Tag: pubmed

Neurosci Lett. 2023 Jul 15:137401. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Neuroimaging studies have identified significant differences in brain structure, function, and connectivity between endurance runners and healthy controls. However, the topological organization of large-scale functional brain networks remains unexplored in endurance runners. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, this study examined the differences in the topological organization of functional networks between endurance runners (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 20). Endurance runners had significantly higher clustering coefficients in the whole-brain functional network than healthy controls, but the two did not differ regarding the shortest path length or small-world index. Using network-based statistics, we identified one subnetwork in endurance runners with higher functional connectivity than healthy controls, and the mean functional connectivity of the subnetwork significantly correlated with the three aforementioned small-world parameters. In this subnetwork, the mean clustering coefficient of nodes associated with short-range connections was higher in endurance runners than in healthy controls, but the mean clustering coefficient of nodes associated with long-range connections did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, using graph theoretical approaches, we revealed significant differences in the topological organization of the whole-brain functional network and functional connectivity between endurance runners and healthy controls. The relationship between these two features suggests that a more segregated network may arise from the optimization of the identified subnetwork in endurance runners. These findings are possibly the neural basis underlying the good performance of endurance runners in endurance running.

PMID:37460055 | DOI:10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137401

Ann Anat. 2023 Jul 15:152131. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152131. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Functional hematopoiesis is governed by the bone marrow (BM) niche, which is compromised by radiotherapy, leading to radiation-induced BM failure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the radiation induced pathological remodeling of the niche and the efficacy of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) in restoring hematopoiesis via improvement of the niche.

METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were equally assigned to three groups: control (CON), irradiated (IR), and IR + hUCB-MSCs. Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to detect collagen type III and IV, Aquaporin 1⁺ sinusoidal endothelial cells and immature hematopoietic cells, CD11c⁺ dendritic cells, Iba1⁺ macrophages, CD9⁺ megakaryocytes, Sca-1⁺, cKit⁺, CD133 and N-cadherin⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, CD20⁺, Gr1⁺ mature hematopoietic cells, in addition to ki67⁺ proliferation, Bcl-2⁺ anti-apoptotic, caspase-3⁺ apoptotic, TNF-α⁺ inflammatory cells. Histoplanimetry data were statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance followed by the post hoc Duncan’s test. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between variables parameters.

RESULTS: In comparison to the IR group, the IR+hUCB-MSCs group showed restored cell populations and extracellular collagen components of the BM niche with significant increase in hematopoietic stem, progenitor, mature and proliferating cells, and a considerable decrease in apoptotic and inflammatory cells. Furthermore, highly significant correlations between BM niche and blood biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical parameters were observed.

CONCLUSION: hUCB-MSCs restored functional hematopoiesis through amelioration of the BM niche components via reduction of oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and apoptosis with upregulation of cellular proliferation.

PMID:37460043 | DOI:10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152131

Value Health. 2023 Jul 15:S1098-3015(23)03061-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.07.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We present an empirical comparison of relative-efficacy estimate(s) from Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons (MAICs) with estimates from corresponding standard anchored indirect treatment comparisons (ITCs).

METHODS: A total of 80 comparisons were identified from 17 publications through a systematic rapid review. A standardised metric that used reported relative treatment efficacy estimates and their associated uncertainty was used to compare the methods across different treatment indications and outcome measures.

RESULTS: On aggregate, MAICs presented for connected networks tended to report a more favourable relative-efficacy estimate for the treatment for which individual-level patient data (IPD) were available, relative to the reported ITC estimate.

CONCLUSIONS: Although we recognise the importance of MAIC and other population adjustment methods in certain situations, we recommend that results from these analyses are interpreted with caution. Researchers and analysts should carefully consider if MAICs are appropriate where presented and whether MAICs would have added value where omitted.

PMID:37460009 | DOI:10.1016/j.jval.2023.07.001

Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jul 15:165504. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165504. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Two fundamental problems have inhibited progress in the simulation of river water quality under climate (and other) uncertainty: 1) insufficient data, and 2) the inability of existing models to account for the complexity of factors (e.g., hydro-climatic, basin characteristics, land use features) affecting river water quality. To address these concerns this study presents a technique for augmenting limited ground-based observations of water quality variables with remote-sensed surface reflectance data by leveraging a machine learning model capable of accommodating the multidimensionality of water quality influences. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can serve as a surrogate for chemical and biological pollutants of concern in surface water bodies. Historically, TSS data collection in the United States has been limited to the location of water treatment plants where state or federal agencies conduct regularly-scheduled water sampling. Mathematical models relating riverine TSS concentration to the explanatory factors have therefore been limited and the relationships between climate extremes and water contamination events have not been effectively diagnosed. This paper presents a method to identify these issues by utilizing a Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) model trained on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite reflectance data, which is calibrated to TSS data collected by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). The methodology developed enables a thorough empirical analysis and data-driven algorithms able to account for spatial variability within the watershed and provide effective water quality prediction under uncertainty.

PMID:37459982 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165504

Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jul 15:165558. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165558. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Graphene production has dramatically increased in the last years and new ways to recycle this engineered material need to be investigated. To this purpose, a reactive model network was developed using PHREEQC-3 code to quantify the relevant biogeochemical reactions induced by graphene scraps’ incorporation in a calcareous sandy soil. The numerical model was calibrated versus a complete dataset of column experiments in water saturated conditions using two different fertilizers, a synthetic NPK fertilizer and fertigation water produced in a wastewater treatment plant. Column experiments consisted of 50 cm columns filled with a mixture of graphene scraps (0.015 % dry weight) and soil in the first 10 cm, while the remaining 40 cm had only soil. The model performance was tested using classical statistical indices (R², Modelling Efficiency, and Index of Agreement), resulting to be satisfactory. Besides, a simple sensitivity analysis via the perturbation of relevant parameters showed a low degree of uncertainty. The main outcome of this study was the quantification of the increased denitrification rate triggered by graphene incorporation into the soil. Moreover, graphene incorporation substantially increased soil CEC and DOC sorption capacity, demonstrating a good adsorption capacity for ammonium and organic compounds, thus decreasing nutrients leaching that represents a major concern related to agricultural practice. Indeed, Graphene incorporation increased by 40 % the CEC in the first 10 cm of the CSG_NPK column (2.50e^-02 mol/L) respect to the CS_NPK column (1.75e^-02 mol/L) and increased it by 150 % in the first 10 cm of the CSG_FW column (2.50e^-02 mol/L) in comparison with the CS_FW column 1.00e^-02 (mol/L). pH fluctuations were most likely due to the precipitation of Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH, indeed the consumption of H⁺ ions could have triggered the pH lowering during the experiment. These results could be relevant for future graphene applications as a soil improver or as suitable material to enhance soil bioremediation in order to include graphene in a circular economy loop.

PMID:37459980 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165558

J Affect Disord. 2023 Jul 15:S0165-0327(23)00919-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.066. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37459974 | DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.066

J Dent. 2023 Jul 15:104623. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104623. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microstructural, elemental and mechanical properties of contemporary CAD/CAM resin based composite (RBC) materials.

METHODS: Six CAD/CAM RBC materials [Brilliant CRIOS (Coltene Whaledent AG), Cerasmart (GC), Lava Ultimate (3M ESPE), Tetric CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent), Shofu Block HC (Shofu), Grandio Blocs (VOCO GmbH)] were tested. Ten CAD/CAM rectangular blocks (14 Χ 12 Χ 18 mm) for each material, after metallographic grinding and polishing, were subjected to Instrumented Indentation Testing (ΙIT). Martens Hardness (HM), Indentation Elastic Modulus (E_IT), Elastic (η_IT) and Creep indices (C_IT) were determined according to formulas provided by ISO 14577. The diagonal length of each indentation was measured and HV was determined. The results of HM, E_IT, η_ΙΤ, HV, and C_IT were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test employing the material as a discriminating variable (a=0.05), while the possible correlations were determined by Spearman’s correlation test. One specimen from each group was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).

RESULTS: SEM images and EDX analysis demonstrated differences in size, shape and type of fillers along with elemental composition among materials tested. Statistical significant differences were identified for all mechanical properties tested. Grandio Blocs had the significantly higher HM (953±7 N/mm²), HV (136±1) and E_IT (23±1 GPa) followed by Lava Ultimate (ΗM=674±25 N/mm², HV=105±2, E_IT=15±1 GPa). Elastic index ranged from 41% to 52%, with Shofu Block demonstrating the significantly highest η_IT (52 ± 1%) values. Cerasmart had significantly higher C_IT value (8.4±0.1%) than all other materials tested, while Grandio Blocs and Lava Ultimate had the lowest ones. Spearman’s correlation revealed that all mechanical properties tested exhibited correlations with each other, apart from η_ΙΤ.

CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the CAD/CAM materials tested have differences in their microstructure, elemental composition and mechanical properties.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The RBCs tested showed significant differences in mechanical properties and thus differences in clinical performance are anticipated. RBCs with increased filler loading had the most favorable combination of hardness, elastic modulus and creep index indicating that these materials may have better clinical performance under intraoral loading conditions.

PMID:37459951 | DOI:10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104623

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2023 Jul 15:103712. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103712. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare objective refractive errors and keratometry measurements obtained using the Nidek OPD-Scan II aberrometer/topographer and Topcon KR 8900 autorefractokeratometer.

METHODS: A total of 176 right eyes of 176 patients aged 18-35 years who were admitted to our clinic as refractive surgery candidates were tested for refractive status and keratometry measurements with a Nidek OPD-Scan II aberrometer/topographer and a standard tabletop autorefractokeratometer (Topcon KR 8900) before the induction of cycloplegia. Patients who had undergone eye surgery and had hereditary, ectatic, or acquired corneal pathology were excluded. Refractive data were compared as spheres, cylinders, spherical equivalents, and power vectors before and after the induction of cycloplegia. Flat and steep keratometry readings were recorded in diopters (D) and axis degrees, respectively, for each eye.

RESULTS: The spherical, cylindrical, spherical equivalence, J0-J45 vector values and K1-K2 readings (D, axis) between the two devices were statistically significant before and after the induction of cycloplegia (p<0.05). Bland-Altman analysis identified mean differences (95%CI of limits of agreement) of 0.77 (-0,57 to 2,11) in sphere, 0.74 (-0,54 to 2,01) in spherical equivalent, -0,07 (-0,41 to 0,26) in J0 vector, 0,06 (-0,31 to 0,43) in J45 vector, -0,16 (-0,66 to 0,33) in K1, -0,23 (-0,79 to 0,33) in K2 values before induction of cycloplegia.

CONCLUSION: The refractive and keratometry results of the Nidek OPD Scan II system and Topcon KR 8900 standard table-top autorefractokeratometer are not interchangeable in healthy adult population before and after induction of cycloplegia.

PMID:37459941 | DOI:10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103712

Chemosphere. 2023 Jul 15:139509. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139509. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Response surface methodology (RSM) is an effective tool for process optimization with multi-complex operational factors. The present work aims to model and optimize the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) parameters of Reactive Red 195 (RR195) dye decoloration with the SiO₂-supported Fe-Co catalyst (FCS) derived from a novel catalyst synthesis method, fluidized-bed crystallization (FBC) process, using Box-Behnken design (BBD) as the RSM statistical model. The Fe-Co@SiO₂ catalyst was successfully fabricated using the FBC process, and it showed good catalytic activity and performance toward the degradation of RR195. The extent of the effects of pH, H₂O₂ dosage (HD), catalyst loading (CL), and operating time (t) on the decoloration of RR195 was studied. Hence, the order of variable significance follows the sequence: pH > t > CL > HD. pH has the most significant effect among the variables for RR195 decoloration. The decoloration efficiency predicted by the BBD model was 88.3% under the optimized operation conditions of initial pH of 3.15, 0.76 mM H₂O₂, 1.18 g L^-1 FCS and 59.4 min of operating time. The actual decoloration efficiency was very close to the predicted value indicating that BBD can efficiently be utilized to optimize RR195 degradation with FCS under the PCO system.

PMID:37459934 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139509

Chemosphere. 2023 Jul 15:139530. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139530. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Micro/nanomotors that can promote mass transport have attracted more and more research concern in the photocatalysis field. Here we first report a newly-designed hierarchical α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/Mn₂O₃ magnetic micromotor as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for the degradation of cationic dye methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. The resulting three-dimensional (3D) flower-like hollow Janus micromotors are fabricated through a green and scalable strategy, in which each component has different functions. ZnFe₂O₄ microspheres serve as a magnetic scaffold for the nucleation and growth of α-Fe₂O₃ nanosheets and for the recycling of the micromachine. α-Fe₂O₃ nanosheets have shown great potential as an ideal semiconductor material for the photocatalytic decontamination of pollutants. Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles are mainly utilized as a catalyst to produce O₂ bubbles to propel the autonomic movement of the micromotors in the presence of H₂O₂ fuel and also as a Fenton-like catalyst to decompose H₂O₂ to generate reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the resultant micromotors exhibited linear-like motion form with an average speed of 189.1 μm s^-1 in 5 wt% H₂O₂ solution. Moreover, the self-driven micromotors exhibited a superior catalytic degradation property toward MB, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of heterogeneous photocatalyst and the boosted micro-mixing and mass transfer caused by the vigorous motion of the micro-actuator. The possible degradation intermediates and passways of MB by α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/Mn₂O₃ micromotor were identified with time of flight mass spectroscopy (TOF-MS). The 3D Janus micromotors have the potential to be used as a high-efficiency and active heterogeneous photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants.

PMID:37459924 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139530