Interventions for quitting vaping.

Rationale: There is limited guidance on the best ways to stop using nicotine-containing vapes (otherwise known as e-cigarettes) and ensure long-term abstinence, whilst minimising the risk of tobacco smoking and other unintended consequences. Treatments could include pharmacological interventions, behavioural interventions, or both.

Objectives: To conduct a living systematic review assessing the benefits and harms of interventions to help people stop vaping compared to each other or to placebo or no intervention.

Infrared Spectroscopic Electronic Noses: An Innovative Approach for Exhaled Breath Sensing.

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, requiring the urgent development of innovative diagnostic tools for early detection. This study presents an integrated infrared spectroscopic electronic nose system, a novel device that combines infrared (IR) spectroscopy and electronic nose (eNose) concepts for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. This system was calibrated using relevant gas mixtures and then tested during a feasibility study involving 26 gastric cancer patients and 32 healthy controls using chemometric analyses to distinguish between exhaled breath profiles.

Comparative Analysis of Low-Cost Portable Spectrophotometers for Colorimetric Accuracy on the RAL Design System Plus Color Calibration Target.

Novel low-cost portable spectrophotometers could be an alternative to traditional spectrophotometers and calibrated RGB cameras by offering lower prices and convenient measurements but retaining high colorimetric accuracy. This study evaluated the colorimetric accuracy of low-cost, portable spectrophotometers on the established color calibration target-RAL Design System Plus (RAL+). Four spectrophotometers with a listed price between USD 100-1200 (Nix Spectro 2, Spectro 1 Pro, ColorReader, and Pico) and a smartphone RGB camera were tested on a representative subset of 183 RAL+ colors.

Comparative Analysis of Physiological Vergence Angle Calculations from Objective Measurements of Gaze Position.

Eccentric photorefractometry is widely used to measure eye refraction, accommodation, gaze position, and pupil size. While the individual calibration of refraction and accommodation data has been extensively studied, gaze measurements have received less attention. PowerRef 3 does not incorporate individual calibration for gaze measurements, resulting in a divergent offset between the measured and expected gaze positions.

Elucidating Extracellular Vesicle Isolation Kinetics via an Integrated Off-Stoichiometry Thiol-Ene and Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Microfluidic Device.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising biomarkers for diagnosing complex diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, their clinical application is hindered by challenges in isolating cancer-derived EVs efficiently due to their broad size distribution in biological samples. This study introduces a microfluidic device fabricated using off-stoichiometry thiol-ene and cyclic olefin copolymer, addressing the absorption limitations of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

Modification and Use of Naturally Renewable Cardanol-Type Prepolymers in One-Component Silyl-Terminated Prepolymer Sealant Systems.

The current research is devoted to integrating naturally renewable cardanol derivatives into one-component silyl-terminated-polyether-based prepolymer systems to improve climatic resistance and obtain materials with versatile mechanical properties that could be significant to various sectors of the economy. Various cardanol-type products are used in industries that require high climatic resistance, and thus combining cardanol with commercially available silyl-terminated polyether prepolymers would improve its material climatic resistance, maintaining its market and application value as well as improving material sustainability. The results obtained in this work show that depending on how the cardanol prepolymer Ultra Lite 513 is modified, it is possible to increase the elasticity (670%) or tensile strength (104%) of the material as well as significantly increase the climatic resistance of the material, thus improving the quality and sustainability of the adhesive compared to existing silyl-terminated-prepolymer-based adhesives on the market.

Improving the Structural Efficiency of Punched-Metal-Material-Based Composites.

This study investigates the potential of reusing punched-steel waste, a significant component of solid inorganic waste, in composite materials for construction applications. Driven by the growing global demand for raw materials (which is projected to quadruple by 2050) and the need for sustainable waste management practices, this research explores the creation of a composite material (PPLK) incorporating punched-steel tape (LPM-4 grade) embedded in a polypropylene matrix. Experimental testing of PPLK specimens (310 × 90 × 6.

Pesticide Contamination of Honey-Bee-Collected Pollen in the Context of the Landscape Composition in Latvia.

The honey bee () is the most widely managed pollinator and is vital for crop fertilization. Recently, bee colonies have been suffering high mortality rates, exacerbated by factors such as land-use changes and the use of pesticides. Our work aimed to explore the residues of pesticides in honey-bee-collected pollen and how this contamination was affected by seasonality and the landscape composition.

Sensitivity Analysis of to Quinone-Outside Inhibitor and 14α-Demethylase Inhibitor Fungicides in Latvia.

Tan spot caused by is a severe threat to wheat production in all major wheat-growing regions. Sustainable tan spot control can be achieved by an integrated approach, including responsible management of fungicide sprays. The data about the sensitivity of to various fungicides in the Baltic Sea region are rare.

Effect of Chemical Structure and Apparent Density of Rigid Polyurethane Foams on the Properties of Their Chemical Recycling Products.

The aim of this work was to synthesize polyurethane foams based on petrochemical polyols and biopolyols with specific apparent densities (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg/m), test their properties, glycolyze them, and finally analyze each glycolyzed product. The petroleum-based foams, used as reference foams, and the bio-based foams underwent a series of standard tests to define their properties (the content of closed cells 20-95%, compressive strength 73-1323 kPa, thermal conductivity 24-42 mW/m∙K, brittleness 4.6-82.

Effect of Microsize and Nanosize TiO on Porous Mullite-Alumina Ceramic Prepared by Slip Casting.

Sintered porous mullite-alumina ceramics are obtained from the concentrated suspension of powdered raw materials such as kaolin, gamma and alpha AlO, and amorphous SiO, mainly by a solid-state reaction with the presence of a liquid phase. The modification of mullite ceramic is achieved by the use of micro- and nanosize TiO powders. The phase compositions were measured using an X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) Rigaku Ultima+ (Tokyo, Japan) and microstructures of the sintered specimens were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Hitachi TM3000-TableTop (Tokyo, Japan).

Off-Stoichiometry Thiol-Ene Surface Functionalization: Example with Gold Nanoparticles.

Surface modification is essential in microfluidic applications due to the inherent hydrophobicity of polymers, which can lead to biofouling and reagent denaturation. Despite the development, challenges such as hydrophobic molecule absorption and limitations in scaling are still present. Off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE) materials have emerged as a promising alternative, offering advantages like rapid prototyping, minimal hydrophobic absorption, and customizable surface chemistries.

Assessing the Conformity of Mycelium Biocomposites for Ecological Insulation Solutions.

In this study, different combinations of mycelium biocomposites (MBs) were developed using primary substrates sourced from the local agricultural, wood processing, and paper industries. The physicomechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and fire behavior were evaluated. The highest bending strength was achieved in composites containing waste fibers and birch sanding dust, with a strength competitive with that of synthetic polymers like EPS and XPS, as well as some commercial building materials.

Improved Genetic Characterization of Hypercholesterolemia in Latvian Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Combined Monogenic and Polygenic Approach Using Whole-Genome Sequencing.

Despite the implementation of next-generation sequencing-based genetic testing on patients with clinical familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), most cases lack complete genetic characterization. We aim to investigate the utility of the polygenic risk score (PRS) in specifying the genetic background of patients from the Latvian Registry of FH (LRFH). We analyzed the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of the clinically diagnosed FH patients (n = 339) and controls selected from the Latvian reference population (n = 515).

Bilateral Rectus Sheath Block with Continuous Bupivacaine Infusions After Elective Open Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Multimodal analgesia has been shown to be effective in facilitating early postoperative gastrointestinal function and rehabilitation in patients undergoing open gastrectomy. We conducted a clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of bilateral rectus sheath block (RSB) with continuous bupivacaine infusion in comparison with placebo following elective open gastrectomy. Patients indicated for elective open gastrectomy were screened, enrolled, and randomised between October 2021 and September 2023.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of 20% Human Albumin in Reducing Pleural Effusion After Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

: Cardiopulmonary bypass can lead to hemodilution, causing a fluid shift to the interstitial space. Albumin helps counteract the intravascular fluid movement to the extravascular space and reduces the risk of complications associated with fluid imbalance. Our main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of albumin addition in the cardiopulmonary bypass priming solution compared to standard priming, focusing on its role in reducing pleural effusion development.

International Nephrology Masterclass in Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale, Summary, and Future Perspectives.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects more than 10% of the population worldwide, accounting for more than 843 million (M) individuals. The prevalence of CKD (844 M patients) is higher than that of diabetes mellitus (422 M patients), cancer (42 M patients), and HIV (37 M patients), but people are often less aware of it. Global expert groups predict reductions in the nephrology workforce in the next decade, with a declining interest in nephrology careers.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Polymorphism and Blood Biomarker Profiles in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study in a Latvian Cohort.

: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a high prevalence of sporadic cases. Various molecular mechanisms are involved in its pathogenesis. This pilot study aimed to identify potential risk and protective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles in PD, discover candidate alleles for further research, and evaluate potential blood biomarkers.

Investigating the Cytotoxic Effects of Extract on Oral Carcinoma Cell Line.

, commonly known as absinthe, is a perennial plant with distinctive broad ovate pointed leaves of a silvery-gray color, reaching a height of 1.5 m. The utilization of this herb as a source of natural compounds and as the primary ingredient in the alcoholic beverage absinthe has recently seen a resurgence following a period of prohibition.

Misleading Imaging Findings: Bilateral Mylohyoid Defect Presenting as a Submandibular Mass Due to Sublingual Gland Protrusion.

Background/objectives: The muscular base of the oral cavity is formed of the mylohyoid muscle, which forms a sling inferior to the tongue. The muscle is often discontinuous, and defects may include salivary tissues, fat, and/or blood vessels. Hypertrophic sublingual glands located in mylohyoid defects can be herniated into bilateral submandibular spaces and present as palpable masses.

Effect of the Extruded Pea Hulls on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Wheat Bread.

Incorporating extruded pea hulls (EPH) into wheat bread increases its nutritional value by increasing dietary fiber content, which in turn influences the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of bread. This study aimed to assess the effect of varying EPH levels on the rheological properties of wheat dough, as well as on the physical and sensory attributes of wheat bread, providing insight into the optimal EPH inclusion level. Farinograph analysis indicated that the inclusion of extruded pea hulls progressively increased the water absorption capacity.

Identification of Factors Determining Patterns of Serum C-Reactive Protein Level Reduction in Response to Treatment Initiation in Patients with Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels vary depending on radiological and bacteriological findings at the time of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. However, the utility of this biomarker in monitoring response to anti-TB treatment and identifying patients at risk of treatment failure is not well established. This study evaluated the impact of patients' baseline characteristics and anti-TB drug plasma exposure on the early reduction in serum CRP levels and its relationship with treatment response.

Phenolic Content and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cultivated and Wild-Type Extracts in Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages.

, commonly known as sweet woodruff, is a perennial herbaceous plant that contains coumarin and is recognized for its medicinal properties. In this study, the influence of sunlight exposure on the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts is assessed. The extracts from cultivated and wild-grown plants were analyzed via chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods.

Thermomechanical and mechanical analysis of polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate/poly(butylene succinate--adipate) binary and ternary blends.

Research efforts are increasingly directed towards the development of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable agricultural resources. Polymer blends, which combine multiple polymers, offer enhanced properties such as ductility and toughness while being more cost-effective compared to the development of specialized copolymers. This study examines nine binary and four ternary blends of polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

Parental Experiences of Quality of Life When Caring for Their Children With Intellectual Disability: A Meta-Aggregation Systematic Review.

Background: Parents of children with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities play a crucial role in providing direct care but often demonstrate heightened parental stress and reduced quality of life. This review explores perceived quality of life from the experiences of parents when caring for young and adult children.

Method: A qualitative systematic review following Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach has been completed and reported according to PRISMA guidelines.