Abstract: Sirolimus is a potent mTOR inhibitor used primarily to prevent acute rejection in transplant recipients. Its clinical management is challenging because of its narrow therapeutic index, low and highly variable oral bioavailability, and pronounced inter-individual variability driven by CYP3A4/5-mediated metabolism and P-glycoprotein efflux. Extensive partitioning into erythrocytes further complicates its disposition and necessitates therapeutic drug monitoring. Here, we developed a mechanistic whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) digital twin of rapamycin that integrates complex absorption kinetics, nonlinear distribution, and first-pass metabolism. The SBML-encoded model was calibrated and evaluated against a comprehensive library of curated clinical pharmacokinetic data, comprising studies primarily in healthy volunteers and stable renal transplant recipients. The dataset covers diverse ethnic populations, cohorts with varying degrees of renal and hepatic impairment, and individuals with relevant genetic polymorphisms. The digital twin captured overall trends in rapamycin blood concentrations across a wide range of doses and dosing regimens. Simulations showed good agreement with observed data under hepatic and renal impairment, as well as under fasted and fed conditions. Furthermore, the model reproduced the magnitude of drug--drug interactions involving potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, and concomitant immunosuppressive agents. This SBML-based digital twin provides a quantitative framework for characterizing sirolimus dose dependency and the multifactorial effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on systemic exposure. By providing the model in a standards-based, executable format together with simulation scripts and curated pharmacokinetic datasets, this work supports independent reproduction, transparent model evaluation, and systematic reuse in accordance with FAIR principles.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition with an increasingly high incidence rate due to more effective diagnostic tools. The symptoms of ASD vary widely, making it difficult to detect. It represents a spectrum of alterations ranging from mild indications to severe impairments. Given this clinical presentation, each patient should be treated on an individual basis. Nevertheless, certain neuropathological changes are common, although the background of this disorder remains still unknown. Therefore, some research aimed at better understanding the pathology of the neurological alterations in ASD, as well as the possibilities for early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, is urgently needed. This study presents the results of the studies on some selected proteins such as Tau protein, NFL, BDNF as well as IGF-1 that appear to be the best protein candidates for better understanding the causes of autism, as well as for use as fluid biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring of ASD.

Abstract: Product recognition in e-commerce live streaming is hindered by rapid viewpoint changes, occlusions, motion blur, and inconsistencies between visual and spoken information. Existing approaches typically focus on individual components such as detection, OCR, or speech recognition, which limits their effectiveness in end-to-end scenarios.To address this problem, we propose an integrated framework that combines task-oriented keyframe selection with multimodal semantic fusion. The framework first uses D-FINE to localize product regions, and then selects informative frames through two complementary strategies. Strategy A considers both detection confidence and Laplacian-based sharpness, while Strategy B combines detection confidence with a learned image-quality score estimated by an EfficientNetV2-based model. OCR, visual recognition, and ASR are then applied to the selected data, and a Qwen-Plus large language model is used to integrate multimodal evidence into structured product outputs. Experiments on an in-house dataset demonstrate significant gains over a last-frame baseline. Strategy A increases Perfect Match Rate from 58.00% to 80.00% and Product Name Recognition Accuracy from 78.00% to 98.00%. Strategy B achieves 77.00% and 98.00%, respectively. Ablation studies further show that the full multimodal framework consistently outperforms unimodal and dual-modality variants. In addition, Top-K analysis indicates that single-frame inference provides a good balance between performance and efficiency.Overall, the proposed framework offers an effective and practical solution for product recognition in complex live-streaming scenarios.

Abstract: Determining the compatible prestress and geometry under self-weight constitutes a key challenge in the form-finding of cable-truss structures. To overcome the limitations of experience-dependent trial methods and enhance computational efficiency, this paper proposes an automated and integrated methodology by synergistically combining a simplified mechanical model with an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The core of the method lies in formulating the form-finding process as an optimization problem, where the horizontal inclination angles of the lower chord cables serve as the design variables for all radial cable-truss frames. To efficiently solve this high-dimensional optimization problem, an improved PSO algorithm, which introduces logistic chaotic mapping for particle initialization and a mutation operator within the iterative loop. Ablation studies confirm the individual contribution of each algorithmic enhancement. The algorithm intelligently searches for the optimal angle set, thereby simultaneously resolving the prestress and geometry. The proposed approach is rigorously validated through two representative numerical examples: a circular Type I and an elliptical Type II cable-truss, considering both cases with and without self-weight. The results demonstrate that the improved PSO-based solution achieves prestress distributions and nodal coordinates in excellent agreement with established benchmark data. More importantly, it attains this high precision with significantly reduced computational cost in terms of particle swarm size and iteration number. In conclusion, this improved PSO‑based approach provides an efficient, accurate, and automated tool for the integrated prestress‑geometry design of cable‑truss structures, demonstrating strong potential for practical engineering application.

Abstract: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), traditionally recognized as a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes febrile illness and debilitating arthralgia, has increasingly been associated with atypical organ involvement, including respiratory manifestations. These observations raise important questions regarding whether respiratory symptoms reflect severe systemic disease or signal previously underappreciated respiratory exposure routes. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on respiratory complications of CHIKV infection and to evaluate the plausibility of respiratory or aerosol-associated transmission. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (Ovid) identified five eligible studies spanning clinical virology, outbreak surveillance, epidemiology, and experimental aerosol models. Across human studies conducted in India, Réunion Island, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, respiratory presentations—including pneumonia, dyspnea, and respiratory failure—were uncommon but consistently associated with increased hospitalization and mortality risk. Respiratory symptoms generally arose in the context of respiratory viral coinfections, systemic inflammation, or cardiopulmonary decompensation rather than primary viral tropism for the respiratory tract. Only one non-human primate study directly evaluated aerosol exposure, demonstrating that cynomolgus macaques could be infected via inhaled CHIKV, confirming biological plausibility but showing no evidence of enhanced respiratory pathology. Importantly, no epidemiologic data support human-to-human airborne or droplet transmission. Collectively, available evidence indicates that respiratory involvement serves as a marker of disease severity rather than a transmission route. Nonetheless, rare aerosol-acquisition events in laboratory settings underscore the need for continued vigilance, strengthened surveillance, and re-evaluation of respiratory risks as climate change and viral evolution expand CHIKV’s global footprint.

Abstract: Bacillus velezensis is a rhizosphere-associated bacterium widely recognized for its roles in biological control and plant growth promotion; however, its functional diversity and evolutionary structure across scales remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated strains 2A-2B, 3A-6A, 2A-10A and 3A-25B from the Center-North of Mexico through integrated phenotypic assays and comparative genomics. Antagonistic activity was assessed via dual confrontation assays against major chili pepper phytopathogens, and plant–bacteria compatibility was examined in vitro. Genome-based analyses included pan-genome reconstruction, phylogenetic inference, and functional annotation, incorporating the screening of plant-associated genetic traits using the PLaBAse platform. All strains consistently inhibited phytopathogens (40–80%), with no significant differences among them, and displayed non-pathogenic interactions with the host plant. Genomic analyses revealed highly conserved core features alongside variation in accessory and strain-specific genes, with strain 3A-25B showing the highest divergence. Pan-genome analyses at regional and global scales indicated an open structure shaped by geography. Phylogenetically, three strains clustered together, whereas strain 3A-25B grouped with distant lineages. All genomes encoded extensive plant growth–promoting traits, while a substantial fraction of genes remained unannotated. These findings highlight functional consistency despite genomic divergence and support the ecological versatility and biotechnological potential of native B. velezensis strains.

Abstract: Phase-separated biomolecular condensates in the cytoplasm and nucleus are now recognized to contribute to carcinogenesis through aberrant signaling by assorted transcription factors and fusion oncoproteins. Oral cancer, the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide, frequently occurs in a U-shaped “high-risk” zone (floor of mouth, side of tongue, and anterior fauces) reflecting the path of liquid transit through the mouth. We previously reported that environmental stresses of saliva-like hypotonicity and beverage-like temperature changes triggered cycles of disassembly/reassembly of biomolecular condensates of GFP-tagged human myxovirus resistance protein (MxA; alias Mx1) in oral cancer cells. In the present study we identified some of the constituents of GFP-MxA cytoplasmic condensates in oral cells. GFP-MxA condensates were isolated from interferon (IFN)-λ1-treated GFP-MxA expressing OECM1 human oral cancer cells using magnetic bead-based immunoisolation. Unbiased peptide identification confirmed presence of MxA/Mx1 peptides; however, the strongest intensity was for the BACH1 transcription factor family. Immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the association of BACH1 and the family member Nrf2 with cytoplasmic human GFP-MxA condensates. Moreover, GFP-BACH1 and GFP-Nrf2 colocalized with cytoplasmic human HA-MxA condensates in transiently transfected OECM1 cells. Western blot assays confirmed presence of BACH1 and Nrf2 proteins in complexes isolated using anti-MxA pAb. In as much as BACH1 and Nrf2 regulate oxidative stress response genes, it was remarkable that immunofluorescence assays revealed the presence of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) – a downstream redox regulator - in GFP-MxA condensates. In terms of aberrant function, in live cells, the Nrf2 transcription factor underwent rapid disassembly and reassembly cycles driven by saliva-like hypotonicity. The data highlight the unexpected intersections in oral cells between MxA condensates and BACH1, Nrf2 and HO1 – proteins well known to be involved in pathways regulating cellular responses to environmental and oxidative stresses, antiviral defense, oral epithelial dysplasia, and cancer progression and metastases.

Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) has become an increasingly important therapeutic target in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer, particularly with the clinical development of FGFR2b-directed antibody therapy. However, its translation into routine treatment selection is not straightforward. FGFR2b is usually assessed as a protein biomarker by immunohistochemistry, and a positive result may reflect different biological situations depending on staining intensity, percentage of positive tumor cells, sample type and spatial distribution. In addition, FGFR2b protein expression, FGFR2 amplification, transcript-level activity and true pathway dependency are related but not interchangeable. This review examines FGFR2b-positive gastric cancer from the perspective of biomarker reliability rather than target presence alone. We discuss the biological basis of FGFR2b targeting, the reasons for variability in reported positivity rates, the implications of intratumoral and inter-lesion heterogeneity, the current clinical evidence for FGFR2b-directed and broader FGFR-targeted approaches, and the emerging challenges of safety, resistance and treatment sequencing. Particular attention is given to the gap between detecting FGFR2b and identifying tumors in which this target is sufficiently expressed, representative and biologically relevant to guide therapy. We also consider how FGFR2b should be interpreted alongside HER2, CLDN18.2, immune biomarkers and other receptor tyrosine kinase alterations. As FGFR2b-directed strategies move forward, their success will depend not only on drug efficacy, but also on standardized testing, careful reporting, and selective reassessment when disease biology changes. FGFR2b therefore offers a useful model for how protein biomarkers can be developed in gastric cancer: not as isolated positive-or-negative la-bels, but as clinically interpreted variables within a changing therapeutic landscape.

Abstract: We conduct a theoretical analysis on the diffusiophoretic motion of a dielectric droplet in a cylindrical pore in the presence of an induced diffusion potential, such as in the NaCl electrolyte solution. The fundamental electrokinetic governing equations are solved using a patched pseudo-spectral method based on Chebyshev polynomials, coupled with a geometric mapping scheme to handle the irregular solution domain. The impact of boundary confinement effect on droplet mobility is examined in detail. Interesting electrokinetic phenomena are found in this work, such as mobility reversal in narrow cylindrical pores with the droplet moving against the direction expected based on the classical Coulomb electrostatic law due to the strong boundary confinement effect. Two critical points of κa are found, where κ is the electrolyte strength and a is the droplet radius. The spinning orientation on the droplet surface changes each time past them. The profound boundary confinement effect, both electrostatically and hydrodynamically, is responsible for these peculiar phenomena. The results presented here has direct applications in microfluidic and nanofluidic operations as well as drug delivery applications.

Abstract: Severe decline and death of young table grape vines (1 to 2 years old) have been observed recurrently in commercial vineyards in Peru since 2022. Affected plants developed rapid shoot wilting associated with extensive necrotic lesions at the rootstock collar below the graft union, leading to plant death within days of symptom onset. A Cylindrocarpon-like fungus was consistently isolated from symptomatic collar tissues. Morphological characterization, cardinal temperature assays, and phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and histone H3 (his3) gene identified the pathogen as a member of the genus Pleiocarpon. Bayesian inference of concatenated sequences resolved the Peruvian isolates as a distinct lineage sister to P. strelitziae (posterior probability = 1.00). Greenhouse pathogenicity tests with two representative isolates on cv. Red Globe grafted onto Salt Creek rootstock reproduced collar lesions and shoot wilting, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Optimal mycelial growth occurred between 25.7 to 26.1°C, and maximum experimental growth was observed between 28.8 to 31.5°C, consistent with warm conditions during vineyard establishment in coastal Peru. The disease, designated here as collar rot of grapevine, is pathologically distinct from classical black-foot disease due to its extensive belowground collar necrosis and rapid vine collapse. Recurrent outbreaks and the near-exclusive use of the susceptible Salt Creek rootstock indicate that Pleiocarpon-associated collar rot is an emerging threat to table grape production in Peru.

Abstract: The rectangular (square) waveform universally used in neurostimulation and electrotherapy was adopted for reasons of technological convenience, not biological validation. We demonstrate that it constitutes a fundamental error of physical, mathematical, and neurophysiological nature, and propose a physiologically optimal alternative. Fourier spectral analysis shows that a 600 µs rectangular pulse at 50 Hz generates harmonics extending to 81,650 Hz with a calculated peak power of 7.75 × 108 W— a factor of 1,273 above the sinusoidal equivalent. The Hodgkin-Huxley model (Nobel Prize, 1963) establishes that voltage-gated ion channels respond to dV/dt, not to absolute voltage: the rectangular wavefront is neurophysiologically incoherent. We propose an optimal biomimetic signal described by a parametric Bézier curve calibrated on the conformational time constants of sodium and potassium channels, scalable within the physiologically bounded range 200 µs ≲ τ ≲ 1,000 µs. Combined with a capacitive electrode (CNT/aPDMS or TiN), this waveform incurs only +61% in initial energy relative to the faradaic-rectangular reference — an overhead that remains stable over time, unlike the progressive energy escalation imposed by rectangular-induced peri-electrode fibrosis. Independent experimental evidence (Lembcke et al., 2026) corroborates the proposed mechanistic framework. The hypothesis has direct clinical implications for millions of patients carrying deep brain stimulators, cardiac pacemakers, and cochlear implants, in whom peri-electrode fibrosis and impedance drift are downstream consequences of waveform-electrode mismatch. The corrected system is firmware-implementable without hardware redesign.

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Acetabular fracture surgery is associated with substantial perioperative blood loss and prolonged operative time. Routine preoperative pelvic computed tomography (CT) carries information about body composition that is not currently exploited for risk stratification. We tested whether (i) CT-defined pelvic sarcopenia is associated with lower preoperative haemoglobin and a greater perioperative haemoglobin drop, and (ii) preoperative subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area (CSA) independently predicts operative time, after adjustment for surgical approach, age, fracture complexity and sarcopenia status. Materials and Methods: In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, 48 adults (37 men, 11 women; mean age 40.2 ± 16.5 years) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for unilateral acetabular fractures between 2016 and 2024 were included. Pelvic muscle and subcutaneous fat CSAs were measured on the contralateral side of preoperative CT images using ImageJ. Sarcopenia was defined a priori as a sex-specific bottom tertile of psoas CSA. Group comparisons used Welch's t-test or Mann–Whitney U; correlations used Pearson's r; the multivariable model used ordinary least squares regression. A sensitivity power analysis was performed for all primary tests. Results: Sarcopenic patients (n = 17) had significantly lower preoperative haemoglobin (12.63 ± 1.24 vs. 14.00 ± 1.53 g/dL; mean difference −1.37 g/dL, 95% CI −2.20 to −0.55; p = 0.002; Cohen's d = 0.96) and a greater perioperative haemoglobin drop (ΔHb 1.64 ± 0.91 vs. 2.46 ± 1.87 g/dL; p = 0.046; d = 0.52) compared with non-sarcopenic patients (n = 31). Psoas, iliacus, gluteus medius–minimus and total muscle CSAs all correlated positively with preoperative haemoglobin (r = 0.42 to 0.49; all p ≤ 0.003). In the multivariable model (overall F[6, 41] = 3.71, p = 0.005; adjusted R² = 0.26), subcutaneous fat CSA (B = +0.25 min/cm², 95% CI +0.09 to +0.41, p = 0.004) and the modified Stoppa approach (vs. Kocher–Langenbeck; +65 min, p = 0.001) independently predicted operative time, while age, fracture complexity and sarcopenia did not. Conclusions: Routine preoperative pelvic CT in acetabular fracture patients can be repurposed as a one-stop opportunistic screen for two clinically actionable phenotypes: pelvic sarcopenia, which flags lower haematopoietic reserve and a greater perioperative haemoglobin drop, and elevated subcutaneous adiposity, which independently predicts longer operative time. Both findings can be obtained at zero marginal cost or radiation burden and could inform preoperative blood-product preparation, prehabilitation triage, and operating-room scheduling.

Abstract: Adaptive Sidelobe Cancellation (ASLC) is a core technology for modern radar systems to suppress active sidelobe jamming. From the perspective of disrupting the ASLC system’s ability to stably track the jamming direction, this paper proposes a distributed jamming method based on random phase perturbation. The method employs two spatially separated jamming sources that simultaneously transmit coherent signals. By actively applying controllable random jumps to the relative phase between the two sources, the equivalent wavefront direction of the synthesized signal at the radar receiver changes rapidly, forming a non-stationary jamming that destroys the null-tracking capability of ASLC. An analytical model of the ASLC cancellation ratio under random phase perturbation is established, with a focus on analyzing the effects of time synchronization accuracy and phase synchronization accuracy on jamming performance. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the average ASLC cancellation ratio from 26.80 dB to 19.73 dB (a decrease of 7.07 dB). This study provides a theoretical basis and parameter design references for the engineering implementation of distributed cooperative jamming.

Abstract: Disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms is a lesser-known, but pervasive symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It impacts patients’ health, well-being, and may exacerbate disease progression. This review summarises how currently established treatments impact Parkinsonian sleep and circadian rhythms, and highlights experimental treatments (chronotherapies) that specifically target these symptoms. We argue deep brain stimulation technology may have the potential to deliver particularly effective chronotherapy, and we explore several potential therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: Background: Highly effective CFTR modulation with Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) markedly improves clinical outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data on its effects on physical activity, sleep, sinonasal symptoms and parent-perceived outcomes in preschool-aged children are limited. Methods: In this prospective, observational, single-center cohort study, ten children with cystic fibrosis (aged 2–6 years) and at least one CFTR variant eligible for ETI were included. Data were collected using wrist-worn Garmin vívofit Junior 2 activity trackers and standardized questionnaires one month before ETI initiation and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after start of ETI. Outcomes included step count, minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sleep parameters, sinonasal symptoms and parental perceptions. Results: ETI was well tolerated. Sweat chloride levels decreased significantly. Physical activity improved at 3 and 6 months (step count and active minutes/day; p < 0.05) but declined to near-baseline levels at 12 months. Parental assessments of physical and sporting performance showed sustained improvement. Sleep duration remained stable, with no changes in deep or light sleep phases or nighttime awakenings. Sinonasal symptoms remained low. Discussion & Conclusions: Preliminary findings of this pilot study show that improvement in physical activity after three and six months of ETI therapy might be attributable to seasonality as therapy was started in winter months. No changes in sleep duration or sleep patterns are reassuring in young children with CF. ETI therapy was safe and well tolerated. Parental appraisal of their childrens’ physical performance improved after start of ETI. Longitudinal, controlled studies involving larger cohorts are required to validate these findings and to account for potential confounding factors, such as seasonal variation.

Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 exhibits extensive genetic diversity, which has important implications for transmission dynamics, disease progression, and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. In Mexico, molecular surveillance has largely relied on partial pol gene sequencing, limiting the detection of recombination events and resistance mutations outside canonical regions. In this study, we performed near-full-length whole-genome sequencing of HIV-1 from 40 treatment-naïve adults receiving care at a tertiary-care hospital in Mexico to characterize drug-resistance mutations, viral genetic diversity, and recombinant forms. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma and sequenced on an Illumina platform, followed by bioinformatic processing and interpretation using the DeepChek pipeline for subtype classification, recombinant profiling, and identification of drug-resistance mutations. Drug-resistance mutations were identified in 6/40 (15.0%) participants. NNRTI-associated DRMs were identified in 2/40 patients (5.0%), whereas NRTI- and protease inhibitor-associated DRMs were each identified in 1/40 patient (2.5%). In addition, accessory INSTI-associated substitutions were detected in 2/40 patients (5.0%). No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with and without DRMs with respect to age, sex, or plasma viral load. Furthermore, DRMs were distributed across all recombinant categories, with no significant association between recombinant profile and DRM presence (p = 0.97). Non-B subtypes and recombinant forms predominated (82.5%), while subtype B accounted for 17.5% of cases. Extensive intergenic recombination was observed, with discordant subtype assignments across gag, pol, and env regions, consistent with mosaic viral genomes. Multiple circulating recombinant forms, including CRF03_AB, CRF07_BC, CRF28_BF, and CRF39_BF, were identified, alongside a predominance of BF-related recombinants. In addition, several unique recombinant forms with complex mosaic structures were detected, reflecting ongoing recombination and viral evolution. These findings highlight the high genetic complexity of HIV-1 in this population, characterized by a predominance of recombinant forms and extensive genomic mosaicism. The detection of DRMs across diverse genetic backgrounds supports the value of baseline resistance testing and suggests that broader genomic surveillance may improve HIV-1 molecular epidemiology monitoring in Mexico.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in decision-making across organizational and societal contexts, yet it remains unclear whether individuals remain cognitively aligned with decisions generated under algorithmic conditions. Existing research has emphasized trust, fairness, and transparency, but provides limited insight into the cognitive mechanisms that sustain coherent human judgment during system-mediated decision processes.Here we introduce perceptual integrity as a measurable construct capturing the extent to which individuals maintain interpretive coherence and decision authorship in human–AI interaction. We test this framework in a controlled experiment (N = 602) comparing algorithmic imposition with interpretive autonomy. Algorithmic imposition significantly reduced perceptual integrity relative to interpretive autonomy (t(600) = 4.21, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.38). Perceptual integrity was a significant predictor of trust in AI-assisted decisions (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and partially mediated the relationship between decision condition and trust (indirect effect = 0.17, 95% CI [0.09, 0.27]).These findings identify perceptual integrity as a cognitive mechanism linking decision structure to trust under system-mediated conditions. More broadly, they suggest that effective integration of algorithmic systems depends not only on performance accuracy but on preserving cognitive alignment during decision formation. This work provides a generalizable framework for understanding how humans remain engaged with decisions in increasingly automated environments.

Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype and accounts for 15-20% of breast cancer cases. TNBC lacks expression of the estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu (HER2/neu) receptors. Due to the lack of these receptors, targeted therapies are virtually ineffective. In addition, due to their aggressive nature, standard therapy options are limited by the development of resistance making TNBC very challenging to treat, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. TNBCs undergo metabolic alterations to support growth and survival, one of which is glutamine addiction. TNBCs have been shown to demonstrate increased levels of GLS mRNA, which correlates with their dependence on exogenous glutamine for growth and survival. This study examined whether inhibiting glutamine metabolism enhances radiotherapy (RT) efficacy against TNBC. In two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and 4T1), glutamine deprivation and the glutaminase (GLS) inhibitor CB-839 combined with ionizing radiation (IR) reduced colony formation in the combination treatment was significantly more effective than either treatment alone. In a murine model of TNBC, this combination significantly decreased mammary fat pad tumor growth. These findings demonstrate that inhibiting glutamine metabolism combined with RT represents a promising therapeutic strategy that could improve treatment outcomes in TNBC patients who currently have limited effective treatment options.

Abstract: Background: Localized gallbladder adenomyomatosis is a common benign condition characterized by focal thickening of the gallbladder wall, typically at the fundus. The current descriptive term “cap-like thickening” is accurate but lacks vividness.Observation: We propose the “Mushroom Cap Sign” as a novel sonographic sign for a subset of localized gallbladder adenomyomatosis that exhibits a typical cap-like elevation with visible Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses (RAS), together resembling a mushroom cap. The anechoic cystic spaces correspond to the spots on a mushroom cap.Conclusion: The “Mushroom Cap Sign” provides a simple, intuitive sonographic sign for recognizing those cases of localized gallbladder adenomyomatosis with a cap-like elevation and internal anechoic cystic spaces. It may serve as a useful teaching tool for trainees.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to carry out measurements of the activity concentrations of radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) in homes, to calculate the annual effective inhalation dose and the induced risk of lung cancer associated with the exposure to 222Rn and 220Rn, for individuals living in the towns of Moanda and Franceville, in Gabon. One hundred (100) radon-thoron detectors of the brand RADUET were deployed in these localities, 50 per city, i.e., one detector per home. The results of the radon concentrations varied in the range 91-156 Bq m-3 in Moanda, with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 113.2 ± 2.8 Bq m−3 and 111.8 (1.0) Bq m−3, respectively, and in the range 76-139 Bq m-3 in Franceville, with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 105.0 ± 1.9 Bq m−3 and 104.2 (1.0) Bq m−3, respectively. These mean values are above the United Nations Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) worldwide average values of 40 Bq m−3 (arithmetic mean) and 45 Bq m−3 (geometric mean). For thoron, the concentrations varied in the range 3-945 Bq m−3, with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 69.5 ± 0.4 Bq m−3 and 24.4 (3.9) Bq m−3 at Moanda, and in the range 4-78 Bq m−3, with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 18.4 ± 0.4 Bq m−3 and 11.6 (0.4) Bq m−3 in Franceville. This shows that the mean concentration values of thoron were significantly higher than the UNSCEAR world average value of 10 Bq m−3. Overall, the highest concentration values were recorded in the town of Moanda and the lowest in the town of Franceville. The dose values estimated in the present study demonstrate that the population in Moanda and in Franceville may be exposed to a relatively significant potential risk of radon-and thoron-induced cancer.