bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transpulmonary Plasma Endothelin-1 Arterial:Venous Ratio Differentiates Survivors from Non-Survivors in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Vassiliou Alice G. , Roumpaki Anastasia , Keskinidou Chrysi , Athanasiou Nikolaos , Tsipilis Stamatios , Jahaj Edison , Vrettou Charikleia S. , Giannopoulou Vassiliki , Halioti Asimenia , Ferentinos Georgios , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Kotanidou Anastasia , Langleben David , Orfanos Stylianos E.
Published: October 2024

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor produced by endothelial cells and cleared from circulating blood mainly in the pulmonary vasculature. In a healthy pulmonary circulation, the rate of local production of ET-1 is less than its rate of clearance. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the abnormal pulmonary circulatory handling of ET-1 relates to poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To this end, central venous and systemic arterial ET-1 plasma levels were simultaneously measured on Days 1 and 3 following ICU admission in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with ARDS (COVID-19 ARDS, N = 18). Central venous and systemic arterial ET-1 plasma levels were also measured in two distinct SARS-CoV-2-negative mechanically ventilated critically ill patient groups, matched for age, sex, and critical illness severity, with ARDS (non-COVID-19 ARDS, N = 14) or without ARDS (non-COVID-19 non-ARDS, N = 20). Upon ICU admission, COVID-19-induced ARDS patients had higher systemic arterial and central venous ET-1 levels compared to the non-COVID-19 ARDS and non-COVID-19 non-ARDS patients (p < 0.05), yet a normal systemic arterial:central venous (A:V) ET-1 ratio [0.63 (0.49–1.02)], suggesting that pulmonary ET-1 clearance is intact in these patients. On the other hand, the non-COVID-19 ARDS patients demonstrated abnormal ET-1 handling [A:V ET-1 ratio 1.06 (0.93–1.20)], while the non-COVID-19 non-ARDS group showed normal ET-1 handling [0.79 (0.52–1.11)]. On Day 3, the A:V ratio in all three groups was <1. When the COVID-19 ARDS patients were divided based on 28-day ICU mortality, while their systemic arterial and central venous levels did not differ, the A:V ET-1 ratio was statistically significantly higher upon ICU admission in the non-survivors [0.95 (0.78–1.34)] compared to the survivors [0.57 (0.48–0.92), p = 0.027]. Our results highlight the potential importance of ET-1 as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The elevated A:V ET-1 ratio in non-survivors suggests that the early disruption of pulmonary ET-1 handling may be a key marker of poor prognosis.
A Simple Model to Study Mosaic Gene Expression in 3D Endothelial Spheroids
Authors: McRobb Lucinda S. , Lee Vivienne S. , Faqihi Fahimeh , Stoodley Marcus A.
Published: October 2024

Aims: The goal of this study was to establish a simple model of 3D endothelial spheroids with mosaic gene expression using adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction, with a future aim being to study the activity of post-zygotic mutations common to vascular malformations. Methods: In this study, 96-well U-bottom plates coated with a commercial repellent were seeded with two immortalized human endothelial cell lines and aggregation monitored using standard microscopy or live-cell analysis. The eGFP expression was used to monitor the AAV transduction. Results: HUVEC-TERT2 could not form spheroids spontaneously. The inclusion of collagen I in the growth medium could stimulate cell aggregation; however, these spheroids were not stable. In contrast, the hCMEC/D3 cells aggregated spontaneously and formed reproducible, robust 3D spheroids within 3 days, growing steadily for at least 4 weeks without the need for media refreshment. The hCMEC/D3 spheroids spontaneously developed a basement membrane, including collagen I, and expressed endothelial-specific CD31 at the spheroid surface. Serotypes AAV1 and AAV2QUADYF transduced these spheroids without toxicity and established sustained, mosaic eGFP expression. Conclusions: In the future, this simple approach to endothelial spheroid formation combined with live-cell imaging could be used to rapidly assess the 3D phenotypes and drug and radiation sensitivities arising from mosaic mutations common to brain vascular malformations.
Incidence and Predictors of Early and Late Radial Artery Occlusion after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Angiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khalid Aisha , Mautong Hans , Ahmed Kayode , Aloul Zaina , Montero-Cabezas Jose , Marasco Silvana
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Trans-radial access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has gained popularity due to its advantages over the traditional transfemoral approach. However, radial artery occlusion (RAO) remains a common complication following trans-radial procedures. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of early and late RAO along with their risk factors. Methods: Six databases, Medline (Ovid), National Library of Medicine (MeSH), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Wiley), Embase, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus, were searched. The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and analyzed. Using a random-effect model, the primary endpoint was the overall incidence of RAO after invasive coronary procedures. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also performed to identify possible predictors of RAO. Results: A total of 41 studies with 30,020 patients were included. The overall incidence of RAO was 13% (95% CI = 0.09–0.16). The incidence of early RAO (within 24 h) was 14% (95% CI = 0.10–0.18) in 26 studies, while the incidence of late RAO (after 24 h) was 10% (95% CI = 0.04–0.16) in 22 studies. The average incidence rates of early RAO in studies with catheter sizes of <6 Fr, 6 Fr, and >6 Fr were 9.8%, 9.4%, and 8.8%. The overall effect size of female gender as a predictor was 0.22 with a 95% CI of 0.00–0.44. Age was a potential predictor of early RAO (B = 0.000357; 95% CI = −0.015–0.0027, p: 0.006). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides essential information on the incidence of early (14%) and late (10%) RAO following angiographic procedures. Additionally, our findings suggest that female sex and age are possible predictors of RAO. A larger catheter, especially (6 Fr) and hemostatic compression time <90 min post-procedure, substantially reduced the incidence of RAO. The use of oral anticoagulation and the appropriate dosage of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) does reduce RAO, but a comparison between them showed no statistical significance.
Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids as a Social Phenomenon and Medical Problem—Its Potential Negative Impact on Reproductive Health Based on 50 Years of Case Report Analysis
Authors: Skrzypiec-Spring Monika , Rozmus Julia , Abu Faraj Gina , Brawańska-Maśluch Kinga , Kujawa Krzysztof , Szeląg Adam
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Illegal anabolic-androgenic steroids are a significant lifestyle factor in infertility. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical cases resulting from their use for their frequency, geographical location, dynamics, substances used, the age and gender of the users, and the types of clinical complications. Methods: Publications were obtained by searching PubMed for the following terms: ‘anabolic-androgenic steroids’ and ‘clinical case’. Publications from 1973 to 2022 were qualified for the analysis. Results: An increasing trend in the number of clinical cases resulting from the use of steroids, as well as the number of substances used simultaneously, was observed. The substances changed over the decades, but in the last 20 years, testosterone, nandrolone, stanozolol, methandienone, trenbolone, and methenolone have predominated. Cardiological side effects predominated in each period, with a continuous increase in their occurrence. The most common among these were myocardial infarctions and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The next most numerous adverse events involved psychiatric, endocrinological, hepatic, and oncological problems. We demonstrated a possible relationship between the use of individual steroids and medical issues; the strongest associations were between testosterone and endocrine complications, and methylstenbolone and hepatic complications. Conclusions: There has been an increasing trend in case reports describing serious health problems associated with the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, a tendency to use several substances simultaneously, and a preferential use of substances with a high potential of causing serious side effects. These phenomena mainly concern men, with an average age of 30, and the health problems that dominate in clinical case reports—including serious cardiological, psychiatric, endocrinological, hepatic, and oncological diseases—may potentially affect reproductive health and pose a challenge for reproductive medicine.
Fully Automated Detection of the Appendix Using U-Net Deep Learning Architecture in CT Scans
Authors: Baştuğ Betül Tiryaki , Güneri Gürkan , Yıldırım Mehmet Süleyman , Çorbacı Kadir , Dandıl Emre
Published: October 2024

Background: The accurate segmentation of the appendix with well-defined boundaries is critical for diagnosing conditions such as acute appendicitis. The manual identification of the appendix is time-consuming and highly dependent on the expertise of the radiologist. Method: In this study, we propose a fully automated approach to the detection of the appendix using deep learning architecture based on the U-Net with specific training parameters in CT scans. The proposed U-Net architecture is trained on an annotated original dataset of abdominal CT scans to segment the appendix efficiently and with high performance. In addition, to extend the training set, data augmentation techniques are applied for the created dataset. Results: In experimental studies, the proposed U-Net model is implemented using hyperparameter optimization and the performance of the model is evaluated using key metrics to measure diagnostic reliability. The trained U-Net model achieved the segmentation performance for the detection of the appendix in CT slices with a Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), Volumetric Overlap Error (VOE), Average Symmetric Surface Distance (ASSD), Hausdorff Distance 95 (HD95), Precision (PRE) and Recall (REC) of 85.94%, 23.29%, 1.24 mm, 5.43 mm, 86.83% and 86.62%, respectively. Moreover, our model outperforms other methods by leveraging the U-Net’s ability to capture spatial context through encoder–decoder structures and skip connections, providing a correct segmentation output. Conclusions: The proposed U-Net model showed reliable performance in segmenting the appendix region, with some limitations in cases where the appendix was close to other structures. These improvements highlight the potential of deep learning to significantly improve clinical outcomes in appendix detection.
Evaluation of Tidal Asymmetry and Its Effect on Tidal Energy Resources in the Great Island Region of the Gulf of California
Authors: Bermúdez-Romero Anahí , Magar Vanesa , López-Mariscal Manuel , De Basabe Jonas D.
Published: October 2024

Hydrokinetic tidal energy is one of the few marine renewable energy resources with sufficiently mature technology for commercial exploitation. However, several parameters affect its exploitability, such as the minimum speed threshold, ambient turbulence levels, or tidal asymmetry, to name but a few. These parameters are particularly important in regions with lower mean speeds than those in first-generation sites, such as the North Sea. The Gulf of California is one of those regions. In this paper, a Delft3D Flexible Mesh Suite (Delft3D FM) model in barotropic configuration is set up over the Gulf of California using a flexible mesh with resolution varying from O (500 m) in the deep regions to O (10 m) in the coastal regions. A simulation is run over the year of 2020, with a tidal forcing of 75 components. The model is validated at four tidal gauge locations and four Acoustic Doppler Current profiler (ADCP) locations. The speed, U, and tidal power density (TPD) indicators used for the validation were the annual means, the annual means for speeds above the 0.5 m s−1 threshold, the annual means of the spring tide maxima, and the annual maxima. The contour maps of the annual means, that is, the annual means for speeds above the 0.5 m s−1 threshold, allow us to identify tidal energy hot spots throughout the Gulf of California, particularly in the Great Island region (GIR). In this region, these hot spots have higher U and TPD values, in agreement with previous studies. The patterns of circulation around Tiburón Island and San Esteban Island on the East, and Ángel de la Guarda Island and San Lorenzo Island on the West, the four islands in the region with the highest tidal energy potential, are also discussed while recognizing that Tiburón Channel, between Tiburón Island and San Esteban Island, has proved to be the best siting location, based on the technical results obtained so far. The hot spots sites are further characterized by computing the tidal asymmetry in these small regions, showing the locations of the sites with smallest asymmetry, which would be the best for tidal energy exploitation. The hot spots around San Esteban Island are particularly important because they have the largest TPD in the GIR, with the model predicting a TPD on the order of 500–1000 W m−2. Here, complementary field measurements obtained with two ADCPs, close to San Esteban Island, one at 15 m depth, SEs (shallow region), and the other at 60 m depth, SEd (deep region), produced TPDs of 1200 W m−2 and 400 W m−2, respectively. The analysis of the vertical profiles and the tidal asymmetry over the vertical shows the importance of developing 3D models in future investigations.
Polyphenols Regulate the Activity of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Having Both Positive and Negative Effects
Authors: Leti Maggio Eleonora , Zucca Carlotta , Grande Martina , Carrano Raffaele , Infante Antonio , Bei Riccardo , Lucarini Valeria , De Maio Fernando , Focaccetti Chiara , Palumbo Camilla , Marini Stefano , Ferretti Elisabetta , Cifaldi Loredana , Masuelli Laura , Benvenuto Monica , Bei Roberto
Published: October 2024

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemical substances that can interfere with any hormone action. They are categorized according to origin and use, such as industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), plastics like bisphenol A (BPA), plasticizers like phthalates, pesticides like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), fungicides like vinclozolin, and pharmaceuticals like diethylstilbestrol (DES). Natural EDCs, such as phytoestrogens, are present in the diet of both humans and animals. Polyphenols are a large group of natural compounds derived from plants and are found in beverages and food. They are grouped based on their chemical structure into flavonoids and nonflavonoids and are reported to have many beneficial effects on health, including, but not limited to, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, polyphenols have both pro- and antioxidant characteristics, and due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, they presumably have a protective effect against damage induced by EDCs. However, polyphenols may act as EDCs. In this review, we report that polyphenols regulate the activity of EDCs, having both positive and negative effects. Hence, a better understanding of the associations between EDCs and polyphenols will allow the establishment of improved approaches to protect human health from EDCs.
Exploration of the Landscape Gene Characteristics of Traditional Villages along the Jinzhong Section of the Wanli Tea Road from the Perspective of the Village Temple System
Authors: Wang Wei , Shi Qianfei , Wang Guoyu
Published: October 2024

Traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road possess unique geographical locations and cultural heritage, showcasing a rich variety of cultural landscapes. Among these, village temple buildings play a crucial role as the core of spiritual and belief life in traditional villages. In the context of rapid urbanization and modernization, a new perspective is needed to thoroughly explore the deeper connotations of cultural landscape characteristics in traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road, particularly by examining the composition and inherent features of their landscape genes. This study employs landscape gene theory, using the village temple system as a lens to identify and analyze the landscape genes of traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road. Based on the results, a genealogy and a map of landscape genes are constructed to clearly and effectively present the typical characteristics and expressions of these genes in a logical and visual manner. The findings indicate the following: (1) The village temple system in traditional villages along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road is closely related to the formation and expression of their landscape genes and can play a critical role in the protection and transmission of cultural landscapes. (2) As important nodes along the historical trade route, the landscape gene characteristics of these villages reflect their unique natural environments and historical development trajectories, illustrating the deep intertwining of commercial activities and local cultural landscapes. (3) This study establishes a replicable research framework that is not only applicable to local studies but also provides valuable references for broader cultural landscape research.
New Approaches Based on Inflammatory Indexes in the Evaluation of the Neoplastic Potential of Colon Polyps
Authors: Ciftel Sedat , Ciftel Serpil , Klisic Aleksandra , Mercantepe Filiz
Published: October 2024

Colorectal polyps, precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC), require precise identification for appropriate diagnosis and therapy. This study aims to investigate the differences in hematological and inflammatory markers, specifically the CALLY index, HALP score, and immuno-inflammatory indexes, between neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 758 patients aged 61.0 ± 11.8 who underwent polypectomy between June 2021 and May 2024. Patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (n = 22) were excluded. The polyps were classified into neoplastic and nonneoplastic categories based on histopathological evaluation. The study compared the CALLY index, HALP score, and various inflammatory indexes between neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. Out of 758 polyps analyzed, 514 were neoplastic, and 244 were nonneoplastic. Neoplastic polyps exhibited significantly lower CALLY and HALP scores (p < 0.05) and higher immuno-inflammatory indexes (p < 0.05) compared to nonneoplastic polyps. Dysplasia status, polyp diameter, and sigmoid colon localization were significant factors in determining neoplastic growth potential. No significant differences were observed in polyp localization in the proximal and distal colon segments or in solitary versus multiple polyps. The CALLY and HALP scores and immuno-inflammatory indexes can serve as valuable markers for distinguishing neoplastic from nonneoplastic polyps. These indexes reflect underlying inflammatory and immune responses, highlighting their potential utility in the early detection and risk stratification of colorectal polyps. Integrating these markers into clinical practice may enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient management, leading to timely interventions and better outcomes for individuals at risk of CRC.
Mittag–Leffler Fractional Stochastic Integrals and Processes with Applications
Authors: Pirozzi Enrica
Published: October 2024

We study Mittag–Leffler (ML) fractional integrals involved in the solution processes of a system of coupled fractional stochastic differential equations. We introduce the ML fractional stochastic process as a ML fractional stochastic integral with respect to a standard Brownian motion. We provide some representation formulas of solution processes in terms of Mittag–Leffler fractional integrals and processes. Computable expressions of the mean functions and of the covariances of such processes are specifically given. The application in neuronal modeling is provided, and all involved functions and processes are specifically determined. Numerical evaluations are carried out and some results are shown and discussed.
Crystallographic Study of Transformation Products of Heat-Affected Zone and Correlation with Properties of FH690 Heavy-Gauge Marine Steel by Multi-Pass Submerged Arc Welding
Authors: Bai Yun , Bai Liqin , Qian Gang , Sun Xianjin , Liu Guanyou , Xie Zhenjia , Shang Chengjia
Published: October 2024

In this work, the microstructure–property relationship of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a FH690 ultra-heavy marine steel plate was investigated based on insight of microstructure and crystallographic features. After multi-pass welding with a heat input of ~30 kJ/cm, an ~8 mm wide HAZ was obtained with a coarse grain HAZ (CGHAZ) of ~3.8 mm, fine grain HAZ (FGHAZ) of ~3.4 mm, and intercritical HAZ (ICHAZ) of ~1 mm. High impact toughness values of ~120 and 140 J at −60 °C were obtained for coarse grain HAZ and fine grain HAZ, respectively. The microstructure of the CGHAZ and FGHAZ was fine lath bainite. Although the average prior austenite grain size for the CGHAZ was ~75 μm, which was five times that of the FGHAZ (15 μm), a high density of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) with misorientation higher than 45° was obtained in the CGHAZ. This is the underlying reason for the excellent low-temperature toughness of the HAZ. Thermo-dynamic calculations indicated that the high density of HAGBs in the CGHAZ was attributed to the decreased bainitic transformation temperature due to the reduced phase transformation driving force via the high nickel addition, leading to weak variant selection. In addition, the high nickel addition offered high hardenability for high hardness in the FGHAZ. The outcome of this study could provide an experimental and fundamental basis for designing high-strength ultra-heavy steel plates with excellent weldability.
Effect of Carbon Addition and Mechanical Activation on FeNi Alloys for Permanent Magnet Applications
Authors: da Silva Valmir R. , Fjellvåg Øystein S. , Pokle Anuj , Hauback Bjørn C. , Deledda Stefano
Published: October 2024

Tetrataenite is a promising candidate for rare earth-free permanent magnets due to its low cost and intrinsic magnetic properties. This work investigates the effect of combined milling at liquid nitrogen temperatures (cryomilling) and the addition of carbon as an interstitial element for promoting the formation of tetrataenite. Crystal structure, microstructure, and magnetic properties are investigated to understand the influence of mechanical processing and compositional modifications. No unambiguous evidence of the ordered phase of tetrataenite is found in the structural characterization. However, using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXD) analyses, the occurrence of both twinning and stacking faults resulting from the high-energy milling process is observed, which is a relevant factor for identifying tetrataenite in FeNi alloys. The probability of a stacking fault and twinning occurring for a carbon-free FeNi sample before annealing is found to be 2% and 1.4%, respectively. After annealing, the stacking fault probability decreased to 1.2%, while that of twinning was 1.4%. By increasing the carbon concentration to 5 at.%, the stacking faults and twinning probabilities decrease slightly to 1.2% and 1.3%, respectively. The occurrence of stacking faults combined with small crystallite sizes was a hindering factor in identifying the presence of tetrataenite.
Microwave Irradiation as a Powerful Tool for Isolating Isoflavones from Soybean Flour
Authors: Đurović Sanja , Nikolić Bogdan , Pisinov Boris , Mijin Dušan , Knežević-Jugović Zorica
Published: October 2024

The use of microwave irradiation energy for isolating bioactive compounds from plant materials has gained popularity due to its ability to penetrate cells and facilitate extraction of intracellular materials, with the added benefits of minimal or no use of organic solvents. This is particularly significant due to the possibility of using extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this work is to examine the effect of microwave irradiation on the extraction of three of the most important isoflavones from soybean flour, glycitin, genistin, and daidzin, as well as their aglycones, glycitein, genistein, and daidzein. By varying the extraction time, temperature, and microwave power, we have established the optimal parameters (irradiation power of 75 W for 5 min) for the most efficient extraction of individual isoflavones. Compared to conventional maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction, the total phenol content of the extracts increased from 3.66 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw and from 4.67 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The total flavonoid content increased from 0.38 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw and from 0.48 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw, and the antioxidant activity increased from 96.54 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw and from 158.57 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw, but also from 21.97 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw and from 30.13 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw. The positive correlation between microwave extraction and increased levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity demonstrates the method’s effectiveness in producing bioactive compounds. Considering the growing recognition of glycitein’s potential role in medical and pharmaceutical applications, microwave-assisted extraction under optimized conditions has proven highly efficient.
Excess Thermodynamic Properties and FTIR Studies of Binary Mixtures of Toluene with 2-Propanol or 2-Methyl-1-Propanol
Authors: Naum Maria Magdalena , Dumitrescu Vasile
Published: October 2024

Physical properties of the binary solutions, toluene with 2-propanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol, were measured at T = 293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K and P = 100 kPa. The experimental density values were tested with the Emmerling et al. and Gonzalez-Olmos–Iglesias equations. The results indicate that the equation by Emmerling et al. is the best to correlate the density for toluene + 2-methyl-1-propanol system, while for toluene + 2-propanol, both proposed equations are proper to correlate the density with composition and temperature. The viscosity results were verified with different models containing two adjustable parameters. The values of viscosity deviation (∆η), excess molar volume (VE), excess Gibbs energy (ΔG*E), partial molar volumes (V1¯ and V2¯), and apparent molar volume (Vφ,1 and Vφ,2) were calculated. The values of the excess molar volume were positive for both systems, while negative values were obtained for the viscosity deviation and the excess Gibbs energy. The excess properties of the mixtures were adjusted to the Redlich–Kister equation. The values of thermodynamic functions of activation of viscous flow were computed and analyzed. Additionally, the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson (PFP) theory was applied to calculate VE and then compared with experimental values. The values of the percentage absolute average deviation obtained suggest the validity of this theory. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the binary solutions studied in this work allowed for the understanding of the interactions between the molecules of these systems.
Synergic Effect of N and Se Facilitates Photoelectric Performance in Co-Hyperdoped Silicon
Authors: Sun Haibin , Liu Xiaolong , Xu Caixia , Xu Long , Chen Yuwei , Yang Haima , Yang Xing , Rao Peng , Sun Shengli , Zhao Li
Published: October 2024

Femtosecond-laser-fabricated black silicon has been widely used in the fields of solar cells, photodetectors, semiconductor devices, optical coatings, and quantum computing. However, the responsive spectral range limits its application in the near- to mid-infrared wavelengths. To further increase the optical responsivity in longer wavelengths, in this work, silicon (Si) was co-hyperdoped with nitrogen (N) and selenium (Se) through the deposition of Se films on Si followed by femtosecond (fs)-laser irradiation in an atmosphere of NF3. The optical and crystalline properties of the Si:N/Se were found to be influenced by the precursor Se film and laser fluence. The resulting photodetector, a product of this innovative approach, exhibited an impressive responsivity of 24.8 A/W at 840 nm and 19.8 A/W at 1060 nm, surpassing photodetectors made from Si:N, Si:S, and Si:S/Se (the latter two fabricated in SF6). These findings underscore the co-hyperdoping method’s potential in significantly improving optoelectronic device performance.
Effect of Caffeine and Nitrates Combination on Exercise Performance, Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gilsanz Laura , Del Coso Juan , Jiménez-Saiz Sergio L. , Pareja-Galeano Helios
Published: October 2024

Background: The evidence about the synergy of combining caffeine (CAF) and nitrates on exercise performance has not been summarized, although there is a possibility of additive/synergistic effects of the co-ingestion of these substances given their different mechanisms of action in central (CAF) and peripheral tissues (nitrates). Objectives: The aim was to analyze the effects of co-supplementation of CAF and nitrates on sports performance in comparison to the isolated ingestion of these substances. Methods: The databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CiNAHL and SPORTDiscus were used until June 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, at least one single-blind trial, conducted in adults were considered. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference estimated by Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for studies with four arms. Results: Six studies were included (N = 95). The meta-analysis revealed that caffeine and nitrates supplementation (CAF+nitrates) did not enhance performance in time trials (TTs) over the CAF alone (g = −0.06; 95% CI = −0.46 to 0.35; p = 0.78) or nitrates alone (g = 0.29; 95% CI = −0.12 to 0.70; p = 0.17). CAF+nitrates did not affect heart rate during submaximal exercise trials over CAF alone (g = 0.04; 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.40; p = 0.80) or nitrates alone (g = −0.15; 95% CI = −0.50 to 0.20; p = 0.40). Likewise, CAF+nitrates did not affect oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise trials over CAF alone (g = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.45 to 0.37; p = 0.84) or nitrates alone (g = −0.29; 95% CI = −0.70 to 0.12; p = 0.16). Conclusions: CAF+nitrates did not offer further benefits on exercise performance or physiological variables from the isolated intake of CAF and nitrates.
A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Examine the Mediating Effect of Stress on Diet in Culturally Diverse Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Khaled Karim , Tsofliou Fotini , Hundley Vanora A.
Published: October 2024

Background: Stress has been shown to be associated with poor nutrition among young women. However, studies around the topic have major limitations in their methodologies and the role of confounding factors within this association remains unclear in the literature. Objective: To investigate the associations between stress and dietary quality/patterns in a culturally diverse population of childbearing-aged women. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from two studies conducted in UK and Lebanon was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore the role of country context, socio-economic status, and physical variables. Participants were healthy women of childbearing age (n = 493). Variables measured were dietary intake, stress, physical activity, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index. These were included in the SEM analysis to examine the mediating effect of stress. Results: The results showed that, among all variables, only country had a significant effect on dietary quality and patterns through the mediatory effect of stress. Participants from Lebanon were found to have higher stress levels compared to participants from the UK, and this contributed to a lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Conclusions: This study shows that for women of childbearing age, having a good diet quality/pattern is dependent on stress levels and country context.
Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Enhance Gains in Muscle Strength and Lean Body Mass or Influence Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Vitamin D-Insufficient Middle-Aged Men Engaged in Resistance Training
Authors: Savolainen Lauri , Timpmann Saima , Mooses Martin , Mäestu Evelin , Medijainen Luule , Lellsaar Märt , Tiimann Kristi , Piir Anneli , Zilmer Mihkel , Unt Eve , Ööpik Vahur
Published: October 2024

Background: This study checked whether vitamin D (Vit-D) supplementation improves the efficacy of resistance training (RT) in terms of increasing muscle strength and lean body mass (LBM), and influencing cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) in Vit-D-deficient middle-aged healthy men. Methods: Participants (n = 28) were quasi-randomly assigned to one of two groups, which, in a double-blind manner, supplemented their diet daily with either Vit-D (8000 IU; VD) or placebo (PLC) during participation in a 12-week supervised RT program. Results: During the intervention, serum Vit-D concentrations increased 2.6-fold (p < 0.001) in the VD group, while no changes occurred in the PLC group. Muscle strength gains (p < 0.001) as measured in seven exercises performed on RT equipment and increases (p < 0.001) in LBM were similar in the two groups. Total fat mass, percent total fat, and percent android fat decreased (p < 0.05) to a similar extent in both groups, but there was no change in VO2max in either group. Conclusions: In conclusion, in healthy Vit-D-insufficient middle-aged men engaged in resistance training, Vit-D supplementation increases serum 25(OH)D levels but does not enhance gains in muscle strength and LBM, or decreases in fat mass and fat percentage, and does not affect cardiorespiratory fitness.
Bridging the Gap in Policy Implementation through a Health Equity Lens: Insights from a 2-Year Study on Measurement Development
Authors: McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Singleton Chelsea R. , Walsh-Bailey Callie , Inman Rachel , Turner Lindsey
Published: October 2024

Background: Policy implementation measurement lacks an equity focus, which limits understanding of how policies addressing health inequities, such as Universal School Meals (USM) can elicit intended outcomes. We report findings from an equity-focused measurement development study, which had two aims: (1) identify key constructs related to the equitable implementation of school health policies and (2) establish face and content validity of measures assessing key implementation determinants, processes, and outcomes. Methods: To address Aim 1, study participants (i.e., school health policy experts) completed a survey to rate the importance of constructs identified from implementation science and health equity by the research team. To accomplish Aim 2, the research team developed survey instruments to assess the key constructs identified from Aim 1 and conducted cognitive testing of these survey instruments among multiple user groups. The research team iteratively analyzed the data; feedback was categorized into “easy” or “moderate/difficult” to facilitate decision-making. Results: The Aim 1 survey had 122 responses from school health policy experts, including school staff (n = 76), researchers (n = 22), trainees (n = 3), leaders of non-profit organizations (n = 6), and others (n = 15). For Aim 2, cognitive testing feedback from 23 participants was predominantly classified as “easy” revisions (69%) versus “moderate/difficult” revisions (31%). Primary feedback themes comprised (1) comprehension and wording, (2) perceived lack of control over implementation, and (3) unclear descriptions of equity in questions. Conclusions: Through adaptation and careful dissemination, these tools can be shared with implementation researchers and practitioners so they may equitably assess policy implementation in their respective settings.
Comparative Effectiveness of Ascorbic Acid vs. Calcium Ascorbate Ingestion on Pharmacokinetic Profiles and Immune Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Dickerson Broderick , Gonzalez Drew E. , Sowinski Ryan , Xing Dante , Leonard Megan , Kendra Jacob , Jenkins Victoria , Gopalakrishnan Siddharth , Yoo Choongsung , Ko Joungbo , Pillai Syamkumar Sivasankara , Bhamore Jigna R. , Patil Bhimanagouda S. , Wright Gus A. , Rasmussen Christopher J. , Kreider Richard B.
Published: October 2024

Background: Previous trials have displayed augmented intracellular vitamin C concentrations in the leukocytes at 24 h after acute supplementation with 1000 mg calcium ascorbate (CA), compared to ascorbic acid (AA). Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate comparative leukocyte vitamin C accumulation kinetics over 32 h following acute 250 mg or 500 mg doses from the two sources. Secondary objectives were to evaluate neutrophil phagocytic function and lymphocyte differentiation between the two sources of vitamin C. Methods: Ninety-three healthy females (250 mg, n = 27; 500 mg, n = 24) and males (250 mg, n = 19; 500 mg, n = 23) were assigned to ingest a single dose of CA or AA providing 250 mg or 500 mg of vitamin C in two separate double-blind, randomized crossover trials. Results: There were no significant differences in the primary or secondary outcomes between the two treatments in the 250 mg low-dose study. Conversely, there was evidence that ingestion of 500 mg of CA increased DHA in plasma, increased neutrophil functionality during the first 8 h of the PK study, promoted increased natural killer cells, and altered weight-adjusted PK profiles, suggesting greater volume distribution and clearance from the blood. Conclusions: These findings indicate that 500 mg of CA may promote some immune benefits compared to 500 mg of AA ingestion.
Callose and Salicylic Acid Are Key Determinants of Strigolactone-Mediated Disease Resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Xiaosheng , Liu Qiuping , Tan Leitao
Published: October 2024

Research has demonstrated that strigolactones (SLs) mediate plant disease resistance; however, the basal mechanism is unclear. Here, we provide key genetic evidence supporting how SLs mediate plant disease resistance. Exogenous application of the SL analog, rac-GR24, increased Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to virulent Pseudomonas syringae. SL-biosynthetic mutants and overexpression lines of more axillary growth 1 (MAX1, an SL-biosynthetic gene) enhanced and reduced bacterial susceptibility, respectively. In addition, rac-GR24 promoted bacterial pattern flg22-induced callose deposition and hydrogen peroxide production. SL-biosynthetic mutants displayed reduced callose deposition but not hydrogen peroxide production under flg22 treatment. Moreover, rac-GR24 did not affect avirulent effector-induced cell death between Col-0 and SL-biosynthetic mutants. Furthermore, rac-GR24 increased the free salicylic acid (SA) content and significantly promoted the expression of pathogenesis-related gene 1 related to SA signaling. Importantly, rac-GR24- and MAX1-induced bacterial resistance disappeared completely in Arabidopsis plants lacking both callose synthase and SA. Taken together, our data revealed that callose and SA are two important determinants in SL-mediated plant disease resistance, at least in Arabidopsis.
Geminiviruses and Food Security: A Molecular Genetics Perspective for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa
Authors: Zenda Minenhle Felicia , Masamba Priscilla , Allie Farhahna , Kappo Abidemi Paul
Published: October 2024

The African continent is vulnerable to food insecurity. Increased food costs, job losses, and climate change force Africans to chronic hunger. Biotechnology can be used to mitigate this by using techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 systems, TALENs, and ZFNs. Biotechnology can utilize geminiviruses to deliver the necessary reagents for precise genome alteration. Additionally, plants infected with geminiviruses can withstand harsher weather conditions such as drought. Therefore, this article discusses geminivirus replication and its use as beneficial plant DNA viruses. It focuses explicitly on genome editing to increase plant resistance by manipulating plants’ salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways.
Hederagenin from Hedera helix Promotes Fat Browning in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Choi Seung Min , Lee Ho Seon , Lim Sung Ho , Choi Gayoung , Choi Chang-Ik
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, with approximately 700 million obese people worldwide. Currently, regulating energy homeostasis by increasing energy expenditure is attracting attention as a strategy for treating obesity. White adipose tissue is known to play a role in accumulating energy by storing excess energy, while brown adipose tissue expends energy and maintains body temperature. Thus, the browning of white adipose tissue has been shown to be effective in controlling obesity. Hedera helix (H. helix) has been widely used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. In several previous studies, hederagenin (HDG) from H. helix has demonstrated many biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antiobesity effect of HDG on fat browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Consequent to HDG treatment, a reduction in lipid accumulation was measured through oil red O staining. In addition, this study investigated that HDG increases energy expenditure by upregulating the expression of several targets related to thermogenesis, including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). This process involves inhibiting lipogenesis via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and promoting lipolysis through the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. HDG is expected to be effective in promoting fat browning, indicating its potential as a natural antiobesity candidate.
Thermodynamic Insights into the Influence of Welding Current on Oxygen Levels in the Submerged Arc Welding Process
Authors: Fan Jun , Zhang Jin , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2024

Welding current is an essential parameter for submerged arc welding process. In submerged arc welding, the enormous heat generated by the current promotes the decomposition of the oxides in the flux, releasing oxygen and increasing the oxygen level in the metal, which further affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld joint. Although previous studies have developed various models to evaluate oxygen content, the thermodynamic mechanism by which current influences oxygen levels in metal remains inadequately understood. This study integrates CALPHAD technology with welding thermodynamics to predict and simulate the impact of the welding current on oxygen content in metals. By combining experimental data with thermodynamic modeling, the research investigates how different current settings affect oxygen content in the metal across various welding zones, specifically when using CaO-Al2O3 fluxes with low and high basicity indices for the welding of typical carbon steel. This study selected two current values, 300 A and 600 A, for modeling analyses of the welding process, along with two typical fluxes with basicity indices of 1.6 and 0.4. The results indicate that the proposed method outperforms the BI model and can predict the metallurgical effects of current on oxygen content in the droplet and molten pool zones. The thermodynamic mechanisms that govern the metal oxygen level are also evaluated. These findings aim to enhance the understanding of the thermodynamic mechanism that governs oxygen behavior under different current conditions, thereby contributing to the optimization of submerged arc welding process.
Carbonization of Invasive Plant Species—Novel Route for Removal of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients via Adsorption
Authors: Stojanović Jevrem , Milojević-Rakić Maja , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica , Ranđelović Dragana , Otašević Biljana , Malenović Anđelija , Janošević Ležaić Aleksandra , Protić Ana
Published: October 2024

The development of efficient adsorbents for sustainable adsorption processes is required in environmental studies. Here, we propose using carbonized Ailanthus altissima leaves as a novel adsorbent, derived from invasive species that threaten biodiversity. Biochar was prepared by pyrolysis at 500 °C, activated with ZnCl2 and tested for the target adsorbates—active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). A range of characterization techniques were employed—FTIR, SEM, XPS and Raman spectroscopy—and the adsorption of representative APIs was analyzed. The adsorption kinetics revealed that the adsorbent reached equilibrium within a 3 h period. The adsorption capacities for the selected model substances ranged from 59 mg g−1 for atenolol to 112 mg g−1 for paracetamol, while the highest values were recorded for ketorolac and tetracycline at over 130 mg g−1. The excellent retention is ascribed to the developed surface area, the availability of oxygen surface functional groups and the aromatization of the biochar. The proposed biochar, which is obtained in a sustainable process, proves to be a highly efficient adsorbent for selected pharmaceuticals.
Synthesis, Photocatalytic and Bio Activity of ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposites: A Review Study
Authors: Pinzari Fulvia
Published: October 2024

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are materials with strong photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. This activity is greater when the material is in nanocrystalline form. It has been seen that these properties are also present in the ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite material, and the extent depends on multiple factors, such as crystallinity, structural composition, crystallite size, and morphology. These structural properties can be varied by acting on the synthesis of the material, obtaining a wide variety of composites: random nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, nanofibers, tetrapods, core–shell, hollow spheres, inverse opal structures (IOSs), hierarchical structures, and films. When an interface between nanocrystallites of the two oxides is created, the composite system manages to have photocatalytic activity greater than that of the two separate oxides, and in certain circumstances, even greater than P25. The antimicrobial activity results also improved for the composite system compared to the two separate oxides. These two aspects make these materials interesting in various fields, such as wastewater and air treatment, energy devices, solar filters, and pharmaceutical products and in the context of the restoration of monumental cultural assets, in which their use has a preventive purpose in the formation of biofilms. In this review we analyse the synthesis techniques of ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposites, correlating them to the shape obtained, as well as the photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. It is also illustrated how ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposites can have a less negative impact on toxicity for humans and the environment compared to the more toxic ZnO nanoparticles or ZnO.