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The Air-breathing Microwave Plasma CAThode (AMPCAT) has been developed for air-breathing electric propulsion in very-low Earth orbit. In this study, the standalone AMPCAT plasma characteristics are analyzed by means of several diagnostic tools and operation on xenon is compared to a conventional hollow cathode. A transition of AMPCAT extracted current from a lower (< 0.1 A) to higher-current (> --> 0.5 A) mode, triggered by increasing the negative cathode bias voltage, is accompanied by a significant rise in internal electron density and external electron temperature. The AMPCAT is coupled with a cylindrical Hall thruster in the 100–300 W power-level running on 0.5–0.7 mg/s of xenon, and the thrust is directly measured for cathode operation with both xenon and air. Stable thruster operation is demonstrated for the AMPCAT running on both propellants. For xenon, the performance is compared to a hollow cathode, which reveals matching discharge current profiles but a significantly higher thrust for the AMPCAT at low discharge voltages, approximately two times higher at 200 V. Langmuir probe measurements highlight a 30–40 V lower plasma potential in the cathode vicinity for the AMPCAT with xenon compared to both the hollow cathode and AMPCAT with air. This indicates a significantly improved coupling of cathode electrons to the thruster discharge, yielding an increased degree of ionization. Faraday probe and Wien filter results show that a larger current utilization efficiency drives the observed performance difference at low discharge voltages, rather than a significant change in ion acceleration or plume divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility is a risk factor for the development of testicular germ cell tumors. In this study, we investigated microRNA profiles in seminal plasma to identify potential noninvasive biomarkers able to discriminate the men at highest risk of developing cancer among the infertile population. We compared the microRNA profiles of individuals affected by testicular germ cell tumors and healthy individuals with normal or impaired spermiograms using high‐throughput technology and confirmed the results by single‐assay digital PCR. We found that miR‐221‐3p and miR‐222‐3p were downregulated and miR‐126‐3p was upregulated in cancer patients compared to both infertile and fertile men. ROC curve analysis confirmed that miR‐126 upregulation is able to identify cancer patients among the infertile male population. In addition, in‐depth bioinformatics analysis based on weighted gene co‐expression networks showed that the identified miRNAs regulate cellular pathways involved in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate plasma apixaban concentrations and thrombin generation assay (TGA) parameters across different apixaban doses in atrial fibrillation patients who had dose‐reduction criteria for apixaban. Methods: This observational study included 374 patients (mean age 75.6 ± 7.7 years, 54.8% female) with dose‐reduction criteria for apixaban. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (i) on‐label standard dose (5 mg twice daily, n = 166); (ii) on‐label reduced dose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 55); and (iii) off‐label underdose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 153). Apixaban concentrations determined via the anti‐Xa assay and TGA parameters were compared at trough levels. Results: The off‐label underdose group exhibited significantly lower apixaban trough concentrations than the on‐label reduced‐dose and standard‐dose groups (56.7 ± 42.9 vs. 83.7 ± 70.4 vs. 129.9 ± 101.8 ng/mL, all P <.001). Less than 70% of all patients fell within the expected range of apixaban concentrations. Proportions exceeding the upper limit of the expected range were significantly lower in the off‐label underdose group (1.3%) than in the on‐label reduced‐dose (9.1%, P =.005) and standard‐dose (12.7%, P <.001) groups. The TGA parameters showed the on‐label standard‐dose group displaying the lowest thrombogenic profiles. Lower creatinine clearance was the most significant predictor of higher apixaban concentrations. Conclusion: Off‐label underdosed apixaban resulted in lower apixaban concentrations than both on‐label standard and reduced‐dose regimens. A considerable proportion of the patients exhibited apixaban concentrations outside the expected range, suggesting the potential benefits of plasma concentration monitoring. Further studies are needed to compare dosages directly, investigate the impact of plasma apixaban concentration monitoring and validate the current dose‐reduction criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCH) are common and severe mental disorders that are mainly diagnosed depending on the subjective identification by psychiatrists. Finding potential objective biomarkers that can distinguish these two diseases is still meaningful. Methods: In the present study, we investigate the differences in plasma inflammatory cytokines and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) among patients with MDD (n = 24) and SCH (n = 24), and gender- and age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 27) and identify potential plasma biomarkers. Results: We found that the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines were decreased in both MDD and SCH. Meanwhile, except for an increase in 4-Methylvaleric acid, other SCFAs with statistical differences were reduced in both MDD and SCH. Moreover, potential biomarker panels were developed that can effectively discriminate MDD from HC (AUC = 0.997), SCH from HC (AUC = 0.999), and from each other (MDD from SCH, AUC = 0.983). Conclusions: These data suggest that alterations in plasma cytokines and SCFAs might be one of the potential features for distinguishing MDD and SCH. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100051243, registration date: 2021/09/16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of osteopontin in peritoneal fluid and plasma as potential biomarkers for diagnosing endometriosis. Osteopontin levels were measured using surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) biosensors in patients suspected of having endometriosis. Plasma samples were collected from 120 patients, and peritoneal fluid was collected from 86 patients. Based on the detection of endometriosis lesions during laparoscopy, participants were divided into a study group (patients with endometriosis) and a control group (patients without endometriosis). The results showed no significant differences in plasma osteopontin levels between women with endometriosis and the control group (19.86 ± 6.72 ng/mL vs. 18.39 ± 4.46 ng/mL, p = 0.15). Similarly, peritoneal fluid osteopontin concentrations did not differ significantly between patients with and without endometriosis (19.04 ± 5.37 ng/mL vs. 17.87 ± 5.13 ng/mL, p = 0.29). Furthermore, osteopontin levels in both plasma and peritoneal fluid were not significantly associated with the stage of endometriosis, the presence of endometrioma, or the menstrual cycle phase. The findings of this study do not support osteopontin concentration as a reliable biomarker for endometriosis. However, further research is necessary to explore osteopontin's potential role in the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laser pulse focused to relativistic intensity inside a magnetically confined fusion (MCF) plasma plows away all electrons in its path. The ensuing Coulomb explosion of the ions leaves behind a cavity of microscopic size, with gradients in the electric potential and plasma density orders of magnitude stronger than anything the plasma could generate spontaneously. When posing questions concerning the practical utility of such an exotic perturbation, the life time and structural evolution of the cavity are of interest. Our simulations in a simplified 1D + 2D setting and otherwise realistic parameters suggest that a sub-mm wide seed cavity (meant to resemble the laser wake channel) collapses or disintegrates within 10 ns. The dynamics are sensitive to the relative scales of the cavity, Debye shielding and gyration. We find evidence for the possibility that the collapsing seed cavity spawns solitary micro-cavities. It remains to be seen whether such structures form and survive long enough in a 3D setting to alter the local plasma conditions (e.g., as micro-cavity clusters) in ways that may be utilized for practical purposes such as plasma initiation, diagnostics or control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma-activated Ringer's lactate (PAL) solution prepared by irradiating an intravenous solution with a non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma is a potential new cancer therapy having no side effects. However, the induction of autophagy to avoid cell death has been confirmed to occur following exposure to PAL solution. It is thought that the antitumor effect of PAL solution could be weakened by this process, which is meant to maintain homeostasis in cells and assists tumorigenesis. Thus, it would be helpful to devise PAL-based cancer therapies that inhibit autophagy. Unfortunately, it is not yet clear which substances in PAL solution promote autophagy. The present work examined the mechanism by which PAL solution induces autophagy when treating MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Autophagy was found to be temporarily induced upon exposure to PAL solution, suggesting that this effect contributes to cell proliferation. Although autophagy is associated with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and/or acidic environments, in this study, significant autophagy was observed using a PAL solution diluted 1/256x without these stressors. Acetate, glyoxylate and 2,3-dimethyltartrate in the PAL solution were determined to promote autophagy. Interestingly, 2,3-dimethyltartrate was found to either induce cell death or autophagy depending on the concentration. HIGHLIGHTS: PAL solution was found to induce autophagy upon exposure to breast cancer cells Autophagy was determined to be induced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species Some organic acids generated by plasma induce autophagy without oxidative stresses Some organic acids generated by plasma induce autophagy without acidic stresses 2,3-Dimethyltartrate induces cytotoxicity or autophagy depending on concentration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in diseases, especially tumorigenesis, including gastric cancer (GC). Although lncRNAs in GC tissues have been extensively studied in previous research, the possible significance of circulating lncRNAs in diagnosing GC is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The present work investigated lncRNAs ZFPM2-AS1 and XIST with high expression in GC tissues proved as potential plasma biomarkers from 20 early GC cases, 100 GC cases, and 90 normal subjects. METHODS: The possible correlation between ZFPM2-AS1 and XIST expression levels was analyzed with general characteristics and clinicopathological features. The performance in diagnosis was assessed according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: According to the results, XIST and ZFPM2-AS1 expression remarkably increased within GC plasma relative to normal subjects (P < 0.01); besides, lncRNA XIST expression after surgery had a tendency of downregulation compared with preoperative levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, the area under ROC curve (AUC) values were 0.62 for ZFPM2-AS1 and 0.68 for XIST, while the pooled AUC value of CA-724 and two lncRNAs was 0.751. CONCLUSION: Circulating lncRNAs ZFPM2-AS1 and XIST can serve as the candidate plasma biomarkers used to diagnose GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High repetition rate laser systems enable new strategies for diagnosing plasma behavior with large datasets. Here, we define an ensemble technique that relies on randomized targeting of x-ray tracer micro-stripes. On each shot, a high-intensity laser pulse is focused on a solid target with Ti tracer stripes embedded in an Al foil, randomly targeting a micro-stripe, a portion of a stripe, or a gap between stripes. High-resolution, time-integrated x-ray spectrometers capture line emission from the portion of the micro-stripe that is heated to sufficiently high electron temperatures. Accumulation of many such cases is used to construct ensemble distributions of x-ray line intensities that encompass all relative offsets of the laser focus to the micro-stripe centers. Synthetic intensity distributions are likewise generated using collisional-radiative modeling. Bayesian fitting of modeled to measured intensity distributions establishes the most likely radial temperature profiles, enabling comparison to hydrodynamic models and calling into question the cylindrical symmetry of these micro-stripe-embedded systems. Ensemble techniques have significant potential for high-energy-density plasma diagnostics, especially with the advent of high repetition rate experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions have a significant influence on the physiological processes that regulate the reproduction of fish. However, there is less information on this subject for chondrichthyans, and particularly for males. This study describes the spermatogenic cycle of the narrownose smooth hound shark Mustelus schmitti related to sex steroid plasma levels and the potential influences of photoperiod and temperature as reproductive cues. A total of 70 males were caught bi-monthly for over a year in the coastal waters of Argentina. Testicular samples were taken for histological characterization and blood samples were taken for the measurement of testosterone (T) and progesterone (P4) plasma levels from each male. Bottom temperature was recorded at each sampling point and the daily photoperiod was estimated from Julian Day Calendar. Histological assessment revealed that the complete cycle of spermatogenesis in M. schmitti lasts just over a year, with the onset of the new spermatogenic cycle (spermatocyte formation) overlapping with the end (spermiation and filling of the seminiferous ducts) of the previous cycle. This particular phase was associated with the peak in T plasma levels, which was found to be significantly explained by the increase in photoperiod in spring. The rise in temperature above 15–16 °C at the end of spring was significantly associated with a reduction in T plasma levels. Additionally, an elevation in P4 plasma levels was observed after the photoperiod increase phase. Males would be ready to mate from mid-spring, following female parturition and just before ovulation/pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose produced by bacteria (BC) is considered a promising material for the textile industry, but the fragile and sensitive nature of BC membranes limits their broad applicability. Production of all-cellulose biocomposites, in which the BC is cultivated in situ on a cotton fabric, could solve this problem, but here a new issue arises, namely poor adhesion. To overcome this challenge, cotton fabric was modified with low-pressure oxygen plasma in either afterglow, E-mode, or H-mode. All-cellulose biocomposites were prepared in situ by placing the samples of cotton fabric in BC culture medium and incubating for 7 days to allow BC microfibril networks to form on the fabric. Modification of cotton fabric with oxygen plasma afterglow led to additional functionalization with polar groups, and modification with oxygen plasma in H-mode led also to etching and surface roughening of the cotton fibers, which improved the adhesion within the biocomposite. In addition, these biocomposites showed higher deformation capacities. Modification of the cotton fabric over a longer period in E-mode was found to be unsuitable, as this caused strong etching, which led to the defibrillation of cotton fibers and poor adhesion of BC. This study highlights the potential of low-pressure plasma treatment as an environmentally friendly method to improve the performance of cellulose-based biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was devoted to the investigation of the contribution of various species in plasma to styrene decomposition. Different background gases (air, argon, nitrogen, and oxygen) and plasma reactor (in‐plasma, post‐plasma, and post‐plasma with buffer tube) were employed in this experiment. The results showed that degradation and polymerization of styrene occur simultaneously in the plasma treatment process. In the discharge zone, the bombardment of electrons and energetic particles on styrene and its degradation intermediates played a role in breaking its weak bond energy and promoting their conversion. The short‐lived reactive species with high oxidation potential in plasma were the prerequisite for complete degradation of styrene, due to its ability of breaking bonds with large bond energies, such as benzene ring. Away from the discharge zone, long‐lived reactive oxygen species further oxidized and degraded styrene, and its intermediates outside the discharge zone, promoting their mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is a potential tool in the field of in situ CO2 conversion with the low‐pressure environment of Mars. CO is an important intermediate product in the conversion process of CO2. Understanding the pathways and dynamics that govern the generation of CO in CO2 plasmas establishes the foundation for effective regulation. In this work, parallel‐plate DBD structure was employed in our experiment and one‐dimensional fluid simulation model. The findings indicate that CO primarily originates at the boundary of the cathode potential fall region, and it subsequently migrates toward the surface of instantaneous cathode where it accumulates. The thickness of CO‐enriched region is approximately 0.8 mm. During this process, CO migration speed reaches about 2000 m/s. It is worth noting that surface reactions at the instantaneous cathode and anode surfaces contribute only 0.24% to CO generation, in contrast to the predominant influence of impact dissociation reaction between CO2 and electrons (e + CO2 → 2e + CO + O+) at 53.21%, and two‐body decomposition reaction between O+ and CO2 (O+ + CO2 → O +2 + CO) at 35.88%. Finally, the primary factors influencing the migration of CO from production sites to enrichment regions are determined to be particle collisions and momentum exchange between ions and CO, followed by electro‐hydro dynamics force, while dielectrophoresis forces have minimal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New approaches are required in the agricultural sector to keep pace with the ever-growing demand for food in the context of climate change and resource deterioration and avoiding further negative impact on the environment. Nonthermal plasma is an environmentally-friendly technology which could make a difference in future agricultural production. This review intends to introduce the topic of plasma agriculture to a broad audience by describing in detail various plasma sources with potential for agricultural applications, as well as the effects of plasma exposure of seeds, both at the macroscopic scale, and concerning the intimate mechanisms occurring inside the plant. Examples meant to illustrate the plasma effect on seeds and plants have been selected among extensively investigated species, such as cereals and legumes, as well as among a few species that are less often reported in literature, such as medicinal plants and woody plants. Generally, the main effects for all types of seeds consist in increased germination, higher plant yield, seed decontamination, and sometimes higher tolerance to various stress factors. These effects are due to the physical and chemical plasma interaction with seeds followed by the response of cell mechanisms, which are addressed in detail in the paper. Finally, a few crucial aspects regarding the practical application of nonthermal plasma in agriculture are discussed to illustrate the challenges and perspective of such treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prevalence of high titers for IgM anti-A was 12.2% and IgG anti-A was 2.5%, with lower prevalence for anti-B antibodies. • Among blood donors, 14.1% of those with O blood groups were classified as Dangerous O, while 3.52% and 10.5% of donors with A and B blood groups, respectively, exhibited high titers. • Significant associations were found between high titers and factors like female gender, vegetarian diet, age under 30 years, and O blood group. Hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs) pose significant risks in transfused patients, with anti-A and anti-B antibodies in donor plasma being potential contributing factors. Despite advancements in component preparation, HTRs remain a concern, particularly with apheresis-derived platelets. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high anti-A and anti-B titers among A, B, and O blood group donors and to explore factors associated with high titers. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months, enrolling 978 participants from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Western India. Anti-A and anti-B titers were determined using the Conventional Tube Technique (CTT). Statistical analysis assessed correlations between high titers and demographic factors. The majority of participants were young males (98.8%). Prevalence of high titers for IgM anti-A was 12.2% and IgG anti-A was 2.5%. For anti-B, IgM titers were 2.3% and IgG titers were 0.2%. The prevalence of dangerous O was found to be 14.1%, while 3.52% and 10.5% of A and B blood group donors were found to have high titers, respectively. Factors associated with high titers included female gender, vegetarian diet, age <30 years, and O blood group. The study sheds additional light and provides supplementary information regarding the prevalence and correlation of high anti-A and anti-B titers among O, A and B blood donors. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing transfusion safety protocols, including selective screening of platelet units and tailored transfusion strategies based on donor characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring tumor evolution and predicting survival using non-invasive liquid biopsy is an unmet need for glioblastoma patients. The era of proteomics and metabolomics blood analyzes, may help in this context. A case–control study was conducted. Patients were included in the GLIOPLAK trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02617745), a prospective bicentric study conducted between November 2015 and December 2022. Patients underwent biopsy alone and received radiotherapy and temozolomide. Blood samples were collected at three different time points: before and after concomitant radiochemotherapy, and at the time of tumor progression. Plasma samples from patients and controls were analyzed using metabolomics and proteomics, generating 371 omics features. Descriptive, differential, and predictive analyses were performed to assess the relationship between plasma omics feature levels and patient outcome. Diagnostic performance and longitudinal variations were also analyzed. The study included 67 subjects (34 patients and 33 controls). A significant differential expression of metabolites and proteins between patients and controls was observed. Predictive models using omics features showed high accuracy in distinguishing patients from controls. Longitudinal analysis revealed temporal variations in a few omics features including CD22, CXCL13, EGF, IL6, GZMH, KLK4, and TNFRSP6B. Survival analysis identified 77 omics features significantly associated with OS, with ERBB2 and ITGAV consistently linked to OS at all timepoints. Pathway analysis revealed dynamic oncogenic pathways involved in glioblastoma progression. This study provides insights into the potential of plasma omics features as biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnosis, progression and overall survival. Clinical implication should now be explored in dedicated prospective trials. Key points: Circulating omic features distinguishes patients with glioblastoma from healthy subjects. Plasma proteomic features change over time in patients undergoing radiochemotherapy. Certain plasma proteins are correlated with survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of doping Tb3⁺ ions into Ca12Al14O33 to analyze its structural and luminescent properties for potential use in plasma display panels (PDPs). Phosphors were synthesized via the sol–gel method and characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and PL techniques. Morphological observations via SEM revealed micron-sized, irregularly shaped particles, outlining the distinct morphology of the material. Luminescence investigations revealed an improved energy transfer process apparent in the emission and excitation spectra. Under ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation, the predominant green emission at 543 nm, attributed to the 5D4 → 7F5 transition of Tb3+ ions, exhibited optimal luminescent properties up to a Tb3+ concentration of 0.07 mol. However, the subsequent decrease in emission intensity beyond this threshold occurred due to a concentration-quenching effect. Further analyses demonstrated vacuum photoluminescence at 147 nm and 172 nm, exhibiting robust green emissions at 543 nm associated with the 5D3, 5D4 → 7FJ transitions inherent to Tb3+ ions. Moreover, all samples exhibited color purity ranging from 85 to 95%. The exceptional luminescence attributes of Ca12Al14O33:Tb3+ signify its potential in diverse applications. Notably, its promising applicability in PDP stems is due to its specific emission peaks and luminescent behavior. This study presents avenues for future research, emphasizing potential optimization strategies for PDP applications and exploring the properties of phosphors across various technological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cold plasma has shown efficacy in various dermatological applications by reduces inflammatory responses and modulating cytokine expression. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of cold plasma on psoriasis. Methods: In psoriasis HaCaT cells with cold plasma, we confirmed the expression of inflammatory cytokines involved in psoriasis formation and MAPK pathway, cell cycle, and apoptosis‐related factors. In psoriasis‐like BALB/c mice model, the effects of cold plasma treatment on skin were visually assessed. The expression of psoriasis‐related factors was confirmed through qPCR, Western blotting, and Immunohistochemistry. Results: Cold plasma led to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines including IL‐17A, IL‐23A, IL‐24, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the psoriasis cell line. It also modulated factors involved in the MAPK pathway and the cell cycle. In the psoriasis‐like mice model, cold plasma resulted in improvements in skin thickness, erythema, scaling, and PASI. Additionally, decreases in inflammatory cytokines like INF‐γ, IL‐23, and S100a7 were observed, along with improvements in MAPK pathway activation, apoptosis, and other psoriasis‐related factors. Conclusion: Through in vitro and in vivo studies, our research highlights the potential of cold plasma as a novel therapeutic approach for psoriasis. Furthermore, cold plasma could serve as an adjunctive treatment for skin immunological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cold plasma (CP) is a promising technology for fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables. In this study, the effects of CP on postharvest senescence, especially from the perspective of oxidative response of fresh‐cut bamboo shoots were examined, including the colour, firmness, lignin content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant enzymatic activities. CP treatments delayed the browning of bamboo shoots indicating by the increase of L* and b* values and decrease of a* value. The browning inhibition coincided with the reduction of PPO activities up to 62% by CP at 20 kV. Cellulose and lignin accumulated during storage. CP at 30 kV accelerated lignification, whereas CP at 10 and 20 kV inhibited the increase. These results were also reflected by PAL, CAD and POD activities that were enhanced by CP at 30 kV and inhibited by CP at 10 and 20 kV. The content of O2− and H2O2 was significantly increased at the first 3 days and decreased afterwards, with a similar trend of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT. As smaller increases in H2O2 and O2− production in CP treated samples than in control were probably attributed to elevated CP‐induced SOD activity. In addition, there was a delay effect observed in the internal parts of bamboo shoots compared with the surface (<5 mm thick). CP extended the shelf‐life of bamboo shoots by triggering the antioxidant defence. CP at 20 kV exhibited the best preservative effect on fresh‐cut bamboo shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurotrophic growth factor brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and depression. BDNF has been proposed as a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring therapy. Understanding the factors influencing BDNF levels and whether they follow a circadian rhythm is essential for interpreting fluctuations in BDNF measurements. We aimed to investigate the circadian rhythm of BDNF by collecting multiple peripheral venous blood samples from young, healthy male participants at 12 different time points over 24 h. In addition, vital parameters, cortisol and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were measured to explore potential regulatory mechanisms, interfering variables and their correlations with BDNF concentration. The findings revealed that plasma BDNF did not exhibit any significant fluctuations over 24 h, suggesting the absence of a circadian rhythm. However, serum BDNF levels decreased during sleep. Furthermore, serum BDNF showed a positive correlation with heart rate but a negative correlation with IGF1. No significant correlation was observed between cortisol and BDNF or IGF1. Although plasma BDNF suggests steady‐state conditions, the decline of serum BDNF during the nocturnal period could be attributed to physical inactivity and associated with reduced haemodynamic blood flow (heart rate reduction during sleep). The type of sample collection (peripheral venous cannula vs. blood sampling using a butterfly system) does not significantly affect the measured BDNF levels. The sample collection during the day did not significantly affect BDNF analysis, emphasizing the importance of considering activity levels rather than timing when designing standardized protocols for BDNF assessments. What is the central question of this study?How does the circadian rhythm potentially influence peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and what has to be taken into consideration when interpretating BDNF levels in serum or plasma as potential biomarkers in neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases?What is the main finding and its importance?Although plasma BDNF levels remain relatively stable over 24 h, serum BDNF exhibits a significant nocturnal decline, potentially linked to physical inactivity during sleep. Understanding this rhythm and the factors influencing BDNF levels is crucial for accurate interpretation of BDNF measurements, emphasizing the need to consider activity levels in standardized protocols for BDNF assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a prevalent and serious mental health disorder that significantly impacts daily life and functioning. Neurofilament Light chain (NfL), associated with axonal neuronal damage, has been identified as a promising biomarker, potentially aiding in early diagnosis of depression, personalized treatment, and tracking disease progression. This study used meta-analysis to evaluate the potential of plasma NfL as a biomarker for depression patients. Methods: A systematic search following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to find relevant studies on plasma NfL levels in patients with depression. A random effects model meta-analysis was applied to determine its potential as a biomarker for differentiating patients from controls. Results: Our meta-analysis, based on four articles with six datasets, revealed that plasma NfL levels were notably higher in individuals with depression (228 cases) compared to healthy controls (118 individuals). The weighted mean difference (WMD) was 8.78 (95% CI: 5.28, 12.28; P < 0.01), indicating a significant effect size. Given the diverse confounding factors inherent in the included observational studies, the observed variability can be attributed to these influences. Due to the observed heterogeneity (heterogeneity Chi-Square: 54.91, p < 0.05), we performed a subgroup analysis. Subgroup analyses based on depression type and analysis method consistently supported the association between NfL and depression, strengthening the evidence. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that elevated NfL levels may serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing depressive disorders. Further research on diverse subtypes and longitudinal changes is needed to validate its clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the excitation of coherent density and potential fluctuations induced by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activity in the edge plasma region of ADITYA-U tokamak. When the amplitude of the MHD mode, mainly the m/n = 2/1, increases beyond a threshold value, | B ̃ θ | / B θ ∼ 0.3 % – 0.4 % , coherent oscillations in the density and potential fluctuations are observed having the same frequency as that of the MHD mode. The mode numbers of these MHD induced density and potential fluctuations are obtained by Langmuir probes placed at different radial, poloidal, and toroidal locations in the edge plasma region. Detailed analyses of these Langmuir probe measurements reveal that the coherent mode in edge potential fluctuation has a mode structure of m/n = 2/1, whereas the edge density fluctuation has an m/n = 1/1 structure. It is further observed that beyond the threshold, the coupled power fraction scales almost linearly with the magnitude of B ̃ θ / B θ fluctuations. Furthermore, the rise rates of the coupled power fraction for coherent modes in density and potential fluctuations are also found to be dependent on the growth rate of magnetic fluctuations. The disparate mode structures of the excited modes in density and plasma potential fluctuations suggest that the underlying mechanism for their existence is the coupling of even harmonics of potential to the odd harmonics of pressure due to 1/R dependence of the toroidal magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluctuations in the plasma potential ( V s ̃ ) and electron density ( N e ̃ ) are measured in the steady-state dipole plasma confined in a spherical vacuum chamber using a single permanent dipole magnet. Measurements are made from a radial distance r = 0.5–17 cm, from the surface of the magnet in the equatorial (θ = 90 °) and polar (θ = 180 °) directions, using a 4-pin probe setup, and have been characterized by power spectra, cross-phase, cross-coherence, induced transport, and energy spectra. The fluctuations are stronger near the surface of the dipole magnet for θ = 90 ° , thereafter their magnitude decreases gradually with the radial distance. However, a peaked profile of potential fluctuations with the peak around r = 9 cm is observed for θ = 180 °. The locations of strong fluctuations are around the locations of smaller values of the electron neutral collision frequency. Frequency-resolved power spectra show that the fluctuations in the dipole plasma, predominantly, belong to the very low-frequency range. The values of cross-phase (≤ 45 °) and | V s ̃ / T e | / | N e ̃ / N e | ≤ 1 indicate the presence of drift wave instability in both planes, where T e and N e are equilibrium values of the electron temperature and density. The radial variation of fluctuation-induced electron flux ( Γ r ) verifies the "inward diffusion" of electrons in the equatorial plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the antimycotic effects of the plasma gun as a potential tool for the treatment of superficial infections. Candida glabrata was chosen as a model microorganism. The preliminary tests have been done on the agar plates to establish the basic plasma parameters. To render this research more appropriate to the real application, more complex inoculation substrates, pork skin and 3D‐printed models of the dog ear canal have been used. The results of this work confirm the high efficiency of cold plasma in the inhibition of yeasts on different surfaces and will lead to further experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present theoretical estimates of the electrical charge and electrostatic surface potentials on debris objects orbiting in the LEO and GEO regions of the Earth's ionosphere. The estimates are obtained using analytic calculations based on an improved Orbital Motion Limited model as well as through numerical Particle-In-Cell simulations using the open-source SPIS code. A variety of shapes, sizes, and material compositions of the debris objects are considered, including HAMR objects with a high area-to-mass ratio and objects composed of insulating and conducting material patches. In the GEO region, we consider the charging arising from photo-emission effects and the impact of energetic charged particle beams associated with solar flares. We discuss the nature of the debris-induced collective excitations in the plasma and their potential use for debris detection. • Measurement of charge and surface potential on space debris in LEO and GEO regions. • Comparison of debris charging using OML theory and Particle-In-Cell simulations. • Collective excitations due to charged debris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of varying discharge gas compositions on the etching performance of silicon carbide (SiC) in a heptafluoroisopropyl methyl ether (HFE-347mmy)/O2/Ar plasma. SiC is increasingly favored for high-temperature and high-power applications due to its wide bandgap and high dielectric strength, but its chemical stability makes it challenging to etch. This research explores the use of HFE-347mmy as a low-global-warming-potential (GWP) alternative to the conventional high-GWP fluorinated gasses that are typically used in plasma etching. By examining the behavior of SiC etch rates and analyzing the formation of fluorocarbon films and Si-O bonds, this study provides insights into optimizing plasma conditions for effective SiC etching, while addressing environmental concerns associated with high-GWP gasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging significantly influences cellular activity and metabolism in glucose‐responsive tissues, yet a comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of aging and associated cell‐type responses has been lacking. This study integrates transcriptomic, methylomic, single‐cell RNA sequencing, and metabolomic data to investigate aging‐related regulations in adipose and muscle tissues. Through coexpression network analysis of the adipose tissue, we identified aging‐associated network modules specific to certain cell types, including adipocytes and immune cells. Aging upregulates the metabolic functions of lysosomes and downregulates the branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) degradation pathway. Additionally, aging‐associated changes in cell proportions, methylation profiles, and single‐cell expressions were observed in the adipose. In the muscle tissue, aging was found to repress the metabolic processes of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, along with reduced gene activity of fast‐twitch type II muscle fibers. Metabolomic profiling linked aging‐related alterations in plasma metabolites to gene expression in glucose‐responsive tissues, particularly in tRNA modifications, BCAA metabolism, and sex hormone signaling. Together, our multi‐omic analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of aging on glucose‐responsive tissues and identify potential plasma biomarkers for these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) diagnostic is being developed for studies of plasma equilibrium and turbulence in the optimized Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. Operation of W7-X has experimentally demonstrated that its optimized magnetic field results in improved neoclassical particle confinement and, as a result, turbulence is the predominant cause of energy transport. The HIBP will have the unique ability to provide experimental data needed to complement models of both neoclassical and turbulent transport. It will acquire direct measurements in the W7-X plasma interior of the electric potential (needed for understanding ambipolar particle flux) and fluctuations of electron density and potential (needed for understanding turbulence). The HIBP for W7-X will inject singly charged ion beams with energies of up to 2 MeV and is designed to access the upper cross section of the W7-X plasma. We use trajectory simulations to illustrate the plasma coverage that the diagnostic can achieve in the reference magnetic configurations of W7-X. We calculate beam signal levels, discuss anticipated measurement sensitivity of broadband fluctuations of electron density and plasma potential, and show how they depend on plasma density. We also discuss the diagnostic sensitivity to equilibrium plasma potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the dust density regimes in the dusty plasma are characterized by two complementary screening processes: (i) the low dust density regime where the Debye screening is the dominant process and (ii) the high dust density regime where the "Coulomb screening" is the dominant process. The Debye regime is characterized by a state where all dust particles carry an equal and constant charge. The high dust density regime or the "Coulomb plasma" regime is characterized by (a) "Coulomb screening" where the dust charge depends on the spatial location and is screened by other dust particles in the vicinity by charge reduction, (b) "asymptotic freedom" where dust particles, which on an average carry minimal electric charge, are asymptotically free in the high dust density limit, (c) uniform dust charge density and plasma potential, (d) dust charge neutralization by a uniform background of hot ions, and (e) dust is weakly coupled due to strong Coulomb screening. Thus, the dusty plasma is essentially a weakly coupled, one-component plasma with screening in the high dust density limit. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations verify these properties. The MD simulations are performed, using a recently proposed Hamiltonian formalism to study the dynamics of Yukawa particles carrying variable electric charge. A hydrodynamic model for describing the collective properties of Coulomb plasma and its characteristic acoustic mode called the "Coulomb acoustic mode" arising due to imperfect Coulomb screening is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the phenomenon of the quasi-coherent mode of plasma fluctuations in purely ohmic plasmas of the T-10 tokamak is investigated. The plasma magnetic fluctuation spectra along with spectra of relative electron density oscillations and plasma potential fluctuation spectra were studied. The presence of both electrostatic and magnetic components of the quasi-coherent mode has been established in the core and as well at the edge regions of the plasma column. This fact allows one to consider the quasi-coherent mode as one of the types of electromagnetic turbulence of fusion plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nylon 6,6 electrospun nanofibers have demonstrated a notable ability to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This study aims to further improve the toughening properties of Nylon 6,6 nanofibers through a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment. Initially, nanofibers were produced by electrospinning process, followed by varied durations of DBD plasma treatment of the nanofibers. These treated and untreated nanofiber mats were integrated into mid-thickness glass/epoxy laminates. Four specimen types were created: non-modified (R), untreated nanofibers (N), moderately plasma-treated (NPM), and highly plasma-treated (NPH). Results showed a 24% increase in mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) for N-type specimens compared to non-modified ones (R). NPM and NPH exhibited even more significant enhancements at 40% and 91%, respectively. Contact angle measurements, FTIR analysis, and SEM images of treated nanofibers elucidated the GIIC enhancement post-plasma treatment. This study demonstrates the potential of plasma treatment in enhancing the toughening capabilities of nanofiber mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-k turbulence (1 < kθρs < 5) spectrograms have been directly measured in density modulation experiments of the EAST tokamak using the collective Thomson scattering diagnostic system. Density-peaking modulation is achieved in Lower Hybrid Wave (LHW) modulation experiments, revealing that the broadband turbulence is sensitive to the power modulation of LHW and the concomitant variation of density-peaking. Additionally, the contributions of 2.45/4.6 GHz LHW to density peaking differ when Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) is on/off, displaying distinct responses of broadband turbulence in low/high frequency ranges. It is found by cross-coherence analysis that the phase angle is negative in cases without NBI, while in NBI cases it can be modulated from negative to positive, indicating a significant transition of radial turbulence propagation. These findings highlight the active control of density-peaking via auxiliary heating in tokamak plasmas and suggest the potential role of high-k turbulence in density-peaking modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) have been recognized for their significant involvement in numerous biological processes. Nonetheless, the existence and molecular characteristics of eccDNA in the peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not yet been reported. Our aim was to identify potentially marked plasma eccDNAs in ccRCC patients. Methods and Materials: The detection of plasma eccDNA in ccRCC patients and healthy controls was performed using the Tn5-tagmentation and next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. Comparisons were made between ccRCC patients and healthy controls regarding the distribution of length, gene annotation, pattern of junctional nucleotide motif, and expression pattern of plasma eccDNA. Results: We found 8,568 and 8,150 plasma eccDNAs in ccRCC patients and healthy controls, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the length distribution, gene annotation, and motif signature of plasma eccDNAs between the two groups. A total of 701 differentially expressed plasma eccDNAs were identified, and 25 plasma eccDNAs with potential diagnostic value for ccRCC have been successfully screened. These up-regulated plasma eccDNAs also be indicated to originate from the genomic region of the tumor-associated genes. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the characterization of plasma eccDNAs in ccRCC and suggests that the up-regulated plasma eccDNAs could be considered as a promising non-invasive biomarker in ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer treatment encompasses various therapeutic modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Breast-conserving surgery has been an integral part of breast cancer management. However, radiotherapy, an important component of breast cancer management, can lead to complications, particularly fibrosis, affecting reconstructive surgery outcomes. We conducted an in vivo study using 48 female Wistar Albino rats, employing segmental mastectomy and radiotherapy to simulate post-mastectomy conditions. The rats were divided into six groups: control, mastectomy, mastectomy + radiotherapy, mastectomy + platelet-rich plasma (PRP) + radiotherapy, mastectomy + infliximab + radiotherapy, and mastectomy + infliximab + PRP + radiotherapy. Edema, hyperemia, inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed as indicators of tissue response. Histopathological analysis revealed that mastectomy + infliximab and mastectomy + infliximab + PRP groups showed significant reductions in fibrosis compared to other groups. Edema, hyperemia, and inflammation were also less severe in these groups compared to the control group. Radiotherapy-induced fibrosis is a major concern in breast reconstruction. Our study suggests that local PRP application and systemic infliximab administration, either alone or in combination, could mitigate the adverse effects of radiotherapy. This approach has the potential to improve reconstructive outcomes in patients undergoing or having the possibility to undergo radiotherapy. This is the first study showing the effectiveness of infliximab and PRP combination on wound healing. The provided experimental rat model might offer guidance for further research. This study provides insights into optimizing outcomes in reconstructive breast surgery, paving the way for further research and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the non‐ideality (NI) of the classical plasmas on the doubly excited singlet S states of the helium atom (He) embedded in the plasma has been investigated theoretically. A pseudopotential containing the Debye length and the non‐ideality parameter (NIP) as its characteristics is used to represent the screened interaction potentials in the plasma. Using a large wavefunction within the framework of the stabilization method, it has been possible to recognize six doubly excited singlet S states (five lying below the He+(2S) excitation threshold and one lying below the He+(3S) excitation threshold) for the plasma‐free case. The energies and the autoionization life‐times of those states are computed by fitting the density of states to the Lorentzian form. Convergence of the computed results is corroborated by increasing the number of terms in the employed wavefunction. For the plasma‐free case, these results are in excellent agreement with the established results in the literature. A comprehensive analysis has been made on changes induced on those doubly excited states by varying NI over a wide range. It has been observed that the energies of the states gradually approach the corresponding threshold energies with the increasing NI of the plasma, whereas the change in the life‐times (alternatively the widths of the states) of the states shows distinctive features depending on the angular momentum of an individual electron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microdischarges (MDs) have attracted increasing attention recently due to their widespread applications. The electron beam injection as an external source can affect the formation and characteristics of microdischarges. Aimed at exploring the kinetic properties of the atmospheric-pressure microdischarges purely driven by electron beam injection without external voltage, the one-dimensional implicit particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model is developed. The monoenergetic electron beam is injected from the left electrode with a current of 0.001–0.05 A and an emission energy of 20–80 eV. It is found that similar to voltage and current-driven MDs, electron beam driven MDs can sustain steady glow discharge with high density (10 21 – 10 22 m − 3 ) but has much lower plasma potential (∼ 0.15 − 0.30 V) and electron temperature (<1 eV) due to the absence of an external field. The electron energy distribution function is composed of a low-energy group with two-temperature distribution and a high-energy group with a discrete distribution. In addition, the injected electron beam current and energy can influence the plasma properties significantly, such as plasma density, electron temperature, plasma potential, etc. The characteristics of ion bombardment can also be modulated by the beam energy and current, resulting in achievement of low energy and high flux. By enlarging the gap between the electrodes, the parameter difference on both sides can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold cathode plasma source is constructed for modifying PTFE surface characteristics. The source was easily built, had a consistent plasma discharge medium and acceleration system. A cylindrical Langmuir probe is also used to evaluate plasma parameters like density, temperature or even plasma potential. This probe is designed to be moveable so that it may approach any desired position in the plasma volume. The influences of nitrogen pressure and probe-cathode gap on plasma parameters were investigated. The electron temperature T e fluctuated from 7. 7 3 × 1 0 4 to 6. 8 × 1 0 4 eV as the pressure rises from 0.2 to 0.4 mbar. Further, by increasing the cathode-probe gap from 0.4 to 2 cm, the electron densities increased from 0. 4 6 × 1 0 1 0 cm − 3 to 0. 8 9 × 1 0 1 0 cm − 3 . Furthermore, the contact angles, work of adhesion and surface free-energy of pristine as well as irradiated PTFE films, were estimated. The results demonstrated that by extending the plasma exposure duration from 0 to 12 min, the water contact angle is lowered from 82.2∘ to 30.5∘. At these conditions, the work of adhesion is raised from 81.9 to 134.1 mJ/m2, as the surface free energy is increased from 29.8 to 71.8 mJ/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 2022 global outbreak of Monkeypox virus (MPXV) highlighted challenges with polymerase chain reaction detection as divergent strains emerged and atypical presentations limited the applicability of swab sampling. Recommended testing in the United States requires a swab of lesions, which arise late in infection and may be unrecognized. We present MPXV detections using plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing. Methods Fifteen plasma samples from 12 case-patients were characterized through mcfDNA sequencing. Assay performance was confirmed through in silico inclusivity and exclusivity assessments. MPXV isolates were genotyped using mcfDNA, and phylodynamic information was imputed using publicly available sequences. Results MPXV mcfDNA was detected in 12 case-patients. Mpox was not suspected in 5, with 1 having documented resolution of mpox >6 months previously. Six had moderate to severe mpox, supported by high MPXV mcfDNA concentrations; 4 died. In 7 case-patients, mcfDNA sequencing detected coinfections. Genotyping by mcfDNA sequencing identified 22 MPXV mutations at 10 genomic loci in 9 case-patients. Consistent with variation observed in the 2022 outbreak, 21 of 22 variants were G > A/C > T. Phylogenetic analyses imputed isolates to sublineages arising at different time points and from different geographic locations. Conclusions We demonstrate the potential of plasma mcfDNA sequencing to detect, quantify, and, for acute infections with high sequencing coverage, subtype MPXV using a single noninvasive test. Sequencing plasma mcfDNA may augment existing mpox testing in vulnerable patient populations or in patients with atypical symptoms or unrecognized mpox. Strain type information may supplement disease surveillance and facilitate tracking emerging pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The purpose of this study was to detect potential cytokines markers involved in the Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Materials and Methods: We measured 25 plasma cytokines using label-free quantitative proteomic analysis in the pilot cohort. In validation cohort, NORCH3, TBP, α-enolase (ENO1), GPX3, ORM1, extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1), SERPINE, IGF1, IGKV1, and SPARC were validated using ELISA kits. We used label-free liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry/MS (LC--MS/MS) quantitative proteomic to analyze plasma cytokines content of Graves' disease and GO patients. Results: The validation cohort showed that the concentrations of ECM1, ENO1, and GPX3, (244.4276 pg/ml, 4.361807 ng/ml, and 17.72794 pmol/ml, respectively) were significantly lower in GO patients samples than those in Graves' patients (257.3197 pg/ml, 4.601592 ng/ml, and 21.33118 pmol/ml, respectively). Both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses indicated that GPX3, ECM1, and ENO might be predictors of Graves' ophthalmopathy. A receiver-operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 0.938, a sensitivity of 84.4%, and a specificity of 90.5% underscored the applicability of this method. Conclusions: ECM1, ENO1, and GPX3 were associated with the presence of the GO group and may be good biomarkers that play an important role in the pathogenesis of GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial titanium dioxide is successfully plasma‐treated under ambient conditions for different periods, leading to reduced crystallite size and the creation of oxygen vacancies. Density functional theory‐based calculations reveal the emergence of additional localized states close to the conduction band, primarily associated with under‐coordinated titanium atoms in non‐stoichiometric titanium‐oxide systems. The plasma‐treated samples exhibit improved photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue compared to untreated samples. Moreover, the 4‐hour plasma‐treated photocatalyst demonstrates commendable stability and reusability. This work highlights the potential of cost‐effective plasma treatment as a simple modification technique to significantly enhance the photocatalytic capabilities of titanium‐oxide materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite extensive work to identify diagnostic plasma markers for Parkinson's disease (PD), there are still no accepted and validated surrogate biomarkers. Mitophagy‐associated proteins (MAPs), including PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5), BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), and phosphorylated‐TBK1 (p‐TBK1), are, to our best knowledge, not well studied as a panel of biomarkers of neurodegeneration in PD. Methods: The study population comprised 116 age‐matched controls (HC), 179 PD patients, alongside and 90 PD syndromes (PDs) divided between two cohorts: (i) the modeling cohort (cohort 1), including 150 PD, 97 HC, and 80 PDs; and (ii) the validated cohort (cohort 2), including 29 PD, 19 HC, and 10 PDs. Results: MAPs are elevated in the plasma of PD patients. PINK1, Parkin, and PGAM5 displayed the top three measurable increase trends in amplitude compared to BNIP3 and p‐TBK1. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) values of PINK1, PGAM5, and Parkin were ranked the top three MAP candidates in diagnosis accuracy for PD from HC, but the MAPs make it hard to differentiate PD from PDs. In addition, there are higher plasma PINK1‐Parkin levels and prominent diagnostic accuracy in A‐synuclein (+) subjects than in A‐synuclein (−) subjects. Conclusions: These results uncover that plasma MAPs (PINK1, Parkin, and PGAM5) may be potentially useful diagnostic biomarkers for PD diagnosis. Studies on larger cohorts would be required to test whether elevated plasma MAP levels are related to PD risk or prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a commonly known prevalent joint disease, with limited therapeutic methods. This study aimed to investigate the expression of plasma microRNA-320c (miR-320c) in patients with knee OA and to explore the clinical value and potential mechanism of miR-320c in knee OA. Methods. Forty knee OA patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The levels of plasma miR-320c and plasma inflammatory cytokines were measured by real-time PCR or ELISA. Correlations of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and cytokine levels with the miR-320c expression level were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Then, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyse the diagnostic value of miR-320c in OA. Finally, the interaction of miR-320c and cAMP responsive element binding protein 5 (CREB5) was determined using a luciferase reporter assay, and the effect of CREB5 on the cAMP pathway was assessed. Results. The expression level of plasma miR-320c was significantly higher in OA patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). The increased plasma miR-320c level was positively correlated with the WOMAC score (r = 0.796, p < 0.001) and the plasma interleukin (IL)-1β (r = 0.814, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.695, p < 0.001) levels in patients with OA. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of plasma miR-320c for OA. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay results showed that miR-320c regulates CREB5 expression by binding to the CREB5 3′-untranslated region. Moreover, suppression of CREB5 significantly reduced the expression levels of c-fos and c-jun. Conclusion. Our results indicate that plasma miR-320c may serve as a potential novel predictor of the severity of knee OA and that miR-320c may play an important role in the pathogenesis of OA through inhibiting the cAMP pathway by targeting CREB5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of methane and hydrogen production as output from a pyrolysis reaction is paramount to monitor the process and optimize its parameters. In this study, we propose a novel experimental approach for monitoring methane pyrolysis reactions aimed at hydrogen production by quantifying methane and hydrogen output from the system. While we appreciate the complexity of molecular outputs from methane hydrolysis process, our primary approach is a simplified model considering detection of hydrogen and methane only which involves three steps: continuous gas sampling, feeding of the sample into an argon plasma, and employing deep learning model to estimate of the methane and hydrogen concentration from the plasma spectral emission. While our model exhibits promising performance, there is still significant room for improvement in accuracy, especially regarding hydrogen quantification in the presence of methane and other hydrogen bearing molecules. These findings present exciting prospects, and we will discuss future steps necessary to advance this concept, which is currently in its early stages of development. • Introducing a pioneering approach for precise quantification of methane and hydrogen. • Utilizing a sophisticated deep learning computer vision algorithm for spectral analysis of plasma. • Demonstrating the real-time and fast-response monitoring characteristics. • Showcasing the synergistic integration of artificial intelligence with engineering prowess. • Foresees thrilling opportunities and research challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease. Although some biomarkers and drug targets of OA have been discovered and employed, limitations and challenges still exist in the targeted therapy of OA. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis has been regarded as a reliable analytic method to identify effective therapeutic targets. Thus, we aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for OA and investigate their potential side effects based on MR analysis. In this study, two-sample MR, colocalization analysis, summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and Mendelian randomization phenome-wide association study (MR-PheWAS) were conducted. We firstly analyzed data from 4907 plasma proteins to identify potential therapeutic targets associated with OA. In addition, blood expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) data sources were used to perform additional validation. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was also constructed to delve into the interactions among identified proteins. Then, MR-PheWASs were utilized to assess the potential side effects of core therapeutic targets. After MR analysis and FDR correction, we identified twelve proteins as potential therapeutic targets for knee OA or hip OA. Colocalization analysis and additional validation supported our findings, and PPI networks revealed the interactions among identified proteins. Finally, we identified MAPK3 (OR = 0.855, 95% CI: 0.791–0.923, p = 6.88 × 10−5) and GZMK (OR = 1.278, 95% CI: 1.131–1.444, p = 8.58 × 10−5) as the core therapeutic targets for knee OA, and ITIH1 (OR = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.784–0.915, p = 2.44 × 10−5) for hip OA. A further MR phenome-wide association study revealed the potential side effects of treatments targeting MAPK3, GZMK, and ITIH1. This comprehensive study indicates twelve plasma proteins with potential roles in knee and hip OA as therapeutic targets. This advancement holds promise for the progression of OA drug development, and paves the way for more efficacious treatments of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electron-beam plasma source consisting of a hot filament is installed near the throat of the magnetic nozzle immersed in a vacuum chamber. The low plasma potential of about 5 V is formed over the region of the measurement in the weakly ionized and partially magnetized argon plasma expanding along a magnetic nozzle; an electric field is much smaller than a pressure gradient, providing a force balance between the electron pressure and the magnetic pressure. This condition leads to a negligible electron E × B drift current and nearly pure diamagnetism. Measurement of the force exerted on the magnetic nozzle is performed by attaching only the solenoid to a pendulum thrust balance, clearly demonstrating the presence of the force induced by the purely diamagnetic current, which is the major contributor to the thrust generation in the magnetic nozzle plasma thruster. This indicates that the thrust can be generated only by the electrons expanding in the magnetic nozzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of plasma treatment on Lavandin Grosso flowers and its influence on the extraction of essential oils (EOs) via hydrodistillation. Short plasma treatment times enhance the yield of EO extraction from 3.19% in untreated samples to 3.44%, corresponding to 1 min of plasma treatment, while longer treatment times (10 min) show diminishing returns to 3.07% of yield extraction. Chemical characterization (GC/MS and ATR-FTIR) indicates that plasma treatments do not significantly alter the chemical composition of the extracted EOs, preserving their aromatic qualities. Investigations into plasma–surface interactions reveal changes at the nanometer level, with XPS confirming alterations in the surface chemistry of Lavandin Grosso flowers by reducing surface carbon and increasing oxygen content, ultimately resulting in an increased presence of hydrophilic groups. The presence of hydrophilic groups enhances the interaction between the surface membrane of the glandular trichomes on Lavandin Grosso flowers and water vapor, consequently increasing the extraction of EOs. Furthermore, microscopic SEM examinations demonstrate that plasma treatments do not affect the morphology of glandular trichomes, emphasizing that surface modifications primarily occur at the nanoscale. This study underscores the potential of plasma technology as a tool to enhance EO yields from botanical sources while maintaining their chemical integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the modulating effect of coexisting food components on the absorption and metabolism of quercetin and blood plasma antioxidant potentials. The combination of quercetin with α-tocopherol (αT), cellulose, or a commercially available vegetable beverage containing αT and dietary fiber was orally administered to mice. Compared to the single administration of quercetin aglycone, the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly increased the plasma quercetin concentration at 0.5 h, whereas the combination of quercetin and cellulose decreased it. Interestingly, the administration of quercetin mixed with the vegetable beverage showed no significant change in the quercetin concentration in the mice plasma. The treatment of the cells with the blood plasma after the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (heme oxygenase-1), whereas the quercetin and cellulose combination did not. In the plasma of the quercetin-administered mice, eight types of quercetin metabolites were detected, and their quantities were affected by the combination with αT. The potentials of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by these metabolites were very limited, although several metabolites showed radical scavenging activities comparable to aglycone in the in vitro assays. These results suggested that the combination of αT potentiates the quercetin absorption and metabolism and thus the plasma antioxidant potentials, at least in part, by the quantitative changes in the quercetin metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to its multifactorial nature and complex etiology, poses challenges for research, diagnosis, and treatment, and impacts millions worldwide. To address the need for minimally invasive, repeatable measures that aid in AD diagnosis and progression monitoring, studies leveraging RNAs associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) in human biofluids have revealed AD-associated changes. However, the validation of AD biomarkers has suffered from the collection of samples from differing points in the disease time course or a lack of confirmed AD diagnoses. Here, we integrate clinical diagnosis and postmortem pathology data to form more accurate experimental groups and use small RNA sequencing to show that EVs from plasma can serve as a potential source of RNAs that reflect disease-related changes. Importantly, we demonstrated that these changes are identifiable in the EVs of preclinical patients, years before symptom manifestation, and that machine learning models based on differentially expressed RNAs can help predict disease conversion or progression. This research offers critical insight into early disease biomarkers and underscores the significance of accounting for disease progression and pathology in human AD studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of drifts in plasma edge codes like SOLPS-ITER is required to match simulation data with experimental profiles. However, this remains numerically challenging. In this paper, the effect of some numerical factors on the final plasma solution is investigated. This study is performed on three EAST simulations in the upper single null configuration: an attached purely deuterium case, an attached case with limited Ne-seeding, and a detached Ne-seeded case. The effects of the anomalous conductivity and anomalous thermo-electric coefficient on the plasma potential are investigated. Next, the effect of the employed grids is shown. In order to investigate these effects, accurate drift simulations are needed. Therefore, the employed time step and numerical parameters are discussed for the three studied simulations. For all presented simulations, it is verified that the restriction of the grid to the first flux surface tangent to the main chamber wall is sufficient within the context of non-extended simulations. This means that the main power dissipation takes place inside the simulated domain, and only a small fraction of the power is leaving the B2.5 grid through the grid boundary closest to the first wall. Finally, the effect of drifts on the asymmetry between the inner and outer target for EAST simulations is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the raised interest in copper halides for optoelectronic applications, a wide range of plasma diagnostic tools based on Langmuir probe (LP) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) were implemented to investigate the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process of selected copper halides. This represents the first report of complete diagnostics of copper halide plasma generated by laser ablation. High plasma potential and electron temperature were observed by a time-resolved LP analysis, which affected the kinetic energy of the ejected ions during expansion. The effect of argon gas addition on the copper halide plasma dynamics was investigated. Angle-resolved measurements revealed a narrow cone plasma expansion with a dual peak charge particle distribution, which was affected only above 2 Pa of Ar atmosphere. Plasma potential, charge density, and electron excitation temperature were increasing with Ar pressure, while electron temperature and expansion velocities were decreasing. Using a semi-empirical model, the estimation of an ion acceleration field, neutral temperature, and densities were computed. Space- and time-resolved OES confirmed the plume splitting indicated by LP measurements and provided insight into the composition of the two-plasma structure. All the plasma parameters were investigated in conditions similar to those used for thin film growth, and the results were discussed with respect to the PLD technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]