Additional Beneficial Effects Research Articles

Experimental investigations on physico-mechanical properties of kaolinite clay soil stabilized at optimum silica fume content using clamshell ash and lime

This investigation examines the effect of clamshell ash (CSA) and lime additives on the physico-mechanical characteristics of kaolinite clay soil stabilized at the optimum silica fume content. Laboratory tests were performed to assess plasticity, shrink-swell characteristics, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength characteristics, mineralogical and morphological microstructure characteristics of stabilized soil specimens. The kaolinite clay soil was stabilized at its optimum silica fume content (6%) to produce the highest strength and was altered with three non-identical proportions of clamshell ash and lime (3%-9%). Cylindrical soil specimens, 76 mm in height and 38 mm in diameter, were moulded and treated for curing periods of 1, 7, 14, and 30 days to examine the strength of the altered soil. The findings revealed that, adding clamshell ash and lime significantly alters the plasticity, shrink-swell, maximum dry unit weights, and optimum moisture contents of the silica fume-stabilized soil. In terms of strength, the beneficial effects of CSA and lime additives were found to be more significant with more extended curing periods. Incremental increases in curing periods resulted in further enhancements in UCS, cohesion, and internal friction angle, indicating continued strength development over time. Microstructural analysis using field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction provided insights into the interparticle bonding mechanisms and microstructural changes induced by the addition of CSA and lime. The emergence of cementitious phases and pozzolanic responses between soil particles and stabilizers contributed to the densification and strengthening of the stabilized soil matrix. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential of clamshell ash and lime additives to enhance the engineering properties of kaolinite clay soil stabilized with silica fume. These results have implications for sustainable soil stabilization practices, offering a promising approach to improve the performance of soils for various engineering applications, including construction and geotechnical projects.

SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition, circulating metabolites, and cerebral small vessel disease: a mediation Mendelian Randomization study

BackgroundSodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and SGLT1 inhibitors may have additional beneficial metabolic effects on circulating metabolites beyond glucose regulation, which could contribute to a reduction in the burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Accordingly, we used Mendelian Randomization (MR) to examine the role of circulating metabolites in mediating SGLT2 and SGLT1 inhibition in CSVD.MethodsGenetic instruments for SGLT1/2 inhibition were identified as genetic variants, which were both associated with the expression of encoding genes of SGLT1/2 inhibitors and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level. A two-sample two-step MR was used to determine the causal effects of SGLT1/2 inhibition on CSVD manifestations and the mediating effects of 1400 circulating metabolites linking SGLT1/2 inhibition with CSVD manifestations.ResultsA lower risk of deep cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and small vessel stroke (SVS) was linked to genetically predicted SGLT2 inhibition. Better white matter structure integrity was also achieved, as evidenced by decreased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD), as well as lower deep (DWMH) and periventrivular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) volume. Inhibiting SGLT2 could also lessen the incidence of severe enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) located at white matter, basal ganglia (BG) and hippocampus (HIP). SGLT1 inhibition could preserve white matter integrity, shown as decreased MD of white matter and DWMH volume. The effect of SGLT2 inhibition on SVS and MD of white matter through the concentration of 4-acetamidobutanoate and the cholesterol to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1 to 18:2) ratio, with a mediated proportion of 30.3% and 35.5% of the total effect, respectively.ConclusionsSGLT2 and SGLT1 inhibition play protective roles in CSVD development. The SGLT2 inhibition could lower the risk of SVS and improve the integrity of white matter microstructure via modulating the level of 4-acetamidobutanoate and cholesterol metabolism. Further mechanistic and clinical studies research are needed to validate our findings.

The chronic leukocyte and inflammatory cytokine responses of older adults to resistance training in normobaric hypoxia; a randomized controlled trial

Trial designOlder adults experience chronic dysregulation of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines, both at rest and in response to resistance training. Systemic hypoxia modulates leukocytes and cytokines, therefore this study characterized the effects of normobaric hypoxia on the leukocyte and cytokine responses of older adults to resistance training.Methods20 adults aged 60–70 years performed eight weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training in either normoxia or normobaric hypoxia (14.4% O2), consisting of two lower body and two upper body exercises. Venous blood was drawn before and after the training intervention and flow cytometry was used to quantify resting neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, in addition to the subsets of lymphocytes (T, B and natural killer (NK) cells). Inflammatory cytokines were also quantified; interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Acute changes in leukocytes and cytokines were also measured in the 24 h following the last training session.ResultsAfter the intervention there was a greater concentration of resting white blood cells (p = 0.03; 20.3% higher) T cells (p = 0.008; 25.4% higher), B cells (p = 0.004; 32.6% higher), NK cells (p = 0.012; 43.9% higher) and eosinophils (p = 0.025; 30.8% higher) in hypoxia compared to normoxia, though the cytokines were unchanged. No acute effect of hypoxia was detected in the 24 h following the last training session for any leukocyte population or inflammatory cytokine (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHypoxic training caused higher concentrations of resting lymphocytes and eosinophils, when compared to normoxic training. Hypoxia may have an additional beneficial effect on the immunological status of older adults.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial number: ACTRN12623001046695. Registered 27/9/2023. Retrospectively registered. All protocols adhere to the COSORT guidelines.

Effects of Maxillary Expansion on the Ear - A Review

Rapid maxillary expansion is a commonly used treatment modality for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency in cleft and non-cleft patients. Additional beneficial effects of rapid maxillry expansion includes improvement in nasal stenosis, abnormal breathing pattern and conductive hearing loss. The improvements in the hearing have been linked to the improved function of the two soft palatal muscles, the tensor veli palatini and the levator veli palatini muscles. This study aims to explore the different studies which have evaluated the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on hearing in cleft and non cleft patients.

Dynamic RGD ligands derived from highly mobile cyclodextrins regulate spreading and proliferation of endothelial cells to promote vasculogenesis

A thiolated RGD was incorporated into the threaded allyl-β-cyclodextrins (Allyl-β-CDs) of the polyrotaxane (PR) through a thiol-ene click reaction, resulting in the formation of dynamic RGD ligands on the PR surface (dRGD-PR). When maintaining consistent RGD density and other physical properties, endothelial cells (ECs) cultured on dRGD-PR exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation and a larger cell spreading area compared to those on the non-dynamic RGD (nRGD-PCL). Furthermore, ECs on dRGD-PR demonstrated elevated expression levels of FAK, p-FAK, and p-AKT, along with a larger population of cells in the G2/M stage during cell cycle analysis, in contrast to cells on nRGD-PCL. These findings suggest that the movement of the RGD ligands may exert additional beneficial effects in promoting EC spreading and proliferation, beyond their essential adhesion and proliferation-promoting capabilities, possibly mediated by the RGD-integrin-FAK-AKT pathway. Moreover, in vitro vasculogenesis tests were conducted using two methods, revealing that ECs cultured on dRGD-PR exhibited much better vasculogenesis than nRGD-PCL in vitro. In vivo testing further demonstrated an increased presence of CD31-positive tissues on dRGD-PR. In conclusion, the enhanced EC spreading and proliferation resulting from the dynamic RGD ligands may contribute to improved in vitro vasculogenesis and in vivo vascularization.

In Vitro Fermentation Shows Polyphenol and Fiber Blends Have an Additive Beneficial Effect on Gut Microbiota States.

Polyphenols and fermentable fibers have shown favorable effects on gut microbiota composition and metabolic function. However, few studies have investigated whether combining multiple fermentable fibers or polyphenols may have additive beneficial effects on gut microbial states. Here, an in vitro fermentation model, seeded with human stool combined from 30 healthy volunteers, was supplemented with blends of polyphenols (PP), dietary fibers (FB), or their combination (PPFB) to determine influence on gut bacteria growth dynamics and select metabolite changes. PP and FB blends independently led to significant increases in the absolute abundance of select beneficial taxa, namely Ruminococcus bromii, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Dorea spp. Total short-chain fatty acid concentrations, relative to non-supplemented control (F), increased significantly with PPFB and FB supplementation but not PP. Indole and ammonia concentrations decreased with FB and PPFB supplementation but not PP alone while increased antioxidant capacity was only evident with both PP and PPFB supplementation. These findings demonstrated that, while the independent blends displayed selective positive impacts on gut states, the combination of both blends provided an additive effect. The work outlines the potential of mixed substrate blends to elicit a broader positive influence on gut microbial composition and function to build resiliency toward dysbiosis.

Influence of titanium dioxide doping on the attenuation and optical characteristics of magnesium borate glass systems

This research examines the effects of varying titanium oxide (TiO2) concentrations in glass formulations, denoted as [(53-x)B2O3–7MgO–20BaF2–20Na2O-xTiO2] or BMBNTix, where x varies from 0 to 8 mol% in 2 % increments, on optical properties and radiation shielding effectiveness. Using MCNP5 (MC) Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X software, this study assesses a range of photon energies from 0.015 to 15 MeV, focusing on key radiation shielding metrics such as the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), the half-value layer (HVL), and the tenth value layer (TVL). The results reveal a clear relationship between increased TiO2 levels in the BMBNTix glasses and improved radiation shielding performance. Notably, the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) steadily climbs from BMBNTi0 to BMBNTi8, highlighting the beneficial effect of a TiO2 addition to the material's ability to attenuate radiation. This trend is inversely mirrored in HVL values, which decrease from 0.010 cm for BMBNTi0 to 7.646 cm for BMBNTi8, reflecting enhanced shielding efficiency over the entire studied photon energy range. The effective atomic number (Zeff) also showcases a dynamic range from 40.793 to 15.101, suggesting a complex relationship between TiO2 content and photon interaction. Moreover, the study indicates a slight but consistent increase in the fast neutron removal cross-section (ΣR) from 0.104 cm−1 for BMBNTi0 to 0.106 cm−1 for BMBNTi8, pointing to improved neutron shielding with greater Ti and oxygen content in the glass. These insights highlight the potential of TiO2-enriched magnesium borate glasses as superior options for effective photon and neutron shielding, particularly in nuclear medicine, emphasizing their role in enhancing radiation safety measures.

The beneficial effect of lauric acid addition in nucleation stage on the soot catalytic combustion performance of cerium-manganese catalyst

For cerium-manganese catalyst system, increasing the threshold of the amount of Mnx+ entering into the CeO2 lattice can generate more oxygen vacancies and adsorb more active oxygen species, thus promoting its soot catalytic combustion. However, this is difficult to achieve under the premise of fixed cerium-manganese ratio of the catalyst. Fortunately, the results of this study show that the addition of lauric acid at the nucleation stage of the cerium-manganese catalyst can effectively improve its activity and high temperature aging resistance. Combined with a series of characterization results, the addition of lauric acid can increase the threshold of Mnx+ content in CeO2 lattice, improve the structural performance of the catalyst, increase the specific surface area and pore volume of the catalyst, inhibit the secondary aggregation of catalyst particles, increase the content of surface Ce3+, increase the low temperature reduction performance and the content of surface chemical desorbed oxygen of the catalyst. In addition, it can also prevent the phase separation of cerium-manganese solid solution, the growth of grains, the increase of reduction peak temperature and the decrease of H2 consumption during high temperature aging. Moreover, the addition of lauric acid also greatly improves the release performance of active oxygen in cerium-manganese catalyst. Therefore, this study plays a positive role in promoting the commercial application of highly active cerium-manganese catalyst.

Potential Beneficial Effects of Mineral Sunscreens on Acne-Prone Skin

Background: Sunscreens are critical products used against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, beyond the effect of sun protection, the inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have shown antimicrobial activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential additional beneficial effects of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as antimicrobial agents on acne-prone skin. Methods: Transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH of twelve volunteers were measured before and 2 h after the application of three mineral sunscreens. The antimicrobial activity of the mineral sunscreens was determined against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in a time-kill test. Results and Discussion: The studied mineral sunscreens did not affect either the stratum corneum hydration or its integrity, but they increased the skin pH from 4 to 6, which could impact the skin microbiota balance. At the same time, the tested mineral sunscreens inhibited Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: This study suggests that the two UV filters can have positive effects on acne-prone skin and, thus, extend the benefits of photoprotective formulations. Nevertheless, further research is currently being conducted.

Short-Term Effects of Adding Topical Ketorolac to Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the short-term additive effects of topical ketorolac to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the management of center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME). In a randomized double-masked placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial, eyes with CI-DME and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between (20/40) and (20/400) were included. These eyes should have had at least one intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in the preceding two months. They were randomized into two groups; while both groups received two IVB injections with a six-week interval, one group received topical ketorolac every 6 hr in the first interval and artificial tears every 6 hr as a placebo in the second interval and the other group received the same medications using a crossover method. The main outcome measures were changes in BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT). Fifty-seven eyes of 35 patients with CI-DME were included in the study. The mean BCVA improvement was -0.09 0.47 logMAR in the periods of receiving ketorolac and -0.03 0.12 logMAR in the periods of placebo treatment, respectively (P = 0.99). Corresponding changes in CMT were -13.1 170.1 and +11.7 157.7 µm in the ketorolac and placebo periods, respectively (P = 0.322). The treatment effect was not statistically significant regarding both BCVA and CMT changes. Statistical analysis also disclosed that the carryover effect was insignificant for BCVA and CMT. Although the period effect was not significant for BCVA, it was at a meaningful level for CMT changes (P = 0.012). This crossover clinical trial demonstrated that in the course of DME treatment with IVB injections, topical ketorolac did not have any additive beneficial effect at least during a six-week period.

Changing from lipoprotein apheresis to evolocumab treatment lowers circulating levels of arachidonic acid and oxylipins

Background and aimsPrevious studies have shown that lipoprotein apheresis can modify the plasma lipidome and pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic lipid mediators. This has not been examined for treatment with protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors such as evolocumab, which are increasingly used instead of lipoprotein apheresis in treatment-resistant familial hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of evolocumab treatment and lipoprotein apheresis on the fatty acid profile and on formation of lipid mediators in blood samples. MethodsWe analyzed blood samples from 37 patients receiving either lipoprotein apheresis or evolocumab treatment as part of a previous study. Patients were stratified according to receiving lipoprotein apheresis (n = 19) and evolocumab treatment (n = 18). Serum fatty acid analysis was performed using gas chromatography flame ionization detection and plasma oxylipin analysis was done using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. ResultsChanging from lipoprotein apheresis to evolocumab treatment led to lower levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 PUFA) including arachidonic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Moreover, several n-6 PUFA-derived oxylipins were reduced after evolocumab treatment. ConclusionsGiven that arachidonic acid, either directly or as a precursor, is associated with the development of inflammation and atherosclerosis, evolocumab-mediated reductions of arachidonic acid and its metabolites might have an additional beneficial effect to lower cardiovascular risk.

Effect of Graphene Oxide as an Anodizing Additive for the ZK60A Magnesium Alloy: Correlating Corrosion Resistance, Surface Chemistry and Film Morphology

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of graphene oxide as an additive in the anodization bath of the ZK60A magnesium alloy on the corrosion resistance, film morphology and surface chemical composition. The anodizing process was conducted at a constant current density of 30 mA.cm−2 in an electrolyte consisting of 3 M de KOH, 0.15 M de Na2SiO3 and 0.1 M Na2B4O7.10H2O. Graphene oxide was added to this bath at three different concentrations: 0.5 g.L−1, 1.0 g.L−1 and 3.0 g.L−1. The ability of the graphene oxide nanofiller to enhance the corrosion resistance of the ZK60A alloy was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The surface chemical composition was assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDS analysis was employed to examine the anodized layer morphology and thickness. The results pointed to a beneficial effect of graphene oxide addition on the corrosion resistance of the anodized ZK60A which was dependent on the concentration of the nanofiller in the anodizing electrolyte.

Beneficial Effects of Oxide-Based Additives on Li-and Mn-rich Cathode Active Materials

Li- and Mn-rich layered oxides such as Li1.14(Ni0.26Co0.14Mn0.60)0.86O2 (LMR-NCM) are potential next-generation cathode active materials (CAMs) for lithium ion-batteries, promising an increased energy density at lower materials costs compared to state-of-the-art CAMs. However, its commercial viability is still inhibited by its strong gassing, poor cycling stability, and voltage fading, so various approaches such as post-treatments or additives are being investigated. Here, it will be shown that the cycling performance of LMR-NCM//graphite coin-cells is drastically improved when assembled with 300 °C dried glassfiber (GF) separators (“GF-cells”) compared to cells with Celgard (CG) separators dried at 70 °C (“CG-cells”). The origin of this phenomenon is investigated by online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS), TGA-MS, water absorption, and XPS measurements. These reveal that the superior performance of the GF-cells can be ascribed to the bulk water absorption capability of the 300 °C dried glassfiber material as well as its ability to scavenge HF, whereby H2O and HF are produced by the (electro)chemical oxidation of the electrolyte and the decomposition of the LiPF6 salt. Similar performance enhancements can be observed for 300 °C dried SiO2 nanoparticles added to the LMR-NCM cathodes or for an HF/H+ scavenging electrolyte additive.

A Preservative-Free Approach - Effects on Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms After Cataract Surgery.

To compare the effect of treatment with preservative-free dexamethasone, NSAIDs and trehalose/hyaluronic acid eye drops with the preservative benzalkonium chloride containing dexamethasone and NSAIDs after cataract surgery in dry versus non-dry eyes. In this prospective randomized intervention study, dry eye tests were performed before and 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Patients were considered as having dry eye, SDE (sign of dry eye), if at least one of the following dry eye tests were abnormal; corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), non-invasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT) or tear osmolarity. Patients with SDE were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 patients were treated with dexamethasone and bromfenac eye drops with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Group 2 patients were treated with preservative-free dexamethasone and preservative-free diclofenac, as well as a preservative-free lubricant with trehalose and hyaluronic acid both before and after surgery. Patients with normal tear film status acted as the control group (group 3) and received same treatment as group 1. A total of 215 patients were enrolled six weeks after surgery, the number of patients with SDE decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (p <0.001). Subjective symptoms and objective measures including osmolarity, NIKBUT, CFS, and tear film thickness (TFT) improved after surgery, tear production remained unchanged, while corneal sensitivity and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) parameters worsened. In the control group with normal tear-film status, SDE increased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in tear film parameters between the three groups after surgery. After cataract surgery, patients with mild to moderate dry eyes may experience improved tear film status and reduced symptoms. However, we found no additional beneficial effect on dry eye parameters with treatment with preservative-free dexamethasone, NSAIDs, and lubricants compared to preservative-containing eye drops.

Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Loaded Injectable Hydrogels for Improving Connexin43 Gap Junction Intercellular Communication.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world, and the loss of cardiomyocytes plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Implicated in this process is a decrease in gap junction intercellular communication due to remodeling of Connexin43 (Cx43). We previously identified that intraperitoneal injection of the Pyk2 inhibitor PF4618433 reduced infarct size, maintained Cx43 at the intercalated disc in left ventricle hypertrophic myocytes, and improved cardiac function in an MI animal model of heart failure. With the emergence of injectable hydrogels as a therapeutic toward the regeneration of cardiac tissue after MI, here, we provide proof of concept that the release of tyrosine kinase inhibitors from hydrogels could have beneficial effects on cardiomyocytes. We developed an injectable hydrogel consisting of thiolated hyaluronic acid and P123-maleimide micelles that can incorporate PF4618433 as well as the Src inhibitor Saracatinib and achieved sustained release (of note, Src activates Pyk2). Using neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in the presence of a phorbol ester, endothelin-1, or phenylephrine to stimulate cardiac hypertrophy, the release of PF4618433 from the hydrogel had the same ability to decrease Cx43 tyrosine phosphorylation and maintain Cx43 localization at the plasma membrane as when directly added to the growth media. Additional beneficial effects included decreases in apoptosis, the hypertrophic marker atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and serine kinases upregulated in hypertrophy. Finally, the presence of both PF4618433 and Saracatinib further decreased the level of ANP and apoptosis than each inhibitor alone, suggesting that a combinatorial approach may be most beneficial. These findings provide the groundwork to test if tyrosine kinase inhibitor release from hydrogels will have a beneficial effect in an animal model of MI-induced heart failure.

Yoga Therapy as an Intervention to Improve Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults After Treatment for Cancer: Preliminary Findings From a Trial Using Single-Subject Experimental Design.

Cancer is a chronic condition associated with a substantial symptom burden, which can impair recovery after treatment. Investigating interventions with potential to improve self-reported disease and/or treatment effects-known as patient-reported outcomes (PROs)-is paramount to inform cancer care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a yoga therapy (YT) intervention on key PROs (ie, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, cognitive function, depression, stress, quality of life [QoL]) among adults after treatment for cancer. Data from 20 adults (Mage = 55.74 years, 85% female; Mtime since diagnosis = 2.83 years) who had completed treatment for cancer were analyzed for this study. In this single-subject exploratory experimental study, the YT intervention comprised a 1:1 YT session (ie, 1 participant with 1 yoga therapist) followed by 6 weekly small (ie, 2-3 participants) group YT sessions. Group sessions were facilitated by the same yoga therapist who delivered participants' 1:1 session to ensure an in-depth personalized approach. PROs were assessed before (ie, pre-intervention) and after the 1:1 YT session (ie, during the intervention), as well as after the last group YT session (ie, post-intervention). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the data. Participants showed improvements in cancer-related fatigue, state anxiety, trait anxiety, perceived cognitive impairments, impacts of perceived cognitive impairments on QoL, and 1 dimension of QoL (ie, functional wellbeing) over time. Notably, cancer-related fatigue and state anxiety increased immediately after the 1:1 session, but showed greater improvements over time afterward (ie, during the intervention phase). No changes were observed for the remaining PROs. Although results require confirmation in future trials, this study highlights the importance of continuing to investigate YT as an intervention to enhance important PROs (ie, cancer-related fatigue and state anxiety) after treatment for cancer. More research is needed to identify additional beneficial effects and factors that influence participants' responses to 1:1 and group YT (ie, moderators and mediators). ISRCTN64763228. December 12, 2021. This trial was registered retrospectively. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN64763228. Brunet, J., Wurz, A., Hussien, J., Pitman, A., Conte, E., Ennis, J. K., . . . & Seely, D. (2022). Exploring the Effects of Yoga Therapy on Heart Rate Variability and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Cancer Treatment: A Study Protocol. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 21, 15347354221075576.

Effect of Cerium Addition on the Microstructure and Shape Memory Properties of Austenitic Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni Alloys

The addition of rare earth elements, such as cerium, to austenitic Fe–Mn–Si‐based shape memory alloys has been shown to improve both corrosion resistance and shape recovery. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of Ce on shape recovery are still unclear. This study investigates the influence of the addition of small amounts of Ce (0.18, 0.42, and 0.96 wt%) on the microstructure and shape recovery of an austenitic Fe–13.50Mn–3.98Si–9.54Cr–4.51Ni alloy. Ce additions induce the formation of a large number of Ce‐rich particles, which act as austenitic grain refiners. Both grain refinement and the formation of Ce‐rich particles contribute to the strengthening of the matrix at 0.42 wt% Ce addition. In addition, Ce additions alter the MS temperature, which increases with Ce additions. Total shape recovery improves with 0.18 and 0.42 wt% Ce additions, but decreases with 0.96 wt% Ce addition. The beneficial effect of Ce addition in improving the shape recovery of the austenitic Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni alloy is related to the enhancement of the elastic shape recovery component of the total shape recovery. However, the shape memory recovery due to the shape memory effect always decreases with the increase of the Ce content.

(Invited) Solvation Control in Deep Eutectic Solvent Electrolytes for Stable Plating/Stripping of Zn in Battery Applications

Within the field of battery applications, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as innovative electrolytes for rechargeable Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) . ZIBs traditionally employ neutral or weakly acidic aqueous electrolytes, which are susceptible to the standard anode drawback such as dendrite formation and passivation. DES-based electrolytes can facilitate the reversible plating and stripping of Zn, mitigating also dendrite growth . One notable benefit of DES solvents over their aqueous counterparts is that the concentration of electroactive species controls the shape evolution of electrodes during electroplating. For this reason, the coordination chemistry and metal complex formed between the Lewis acid of the metal and the Lewis base of the DES play a central role. Moreover, water can be added to the eutectic mixtures to increase the diffusion coefficient of the electroactive species and lower the electrolyte viscosity without destroying the eutectic nature if the concentration is kept under 40%.Regarding metal plating/stripping processes, DESs offer a notable advantage due to their high capacity to dissolve metal salts, oxides, and hydroxides, inhibiting the formation of insoluble oxides and hydroxides . Moreover, the unique coordination properties of Zn2+ in DESs lead to an atypical voltammetric behavior, characterized by a cathodic peak in the cathodic branch of the anodic-going scan. The mechanistic studies of Zn electrodeposition onto glassy carbon (GC) from DESs have concluded that the metal is formed by the reduction of an intermediate Zn-containing species. Finally, the reactivity of choline chloride and ethylene glycol can impact coordination in that these species can be dehydrogenated at negative potential forming RO¯, which can replace one or more chloride ligands in [ZnCl4]2− . The correlation between the chemistry of Zn2+ solutions and DESs is elucidated, and the peculiarities of Zn electrochemistry can be rationalized in terms of the DES–electrode interface structure. Although few studies on hydrated DESs have been conducted, the literature remains scant.Shi et al. conducted a study on DES composed of ZnCl2 and acetamide with different concentration of water. The authors employed various spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, Raman, and 17O NMR, to investigate the effect of water on the coordination geometry of Zn2+ and its consequent impact on Zn plating. Interestingly, the authors observed that the addition of small amounts of water, below the threshold for direct water-water interaction, resulted in significant alterations of the Zn2+ coordination geometry. In fact, based on the accepted view that Zn electrodeposition is a process that involves desolvation and charge-transfer steps, [ZnCl(acetamide)2(H2O)]+ was shown to undergo successive deamidation and dehydration, yielding [ZnCl(acetamide)]+ from which the metal center is finally reduced. Although [ZnCl(acetamide)3]+ is the most stable species, the energy barrier for dehydration is significantly lower than that for deamidation. Therefore, [ZnCl(acetamide)2(H2O)]+ with lower dissociation energy is the actual electroactive species . The solvation of Zn also affects the nucleation overpotential, as Zn2+ in hydrated DES exhibits faster desolvation kinetics, resulting in a lower nucleation overpotential. In addition, Zhao et al. investigated the properties of a “water-in-DES” electrolyte (~30 mol.% H2O) based on the urea/LiTFSI/Zn(TFSI)2 mixture and discovered that the preferential interaction between water and metal cations promotes interfacial charge transfer. Notwithstanding the important contribution of these papers, the mechanism of Zn electrodeposition in DES has not been conclusively assessed. To address this knowledge gap, our research aims to investigate Zn electrodeposition from two distinct, hydrated DESs: ChU and ChEG with approximately 30% H2O content. To gain control of the impact of the cathode material, we carried out our electrochemical tests by employing GC, Zn, Pt and Au electrodes. Furthermore, to evaluate the performance of these electrolytes under realistic device conditions, electrochemical cycling tests were conducted on symmetric CR2023 coin cells.In this study, we have demonstrated the beneficial effect of water addition on reducing the electrolyte viscosity, which consequently resulted in lower anodic and cathodic overpotentials and improved charge/discharge cyclability. Specifically, the electrolytes ChEG and ChU failed due to passivation and short circuits, respectively. The ChU electrolyte showed regular chronopotentiometric transients until cell failure, and this was supported by multiple cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, which showed reversible Zn plating/stripping in this system. Notably, our cell cycling tests were performed at higher current densities and exhibited longer lifetimes compared to previous literature reports. The unusual CV patterns observed with gold and glassy carbon (GC) electrodes, featuring cathodic peaks on both forward and backward scans, were elucidated using complementary electrochemical and in situ Raman spectroscopy measurements. Figure 1

Combined Exercise Training and Nutritional Interventions or Pharmacological Treatments to Improve Exercise Capacity and Body Composition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The burden of respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation can translate to reduced physical activity, in turn contributing to poor exercise capacity, muscle dysfunction, and body composition abnormalities. These extrapulmonary features of the disease are targeted during pulmonary rehabilitation, which provides patients with tailored therapies to improve the physical and emotional status. Patients with COPD can be divided into metabolic phenotypes, including cachectic, sarcopenic, normal weight, obese, and sarcopenic with hidden obesity. To date, there have been many studies performed investigating the individual effects of exercise training programs as well as nutritional and pharmacological treatments to improve exercise capacity and body composition in patients with COPD. However, little research is available investigating the combined effect of exercise training with nutritional or pharmacological treatments on these outcomes. Therefore, this review focuses on exploring the potential additional beneficial effects of combinations of exercise training and nutritional or pharmacological treatments to target exercise capacity and body composition in patients with COPD with different metabolic phenotypes.

Effects of empagliflozin on right ventricular adaptation to pressure overload.

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the prime cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Novel treatment strategies that protect the RV are needed. Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, shows cardioprotective effects on the left ventricle in clinical and preclinical studies, but its direct effects on RV remain elusive. We investigated the effects of empagliflozin on RV dysfunction induced by pulmonary trunk banding (PTB). Male Wistar rats (116 ± 10 g) were randomized to PTB or sham surgery. One week after surgery, PTB animals received empagliflozin mixed into the chow (300 mg empagliflozin/kg chow; PTB-empa, n = 10) or standard chow (PTB-control, n = 10). Sham rats (Sham, n = 6) received standard chow. After five weeks, RV function was evaluated by echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and invasive pressure-volume measurements. PTB caused RV failure evident by decreased cardiac output compared with sham. PTB-empa rats had a 49% increase in water intake compared with PTB-control yet no differences in hematocrit or blood glucose. Treatment with empagliflozin decreased RV end-systolic pressures without any changes in RV cardiac output or ventricular-arterial coupling (Ees/Ea). The decrease in RV end-systolic pressure was complemented by a slight reduction in RV cross sectional area as a sign of reduced hypertrophy. Load-independent measures of RV systolic and diastolic function were not affected in PTB-empa rats compared with PTB-control. Empagliflozin treatment reduced RV end-systolic pressure in RV failure induced by pressure overload. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether this simply relates to a diuretic effect and/or additional independent beneficial RV effects.