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The present study aimed to investigate the application of the ohmic heating (OH) technique in the production of date syrup from the date fruit of the Sukkary variety at different electric field strengths (EFS) (9, 10, and 11 V/cm). The results were compared to the conventional heating method (CH). The response surface methodology was used to optimize yield. The results showed that the time to reach the boiling point of dates and water mixture using OH was less than the CH by 80% for extracting and 900% for evaporation. In addition, the productivity of date syrup using OH at EFS of 11 V/cm was higher than the CH by 86.11%. There is no significant effect between OH at EFS of 11 V/cm and CH in moisture content, refractive index, density, TSS, and viscosity. The optimum level of EFS was 11.5 V/cm, which gave a higher yield (64.93%). OH, save consumed power and cost. The OH gave the highest scores of sensory characteristics compared to CH. Total sugars, monosaccharides, and ketone monosaccharides were detected in the date syrup, and the result was positive, while the quintuple sugars and multiple sugars were negative for all treatments. The OH reduced the cost by 85.78% compared with CH.

Introduction: Small studies from outside of the USA suggest excellent outcomes after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion. The study aims to (1) compare overall survival after surgical resection and systemic therapy among patients with HCC and vascular invasion and (2) determine factors associated with receipt of surgical resection in a US population. Methods: HCC patients with AJCC clinical TNM stage 7th T3BN0M0 diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 from the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Cox and logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with overall survival and receipt of surgical resection. Results: Of 11,259 patients with T3BN0M0 HCC, 325 (2.9%) and 4,268 (37.9%) received surgical resection and systemic therapy, respectively. In multivariable analysis, surgical resection was associated with improved survival compared to systemic therapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.496, 95% confidence interval: 0.426–0.578) with a median survival of 21.4 and 8.1 months, respectively. Superiority of surgical resection was observed in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic subgroups and propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting adjusted analysis. Asians were more likely to receive surgical resection, whereas Charlson comorbidity ≥3, elevated alpha-fetoprotein, smaller tumor size, care in a community cancer program, and the South or West region were associated with a lower likelihood of surgical resection. Conclusion: HCC patients with vascular invasion may benefit from surgical resection compared to systemic therapies. Demographic and clinical features of HCC patients and region and type of treating facility were associated with surgical resection versus systemic treatment.

IntroductionSmall studies from outside of the USA suggest excellent outcomes after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion. The study aims to (1) compare overall survival after surgical resection and systemic therapy among patients with HCC and vascular invasion and (2) determine factors associated with receipt of surgical resection in a US population.MethodsHCC patients with AJCC clinical TNM stage 7th T3BN0M0 diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 from the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Cox and logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with overall survival and receipt of surgical resection.ResultsOf 11,259 patients with T3BN0M0 HCC, 325 (2.9%) and 4,268 (37.9%) received surgical resection and systemic therapy, respectively. In multivariable analysis, surgical resection was associated with improved survival compared to systemic therapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.496, 95% confidence interval: 0.426-0.578) with a median survival of 21.4 and 8.1 months, respectively. Superiority of surgical resection was observed in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic subgroups and propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting adjusted analysis. Asians were more likely to receive surgical resection, whereas Charlson comorbidity ≥3, elevated alpha-fetoprotein, smaller tumor size, care in a community cancer program, and the South or West region were associated with a lower likelihood of surgical resection.ConclusionHCC patients with vascular invasion may benefit from surgical resection compared to systemic therapies. Demographic and clinical features of HCC patients and region and type of treating facility were associated with surgical resection versus systemic treatment.

Abstract Background/Objective Cellular immune markers of inflammation such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) are frequently used in patient care. The adoption of these markers to elite sports, e.g. soccer could be beneficial when monitoring training and aiming to maximize physical fitness. This study investigated cellular immune inflammation markers and physical fitness in elite male soccer players in relation to changes in training and match exposure during a congested match play period. Methods Fifteen elite male soccer players were evaluated three times (T1, T2, and T3) over 12 weeks (T1–T2: six weeks uncongested period of match play and T2–T3: six weeks congested period of match play). Players performed vertical jump tests (squat jumps [SJ], countermovement jumps [CMJ]), the 20-meter sprint test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRL1) at T1, T2 and T3. Measurements included counts of leucocytes and its subtypes, as well as platelets. Cellular immune inflammation markers (NLR, PLR and SII) were calculatedat T1, T2, and T3. Training session rating of perceived exertion was also recorded on a daily basis. Results Significant increases in leucocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte counts occurred at T3 compared with T2 (0.002

Abstract Supplementing with antioxidants may be one of the most efficient means of minimizing oxidative stress during workouts in obese individuals. The aim of this study is to identify the results after twelve weeks of CrossFit workouts combined with Spinach thylakoid extract on the levels of insulin resistance (insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]), fasting blood sugar (FBS), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in obese males. Sixty-eight males with an average age of 27 ± 8 yrs and a BMI of 32.6 ± 2.6 kg.m− 2 were randomly split into four groups each consisting of seventeen individuals. : control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training + supplement group (TSG). After initial assessments, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started on a 12 weeks of the CrossFit workouts program involving three sessions per week each lasting up to 60 min. Participants in supplement groups ingested 30 min before lunch, 5 gof Spinach thylakoid extract per day or one sachet of raw corn starch in the control group. Baseline and post-intervention measurements were performed 48 h pre- and post-last session, respectively. The findings revealed noteworthy relationships between the exercise groups and timefor TAC, SOD, GPx, MDA, CK, and LDH (p

Abstract Background Numerous studies have underscored the essential role of inflammation across all stages of atherosclerosis. While various anti-inflammatory interventions have been implemented to mitigate inflammation-induced injuries, outcomes have been conflicting. Given the essential role of inflammation in these patients and limited data regarding the efficacy of low-dose Colchicine as an anti-inflammatory drug, we aimed to study the efficacy of low-dose Colchicine on clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI in Iran. Results Participants presented with STEMI and qualified revascularization at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom during 2022 and 2023 were included into the study. This study included 172 STEMI patients (114 males and 58 females) within the mean age of 58.93 ± 7.79. Results indicate that colchicine (2 mg for loading dose and 0.5 mg daily for 30 days) and placebo group were not significant differences in identical profiles regarding age and gender. Analyses revealed no significant differences in clinical outcome after the 40-day follow-up period. Conclusions This study revealed that the addition of colchicine did not yield a significant benefit in enhancing the outcomes of patients with STEMI. Clinical trial registration: This study was prospectively registered on Iranian registry of clinical trials, with registration number (IRCT20231001059578N1).

Experimental variogram modelling is an essential process in geostatistics. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is a new and advanced way of automating experimental variogram modelling. One part of this AI approach is the use of population search algorithms to fine-tune hyperparameters for better prediction performing. We use Bayesian optimization for the first time to find the optimal learning parameters for more precise neural network regressor for experimental variogram modelling. The goal is to leverage the capability of Bayesian optimization to consider previous regression results to improve the output of an experimental variogram using three experimental variograms as inputs and one as output for network training, calculated from ore grades of four orebodies, characterised by the same genetic aspect. In comparison to artificial neural network architectures, the Bayesian-optimized artificial neural network demonstrably achieved the superior Coefficient of determination in validation of 78.36%. This significantly outperformed a non-optimized wide, bilayer, and tri-layer network configurations, which yielded 32.94%, 14.00%, and −46.03% for Coefficient of determination, respectively. The improved reliability of the Bayesian-optimized regressor demonstrates its superiority over traditional, non-optimized regressors, indicating that incorporating Bayesian optimization can significantly advance experimental variogram modelling, thus offering a more accurate and intelligent solution, combining geostatistics and artificial intelligence specifically machine learning for experimental variogram modelling.

Background Obesity presents multifarious etiopathologies with its management being a global challenge. This article presents the first ever report on the impact of spinach thylakoid extract-induced high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on obesity management via regulating the levels of novel adipokine, C1q/TNF-related Protein-12 (CTRP-12), furin, and Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF-15).Methods Sixty-eight obese male subjects were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and the combined training and supplement group (TSG). After initial assessments of all groups, the training group commenced a twelve-week HIFT using the CrossFit program (comprising of three training sessions per week, each lasting 30 min). Eligible candidates were randomly assigned to either receive thylakoid-rich spinach extract (5 g per day) or a matching placebo (5 g per day of corn starch, 30 min before lunch) for a total duration of 12 weeks. All required data and investigations were collected at 48 h pre- and post-training.Results The results indicated a substantial correlation between exercise and the time of KLF-15, furin, and CTRP-12 demonstrating effect sizes of 0.3, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively. Additionally, the training and supplementation group (TSG) exhibited a substantial decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels (p

This study presents a molecular dynamics analysis focusing on the behavior of interstitial helium (He) clusters in nickel (Ni), examining their formation, stability, and migration energetics. We found that the binding energies of interstitial He with a He cluster are positive and increase with the cluster size, indicating a preference for He atoms to cluster together. While the formation energy increases monotonically with cluster size, binding energy shows non-monotonic. trend Importantly, small He clusters were found to be thermally unstable at reactor operational temperatures (approximately 600 K), with the He2 cluster exhibiting instability even at room temperature. With a binding energy of 0.44 eV for a He4 cluster, we hypothesize that for He bubbles to form via homogeneous nucleation (i.e., through trap mutation) at reactor operating temperatures, the He concentration must be high enough to facilitate the formation of He clusters of at least size 4 or larger. At finite temperatures, He clusters of size 7 and larger trap mutate immediately. However, clusters of size 10 and larger will trap mutate even at 0 K. As expected, interstitial He and small He clusters are highly mobile, and found to be mobile even at temperatures as low as 200 K. Furthermore, the mean squared displacement method has been utilized to determine the activation energies and the corresponding prefactors for clusters ranging from He1 to He6

Identifying lithology is crucial for geological exploration, and the adoption of artificial intelligence is progressively becoming a refined approach to automate this process. A key feature of this strategy is leveraging population search algorithms to fine-tune hyperparameters, thus boosting prediction accuracy. Notably, Bayesian optimization has been applied for the first time to select the most effective learning parameters for artificial neural network classifiers used for lithology identification. This technique utilizes the capability of Bayesian optimization to utilize past classification outcomes to enhance the lithology models performance based on physical parameters calculated from well log data. In a comparison of artificial neural network architectures, the Bayesian-optimized artificial neural network (BOANN) demonstrably achieved the superior classification accuracy in validation and significantly outperformed a non-optimized wide, bilayer, and tri-layer network configurations, indicating that incorporating Bayesian optimization can significantly advance lithofacies recognition, thus offering a more accurate and intelligent solution for identifying lithology.

ObjectivesWe investigated the timing of resistance training (RT) during Ramadan fasting (RF) on muscle strength, hormonal adaptations, and sleep quality.MethodsForty healthy and physically active male Muslims (age = 25.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass = 85.1 ± 17.5 kg, height = 175 ± 9 cm, BMI = 28.3 ± 5.7 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study and 37 completed pre and post-tests. Subjects were randomly allocated into two experimental groups. Group 1 (FAST, n = 20) completed an 8-week whole-body RT in the late afternoon (between 16 h and 18 h) while fasting. Group 2 (FED, n = 20) completed the similar RT protocol compared with FAST at night (between 20 h and 22 h). The following parameters were analyzed at various time-points: 2 weeks before the start of RF (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), on the 29th day of Ramadan (T2), and 21 days after the last day of RF (T3) where both groups were in a fed state. One-repetition maximum tests (1-RM) were conducted for the squats (1-RMSQ), the deadlift (1-RMDL) and the bench press (1-RMBP). Sleep quality was assessed using the full Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Blood samples were taken to determine cortisol, testosterone and IGF-1 levels. Additionally, acute hormonal responses were evaluated before (BF), immediately after (AF), and 30 min after a RT session (AF-30 min) at T0, T1, T2, and T3.ResultsSignificant group-by-time interactions were identified for 1-RMSQ (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.001; ES = 0.36). Post-hoc tests indicated significant 1-RMSQ (p = 0.03; ES = 0.12) and 1-RMDL (p = 0.04; ES = 0.21) improvements from T0-T2 for FED. Additionally, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the chronic effects on cortisol (p = 0.03; ES = 0.27) and testosterone levels (p = 0.01; ES = 0.32). Post-hoc tests indicated significant increases of cortisol levels among FAST at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.41, p = 0.03; ES = 0.34) and a significant increase in cortisol levels in FED at T1 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.29) and T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.25). However, the observed increase was lower compared to FAST. Post-hoc tests also indicated significant increases of testosterone only among FED at T2 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.31). A significant group-by-time interaction was found for the acute effect of exercise on cortisol level (p = 0.04; ES = 0.34). The cortisol level immediately after RT was higher in FAST only at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.39) and T2 (p = 0.05; ES = 0.22) compared with T0. No significant group-by-time interactions were identified for sleep quality (p = 0.07; ES = 0.43).ConclusionMuslims can safely practice RT during RF. However, training in a fed state during Ramadan might be more effective than during fasted state for the enhancement of maximal strength with better hormonal responses observed.

Objectives This study aims to assess the effect of a forward and backward walking training program on some inflammatory markers and physical function of older women. Methods & Materials Twenty-four older women (aged 60-75 years) were divided into three groups of walking forward, walking backward, and control. Two groups of walking forward and walking backward, performed training three times a week for eight weeks with an exertion rate of 14-15 according to Borg’s scale. Before and after the training, anthropometric factors (age, body height, body weight, and body mass index) and the muscle strength and muscle endurance were measured and blood sampling (for biochemical analysis) was conducted. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the means in SPSS software, version 23, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results The results showed that backward walking training significantly increased muscle strength and muscle endurance compared to the control and forward walking groups, but the program did not cause a significant change in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, or vitamin D binding protein. Conclusion It seems that backward walking training can have a greater effect on physical function in older women compared to forward walking, and lead to a healthier life for them.

Laurus nobilis, sometimes referred to as laurel, has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for a very long time. The main subjects of this study are the phytochemical composition, mineralogical profile, and potential antioxidant properties of Laurus nobilis in Tangier, Northern Morocco. For phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV-MS) was used, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify each individual component. Minerals were studied by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). Total tannin, flavonoid, and phenolic amounts were quantified using aqueous and methanolic extracts. The antioxidant properties were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Research has revealed a complex array of phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Mineral analysis has revealed the existence of vital components that are beneficial to health. Comparing the methanolic extract to the water extract, it demonstrated higher levels of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins as well as stronger antioxidant activity, indicating greater health benefits. This comprehensive study highlights the importance of Laurus nobilis from Northern Morocco as a reliable botanic resource with potential pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic uses.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on selected measures of physical fitness, the expression of miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155 as well as metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and insulin resistance in middle-aged overweight/obese women. Methods Twenty-seven overweight/obese women aged 35–50 yrs. were randomized to HIIT (n = 14) or HCRT (n = 13) groups. The HIIT group performed running exercises (5 reps x 4 min per session) with active recovery between repetitions for 10 weeks with 5 weekly sessions. The HCRT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT and resistance training with 3 weekly HIIT sessions and 2 weekly HCRT sessions. Anthropometric measures (e.g., body mass), selected components of physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength), levels of miRNAs (miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155), lipid profiles (total cholesterol; TC, Triglycerides; TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C), and insulin resistance; HOMA-IR index, were measured at baseline and week 10. Results An ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions (p > 0.05) for all anthropometric measures, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). A significant group by time interaction, however, was found for the one-repetition maximum (IRM; p

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Background: Dysregulation of adipocyte function occurs in obesity. Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) is a newly discovered modulator of inflammation, metabolism, and differentiation of human adipocytes. The dietary supplement Chlorella Vulgaris (CV) reduces hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress in clinical trials. Objectives: To explore the impact of 12 wks of interval resistance training (IRT) and CV supplementation on plasma levels of Metrnl and oxidative stress in males with obesity. Methods: Forty-four obese men (BMI: 32.0 ± 1.5 kg/m2, weight: 101.1 ± 2.2 kg, age: 23–35 years) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 11/group): control (CON), CV supplement (CV), IRT, and CV + IRT (CVIRT). The IRT was performed for 12 wks (3 sessions per week). The treatment consisted of a daily intake of CV (1800 mg capsule) or placebo capsules. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the interventions to analyze biomedical measurements. Results: The IRT and CVIRT groups had elevations in plasma Metrnl, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity levels (all P < 0.0001), and reductions in malondialdehyde (P < 0.0001). Supplementation with CV significantly reduced malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) and increased total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.0001) but failed to alter superoxide dismutase or Metrnl (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although IRT and its combination with CV hold promise for improving Metrnl levels and oxidative status in obesity, combining IRT and CV do not yield greater benefits than IRT alone. Although standalone CV supplementation could favorably impact certain markers of oxidative stress, the effectiveness of CV supplementation appears to have a relatively limited effect across assessed biomarkers and requires further investigation.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of 12-week chlorella vulgaris (CV) combined with interval resistance training (IRT) on plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin and neuregulin-4 (Nrg-4) in obese men. Methods: Obese men (n = 44, BMI of 32.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to the following groups of 11 participants per group: Control Placebo group (CP), CV supplement group (CV), Interval Resistance Training group plus Placebo (IRT + P), and Interval Resistance Training plus CV supplement group (IRT + CV). IRT was performed three times a week for 12 weeks using three sets of 10 repetitions at 60 % 1RM, and integrating an active rest interval with 15 repetitions at 20 % 1RM. Participants consumed either CV (1800 mg daily) or a placebo. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were obtained to assess adipokines which were measured by ELISA. Results: While CV or IRT separately did not alter plasma levels of leptin (p > 0.05), their combination reduced leptin levels (p = 0.007). IRT and IRT plus CV increased the plasma levels of adiponectin and Nrg-4 (p

For the first time, an economic, highly efficient, simple, fast and in vivo protocol by the Citrus sinensis fruit was employed for biosynthesis of some bioactive Ag@Xanthan, CuO@Fe3O4@nanoclay and TiO@CeO2@Montmorinent Nanocomposites (NCs). The RP-HPLC-DAD fingerprint record of the fruit demonstrated the presence of potent antioxidants such as oxalic acid, tannic acid, mallic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid. The NCs were structurally characterized through the spectroscopic (Uv–vis and FT-IR methods) and surface analysis techniques (TEM, XRD, EDS methods). Furthermore, the impact of the in vivo method was studied using FT-IR spectroscopy on the hyper-accumulation of phytochemicals on the surface of green nanocomposites and their bioactivity. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of green synthesized NCs demonstrated very well results against some dangerous bacteria of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aureus), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) compared to ascorbic acid and chloramphenicol as positive controls of antioxidant and antibacterial activities, respectively.