Background and Objectives: Cancer as the second leading cause of death in the United States poses a huge healthcare burden. Barriers to access to advanced therapies influence the outcome of cancer treatment. In this study, we examined whether insurance types affect the quality of cancer clinical care regarding access to an important monoclonal antibody, ramucirumab. Materials and Methods: Data for 13,340 cancer patients with Purchased or Medicaid insurance from the All of Us Database were collected for this study. The Chi-square test of proportions was employed to determine the significance of patient cohort characteristics and ramucirumab usage between Purchased and Medicaid insurance groups. The independent t-test was utilized to assess the influences of other determinants on insurance types. Results: Cancer patients who are African American, with lower socioeconomic status, or with lower educational attainment are more likely to be insured by Medicaid. Analysis of survey questions demonstrated the relationship between income and education level with insurance type as Medicaid cancer patients were less likely to receive primary care and specialist physician access and more likely to request lower cost medications. In addition, those with Medicaid insurance were identified to have poorer access to expensive therapeutics like ramucirumab compared to those with Purchased insurance.  Conclusions: The inequities of the US healthcare system are observed for cancer patient care; access to physicians and therapeutics are highly varied and dependent on insurance types. Socioeconomic status determines insurance type, which unfortunately generates a significant impact on cancer treatment and disease outcome.

Structures inevitably suffer damages after an earthquake, with their severity ranging from minimal damages to non-structural elements to partial or even total collapse, possibly with loss of human lives. Thus, it is essential for engineers to understand the crucial factors that drive a structure towards suffering higher degrees of damage, so that preventative measures can be taken. In the present study, we focus on three well-known damage thresholds, namely Collapse Limit State, Ultimate Limit State and Serviceability Limit State and analyze which of the features obtained via Rapid Visual Screening, determine whether or not a given structure will cross that threshold. To this end, we use Machine Learning to perform binary classification for each damage threshold, as well as Explainability via SHAP values (acronym for SHapley Additive exPlanations) to quantify the effect of each parameter. The quantitative results obtained demonstrate the potential applicability of ML methods to re-calibrate the computation of structural vulnerability indices using data from recent earthquakes.

Polypharmacy and malnutrition are common health issues among older adults. In older people, there is a high prevalence of polypharmacy and malnutrition, and preliminary data also indicates that there is a significant of Food Supplements (FS) use, increasing the risk of duplication of thera-pies and several adverse reactions and drug-FS and FS-FS interactions. The intervention of health professionals in mitigating these risks is essential. This review not only underscores and discusses the potential association between polypharmacy, malnutrition, and food supplements but also presents current scientific evidence on polypharmacy, malnutrition, and the use of food supplements by the elderly. The work reviews the challenges, advantages and risks of using FS for the elderly who are polymedicated and/or malnourished, focusing on the good practices needed to support healthy ageing. In this regard, the paper intends to help health professionals better deal with the issue of polypharmacy and the use of multiple FS to overcome the malnutrition problem and improve the health and well-being of older adults.

This paper proposes a novel single-stage buck-boost three-Level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter with two independent dc sources coupled for the grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) application, which can effectively solve the unbalanced operational conditions generally appeared between two coupled independent PV sources induced by the unequal irradiation and temperature distribution. The proposed control scheme can simultaneously guarantee the maximum power point (MPP) operation of both PV sources and maintain the output waveform quality. Compared to the traditional two-stage PV inverter, the proposed NPC inverter could reduce the PV array voltage requirement and dc-link capacitors’ voltage rating, meanwhile show the advantage in operational efficiency. MATLAB simulations and the captured experimental results are presented to show the performance of the proposed three-level inverter.

The study of the concentrations and effects of fine particulate matter in urban areas have been of great interest to researchers in recent times. This is due to the acknowledgment of the far-reaching impacts of fine particulate matter on public health. Remote sensing data have been used to monitor the trend of concentrations of particulate matter by deriving aerosol optical depth (AOD) from satellite images. The Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) has released the second version of its global PM_2.5 data with improvement in spatial resolution. This paper revisits the study of spatial and temporal variations in particulate matter in Saudi Arabia by exploring the cluster analysis of the new data. Cluster analysis of the PM_2.5 values of Saudi cities is performed by using Anselin local Moran’s I statistic. Also, the analysis is carried out at the regional level by using self-organizing map (SOM). The results show an increasing trend in the concentrations of particulate matter in Saudi Arabia, especially in some selected urban areas. The eastern and south-western parts of the Kingdom have significantly clustering high values. Some of the PM2.5 values have passed the threshold indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and targets posing health risks to Saudi urban population.

The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder of childhood with unclear aetiology is Growing Pains (GPs). Anatomic deformities and factors that change bone turnover are implicated in GPs pathophysiology. Perinatal risk factors alter the bone metabolism affecting the bone mineral density and content. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between GPs, knock knees and perinatal factors. The examined population consisted of 276 children aged 3-7 years. Among them 10 pairs of dizygotic twins were evaluated. The data were collected by using a combination of semi-structured questionnaires, clinical examinations and medical charts of the children and the obstetric history of the mothers. 78 children presented GPs meeting Peterson’s criteria. Genu valgum severity was a significant factor for GPs manifestation and for their increased frequency and intensity. Subsequently, perinatal factors regarding gestational age, Apgar score, head circumference (lower than 33cm) and birth length or weight (smaller than 50 cm and 3000gr, respectively) made a remarkable contribution to the development of GPs. Conversely, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, increased maternal age and maternal smoking during pregnancy were not predictive for the disorder. Our data are potentially supportive for the “bone strength” theory and for the contribution of anatomical disturbances in GPs appearance.

In today's interconnected global business landscape, companies face numerous risks, particularly from their supply chains. Supplier disruptions can cause financial damages, inefficiencies, and reduced competitive edge, highlighting the need for robust supplier risk management. This paper scrutinizes recent studies on supplier risk management spanning 2020 to 2023. This review examines supplier risk management, focusing on supplier evaluation, payment terms, contract duration, and buyer-supplier collaboration as critical factors influencing risk mitigation and control in the procurement of goods and services. Through a systematic literature review, the study identifies the multifaceted nature of supplier risks, including production delays, quality issues, and financial challenges. It underscores the importance of proactive risk identification, comprehensive supplier evaluation, strategic payment terms, appropriate contract durations, and robust buyer-supplier collaboration. Despite the benefits, challenges remain, such as understanding regulatory impacts and ensuring methodological consistency. This review contributes to the discourse on supplier risk management, offering insights for future research and practical applications to enhance resilience and operational efficiency in global supply chains. Based on the findings, future studies should concentrate on formulating holistic supplier risks management approaches that nurture buyer-supplier collaboration and harness innovative technologies to enhance risk management practices.

This research paper investigates the enhancement of strength and performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) for integration in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects using a value engineering approach. The study explores key elements of SCC's strength and performance, including mix design optimization, construction practices, and durability considerations. Strategies to optimize SCC's strength, durability, and workability are discussed, emphasizing the benefits of SCC in improving construction efficiency and quality control within DPW infrastructure. The study also identifies challenges and gaps in SCC utilization, such as standardized performance verification and cost considerations, and proposes future directions for advancing SCC technology in civil infrastructure development.

The amount of solar energy produced is directly proportional to the surface area of solar panels exposed to sun rays. To increase the productivity of solar panels, a number of techniques are proposed by curving the surface or protruding the panel surface to maximise the surface area, e.g. Protruding panel surfaces with shapes such as pyramidal, cone, spherical cap, sinusoidal wavy curve, etc. These techniques are analysed to determine whether the panel surface area increases. The geometrical design analysis showed that, depending on the chosen surface curving method, the panel can achieve a remarkable increase in surface area.The system advisor model was used to assess a sample of solar cells with standard measurements of 6 by 6 inches that were organised in a zigzag pattern with different angles of inclination (10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, and 35°). Overall, the maximum power pump and annual AC energy performance increase by 1.4%, 4.2%, 6.8%, 10.8%, 14.9%, and 21.6%, respectively, over a one-year period of productivity. However, by applying the concept of solar panel efficiency degradation due to tilting solar panels at an angle by Mamun et al. (2022), for each 5° increase in tilt angle beyond the ideal 10°, the efficiency decreases by approximately 0.76%. In conclusion, the overall efficiency is greater than that of standard flat solar panels, provided the tilt angle is within a reasonable range.

The rapid expansion of Bangladesh's financial infrastructure, coupled with the increasing digitization of banking services, underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity. Machine learning and deep learning methodologies have emerged as potent tools in combating cyber threats such as intrusion, malware, and fraud. By harnessing artificial intelligence and data-driven analysis, these techniques enable real-time scrutiny of vast banking data, facilitating proactive defense against cyberattacks. Bangladesh's evolving financial landscape, characterized by governmental digitalization initiatives and a national financial inclusion strategy, heightens the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures. This paper explores the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques in bolstering banking cybersecurity within the context of Bangladesh's burgeoning digital economy.

In the last few decades, we have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the way information is created, disseminated, and consumed. The advent of the digital age has revolutionized not only our access to information but also the very fabric of our social, political, and cultural lives. Digital media, a term encompassing everything from online news portals and social media platforms to streaming services and mobile applications, now forms an integral part of the daily lives of billions of individuals worldwide.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D’s effect on risk health outcomes is often evaluated using prospective cohort studies. Risk ratios (RRs; e.g., hazard ratios or odds ratios) are determined for incidence for participants with baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations below or above specified values. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations vary over time, thereby diluting the effect of 25(OH)D for long follow-up periods. Inverse relationships between RR and follow-up period have been reported for all-cause mortality rate and cancer incidence rates. Here I evaluate the effect for neurological outcomes. Methods: I analyzed how follow-up period affected results from 10 cohort studies of all-cause dementia, 6 studies of Alzheimer’s disease, and 9 for cognitive impairment with respect to vitamin D deficiency. Results: For all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment, respectively, the linear regression fits are RR = 2.9 – 0.14 × years, r = 0.73, p = 0.02; RR = 2.9 – 0.14 × years, r = 0.69, p = 0.13; and RR = 1.8 – 0.066 × years, r = 0.72, p = 0.03. The regression fit to RR for the shortest follow-up period for each outcome is considered the best estimate of vitamin D deficiency’s effect on risk. Those values are approximately twice that found by averaging all RRs without considering the effect of follow-up period. Conclusions: Vitamin D’s effect on risk of neurological conditions should be determined with relatively short follow-up periods after repeated 25(OH)D measurements as warranted during follow-up.

Barium monofluoride (BaF) is a polar molecule of interest to measurements of the electron electric dipole moment [1, 2]. For this purpose efforts are under way to investigate this molecule embedded within cryogenic matrices, e.g., in solid Ne [3]. For a theoretical understanding of the electronic structure of such an embedded molecule the need arises for efficient methods which are accurate, but also can handle a number of atoms which surround the molecule. The calculation for gas-phase BaF can be reduced to involve only outer electrons by representing the inner core of Ba with a pseudopotential [4] while carrying out a non-relativistic calculation with an appropriate basis set [5]. In this work we demonstrate to which extent this can be achieved using coupled-cluster methods to deal with electron correlation. As a test case the SrF(X 2Σ+ → B 2Σ+) transition is investigated and excellent accuracy is obtained with the EOM-CC3 method. For the BaF(X 2Σ+ → A′ 2∆, X 2Σ+ → A 2Π, X 2Σ+ → B 2Σ+) transitions various coupled-cluster approaches are compared with very good agreement for EOM-CC3 with experimentally derived spectroscopic parameters except for the excitation to the A′ 2∆ state for which the excitation energy is overestimated by 200 cm−1.

(1) Background: The rapid development of information technology has changed the traditional concept of space, gradually shifting the "container space" to the "relational space" . The constraints of geographical spatial elements are diminishing, and the theory of virtual agglomeration is gaining attention. (2) Methods: In this study, we constructed an evaluation system for virtual agglomeration, comprising four primary indicators: virtual infrastructure level, virtual output level, virtual input level, and virtual service level. The TOPSIS method was used to calculate the virtual agglomeration level for each province, and the DEA-Malmquist method was employed to measure provincial total factor productivity (TFP) in China. Using panel data from 30 provincial regions in China from 2013 to 2021, we examined the mechanism and impact path of virtual agglomeration on TFP. (3) Result: There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between virtual agglomeration and TFP in China. The overall development level of virtual agglomeration is relatively low, within the range where the marginal effect of virtual agglomeration on TFP is positive but diminishing, indicating significant potential for further development. The impact of virtual agglomeration on TFP is stronger in the Yangtze River Economic Belt compared to non-Yangtze River areas, and the highest stable point of TFP is higher in central provinces than in eastern and western provinces. (4) Conclusions: This study provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for improving the level of virtual agglomeration.

The once near-extinct Russell’s viper has recently come back to the area beyond its historical range. A couple of decades ago, its distribution was confined to 11 districts of Bangladesh. Hence, the study aims to update the distributional map of Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) across the country and find out the surges' causal factors. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in this study. It revealed that the distributional range of this snake was expanded from 22 to 33 districts in 2024. The respondents noted that climatic stressors like high humidity accompanied by hot weather, increased salinity, and increased frequency of flooding facilitated the spreading of the viper across the country. The cropping pattern and crop diversification were another major contributing factor. The shifting of the single-cropped area to a multi-cropped area in the Barind tract increased its main prey rats. Contrarily, the killing of natural predators such as foxes, monitor lizards and mongoose led to the rise in the snake population. The destruction of vegetation coverage in the upper part of the Padma Basin facilitated the movement of Russell's vipers downstream.

Patients with Multiple Myeloma have an increased susceptibility to severe infections due to several various factors, especially the high tumor burden. The use of the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies-based therapies has changed the frequency and epidemiology of infections. We report herein the safety profile of the pivotal clinical trials conducted with anti-CD38 mAbs (daratumumab and isatuximab) and anti-SLAMF7 mAbs (elotuzumab) that led to the approval of regimens employed today in NDMM and RRMM patients.

We hypothesis that large earthquakes generate Horndeski-like Gravitational Wave (GW). We find that such a Horndeski-like GW propagates with the speed of sound. The sound waves generated by an earthquake make a local and temporal change to the Earth’s diagravitational medium; therefore, they modify the GW speed in a standard, Alternative-Theory-of-Gravity (ATG) sense. The quantum of the Horndeski-like GW is a massless scalar quasiparticle and cannot exist outside of the propagation region of the P-field. The Horndeski-like GW may be detectable by future GW detectors with a sensitivity of 10−15 Hz^−1/2 in the region of 0.1–1 Hz.

Abstract: This article reports the results of an ecological study of cancer incidence rates by state in the US for the period 2016-2020. The goals of this study were to determine the extent to which solar UVB doses still reduced cancer risk compared to findings reported in 2006 for cancer mortality rates for the periods 1950–1969 and 1970-1794 as well as cancer incidence rates for the period 1998–2002 and to determine which factors were recently associated with cancer risk. The cancer data for non-Hispanic white (European American) men and women were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indices were obtained for solar UVB at the surface for July 1992, and alcohol consumption, and diabetes and obesity prevalence near the 2016–2020 period. Lung cancer incidence rates were also used in the analyses as a surrogate for smoking, diet, and air pollution. The cancers for which solar UVB is significantly associated with reduced incidence are bladder, brain (males), breast, corpus uteri, esophageal, gastric, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, pancreatic, and renal cancer. Lung cancer was significantly associated with colorectal, laryngeal, and renal cancer. Diabetes was also significantly associated with breast, liver, and lung cancer. Obesity prevalence was significantly associated with breast, colorectal and renal cancer. Alcohol consumption was associated with bladder and esophageal cancer. Thus diet has become a very important driver of cancer incidence rates. The role of solar UVB in reducing risk of cancer has been reduced due to people spending less time outdoors, wearing sunscreen that blocks UVB but not UVA radiation, and population increases in overweight and obesity, which lowers 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and generates systemic inflammation, a risk factor for cancer. The dietary approach that would reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity, lung cancer, and, therefore cancer, would be one based mostly on whole-plants and restrictions on red and processed meats and ultraprocessed foods. Solar UVB exposure for a few minutes before applying sunscreen and taking vitamin D supplements would also help reduce risk of cancer.Keywords: alcohol consumption; cancer incidence;

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) constitute a fundamental framework for modeling various physical phenomena across diverse fields such as physics, engineering, and finance. Solving PDEs accurately and efficiently remains a significant challenge, particularly when dealing with complex systems or high-dimensional data. In this paper, we present a novel approach based on deep learning techniques to investigate the effective factors in solving PDEs. Our methodology leverages the expressive power of deep neural networks to learn and represent the underlying relationships between input parameters and the solutions of PDEs. By incorporating domain knowledge into the network architecture and training process, our approach aims to provide insights into the key factors influencing the solution of PDEs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method through numerical experiments on various PDEs, showcasing its capability to identify important features and improve predictive accuracy. Our findings suggest that deep learning techniques offer a promising avenue for understanding and analyzing the complex dynamics inherent in PDEs, paving the way for enhanced computational methods in scientific and engineering applications.

This study provides a detailed investigation into the pathways through which microplastics from urban sources are transported to marine ecosystems, their distribution across different environments, and their impacts on marine life. Utilizing a combination of water and sediment sampling across urban, riverine, and marine environments, the research quantitatively assesses the concentration and types of microplastics present, and evaluates the ecological consequences of their accumulation in marine ecosystems. The findings reveal a significant concentration of microplastics in all examined environments, with the highest levels detected in urban areas, closely linked to industrial activities and inadequate waste management practices. The study documents a variety of microplastic polymers, with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most prevalent. A substantial impact on marine organisms was observed, including evidence of microplastic ingestion across a wide range of species and indications of stress and physical damage to coral reefs. Seasonal variations indicate that microplastic concentrations peak during periods of high rainfall, suggesting urban runoff as a critical pathway for microplastic transport. The study concludes with recommendations for improving waste management practices, enhancing public awareness and engagement in plastic recycling efforts, and implementing policies aimed at reducing the production and use of single-use plastics. This research underscores the urgent need for coordinated actions to mitigate the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution, highlighting the role of urban management and policy interventions in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

This study investigates the impacts of climate change policies on businesses across various sectors, aiming to understand how these regulations affect operational, financial, and strategic aspects of business management. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from 500 businesses through surveys and interviews, encompassing a wide range of industries, sizes, and geographic locations. The findings reveal a complex landscape where 30% of businesses report positive impacts, primarily in the renewable energy and technology sectors, citing increased demand for green products and improvements in energy efficiency. Conversely, 45% of businesses, especially from manufacturing and agriculture, experience negative impacts, including increased operational costs and regulatory compliance challenges. Notwithstanding, a significant majority of businesses are committed to enhancing their sustainability practices, viewing climate change policies as an opportunity for innovation and long-term growth. The study highlights the nuanced effects of climate change policies, emphasizing the need for sector-specific support measures to alleviate financial and operational burdens on negatively impacted businesses. Moreover, it points to a broader shift towards sustainability within the business community, suggesting that climate policies, despite their varied impacts, are driving significant changes in business strategies towards environmental stewardship.

This paper introduces an innovative energy circuit that challenges conventional understandings of energy conservation, marking a significant departure from traditional frameworks. Seeking to enhance energy generation within existing paradigms, this innovation holds promise for addressing pressing global issues such as the energy crisis and environmental sustainability, while also stimulating scientific inquiry. In contrast to prevalent misconceptions rooted in philosophical and scientific constraints, this study refutes the notion of generating energy from nothing and questions the viability of perpetual motion machines as conceptual models. Instead, it proposes a novel circuit design derived from an unconventional electrical short circuit, which is shown to disrupt the established principles of energy conservation. This circuit offers a transformative approach with diverse applications, including self-recharging capabilities for electric vehicles, bolstering microgrid infrastructure, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Transcending conventional scientific boundaries, this paper prompts philosophical reflections on the evolving nature of scientific exploration. Ultimately, the energy circuit represents a pivotal step towards mitigating the global energy crisis by reducing reliance on finite resources and fostering sustainability. The paper concludes by illustrating the circuit's potential to revolutionize energy systems and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest pollutants and generator of toxic solvent resi-dues for the environment and human beings. In the last decade, there has been a huge evolution in the design and development of new environmentally friendly products and processes, in re-sponse to the global environmental concern and the growing demand for products with quality ingredients and manufacturing processes aimed at achieving sustainability. Consumers are looking for products with the benefits of natural products, with sustainable and environmentally friendly formulations with few synthetic molecules as possible. Thus, based on the origins of the pharmaceutical industry, it is important to return to Nature and enjoy the benefits that natural products bring to us. Deep eutectic solvents appear as an alternative to toxic solvents commonly used to extract bioactive compounds. These solvents are considered green solvents because they are made up of natural compounds such as sugars, amino acids, and carboxylic acids. In addition, they are simple to prepare, with an atomic economy of 100%, with attractive physicochemical properties. This paper is a comprehensive review in which is described the main properties, characteristics, and production methods of deep eutectic solvents as well as its application to extract from natural sources bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical interest.

Dysferlinopathies comprise a spectrum of muscular dystrophies characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration due to mutations in the DYSF gene, which encodes the dysferlin protein critical for muscle membrane repair. This review delves into the clinical spectra of dysferlinopathies, their molecular mechanisms, and the spectrum of emerging therapeutic strategies. We explore the phenotypic heterogeneity of dysferlinopathies, highlight the incomplete understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, and discuss the implications of various DYSF mutations. Furthermore, we examine the utility of animal models in elucidating disease mechanisms and the potential of symptomatic, pharmacological, molecular, and genetic therapies in mitigating the disease's progression. We also consider the roles of diet and metabolism in managing dysferlinopathies, as well as the impact of clinical trials on treatment paradigms. By culminating the complexities inherent in dysferlinopathies, this article emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary approaches, precision medicine, and extensive collaboration in research and clinical trial design to advance our understanding and treatment of these challenging disorders.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an enigmatic, ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification, wherein soft connective tissues undergo pathological transformation into bone structures. This incapacitating process severely limits patient mobility and poses formidable challenges for therapeutic intervention. Predominantly caused by missense mutations in the ACVR1 gene, the disorder has hitherto defied comprehensive mechanistic understanding and effective treatment paradigms. This write-up offers a comprehensive overview of the contemporary understanding of FOP's complex pathobiology, underscored by advances in molecular genetics and proteomic studies. We shed light on targeted therapy, spanning genetic therapeutics, enzymatic and transcriptional modulation, stem cell therapies, and innovative immunotherapies. We also focused on the intricate complexities surrounding clinical trial design for ultra-rare disorders like FOP, addressing fundamental statistical limitations, ethical conundrums, and methodological advancements essential for the success of interventional studies. We advocate for the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach that converges bench-to-bedside research, clinical expertise, and ethical considerations to tackle the challenges of ultra-rare diseases like FOP and comparable ultra-rare diseases. Overall, this article serves a dual role: as a definitive scientific resource for ongoing and future FOP research and as a call to action for innovative solutions to address methodological and ethical challenges that impede progress in the broader field of medical research for ultra-rare conditions.

South Africa is a water stressed country experiencing mass urbanisation especially towards coastal cities. The country is already enduring the impacts of global warming and climate change with risk of water scarcity in many areas. The risk was evident with Cape Town near encounter with ‘Day Zero’ i.e., the day when water supplies would have been switched off and residents required to queue for daily water rations. The drought exposed the inadequa-cies of the existing water supply system. Paradoxically, in the same drought period, vast amounts of unutilized stormwater that could have augmented water supply run unabated into the ocean through rivers around the city. The study determined that the problem was not necessarily water shortage but lack of adequate water storage. This study investigated the suitability of coastal reservoirs for stormwater harvesting on the over 3000 km South African coastline. The objective was to identify suitable locations for coastal reservoirs. The study un-dertook a systematic process of selecting several candidate locations and eliminating unsuita-ble sites based on international best practice i.e., coastal topography, climate, hydrology, fluvi-al environment, catchment size and river water quality. Nine candidate sites were identified and ranked based on suitability and associated benefits. The identified locations in order of ranking include Knysna River, Berg River, Buffalo River, Kowie River, Thukela River, Orange River, Port of Richards Bay, Port of Durban, and Lourens River. The Knysna site, with a mean annual precipitation of 600 - 800 mm/annum and mean annual runoff of 100 - 500 Mm3/annum, was determined to be the most optimal location.

Quantum gravity theories rely on a minimal measurable length for their formulations, which clashes with the classical formulation of the uncertainty principle and with Lorentz invariance from general relativity. These incompatibilities led to the development of the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) from string theories and its various modifications. GUP and covariant formulations of the uncertainty principle are discussed, together with implications for space-time quantization.

Africa was the only continent not to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goal of 50% poverty reduction. This paper asks whether Africa will fare better in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing poverty and hunger by 2030. To answer this question we examine literature, including our field research published over the last thirteen years. We find that ‘sustainable development’ is a failed concept immersed in the contemporary global economic system that favors growth over ecosystem stability and patriarchal systems of governance that undervalue women’s capacity for sustainability in their care-work as food providers. We examine barriers to women’s farming (climate change, gender bias, limited access to land, technology, finance) and provide examples of women’s innovative strategies for overcoming these barriers in their care practices toward family and community well-being and ecosystem health. We conclude that sustainability is only possible through transformation of thinking away from approaches that value profit over people and ecosystems and toward gender-based approaches for achieving the goals laid out in the SDGs through holistic, integrative systems of ecosystem fit.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis and displays resistance to immunotherapy. A better understanding of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) effects on immune responses might contribute to improved immunotherapy. EVs derived from Capan-2 and BxPC-3 PC cells isolated by ultracentrifugation were characterized by atomic force microscopy, western blot (WB), nanoparticle tracking analysis and label-free proteomics. Fresh PBMCs from healthy donors were treated with PC- or control-derived heterologous EVs followed by flow cytometry analysis of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. Proteomics of lymphocytes sorted from EV-treated, or -untreated PBMCs was performed and IFN-γ concentration was measured by ELISA. Notably, most of the proteins identified in Capan-2 and BxPC-3 EVs by proteomic analysis were connected in a single functional network (p=1x10-16) and were involved in “Immune System” (FDR: 1.10x10-24 and 3.69x10-19, respectively). Interestingly, treatment of healthy donor-derived PBMCs with Capan-2 EVs, but not with BxPC-3 EVs or heterologous control EVs induced early activation of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. Proteomics of lymphocytes sorted from EV-treated PBMCs was consistent with their activation by Capan-2 EVs, indicating IFN-γ among major upstream regulators, as confirmed by ELISA. Proteomic and functional analyses indicate that PC-EVs have pleiotropic effects, and some may activate early immune response, which might be relevant for the development of highly needed immunotherapeutic strategies in this immune-cold tumor.

Introduction Atherosclerotic disease is a major contributor to heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction, significantly lowering the quality of life and life expectancy, with a significant burden on healthcare. Not all lesions deemed non-significant are benign, and conversely, not all significant lesions are causative of ischemia. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) provides a functional assessment of coronary lesions, while optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers detailed imaging of plaque morphology, aiding in therapeutic decision-making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of OCT and FFR as adjunctive tools in the catheterization laboratory for guiding therapeutic decisions in patients with multivessel disease for non-culprit vessels. Specifically, we aimed to assess how OCT and FFR influence therapeutic decision-making in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Methods 36 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and multivessel disease were randomized 1:1 into two groups: one guided by FFR alone, and the other by a combination of FFR and OCT. For the FFR group, revascularization decisions for non culprit lesions were based solely on FFR measurements. If the FFR was >0.8, the procedure concluded, and the patient received maximal medical treatment. If the FFR was ≤0.8, a stent was placed. For the FFR + OCT group, if the FFR was >0.8, the revascularization decision was based on OCT findings. If there were no vulnerable plaques (VP), the procedure concluded, and the patient received maximal medical treatment. If OCT imaging indicated VP, then the patient underwent revascularization. If the FFR was ≤0.8, the patient underwent revascularization regardless of OCT findings. Results OCT imaging altered the therapeutic decision in 11 cases where FFR measurements were above 0.8, but the lesions were characterized as VP. Analyzing the total change in the decision to stent, 4 cases in the FFR group and 15 cases in the FFR and OCT group (4 based on FFR and 11 on OCT) revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0006; Relative Risk = 0.2556; 95% CI: 0.1013 to 0.5603). When analyzing the change in the total decision both to stent and not to stent, we observed a statistically significant difference, with Group 1 having 7 cases and Group 2 having 15 cases (p = 0.0153; Relative Risk = 0.4050; 95% CI: 0.2004 to 0.7698) Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, OCT significantly increases the percentage of stenting procedures by identifying vulnerable lesions. The use of intracoronary imaging facilitates the timely identification and treatment of these vulnerable lesions. This underscores the crucial role of OCT in enhancing the precision of coronary interventions by ensuring timely intervention for vulnerable lesions, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes Acknowledgment funding „This work was supported by the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology ,, George Emil Palade’’ of Targu Mures Research Grant number 510/14/17.01.2022”

A Tamoxifen (TAM) response varies significantly among individuals due to genetic variations in cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), as well as other TAM pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic proteins. In this study, 40 ER+ breast cancer patients who received at least 6 months of TAM treatment were prospectively recruited. The study aimed to evaluate, using HPLC-MS/MS, plasma concentrations of TAM and its metabolites, and to study the association with genetic polymorphisms (CYP2D6*4, CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, UGT2B7*2, UGT2B15*2, SULT1A1*2, and ESR1V364E) and adverse reactions. Bivariable linear regression analyses showed that CYP3A4*1/*1B is significantly associated with an increase of 4-hydroxyTAM plasmatic concentration, a decrease of endoxifen/4-hydroxyTAM ratio and the elimination of 17β estradiol. It was found that the CYP3A4*1/1B genotype alone could explain part of the variability in [4OHTAM], [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM], and 17β-estradiol plasma levels. Similarly, SULT1A1*1/*2 genotype affects the [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM] plasma ratio. Multivariable predictive models, incorporating both polymorphisms and non-genetic variables, are proposed to explain [NdesMeTAM]/[TAM], [4OHTAM]/[TAM], [endoxifen]/[NdesMeTAM], [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM], and 17β-estradiol plasma levels, as well as for predicting hot flashes and cramps. This preliminary study suggests that the genetic variants studied may influence the bioactivation and elimination of TAM, the clinically observed adverse reactions, and potentially the treatment efficacy.

Graphene was synthesized through a two-step pyrolysis method using waste candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) shells as the precursor. Cerium (Ce)/graphene composites were prepared via an impregnation technique. The resulting graphene and Ce/graphene were characterized using various analytical methods, including Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV). The bio-carbon produced predominantly exhibited a graphene structure with flat carbon morphology and an interlayer distance of 0.33 nm. This structural information is supported by XRD data, which shows a broad and weak peak at 2θ = 26° corresponding to the C (002) plane, indicative of graphene presence. FTIR, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of graphene through the detection of Csp2 aromatic bonds and the characteristic D, G, and 2D peaks. Notably, the performance of cerium can be enhanced by the incorporation of graphene, attributed to the large surface area and chemical interactions between Ce and graphene. Consequently, candlenut-derived graphene shows potential as a supportive material for modifying the properties of cerium, thereby opening avenues for various advanced applications, such as sustainable and high-performance energy storage systems.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Furthermore, patients with pancreatic cancer experience limited benefit from current chemotherapeutic approaches because of drug resistance. Therefore, an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with pancreatic cancer is urgently required. Deguelin is a natural chemopreventive drug that exerts potent antiproliferative activity in solid tumors by inducing cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this activity have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that deguelin blocks autophagy and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Autophagy induced by doxorubicin plays a protective role in pancreatic cancer cells, and suppressing autophagy by chloroquine or silencing autophagy protein 5 enhanced doxorubicin-induced cell death. Similarly, inhibition of autophagy by deguelin also chemosensitized pancreatic cancer cell lines to doxorubicin. These findings suggest that deguelin has potent anticancer effects against pancreatic cancer and potentiates the anti-cancer effects of doxorubicin. These findings provide evidence that combined treatment with deguelin and doxorubicin represents an effective strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.

The main proteinase (Mpro), or 3CLpro, is a critical enzyme in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lifecycle and is responsible for breaking down and releasing vital functional viral proteins crucial for virus development and transmission. As a catalytically active dimer, its dimerization interface has become an attractive target for antiviral drug development. Recent research has extensively investigated the enzymatic activity of Mpro, focusing on its role in regulating the coronavirus replication complex and its significance in virus maturation and infectivity. Computational investigations have identified four druggable pockets, suggesting potential allosteric sites beyond the substrate-binding region. Empirical validation through site-directed alanine mutagenesis targeted residues in both the active and allosteric regions corroborated these predictions. Structural studies of drug target proteins can inform therapeutic approaches, with metadynamics simulations shedding light on the role of H163 in regulating Mpro function and providing insights into its dynamic equilibrium to the wild-type enzyme. Despite the efficacy of vaccines and drugs in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 spread, ongoing viral evolution, selective pressures, and continued transmission pose challenges, potentially leading to resistance mutations. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the existence of several resistance variations predating drug introduction to the human population, emphasizing the likelihood of drug spread. Hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry reveals the structural influence of the mutation, while clinical trials on 3CLPro inhibitors underscore the clinical significance of reduced enzymatic activity and offer avenues for future therapeutic exploration. Understanding the implications of 3CLPro mutations holds promise for shaping forthcoming therapeutic strategies against COVID-19. This review delves into factors influencing mutation rates and identifies areas warranting further investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of Mpro mutations, their categorization, and terminology. Moreover, we examined their associations with clinical outcomes, illness severity, unresolved issues, and future research prospects, including their impact on vaccine efficacy and potential therapeutic targeting.

We have studied the inheritance of mitochondria in Pelargonium section Ciconium using interspecific crosses. We generated 36 different interspecific crosses. We designed KAPS markers targeting four individual mitochondrial markers, belonging to the four main crossing parents, that discriminate between an individual species and the other section Ciconium species. We found that maternal inheritance of mitochondria is most frequent, but we find occasional occurrences of paternal inheritance, while biparental inheritance is rare. For the P. multibracteatum crossing series we found ambiguous results. Our results confirm what was found before, namely that paternal inheritance of mitochondria can occur in P. sect Ciconium but that the instance is rare and much less common than is the case for chloroplasts.

Though Bangladesh is often labelled as "climate change ground zero," the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) were never considered a significant climate change hotspot until heavy rainfall and consequent landslides in 2017. This shift in problem narrative seemingly overlooks myriad environmentally unsustainable 'development' initiatives along with (il)legal deforestation. This paper examines climate change trends and impacts on the lives and livelihoods of diverse local groups in CHT. By analysing changing patterns in meteorological data and qualitative information on changes and challenges in everyday life and the livelihoods of local people, we show a shortfall of captured climate data on CHT to make a strong case for climate change. Yet, this study finds that this region is exposed to a substantial threat of land degradation, flash floods, water scarcity, landslides, and other slow and quick onsets due to a combined effect of deforestation, neoliberalised development, and slight changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. This paper calls for proactive measures to address climate change impacts by endorsing sustainable development strategies prioritizing environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic prosperity.

The Kraaipan and Amalia greenstone belts in South Africa occurs in the western part of the Kaapvaal Craton. The two belts stretch discontinuously in an approximately north-south orientation over a distance of about 250 km from southern Botswana in the north to the Vaal River near Christiana in the south and are separated by a distance of about 90 km. Gold mineralization is hosted in banded iron-formation at both the Kalahari Goldridge deposit (Kalgold) in the Kraaipan greenstone belt in the north, and the Amalia deposit in the Amalia greenstone belt in the south, with the mineralization associated with quartz-carbonate veins. The footwall of these deposits is generally composed of mafic volcanic schist and hanging wall consisting of graywackes, schist and shale units. The Kalgold and Amalia gold deposits show some variation in the redox condition of the mineralizing system, mineralization temperatures and fluid chemistry. The ore mineral assemblage is characterized by magnetite-pyrrhotite-pyrite at Kalgold, which is indicative of reducing conditions, and magnetite-hematite-pyrite assemblage at Amalia that suggest a relatively oxidizing environment. Average mineralizing temperatures determined from chlorite geothermometry were relatively higher at the Kalahari Goldridge deposit ranging from 350 to 400oC compared to 335 to 370oC (mean, 352± 18, n = 113) at Amalia. The composition of the fluids derived from fluid inclusions are indicative of low salinity H2O-CH4-CO2-rich fluids at Kalgold against relatively H2O-CO2-rich fluids at Amalia. Evidence from strontium-carbon-oxygen isotopic ratios from carbonates suggests differences in redox conditions in the deposits could be attributed to different flow pathways by the evolving fluid from a common source (with minimum 87Sr/86Sr=0.70354) to the sites of gold deposition; with significant ore fluid interaction with thick sequence of carbonaceous meta-pelitic rock units at the Kalahari Goldridge deposit, that is absent in the Amalia deposit.

To investigate the impact of electrode structure on Electrical Stimulation Therapy (EST) for chronic wound healing, this study designed three variants of flexible microelectrodes (FMs) with Ag-Cu coverings (ACCs), each exhibiting distinct geometrical configurations: hexagonal, cross-shaped, and serpentine. These were integrated with PPY@PDA/PANI (3/6) hydrogel dressings. Comprehensive animal studies, coupled with detailed electrical and mechanical modeling and simulations, were conducted to assess their performance. Results indicated that the serpentine-shaped FM outperformed its counterparts in terms of flexibility and safety, exhibiting minimal thermal effects and a reduced risk of burns. Notably, FMs with metal coverings under 3% demonstrated promising potential for optoelectronic self-powering capabilities. Additionally, simulation data highlighted the significant influence of hydrogel non-uniformity on the distribution of electrical properties across the skin surface, providing critical insights for optimizing EST protocols when employing hydrogel dressings.

Abstract: A. baumannii exhibits resilience in harsh environments and progressively develops resistance to diverse antibacterial agents over time. This adaptability poses a significant challenge in treating an infection caused by this bacterium within healthcare settings. The presence of peptidoglycan, a crucial precursor for cell wall synthesis, contributes to this challenge. Peptidoglycan serves not only as a structural support in bacterial cells but also provides protection against adverse environmental conditions. The synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer involves a group of substrates such as N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc), within a three-partitioned process occurring in the membrane, periplasmic space, and cytoplasm of each bacterium. Initiated in the cytoplasm and extending to the inner cell membrane, this synthesis starts with the production of nucleotide precursors. The first step involves the synthesis of UDP-GlcNAc, orchestrated by Glm (GlmS, GlmM, and GlmU) enzymes using fructose-6-phosphate. Subsequently, enzymes from the Mur family, namely MurB, MurA, MurD, MurC, MurI, MurF, and MurE, synthesize UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-pentapeptide (UDP-Mpp) from UDP-GlcNAc. Concurrently, on the cytosolic side, the production of membrane-surrounded undecaprenyl phosphate occurs, involving membrane-side proteins MraY and MurG in the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan. This review emphasizes updated information on Mur family proteins, encompassing physicochemical properties, nature of binding site, number and type of binding site residues, functional domain details, three-dimensional structural aspects, and their functions within bacterial cells. Special attention is directed towards their enzymatic role in peptidoglycan biosynthesis due to the limited availability of precursors in the market. Additionally, the review provides a comprehensive summary of existing inhibitors and ongoing efforts in identifying new targeted inhibitors, recognizing these enzymes as potential candidates for antibacterial drug design and discovery.

Land use and cover change (LUCC) is a key factor influencing global environmental and socio-economic systems. Many long-term geospatial LUCC datasets have been developed at various scales during the recent decades owing to the availability of long-term satellite data, statistical data and computational techniques. However, most existing LUCC products can not accurately reflect the spatiotemporal change patterns of LUCC at regional scale in China. Based on these geospatial LUCC products, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), socioeconomic data, and statistical data, we developed multiple procedures to represent both spatial and temporal changes of the major LUC types by applying machine-learning, regular decision tree and hierarchical assignment methods using the northeastern China (NEC) as a case study. In this approach, each individual LUC type was developed in sequence under different schemes and methods. The accuracy evaluation using sampling plots indicated that our approach can accurately reflect the actual spatiotemporal patterns of LUC shares in the NEC, with an overall accuracy of 0.82, Kappa coefficient of 0.77 and regression coefficient of 0.82. Further comparisons with existing LUCC datasets and statistical data also indicated our approach and dataset can more accurately and comprehensively represent the spatiotemporal patterns of all LUC types at subpixel level. Our approach unfolded the mixed pixel issue and integrated the strengths of all LUCC products through the fusion process. The analysis based on our developed dataset indicated that forest, cropland and built-up land area increased by 17.11×104 km2, 15.19×104 km2 and 2.85×104 km2, respectively during 1980-2020, while grassland, wetland, shrubland and bareland decreased by 26.06×104 km2, 4.24×104 km2, 3.97×104 km2, and 0.92×104 km2, respectively. The temporal change patterns of all these LUC types were consistent with the provincial inventory data. Our developed approach can be widely applied in the entire China and worldwide, and our data products can provide accurate data supports for studying the LUCC consequences and making effective land use policies.

The article considers the role of transcrustal magma- and fluid-conducting faults in the formation of mineral deposits, shows the importance of a deep source of heat and hydrothermal solutions in the genesis and history of the formation of these deposits. As a result of the impact on the lithosphere of mantle jets rising along transcrustal faults, intense block-and-clump deformations and tectonic movements are generated; rift systems and volcanic-plutonic belts spatially combined with them are formed; intrusive bodies are introduced. At ore deposits, these processes cause epithermal ore formation as a consequence of the impact of mantle jets rising along transcrustal faults on the lithosphere. At hydrocarbon fields, they play an extremely important role in conduction and convective heat and mass transfer to the area of hydrocarbon generation, determine the relationship between the processes of lithogenesis and tectogenesis, and activate the generation of hydrocarbons from oil and gas mother formations. Detection of transcrustal magma- and fluid-supporting faults was carried out by MMZ and MTZ in combination with other geological and geophysical data. Practical examples are given for mineral deposits under which subvertical transcrustal columns of increased permeability traced to considerable depths have been found. The nature of these unique structures is related to faults of pre-Paleozoic time of emplacement, which determined the fragmentation of the subcrystalline structure of the Earth and later developed inherited in the conditions of development of volumetric fluid dynamics. The residual forms of functioning of fluid-conducting thermohydrocolumns are granitoid batholiths and other magmatic bodies. Experimental modelling of deep processes allowed to reveal the quantum character of interactions of crystal structures of minerals with "inert" gases under elevated T-P conditions. The role of helium, nitrogen and hydrogen in changing the physical properties of rocks in connection with their intrastructural diffusion has been clarified. As a result of low-energy impact, stress fields are formed in the solid rock skeleton, the structure and texture of rocks are rearranged, and general porosity develops. With increasing pressure, energy interactions intensify, deformations, phase transitions and chemical bonds occur in an unstable geological environment, which increases with increasing gas saturation, pressure, and temperature. The process of heat and mass transfer along transcrustal magma- and fluid-supplying faults to the Earth's surface occurs in stages with energy release, which can manifest itself in the form of explosions on the day surface, in coal and ore mines, in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A Co–doped porous carbon was successfully fabricated by a facile carbonizing procedure using coal hydrogasification semi-coke (SC) as the carbon and cobalt nitrate as the magnetic precursors, respectively. The microwave absorption (MA) performances were regulated by adjusting the mass ratio of the precursors. The dielectric loss from the carbon framework, the magnetic loss from nano–sized Co particles coupled with multiple scattering from the residual pores synergistically contribute to the favorable MA capabilities. When the initial mass ratio of cobalt nitrate and SC was 1:1, the Co/C composite showed the lowest reflection loss of -33.45 dB at the thickness of 4.0 mm. The effective absorbing bandwidth (EAB) could achieve 3.5 GHz at 2 mm in thickness. This work not only exploits a new avenue for the structural design and facile fabrication of dielectric and magnetic loss combinations, but also opens up another way for the high value–added utilization of SC.

In this paper, different concepts of reconfigurable RF-MEMS attenuators for beamforming applications are proposed and critically assessed. Capitalizing on the previous part of this work, the 1-bit attenuation modules featuring series and shunt resistors and low-voltage membranes (7-9 V) are employed to develop a 3-bit attenuator for fine-tuning attenuations (&lt; -10 dB) in the 24.25-27.5 GHz range. More substantial attenuation levels are investigated by means of fabricated samples of coplanar waveguide (CPW) sections equipped with Pi-shaped resistors aiming at attenuations of -15, -30, and -45 dB. The remarkable electrical features of such configurations, showing flat attenuation curves and limited return losses, and the investigation of a switched-line attenuator design based on them led to the final proposed concept of a low-voltage 24-state attenuator. Such simulated device combines the Pi-shaped resistors for substantial attenuations with the 3-bit design for fine-tuning operations, showing a maximum attenuation level of nearly -50 dB while maintaining steadily flat attenuation levels and limited return losses (< -11 dB) along the frequency band of interest.

The article offers a comprehensive overview of recent breakthroughs in eco-friendly polymers and polymer composites, underscoring their pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges across diverse industrial sectors. Despite encountering obstacles related to performance and processability, biopolymers sourced from renewable materials emerge as promising alternatives for the plastics that are currently used by human beings. Natural fillers are highlighted as a strategic avenue for crafting sustainable composites, with residual natural fillers being particularly explored. Heightened environmental concerns propel discussions on the criticality of integrating biodegradable materials with natural fillers, underlining the urgency for clear frameworks and financial incentives to support adoption of these materials. Additionally, the article examines the potential of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites, with a specific emphasis on the utilization of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in composite materials and its market prospects. Moreover, it emphasizes the indispensable need for ongoing research and development endeavors to address environmental challenges within the polymer sector, reflecting a mounting interest in sustainable materials across industries.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition linked to immune-system dysfunction. Myositis-specific/associated antibodies (MSA/MAA) play a role in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), but their significance in PH remains unclear. We believe the presence of these antibodies, may be underestimated. This study analyzed adult PH patients without pre-existing IIM for MSA/MAA prevalence using a line-blot assay. We compared PH patients with and without ILD signs to a cohort clinically suspected of IIM/ILD (n=558). Our PH cohort (n=121) showed a significantly higher prevalence of overall weak positive MSA/MAAs and positive overlap syndrome-associated MAAs than the suspected IIM/ILD group (p

(1) Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is when fertilized ovum implanted outside of uterine cavity. The incidence was 1.5% to 2.0% of all pregnancies [1, 2]. EP decreases fertility ability [3]. This study focused on the pregnancy rate after EP and various parameters influencing pregnancy. (2) Methods: The data was extracted from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) during 2000-2013. The study group enrolled women with one EP history. Those who did not have EP was put into the control group. Chi-square/Fisher exact test was performed on category variable and t-test was used on continue variables. (3) Results: The EP group had a higher cumulative rate of conceive, 41.55% than control group, 37.14% and 1.16 times higher risk in developing pregnancy (P&lt;0.001). The conceiving rate was lower than the control group in the first 5 years, but higher than the control group in the 10th to 14th years. (4) Conclusions: The fecundability after EP is lower at the beginning, but regained after long term follow.

Sustainable food consumption has attracted a widespread attention during last decades by scholars, policy makers and consumers. In line with this, farmers’ markets (FMs) have the potential to encourage sustainable agricultural production and consumption. By reducing the number of actors and distances along the food chain, these alternative food systems foster the reconnection between farmers and consumers and contribute to different social, economic and environmental sustainable goals. This paper provides insights on the role of consumers' sustainability concerns related to their motivation for shopping at FMs. By means of a choice experiment, we analyze the determinants of consumers’ WTP for buying apples at FMs. We are particularly interested in understanding how attitudes towards the three sustainability dimensions are related to consumer preferences in this context. We find that consumer attitudes towards direct contact with producers, contributing to farmers’ income, and environmental benefits can be directly related to product characteristics that are specific to FMs.

Wheat is one of the most important crops to ensure food production globally. Understanding the mechanism of leaf senescence in wheat plays a crucial role in improving its productivity and resilience under varying stress scenario. In this study, we investigated biochemical, functional, and ultrastructural changes during leaf senescence in wheat genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance. For this, key parameters such as chlorophyll and total protein content, membrane stability, malondialdehyde level, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, benzidine peroxidase, catalase) were comparatively analyzed during both natural and drought-induced senescence. Additionally, the expression of superoxide dismutase isoform genes functioning in different cellular compartments was studied, alongside ultrastructural changes in flag leaves. The experiments involved genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum durum Desf.) wheat. After the booting stage, irrigation was discontinued for drought-treated plants. Flag leaves were sampled at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after anthesis. The drought-tolerant genotypes exhibited slower chlorophyll degradation, lower lipid peroxidation levels, higher membrane stability, and more robust antioxidant responses, maintaining cellular function longer than the sensitive genotypes, which showed accelerated leaf senescence. Transcript levels of FeSOD increased significantly post-flowering but declined as senescence progressed, while MnSOD expression rose towards the end of ontogenesis. Ultrastructural analysis revealed progressive damage to chloroplast membranes, thylakoid structures, and mesophyll cell walls under stress conditions. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the physiological and molecular responses of wheat to drought stress, offering potential targets for improving crop performance in water-limited environments.

In this study, we propose a conservative and compact finite difference scheme designed to preserve both the mass change rate and energy for solving the sixth-order Boussinesq equation with the surface tension. Theoretical analysis confirms that the proposed scheme achieves second-order accuracy in temporal discretization and fourth-order accuracy in spatial discretization. The solvability, convergence, and stability of the difference scheme are rigorously established through the application of the discrete energy method. Additionally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness and reliability of the conservative scheme for long-time simulations.

Background and clinical significance: Guyon's canal syndrome is a pathological condition caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the wrist. It is less frequent than other compression syndromes of the upper limb (cubital and carpal tunnel), and different causative agents, including vascular lesions, are described. Among these, aneurysm of the ulnar artery is described in the literature as an infrequent aetiology. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old young man with Guyon's canal syndrome caused by an aneurysm of the ulnar artery, who underwent surgical decompression of the Guyon's canal without intervening on the aneurysm. The postoperative course was free of complications, and the patient reported satisfaction, with reduced symptoms. Clinical examination and ultrasound imaging showed mass reduction of the aneurysm in the postoperative period, which appears to be an evolution hitherto undocumented in the literature. Conclusions: Many treatments are available for Guyon's canal syndrome. Past medical and surgical treatments, duration and severity of symptoms, causes, and pathogenesis are important for the therapeutic choice. Surgical treatment based on ligament section and lysis of the Guyon's canal downstream, without any action on the aneurysm and with ulnar artery preservation, determined a reduction in terms of volume, relief of the symptoms, and patient satisfaction. With this case we describe a surgical therapeutic option for the treatment of Guyon's canal syndrome caused by an aneurysm of the ulnar artery, in which surgery is limited to canal decompression and consequential aneurism mass reduction with concomitant relief of symptoms.

Background and objectives: In colorectal surgery, postoperative evisceration and incisional her-nia (IH) were noted after open procedures and at extraction incision (EI) sites used in laparoscopic resections. This systematic review investigates the efficacy and safety of prophylactic mesh clo-sure of midline laparotomy or EI closure in colorectal oncological and non-oncological resections. Methods: Literature databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct and Google Scholar, were searched for studies comparing the use of prophylactic mesh to conventional suture closure in colorectal operations, either in laparotomy closure in open surgery or EI closure in laparoscopic procedures, regardless of the indication; oncological and non-oncological. Primary endpoints were identified as incisional hernia (IH) and postoperative evisceration. Other outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI), seroma formation and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and studied 1,398 patients, with 411 patients having prophylactic mesh insertion at the time of midline laparotomy or EI closure and 987 underwent conventional suture closure. The occurrence of IH was significantly reduced using mesh closure compared to suture closure (OR 0.23, P=0.00001), while there was no statistically significant dif-ference in evisceration rate (OR 0.51, P=0.25). Additionally, no notable difference was identified between both groups in terms of SSI (OR 1.20, P=0.54), postoperative seroma (OR 1.80, P=0.13), and LOS (MD -0.54, P=0.63). Conclusions: The use of prophylactic mesh on closing laparotomy incisions or EI for open and laparoscopic colorectal resections reduces the risk of developing IH. There were no significant safety concerns; however, further randomized trials may provide more robust results.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that impairs memory and thinking skills, leading to significant economic and humanistic burdens. It is associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) such as anxiety, agitation, depression, aggression, apathy, and psychosis. NPSs are common in patients with AD, affecting up to 97% of individuals diagnosed with AD. The severity of NPS is linked to disease progression and cognitive decline. NPS in Alzheimer’s disease leads to increased morbidity, mortality, caregiver burden, earlier nursing home placement, and higher healthcare costs. Despite their significant impact, clinical research on NPS in AD is limited. In clinical settings, accurately distinguishing and diagnosing NPS related to AD remains a challenge. Additionally, conventional treatments for NPS in AD are often ineffective, highlighting the need for new therapies that target these specific symptoms. Understanding these comorbidities can aid in early diagnosis and better management of AD. In this review, we provide a summary of the various neurological and psychiatric symptoms (NPSs) associated with AD and new candidates under development for the treatment of NPSs based on their therapeutic targets and mechanisms. On top of the conventional NPSs studied far, this review adds recent advancements in the understanding of social functional impairment in AD. This review also provides information that can contribute to the advancement of studies and translational research in this field by emphasizing therapeutic targets and mechanism of action focused on AD-related NPS, rather than conventional mechanisms targeted in AD drug development. Above all, considering the relative lack of research in this new field despite the importance of clinical, medical, and translational research, it may increase interest in NPSs in AD, its pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic candidates such as molecules with antioxidant potential.

Unevenly distributed rainfall leads to reduced potato water productivity (WP) under rainfed production. Understanding practices that can increase WP is vital. Objectives were to (i) understand seasonal variables that influence WP under rainfed conditions and (ii) the effect of the integration of cultivar, locality, mulch on potato WP. The study was under two agroecological zones Appelsbosch (Mbalenhle locality), and Swayimane (Stezi, and Mbhava locality), under smallholder. A split plot, in a randomized complete block design experiment, consists of mulching (mulch and not mulch), and selected cultivars. Soil water content (SWC), yield, and climatic conditions were collected, water use (ET) and WP were calculated. Rainfall, ET, and SWC had a significant influence on seasonal WP. Cultivar x mulch x locality had an insignificant effect on WP, however, locality x cultivars significantly altered potato WP. Localities that had lower vapor pressure deficit (VPD), low relative humidity, and sandy soil had higher potato WP of 14.53 kg m-3. The findings suggest that localities that have less atmospheric dryness and cultivars that show stability of yield across seasons can be an easy-to-apply practice for increasing potato WP under a resource-limited environment. Mulch is important when the distribution of intra-annual rainfall does not match crop water requirements.

(1) Background: To further investigate the link between inadvertent tooth movements (ITMs) and mechanical properties of different retainers, the response upon vertical loading was compared in three different retainers (two stainless steel and one nickel-titanium). The influence of different reference teeth was also considered. (2) Methods: Three retainers (R1, R2, R3) were tested in a newly developed biomechanical analysis system (FRANS). They were bonded to 3D-printed models of the lower anterior jaw and vertically displaced up to 0.3mm. Developing forces and moments were recorded at the center of force. (3) Results: The vertical displacement caused vertical forces (Fz) and labiolingual moments (My) to arise. These were highest in the lateral incisors (up to 2.35±0.59N and 9.27±5.86Nmm for R1; 1.69±1.06N and 7.42±2.65Nmm for R2; 3.28±1.73N and 15.91±9.71Nmm for R3) for all analyzed retainers, and with the R3 retainer for all analyzed reference teeth, while the lowest Fz and My values were recorded with the R1 retainer. (4) Conclusions: Displacements of 0.2mm and larger provided forces and moments which could be sufficient to cause unwanted torque movements, such as ITMs in all analyzed retainers. Clinicians must be mindful of these risks and perform posttreatment checkups on patients with retainers of all materials.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify various risk factors associated with breast cancer and explore different treatment strategies based on socio-economic, hormonal, and clinical perspectives.; Methods: We analyzed socio-economic, hormonal, genetic, and clinical variables using data from 356 questionnaires obtained from breast cancer patients at Hassan II Regional Hospital in Agadir, Morocco ; Results:The study reveals that the average age of breast cancer patients is 50 ± 10.72 years, with a mode of 47 years and an age range from 29 to 94 years. Notably, women aged 38 are most frequently diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Significant socio-economic trends were observed among the participants, with the majority being housewives (91%) and nearly half residing in rural areas (48.60%). High rates of illiteracy (74.72%) and financial difficulties (54.2%) pose challenges in accessing healthcare services. Psychological distress is prevalent, with 40.7% experiencing anxiety and 30.1% experiencing sadness. The use of oral contraceptives varies, with implications for breast cancer risk. Additionally, statistics on menarche and menopause suggest hormonal influences on breast cancer development. Histological analysis indicates a predominance of grade II invasive ductal carcinoma and left breast localization. Metastases are present in nearly 38.20% of cases. Notably, surgery as the primary treatment effectively treats medium-sized tumors while limiting metastasis. Furthermore, a comparison of treatment strategies reveals a preference for letrozole among postmenopausal patients and tamoxifen among premenopausal patients; Conclusions:These findings highlight the complexity of breast cancer risk factors and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and targeted interventions.

This study presents an advanced data augmentation framework to enhance diagnostics in centrifugal pumps using vibration data, with a focus on practical industrial applications. Initially, Gaussian noise and signal stretching were employed to generate synthetic data, addressing the common issue of insufficient defect data in industrial settings. These methods simulate varied operating conditions and different rotating speeds. Recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches, we further integrated advanced models—Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Autoencoder (AE), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to augment the dataset comprehensively. This enhanced approach increases the robustness and accuracy of machine-learning models for fault detection and classification. Experimental results show significant improvements in diagnostic algorithm performance, reducing false positives and increasing fault detection rates. The study offers a complete framework for incorporating both traditional and advanced data augmentation techniques into predictive maintenance protocols, ensuring reliable operation of centrifugal pumps in diverse industrial environments.

Background - Compared to the da Vinci platform, there is limited experience with the Hugo RAS platform for colorectal surgery in Europe. This difference is especially notable when considering a single complex procedure, such as total colectomy. Aim - To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using the Hugo RAS for assisted total colectomy. Clinical case- Female patient: eighteen-year-old with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Her IBM was 19. She underwent a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis using the Hugo RAS platform. The procedure took 230 minutes and had no complications. The postoperative period was uneventful. She was discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day. Conclusion - The Hugo RAS platform is one of the emergent minimally invasive robotic platforms that can be used even in total colectomy if the proper patient selection is made. The placement choice of arms and trocars was crucial to obtain a similar operative time of the single laparoscopic approach. The certification of Hugo’s new instruments, such as energy devices and staplers, will make this platform even more competitive.

Traditional seismic wave-based tunnel advanced geological forecasting techniques are primarily designed for drill and blast method construction tunnels. However, given the fast excavation speed and limited prediction space in Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) construction tunnels, traditional methods have significant technical limitations. This paper analyzes the characteristics of different types of TBM construction tunnels and, considering the practical construction conditions, identifies an effective observation system and data acquisition method. Utilizing numerical simulation, a model for advanced detection of typical unfavorable geological formations is established by obtaining the wave field response characteristics of seismic waves in three-dimensional space. The seismic wave reflection method can effectively receive information from unfavorable geological formations in front of the tunnel face. To address the challenges in advanced forecasting for TBM construction tunnels, a method of ellipsoid positioning velocity analysis, which takes into account the constraints of three-component data directions, is proposed. Based on the characteristics of the advanced forecasting observation system, the method compares the maximum values on the spatial isochronous ellipsoidal surface to determine the average velocity of the geological layer rays, thereby enabling accurate inversion of the spatial distribution ahead. Field verification of advanced geological forecasting based on ellipsoid positioning velocity analysis for TBM tunnels is conducted. The results indicate that this method can be used to obtain the three-dimensional velocity of the predicted unfavorable geological formations in front of the tunnel and is effective for the application of geological forecasting in TBM construction tunnels, thus providing crucial references and assurances for construction.

To achieve real-time identification of soybean seedlings and weeds in soybean seedling fields on agricultural intelligent terminal devices, this article constructs a real-time evolutionary identification system ESWIM driven by computational complexity under few-shot training. Firstly, based on the identification task, high-quality image samples are collected and annotated. By analyzing the terrain, the weather during the growth period, image acquisition methods, and the status of equipment fieldwork, we obtained a suitable enhancement algorithm. This algorithm not only effectively simulates the diversity of actual images, but also solves the problem of significant imbalance in the number of targets. Then, using the computational complexity driven approach and YOLOv5n as the foundation model, a soybean seedling and weed recognition model SWIM is constructed. The model's computational space and time complexity are reduced by 45.19% and 42.86%, respectively, while mAP (0.5) increased by 0.1%. Finally, by utilizing human-computer interaction to enable real-time and effective evolution of the dataset, an evolutionary strategy is designed to rapidly iterate and update model parameters, resulting in the development of the evolutionary system ESWIM. Laboratory experiments have shown that the ESWIM system can quickly adjust the recognition system during device operation to achieve target identification tasks in different environments.

The No. 3 coal seam in the Yuxi Coal Mine has a measured maximum gas content of 25.59 m3/t, along with a maximum gas pressure of 2.9 MPa, indicating its high risk to gas and outbursts. To mitigate outburst risks of the coal seam, the 1301 working face has been implemented gas pre-drainage measures by grid boreholes from underlying roadways. After one year of extraction, it was confirmed that the gas content at all 33 test sites was below 8 m3/t, meeting the outburst prevention standards. However, during subsequent coal tunnel excavation, the gas desorption index K1 value frequently exceeded the standard, resulting in numerous occurrences of abnormal gas emission or small-scale outbursts. To tackle the challenges associated with safe excavation following the first round regional outburst prevention measures, a research and industrial trial of CO2 gas fracturing(CO2-Frac) technology for secondary outburst prevention and rapid excavation was completed. Results show that the dual-hole and high-pressure (185MPa) CO2-Frac considerably contribute to outburst prevention. K1 exceedances per hundred meters of tunnel excavations were from average 2.54 without CO2-Frac to average 0.28 after the new technology being implemented, leading to a eight fold reduction. Additionally, the monthly excavation footage increased from average 81.64 m without CO2-Frac to average 162.42 m with CO2-Frac, resulting in a 2-fold improvement. The dual-hole and high-pressure CO2-Frac is an advanced technology for safe and efficient excavation for secondary outburst elimination in highly outburst-prone coal seams in the Yuxi Coal Mine, with potential for widespread application in similar coal seam conditions.

This study explores the impact on the stability of drying and encapsulation of a camu camu extract (CCX) using the non-thermal, high-throughput electrospraying assisted by pressurized gas (EAPG) technique. The dried and encapsulated products by the EAPG processing techniques were compared in terms of total soluble phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and storage stability. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and zein (ZN) were selected as the protective excipients for encapsulation. Dried and encapsulated products were obtained in the form of microparticles, which were smaller and more spherical in the case of the encapsulates. No significant differences were observed in the total polyphenolic content (TSP), and only relatively small differences in the antioxidant capacity were measured among samples. The generated products were subjected to various storage conditions to assess their stability and the preservation of the TSP and the antioxidant properties, i.e. 0% relative humidity (RH) and 4°C; 0% RH and 21°C; 23% RH and 21°C; 56% RH and 21°C; and UV light exposure. The results indicated that ZN encapsulation notably enhanced the retention of total soluble polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to WPC and dried CCX, especially in the ratio 2:1 (encapsulating polymer: dried CCX). This study demonstrates the potential of protein-based encapsulation, particularly using ZN, for stabilizing bioactive compounds against degradation mechanisms induced by humidity, temperature, or ultraviolet radiation exposure.

As high strength and ultra-high strength steels are widely used in all kinds of modern welded constructions, a lot of research is carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of weldments of these steels but there is a scarce information on such important characteristic as their corrosion behaviour. This research focuses on the corrosion behaviour of weld metal of weldments of S906QL and S700MC steels. Weld metal was tested electrochemically in a 3,5% NaCl aqueous solution via potentiodynamic scan to determine corrosion rate and its dependence on welding gap. No influence of welding gap on corrosion rate was found but the experimental results suggested that corrosion rate depended on the chemical composition of filler material and the microstructure of weld metal.

In this work, non-ordered and ordered CeO2-based catalysts are proposed for the CO2 conversion to dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Particularly, a non-ordered mesoporous CeO2, consisting of small nanoparticles of about 8 nm, is compared with two highly porous (635-722 m2/g) ordered CeO2@SBA-15 nanocomposites obtained by two different impregnation strategies (a two-solvent impregnation (TS) and a self-combustion (SC) method), with a final CeO2 loading of 10 wt%. The Rietveld analyses on XRD data combined with TEM imaging evidence the influence of the impregnation strategy on the dispersion of the active phase: nanoparticles of 8 nm for the TS composite vs. 3 nm for the SC composite. The catalytic results show comparable activity for the mesoporous ceria and the CeO2@SBA-15_SC nanocomposite, while a lower DMC yield was found for the CeO2@SBA-15_TS nanocomposite. This finding is presumably ascribed to a partial obstruction of the pores by the CeO2 nanoparticles in the case of the TS composite, which leads to a reduced accessibility of the active phase. On the other hand, in the case of the SC composite, where the CeO2 particle size is much lower than the pore size, there is an improved accessibility of the active phase to the molecules of the reactants.

Background: Smad4, a critical tumor suppressor gene, plays a significant role in pancreatic biology and tumorigenesis. Genetic background and sex are known to influence phenotypic outcomes, but their impact on pancreatic weight in Smad4-deficient mice remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of Smad4 deficiency on pancreatic weight in F1 mice from diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) lines, focusing on the influence of genetic background and sex. Methods: F1 mice were generated by crossbreeding female CC mice with C57BL/6J-Smad4tm1Mak males. Genotyping confirmed the presence of Smad4 knockout alleles. Mice were housed under standard conditions, euthanized at 80 weeks, and their pancreatic weights were measured, adjusted for body weight, and analyzed for effects of Smad4 deficiency, sex, and genetic background. Results: The overall population of F1 mice showed a slight but non-significant increase in adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Sex-specific analysis revealed no significant difference in males but a significant increase in adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout females. Genetic background analysis showed that lines CC018 and CC025 substantially increased adjusted pancreatic weights in heterozygous knockout mice. In contrast, other lines showed no significant difference or varied non-significant changes. The interplay between genetic background and sex further influenced these outcomes. Conclusion: Smad4 deficiency affects pancreatic weight in a manner significantly modulated by genetic background and sex. This study highlights the necessity of considering these factors in genetic research and therapeutic development, demonstrating the value of the Collaborative cross-mouse population in dissecting complex genetic interactions.

Objective: Subclinical left ventricular disfunction (LVD) is common in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Many patients with diabetes have an impaired diastolic and systolic function. With preserved ejection fraction LV (EFLV), the latter is defined as reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS), detected using the speckle-tracking echocardiography. This study is aimed to define the long-term structural and functional disorders of the LV myocardium in patients with T2D without CVD. Methods: Of the 120 patients with and without T2D of both sexes aged from 45 to 75 years (57.11±7.9 years), included in the study in 2012-2013, only 57 responded to the follow-up study. The patients were divided into two groups: one with T2D (n=29), the other without it, control (n=28). All patients underwent transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography with assessment of standard indicators of systolic and diastolic cardiac function, as well as GLS. In addition, all participants underwent laboratory diagnostics of carbohydrate metabolism disorders markers, NT-proBNP and CRP. The median follow-up duration was 7.2 [7.0-7.8] years. Results: During the follow-up, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in the type 2 diabetes group was found from 53% to 61% (p = 0.004); no significant dynamics were noted in the control group (p = 0.48). The presence of T2D significantly increases the risk of developing DD (p=0.04). The presence of T2D, increased fasting glucose levels, and an increased HOMA index were independent predictors of the development of DD. Impairment of LVEF was not observed in both groups. At the same time, the proportion of patients with reduced GLS (< -18%) increased in the T2D group (p = 0.036). A significant difference in the frequency of decreased GLS depending on T2D was demonstrated. The presence of obesity, an increase in the HOMA index and an increase in CRP levels are independent predictors of impaired GLS. Conclusions: T2D is an independent risk factor for the worsening of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with T2D without CVD over 7-year follow-up. Diastolic dysfunction is represented by delayed relaxation of the LV myocardium; with preserved LVEF, reduced 2D GLS identifies systolic dysfunction. The tight control of glycemia, lipidemia, blood pressure and body weight is associated with the absence of poor clinical outcomes.

The extraction methods for carotenoids, xanthophylls and chlorophylls are essential processes involved in the recovery of bioactive compounds from a wide variety of natural sources, including plants, marine organisms, microorganisms and animals. These bioactive compounds, characterized by their significant functional and structurally active properties, play a crucial role in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and food. Due to their presence in small quantities and conjugated form in nature, the extraction of these compounds can be laborious and often requires meticulous purification steps. Interestingly, the primary and secondary metabolites present in plants contribute significantly to the production of these bioactive compounds, adding to their complexity and importance. Notably, carotenoids, as natural pigments with antioxidant and nutritional properties, are known for offering numerous health benefits and are instrumental in various biological processes, including the photoprotection of plants and the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. It is fascinating to observe that by-products generated from agricultural activities and food processing serve as abundant sources of these bioactive compounds, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable resource management. Given the diverse health benefits and multifaceted applications of these natural pigments, there is a growing interest in not only extracting but also utilizing them for industrial, nutritional and pharmacological purposes.

Smith-Magenis syndrome is a complex neurobehavioral genetic disorder. The spectrum of SMS phenotype is broad but commonly includes craniofacial, neurobehavioral, and otolaryngologic features. While the etiology of SMS is commonly attributed to one copy interstitial deletion in the 17p11.2 region (90-95% of cases), variants identified by sequence analysis in RAI1 have also been reported in 5-10% of cases. The phenotypic spectrum of patients with RAI1 sequence alterations is not clear. In this study, we report a 9-year-old male with global cognitive and psychomotor developmental delay, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities, and dysmorphic craniofacial features. Whole genome quad analysis of the proband, unaffected parent, and unaffected brother identified a novel de novo RAI1:c.2736delC variant. This is the first report of this variant in the literature. This report also highlights the details of the genome analysis and this patient's phenotypic spectrum.

The backwater lowland habitats of large rivers, like the Mississippi River in North America, present complex often inaccessible environments for traditional capture-based fish biodiversity sampling. Our knowledge of the assemblages of fishes that occupy such habitats are often incomplete, and this can compromise management efforts. We employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding methods to sample a Mississippi River bottom wetland system to assess ichthyofaunal diversity, and assemblage structure across habitat types, and we compared our results to capture-based survey records for the same habitats. We collected water samples in spring and fall of 2022 from slough, ditch, shallow lake and bayou habitats that varied in depth, vegetation, seasonal variability, and connectivity to the Mississippi River channel. We detected a diverse array of fish species that included 51 taxa. Nearly all species previously documented in the habitats were detected by eDNA metabarcoding, and we increased the number of documented species by more than a third. Most of the species were ubiquitous across the range of habitats, but there was also substantial assemblage structure, with some species exhibiting clear habitat specificity. Fall sampling was limited to the deeper bayou habitats where seasonal variation between spring and fall was minimal. eDNA metabarcode sampling was demonstrated to be effective at detecting invasive species as well as uncommon species, which included several species of conservation concern.

Since the 20th century, numerous studies have detected or isolated parasites from the Trypanosomatidae family in various tick species. However, the status of ticks as vectors of medically or veterinary important Trypanosoma and Leishmania remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to pro-vide new insights into the potential vector status of Leishmania and Trypanosoma, which have medical and veterinary significance. We searched three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) from 1912 to June 30, 2023, resulting in 94 and 86 papers included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively. All identified field studies were conducted in endemic areas and investigated the presence of Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasite, DNA, or antigen in ticks. We recorded a pooled prevalence of Trypa-nosomatidae detection in ticks at 15.48% [7.99-24.61%], with significant variations depending on the year, detection method, and geographical area. Most of positive tick species belonged to the genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. Experimental laboratory work on transmission routes proved potential vector competence in both the Argasidae and Ixodidae tick families. Although our systematic review and meta-analysis provide unambiguous evidence of the natural infection of ticks by Trypanosomatidae para-sites with some evidence of non-traditional transmission routes, it does not provide conclusive evidence on the role of ticks as biological or mechanical vectors for veterinary and medically interest protozoan Trypa-nosomatidae species. All these unambiguously demonstrates the need of additional investigations to address this point.

Recent advancements in vascular organoid (VO) and vessel-on-chip (VoC) technologies have revolutionized our approach to studying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), offering unprecedented insights through more physiologically relevant models. VOs generated from human pluripotent stem cells exhibit remarkable self-organization capabilities, forming complex three-dimensional structures that closely mimic human blood vessel architecture and function, while VoCs engineered with groundbreaking microfluidic systems that meticulously recreate the physical and functional attributes of blood vessels. These innovative constructs serve as powerful tools for investigating vascular development, disease progression, and therapeutic efficacy. By enabling the creation of patient-specific VOs and VoCs, they pave the way for personalized medicine approaches, allowing researchers to delve into genetic variations, intricate cellular interactions, and dynamic processes with exceptional resolution. The synergy between VOs and VoCs with cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell sequencing and high-resolution imaging has further amplified their potential, unveiling novel mechanisms underlying CVDs and identifying promising therapeutic targets. Herein, we summarize different types of VOs and VoCs and present an extensive overview on the generation and applications of VOs and VoCs in CVDs. We will also highlight clinical and translational challenges and future perspectives around VOs and VoCs.

BACKGROUND Detecting total cholesterol in dried blood spots could aid in identifying individuals with a high likelihood of familial hypercholesterolemia and could be used as a screening measure. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dried blood spots on Whatman 903 paper cards using a manual enzymatic technique. METHODS A total of 394 samples collected as serum and dried blood spots were compared. Cholesterol was determined in serum using the automated reference method, while cholesterol on paper was measured using a manual enzymatic method. Within- and between-day diagnostic variability were analyzed. The correlation between both methods was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot. Internal validation of our correlation formula was performed on 149 samples, along with external validation of the formula proposed by Corso et al. RESULTS The within- and between-day coefficient of variation was found to be lower than 10.14% and 14.09%, respectively. Method comparison yielded an area under the curve of 0.976, with a standard error of 0.009. Passing-Bablok regression indicated a precision of 0.803 and an accuracy of 0.96. Internal validation precision was measured at 0.716. Regarding internal validation, calculated cholesterol with our regression line did not differ from serum cholesterol analysis, while significant differences were observed in calculated cholesterol levels using the external formula. CONCLUSIONS Total cholesterol analysis in dot blood spots demonstrates high precision and reproducibility. This method reliably enables the incorporation of this biological marker into neonatal screening for familial hypercholesterolemia detection.

The relentless advancement and integration of mechanization and intelligence within the coal mining industry, combined with the increasing depths of mining operations, necessitate significantly higher safety standards. This necessity arises due to the increasingly complex geological and coal seam conditions encountered as mining operations delve deeper into the earth. Traditionally, 3D seismic exploration technology has been fundamental in ensuring both operational efficiency and safety in the coal mining sector. However, despite its critical role, this technology still has limitations in detecting and characterizing small-scale geological structures which can pose substantial risks if not accurately identified and mitigated. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a sparsity-constrained adaptive hard thresholding algorithm designed to tackle the spectral inversion optimization problem with an norm constraint for the enhanced retrieval of reflection coefficients, thereby establishing a comprehensive workflow for enhancing seismic data resolution through compressed sensing spectral inversion. Real data validation has demonstrated that this method significantly enhances the resolution of seismic data while maintaining the amplitude integrity and fidelity of the original signals. This improvement allows for a more detailed and accurate characterization of small-scale geological features, which are critical in identifying and mitigating potential hazards within coal mining operations, thus offering robust support for the implementation of more effective safety protocols and disaster prevention strategies in coal mines.

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) epitomizes the nexus of technological evolution and manufacturing process enhancements, underpinned by four critical pillars: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Digital Twins (DT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Cloud Computing (CC). Through the lens of the German Reference Architectural Model Industrie (RAMI) 4.0, these components are integral to fostering Smart Manufacturing (SM) practices. In conjunction, the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) facilitates seamless inter-company communication and enables adaptability to fluctuating market demands. This paper delves into the structural intricacies of AAS and SM within the RAMI 4.0 framework, unveiling three distinct implementation strategies. Furthermore, it meticulously scrutinizes challenges that hinder the full realization of I4.0 potential, such as interoperability, security concerns, and standardized communication protocols. By examining these models and identifying current barriers, the study illuminates pathways for future research, particularly in enhancing the integration of AAS and SM systems, ensuring robust security measures, and advocating for the development of universal standards. This exploration aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on I4.0, proposing avenues for advancing manufacturing technologies and operational frameworks in alignment with the principles of RAMI 4.0.

Despite polycarbonate (PC) being a widely used engineering plastic, its notch and crack sensitivity pose challenges in critical applications. To address this, PC was blended with elastomeric polymers to explore the improvement in toughness. This study systematically investigates the toughening mechanisms of PC blended with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), copolyether ester elas-tomer (COPE), and ABS and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (MA). The morphology and mechanical behavior were evaluated under qua-si-static and high-speed tensile tests and Charpy impact tests using optical, electronic, and atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis reveals cavitation and crazing phenomena for COPE and SEBS-g-MA systems, and mostly debonding for ABS, indicating an improvement in toughening. While the addition of ABS improves the PC plastic deformation, modifying ABS with maleic anhydride enhances the elastic modulus. Blending PC with SEBS-g-MA increases the strain at break, and the addition of COPE significantly improves the deformation behavior of PC (by around 115%). This comparative study provides valuable insights into the performance of different PC-elastomer blends under similar conditions, supporting the selection of appropriate materials for given applications.

Background: The laryngeal mask airway Vision Mask (LMA VM) is a supraglottic airway device (SAD) with vision guidance system. The ideal head and neck position for direct laryngoscopy is known, but the ideal position for placing a LMA is not. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the optimal position for placement of a video laryngeal mask airway. Methods: This was a prospective observational, transversal and analytical study of 72 consecutive patients. In the same patient, laryngeal vision was first assessed with the head and neck in the sniffing position and then with the head in the neutral position. Procedures were filmed and performed by the same investigator. Assessment of the laryngeal view was performed using two classifications: modified Cormack-Lehane classification and Brimacombe classification. Device placement was considered adequate when the Cormack-Lehane rating was scored from 1 to 2 and the Brimacombe rating was from 2 to 4. Results: 72 patients were included in this study. In the assessment of the glottis using the Cormack Lehane classification for fiberoptic view, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 64 (88.89%) patients in the neutral position and in 65 (90,28%) patients in the sniffing position (p>0,05). In the fiberoptic view of the glottis, assessed using the Brimacombe classification, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 68 (93%) patients in the neutral position and in 69 (95%) patients in the sniffing position, (p>0,05). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of success between the sniffing position (70 patients, 97.22% success rate) and the neutral position (67 patients, 93.06% success rate) during the first insertion attempt. Two patients required a second attempt in the sniffing position, while five patients required a second attempt in the neutral position. Conclusion: An adequate sniffing position did not result in a better glottic view than neutral position, and the number and type of additional maneuvers were equal in both positions.

As prominent oil producers, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have played a significant role in the global energy market. However, as the world's attention increasingly shifts towards environmental sustainability, understanding the implications of the GCC's economic activities on CO2 emissions becomes indispensable. This research paper investigates the relationship between specific economic indicators and their impact on CO2 emissions in the GCC from 2001 to 2021. The study employs quantile regression, a powerful statistical method that estimates the conditional quantiles of a response variable given a set of predictor variables. The findings reveal several important insights: Financial institution efficiency is significant and negative at a 1% level at the lower (10th) -83537.3 and the higher quantile (90th) -549002.3. The relationship between GDP per capita and CO2 emissions varies across quantiles, highlighting the complexity of the growth-environment nexus. Total patents exhibit a positive and significant relationship with emissions, underscoring the importance of directing innovation towards environmentally sustainable solutions. Renewable energy consumption displays a nuanced relationship with CO2 emissions, with a stronger negative impact observed at higher consumption levels. This underscores the potential of renewable energy to mitigate emissions when integrated at scale. The study's outcomes hold crucial policy implications for the GCC countries as they seek to align economic growth with environmental sustainability. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering financial institution efficiency, promoting green innovation, and expanding renewable energy sources to reduce emissions

Energy from biogas is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Significant, for technical, economic, and environmental reasons, is the construction of agricultural microgas plants next to households specialising in cattle rearing. The availability of free substrate makes it possible not only to produce one's electricity and heat but also to produce a more environmentally and human-friendly manure. The operation of biogas plants is, unfortunately, associated with technical problems. This paper presents the results of a study of the quality of electricity generated in an agricultural biogas plant built at a farm specialising in dairy cows, where the owner reported a problem with the voltage in the power supply network. Therefore, selected power quality parameters occurring at the connection point of the biogas plant were analysed in detail. As the authors' research showed, in the case in question, the agricultural biogas plant was connected via a cable with too small a conductor cross-section, which resulted in significant voltage exceedances, making it impossible to switch on the second of the biogas plant's generators. Replacement of the feed-in cable has enabled both generators to run, but significant fluctuations in the feed-in voltage values were still noticeable. Analysis of the subsequent measurements revealed the need for changes in the design of the digester itself. The proposal for change is to replace the two current digester mixers (each rated at 9 kW) with more mixers of lower power. The new mixers would operate in an alternating system, where only one would always be activated.

Laser-Powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED-LB/Powder) is an additive manufacturing process that is gaining popularity in the manufacturing industry due to its numerous advantages, particularly in repairing operations. However, its application is often limited to case studies due to some critical issues that need to be addressed, such as the degree of internal porosity. This paper investigates the effect of the most relevant process parameters of the DED-LB/Powder process on the level and distribution of porosity. Results indicate that, among the process parameters examined, porosity is less affected by travel speed and more influenced by powder mass flow rate and laser power. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element transient model was introduced, which was able to predict the development and location of lack-of-fusion pores along the building direction.

Histones are keys to many epigenetic events and their complexes have therapeutic and diagnostic importance. The determination of the structures of histone complexes is fundamental in the design of new drugs. Computational molecular docking is widely used for the prediction of target-ligand complexes. Large, linear peptides like the tail regions of histones are challenging ligands for docking due to their large conformational flexibility, extensive hydration, and weak interactions with the shallow binding pockets of their reader proteins. Thus, fast docking methods often fail to produce complex structures of such peptide ligands at a level appropriate for drug design. To answer this challenge, and improve the structural quality of the docked complexes, post-docking refinement has been applied using various molecular dynamics (MD) approaches. However, a final consensus has not been reached on the desired MD refinement protocol. In the present study, MD refinement strategies were systematically explored on a set of problematic complexes of histone peptide ligands with relatively large errors in their docked geometries. Six protocols were compared that differ in their MD simulation parameters. In all cases, pre-MD hydration of the complex interface regions was applied to avoid the unwanted presence of empty cavities. The best-performing protocol achieved a median of 32 % improvement over the docked structures in terms of the change of root mean squared deviations from the experimental references. The influence of structural factors and explicit hydration on the performance of post-docking MD refinements was also discussed to help their implementation in future methods and applications.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can potentially compromise both unassisted conception and success rates with assisted reproductive technology (ART). We aimed to evaluate the rates of HPV vaccination among women presenting for fertility care. This was a prospective study analyzing a self-reported intake form completed by all new patients presenting to a fertility clinic. The primary outcome was HPV vaccination status. Among the 523 new patients included in this study 172 (32.9%) were fully vaccinated, 237 (45.3%) were unvaccinated, and 95 (18.2%) patients didn’t respond. There was a significant age difference between fully vaccinated patients (33.1 years) compared to unvaccinated patients (37.4 years) p&lt;0.001 and a significant difference in gravidity between fully vaccinated patients (average 0.65) and unvaccinated patients (average 1.11) p=0.0005. No significant association was found between HPV vaccination status and history of abnormal Pap smears or relationship status (single vs. married). Less than half of patients presenting to our fertility center were vaccinated against HPV, despite being eligible to receive the vaccine. Younger patients with lower gravidity were more likely to be vaccinated against HPV than older patients with higher gravidity. Reproductive Endocrinologists have the opportunity to recommend HPV vaccination for eligible patients presenting for fertility care.

The main focus of the in vitro toxicity assessment methods is on the viability of the cells, which is usually based on metabolism changes. Yet, when exposed to toxic substances, the cell triggers multiple signals in response. With this in mind, we have developed a promising cell-based toxicity method that observes various cell responses when exposed to toxic substances (either death, division or remaining viable). Based on the collective cell response, we observed and predicted the dynamics of the cell population to determine the toxicity of the toxicant. The method was tested with two different conformations: In the first conformation, we exposed a monoculture model of blood macrophages to UV light, hydrogen peroxide, nutrient deprivation, tetrabromobisphenol A, fatty acids and 5-fluorouracil. In the second, we exposed a coculture liver model consisting of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil. The method showed good accuracy compared to established toxicity assessment methods. In addition, this approach provided more representative information on the toxic effects of the compounds as it considers the different cellular responses induced by toxic agents.

Abstract: Dispersal strategies of a species can affect its invasion success. Investigation into the dispersal strategies of invasive species in relation to different factors helps our understanding of the invasion mechanisms and provides knowledge for population management and invasion evaluation. Tetranychus ludeni Zacher (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an invasive species, which is native to Europe but now cosmopolitan. Here, we examined the effects of age and density on dispersal in mated females. Our results show that older females with more eggs were more likely to disperse and moved longer distances than younger ones with fewer eggs. Older females spread most of their eggs out of the natal habitats and over longer distances, which reduced competition and increased offspring fitness. Females significantly increased dispersal probability and distance with the increase of population density to avoid crowding. The synchronization of dispersal and reproduction, along with the positive density-dependent dispersal strategy, may facilitate habitat colonization and invasion speed of T. ludeni.

Recent research emphasises the importance of Artificial Intelligence applications as supporting tools for students in higher education. Simultaneously, an intensive exchange of views has started in the public debate in the international educational community. However, for a more proper use of these applications, it is necessary to investigate the factors that explain their intention and actual use in the future. With the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, this work analyses the factors influencing students' use and intention to use artificial intelligence technology. For this purpose, a sample of 199 Greek students at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Patras participated in a survey. The findings highlight that expected performance, habit, and enjoyment of these Artificial Intelligence applications are key determinants influencing teachers' intentions to use them. Moreover, behavioural intention, habit, and facilitating conditions explain the usage of these Artificial Intelligence applications. The study did not reveal any moderating effects. The limitations, practical implications, and proposed directions for future research based on these results are discussed.

Analysing the human body by direct observation can lead to misinterpretation of underlying trends, whereas in vitro organ models facilitate their understanding. Likewise, in vitro organ models serve as valuable tools for assessing the toxicity of compounds. However, none of the existing models had the features we considered critical for toxicity assessment, so we developed an in vitro liver model for toxicity assessment. We used four different types of primary liver cells: Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. We cultured them in different combinations of composition and volume of cell medium, hepatocyte proportion of total cells, and addition of extracellular matrix. We added rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil to this model and observed the microanatomy and physiology changes for a week with preclinical and clinical instruments. Among the different model configurations, we selected the feature combination of the in vitro model that had similar biomarker values to those measured by the clinical instruments used in clinical diagnostics. When we exposed the selected model configuration to rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil, the viability of Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells was significantly lower than in the untreated samples. In contrast, we observed negligible viability of hepatocytes compared to the untreated samples. We have built an in vitro liver model that resembles the liver microenvironment and we have analysed it with clinical instrumentation to facilitate the data translation. In this sense, we have established that Kupffer and LSEC cells are suitable candidates for the search for clinical diagnostic markers of liver function.

The rapid growth of the global wearable technologies market is projected to reach $61.30 billion by 2030 which reflects a shift towards personalised health monitoring embedded in everyday activities. This paper explores the potential of embroidered interdigitated transducer (IDT)-based sensors for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of human biomarkers, particularly glucose levels, in human sweat. The study employs innovative embroidery techniques to create flexible fabric-based sensors with gold-coated IDTs. Experimental results demonstrate the sensor’s capability to detect water droplets and glucose concentrations, showcasing promising applications for health monitoring. The embroidered IDT-based sensors offer a unique approach for seamless integration into clothing, paving the way for personalised, continuous health data capture.

The valorization of the large amount of crude glycerol formed from biodiesel industry, is of primordial necessity. One possible direction with high interest to the biorefiniery sector is the production of fuel additives as solketal, though the acetalization of glycerol with acetone. This is a chemical process that conciliates high sustainability and economic interest, since solketal contributes to the fullfilment of a Circular Economy Model through its use in biodiesel blends. The key to guarantee high efficiency and high sustainability for solketal production is the use of a recovery and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst. Some examples are already reported in the literature (first example in 2012), and this review intends to conciliate the information spreaded in this topic and established the most important reacional parameters and the main catalytic characteristics strategies to achieve high solketal production in short reaction time.

The increasing demand for higher power in rocket launchers is driving the development of higher power nozzles, achieved essentially by increasing the expansion ratio. However, this can lead to flow separation and resulting unsteady, asymmetrical forces, called side loads, which can limit the life of both the nozzle itself and other engine components. If this problem can be overcome, engine performance can be significantly increased. Therefore, various separation control methods have been proposed, but none have been fully implemented to date due to the uncertainties associated with modeling and predicting the flow phenomena. A numerical study of high area ratio rocket engine is presented to analyze the aeroelastic performance of the structure under the condition of flow separation. The finite volume method, the 2nd order upwind scheme and the extended wall function are used to analyze the flow inside the rocket nozzle and the transition of the Free Shock Separation (FSS) to Restricted Shock Separation (RSS) separation pattern ) to be discussed in detail. Since the location of the flow separation point depends heavily on the flow.

Despite the recognized influence of maximum or acceleration strength on combat techniques and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, the relationship between body segment weights and combat techniques remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine the impact of body segment weights, including striking arm weight (SAW), kicking leg weight (KLW), and trunk weight (TW), on the dynamics of direct punches (DP), palm strikes (PS), elbow strikes (ES), front kicks (FK), and CMJ performance. Sixteen male military cadets (22.3±1.8 years, 181.4±7.0 cm, 83.0±8.1 kg) performed combat techniques, with performance measured by using a force plate and body segment weights assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Spearman's correlation analysis was applied. Results indicated a strong correlation between KLW and FK impulse (r = 0.64, p ≤ 0.01) and CMJ impact force (r = 0.80, p ≤ 0.01). SAW showed moderate correlations with DP impulse (r = 0.53, p ≤ 0.05) and ES impulse (r = 0.54, p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, FK peak and impact forces were strongly correlated with CMJ jump height (r = 0.74, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.77, p ≤ 0.01), and FK peak force moderately correlated with CMJ peak velocity (r = 0.63, p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest targeted arm strength training could enhance striking abilities, while improvements in leg acceleration strength may directly boost kicking performance and vertical jump capabilities, which are crucial in combat scenarios.

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles’ phenolic compounds and the structure-function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles' most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications.

Induction heating is a fast, reproducible, and efficient heating method used in various manufacturing processes. However, there is no established additive manufacturing (AM) process based on induction heating using wire as feedstock. This study investigates a novel approach to AM based on inductive heating, where a steel wire is melted and droplets are detached periodically using a two-winding induction coil. The process parameters and energy input into the droplets are characterized. The induction generator exhibits sluggish response to the excitation voltage, resulting in a lag in the coil current. The process is captured using a high-speed camera, revealing regular droplet formation and uniform size and shape when operated within an appropriate process window. Larger drops and increased spatter formation occur outside this window. The proposed method allows for the production of droplets with almost spherical shapes. Further analysis and characterization of droplet formation and energy input provide insights into process optimization and overall efficiency.

The recent availability of commercial platforms for behavioral analysis in zebrafish larvae based on video-tracking technologies has exponentially increased the number of studies analyzing different behaviors in this model organism to assess neurotoxicity. Among the most commonly used assays in zebrafish larvae are basal locomotor activity (BLA) and visual motor response (VMR). However, the effect of different intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can significantly alter the outcome of these assays is still not well understood. In this work we have analyzed in 143 larvae the influence of age (5-8 days post-fertilization), time of day (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00; 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 h), and experiment (three experiments performed at different days) on BLA and VMR results (4,004 analyses for each behavior). Results from both behaviors were adjusted to a Random-Effects linear regression model using generalized least squares (GLS), including in the model the effect of the three variables, the second-way interactions between them and the three-way interaction. The results presented in this manuscript show a specific effect of all three intrinsic factors and their interactions on both behaviors, supporting the view that the most stable time period for performing these behavioral assays is from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, with some differences depending on age of the larva and the behavioral test.

Although a growing number of evidence emphasizes superior of VATS over conventional thoracotomy, still is little known about early postoperative diaphragm muscle function after lobectomy via these two approahces. To fill the gap in existing literature, we conducted comparative study between VATS and conventional thoracotomy in terms of postoperative diaphragm muscle function, assessing its contractility, strength, magnitude of effort and potential risk of dysfunction such as: atrophy and paralysis. A total of 59 patients (30 after VATS), who underwent anatomical pulmonary resection at our institution, were enrolled into this study. The control group was consisted of 28 health subjects without medical condition could contribute to diaphragm dysfunction. Diaphragm muscle was assessed before and after surgery using ultrasonography. We found that both surgical approaches were associated with postoperative impairment of diaphragm muscle function - compared to baseline data. Postoperative reduction of diaphragm contraction was demonstrated in all of 59 patients. In case of control group, the differences between measurements were no observed. We noted that lobectomy via thoracotomy was linked with greater percentage of patients with diaphragm paralysis or/and atrophy that VATS. Similar findings were observed in refer to diaphragm magnitude effort, as well as, diaphragm contraction strength, where minimal invasive surgery was associated with better diaphragm function parameters - in comparison to thoracotomy. Disturbance of diaphragm work was reported both at operated and non-operated side. Upper right and left lobectomy was connected with greater diaphragm function impairment than other segments. In conclusion, VATS technique seems to be less invasive than conventional thoracotomy providing a better postoperative function of a main respiratory muscle.

This study investigated interactions between sugar-related dietary patterns (DP), personality traits, cognitive-behavioural, and emotional functioning. The study involved females aged 18-54. Data were collected between the Winter and Spring of 2020/21. The survey was conducted using anonymized questionnaires. The Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) was used to examine personality traits based on the Big Five Personality Trait Model. Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was used to measure eating behaviours: cogni-tive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE). The KomPAN question-naire collected the frequency of intake. Dietary patterns (DPs) were derived by principal component analysis (PCA). A logistic regression (OR) was applied to verify the association between the DPs, personality traits, cognitive-behavioural and emotional functioning. Three DPs were identified: sweet-western (SWDP), pro-healthy (PHDP) and dairy (DDP). Women with high conscientiousness were less likely, by 33%, to adhere to the upper tercile of SWDP and 80% more likely to the upper tercile of PHDP. Elevated CR intensity increased by almost 2-fold (OR: 1.93; p

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate five glacierized river basins that are global in coverage and vary in climate. The river basins included the Narayani (Nepal), Vakhsh (Central Asia), Rhone (Switzerland), Mendoza (Central Andes, Argentina), and Central Dry Andes (Chile) with a total area of 85,000 km2. A modified SWAT snow algorithm was applied in order to consider spatial variation of associated snow melt /accumulation by elevation band across each subbasin. In the previous studies, melt rates varied as a function of elevation resulting from an air temperature gradient while the snow parameters were constant throughout the entire basin. A major improvement of the new snow algorithm is separating the glaciers from seasonal snow based on their characteristics. Two SWAT snow algorithms were evaluated in simulation of monthly runoff from glaciered watershed: 1) the snow parameters are lumped (i.e. constant throughout the entire basin) and 2) the snow parameters are spatially variable based on elevation band-subbasin (i.e. modified snow algorithm). Applying the distributed SWAT snow algorithm improved the model performance in simulation of monthly runoff with snow-glacial regime, so that mean RSR decreased to 0.49 from 0.55 and NSE increased to 0.75 from 0.69. Improvement of model performance was negligible in simulation of monthly runoff from the basins with monsoon runoff regime.

Structural deformations are one of the most significant factor that affects machine tool (MT) positioning accuracy. These induced errors are complex to be represented by a model, nevertheless they need to be evaluated and predicted in order to increase the machining performance. This paper presents a novel approach to calibrate a machine tool in real-time, analyzing the thermo-mechanical errors through Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors embedded in the MT frame. The proposed configuration consists of an adaptronic structure of passive materials, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP), equipped by FBG sensors that are able to measure in real-time the deformed conditions of the frame. By using a proper thermo-mechanical kinematic model, the displacement of the end effector may be predicted and corrected when it is subjected to external undesired factors. By starting from a set of FE simulations to develop a model able to describe the MT structure stresses, a prototype has been fabricated and tested. The scope was to compare the numerical model with the experimental tests using FBG sensors. The experimental campaign has been performed varying the structure temperature over time and measuring the tool tip point (TTP) positions. The obtained results showed a substantial matching between the real and the predicted position of TTP confirming the effectiveness of the proposed calibration system.

Introduction: Hypertension is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The objective of this pilot study was to estimate the salt intake of Moroccan adults by measuring 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Methods: 132 participants were recruited from the central region of Morocco. Sodium, potassium and creatinine levels were measured using the 24-hour urine samples. Additional data included anthropometric measurements and socio-demographic questionnaire. Results: The daily sodium, potassium and creatinine excretions were 2779.1±1334.9 mg, 1350.0±642.8 mg and 820.3 ± 381.2 mg, respectively. Data analysis revealed that 71.2% of the participants had a daily sodium intake more than 2000 mg (5g of salt) recommended by the WHO. The mean of potassium excretion was 1350.0±642.8 mg /day, this average was lower than 3.51g per day recommended by the WHO. Conclusion: Public health measures to reduce sodium and increase potassium consumption in order to decrease the population’s risk of high blood pressure and heart disease are recommended.

Recent discovery of triangular boron Nanotubes makes it a competitor of carbon in many respects. Closed forms of M-polynomial of nanotubes produce closed forms of many degree-based topological indices which are numerical parameters of the structure and, in combination, determine properties of the concerned nanotubes. In this report, we give M-polynomials of triangular boron nanotubes and recover many important topological degree-based indices of these nanotubes. We also plot surfaces associated to these nanotubes.

The increasing prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles has led to an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) worldwide. In Taiwan, middle-aged women are at a greater risk of MetS, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease than men are because they have more subcutaneous fat and larger waist circumferences compared to men with equal visceral fat levels. This study investigated the effects of calorie restriction supplemented with fish oil (CRF) in middle-aged women with MetS. For 12 weeks, 75 eligible participants were randomly assigned either calorie restriction (CR) or CRF. Both dietary intervention groups were further divided into two age groups: ≤45 and >45 years. The changes in MetS severity, inflammatory status, iron status, and red blood cell fatty acid profile were evaluated. Seventy-one participants completed the trial. Both dietary interventions significantly ameliorated MetS and improved the participants’ inflammatory status. CR significantly increased total iron binding capacity, whereas CRF increased hepcidin levels. Furthermore, CRF significantly increased the n-6/n-3 and arachidonic acid/docosahexaenoic acid ratios. In conclusion, CR and CRF improved the anthropometric and MetS characteristics of early-middle aged women, including body weight, blood glucose levels, triglyceride levels, as well as the scores for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and quantitative insulin sensitivity cheque index. Dietary intervention was more effective in >45-year-old women than ≤45-year-old women.

In this study, a basic study was performed to analyze the seasonal temperature status of a research room in the Global Environment Research Building where ceiling-embedded indoor units are installed to study the room temperature status of the building as well as to improve its thermal environment. In addition, a direction for improvement of the indoor thermal environment in the winter was proposed through a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation and was proven by an additional experiment. Through the results of this study, it appeared that if the ceiling-embedded indoor unit was installed in the small indoor space without considering the thermal vulnerability of its perimeter boundary, the air temperature of the upper part was greatly different from that of the bottom part in the winter. Hence, in this study, as a means to improve it, convectors were installed to minimize the effect of the external thermal environment and angle-controllable air flowing fans were installed to mitigate the stratification distribution. With such result, it was intended to present the essential data for improvement of the thermal environment as well as conservation of heating energy in the winter for buildings by reviewing the use of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit in the future.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with its highly sensitive olfactory system, has emerged as a promising tool for testing chemotaxis. In the field of cancer diagnostics, there is a growing interest in the development of non-invasive screening methods for the detection of volatile organic compounds in a patient's urine. The objective of this study was to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by evaluating the ability of a Caenorhabditis elegans-based chemotaxis assay to discriminate between urine samples from healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with breast or colon cancer. Following synchronization of the developmental stages of C. elegans, nematodes were exposed to the urine of cancer patients and healthy individuals. Subsequently, chemotactic indices were calculated for each urine sample. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the chemotactic response of C. elegans to urine samples from cancer patients compared to healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Moreover, the test exhibited promising diagnostic utility, with a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 62%, and a detection rate of 78%. Our findings expand on previous observations, confirming the remarkable sensitivity of C. elegans hermaphrodites to discriminating cancer-related volatile organic compounds in urine samples.