Search Results (41,753)

In this study, TiC_xO_y was produced by sintering in an argon atmosphere using carbon–thermal reduction with TiO₂ and graphite powder as the initial materials. The sintered TiC_xO_y was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As the oxygen content increased, the grain color of the sintered TiC_xO_y gradually shifted from gray to reddish-brown. The structure of TiC_xO_y resembles that of a coral, with a uniform distribution of Ti, C, and O throughout the sample. Analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the presence of bivalent, trivalent, and tetravalent titanium. Utilizing General Structure Analysis System software(GSAS-II), the X-ray Diffraction data obtained were refined, revealing a gradual decrease in lattice parameters as the oxygen atom content increased. Furthermore, the conductivity and density of the single phase, determined through the four-probe method and the Archimedes method, respectively, exhibited an increase in tandem with the rise in C content. Full article

Background and objectives: Early recurrence (ER) following curative-intent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis. Identifying preoperative risk factors for ER is essential for optimizing perioperative strategies. This study aimed to investigate perioperative predictors of ER, with a specific focus on tumor localization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 163 patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection for PDAC. ER was defined as recurrence within 6 months postoperatively. Two separate multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted: one including only preoperative variables, and one including both pre- and postoperative factors. Results: ER occurred in 35.6% of patients and was associated with significantly worse overall survival (median 9 vs. 21 months, p < 0.001) and post-recurrence survival (5 vs. 8 months, p = 0.008). Preoperative ECOG performance status > 0 (OR 3.31, p = 0.013) and CA 19-9 > 208 U/mL (OR 3.18, p = 0.022) were identified as independent predictors of ER. In the postoperative model, tumor localization in the body/tail (OR 3.23, p = 0.035), tumor size > 3.25 cm, lymph node ratio > 0.13, and absence of adjuvant therapy were also significant. Notably, tumor location did not influence overall survival. Conclusions: Tumor localization in the body/tail of the pancreas is independently associated with early recurrence but not overall survival. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating tumor site into preoperative risk stratification and support the consideration of neoadjuvant therapy in select anatomically resectable patients, particularly those with left-sided tumors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely accepted and effective intervention for advanced degenerative hip disease. However, prosthetic dislocation remains one of the most common postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical consequences of implant positioning variations and their influence on prosthetic stability. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) of the pelvis and hip joint was developed using SolidWorks Professional 2025, based on CT imaging of an anatomically normal adult. Multiple implant configurations were simulated, varying acetabular cup inclination and anteversion angles, femoral stem depth, and femoral offset. Muscle force vectors replicating single-leg stance conditions were applied according to biomechanical reference data. The mechanical performance of each configuration was quantified using the safety factor (SF), defined as the ratio of allowable material stress to calculated stress in the model. Results: The configuration with 45° cup inclination, 15° anteversion, standard femoral offset, and optimal stem depth demonstrated the highest SF values (9–12), indicating a low risk of mechanical failure or dislocation. In contrast, malpositioned implants—particularly those with low or high anteversion, excessive offset, or shallow stem insertion—resulted in a marked decrease in SF values (2–5), especially in the anterosuperior and posterosuperior quadrants of the acetabular interface. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical importance of precise implant alignment in THA. Even moderate deviations from optimal positioning can substantially compromise biomechanical stability and increase the risk of dislocation. These results support the need for individualized preoperative planning and the use of assistive technologies during surgery to enhance implant placement accuracy and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) and obesity among Korean workers. Methods: Data were derived from the 2016–2023 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationally representative dataset. The final analytic sample comprised 17,208 Korean workers aged 26 to 64 years. General and abdominal obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² and waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women, respectively. Sleep patterns were categorized into sufficient sleep, weekend CUS, and insufficient sleep. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between sleep patterns and obesity, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables. Results: Compared to individuals with sufficient sleep, those with weekend CUS showed increased odds of general obesity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21) and abdominal obesity (AOR = 1.18). The insufficient sleep group had even higher odds for both general obesity (AOR = 1.23) and abdominal obesity (AOR = 1.33). Conclusions: Insufficient sleep is significantly associated with increased risks of both general and abdominal obesity among Korean workers. While weekend CUS may offer partial mitigation of obesity risk, it should not be considered a substitute for regular, adequate sleep. Longitudinal studies are warranted to further explore causal relationships between sleep patterns and obesity in working populations. Full article

Fracture systems critically govern coal seam permeability, influencing hydrocarbon migration pathways and well placement strategies. We established a predictive framework for fracture characterization in thin-interbedded coal reservoirs by integrating seismic response analysis with multi-domain validation. Utilizing borehole log statistics and staggered-grid wave equation modeling, we first decode azimuthal amplitude anisotropy patterns in fractured coal seams under varying lithological contexts. Key findings reveal that (1) isotropic thick surrounding rocks yield distinct fracture symmetry axis alignment (ellipse long-axis orientation shifts with layer velocity), while (2) anisotropic thin-interbedded host strata amplify azimuthal anisotropy ratios at mid–far offsets but induce prediction ambiguity under comparable fracture intensities. By applying azimuthally partitioned OVT data with optimized mid–long offset stacking, our amplitude ellipse fitting method demonstrates unique fracture solutions validated against structural, logging, and production data. This workflow resolves the multi-solution challenges in thin-layered systems, enabling precise fracture parameter prediction to optimize coalbed methane development in geologically complex basins. Full article

Accurately forecasting the interval-valued green electricity (GE) supply is challenging due to the unpredictable and instantaneous nature of its source; yet, reliable multi-step-ahead forecasting is essential for providing the lead time required in operations, resource allocation, and system management. This study proposes an augmented-feature multi-step interval-valued forecasting (AFMIF) scheme that aims to address the challenges in forecasting interval-valued GE supply data by extracting additional features hidden within an interval. Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on original interval bounds, AFMIF integrates augmented features that capture statistical and dynamic properties to reveal hidden patterns. These features include basic interval boundaries and statistical distributions from an interval. Three effective forecasting methods, based on gated recurrent units (GRUs), long short-term memory (LSTM), and a temporal convolutional network (TCN), are constructed under the proposed AFMIF scheme, while the mean ratio of exclusive-or (MRXOR) is used to evaluate the forecasting performance. Two different real datasets of wind-based GE supply data from Belgium and Germany are used as illustrative examples. Empirical results demonstrate that the proposed AFMIF scheme with GRUs can generate promising results, achieving a mean MRXOR of 0.7906 from the Belgium data and 0.9719 from the Germany data for one-step- to three-steps-ahead forecasting. Moreover, the TCN yields an average improvement of 13% across all time steps with the proposed scheme. The results highlight the potential of the AFMIF scheme as an effective alternative approach for accurate multi-step-ahead interval-valued GE supply forecasting that offers practical benefits supporting GE management. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is significantly associated with multiple metabolic diseases, with plasma metabolites potentially mediating this relationship. This large-scale metabolomics study aims to (1) quantify the genetic correlations and causal effects between 10 metabolic disease-related phenotypes and CRC risk; (2) identify the plasma metabolites mediating these effects; and (3) explore downstream regulatory genes and druggable targets. Methods: Using linkage disequilibrium score regression and two-sample Mendelian randomization, we assessed the causal relationships between each metabolic trait and CRC. A total of 1091 plasma metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios were identified and analyzed for mediating effects by a two-step MR approach. Colocalization analyses evaluated shared genetic loci. The findings were validated in the UK Biobank for metabolite-trait associations. The expression of candidate genes was explored using data from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO. A FADS1-centered protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via STRING. Results: BMI, waist circumference, basal metabolic rate, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome exhibited both genetic correlation and causal effects on CRC. Five plasma metabolites—mannonate, the glucose/mannose ratio, plasma free asparagine, 1-linolenoyl-2-linolenoyl-GPC (18:2/18:3), and the mannose/trans-4-hydroxyproline ratio—were identified as shared central mediators. A colocalization analysis showed rs174546 linked CRC and 1-linolenoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPC. Validation in the UK Biobank confirmed the associations between phosphatidylcholine (the lipid class of this metabolite), adiposity measures, and CRC risk. An integrative analysis of TCGA, GTEx, and GEO revealed consistent upregulation of FADS1/2/3 and FEN1 in CRC, with high FADS1 expression predicting a poorer prognosis and showing the distinct cell-type expression in adipose and colon tissue. The PPI network mapping uncovered nine FADS1 interacting proteins targeted by supplements such as α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Conclusions: This study systematically reveals, for the first time, the shared intermediary plasma metabolites and their regulatory genes in the causal pathway from metabolic diseases to CRC. These findings provide candidate targets for subsequent functional validation and biomarker development. Full article

This study aimed to implement an effective power prediction method to support the optimal management of the 30 MW Nagréongo solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Burkina Faso. Initially, the performance of the PV plant was assessed by an external consultant based on data recorded in 2023 and 2024, revealing efficiency with a performance ratio (PR) of 73.73% in 2023, which improved to 77.43% in 2024. To forecast the plant’s power output, several deep learning models—namely LSTM, a GRU, LSTM-GRU, and an RNN—were applied using historical power data recorded at five-minute intervals during the 2024 periods of January–February; March–April; and July–August. All the deep learning models achieved accurate short-term forecasting for the 30 MW Nagréongo PV plant, with the seasonal performance shaped by the Sahelian weather regimes. The GRU performed best during the dry season (nRMSE ≈ 4%) and LSTM excelled in the hot months (nRMSE ≈ 2%), while the hybrid LSTM-GRU model proved most robust under rainy-season variability. Overall, the forecasting errors remained within 2–5% of plant capacity, demonstrating the suitability of these architectures for grid integration and operational planning in Sahel PV systems. Full article

Background: Substituted hydroxyapatites (HAps) are widely used in oral-care formulations for enamel repair; however, head-to-head comparisons among commercial grades remain limited. Objective: To compare four commercial HAps: A (Kal-HAp), B (FL-HAp), C (FL-HAp-SC), and D (microRepair^®, a biomimetic Zn–carbonate-substituted HAp) and to evaluate their ability to form an enamel-like coating in vitro. Methods: We characterized the powders by X-ray diffraction (crystalline phase, Landi crystallinity index), FTIR-ATR (phosphate/carbonate bands), SEM/EDS (morphology, surface Ca/P), and DLS (particles size, ζ-potential). In vitro, human enamel sections were treated with 5% slurries in artificial saliva; surface coverage was quantified by image analysis on SEM. Results: All commercial materials analyzed in this work were composed of HAp. Differences were observed between HApin terms of crystallinity-range [2 Theta 8.0–60.0°], carbonate substitution (ATR [carbonate group evaluated −870 cm⁻¹]), and particle size (DLS [in a range 0.1–10,000 nm], Z-mean [mV]). On enamel, all samples form a hydroxyapatite layer; coverage differed between groups ([A] 28.83 ± 7.35% vs. [B] 31.11 ± 3.12% vs. [C] 57.20 ± 33.12% vs. [D] 99.90 ± 0.12%), with the biomimetic Zn-carbonate-substituted HAp showing the highest coverage, and the post-treatment Ca/P ratio approached values similar to those of dental enamel. Conclusions: Complementary physic-chemical signatures (crystallinity, carbonate substitution, and morphology) relate to enamel-surface coverage in vitro, providing evidence base for selecting HAp grades for enamel-repair formulations, which is a practical implication for product design. Full article

Background: Non-invasive diagnostic tools for the assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are currently being intensively studied. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) and [13N]-ammonia is the gold standard for assessing myocardial metabolism and perfusion. The relationship between right ventricle (RV) myocardial metabolism and perfusion and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has not been studied. Objective: to evaluate correlations between the CPET parameters and RV perfusion and metabolism in IPAH patients. Methods: The study comprised 34 IPAH patients (34.2 ± 8.9 years, 4 males, 6 prevalent). Myocardial metabolism and perfusion were assessed using PET/CT with [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia, respectively. CPET, cardiac MRI and invasive hemodynamics were also evaluated. Results: Significant negative correlations were registered between [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia uptake by the RV (SUVmax _RV/LV) and the oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse and positive correlation with the ratio of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production. The low-risk IPAH patients significantly differed from the intermediate-to-high-risk group in CPET indices and in SUVmax _RV/LV metabolism and SUVmax _RV/LV perfusion parameters. No reliable differences in CPET indices and [18F]-FDG and [13N]-ammonia uptake by the RV were registered between intermediate- and high-risk patients. Conclusions: CPET is a reliable non-invasive diagnostic tool that could distinguish low-risk young IPAH patients without comorbidities from those at intermediate-to-high risk. Significant correlations between CPET parameters and RV myocardial metabolism and perfusion indices, MRI, and invasive hemodynamics confirm the high diagnostic value for CPET. Full article

Background: Vascular calcification has been highlighted as a prognostic factor for perioperative thrombosis but a protective factor for late restenosis in lower limb peripheral artery disease (LLPAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between calcification and twelve-month primary patency in patients with stenting of the common femoral artery (CFA) and its bifurcation for atheromatous stenosis. Materials/Methods: This single-center retrospective study analyzed consecutive limbs (n = 90) that underwent CFA stenting for symptomatic lesions between January 2018 and January 2023. Calcification was assessed using dedicated computed tomography angiography analysis software (EndoSize; Therenva), with blinded evaluation of volume (mm³) and density (Hounsfield Units) across three anatomically distinct zones: proximal CFA (Zone 1); distal CFA (Zone 2); and bifurcation segments (Zone 3). The primary endpoint was twelve-month primary patency, defined as a peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR) < 2.4 on duplex ultrasound without target lesion revascularization. Secondary endpoints included predictors of restenosis using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Ninety cases of CFA stenting for LLPAD (lower limb peripheral artery disease) were analyzed. A total of 78.9% of CFA lesions were treated for claudication and 21.1% for critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Lesions were distributed as Azema types I (1%), II (43%), and III (56%). At twelve-month follow-up, primary patency (PSVR < 2.4) was achieved in 77.4% of limbs. Patent CFA stenting demonstrated significantly higher median calcification density in Zone 2 compared to those with restenosis (1122 [IQR: 903–1248] vs. 858 [788–987] HU; p = 0.006; q = 0.021 after false discovery rate correction). ROC curve analysis identified a density threshold of 800 HU with a 76% reduction in restenosis risk (OR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08–0.72; p = 0.011). Bootstrap validation (1000 replications) confirmed threshold stability at 821 HU (95% CI: 656–990 HU). Conclusions: In this exploratory study, dense calcification (≥800 HU) in the distal CFA appears to be protective against twelve-month restenosis following stenting. These findings suggest that calcification density may serve as a valuable predictor for patient selection and procedural planning in CFA interventions. Full article

In agricultural systems, excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer often leads to low nitrogen use efficiency and environmental pollution. In order to solve this problem, we studied the synergistic effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on pepper yield, quality and rhizosphere soil health. This study was conducted under a temperate continental monsoon climate in Changchun, China. Using ‘Jinfu 803’ pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as the test material, biochar was prepared from corn straw under oxygen-limited conditions at 500 °C. the comprehensive effects of the combined application of biochar (0, 0.7% soil mass ratio) and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 75, 375, 675 kg/hm² pure nitrogen) on pepper yield, fruit quality, rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure were studied. Redundancy analysis (RDA), high-throughput sequencing, and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the association patterns between soil environmental factors and microbial functional groups. The results showed that the combined application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer significantly improved soil porosity (increased by 12.3–28.6%) and nutrient content, increased yield, and improved quality, among which the treatment of 0.7% biochar combined with 375 kg/hm² nitrogen fertilizer (B1N2) had the best effect. Under this treatment, the pepper yield reached 24,854.1 kg/hm², which was 42.35% higher than that of the control (B0N0). Notably, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) of the B1N2 treatment (66.3 kg/kg) was significantly higher than that of the corresponding treatment without biochar and was not significantly lower than that of the high-nitrogen B1N3 treatment. The contents of soluble sugar and vitamin C in fruits increased by 51.18% and 39.16%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the bacterial community structure was primarily shaped by soil pH, organic matter, and porosity, while the fungal community was predominantly influenced by alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen and total nitrogen. Furthermore, the B1N2 treatment specifically enriched key functional microbial taxa, such as Chloroflexi (involved in carbon cycling) and Mortierellomycota (phosphate-solubilizing), which showed significant positive correlations with improved soil properties. In conclusion, B1N2 is the optimal treatment combination as it improves soil physical conditions, increases nutrient content, optimizes microbial community structure, and enhances pepper yield and quality. Full article

This paper presents an approach to error correction in wireless communication systems, with a focus on the Bluetooth Low Energy standard. Our method uses the redundancy provided by the cyclic redundancy check and leaves the transmitter unchanged. The approach has two components: an error-detection algorithm that validates data packets and a neural network with reject option that classifies signals received from the channel and identifies bit errors for later correction. This design localizes and corrects errors and reduces transmission failures. Extensive simulations were conducted, and the results demonstrated promising performance. The method achieved correction rates of 94–98% for single-bit errors and 54–68% for double-bit errors, which reduced the need for packet retransmissions and lowered the risk of data loss. When applied to images, the approach enhanced visual quality compared with baseline methods. In particular, we observed improvements in visual quality for signal-to-noise ratios between 9 and 11 dB. In many cases, these enhancements were sufficient to restore the integrity of corrupted images. Full article

Introduction: Occupational allergic rhinitis (OAR) is a common respiratory condition that can lead to varying degrees of symptom severity, significantly impacting workers’ quality of life and productivity. While occupational risk factors are well established, the influence of nonoccupational factors, such as obesity, that contribute to OAR severity remains largely unexplored. Aims: This study aims to study the association between obesity and the severity of OAR. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among patients diagnosed with OAR at the Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse. It combines a retrospective review of medical records (2013–2021) with prospective structured telephone interviews (January–March 2023). Data were collected from medical records and supplemented with telephone interviews. The severity of OAR was assessed via the PAREO score and rhinomanometry results. Results: A total of 196 patients were included. The mean age was 39.69 ± 7.92 years, with a sex ratio of 0.53. The most frequently reported symptoms were nasal obstruction (78.6%) and sneezing (88.8%). The mean PAREO score was 5.78 ± 1.61, with severe OAR reported in 59.2% of the patients. Obesity was significantly associated with increased severity of OAR symptoms (p < 0.001; OR = 5.4; 95% CI [2.6–11.1]), a finding confirmed after adjustment for variables such as age, sex, and occupational seniority. Conclusion: Obesity appears to be a modifiable risk factor influencing OAR severity. Integrating weight management strategies into the treatment of OAR patients may contribute to significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms involved. Full article

Background: Liver regeneration is a complex process involving multiple signaling pathways that coordinate hepatocyte proliferation, survival, and tissue repair. Natural compounds like silymarin, ursolic acid, quercetin, and resveratrol have shown regenerative potential, though their precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. 6-O-trans-feruloyl catalpol (6FC), a major bioactive compound from Catalpa ovata, exhibits anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant effects via regulation of NF-κB signaling and redox-sensitive pathways such as Akt and MAPK, which are critical for cell survival and proliferation. Moreover, 6FC exhibits peroxynitrite-scavenging activity, suggesting its potential antioxidant properties that may protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage during regeneration. However, the role of 6FC in liver regeneration has not been elucidated, positioning it as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for hepatic repair. Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether 6FC promotes hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in vivo using a 2/3 PHx mouse model, and to validate its proliferative effects in vitro with HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells. Methods: A 2/3 PHx liver regeneration model was used to evaluate 6FC-mediated liver regeneration. Histological and molecular analyses assessed hepatocyte proliferation and signaling activation. HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells were also used to examine 6FC proliferative effects in vitro. Results: 6FC significantly promoted liver regeneration by restoring the liver-to-body weight ratio and reducing serum ALT and AST levels without inducing excessive immune responses. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6FC activates Akt and MAPK pathways, increases the expression of critical growth factors, and upregulates cell cycle regulators. These effects were also observed in HGF-stimulated Hep3B cells, suggesting that 6FC may enhance hepatocyte proliferation without triggering excessive immune responses. Conclusions: 6FC accelerates hepatocyte proliferation and promotes liver regeneration by activating key redox-sensitive signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant-based therapeutic agent. Full article