Functional Variables Research Articles

A double-blinded, randomized, parallel grouped, phase III comparative study of Japanese White Turmeric extract and placebo in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and or hip

Background: Osteoarthritis is a common disease among middle aged and elderly people and paracetamol and NSAIDs, which can both cause side effects, are often used to manage symptoms like pain. This study aimed to test if Japanese White Turmeric (JWT), a new variant of turmeric, containing labdane terpenoid and hardly any curcumin, would lessen symptoms from osteoarthritis and reduce the consumption of rescue medication, without causing side effects. Methods: Volunteers (n=120) with osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip were randomly allocated to either daily treatment with JWT (12.8 mg) or placebo for 6 months. Primary effect variables, pain and physical function and secondary effect variables, stiffness and global severity of the disease (PGAD) were scored on WOMAC questionnaires initially and after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months of treatment. Rescue medication taken by participants were self-registered in a diary. Results: JWT treatment showed a statistically significant reduction in WOMAC pain after 1, 2 and 3 months (p<0.0003). After 6 months this decline was still statistically significant and superior to placebo (p<0.041). Effect size was 4.961±2.366 (n=40) for treatment group vs (n=27) for placebo), 95% confidence interval was 9.686 to -0.2359, p< 0.039. An identical pattern was observed when testing physical function, joint stiffness and PGAD. The consumption of paracetamol was significantly lowered after 3 and 6 months of active treatment (p<0.014 and p<0.050) respectively vs placebo. A similar pattern was observed for NSAIDs. No serious side effects were reported and minor side effects were equally represented in both groups. Conclusion: Our data suggests that the herbal remedy, Japanese White Turmeric significantly alleviates symptoms of osteoarthritis, including pain and lower the consumption of rescue medication.

The effect of complex exercises (skills - physical) on endurance performance and some functional variables among basketball players

The current research aims to identify the effect of using physical skill exercises on endurance performance and some functional variables in the research sample. To achieve this goal, the researcher adopted the experimental method. The research community is represented by players from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences/University of Diyala in basketball, numbering (20) players. By a random method, they were divided into two groups, control and experimental. Then the researcher identified the research variables, which were performance tolerance and some job variables. The researcher prepared a training curriculum using skill-based physical exercises. After obtaining the results, the researcher adopted the statistical program (SPSS) and the program (EXLL). The researcher found that the proposed training curriculum with skill and physical exercises had a positive impact on the development of the level of performance endurance and the studied job variables, and this is what the results showed, as the experimental research sample agreed with the control research sample in all variables.

Securing industry 5.0 using 6σ CYBERNETIC framework

The data-driven digital economy highly relies on immersive and emerging technologies, mass customisation, autonomous systems, and seamless connectivity. Enabling such an Industrial IoT/Industry 5.0 environment requires streamlined and end-to-end transparent methods for insights, visibility, and control. However, it is important to note that its success depends on data security metrics. The recent cyber-attacks in healthcare and industrial infrastructures have led service providers to high-risk scenarios. From supply chain to service delivery, remote functionality variables, enabling a fully connected factory is a major cybersecurity concern as emerging technologies employ different security requirements. To mitigate these risks, strategic, operational, technical, and cybersecurity alignment is a must, where the gaps between the production and process environments must be bridged to achieve the prime goal of a sustainable, secure, and technologically innovative factory. This research provides a systematic approach to bridging Industry 5.0’s QoS metrics and security gaps by implementing a Six Sigma (6σ) approach in a manufacturing environment. The approach further maps IT/OT, cloud, and cybersecurity standards, thereby enabling insights, visibility, and control. A healthcare 5.0 use-case is demonstrated to show how a 6σ implementation can improve the QoS metrics, unifying standards to achieve a secure, sustainable, resilient, and high-performance environment.

Ten-year functional and oncological outcomes of a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic versus robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Among prostate cancer (PCa) treatment options, mini-invasive surgical approaches have gained a wide diffusion in the last decades. The aim of this study was to present oncological, functional, and quality of life data after 10 years of follow-up of a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ISRCTN11552140) comparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of PCa. Patients with localized PCa were randomized to undergo LRP or RARP between January 2010 and January 2011. Functional (continence and potency) and oncological (prostate-specific antigen, biochemical recurrence [BCR] and BCR-free survival [BCRFS]) variables were evaluated. BCRFS curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Machine learning partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify the variables characterizing more the patients who underwent RARP or LRP. Seventy-five of the originally enrolled 120 patients remained on follow-up for 10 years; 40 (53%) underwent RARP and 35 (47%) LRP. Continence and potency recovery rates did not show significant differences (p = 0.068 and p = 0.56, respectively), despite a Δ12% for continence and Δ8% for potency in favor of the robotic approach. However, the quality of continence (in terms of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] score) and erection (in terms of International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] score) was significantly better after 10 years in the robotic group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001). PLS-DA revealed that LRP was characterized by the worst functional-related outcomes analyzing the entire follow-up period. Four (10%) and six (17%) patients experienced BCR in RARP and LRP groups, respectively (p = 0.36), with an overall 10-year BCR-free survival of 88% and 78% (p = 0.16). Comparable continence and potency rates were observed between RARP and LRP after a 10-year follow-up. However, the RARP group exhibited superior totally dry rate and erection quality. No difference in terms of oncological outcomes was found.

Left ventricular shape index and eccentricity index with ECG-gated Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET/CT in patients with myocardial infarction, ischemia, and normal perfusion

BackgroundLV geometry with shape index (SI) and eccentricity index (EI) measured by myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may allow the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) adverse remodeling. This first study aims to explore the relationship of SI and EI values acquired by Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET/CT in patients with normal perfusion, ischemia, and myocardial infarction. And evaluate the correlations between the variables of LV geometry, and with the variables of LV function. Methods and resultsOne hundred and forty patients who underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated PET/CT were selected and classified into 4 groups according to ischemia or infarction burden (normal perfusion, mild ischemia, moderate-severe ischemia, and infarction). The variables were automatically retrieved using dedicated software (QPS/QGS; Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA). On multicomparison analysis (one-way ANOVA and Dunnett's Test), subjects in the infarction group had significant higher values of SI end-diastolic rest (P < 0.001), and stress (P = 0.003), SI end-systolic rest (P = 0.002) and stress (P < 0.001) as well as statistically significant lower values of EI rest (P < 0.001) and stress (P < 0.001) when compared with all other groups. Regarding Pearson correlation, in the infarcted group all the variables of SI and EI were significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with strong correlation coefficients (>0.60). SI end-systolic correlated significantly with the variables of LV function independently of the group of patients (P < 0.05). ConclusionsShape and eccentricity indices differ in patients with myocardial infarction as compared to patients with ischemia or normal perfusion. This encourage further research in their potential for detecting LV adverse remodeling.

The Improved Method for Identifying Parameters of Interval Nonlinear Models of Static Systems

The article discusses the method of identifying parameters for interval nonlinear models of static systems. The method is based on solving an optimization problem with a smooth objective function. Additional coefficients are added to the objective function's variables to solve the optimization problem, complicating the computational procedures. The computational complexity of quasi-Newton methods used to solve the optimization problem is analyzed. Excessive computational complexity is caused by many iterations when transforming the value of the objective function to zero. To address this, the article proposes using the optimization stop criterion based on the determination of the model's adequacy at the current iteration of the computational optimization procedure. Numerical experiments were conducted to identify nonlinear models of depending the pH of the environment in the fermenter of the biogas plant on influencing factors. It was established that the proposed criterion reduced the number of iterations by 4.5 times, which is proportional to the same reduction in the number of calculations of the objective function. Gotten results are also important for reducing the computational complexity of algorithms of structural identification of these models.

Exploring Exercise Intervention as a Therapeutic Catalyst within the Mental Health and Addiction Program in Nova Scotia: A Proof-of-Concept Study

IntroductionMany mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and depression, can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Exercise interventions can be a therapeutic strategy, but even though exercise has consistently been shown to improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, as well as reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, this intervention is often neglected in mental health care services.ObjectivesThe study aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating an Exercise Intervention Program (EIP) as a therapeutic pathway within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) in Nova Scotia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on mental health outcomes and incremental costs, and the patient acceptability and satisfaction with the program.Methods This proof-of-concept study has a pragmatic, prospective, controlled observational design with an embedded one-phase qualitative component. Patients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety attending the Rapid Assessment and Stabilization Program (RASP, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) will be offered to receive 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week, per 12 weeks. Patients with similar mental health conditions that have opted to wait for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the community provider and declined from the EIP will be part of the control group. A certified recreational therapist will conduct the EIP. Participants of both groups (EIP and control condition) will be assessed at baseline and then weekly for four weeks, six weeks and then at 12 weeks post-enrollment. Primary outcomes include differences in the mean change in functional (well-being, resilience, and recovery) and symptom variables (depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk), which will be assessed through online validated scales/questionnaires. Service variables (patient acceptance and satisfaction) and health care utilization (crisis calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, length of stay for each admission) will comprise the secondary outcomes.Results The results of the study will provide information about the effectiveness of EIP in the treatment of anxiety and depression compared to those only wait-listed to receive CBT or counselling from a CMHA provider. The study will also inform about the acceptability and satisfaction of the EIP, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control condition.ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study will demonstrate the effectiveness of EIP as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients seeking mental health support from the MHAP in Nova Scotia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Sex differences in neurocognitive performance in older adults with bipolar disorder

IntroductionIn recent years, research has focused on the older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD), aged 50 years and over, a constantly growing population due to the increased of life expectancy. Actually, some authors suggest that these individuals constitute a distinct subtype with a specific and different needs such as seen in epidemiologic, clinical and cognitive features. Further research has revealed significant differences between females and males with BD in clinical and cognitive variables in middle-aged and young patients, but this topic among OABD population remains unclear.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to identify the distinctive profile in clinical, functional and neurocognitive variables between females and males in OABD.MethodsA sample of OABD and Healthy Controls (HC) were included. Euthymic patients or in partial remission were included. Neurocognition was measured with a battery of tests that included premorbid intelligence quotient, working memory, verbal and visual memory, processing speed, language and executive functions. Independent t-test and Chi-squared test analysis were performed as appropriated.ResultsAccording to the analysis, statistically significant differences were seen between females and males. A more impaired cognitive profile is observed in women. They performed worse in the subscales of Arithmetic (F= 6.728, p = &lt;0.001), forward digits (F= 0.936, p= 0.019) and Total Digits (F= 1.208, p= 0.019) of the WAIS-III, in the Stroop Color Word Test, color reading (F= 0.130, p= &lt; 0.001), in the Continuous Performance Test, block change measure (F= 2.059, p= 0.037), in the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure-copy (F= 0.005, p= 0.029) and in the Boston Naming Test (F= 0.011, p= 0.024). Nor significant differences were found in clinical neither in psychosocial functioning variables.ConclusionsIn view of the following results, and since no differences were observed between women and men in terms of clinical and functional outcomes, it could be said that the differences observed in cognition cannot be explained by disease-related factors. Furthermore, these results highlight the need to develop a gender-specific cognitive interventions in OABD population. In this way, we could have an impact on the course of the illness to reach a better quality of life.Disclosure of InterestS. Martín-Parra: None Declared, C. Torrent Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00344) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIIISubdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), A. Ruiz: None Declared, M. Bort: None Declared, G. Fico Grant / Research support from: Fellowship from “La Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434 - fellowship code LCF/BQ/DR21/11880019), V. Oliva: None Declared, M. Prisco: None Declared, J. Sanchez-Moreno Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), E. Jimenez Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI20/00060) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and co-financed by the ISCIII-Subdireccion General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), A. Martinez-Aran: None Declared, E. Vieta Grant / Research support from: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI18/ 00805, PI21/00787) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I+D+I and cofinanced by the ISCIII Subdirección General de Evaluación and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III; the CIBER of Mental Health (CIBERSAM); the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement (2017 SGR 1365), the CERCA Programme, and the Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya for the PERIS grant SLT006/17/00357; the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (EU.3.1.1. Understanding health, wellbeing and disease: Grant No 754907 and EU.3.1.3. Treating and managing disease: Grant No 945151), B. Sole: None Declared, L. Montejo: None Declared

Assessment of lung function variability documents airflow limitation in many patients with long covid

BackgroundIt is estimated that 65 million people worldwide suffer from long covid (LC). Many LC symptoms are also reported by patients with airflow limitation, used to confirm asthma. The primary aim was to detect airflow limitation in LC patients by a methacholine bronchial provocation test (BPT) and if negative, by evaluation of diurnal variability in forced expiratory flow in 1 second (FEV1) over a two-weeks’ period. The second aim was to assess responsiveness to asthma treatment on diurnal FEV1 variability and LC symptoms. MethodsPatients with LC for at least six months were recruited in this open diagnostic study. Burden of LC symptoms were reported on a 10-point Likert scale (0 = not troubled, 10 = extremely troubled) at inclusion and after three weeks’ asthma treatment. A positive methacholine BPT was defined by an accumulated provocation dose (PD20)<8 μmol causing 20% fall in FEV1. App-based spirometer was used for diurnal FEV1 variability, deemed positive by diurnalvariability in FEV1 ≥12%. ResultsAirflow limitation was documented by positive methacholine BPT in 8/30 (27%), or by excessive diurnal variability in FEV1 in 21/22 (95%) of the BPT negative LC patients. One patient dropped out due to personal issues. Three weeks’ asthma treatment normalised mean diurnal FEV1 variability from 18.0% to 7.3%, p < 0.001. Significant reductions were observed for fatigue and dyspnoea, from 8.3 to 6.1, p < 0.001, and 3.0 to 0, p < 0.001, respectively. ConclusionThis study indicate that airflow limitation may be detected in many LC patients if evaluation of diurnal variability in FEV1 is included in the diagnostics.

Fetal echocardiography in B and M modes for to standardize morphological and functional cardiovascular variables of canine fetuses in the final third of gestation: fetal echocardiographic measurements

Fetal echocardiography allows early diagnosis of cardiovascular changes. However, few studies have described physiological values that allow a quantitative evaluation for this test in dogs. The objective was to describe the presumed physiological values of echocardiographic variables obtained in B and M modes, and cardiac function, by canine fetal echocardiography in the last trimester of pregnancy. Twenty fetuses were submitted to fetal echocardiography. The variables that showed a statistically significant correlation coefficient in relation to fetal age were the diameter of the aorta and the thickness of the interventricular septum in systole and in diastole. The morphological evaluation allowed the observation and determination that the heart occupied an average of one third of the thorax, most of it located in the left hemithorax and with the apex turned to the left. By identifying the spine, the anterior wall of the chest was observed opposite to it, represented by the sternum. The right ventricle was found just below, separated from the right atrium by the tricuspid valve. Both ventricles showed similar size, thickness and contractility. The measurement of ejection fractions and shortening allowed the determination of the left ventricular systolic function. This study determined physiological values for the main echocardiographic variables obtained in B and M modes for the investigated group.

Estimating the levels of technical and economic efficiency of yellow corn crop farms in Kirkuk Governorate - Hawija district (a model) For the production season 2022 AD

Estimating the levels of technical and economic efficiency of yellow corn crop farms in Kirkuk Governorate - Hawija district (a model) For the production season 2022 AD

지역사회 거주 여성 노인의 폐 기능과 근감소증과의 상관성 연구

Purpose: This study aimed to compare pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older individuals and to demonstrate the association of sarcopenia with pulmonary function in community-dwelling older women. Methods: The SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, and gait speed were examined to assess sarcopenia. To evaluate pulmonary function, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow(PEF) were measured. Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare variables of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF), and logistic regression analysis was performed to demonstrate the association between functional sarcopenia and pulmonary function. Results: Functionally sarcopenic older women showed significantly lower values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF than non-sarcopenic older women(p&lt;.05). In addition, older women with low FVC, FEV1, and PEF were less likely to have sarcopenia(p&lt;.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated differences in pulmonary function between functionally sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older women. In addition, a reduction in pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and PEF) measured by spirometry was associated with the presence of functional sarcopenia in older women. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the effects of improving pulmonary function on functional sarcopenia through the management and intervention of pulmonary function in older women with sarcopenia.

Pathogenic effects of Leu200Pro and Arg387His VRK1 protein variants on phosphorylation targets and H4K16 acetylation in distal hereditary motor neuropathy

Rare recessive variants in the human VRK1 gene are associated with several motor neuron diseases (MND), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN). A case with dHMN carrying two novel VRK1 gene variants, expressing Leu200Pro (L200P) and Arg387His (R387H) variant proteins, identified that these protein variants are functionally different. The Leu200Pro variant shares with several variants in the catalytic domain the loss of the kinase activity on different substrates, such as histones, p53, or coilin. However, the distal Arg387His variant and the distal Trp375* (W375X) chinese variant, both located at the end of the low complexity C-terminal region and proximal to the termination codon, retain their catalytic activity on some substrates, and mechanistically their functional impairment is different. The L200P variant, as well as most VRK1 pathogenic variants, impairs the phosphorylation of BAF and histone H4K16 acetylation, which are required for DNA attachment to the nuclear envelope and chromatin accessibility to DNA repair mechanisms, respectively. The R387H variant impairs phosphorylation of H2AX, an early step in different types of DNA damage responses. The functional variability of VRK1 protein variants and their different combinations are a likely contributor to the clinical phenotypic heterogeneity of motor neuron and neurological diseases associated with rare VRK1 pathogenic variants.Key messagesVRK1 variants implicated in motor neuron diseases are functionally different.The L200P variant is kinase inactive, and the R387H variant is partially active.VRK1 variants alter H4K16 acetylation and loss of coilin and BAF phosphorylation.VRK1 variants alter Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses.VRK1 variant combination determines the neurological phenotype heterogeneity.

Altered intersubject functional variability of brain white-matter in major depressive disorder and its association with gene expression profiles.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. Its mechanism is still unknown. Although the altered intersubject variability in functional connectivity (IVFC) within gray-matter has been reported in MDD, the alterations to IVFC within white-matter (WM-IVFC) remain unknown. Based on the resting-state functional MRI data of discovery (145 MDD patients and 119 healthy controls [HCs]) and validation cohorts (54 MDD patients, and 78 HCs), we compared the WM-IVFC between the two groups. We further assessed the meta-analytic cognitive functions related to the alterations. The discriminant WM-IVFC values were used to classify MDD patients and predict clinical symptoms in patients. In combination with the Allen Human Brain Atlas, transcriptome-neuroimaging association analyses were further conducted to investigate gene expression profiles associated with WM-IVFC alterations in MDD, followed by a set of gene functional characteristic analyses. We found extensive WM-IVFC alterations in MDD compared to HCs, which were associated with multiple behavioral domains, including sensorimotor processes and higher-order functions. The discriminant WM-IVFC could not only effectively distinguish MDD patients from HCs with an area under curve ranging from 0.889 to 0.901 across three classifiers, but significantly predict depression severity (r = 0.575, p = 0.002) and suicide risk (r = 0.384, p = 0.040) in patients. Furthermore, the variability-related genes were enriched for synapse, neuronal system, and ion channel, and predominantly expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Our results obtained good reproducibility in the validation cohort. These findings revealed intersubject functional variability changes of brain WM in MDD and its linkage with gene expression profiles, providing potential implications for understanding the high clinical heterogeneity of MDD.

A Comparison of Some Important Biochemical Indicators According to Escalating Physical Effort till Fatigue for Elite Freestyle Wrestlers, 800m Runners, and 200m Freestyle Swimmers

It is the nature of the game and the activity that determines the characteristic of the manifestation of fatigue according to what is required by the neuromuscular work in it, as well as the changes that occur in the functional variables and the time of the differential threshold. The location of each activity and the game of these teams have been studied in a special table for energy production systems as a result of continuous changes in their laws, and are considered within the energy systems such as the anaerobic system (Phosphagine) and lactic acid for (800) m runners - freestyle swimmers (200) m in the physical effort till fatigue. The comparison in the important functional indicators for them, and the research methodology embodied in the way of working through the method used, which is the descriptive method in comparison then, the researchers identified the research community for the young national team athletes for freestyle wrestling, and the national team(800)m runners, as well as of the national team in (200) m swimming for the sports season (2022-2023), A total of 21 athletes were selected in an organized manner and distributed into three equal groups (7 athletes) for each of the three types of sports (wrestler, 200-meter swimming and 800-meter running)., and the researchers would conduct tests for the research variables biochemical for the sample members, as well as some variables that have an impact on the results of the study such as (height, age, weight, and the age of training ), and the homogenization of the research sample members was carried out. The results of statistical treatments were presented, analyzed, and discussed, supported by sources. The most important conclusions were that most of the activities and the variation of values are very essential biochemical indicators. The differences were significant and the positive variation in accordance to the type of sport or activity, and the last variation between the activities in terms of comparison in these variables is due to the nature and specificity in terms of the intensity of the resistances and direct and indirect friction For competitors and the expenditure of energy stored in muscles. Finally, the researchers recommended knowing the most important biochemical indicators in these events and sports as they reflect a clear picture of the individuals' internal preparations and functional responses.

Machine-learning-assisted hydrogen adsorption descriptor design for bilayer MXenes

Currently, most of the MXene hydrogen storage materials with excellent performances are screened by empirical trial-and-error methods. All of them are single-layer materials, and they have difficulty meeting actual demands. Herein, we report the accurate prediction of hydrogen adsorption energies for three adsorption modes inside M12X1–M22X2 bilayer MXenes using only physical intrinsic features (no density functional theory computational variables). The gradient boosting regression and random forest regression algorithms achieved R2 of 0.957/0.946 and 0.952/0.935 for chemisorption and physical adsorption models on the training/test set, respectively. In particular, the presence of a nanopump effect mechanism in the MXenes with a small layer spacing ensured that the system had a strong Kubas adsorption of H2. Symbolic regression was used to guide the design of hydrogen adsorption descriptors, and two simple descriptors, (χ/M1)×(r/M2)2 and (r/M2)3(m/X1), were identified to be applied to chemisorption and physical adsorption, respectively. The results could provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent synthesis of MXene materials with excellent hydrogen storage properties.

The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation During Concurrent Training on the Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Men

Abstract Background Despite extensive research, the effects of L-carnitine supplementation in treating obesity are still unclear and equivocal. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation and is marketed as a weight loss supplement. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the efficacy of L-carnitine during concurrent training on the functional capacities and body composition in obese men. Methods Thirty nonactive, obese males (age = 37.2 ± 1.5 years; body mass index = 33.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group 1 (EXP1)—concurrent training with L-carnitine supplementation; experimental group 2 (EXP2)—L-carnitine supplementation without training; and control group—without training or L-carnitine supplementation. Concurrent training was performed for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. Both experimental groups were supplemented with 35 mg L-carnitine supplement per kilogram body weight. Various functional and body composition variables were collected at three time points (pre-test, mid-test, and post-test). Results A number of variables were significantly improved in EXP1 after 4 and 8 weeks (systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption, weight, body mass index, and one-repetition maximum) and only after 8-weeks (diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, percentage of body fat, and fat-free mass). No significant changes were observed for EXP2 and the control group. Conclusion L-carnitine supplementation, in conjunction with concurrent training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing body composition and boosting functional capacities in obese adult men. Therefore, it is recommended that overweight male individuals integrate concurrent training into their regimen while taking L-carnitine.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing complements both spirometry and nuclear imaging for assessing sarcoidosis stage and for monitoring disease activity.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that can confound established follow-up tools. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are recommended in initial and follow-up patient evaluations yet are imperfect predictors of disease progression. The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is another potentially useful monitoring tool, although previous studies report conflicting findings regarding which variables are altered by the disease. Nuclear imaging tests are also employed to assess inflammatory activity and may be predictive of functional deterioration. We asked whether PFTs or CPET are more diagnostic of disease stage, which subsets of functional variables are impacted by the disease, and how these relate to nuclear imaging signs of active inflammation. We collected retrospective data (spirometry, CPET, Gallium-67 scintigraphy, 18F-FDG PET/CT) from 48 patients and 10 controls. Disease severity was assessed following Scadding classification. First, we correlated individual PFTs and CPET parameters to Scadding stage and nuclear imaging data. Next, we performed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on PFTs and CPET parameters, separated into respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic subsets. Finally, we constructed multiple regression models to determine which variable subsets were the best predictors of Scadding stage and disease activity. The majority of PFTs and CPET single parameters were significantly correlated with patient stage, while only few correlated with disease activity. Nevertheless, multiple regression models were able to significantly relate PFTs and CPET to both disease stage and activity. Additionally, these analyses highlighted CPET cardiovascular parameters as the best overall predictors of disease stage and activity. Our results display how CPET and spirometry data complement each other for sarcoidosis disease staging, and how these tests are able to detect disease activity. Our findings suggest that CPET, a repeatable and non-invasive functional test, should be more routinely performed and taken into account in sarcoidosis patient follow-up.

Postural control and ankle joint functions: an investigation on collegiate female volleyball players

PurposeAnkle injuries are common in volleyball players and are linked to the athlete’s postural control. The aim of the report is to investigate the differences between ankle functions and postural control ability of volleyball players and controls, and also the relationship between the variables in order to understand the factors affecting postural control.Methods40 female participants (age: 21.18 ± 0.27, volleyball players/controls: 20/20) were included in the study. Ankle functions (joint range of motion (ROM), joint position sense (JPS), vibration and isometric muscle strength) and postural control variables (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway velocity, ellipse area and perimeter) were evaluated by static stability test. The differences between the groups and the correlation between variables were analysed.ResultsSignificant differences favoured the volleyball group in ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion ROM, JPS, dorsiflexor and plantar flexor isometric muscle strength, and postural control variables (p &lt; 0.05). However, the control group demonstrated superior vibration sensitivity on the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads (p &lt; 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between the anterior-posterior sway velocity and dorsiflexion ROM, medial-lateral sway velocity and sway area with inversion ROM, sway area and vibration threshold in the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsVolleyball players showed better results in ankle ROM, JPS, muscle strength and postural control. In addition to the similarities in ankle plantar flexion ROM, invertor and evertor isometric muscle strength between the groups, the controls showed better vibration sensitivity; which reveals potential causes of ankle injuries in volleyball players. Ankle function variables are found to be linked to postural control, highlighting the need to evaluate these functions for injury prevention.

Warming increases the compositional and functional variability of a temperate protist community

Phototrophic protists are a fundamental component of the world's oceans by serving as the primary source of energy, oxygen, and organic nutrients for the entire ecosystem. Due to the high thermal seasonality of their habitat, temperate protists could harbour many well-adapted species that tolerate ocean warming. However, these species may not sustain ecosystem functions equally well. To address these uncertainties, we conducted a 30-day mesocosm experiment to investigate how moderate (12 °C) and substantial (18 °C) warming compared to ambient conditions (6 °C) affect the composition (18S rRNA metabarcoding) and ecosystem functions (biomass, gross oxygen productivity, nutritional quality – C:N and C:P ratio) of a North Sea spring bloom community. Our results revealed warming-driven shifts in dominant protist groups, with haptophytes thriving at 12 °C and diatoms at 18 °C. Species responses primarily depended on the species' thermal traits, with indirect temperature effects on grazing being less relevant and phosphorus acting as a critical modulator. The species Phaeocystis globosa showed highest biomass on low phosphate concentrations and relatively increased in some replicates of both warming treatments. In line with this, the C:P ratio varied more with the presence of P. globosa than with temperature. Examining further ecosystem responses under warming, our study revealed lowered gross oxygen productivity but increased biomass accumulation whereas the C:N ratio remained unaltered. Although North Sea species exhibited resilience to elevated temperatures, a diminished functional similarity and heightened compositional variability indicate potential ecosystem repercussions for higher trophic levels. In conclusion, our research stresses the multifaceted nature of temperature effects on protist communities, emphasising the need for a holistic understanding that encompasses trait-based responses, indirect effects, and functional dynamics in the face of exacerbating temperature changes.