Search Results (469)

Background: Thyrotoxicosis is a systemic condition with well-documented cardiovascular effects, but its role as a precipitant of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is often overlooked. This review summarizes clinical cases and original studies from the last 20 years, describing ACS triggered by thyrotoxicosis. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for reports published between 2004–2025. Only case reports and original articles were included. Data extracted included demographics, ECG findings, angiography results, thyroid function, etiology of hyperthyroidism, and outcomes. Results: A total of 35 cases were identified. The mean age was in the fourth decade of life, with a female predominance (57%, 20 out of 35). More than half of the patients presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or STEMI equivalents (21 out of 35; 60%). Electrocardiographic abnormalities most often involved anterior or inferior leads. Coronary angiography revealed normal vessels or diffuse vasospasm in 18 cases (51%), while thrombotic occlusion was observed in 4 cases (11%), spontaneous dissection in 2 cases (6%), and myocardial bridging in 3 cases (9%). The leading cause of thyrotoxicosis was Graves’ disease (≈65%), followed by painless thyroiditis, iatrogenic causes, and gestational hyperthyroidism. Thyroid storm was reported in approximately 20% of cases and was associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. Conclusions: Thyrotoxicosis should be recognized as a rare but important trigger of ACS, especially in young patients without traditional risk factors. Pathophysiological mechanisms include coronary vasospasm, increased myocardial oxygen demand, and hypercoagulability. Early recognition may prevent unnecessary revascularization and optimize outcomes through integrated endocrine and cardiac management. Full article

Purpose: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on soccer performance and to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and their practical application by practitioners working with elite soccer players. Methods: Relevant literature involving dietary supplement use in soccer players was identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, insights were gathered from a cross-sectional online questionnaire completed by practitioners (nutritionists, physicians, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and heads of performance) working with first-division men’s teams across five European leagues. Eligible respondents were over 18 years old with >2 years of experience in elite sport. The 20-question survey, designed on Qualtrics and pilot-tested for content validity, covered practitioner background, beliefs about supplementation, and real-world practices. The study was approved by the Ethical Independent Committee in Genoa, Italy (Ref. 2020/12). Results: Among performance-enhancing supplements, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance, sprint performance, power, and cognitive function, while creatine consistently enhances short-duration, high-intensity efforts. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate help reduce the buildup of acidity in muscles during repeated high-intensity exercise, supporting repeated sprint performance. For hydration and endurance support, dietary nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and glycerol enhances fluid retention in hot environments and during compressed match schedules, where players compete in multiple matches within a short recovery window. Regarding recovery aids, protein and tart cherry supplementation have been shown to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle damage, and support training adaptations. Field insights revealed that creatine and caffeine were widely adopted by practitioners (>90%), with protein powders also commonly recommended (>80%). In contrast, beta-alanine, tart cherry, and dietary nitrates were only partially integrated into daily practice (30%, 32%, and 48.5%, respectively), while sodium bicarbonate (24%) and glycerol (10.5%) were used by a minority. Conclusions: Although scientific evidence provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of dietary supplements, their translation into elite soccer practice is shaped by a range of practical factors, including cultural resistance, taste preferences, gastrointestinal side effects, established team routines, and individual player preferences. These findings highlight the importance of targeted education for players and staff, individualized supplementation plans, and close collaboration between nutritionists, coaches, and medical teams. However, our survey did not directly assess reasons for non-implementation. In addition to practical barriers reported by practitioners, unfamiliarity with current evidence likely contributes to this evidence–practice gap. Full article

In this work, bismuthate glasses with compositions of 64Bi₂O₃-(25-x)Pb₃(BO₃)₂-11Ga₂O₃-xPbO (where x = 2, 7, 12, 17) were prepared by the melt-quenching method, and their density, thermodynamic stability, Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectra, Verdet constant, and nanosecond laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) were characterized. As the content of PbO increases, the thermodynamic stability and laser-induced damage threshold of the glass gradually decrease, which corresponds to the increase in the glass’s optical basicity, the rise in non-bridging oxygen content, and the valence state transition of Bi ions observed in structural studies. A relatively large Verdet constant was obtained in the glass with the composition of 64Bi₂O₃-8Pb₃(BO₃)₂-11Ga₂O₃-17PbO, with a value of −0.191 min·G⁻¹·cm⁻¹ at a wavelength of 633 nm, which is much larger than that of commercially diamagnetic glasses. In addition, the variation in the Verdet constant at 1064 nm between 20 and 80 °C is less than 0.4 × 10⁻⁵ K⁻¹, which indicates that these bismuthate glasses are good candidates for magneto-optical devices under thermally unstable conditions. Full article

This study employs a multi-technique approach to elucidate how graphene incorporation affects phase formation, microstructure, and thermal behavior in PVA-assisted sol–gel synthesized Ca_2.95Eu_0.05Co₄O_x nanomaterials. XRD confirms the preservation of the primary phases (hexagonal CaCO₃ and cubic CoO) alongside a distinct graphene (002) reflection; a systematic low-angle shift of the calcite (104) peak evidences partial relaxation of residual lattice strain with increasing graphene content, while Scherrer analysis indicates tunable crystallite size. Raman spectroscopy corroborates graphene incorporation through pronounced D (~1300 cm⁻¹) and G (~1580 cm⁻¹) bands and supports the XRD-identified phase coexistence via cobalt-oxide and calcite vibrations in the 200–700 cm⁻¹ region, also indicating increased defect/disorder with graphene loading. SEM shows grain refinement, denser/bridged lamellar textures, and reduced porosity at low–moderate graphene contents (1–3 wt.%), contrasted by agglomeration-driven heterogeneity at higher loadings (5–7 wt.%). EDX reveals increasing carbon with Ca/Co redistribution at accessible surfaces, and TG–DSC corroborates the removal of oxygen-containing groups and oxidative combustion of graphene at mid temperatures. Collectively, Raman–XRD-consistent evidence demonstrates that graphene provides a tunable handle over lattice strain, crystallite size, and grain-boundary architecture, establishing a processing–composition basis for optimizing functional (e.g., electrical/thermoelectric) performance. Full article

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and at its molecular core lies a silent disruptor: oxidative stress. This imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses not only damages cellular components but also orchestrates a cascade of pathological events across diverse cardiac cell types. In cardiomyocytes, ROS overload impairs contractility and survival, contributing to heart failure and infarction. Cardiac fibroblasts respond by promoting fibrosis through excessive collagen deposition. Macrophages intensify inflammatory responses, such as atherosclerosis, via ROS-mediated lipid oxidation—acting both as mediators of damage and targets for antioxidant intervention. This review examines how oxidative stress affects cardiac cell types and evaluates antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies. Therapeutic approaches include natural antioxidants (e.g., polyphenols and vitamins) and synthetic agents (e.g., enzyme modulators), which show promise in experimental models by improving myocardial remodeling. However, clinical trials reveal inconsistent outcomes, underscoring translational challenges (e.g., clinical biomarkers). Emerging strategies—such as targeted antioxidant delivery, activation of endogenous pathways, and disease modeling using 3D organoids—aim to enhance efficacy. In conclusion, we spotlight innovative technologies—like lab-grown heart tissue models—that help scientists better understand how oxidative stress affects heart health. These tools are bridging the gap between early-stage research and personalized medicine, opening new possibilities for diagnosing and treating heart disease more effectively. Full article

2,2-Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,1-diphenylethanol (HL) is a heteroscorpionate ligand capable of coordinating metal ions through two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. We report a base free synthetic route to metal complexes of L and explore the resulting structural diversity. Notably, complex composition varies substantially depending on the metal ion, including dinuclear molybdenum species and distinct coordination behavior with silicon and copper. The isolated compounds include the dinuclear, oxygen-bridged complexes (LMoO₂)₂O and (LMoO)(μ-O)₂, as well as the mononuclear complexes LTi(NMe₂)₃, LZrCl₃, LGeCl₃, LWO₂Cl, LCu(acetate)₂H, and LSiMe₂Cl. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the bulky complex structures generate cavities in the crystal lattice, frequently occupied by solvent molecules. The titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, tungsten, and germanium complexes exhibit octahedral coordination, while structural peculiarities are observed for copper and silicon. The copper(II) complex shows a distorted octahedral geometry with one elongated ligand bond; the silicon complex is pentacoordinated in the solid state. Additional characterization includes melting points, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The developed synthetic strategy provides a straightforward and versatile route to heteroscorpionate metal complexes. Full article

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) has attracted significant attention as a photoanode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its suitable bandgap (~2.4 eV), strong visible light absorption, chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, its practical application remains constrained by intrinsic limitations, including poor charge carrier mobility, short diffusion length, and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. This review critically summarizes recent advancements aimed at enhancing BiVO₄ PEC performance, encompassing synthesis strategies, defect engineering, heterojunction formation, cocatalyst integration, light-harvesting optimization, and stability improvements. Key fabrication methods—such as solution-based, vapor-phase, and electrochemical approaches—along with targeted modifications, including metal/nonmetal doping, surface passivation, and incorporation of electron transport layers, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on strategies to improve light absorption, charge separation efficiency (η_sep), and charge transfer efficiency (η_trans) through bandgap engineering, optical structure design, and catalytic interface optimization. Approaches to enhance stability via protective overlayers and electrolyte tuning are also reviewed, alongside emerging applications of BiVO₄ in tandem PEC systems and selective solar-driven production of value-added chemicals, such as H₂O₂. Finally, critical challenges, including the scale-up of electrode fabrication and the elucidation of fundamental reaction mechanisms, are highlighted, providing perspectives for bridging the gap between laboratory performance and practical implementation. Full article

Placental dysfunction underlies the major obstetric syndromes, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, pregnancy loss, and monochorionic twin complications. Recent molecular studies have revealed that dysregulated oxygen sensing, impaired angiogenic signaling, altered immune tolerance, and defective trophoblast fusion represent shared pathogenic pathways that converge across these disorders. Integrating morphological evidence with mechanistic data highlights how villous maldevelopment, shallow trophoblast invasion, and aberrant vascular remodeling translate into clinical disease. Advances in biomarker research have already transformed clinical care: the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is now established in the prediction and management of preeclampsia, while placental proteins such as PAPP-A and PP13, nucleic acid signatures including cfDNA, cfRNA and miRNAs, and extracellular vesicle cargo show promising potential for early, non-invasive detection of placental pathology. Multi-omics approaches, particularly single-cell and spatial transcriptomics combined with proteomic and metabolomic profiling, are paving the way for composite diagnostic panels that capture the polygenic and multicellular nature of placental disease. This review synthesizes current knowledge of molecular mechanisms, histological correlates, and translational biomarkers, and outlines how precision obstetrics may emerge from bridging mechanistic discoveries with clinical applications. Full article

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This scoping review summarizes experimental evidence on the anticancer activity of snake venom and its bioactive components against breast cancer, drawing from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. Aimed at critically evaluating the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms, this review consolidates findings on venoms from multiple snake species, including both crude preparations and purified proteins or peptides, revealing a diversity of mechanisms of action. Reported effects include induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of cell membrane integrity, inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, and modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways. In vivo findings further indicate tumor growth inhibition and, in some cases, enhanced efficacy when venom-based agents are combined with nanoparticle delivery systems or conventional anticancer drugs. However, a significant proportion of evidence is limited to in vitro studies, with substantial heterogeneity in venom sources, extraction methods, dosages, and cancer models, which constrains generalizability. There is also a lack of systematic data on long-term toxicity, immunogenicity, off-target effects, pharmacokinetics, and formulation challenges. Taken together, these findings highlight snake venom-derived compounds as promising multi-targeted anticancer agents but underscore the urgent need for standardized formulations, rigorous preclinical safety assessments, and translational research to bridge the gap to clinical application. Future investigations should aim to isolate novel venom-derived compounds, refine delivery strategies, and undertake rigorous preclinical safety and pharmacokinetic studies—ultimately moving toward early-phase clinical evaluation to bridge the translational gap and assess the therapeutic potential of these agents. Full article

Three new complexes of Hg(II), with the general formulas [Hg₂(ox)₂(NA)₄]_n·3nH₂O (1), [Hg(NO₃)₂(NA)₂(H₂O)₂]·2NA (2), and [Hg₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₂(NA)₄]·6H₂O (3), where ox = oxalate and NA = nicotinamide, were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, FT-IR, and fluorescence spectra. For complex (2), ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectra were recorded. Thermogravimetric analysis was also performed for complexes (1) and (2). Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that in the polymeric complex (1) and the binuclear complex (3), the Hg(II) ions are hexacoordinated, whereas in the mononuclear complex (2), Hg(II) is octacoordinated. In complex (1), each oxalate group acts in a µ₄ coordination manner, the basal plan being made up by four oxygen atoms belonging to the two oxalate ligands, while the nicotinamide molecules occupy the axial positions. In complex (2), the nitrate groups coordinate in a bidentate chelating mode, whereas in complex (3), each sulphate ligand acts in a bidentate chelating–bis monodentate bridging manner. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases hinge on a vicious, self-amplifying cycle in which mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) dysfunction undermines cardiac bioenergetics and unleashes sterile inflammation. The heart’s reliance on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) makes it exquisitely sensitive to mtDNA insults—mutations, oxidative lesions, copy-number shifts, or aberrant methylation—that impair ATP production, elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and further damage the mitochondrial genome. Damaged mtDNA fragments then escape into the cytosol, where they aberrantly engage cGAS–STING, TLR9, and NLRP3 pathways, driving cytokine storms, pyroptosis, and tissue injury. We propose that this cycle represents an almost unifying pathogenic mechanism in a spectrum of mtDNA-driven cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we aim to synthesize the pathophysiological roles of mtDNA in this cycle and its implications for cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we seek to evaluate preclinical and clinical strategies aimed at interrupting this cycle—bolstering mtDNA repair and copy-number maintenance, reversing pathogenic methylation, and blocking mtDNA-triggered innate immune activation—and discuss critical gaps that must be bridged to translate these approaches into precision mitochondrial genome medicine for cardiovascular disease. Full article

In this study, we investigate the phase transition process during high-alumina, low-lithium glass-ceramics (ZnO-MgO-Li₂O-SiO₂-Al₂O₃) crystallization. The differential scanning calorimetry and high-temperature X-ray diffraction results show that approximately 10 wt.% of (Zn, Mg)Al₂O₄ crystals precipitated when the heat treatment temperature reached 850 °C, indicating that a large number of nuclei had already formed during the earlier stages of heat treatment. Field emission transmission electron microscopy used to observe the microstructure of glass-ceramics after staged heat treatment revealed that cation migration occurred during the nucleation process. Zn and Mg aggregated around Al to form (Zn, Mg)Al₂O₄ nuclei, which provided sites for crystal growth. Moreover, high-valence Zr aggregated outside the glass network, leading to the formation of nanocrystals. Raman spectroscopy analysis of samples at different stages of crystallization revealed that during spinel precipitation, the Q³ and Q⁴ structural units in the glass network increased significantly, along with an increase in the number of bridging oxygens. Highly coordinated Al originally present in the network mainly participated in spinel nucleation, effectively suppressing the subsequent formation of Li_xAl_xSi_1−xO₂, which eventually resulted in the successful preparation of glass-ceramics with (Zn, Mg)Al₂O₄ and ZrO₂ as the main crystalline phases. The grains in this glass-ceramic are all nanocrystals. Its Vickers hardness and flexural strength can reach up to 875 Hv and 350 MPa, respectively, while the visible light transmittance of the glass-ceramic reaches 81.5%. This material shows potential for applications in touchscreen protection, aircraft and high-speed train windshields, and related fields. Full article

The thermal processing of walnut shells was investigated through pyrolysis within the range of 100–650 °C, highlighting the influence of thermal engineering parameters on biomass conversion. The resulting biochar was subjected to chemical activation with phosphoric acid, and its physicochemical properties were evaluated to determine how thermal processing enhances its performance as a cathode material for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. This approach underscores the role of thermal engineering in bridging biomass valorization with energy storage technologies. In parallel, the gaseous fraction generated during walnut shell fast pyrolysis was collected, and for the first time, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under atmospheric conditions were identified using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The composition of the VOCs was characterized, quantifying aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, furans, and oxygenated species. This study further linked the thermal decomposition pathways of these compounds to their atmospheric implications by estimating tropospheric lifetimes and evaluating their potential contributions to air quality degradation at the local, regional, and global scales. Full article

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is one of the most groundbreaking medical innovations in history, enabling safe and effective heart surgery by temporarily replacing the function of the heart and lungs. This review starts with ancient concepts of cardiopulmonary function and then traces the evolution of CPB through important physiological and anatomical discoveries, culminating in the development of the modern heart–lung machine. In addition to examining the contributions of significant figures like Galen, Ibn al-Nafis, William Harvey, and John Gibbon, we also examine the ethical and technical challenges faced in the early days of open heart surgery. Modern developments are also discussed, such as miniature extracorporeal systems, off-pump surgical techniques, and the increasing importance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS), while the evolving role of perfusionists in diverse cardiac teams and the variations in global access to CPB technology are also given special attention. We look at recent advancements in CPB, including customized methods, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence-guided perfusion, and organ-on-chip testing, emphasizing CPB’s enduring significance as a technological milestone and a living example of the cooperation of science, medicine, and human inventiveness because it bridges the gap between the past and the future. Full article

This study explores the dual functionality of cadmium-based pigments (CdS, CdSe, and CdS_1−xSe_x solid solutions) as historical colorants and visible-light photocatalysts. Synthesized pigments here replicated hues of traditional cadmium reds. At the same time, their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated using model dyes, such as indigo carmine (anionic) and fuchsine (cationic), as a representative of heritage materials. Structural and optical characterization confirmed tunable bandgaps (1.63–2.28 eV) and phase-dependent microstructures, with CdS_1−xSe_x composites exhibiting compositional heterogeneity. Photocatalytic tests revealed specific degradation mechanisms. Indigo carmine degradation was dominated by superoxide radicals (O₂^•−), while fuchsine degradation relied on photogenerated electrons (e′). Scavenger experiments highlighted the synergistic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and charge carriers, with CdS and CdSe showing the highest activity. Intermediate composites displayed selective reactivity, suggesting trade-offs between phase homogeneity and surface interactions. Reduced photocatalytic efficiency in composites aligns with cultural heritage needs, where pigment stability under light exposure is critical. This work bridges material science and conservation, demonstrating how the compositional tuning of CdS_1−xSe_x can balance color fidelity, photocatalytic activity, and longevity in art preservation. Full article