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Reverse electron transport drives metabolic changes in obesity
Carbon felt modified with bismuth and asphalt-derived carbon as a high-performance electrode for vanadium redox flow batteries
Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are among the most promising large-scale energy storage systems, owing to high efficiency, scalability, and long cycle life. However, their widespread adoption is often hindered by sluggish electrode reaction kinetics, particularly at the anode. This investigation aimed to address these limitations by introducing bismuth-doped carbon (Bi/C) nanoparticles synthesized from asphalt and bismuth onto thermally treated carbon felt (TCF) to prepare Bi and C co-deposited thermally treated carbon felt (Bi/C-TCF), leveraging the synergistic effects between the two components. The synthesis process involved spray drying followed by high-temperature calcination, resulting in a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the V3+/V2+ redox couple. Electrochemical testing revealed that the Bi/C-TCF electrode significantly outperformed the conventional TCF electrode, exhibiting reduced polarization during charge-discharge cycles and enhanced catalytic activity as evidenced by its superior reaction rate constants K0 (2.37 × 10−2 and 2.75 × 10−2 cm/s) compared to TCF (2.08 × 10−2 and 2.10 × 10−2 cm/s). In single-cell tests, the Bi/C-TCF electrode, used as the negative electrode, demonstrated superior voltage efficiency (VE) and energy efficiency (EE) across various current densities. It achieved a power density of up to 1054.3 mW/cm2, significantly outperforming TCF’s 825.9 mW/cm2. After 1000 cycles, the VE and EE remained stable at 86.2% and 85.0%, respectively, whereas the TCF cell saw a rapid decline in VE and EE to below 70% after just 515 cycles. These findings highlight the potential of Bi/C nanoparticles as a scalable and cost-effective solution for enhancing the performance and durability of VRFBs, leveraging low-cost raw materials such as asphalt.
Systems serology-based comparison of humoral immune responses induced by liposome or aluminum hydroxide adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Abstract Adjuvants play a crucial role in enhancing vaccine-induced immune responses by shaping the magnitude and quality of humoral and cellular immunity. However, the mechanism through which different adjuvants modulate effector functions is not fully understood. Here, we developed an International Vaccine Institute liposome-based adjuvant (ILA) and comprehensively compared humoral immune profiles in mice following the administration of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein formulated with either ILA or aluminum hydroxide (alum) using a systems serology approach. No significant differences were observed in antigen-specific total IgG and neutralizing antibody titers between the two adjuvanted groups. However, the ILA group demonstrated a broader spectrum of humoral immune responses, exhibiting higher levels of antigen-specific IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 compared to the alum group. In addition, S-specific antibody binding to Fcγ receptor (FcγR) 1 and FcγR4 was significantly higher in the ILA group compared to alum. Moreover, Fc-mediated effector functions, such as antibody-mediated monocyte and neutrophil phagocytosis, were significantly more active in the ILA-adjuvanted group. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ILA induces antibodies with superior FcγR binding and Fc-mediated effector functions compared to alum, highlighting its potential role in improving vaccine-induced immunity.
Integration of haptic virtual reality simulators in undergraduate dental curricula: A survey-based study in Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Background The integration of haptic simulators in contemporary dental education has been reported to improve students’ hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills during pre-clinical education to facilitate a smooth transition to the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess the integration of haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) in undergraduate dental curricula in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Methods All dental schools offering undergraduate dental programs in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study design. Data was collected using an online survey on a voluntary basis and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results Out of 34 dental schools, responses were received from 30 dental schools (response rate 88.2%). In terms of haptic integration, only two (6.7%) dental institutions have adopted haptic simulation in undergraduate dental education. However, a considerable proportion of schools (n = 13, 46.4%) expressed an interest in the future use of haptic technology. The key strengths of HRVS included the integration of modern technology, opportunities for self-directed learning, development and consolidation of manual skills, and boosting self-confidence amongst undergraduate dental students. Financial cost and limited patient cases in the HRVS library were regarded as the main barriers to widespread use of this technology. Conclusion Although the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have strong economies with a high gross domestic product (GDP), only a limited number of dental schools have incorporated haptic technology in their curricula. Nevertheless, a high proportion of dental schools in the region are actively considering purchasing and implementation of haptic devices in undergraduate dental programs.
The relationship between acid-sensing ion channel, ASIC2, and oncogenic β-catenin signaling in ovarian cancer
Decline in oral function contributes to decreased activities of daily living at discharge in elderly patients with heart failure
Low body weight is associated with decreased capacity for performing activities of daily living (ADLs) after discharge in patients with heart failure (HF). In particular, malnutrition and low body mass index (BMI) are considered poor prognostic factors. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between oral function and low body weight as well as the ability to perform ADLs in older patients with HF. To this end, we retrospectively examined patients with HF aged 75 years or older who had undergone oral function assessments. We examined various factors including age, sex, BMI, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Oral Health Assessment Tool-Japanese version (OHAT-J) scores, Barthel Index (BI) scores, and length of hospital stay. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their OHAT-J scores (OHAT-J ≤ 2 or OHAT-J ≥ 3), and their characteristics, including individual survey items, were compared. Additional correlation analyses were performed for BI at discharge. We found a negative correlation between the total OHAT-J score and BI at discharge. Specifically, lower BIs at discharge were observed in the group with poor scores for the items “lips,” “saliva,” and “dentures.” Oral dysfunction was associated with decreased ability to perform ADLs at discharge in older patients with HF. Thus, interdisciplinary interventions targeting oral health may improve the prognosis of patients with HF.
Brute-force attack mitigation on remote access services via software-defined perimeter
Utility-based optimization of Fujikawa’s basket trial design – Pre-specified protocol of a comparison study
Basket trial designs are a type of master protocol in which the same therapy is tested in several strata of the patient cohort. Many basket trial designs implement borrowing mechanisms. These allow sharing information between similar strata with the goal of increasing power in responsive strata while at the same time constraining type-I error inflation to a bearable threshold. These borrowing mechanisms can be tuned using numerical tuning parameters. The optimal choice of these tuning parameters is subject to research. In a comparison study using simulations and numerical calculations, we are planning to investigate the use of utility functions for quantifying the compromise between power and type-I error inflation and the use of numerical optimization algorithms for optimizing these functions. The present document is the protocol of this comparison study, defining each step of the study in accordance with the ADEMP scheme for pre-specification of simulation studies.
Effect of magnetic stirring and different additives on the synthesis of zeolites from MSWI fly ash
Identification of biomarkers associated with inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease by bioinformatics and machine learning
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. The inflammatory response is essential in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. The goal of this study is to combine bioinformatics and machine learning to screen for biomarker genes related to the inflammatory response in PD. First, differentially expressed genes associated with inflammatory response were screened, PPI networks were constructed and enriched for analysis. LASSO, SVM-RFE and Random Forest algorithms were used to screen biomarker genes. Then, ROC curves were drawn and PD risk predicting models were constructed on the basis of the biomarker genes. Finally, drug sensitivity analysis, mRNA-miRNA network construction and single-cell transcriptome data analysis were performed. The experimental results showed that we screened 31 differentially expressed genes related to inflammatory response. Signaling pathways such as cytokine activity were associated with these genes. Three biomarkers were identified using machine learning algorithms: IL18R1, NMUR1 and RELA. Seventeen co-associated miRNAs were identified by the mRNA-miRNA network as possible regulatory nodes in PD. Finally, these three biomarkers were found to be closely associated with T cells, Endothelial cells, excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, and other cells in single-cell transcriptomic analysis. In conclusion, IL18R1, NMUR1 and RELA could be potential therapeutic targets for PD in inflammatory response and new biomarkers for PD diagnosis.
Serum alpha-klotho levels associate with bone mineral density in chronic kidney disease patients from NHANES 2011 to 2016
Impact of vitamin D on glycemic control and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Vitamin D has been increasingly recognized for its potential role in modulating various health conditions, including diabetes and its complications. Despite growing evidence suggesting that adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated microvascular complications, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the connection among vitamin D status, glycemic control, and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, thereby highlighting the importance of vitamin D in diabetes management.This analytical cross-sectional study included 199 type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients from the Jahrom city endocrinology clinic. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and their microvascular complications (microalbuminuria, retinopathy, neuropathy, macroalbuminuria) and glycemic control (HbA1C) were measured and confirmed according to ADA guidelines and endocrinologist supervision. All analysis were done with SPSS software. The study enrolled 199 type 2 diabetic patients with a mean age of 56.79 ± 10.8 years, of which 63.3% were female and 57.3% had hypertension. The mean BMI was 28.91 kg/m², and 29.1% of participants had vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of microvascular complications was 25.6% for retinopathy, 14.1% for neuropathy, and 40% for nephropathy. Vitamin D deficiency was notably higher among patients with retinopathy (37.25%), neuropathy (50%), and macroalbuminuria (56.25%). Patients with neuropathy and retinopathy had significantly lesser serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to patients without these complications. There was a slight inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and both the urine albumin creatinine ratio (r = -0.175, p = 0.018) and HbA1C (r = -0.19, p = 0.007). Although the link between vitamin D levels and retinopathy was not statistically significant (η = 0.903, p = 0.68), the alteration in vitamin D levels was suggestively linked with neuropathy (η = 0.975, p < 0.001).Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among type 2 diabetic patients and is related to a higher occurrence of microvascular complications and poorer glycemic control. These findings underscore the potential importance of managing vitamin D levels in reducing complications and improving diabetes outcomes. Future studies should investigate whether oral vitamin D supplements consumption can improve glycemic control and reduce microvascular complications in these patients.
The analysis of generative artificial intelligence technology for innovative thinking and strategies in animation teaching
Evaluating the influence of phosphorus supply on photosynthetic and agronomic performance of two breeding lines of common bean grown under acidic soil and high temperature stress
High temperature stress has a significant effect on the physiological response of the bean crop (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the supply of phosphorus (P) can influence photosynthetic performance, mobilization of photoassimilates and alleviate heat stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of increasing P supply on the response of the photosynthetic apparatus of two breeding lines of common bean grown in acidic soil under high temperature stress conditions in a screenhouse. A completely randomized block design with factorial arrangement was used: i. five levels of P supply (P0, P15, P30 and P45 kg ha-1; and P supplied through organic matter [PSOM at P25]), and ii. two bean lines (BFS 10, SEF 10) with a total of ten treatments and four replications. During the study, the ambient temperature rose to 37°C and 29°C during the day and night, respectively, a high temperature stress condition that significantly affected the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of the two bean lines evaluated. Under these growing conditions, the bean lines adjusted in canopy temperature, reducing leaf temperature by 3.6 to 4.0°C compared to ambient temperature, a process performed more efficiently by SEF 10 compared to BFS 10. Increased P supply improved electron transport chain function, ATP production, PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), the fraction of energy devoted to the photosynthesis process (ΦII); and reduced the amount of energy in the form of heat (ΦNPQ) as the need for heat dissipation manifested through leaf temperature difference (LTD). These adjustments to photosynthetic apparatus translated into superior agronomic performance through greater partitioning of dry matter into grain yield (GY) as revealed by partitioning indices such as pod partitioning index (PPI), pod harvest index (PHI) and harvest index (HI), and yield components including pod number per area (PNA) and seed number per area (SNA). Increased P supply increased leaf P concentration and alleviated the effects of high temperature on the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus in both common bean lines (BFS 10 and SEF 10); and accumulation of sugars in pods and seeds facilitated improved seed yield. These two bean lines can serve as parents in bean breeding programs that aim to combine low P tolerance with high temperature tolerance in acid soil regions of the tropics.
Study of acute lethality, teratogenesis, and metabolomic changes of N-(2’-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA) on Artemia franciscana
Knowledge of the ovulatory cycle and its determinants among women of reproductive age in Papua New Guinea: Insights from a population-based study
Background Correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies and improving women’s reproductive health. However, the factors affecting this knowledge among women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determine the factors influencing women’s knowledge of the ovulatory cycle in PNG. Methods Data from the PNG Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with women’s knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were reported. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of 12,580 women in this study sample, 22% (n = 2,773) had correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Women from the Highlands region (aOR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00–1.88) and the Momase region (aOR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.15–2.13), those who identified as Christians (aOR 3.01, 95% CI: 1.38–6.59), owned a mobile phone (aOR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.59), read a newspaper or magazine (aOR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10–1.54), and had Internet access (aOR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00–1.85) had higher odds of correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Similarly, those who knew any contraceptive method (aOR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.58–2.87) and currently used the modern method (aOR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.56) or traditional/folkloric method (aOR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.36–2.43) were more likely to have correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. However, knowledge of the ovulatory cycle remained lower among women aged 15–24 and 25–34, those with lower education levels, and those from the Southern region. Conclusions In this study, less than a quarter of women had correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Promoting reproductive health knowledge and awareness through educational curricula and mass media platforms could enhance women’s understanding of the ovulatory cycle, particularly among younger and less educated and empower them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Investigating the relationship between luck beliefs causal attributions and well-being through a card game experiment
Proliferative arrest induces neuronal differentiation and innate immune responses in normal and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease agent (CJ) infected rat septal neurons
Rat post-mitotic septal neurons, engineered to reversibly proliferate and arrest under physiological conditions, can be maintained for weeks without cytotoxic effects. Nine representative independent cDNA libraries were made to evaluate global arrest-induced neural differentiation and innate immune responses, e.g., upregulated interferon (β-IFN) RNA, that were previously identified in normal uninfected and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease agent (CJ) infected septal neurons. This reversible cell model encompassed a non-productive latent (CJ−) and a highly infectious (CJ + , 10 logs/gm) state. Arrest of normal uninfected neurons upregulated a plethora of anti-proliferative transcripts and known neuronal differentiation transcripts (e.g., Neuregulin-1, GDF6 and Prnp). As expected, many activated IFN innate immune genes were simultaneously upregulated (e.g., OAS1, ISG20, CD80, cytokines, chemokines and complement) along with clusterin (CLU) that binds misfolded proteins. Arrest of latently infected CJ− cells induced even more profound global transcript differences. CJ+ cells markedly downregulated the anti-proliferative controls seen in arrested normal cells. CJ+ infection also suppressed neuronal differentiation transcripts, including Prnp which is essential for CJ infection. In contrast, IFN and cytokine/chemokine pathways were strongly upregulated. Analysis of the 342 CJ+ unique transcripts revealed additional innate immune and anti-viral-linked transcripts, e.g., Il17, ISG15, and RSAD2 (viperin). These data show: 1) innate immune transcripts are produced by normal neurons during differentiation; 2) CJ infection enhances and expands anti-viral responses; 3) non-productive latent infection can epigenetically imprint many proliferative pathways to thwart complete arrest. This rare cell model of latent infection is fundamental for interrogating triggers of late onset disease that are also relevant for Alzheimer’s Disease. Peripheral human blood and intestinal myeloid cells that are latently infected may also be conditionally stimulated in vitro to produce CJ+ linked diagnostic transcripts.