This study presents a combined enhancement approach to improve the thermal and electrical performance of a photovoltaic–thermal collector by utilizing a 50% TiO2–50% Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid at 0.5% concentration and perforated twisted tape turbulators with different twist ratios. An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate heat transfer effectiveness, energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and hydraulic performance. The results indicate that a twist ratio of the two provides the best overall performance, achieving a heat transfer enhancement exceeding 67% compared to the baseline system. Maximum energy and exergy efficiencies of 82% and 30%, respectively, were obtained. These improvements are attributed to enhanced thermal conductivity and intensified fluid mixing. Although the proposed method increases pressure drop, the overall thermo-hydraulic performance remains favorable, as confirmed by the performance evaluation criterion. The findings demonstrate that the proposed configuration is an effective and practical solution for advanced photovoltaic–thermal applications.
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, remain leading causes of disability and premature death. Although they present with distinct clinical phenotypes, they converge on several pathogenic processes. Among these, mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a key driver of neurodegeneration, encompassing impaired bioenergetic capacity, disturbed calcium handling, altered mitochondrial dynamics, insufficient mitophagy, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review provides a focused synthesis of the ways in which mitochondrial pathology contributes to neurodegeneration across major neurodegenerative disorders and summarizes therapeutic strategies designed to target mitochondria. We outline disease-relevant mitochondrial abnormalities and connect them to neuronal loss, synaptic failure, and neuroinflammatory cascades, with particular attention to mitochondrial ROS and inflammatory signaling linked to mitochondrial DNA. The manuscript further evaluates current and emerging interventions, including mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, mitochondrial transfer/transplantation, exercise, dietary approaches, and nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems. For each strategy, we consider the mechanistic rationale, key preclinical findings, and barriers to translation. Across experimental models, many of these approaches confer measurable neuroprotection—often reflected by lower oxidative burden, stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and partial restoration of ATP production. However, clinical findings have been inconsistent, suggesting that efficacy depends strongly on disease stage, patient heterogeneity, and the specific mitochondrial defect being targeted. By integrating mechanistic insights with therapeutic evidence, this review offers a structured perspective on shared and disease-specific features of mitochondrial dysfunction and highlights priorities for advancing mitochondria-centered interventions toward meaningful clinical benefit.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants with high persistence and significant toxic effects on ecosystems and human health. Despite numerous regional studies, a comprehensive understanding of their global distribution across major environmental compartments—soil, water, air, and sediment—is still lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis address this gap by synthesizing worldwide data to reveal spatial patterns and identify regions with higher contamination levels. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature identified 15,084 records, of which 79 studies met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled PAH concentrations across environmental media and evaluate heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias. The results revealed marked regional disparities, with the highest levels generally reported in Nigeria, Iran, China, and Egypt. Water and soil were the most frequently investigated media (28.7
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a central regulator and driver of lung cancer progression. Within this TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve as key mediators of crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma. CAFs promote immunosuppression, remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), induce abnormal hypoxia and altered metabolism, and contribute to therapeutic resistance. These effects arise through dynamic interactions with cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and other stromal and immune components in the TME. Recent studies have revealed substantial heterogeneity among lung CAFs, with distinct subsets identified by specific marker proteins. This heterogeneity is associated with distinct secretory profiles that support tumor growth. The present review summarizes current understanding of the roles of CAFs in lung cancer progression and therapy resistance. We outline emerging strategies for targeting lung CAFs, including disrupting their signaling pathways, inhibiting ECM remodeling, and blocking CAF-derived secreted factors. In addition, we address the conflicting roles of CAFs in responses to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of novel approaches, including nanoparticle-based delivery systems, small-molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs.
Microsphere-based technologies have increasingly gained attention as adaptable and multifunctional tools in breast cancer research and clinical care. Traditional approaches, including two‑dimensional cell cultures, systemic drug delivery, and broad diagnostic methods, often fail to accurately mimic tumor behavior or deliver therapeutics efficiently. Microspheres, with their customizable size, composition, mechanical characteristics, and surface chemistry, offer a platform that can overcome many of these limitations. Their ability to modulate cell–material interactions and control local drug release positions them as valuable components in modern cancer modeling, diagnosis, and therapy. The primary aim of this review is to synthesize current advancements in microsphere technologies as they apply to breast cancer. The review seeks to evaluate how microsphere-based systems contribute to improved tumor modeling, enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and more effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it identifies existing challenges and defines future directions needed to translate these technologies into routine clinical use. This review explores microsphere technologies in breast cancer research and clinical applications. It highlights their roles in three‑dimensional tumor modeling, advanced diagnostic platforms integrating imaging, electrochemical sensors, and microfluidics, and controlled drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutic and endocrine therapies. The review also discusses stimuli‑responsive microspheres enabling targeted release and clinical uses such as transarterial chemoembolization and yttrium‑90 radioembolization. Evidence from experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies is synthesized to evaluate current progress and future potential. Findings indicate that microsphere-enabled three‑dimensional tumor culture systems better replicate key hallmarks of breast cancer biology compared to traditional two‑dimensional platforms. These 3D systems capture tumor architecture, mechanobiology, metabolic diversity, and drug resistance behavior more accurately, improving the predictive value of drug screening. Diagnostic innovations demonstrate that functionalized microspheres significantly enhance analytical sensitivity, allow dynamic monitoring of tumor biomarkers, and improve cell tracking capabilities across imaging and sensor-based platforms. Therapeutic applications show that microspheres provide sustained and localized drug delivery, reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing treatment efficacy. Stimuli-responsive microspheres allow precisely targeted and temporally coordinated release, enabling more personalized and adaptive treatment strategies. Microsphere-based technologies represent a powerful and multifaceted toolkit for advancing breast cancer research, diagnosis, and therapy. Their versatility enables improved disease modeling, more sensitive and real-time diagnostics, and effective localized treatment strategies. Despite substantial progress, persistent challenges, such as standardization, biological complexity, reproducibility, scalability, and integration into routine clinical workflows, continue to hinder widespread adoption.
