Search Results (18,392)

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

To investigate the effects of seasonal grazing on ground-dwelling insect communities in desert steppe, this study conducted a controlled experiment in the desert steppe of Yanchi County, Ningxia, during 2022–2023. Five grazing regimes were established: spring-summer grazing (Sp+Su), spring-autumn grazing (Sp+Au), summer-autumn grazing (Su+Au), year-round continuous grazing (Annual), and no grazing (Control, CK). Insects were collected using pitfall traps and categorized into herbivorous and predatory functional groups. Combined with monitoring of vegetation community structure, we analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of grazing on insect diversity. The results showed that different grazing regimes had significantly divergent effects on herbivorous and predatory insects. Herbivorous insect diversity was significantly highest under the Annual grazing regime, while Sp+Au grazing effectively controlled herbivorous insect occurrence, resulting in the lowest abundance. Predatory insects exhibited the highest abundance but the lowest diversity under Su+Au grazing, whereas the CK regime increased their species richness. Beta diversity analysis indicated that total replacement diversity (Repl) was dominant, suggesting that grazing primarily influenced community structure by altering species composition rather than changing species number. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) results revealed clustering characteristics of insect community structures under different grazing regimes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and generalized additive models (GAMs) identified vegetation height and predatory insect abundance as key factors driving changes in herbivorous insects. Vegetation density and biomass exhibited nonlinear regulatory effects on herbivorous insects. Based on these findings, we recommend adopting either a hybrid strategy of “year-round continuous grazing combined with seasonal rest” or specifically the “spring + autumn” (Sp+Au) grazing regime. These approaches aim to synergistically achieve the goals of pest control and biodiversity conservation in desert steppe ecosystems. Full article

The rapid and sensitive detection of regulatory elements within transgenic constructs of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is essential for effective monitoring and control of their distribution. In this study, we present several innovative electrochemical biosensing platforms for the detection of regulatory sequences in genetically modified (GM) plants, combining the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method with electrodes functionalized by two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. The sensor design exploits the high surface area and excellent conductivity of reduced graphene oxide, Ti₃C₂T_x, and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) to enhance signal transduction. Furthermore, we used a “green synthesis” method for Ti₃C₂T_x preparation that eliminates the use of hazardous hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), providing a safer and more sustainable approach for nanomaterial production. Within this framework, the performance of various custom-fabricated electrodes, including laser-patterned gold leaf films, physical vapor deposition (PVD)-deposited gold electrodes, and screen-printed gold electrodes, is evaluated and compared with commercial screen-printed gold electrodes. Additionally, gold and carbon electrodes were electrochemically covered by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and their properties were compared. Several electrochemical methods were used during the DNA detection, and their importance and differences in excitation signal were highlighted. Electrochemical properties, sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility are characterized for each electrode type to assess the influence of fabrication methods and material composition on sensor performance. The developed biosensing systems exhibit high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid response, highlighting their potential as practical tools for on-site GMO screening and regulatory compliance monitoring. This work advances electrochemical nucleic acid detection by integrating environmentally-friendly nanomaterial synthesis with robust biosensing technology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Combined physical activity and nutritional interventions may produce synergistic effects on child development, but evidence from school-based programs is still limited. This systematic review investigated the impact of physical activity programs with simultaneous nutritional supplementation in school-aged children. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, ProQuest, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) up to June 2025. Randomized controlled trials examining combined physical activity and nutritional supplementation interventions in children aged 5–12 years recruited from schools were included. Methodological quality was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 3967 participants) were eligible, with program lengths ranging from 2 weeks to 24 months. Methodological quality ranged from fair to good (PEDro scores: 4 to 7/10). Combined interventions showed greater benefits than single interventions. For bone health, 2–3% higher increases in bone mineral content at loaded sites were reported with exercise combined with calcium supplementation. Body composition improvements included significant reductions in fat mass and increases in fat-free mass, with effects most pronounced in girls and slow-growing children. Motor performance, academic achievement, and sleep quality also improved with combined approaches. Effects were consistently greatest in children with baseline micronutrient deficiencies or slower growth velocity. Conclusions: School-based programs combining moderate-to-high impact physical activity with targeted nutritional supplementation yield synergistic health benefits in children. Brief interventions (2–3 sessions/week, ≤60 min) appear sufficient when adequate micronutrient provision is ensured, supporting implementation feasibility within educational settings. Full article

Deep-seated tumors are challenging pathologies to treat. Currently available approaches are limited, prompting innovative solutions. Hyperthermia treatment (HT) is a thermal oncological therapy that raises tumor temperature (40–44 °C for 60 min), enhancing radio- and chemotherapy. Biomaterials loaded with magnetic particles, called magnetic scaffolds (MagSs), are used as HT agents for cancer treatment using radiofrequency (RF) heating. MagSs can be manufactured via 3D printing using fused deposition modeling to create biomimetic architectures based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs). TPMS-based MagSs have been tested in vitro for RF HT. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the thermal properties of TPMS MagSs for RF hyperthermia. Significant discrepancies between simulated and measured temperatures have been reported, attributed to limited knowledge of the apparent thermal conductivity of MagSs. Since planning is crucial for HT, it is fundamental to determine the thermal properties of these heterogeneous and porous composite biomaterials. Magnetic polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds, shaped in different TPMS geometries and variable porosities, were thermally investigated in this research study. A linear relationship was found between the apparent thermal conductivity of parallelepiped and cylindrical scaffolds, and the measured values were validated using a numerical model of the RF HT test. Full article

This study presents the results of research on the influence of heat treatment parameters—namely, temperature, holding time, and quenching medium (air, water, oil)—on the microstructure and hardness of high-chromium alloy steel X46Cr13. The research included hardening heat treatment of X46Cr13 steel, hardness measurements, and microstructural analysis using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supported by EDS chemical composition analysis. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that increasing the austenitizing temperature and time results in higher hardness of the X46Cr13 high-chromium alloy steel, regardless of the quenching medium used. Due to the negligible influence of the quenching medium on the hardness of the steel under the analyzed heat treatment conditions, air hardening is recommended, as it reduces quenching-induced stresses compared to water quenching. Full article

Successful arthrodesis is a crucial factor in spinal fusion surgery, maximizing the likelihood of improved quality of life. The incorporation of metals into bone grafts has been demonstrated to enhance fusion rates through various osteoinductive and osteoconductive pathways. A systematic review was conducted to investigate the utility of metal composite bone grafts in promoting arthrodesis in spinal fusion preclinical studies. PubMed/MEDLINE was queried to identify studies investigating metal composite bone grafts in animal models of spinal fusion. Non-spinal fusion animal models were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. After screening a total of 1554 articles, 17 articles were included in our review. Metal composite bone grafts with bioactive agents had significantly greater fusion rates than metal composite only bone grafts (p < 0.001) and similar fusion rates compared to non-metal comparator bone grafts (p = 0.172). Bone grafts containing strontium and magnesium had the greatest fusion rates compared to other metals and had significantly greater fusion rates than those of silicon-containing bone grafts (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Bone quality and bone volume percentages of fusion masses formed by metal composite bone grafts were enhanced via the addition of bioactive agents such as stem cells, rhBMP-2, autograft, and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid). The adverse event rate was 3.0% in all animal surgeries. Metal composite bone grafts show promise as osteoinductive agents to promote arthrodesis in spinal fusion, and their osteoinductive capability is enhanced with the synergistic addition of osteogenic factors such as stem cells and autograft. Full article

Since methanol has a significant health hazard due to its inherent toxicity, it is urgent to develop a method capable of rapid, sensitive, and continuous monitoring of methanol. The present study successfully synthesized a NiCo₂O₄/MIL-Ti₁₂₅ composite material and conducted a comprehensive analysis of its effectiveness for the detection of methanol employing cataluminescence (CTL) technology. The findings demonstrated that the composite material displays marked CTL in response to methanol, showcasing notable sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. The composite’s heterogeneous structure significantly improves the adsorption and reaction efficiency of methanol and further reduces the sensor’s working temperature. Under the optimal conditions of 215 °C and a flow rate of 300 mL/min, the CTL signal intensity is governed by the equation Y = 10.388X − 4.473 (R² = 0.982), with a detection limit as low as 0.431 ppm. The NiCo₂O₄/MIL-Ti₁₂₅ sensor exhibits high selectivity towards methanol. In addition, a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.95% demonstrates its excellent stability. Utilizing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the study investigated the impact of elemental valence changes on the CTL process. We believe that the NiCo₂O₄/MIL-Ti₁₂₅ composite material, as a high-performance low-temperature CTL methanol sensor, is promising for applications. Full article

Prescribed burning significantly influences the microbial communities and physicochemical characteristics of forest soils. However, studies on the impacts of prescribed burning on the stability of soil microbial co-occurrence networks, as well as on the combined effects of post-fire soil depth gradients and their interactions on soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities, remain poorly understood. This study was conducted in a subtropical Pinus yunnanensis plantation that has undergone annual prescribed burns since 2007. Using 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequencing techniques alongside analyses of soil physicochemical properties, we collected and examined soil samples from different depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–20 cm) in June 2024. The study found that prescribed burning enhanced the complexity and stability of bacterial co-occurrence networks, boosting both the diversity (prescribed burning/unburned control: 3/1) and the abundance (prescribed burning/unburned control: 8/2) of key taxa, which were essential for maintaining bacterial community network stability. However, it also intensified competitive interactions (prescribed burning/unburned control: 0.3162/0.0262) within the community. Moreover, prescribed burning had a significant effect on the diversity, structure, and composition of microbial communities and the physicochemical properties in the 0–5 cm soil layer, while also showing notable effects in the 5–20 cm layer. Prescribed burning also enhanced the coupling between the soil environment and bacterial community composition. The bacterial community showed negative correlations with most physicochemical properties. Soil organic matter (SOM) (p = 0.002) and available potassium (AK) (p = 0.042) were identified as key determinants shaping the post-fire bacterial community structure. The relationship between physicochemical parameters and fungal community composition was weaker. Urease (UE) (p = 0.036) and total potassium (TK) (p = 0.001) emerged as two key factors influencing the composition of post-fire fungal communities. These results elucidate the distinct functional roles of bacteria and fungi in post-fire ecosystem recovery, emphasizing their contributions to maintaining the stability and functionality of microbial communities. The study provides valuable insights for refining prescribed burning management strategies to promote sustainable forest ecosystem recovery. Full article

Background: Unhealthy lifestyles have been reported among university students, characterized by excess body weight and physical inactivity, which affects body composition and increases the risk of non-communicable diseases. Physical exercise (PE) is an effective strategy for body reshaping; however, its demands and difficulties make its practice complex. Therefore, there was an interest in investigating the effects of a low-volume, moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) protocol. Methods: A 5-week quasi-experimental study was conducted. Twelve university students (ten women and two men), aged 22 ± 3.4 years, engaged in low-level physical activity. The intervention group (n = 6) performed a MIIT protocol of 1′ × 1′ × 7′ (seven series of 1 min of moderate-intensity exercise interleaved with a recovery period of 1 min) three times a week, while the control group (n = 6) continued with its regular activities. Results: Significant improvements were reported in body fat percentage (%BF) (p = 0.04; d = 0.9), fat mass (FM) (p = 0.00; d = 0.7) and recovery heart rate (RHR) (p = 0.001); d = 1) in the MIIT group compared with the pre-test and control group values. Furthermore, the body weight (p = 0.04) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04) values also improved in the MIIT group, compared to the pre-test values. Conclusions: MIIT is an effective strategy for short-term improvement in body composition, as well as in anthropometric measures and fitness parameters, in university students with a low PAL. Its ease of applicability—based on low exercise volume and intensity—is notable, making it feasible of incorporation into student health programs. Full article

The aquaculture sector has seen significant growth recently but also faces sustainability challenges due to the use of fish meal and fish oil. This project explored the potential of using partially defatted Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae meal (BSFL meal) as a sustainable alternative to fish meal in Sparus aurata diets. The trial was conducted with 132 fish reared in six tanks and fed two aquafeeds: a standard (CTRL) and an experimental (IF) in which fish meal was replaced (10%) with partially defatted BSFL meal. Fillets were analysed for chemical composition, elemental composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, primary and secondary oxidative products, cholesterol, pH and colour. Moreover, a panel of food experts (n = 26) was involved in a discrimination sensory test (duo–trio test) on raw and cooked fillets. The results showed no differences in chemical and physical analyses. The FA profile of IF was characterised by a significantly higher content of lauric acid (p-value 0.009) and myristic acid (p-value 0.049) than the CTRL ones. The panellists correctly identified the raw samples and found differences. On the other hand, only about 50% of the assessors correctly identified the cooked samples. The overall results suggest that partially defatted BSFL meal may represent a valid alternative for aquafeed production that could affect the sensory properties of raw fillets without altering their nutritional composition. Full article

Porous acicular mullite was fabricated at 1300 °C starting from Al₂O₃ and mixture of SiO₂ and MoO₃ obtained by previous oxidation of waste MoSi₂. It was found that the presence of MoO₃ favors formation of acicular (prism-like) mullite grains with sharp edges. The effect of addition of Fe₂O₃ (4–12 wt.%) on phase composition, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and microstructure was studied. The addition of Fe₂O₃ improved the compressive strength from approximately 25 MPa in pure mullite to about 76 MPa in samples containing 12 wt.% Fe₂O₃, while the open porosity decreased from 55.4% to 51.8%. The presence of Fe₂O₃ caused a decrease in mullite formation temperature owing to the formation of liquid phase and accelerated diffusion. The solubility of iron oxide in mullite lattice was between 8 and 12 wt.% Fe₂O₃. The incorporated iron ions also promoted the rounding of sharp edges in prismatic mullite grains, leading to a reduced specific surface area of 0.55 m²/g in the sample with 12 wt.% Fe₂O₃. The thermal conductivity of mullite increased with addition of 12 wt.% Fe₂O₃ reaching value of 1.17 W/m·K. Full article

The efficient compounding of microbial agents for use in aerobic composting processes is a pressing problem that needs to be addressed. This work focused on the lack of effective oil-degrading microorganisms and the challenges in formulating microbial consortia during the composting of food waste (FW). Following the isolation of three bacteria and three fungi with high oil-degrading ability, a simplex-lattice mixture design methodology was used to conduct compounding within and between groups of bacteria and fungi. Three special cubic response models were successfully developed and validated by performing an analysis of variance. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the three models had high R² values of 96.06%, 97.18%, and 96.27%. The global solution of the mixture optimization predicted the optimal value for a blend comprising 11.83% Agrobacterium tumefaciens, 8.10% Pseudomonas geniculata, 10.97% Luteibacter rhizovicinus, 20.9% Simplicillium cylindrosporum, 22.3% Fusarium proliferatum, and 25.9% Simplicillium lanosoniveum. Thus, these proportions were considered the optimal combination of strains for oil degradation during FW composting. Composting verification in a 60 L fermenter revealed that the composite microbial agent group had a 31.3% higher oil degradation efficiency than the control group. This work provides valuable insights for the compounding of microbial agents and the resource utilization of rural FW. Full article

Background/Objectives: Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are common in infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCIs), including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This study aimed to evaluate autonomic symptoms and their impact on ME/CFS illness severity. Methods: Data came from a multi-site study conducted in seven ME/CFS specialty clinics during 2012–2020. Autonomic dysfunction was assessed using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS-31), medical history, and a lean test originally described by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Illness severity was assessed using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures, the 36-item short-form, as well as the CDC Symptom Inventory. This analysis included 442 participants who completed the baseline COMPASS-31 assessment, comprising 301 individuals with ME/CFS and 141 healthy controls (HC). Results: ME/CFS participants reported higher autonomic symptom burden than HC across three assessment tools (all p < 0.0001), including the COMPASS-31 total score (34.1 vs. 6.8) and medical history indicators [dizziness or vertigo (42.6% vs. 2.8%), cold extremities (38.6% vs. 5.7%), and orthostatic intolerance (OI, 33.9% vs. 0.7%)]. Among ME/CFS participants, 97% had at least one autonomic symptom. Those with symptoms in the OI, gastrointestinal, and pupillomotor domains had significantly higher illness severity than those without these symptoms. Conclusions: ME/CFS patients exhibit a substantial autonomic symptom burden that correlates with greater illness severity. Individualized care strategies targeting dysautonomia assessment and intervention may offer meaningful improvements in symptom management and quality of life for those with ME/CFS and similar chronic conditions. Full article

The depletion of fossil fuels and the rise of environmental concerns have increased the importance of renewable energy sources, positioning wind energy as a key alternative. Modern wind turbine blades are predominantly manufactured from composite materials due to their light weight, high strength, and resistance to corrosion. In offshore applications, approximately 95% of the composite content is glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), while the remaining 5% is carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). GFRP is favored for its low cost and fatigue resistance, whereas CFRP offers superior strength and stiffness but is limited by high production costs. This study investigates the durability of adhesively bonded GFRP and CFRP joints under marine exposure. Seven-layer GFRP and eight-layer CFRP laminates were produced using a 90° unidirectional twill weave and prepared in accordance with ASTM D5868-01. Specimens were immersed in natural Aegean Sea water (21 °C, salinity 3.3–3.7%) for 1, 2, and 3 months. Measurements revealed that GFRP absorbed significantly more moisture (1.02%, 2.97%, 3.78%) than CFRP (0.49%, 0.76%, 0.91%). Four-point bending tests conducted according to ASTM D790 showed reductions in Young’s modulus of up to 9.45% for GFRP and 3.48% for CFRP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that moisture-induced degradation was more severe in GFRP joints compared to CFRP. These findings highlight the critical role of environmental exposure in the mechanical performance of marine composite joints. Full article