AIM:Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies and demonstrates heterogeneous outcomes. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are candidate prognostic biomarkers that reflect the tumor immune microenvironment. This study evaluated the prognostic value of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, with emphasis on granulysin (GNLY) and granzyme B (GZMB), in TNBC. MATERIALS & METHODS:We combined NanoString immune gene profiling with whole-slide immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a TNBC cohort (n = 155). Quantitative and spatial analyses were performed to assess CTL and NK cell infiltration and their associations with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. RESULTS:High TIL density (≥10%) and elevated CTL-NK scores (≥2) correlated with lower tumor stage, absence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and favorable immune subset ratios (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, absence of LVI, high CD4+ and CD8+ infiltration, and CTL-NK score ≥2 independently predicted improved disease-free survival (DFS; hazard ratio [HR] range 0.45-0.62, all p < 0.05). CD4+ infiltration demonstrated the strongest prognostic effect, while CD8+ infiltration and the CTL-NK score also conferred independent benefit. CONCLUSION:Quantitative and spatial assessment of CTL and NK infiltration provides independent prognostic information in TNBC. The CTL-NK score can be integrated into routine pathology and may refine risk stratification, supporting personalized immunotherapy strategies.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful gas primarily produced by fossil fuels, is a major air pollutant associated with respiratory and chronic disorders. Developing gas sensors capable of detecting NO2 at low concentrations is crucial for human health and the environment. This research employed a hydrothermal method that is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective to fabricate gas sensors utilizing nanostructured In2O3 thin films and In2O3–CuO composite films on porous silicon substrates. CuO concentrations varied between 5 and 10
The increased disposal of plastic waste has raised significant environmental concerns, prompting interest in its reuse within the construction sector. Incorporating two types of waste into cementitious mixtures presents a sustainable and synergistic approach to enhance the performance and mitigate the environmental impact. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of the combined use of ceramic waste powder (CWP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic shreds in cement mortar to achieve sustainability and reduce CO2 emissions. Mortar mixes were prepared by incorporating 10% CWP as a partial cement replacement and varying PET content (0-20%) as fine aggregate. The experimental program was conducted in two phases. In the first stage, an assessment of the fresh and hardened properties under normal conditions was presented. The investigation included slump flow, density, thermal conductivity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The second phase evaluated durability under aggressive conditions: elevated temperatures (300 degrees C-600 degrees C for 3 h) and chemical exposure to 5% magnesium sulfate and sulfuric acid for 1 month. Microstructural analysis was performed to evaluate deterioration. Results indicated a significant reduction in flow diameter at 20% PET content. Based on UPV results, a proposed novel Specific Quality Indicator (SQI) was introduced to evaluate the quality of PET mortar. Compressive strength decreased from 35 to 27 MPa at 300 degrees C and from 30 to 10 MPa at 600 degrees C, with more pronounced degradation observed under acid exposure. At high PET content, the flexural strength under sulfate attack was reduced and greater weight loss. Nevertheless, the integration of CWP and PET waste has potential for sustainable mortar production, provided that optimal proportions are maintained.
Entamoeba histolytica is a common cause of diarrhoea with trophozoite and cyst stages that may not be completely eradicated by standard therapy. To determine the prevalence of E. histolytica in symptomatic patients and to compare antiparasitic activity by reference drugs with five extracts from medicinal plants against trophozoites and cysts, including IC₅₀ for trophozoites. 500 stool samples were examined by light microscopy and concentration methods. In vitro susceptibility was performed by exposing trophozoites and cysts to test agents; viability of trophozoites was quantified with a colorimetric metabolic reduction assay (dose–response for IC₅₀) and viability of cysts with a screening cyst viability assay. Experiments were performed in triplicate. The overall prevalence was 66.0
This research study focuses on the behavior of eco- friendly self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixed with industrial waste materials. Activated Carbon (AC) particles partially replaced river sand, while Ceramic powder (CP), limestone powder (LP), and cement kiln dust (CKD) replaced 20
