Understanding the microbial processes on carbon brushes that accelerate methanogenesis of long-chain fatty acids in anaerobic digestion.

Lipids offer high energy recovery potential during anaerobic digestion (AD), but their hydrolysis generates long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), which are difficult to biodegrade. The introduction of microbial electrolysis cells has been widely recognized as a promising strategy to enhance AD. However, it is still under debate whether the electrical circuit needs to be connected, as certain electrodes with large specific surface areas have been reported to enhance direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) without requiring an external power supply.

Fraud detection in healthcare claims using machine learning: A systematic review.

Objective: Identifying fraud in healthcare programs is crucial, as an estimated 3%-10% of the total healthcare expenditures are lost to fraudulent activities. This study presents a systematic literature review of machine learning techniques applied to fraud detection in health insurance claims. We aim to analyze the data and methodologies documented in the literature over the past two decades, providing insights into research challenges and opportunities.

Piezocatalysis-combined advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutant degradation in water system.

The piezoelectric catalyst process has emerged as a promising technology for energy harvesting, effectively converting natural mechanical energies, such as wind, water flow, and waves, into usable electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in applying this technology to water treatment to address environmental challenges. Concurrently, research efforts have focused on enhancing the efficiency of piezoelectric catalysis by integrating it with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

Electrocultivation of Arabidopsis thaliana increases water and mineral absorption, electric charge and auxin accumulation, enhancing growth and development.

Numerous studies in various species have demonstrated that the application of an electric field can improve plant growth. However, plants showed inconsistent responses and the background mechanism for responses to electric fields remain unclear. Here, to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved in electric field-induced changes in physiology, we investigated the effects of electric fields on the growth and development of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).

Structural Analysis of Plasma-Induced Oxidation and Electric Field Effect on the Heat Shock Protein (Hsp60) Structure: A Computational Viewpoint.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the study of the mechanisms behind plasma oncology. For this, many wet lab experiments and computational studies were conducted. Computational studies give an advantage in examining protein structures that are costly to extract in enough amounts to analyze the biophysical properties following plasma treatment.

Electrical impedance-based tissue classification for bladder tumor differentiation.

Including sensor information in medical interventions aims to support surgeons to decide on subsequent action steps by characterizing tissue intraoperatively. With bladder cancer, an important issue is tumor recurrence because of failure to remove the entire tumor. Impedance measurements can help to classify bladder tissue and give the surgeons an indication on how much tissue to remove.

Efficiency improvement in silicon and perovskite solar cells through nanofluid cooling using citrate and PVP stabilized silver nanoparticles.

This study investigates the enhancement of solar cell efficiency using nanofluid cooling systems, focusing on citrate-stabilized and PVP-stabilized silver nanoparticles. Traditional silicon-based and perovskite solar cells were examined to assess the impact of these nanofluids on efficiency improvement and thermal management. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to vary nanoparticle concentration (0.

Reversal of neuronal tau pathology via adiponectin receptor activation.

Changes in brain mitochondrial metabolism are coincident with functional decline; however, direct links between the two have not been established. Here, we show that mitochondrial targeting via the adiponectin receptor activator AdipoRon (AR) clears neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and rescues neuronal tauopathy-associated defects. AR reduced levels of phospho-tau and lowered NFT burden by a mechanism involving the energy-sensing kinase AMPK and the growth-sensing kinase GSK3b.

An integrated DEA-fuzzy AHP method for prioritization of renewable energy sources in India.

As India's population grows and urbanization accelerates, energy demand is increasing sharply while conventional sources fall behind. To tackle energy shortages and climate change, India must prioritize renewable energy sources (RES), which offer sustainable solutions. The country is rich in RES, which can enhance fuel mix for electricity generation.

Optimizing optical, dielectric, and electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate/NiO-based polymeric nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications.

An electro- and optically favorable quaternary nanocomposite film was produced by solution-casting nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT/PSS). Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) observations, the synthesized NiO NPs have a cubic phase and a diameter between 10 and 45 nm. The complexity and interactions observed through XRD patterns, UV-visible spectra, and FTIR measurements suggest that the NPs are not just dispersed within the polymer matrix, but are interacting with it, leading to enhanced dielectric properties and AC electrical conductivity.

Enhancing electric vehicle battery lifespan: integrating active balancing and machine learning for precise RUL estimation.

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on lithium-ion battery packs as essential energy storage components. However, inconsistencies in cell characteristics and operating conditions can lead to imbalanced state of charge (SOC) levels, resulting in reduced capacity and accelerated degradation. This study presents an active cell balancing method optimized for both charging and discharging scenarios, aiming to equalize SOC across cells and improve overall pack performance.

Magnetic resonance imaging quantification of left ventricular mechanical dispersion and scar heterogeneity optimize risk stratification after myocardial infarction.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) myocardial contraction patterns can be assessed using LV mechanical dispersion (LVMD), a parameter closely associated with electrical activation patterns. Despite its potential clinical significance, limited research has been conducted on LVMD following myocardial infarction (MI). This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived LVMD for adverse clinical outcomes and to explore its correlation with myocardial scar heterogeneity.

Wealth-based inequalities in tuberculosis prevalence among households having children and young adults in India: insights from Indian demographic and health surveys (2015-2021).

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health concern in India, especially among households with children and young adolescents aged 6-17 years. Despite ongoing research, there is a knowledge gap regarding specific risk factors for TB within this demographic. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the association between TB and various socio-demographic factors, including socioeconomic status, nutritional status, and environmental conditions.

Same-day discharge strategy in a heart rhythm management clinic: The patient-reported experience.

Background: Same-day discharge (SDD) has been adopted for interventional cardiology procedures, however, data on patient experience are scarce.

Aims: To investigate patient-reported experience after various SDD electrophysiology procedures.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing electrophysiology procedures, who fulfilled pre-defined eligibility criteria for SDD, completed the questionnaire before discharge.

A new sensor-less voltage and frequency control of stand-alone DFIG based dead-beat direct-rotor flux control-experimental validation.

The paper presents a new sensor-less voltage and frequency control method for a stand-alone doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) feeding an isolated load. The proposed control approach directly regulates the magnitude and angle of the rotor-flux vector rather than controlling rotor currents or voltages as in classic field oriented control (FOC). To accurately regulate the magnitude and frequency of stator voltage, two separate closed-loop based PI regulators are employed to evaluate the reference signals of the rotor flux vector magnitude and angle, respectively.

Quantification of L-lactic acid in human plasma samples using Ni-based electrodes and machine learning approach.

This work presents a robust strategy for quantifying overlapping electrochemical signatures originating from complex mixtures and real human plasma samples using nickel-based electrochemical sensors and machine learning (ML). This strategy enables the detection of a panel of analytes without being limited by the selectivity of the transducer material and leaving accommodation of interference analysis to ML models. Here, we fabricated a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for L-lactic acid detection in complex mixtures and human plasma samples using nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE).

Ca²⁺ signaling in myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) and their role as conditional pacemakers in the colon.

Interstitial cells of Cajal in the plane of the myenteric plexus (ICC-MY) serve as electrical pacemakers in the stomach and small intestine. A similar population of cells is found in the colon, but these cells do not appear to generate regular slow wave potentials, as characteristic in more proximal gut regions. Ca handling mechanisms in ICC-MY of the mouse proximal colon were studied using confocal imaging of muscles from animals expressing GCaMP6f exclusively in ICC.

LIPUS activated piezoelectric pPLLA/SrSiO composite scaffold promotes osteochondral regeneration through P2RX1 mediated Ca signaling pathway.

Addressing the concurrent repair of cartilage and subchondral bone presents a significant challenge yet is crucial for the effective treatment of severe joint injuries. This study introduces a novel biodegradable composite scaffold, integrating piezoelectric poly-l-lactic acid (pPLLA) with strontium-enriched silicate bioceramic (SrSiO). This innovative scaffold continually releases bioactive Sr and SiO ions while generating an electrical charge under low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation, a clinically recognized method.

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Management of Cancer Pain: a Meta Analysis.

Purpose Of Review: The present investigation assesses efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on relief of cancer or chemotherapy-related pain. Patients with cancer experience a relatively high prevalence of pain that is reportedly undertreated. Therefore, this analysis is pertinent to determine if TENS is a useful complementary therapy considering its increase in accessibility and minimal side effect profile.

Long-term efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation for diarrhoea-predominant and mixed irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition worldwide. Treatment options for severe IBS are few. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for patients with IBS has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in the medium term.

Anisotropic Plasmon Resonance in TiCT MXene Enables Site-Selective Plasmonic Catalysis.

The ever-growing interest in MXenes has been driven by their distinct electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. In this context, further revealing their physicochemical attributes remains the key frontier of MXene materials. Herein, we report the anisotropic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) features in TiCT MXene as well as site-selective photocatalysis enabled by the photophysical anisotropy.

Modulating delirium through stimulation (MoDeSt): study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial assessing the effect of postoperative transcranial electrical stimulation on delirium incidence.

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is the most common neurological adverse event among elderly patients undergoing surgery. POD is associated with an increased risk for postoperative complications, long-term cognitive decline, an increase in morbidity and mortality as well as extended hospital stays. Delirium prevention and treatment options are currently limited.

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory function in mechanically ventilated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the effects of different pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory function in mechanically ventilated patients and to determine the optimal type of intervention.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI), and the Cochrane Library from their inception until September 16th, 2024. The search targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pulmonary rehabilitation or usual care, for improving respiratory function in mechanically ventilated patients.

Effect of magnetized water on the fundamental grouting properties of cement grout under varying magnetization conditions.

The development and modification of grouting materials constitute crucial factors influencing the effectiveness of grouting. Given the pivotal role of water in the hydration of cement-based composite materials and construction processes, this study proposes an exploratory approach using green, economical magnetized water technology to enhance the performance of cement grouts. The research systematically investigates the effects of magnetized water on the fundamental grouting properties (stability, rheological behavior, and stone body strength) of cement grouts, prepared under varying magnetization conditions (including magnetic intensity, water flow speed, and cycle times).