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Status of IKZF1 Deletions in Diagnose and Relapsed Pediatric B-ALL Patients
No full textIKZF1 deletions (ΔIKZF1) are common in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and are assumed to have a prognostic impact. We aimed to determine the prognostic implications of ΔIKZF1 and CRLF2 overexpression in pediatric B-ALL. Furthermore, we sought to compare the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with standard multiplex ligand-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) methods to ascertain IKZF1 status in a clinical context. Seventy-nine diagnoses and 43 relapse B-ALL samples were evaluated for deletions of IKZF1 Δ2-7, Δ4-7, and Δ4-8 by conventional PCR and then sequenced by targeted sequencing. Subsequently, MLPA analysis was performed for ΔIKZF1 detection, and CRLF2 expression was evaluated in 42 diagnose time B-ALL patients by QRT-PCR. ΔIKZF1 was detected in 10 out of 79 diagnose samples (12.66%) and eight of the 43 first relapsed materials (18.60%). Our results revealed no association between survival outcomes with ΔIKZF1 or CRLF2 overexpression status in pediatric B-ALL patients. However, we found ΔIKZF1 was more frequent among relapsed samples, and the deletions showed consistency between diagnose-first/second relapse pairs of samples. These results suggest that ΔIKZF1 may contribute to the development of treatment failure in B-ALL. Furthermore, we demonstrated methodological adjustments in conventional PCR and MLPA for selected alterations in ΔIKZF1
A novel ejector intercooler refrigeration cycle integrated with a transcritical CO2 Rankine cycle for low-temperature: Energy, exergy, environmental and enviroeconomic (4E) analysis
No full textInvestigation of the effects of salt remelting treatment on the tensile, flexure, hardness and adhesive wear behavior of 3D-printed PET
No full textThis study investigates the effects of salt remelting treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabricated via fused deposition modeling (FDM). Samples were treated at four different temperatures (170 degrees C, 190 degrees C, 210 degrees C, and 220 degrees C) using a fine salt medium to achieve uniform thermal exposure and structural confinement. Tensile, flexural, Shore D hardness, and adhesive wear tests were conducted. Among all conditions, the 210 degrees C treatment yielded the best results, the tensile strength increased by up to 20.6%, flexural strength by 41.8%, and hardness by 9.6%. Additionally, the wear rate decreased by 74.2% at the optimal temperature of 210 degrees C. Lower temperatures (170 degrees C and 190 degrees C) resulted in partial improvements, while treatment at 220 degrees C caused slight thermal degradation. The performance enhancement is attributed to improved interlayer bonding and reduced void formation during the salt-assisted thermal process. This work introduces a novel, low-cost, and scalable post-processing technique for enhancing the structural integrity and functional performance of FDM-printed PET components
Strategies for overcoming challenges in implementing simulation in medical education: A qualitative leadership perspective
No full textImplementing simulation-based education in medical curricula presents distinct challenges, especially for educators newly assuming leadership roles. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of medical educators who are simulation center leaders to understand the nature of the challenges they encountered and to offer strategic insights for other leaders navigating similar transitions. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed. Data were collected from 4 simulation leaders through semi-structured interviews, reflective writings, and institutional documents. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore how participants made sense of their experiences. An external qualitative expert contributed to the coding and analysis process to ensure trustworthiness. Three major themes emerged: First, the role of the medical educator as a leader: participants reported shifting from being content experts to reflective leaders, emphasizing strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and educational theory. Second, team spirit: the presence of a dedicated team and shared moral purpose supported resilience and collaboration. Communication strategies and informal advocacy strengthened engagement. Third, understanding the challenges: faculty resistance, institutional inertia, and limited resources were viewed through an empathetic lens. Participants addressed resistance via faculty development, research collaboration, and ongoing feedback mechanisms. Finally, institutional support and leadership alignment: administrative support was pivotal in legitimizing efforts and sustaining initiatives. Leadership continuity, policy alignment, and access to decision-making platforms shaped the success of simulation integration. Leadership in health professions education, particularly in simulation-based implementation, requires more than subject expertise; it demands emotional resilience, strategic communication, and relationship-building. Findings suggest that simulation-based change requires not only technical knowledge but also adaptive leadership grounded in context and collaboration. Leaders navigated resistance not as defiance, but as a sign of systemic gaps in understanding and preparation. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning simulation efforts with institutional structures and culture to achieve lasting transformation in medical education
Fractional midpoint inequalities for co-ordinated (s1, s2)-convex functions: A new perspective
No full textIn this study, some Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities are investigated for differentiable co-ordinated (s1, s2)-convex functions in the second sense. In particular, generalizations of midpoint-type inequalities are established on rectangular domains in the plane. Additionally, several new inequalities are derived for the cases of Riemann–Liouville and k−Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals by considering special cases of the main results
Comparative analysis of pomological and phytochemical characteristics in white- and red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus spp.), with molecular docking insights into key bioactive compounds
No full textBACKGROUND: Cacti, including pitaya (Hylocereus spp.), are rich in antioxidants that will undoubtedly gain importance under ongoing climate change as water resources decline. Yet the molecular basis linking composition to antioxidant function remains incompletely defined. We compared white-fleshed H. undatus and red-fleshed H. polyrhizus across physicochemical traits, integrating correlation, principal component analysis, and molecular docking to a human iron-regulatory protein (IRP1). RESULTS: White-fleshed fruits were larger and heavier (length 103.4 mm; width 60.2 mm; weight 204.7 g) than red-fleshed (71.9 mm; 54.5 mm; 126.3 g). Conversely, red-fleshed fruits showed higher total soluble solids (13.47 vs. 9.60 °Brix), total phenolics (379.7 vs. 183.0 mg L−1), total flavonoids (303.7 vs. 147.3 mg L−1), and antioxidant activity (52.3% vs. 30.0%). Organic acids and phenolics differed by species (e.g., higher citric acid in red; higher malic acid in white). Correlations indicated that greater soluble sugars were associated with higher phenolic accumulation, consistent with the elevated antioxidant capacity of red-fleshed fruit. The first two principal components explained 83.3% of the total variance (PC1 = 68.8%, PC2 = 14.5%) and separated samples along size/°Brix versus phenolic/ antioxidant axes. Docking predicted favorable binding of major acids and phenolics to IRP1, suggesting plausible antioxidant mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Findings support species-specific use, with red-fleshed H. polyrhizus serving as a nutrient-dense source of antioxidant compounds, while white-fleshed H. undatus offers advantageous pomological traits. Integrating compositional profiling with multivariate analysis and docking provides mechanistic context and practical implications for breeding, climate-resilient cultivation, and industrial applications. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry
Biochemical and Genotoxic Effects of Maneb on Eisenia fetida
No full textManeb is a dithiocarbamate pesticide that is widely used to control many fungal diseases affecting vegetables, fruits, and field crops because of its low acute toxicity and short environmental persistence and is classified as carcinogenic to humans. Eisenia fetida is the preferred model organism for investigating the toxic effects of pesticides and other environmental pollutants. The toxic effects of a maneb fungicide on E. fetida were examined at physiological, biochemical, cellular, and molecular levels. As a result of probit analysis, the lethal concentration (LC50) of maneb on E. fetida was 798.4 mg/kg (dry soil). At sublethal concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (dry soil)), decreases were detected in the weight of worms exposed to maneb as the concentration increased. In the analyses performed to detect lipid peroxidation, the amount of MDA increased in parallel with the increase in the maneb concentration and exposure time. CAT and GST enzyme activities were increased at all concentrations compared with the control group during the four sampling days. In the data obtained as a result of comet assay, cell damage increased depending on the changes in the maneb concentration and exposure time. As a result of real-time PCR analysis, increases in the expression of antioxidant enzymes were detected in worms exposed to maneb to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigated the effects of maneb on E. fetida for the first time at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels and contributed to the elucidation of changes in maneb in worms
Organic Waste-Derived Activated Carbons for Supercapacitor Applications: Advances in Synthesis Strategies and Electrochemical Performance Enhancement
No full textThis review thoroughly investigates recent advancements in utilizing organic waste, such as carbon precursors, activation methodologies, and supercapacitor applications. The growing problem of environmental pollution and the demand for sustainable energy storage systems motivate researchers to create novel and ecofriendly materials. Activated carbons (AC) derived from organic waste address waste management issues while enhancing the development of high-performance energy storage devices. The study systematically examines various types of organic waste, carbonization, and activation mechanisms while providing a comparative examination of chemical and physical activation processes. A particular focus is placed on the mechanisms of action and process optimization of activation agents like KOH, NaOH, K2CO3, ZnCl2, and H3PO4. The utilization of AC in environmental applications (water treatment, air purification, CO2 capture) and energy storage systems (supercapacitors) is assessed based on the latest research. The enhancement of production processes, emerging trends, and experienced problems is examined comprehensively. This review aims to serve as a thorough resource for researchers engaged in manufacturing and applying AC derived from organic waste while illuminating prospective research possibilities
Towards Sustainable MSW via Biodrying: Enhancing Biodegradability of High Moisture Kitchen Wastes
No full textIn densely populated urban areas, where separate waste collection is impractical, waste management strategies should be structured within a sustainable framework to ensure environmental efficiency and resource optimization. High-moisture kitchen waste (KW) impairs the efficiency of incineration technology, which remains the most effective method for reducing the volume and mass of municipal solid waste (MSW). Conversely, the high proportion of readily biodegradable organics in KW makes biodrying—a process that generates heat through microbial decomposition—a promising alternative for enhancing the combustion quality of MSW. This study aims to contribute to the sustainable management of MSW by investigating the biodrying and biodegradation behaviors of KW. In the first phase, the biodrying process was evaluated through variations in temperature, mass loss, and relative humidity. The trial containing 10% bread waste (BW) reached the highest temperature (60 °C), whereas the most efficient moisture removal (43.75%) occurred under the highest airflow rate (AFR) of 3.2 m3/kg waste/day. In the second phase, respiration tests were performed to assess the biodegradation kinetics of the trials. A first-order kinetic model was applied to estimate biodegradation coefficients and maximum oxygen consumption (L). High R2 values (≥ 0.99) validated the suitability of the applied kinetic model. Such kinetic approaches may serve as promising tools for future modelling efforts in biodrying research
Cardiovascular risk factor control in antiphospholipid syndrome, and differences between primary and systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome (SURF-SLE and APS project): a cross-sectional study of 1003 individuals from 11 countries
No full textBackground The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for cardiovascular risk management highlighted the importance of traditional cardiovascular risk factor control in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). However, cardiovascular risk factor target attainment in APS and differences between primary APS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related APS remain uncertain. Methods Cardiovascular risk factor data were collected from medical records of patients in 17 centres from 11 countries between Jan 1, 2015, and Jan 1, 2020 (extended to 2022 for some centres unable to complete the survey by the end of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and analysed cross-sectionally. Included patients were 18 years or older and met the revised Sapporo APS classification criteria. Patients who also met the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria for SLE were classified as having SLE-related APS. Patients with APS in association with systemic autoimmune diseases other than SLE were excluded. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation algorithm, and cardiovascular risk factor target attainment was assessed using European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Unadjusted and adjusted mixed effects logistic regression models were fitted. People with lived experience were not involved in the study design. Findings In total, 1003 patients with APS were included (779 [78%] women and 224 [22%] men; 662 [66%] of 1000 were White), with a median age of 47·0 years (IQR 38·0–57·0) and a median disease duration of 11·0 years (5·0–18·0). 539 (54%) patients had primary APS and 464 (46%) had SLE-related APS. We found a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, 411 [41%] of 1003; hyperlipidaemia, 344 [34%] of 1003; obesity, 295 [32%] of 919; current smoking, 186 [19%] of 963) and inadequate individual (blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg, BMI, and lipids) and composite cardiovascular risk factor control in all patients. A higher prevalence of hypertension (234 [50%] of 464 vs 177 [33%] of 539; p'0·0001) and hyperlipidaemia (184 [40%] of 464 vs 160 [30%] of 539; p=0·0009) was observed in SLE-related APS versus primary APS, but a lower prevalence of current smoking (72 [16%] of 452 vs 114 [22%] of 511; p=0·012). Patients with primary APS had worse target attainment for smoking cessation (397 [78%] of 511 vs 380 [84%] of 452; p=0·012), blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg (246 [48%] of 514 vs 258 [57%] of 456; p=0·0067), and two or more cardiovascular risk factor targets (of smoking, BMI, blood pressure, LDL) than patients with SLE-related APS in the entire group, as well as worse target attainment for smoking cessation, blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg, BMI, LDL, triglycerides, two or more and three or more targets in the high and very high cardiovascular risk subgroup. Age and arterial thrombosis history were associated with lower odds of attaining three or more or all four cardiovascular risk factor targets. Interpretation In this large real-world study, high prevalence and suboptimal cardiovascular risk factor control were observed in patients with APS, highlighting the need for increased cardiovascular risk awareness, especially in those with primary APS, whose cardiovascular risk is often overlooked. Funding None