ABSTRACTBackgroundPSMA PET/CT has previously shown superior performance in nodal staging of prostate cancer (PCa) and may be used to reduce the number of unnecessary PLND procedures. This study aims to assess the performance of PSMA PET/CT in nodal staging of intermediate‐risk prostate cancer and to evaluate the effect of PLND on oncological outcomes of intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients with a negative PSMA PET/CT.MethodsA total of 308 patients with intermediate‐risk PCa who underwent PSMA PET/CT for nodal staging between January 2014 and July 2024 were included in the study. Patients who underwent PLND had higher PSA and higher rates of PIRADS‐5 and biopsy grade‐group 3 disease. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to eliminate patient characteristics differences between groups and 140 patients were included in the final analysis. PSA persistence rates ( ≥ 0.1 ng/dL) and biochemical recurrence (BCR; ≥ 0.2 ng/dL) rates after RP were recorded. Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed to evaluate oncological outcomes. Log‐rank test was utilized to compare oncological outcomes in patients with and without PLND.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PSMA PET/CT on nodal staging were 53.3%, 95%, 47.1%, and 96.1%, respectively. The NPV of PSMA PET/CT in patients with biopsy GG3 disease (96.3%) was similar to those with biopsy GG2 disease (95.6%). The median follow‐up after propensity score matching was 20.7 months. The 24‐month BCR‐free survival rates were 83.7% and 86.9% in the PLND‐RP group and RP‐only groups, respectively (p = 0.078).ConclusionsNPV of PSMA PET/CT in determining LNI was remarkable in patients with intermediate‐risk PCa and PLND was found to have no impact on oncological outcomes. Therefore PLND may be omitted to decrease surgery‐related complications in patients with intermediate‐risk PCa a negative PSMA PET/CT for nodal staging.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.1-1
• Keyword :

AbstractINTRODUCTIONKnowledge gaps remain about the prognosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Conversion rates to dementia vary widely, and reversion to normal cognition has gained attention. This review updates evidence on MCI conversion risk and probability of stability and reversion.METHODSWe searched databases for studies on MCI prognosis with ≥3 years of follow‐up, established criteria for MCI and dementia, and performed a meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model to assess conversion risk, reversion, and stability probability. Meta‐regressions identified sources of heterogeneity and guided subgroup analysis.RESULTSFrom 89 studies (mean follow‐up: 5.2 years), conversion risk was 41.5% (38.3%–44.7%) in clinical and 27.0% (22.0%–32.0%) in population‐based studies, with Alzheimer's dementia as the most common outcome. Stability rates were 49.3% (clinical) and 49.8% (population). Reversion was 8.7% (clinical) and 28.2% (population).DISCUSSIONOur findings highlight higher conversion in clinical settings and 30% reversion in population studies, calling for sustainable care pathway development.Highlights Prognosis for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) varies by setting; dementia risk is higher and the probability of reversion is lower in clinical‐based studies. In both clinical and population settings, cognitive stability is ≈50%. A reorganization of health services could ensure sustainable care for individuals with MCI. Significant heterogeneity in MCI studies impacts data interpretation; follow‐up length is crucial. Long‐term prognosis studies on MCI in low‐ and middle‐income countries are urgently needed.

• Book : 17(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Rice is an important food crop, acting as the staple food for more than 50% of the global population. We selected seedlings (two sterile male lines: WA803A and JW803A) that had different cytoplasmic but the same nuclear composition and were heterogeneous. The maintainer line 803B was also used. We aimed to study their nitrogen uptake rate in different concentrations of NH4+ and NO3− and explore the differences in nitrogen uptake efficiency between different cytoplasmic genes. The results showed a significant difference in the nitrogen uptake rate for different seedlings. With ammonium nutrition, the nitrogen uptake efficiency of the JW cytoplasm was significantly higher than that of the WA cytoplasm. In low concentrations of ammonium nitrogen, the JW cytoplasm had an additive effect to the nuclear gene regulation of ammonium uptake. The JW cytoplasm’s ammonium nitrogen absorption effect on nuclear gene regulation was higher than that of the WA cytoplasm. The effect of the WA and JW cytoplasms on the nitrate uptake rate was not significant, and the nuclear gene regulation of both cytoplasms was reduced by absorbing nitrate. Under nitrogen deficiency conditions, the material output and conversion rate of the JW-type cytoplasmic hybrid rice combination was relatively high, significantly higher than those of other cytoplasmic combinations. Under medium nitrogen conditions, the material output and conversion rate of the (N2) W-type hybrid rice combination were significantly higher than those of the other cytoplasmic combinations. The yield of JW-type rice first increased and then decreased with the increase in the nitrogen application rate and was highest, 8195.55 kg/hm2, under the N2 treatment.

• Book : 14(5)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.820-820
• Keyword :

This study presents a novel multiphysics phase-field fracture model to analyze high-burnup uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel behavior under transient reactor conditions. Fracture is treated as a stochastic phase transition, which inherently accounts for the random microstructural effects that lead to variations in the value of fracture strength. Moreover, the model takes into consideration the effects of temperature and burnup on thermal conductivity. Therefore, the model is able to predict crack initiation, propagation, and complex morphologies in response to thermal gradients and stress distributions. Several simulations were conducted to investigate the effects of operational and transient conditions on fracture behavior and the resulting cracking patterns. High-burnup fuels exhibit reduced thermal conductivity, elevating temperature gradients and resulting in extensive radial and circumferential cracks. Transient heating rates and temperatures significantly affect fracture patterns, with higher heating rates generating steeper gradients and more irregular crack trajectories. This approach provides critical insights into fuel integrity during accident scenarios and supports the safety evaluation of extended burnup limits.

• Book : 18(5)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.1162-1162
• Keyword :

Abstract Honey has been used for centuries due to its health-promoting properties. Honey and its bioactive compounds regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and other biological activities, making it a promising natural remedy. Its role as anti-diabetic, wound healing, cardioprotective, anti-microbial, and hepatoprotective potential has been proven through in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, its role in disease management has been reported through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion. Besides, it exerts modulatory actions on various signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB, tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and MAPK pathway. The main aim of this review is to present a wide-ranging overview of the current evidence regarding the impact of honey on the management of various pathogenic conditions. However, further research based on animal models and clinical trials is required to fully understand the mechanisms of action and safety in the management of various diseases. There is limited clinical data on honey and its mechanisms of action. However, comprehensive clinical studies are needed to fully investigate the potential health benefits of honey, including its efficacies, safety, bioavailability, and underlying mechanisms of action.

• Book : 20(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Introduction. The rise of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens is a critical challenge for modern healthcare. Colistin (CT), a peptide antibiotic, remains a last-resort treatment for infections caused by these superbugs due to its potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria and the rarity of resistance. However, its clinical use is severely limited by high nephro- and neurotoxicity, low oral bioavailability, and other adverse effects. A promising strategy to improve the biopharmaceutical properties and safety profile of antibiotics is the development of biopolymer-based delivery systems, also known as nanoantibiotics. Objective. The aim of this study was to develop polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) for the oral delivery of CT to overcome its major limitations, such as poor bioavailability and toxicity. Methods. PECs were formulated using chondroitin sulfate (CHS) and a cyanocobalamin–chitosan conjugate (CSB12). Vitamin B12 was incorporated as a targeting ligand to enhance intestinal permeability through receptor-mediated transport. The resulting complexes (CHS-CT-CSB12) were characterized for particle size, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (pH 1.6, 6.5, and 7.4). The antimicrobial activity of the encapsulated CT was evaluated in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results. The CHS-CT-CSB12 PECs exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of 446 nm and a ζ-potential of +28.2 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CT reached 100% at a drug loading of 200 µg/mg. In vitro release studies showed that approximately 70% of the drug was released within 1 h at pH 1.6 (simulating gastric conditions), while a cumulative CT release of 80% over 6 h was observed at pH 6.5 and 7.4 (simulating intestinal conditions). This release profile suggests the potential use of enteric-coated capsules or specific administration guidelines, such as taking the drug on an empty stomach with plenty of water. The antimicrobial activity of encapsulated CT against P. aeruginosa was comparable to that of the free drug, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 µg/mL for both. The inclusion of vitamin B12 in the PECs significantly improved intestinal permeability, as evidenced by an apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of 1.1 × 10−6 cm/s for CT. Discussion. The developed PECs offer several advantages over conventional CT formulations. The use of vitamin B12 as a targeting ligand enhances drug absorption across the intestinal barrier, potentially increasing oral bioavailability. In addition, the controlled release of CT in the intestinal environment reduces the risk of systemic toxicity, particularly nephro- and neurotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of CHS-CT-CSB12 PECs as a nanotechnology-based platform for improving the delivery of CT and other challenging antibiotics. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the promising potential of CHS-CT-CSB12 PECs as an innovative oral delivery system for CT that addresses its major limitations and improves its therapeutic efficacy. Future work will focus on in vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the system, as well as exploring its applicability for delivery of other antibiotics with similar challenges.

• Book : 6(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.21-21
• Keyword :

Axial flow fans, used for heat dissipation in electronic equipment, may generate significant electromagnetic interference during PWM speed regulation. Due to its multiple radiation sources and relatively smaller size compared to the equipment, the radiation prediction model for equipment-level EMC analysis often involves a huge number of grids, which leads to computational difficulties and inefficiencies, and thus an equivalent modeling method for the electromagnetic radiation of PWM fan is presented. First, a detailed field-circuit coupling model of the radiation from winding and driving circuits is established using the time-domain finite-integral method with non-uniform grids. Then, a near-field hexahedron is defined to surround the fan, and the electromagnetic field of all its surfaces is derived based on the Huygens principle and calculated. Finally, the hexahedron encapsulating all radiation sources within the fan can be used in a higher level simulation as replicable and reusable equivalent sources. The proposed method is validated by a numerical example and actual measurements and applied to predict the radiation emissions within an electronic enclosure. The results show that the equivalent model can reduce 81.4% computation time and maintain good consistency in comparison to the detailed field-circuit coupling model.

• Book : 15(6)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.2887-2887
• Keyword :

Background: Transcatheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common intervention worldwide. An initial experience and outcomes in percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus in a new catheterisation laboratory at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha was reviewed. Methods: Data regarding ductal closure using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder type 1 (ADO1) and Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II) were reviewed and prospectively collected. Demographics, haemodynamics, angiographic patent ductus arteriosus type, complications and outcomes were documented. Results: A total of 26 patients underwent percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure from September 2019 - August 2021(1year 11 months). There were 17 females and 9 males. The median age of the patients was 23 months (range 3 - 60 months) and the median weight was 8.3kg (range 3.6 - 14kg). The mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 4 Wood unit (WU). Seven patients had Krichenko Type C Duct (27%) and 15 (58%) patients had Type A Duct. The ductal size (narrowest diameter at the pulmonic end) mean was 6mm for the Type C Ducts and 3.5mm for the Type A Ducts. Fluoroscopy time was mean was 18 minutes and the radiation dose was about 450 microGreys. Out of the 26 patients that were done catheterisation, 4 patients were not done patent ductus arteriosus closure. Of the 4 patients, 2 patients had tiny PDAs that could not be closed percutaneously, and the other 2 patients had associated coarctation of the aorta. Six of the 7 patients with Type C Duct were closed successfully with Amplatzer Vascular Plug, and 1 patient had device embolisation. Fifteen patients with Type A Duct were closed successfully with Amplatzer Ductal Occluder 1 with no complications. Complete ductal occlusion was achieved in 21 patients on day 1 and only 1 patient had residual ductal flow following the ductal closure. Conclusion: Percutaneous ductal closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is comparable to other centres in South Africa in terms of safety and outcomes.

• Book : 22(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

A sample holder has been designed to achieve the uniform absorbed-dose distribution in electron-beam (EB) irradiated ZSM-5 catalyst. Simulated results, without considering the holder’s rotation, demonstrated that the holder configuration should be a cylinder hollow, while its dimensions are recommended to be 10–14 cm in outer radius, 7–8 mm in thickness, and 50–54 mm in height. The holder’s rotational contribution to the simulated results was estimated to be less than 1%. An actual holder was fabricated based on this design.Steamed ZSM-5 catalyst (∼32 g) was used to verify the catalytic cracking performance of the sample under EB irradiation. The irradiating experiment was conducted using the fabricated holder, with the 10 MeV EB and a fluence of 8 × 1014 e.cm−2 (257 kJ). The catalytic cracking experiments indicated that most catalytic productions strongly increased with low heavy cycle oil (HCO) yield when irradiated ZSM-5 was used instead of steamed non-irradiated sample. Excellent increases were simultaneously found, for the first time, for propylene (∼24%) and gasoline (∼15%) productions. Irradiated sample also exhibited superior stability compared to non-irradiated one.

• Book : 57(4)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.265-274
• Keyword :