Search Results (49)

This work presents the realization of a compact and embedded impedance-based sensor system for the characterization of lithium-ion batteries by means of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The analog magnitude-ratio and phase-difference detection (MRPDD) method is implemented and extended through a generalized formulation that models the shunt element as a frequency-dependent impedance and compensates the parasitic contributions of the printed circuit board. This reformulation corrects magnitude and phase errors introduced by the measurement hardware without increasing the overall complexity. The prototype comprises two main functional blocks: current-mode excitation and voltage-mode measurement. The excitation stage uses an operational transconductance amplifier and a power MOSFET to generate a voltage-controlled current source, whereas the sinusoidal voltage signal is generated by means of a direct digital synthesizer. The measurement chain relies on differential acquisition using instrumentation amplifiers and analog magnitude/phase detection based on the AD8302 vector detector under microcontroller control. The proposed method has been first validated by simulations using both a linear RC equivalent model and an extended Randles-type battery-equivalent model, and then experimentally characterized using a linear RC equivalent model of the device under test. Measurements show that the generalized formulation recovers the ideal impedance response in the presence of parasitic effects, both in the shunt device and in the printed circuit board. In the experimental validation with the RC model, a magnitude error of 1.65% is obtained at 1 kHz, which is adopted as the upper frequency limit for battery characterization, even though operation up to 10 kHz is possible. Phase measurements revealed that the input capacitive coupling of the vector detector, conceived for operation in the RF range, requires an adaptation for appropriate operation in the intended frequency range. The prototype has been also applied to the characterization of a commercial lithium-ion 18650 cell, enabling the measurement of battery impedance and the analysis of its dependence on the state-of-charge and on the discharge current. Full article

Objectives: Unexplained syncope (US) persists despite extensive diagnostic evaluations, with autonomic dysfunction as a central mechanism. Sleep apnea (SA) may contribute through intermittent hypoxemia and autonomic imbalance. We evaluated the impact of SA treatment on syncope recurrence, nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV), and quality of life in patients with US. Methods: We conducted a prospective multicentre study in three hospitals in Galicia (Spain), including adults with US who underwent home respiratory polygraphy. SA was diagnosed according to guideline criteria, and treatment was prescribed when indicated (positive airway pressure therapy, positional therapy, and/or weight management). Symptoms, syncope burden, nocturnal heart rate variability derived from the ECG signal, and quality of life (SF-36 and a 0–100 visual analogue scale) were assessed at baseline and after 12 months. Results: Of 141 patients, 99 met treatment criteria, and 67 completed the 12-month follow-up. Mean age was 64.5 years; 59.6% were men; mean AHI was 25.9/h. After therapy, daytime sleepiness (Epworth score decreased from 8 to 5; p = 0.001), fatigue, nocturnal awakenings, and syncopal episodes decreased from 62.6% to 16.2%, 56.6% to 16.2%, and 3 to 0, respectively (all p < 0.001). HRV showed increased RR interval (p < 0.001) and RMSSD (p = 0.04). Quality of life improved in vitality (SF-36 vitality domain increased from 44 to 50; p = 0.02) and on the visual analogue scale (0–100: 50 to 70; p = 0.002). Conclusions: In this prospective cohort of patients with US and SA, therapy for SA was associated with fewer syncope recurrences, improvements in nocturnal respiratory indices, and selected heart rate variability measures, and better self-reported fatigue and vitality. Given the single-arm design and potential adherence and selection biases, these findings should be interpreted with caution and warrant confirmation in controlled studies. Full article

In industrial settings, one of the key environmental challenges is the remediation of soil contaminated by hydrocarbons. Washing the soil with surfactants mobilises and extracts these compounds, making them easier to treat. As it enables the recovery and reuse of soil within sustainable production processes, this technique is part of the circular economy. Soil-washing experiments using surfactants were carried out to determine whether a mixture of anionic and non-ionic surfactants could improve the remediation of soil contaminated by gasoline and diesel fuel compared to the use of a single surfactant. Four surfactants were used (non-ionic: polyoxyethylene lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate; anionic: sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and sodium dodecyl sulfate). The aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions (C6–C8, C8–C10, C10–C12, C12–C16, C16–C21 and C21–C35) of gasoline and diesel fuel were analysed. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was selected for the purpose of preparing mixtures with the other two non-ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate. These surfactant mixtures demonstrated significantly higher removal rates than sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate alone. Mixtures of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether achieved hydrocarbon extraction of between 61% and 68%, while sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate-polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate mixtures obtained extraction of between 58% and 66%. Analysis of the gasoline and diesel hydrocarbon fractions indicated that smaller molecules desorb more easily than larger ones and that aromatics desorb more easily than aliphatics. Furthermore, the mixtures increased the extraction of both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly the lighter compounds. The variation on removal rates within the hydrocarbon ranges may be related to the octanol–water partition coefficient (K_ow). These improvements with mixtures of anionic and non-ionic surfactants could be exploited to enhance the effectiveness of surfactant-flushing treatments and optimise the design of soil surfactant treatments. Full article

Soil contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons represents a significant environmental challenge, especially in industrial and urban areas. This study evaluates the use of three industrial liquid by-products—sludge dewatering sidestream (SD), leftover yeast (LY), and secondary clarifier effluent (SC)—as biostimulant agents for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with gasoline and diesel mixtures. The novelty lies in applying these waste streams within a circular economy framework, with the added advantage that they can be injected directly into the subsurface. Microcosm tests were conducted over 20 weeks, analyzing the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and their aliphatic and aromatic fractions using gas chromatography. The results show that all by-products improved biodegradation compared to natural attenuation. LY was the most effective, achieving 73.2% TPH removal, followed by SD (70.6%) and SC (65.4%). The greatest degradation was observed in short-chain hydrocarbons (C6–C16), while compounds with higher molecular weight (C21–C35) were more recalcitrant. In addition, aliphatic hydrocarbons showed greater degradability than aromatics in heavy fractions. Kinetic analysis revealed that the second-order model best fitted the experimental data, with higher correlation coefficients (R²) and more representative half-lives. Catalase enzyme activity also increased in soils treated with LY and SD, indicating higher microbial activity. Full article

Microplastics are one of the most widely studied and concerning contaminants, as they are present in all environmental compartments, especially water bodies. Wastewater treatment plants are one of the most important pathways through which these pollutants enter the environment. Currently, novel techniques are being developed to eliminate microplastics from wastewater, including heterogeneous photocatalysis. In this study, two bismuth-based photocatalysts were synthesized using different methods: BiPO₄ by the solvothermal method, and Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ by the wet impregnation method. These were morphologically and structurally characterized. Both photocatalysts were then tested in laboratory-scale experiments to evaluate their effectiveness on the degradation of polypropylene microplastics under UV irradiation in ultrapure water. The effectiveness of the treatment was estimated by measuring the reduction in the area of each of the microplastics, and structural changes were assessed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was found that the BiPO₄ catalyst was more effective when applying UV-B radiation, achieving a reduction in the area of microplastics of up to 10.81%, while the Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ catalyst showed a higher efficiency when applying UV-A, achieving a reduction in the area of microplastics of up to 9.15%. The study of microplastics by ATR-FTIR revealed the appearance and modification of some absorption bands, which indicates incipient degradation. The application of both catalysts in real wastewater showed a reduction in the efficiency of the treatment; hence, further studies should be conducted to determine the influence of other variables in the photocatalytic process. In the current context of growing environmental concern, the development of new, easily synthesized catalysts represents a key strategy for reducing or eliminating MPs. This study presents significant advances in the formulation and evaluation of innovative catalysts, demonstrating their potential as effective and accessible tools for mitigating one of the most pressing global pollution challenges. Full article

Background: Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening form of infective endocarditis that typically occurs in patients with a history of cardiac surgery, prosthetic valve implantation, or profound immunosuppression. Native valve involvement in non-traditional hosts remains exceptionally rare and is diagnostically challenging. Case presentation: We describe a 56-year-old woman with CREST syndrome and advanced liver disease awaiting transplantation who developed native aortic valve endocarditis. Blood cultures and serum biomarkers (galactomannan and β-d-glucan) were also negative. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed vegetation on the aortic valve. Valve replacement was performed, and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from two valve cultures. Liposomal amphotericin B was initiated; however, the patient died of multiorgan failure two weeks later. Systematic review: To contextualise this case, we conducted a systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines. We included microbiologically confirmed cases of native valve Aspergillus endocarditis based on valve or embolic tissue analysis. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 45 patients in total. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and narratively synthesised due to clinical heterogeneity. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of native-valve Aspergillus endocarditis in patients without classical risk factors for the disease. Early imaging and a high index of suspicion are crucial for diagnosis. Combined surgical and antifungal therapy remains the cornerstone of management, although the mortality rate remains high. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic nervous system modulation and may be altered in both unexplained syncope and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the nocturnal autonomic patterns underlying these conditions and their coexistence remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize nocturnal autonomic modulation in patients with unexplained syncope, OSA, or both, compared with individuals without these conditions. Methods: In this multicenter, cross-sectional, comparative study, 304 adults were assigned to four groups: controls (no syncope or OSA), OSA without syncope, syncope without OSA, and syncope with OSA. Time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters were derived from overnight respiratory polygraphy and compared across groups. Results: OSA was associated with increased root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and reduced low-frequency (LF) power, indicating enhanced vagal activity and lower nocturnal sympathetic tone. Syncope was characterized by further reductions in sympathetic indices (LF and very low frequency, VLF) with increased RMSSD, suggesting blunted sympathetic reserve. Patients with both conditions exhibited a mixed autonomic profile—elevated overall HRV with concurrent reductions in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components—indicating more profound dysautonomia despite milder OSA severity. Conclusions: OSA and syncope show distinct nocturnal autonomic patterns, and their coexistence leads to deeper autonomic imbalance. Incorporating nocturnal HRV analysis into routine polygraphy may improve pathophysiological stratification of unexplained syncope and identify clinically significant OSA. Full article

STC2 (stanniocalcin 2) controls calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis in human platelets and other cell lines. The regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis is crucial for platelet activation; thus, the alteration in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration or the mechanism involved in its regulation has been proposed to underlie some thrombotic disorders. Our previous studies evidenced that the knockdown of STC2 altered murine platelet activation; furthermore, a reduction in STC2 expression resulted in enhanced Ca²⁺ homeostasis in diabetic patients and, therefore, would contribute to the prothrombotic condition as a hallmark of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). In this study, we examine a possible link between the expression of stanniocalcins (STCs) and different thrombotic events in humans. The expression of STCs was determined by Western blotting (WB); meanwhile, the analysis of protein interaction and phosphorylation was performed by completing a previous immunoprecipitation protocol (IP) of the proteins of interest. Thus, our results from patients with stroke/ictus presented a clear reduction in STC2 expression in their platelets, finding less STC2 content in the youngest thrombotic patients. Furthermore, acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA) administration reversed the decrease in the expression of STC2 in patients who did not suffer additional thrombotic episodes, as evidenced by the longitudinal analysis of up to 10 years of follow-up. Additionally, the increase in STC2 phosphorylation at the serine residues revealed increased activity of STC2 in thrombotic patients. Finally, we suggest that store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is over-activated in patients suffering from stroke/ictus, as revealed by the increase in the STIM1/Orai1 interaction found under resting conditions and, further, because MEG-01 cells transfected with siRNA STC2 to evoke artificial reduction in the STC2 expression presented an increased SOCE with respect to the control cells transfected with siRNA A. Conversely, the expression of the non-capacitative Ca²⁺ channels, Orai3 and TRPC6, was found to be reduced in patients with stroke. Altogether, our data allow us to conclude that STC2 represents a promising marker of stroke/ictus in thrombotic patients. Full article

The rapid expansion of fashion e-commerce has raised concerns over the environmental cost of last-mile deliveries, especially in pure-player models. This preliminary study examines the estimated carbon footprint of TENDAM’s omnichannel model—based on in-store pickup and returns—compared to pure-player home delivery, using a customer-level approach across 11 Spanish cities of varying sizes. A total of 3106 face-to-face surveys were conducted in TENDAM stores, capturing data on mobility behavior, transport modes, trip chaining, and service types. Emission factors were applied using a Python-based analytical model, and results were contrasted with Monte Carlo simulations from existing literature on pure players. Our findings indicate that the average per-service footprint of the omnichannel model is around 400 g ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2-\mathrm{e}\mathrm{q}$, significantly lower than the 1500–3000 g ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2-\mathrm{e}\mathrm{q}$ range for pure players. Emissions were especially low in large cities and in street-level stores, largely due to the high rate of walking and multipurpose trips among customers. The study also includes geospatial analysis through interactive influence maps. These results suggest that dense store networks embedded in walkable urban areas can substantially reduce last-mile GHG emissions. While preliminary, the study highlights the potential for omnichannel retail to support urban decarbonization goals and sustainability when integrated with sustainable mobility patterns. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2-negative), locally advanced or metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (advanced G/GEJa) is associated with poor survival outcomes, and there is an unmet need for targeted therapy. This study, conducted in the pre-immunotherapy era, aimed to describe the characteristics and management, and compare the survival, of HER2-negative and HER2-positive patients initiating first-line (1L) treatment for advanced G/GEJa in Spain and estimate the number of HER2-negative patients eligible for 1L polychemotherapy. Methods: Patients from the AGAMENON-SEOM registry who initiated 1L polychemotherapy for advanced G/GEJa (2015–2019) in Spain were included. Results: In total, 1357 patients were included (951 [70.1%] HER2-negative; 315 [23.2%] HER2-positive; 91 [6.7%] unknown HER2 status). Most patients (56.3%) received one line of therapy; 27.6% received two lines; and 16.1% received three lines. Among HER2-positive patients, 92.7% received trastuzumab as part of 1L treatment. The use of FOLFOX and CAPOX increased over the study period (2015–2019). HER2-negative patients had significantly shorter progression-free survival (median, 5.92 months [95% CI, 5.59–6.38] vs. 7.37 months [95% CI, 6.55–8.29]; log-rank p < 0.0001) and overall survival (median, 10.49 months [95% CI, 9.74–11.05] vs. 13.82 months [95% CI, 12.30–14.74]; adjusted time ratio, 0.812 [95% CI, 0.722–0.913]; p = 0.0005) than HER2-positive patients. Per probabilistic sensitivity analyses, an estimated 2856 (95% CI, 1619–4134) Spanish patients with HER2-negative advanced G/GEJa were eligible for 1L polychemotherapy in 2024. Conclusions: The survival difference between HER2-positive and HER2-negative patients underscores the critical need for targeted therapies for HER2-negative patients in the 1L setting. Full article

Altered lipid profiles have been observed in acute malaria, though mechanisms remain unclear. The impact of asymptomatic submicroscopic malaria infection (AMI) on lipids is unexploredAn observational, comparative, retrospective study was conducted of 1278 asymptomatic Sub-Saharan African migrants (ASSAMs) screened for malaria and lipid profiles during health exams (2010–2022). A systematic screening protocol for infectious disease was performed, including screening for Plasmodium spp. infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Among 800 ASSAMs screened for malaria, 104 (13%) were PCR-positive: P. falciparum (68.72%), P. malariae (18.27%), P. ovale (9.62%), and mixed infections (3.8%). Participants with AMIs exhibited lower baseline lipid levels: total cholesterol (146 vs. 163 mg/dL; p < 0.001), HDL (43 vs. 47 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and LDL (87.5 vs. 98 mg/dL; p < 0.001), with no differences in triglycerides. After treatment, lipid levels partially equalized: total cholesterol (156 vs. 166; p = 0.01), HDL (44 vs. 47.5; p = 0.05), LDL (102 vs. 108.5; p = 0.31), with no changes in triglycerides. Patients with AMI showed higher rates of co-infections (Strongyloides 20.61% vs. 14.35%; p < 0.001; filariae 7.69% vs. 1.91%; p = 0.02) and lower mean corpuscular volume (87.2 vs. 85; p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that cholesterol reductions in AMI are not solely due to acute inflammation but may reflect chronic inflammatory processes triggered by asymptomatic malaria. This supports a potential link between AMI and lipid profile changes, underscoring its role in subclinical chronic inflammation. Full article

Background and Objectives: The association between syncope and sleep apnea (SA) has been scarcely investigated. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) may represent a shared pathophysiological mechanism. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SA in patients with syncope of unclear cause (SUC), identify potential associated factors, and evaluate nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of ANS function. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in adult patients diagnosed with SUC. Nocturnal cardiorespiratory polygraphy was performed to detect the presence of SA. A range of variables potentially associated with SA was collected. Both SA diagnosis and HRV parameters were assessed using the Embletta^® MPR polygraph system. Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled (57% male), with a mean age of 64 years and a mean body mass index of 27.5 kg/m² (range: 24.8–32.2). Hypertension was present in 46% of the cohort. The overall prevalence of SA was 78.2% (95% CI: 71.7–84.4%), with 28.7% classified as severe. Age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01–1.07) and BMI (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.06–1.28) were independent predictors of SA. Mean RR interval was significantly lower in patients with SA compared to those without (942 ms vs. 995 ms; p = 0.04). No significant differences in HRV parameters were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence (nearly 78%) of SA among adult patients with SUC, particularly in individuals over 50 years of age and those who were overweight. However, this association could not be predicted based on clinical variables alone. No significant differences in nocturnal HRV were detected between patients with SUC with and without SA. Full article

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced the incidence of VL/HIV dramatically. However, HAART only partially prevents relapses, with one-year relapse rates ranging from 30 to 60%. Consequently, secondary prophylaxis is recommended for patients with <200 CD4+ cells/μL. In clinical practice, characterizing cellular immune response could help estimate the risk of relapse in VL/HIV coinfected patients. In this study, the lymphoproliferative response after stimulation with soluble Leishmania antigen was assessed in 2022 and 2023 in three cases of VL/HIV coinfection with long-term follow-up (17, 8 and 19 years). PCR and rK-39 results for Leishmania, HIV viral load, CD4 cell count, proliferation index, IFN-γ, IL-2, IP-10, IL-10 and TNF-α were determined. Heterogeneous results were obtained, with only one patient having developed specific cellular immunity against Leishmania. No cases of relapse were observed. The heterogeneity of lymphoproliferative test results in the three cases described highlights the need to identify surrogate markers of cure to guide maintenance or withdrawal of prophylaxis. Full article

In this study, the impact is assessed of a sustainability course on pre-service primary school teachers’ knowledge, behavior, and willingness towards sustainability. It aims to determine how this type of education empowers future educators as agents of change towards more sustainable practices in school settings. In this study, a quasi-experimental design is employed with questionnaires administered before and after the sustainability course to 56 pre-service primary school teachers. Robust statistical methods were used to analyze the data for independent and paired samples, as well as Spearman’s correlation to explore associations between cognitive, behavioral, and conative dimensions of sustainability. The results showed significant improvements in cognitive and conative dimensions following the intervention. Students increased their knowledge about sustainability and demonstrated a greater willingness to adopt sustainable behaviors. However, the change in concrete behaviors was less pronounced, suggesting the need for additional strategies to translate knowledge and willingness into effective action. In this study, the impact is highlighted of sustainability education on pre-service teachers, emphasizing the need for its effective integration into teacher training curricula to foster both knowledge acquisition and practical application of sustainable behaviors. Full article

This systematic review presents a critical analysis of advanced machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) approaches for predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and using a novel adaptation of the Downs and Black (D&B) scale, this study evaluates 89 research papers and provides insights into the evolving landscape of RUL estimation. Our analysis reveals an evolving landscape of methodological approaches, with different techniques showing distinct capabilities in capturing complex degradation patterns in EV batteries. While recent years have seen increased adoption of DL methods, the effectiveness of different approaches varies significantly based on application context and data characteristics. However, we also uncover critical challenges, including a lack of standardized evaluation metrics, prevalent overfitting problems, and limited dataset sizes, that hinder the field’s progress. To address these, we propose a comprehensive set of evaluation metrics and emphasize the need for larger and more diverse datasets. The review introduces an innovative clustering approach that provides a nuanced understanding of research trends and methodological gaps. In addition, we discuss the ethical implications of DL in RUL estimation, addressing concerns about privacy and algorithmic bias. By synthesizing current knowledge, identifying key research directions, and suggesting methodological improvements, this review serves as a central guide for researchers and practitioners in the rapidly evolving field of EV battery management. It not only contributes to the advancement of RUL estimation techniques but also sets a new standard for conducting systematic reviews in technology-driven fields, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient EV technologies. Full article