Search Results (68)

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly observed in patients with breast cancer and may affect disease course and treatment outcomes. The determinants of vitamin D status in this population remain incompletely understood, particularly with respect to lifestyle, psychosocial, and tumour-related factors. The aim of this study was to identify environmental and clinical factors associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in women with breast cancer, with particular emphasis on dietary patterns, psychological distress, sleep quality, and tumour molecular subtype. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 101 women with histopathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer, recruited at the St. John of Dukla Oncology Centre of the Lublin Region (COZL) in Lublin, Poland, between 2018 and 2019. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA; Roche Diagnostics) within 2–8 weeks after surgical treatment. Clinical and lifestyle data were collected using standardised questionnaires and medical records. Dietary patterns were assessed with the KomPAN questionnaire (pro-healthy diet index pHDI-10 and non-healthy diet index nHDI-14). Psychological distress was measured with the Distress Thermometer. Multiple linear regression with backward stepwise elimination was applied to identify factors independently associated with of 25(OH)D concentration. Results: Insufficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL) was found in 56.4% of participants. The multivariable regression model was statistically significant (F(6,92) = 15.298; p < 0.001), explaining 49.9% of the variance in 25(OH)D concentrations. Factors independently associated with lower 25(OH)D included higher BMI (b = −0.715; p = 0.005), sleep disturbances (b = −6.257; p = 0.020), higher psychological distress score (b = −2.263; p < 0.001), and luminal B versus luminal A subtype (b = −5.909; p = 0.025). A higher pro healthy diet index (pHDI-10) was independently associated with higher 25(OH)D (b = 0.245; p = 0.040). Conclusions: Vitamin D status in patients with breast cancer is shaped by complex interactions among modifiable lifestyle factors and tumour characteristics. Targeted interventions addressing diet quality, psychological well-being, sleep health, and weight management may improve vitamin D status in this population. The association between molecular subtype and 25(OH)D concentrations warrants further prospective investigation. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as vitamin D supplementation and direct measures of sun exposure—both established determinants of 25(OH)D—could not be included as covariates and may account, at least in part, for the associations reported. Full article

Background: Preservation of renal hypothermia during vascular anastomosis remains a critical yet insufficiently optimized aspect of kidney transplantation. Rewarming during the second warm ischemic period increases metabolic activity and may exacerbate ischemia–reperfusion injury. Maintaining graft temperatures below the 15–18 °C metabolic threshold during implantation is associated with improved graft preservation, yet more than 80% of grafts exceed this threshold within 20 min under standard conditions. This study evaluated the thermal performance of a novel cooling adjunct, the Ice Pillow, in limiting renal rewarming under simulated ex vivo transplant conditions. Methods: Twelve human renal allografts (six donor pairs) were studied in a controlled laboratory setting following hypothermic machine perfusion. Within each donor pair, kidneys were randomly assigned to the Ice Pillow group or the Control group. Core temperature was measured using an intra-pelvic thermocouple probe, while surface temperature was assessed with a handheld infrared thermometer. Kidneys in the Ice Pillow group were positioned on a thin gauze pouch filled with ice slush. Control kidneys were rewarmed in a simulated body cavity at 30–32 °C. Temperature recordings were obtained at one-minute intervals over 40 min. Rewarming slopes were compared using donor-paired analysis. Longitudinal temperature trajectories were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model accounting for repeated measurements within kidneys. Agreement between core and surface measurements was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The Ice Pillow reduced the rate of renal rewarming by 56.4% compared with donor-paired controls (0.261 ± 0.057 °C/min vs. 0.599 ± 0.066 °C/min; mean donor-paired difference 0.338 °C/min; 95% CI, 0.237–0.440; t(5) = 8.56, p < 0.001). Linear mixed-effects modelling demonstrated progressive thermal separation between groups, with Control kidneys estimated to be 4.28 °C warmer at 10 min (95% CI, 3.35–5.22; p < 0.001) and 10.44 °C warmer at 40 min (95% CI, 7.88–12.99; p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis of core–surface agreement demonstrated a mean bias of −0.51 °C with 95% limits of agreement of −6.46 °C to 5.43 °C, indicating that surface thermometry followed the general direction of core temperature change but demonstrated wide limits of agreement, indicating the two methods are not interchangeable. Conclusions: In this ex vivo model, the Ice Pillow substantially attenuated renal rewarming compared with unassisted controls. Whether this thermal effect translates into improved graft function requires prospective clinical evaluation. Full article

Background: Excessive heat during implant osteotomy adversely affects bone healing and osseointegration. It is essential to carefully study the effects of drill systems, motors, and irrigation methods on intraosseous temperature. We aim to analyze the predictors of intraosseous temperature variation during osteotomy in bovine bone blocks using the Helix GM (Titanium) and Zi Compact (Zirconium) drill systems in conjunction with three different surgical motors and irrigation conditions using a linear regression model. Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was conducted at the Periodontology and Oral Implantology Laboratory of the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. A total of 120 bovine rib bone blocks (1.5 cm) were prepared using a standardized osteotomy protocol involving lance drills and ∅ 2 mm and ∅ 3 mm helical drills from the Zi and Helix GM compact kits (Neodent, Curitiba, Brazil). Irrigation was performed with chlorhexidine 0.12% + CPC 0.05% at ambient temperature (21 °C). Osteotomies were executed with two surgical motors (Coxo and Driller) at 1200 rpm and 35 Ncm torque. The intraosseous temperature was recorded in real time via a calibrated Fluke TiS55+ (Fluke, Everett, WA, USA) infrared thermographic camera and validated using a probe thermometer. Statistical analyses used Stata 17, applying descriptive measures, t-tests, and linear regression at 95% confidence for reliability. Results: Osteotomies without irrigation consistently resulted in slightly higher intraosseous temperatures. The Helix GM system, with the ∅ 3 mm drill and Driller motor, produced a final temperature of 29.3 °C ± 2.0. The Zi system with the lance drill and drill motor produced a maximum temperature of 32.7 °C ± 2.3. Irrigation was successful, and the elevated temperatures after irrigation were close to the surgical room temperature of 21–23 °C. Linear regression analysis showed that the drill motor produced a statistically significant decrease in temperature (−2.29 °C; 95% CI: −4.36 to −0.21; p = 0.031) while the lance drill with no additional irrigation produced a statistically significant increase in temperature (0.24 °C; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.42; p = 0.009). Conclusions: The absence of irrigation during osteotomy significantly increased the intraosseous temperature, potentially compromising bone integrity. The use of irrigation, especially with the Driller motor, demonstrates a protective thermal effect. Full article

Accurate knowledge of the thermal transmittance (U-value) of existing building envelopes is essential for reliable energy performance assessment and the planning of energy-efficient refurbishment measures. However, in practice, the material composition of existing walls is often unknown, and installing measurement devices may be restricted due to limited accessibility, the risk of structural damage, or varying on-site boundary conditions. Although several in situ methods for determining the U-value have been proposed in the literature, systematic comparisons of their performance under real environmental conditions remain limited. This lack of comparative evaluation makes it difficult to select the most appropriate method under specific practical constraints. To address this gap, this study presents a comprehensive experimental comparison of four in situ U-value measurement methods applied simultaneously to the same building element under identical real boundary conditions, providing new insights into their accuracy, uncertainty, and practical applicability. In this study, four in situ techniques commonly used to determine the thermal transmittance (U-value) were tested on a double-leaf brick wall at the University of Stuttgart: heat flow meter (HFM), infrared thermography (IRT), infrared thermometer (IRTM), and thermometric method (THM). The measurements were carried out over several days under real boundary conditions, during which air temperature, surface temperature, and heat flux were recorded at regular intervals. The results show that all four techniques can be reliably used under real boundary conditions, with the measured U-values lying within a comparable range. Differences among the methods were observed, largely due to their varying sensitivity to environmental influences and sensor placement. A comparison between the upper and lower parts of the wall indicated that its thermal response is non-uniform, and the observed deviations can be attributed to its inhomogeneous structure. By outlining the strengths and limitations of each technique and comparing their measurement outcomes, this study provides practical guidance for selecting suitable approaches for in situ U-value determination. Furthermore, the findings support future efforts to refine thermal evaluation methods and improve energy performance in existing buildings. Full article

Numerous studies have shown that remote monitoring of heart failure patients can reduce hospital readmission rates and mortality. This dataset includes multimodal physiological and inertial signals (acceleration and angular velocity data) recorded with PerHeart—a remote health monitoring platform intended for heart failure patients. In the pilot, which took place in Poland, 27 participants’ health was monitored for one month using the platform with commercially available devices (blood pressure meters, pulse oximeters, bathroom scales, thermometers, and glucometers), resulting in over four thousand physiological measurements. Eight adults were additionally monitored for gait and activity analysis using custom wrist sensors with inertial measurement units, yielding 2536 h of movement data collected over 204 days with almost 690,000 steps detected. Full article

This study experimentally evaluates the thermal performance of a compact parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) operating under actual solar conditions in Chachapoyas, a high-Andean city in northern Peru characterized by frequent cloud cover and variable irradiance. Despite the growing interest in solar thermal systems, few studies have assessed PTC behavior under high-altitude, diffuse radiation conditions typical of Andean regions. The PTSC, aligned along the north–south axis and equipped with a manual solar tracking system, was monitored for 30 consecutive days. Solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and water inlet/outlet temperatures were recorded at 30 min intervals using a DAVIS Vantage Pro Plus weather station and infrared thermometers (±0.5 °C accuracy). Thermal efficiency was determined from the ratio of useful heat gain to incident solar energy, based on instantaneous irradiance data. Results showed peak irradiance values of 1000 W m⁻² and maximum outlet water temperatures of 85 °C, achieving an average efficiency of 68 ± 2.5%. The collector maintained stable operation even under fluctuating radiation, confirming its suitability for domestic hot-water and low-temperature industrial applications. These findings provide the first experimental evidence of efficient solar-thermal conversion in cloudy highland environments of Peru, supporting the deployment of decentralized renewable energy systems in the Andean region. Full article

The thermal history of petroliferous basins controls the thermal evolution of source rocks and the diagenetic evolution of reservoirs. However, although various thermal events are common in such basins, previous studies have largely focused on the outcomes of thermal anomalies rather than systematically evaluating the spatiotemporal extent of their thermal effects. This oversight has impeded accurate assessment of source rock maturation and the timing of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study takes the Baiyun Deep Water Area in the Pearl River Mouth Basin as a case study, aiming to identify types of thermal events and systematically evaluate the extent of their impacts using geologic thermometers, numerical simulations, and measured data. Magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging are two widely distributed types of thermal events in this area. Apatite fission track (AFT) data reveal two magmatic underplating events in the southern part of the area at 20 Ma and 10 Ma, which led to a rapid increase in vitrinite reflectance (R_o) in the overlying strata. COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations of the B6-1 diapir show that its thermal impact extends laterally up to 10 km, with the Wenchang Formation source rocks within 2 km of the diapir rapidly heating to 310 °C and reaching over-maturity. Abnormally high homogenization temperatures recorded by saline inclusions associated with hydrocarbon inclusions provide evidence of thermal anomalies induced by hydrocarbon charging. By reconstructing the trapping depths of these inclusions, the timing of their formation was determined. Comparison with normal burial-thermal histories indicates that their homogenization temperatures are 20–30 °C higher than the ambient formation temperatures. Current thermal anomalies in the Enping Formation reservoir of Well K18-1, caused by ongoing hydrocarbon charging, were simulated using COMSOL. The results show that hydrocarbon charging only causes mild thermal anomalies confined to the reservoir and adjacent strata, with a temperature increase of about 29 °C. Present-day measured vitrinite reflectance data further confirm that hydrocarbon charging does not lead to an increase in R_o. Clarifying the types and effects of thermal events is essential for accurately reconstructing the thermal evolution of source rocks and the history of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study provides a new methodology for geothermal field research in petroliferous basins. By integrating AFT, R_o, and fluid inclusion analyses, we reveal past thermal events, and through numerical simulation, quantify the spatiotemporal influence of magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging on the geothermal field. Full article

Background and Objectives: Individuals with lower limb amputation are at increased risk of developing post-amputation complications that may affect rehabilitation outcomes. Assessing thermal symmetry between the residual and intact limbs, as well as activity-related temperature changes, represents a non-invasive and cost-effective approach for preliminary clinical evaluation. This study aimed to investigate regional skin temperature symmetry between residual and intact limbs at rest and following activity, and to examine whether the presence of phantom limb sensation or pain influences thermal patterns. Methods: Twenty-three individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation (mean age: 42.2 ± 15.1 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The presence of phantom limb sensation and pain was recorded. Skin temperature measurements were obtained using a non-contact infrared thermometer under two conditions: “resting” and “post-activity” following a 10 min self-selected walking task, conducted after prosthetic removal. Measurements were acquired from the patella, tibialis anterior, and distal points of both the residual and intact limbs in both conditions. Results: Significant inter-limb differences were observed in the patellar and tibialis anterior regions, with higher temperatures at the patella and lower temperatures at the tibialis anterior on the residual limb. No significant differences were detected at the distal regions under either condition. Post-activity temperature increases were observed in the tibialis anterior and distal regions of the intact limb, whereas no comparable adaptation was observed on the residual limb. Thermal profiles did not differ between participants with and without phantom limb pain or sensation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that skin temperature dynamics in individuals with amputation are region-specific and influenced by functional activity. The absence of post-activity thermal adaptation in the residual limb may have clinical implications for rehabilitation monitoring. Incorporating regional thermal assessment into routine evaluation may support individualized rehabilitation strategies following lower limb amputation. Full article

Background: Nurse coaching can reduce stress throughout the complex psychosocial process associated with the cancer journey, which affects numerous spheres, such as neurological, psychological, physical, and emotional ones. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to assess the extent of stress reduction among cancer care adopting nurse coaching interventions. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with id no. CRD420261290368 and performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search approach was performed by mixing keywords with Boolean operators like “coaching intervention”, “oncology nursing” and “stress” throughout the CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. We assessed stress levels alongside the nurse coaching interventions using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer. Results: A total of three studies were included, comprising 112 participants. Heterogeneity among studies was very high and statistically significant (p < 0.001; τ² = 1.02; I² = 96.2%, with a 95% CI: [85.89; 99.90]); thus, a random-effects model (REML) was applied. A small, non-significant reduction in stress levels following the nurse coaching intervention, with an overall SMD of −0.35 (SE = 0.60; 95% CI: [−1.52, 0.82]; p = 0.556), was recorded. Conclusions: Attention to standardization of core coaching components, while preserving flexibility and personalization, will be critical to advancing implementation in routine oncology care. Overall, nurse coaching represents a promising adjunct to comprehensive cancer care, with the potential to support psychological well-being, empower patients and caregivers, and address the broader determinants of stress throughout the cancer experience. Full article

Temperature offers a simple yet powerful signal to program cellular behavior. Here, we engineered and characterized a set of temperature-dependent genetic circuits that integrate RNA thermometers with site-specific DNA recombinases to achieve precise, irreversible control of gene expression. Using the serine recombinase Bxb1 placed under the control of the Salmonella FourU RNA thermometer, we demonstrate how promoter strength critically defines thermal sensitivity: weak promoters’ activity clears ON/OFF transitions, while strong promoters lead to continuous, quasi-temperature-independent recombination. Furthermore, temperature pulse duration and growth phase of cell culture were found to modulate recombination efficiency, providing additional layers of control. We illustrate the potential of this framework through proof-of-concept applications, including (i) the generation of spatial expression patterns on 2D surfaces via localized heating, (ii) a paper-based device capable of recording temperature gradients as stable genetic outputs, and (iii) a temperature-triggered lysis system for controlled cellular release. Together, these results establish temperature-regulated recombinase circuits as versatile and robust tools for programmable, spatially resolved, and irreversible control of gene expression, paving the way for new applications in synthetic biology, biosensing, and bioproduction. Full article

Precise measurement of mitochondrial temperature at different metabolic states remains one of the key challenges in cellular biophysics due to the lack of thermometers that combine nanoscale sensitivity with stable thermal contact with the organelle. Here, we present a hybrid sensing platform based on chemically functionalized diamond microparticles containing H3 luminescent centers, covalently bound to the outer membrane of isolated rat liver mitochondria. Surface activation via oxidation and EDC/HOBt chemistry provides a robust and reproducible thermal link between the thermometric probe and the organelle, minimizing heat dissipation through the surrounding medium. The local temperature is monitored ratiometrically from the emission ratio of H3 centers at 515–525 nm and 585–610 nm, showing a linear dependence on temperature with a relative sensitivity of 1.15%$\cdot$°C⁻¹ in aqueous environments. Upon the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the inhibition of electron transport, the diamond thermometers reproducibly recorded the local thermal changes in the range of 0.5–10 °C, depending on the degree of coverage by anchored mitochondria. The observed response reflects efficient local heat confinement within the diamond–mitochondrion assembly, suggesting that structural organization and thermal insulation at the subcellular level are critical modulators of mitochondrial thermogenesis. Full article

The study aims to recover, interpret, and analyze the daily meteorological observations made in Venice by Tommaso Temanza from 1751 to 1769. These records are relevant because they provide direct information about the climate of the Little Ice Age. Temanza used a barometer, an air thermometer of Amontons’ type, and an additional mercury thermometer, i.e., Réaumur’s thermometer. These early instruments are presented and discussed in this study. The barometer readings needed standard corrections, which were unknown at that time. The scale of the air thermometer was arbitrary, and temperatures were measured in inches of mercury. For the Amontons thermometer, Temanza missed the calibration points and used a particular scale with the zero-point in the middle of the range. He gave two contradictory explanations for this choice, both of which are discussed in this paper. In the 18th century, the use of a singular value to represent the average temperature, called “Temperate”, was promoted by Michieli du Crest in Geneva and Toaldo in Padua. This work reconstructs the unknown scale, using contemporary observations by Giovanni Poleni and Giuseppe Toaldo in Padua (30 km west of Venice) and snowfall reported in the weather notes to determine the temperature point at 0 °C. A discussion is made about the calibration, validation, and conversion of readings from the original to modern units of pressure and temperature, i.e., hPa and °C, respectively. The recovered record of Venice is presented in comparison with Padua, Bologna, and Milan. The paper provides and analyzes the new dataset, and improves knowledge about the climate, history of science, instruments, and observations made in the mid-18th century. Full article

In porphyry systems, the physicochemical properties of ore-related intrusions critically influence both metallogenic fertility and the resulting metal assemblages. Biotite is a widespread magmatic mineral capable of recording subtle changes in physicochemical parameters throughout the evolution of porphyry systems. Throughout the years, several biotite thermobarometers have been proposed; however, the most appropriate combination for application to porphyry systems remains uncertain. In the Julong Cu–polymetallic district, where magmatic biotite is pervasive in the ore-related intrusive suite, we integrate available temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity data to assess which combination of biotite-based thermobarometers best captures the physicochemical condition of the magma. Our results demonstrate that the structural formula recalculation method of Li et al. (2020), when combined with the thermometer of Li and Zhang (2022) and the barometer of Uchida et al. (2007), yields the most accurate reconstruction of magmatic conditions in porphyry systems. In the Julong district, this integrated approach reveals that the earliest granodiorite crystallized at depths of ~3.2–6.3 km, under strongly oxidizing conditions (~NNO+3 to HM) and in the presence of elevated volatile concentrations. A slightly younger monzogranite formed at ~4.4 km depth, recording lower oxygen fugacity conditions (~NNO+2 to NNO+4). Its elevated F concentration and lower oxygen fugacity suggest a genetic link to the fractional crystallization of magmatic phases, especially magnetite. On the other hand, the ore-related monzogranite porphyry (~NNO+3 to HM) shares the oxidized signature of the granodiorite and was emplaced at ~3.4 km depth. Its low log(f_H2O/f_HCl) value reflects elevated HCl activity, conducive to the efficient magmatic transport of Cu and Mo. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate and optimize the effects of three auxin types—indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)—applied at four concentrations (1000, 3000, 5000, and 8000 ppm) on the rooting performance of Photinia × fraseri Dress. stem cuttings. The experiment was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions using a sterile perlite medium. Rooting trays were placed on bottom-heated propagation benches maintained at a set temperature of 25 ± 2 °C to stimulate root formation. However, the actual rooting medium temperature—measured manually every four days from the perlite zone using a calibrated thermometer—ranged between 18 °C and 22 °C, with an overall average of approximately 20 ± 2 °C. The average values of these root-zone temperatures were used in the statistical analyses. Rooting percentage, root number, root length, callus formation, and mortality rate were recorded after 120 days. In addition to classical one-way ANOVA, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the interactions between auxin type, concentration, and temperature. The results revealed that 5000 ppm IBA significantly enhanced rooting performance, yielding the highest rooting percentage (85%), average root number (5.80), and root length (6.30 cm). RSM-based regression models demonstrated strong predictive power, with the model for rooting percentage explaining up to 92.79% of the total variance. Temperature and auxin concentration were identified as the most influential linear factors, while second-order and interaction terms—particularly T·ppm—contributed substantially to root length variation. These findings validate IBA as the most effective exogenous auxin for the vegetative propagation of Photinia × fraseri Dress. and provide practical recommendations for optimizing hormone treatments. Moreover, the study offers a robust statistical modeling framework that can be applied to similar propagation systems in woody ornamental plants. Full article

This study aims to recover, interpret and analyse the early meteorological observations made in Venice by Bernardino Zendrini from 1738 to 1743. Zendrini used a cistern barometer, an Amontons-type air thermometer and an additional mercury thermometer, i.e., a de l’Isle one. By comparing and interpreting the existing details, the instruments have been re-imagined, interpreted and discussed; finally their unknown scale and calibration points have been calculated. The barometer readings needed standard corrections, which were not known at that time. The scale of the air thermometers was in inches of mercury. Zendrini used a reversed scale, with boiling water set to 0, but neglected the second calibration point and the length of the tube. In addition, he gave the thermoscopic readings without the corresponding pressures. The methodology for the calibration, validation and transformation of the readings into modern units, i.e., hPa and °C, is carefully discussed. This paper provides and analyses new data, and improves our knowledge about the history of science, meteorological measurements, instruments and observations in the first half of the 18th century. Full article