Association of sedentary behavior and physical activity with occurrence of signs and symptoms in participants of a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with health impairments, while physical activity (PA) has been a protective factor. It is unclear whether SB and PA are associated with occurrence of signs and/or symptoms (SS) during cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) exercise sessions. The objective was to evaluate the association between SB and PA with occurrence of SS.

Sensitive Monitoring of the Minimum Inhibitor Concentration under Real Inorganic Scaling Scenarios.

Flow assurance is a long-term challenge for oil and gas exploration as it plays a key role in designing safe and efficient operation techniques to ensure the uninterrupted transport of reservoir fluids. In this regard, the sensitive monitoring of the scale formation process is important by providing an accurate assessment of the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of antiscale products. The optimum dosage of antiscale inputs is of pivotal relevance as their application at concentrations both lower and higher than MIC can imply pipeline blockages, critically hindering the entire supply chain of oil-related inputs and products to society.

Effects of multisession prefrontal cortex tDCS or taVNS on stress, perceived stress and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized controlled study.

Introduction: Chronic stress is a condition characterized by prolonged stimulation, leading to mental and physical weakness. It can have detrimental effects on individuals' mental health and cognitive function, potentially causing various health issues. This article explores the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), in managing chronic stress and improving sleep quality.

Clinical and Nutritional Aspects and Outcomes of Covid-19 in Cancer and Non-Cancer Pediatric Patients.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been the subject of study by several researchers worldwide since 2020; however, there are points to be clarified. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and nutritional aspects of hospitalized cancer and non-cancer pediatric patients and the association with COVID-19 outcomes. This is a cohort study of hospitalized children and adolescents with a laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19.

Efficacy and safety of a preventive strategy against tuberculosis in liver transplantation recipients including the treatment of latent infection with moxifloxacin.

Background: Preventive management of tuberculosis in liver transplantation (LT) is challenging due to difficulties in detecting and treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of a screening strategy for LTBI with the inclusion of moxifloxacin as treatment.

Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center study of all LTs performed between 2016 and 2019 with a minimum 4-year follow-up and a standardized protocol for the evaluation of LTBI.

Capsaicin Improves Systemic Inflammation, Atherosclerosis, and Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells by Stimulating PPAR Gamma and TRPV1 Receptors.

Background: Capsaicin, a bioactive compound found in peppers, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-lipidemic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of capsaicin on atherosclerosis progression.

Methods: Apolipoprotein E knockout mice and their C57BL/6 controls were utilized to assess blood lipid profile, inflammatory status, and atherosclerotic lesions.

Exploring the Therapeutic Implications of Co-Targeting the EGFR and Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Pathways in Oral Cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC), the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is increasing in incidence, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as the predominant subtype. OSCC mainly affects middle-aged to elderly males, often occurring on the posterior lateral border of the tongue, leading to significant disfigurement and functional impairments, such as swallowing and speech difficulties. Despite advancements in understanding OSCC's genetic and epigenetic variations, survival rates for advanced stages remain low, highlighting the need for new treatment options.

Advanced Polymeric Scaffolds for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Polymeric scaffolds play a pivotal role in tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine strategies, as they offer the possibility to closely mimic the architectural features of the native tissues' extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell performance both in vitro and in vivo, creating a favourable regenerative microenvironment [...

Melatonin and Bacterial Cellulose Regulate the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines, VEGF, PCNA, and Collagen in Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats.

The poor healing of diabetic wounds is characterized by prolonged inflammation and decreased collagen deposition. Diabetic patients exhibit changes in the plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the role of specific dressings may have an impact on healing. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined treatment comprising a bacterial cellulose dressing and melatonin application on the regulation and expression of inflammatory cytokines, VEGF, PCNA, and collagen in the healing of cutaneous wounds of diabetic rats.

Enhanced Model Predictive Control Using State Variable Feedback for Steady-State Error Cancellation.

The rapid dynamic responses of predictive control algorithms are widely acknowledged. However, achieving accurate steady-state reference tracking hinges not just on a precise mathematical model of the system but also on its parameters. This document presents a predictive control scheme augmented with integral state feedback tailored to a photovoltaic (PV) application.

Detecting the Sigma Phase in Duplex Stainless Steel by Magnetic Noise and First Harmonic Analysis.

Non-destructive electromagnetic tests based on magnetic noise analysis have been developed to study, among others, residual stress, heat treatment outcomes, and harmful microstructures in terms of toughness. When subjected to thermal cycles above 550 °C, duplex stainless steels form an extremely hard and chromium-rich constituent that, if it is superior to 5%, compromises the steel's corrosion resistance and toughness. In the present work, a study was carried out concerning the interaction of excitation waves with duplex stainless steel.

Biomarker Profiling of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Only and with Synchronous or Metachronous Bladder Cancer.

Background: Molecular profiling in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with synchronous or metachronous urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is scarce. We intended to assess immunohistochemical (IHC) and genetic differences between UTUC-only and UTUC with synchronous or metachronous UBC (UTUC + UBC) and evaluate the effect of subsequent UBC on the outcome of UTUC patients stratified by luminal-basal subtypes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of UTUC was divided into UTUC-only ( = 71) and UTUC + UBC ( = 43).

Green Light Exposure Reduces Primary Hyperalgesia and Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Rodent Model of Knee Osteoarthritis: Shedding Light on Sex Differences.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) often causes chronic pain that disproportionately affects females. Proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are key effectors of OA pathological changes. Green light shows potential as an alternative intervention for various pain conditions.

Efficacy and feasibility of a novel semi-facial respirator with chitosan nanoparticles on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare professionals: randomized controlled trial.

Background: Evidence suggests that semi-facial respirators provide protection against contamination in high-risk environments, although the COVID-19 pandemic called for greater protection and viral inactivation capacity. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel semi-facial respirator containing chitosan nanoparticles, compared with a conventional N95 respirator on the incidence of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare professionals. The secondary outcomes were influenza infection, usability and comfort.

"Pink power"-the importance of coralline algal beds in the oceanic carbon cycle.

Current evidence suggests that macroalgal-dominated habitats are important contributors to the oceanic carbon cycle, though the role of those formed by calcifiers remains controversial. Globally distributed coralline algal beds, built by pink coloured rhodoliths and maerl, cover extensive coastal shelf areas of the planet, but scarce information on their productivity, net carbon flux dynamics and carbonate deposits hampers assessing their contribution to the overall oceanic carbon cycle. Here, our data, covering large bathymetrical (2-51 m) and geographical ranges (53°N-27°S), show that coralline algal beds are highly productive habitats that can express substantial carbon uptake rates (28-1347 g C m day), which vary in function of light availability and species composition and exceed reported estimates for other major macroalgal habitats.

Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India.

Yield gap analysis is used to characterize the untapped production potential of cropping systems. With emerging large-n agronomic datasets and data science methods, pathways for narrowing yield gaps can be identified that provide actionable insights into where and how cropping systems can be sustainably intensified. Here we characterize the contributing factors to rice yield gaps across seven Indian states, with a case study region used to assess the power of intervention targeting.

Expansion and diversification of the Glycine max (Gm) ERD15-like subfamily of the PAM2-like superfamily.

Despite modulating senescence and drought responses, the GmERD15-like subfamily members are differentially induced by multiple stresses and diverge partially in stress signaling functions. The PAM2 motif represents a binding site for poly (A)-binding proteins (PABPs), often associated with RNA metabolism regulation. The PAM2-containing protein ERD15 stands out as a critical regulator of diverse stress responses in plants.

Instrumental activities of daily living in neuro-oncology: International validation of the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire.

Background: Neurocognitive impairments are common in patients with a brain tumour, and may negatively impact on functioning in daily life, particularly on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire was developed to measure IADL in this patient population.

Methods: In this international validation study, we evaluated the EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire on several psychometric properties in a large sample of patients with a primary or metastatic brain tumour.

Realistic Aspects of Cardiac Ultrasound in Rats: Practical Tips for Improved Examination.

Echocardiography is a reliable and non-invasive method for assessing cardiac structure and function in both clinical and experimental settings, offering valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. The successful application of echocardiography in murine models of disease has enabled the evaluation of disease severity, drug testing, and continuous monitoring of cardiac function in these animals. However, there is insufficient standardization of echocardiographic measurements for smaller animals.

Sphaerococcenol A Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, and Cytotoxicity.

Sphaerococcenol A is a cytotoxic bromoditerpene biosynthesized by the red alga . A series of its analogues (-) was designed and semi-synthesized using thiol-Michael additions and enone reduction, and the structures of these analogues were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxic analyses (1-100 µM; 24 h) were accomplished on A549, DU-145, and MCF-7 cells.

Plunge-diving into dynamic body acceleration and energy expenditure in the Peruvian booby.

Daily energy expenditure (DEE) is the result of decisions on how to allocate time among activities (resting, commuting and foraging) and the energy costs of those activities. Dynamic body acceleration (DBA), which measures acceleration associated with movement, can be used to estimate DEE. Previous studies of DBA-DEE correlations in birds were carried out on species foraging below their thermoneutral zone, potentially decoupling the DBA-DEE relationship.