined its concordance with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and its diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3) in an expanded mixed cohort. One hundred twenty adults (57% men; mean age: 61 ± 10 years; body mass index: 28.9 ± 4.0) undergoing routine endoscopic ultrasound were prospectively enrolled. VCTE stratified fibrosis as F0-1 (<7.0 kPa, n = 96), F2 (7-9.4 kPa, n = 11) and F3‑4 (≥9.5 kPa, n = 13). In all the patients, 10 EUS‑pSWE measurements were performed in each lobe, and the liver stiffness result was the median value of the 10 measurements. Correlation (Pearson's r), Bland-Altman agreement, and diagnostic indices for F ≥3 were calculated. Median EUS‑pSWE increased with fibrosis (left lobe: 5.0 ± 0.9, 7.8 ± 1.0, 15.1 ± 3.4 kPa for F0-1, F2, F3-4; P < 0.001). EUS-pSWE correlated strongly with VCTE (r = 0.89, left; r = 0.88, right; P < 0.0001). AUROC for detecting F ≥3 reached 0.91 (95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.96) for the left and 0.89 (0.83-0.95) for the right lobe. A 10.2 kPa cutoff value for F3 afforded 85% sensitivity, 84% specificity, positive predictive value 72%, and negative predictive value 93%. EUS-pSWE provided lobe-independent stiffness estimates that tracked VCTE closely to recognize advanced fibrosis. Its high diagnostic accuracy across fibrosis stages and ability to integrate seamlessly into routine EUS make EUS-pSWE a valuable tool for comprehensive liver assessment.
The potential negative consequences of generative AI are the subject of intense debate, with pragmatic and theoretical arguments and counterarguments advanced by mental health specialists, researchers, and policymakers regarding its impact on creativity, overall functioning, and psychosocial wellbeing. The current narrative review addresses historical and conceptual developments in the problematic use of generative AI chatbots (PUGAIC) and empirical findings on its epidemiology, risk factors, assessment instruments, and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, without advancing PUGAIC as a formally established diagnostic entity. Preliminary data suggest that emotional attachment, anthropomorphism, instant reinforcement, and parasocial dynamics may contribute to compulsive use of generative AI in vulnerable individuals. However, current evidence remains limited, without clinical correlates, predominantly cross-sectional, and culturally constrained. Existing measurement tools are in early stages of validation, and diagnostic boundaries between high engagement in generative AI-related activities, problematic use, and addiction-like behavior remain unclear. While moral apprehension and overpathologization are pitfalls that should be avoided, clinicians have to remain attentive to cases involving functional impairment, psychological distress, and loss of control. In conclusion, based on the available data, PUGAIC may be conceptualized as a potential spectrum phenomenon embedded within broader psychosocial vulnerabilities rather than as an established clinical disorder. Longitudinal research, cross-cultural validation of instruments, and neurocognitive investigations are needed to clarify its nosological status and inform preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Understanding the physical and physiological demands of female youth basketball is essential for optimizing training and performance monitoring. However, evidence describing match demands in elite U-19 female players, particularly in African contexts, remains limited. Existing profiles are largely derived from male or adult cohorts and may not accurately reflect youth competition. This study aimed to examine the physical and physiological demands of elite North African U-19 female basketball players, considering differences by playing position (guards, forwards, centers) and competitive level (national vs. international). Thirty elite Tunisian U-19 female players (age 18.3 ± 0.2 years, height 1.78 ± 0.05 m, mass 82.9 ± 4.8 kg; 15 national-level, 15 international-level) were monitored during eight playoff games. Video-based time-motion analysis quantified activity frequency and duration across nine movement categories (standing, walking, jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, low/moderate/high-intensity shuffling). Physiological responses included heart rate (HR) monitoring (four intensity zones: <75%, 75-85%, 85-95%, >95% HRmax) and capillary [La] sampling. Two-way ANOVA (position × level) examined main and interaction effects. International-level players performed significantly more high-intensity activities than national-level players (224.0 ± 5.1 vs. 214.1 ± 5.4; p < 0.001, d = 1.95) and spent more time in maximal HR zones (16.1 ± 0.3% vs. 12.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001, d = 13.33), indicating greater fatigue resistance. Guards executed more high-intensity shuffling actions than forwards and centers (p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.92), whereas centers performed more static high-intensity actions and exhibited higher [La] concentrations (5.22 ± 0.15 vs. 4.93 ± 0.13 and 4.64 ± 0.12 mmol L-1; p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.76). High-intensity activity declined from the first to the fourth quarter in both groups (p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.94), with a greater reduction in national-level players (37.0% decline) than international players (31.9% decline). Intra-observer reliability was excellent across all movement categories (ICC ≥ 0.91; CV ≤ 4.6%). U-19 female basketball imposes distinct position-specific demands (guards: high-intensity lateral movements; centers: static exertions and elevated metabolic load) and competitive-level differences (international players: superior fatigue resistance). These findings provide the first quantitative profile of elite African female youth basketball, establishing reference benchmarks for position-specific conditioning and competitive-level progression assessment.
Graphene oxide (GO) provides a versatile platform for the development of antimicrobial and anti-adhesive materials, particularly when combined with covalently immobilized bioactive compounds but translating antibiotic activity into a stable layer without clinically relevant drug leaching remains challenging. Here, we report a covalently engineered GO-moxifloxacin (GO-MOX) composite obtained by grafting MOX onto ethylenediamine-functionalized GO via carbodiimide coupling. The successful functionalization was supported by complementary physicochemical analyses, including FTIR, NMR, Raman, XPS, TGA, SEM/EDS and XRD. TGA indicated a high MOX loading of approximately 44.75 wt%, while HPLC analysis revealed that extractable/free MOX represented only 0.0586% of the total MOX content, supporting the predominantly covalent and minimally releasing character of the material. GO-MOX showed pronounced antimicrobial activity against representative ESKAPEE pathogens, with MIC values of 7.81 μg/mL against E. coli and 62.5 μg/mL against the tested Gram-positive strains. In the antimycobacterial assay, GO-MOX markedly inhibited the growth of both drug-susceptible and rifampicin/isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains under the tested conditions. Anti-adherence activity was observed at sub-inhibitory concentrations, with MBEC values of 1.95 μg/mL for E. coli and 7.81 μg/mL for S. aureus, suggesting interference with early bacterial attachment. Additional analyses on mature biofilms formed on titanium substrates showed that GO-based treatments, particularly GO-MOX, affected biofilm viability, promoted membrane permeabilization, and altered extracellular matrix components, including extracellular proteins, nucleic acids/eDNA-like fractions and polysaccharides. In vitro cellular assays showed that normal MRC-5 fibroblasts recovered metabolic activity to ≥80% after 72 h, whereas A549 cells displayed a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in viability. ROS generation and Caspase-3 activity further suggested that the selective antiproliferative response observed in A549 cells may be associated, at least in part, with oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic mechanisms. In silico target prediction and structural inspection of MOX-topoisomerase complexes suggested that GO-MOX may retain a MOX-related contribution involving bacterial DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV, while GO may provide additional contact-associated interfacial effects. Overall, GO-MOX emerges as a promising antimicrobial and anti-adhesive nanoplatform with cell-selective antiproliferative effects, supporting its further investigation for the future development of biomedical antimicrobial surfaces and coatings.
Burnout has emerged as a critical threat to healthcare systems, particularly among medical residents who face intense workloads, recurrent night shifts, and emotionally demanding clinical environments. In Tunisia, evidence on the interplay between occupational, psychological, and lifestyle determinants of burnout remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout among Tunisian medical residents and to identify key predictors, including on-call burden, somatic symptomatology, insomnia severity, substance use, and physical activity, using a multidimensional analytic approach. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted across six Tunisian university hospitals from March 2024 to January 2025. Medical residents aged 25-35 years completed validated instruments, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), Insomnia Severity Index, Somatic Symptom Scale-8, and Ricci-Gagnon physical activity questionnaire. Sociodemographic, professional, and behavioral factors were also collected. Pearson correlation analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with burnout. Among 320 residents, burnout prevalence was 45.9%, with pathological mean scores across all MBI-HSS subscales. Emotional exhaustion strongly correlated with somatic symptom burden (r = 0.84), insomnia severity (r = 0.75), and inversely with physical activity (r = -0.82). Logistic regression revealed that the number of monthly on-call shifts was associated with burnout (OR = 2.72; p < 0.001). Intrinsic motivation for choosing medicine was associated with lower odds of burnout (OR = 0.13; p = 0.001). Higher somatic symptoms were associated with burnout risk (OR = 1.20; p = 0.013), whereas physical activity may reduce it (OR = 0.82; p = 0.001). Burnout is highly prevalent among Tunisian medical residents and is shaped by a combination of occupational strain, psychosomatic distress, and lifestyle behaviors. On-call overload, somatic symptoms, and poor sleep were associated with the increase of burnout risk, while regular physical activity and intrinsic career motivation may serve as protective factors. These findings support the implementation of targeted preventive strategies and early screening tools within residency training programs.
Ultrasmall silver nanoclusters have emerged as promising tools for their sensing, optical, and biological properties, but their translation toward practical applications remains limited due to the synthetic complexity and insufficient control over colloidal stability. Here we report a straightforward one-step strategy for the direct conversion of Ag+ ions into blue-emitting silver nanoclusters (FcCAR@Ag NCs, average diameter 2.6 nm) using amphiphilic ferrocene carnosine (FcCAR) as both reducing and capping agents. Under mild basic conditions and in the presence of ascorbic acid, the FcCAR ligand drives the kinetic-controlled reduction of silver ions and simultaneously stabilizes the resulting nanoclusters through interfacial interactions mediated by ferrocene and carnosine functional groups. The formation of well-dispersed nanoclusters is confirmed by comprehensive optical, structural, and colloidal characterization, revealing blue photoluminescence and high colloidal stability. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analyses performed on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) showed a higher electrochemical response of FcCAR@Ag NCs with respect to the native FcCAR ligand, suggesting the potential application of FcCAR@Ag NCs in electrochemical sensing. Moreover, the use of ligands based on peptides functionalized with ferrocene units introducing lipophilicity confers an amphiphilic character to NCs, which became crucial for the effective interaction with bacterial envelopes. Therefore, MIC and MBC values of FcCAR@Ag NCs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the superior antimicrobial efficacy of silver in nanocluster form compared with conventional silver ions (AgNO3). Specifically, a two-fold reduction of MIC (from 11.7 to 5.8 µg mL-1 for S. aureus and from 5.8 to 2.9 µg mL-1 for E. coli) along with a four-fold reduction in MBC (from 46.7 to 11.7 µg mL-1 for S. aureus and from 11.7 to 2.9 µg mL-1 for E. coli) was observed. In addition, low MIC values (5.8 µg mL-1) were found against clinically relevant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and ESBLs producing Escherichia coli. Moreover, FcCAR@Ag NCs were also effective in reducing biomass and metabolic activity of 24 h-established biofilms formed by S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa strains. Overall, our findings highlight the strong antimicrobial potential of FcCAR@Ag NCs against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-producing strains.
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Fungi play essential roles in human health, agriculture, and ecosystems, yet their diversity has long been underestimated due to reliance on morphology and culture. Molecular innovations-DNA barcoding, multilocus and whole-genome sequencing, NGS, and rapid nucleic acid diagnostics (qPCR, LAMP, CRISPR/Cas)-have revolutionized fungal taxonomy and detection. The ITS region now serves as a universal barcode, often complemented by other loci or genomic data. High-throughput and portable tools enable near real-time identification, supported by AI-driven bioinformatics for species recognition and resistance prediction. Despite progress, challenges remain in database accuracy, primer design, and standardization. Integrating molecular taxonomy, AI, and global collaboration promises scalable, reliable frameworks for fungal surveillance and control across clinical, agricultural, and environmental domains.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia in Hungary between 2019 and 2022 as detailed data in this regard was not available.MethodsThis retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study enrolled 85628 patients with a median age of 63 (44-76 interquartile range) years admitted to the Emergency Department of the University of Pécs, Hungary, between January, 2019, and December, 2022.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anemia was 22.68%. The prevalence of anemia did not change significantly during the study period (2019: 22.30%; 2020: 22.88%; 2021: 22.55%; 2022: 23.00%). However, the prevalence of severe anemia (Hgb<8g/dL) was higher compared to 2019, in each year (2019:2.00%; 2020:2.52%; 2021:2.60%; 2022:2.47%, p<0.001). The increase was observed in each analyzed year among the elderly male patients and in 2021 and 2022 among the elderly female patients. The rising number of patients with COVID-19 diagnosis presenting severe anemia may have contributed to this change. Among all anemic patients, the overall prevalence of microcytic and macrocytic anemia accounted for one-third, while hypochromic and hyperchromic anemia for half of the cases. Hypochromic anemia prevalence decreased and normochromic anemia prevalence increased significantly in each year. The prevalence of microcytic anemia decreased in the year 2020 compared to 2019, the changes being observed among the female patients only.ConclusionsOver the study period, anemia affected approximately one-quarter of the patients each year, while the proportion of severe anemia increased, especially in the elderly.
Prepectoral implant-based reconstruction using acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) has emerged as a viable option for immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy. This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study evaluated the outcomes of prepectoral reconstruction using Braxon® ADMs and smooth round implants across two specialized Italian cancer centers. From April 2019 to December 2024, 140 female patients (221 breasts) underwent skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate prepectoral reconstruction with either Braxon® Regular or Braxon® Fast ADM and Motiva® or Mentor® implants. Comprehensive demographic, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. Complications were classified as mastectomy-related (e.g., bleeding and mastectomy skin flap necrosis) or reconstruction-related (e.g., seroma, infection, and red breast syndrome). Binary logistic regression identified predictors of complications. The mean patient age was 48.6 years, with a BMI of 22.7 kg/m². A total of 96 complications (43.4%) were recorded: 64 were mastectomy-related (29.0%) and 32 were reconstruction-related (14.4%). Reoperation was required in 14.9% of the cases. Mastectomy flap necrosis (6.9%) and infection (3.6%) were the most frequent complications leading to implant removal in 7.4% of the cases. Logistic regression identified neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR=18.8; p=0.026), Braxon® Fast compared to Braxon® Regular (OR=0.092; p=0.013), and extended antibiotic prophylaxis (OR=0.013; p=0.004) as predictors of reconstruction-related complications. Prepectoral IBR with Braxon® ADMs demonstrated acceptable complication rates. No predictors were associated with mastectomy-related outcomes. Braxon® Fast and prolonged antibiotics were protective against reconstruction-related events, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased the risk. These findings highlight the importance of patient selection and perioperative strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups such as those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Most neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are sporadic and occur predominantly in older patients. Early-age disease onset has been increasingly observed in NENs. We aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes of young adults with sporadic NENs. This is a retrospective study which gathered 20 institutions from 12 countries under the auspices of Women in NET (WiN) ENETS group. Young patients aged 18-40 years diagnosed with sporadic NENs (well- and poorly-differentiated) from 2010-2020 were enrolled. Patients with appendiceal and type 1 gastric NETs, hereditary syndromes, synchronous malignancy, phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and medullary thyroid cancer, were excluded. Descriptive statistics, comparisons between groups, survival and Cox multivariable analysis were performed. Overall, 478 young patients with sporadic NENs were enrolled. Localised (62%, n=249), well-differentiated (92%, n=433), non-functioning tumours (81%, n=384) and women (58%, n=277) were more prevalent. The pancreas was the most common primary site (33%, n=159). Metastatic disease at diagnosis was more often found in men than women (47%, n=78 vs. 33%, n=78, p=0.004). Five-year OS was 82%. OS was significantly longer in women than men (p=0.019), as well as in rectal (p=0.00245) and lung (p=0.0027) primary tumours compared to pancreatic NENs. The multivariable analysis identified stage, Ki-67, morphology and gender as independent predictors of survival. Young patients with NENs often present with well-differentiated and localised tumours, thereby increasing the probability of curative surgical resection. Prospective research into molecular biology is needed to identify distinct NEN features in young adults and determine risk factors to tailor effective treatment strategies.
This study examined the effect of tungsten doping on the structural and electrochemical performance of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in symmetric supercapacitor devices. MoS2 nanoflowers with different W contents (0-1%) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD, Raman, PL, EPR, SEM, and BET analysis. Tungsten incorporation induced lattice distortions, sulfur vacancies, and enhanced defect-assisted charge transport, while retaining the layered morphology. Electrochemical measurements revealed a combination of electric double-layer and pseudocapacitive behavior with the MoS2:W0.7 electrode material delivering the highest performance. This device achieved a specific capacitance of 848 F g-1 at 10 mV s-1, an energy density of 117.8 Wh kg-1, a power density of 2121 W kg-1, and excellent cycling stability, retaining 97% of its capacitance. The results demonstrate that W doping introduces additional electroactive sites and improves conductivity, highlighting a simple strategy to enhance the energy-storage capability of MoS2-based materials for supercapacitor applications.
Growing evidence shows that brain aging is a time-dependent process, with very complex underlying mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels. The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a key regulator of brain homeostasis during aging, interfacing with neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and blood-brain barrier integrity. However, the neurological impact of exogenous cannabinoids in the aging brain remains incompletely defined and often polarized between neuroprotective and neurodisruptive interpretations. This is a narrative review that critically synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence on the age-dependent effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), with particular emphasis on dose, route of administration, and pharmacokinetic constraints imposed by aging. Available data indicate that THC exhibits a dual, dose-dependent profile, with low-dose exposure engaging adaptive or potentially neuroprotective mechanisms, whereas moderate to high doses, especially following parenteral administration, are associated with glial activation, neuroinflammatory signaling, and functional impairment. In contrast, CBD demonstrates a seemingly favorable neurological profile in aging models, characterized by anti-neuroinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, largely independent of CB1R activation. Our findings support the idea that THC and THC predominant therapies may exert a dual effect in the aging brain of experimental models. A similar duality appears to emerge for CBD, particularly with respect to developmental effects, despite insufficient evidence. Collectively, these findings underscore the need for age-adapted, cannabinoid-specific dosing strategies and integrative experimental frameworks to accurately define the therapeutic potential and limitations of cannabinoids in age-associated neurological disorders.
Nanoplastics (NPs) are synthetic polymer particles ranging in size from 1 nm to 1 μm that have been identified as a major concern for ecosystems and organisms due to their plethora of negative effects. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge relating to exposure and effects of NPs in domestic (i.e., farm and companion animals) and wild animals, a topic that is to date, still in its infancy. The exposure routes for these animals are several; from contaminated food and water, inhalation, dermal contact as well as through grooming, and specifically for pets, release from toys/training devices, alongside with the chronic inhalation by living in the same environment as their human owners. Regarding the toxicity, several studies highlighted that in farm animals, NPs can disrupt gut microbiota and intestinal permeability, as well as cause reproductive and neurotoxic effects. Moreover, given the role of farm animals in the food chain sector, the potential accumulation of NPs and their associated chemicals in animal tissues poses a significant threat to food safety. Aquatic and terrestrial wildlife (both invertebrates and vertebrates) experience a broad spectrum of negative effects including oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, immune response deficits, as well as reproductive and behavioral alteration, while up to now no information is available regarding the negative effect on pets. Although the analysis of the current literature demonstrates the undeniable threat posed by NPs, the existing technical limitations in detection indicate that significant knowledge gaps remain. Methodological and technological advancements are therefore necessary to more accurately assess and elucidate the risks NPs pose to these organisms.