Search Results (132)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia and is associated with arterial stiffness, which may lead to cardiovascular disease. A water-based exercise (W) presents a low-impact activity for the joints and increases resistance compared to exercises performed in the air, which benefits older adults. However, little evidence has been found regarding the effect of W on promoting cognitive and physical performance in older individuals with MCI. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the post-training effects of W alone and in combination with cognitive training on cognitive function, cardiovascular fitness, and arterial stiffness in older adults with MCI. Forty-six adults with MCI, aged 65 years or older, were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups: a W group and a water-based exercise combined with cognitive training (W-COG) group. Both groups performed an aerobic exercise program in water for 60 min per/day, 3 day/week, for 12 weeks. Participants in the W-COG group simultaneously performed aerobic exercise and cognitive training in water. Cognitive performance, cardiovascular fitness, and arterial stiffness were examined before and after the intervention. The results revealed improvements in cognitive performance and cardiovascular fitness in both the W and W-COG groups after 12 weeks of intervention. However, there were no significant differences in cognitive and cardiovascular fitness changes between the two groups. Neither the W nor the W-COG groups showed a decrease in brachial pulse wave velocity. Therefore, W interventions have the potential to enhance cognitive function, restore cognition, and improve cardiovascular fitness in older adults with MCI. Full article

In the present work, we design a laminated composite composed of molybdenum–rhenium alloy and silicon carbide ceramics for use in space reactors as a candidate structural material with neutron spectral shift properties. The influence of the internal microstructure on the mechanical properties is investigated by finite element simulation based on scale separation. The results of the study showed that the incorporation of gradient transition layers between the metallic and ceramic phases effectively mitigates thermally induced local stresses arising from mismatches in coefficients of thermal expansion. By optimizing the composition of the gradient transition layers, the stress distribution within the composite under operating conditions has been adjusted. As a result, the stress experienced by the alloy phase is significantly reduced, potentially extending the high-temperature creep rupture life. Full article

Accurate prediction of key environmental parameters is crucial for intelligent control and optimization, yet it remains challenging due to gradient instability in deep learning models, like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), during time series forecasting. This study introduces a novel adaptive optimization algorithm, NadamClip, which integrates gradient clipping directly into the Nadam framework to address the trade-off between convergence efficiency and gradient explosion. NadamClip incorporates an adjustable gradient clipping threshold strategy that permits manual tuning. Through systematic experiments, we identified an optimal threshold range that effectively balances model performance and training stability, dynamically adapting to the evolving convergence characteristics of the network across different training phases. Aquaculture systems are regarded as similar to modern biomanufacturing systems. The study evaluated an aquaculture dataset for ammonia concentration prediction in aquaculture environmental control processes. NadamClip achieved outstanding results on key metrics, including a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.2644, a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.6595, and a Coefficient of Determination (R²) score of 0.9743. Compared to existing optimizer enhancements, NadamClip pioneers the integration of gradient clipping with adaptive momentum estimation, overcoming the traditional paradigm where clipping primarily serves as an external training control rather than an intrinsic algorithmic component. This study provides a practical and reproducible optimization framework for intelligent modeling of dynamic process systems, thereby contributing to the broader advancement of machine learning methods in predictive modeling and optimization for data-driven manufacturing and environmental processes. Full article

The relationship between natural environments and psychological well-being has gained increasing attention in environmental and health sciences. However, there is still a lack of robust quantitative instruments to assess the restorative potential of different environments. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), an instrument based on Attention Restoration Theory that evaluates the perceived restorative qualities of environments. In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on data from 410 participants. The results supported a refined 20-item version of the scale, comprising four factors—being away, fascination, compatibility, and legibility—with good internal consistency and acceptable model fit. Measurement invariance analysis confirmed configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender. In Study 2, a separate sample of 212 participants completed the PRS along with additional validated measures: the Sublime Emotion toward Nature Scale (SEN), an aesthetic evaluation of landscapes, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The PRS showed strong convergent and discriminant validity and significantly predicted restorative outcomes. These findings support the psychometric adequacy of the Portuguese PRS and its relevance as a valid tool for assessing perceived restorativeness in both natural and built environments. The scale may inform future research and public policies aimed at designing spaces that promote psychological restoration and mental well-being. Full article

This study endeavors to explore the shock-transmission mechanism between Trade Policy Uncertainty (TPU) and the volatility inherent in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Islamic stock markets by employing the novel Quantile Vector Auto Regression (QVAR) with “Extended Joint” and “Frequency” domain connectedness technique. Overall findings indicated a U-shaped pattern in the shock-transmission mechanism with the higher TPU shocks transmitted towards Islamic stock market volatility at the extreme quantiles and in the long term. The “Extended Joint” QVAR connectedness approach highlights that, in bearish and moderate-volatility conditions (τ = 0.05, 0.50), diversifying portfolios across less shock-prone equity markets like Qatar and UAE can mitigate risk exposure to TPU shocks. Specific economies receiving higher TPU shocks, like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, should implement strategic frameworks, including trade credit insurance and currency hedging, for risk reduction in trade policy shocks during the bearish and moderate-volatility conditions. Conversely, Qatar and Kuwait show the least transmission of error variance from TPU during higher-volatility conditions (τ = 0.95). Moreover, the application of the Frequency-domain QVAR technique underscores the need for short-term speculators to exercise increased vigilance during bearish and bullish volatile periods, as TPU shocks can exert a more substantial influence on the Islamic equity market volatility of Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Long-term investors may need to tailor their asset-allocation strategies by increasing allocations to more stable assets that are less susceptible to TPU shocks, such as Qatar, during bearish (τ = 0.05), moderate (τ = 0.50), and bullish (τ = 0.95) volatility. Full article

Background/Objective: The prognostic impact of additional cytogenetic aberrations and molecular abnormalities (such as MDS-related mutations, mutations in myeloid genes and the KRAS/NRAS mutations) in patients with NPM1- and/or FLT3-ITD-mutated AML remains elusive. Methods: This retrospective, multicentre study of real-world data aimed to investigate the impact of these mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities on the prognosis of patients with NPM1- and/or FLT3-ITD-mutated AML, treated with intensive chemotherapy. Results: In a cohort of 161 patients, the only parameters identified to affect the outcomes (EFS and OS) were the age of the patient, primary refractory disease, the presence of a NPM1 mutation and the use of allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) within the first complete remission. More specifically, ages below the median conferred significantly improved outcomes, whereas primary refractory disease exhibited a negative correlation with the EFS and OS. Subsequent subgroup analysis, stratifying patients into three groups (Group 1: NPM1^mutated/FLT3^wt; Group 2: NPM1^mutated/FLT3^mutated; Group 3: NPM1^wt/FLT3^mutated). revealed that allo-SCT in CR1 improved the outcomes (EFS and OS) in Groups 2 and 3, but had no additional impact in Group 1. Conclusions: Age, primary refractory disease and allogenic stem cell transplantation in the first complete response were found to have a prognostic impact on outcomes, Interestingly, no significant association was detected between the poor prognostic cytogenetic abnormalities or the presence of additional mutations in myeloid genes, MDS-related genes or KRAS/NRAS genes and the outcomes in any group of patients. Full article

Coupling TiO₂ with various elements could enhance its photocatalytic activity. In this study, an innovative ultrasound-assisted sol–gel method was used to synthesize TiO₂/Ag(x%) by varying Ag–support mass (x = 9.3, 17.1, and 23.6%), followed by calcination at 450 °C for 30 min. The aim was to demonstrate that Ag compositing improves photoactivity under visible light (>400 nm). The synthesized photocatalysts were assessed for their effectiveness in the degradation and mineralization of Methylene Blue (MB) and Acid Orange 7 (AO7) using visible lamps emitting in the range of 400–800 nm. Characterization of the prepared photocatalysts was performed by using Raman spectroscopy, SEM/EDS, pH_pzc, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the predominance of the anatase phase in all the photocatalysts. The photodegradation efficiencies of the selected dyes, MB and AO7, reached 99% (pH 6) and 95% (pH 3) after 180 min of irradiation, respectively. The best performance for the degradation of the two dyes was observed with TiO₂/Ag9.3%, showing optimal kinetics at this doping concentration. The improved photoactivity of the TiO₂/Ag composite is due to a decrease in the recombination rate of electron/hole (e⁻/h⁺) and a decrease in the band gap from 3.13 to 2.49 eV. The mineralization rate of both dyes under visible light is about 9.3%, indicating the presence of refractory by-products that resist complete degradation. Under UVA irradiation, complete mineralization is obtained. This study confirms the potential of TiO₂/Ag composite as a high-performance and cost-effective photocatalyst for solar environmental remediation, highlighting the role of silver in extending light absorption into the visible region and improving charge separation. Full article

The dorsomedial hypothalamus nucleus (DMH) plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of sympathetic nervous system activities. Through its projections to the brainstem and pontomedullary nuclei, it controls heart rate, contractility, blood pressure, and respiratory activity, such as timing and volumes. The DMH integrates inputs from higher brain centers and processes these signals in order to modulate autonomic outflow accordingly. It has been demonstrated to be of particular significance in the context of stress responses, where it orchestrates the physiological adaptations that are necessary for all adaptative responses. The perifornical region (PeF), which is closely associated with the DMH, also makes a contribution to autonomic regulation. The involvement of the PeF region in autonomic control is evidenced by its function in coordinating the autonomic and endocrine responses to stress, frequently in conjunction with the DMH. The DMH and the PeF do not function in an isolated manner; rather, they are components of a comprehensive hypothalamic network that integrates several autonomic responses. This neural network could serve as a target for developing therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases. Full article

Two monoterpenoid lactones, loliolide (1) and epi-loliolide (2), were isolated from the crude dichloromethane extract of a microalga, Thalassiosira sp.). The structures of loliolide (1) and epi-loliolide (2) were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analysis, as well as a comparison of their ¹H or/and ¹³C NMR data with those reported in the literature. In the case of loliolide (1), the absolute configurations of its stereogenic carbons were confirmed by X-ray analysis, whereas those of epi-loliolide (2) were determined by NOESY correlations. Loliolide (1) and epi-loliolide (2) were tested for their growth inhibitory activity against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) bacteria, as well as one clinical isolate (E. coli SA/2, an extended-spectrum β-lactamase producer-ESBL) and two environmental isolates, S. aureus 74/24, a methicillin-resistant (MRSA), and E. faecalis B3/101, a vancomycin-resistant (VRE) isolates. The results showed that none of the tested compounds exhibited antibacterial activity at the highest concentrations tested (325 μM), and both revealed low antioxidant activity, with ORAC values of 2.786 ± 0.070 and 2.520 ± 0.319 µmol TE/100 mg for loliolide (1) and epi-loliolide (2), respectively. Full article

In this paper, a one-dimensional thermodiffusion laminated beam system with delay feedback is studied. The existence of a solution for our system is discussed within the context of the semigroup approach. In addition, under different boundary conditions, two results of stability properties independent of initial data are investigated. Full article

(1) Background: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) can be associated with significant maternal and neonatal complications, and the aim of this retrospective study was to calculate the risks and probabilities of these complications in two tertiary maternity centers in Romania. (2) Methods: A total of 216 patients who attempted TOLAC were included in the study and were segregated into two groups, depending on TOLAC success. Medical records were assessed, and clinical data were used to determine the maternal and neonatal risks and complications, using multinomial logistic regression and postestimation predictions. (3) Results: Our data indicated that patients who had a failed TOLAC had significantly higher risks and probabilities of uterine rupture, either complete or incomplete; intensive care unit (ICU) admission; and emergency hysterectomy. The newborns of these mothers had significantly higher risks and probabilities of low Apgar score at birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and invasive ventilation. (4) Conclusions: Failed TOLAC could lead to significant maternal and neonatal complications, and women who attempt this procedure should be monitored in a tertiary center where a multidisciplinary team and an emergency operating room are available. Full article

Area A5 is a noradrenergic cell group in the brain stem characterised by its important role in triggering sympathetic activity, exerting a profound influence on the sympathetic outflow, which is instrumental in the modulation of cardiovascular functions, stress responses and various other physiological processes that are crucial for adaptation and survival mechanisms. Understanding the role of area A5, therefore, not only provides insights into the basic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system but also sheds light on the neuronal basis of a number of autonomic responses. In this review, we look deeper into the specifics of area A5, exploring its anatomical connections, its neurochemical properties and the mechanisms by which it influences sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiorespiratory regulation and, thus, contributes to the overall dynamics of the autonomic function in regulating body homeostasis. Full article

(1) Background: The prediction of cervical lesion evolution is a challenge for clinicians. This prospective study aimed to determine and compare the predictive accuracy of cytology, HPV genotyping, and p16/Ki67 dual staining alone or in combination with personal risk factors in the prediction of progression, regression, or persistence of cervical lesions in human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected patients; (2) Methods: This prospective study included HPV-positive patients with or without cervical lesions who underwent follow-up in a private clinic. We calculated the predictive performance of individual tests (cervical cytology, HPV genotyping, CINtecPlus results, and clinical risk factors) or their combination in the prediction of cervical lesion progression, regression, and persistence; (3) Results: The highest predictive performance for the progression of cervical lesions was achieved by a model comprising a Pap smear suggestive of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), the presence of 16/18 HPV strains, a positive p16/Ki67 dual staining result along with the presence of at least three clinical risk factors, which had a sensitivity (Se) of 74.42%, a specificity of 97.92%, an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.961, and an accuracy of 90.65%. The prediction of cervical lesion regression or persistence was modest when using individual or combined tests; (4) Conclusions: Multiple testing or new biomarkers should be used to improve HPV-positive patient surveillance, especially for cervical lesion regression or persistence prediction. Full article

Synthesis of the natural product prattinin A and some new derivatives has been achieved using abietic acid. The final products and a selection of intermediates were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against three human pathogenic bacteria: E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. The results showed that the antibacterial activity varies depending on the chemical structure of the compounds. Notably, compound 27 exhibited the most potent activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 11.7 µg/mL, comparable to that of the standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin, and strong activity against S. aureus, with an MIC of 23.4 µg/mL. Furthermore, we assessed the stability of these derivative compounds as potential antimicrobial agents and determined their interactions with the crystal structure of the protein receptor mutant TEM-12 from E. coli (pdb:1ESU) using molecular docking via UCSF Chimera software 1.17.3. The results suggest that 27 has potential as a natural antibiotic agent. Full article

This research studied the effect of recycled steel fibers extracted from twisted cable waste on the fresh and hardened states of high-performance concretes. Accordingly, slump, water absorption (WA), compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and split tensile strength (STS) were measured in the laboratory using mixtures generated by the response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM-based central composite design (CCD) was used to assess the influence of water-to-binder (W/B) ratios from 0.27 to 0.31, length-to-diameter (L/d = 46 to 80) and steel fiber content (SFC) in the range of 19 to 29 kg/m³ on the behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC). The accuracy and validation of the generated models were evaluated by employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimal parameters. The experimental findings revealed that the use of an L/d ratio of 63, a W/B ratio of approximately 0.28, and an SFC of around 22 kg/m³ resulted in high workability in terms of slump. While a notable increase in compressive strength was observed when employing an L/d ratio of approximately 70, a W/B ratio of around 0.28, and the maximum SFC of 29 kg/m³, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Full article