Search Results (68)

Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, partly due to coexisting blood pressure (BP) disturbances. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for detecting subtle BP abnormalities, yet the relationship between glycemic control, T1D duration, and specific BP disturbances remains unclear. This study evaluated associations between HbA1c levels, T1D duration, and ABPM-derived BP parameters in a pediatric population with T1D. Methods: We included 357 children and adolescents (aged 7–18.8 years) with T1D treated at a tertiary center. All participants underwent 24 h ABPM. Glycemic control was assessed using HbA1c; values > 6.5% were considered suboptimal. We analyzed associations between HbA1c, T1D duration, and various BP parameters, including daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic BP, nocturnal dipping, and hypertension defined by ABPM criteria. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of elevated HbA1c. Results: Arterial hypertension was confirmed in 10% of patients, and 41% showed a non-dipping BP profile. There were no significant differences in HbA1c or T1D duration between dippers and non-dippers. However, patients with HbA1c > 6.5% had significantly higher 24 h diastolic BP and were more likely to meet hypertension criteria (p = 0.009). In univariate regression, both longer T1D duration (OR = 1.086; p = 0.033) and higher 24 h diastolic BP (OR = 1.065; p = 0.0068) were associated with elevated HbA1c. Both remained significant in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Impaired glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D was independently associated with higher 24 h diastolic BP and longer diabetes duration. Full article

In West Africa, Paullinia pinnata (P. pinnata) alcohol leaf extracts are used to treat disorders such as depression and anxiety with no documented scientific justification. We have therefore evaluated the potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Paullinia pinnata methanol leaf extract (PPME) in mice, along with probable underlying mechanisms. Adult Swiss albino mice were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of PPME orally before subjecting them through elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole-board tests to assess the anxiolytic effect. The tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test (FST) were used to assess the antidepressant-like effects. Reserpine, labetalol, and risperidone were used to investigate probable mechanisms of action. In both FST and TST, the duration of immobility was considerably reduced by PPME. Conversely, PPME had no significant effect on the number of mice who dipped their heads into the hole-board or entered the EPM’s open arm. Mechanistic analysis revealed that in mice given labetalol or risperidone beforehand, PPME dramatically reduced the length of immobility and reversed ptosis and akinesia caused by reserpine. Our findings suggest that PPME possesses antidepressant-like, but not anxiolytic-like, effects in mice, and antidepressant action may involve enhancing noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms. Full article

Orthopedic implants are essential for treating severe fractures and incomplete bone regeneration. However, metal-based implants often suffer from corrosion and biocompatibility issues. This study developed 3D-printed Polylactic Acid Plus (PLA+) bone screws coated with molybdenum and zirconia (ZrO₂) nanocomposites using the dip-coating method. The Taguchi method optimized five coating parameters: molybdenum weight, zirconia weight, ethanol volume, incubation time, and coating duration. The Taguchi method and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were used for data analysis, while NSGA-II and TOPSIS determined the optimal parameters. Molybdenum weight significantly increased compressive strength (35.45%), while coating time had the greatest effect on density (25.88%). Optimization improved compressive strength/Ec (Modulus of elasticity) to 315.808 MPa and density to 1.141 g/cm³. Compressive strength was significantly improved through optimized coating parameters; however, the achieved value of 315.808 MPa requires validation due to its relatively high magnitude compared to typical PLA materials reported in the literature. The study concludes that combining the Taguchi and NSGA-II methods effectively enhances the mechanical performance and biocompatibility of biodegradable bone screws. The optimal dip-coating parameters were 0.101 g molybdenum, 0.100 g zirconia, 59.523 mL ethanol, 6.025 h of incubation, and 7.907 min of coating time. However, the study is limited to in vitro mechanical testing, and further in vivo evaluations are necessary to confirm long-term biocompatibility and performance. Full article

This study investigates pressure relief mechanisms and gas migration control in gently inclined remote lower protective layer mining, using the Wu_8-31220 working face of Pingdingshan Tianan Coal Industry’s No. 1 Mine as a prototype. The integrated approach combining theoretical modeling with multidimensional monitoring systems yielded critical insights into pressure relief patterns. Analysis demonstrated dip-oriented pressure relief angles measuring 77° (intake side) and 83° (return side), collectively establishing a pressure relief zone spanning 160.5 m. Concurrently, horizontal pressure relief angles were determined to be 60° in both orientations, generating a pressure relief zone extending 1261 m. Mechanical monitoring revealed multistage “compression–expansion” responses in the Ding6 seam during protective seam extraction, achieving maximum expansion deformations of 9.89–13.55‰ within the boundary zone. By optimizing borehole spacing (20 m) and extraction duration (8 months), the Ding_6-32070 working face extracted 1.18 million m³ of gas (31.22% reserves), resolving spatial coupling challenges between gas recovery efficiency and pressure relief dimensions. This work advances understanding of pressure relief and permeability enhancement in gently inclined remote lower protective layer mining. The findings provide both theoretical foundations and technical benchmarks for safe deep coal mining operations and efficient gas control strategies. Full article

This paper investigates the effects of a Corotating Interaction Region (CIR)/High-Speed Stream (HSS)-driven geomagnetic storm from 13 to 23 October 2003, preceding the well-known Halloween storm. This moderate storm exhibited a prolonged recovery phase and persistent activity due to a High-Intensity Long-Duration Continuous AE Activity (HILDCAA) event. We focus on low-latitude ionospheric responses induced by Prompt Penetration Electric Fields (PPEFs) and Disturbance Dynamo Electric Fields (DDEFs). To assess these effects, we employed ground-based GNSS receivers, Digisonde data, and satellite observations from ACE, TIMED, and SOHO. An empirical model by Scherliess and Fejer (1999) was used to estimate equatorial plasma drifts and assess disturbed electric fields. Results show a ∼120 km uplift in hmF2 due to PPEF, expanding the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) crest beyond 20° dip latitude. DDEF effects during HILDCAA induced sustained F-region oscillations (∼100 km). The storm also altered thermospheric composition, with [[O]/[N₂] enhancements coinciding with TEC increases. Plasma irregularities, inferred from the Rate of TEC Index (ROTI 0.5–1 TECU/min), extended from equatorial to South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) latitudes. These results demonstrate prolonged ionospheric disturbances under CIR/HSS forcing and highlight the relevance of such events for understanding extended storm-time electrodynamics at low latitudes. Full article

Aluminum/steel bimetal combines the advantages of aluminum alloy and steel, greatly leveraging the value of various industrial fields, especially in improving engine performance and fuel economy. However, it is very difficult to prepare products with good interface bonding strength. The fundamental issue stems from the presence of an excessively thick interface layer and brittle intermetallic compounds. Therefore, this study employed a 50 μm-thick Ni interlayer to control the interface layer thickness, thereby enhancing the Al/steel interfacial bonding strength. A systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of hot dip duration on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/steel bimetal. The influence of hot dip duration on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum/steel bimetal interface was systematically studied. The results show that the 50 μm Ni intermediate layer was used to effectively control the transition layer thickness and improve the interfacial bonding strength of aluminum steel. The thickness of the interface layer gradually increases with the increase in the hot-immersion time. The thickness of the interface layer composed of the two phases of τ₁-Al₂Fe₃Si₃ and FeAl₃ on the steel side increases first and then decreases, while the interface layer composed of the two phases of τ₅-Al₈Fe₂Si and Fe₂Al₅ on the aluminum side decreases first and then increases. When the hot dip time is 240 s, the shear strength of Al/steel bimetal with 50 μm Ni interlayer showed 75% enhancement compared to Ni-free counterparts. Full article

Cardiology and sleep societies recommend 7–9 h sleep/night for adults (7–8 h for seniors) and more for youngsters; nonetheless, short sleep duration (SSD) of <7 h/night is epidemic. We searched PubMed for representative investigations, including those cited by meta-analyses, that reported association between SSD and long sleep duration (LSD) of >9 h/night and blood pressure (BP) levels to assess shortcomings of their methods. Studies indicate both SSD and LSD negatively impact BP despite major deficiencies, such as (i) reliance mainly on cross-sectional rather than longitudinal protocols, (ii) inclusion of participants diagnosed with hypertension (HTN) and/or taking antihypertension medications, (iii) assessment of BP and diagnosis of HTN performed by single wake-time office measurement rather than multiple measurements performed by 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), and (iv) determination of SD by subjective recall, single-night polysomnography, or diary recordings rather than objective wrist actigraphy of sufficient duration. The limited number of ABPM-based studies, despite evidencing major shortcomings, particularly (i) assessment for 24 h rather than preferred ≥48 h and (ii) inclusion of subjects diagnosed with HTN and/or taking antihypertension medications, also report association between abnormal SD and elevated 24 h ‘daytime’/wake-time diastolic and systolic (SBP) means plus ‘nighttime’/sleep-time SBP mean and dipping—the latter two indices, in combination, the strongest predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events. Full article

Tuta absoluta is a major pest, damaging tomato crops in many countries. Spinetoram, a novel insecticide, is increasingly used for the management of various insect pests. However, limited information is available on its lethal effects on T. absoluta. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of spinetoram concentrations in T. absoluta by exposing third-instar larvae to this insecticide through leaf-dipping bioassays under laboratory conditions. The results showed that sublethal spinetoram concentrations (LC₁₀ and LC₂₀) extended the developmental duration of the larval and pupal stage, as well as the oviposition period, and decreased the pupal weight, pupation and eclosion rates, fecundity, sex ratio, and egg-hatching rate compared to the control group. LC₁₀ and LC₂₀ treatments up-regulated the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzymes in T. absoluta larvae by 51.14–88.72% and 39.34–87.76% at 12 h, 62.71–96.68% and 37.38–39.92% at 24 h, and 41.78–53.34% and 19.44–48.39% at 48 h, respectively, compared to the control. Conversely, the LC₁₀ and LC₂₀ treatments inhibited the activities of detoxifying enzymes, i.e., carboxylesterase (14.72–34.95%), acetylcholinesterase (9.02–48.86%), glutathione S-transferase (19.40–43.19%), and mixed-function oxidase (18.18–25.93%). These findings indicate that lethal concentrations of spinetoram influence the population dynamics of T. absoluta by reducing their survival and developmental potential and inhibiting the activity of detoxifying enzymes. Full article

The increasidng demand for implants due to the aging populations highlights the necessity for applying highly functional coatings on the surface of implants. This study investigates the implications of applying a chitosan/polylysine composite coating on anodized titanium surfaces, aiming for improved biocompatibility, bioactivity, and anti-bacterial properties. Titanium substrates were anodized at 40 volts for a duration of two hours, followed by dip coating with the chitosan/polylysine composite. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed to characterize the polymer structure, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques were utilized to evaluate nanotube morphology and the coating structure. Results showed that samples containing 1.5% polylysine exhibited noticeable anti-bacterial properties and cell viability above fifty percent. Subsequent immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a duration of two weeks revealed the formation of apatite crystals on the coated samples, indicating that the samples are bioactive. Furthermore, polylysine contributed to enhanced resistance against degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. Overall, the chitosan/polylysine composite coating exhibited promising mechanical and biomedical characteristics, suggesting its potential for applications in orthopedic implants. Full article

Wind farms with type IV wind turbines from various manufacturers are being massively put into operation. These wind turbines comply with the requirements of the grid codes of the countries where they are designed and/or manufactured, but do not factor in the specific features of the distribution networks of other countries to which they are connected. The study at issue involves a comparative analysis of the requirements of grid codes of different countries for the stable operation of wind turbines under standard disturbances. The low voltage ride through (LVRT) characteristic makes it possible to prevent wind turbine shutdowns in case of short-term voltage dips of a given depth and duration. The calculations of transient processes indicate that wind turbines may not meet the requirements of the grid code of a particular country for their stable operation. As a result, standard disturbances will block the reactive current injection and the wind turbine will be switched off. This is often caused by the relay protection devices with a time delay of 1–2 s, which are used in distribution networks and implement the functions of long-range redundancy. Excessive shutdowns of wind turbines lead to emergency rises in the loads for the generating units of conventional power plants, aggravating the post-accident conditions and disconnecting consumers of electricity. This article presents a method for checking the LVRT characteristic settings for compliance with the technical requirements for wind turbines. To prevent wind turbine outages, one should either change the configuration of the LVRT characteristic, upgrade the relay protection devices in the distribution network adjacent to the wind farm, or implement group or individual technical solutions at the wind farm. The performance of the proposed technical solutions is confirmed by the calculations of transient processes. Full article

The formation of conductive copper patterns on mica holds promise for developing cost-effective flexible electronics and sensing devices, though it is challenging due to the low adhesion of mica’s atomically flat surface. Herein, we present a wet-chemical method for copper patterning on flexible mica substrates via electroless copper deposition (Cu-ELD). The process involves pre-functionalizing 50 µm thick muscovite mica with a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) layer, via a sol–gel dip-coating method with a titanium acetylacetonate-based sol. Photolithography is employed to selectively activate the TiO₂-coated mica substrates for Cu-ELD, utilizing in situ photodeposited silver (Ag) nanoclusters as a catalyst. Copper is subsequently plated using a formaldehyde-based Cu-ELD bath, with the duration of deposition primarily determining the thickness and electrical properties of the copper layer. Conductive Cu layers with thicknesses in the 70–130 nm range were formed within 1–2 min of deposition, exhibiting an inverse relationship between plating time and sheet resistance, which ranged from 600 to 300 mΩ/sq. The electrochemical thickening of these layers to 1 μm further reduced the sheet resistance to 27 mΩ/sq. Finally, the potential of Cu-ELD patterning on TiO₂-functionalized mica for creating functional sensing devices was demonstrated by fabricating a functional resistance temperature detector (RTD) on the titania surface. Full article

Extensive utilization of pesticides and their persistent residues inadvertently pose threats to the effectiveness and fitness of biocontrol agents in agroecosystems. However, these ecological consequences are generally disregarded when executing integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Cyantraniliprole (CNAP) serves as a wide-spectrum diamide insecticide and its sublethal effects have been well characterized on multiple insect pests, whereas its impacts on beneficial natural enemies remain unfathomed. Herein we exposed Harmonia axyridis, a predacious generalist, to lethal and sublethal concentrations of CNAP via dipping treatment (egg stage) and topical applications (1st-instar stage + adult stage). The acute toxicity tests revealed that LC₅₀ of CNAP were 90.11, 86.11 and 240.50 mg/L against embryos, 1st instar nymphs and female adults, respectively, with safety factors ranging from 1.14 to 5.34, suggesting its medium toxicity for H. axyridis and larval stage was the most susceptible. The embryonic, larval and pupal durations of coccinellids ecdysed from CNAP-treated eggs and 1st instars were all elongated under sublethal concentrations, of which LC₃₀ triggered more pronounced and significant retardations relative to control. Besides, exposed coccinellids displayed substantially diminished pupal mass and pupation rate, most notably for insects molted from the 1st-instar stage upon CNAP sublethal treatments. With respect to reproductive performance, LC₁₀ and LC₃₀ of CNAP all significantly suppressed female fecundity, as evidenced by reduced vitellin content, a prolonged pre-oviposition period (POP), mitigated laid eggs and the egg hatching rate. Specifically, there existed positive correlations between vitellin level (Vn) and number of eggs deposited by per female, indicative of CNAP affecting fecundity by regulation of Vn. In addition, the antioxidant system was also profoundly disrupted by CNAP, with compromised POD activity at different concentrations over time and induced hormesis of SOD/CAT activities post LC₁₀ exposure. Activities of SOD and TAC were enhanced to exert protective functions during the first 48 h, while defense collapsed at 72 h following LC₃₀ treatments that depleted all enzymatic activities. We speculated that fitness trade-offs may occur between reproductive capacity and antioxidant defenses to sustain physiological homeostasis in response to CNAP stress. Collectively, this study evaluated the ecological risk of CNAP and unmasked its adverse implications for overall fitness of H. axyridis, which highlighted rational application of agrochemicals to conserve biocontrol agents when implementing IPM strategies for sustainable pest control. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has notably affected the epidemiology of various infectious diseases. The imposed public health measures and disruptions in vaccination programs have potentially altered the patterns of these diseases post pandemic. Objective: To investigate the change in epidemiology of otorhinolaryngological infectious diseases in adult and pediatric patients after the COVID-19 pandemic and the relaxation of public health measures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large tertiary university otolaryngology department in the south of Germany, examining admissions with specific ICD-10 diagnoses from 2019 to 2023. Data were seasonally categorized and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 1728 inpatient cases were analyzed. There was a significant increase in otorhinolaryngological infections in the post-pandemic winter of 2022, particularly of peritonsillar abscesses, acute tonsillitis and acute mastoiditis. No significant post-pandemic spike in mononucleosis was observed. The duration of hospitalization was shorter in 2022, and the median age of patients did not change significantly pre- versus post-pandemic. Conclusions: The study indicates a significant post-pandemic rise in otorhinolaryngological infections. Remarkably, the typical “dip” in infections during the summer months was not observed in the post pandemic years, possibly reflecting the impact of the termination of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Mononucleosis was the only infection not following this pattern. Full article

Background and Objectives: Vertical rhythmic dyskinetic movements that are primarily drug-induced and affect solely the jaw, mouth, and lips without involving the tongue have been historically described as “rabbit” syndrome (RS). Evidence on the unique features and implications of this disorder remains limited. This literature review aims to evaluate the clinical–epidemiological profile, pathological mechanisms, and management of this movement disorder. Materials and Methods: Two reviewers identified and assessed relevant reports in six databases without language restriction published between 1972 and 2024. Results: A total of 85 articles containing 146 cases of RS were found. The mean frequency of RS among adults in psychiatric hospitals was 1.2% (range 0–4.4%). The mean age of affected patients was 49.2 (SD: 17.5), and 63.6% were females. Schizophrenia was the most frequent comorbidity found in 47.6%, followed by bipolar disorder (17.8%), major depressive disorder (10.3%), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (3.7%). Five cases were idiopathic. The most common medications associated with RS were haloperidol (17%), risperidone (14%), aripiprazole (7%), trifluoperazine (5%), and sulpiride (5%). The mean duration of pharmacotherapy before RS was 21.4 weeks (SD: 20.6). RS occurred in association with drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) in 27.4% and with tardive dyskinesia (TD) in 8.2% of cases. Antipsychotic modification and/or anticholinergic drugs resulted in full or partial recovery in nearly all reported cases in which they were prescribed. Conclusions: RS occurs as a distinct drug-induced syndrome associated primarily but not exclusively with antipsychotics. Distinguishing RS from TD is important because the treatment options for the two disorders are quite different. By contrast, RS may be part of a spectrum of symptoms of DIP with similar course, treatment outcomes, and pathophysiology. Full article

This study aims to improve the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide nanorods (TNRs) and other related nanostructures (dense nanorods, needle-like nanorods, nanoballs, and nanoflowers) by modifying them with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This preparation is carried out using a two-step method: sol–gel dip-coating deposition combined with hydrothermal crystal growth. Further modification with AgNPs was achieved through the photoreduction of Ag⁺ ions under UV illumination. The investigation explores the impact of different growth factors on the morphological development of TiO₂ nanostructures by modulating (i) the chemical composition, the water:acid ratio, (ii) the precursor concentration involved in the hydrothermal process, and (iii) the duration of the hydrothermal reaction. Morphological characteristics, including the length, diameter, and nanorod density of the nanostructures, were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical states were determined through use of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique, while phase composition and crystalline structure analysis was performed using the Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) method. The results indicate that various nanostructures (dense nanorods, needle-like nanorods, nanoballs, and nanoflowers) can be obtained by modifying these parameters. The photocatalytic efficiency of these nanostructures and Ag-coated nanostructures was assessed by measuring the degradation of the organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) under both ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and visible light. The results clearly show that UV light causes the RhB solution to lose its color, whereas under visible light RhB changes into rhodamine 110, indicating a successful photocatalytic transformation. The nanoball-like structures’ modification with the active metal silver (TNRs 4 Ag) exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency under both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light for different chemical composition parameters. The nanorod structure (TNRs 2 Ag) is more efficient under UV, but under visible-light photocatalyst, the TNRs 6 Ag (dense nanorods) sample is more effective. Full article