Browse Articles

Implementation of nanographene oxide combined with mineral trioxide aggregate and hydroxyapatite biopolymer in regeneration of critical-sized bone defect in rats

Abstract Critical-sized bone defects (CSBDs) are causing a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery for their inability to heal spontaneously, demanding innovative biomaterials to enhance bone formation. Current therapies, as autografts and allografts, are restricted by donor site morbidity and immune rejection. The current study presents a novel, biocompatible composite material formed of nano-graphene oxide (nGO), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and hydroxyapatite (HAp) and designed to synergistically control the unique characters of each component. The novelty of this composite is due to its composition as it formed via the combination of nGO for enhancement of the mechanical strength and the cell proliferation, MTA for its higher bioactivity and its ability for cement formation, while the HAp having optimum biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, this synergistic interaction was not previously explored for CSBD repair. The current study utilized a rat model of critical-sized radial bone defects. The nGO/MTA/HAp composite was manufactured by consuming a modified Hummer’s method for nGO, combined with commercially available MTA and HAp. Radiographic and computed tomography (CT) evaluation at 2-, 4-, and 8-weeks post-operation elaborating the progressive bone formation in the treated group compared to minimal changes in the untreated group. Histopathological examination demonstrated strong composite integration, massive cellular infiltration, and strong signs of osteoblast differentiation, causing approximately 75–85% defect closure at the 8th week. The current study highlights the potential of the nGO/MTA/HAp composite as a biocompatible and osteoinductive composite for CSBD repair, presenting enhanced mechanical strength, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity.

The effect of using fins in different configurations on the performance of adsorption refrigeration system

Abstract In this experimental investigation, the impact of six different configurations of applied fins in an adsorption refrigeration system utilizing an AC/Ethanol pair was examined. Fins in six different configurations (straight and inclined fins of one sector, along with fins of two, three, four, and six sectors) are utilized to improve heat and mass transfer within the generator. The experiments are carried out under non-equilibrium conditions, with the evaporating, generating, and condensing temperatures established at 5 °C, 82 °C, and 22 °C, respectively. The findings revealed that the inclined fins of one sector configuration achieved the highest coefficient of performance (COP) at 0.44, representing a 25.7% improvement over pure activated carbon (AC) without fins. Additionally, the fins configured in a three-sector arrangement exhibited the greatest specific cooling effect (SCE), uptake amount (Δx), and reduction in evaporating temperature, measuring 44.5 kJ/kg, 0.06 kg/kg, and 19.5 °C, respectively, with enhancement rates of 71.2%, 87.5%, and 95%, respectively, when compared to pure activated carbon (AC) without fins. A significant finding of this study is the variation in the impact of each fins configuration on the transfer of heat and mass within the generator, as well as the performance of the adsorption system.

Age, muscle, and gender specific characterization of muscle degeneration in a mouse model of calpainopathy

Abstract Establishing well-described mouse models of hereditary diseases is increasingly important for testing new therapeutic approaches, such as gene replacement therapy. In particular, a detailed description of muscle pathology, especially at early timepoints of the disease, is crucial for determining the optimal timepoint for drug delivery and evaluation of therapeutic success. In this study, we aimed to characterize and quantify the muscle pathology and myofibre morphology of different muscles in a new mouse model for calpainopathy as an example of the heterogenous group of limb girdle muscular dystrophies compared to wildtype controls during the disease. We analysed motor function and muscle tissue of wildtype and Capn3-transgenic mice per gender from 1.5 to 15 months of age. While transgenic mice did not develop restrictions in motor function, tested with grip strength measurement, beam walk and four limb wire hanging test, during this period, gastrocnemius, soleus and psoas muscles showed progressive histopathological and ultrastructural changes. Importantly, we also detected gender-specific differences in general muscle structure and in muscle pathology in the mouse model of calpainopathy. We developed a score to classify pathology of muscles in this mouse model using percentage of myocytes with centralized nuclei to increase objectivity and comparability when using this mouse model.

Spectators lead to overconfidence and risk-taking in males in a motor task

Abstract We often perform motor tasks in front of other people, and this may help or hinder our performances. Previous research mainly focused on changes in motor performance, and less is known about spectator influences on performance predictions. An accurate performance prediction in motor tasks is important, as it supports optimal performance. The present study examined whether being observed by spectators influences not only performance, but also performance predictions in a motor task. We tested 341 participants on a speeded cup-stacking task in a within-subjects design: co-acting (performing concurrently with others) versus performing alone in front of an audience. In half of the trials, participants predicted how many cups they would be able to stack in the upcoming trial. Overconfidence, by predicting performances that were too high, resulted in failed trials. Being watched by others led to motor performance decrements. Both males and females left a safety margin in their performance predictions in the co-acting condition. Being watched by others led males to increase their overconfidence and failure rate, whereas females left a safety margin in their predictions, maintaining a stable failure rate in front of spectators. Our results indicate that spectators not only influence motor performance, but also performance predictions.

Amitriptyline inhibits bronchoconstriction independent of direct receptor binding and reduces number of caveolae

Abstract Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with rising prevalence worldwide. Apart from the immunological role of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline in bronchial asthma, there is emerging evidence that inhaled amitriptyline directly reduces acute bronchoconstriction. However, the mechanism by which amitriptyline influences bronchial tone remains poorly understood. To influence bronchoconstriction, rat precision-cut lung slices treated with varying concentrations of amitriptyline (0–5 µM) and incubated with inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. Amitriptyline reduces acetylcholine- and serotonin-induced bronchoconstriction. Neither the muscarinic antagonist ipratropium nor the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, nor the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine diminished the effect of amitriptyline. Inhibition of calcium sensitizing and induction failed to alter amitriptyline’s effect on bronchoconstriction. Caveolae—as part of the plasma membrane—display a microenvironment, where regulation of signal transduction takes place. Similar to methyl ß cyclodextrin (MBCD), a common substance to destroy caveolae, amitriptyline dramatically reduced the number of caveolae in lung tissue. However, unlike MBCD, this effect could not be explained by cholesterol depletion alone, as cholesterol repletion did not reverse amitriptyline’s effect. Furthermore, neither simvastatin (a lipid lowering agent) nor cytochalasin D (an inhibitor of actin polymerization), influenced the inhibitory effect of amitriptyline on bronchoconstriction. In conclusion, amitriptyline inhibits bronchoconstriction independently of direct receptor binding or interaction. It also reduces the total number of caveolae without effects on cholesterol lowering pathways or actin depolymerization. A more general mechanism seems likely, as inhibition of single signal transduction pathways failed. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Performance evaluation of grid connected photovoltaic pilot plant in saharan climate using experimental and numerical analysis

Abstract Algeria has made significant progress in developing its renewable energy capacity, particularly in utilizing solar resources to meet growing electricity demand. As part of this effort, several large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants have been established in the southern desert regions. This study evaluates the performance of a 1.1 MW grid-connected pilot PV plant located in Ghardaia, consisting of eight subfields, six fixed and two equipped with motorized solar tracking, utilizing multiple PV technologies. The plant’s performance is assessed over a 12-month period (January–December 2016) using both experimental data and simulations conducted with the PVGIS tool. Key performance indicators include the capacity factor (CF), reference yield (Yr), final yield (Yf), and performance ratio (PR). Experimentally measured annual averages were CF = 22.66%, Yr = 195.79 kWh/kWp, Yf = 154.96 kWh/kWp, and PR = 0.80. PVGIS simulations returned CF = 23.66%, Yr = 205.76 kWh/kWp, Yf = 173.83 kWh/kWp, and PR = 0.85. Strong correlations were found between PR and air temperature (R² = 0.8995), output power and irradiation (R² = 0.8577), and output power and module temperature (R² = 0.8577). These results confirm the plant’s strong performance and support its scalability across Algeria’s harsh Saharan climate.

Conductive cellulosic pulp composites reinforced with copper-silica hybrid

Abstract The rice straw pulp black liquor (RSBL) is high-alkalinity wastewater rich in silica, which renders its known use as a fuel in pulping mills difficult. We explored the economic utilization of RSBL via alkaline precipitation, affording metal lignin/silica hybrids. Our current study focuses on exploring the electrical characteristics of newly developed composites by integrating different ratios of a prepared conductive copper/lignin/silica (Cu–LSF) hybrid into rice straw cellulosic pulp, produced through solar pulping. We also compare the properties of these rice straw-based composites with those prepared using conventionally pulped bagasse. All the prepared samples were characterized using a combination of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Their permittivity and dielectric loss were also measured. Rice straw-based composites containing higher dielectric silica contents exhibited superior permittivity and dielectric loss performance compared to bagasse-based composites.

Effectiveness and safety of escitalopram treatment personalized based on therapeutic drug monitoring of drug plasma concentration: a prospective cohort study

Abstract This is the first prospective study aiming to quantify the effectiveness and safety of escitalopram monotherapy initiation where therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was used to achieve the therapeutic reference range (TRR) of plasma concentration. PsyCise-E (NCT05210140) was a hospital-based study conducted in Belgrade, Serbia, involving 92 outpatients with a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score higher than 13. The primary endpoint was the relative reduction in HAM-D score from baseline to week eight, with dose personalization based on TDM four weeks after treatment initiation. Patients were categorized into groups: (1) unadjusted (they achieved TRR at 10 mg/day), (2) adjusted (their dose was adjusted to achieve TRR) and (3) inadequate (they did not reach TRR). Safety was assessed by the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and QTc interval prolongation. Most patients required a dose escalation beyond 10 mg/day (71/92), and most patients achieved TRR after eight weeks (79/92). The 55% (95% CI: 47–64) reduction in HAM-D scores did not correlate with escitalopram plasma concentrations and did not differ between groups; however, response and remission rates were significantly higher in patients who achieved TRR by week four. The incidence of ADRs (47/92) increased by 3.2% (0.1–6.3) per ng/ml escitalopram, with no significant differences between the groups. QTc prolongation of 5.5 ms (1.8–9.3) did not correlate with plasma concentration and did not differ between groups. While TDM-guided dosing likely only marginally improved escitalopram effectiveness, it increased treatment safety as TDM-guided dose escalation did not lead to ADRs or QTc prolongation.

The effects of biophilic design on steering performance in virtual reality

Abstract Biophilic design aims to connect people to nature by incorporating natural elements such as plants in built environments. In immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, experiments have shown that, for instance, the presence of virtual plants in VR leads to higher cognitive performance and psychological well-being. However, it has not been investigated so far whether such effects extend to the performance of spatial interaction tasks such as path steering. In this paper, we explore the effects of the presence of virtual plants in an immersive virtual office environment on path steering performance in VR. For this purpose, we combined and replicated two previous studies in this field. The results of our study did not find an effect of the presence of virtual plants on steering time, as our participants performed all steering tasks in a similar amount of time in both biophilic and non-biophilic environments. We could, however, replicate one of the original studies on path steering in VR by Liu et al. and show that the steering time in our study also follows the extension of the steering law proposed in their work. Accordingly, we found not only a significant effect of the length ( $$p<.001$$ , effect size: partial eta squared $$=.93$$ ) and width ( $$p<.001$$ , effect size =.96) of the steering path, but also a significant effect of the path curvature ( $$p=.003$$ , effect size $$=.64$$ ) on the time needed for steering through the path. We also found significant effects of path latitude ( $$p<.001$$ , effect size $$=.57$$ ) and longitude ( $$p=.01$$ , effect size $$=.18$$ ) on steering time. Our findings challenge the previous research, which demonstrated the positive effects of biophilic design in VR on cognitive processes, and therefore, pave the path for future work to better understand the effects of biophilic design on users’ performance in VR.

Fire performance and spalling mitigation in high-strength and eps-modified mortars under transient thermal exposure

Abstract High-strength cementitious composites are highly susceptible to explosive spalling at elevated temperatures, necessitating innovative fire resilience strategies. This study investigates the dual role of expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads as both lightweight aggregate and spalling mitigator in mortars subjected to short-term, rapid thermal exposure. High-strength mortar (HSM) and EPS-modified mortar were exposed to temperatures up to 600 °C with brief dwell times (10–30 min), followed by furnace or water cooling. Residual properties and microstructural evolution were systematically evaluated. Results revealed a fundamental temperature-dependent shift in EPS performance. At 400 °C, EPS incorporation prevented explosive spalling across all cooling regimes by generating porosity that dissipated internal vapor pressure, while plain HSM suffered severe spalling. Both mixtures showed strength gains at 200 °C due to thermal activation, though EPS mortar exhibited attenuated improvements. At 400 °C, EPS mortar experienced progressive strength loss attributed to bead decomposition and resulting porosity increases. EPS-enhanced thermal insulation was confirmed through significantly reduced core temperatures. However, under extreme conditions (600 °C), EPS decomposition triggered catastrophic spalling. Microstructural analysis showed EPS-induced voids transitioned from beneficial pores to critical defects with increasing temperature, while elemental analysis confirmed degradation was primarily physical rather than chemical. These findings demonstrate EPS’s viability for spalling mitigation in moderate fire scenarios, though its application requires careful temperature management. The study underscores the importance of evaluating fire mitigation materials under realistic transient heating conditions.

Structural, electronic and thermodynamic properties of triatomic borate-terminated MXene surfaces

Abstract MXenes, a rapidly growing family of two-dimensional carbides and nitrides, have attracted attention for their high electrical conductivity and highly tunable surface chemistry. The recent synthesis of MXenes featuring triatomic borate (BO $$_{2}$$ ) terminations via a molten route further expanded the range of achievable surface functionalities. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to systematically investigate a selection of BO $$_{2}$$ -terminated MXenes, including Ti $$_{2}$$ N, Ti $$_{2}$$ C, V $$_{2}$$ C, Nb $$_{2}$$ C, Ta $$_{2}$$ C, Ti $$_{3}$$ C $$_{2}$$ , Ti $$_{4}$$ N $$_{3}$$ , Ti $$_{4}$$ C $$_{3}$$ , V $$_{4}$$ C $$_{3}$$ , Nb $$_{4}$$ C $$_{3}$$ , and Ta $$_{4}$$ C $$_{3}$$ . Our calculations reveal that such BO $$_{2}$$ polyanionic terminations significantly distort the MXene lattice, increasing the thickness of each M $$_{n+1}$$ X $$_{n}$$ layer compared to the corresponding parent MAX phases. These structural changes are accompanied by pronounced near-surface charge transfer, indicative of strong bonding interactions between the MXene and BO $$_{2}$$ functional groups. Electronic structure analysis further demonstrates that surface BO $$_{2}$$ units introduce additional electronic states near the Fermi level, potentially enhancing transport properties relative to Cl-terminated MXenes. Thermodynamic modeling confirms that triatomic borate terminations are energetically favorable under realistic experimental conditions, explaining why these groups can dominate over chlorine terminations during the reported synthesis route. Collectively, our results elucidate how borate functionalization reshapes the structural and electronic properties of MXenes, offering valuable insights into the strategic engineering of advanced two-dimensional materials tailored for multifunctional applications.

Robot movement planning for obstacle avoidance using reinforcement learning

Abstract In modern industrial and laboratory environments, robotic arms often operate in complex, cluttered spaces. Ensuring reliable obstacle avoidance and efficient motion planning is therefore essential for safe performance. Motivated by the shortcomings of traditional path planning methods and the growing demand for intelligent automation, we propose a novel reinforcement learning framework that combines a modified artificial potential field (APF) method with the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm. Our model is formulated in a continuous environment, which more accurately reflects real-world conditions compared to discrete models. This approach directly addresses the common local optimum issues of conventional APF, enabling the robot arm to navigate complex three-dimensional spaces, optimize its end-effector trajectory, and ensure full-body collision avoidance. Our main contributions include the integration of reinforcement learning factors into the APF framework and the design of a tailored reward mechanism with a compensation term to correct for suboptimal motion directions. This design not only mitigates the inherent limitations of APF in environments with closely spaced obstacles, but also improves performance in both simple and complex scenarios. Extensive experiments show that our method achieves safe and efficient obstacle avoidance with fewer steps and lower energy consumption compared to baseline models, including a TD3-based variant. These results clearly demonstrate the significant potential of our approach to advance robot motion planning in practical applications.

An authoritarianism-compatible text changes British attitudes towards EU immigration

Abstract Immigration was a major point of contention for voters in 2024, a record year for elections. Here we test whether British attitudes towards immigration become more positive when participants are exposed to a framed text. In the study (n = 3067), which uses a sample sourced from YouGov that is representative for age, education, gender and politics, participants are exposed to a short text written to be compatible with moderate levels of what political psychologists call ‘authoritarianism’ that also incorporates factual arguments and an emotional appeal. We find that people exposed to this text as opposed to a control text or a low authoritarianism text feel they share more values with a fictitious EU immigrant, and are more positive towards EU immigration. There are also differences in overall immigration attitudes after reading the authoritarianism-compatible text relative to the control, but these are smaller, and do not differ significantly from the low authoritarianism text. These findings demonstrate that persuasion is possible on contentious issues like immigration, and are consistent with the idea that authoritarianism-compatible arguments might be particularly effective for culturally similar forms of immigration (such as EU immigration to the UK).

Frankincense oil nanoemulsion induces selective cytotoxicity and over ROS-mediated oxidative stress and apoptotic DNA damage in Hep-G2 hepatic cancer cells

Abstract Frankincense oil nanoemulsion (FONE) exhibits high bioavailability, enhanced cellular uptake, and improved kinetic stability, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications. However, its potential effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain insufficiently explored. This study consequently investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of FONE on human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cells, focusing on cell viability, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the regulation of apoptosis-related genes. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated in Hep-G2 hepatic cancer cells and normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF) using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Oxidative stress markers, DNA damage, and apoptotic gene expression were assessed through biochemical analysis, alkaline comet assay, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (2,7-DCFH-DA) staining. Treatment with FONE at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 µg/ml for 48 h caused a significant, concentration-dependent reduction in Hep-G2 cell viability, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 176.14 µg/ml, while showing minimal cytotoxicity in HSF cells (IC50 = 515.7 µg/ml). Mechanistic investigations revealed that exposure to FONE IC50 concentration (176.14 µg/ml) significantly elevated ROS level, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde level), accompanied by a marked decline in antioxidant defenses, including glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity. Gene expression analysis showed notable upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes p53 and Bax, alongside a strong downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, in a concentration-dependent manner. FONE exerts selective cytotoxic effects against Hep-G2 cells, mediated by ROS-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis induction. These findings highlight FONE’s potential as a targeted therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. Further in vivo investigations and clinical evaluations are recommended to validate its efficacy and safety.

Pharmacological evaluation of levofloxacin residue depletion and hemato-biochemical alterations in broiler chickens using a validated HPLC method

Abstract The extensive use of antibiotics in poultry farming has raised significant concerns regarding drug residues in edible tissues and their implications for public health. This study investigates the withdrawal period and physiological effects of levofloxacin following intramuscular administration in broiler chickens. Forty healthy male broilers were divided into four groups to receive levofloxacin at 10 mg/kg body weight for four consecutive days, with sampling performed at days 5, 7, and 9 post-treatment. Residues of levofloxacin in liver, kidney, and breast muscle were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hematological and biochemical parameters were also evaluated, including liver and kidney function markers and antioxidant enzymes. The results revealed a significant presence of levofloxacin residues in all tissues on days 5 and 7, with levels falling below maximum residue limits by day 9. Hematological analysis showed temporary alterations in red and white blood cell counts, while biochemical tests indicated transient elevations in liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers, which normalized by day 9. These findings highlight the importance of observing an adequate withdrawal period to ensure food safety and support the recommendation that broiler tissues are safe for human consumption nine days after the last dose of levofloxacin. All animal procedures were approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University (Approval No. FPDU14/2024) and followed the ARRIVE guidelines. The findings provide practical guidance for poultry farmers to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and withdrawal periods.

Curiosity and surprise differentially affect memory depending on age

Abstract State and trait epistemic curiosity can promote various aspects of cognition and behavior. However, possible age-related changes, a link to surprise, and formal education remain understudied. In three behavioral experiments, with n = 54 in experiment 1, n = 81 in experiment 2, and n = 196 in experiment 3, we could show that state but not trait epistemic curiosity drives long-term memory for relevant information in young and healthy older adults (experiment 1 and 2). This effect was further modulated by surprise in young but less in older adults, which is compatible with predictive coding theories and the notion of a quadratic effect of arousal on cognition that vanishes with age (experiment 2). Finally, in a mediation model, state epistemic curiosity could be predicted directly from trait epistemic curiosity and indirectly via formal education (experiment 3). Our findings specify how state and trait curiosity, together with surprise, promote learning and facilitate knowledge acquisition across the adult lifespan.

Unveiling the role of perineural telocytes in mechanosensation, structural insights into their association with herbst and ruffini corpuscles in the quail beak

Abstract This study investigates the structural organization of telocytes (TCs) in the quail beak, focusing on their association with mechanoreceptors like Herbst and Ruffini corpuscles. By exploring these features, the study aim to expand the understanding of TCs’ role in mechanosensation and sensory modulation. Paraffin sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin revealed TCs surrounding both Herbst and Ruffini corpuscles, as well as nerve fibers. Similar findings observed using Mallory Trichrome staining, which highlighted TCs around these sensory structures. Methylene Blue staining further confirmed the presence of TCs in these areas. Semi-thin sections stained with Toluidine Blue also showed TCs encircling the sensory corpuscles, consistent with other techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided detailed ultrastructural insights, revealing TCs near the Herbst corpuscle, with a prominent nucleus, telopodes, and podoms, while TCs around the Ruffini corpuscle exhibited similar features. These findings have clinical relevance, as TCs increasingly recognized for their role in nerve repair and regeneration. Their involvement in sensory modulation suggests potential therapeutic applications for conditions involving nerve injury or sensory dysfunction. Immunohistochemical analysis of quail beak. Using CD34, VEGF, CD21, and CD68 IHC, TCs observed to form a three-dimensional (3D) network around the nerve. The clinical relevance of these findings was significant, as TCs increasingly recognized for their role in nerve repair and regeneration. Their involvement in sensory modulation suggests potential therapeutic avenues for conditions related to nerve injury or sensory dysfunction. Ongoing research into TCs will further deepen our understanding of their functions in sensory systems and may pave the way for novel treatments for sensory disorders.

Bi-objective jellyfish algorithm for team formation problem

Projecting the global spread of xylella fastidiosa under climate change using maxent modeling

Characteristics related to biomarkers of neutrophil, eosinophil, and mast cell activation

Abstract Systemic inflammation is important in many medical conditions. Activation markers of inflammatory cells can be quantified, but are less studied. Therefore, we studied individual characteristics and diseases in relation to neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), both for neutrophils, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and mast cell tryptase. Spirometry and serum biomarkers were assessed in 498 participants (252 males) aged ≥ 40 years from the Uppsala center of the population-based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Higher MPO, NGAL and EDN levels related to heart disease. Higher ECP and EDN levels were both related to asthma while higher EDN related to male sex and atopy. Higher tryptase levels were found in subjects with obesity, chronic airflow limitation (CAL), or hypertension. In multivariate analyses, subjects with heart disease had 22.1% (95% confidence interval 4.1%, 43.3%) higher MPO, 19.3% (7.8%, 31.9%) higher NGAL, and 23.2% (3.0%, 47.3%) higher EDN than subjects without heart disease. The association between CAL and tryptase was not consistent after adjustment for age and BMI as continuous variables. The higher EDN levels in heart disease is a novel finding that require further studies to elucidate the clinical importance.