Wyatt MacNevin^1,*, Daniel T. Keefe^1,2, Karen Milford^1,2, Nicholas R. Paterson¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.32, No.1, pp. 5-13, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cju.2025.064697 - 20 March 2025

Abstract Urethral catheterization is an important skill to develop as consultations for “difficult catheterization” are common in practice. Developing a broad approach to difficult urethral catheterization is crucial to improve trainee success rates. Strategies and techniques to improve catheterization success are often passed down and shared between trainees without formal documentation or dissemination of techniques. Herein, we present a framework for difficult urethral catheterization based on clinical history and patient examination, while also providing additional techniques and troubleshooting to overcome common challenges with urethral catheterization in adult and pediatric patients. More >

Chaichawin Chavapradit¹, Wonnop Visessanguan², Suwan Panjanapongchai¹, Anil Kumar Anal^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 553-582, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.058857 - 20 March 2025

Abstract The growing population and industrialization have led to significant production in agro-industrial sectors, resulting in large amounts of agro-industrial residues often left untreated, posing potential environmental issues. Therefore, finding effective ways to utilize these bio-based residues is crucial. One promising approach is to use these low- or no-value agro-industrial wastes as raw materials for producing renewable biomaterials, including proteins and peptides. Research has extensively explored peptide extraction using plant and animal-based agro-industrial residue. Due to lower processing costs and beneficial bioactive properties, peptides derived from waste could replace synthetic peptides and those extracted from food More >

Heni Radiani Arifin^1,*, Yoan Christina Angelica¹, Bambang Nurhadi¹, Herlina Marta¹, Rossy Choerun Nissa²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 617-635, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.057812 - 20 March 2025

Abstract Bionanocomposite film is produced from renewable and biodegradable natural resources. Although elephant foot yam (EFY) starch (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) is a promising polymer for bionanocomposite film, the native hydrophilic properties influence the overall performance characteristics. Incorporating virgin coconut oil (VCO) and monoglyceride as hydrophobic components can improve mechanical properties and reduce permeability while increasing the hydrophobicity of the composite. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of adding VCO and monoglyceride on EFY starch-nanocrystalline film at 3 and 5 wt% concentrations. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate… More > Graphic Abstract

Ulla Milbreta^1,2, Laura Andze¹, Juris Zoldners¹, Ilze Irbe¹, Marite Skute¹, Inese Filipova^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 583-597, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.057663 - 20 March 2025

Abstract This study investigated the potential of locally sourced mushrooms as a sustainable alternative to marine-derived chitosan in papermaking. Chitosan was extracted from four local (Boletus edulis, Suillus luteus, Leccinum aurantiacum, Suillus variegatus), one commercially available (Agaricus bisporus) and one laboratory-grown (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) fungal species. Paper handsheets were prepared using either 100% regenerated paper or a 50/50 blend of regenerated paper and hemp fibres. 2.5% chitosan (based on dry mass) was incorporated into the paper mass, using chitosan sourced from B. edulis, A. bisporus, P. chrysosporium, and crustacean chitosan. Fungal chitosan sources were selected based on multiple factors. B. edulis exhibited the highest chitosan yield… More >

Prabu Satria Sejati^1,2, Adrien Magne¹, Luke Froment¹, Jennifer Afrim¹, Alexandre Maenhaut³, Julie Maillet³, Firmin Obounou Akong^1,*, Frédéric Fradet³, Philippe Gérardin^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 539-552, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056813 - 20 March 2025

Abstract Bio-based thermoplastic film from flax fiber and fatty acid (FA) was obtained using trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) as an impelling agent. Different quantities of TFAA/FA, size of flax fiber, and fatty acids were applied to investigate chemical structure in relation to the mechanical properties. Decreasing the quantity of TFAA/FA by almost half from 1:4 to 1:2.5 (flax to TFAA/FA) only reduces by 22% the weight percent gain (WPG) and ester content and reducing flax fiber size slightly increases the WPG and ester content. All the treatments showed significant chemical structure modification, observed by FTIR and… More > Graphic Abstract

Luthfi Hakim^1,*, Apri Heri Iswanto^1,*, Yunida Syafriani Lubis², Adam Jagwani Wirawan¹, Ridwanti Batubara¹, Nam Hum Kim³, Petar Antov⁴, Tomasz Rogoziński⁵, Lee Seng Hua⁶, Lum Wei Chen⁷, Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian⁸, Jayusman², Jajang Sutiawan⁹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 637-650, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.056365 - 20 March 2025

Abstract The utilisation of sugar palm bunches-charcoal briquettes (SPB-CB) represents a significant advancement in biomass energy. This study aimed to analyse the properties of charcoal briquettes produced from SPB (Arenga longipes). The experiment involved categorising the dimensions of charcoal powder into three specific particle sizes: 20–40 mesh, 40–60 mesh, and particles that could pass through a 60-mesh screen. The charcoal powder will be combined with tapioca as a binding agent at three specific concentrations: 11%, 13%, and 15%. The research findings indicate that the samples underwent 60 mesh passes achieved the maximum briquette density, with an average… More >

MICHELE MAFFEZZOLI^1,2,#, GIULIA CLAIRE GIUDICE^1,2,#,*, GIACOMO IOVANE^1,2, MARTINA MANINI^1,2, ELENA RAPACCHI¹, GIUSEPPE CARUSO¹, NICOLA SIMONI³, STEFANIA FERRETTI⁴, STEFANO PULIATTI⁴, DAVIDE CAMPOBASSO⁵, SEBASTIANO BUTI^1,2

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 741-757, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.057278 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Background: immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC), significantly improving survival outcomes. However, a subset of patients do not respond to ICIs, prompting research into potential predictive factors. Commonly prescribed medications such as corticosteroids, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics (Abs), antihypertensives, and analgesics may influence ICI effectiveness. Methods: we conducted a literature search on PubMed to investigate the impact of concomitant medications on the outcomes of patients with mUC, treated with ICIs. We selected the most relevant studies and performed a narrative review. Results: corticosteroids, PPIs and Abs have been associated More >

DEMEI FENG^1,#, SHENRUI BAI^1,#, GUANJUN CHEN¹, BIBO FU¹, CAILU SONG¹, HAILIN TANG¹, LIANG WANG^2,*, HUA WANG^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 965-974, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.057065 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Objectives: The optimal treatment strategy for early-stage natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) associated with two treatment regimens for early-stage NKTCL: pegaspargase with concurrent radiation therapy (P+CCRT) and pegaspargase, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin (P-GEMOX) with sequential radiation therapy (SERT). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to ensure balanced comparison between these regimens. Methods: We assessed the efficacy of P+CCRT from a phase II trial and P-GEMOX combined with SERT using real-world data. PSM was conducted at a 1:1 ratio with a caliper… More >

GIULIANO BERNAL^*, GISELA AQUEA, SEBASTIÁN RAMÍREZ-RIVERA

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 759-779, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.057019 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the world, with more than 9 million deaths in 2022, a number that continues to rise. This highlights the urgent need for the development of new drugs, with enhanced antitumor capabilities and fewer side effects. Metal-based drugs have been used in clinical practice since the late 1970s, beginning with the introduction of cisplatin. Later, two additional platinum-based molecules, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, were introduced, and all three continue to be widely used in the treatment of various cancers. However, despite their significant anticancer activity, the undesirable… More > Graphic Abstract

LUIZ FERNANDO LOPES SILVA^1,#, JULIETE NATHALI SCHOLL^1,#, AUGUSTO FERREIRA WEBER¹, CAMILA KEHL DIAS¹, PAULINE RAFAELA PIZZATO², VINíCIUS PIERDONá LIMA¹, JEAN SÉVIGNY^3,4, ANA MARIA OLIVEIRA BATTASTINI¹, FABRÍCIO FIGUEIRÓ^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 951-964, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055508 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Objectives: Glioblastoma (GB) is a grade IV glial tumor characterized by high malignancy and dismal prognosis, primarily due to high recurrence rates and therapeutic resistance. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), regulates signaling pathways, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration, and cell death. Many cancers utilize immune checkpoints (ICs) to attenuate immune responses. CD73 is an enzyme that functions as an IC by hydrolyzing AMP to adenosine, suppressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. However, the role of CD73 in resistance to EGFR inhibitors is poorly understood. This study aims… More >