Maximum Level Research Articles

The clinical application of transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring during rigid bronchoscopy or microlaryngeal surgery in children.

During rigid bronchoscopies and microlaryngeal surgery (MLS) in children, there is currently no reliable method for managing ventilation strategies based on carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the clinical implementation of transcutaneous CO2 (tcPCO2) monitoring during rigid bronchoscopies or MLS. Prospective observational study. Operating theatre of a tertiary pediatric hospital, from January 2019 to March 2021. Children with an age<18years, undergoing rigid bronchoscopy or MLS, were eligible for inclusion. Children with tracheostomy and/or skin conditions limiting tcPCO2 monitoring were excluded. TcPCO2 monitoring was performed in two groups; blinded before clinical implementation (control group) and visible for ventilation management after clinical implementation (tcPCO2 group). The total tcPCO2 load outside of the normal range (35-48mm Hg) was calculated as the area under the curve (AUC) and compared between the groups. Anesthesiologists in the tcPCO2 group received a questionnaire after each procedure. A total of 120 patients were included. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the AUC during the procedure (19,202 (7,863-44,944) vs 17,737 (9,800-47,566) mm Hg · s, P=0.84) or between different ventilation strategies. The maximal tcPCO2 level was 69.2 (62.1-81.2) mm Hg in the control group and 71.1 (62.8-80.8) mm Hg, (P=0.85) in the tcPCO2 group. Spontaneous breathing was associated with lower tcPCO2 levels. The general satisfaction score of tcPCO2 monitoring rated by the anesthesiologist was 8.19 (0.96). TcPCO2 levels reached approximately twice the upper limit of the normal range during rigid bronchoscopy and MLS. Availability of tcPCO2 monitoring did not affect these high levels, despite adjustments in strategy. However, tcPCO2 monitoring provides valuable insight in CO2 load and applied ventilation strategies.

Beta-sitosterol regulates PTGS1 to inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading culprit of cancer-related deaths around the world. Beta-sitosterol (BS) is an important phytosterol that has been proven to have anti-proliferative effects on GC and other tumors. However, mechanisms and targets of BS in cancer are rarely explored. In this investigation, the targets of BS in the treatment of GC were analyzed by network pharmacology. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay were introduced to validate the binding relationship between BS and PTGS1. The impacts of BS on GC cell viability, half maximal inhibitory concentration, proliferation ability, apoptosis level, and angiogenesis ability were detected by using Cell Counting Kit-8, clone formation assay, flow cytometry, and angiogenesis experiment, respectively. In addition, the expression levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF, FGF, PAI-1) were detected by using western blot. In this project, through cell experiments, PTGS1 was identified as a protein that directly binds to BS. In vitro cell experiments revealed that BS promoted apoptosis and inhibited GC cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Importantly, treatment with BS attenuated the promoting influence of PTGS1 overexpression on GC cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This investigation highlighted PTGS1 as the target of BS in GC cells. BS can regulate PTGS1 to inhibit GC cell proliferation and angiogenesis, providing new evidence for the potential use of BS as a therapeutic agent for GC.

An Advanced Energy Efficient Resource Allocation for Software‐Defined WSN Using Hybrid Optimization Algorithm

ABSTRACTSoftware‐Defined Wireless Sensor Networking (SDWSN) is termed a rising network structure that has become more important to the Internet of Things (IoT). In this network structure, the control planes effectively manage the sensor plane. Due to these kinds of separation, the management of networks became easier and also their efficacies are enhanced in the self‐motivated atmosphere. The common issue presented in the sensor atmosphere is minimal life in the network devices inspired by the maximal level of energy consumption rate. The current study provides a system architecture that intends to increase efficiency in an SDWSN by incorporating optimization techniques. A novel hybrid optimization strategy is created by merging the Election‐Based Optimization Algorithm (EBOA) with the Ladybird Beetle Optimization Algorithm (LBOA), and the result is known as Hybrid Election‐based Ladybird Beetle Optimization (HELBO). This work examines an energy‐efficient resource allocation mechanism in SDWSNs that have substantial computing power and memory. These algorithms optimize the bandwidth along with power allocation in the SDWSN to attain a considerable Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) under the individual constraint of quality of service. Finally, empirical findings show that the recommended HELBO method outperforms other present algorithms.

Does muscle fatigue change motor synergies at different levels of neuromotor control?

We investigated the effects of static and dynamic fatigue on motor synergies, focusing on their hierarchical control. Specifically, we examined whether changes in fatigue influence the central nervous system's ability to preserve movement stability. In addition to exploring the direct impact of fatigue on motor synergies, we also analyzed its effects at two distinct levels of hierarchical control, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms by which fatigue alters motor coordination and stability. Thirteen healthy, young and right-handed male participants took part in the study. Participants performed a bilateral accurate force production task under static and dynamic fatigue conditions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction level with elbow flexors. Muscle activity level were collected from five muscles of each limb: biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris. The results revealed distinct effects of fatigue on isometric force production in the elbow joint tasks. On the higher level of hierarchy control of synergies, there were non-significant effects of different types of fatigue on movement performance, however, on the lower level we observed a strong effect of fatigue on forming motor synergies. There was no significant difference between the type of applied fatigue protocol on force and muscle activity data, nevertheless, the contribution of involved muscles to the task has changed. Our findings indicate that the central nervous system employs specific strategies to counteract fatigue and preserve movement stability during performance. However, the precise mechanisms by which variability at lower levels of hierarchical control influence higher levels remain unclear, highlighting a critical gap in our understanding of motor coordination under fatigue. Future studies should explore how these interactions across hierarchical levels contribute to movement stability under different fatigue conditions.

Evaluation of treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing and field measurement results in women's youth and adult national team water polo players.

The benefits of treadmill-based cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are well known. However, water polo trainings involve completely different movements in a distinct environment. Our objective was to analyze data from elite youth and adult water polo players, gathered through CPET and age- and sport-specific swimming tests. Resting and exercise heart rate, as well as lactate levels, were examined at specific time points during both assessments. Additionally, maximal aerobic capacity was evaluated during the CPET. Forty-six female water polo players were examined (age:18.5±5.9y, adults:19). No significant differences were found between CPET and swimming tests for resting heart rate (75[IQR:65-85] vs. 71[IQR:63-81] BPM, p=0.33) and lactate levels (1.5[IQR:1.1-1.7] vs. 1.5[IQR:1.3-1.7] mM, p=0.33). Maximal heart rates were higher during CPET than swimming (196.3±9.7vs.191.0±12.5 BPM, p<0.001), while maximal lactate levels were lower (8.4±2.4vs.9.6±2.7mM, p<0.05). Lactate levels remained elevated after routine cool-down swimming ordered by the trainers, but decreased after suggested further training (6.6±2.7vs.3.7±1.6mM, p<0.001). Comparing the youth (<18y) and the adult (≥18y) players, no differences in relative maximal aerobic capacity (44.4±4.8vs.44.9±5.5ml/kg/min, p=0.72) and in peak lactate values (8.2±2.7vs.8.7±1.9mM, p=0.48) were observed in CPET examinations, while maximal heart rates were higher in the youth group (200.7±7.2vs.190.1±9.6 BPM, p<0.001). Similarly, maximal lactate levels showed no differences (9.1±2.6vs.10.4±2.7mM, p=0.13), while maximal heart rates were higher in the youth group during swimming examinations (197.7±10.0vs.181.4±8.9 BPM, p<0.001). The combined use of both exercise tests enables the assessment of maximal physiological parameters (heart rate, lactate, aerobic capacity) during different types and intensities of physical exercise and identifies differences across age groups, facilitating the design of a more personalized and effective training program.

Does mental exertion during incremental exercise change substrate oxidation and cardiorespiratory outcomes in individuals with overweight?

Given the growing concern over the impact of brain health in individuals with overweight, understanding how mental exertion (ME) during exercise affects substrate oxidation and cardiorespiratory outcomes is crucial. This study examines how ME impacts these outcomes during an incremental exercise test in adults with overweight. Seventeen adults who were overweight completed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer two times, with and without the Stroop task. Energy expenditure (EE), carbohydrate and fat oxidation, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximum fat oxidation (MFO), and the intensity of exercise that elicited MFO (Fatmax) are measured by indirect calorimetry. ME did not change the EE, carbohydrate, and fat oxidation at any stages of the incremental test. However, ME resulted in significantly lower HRmax, VO2max, and MFO (p < 0.01) and increased NASA-TLX scores but showed no change in Fatmax. These results show ME decreases the value of HRmax, VO2max, and MFO during the incremental exercise test. Due to the increased mental workload demonstrated by the NASA-TLX test, adults with overweight are unable to complete the test to the same extent as they did in the test without ME according to maximal levels in this study.

Induction Motors Under Voltage Unbalance Combined with Voltage Subharmonics

In power systems, various power quality disturbances are present, including voltage deviation, voltage unbalance, and voltage waveform distortions. Voltage waveform distortions are usually identified with harmonics, but in some systems, subharmonics (subsynchronous interharmonics) and interharmonics may also occur—that is, components of frequency less than the fundamental frequency, or not an integer multiple of it. This study examines torque pulsations of an induction motor under voltage subharmonics combined with voltage unbalance. The motor and the driven DC generator vibrations were analysed under the power quality disturbances. Investigations were carried out using finite element and empirical methods. Experimental tests were performed for the maximal levels of the power quality disturbances specified or proposed in the relevant standards. For the investigated motor, under voltage subharmonics or voltage unbalance occurring as a single power quality disturbance, the vibration level was within the prescribed limit. However, under unbalance combined with subharmonics, the level could be accepted for only a limited time. Consequently, the permissible level of voltage subharmonics in non-generation installations should be interconnected with the voltage unbalance in the power system.

Modelling heart rate dynamics in relation to speed and power output in sprint kayaking as a basis for training evaluation and optimisation.

With the development of power output sensors in the field of paddle sports and the ongoing advancements in dynamical analysis of exercise data, this study aims to model the measurements of external training intensity in relation to heart rate (HR) time-series during flat-water kayak sprint. Nine elite athletes performed a total of 47 interval training sessions with incremental intensity (light to (sub-) maximal effort levels). The data of HR, speed and power output were measured continuously and rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) were sampled at the end of each interval stage. Different autoregressive-exogenous (ARX) modelling configurations are tested, and we report on which combination of input (speed or power), model order (1st or 2nd), parameter estimation method (time-(in)variant) and training conditions (ergometer or on-water) is best suited for linking external to internal measures. Average model R2 values varied between 0.60 and 0.97, with corresponding average root mean square error values of 15.6 and 3.2 bpm. 1st order models with time-varying (TV) parameter estimates yield the best model performance (average R2=0.94). At the level of the individual athlete, the TV modelling features (i.e., the model parameters and derivatives such as time constant values) show significant repeated measure correlations in relation to measures of exercise intensity. In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive description of how the dynamic relationship between external load and HR for sprint kayaking training data can be modelled. Such models can be used as a basis for improving training evaluation and optimisation.

Does persistent crossover (ipsilateral) motor evoked potential (MEP) responses represent a technical failure for intracranial motor tract monitoring? A case example and practical solution.

Attention to motor evoked potential (MEP) stimulation intensity is necessary to avoid false negative MEP results during intracranial procedures. Observing ipsilateral (crossover) MEP responses has been hypothesized to indicate inappropriately strong stimulation intensity. We describe a case where persistent crossover MEP responses falsely suggested that stimulus intensity was too high and describe an alternative method to guide the selection of MEP stimulation intensity. A patient undergoing a suboccipital craniotomy for tumor resection had bilateral transcranial electrical MEP monitoring under total intravenous anesthesia. MEP results were obtained from left and right hand using C4-Cz and C3-Cz stimulation montages respectively. Selection of an appropriately superficial stimulus intensity was guided using MEP onset latencies. MEP acquisition proceeded normally for contralateral left hand (C4-Cz montage). However, using the C3-Cz montage, persistent crossover responses were noted at stimulation intensities as low as threshold for contralateral right hand MEP (94V/166mA). Appropriate MEP stimulus intensity for subsequent monitoring (approximately 96V/172mA) was determined utilizing onset latency measurements from contralateral hand MEP responses. The stimulus intensity chosen was predicated on onset latency being ≥ 2 ms longer than latency at maximal stimulus level (shortest latency). A stimulus intensity-latency plot was generated offline to illustrate this important relationship for intracranial MEP use. MEP acquisition proceeded without incident and gross total resection was achieved without postoperative motor deficits. Despite crossover appearance contralateral hand MEP were quantitatively validated for intraoperative application using onset latency guidance.

Endurance training enhances skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration by promoting MOTS-c secretion.

The mitochondrial open reading frame of 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) is a biologically active mitochondria-derived peptide. However, the relationship between MOTS-c, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, and endurance exercise adaptations is unknown. Here, we tested indices such as maximal oxygen uptake and serum MOTS-c levels in marathon runners and sedentary subjects. In addition, we tested aerobic exercise capacity, skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration rate, and serum MOTS-c levels in mice subjected to long-term endurance training groups and sedentary groups. Our results indicated a close association between serum MOTS-c levels and aerobic exercise capacity. Circulating MOTS-c levels are expected to be an important indicator for predicting aerobic exercise capacity and assessing body fat status, endurance training load, and physical function. More importantly, we found that endurance training may enhance the mitochondrial respiratory function of skeletal muscle by promoting the secretion of MOTS-c and activating the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.

Effects of altered contractile environment on muscle shape change in the triceps surae.

Skeletal muscles change shape when they contract. Current insights into the effects of shape change on muscle function have primarily come from experiments on isolated muscles operating at maximal activation levels. However, when muscles contract and change shape, the forces they apply onto surrounding muscles will also change. The impact of an altered contractile environment (i.e., mechanical behaviour of surrounding muscle) on muscle shape change, remains unknown. To address this, we altered the mechanical contributions of the gastrocnemii during isometric plantarflexion contractions [via changing knee angle] and determined if there were associated changes in how the muscles of the triceps surae bulged in thickness during a ramped contraction. We combined B-mode ultrasound imaging with surface electromyography to quantify the neuromechanical contributions of the medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles during isometric plantarflexion contractions. Our results demonstrated that at the same SOL activity levels, altering knee angle had no influence on the magnitude of muscle shape change (thickness) in the triceps surae muscles. We observed high levels of inter-individual variability in muscle bulging patterns, particularly in the knee flexed position, suggesting a complex relationship between muscle bulging and activation strategies in the triceps surae, which may be related to differences in muscle mechanical properties between participants or across muscles. Our findings highlight the dynamics of in vivo bulging interactions among muscles within the triceps surae and provide insights for future investigations into the impact of altered contractile environments on three-dimensional muscle deformations and force production.

Modulated ultrasound speakers – A common framework for analyzing air pump speakers

In this article we describe a new approach to sound generation based on active modulation of ultrasound. Active modulation of ultrasound provides an alternative to dynamic drivers and enables to reduce the size and volume of speakers. This feat in apparent contradiction to basic acoustics. In the article we provide for the first time an explanation of the underlying physics of modulated ultrasound speakers using a holistic lumped element model. Using the model, we explore different archiectures and highlight an archicture providing maximal sound pressure level for a given membrane area and displacement. Devices implementing the architecture were fabricated using MEMS technology. The sound pressure level response of the fabricated devices is compared to simulations highlighting the unique properties of the modulated ultrasound speakers.

CD47 predominates over CD24 as a macrophage immune checkpoint in cancer.

Macrophages hold tremendous promise as effectors of cancer immunotherapy, but the best strategies to provoke these cells to attack tumors remain unknown. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting two distinct macrophage immune checkpoints: CD47 and CD24. We found that antibodies targeting these antigens could elicit maximal levels of phagocytosis when combined together in vitro. However, to our surprise, via unbiased genome-wide CRISPR screens, we found that CD24 primarily acts as a target of opsonization rather than an immune checkpoint. In a series of in vitro and in vivo genetic validation studies, we found that CD24 was neither necessary nor sufficient to protect cancer cells from macrophage phagocytosis in most mouse and human tumor models. Instead, anti-CD24 antibodies exhibit robust Fc-dependent activity, and as a consequence, they cause significant on-target hematologic toxicity in mice. To overcome these challenges and leverage our findings for therapeutic purposes, we engineered a collection of 77 novel bispecific antibodies that bind to a tumor antigen with one arm and engage macrophages with the second arm. We discovered multiple novel bispecifics that maximally activate macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity and reduce binding to healthy blood cells, including bispecifics targeting macrophage immune checkpoint molecules in combination with EGFR, TROP2, and CD71. Overall, our findings indicate that CD47 predominates over CD24 as a macrophage immune checkpoint in cancer, and that the novel bispecifics we created may be optimal immunotherapies to direct myeloid cells to eradicate solid tumors.

The Association Between Glycemic Variability and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Glycemic variability (GV) is a prevalent and significant condition observed in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early glycemic variability parameters and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, and observational study was performed at five tertiary intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey. All patients who had more than six blood glucose level (BGL) measures per 24 h were included. The parameters of GV including the SD, MGL, MGD (the difference between the maximal and minimal glucose level), and the CV (the percentage of SD to the MGL) in the first 24 h were recorded. Results: A total of 578 eligible patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 43.6% were women. The mean age of the patients was 68.09 ± 16.62 years. Overall mortality was 31.5% (n = 182). The glycemic parameters of the CV, SD, and MGD were significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (p = 0.040, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CV (OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.004-1.042; p = 0.017) was an independent factor that increased mortality. Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a strong (r:0.871) and statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the CV and MGD. Conclusions: The CV calculated within the first 24 h of ICU admission is independently associated with 28-day mortality. The MGD is correlated with the CV and is maybe a practical tool to predict increased risk of mortality at the bedside. However, further studies are needed to establish the independent association of the MGD with mortality.

Dynamic expression of heat-shock and acid-tolerance related genes of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus LBB.B5 in milk

Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus is a central species in the production of fermented dairy food. However, from the point of view of starter culture production this species is extremely sensitive to freeze-drying. Therefore, it is essential to understand the physiological processes and adaptation mechanisms of the bacterial cell, especially its response to factors such as heat-, cold- and acid stress. Here we report the results of the dynamic expression monitoring of heat/cold-shock related genes (hsp60 and cspA) and genes putatively contributing to acid-tolerance (ornB, thrB and thrC) in L. delbr. ssp. bulgaricus LBB.B5 grown in milk. These genes were selected as hsp60 and cspA encode a heat-shock and a cold-shock protein, respectively, while ornB encodes an ornithine decarboxylase, related to acid tolerance in this species. Genes thrB and thrC are involved in threonine synthesis and are of particular interest as unlike the majority of amino-acids, the threonine synthesis pathway is conserved in all L. delbr. ssp. bulgaricus strains. Expression levels were monitored by RT-qPCR for 7 hours of fermentation at 42oC and then until the 24th hour under cold storage at 4oC. Samples at 3h were used as control. Two distinct patterns in the expression dynamics of the analysed genes were observed. Genes cspA, ornB, thrB and thrC, followed a pattern with maximal expression at 5h of the fermentation with levels of 11.6, 6.8, 3.9 and 2.4 times the control, respectively. Maximal expression levels coincided with the transition of the culture from exponential to stationary phase at a pH threshold of 5.0. Gene hsp60 showed a different pattern with gradually increasing expression throughout the hole fermentation process, including after cold storage when expression level reached 6.4 times the control. The upregulation of threonine biosynthesis and of a cold-shock protein synthesis with the onset of the stationary phase may suggest that together with the activity of ornithine decarboxylase, they go beyond their function of serving the amino-acid anabolism or managing cold stress, but rather facilitate the transition of the cells to stationary phase and/or their adaptation to acidic conditions. The gradual upregulation of hsp60 on the other hand may reflect the adaptation of the cells to growth at higher temperature (42oC) and subsequent transfer to cold storage.

A real-life clinical application of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute myocarditis - one-center observational retrospective study.

The diagnosis of acute myocarditis is complex, with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) being a recommended diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of CMR in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis and to correlate CMR results with the degree of myocardial damage. This is a retrospective, observational tertiary single-center study of 90 consecutive patients (F/M:18/72, mean age:39 ± 14 years) hospitalized between 2015-2022 with a clinical diagnosis of acute myocarditis. The study population was divided into two groups: patients who underwent CMR+ and those who did not undergo CMR - In the CMR+ group, various sequences, including T1/T2-weighted imaging, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and mapping techniques, were used to assess myocardial inflammation and damage. CMR was performed in 39 patients (43.3%, F/M:10/29, mean age:41 ± 16 years). In this group, myocardial edema (increased T2 signal intensity) was detected in 29 patients, and LGE (signal intensity 2 standard deviations cabove normal on T1 images) was found in 39 patients. Diagnosis based on Lake Louise Criteria was possible in 29 cases. Edema negatively correlated with TnT levels (r = -0.412, p < 0.05) and positively with the number of LGE segments (r = 0.372, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between LVEF and LGE mass (r = -0.360, p < 0.05), and maximal TnT levels (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). CMR+ patients had lower myocardial damage markers and CRP concentrations compared to CMR- patients. CMR is underused in diagnosing acute myocarditis. Myocardial damage markers correlate with CMR-detected edema and volumetric measures, but not LGE extent. More research is needed to enhance risk assessment and treatment.

Abstract 4139170: Relationship between hemodynamics and oxygen consumption in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during maximal stress testing

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a global heart disease with great variability in disease severity, which can lead to significant impairment of exercise capacity. In healthy populations, oxygen consumption is related to cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference. We sought to determine the relationship between hemodynamics (cardiac output and stroke volume) and oxygen consumption in HCM compared to healthy controls during maximal stress testing. Aims: To evaluate associations between the trajectories of hemodynamic function and oxygen consumption in HCM compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twenty individuals with HCM (51±15 years old, body mass index (BMI): 28±3 kg/m 2 , females, n=4) and 16 healthy controls (66±7 years old, 27±6 kg/m 2 , females, n=6) were included in the present study. Participants completed a maximal-graded stress test coupled with non-invasive hemodynamic bioreactance (cardiac output, stroke volume) and gas exchange (oxygen consumption, VO 2 ) measurements. Data were analyzed in quartiles (exercise only) and phases (rest, pre-pedalling, exercise and recovery) of the maximal-graded stress test. Results: In HCM, cardiac output declined in the fourth quartile of the exercise phase of the stress test (-0.39 L/min, p &lt;0.001) whilst VO 2 increased (3.86 ml/kg/min, p &lt;0.001). There was a significant difference in the gradient of cardiac output between HCM and controls in the final quartile of the test (-1.6 vs. 18.1 L/min, p&lt;0.001). In coherence, stroke volume declined in the fourth quartile of the test (-18.4 ml, p &lt;0.01) in response to increasing VO 2 in HCM. The rates of recovery were faster in HCM compared to the control group for VO 2 (-4.3 vs -2.6 mL/second, p&lt;0.001), cardiac output (-0.03 vs -0.02 L/second, p&lt;0.001), heart rate (-0.17 vs -0.10 beats/second, p&lt;0.001), and stroke volume (-0.18 vs -0.07 L/second, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: In HCM, cardiac output declined during the later stages of maximal stress testing whereas in controls it continued to rise, indicating impaired maximal cardiac output responses to exercise. These findings have implications for exercise prescription and training regimens in HCM suggesting avoidance of maximal exercise levels.

Sustainable remediation of piggery wastewater using a novel mixotrophic Chlorella sorokiniana Cbeo for high value biomass production

Piggery wastewater (PW) contains high density of organic carbon (COD), nitrogen (NH4+-N and TN) and phosphorous (TP), which are essential nutrients for microalgae growth. This work was attempted to use a newly isolate Chlorella sorokiniana Cbeo for recovery these compounds into its biomass via mixotrophic cultivation. Critical factors including level of ammonia, C/N ratio, pH, light intensity, sterilized/unsterilized media, and indoor/outdoor cultivations affecting biomass production and nutrients removal efficiencies were investigated. Data revealed that C. sorokiniana Cbeo achieved the optimal growth in the unsterilized medium at NH4+-N concentration, C/N ratio, initial pH, and light intensity of 250 mg/L, 10/1, 7, and 150 μmol/m2/s, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, dry cell weight (DCW) reached the maximal level of 4.30 g/L, which was slightly higher than 4.14 g/L determined for the sterilized medium. In 30 L-scale photobioreactor, C. sorokiniana Cbeo grown under indoor and outdoor achieved DCW of 3.61 and 3.19 g/L, respectively. COD, NH4+-N, TN, TP removal efficiencies for both conditions were determined as 91.9–96.7, 96.6–99.7, 96.2–96.4, and 98.2–100 %, respectively. The C. sorokiniana Cbeo biomass contained 14–27 % lipid, 25–32 % carbohydrate, 44–48 % protein, and 0.25–0.97 % lutein. Interestingly, α-Linolenic acid (C18:3n3) was 19.84 –27.0 % of the total fatty acids. C. sorokiniana Cbeo is the promising algal strain for development of a sustainable biorefinery of PW.

Peaked Stokes waves as solutions of Babenko’s equation

Babenko’s equation describes traveling water waves in holomorphic coordinates. It has been used in the past to obtain properties of Stokes waves with smooth profiles analytically and numerically. We show in the deep-water limit that properties of Stokes waves with peaked profiles can also be recovered from the same Babenko’s equation. In order to develop the local analysis of singularities, we rewrite Babenko’s equation as a fixed-point problem near the maximal elevation level. As a by-product, our results rule out a corner point singularity in the holomorphic coordinates, which has been obtained in a local version of Babenko’s equation.

Effects of small-sided games on some recovery markers in football

Background and Study Aim. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in football training to replicate match conditions while controlling the physical load on players. Variations in the number of players during these games can significantly influence key recovery markers. This study aims to investigate the effects of variations in player numbers on maximal heart rate, blood lactate levels, and perceived exertion in small-sided games acutely applied in football. Material and Methods. The study involved 28 male football players who were also university students (mean age 24.89±4.59 years, mean height 179±0.04 cm, mean body weight 73.21±4.34 kg). The participants were divided into three groups based on the number of players (2 vs. 2, 4 vs. 4, and 8 vs. 8). Heart rate and lactate levels were measured at three time points: before training, immediately after training, and 30 minutes post-training. Results. The study revealed that post-training maximal heart rates (MHR) and lactate levels were significantly higher across all groups compared to pre-training levels, while measurements taken 30 minutes post-training were significantly lower than post-training levels (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were found between pre-training and 30-minute post-training MHR values across the three groups (P&gt;0.05). Post-training MHR values were similar between the 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 groups (P&gt;0.05), whereas the 8 vs. 8 group showed significantly higher values (P&lt;0.05). Post-training and 30-minute post-training lactate levels were similar between the 4 vs. 4 and 8 vs. 8 groups (P&gt;0.05), but the 2 vs. 2 group had significantly lower levels (P&lt;0.05). Perceived exertion levels post-training were similar between the 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 groups (P&gt;0.05), while the 8 vs. 8 group reported significantly higher perceived exertion levels (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Small-sided games with varying numbers of players are an effective method for modulating physical load during football training. These findings underscore the importance of considering game format in designing training sessions to optimize player performance and recovery.