Reduction In Rate Research Articles

Dimethyl fumarate induces cardiac developmental toxicity in zebrafish via down-regulation of oxidative stress

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immunosuppressant commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Despite known side effects such as lymphopenia, the effect of DMF on cardiac development remains unclear. To assess this, we used zebrafish to evaluate the cardiac developmental toxicity of DMF. Our study showed that DMF reduced the survival rate of zebrafish embryos, with those exposed to 1, 1.3, and 1.6 mg/L exhibiting heart rate reduction, shortened body length, delayed yolk sac absorption, pericardial edema, increased distance from sinus venous to bulbus arteriosus, and separation of cardiomyocytes and endocardial cells at 72 hpf. Heart development-related genes showed disorder, apoptosis-related genes were up-regulated, and the oxidative stress response was down-regulated. Treatment with cysteamine ameliorated the heart development defects. Our study demonstrates that DMF induces cardiac developmental toxicity in zebrafish, possibly by down-regulating oxidative stress responses. This study provides a certain research basis for further study of DMF-induced cardiac developmental toxicity, and provides some experimental evidence for future clinical application and study of DMF.

1705 Geriatrician involvement with community multi-disciplinary teams to support people living with frailty and reduce readmissions

Abstract Introduction Factors contributing to frailty result in increased hospitalisations, with 5- 10% of patients attending Accident and Emergency department living with frailty, and 30% of those patients admitted to acute medical units (Conroy, 2013). Hospital admissions result in functional decline and deconditioning (Get It Right First Time, 2021). The number of people in the UK over the age of 85 is set to double in the next 20 years and treble in the next 30 (Office of National Statistics, 2013). Their needs are best met in the community with a multi-disciplinary approach. Method Patients, residing in Benfleet and Leigh-on-sea, discharged from Geriatric wards at Southend Hospital were identified during ward MDT meetings. Inclusion criteria: • Recurrent admissions • Prolonged hospital stay • Clinical Frailty Score > 5 • Social support Using this criteria, 216 patients were included. 7-day readmission and 30 day readmission data was collected and compared to readmission rate prior to intervention. Intervention On discharge patients were linked with Frailty Nurses within their Primary Care Network and were reviewed within 48-72 hours of discharge. Community support was provided via MDT, with involvement from consultant geriatrician. Concerns that could result in readmission were highlighted during these meeting, with patients being seen in Day Assessment Unit for review of sub-acute frailty syndrome if appropriate. Results Following intervention of utilising community MDT there was a reduction in rate of readmission. 9 patients (4.1%) were readmitted within 7 days of discharge and 14 patients (6.4%) were readmitted within 30 days, in comparison to 7.6% and 19.3%, respectively, prior to commencement of MDT. Conclusion This concludes that utilising community MDT with review following discharge has positive impact in reducing readmission rates. Highlighting potential risks of readmissions allows the MDT to address issues within the community and use bridging services appropriately.

Effect of Accelerated Cyclic Aging on the Ballistic Properties of Composite Solid Propellant

Burn rate is a vital parameter of a propellant that highly influences the internal ballistics of a rocket motor. In the case of military applications of solid rocket motors, they are stored for a long duration, during which their performance deteriorates considerably due to aging. Conventionally, the accelerated isothermal technique is used for studying the effects of aging. However, in actual storage conditions, the temperature experienced by the propellant varies over time. In the present work, experimental investigations were carried out using accelerated cyclic and isothermal aging schemes. Here, the burn rates and temperature sensitivity of the propellant were recorded after the accelerated aging. A reduction in burn rates was observed in all aging techniques. There was a strong influence of the frequency of the aging cycle on burn rates. Theoretical analysis of motor performance indicates a reduction in chamber pressure to the tune of 18%, leading to deterioration of thrust by 20% and specific impulse by 2.5%. Remedies to recover the performance of the motor with aged propellant were explored, and throat inserts and thermal conditioning of aged motors were suggested as possible ways to overcome the aging effects.

Point-of-Care Coating of Revision Femoral Stems With Antibiotic-Loaded Calcium Sulfate: Reduction in Infection After 2nd Stage Reimplantation but Not With Aseptic Revisions

BackgroundInfection rates in revision total hip arthroplasty are lower when antibiotic loaded cemented stems are utilized. Inspired by this technique, a point-of-care coating of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate (CaSO4) was applied to cementless revision stems in aseptic revision and 2nd stage reimplantation total hip arthroplasty. MethodsOne hundred eleven consecutive femoral stems were coated. Just prior to insertion, 10 cc of CaSO4 was mixed with 1 g vancomycin and 240 mg tobramycin with the paste applied to the stem. The results were compared to a matched cohort (N = 104) performed across the previous 5 years. The surgical methods were comparable, but for the stem coating. The study group was followed for a minimum of 3 years. ResultsIn the study cohort of 111 patients, there were 69 aseptic revisions with one periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (1.4%) and 42 second-stage reimplantations with 2 PJIs (4.8%). In the control cohort of 104 patients, there were 74 aseptic revisions with one PJI (1.4%) and 30 second-stage reimplantations with 7 PJIs (23.3%). There was no significant reduction in PJI rate in the aseptic revision subgroup (1.4% study vs 1.4% control group), P = 1.000. Antibiotic stem coating reduced PJI rate in the 2nd stage reimplantation subgroup (23.3% control vs 4.8% study group), P = .028. In both groups, there were no cases of aseptic stem loosening. ConclusionsPoint-of-care antibiotic coating of cementless revision femoral stems reduces PJI infection rate in 2nd stage reimplantations only. We theorize that microbes persist in the endosteal cortices after resection and may contribute to infection recurrence.

Reduced efficacy of single-dose albendazole against Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura, and high reinfection rate after cure among school children in southern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundMass drug administration (MDA) program of albendazole to at-risk populations as preventive chemotherapy is the core public health intervention to control soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). Achieving this goal relies on drug effectiveness in reducing the parasite reservoirs in the community and preventing reinfection. We assessed the efficacy of albendazole against STH parasite infection and reinfection status after cure.MethodsA total of 984 schoolchildren infected with at least one type of STH parasite (hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura) in southern Ethiopia were enrolled and received albendazole and praziquantel in MDA campaign conducted from January to March 2019. Stool exams at week-4 and at week-8 of post-MDA were done using Kato Katz technique. The primary outcome was efficacy assessed by cure rate (CR) and fecal egg reduction rates (ERRs) at four weeks of post-MDA. The secondary outcome was reinfection status defined as parasite egg positivity at eight weeks among those who were cured at 4 weeks of post-MDA. Group comparisons in CR and related factors were assessed with chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Predictors of CR were examined through univariate and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsThe overall CR and ERR for hookworm infection were 97.2% (95% CI 94.6–99.4) and 97.02%, respectively. The overall CR and ERR for A. lumbricoides were 71.5% (95% CI 68.3–74.6) and 84.5% respectively. The overall CR and ERR and for T. trichiura were 49.5% (95% CI 44.8–54.2) and 68.3%, respectively. The CR among moderate T. trichiura infection intensity was 28.6%. Among children cured of hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura at week 4 post-MDA, 4.6%, 18.3% and 52.4% became reinfected at week-8 post-MDA, respectively. Significantly lower CR (36.6%) and higher reinfection after cure (60.6%) among A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura coinfected children than A. lumbricoides only (CR = 69.6%, reinfection rate = 15.1%) or T. trichiura only infected children (CR = 55.6%, reinfection rate = 47.1%) was observed. Pre-treatment coinfection with ≥ two types of STH parasites was significantly associated with re-infection after cure.ConclusionAlbendazole MDA is efficacious against hookworm but has reduced efficacy against A. lumbricoides and is not effective against T. trichiura. The low drug efficacy and high reinfection rate after cure underscore the need for alternative treatment and integration of other preventive measures to achieve the target of eliminating STHs as a public health problem by 2030.Graphical

The interplay of low H2O2 doses, lytic cyanophage, and Microcystis aeruginosa: Implications for cyanobacterial bloom control and microcystin production/release

Low H2O2 doses can suppress cyanobacterial blooms without damaging non-target species but enable undesirable regrowth. Besides, the role of cyanophage in preventing regrowth after low H2O2 exposure remains unclear. Applying phages to cyanobacteria pre-exposed to low H2O2 in early growth stages may improve host removal and reduce microcystin (MC) production/release. Lytic cyanophage MDM-1 with a 172 PFU/cell burst size, 2-day short latent period against MCs-producing Microcystis, shows high H2O2 stability. Low H2O2 (1 to 2.5 mg/L) doses significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited Microcystis aeruginosa growth rate, biofilm and MCs concentration reduction in a dose-dependent manner but regrowth occurred at all concentrations. Phage treatment eliminated cells without H2O2 pretreatment within 3 days and reduced MC production. H2O2-pretreated M. aeruginosa cells altered the phage dynamics, affecting adsorption, latency, production, and cell lysis in response to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. At 1.5 mg H2O2/L pretreatment, cells were eliminated with reduced MC production, like untreated cells. H2O2 pretreatment with 2.0 and 2.5 mg/L resulted in an extension of the phage absorption phase and the latent period. This was accompanied by a reduction in lysis efficacy, attributed to the increased ROS production. At 2.5 mg H2O2/L, 17.10 % of phages remain un-adsorbed, with cell lysis rate dropped from 0.89 d−1 to 0.26 d−1 compared to the untreated control. The highest phage titer (70 %) was obtained with 1.5 mg/H2O2 pretreated cells. This study emphasizes that low-dose H2O2 eliminates Microcystis but severely affects phage lysis and MCs release depending on H2O2-induced ROS levels. It is a crucial consideration when using phages to control cyanobacterial blooms with H2O2-induced stress.

Extraction of single diode PV cell/module model parameters using a hybrid BMO approach with Lambert's W function

The accurate estimation of photovoltaic (PV) system parameters is crucial for effective simulation. Evaluation, modelling, and control of solar energy systems. The performance of photovoltaic installations is significantly influenced by the variability of model parameters and the difficulties in accessing them. As a result, the continuous objective is to consistently strive to search for and identify these parameters. This study proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines Bird Mating Optimiser algorithm with Lambert W-function (LBMO) with Wang's analytical method called (WLBMO) to optimise the parameters of the single diode model (SDM). The algorithm utilises a fast and precise iterative method for extracting I0 and Iph , and a Bird Mating Optimiser with Lambert W-function for extracting α, Rsh and Rs . The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated on the RTC solar cell and three commercial photovoltaic models. The specific results demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed WLBMO algorithm compared to known alternatives. For the R.T.C. France solar cell's single diode model, WLBMO achieves the smallest RMSE of 9.8630E-04, and similarly for the PWP201 model, yielding a low RMSE of 2.3845E-03. Comparative analysis, including Wang and LBMO, further validates our approach. Additionally, WLBMO excels among other methods for the STM6-120/36 commercial PV module, with a lowest RMSE of 1.7599E-03 and an exceptional minimum power error of 3.2270E-05. Similarly, for the KC200GT model, our method produces the smallest RMSE of 4.7569E-03. These consistent findings affirm the accuracy and efficacy of our WLBMO algorithm for PV model parameter estimation, emphasising its capacity to achieve significant error rate reductions of 92.856%, 1.147%, 49.732%, and 89.221% for the R.T.C France solar cell, Photowatt-PWP201, STM6-40/36, and KC200GT modules, respectively, and highlighting its pivotal role in optimising solutions.

Why is early detection of colon cancer still not possible in 2023?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a fundamental tool in the prevention and early detection of one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers. Over the years, screening, particularly in those settings where it is well organized, has succeeded in reducing the incidence of colon and rectal cancer and improving the prognosis related to them. Despite considerable advancements in screening technologies and strategies, the effectiveness of CRC screening programs remains less than optimal. This paper examined the multifaceted reasons behind the persistent lack of effectiveness in CRC screening initiatives. Through a critical analysis of current methodologies, technological limitations, patient-related factors, and systemic challenges, we elucidated the complex interplay that hampers the successful reduction of CRC morbidity and mortality rates. While acknowledging the advancements that have improved aspects of screening, we emphasized the necessity of addressing the identified barriers comprehensively. This study aimed to raise awareness of how important CRC screening is in reducing costs for this disease. Screening and early diagnosis are not only important in improving the prognosis of patients with CRC but can lead to an important reduction in the cost of treating a disease that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Spending more sooner can mean saving money later.

Brief Virtual Reality Mindfulness is More Effective than Audio Mindfulness and Colouring in Reducing Stress in University Students

ObjectivesAlthough various multi-week mindfulness programs have been introduced for stress reduction over the past decades, there is still little evidence on the effectiveness of short, self-applied interventions. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality mindfulness and audio mindfulness, as well as a simple colouring session.MethodSixty-seven participants were initially enrolled, with 64 remaining after exclusions. They were randomly allocated to one of three face-to-face stress management interventions: virtual reality (VR) mindfulness, audio mindfulness or colouring. Before and after the 10-min intervention, questionnaires were administered to assess differences in perceived stress, psychological well-being, and engagement. Heart rate was also measured to indicate physiological stress.ResultsVR mindfulness was the only intervention to significantly increase wellbeing. Both VR and colouring significantly reduced stress, with VR producing the largest reduction in heart rate, though this was not statistically significant when compared to baseline. The three conditions were perceived as highly engaging, with the highest scores corresponding to VR mindfulness and the lowest to audio mindfulness.ConclusionsThis study shows that a single brief session of VR mindfulness can produce short-term beneficial effects in people at high risk of stress, greater than those achieved through colouring and audio mindfulness. This suggests promising direct implications for university mental health services, although future research is needed to explore long-term benefits as well as the relative efficacy of longer interventions.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

Correlation of intra operative specimen imaging with final histopathology in breast conserving surgery for breast cancer.

To determine the effectiveness of specimen mammography in breast conserving surgery cases with respect to reduction in margin positivity rate, and to see whether the rate of secondary surgeries is decreased by intra-operative excision based on specimen mammography evaluation. The retrospective study was conducted at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised data from January 2018 to December 2019 related to all female breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy or breast conserving surgery with the involvement of specimen mammography. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of specimen mammography were calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 226 patients initially assessed, 65(28.7%) were excluded, and the final sample comprised 161(71.2%) women with mean age 46.71±10.47 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of specimen mammography for the sample were 65.8%, 80.8%, 54% and 87.3%, respectively. Performing specimen mammography for intra-operative margin assessment in 12 patients was likely to spare one patient from re-excision. Intra-operative specimen mammography was found to be a reliable tool for assessing margin status.

Novel Processing Methods of Low-Clinker Multi-Component Cementitious Materials—A Review

The wide use of multi-component cement of highly reduced Portland clinker factor is largely impeded by detrimental changes in the rheological properties of concrete mixes, a substantial reduction in the early rate of cement hardening, and sometimes the insufficient strength of mature concrete. Therefore, major changes are needed in traditional concrete-production technologies if low-clinker cement is to gain wider acceptance. This review’s goal is to summarize the impacts of using non-ionizing radiation methods to improve the dispersion of concrete mix constituents, cement setting, and early hardening. The potential impacts of such interactions on the permeability and strength of concrete are also highlighted and investigated. Their intriguing potential for delivering additional energy to cementitious mixtures is analyzed for batch water, solid non-clinker constituents of cement (mainly supplementary cementitious materials), and their mixtures with aggregates. The advantages of adopting these non-traditional methods are found to be highly alluring to the greener preparation techniques used in the construction materials sector.

Early impacts of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model on potentially avoidable utilization.

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Model (PARHM) is a novel alternative payment model for rural hospitals that aims to test whether hospital-based global budgets, coupled with delivery transformation plans, improve the quality of health care and health outcomes in rural communities. Eighteen hospitals joined PARHM in 3 cohorts between 2019 and 2021. This study assessed PARHM's impact on changes in potentially avoidable utilization (PAU)-a measure of admission rates policymakers explicitly targeted for improvement in PARHM. Using a difference-in-differences analysis and all-payer hospital discharge data for Pennsylvania hospitals from 2016 through 2022, we found no significant overall reduction in community-level PAU rates up to 4 years post-PARHM implementation, relative to changes in rural Pennsylvania communities whose hospitals did not join PARHM. However, heterogeneous treatment effects were observed across cohorts that joined PARHM in different years, and between critical access vs prospective payment system hospitals. These findings offer insight into how alternative payment models in rural health care settings may have heterogeneous impacts based on contextual factors and highlight the importance of accounting for these factors in proposed expansions of alternative payment models for rural health systems.

Standards for shallow landslide identification in Brazil: Spatial trends and inventory mapping

Mapping shallow landslide inventories represents the initial stage in conducting susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk analyses. The identification of areas with a history of landslides, both past and current events, enables the detection of spatio-temporal patterns and facilitates the evaluation of morphological and geological factors. Shallow landslides are frequent in Brazil, especially along the Brazilian south and southeastern coast. Despite their high frequency, the recognition and mapping of these landslides are inadequately developed due to the absence of established mapping guidelines. This resulted of limited investments by Brazilian authorities in initiatives aimed at preventing and mitigating mass movements. Thus, the aim of this study is to establish criteria for the recognition and mapping of shallow landslides in Brazil and to evaluate their applicability in susceptibility analysis. The study area is located in Itaóca and Apiaímunicipalities, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Criteria for shallow landslide recognition were created based on the absence of vegetation, shape and size, drainage network distance, slope position, planar rupture surface, and altimetric variation. An extensive landslide interpretation was carried out using a set of free access Google Earth Pro images. Susceptibility maps were developed through a bivariate statistical approach, specifically the Informative Value method. The outcomes demonstrated that incorporating the deposition area in susceptibility studies for shallow landslides led to modifications in the final mapping, a slight reduction in validation rates, and, notably, an impact on the influence of the thematic variable curvature. Therefore, it is clear that the criteria used for landslide inventory maps have a significant effect on the accuracy of susceptibility maps and should be a critical consideration in studies related to this subject.

Sonochemical surface modification of a novel Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 ternary hybrid photocatalyst exhibiting efficient solar light harvesting: Degradation of Azure b and photoelectrochemical water splitting

Engineered Z-scheme photocatalysts have a strong redox activity while also reducing the annihilation of light-induced charge bearers. In this investigation, a solid state twin Z-scheme Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 nanocomposite has been successfully prepared employing bismuth (III) nitrate, samarium chloride and urea as precursor chemicals in a single co-calcination procedure followed by sonochemical surface modification. The formation of flower like multiphasic material is confirmed from SEM and HRTEM images. BET findings suggested the enhancement in specific surface area of Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 and reduced band gap from UV–visible data. Photoluminescence results confirmed the reduction in rate of charge carrier recombination of Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3. Presence of samarium is confirmed from XPS analysis. Under direct solar radiation, the surface modified Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 hybrid demonstrated amplified photo-assisted catalytic activity for the degradation of Azure B (AzB) than pristine g-C3N4 and their binary composite Sm2O3@g-C3N4. It is possible to attribute the better solar light absorption, higher separation efficacy of photo-promoted electron-holes to the amplified photo-assisted degradation performance of the Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 composite. The photodegradaton of AzB follows pseudo-first order kinetics and the observed rate constants are 0.0014, 0.0026, and 0.0316 min−1 for g-C3N4, Sm2O3@g-C3N4, and Sm2O3@g-C3N4@Bi2O3 ternary composite. The nanocomposite also demonstrates good stability and recyclability. A unique solid-state twin Z-scheme photocatalytic pathway was also hypothesized in light of the findings. The fabricated ternary hybrid shown efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction for H2 and O2 generation.

Preparation and characterization of supersonic plasma sprayed Al–Al2O3–Cr2O3 composite coatings on magnesium alloy substrate

Magnesium alloys have poor wear and corrosion resistance, which limits their wider industrial applications. In order to improve wear and corrosion resistance, Al–Al2O3–Cr2O3 composite coatings with different Al, Al2O3 and Cr2O3 compositions were prepared on magnesium alloy substrate using supersonic plasma spraying technology. The surface morphology, porosity, and microstructure of Al–Al2O3–Cr2O3 coatings were analyzed. The wear and corrosion resistance of Al–Al2O3–Cr2O3 coatings were evaluated. The results showed the surface morphology of the composite coating was flat, and the cross-sectional structure had a layered structure with close interlayer bonding, and also the structure was uniform and fine. The A70A15C15 coating exhibited the lowest porosity (0.56 %), whereas the porosity of A30A35C35 coating was the highest (only 1.61 %). The wear resistance of the composite coating increased with increasing Al2O3–Cr2O3 compositions, and the A30A35C35 coating showed the best wear resistance, with a 90.58 % reduction in volume wear rate when compared with that of the magnesium alloy substrate. Based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy testing, the A50A25C25 coating had the slowest corrosion rate and best electrochemical corrosion resistance. Therefore, the preparation of the Al–Al2O3–Cr2O3 coating by supersonic plasma spraying on magnesium alloy substrate is a promising technique for improving its wear and corrosion resistance.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Added to Synthetic Mammography in Breast Cancer Screening in Brazil.

Literature meta-analysis results show that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) combined with synthesized two-dimensional (s2D) mammograms can reduce recalls and improve breast cancer detection. Uncertainty regarding the screening of patients with breast cancer presents a health economic challenge, both in terms of healthcare resource use and quality of life impact on patients. This study aims to estimate the cost effectiveness of DBT + s2D versus digital mammography (DM) used in a biennial breast cancer screening setting of women aged 40-69 years with scattered areas of fibroglandular breast density and heterogeneous dense breasts in the Brazilian supplementary health system. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed on the basis of clinical data obtained from a systematic review with meta-analysis performed to evaluate the analytical validity and clinical utility of DBT + s2D compared with DM. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases, with the main descriptors of the technology, a comparator, and the clinical condition in question, on 9 June 2022. The hybrid economic model (decision tree plus Markov model) simulated costs and outcomes over a lifetime for women aged 40-69 years with scattered areas of fibroglandular breast density and heterogeneous dense breasts. We analyzed incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to measure the incremental cost difference per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of adding DBT + s2D to breast cancer screening. DBT + s2D incurred a cost saving of € 954.02 per patient, in the time horizon of 30 years, compared with DM, and gained 5.1989 QALYs, which would be considered a dominant intervention. These results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. Switching from DM to biennial DBT + s2D was cost effective. Furthermore, reductions in false-positive recall rates should also be considered in decision making.

Agronomic evaluation of some progenies resulting from crosses between double self-fertilised genitors of &lt;i&gt;Deli&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;La Mé&lt;/i&gt; origins used in oil palm (&lt;i&gt;Elaeis guineensis&lt;/i&gt; Jacq.) seed production in Côte d'Ivoire

Progeny tests carried out between self-fertilised double genitors (DA 115 D AF AF and LM 2 T AF AF) used in seed production in the C 1001 F category were set up in Côte d'Ivoire in 2005, in order to identify crosses producing good oil yields and capable of adapting to current climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic values and growth rate of palm height of these progenies compared with two first-cycle controls, LM 2 T x DA 10 D and LM 2 T x DA 115. Their susceptibility to Fusarium wilt figurewas also assessed. The results of these tests showed a low bunch yield of around 99% on the one hand, and a 115% increase in oil yield compared with the first cycle on the other. In addition, two progenies, LM 25759 and LM 25753, performed exceptionally well, with oil yields of 125% and 127% respectively and a 97% reduction in palm height growth rate compared with the first cycle. These two progenies were also tolerant to Fusarium wilt with Fusarium index of 40 and 79 respectively.

Effective Strategy toward Obtaining Reliable Breakthrough Curves of Solid Adsorbents.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated their versatility in a wide range of applications, including chemical separation, gas capture, and storage. In industrial adsorption processes, MOFs are integral to the creation of selective gas adsorption fixed beds. In this context, the assessment of their separation performance under relevant conditions often relies on breakthrough experiments. One aspect frequently overlooked in these experiments is the shaping of MOF powders, which can significantly impact the accuracy of breakthrough results. In this study, we present an approach for immobilizing MOF particles on the surface of glass beads (GBs) utilizing trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TMPTGE) as a binder, leading to the creation of MOF@GB materials. We successfully synthesized five targeted MOF composites, namely, SIFSIX-3-Ni@GB, CALF-20@GB, UiO-66@GB, HKUST-1@GB, and MOF-808@GB, each possessing distinct pore sizes and structural topologies. Characterization studies employing powder X-ray diffraction and adsorption isotherm analyses demonstrated that MOFs@GB retained their crystallinity and 73-90% of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller area of their parent MOFs. Dynamic breakthrough experiments revealed that, in comparison to their parent MOFs, MOF@GB configurations enhanced the accuracy of breakthrough measurements by mitigating pressure buildup and minimizing reductions in the gas flow rate. This work underscores the significance of meticulous experimental design, specifically in shaping MOF powders, to optimize the efficacy of breakthrough experiments. Our proposed strategy aims to provide a versatile platform for MOF powder processing, thereby facilitating more reliable breakthrough experiments.

Nucleation in plasma: Catalyst nucleation rate in plasma systems used for production of nanoparticles

According to the classic theory of nucleation around a charged particle, dipoles induced in the particle's neighbors by the charged nucleation center decrease the electric field around it. This reduces the system's Gibbs energy and thus increases the nucleation rate. Unlike the situation of a neutral gas and an already existing charged particle, in plasma, charging the center of nucleation is the result of the separation of charges (a negatively charged center and a positively charged surrounding). This process being similar to charging of a capacitor, it demands extra energy, and thus increases the Gibbs energy. As a result, the nucleation rate decreases in comparison with the nucleation rate in a neutral medium. In this work, the process of nucleation in a plasma is considered and the nucleation rate is calculated. It is shown that for the conditions typical for arcs used for the production of nanoparticles, the reduction in the nucleation rate is an order of magnitude or higher.

A randomized controlled trial of the dissemination of an mHealth intervention for improving health outcomes: the WiseApp for Spanish-speakers living with HIV study protocol

BackgroundWhile there is no cure for HIV, adherence to antiretroviral therapy can extend the lifespan and improve the quality of life of people with HIV. Despite the global reduction of HIV infection rates in recent years, New York City and La Romana, Dominican Republic, continue to report high infection rates among Latino populations. Many people with HIV remain virally unsuppressed in these geographic hotspots, suggesting a need for additional interventions to overcome medication adherence barriers. Tailored and culturally appropriate mobile health (mHealth) technology can be an engaging way to improve adherence. The primary objective of this trial is to test the effectiveness of an mHealth tool to improve HIV medication adherence among Spanish-speaking people living in New York City and the Dominican Republic.MethodsThe WiseApp study is a two-arm randomized controlled trial among 248 people with HIV across the New York and Dominican Republic sites over the course of 12 months. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive a CleverCap pill bottle that is linked to the WiseApp (intervention) or standard of care (control). All participants complete surveys at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits and the study team obtains HIV-1 viral load and CD4 count results through blood draw at each study timepoint.DiscussionThe use of mHealth technologies to improve medication adherence among people with HIV has been implemented in recent years. Although some studies have found improvement in adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the short term, there is limited information about how these interventions improve adherence among Spanish-speaking populations. Disproportionate rates of HIV infection among Latinos in New York City suggest an existing inequitable approach in reaching and treating this population. Due to a lack of mHealth studies with Latino populations, and apps tailored to Spanish-speakers, the WiseApp study will not only demonstrate the effectiveness of this particular mHealth app but will also contribute to the mHealth research community as a whole.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05398185) on 5/31/2022.