Pengtao Hu¹, Junjie Sun¹, Jian Lu², Chunlei Ge³, Hanzhi Sun¹, Chengyu Lv^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076013 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) are a primary cause of poor patient prognosis, closely linked to the liver’s unique tumor microenvironment (TME). Compared to primary tumors, research on the TME of liver metastases remains insufficient. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in TME research concerning colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), emphasizing its organ-specific characteristics, pivotal role in tumor progression, and influence on treatment response. We delve into the intricate cellular components of the TME—including tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells—and non-cellular constituents such as the extracellular matrix and soluble factors. Furthermore, we explore More >

Mark W. Shilling¹, Shawn L. Fernandez², George J. Ryan¹, Juila G. Kim³, David C. Majure⁴, Frances M. Alba⁵, Reza Ehsanian^1,*

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 427-440, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cju.2025.070606 - 20 April 2026

Abstract Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk for developing neurogenic bladder or neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), which can lead to severe complications and negatively impact quality of life. Despite the critical need for timely urologic care, barriers to access remain poorly understood, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aims to identify systemic and perceived barriers to urologic follow-up for individuals with SCI treated at an academic medical center. Methods: A single-center, observational study was conducted on individuals presenting with a diagnosis code indicative of complete SCI at an academic… More >

Cristiane Michele Alves de Oliveira¹, Bruna Carolina Dorm¹, Antonio José Felix Carvalho², Deliane da Silva Cabral², Flávia Aparecida Resende Nogueira¹, Nádia Andrade Aleixo¹, Mônica Rosas Costa Iemma¹, Eliane Trovatti^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0166 - 25 March 2026

Abstract Materials from natural sources have been studied to replace the conventional synthetic or animal-derived products as a safer alternative to be used in the healthcare field. In dentistry, guided bone regeneration (GBR) relies on barrier membranes, predominantly from animals or synthetic materials, to improve osteogenesis by avoiding undesired soft tissue cells from defect sites. In this study, membranes were prepared from zein, a corn-derived protein, using a simple extraction and casting method, followed by optional formaldehyde cross-linking to evaluate their behavior for application in GBR. The membranes were characterised by FTIR, DSC, TGA, tensile strength… More > Graphic Abstract

Yuanhong Mao^#, Yunlan Yang^#, Kun Yang^§, Yongqiang Sun, Kun Yang^*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.075138 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Objective: Intestinal barrier disruption is a critical event in sepsis and ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) maintain barrier integrity by secreting glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This study aimed to determine whether Dexmedetomidine (Dex) protects the intestinal barrier via α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) signaling in EGCs. Methods: An in vitro EGC-intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) co-culture system and a murine intestinal I/R model were established. EGCs were selectively ablated in vivo using benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Barrier integrity was evaluated by transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER) and plasma FITC-dextran permeability. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blotting… More >

Joongbum Moon¹, Ji Hyeon Ahn², Moo-Ho Won^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.072635 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury induces region-specific neuronal vulnerability within the hippocampus, with the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield particularly prone to delayed neuronal death. While intrinsic neuronal factors have been implicated, emerging evidence highlights the decisive contribution of astrocyte endfeet (AEF)—specialized perivascular structures that regulate ion and water homeostasis, glutamate clearance, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) stability. This review synthesizes structural and molecular alterations of AEF across the CA1–CA3 subfields following I/R and their correlation with neuronal fate. In CA1, AEF undergo early-onset swelling and detachment from the vascular basal lamina due to dysfunction of critical proteins… More >

Bo Su¹, Mwansa Chambalile¹, Shihao He¹, Wan Sun², Enyuan Zhang¹, Tong Guo³, Jianming Hao⁴, Md. Mahbub Alam^5,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.22, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2026.076681 - 06 February 2026

Abstract Predicting the precise impacts of climate change on extreme winds remains challenging, yet strong storms are widely expected to occur more frequently in a warming climate. Wind barriers are commonly used on bridges to reduce aerodynamic loads on trains through blocking effects. This study develops a novel wind barrier based on Tesla valves, which not only blocks incoming flow but also dissipates mechanical energy through fluid collision. To demonstrate this energy-dissipation capability, a Tesla plate is placed in a circular duct to examine its influence on pressure drop. Experimental tests and numerical simulations comparing a… More >

Virna Margarita Martín Giménez¹, SebastiáN GarcíA MenéNdez^2,3, Luiz Gustavo A. Chuffa⁴, Vinicius Augusto SimãO⁴, Russel J. Reiter⁵, Ramaswamy Sharma⁶, Walter Balduini⁷, Carla Gentile⁸, Walter Manucha^2,3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.12, pp. 2245-2282, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071830 - 24 December 2025

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, which is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies involve a complex interplay of genetics, protein misfolding, and cellular stress, culminating in impaired energy metabolism, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and defective mitochondrial quality control. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and dysregulation of pathways such as the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) are central to the pathogenesis of these conditions. This review explores the critical relationship between mitochondrial stress… More >

Kezheng Gao¹, Shuaifei Li¹, Qingyuan Niu², Xiaojing Zhang^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.12, pp. 2309-2353, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0108 - 23 December 2025

Abstract The current global shortage of oil resources and the pollution problems caused by traditional barrier materials urgently require the search for new substitutes. Biodegradable bio-based barrier materials possess the characteristics of being renewable, environmentally friendly, and having excellent barrier properties. They have become an important choice in fields such as food packaging, agricultural film covering, and medical protection. This review systematically analyzes the design and research of this type of material, classifying biobased and biodegradable barrier materials based on the sources of raw materials and synthesis pathways. It also provides a detailed introduction to the More >

Su Li¹, Nooreen Noordin², Dan Wang^3,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1797-1812, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072301 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: Communication barriers are a critical yet underexplored determinant of psychological well-being in oncology care, particularly among rural Chinese patients treated in urban hospitals. This study examined how Mandarin proficiency influences emotional distress and identified implications for mental health promotion. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 180 rural cancer patients using the Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Distress Thermometer (DT). Multiple linear regressions estimated covariate-adjusted associations between Mandarin proficiency and distress outcomes, controlling for demographic and clinical factors. Semi-structured interviews with 20… More >

Beth Steinberg^1,*, Yulia Mulugeta¹, Catherine Quatman-Yates², Maeghan Williams², Anvitha Gogineni¹, Maryanna Klatt¹

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.9, pp. 1237-1264, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.067232 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Background: Community-based first responders face high levels of workplace stressors that can profoundly impact their physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in decreasing stress and increasing psychological resilience; however, implementation is difficult due to unpredictability of the job, department culture, and generational preferences. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify and enhance understanding of the specific needs and potential barriers and facilitators for the implementation of mindfulness-based programming for community-based first responders. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study design was used to gain insights into the lived experiences of first responders… More >