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11 pages, 1247 KB  
Data Descriptor
A Leaf Chlorophyll Content Dataset for Crops: A Comparative Study Using Spectrophotometric and Multispectral Imagery Data
by Andrés Felipe Solis Pino, Juan David Solarte Moreno, Carlos Iván Vásquez Valencia and Jhon Alexander Guerrero Narváez
Data 2025, 10(9), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/data10090142 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a dataset for a comparative analysis of direct (spectrophotometric) and indirect (multispectral imagery-based) methods for quantifying crop leaf chlorophyll content. The dataset originates from a study conducted in the Department of Cauca, Colombia, a region characterized by diverse agricultural production. [...] Read more.
This paper presents a dataset for a comparative analysis of direct (spectrophotometric) and indirect (multispectral imagery-based) methods for quantifying crop leaf chlorophyll content. The dataset originates from a study conducted in the Department of Cauca, Colombia, a region characterized by diverse agricultural production. Data collection focused on seven economically important crops, namely coffee (Coffea arabica), Hass avocado (Persea americana), potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), corn (Zea mays) and banana (Musa paradisiaca). Sampling was conducted across various locations and phenological stages (healthy, wilted, senescent), with each leaf subdivided into six sections (A–F) to facilitate the analysis of intra-leaf chlorophyll distribution. Direct measurements of leaf chlorophyll content were obtained by laboratory spectrophotometry following the method of Jeffrey and Humphrey, allowing for the determination of chlorophyll A and B content. Simultaneously, indirect estimates of leaf chlorophyll content were obtained from multispectral images captured at the leaf level using a MicaSense Red-Edge camera under controlled illumination. A set of 32 vegetation indices was then calculated from these multispectral images using MATLAB. Both direct and indirect methods were applied to the same leaf samples to allow for direct comparison. The dataset, provided as an Excel (.xlsx) file, comprises raw data covering laboratory-measured chlorophyll A and B content and calculated values for the 32 vegetation indices. Each row of the tabular dataset represents an individual leaf sample, identified by plant species, leaf identifier, and phenological stage. The resulting dataset, containing 16,660 records, is structured to support research evaluating the direct relationship between spectrophotometric measurements and multispectral image-based vegetation indices for estimating leaf chlorophyll content. Spearman’s correlation coefficient reveals significant positive relationships between leaf chlorophyll content and several vegetation indices, highlighting its potential for a nondestructive assessment of this pigment. Therefore, this dataset offers significant potential for researchers in remote sensing, precision agriculture, and plant physiology to assess the accuracy and reliability of various vegetation indices in diverse crops and conditions, develop and refine chlorophyll estimation models, and execute meta-analyses or comparative studies on leaf chlorophyll quantification methodologies. Full article
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14 pages, 3176 KB  
Article
Acoustic Emission Assisted Inspection of Punching Shear Failure in Reinforced Concrete Slab–Column Structures
by Xinchen Zhang, Zhihong Yang and Guogang Ying
Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173226 - 7 Sep 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Slab–column structures are susceptible to sudden punching shear failure at connections due to the absence of traditional beam support, prompting the need for effective damage monitoring. This study employs an acoustic emission (AE) technique to investigate the failure process of reinforced concrete slab–column [...] Read more.
Slab–column structures are susceptible to sudden punching shear failure at connections due to the absence of traditional beam support, prompting the need for effective damage monitoring. This study employs an acoustic emission (AE) technique to investigate the failure process of reinforced concrete slab–column specimens, analyzing basic AE parameters (hits, amplitude, energy), improved b-value (Ib-value), and RA–AF correlation, while introducing a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) to establish a unified index integrating crack type identification and energy information. Experimental results show that AE parameters can effectively track different stages of crack development, with Ib-value reflecting the transition from micro-crack to macro-crack growth. The correlation between AE energy and structural strain energy enables quantitative damage assessment, while RA–AF analysis and GMM clustering reveal the shift from bending-dominated to shear-dominated failure modes. This study provides a comprehensive framework for real-time damage evaluation and failure mode prediction in slab–column structures, demonstrating that AE-based multi-parameter analysis and data-driven clustering methods can characterize damage evolution and improve the reliability of structural health monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of Intelligence Techniques in Construction Materials)
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15 pages, 944 KB  
Article
Association Between the Renin–Angiotensin System and Ibrutinib-Related Cardiovascular Adverse Events: A Translational Cohort Study
by Jonaz Font, Amir Hodzic, Angélique Da-Silva, Baptiste Delapierre, Ghandi Damaj, Anne Neusy, Anne-Flore Plane, Damien Legallois, Paul Milliez, Charles Dolladille, Mégane Vernon, Sarah Burton, Nicolas Vigneron, Christophe Denoyelle and Joachim Alexandre
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092184 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Background: Ibrutinib has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs), including atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension (HTN), heart failure (HF), and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, baseline predictors of CVAEs remain poorly characterized. In this study, we sought to identify baseline [...] Read more.
Background: Ibrutinib has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs), including atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension (HTN), heart failure (HF), and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, baseline predictors of CVAEs remain poorly characterized. In this study, we sought to identify baseline patient characteristics associated with the occurrence of ibrutinib-related CVAEs, with particular emphasis on parameters linked to the renin–angiotensin system. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center cohort study of consecutive patients treated with ibrutinib for B-cell malignancy, with systematic assessment of a predefined panel of potential predictors of CVAEs at baseline (NCT03678337). These predictors included demographic and clinical variables, 16 circulating biomarkers related to inflammation, fibrosis, and neurohormonal activation, as well as nine echocardiographic parameters. The primary objective was to evaluate the association between baseline patient characteristics and the occurrence of CVAEs from ibrutinib initiation through the end of follow-up. The CVAE endpoint was defined as a composite of atrial fibrillation, new or worsening hypertension, new or worsening heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test or Fisher’s exact test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 25 patients included, 7 experienced a total of 9 CVAEs over a median follow-up of 672 days. Elevated baseline plasma renin levels (>1336.10 pg/mL) were significantly associated with CVAEs occurrence (57% vs. 11%, p = 0.032). Higher baseline plasma aldosterone levels (>488.95 pg/mL) were also observed in patients who developed CVAEs, although this association did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.058). Conclusions: Baseline plasma renin level was univariably associated with CVAEs occurrence, while plasma aldosterone levels were higher among patients with CVAEs but did not reach statistical significance. These findings provide preliminary insights into the mechanisms underlying ibrutinib-related cardiovascular toxicity, suggesting a potential role for the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Confirmation of this hypothesis, however, will require larger, dedicated studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular Biology, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 3689 KB  
Case Report
Combined Cardiac Arrhythmias Leading to Electrical Chaos Developed in the Convalescent Phase of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Emilie Han, Ena Hasimbegovic, Robert Schönbauer, Dietrich Beitzke and Mariann Gyöngyösi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6053; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176053 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Background: Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce cardiac arrhythmias associated with viral myocarditis, which typically disappear in the convalescent phase after healing of the myocardial inflammation. Methods: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with a childhood history of atrial septal [...] Read more.
Background: Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce cardiac arrhythmias associated with viral myocarditis, which typically disappear in the convalescent phase after healing of the myocardial inflammation. Methods: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with a childhood history of atrial septal defect repair and stable normofrequent atrial rhythm, who presented two months post-COVID-19 with palpitations and dizziness. Diagnostic evaluation included cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), 24 h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and laboratory assessments over a 3-year period. Results: CMR suggested subacute myocarditis, and Holter ECG revealed multiple discernible complex cardiac arrhythmias including atrial bradycardia, intermittent junctional rhythm (JR), atrial fibrillation (AF), and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Laboratory results showed a moderate but transient increase in lactate dehydrogenase, persistently mildly elevated N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and immunoglobulin A (IgA), with all other cardiac, inflammatory, immunologic, and organ function parameters remaining normal. In spite of chaotic cardiac rhythm with alternating JR, AF, and atrial normofrequent rhythm with frequent blocked supraventricular beats and increasing atrioventricular conduction time, no therapeutic intervention was necessary during follow-up, and a conservative treatment approach was agreed with the patient. Two years post-COVID-19 infection, the patient returned to a normofrequent atrial rhythm with a markedly prolonged PQ time (500 ms) and a different P wave morphology compared to pre-COVID, without other rhythm disturbances. Conclusions: This case demonstrates a rare pattern of post-viral arrhythmias first emerging in the convalescent phase and resolving spontaneously after two years. It underscores the need for long-term rhythm surveillance following COVID-19, even in patients with prior structural heart disease and a stable baseline rhythm. Full article
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15 pages, 1232 KB  
Article
Optimized Method for Quantifying Bisphenols in Bottled Water and PET/rPET Matrices
by Fabiana Di Duca, Paolo Montuori, Elvira De Rosa, Immacolata Russo, Raffaele Palladino, Stefano Scippa, Giuseppe Dadà, Maria Triassi and Sergi Díez
Foods 2025, 14(17), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14172968 - 26 Aug 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
The growing use of plastics in food packaging has raised concerns about chemical migration into consumables, posing potential health risks. Ensuring the safety of packaging materials is a critical public health priority. This study aimed to validate an analytical method for qualitative and [...] Read more.
The growing use of plastics in food packaging has raised concerns about chemical migration into consumables, posing potential health risks. Ensuring the safety of packaging materials is a critical public health priority. This study aimed to validate an analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of BPs in bottled water and evaluate their presence in PET and rPET matrices. The method was validated through recovery tests for eight BPs (Bisphenol A, Bisphenol S, Bisphenol F, Bisphenol AF, Bisphenol AP, Bisphenol B, Bisphenol Z, and Bisphenol P). Linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990) and high recovery rates proved the method’s stability, reliability, and accuracy. For bottled water, LODs ranged 0.030–0.075 µg/L and LOQs 0.10–0.25 µg/L; for PET/rPET, LODs were 0.00030–0.00075 mg/kg and LOQs 0.0010–0.0025 mg/kg. Mean recoveries in bottled water were in the range 89–109%, in PET from 94% to 117%, and in rPET from 106% to 118%. The results showed that BPA was quantifiable in all matrices, while other BPs remained below the limit of quantification. The validated method provides a robust tool for assessing bisphenol contamination and supports ongoing efforts to enhance food safety and inform regulatory frameworks for sustainable PET recycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Detection of Food Contaminants and Pollutants)
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16 pages, 3887 KB  
Article
Development of Latex Microsphere-Based Immunochromatographic Strips for Detecting Key Aflatoxins
by Jie Wang, Wangzhuo Fu, Xuezhen Ma, Lin Chen, Weitao Song, Sumei Ling, Hongyun Qian, Shihua Wang and Zhenhong Zhuang
Toxins 2025, 17(9), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17090426 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Due to the severe hazard of aflatoxins (AFs) to humans, it is of great significance to detect the key aflatoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), in food and feed in simple, rapid, and semi-quantitative ways. [...] Read more.
Due to the severe hazard of aflatoxins (AFs) to humans, it is of great significance to detect the key aflatoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), in food and feed in simple, rapid, and semi-quantitative ways. The hybridoma clone 3A1 was prepared in this study, and anti-AFB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) with high specificity and affinity (9.38 × 108 L/mol) from 3A1 was purified. The indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) demonstrated that the linear detection range for AFB1 was 0.029–1.526 ng/mL with a limits of determination (LOD) of 0.023 ng/mL. A latex microsphere-based immunochromatographic test strip (LM-ICTS) was constructed based on 3A1, which showed that the strip could detect AFB1 (LOD: lower than 1.79 ng/mL) and AFG1 (LOD: lower than 8.08 ng/mL), and the linear detection ranges for AFB1 and AFG1 are 1.79–48.46 ng/mL and 8.08–107.40 ng/mL, respectively. The average recoveries of intra-assay and inter-assay for peanuts were (98.4 ± 4.7)% and (92.6 ± 7.6)%, and the average coefficient of variation (CVs) were 4.38% and 8.15%, respectively. For sunflower seeds, the intra-assay and inter-assay recoveries were (94.4 ± 7.2)% and (89.2 ± 4.3)%, and the average CVs were 6.6% and 4.9%, respectively. In summary, the developed LM-ICTS exhibited excellent sensitivity and specificity, which provided a rapidly stable on-site detection choice for AFB1 and AFG1 to contaminated agricultural samples, including grain and feed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection, Biosynthesis and Control of Mycotoxins (4th Edition))
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19 pages, 7045 KB  
Article
Design of an SAR-Assisted Offset-Calibrated Chopper CFIA for High-Precision 4–20 mA Transmitter Front Ends
by Jian Ren, Yiqun Niu, Bin Liu, Meng Li, Yansong Bai and Yuang Chen
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9084; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169084 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
In loop-powered 4–20 mA transmitter systems, sensors like temperature, pressure, flow, and gas sensors are chosen based on specific application requirements. These systems are widely adopted in high-precision measurement scenarios, including industrial automation, process control, and environmental monitoring. The transmitter requires a high-performance [...] Read more.
In loop-powered 4–20 mA transmitter systems, sensors like temperature, pressure, flow, and gas sensors are chosen based on specific application requirements. These systems are widely adopted in high-precision measurement scenarios, including industrial automation, process control, and environmental monitoring. The transmitter requires a high-performance analog front end (AFE) for precise amplification and signal conditioning. This paper presents a low-noise instrumentation amplifier (IA) for high-precision transmitter front ends, featuring a Successive Approximation Register (SAR)-assisted offset calibration architecture. The proposed structure integrates a chopper current-feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) with an automatic offset calibration loop (AOCL), significantly suppressing internal offset errors and enabling high-accuracy signal acquisition under stringent power and environmental temperature constraints. The designed amplifier provides four selectable gain settings, covering a range from ×32 to ×256. Fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process, the CFIA operates at a 1.8 V supply voltage, consumes a static current of 182 μA, and achieves an input-referred noise as low as 20.28 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz, with a common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) up to 122 dB and a power-supply rejection ratio (PSRR) up to 117 dB. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed amplifier exhibits excellent performance in terms of input-referred noise, offset voltage, PSRR, and CMRR, making it well-suited for front-end detection in field instruments that require direct interfacing with measured media. Full article
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33 pages, 953 KB  
Review
Aflatoxin Exposure in Immunocompromised Patients: Current State and Future Perspectives
by Temitope R. Fagbohun, Queenta Ngum Nji, Viola O. Okechukwu, Oluwasola A. Adelusi, Lungani A. Nyathi, Patience Awong and Patrick B. Njobeh
Toxins 2025, 17(8), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080414 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 960
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs), harmful secondary metabolites produced by the genus Aspergillus, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are one of the best-known potent mycotoxins, posing a significant risk to public health. The primary type, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is [...] Read more.
Aflatoxins (AFs), harmful secondary metabolites produced by the genus Aspergillus, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are one of the best-known potent mycotoxins, posing a significant risk to public health. The primary type, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is a potent carcinogen associated with liver cancer, immunosuppression, and other health problems. Environmental factors such as high temperatures, humidity, and inadequate storage conditions promote the formation of aflatoxin in staple foods such as maize, peanuts, and rice. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, or diabetes, are at increased risk due to their reduced detoxification capacity and weakened immune defenses. Chronic exposure to AF in these populations exacerbates liver damage, infection rates, and disease progression, particularly in developing countries and moderate-income populations where food safety regulations are inadequate and reliance on contaminated staple foods is widespread. Biomarkers such as aflatoxin-albumin complexes, urinary aflatoxin M1, and aflatoxin (AF) DNA adducts provide valuable insights but remain underutilized in resource-limited settings. Despite the globally recognized health risk posed by AF, research focused on monitoring human exposure remains limited, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This dynamic emphasizes the need for targeted studies and interventions to address the particular risks faced by immunocompromised individuals. This review provides an up-to-date overview of AF exposure in immunocompromised populations, including individuals with cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, malnutrition, pregnant women, and the elderly. It also highlights exposure pathways, biomarkers, and biomonitoring strategies, while emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, advanced diagnostics, and policy frameworks to mitigate health risks in these vulnerable groups. Addressing these gaps is crucial to reducing the health burden and developing public health strategies in high-risk regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mycotoxins)
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18 pages, 1248 KB  
Article
Low Levels of Adropin Predicted New Incidents of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
by Tetiana A. Berezina, Oleksandr O. Berezin, Evgen V. Novikov and Alexander E. Berezin
Biomolecules 2025, 15(8), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15081171 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common complication of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that sufficiently intervenes in the prognosis. The aim of the study is a) to investigate the possible discriminative value of adropin for newly onset AF in patients with [...] Read more.
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common complication of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that sufficiently intervenes in the prognosis. The aim of the study is a) to investigate the possible discriminative value of adropin for newly onset AF in patients with HFpEF without a previous history of AF and who are being treated in accordance with conventional guideline and b) to compare it with predictive potencies of conventionally used predictors. Methods: A total of 953 patients with HFpEF who had sinus rhythm on ECG were enrolled in the study. The course of the observation was 3 years. Echocardiography and assessment of conventional hematological, biochemical parameters and biomarker assay including N-terminal brain natriuretic pro-peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), galectin-3, interleukin-6, soluble suppressor tumorigenisity-2 (sST2) and adropin, were performed at baseline. Results: Incident atrial fibrillation was found in 172 patients with HFpEF, whereas 781 had sinus rhythm. In unadjusted rough Cox regression model, age ≥ 75 years, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1–3, left atrial volume index (LAVI) ≥ 40 mL/m2, NT-proBNP ≥ 1440 pmol/mL, hs-CRP ≥ 5.40 mg/L, adropin ≤ 2.95 ng/mL, sST2 ≥ 15.5 ng/mL were identified as the predictors for new onset AF in HFpEF patients. After adjusting for age ≥ 75 years, a presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and CKD stages 1–3, the levels of NT-proBNP ≥ 1440 pmol/mL and adropin ≤ 2.95 ng/mL were independent predictors of new onset AF in patients HFpEF. We also found that discriminative value of adropin was superior to NT-proBNP, while adding adropin to NT-proBNP did not improve predictive information of adropin alone. Conclusions: adropin ≤ 2.95 ng/mL presented more predictive information than NT-proBNP ≥ 1440 pmol/mL alone for new cases of AF in symptomatic patients with HFpEF, whereas the combination of both biomarkers did not improve the predictive ability of adropin alone. Full article
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25 pages, 4837 KB  
Article
Multimodal Computational Approach for Forecasting Cardiovascular Aging Based on Immune and Clinical–Biochemical Parameters
by Madina Suleimenova, Kuat Abzaliyev, Ainur Manapova, Madina Mansurova, Symbat Abzaliyeva, Saule Doskozhayeva, Akbota Bugibayeva, Almagul Kurmanova, Diana Sundetova, Merey Abdykassymova and Ulzhas Sagalbayeva
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151903 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 520
Abstract
Background: This study presents an innovative approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction based on a comprehensive analysis of clinical, immunological and biochemical markers using mathematical modelling and machine learning methods. Baseline data include indices of humoral and cellular immunity (CD59, CD16, [...] Read more.
Background: This study presents an innovative approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction based on a comprehensive analysis of clinical, immunological and biochemical markers using mathematical modelling and machine learning methods. Baseline data include indices of humoral and cellular immunity (CD59, CD16, IL-10, CD14, CD19, CD8, CD4, etc.), cytokines and markers of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory markers (TNF, GM-CSF, CRP), growth and angiogenesis factors (VEGF, PGF), proteins involved in apoptosis and cytotoxicity (perforin, CD95), as well as indices of liver function, kidney function, oxidative stress and heart failure (albumin, cystatin C, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), cholinesterase (ChE), cholesterol, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)). Clinical and behavioural risk factors were also considered: arterial hypertension (AH), previous myocardial infarction (PICS), aortocoronary bypass surgery (CABG) and/or stenting, coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), atrioventricular block (AB block), and diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity level), education, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: The study included 52 patients aged 65 years and older. Based on the clinical, biochemical and immunological data obtained, a model for predicting the risk of premature cardiovascular aging was developed using mathematical modelling and machine learning methods. The aim of the study was to develop a predictive model allowing for the early detection of predisposition to the development of CVDs and their complications. Numerical methods of mathematical modelling, including Runge–Kutta, Adams–Bashforth and backward-directed Euler methods, were used to solve the prediction problem, which made it possible to describe the dynamics of changes in biomarkers and patients’ condition over time with high accuracy. Results: HLA-DR (50%), CD14 (41%) and CD16 (38%) showed the highest association with aging processes. BMI was correlated with placental growth factor (37%). The glomerular filtration rate was positively associated with physical activity (47%), whereas SOD activity was negatively correlated with it (48%), reflecting a decline in antioxidant defence. Conclusions: The obtained results allow for improving the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction, and form personalised recommendations for the prevention and correction of its development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics)
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17 pages, 848 KB  
Article
Mycotoxin Assessment in Minimally Processed Traditional Ecuadorian Foods
by Johana Ortiz-Ulloa, Jorge Saquicela, Michelle Castro, Alexander Cueva-Chamba, Juan Manuel Cevallos-Cevallos and Jessica León
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152621 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 561
Abstract
Nowadays, there is special interest in promoting the consumption of ancestral crops and minimally processed foods with high nutritional value. However, besides nutritional issues, safety assessments must be addressed. This study aimed to evaluate mycotoxin contamination in five minimally processed traditional Ecuadorian foods: [...] Read more.
Nowadays, there is special interest in promoting the consumption of ancestral crops and minimally processed foods with high nutritional value. However, besides nutritional issues, safety assessments must be addressed. This study aimed to evaluate mycotoxin contamination in five minimally processed traditional Ecuadorian foods: ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B1 (FB1), and aflatoxins (AFs) in brown rice, lupin, and quinoa; OTA, FB1, and deoxynivalenol (DON) in whole-wheat flour; and OTA and AFs in peanuts. Samples (45 samples of peanuts and whole-wheat flour, 47 of brown rice, 46 of quinoa, and 36 of lupin) were collected from local markets and supermarkets in the three most populated cities in Ecuador. Mycotoxins were determined by RP-HPLC with fluorescence and detection. Results were compared with the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) of European Regulation 2023/915/EC. Overall contamination reached up to 59.8% of the analyzed samples (38.4% with one mycotoxin and 21.5% with co-occurrence). OTA was the most prevalent mycotoxin (in 82.6% of quinoa, 76.7% of whole-wheat flour, 53.3% of peanuts, 48.6% of lupin, and 25.5% of brown rice), and a modest number of quinoa (17%) and lupin (5.7%) samples surpassed the MPLs. DON was found in 82.2% of whole-wheat flour (28.9% > MPL). FB1 was detected in above 25% of brown rice and whole-wheat flour and in 9% of the quinoa samples. FB1 levels were above the MPLs only for whole-wheat flour (17.8%). AFB1 and AFG1 showed similar prevalence (about 6.5 and 8.5%, respectively) in quinoa and rice and about 27% in peanuts. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of enhancing fungal control in the pre- and post-harvest stages of these foods, which are recognized for their high nutritional value and ancestral worth; consequently, the results present key issues related to healthy diet promotion and food sovereignty. This study provides compelling insights into mycotoxin occurrence in minimally processed Ecuadorian foods and highlights the need for further exposure assessments by combining population consumption data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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16 pages, 544 KB  
Article
Cardiovascular Events and Preoperative Beta-Blocker Use in Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Holter-Based Analysis
by Alexandru Cosmin Palcău, Liviu Ionuț Șerbanoiu, Livia Florentina Păduraru, Alexandra Bolocan, Florentina Mușat, Daniel Ion, Dan Nicolae Păduraru, Bogdan Socea and Adriana Mihaela Ilieșiu
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071300 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The perioperative use of beta-blockers remains controversial due to conflicting evidence of their risks and benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic beta-blocker (bb) therapy and perioperative cardiac events in non-cardiac surgeries using 24 h continuous Holter monitoring. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing elective or emergency non-cardiac surgery at a Romanian tertiary care hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: G1 (not receiving Bb) and G2 (on chronic Bb). The incidences of perioperative cardiac events, such as severe bradycardia (<40 b/min), new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), extrasystolic arrhythmia (Ex), and sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) and arterial hypotension, were compared between the two groups using clinical, electrocardiography (ECG), and Holter ECG data. Beta-blocker indications, complications, and outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients (63% men, mean age of 53.7 years) were enrolled in the study. G2 included 30% (n = 30) of patients on chronic beta-blocker therapy. The indications included atrial fibrillation (46.7%, n = 14), arterial hypertension (36.7%, n = 11), extrasystolic arrhythmias (10%, n = 3), and chronic coronary syndrome (6.6%, n = 2). Beta-blocker use was significantly associated with severe bradycardia (n = 6; p < 0.001) in G2, whereas one patient in G1 had bradycardia, and 15 and 1 patients had hypotension (p < 0.001) in G1 and G2, respectively. The bradycardia and arterial hypotension cases were promptly treated and did not influence the patients’ prognoses. The 14 patients with AF in G2 had a 15-fold higher odds of requiring beta-blockers (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 15.145). No significant associations were found between beta-blocker use and the surgery duration (p = 0.155) or sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.857). Ten patients developed paroxysmal postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), which was related to longer surgery durations (165 (150–180) vs. 120 (90–150) minutes; p = 0.002) and postoperative anemia [hemoglobin (Hg): 10.4 (9.37–12.6) vs. 12.1 (11–13.2) g/dL; p = 0.041]. Conclusions: Patients under chronic beta-blocker therapy undergoing non-cardiac surgery have a higher risk of perioperative bradycardia and hypotension. Continuous Holter monitoring proved effective in detecting transient arrhythmic events, emphasizing the need for careful perioperative surveillance of these patients, especially the elderly, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored perioperative beta-blocker strategies and support further large-scale investigations to optimize risk stratification and management protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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25 pages, 7489 KB  
Article
Influence of Recycled Tire Steel Fiber Content on the Mechanical Properties and Fracture Characteristics of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
by Junyan Yu, Qifan Wu, Dongyan Zhao and Yubo Jiao
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143300 - 13 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 516
Abstract
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with recycled tire steel fibers (RTSFs) was studied to evaluate its mechanical properties and cracking behavior. Using acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, researchers tested various RTSF replacement rates in compression and flexural tests. Results revealed a clear trend: mechanical properties [...] Read more.
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with recycled tire steel fibers (RTSFs) was studied to evaluate its mechanical properties and cracking behavior. Using acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, researchers tested various RTSF replacement rates in compression and flexural tests. Results revealed a clear trend: mechanical properties initially improved then declined with increasing RTSF content, peaking at 25% replacement. AE analysis showed distinct patterns in energy release and crack propagation. Signal timing for energy and ringing count followed a delayed-to-advanced sequence, while b-value and information entropy changes indicated optimal flexural performance at specific replacement rates. RA-AF classification demonstrated that shear failure reached its minimum (25% replacement), with shear cracks increasing at higher ratios. These findings demonstrate RTSFs’ dual benefits: enhancing UHPC performance while promoting sustainability. The 25% replacement ratio emerged as the optimal balance, improving strength while delaying crack formation. This study provides insights into the mechanism by which waste tire steel fibers enhance the performance of UHPC. This research provides valuable insights for developing eco-friendly UHPC formulations using recycled materials, offering both environmental and economic advantages for construction applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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16 pages, 2521 KB  
Article
A Multimodal CMOS Readout IC for SWIR Image Sensors with Dual-Mode BDI/DI Pixels and Column-Parallel Two-Step Single-Slope ADC
by Yuyan Zhang, Zhifeng Chen, Yaguang Yang, Huangwei Chen, Jie Gao, Zhichao Zhang and Chengying Chen
Micromachines 2025, 16(7), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16070773 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 733
Abstract
This paper proposes a dual-mode CMOS analog front-end (AFE) circuit for short-wave infrared (SWIR) image sensors, which integrates a hybrid readout circuit (ROIC) and a 12-bit two-step single-slope analog-to-digital converter (TS-SS ADC). The ROIC dynamically switches between buffered-direct-injection (BDI) and direct-injection (DI) modes, [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a dual-mode CMOS analog front-end (AFE) circuit for short-wave infrared (SWIR) image sensors, which integrates a hybrid readout circuit (ROIC) and a 12-bit two-step single-slope analog-to-digital converter (TS-SS ADC). The ROIC dynamically switches between buffered-direct-injection (BDI) and direct-injection (DI) modes, thus balancing injection efficiency against power consumption. While the DI structure offers simplicity and low power, it suffers from unstable biasing and reduced injection efficiency under high background currents. Conversely, the BDI structure enhances injection efficiency and bias stability via an input buffer but incurs higher power consumption. To address this trade-off, a dual-mode injection architecture with mode-switching transistors is implemented. Mode selection is executed in-pixel via a low-leakage transmission gate and coordinated by the column timing controller, enabling low-current pixels to operate in low-noise BDI mode, whereas high-current pixels revert to the low-power DI mode. The TS-SS ADC employs a four-terminal comparator and dynamic reference voltage compensation to mitigate charge leakage and offset, which improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and linearity. The prototype occupies 2.1 mm × 2.88 mm in a 0.18 µm CMOS process and serves a 64 × 64 array. The AFE achieves a dynamic range of 75.58 dB, noise of 249.42 μV, and 81.04 mW power consumption. Full article
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16 pages, 1025 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Analysis of Mycotoxins in Green Coffee Food Supplements: Method Development, Occurrence, and Health Risk Assessment
by Laura Carbonell-Rozas, Octavian Augustin Mihalache, Renato Bruni and Chiara Dall’Asta
Toxins 2025, 17(7), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17070316 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1453
Abstract
This study investigates the presence of mycotoxins in green coffee-based dietary supplements to ensure their safety, given the potential risks of contamination and the growing interest in them among consumers. A sample treatment based on a salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) followed by [...] Read more.
This study investigates the presence of mycotoxins in green coffee-based dietary supplements to ensure their safety, given the potential risks of contamination and the growing interest in them among consumers. A sample treatment based on a salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) followed by one-step solid-phase extraction (SPE) was selected for the extraction and clean-up of 15 mycotoxins followed by ultra-high performance chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS). The target mycotoxins included aflatoxins (AFG1, AFG2, AFB1, AFB2), Alternaria toxins (AOH, AME, TEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FB1, FB2), zearalenone (ZEN), trichothecenes (T-2, HT-2), enniatin B1 (ENNB1), and beauvericin (BEA). The proposed method was successfully characterized, obtaining high recoveries, a satisfactory precision, and low detection limits. Subsequently, the method was applied for the analysis of 16 commercial food supplements. The analysis revealed the presence of mycotoxins in all samples investigated with Fusarium mycotoxins as the most prevalent. The dietary exposure and risk characterization revealed a low level of risk, except for AFs where chronic exposure in adults may lead to potential health concerns. Full article
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