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Transcriptomic profiling of cumulus cells reveals dysregulated genes and pathways in PCOS-related infertility
Get PDFBackground: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility and metabolic dysfunction in women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and insulin resistance. Cumulus cells play a crucial role in folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation, necessitating a deeper understanding of their molecular alterations impact in PCOS. Method: This study investigates transcriptomic differences in cumulus cells between PCOS and non-PCOS women using high-throughput RNA sequencing data obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (accession number: GSE277906). The RNA sequencing data from 23 PCOS and 17 non-PCOS women were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R-based computational pipelines. Results: Differential gene expression analysis identified 3245 significantly dysregulated genes, comprising 1723 upregulated and 1522 downregulated genes in PCOS samples. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that key DEGs (CDH5, CLEC4D, and GNAT1) were associated with follicular development, insulin signaling, and immune response. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) further identified dysregulation in metabolic and reproductive pathways, including ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. Conclusion: This study highlights that altered gene expression in cumulus cells may impair oocyte competence, potentially influencing fertility outcomes in PCOS patients. GNAT1, previously linked to diabetes, emerged as a novel gene potentially involved in PCOS pathophysiology. However, these findings are derived from a single-center dataset which requires experimental validation. Future studies should incorporate qRT-PCR validation and functional assays in larger and ethically diverse cohorts as means for development of targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate the reproductive consequences of PCOS
Enhanced corrosion resistance of mild steel in simulated concrete pore solution via composite coatings modified with binary and hybrid nanofillers: ZnO–Ni, Ni–NiO, ZnO–Zn, and ZnO–NiO
No full textThis study investigates the corrosion protection performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite coatings modified with various binary and hybrid nanofillers—ZnO–Ni, ZnO–NiO, ZnO–Zn, and Ni–NiO—on mild steel substrates in chlorinated simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS). The coatings were synthesised via solution casting and evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel polarisation (TP), and long-term weight loss analysis over 90 days. While previous studies have explored nanofiller-modified coatings, the novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive and systematic comparison of multiple binary and hybrid nanofiller systems under identical and highly aggressive conditions, combined with prolonged electrochemical and gravimetric evaluations. This approach elucidates the synergistic mechanisms at the nanofiller interfaces, providing new insights into long-term durability. The results demonstrate that all nanocomposite coatings significantly enhance corrosion resistance compared to bare steel. ZnO–Ni/PVDF exhibits the most positive open-circuit potential (OCP), the highest charge transfer resistance (Rct), the lowest corrosion current density (Icorr), and minimal mass loss. The superior performance of ZnO–Ni/PVDF was attributed to the synergistic effects at the nanofiller interface, resulting in robust barrier properties and durable passivation. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid nanofiller-modified PVDF coatings as advanced multifunctional barriers to prolong the service life of steel in chlorinated concrete environments
Impact of hydrated lime co-additives on nitrogen conservation during livestock waste composting
Get PDFNitrogen loss during the composting process is a great challenge that can lead to environmental pollution and reduce compost quality. Lime is often added to the composting mixture to increase the pH, speed-up the decomposition process, and lower the release of toxic gases like ammonia. However, the specific effects of lime on nitrogen dynamics, particularly ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen levels, as well as CO2 emissions, remain areas of active investigation. This study investigates the influence of hydrated lime on nitrogen conservation when added to poultry manure and agricultural waste. To evaluate the level of nitrogen retention and overall compost stability, poultry waste and agricultural waste were co-composted with and without hydrated lime amendment under controlled environmental conditions. The results showed that, in comparison to the control, the lime-treated compost had higher nitrate nitrogen levels (1800 mg/kg) and lower ammoniacal nitrogen levels (100 mg/kg), indicating improved nitrogen retention. Furthermore, CO2 emissions in the compost treated with hydrated lime were higher in the early phases, however substantially dropped as the compost matured, indicating a faster stabilization process. The findings of 16 S rRNA sequencing showed that lime-treated composting was dominated by Thermobifida, Thermobacillus, and Saccharomonospora, all of which were known as cellulolytic bacteria and involved in organic matter degradation. Also, significant bacterial shifts were observed during the thermophilic phase. The Pseudomonas population, which is often associated with the denitrification process, was lower than the control, thus, promoting nitrogen retention. The results imply that lime amendment improves composting stability and quality by increasing nitrogen content while reducing organic matter. This work advances the understanding and knowledge on the influence of lime in composting by providing useful insights into the microbial community that can be used for improving the process. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025
Improvement and application of particle swarm optimization algorithm
No full textParticle Swarm Optimization (PSO) remains straightforward and has many scientific and engineering applications. Most real-world optimization problems are nonlinear and discrete with local constraints. The PSO algorithm encounters issues such as inefficient solutions and early convergence. It works best with well-tuned attribute weights, improving case retrieval accuracy. Using case-based reasoning to optimize pressure vessel models improves PSO performance, resulting in predictions closer to true values and fulfilling real-world engineering requirements. When developed for a group of Wheeled Mobile Robots (WMR), a Fault Tolerant Formation Control (FTFC) technique is designed to protect against serious actuator defects. At the outset of the study, the WMRs are arranged very orderly. When severe actuator faults impede certain robots, functioning wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) adjust their formation to reduce the consequences of the malfunction. An ideal assignment technique assigns new duties to each functioning robot, followed by evolutionary algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to design pathways to the reconfigured positions. The CPTD approach uses a piecewise linear approximation to overcome obstacles in optimization problems with continuous switch inputs. This method combines CPTD with the Genetic Algorithm and PSO (GAPSO), resulting in an effective strategy for dynamic formation reconfiguration and path optimization. This holistic method reduces the time required to achieve the configuration while considering the physical restrictions of WMRs and avoiding collisions. Finally, real-world tests are performed to verify the proposed Algorithm's efficacy compared to existing optimization methods. The proposed GAPSO algorithm will achieve an average relative error reduction of 2%, accuracy will improve by 96%, the maximum performance will be achieved by 95%, the F1 score will develop by 95%, and the training error cure rate will improve by 94%
Performance of high-content waste ash geopolymer-based composites for sustainable construction
No full textIn reference to the alumino-silicious binder materials, it is observed that almost all studies composed of binary and ternary geopolymer systems have focused on fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as primary source materials. Despite their technical benefits, this scenario is attributable to the high availability of the binder globally and its low cost. Various research had been done on the elimination of heat curing on the application of FA-based geopolymer composites. However, most studies have put a focus on Class-C FA, which has a high calcium content. As such, this research is exploring the enhancement of Class-F FA (low calcium content) and the potential of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) as the source of binder in FA-based geopolymer systems. POFA has similar characteristics to FA but POFA possesses slightly higher calcium content compared to Class-F FA. A systematic evaluation was carried out on an FA-based geopolymer mixture with the incorporation of GGBS. POFA was included as a secondary compound and for the tertiary compound at a range of 10%–30%. Meanwhile, 10% metakaolin (MK) was used as a tertiary compound in the FA/POFA geopolymer system. Alkaline activators of combination between sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide with a ratio of 2.5, 12 M sodium hydroxide and a liquid-to-binder ratio of 0.43 were used for the study. The geopolymerisation reactivity, setting time, flowability, and strength were the properties evaluated. Additionally, statistical analysis and sustainable assessment were done to highlight the environmental advantages. This approach offers a pathway to reduce reliance on Portland cement, contributing to environmentally friendly construction practices. Overall, the findings revealed that high FA content results in high early strength with the incorporation of GGBS. POFA demonstrates its viability for use in both FA/GGBS and FA/POFA geopolymer systems. Nonetheless, the usage of POFA should not exceed 20% when the FA content is high. FA-based geopolymer reduced carbon emissions around 68% compared to conventional cement. Ultimately, the strength achieved by the FA-based geopolymer system shows its potential as an alternative construction material for industry
Occupational therapists’ experiences in providing training to caregivers of hospitalized older adults: a way forward for occupational therapy practice
No full textAims: This study explores the experiences of occupational therapists in training caregivers of hospitalized older adults, with the aim of identifying strategies to enhance this practice. Methods: Six occupational therapists participated. Results: Two major themes were generated: (1) challenges in providing training to caregivers and (2) ways to improve caregiver training services. Seven sub-themes were also identified. The findings highlighted several challenges regarding the provision of training to caregivers that need to be taken into consideration by occupational therapists, as well as valuable suggestions regarding the need for effective guidelines, appropriate content, and the utilization of technology to support occupational therapists in the provision of quality caregiver training services Conclusions: Integrating healthcare professionals’ experiences is vital for improving services, recognizing the need for caregiver-centric approaches, emphasizing communication improvement within healthcare teams, and advocating for deeper insights into older adults’ needs, while highlighting the importance of technology integration in caregiver training
Predictors of self-perceived burden among patients with cancer in Hebei, China
Get PDFIntroduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Both new cancer cases and deaths are rising annually. The high cost of cancer treatment and the guilt of being dependent on family members for a long time lead to patients with cancer's self-perceived burden (SPB). Previous studies have shown that different countries, populations, and cancer stages have different SPB levels. SPB is a psychological stressor, the high SPB may affect the medical treatment process and decision-making of patients with cancer, which may cause patients to refuse treatment and seriously cause suicidal ideation. Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of SPB and its predictors among patients with cancer in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 977 patients with cancer was recruited by simple random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the predictors of SPB. Results: A total of 566 respondents participated in the study, with a response rate of 58.4%. A total of 88.0% had moderate to severe SPB. The mean ± standard deviation of SPB was 67.75 ± 15.69. The predictors of SPB were parents as caregivers, siblings as caregivers, occupational status before illness, duration of cancer, impact of cancer on the patient’s mobility, treatment of cancer (radiation and chemotherapy), type of cancer, stage of cancer, and coping strategies (confrontation, resignation, and fantasy). Conclusion: The prevalence of SPB is considered high, therefore, healthcare professionals should pay high attention to reducing the SPB of patients with cancer in clinical nursing work. It is recommended that effective intervention measures be implemented to lower the suicide rate among patients with cancer ultimately
Dynamic covalent network-enabled poly (vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulose films: A self-reinforcing and recyclable approach for sustainable fruit packaging
Get PDFDeveloping sustainable packaging materials with enhanced mechanical strength and moisture resistance remains a pressing challenge. In this study, a self-reinforcing and recyclable film composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was fabricated through dynamic covalent crosslinking. The strategy involved the formation of amide bonds (-CONH-) between the -COOH groups of CMC and the -NH2 groups of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), thereby reinforcing intermolecular entanglements and enhancing structural integrity. Comprehensive characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the construction of a robust double-crosslinked network. This architecture substantially reduced water absorption and improved film durability. The optimized PVA-10 % N-CMC film exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity, as evidenced by a water contact angle of 97.36°, low water solubility (14.67 %), and minimal water vapor permeability (0.88 g × mm/m2 × h × kPa). Moreover, its outstanding mechanical performance and recyclability under varying humidity conditions underscore its potential as an eco-friendly packaging material. Notably, the film effectively prolonged the freshness of strawberries, maintaining fruit quality for up to 9 days during storage. Collectively, these findings offer a scalable approach for engineering high-performance biodegradable films, paving the way for advanced smart food packaging technologies
Accelerated black hole optimization algorithm with enhanced FOPID controller for omni-wheel drive mobile robot system
No full textControlling Omni-Wheel Drive Mobile Robot Systems (OWDMRS) presents unique challenges due to their ability to move in multiple directions such as rotation, sideways, and forward/backward motion while minimizing energy consumption and voltage fluctuations. This study introduces a novel framework that enhances motion control and trajectory tracking by integrating an advanced fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (FOPID) controller with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). To optimize controller performance, six different optimization algorithms are compared are Accelerated Convergence Black Hole Optimization (ACBHO), Black Hole Optimization (BHO), Aquila Optimizer (AO), Hybrid Firefly Particle Swarm Optimization (HFPSO), Enhanced JAYA (EJAYA), and Sunflower Optimizer (SFO). Among these, the proposed ACBHO algorithm significantly improved trajectory tracking accuracy and control efficiency. The framework effectively manages voltage regulation and enhances motion precision by fine-tuning FOPID and ANFIS parameters. These results demonstrate the potential of ACBHO-based optimization as a robust solution for improving control system performance in advanced mobile robotics applications
Tribological performance of self-lubricating polyoxymethylene composite reinforced with chemically treated oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers for bearing application
No full textBearings are one of the important tribological components in machinery that exist in many types of materials tailored to their end application. The commonly used bearing materials is polymer due to lightweight, excellent friction and wear resistance and self-lubricating properties which are not offered by other materials. By taking advantage of the abundancy of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber in Malaysia, the development of this material act as an innovative approach in utilizing the agricultural waste. Hence, there is a possibility in transforming the naturally existing fiber, OPEFB, into a sustainable reinforcement material in commercially available bearing materials of polyoxymethylene (POM) for tribological purposes. The aim of this research was to formulate a highly reliable tribology OPEFB/POM composite material for unlubricated sliding bearing application. This can be done by modifying the fiber properties through effective chemical treatment in enhancing its compatibility and interfacial bonding with POM matrix. Finally, the tribological performance of OPEFB/POM composite was evaluated using a ball-on-disc tribology tester under varying loads of 10, 20, and 40 N at a constant sliding distance of 2000 m and a sliding speed of 0.209 m/s. The OPEFB/POM composite has successfully shown a great improvement through its consistency result in low coefficient of friction (0.084–0.100) and low specific wear rate (× 10−5 mm3/Nm). The dominant wear mechanisms were found by the stable formation of transfer layer, plastic deformation, and adhesion which has contributed to the enhanced friction and wear behavior of the OPEFB/POM composite