Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a major contributor to industrial oily wastewater in Malaysia, demanding effective treatment solutions. This study explores the potential of esterified kenaf core (EKC) fiber as an oil adsorbent for oil removal from POME, optimized using a full central composite design (CCD) within the response surface methodology (RSM) framework. The optimum conditions achieved 76% oil removal efficiency, with a 1:0.5 ratio of mercerized kenaf core to stearic acid (MKC:SA), 15 wt% of catalyst, and 1 h reflux time during the esterification process. The regression model exhibited strong predictive capability, with a significant quadratic correlation and an R2 value of 0.94. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the existence of ester functional groups characterized by significant hydrophobicity and a decrease in hydroxyl groups, indicating the chemical changes of EKC. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) research demonstrated structural alterations in EKC, including heightened surface roughness, fibrillation, and pore development, which improved oil adhesion relative to raw kenaf core (RKC). These findings indicate that EKC provides an effective, environmentally sustainable solution for managing oil wastewater issues in the palm oil sector, facilitating enhanced ecological sustainability and resource management.

• Book : 13(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.463-463
• Keyword :

Abstract Acute ionizing radiation (IR) causes severe DNA damage, leading to cell cycle arrest, cell death, and activation of the innate immune system. The role and signaling pathway of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in IR-induced tissue damage and cell death are not well understood. This study revealed that STING is crucial for promoting apoptosis in response to DNA damage caused by acute IR both in vitro and in vivo. STING binds to poly (ADP‒ribose) (PAR) produced by activated poly (ADP‒ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) upon IR. Compared with that in WT cells, apoptosis was suppressed in Sting gt-/gt- cells. Excessive PAR production by PARP1 due to DNA damage enhances STING phosphorylation, and inhibiting PARP1 reduces cell apoptosis after IR. In vivo, IR-induced crypt cell death was significantly lower in Sting gt-/gt- mice or with low-dose PARP1 inhibitor, PJ34, resulting in substantial resistance to abdominal irradiation. STING deficiency or inhibition of PARP1 function can reduce the expression of the proapoptotic gene PUMA, decrease the localization of Bax on the mitochondrial membrane, and thus reduce cell apoptosis. Our findings highlight crucial roles for STING and PAR in the IR-mediated induction of apoptosis, which may have therapeutic implications for controlling radiation-induced apoptosis or acute radiation symptoms.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Abstract Natural killer (NK) cell development and functionality rely on precise regulation by specific transcription factors (TFs). Our study demonstrates that the nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 represses the expression of the activating receptor NKp46, an established key player in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity during infection and tumor rejection. Despite normal NK cell development in the bone marrow, germline Nr2f6-deficient mice exhibit impaired terminal maturation of NK cells in the periphery. Short-term NK cell responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation, independent of NKp46, are subsequently reduced in Nr2f6-deficient mice. Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) and macrophage populations are decreased in spleens of Nr2f6-deficient mice, subsequently, IL-15-dependent NK cell priming is limited. Administration of exogenous IL-15 in vitro and as IL-15 complex in vivo can compensate for these deficits, promoting terminal maturation of NK cells in Nr2f6-deficient mice. Subsequent transcriptome analysis reveals significant changes in gene expression profiles of NK cells from IL-15 complex treated Nr2f6-deficient mice, with notable alterations in essential NK genes such as Klrg1, Prdm1, Stat5a, Zeb2, and Prf1. Consequently, Nr2f6-deficient IL-15 complex-treated NK cells raise enhanced effector responses of IFNγ, Perforin, and Granzyme B upon ex vivo activation. Of importance, Nr2f6-deficient mice are protected against MHC-I negative B16-F10 melanoma lung metastasis formation, especially with IL-15 complex treatment, indicating the potential of NR2F6 to affect NKp46-dependent NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance. The therapeutic targeting of NR2F6 may be a promising strategy for boosting NKp46-dependent NK-cell-mediated tumor surveillance and metastasis.

• Book : 16(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

In eMalahleni, high solar irradiation makes it ideal for solar farms. The proposed photovoltaic (PV) systems are designed to meet the entire energy demand of the Tshwane University of Technology’s eMalahleni campus. These systems are expected to produce approximately 876 MWh of electricity per annum. The campus building presentations promoting such designs have roofs tilted at 25 degrees and can support the installation of a 625-kW solar PV system. The current proposal will install a 150 kW PV system with a 100-kW inverter, designed to maximize conversion efficiency and system performance. This setup is expected to be viable, with returns estimated in a period of 14 months due to the low LCOE value of 0.6 Rands/kWh. In total, this project has an estimated lifetime saving of about 30 million Rands. According to detailed simulations, the model used to predict the global solar radiation for the region is highly efficient, that is, it follows actual values very well. This tracking ability is very important for making the best use of how well the system can work. This accuracy is critical for maximizing the efficiency of solar energy production. The performance of the PV system reaches its peak at 125 kW around midday, highlighting the benefits of precise solar radiation modeling in enhancing energy output. Moreover, the shift to solar energy is expected to have substantial environmental benefits. Over a period of ten years, the transition will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 6,515 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 27 tons, and sulfur oxides (SOx) by 53 tons. This reduction in greenhouse gases and pollutants will contribute significantly to climate change mitigation, improved air quality, and decreased acid rain. The overall impact underscores the significant economic and environmental advantages of adopting solar power in eMalahleni.

• Book : 20()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.29-41
• Keyword :

Abstract Background The differentiation of benign and malignant breast masses is a critical aspect of breast cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the capability of IVIM variables to discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions by obtaining diffusion and perfusion data from normal tissues of breast and breast lesions through intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging utilising biexponentially analysis of multiple b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and comparing these variables to the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from monoexponentially analysis. Results In this prospective work, each subject provided informed consent. Forty-two patients with fifty-two lesions with 31 malignancies and 21 benign lesions were scanned using 1.5 T MRI and DWI with 12 b-values (range 0–1000 s/mm2). Tissue diffusivity (D), perfusion fraction (f), and pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D p) were determined by segmented biexponentially analysis. The ADC (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2) was computed using monoexponentially fitting of the DWI information. D, f, D p, and ADC values have been acquired for normal tissues of the breast, benign lesions, and malignancies. The contrast of these four variables among each pair indicated that the D and ADC values of malignancies had been substantially lower compared female patients of benign tumours and normal tissues (P < 0.001). The f of malignancies was substantially greater contrasted to that of benign lesions (P < 0.001); nevertheless, no substantial variation in D p was seen between both groups. D, f, and values of ADC exhibited superior sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing benign lesions from malignancies, with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.945, 0.883, and 0.796, correspondingly. At the same time, D p showed the lowest AUC of 0.515. Conclusions IVIM may play a crucial role in differentiating malignancies and benign lesions of the breast by providing separate quantitative measurements of D for cellularity and D p and f for vascularity.

• Book : 56(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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AbstractPurposeBreath‐hold techniques are widely used in radiation therapy to minimize respiratory‐induced tumor or organ‐at‐risk motion. However, residual motion persists, necessitating a reliable daily evaluation method.MethodsAt our institution, fiducial markers serve as surrogates for target localization in pancreatic cancer treatment. We developed an automated method to detect fiducial markers in every projection image of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired for patient setup and positioning verification. This method was retrospectively validated using data from nine pancreatic cancer patients.ResultsResidual motion was observed in all patients during breath‐hold maneuvers. Intrafraction target motion in repeated breath‐hold simulation CT scans averaged 1.9 ± 2.2 mm, with a maximum displacement of 8 mm in the superior‐inferior direction. Within a single CBCT scan, residual motion reached up to 7.3 mm, with an average drifting range of 3.8 ± 1.1 mm across 94 CBCT scans. The average standard deviation of drift was 1.5 ± 0.5 mm. Significant drift (1.3 ± 1.2 mm) and inter‐breath‐hold gaps (2.6 ± 2.0 mm) were detected within the same CBCT scan.ConclusionOur method enables daily residual motion assessment without additional equipment or extra radiation exposure. This information is critical for refining planning margins in online adaptive radiation therapy, improving treatment precision and patient safety.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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AbstractPurposeWe evaluated the impact of random and whole‐bank multileaf collimator (MLC) delivery errors on dosimetric delivery accuracy in the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) phantom audits, as well as differences in delivery accuracy between the IROC phantom prescription and typical clinical fraction sizes.Methods and MaterialsPlans were created for the IROC IMRT head and neck (H&N) and SBRT spine phantoms. MLC leaf errors were introduced into the plans: random shifts between −2 and 2 mm, and whole bank shifts of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm. Plans were recalculated and delivered on a Varian Truebeam, and the log files were analyzed using Mobius Fx software. A second study examined the impact of fraction size on MLC position accuracy and corresponding dose delivery accuracy. The standard IROC phantom prescriptions (∼6 Gy) were scaled to the extremes of 2 Gy for H&N and 27 Gy for spine. All plans (original and scaled) were delivered on a Varian Truebeam and 21EX machine.ResultsRandom MLC positioning errors produced small average dose deviations in the PTV of up to −2.8% for H&N and 0.7% for spine. Whole‐bank MLC shifts resulted in larger average PTV dose deviations up to 8% for H&N and 7.1% for spine. The Varian 21EX irradiations had greater MLC root mean square (RMS) error than Truebeam plans. Plans with smaller prescriptions (and faster leaf motion) had greater MLC RMS errors, but plan accuracy was not affected dosimetrically – all results remained within 1% regardless of fraction size.ConclusionsBoth random and whole bank MLC shifts caused dose deviations in the IROC phantoms that were comparable to clinical results previously found in the literature. Deviations measured with ion chambers were well matched with delivery log file analysis. Smaller dose‐per‐fraction prescriptions caused larger MLC RMS errors that were detected with log files, but were clinically insignificant compared to the dosimetric accuracy of the plan.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Many antifungal agents, including isoconazole nitrate (ISN), suffer from low aqueous solubility and inconsistent dissolution kinetics, which limit their therapeutic potential. To address these challenges, this study aimed to enhance the solubility and stability of ISN through the development of inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). HP-β-CD inclusion complexes were prepared using a spray-drying technique and characterized through phase-solubility studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The inclusion complex significantly improved ISN solubility, increasing from 0.5088 mg/mL to 3.6550 mg/mL. These complexes were incorporated into a thermosensitive, mucoadhesive in situ gel system using Pluronic® F127 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to optimize vaginal drug delivery. The formulations were evaluated for gelation temperature, viscosity, swelling behavior, and pH, confirming their suitability for vaginal application. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated that the ISN/HP-β-CD gels exhibited superior activity against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei compared to ISN alone. In vitro release studies further revealed sustained drug release following Peppas-Sahlin kinetics, supporting enhanced bioavailability and prolonged therapeutic action. This study demonstrates that the ISN/HP-β-CD-loaded in situ gel system offers a promising and effective approach for improving the solubility, stability, and antifungal efficacy of ISN for the treatment of vaginal infections.

• Book : 17(4)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.514-514
• Keyword :

Abstract It is well known that aging affects many systems in the body. The digestive system is one of the systems most affected by aging. In our study, we examined the effects of young plasma treatment on cell proliferation, growth factors, immune defense and histological parameters in the jejunum of aged male rats. For this purpose, aged male Sprague Dawley rats (24 months, n = 7) were treated with pooled plasma (0.5 ml/day, intravenously for 30 days) collected from young (5 weeks, n = 51) rats. Aged rats that received young plasma treatment were grouped as the experimental group, while aged rats formed the control group. At the end of the experiment, the jejunums of the groups were collected and histological parameters such as villus height, crypt depth, total mucosal thickness and surface absorption areas were measured and compared. In addition, cell proliferation index and proliferation intensity in the crypt glands of the jejunum were evaluated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and expressions of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its receptor (IGF-IR) expression and effects of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays a role in the defense of the digestive system against microorganisms, were examined. In the experimental group, an increase in histological parameters, IGF-R and IGF-IR expression, proliferation density, proliferation index and IgA expression density and IgA cell count were observed compared to the control group. These results suggest that young plasma treatment has a positive effect on the digestive system and may be a potential therapeutic for tissue regeneration.

• Book : 26(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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The article describes a clinical case of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma with a rare type of distant metastasis in a patient undergoing surgical and chemotherapy treatment in Cancer Center No. 1 (branch of Yudin City Clinical Hospital) since May 2021. The patient's medical history and computed tomography (CT) results were analyzed. The use of CT remains an extremely important stage in the examination of patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma for assessing local prevalence, identifying distant secondary lesions, including ones to soft tissues.

• Book : 105(4)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.202-207
• Keyword :