Search Results (2,331)

The design and implementation of a dynamic frequency sweeping algorithm for a 3 kW RF power source are underpinned by theoretical principles aimed at optimizing impedance matching under pulse-mode operation. The algorithm dynamically adjusts the output frequency within a predefined range to align the source impedance Z_source with the conjugate of the load impedance Z*_load, maximizing the power transfer efficiency and minimizing the reflection coefficient Γ. This is achieved by leveraging the maximum power transfer theorem and adapting to dynamic load variations, such as those induced by the plasma state transitions. The algorithm incorporates adaptive step size adjustments based on the rate of change of Γ, predictive frequency initialization using historical data, and real-time impedance monitoring to ensure efficient convergence within the constrained pulse “ON” time (TON). Integration with pulse mode requires synchronization with the pulse signal, fast convergence, and optimized search strategies. Experimental validation on a 13.56 MHz, 3 kW Automatic Sweep Generator testbed operating at 20 kHz pulse modulation with a 50% duty cycle demonstrates a linear and stable sweep, achieving impedance matching and low reflected power within 5.0172 ms. These findings highlight the algorithm’s potential for high-precision applications, such as RF plasma excitation, and underscore the importance of adaptive techniques in dynamic RF systems. Full article

Soils play a fundamental role in plant nutrition as primary sources of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg), whose availability depends on soil properties and environmental conditions. The composition of major cations in the soil solution is governed by interacting factors, including soil texture, acidity, mineralogical composition, and seasonal variability during the growing cycle. This study examines the availability, mobility, and seasonal dynamics of K and Mg in the soil solution of seven naturally managed soils across four distinct periods of a complete growing season beginning in spring. An integrated field and laboratory approach was applied to assess the influence of clay mineralogy on K and Mg behavior and overall soil fertility. Seasonal soil samples were analyzed for mineral composition, total elemental chemistry, exchangeable cation pools, and soil solution chemistry. Total elemental concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and clay mineral assemblages were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), focusing on 2:1 clay minerals, mixed-layer phases, and hydroxy-interlayered minerals (HIMs). The soils were dominated by 2:1 and mixed-layer assemblages, including illite/smectite (Ill/Sm), mica/illite–vermiculite (M/Vm), and chlorite/smectite (Chl/Sm), as well as transitional HIMs such as hydroxy-interlayered smectite (HIS) and hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite (HIV). Exchangeable Mg (0.28–1.30 cmolc kg⁻¹) and K (0.12–0.97 cmolc kg⁻¹) occurred in relatively high amounts, with maximum base saturation values of 13.14% (Mg) and 4.55% (K). Soil solution concentrations ranged from 1.60 to 3.00 ppm for K⁺ and 0.90–1.70 ppm for Mg²⁺, indicating substantial mobility and enrichment from the solid phase. These findings demonstrate that 2:1 clay minerals and mixed-layer phases act as key reservoirs regulating K and Mg exchangeability and release under natural acidic conditions, thereby sustaining soil fertility and nutrient availability for plant uptake. Full article

Olive pomace, a byproduct of olive oil production, is a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the metabolic effects of a subcritical water extract from California olive pomace (SWE COP) obtained from Arbequina olives. The extract was mainly composed of carbohydrates (72.81%) and contained 66.62 ± 1.22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of phenolics, with 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, hydroxytyrosol, and verbascoside identified as the predominant compounds. Male C57BL/6N mice were fed a standard diet (SD; n = 7), a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD; n = 7), which was used to induce features of diet-associated metabolic syndrome, or an HFSD supplemented with 3% (w/w) SWE COP (n = 7) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with SWE COP significantly reduced plasma triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels compared with the HFSD group. Moreover, SWE COP improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduced mesenteric and epididymal adiposity. Histological analysis showed that SWE COP alleviated hepatic steatosis and lowered the NAFLD activity score. These findings demonstrate that phenolic-rich SWE COP exerts beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and reduces liver fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. Overall, SWE COP represents a promising functional ingredient derived from olive industry byproducts for mitigating metabolic dysfunctions associated with obesity. Full article

Emerging non-volatile memories based on ferroelectric materials are currently under development to be integrated in the back-end-of-line of advanced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) nodes. A life cycle assessment (LCA) over 16 impact categories has been carried out to compare planar (2D) and vertical (3D) integration strategies for the manufacturing of Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂-based ferroelectric capacitors on a 22 nm CMOS technology node. The LCA demonstrates that the 3D approach allows us to reduce the environmental impacts by up to 20% over several impact categories. The device isolation by a single chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) step instead of the standard photolithography and plasma etching processes proved to be the main source of reduction on the overall environmental footprint. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in cirrhotic patients remains associated with considerable early rebleeding and mortality despite guideline-based therapy. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is recommended as first-line therapy for esophageal variceal bleeding, while alternative endoscopic hemostasis strategies may be required when EBL is technically difficult or judged unsafe. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single, tertiary referral center retrospective cohort study of adults with cirrhosis and AVB undergoing emergency endoscopy. Hemostasis modality at index endoscopy was EBL or argon plasma coagulation (APC), used selectively at the endoscopist’s discretion when bleeding was sourced to gastric varices or when EBL was technically difficult or unsafe. The primary endpoint was 5-day rebleeding, with key secondary endpoints set as 6-week mortality and in-hospital mortality. ICU admission and time to endoscopy were evaluated as process and outcome metrics. Multivariable models were used, adjusted for liver severity (MELD-Na, ALBI, PALBI) and bleeding and mortality scores (AIMS65, Rockall, Glasgow Blatchford). Results: Among 181 eligible AVB cases (APC n = 29, EBL n = 152), 5-day rebleeding was higher with APC (31%) than EBL (13.8%). In-hospital mortality (APC 20.7% vs. EBL 23.0%) and 6-week mortality (APC 31.0% vs. EBL 35.5%) were similar. In adjusted models (age, MELD-Na, time to endoscopy), APC was associated with increased odds of 5-day rebleeding (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.06–7.03), but not with in-hospital (aOR 0.51) or 6-week mortality (aOR 0.45). Time to endoscopy was not independently associated with mortality in adjusted models. Discrimination for in-hospital mortality was highest for MELD-Na (AUC 0.898) and ALBI (AUC 0.859). Conclusions: In this observational AVB cohort, APC, used as a rescue or alternative strategy, showed similar short-term mortality compared with EBL after adjustment for liver severity and was associated with higher 5-day rebleeding. APC may be a pragmatic option when EBL is not feasible or is judged unsafe. However, prospective evaluation and careful selection are warranted. Full article

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) represents a frequent and clinically challenging manifestation of advanced malignancy, particularly in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its management requires integration of diagnostic imaging, symptom-directed therapeutic strategies, and, increasingly, molecular profiling technologies. Recent advancements in this field based on liquid medium (so-called liquid biopsy) have achieved a significant increase in sensitivity, enhancing our ability to investigate biofluids and suggesting their potential integration into standard diagnostic practices, far beyond the canonical plasma biopsies. Fluid obtained from MPE after cytological sample centrifugation is rich in cell-free DNA and less susceptible to nucleic acid degradation during processing, improving overall diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the clinical management of malignant pleural effusions in patients with metastatic NSCLC, integrating imaging, procedural management, and molecular profiling from a multidisciplinary tumor board perspective. The primary objective was to synthesize contemporary knowledge with particular attention to the feasibility, reliability, and reproducibility of pleural fluid-based molecular testing. Results: MPE poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for all members of the multidisciplinary tumor board, traditionally associated with an adverse prognosis. However, recent advances in cytopathology, histopathology, and liquid-based techniques demonstrate that MPE could be an important source of prognostic or predictive information. At the same time, optimal patient management requires careful integration of imaging findings and procedural strategies (such as pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheters) with individualized systemic therapy selection. Cell-free DNA in pleural effusions is a promising field of exploration and study, potentially suitable for future guideline implementation, after validation in adequately powered studies, contributing to improving patient management, particularly useful in fragile subsets. Conclusions: The management of MPE in advanced NSCLC is evolving toward a multidisciplinary, precision-oriented model that integrates clinical evaluation, imaging, procedural interventions, and molecular testing. Liquid biopsy technology has gained enough analytical robustness and clinical feasibility to be a useful tool in routine analysis. Biofluid-based molecular testing may have outstanding potential, contributing to improving patient management, avoiding repetitive procedures, and optimizing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic practices. Moreover, collaborative projects among different specialties help in consolidating trust in the tumor board decision-making process. Full article

In recent years, there has been a growing scientific and clinical interest in nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits and cereals. These substances have gained prominence due to their diverse pharmacological properties, particularly their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities. In addition, scientific evidence supports their beneficial role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, which represent the principal focus of the present review. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of selected nutraceuticals related to the metabolic syndrome, a multifactorial pathological condition characterized by a cluster of metabolic disturbances that collectively increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic syndrome is typically defined by the presence of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia, which includes elevated plasma triglyceride levels and decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Given the global importance and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, identifying new strategies to treat these disorders, such as the use of nutraceuticals, has become a central focus of biomedical research. Full article

Background: The therapeutic effect and mechanism of protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL) on vascular dementia (VaD) were studied from a multi-group perspective. Methods: The pharmacological property of PAL was assessed by using both an in vivo two-vessel occlusion (2VO) rat model and an in vitro astrocyte–neuron co-culture system with oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) injury. On the basis of neurobehavioral test, Morris’ water maze test and hematoxylin and eosin staining, the pathological transformation of cognitive function and ischemic cerebral tissue was assessed. Key metabolites and targets through the comprehensive analysis of brain tissue and plasma metabolomics and transcriptomics were screened. Western blot and immunofluorescence were measured to assess proteins related to glutamate release, lactate shuttle and glycolysis. Results: PAL markedly improved the cognitive dysfunction of 2VO rats and reduced the nerve function score. The degeneration of neurons in the Hippocampal CA1 region was appreciably reduced. A total of eight common metabolites, including L-glutamate and L-glutamine, have been identified from plasma and brain sources. The pathway enrichment of glutamate metabolism is closely related to multiple energy metabolic pathways related to glycolysis. Combined with transcriptomic analysis and in vivo experiments, it was found that PAL can significantly downregulate the expression of the glutamate-releasing protein vGLUT1 and promote the process of glutamate transformation into glutamine. At the same time, it enhances the expression of lactate production, shuttle and utilization of related proteins GLUT-1, HK2, PFK, LDHA/B and PDH, MCT1/2/4. In the subsequent cell co-culture system, we confirmed that PAL can effectively lower the expression of vGLUT1, reduce the content of glutamate, and promote the lactate shuttle process, thus increasing the content of lactate and ATP and reducing apoptosis. Conclusions: PAL is associated with upregulation of key glycolytic enzymes and MCTs, suggesting a potential enhancement of the lactate shuttle mechanism. This process may involve the regulation of glutamate metabolism and coordinated modulation of energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, thereby improving intercellular energy supply and contributing to the therapeutic effects observed in vascular dementia. This study provides a mechanistic basis and preclinical evidence for the clinical development of PAL. Full article

The food system of Zhejiang Province, a major coastal province in China, includes a wide variety of products, such as canned foods, aquatic products, vegetables, fruits, and tea, all of which may serve as potential sources of tin (Sn) exposure. However, no systematic study has assessed the distribution and dietary exposure risk of Sn across food categories in the province, and a compound-specific evaluation of organotin compounds is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of Sn in commonly consumed foods and assessed dietary exposure risks among different age groups in Zhejiang Province. In total, 2014 samples from five major food categories—fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, tea, fresh aquatic products, and canned foods—were collected using a multistage stratified random sampling strategy. The Sn concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, with non-detection replaced by half the detection limit. Dietary intake data were derived from the 2015–2017 Nutrition and Health Surveillance using a 3-day, 24 h recall. The estimated daily intake and total hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated for age-specific risk assessments under multiple exposure scenarios. Fresh vegetables, fruits, tea, and most aquatic products had low Sn concentrations, whereas canned foods, particularly fruits, fungi, and meat products, had higher Sn concentrations. THQ values remained well below 1 across all food categories, indicating minimal health risks under typical consumption patterns, although lifetime exposure estimates suggested that canned foods could approach toxicological benchmarks earlier under high-consumption scenarios. A supplementary assessment of organotin compounds, which are highly toxic even at low fractions of total Sn, used a reverse dietary risk approach and probabilistic modeling. Canned foods and fresh aquatic products exhibited the lowest minimum conversion rates (0.16% and 0.37%, respectively), indicating that they are the most susceptible to organotin risk, whereas fresh fruits (7.77%) and tea (18.67%) required much higher proportions. Due to limited literature, further scenario- and probabilistic-based assessments focused on fresh aquatic products, revealing that typical exposure levels are generally safe, but children ≤ 6 years of age are the most vulnerable. Although overall Sn exposure is low, intake of highly processed foods, particularly canned products, should be limited in young children’s diets. These findings highlight that even small shifts in Sn speciation within high-risk food categories can lead to excessive tolerable daily intakes. This study provides a scientific reference for dietary Sn risk assessment and food safety management. Full article

The elemental composition of the vitreous humor may reflect physiological and pathological processes occurring in the eye. The objective of this study was to provide a complex multielemental analysis of human vitreous humor. Vitreous humor samples (n = 57) were collected post-mortem during autopsies. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify micro-, trace-, ultra-trace, and toxic elements. The study showed the occurrence of elements at the ppm (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg), ppb (Al, Rb, Zn, Fe, Sr, Cu), and ppt (Ce, La, Nd, Tb) levels. Hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method and k-means analysis revealed four distinct clusters, including two major clusters representing the baseline macro- and microelement profile characteristic for the studied population. Correlations between elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive and negative correlations between elements with (I) chemical similarity Ce-La, Cs-Rb, Rb-K, Ca-P, Zn-Cu, and Cs-K; (II) a possible common environmental origin, Cd-P, and Rb-P; (III) involvement in similar biological processes as K-P; and (iv) a common geochemical origin and similar biological functions, i.e., Se-Zn. The study identified several quantitative trends in the demographic and medical characteristics of the participants. Alcohol users had significantly higher Zn concentrations than non-alcohol users; women had significantly higher Ca concentrations than men; higher BMI correlated positively with Cs and negatively with Be and Cr levels; and Cu, Sb, Cd, Se, and Ca concentrations increased with age. The presence of several toxic and potentially toxic elements was identified in the vitreous body: Al (>10 ppb); Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn; and Ba (<10 ppb); As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Bi, Be (<1 ppb). The study showed that, within a given geographic region, the accumulation profiles of toxic metals are quite homogeneous, indicating common sources of exposure. Full article

Honey is consumed worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal value, but it can also expose people to toxic metals from environmental contamination. This study analyzes heavy metal levels and assesses health risks using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in honey collected from three areas in the Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia: Dambi Dollo, Gawo Kebe, and Anafilo. The concentrations followed the order: Zn > Fe > Pb > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cd. Notably, Pb and Cd levels exceeded the WHO/FAO maximum permissible limits. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks for adult consumers based on the average daily dose, target hazard quotient, and hazard index indicated that all calculated values were below the critical threshold of 1. This result suggests that honey consumption poses no significant non-carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the estimated target cancer risk and cumulative cancer risk (∑TCR) exceeded safety thresholds, indicating potential moderate lifetime carcinogenic risk from chronic exposure. Likely sources of high metal levels include local mining activities, agricultural inputs, and improper honey storage. Consequently, these findings highlight the need for continuous environmental monitoring, stricter regulations, and improved apicultural practices to ensure honey safety and protect public health. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a vital element for human health and seafood represents one of its major dietary sources. Nevertheless, information regarding the bioaccessibility of Se from seafood commonly consumed in Thailand remains scarce. To address this limitation, the present study evaluated in vitro Se bioaccessibility using the equilibrium dialyzability approach. Ten seafood species frequently selected by Thai consumers were investigated to determine total Se concentrations following different culinary treatments, namely fresh, boiling, frying, and grilling. For thermally processed samples, gastrointestinal digestion was simulated in vitro through enzymatic digestion prior to bioaccessibility assessment using the equilibrium dialyzability method. Inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ-MS) was used to precisely quantify the total and dialyzable Se fractions. The effects of seafood species and cooking methods were evaluated statistically using two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test for post hoc comparisons. The findings showed that, across the majority of cooking techniques, Indo-Pacific horseshoe crab eggs consistently showed considerably greater Se contents than other seafood (p < 0.05). Moreover, Se bioaccessibility in Indo-Pacific horseshoe crab eggs (81.1–88.3%) was markedly greater than that observed in other seafood items, including musk crab, blue crab, oysters, and wedge shell, regardless of cooking method (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in Se bioaccessibility were observed among boiling, frying, and grilling (p > 0.05), indicating that thermal processing did not adversely affect Se availability. Overall, the seafood species examined in this study, irrespective of preparation method, contained substantial Se levels with high bioaccessibility, underscoring their nutritional value and supporting dietary recommendations that promote balanced consumption of marine foods. Full article

This review summarizes scientific advances about the sonochemical synthesis of starch nanoparticles (St-NPs) for the food industry, as well as nutraceutical and drug delivery applications. High-intensity ultrasonication (HIU) has been explored as a versatile and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods for synthesizing St-NPs with high yields (>90%), controlled size (~100 nm), and minimal effluent generation. Thus, HIU has been explored (pre- or post-treatment) to mitigate the inherent disadvantages (high-cost, low yields, and environmental impact) of hydrothermal gelatinization, acid/alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, enzyme branching, water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, non-solvent nanoprecipitation, extrusion, high-pressure homogenization, high-energy milling, and cold plasma. Conventional sources of starch (corn [normal, waxy, high-amylose] and potato) and other unconventional sources (tubers [cassava, yam, malanga], seeds and grains [sorghum, barley, quinoa, lotus], breadfruit, pinhao seed, Araucaria angustifolia) have been subjected to single or assisted sonochemical protocols to obtain St-NPS with unique structural, physicochemical, and technological properties. The physical–mechanical effects of ultrasonication (cavitation, heat, and pressure) directly promote surface functionalization (i.e., esterification, pore formation) and impact the St-NPS’s particle size, double-helix structure, enzymatic-resistance properties, crystallinity, and intra- and intermolecular arrangements. Pickering additives in food systems, colloids in beverages, nanocomposites in biofilms for food packaging, and nanocarriers for drug and nutraceutical delivery (oral and transdermal) have been the most reported applications. Full article

The physiological and hematological responses to exercise and the corresponding adaptations in high-level sports have become an important issue, from both the health and the physical performance points of view. This study investigated the fluctuations in physiological and hematological variables of young swimmers throughout a training season. Twelve well-trained male swimmers (age: 14 ± 0.3 y) participated in the study. Measurements were carried out at the beginning of the training season (T1) and pre and post the taper of each of the two competitive periods (i.e., T2, T3 for the first training macrocycle, and T4, T5 for the second macrocycle, respectively). At each of the above time points, maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) was estimated, and blood samples were collected before and 1 h post a maximal 400 m swimming testing to measure hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin corpuscular (MCHC), platelets (PLT), red blood cells (RBCs), and albumin (Alb). Adjustment for exercise-induced plasma volume changes was performed before all data analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures followed by Bonferroni post hoc analyses was used for statistics. Multiple correlations with Bonferroni correction were also performed. Significant improvement of performance from T1 to the end of the study was recorded. Moreover, significant changes in lactate concentration ([La⁻]) with significant decrease at T3 and increase at T4 were also observed. Significant interaction (pre–post-test × test condition) for Hct, Hb, MCV, MCH, and RBCs; the main effect of test condition for Hct, MCV, MCHC, PLT, and Alb; and pre–post-test for Hct, Hb, MCV, MCHC, and RBCs were observed. No significant changes for VO_2max and HR were recorded (p > 0.05). Significant correlations between MCV and MCH at T1, T2, T4, and Hct and Hb at T1, T4, T5 were found. These results indicate that swimming training throughout a season induces both acute and long-term effects on the physiological and hematological profile of young swimmers. These findings provide fundamental information about the effects of the training volume and intensity on physical performance and might be utilized as a useful source for future studies to further characterize the systemic and performance signature of training-induced adaptations during a competitive season in swimmers. Full article

Current research is still striving to maximize the expansion of protein feed sources in order to reduce the production costs of the livestock industry. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate the impacts of replacing soybean meal protein in diets with mulberry silage (at 50 and 100% substitution levels) on the growth, health status, and carcass characteristics of growing goat kids. Forty-five Xiangdong black goat kids weighing 18.2 ± 1.6 kg (approximately 6 months old) were divided into three experimental groups and fed one of the following diets: a control diet consisting of a 50:50 concentrate-to-roughage ratio on a dry matter basis (control), a diet replacing 50% of soybean meal protein with mulberry silage (MS-50), or a diet replacing 100% of soybean meal protein with mulberry silage (MS-100). The results show that replacing soybean meal protein with mulberry silage significantly increased (p < 0.05) the intakes of dry matter (DMI), crude protein (CPI), neutral detergent fiber (NDFI), and organic matter (OMI). However, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed in the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), or neutral detergent fiber (NDF) among the groups, whereas the digestibility of OM and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the MS-100 group. Additionally, the MS-100 group exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) plasma total protein, albumin, and calcium levels. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly enhanced in both the MS-50 and MS-100 groups compared to the control, although the MS-100 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels related to the other groups. In terms of growth performance, the MS-100 group improved (p < 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, and carcass weights. Meanwhile, the MS-50 group recorded the highest contents (p < 0.05) of the following amino acids: aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, alanine, lysine, and proline. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that replacing soybean meal protein with mulberry silage generally produced comparable impacts, with additional positive effects on growth performance, meat quality, and health status of goats. Full article