Search Results (345)

Pesticides are a major cause of water contamination, making this issue a major environmental and public health concern. In this context, the development of advanced and effective remediation materials is needed. In this study, a titanium-functionalized magnetic silica aerogel (AG-Ti@Fe₃O₄-SA) was successfully prepared via microfluidics and evaluated for water decontamination. The structural and compositional features of the aerogel were determined using XRD, FT-IR, RAMAN, SEM, TEM, BET, and DLS, confirming the formation of the aerogel with dispersed Fe₃O₄-SA nanoparticles and the successful incorporation of titanium within the aerogel matrix. Regarding decontamination potential, the aerogel was tested against a pesticide mixture, yielding pesticide-dependent removal efficiencies (16–100%). Notably, the aerogel exhibited a high affinity for organophosphorus pesticides and a moderate affinity for polar compounds, whereas bulky hydrophobic pesticides showed lower adsorption. In vitro, the aerogel induced a moderate decrease in HaCaT cell viability after 48 h of exposure, accompanied by a slight increase in lactate dehydrogenase release, while HEK293 cells remained largely unaffected, indicating a cell-type-dependent biological response. Overall, the findings from this screening-level study recommend AG-Ti@Fe₃O₄-SA aerogel as a promising selective adsorbent for pesticide removal. Full article

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) significantly compromises the clinical benefits of revascularization and constitutes a central pathological mechanism worsening prognosis in myocardial infarction patients. Accordingly, dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying MIRI and formulating effective therapeutic interventions are of great clinical significance. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the primary active constituent of Lycium barbarum, has garnered considerable attention in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasomotor function-improving, and antithrombotic properties. This study aims to investigate the ability of LBP to alleviate MIRI, with a specific focus on its role in modulating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models in rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) models in H9c2 cells were established. Myocardial injury and the therapeutic effect of LBP were evaluated by 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To elucidate the specific mechanism underlying LBP against MIRI, an Nrf2-overexpressing cell line was generated in H9c2 cells, and pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 was applied for complementary validation. The effects of LBP on H/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response (IL-18, IL-1β), and pyroptosis-related protein expression (NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases (caspase)-1, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)) were systematically evaluated. LBP administration conferred robust cardioprotection in I/R rats, as evidenced by a significant reduction in myocardial infarct size, improved preservation of myocardial fiber architecture, and attenuated leakage of cardiac injury biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)). Mirroring these in vivo findings, LBP pretreatment effectively shielded H9c2 cardiomyocytes from H/R insult, markedly enhancing cell viability while curtailing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptotic activation. A pivotal finding was the pronounced downregulation of Nrf2 in the H/R group, a deficit that was conclusively reversed by LBP treatment. To decisively establish a causal role for Nrf2, we employed a loss-of-function approach; Nrf2 inhibition completely abrogated the protective benefits of LBP, culminating in exacerbated tissue damage, a surge in ROS, and the upregulation of key pyroptosis effectors (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD). Conversely, a complementary gain-of-function experiment demonstrated that Nrf2 overexpression alone was sufficient to mimic LBP’s effects, significantly blunting H/R-induced ROS production and pyroptosis. LBP alleviates MIRI by inhibiting pyroptosis through activating the Nrf2/NLRP3 axis, thus representing a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic heart disease with the potential to improve patient outcomes. Full article

This research presents a machine learning-based vibration signal acquired from aluminum grinding experiment for potential application in smart and intelligent manufacturing. The study addresses the challenges of traditional surface finishing quality inspection by integrating vibration sensing and support vector machine (SVM). A robot manipulator lab grinding experiment consist of a four-axis DOBOT Magician with a handheld cylindrical grinding tool attached on the end-effector of the DOBOT Magician. This customized lab grinding experiment was designed to perform consistent surface finishing experiment for different aluminum work coupon and time duration. Triaxial accelerometer was used to collect the vibration signal and to investigate the most relevant vibration signal direction (x, y, and z) to the surface quality prediction of the aluminum work coupon. The vibration signal was acquired via LabVIEW and NI data acquisition (DAQ) system. The vibration features were extracted and analyzed using Python programming in Google Colab. The SVM algorithm in Python (3.11 and 3.12) is used to classify surface roughness quality into coarse, medium, and fine categories based on the extracted vibration features. Vibration feature parameters such as root mean square (RMS), Peak to RMS, Skewness, and Kurtosis were also investigated to determined which feature pairs are most critical for effective surface roughness monitoring and prediction using SVM classification. The classification model achieved high accuracy across all three vibration axes (x, y, and z), with the z-axis yielding the most consistent results. The proposed system has potential applications in real-time surface quality prediction within smart manufacturing practices aligned with Industry 4.0 principles. Full article

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has become a standard of care for many hematological malignancies, and has significantly transformed treatment outcomes. However, CAR-T therapy is associated with specific toxicities, including infections. Although the anti-CD19 CAR-T risks are well-characterized, infectious complications following B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR-T in multiple myeloma (MM) remain under-researched. In this study, we evaluated the incidence and clinical impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and adenovirus (ADV) reactivations in 75 patients receiving anti-BCMA CAR-T for MM, and compared them to 60 patients receiving commercial anti-CD19 CAR-T for B-cell lymphoma (BCL). The viral reactivation rates were 20% for CMV and 8% for EBV in the MM group, vs. 31.7% and 3%, respectively, in the BCL group. No ADV reactivations were seen in either cohort. Most of the CMV reactivations (87% in the MM cohort and 68.5% in the BCL cohort) were asymptomatic and clinically insignificant, and had no impact on progression-free survival (PFS) or overall mortality. Overall, these findings suggest that although CMV and EBV reactivations are relatively common after anti-BCMA CAR-T, they are rarely associated with meaningful disease, and the risks do not exceed those of CD19-directed therapy. Thus, routine pre-emptive screening for these viruses may be unwarranted in asymptomatic patients. Full article

Open-plan workplaces are often associated with increased sensory exposure, which may present challenges for adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition characterized by atypical arousal regulation and sensory sensitivity. Although the Prospect–Refuge Theory suggests that spatial configuration may influence perceived security and attentional states, objective neurophysiological evidence in workplace contexts remains limited. This exploratory pilot study employed a mixed design to examine whether desk orientation and office enclosure were associated with differences in neural activity among adults with ADHD (n = 6). Four desk configurations were tested within each office setting, while two office types (Open Office and Enclosed Private Office) were examined between participants. Neurophysiological data were collected using portable electroencephalography (EEG), and power spectral density (PSD) across canonical frequency bands was analyzed during standardized cognitive tasks. Results indicated context-dependent spatial effects. In the Open Office setting, configurations providing both outward visibility and visual backing were associated with lower beta and gamma power relative to orientations lacking these features. In the Enclosed Private Office, orientation-related differences were not statistically significant. These preliminary findings suggest that desk orientation may influence neural indicators of cognitive demand in open-plan environments. Given the small sample size, results should be interpreted cautiously but contribute initial physiological evidence to neurodiversity-informed workplace research. Full article

We examine the population structure, habitat associations, spatial ecology, morphometrics, meristics and reproductive attributes of two species in the genus Malacoraja of Canada. M. senta, the only shelf-dwelling species of the genus, is also atypical of Rajidae, and marine fish in general, in forming disjunct populations. This unusual spatial structure appears to be the result of a fragmented thermal habitat. At the northern, coldest extent of their range, M. senta occur only within the troughs where temperatures are >3 °C, comparable to the thermal habitat further south. M. spinacidermis, consistent with its other congeners, is slope-dwelling, reaching the highest density at >900 m, concentrating in 3.1–4.0 °C. The two species are of a similar size and body proportions but less spiny for M. spinacidermis. Body and tail size and spine counts underwent allometric changes with growth. L₅₀ could not be determined for all populations, but Laurentian population L₅₀ was 45 cm for females, 51 cm for males; Funk males, 45 cm. Size at first maturity was similar between species. This pattern of maturity is reflected in the secondary sexual characteristics. There was partial separation of maturity stages by depth for M. senta, with immature fish distributing in greater depths. Full article

Background: Shenqi granule (SQG) was used clinically to strengthen the spleen and boost energy, alleviating physical weakness and limb fatigue caused by energy deficiency. However, the specific effects and potential molecular mechanisms of SQG in myocardial infarction (MI) treatment remain to be clarified. Methods: This study thoroughly evaluates SQG’s role in improving MIRI in rats using a biological approach. Network pharmacology, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and immune landscape analysis were used to analyze components and key molecular targets. The therapeutic targets of SQG were then validated through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and experiments. Results: SQG reduced myocardial infarct size and improved myocardial function in rats. Network pharmacology analysis found that six bioactive compounds in SQG could target four proteins. Using WGCNA and ROC, two key targets of SQG were identified, MMP9 and ADH1C. Importantly, integrating PPI network prediction, molecular docking, and expression correlation analyses, MMP9 and ADH1C demonstrate strong physical binding potential and expression association, suggesting their possible involvement in MIRI-related pathways through the immune microenvironment. Molecular experiments and other methods confirmed that the five active ingredients in SQG (luteolin, quercetin, hederagenin, 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, and stigmasterol) can exert cardioprotective effects by stably binding to MMP9/ADH1C. Conclusions: SQG reduces myocardial infarct volume and enhances myocardial function in MIRI rats, likely via inhibiting MMP9 and ADH1C expression. This suggests SQG’s potential as a therapeutic agent for MI, with findings offering strong scientific support for SQG’s use in cardiovascular disease research. Full article

This paper presents a secure 2.4 GHz frequency shift keying (FSK) transmitter front-end with minimal overhead on the data stream using analog obfuscation techniques applied to the modulated waveform. An off-chip true random number generator (TRNG) unit is used to generate the required key for the encryption. Moving away from traditional FSK schemes, which benefit from constant local oscillator (LO) frequency within the channel, the proposed secure FSK scheme shifts the LO frequency in very small steps using an innovative capacitor-bank structure with a calibrated digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). The proposed capacitor bank uses a combination of parallel switches and series capacitors to minimize the impact of the layout parasitics on the minimum capacitor in the bank, thereby reliably creating sub-fF unit capacitors. When combined with the proposed capacitor bank, the cross-coupled CMOS LC voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) forms a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). The post-layout simulation results of the DCO reveal that the proposed scheme can achieve a resolution of <20 kHz for the LO frequency shifting while maintaining the phase-noise performance. The reported phase shift allows an equivalent entropy > 6 bits in the implemented analog-inspired secure transmitter front-end. Full article

Water contamination from diverse chemical pollutants has become a major environmental concern, demanding innovative and efficient remediation strategies. In this study, a Mg/Fe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) silica-magnetite hybrid composite was synthesized using a laser-cut microfluidic device to achieve controlled mixing and uniform particle formation. The obtained hybrid composite was further characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, RAMAN, and DLS, confirming a structurally integrated LDH-silica-Fe₃O₄ hybrid, stabilized by ionic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and Si-O-Mg interactions. Moreover, biological assays confirmed that the developed material does not exhibit significant cytotoxicity and is potentially safe for environmental applications. Further, the adsorption performance was determined by treating surface water samples containing a mixture of pesticides with the composite material. After magnetic separation, the samples were analyzed by FT-ICR HR-MS, which enabled the detection and discrimination of ions with very close m/z values. The obtained results demonstrate a significant water decontamination capacity for multiple pesticides and facile water removal via magnetic separation, suggesting that these materials and the fast FT-ICR screening method are prospective, practical solutions for environmental protection of water bodies. Full article

Rehabilitation programs by the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority and the Israeli Prison Service are key in helping offenders transition from prison to society, aiming to reduce recidivism. Fraud offenders, however, face distinct challenges due to their personal and socio-economic backgrounds, including sophisticated and manipulative strategies, mechanisms of concealment and denial, as well as coping with a unique social stigma associated with belonging to higher socioeconomic strata. This study examined whether rehabilitation participation affects self-efficacy, sense of community, and belief in successful reintegration. Eighty-six released Israeli fraud offenders (42 program participants, 44 non-participants) completed self-report questionnaires on their sense of community, self-efficacy, and community integration. Group comparisons, correlations, hierarchical regressions, and mediation analysis were conducted. Analyses showed that released offenders who participated in a rehabilitation program reported higher community connectedness, greater self-efficacy, and stronger belief in reintegration capabilities than those who did not. Furthermore, the relationships between these factors were notably stronger in the rehabilitation program participant group. Mediation analysis demonstrated that self-efficacy fully mediated the link between sense of community and belief in successful reintegration. The findings emphasize the importance of combining institutional and community support for released offenders, with efforts to enhance their self-efficacy, thereby improving rehabilitation effectiveness and reducing recidivism risk. The results support the development of targeted rehabilitation policies for fraud offenders that enhance connections between formal programs and community support systems. Full article

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty is performed for various etiologies, including osteoarthritis, proximal humerus fractures (PHFs), and rotator cuff tears. While previous studies have focused on outcomes based on implant choice, less is known about the independent effects of surgery type, comorbidities, and fracture status on postoperative outcomes. This study evaluates their influence on length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of 664,545 patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA) was conducted. Multivariable Poisson and logistic regression models assessed predictors of LOS, mortality, and complications. Results: Among 132,909 patients, 63.3% underwent RTSA, 31.3% underwent ATSA, and 5.4% underwent HA. Mean hospitalization was longest for HA (2.56 days) and RTSA (1.82 days) compared to ATSA (1.39 days; p < 0.001). Poisson regression confirmed that RTSA increased LOS by 24.1% versus ATSA (IRR = 1.24, p < 0.001), while HA had the highest LOS (IRR = 1.58, p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were observed in 8.37% of ATSA, 13.81% of RTSA, and 17.81% of HA cases (overall ~12.3%). Compared with ATSA, RTSA increased the odds of complications (OR = 1.48, p < 0.001), while HA presented the greatest complication risk (OR = 1.51, p < 0.001). Among proximal humerus fracture (PHF) patients (9.9% of the cohort), 84.7% underwent RTSA. PHF independently increased LOS (IRR = 1.61, p < 0.001), mortality (OR = 1.62, p = 0.051), and complications (OR = 2.33, p < 0.001). Conclusions: RTSA is associated with longer hospitalization and higher complication rates, while PHF worsens LOS, mortality, and complication risk. Full article

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a pathological process in which reperfusion-induced oxidative stress and metabolic derangement further aggravate myocardial damage and blunt the benefit of reperfusion. Ferroptosis is increasingly implicated in MIRI, with the glutathione (GSH)–glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis constituting a key antioxidant barrier. Although GSH depletion is recognized as a critical event, its upstream regulation in MIRI remains unclear. Against this background, we investigate the BACH1–CHAC1–GSH pathway as a putative upstream regulatory axis of ferroptosis in MIRI and a potential molecular target. Here, using an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in AC16 and the reversibility conferred by the ferrostatin-1, RNA sequencing identified the GSH-degrading enzyme CHAC1 as a modulator that is induced by stress and promotes ferroptosis. Experiments showed that CHAC1 overexpression aggravated OGD/R-induced injury, depleted GSH, suppressed GPX4 and enhanced lipid peroxidation, whereas CHAC1 knockdown was partially protective. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) replenished GSH, restored GPX4 activity and partially rescued CHAC1-driven injury. In a mouse myocardial I/R model, cardiotropic adeno-associated virus-mediated CHAC1 overexpression worsened cardiac dysfunction, enlarged infarct and fibrosis areas, and increased myocardial iron deposition. Dual-luciferase assays revealed that the transcription factor BACH1 activates the CHAC1 promoter, and BACH1 silencing attenuated ferroptosis by suppressing CHAC1 and restoring the GSH–GPX4 axis. Collectively, our data identify the BACH1–CHAC1–GSH axis as an upstream amplifier of ferroptosis in MIRI through glutathione depletion and impairment of GPX4-dependent antioxidant defense. These findings refine the mechanistic link between reperfusion-phase redox imbalance and ferroptosis and highlight BACH1/CHAC1 inhibition or augmentation of GSH precursors as potential cardioprotective strategies in ischemic heart disease. Full article

Nanomaterials provide novel solutions for water treatment because of their unique properties and functions, such as a large surface area, increased reactivity, and interaction with contaminants at the nanoscale. These useful features make nanomaterials highly effective in addressing water-related issues, especially in the remediation of aquatic environments from heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics. However, there are increasing concerns about their persistence in the environment and the possible risks to ecosystems and human health, due to their tendency to bioaccumulate and enter food chains. While some nanomaterials have proven toxic even at low concentrations, most effects that these materials may have on aquatic organisms, plants, and animals remain largely unexplored. Most sources report that polymeric nanomaterials are also the least toxic and most environmentally compatible, particularly when biodegradability forms one of the design parameters. Polymeric nanoparticles can be considered a safer alternative to metal- and carbon-based nanomaterials. However, they can not be used without any risk at all. The long-term environmental accumulation of nanoplastics and their potential chronic ecological impacts have received greater attention recently. This paper reviews major research on the toxicity and environmental behavior of nanomaterials, with a special focus on their long-term ecological effects, for which substantial knowledge exists, yet highlights gaps in existing knowledge and future directions for responsible application in water treatment contexts. Full article

Water represents the fundamental source of life for all human and animal populations; however, its consumption has become increasingly hazardous due to high levels of pollution. Modern agricultural practices rely heavily on pesticides, which significantly contribute to water contamination and imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, another critical category of pollutants consists of pathogenic bacteria that proliferate in aquatic environments, mainly originating from hospital and urban wastewater because of human activity. Considering these major environmental and health challenges, the present study aims to develop an optimized method for water treatment by synthesizing magnetic silica-based aerogels using a microfluidic vortex chip and systematically varying synthesis parameters to enhance material performance. The physicochemical properties of the aerogels were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET. The pesticide adsorption capacity of the materials was evaluated using FT-ICR HR-MS analysis, which demonstrated the high efficiency of the aerogels in removing a complex mixture of pesticides. In parallel, antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa isolated from surface water, hospital wastewater, and the influent of a well-known wastewater treatment plant in Bucharest, as well as against ATCC reference strains. Additionally, the study investigated the biocompatibility and biological responses of magnetic aerogels using MTT assays, nitric oxide production, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS levels, and quantification of total protein, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione in HaCaT and HEK293 cell lines. The results confirm the efficiency and application potential of the developed materials and emphasize the importance of optimizing synthesis to achieve high-performance aerogels for effective decontamination of polluted waters. Full article

Background: Wrist-worn consumer activity trackers are widely used to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behavior (SB). However, evidence regarding their validity for measuring PA and SB in free-living school-aged children remains limited. This study evaluated the concurrent validity and wear compliance of a wrist-worn consumer activity tracker in school-aged children under free-living conditions with protocol-defined wear requirements. Methods: A total of 102 children (mean age: 10.2 years; 44.1% girls) wore a wrist-worn device (Fitbit Ace) and a waist-worn accelerometer (Omron Active Style Pro HJA-750c, ASP-750c). Of the 1122 person-days collected over 11 days, 135 person-days meeting inclusion criteria for both devices were included (≥10 h/day wear time and an inter-device wear time difference of ≤60 min). Step count and time in SB, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were assessed. Correlations, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), agreement, and wear compliance between the two devices were examined. Results: Correlations were strong for step count (r = 0.86), SB (r = 0.72), and LPA (r = 0.71); however, agreement was poor, with systematic overestimation of step count, SB, VPA, and MVPA and underestimation of LPA and MPA by the Fitbit Ace, and MAPE exceeding 20% for all PA variables. Wear compliance (≥10 h/day on ≥4 days) was higher for the Fitbit Ace (97.0%) than for the ASP-750c (62.2%). Conclusions: Although the Fitbit Ace may be useful for characterizing general patterns of LPA and SB in school-aged children, caution is warranted for accurate individual-level PA assessment. Full article