Search Results (3,758)

Background: Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity is the most important side effect of the drug and significantly limits its use in susceptible patients. Therefore, preventive measures are required to alleviate the Dox-induced cardiac failure. In this study, curcumin, a strong antioxidant agent, was investigated for its potential protective effect on dox-induced cardiotoxicity with its effect on Apelin expression as a mediator of cardiac function. Methods: Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups as Control, DOX, CUR, and CUR+DOX. Dox was administered a single dose of 20 mg/kg bw intraperitoneally while 100 mg/kg bw curcumin was given orally for 14 days before the Dox use. Results: DOX group showed a prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram and elevated cardiac troponin levels. In biochemical analyses, decreased Superoxide Dismutase activity and increased Malondialdehyde level and Catalase activity were detected in DOX group. Gene expression of Apelin decreased significantly while NF-κB increased in DOX group. Degenerative changes in histopathology, and increased iNOS and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity were detected in DOX group. However, no significant changes were observed at reduced Glutathione, TNF-, and IL-1β levels. Curcumin use in Dox-given rats altered most of the disturbed parameters investigated in this study, indicating an alleviating effect on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Serum and heart Apelin levels and mRNA expression in heart tissue were detected to significantly increase in CUR+DOX group as compared to DOX group. Furthermore, NF-κB mRNA expression was significantly decreased in heart tissue of CUR+DOX group compared with the DOX group. Conclusions: The results suggest that Apelin acts as an important mediator in Dox cardiotoxicity and may be used as a target for treatment of certain cardiomyopathies. By regulating Apelin expression, curcumin may serve as a potential adjunct in cardioprotective approaches. Full article

Non-IID is one of the key challenges in federated learning. Data heterogeneity may lead to slower convergence, reduced accuracy, and more training rounds. To address the common Non-IID data distribution problem in federated learning, we propose a comprehensive dynamic optimization approach based on existing methods. It leverages MAP estimation of the Dirichlet parameter $\beta$ to dynamically adjust the regularization coefficient $\mu$ and introduces orthogonal gradient coefficients ${\Delta }_i$ to mitigate gradient interference among different classes. The approach is compatible with existing federated learning frameworks and can be easily integrated. Achieves significant accuracy improvements in both mildly and severely Non-IID scenarios while maintaining a strong performance lower bound. Full article

Conventional statistical models consider all wind speed ranges as equally important, causing significant prediction errors, particularly in wind speed intervals that contribute the most to wind turbine power generation. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a novel parameter estimation method—Weighted Maximum Likelihood Estimation (WMLE)—to improve the accuracy of annual energy production (AEP) predictions for wind turbine systems. The proposed WMLE incorporates wind-speed-specific weights based on power generation contribution, along with a weighting amplification factor (β), to construct a power-oriented wind distribution model. WMLE performance was validated by comparing four offshore wind farm candidate sites in Korea—each exhibiting distinct wind characteristics. Goodness-of-fit evaluations against conventional wind statistical models demonstrated the improved distribution fitting performance of WMLE. Furthermore, WMLE consistently achieved relative AEP errors within ±2% compared to those of time-series-based methods. A sensitivity analysis identified the optimal β value, which narrowed the distribution fit around high-energy-contributing wind speeds, thereby enhancing the reliability of AEP predictions. In conclusion, WMLE provides a practical and robust statistical framework that bridges the gap between statistical distribution fitting and time-series-based methods for AEP. Moreover, the improved accuracy of AEP predictions enhances the reliability of wind farm feasibility assessments, reduces investment risk, and strengthens financial bankability. Full article

The addition of sea buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruits as well as their extracted juice or, even more interestingly, related by-products into chocolate results in manufacturing an innovative functional food rich in bioactive substances. Thirteen treatments derived from the factorial combination of three types of H. rhamnoides materials (total fruit powder; fruit by-product powder; and fruit juice) and four concentrations (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%), plus an untreated control, were compared in terms of texture, quality, colour, antioxidant, mineral and sensorial properties of white chocolate. The untreated control showed the highest values of most of the texture parameters, as well as of pH, dry matter, soluble solids and colour component ‘L’. The colour component ‘b’ was best influenced by the 10% by-product addition to chocolate, whereas mineral substances, ash and colour component ‘a’ augmented with the increasing concentration of added H. rhamnoides materials. Compared to the untreated control, protein and fat contents in chocolate decreased with the rising added concentration of sea buckthorn fruit juice but showed the opposite trend under the integration of the whole fruit and its by-products. The antioxidant compounds and activity increased from the untreated chocolate to the highest concentration of added sea buckthorn materials. The juice addition to the chocolate best affected vitamin C, total carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene, whereas the whole fruit integration led to the top levels of flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Potassium and zinc contents decreased from the untreated control to the highest H. rhamnoides material addition, whereas opposite trends were shown by calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. The integration of H. rhamnoides fruit materials into chocolate presents a valuable strategy to produce innovative health beneficial functional food. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ocular wavefront aberrations are clinically relevant for optimizing vision correction and predicting surgical outcomes. This study aimed to establish normative reference ranges for a Korean population by quantifying wavefront aberrations using a Hartmann–Shack wavefront sensor and Zernike coefficients, and to assess correlations with age, sex, and spherical equivalent (SE). Methods: Wavefront aberrations were measured in 98 Koreans (196 eyes) using a Hartmann–Shack aberrometer without cycloplegia. Five repeated measurements per eye at a 6 mm pupil size were averaged. Parameters included Zernike coefficients (Z3–Z20), higher-order aberration (HOA) root mean square (RMS, Z6–Z20), and total RMS (Z3–Z20). Associations with age, sex, and SE were assessed using univariable and multivariable linear mixed-effects models. Second-order polynomial regression assessed nonlinear relationships. Interocular symmetry was evaluated using mirror-symmetry-adjusted Spearman’s correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Vertical coma (Z7, 0.208 ± 0.174 μm) and spherical aberration (Z12, 0.200 ± 0.161 μm) were the largest contributors to HOA RMS. Mean HOA RMS and total RMS were 0.51 ± 0.21 μm and 3.03 ± 2.51 μm, respectively. HOA RMS increased with age (β = 0.003 μm/year, p = 0.010), whereas total RMS decreased with SE (β = −0.678 μm/D, p < 0.001). Most Zernike coefficients showed positive interocular correlations, with ICCs of 0.75 for total RMS and 0.64 for HOA RMS. Conclusions: In normal Korean eyes, HOAs increased with age and exhibited significant interocular symmetry. Vertical coma and spherical aberration were predominant components. While the pattern was similar to that in Western populations, the absolute values were greater. These normative values may aid future wavefront-guided refractive surgery and presbyopia correction procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic detection in honey is challenging due to the complexity of this product, the typically low levels of residues, and the absence of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for beehive products. The use of antibiotics in apiculture poses potential risks to human health, including antimicrobial resistance and toxic effects. Reliable, sensitive, and selective analytical methods are essential to ensure food safety and enable accurate monitoring of antibiotic contamination in honey. This study aimed to validate a multi-analyte procedure in accordance with the parameters established in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 for the identification and quantification of antibiotics, including tetracyclines, lincosamides, quinolones, macrolides, β-lactams, sulfonamides, and diaminopyrimidines. Methods: An extraction protocol was developed using 0.1% formic acid in ACN:H₂O (80:20, v/v), followed by a modified QuEChERS with the addition of 1 g NaCl and 2 g MgSO₄. The extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-TOF-MS. Results: The method, validated under CIR (EU) 2021/808, demonstrated robust performance, with recoveries ranging from 80.1% to 117.6%, repeatability between 0.5% and 32.2%, reproducibility between 2.3% and 31.6%, and determination coefficients (R²) ranging from 0.9429 to 0.9982. Validation was achieved for 15 antibiotic residues, with CCβ from 3 to 15 μg·kg⁻¹, LODs between 0.09 and 6.19 μg·kg⁻¹, and LOQs between 0.29 and 18.77 μg·kg⁻¹. Application to 10 commercial Portuguese honey revealed no detectable levels of the target antibiotics. Conclusions: The combination of a simplified extraction with UHPLC-TOF-MS provides a reliable approach for the determination of antibiotics in honey. This validated method represents a valuable tool for food safety monitoring and risk assessment of apiculture practices. Full article

This paper investigates soliton solutions of the time-fractional Biswas–Arshed (BA) equation using the Extended Simplest Equation Method (ESEM). The model is analyzed under two distinct fractional derivative operators: the $\beta$-derivative and the M-truncated derivative. These approaches yield diverse solution types, including kink, singular, and periodic-singular forms. Also, in this work, a nonlinear second-order differential equation is reconstructed as a planar dynamical system in order to study its bifurcation structure. The stability and nature of equilibrium points are established using a conserved Hamiltonian and phase space analysis. A bifurcation parameter that determines the change from center to saddle-type behaviors is identified in the study. The findings provide insight into the fundamental dynamics of nonlinear wave propagation by showing how changes in model parameters induce qualitative changes in the phase portrait. The derived solutions are depicted via contour plots, along with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) representations, utilizing Mathematica for computational validation and graphical illustration. This study is motivated by the growing role of fractional calculus in modeling nonlinear wave phenomena where memory and hereditary effects cannot be captured by classical integer-order approaches. The time-fractional Biswas–Arshed (BA) equation is investigated to obtain diverse soliton solutions using the Extended Simplest Equation Method (ESEM) under the $\beta$-derivative and M-truncated derivative operators. Beyond solution construction, a nonlinear second-order equation is reformulated as a planar dynamical system to analyze its bifurcation and stability properties. This dual approach highlights how parameter variations affect equilibrium structures and soliton behaviors, offering both theoretical insights and potential applications in physics and engineering. Full article

Elucidating amyloid formation inside biomolecular condensates requires models that resolve (i) local, chemistry specific contacts controlling β registry and (ii) mesoscale phase behavior and cluster coalescence on microsecond timescales—capabilities beyond single resolution models. We present a hybrid united atom/coarse grained (UA–CG) force field coupling a PACE UA peptide model with the MARTINI CG framework. Cross resolution nonbonded parameters are first optimized against all atom side chain potentials of mean force to balance the relative strength between different types of interactions and then refined through universal parameter scaling by matching radius of gyration distributions for specific systems using. We applied this approach to simulate a recently reported model system comprising the LVFFAR₉ peptide that can co-assemble into amyloid fibrils via liquid–liquid phase separation. Our ten-microsecond simulations reveal rapid droplet formation populated by micelle like nanostructures with its inner core composed of LVFF clusters. The nanostructures can further fuse but the fusion is reaction-limited due to an electrostatic coalescence barrier. β structures emerge once clusters exceed ~10 peptides, and the LVFFAR₉ fraction modulates amyloid polymorphism, reversing parallel versus antiparallel registry at lower LVFFAR₉. These detailed insights generated from long simulations highlight the promise of our hybrid UA–CG strategy in investigating the molecular mechanism of condensate aging. Full article

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonic treatment of olive paste prior to malaxation on oil yield (Y), enzyme activity and virgin olive oil (VOO) quality in four Croatian olive varieties: Istarska Bjelica, Rosulja, Oblica and Levantinka. The oils were extracted using the Abencor system according to a central composite experiment design, with treatment durations of 3–17 min and power levels of 256–640 W. The parameters analyzed included Y, oxidative stability index (OSI), antioxidant capacity (AC), phenolic and α-tocopherol content, volatile compounds, fatty acid profile, and the activity of lipoxygenase, β-glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. Olive variety was the most influential factor in all variables. The response surface methodology showed that ultrasonic treatment at low-to-medium intensity improved several quality attributes. For example, Y increased by 4% in Oblica, phenolic content increased by up to 17% in Istarska Bjelica, and OSI and AC increased by 13–15% in Istarska Bjelica and Levantinka. In contrast, longer treatment and higher ultrasound power had a negative effect. No significant differences were found in other parameters examined. Overall, the application of ultrasound led to measurable, though moderate, improvements in Y and VOO quality, with results strongly dependent on olive variety and treatment conditions. These results underline the need for further optimization tailored to each variety. Full article

This study systematically investigates the effects of welding current on the macro-morphology, microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of Cu-Mn-Al alloy coatings deposited on 27SiMn steel substrates using Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) technology. The 27SiMn steel is widely applied in coal mining, geology, and engineering equipment due to its high strength and toughness, but its poor corrosion and wear resistance significantly limits service life. To address this issue, a Cu-Mn-Al alloy (high-manganese aluminum bronze) was selected as a cladding material because of its superior combination of mechanical strength, toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance in saline and marine environments. Compared with conventional cladding processes, CMT technology enables low-heat-input deposition, reduces dilution from the substrate, and promotes defect-free coating formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the fabrication of Cu-Mn-Al coatings on 27SiMn steel using CMT, aiming to optimize process parameters and establish the relationship between welding current, phase evolution, and coating performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the cladding layer width increases progressively with welding current, whereas the layer height remains relatively stable at approximately 3 mm. At welding currents of 120 A and 150 A, the cladding layer primarily consists of α-Cu, κII, β-Cu₃Al, and α-Cu + κIII phases. At higher welding currents (180 A and 210 A), the α-Cu + κIII phase disappears, accompanied by the formation of petal-shaped κI phase. The peak shear strength (509.49 MPa) is achieved at 120 A, while the maximum average hardness (253 HV) is obtained at 150 A. The 120 A cladding layer demonstrates optimal corrosion resistance. These findings provide new insights into the application of CMT in fabricating Cu-Mn-Al protective coatings on steel and offer theoretical guidance for extending the service life of 27SiMn steel components in aggressive environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study characterized the endogenous peptide profile of human milk from a Chinese multicenter cohort (n = 200 mothers) using the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos LC-MS/MS. Methods: Samples were collected across different lactation stages (2 and 6 months postpartum) and seven geographic regions (Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Jinhua, Lanzhou, Weihai, and Zhengzhou). Results: In total, 6960 peptides derived from 621 proteins were identified. Peptides from the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) were more abundant in the 2nd month than the 6th month, providing a high antimicrobial activity and immune functions for the infants. Moreover, region-specific variations were observed, with milk from Lanzhou exhibiting significantly higher levels of β-casein (CASB) and butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 (BTN1A1) peptides compared to other cities. Conclusions: Furthermore, maternal dietary intake of oils and total fat correlated positively with the intensity of specific antimicrobial peptides, including CASB_199–216, CASB_200–226, and CASB_201–226. Infant growth parameters were inversely correlated with several antimicrobial peptides, although CASB_200–225 demonstrated positive associations. These findings offer novel insights into the dynamics of endogenous peptides in human milk and may guide breastfeeding recommendations and infant formula design. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of blending, tuning, and scaling adjustments in ssGBLUP on the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for South African Holstein cattle. The edited dataset included pedigree information for 541,325 animals, 696,413 phenotypic records (milk, protein, and fat yields), and genotypes for 1221 Holstein cattle. The accuracy of GEBVs was evaluated based on different parameter settings for blending (β = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40), tuning (τ), and scaling (τ and ω), ranging from 0.60 to 1.00. The results show that ssGBLUP outperformed the traditional pedigree-based approach (ABLUP), with realized accuracies increasing from 0.01 to 0.23 for milk yield, 0.03 to 0.29 for protein yield, and 0.03 to 0.30 for fat yield. Blending with β = 0.30–0.40 slightly increased the accuracy, while tuning adjustments showed limited influence on the prediction results. Scaling factors had a significant influence on accuracy, with ω = 0.60 yielding the highest values (0.26 for milk, 0.32 for protein, and 0.34 for fat). The results of this study show the importance of optimizing the integration of pedigree and genomic information in ssGBLUP to improve the accuracy of genomic predictions, ultimately enhancing selection decisions and genetic progress in South African Holstein cattle. Full article

To improve the adaptability of 4WID electric vehicles under various operating conditions, this study introduces a model predictive control approach utilizing a neural network for adaptive weight parameter prediction, which integrates four-wheel steering and longitudinal driving force control. To address the difficulty in adjusting the MPC weight parameters, the neural network undergoes offline training, and the Snake Optimization method is used to iteratively optimize the controller parameters under diverse driving conditions. To further enhance vehicle stability, the real-time stability state of the vehicle is assessed using the $\beta -\dot{\beta }$ phase plane method. The influence of vehicle speed and road adhesion on the instability boundary of the phase plane is comprehensively considered to design a stability controller based on different instability degree zones. This includes an integral sliding mode controller that accounts for both vehicle tracking capability and stability, as well as a PID controller, which calculates the additional yaw moment based on the degree of instability. Finally, an optimal distribution control algorithm coordinates the longitudinal driving torque and direct yaw moment while also considering the vehicle’s understeering characteristics in determining the torque distribution for each wheel. The simulation results show that under various operating conditions, the proposed control strategy achieves smaller tracking errors and more concentrated phase trajectories compared to traditional controllers, thereby improving path tracking precision, vehicle stability, and adaptability to varying conditions. Full article

In recent years, apatite-based materials have garnered significant interest, particularly for applications in tissue engineering. Apatite is most commonly employed as a coating for metallic implants, as a component in composite materials, and as scaffolds for bone and dental tissue regeneration. Among its various forms, hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most widely used, owing to its natural occurrence in human and animal hard tissues. An emerging area of research involves the use of fluoride-substituted apatite, particularly fluorapatite (FAP), which can serve as a direct fluoride source at the implant site, potentially offering several biological and therapeutic advantages. However, substituting HAP with FAP may lead to unforeseen changes in material behavior due to the differing physicochemical properties of these two calcium phosphate phases. This study investigates the effects of replacing hydroxyapatite with fluorapatite in ceramic–polymer composite materials incorporating β-1,3-glucan as a bioactive polymeric binder. The β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide was selected for its proven biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form stable hydrogels that promote cellular interactions. Nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed that FAP/glucan composites had a significantly lower specific surface area (0.5 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.002 cm³/g) compared to HAP/glucan composites (14.15 m²/g and 0.03 cm³/g, respectively), indicating enhanced ceramic–polymer interactions in fluoride-containing systems. Optical profilometry measurements showed statistically significant differences in profile parameters (e.g., Rp: 134 μm for HAP/glucan vs. 352 μm for FAP/glucan), although average roughness (Ra) remained similar (34.1 vs. 27.6 μm, respectively). Microscopic evaluation showed that FAP/glucan composites had smaller particle sizes (1 μm) than their HAP counterparts (2 μm), despite larger primary crystal sizes in FAP, as confirmed by TEM. XRD analysis indicated structural differences between the apatites, with FAP exhibiting a reduced unit cell volume (524.6 ų) compared to HAP (528.2 ų), due to substitution of hydroxyl groups with fluoride ions. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR, Raman, ³¹P NMR) confirmed chemical shifts associated with fluorine incorporation and revealed distinct ceramic–polymer interfacial behaviors, including an upfield shift of PO₄³⁻ bands (964 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 961 cm⁻¹ in HAP) and OH vibration shifts (3537 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 3573 cm⁻¹ in HAP). The glucan polymer showed different hydrogen bonding patterns when combined with FAP versus HAP, as evidenced by shifts in polymer-specific bands at 888 cm⁻¹ and 1157 cm⁻¹, demonstrating that fluoride substitution significantly influences ceramic–polymer interactions in these bioactive composite systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, systemic inflammation, and immune imbalance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis TISTR 2591 (BA-2591), a probiotic strain isolated in Thailand, on metabolic, immunologic, and safety parameters. Methods: A total of 44 Thai adults (aged 35–65) with T2DM receiving metformin monotherapy were administered BA-2591 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/g/day) or placebo for 6 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout and crossover. Results: Compared to placebo, BA-2591 significantly attenuated fasting blood glucose elevation (Δ = +1.143 mg/dL vs. +12.570 mg/dL; p < 0.001), minimized the increase in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: Δ = +0.567 vs. +0.980; p = 0.006), and enhanced β-cell function (HOMA-β: Δ = +6.791% vs. −8.313%; p < 0.001). It also elevated immunoglobulin levels (IgM: +150.300 mg/dL; IgG: +261.500 mg/dL; p < 0.001), reduced LDL-C (p = 0.009), and decreased cathepsin D activity (p = 0.005), with no significant changes in IL-6, adiponectin, MDA, hs-CRP, or body composition. No severe adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: BA-2591 was safe and demonstrated modest, adjunctive benefits for fasting glycemia and immunologic profiles over 6 weeks, without changes in body weight or fat mass. These findings support BA-2591 as a potential adjunct to standard care in early T2DM; larger and longer-duration trials are needed to define its effects on longer-term outcomes. Full article