Browse Articles

Interface agent modified by ternary polymers for ceramic tile of old walls based on grey relational analysis

The Interface Agent for Old Wall Tiles (IAWT) is an environmentally friendly material. However, its application in engineering is limited by its tendency to lose adhesion under harsh conditions. Factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, wind vibrations, rainfall, and thermal stress negatively affect the bond strength of IAWT. This study investigated the effects of PTB emulsion on various properties of IAWT, including bond strength, freeze-thaw resistance, wind vibration resistance, compressive-flexural ratio, water absorption, and microstructure. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to examine the impact of three key factors on the macroscopic properties of IAWT. The results indicated that increasing the ratio of PTB emulsion to water (P/W) improved bond strength under normal environmental conditions and enhanced freeze-thaw and wind vibration resistance. Furthermore, a higher P/W ratio reduced both the compressive-flexural ratio and water absorption. The addition of PTB emulsion slowed the hydration reaction, increased the number of micropores, and reduced the cumulative pore volume. Furthermore, it enhances the bond strength between the coating and the base layer, thereby increasing the durability of the renovation project for old walls. These enhancements yield positive economic and environmental benefits.

Local field potential changes during euthanasia may parallel with near death experience

Photoinduced copper-catalysed deracemization of alkyl halides

Depression as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease: A human post-mortem study

Depression is associated with persistent low mood. In mid to late life, it has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with evidence that depression might be an early manifestation of AD. Although the underlying mechanisms by which depression enhances AD development remain unknown, there are several features commonly seen in both diseases such as the presence of neuroinflammation. In this study, we aimed to identify whether neuroinflammation is increased in depression as observed in the early stages of AD by examining post-mortem human brain tissue. Post-mortem human brain tissue from 54 cases with depression and 37 controls without depression were retrieved from the Douglas Bell Canada Brain Bank. Sixteen early-stage AD cases defined as a Braak stage III-IV and 15 controls were sourced from the South West Dementia Brain Bank. Frozen tissue from the dorsal prefrontal cortex was obtained for all cases in order to measure inflammatory proteins (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, and TNF-α) and endothelial markers (ICAM-1, VCAM) using ELISA and MesoScale Multiplex Assays. In the depression group, increase of IL-6 and IL-10, and decrease of IL-1β were observed compared to controls, with no changes detected for the other cytokines and the endothelial markers. In early-stage AD cases, only increased ICAM-1 expression was found compared to controls, indicating endothelial activation as an early feature of AD. None of the cytokines measured showed alteration of their expression in early-stage AD cases. Depression, but not AD, was associated with evidence of neuroinflammation. Depression may increase AD risk through different mechanism(s) than inflammation.

Is the solution composition and external magnetic field influencing FeNi film deposition – physicochemical and tribological studies

Abstract The iron-nickel films were deposited on the two metallic substrates (Cu, CuZn) from a mixture of iron and nickel salts and in the external magnetic field (EMF) presence. The films were electrodeposited in the fixed value of an electric current density and the time conditions. The EMF orientation and the electrochemical bath composition—molar ratio of Fe:Ni were changeable, parallel or perpendicular, and 1:1 or 1:2, respectively. Examined layers present variable surface morphologies and compositions depending on the substrates and the presence or absence of the EMF. Layers quality was analyzed using: scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Tribo-mechanical properties (roughness, wear tracks) were registered using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The observed results show that a variation in the surface morphology and the alloy composition is related to the electrolyte composition (Fe:Ni ratio) and the presence or absence of EMF. Higher Fe content in the electrolyte (Fe:Ni, 1:1) causes more significant anomalous deposition and an increase of tribo-mechanical parameters. The tribological parameters (S sk , S ku , COF) depend on the electrolyte composition and substrate’s properties as a result of the film’s growth condition. The reduction in the thickness of the deposited layer (both electrolyte’s ratios) after applying an external magnetic field is the result of the increase of roughness parameters.

Techno-economic assessment of effervescent tablet-based nanofluids

The techno-economics of producing effervescent tablet-based nanofluids in start-up industries was investigated. The thermophysical properties, equipment costs, consumables, and operational expenditures for the production methods were determined. Electrical costs for running the devices were assessed based on the lowest, average, and highest prices worldwide. Key financial metrics, including accumulated project cost, interest, annual cost, operating expenses, production cost, payback and discounted payback periods, and internal rate of return (IRR) were calculated for different interest rates and amounts of sold products. The thermal performance under laminar and turbulent flow conditions and cost effectiveness were determined. The results showed that the effervescent tablet-based nanofluid was more favourable than its conventional counterpart. This is because of the lower equipment cost for the effervescent tablet process compared to its counterpart. The interest rate showed significant influence on the annual and product costs for both types of projects. Electrical cost had a minimal impact on the previous costs for both project cases. In addition, the effervescent tablet-based project outperformed its counterpart in terms of payback period, discounted payback period, IRR, and thermal performance, making it an optimal choice for investors and decision-makers.

Mediterranean diet and prime diet quality score are associated with reduced risk of premature coronary artery disease in Iran: a multi-centric case-control study

Are screens harming teens? What scientists can do to find answers

Retraction: Study of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial profile of nosocomial infections and their antibiotic resistance in a referral center, Southwest Iran: A three year cross-sectional study

Genome-wide screening and validation of exosome-derived TLN1 as a regulator of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in lung cancer

Allopurinol attenuates development of Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced cardiomyopathy in mice

Oxidative stress is involved in the progression of periodontitis, independently of confounding factors such as smoking, and numerous studies suggest that periodontitis is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, therefore, we examined the effects of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol on cardiac dysfunction in mice treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PG-LPS) at a dose (0.8 mg/kg/day) equivalent to the circulating level in patients with periodontal disease. Mice were divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) PG-LPS, 3) allopurinol, and 4) PG-LPS +  allopurinol. After1 week, we evaluated cardiac function by echocardiography. The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased in PG-LPS-treated mice compared to the control (from 68 ±  1.3 to 60 ±  2.7%), while allopurinol ameliorated the dysfunction (67 ±  1.1%). The area of cardiac fibrosis was significantly increased (approximately 3.6-fold) and the number of apoptotic myocytes was significantly increased (approximately 7.7-fold) in the heart of the PG-LPS-treated group versus the control, and these changes were suppressed by allopurinol. The impairment of cardiac function in PG-LPS-treated mice was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species by xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase 4, leading to calmodulin kinase II activation with increased ryanodine receptor 2 phosphorylation. These changes were also suppressed by allopurinol. Our results suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in the PG-LPS-promoted development of cardiac diseases, and further indicate that allopurinol ameliorates Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction.

A continuous kinematic calibration method for accuracy maintenance of industrial robot based on recursive least squares algorithm

Experiences of Indigenous peoples living with pelvic health conditions: A scoping review

Background Pelvic health conditions significantly impact quality of life and are prevalent in the general population. Urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain are examples of pelvic health conditions. A scoping review was conducted to understand what is currently known about pelvic health conditions experienced by Indigenous populations worldwide. To date, no such review has been reported. Methods A scoping review methodology was used. In February 2024, a search was conducted, capturing both primary and grey literature. An iterative process of abstract and full text screening was conducted by two reviewers before proceeding to data extraction. Inclusion criteria focused on English publications and reports of pelvic health conditions experienced by Indigenous peoples. Data was collected in Google Sheets, and then underwent descriptive statistical analysis. Publications that provided qualitative data were further analyzed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 242 publications were included in the analysis. Several patterns emerged: most publications originated from English-speaking regions, fewer than half of publications specifically recruited Indigenous peoples, women participated in more studies than men, and bladder conditions were most frequently reported. Perceptions of pelvic health conditions and experiences with help seeking and the health care system were described. Notable gaps were a lack of publications and representation of Indigenous peoples from China, Russia, and Nordic countries, minimal representation of gender diverse populations, few publications reporting on auto-immune and bowel conditions, and limited mention of trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches. Conclusions This study highlights gaps in the current literature around gender representation, bowel and auto-immune conditions, regional representation, and the use of safety frameworks, which may inform future research initiatives. It also summarizes the existing literature, which may inform clinical and health system-level decision making.

Effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum in mitigating Beet curly top Iran virus infection in tomato plants

Do smartphones and social media really harm teens’ mental health?

Healthcare professionals interpersonal variability and determinants of medical decision thresholds for active management of extremely preterm infants in a level 3 perinatal center in France

Background Before 26 weeks of gestational age, because extremely preterm infants (EPI) face a high risk of death or disability, management decisions may involve either active treatment or palliative care. Survival chances largely depend on the willingness of medical teams and parents to opt for active management. Variability of practices explains differences in survival between countries and regions, and interpersonal variability may also exist among caregivers within the same center. Our objective was to study the variability of management decisions and their determinants among caregivers in a French type 3 maternity hospital. Methods All caregivers, obstetricians, pediatricians, and midwives, involved in the management of EPI in a type 3 perinatal center were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Each respondent reported their personal thresholds for deciding on active management, defined as the unborn child’s estimated likelihood of survival without severe neonatal morbidity. Median and interquartile ranges (IQR) of these thresholds were calculated and compared by respondent characteristics. Results 85 (75%) eligible professionals responded. The median threshold of survival without severe neonatal morbidity below which active management was deemed impossible was 15% (IQR 10-30%), while the median threshold above which active management could not be refused was 80% (IQR 70-90%). Wide IQRs indicated significant variability in individual thresholds. This variability appeared to be influenced by profession and gender but was not associated with factors such as having children, age, experience, or the personal estimates of the neonates’ outcomes. Conclusions Decision thresholds for active management of EPI, expressed in terms of survival without severe neonatal morbidity, vary significantly among professionals. The thresholds reported in our study were notably higher than those observed in other countries, which may help explain the lower rates of active management before 26 weeks in France. Recognizing these differences and comparing personal thresholds with peers could facilitate more consensus-based decision-making within teams.

Publisher Correction: Extreme heat affects blueberry pollen nutrition, bee health, and plant reproduction

Prevalence and associated factors of chronic kidney disease among adults receiving antiretroviral therapy at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves life expectancy in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is greater in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in the general population, and it is becoming a significant public health issue, increasing disease progression and complicating treatment. However, patients in Africa are not routinely screened due to resource constraints, which leads to a high CKD burden. Identifying the predisposing factors is the crux of mitigating the burden of CKD. We investigate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among PLWH at the Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2 to September 3, 2022, at the HUCSH ART clinic, in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 338 PLWH through interview and medical record review. Renal function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the “Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration” (CKD-EPI) formula. Data were entered in Epidata version 3.01 and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with CKD among PLWH. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to show the strength of the association. The goodness of fit of the model was checked by the Hosmer and Lemeshow test. The statistical significance of associations was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results The study included 338 PLWH with a response rate of 96%. The mean (standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 44.4 ( ± 10.9) years. The female-to-male ratio was 1:1.8. The prevalence of CKD was 7.7% [95% CI: 5–10.7%]. History of alcohol use [AOR: 5.4; 95%CI: 1.32, 21.7], having chronic medical illness [AOR: 5.3; 95%CI: 1.45, 19.1], late stage of HIV [AOR: 5.2; 95%CI: 1.1, 25.3], opportunistic infections [AOR: 5.4; 95%CI: 1.25, 23.4], and low baseline hemoglobin level [AOR: 7.9; 95%CI: 2.58, 24.4] were significantly associated with CKD. Conclusion The study found that CKD prevalence in PLWH was high. Factors associated with CKD include alcohol use, chronic medical illness, advanced WHO HIV stage, opportunistic infections, and low hemoglobin. Therefore, PLWH should be regularly screened for early diagnosis and management of CKD, and those with associated factors should be closely monitored.

Low-energy physics and finite-size effects in nonuniform parafermion chains

Association of microRNA-210-3p with NT-proBNP, sST2, and Galectin-3 in heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction: A cross-sectional study

Background Heart failure (HF) is a growing health problem and around two percent are affected in the general population. Accurate diagnostic markers that have the potential for early diagnosis of HF are lacking. This study aimed to compare the expression levels of microRNA-210-3p with biomarkers NT-proBNP, sST2, and galectin-3, in heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fractions. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 hypertensive heart failure patients in the age group of 30 to 75 years of both genders. The participants with evidence of HF were recruited from the Department of Cardiology in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. MicroRNA-210-3p was analyzed by qRT-PCR in a stratified sample of 80 HF patients and 20 apparently healthy individuals. Biomarkers were analyzed by ELISA. Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (4.2.1). Based on the type of distribution of data, appropriate statistical tools were used. p-value ≤  0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results All the biomarkers including microRNA-210-3p were significantly higher in HFrEF than in HFpEF. MAGGIC score showed a positive correlation with all the biomarkers. The cut-off of microRNA-210-3p was 5.03. Conclusion All the biomarkers were significantly elevated in HFrEF compared to HFpEF. However, microRNA-210-3p could be an early marker in the diagnosis of heart failure. The strategy of employing a multi-marker approach could help in the early diagnosis as well as in stratifying the HF patients.