Restrictive dieters are those who expect to achieve body shape and weight control through dieting. However, they often have difficulty suppressing the desire to consume food when confronted with it. It has been shown that when high- and low-calorie foods are presented together, the attention of restrictive eaters is preferentially directed to high-calorie foods. However, whether attentional bias occurs when low-calorie foods are present alone and whether the allocation of attentional resources is consistent with that for high-calorie foods has yet to be explored. The present study focused on the effects of high-/low-calorie foods on attentional bias in restrictive dieters. Seventy-eight participants were recruited to participate in the experiment via the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) scale, which is administered in a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task. The results revealed that failed restrictive dieters had the lowest percentage of correct answers at the lag2 level, indicating attentional bias. Failed restrictive dieters allocated more attentional resources to high-calorie foods than to low-calorie foods. Restrictive dieters showed no attentional bias when low-calorie foods were presented alone. The results suggest that low-calorie foods do not elicit an attentional bias in restrictive dieters and that the allocation of attentional resources is not consistent when compared to that for high-calorie foods. Full article

Almond hulls (AH) are frequently used in dairy ruminant feeding, but information on variability of their nutritive value and their potential effects on CH₄ production is still scarce. The influence of almond variety (Guara vs. Soleta) on chemical composition and energy value of AH was investigated using 10 samples per variety collected in 2 consecutive years. Guara-AH had greater (p ≤ 0.015) ash, protein, and fat content, but lower (p ≤ 0.001) fiber than Soleta-AH. The metabolizable energy content estimated from chemical composition and in vitro gas production was 8.5% greater for Guara than for Soleta samples. Harvesting year significantly affected most of the chemical fractions. The in vitro ruminal fermentation of diets for dairy ruminants including increasing amounts of dried AH (8, 16 and 24% of the total diet; fresh matter basis) indicated that AH can be included up to 16% of the diet, partially substituting corn, wheat bran and sugar beet pulp without detrimental effects on in vitro volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. In contrast, when AH replaced alfalfa hay and corn, VFA production was reduced at all levels of AH inclusion. No antimethanogenic effects of AH were detected in the in vitro incubations. Full article

Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) still has a high mortality rate despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The role of the human microbiome in CCC is poorly understood, and a recent metagenomic analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between microbiome-associated carcinogenesis and CCC. This study aimed to investigate changes in microbiome composition associated with CCC and its metabolic signature by integrating taxonomic and functional information with metabolomics data and in vitro experimental results. Methods: From February 2019 to January 2021, this study included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), both with and without a diagnosis of CCC. Bile samples were collected via endoscopic nasobiliary drainages (ENBD) and subjected to DNA extraction, PCR amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region, and data analysis using QIIME2. In vitro Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) proliferation and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the effects of metabolites on CCC cells. Results: A total of 24 patients were included in the study. Bile fluid analysis revealed a significantly higher abundance of Escherichia coli in the CCC group. Alpha diversity analyses exhibited significant differences between the CCC and non-CCC groups, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy metabolic profiling identified 15 metabolites with significant concentration differences; isoleucine showed the most notable difference. In vitro experiments demonstrated that isoleucine suppressed CCC cell proliferation but did not induce apoptosis. Conclusions: This research underlines the significance of biliary dysbiosis and specific bile metabolites, such as isoleucine, in influencing the development and progression of CCC. Full article

Most of the plants belonging to the family of Brassicaceae are non-hosts for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These plants are known to produce glucosinolates (GSL), a group of allelopathic compounds, with a role in plant defense. The overexpression of the Thkel1 from Trichoderma harzianum in rapeseed (BnKel) plants, this gene encoding a protein that shares similarities with Brassicaceae plant’s nitrile-specifier and epithiospecifier proteins, modified GSL metabolism, reducing the accumulation of toxic isothiocyanates due to hydrolysis of these secondary metabolites. Here, we have analyzed the effect of AMF application on the GSL profiles and the development and yield of BnKel plants. Our results showed that the reduction of GSL compounds on transgenic plants was not enough to allow the formation of arbuscules and vesicles characteristics of an AMF mycorrhizal association. However, the inoculation of transgenic rapeseed plants expressing Thkel1 with AMF improved seed yield and fatty acid composition of the oilseed, showing a beneficial effect of AMF in these plants. The achievement of this effective beneficial association among mycorrhizas and rapeseed plants opens new opportunities in agribiotechnology for the use of AMF as biofertilizers in Brassicaceae crops with potential application in medical, animal and industrial biotechnology. Full article

With the rapid development of gene therapy technology in recent years, its abuse as a method of sports doping in athletics has become a concern. However, there is still room for improvement in gene-doping testing methods, and a robust animal model needs to be developed. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to establish a model of gene doping using recombinant adeno-associated virus vector-9, including the human erythropoietin gene (rAAV9-hEPO), and to establish a relevant testing method. First, it was attempted to establish the model using rAAV9-hEPO on mice. The results showed a significant increase in erythrocyte volume accompanied by an increase in spleen weight, confirming the validity of the model. Next, we attempted to detect proof of gene doping by targeting DNA and RNA. Direct proof of gene doping was detected using a TaqMan-qPCR assay with certain primers/probes. In addition, some indirect proof was identified in RNAs through the combination of a TB Green qPCR assay with RNA sequencing. Taken together, these results could provide the foundation for an effective test for gene doping in human athletes in the future. Full article

Universities started to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve the quality of higher education services. However, the rapid adoption of AI tools in higher education (HE) may lead to sustainability issues. On the one hand, there are prerequisites for using AI tools to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). On the other hand, as consumers of educational services (stakeholders), students have their own opinions about using AI in the educational process. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ opinions on the use of artificial intelligence tools in higher education. The authors analyzed student responses to the question: “Do you think AI threatens higher education in the next five years?” The authors formulated this question based on the definition of “a safe learning environment”, which is associated with a “safe” learning environment (SDG 4.3). The authors made use of a literature review, a bibliometric analysis of 5000 sources, a survey of 1104 students from eight universities in Eastern Europe through cloud technologies to host a special electronic questionnaire, statistical processing of questionnaires, and testing of statistical hypotheses. The authors formulated and tested two pairs of competing statistical hypotheses. Finally, the authors obtained three new scientific facts based on the respondents’ answers. New scientific facts were obtained using a standard level of statistical hypothesis testing (α = 0.05). The main scientific fact is that 10.17% to 35.42% of students think that Artificial Intelligence threatens higher education. According to student opinions, AI may hurt the sustainability of higher education (SDG 4.3). The authors are confident that new scientific facts help conceptualize and promote didactic theory and practice. The study results are needed to predict, plan, and implement organizational, pedagogical, and methodological measures aimed at SDG 4.3 through a “safe” learning environment while further expanding the use of AI in higher education. Full article

Upper-limb paralysis requires extensive rehabilitation to recover functionality for everyday living, and such assistance can be supported with robot technology. Against such a background, we have proposed an electromyography (EMG)-driven hybrid rehabilitation system based on motion estimation using a probabilistic neural network. The system controls a robot and functional electrical stimulation (FES) from movement estimation using EMG signals based on the user’s intention, enabling intuitive learning of joint motion and muscle contraction capacity even for multiple motions. In this study, hybrid and visual-feedback training were conducted with pointing movements involving the non-dominant wrist, and the motor learning effect was examined via quantitative evaluation of accuracy, stability, and smoothness. The results show that hybrid instruction was as effective as visual feedback training in all aspects. Accordingly, passive hybrid instruction using the proposed system can be considered effective in promoting motor learning and rehabilitation for paralysis with inability to perform voluntary movements. Full article

The removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from seawater before the reverse osmosis (RO) processes is crucial for alleviating organic fouling of RO membranes. However, research is still insufficiently developed in the comparison of the effectiveness of integrating coagulation with ultrafiltration (UF) or sand filtration (SF) in the pretreatment stage of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) for the removal of DOM. In this study, we investigated the effect of pretreatment technologies on RO fouling caused by DOM in seawater, including the integration of coagulation and sand filtration (C-S pretreatment) and the integration of coagulation and ultrafiltration (C-U pretreatment). Both integrated pretreatments achieved comparable DOM removal rates (70.2% for C-U and 69.6% for C-S), and C-S exhibited enhanced removal of UV-absorbing compounds. Although C-U was more proficient in reducing the silt density index (below 2) compared to C-S (above 3) and improved the elimination of humic acid-like organics, it left a higher proportion of tyrosine-protein-like organics, soluble microbial by-product-like organics, and finer organics in the effluent, leading to the formation of a dense cake layer on RO membrane and a higher flux decline. Therefore, suitable technologies should be selected according to specific water conditions to efficiently mitigate RO membrane fouling. Full article

The unprecedented development of artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for computers to imitate and surpass human intelligence (HI). Hybrid intelligence is the result of the co-evolution of AI and HI and has huge application potential in promoting the sustainable development of human society. This study starts from the similarities and differences between biological neural networks and artificial neural networks, compares the cognitive foundations of human intelligence and artificial intelligence, highlights the difference and connection between AI and HI, and puts forward the necessity and inevitability of their co-evolution to achieve hybrid intelligence with complementary advantages. Hybrid intelligence stands to become the pivotal force driving purposeful and planned sustainable creative behavior in the artificial intelligence era. This study proposes a design cognitive creation model based on human–computer collaboration that considers computational design thinking as the central concept. Moreover, the paradigm shift of design under hybrid intelligence intervention are explored from five aspects: “tool evolution”, “response mode”, “output result”, “iterative optimization” and “system innovation”. Finally, this article constructs a creative intervention mechanism of design creation driven by hybrid intelligence and discusses its role playing in the design activities of sustainable multiverse construction in the future. The proposal of the multiverse model transcends the confines of the metaverse’s virtual worldview and embraces sustainable development for value guidance. It advocates a future trajectory for humanity that hinges on technological progress, fostering a prosperous, balanced, and harmonious coexistence between the natureverse, socialverse, and digitalverse. This approach is not only rational and scientific, but also inherently sustainable. Full article

The capability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to capture and utilize dynamic object information assumes critical significance for decision making and scene understanding. This paper presents a method for UAV relative positioning and target tracking based on a visual simultaneousocalization and mapping (SLAM) framework. By integrating an object detection neural network into the SLAM framework, this method can detect moving objects and effectively reconstruct the 3D map of the environment from image sequences. For multiple object tracking tasks, we combine the region matching of semantic detection boxes and the point matching of the optical flow method to perform dynamic object association. This joint association strategy can prevent trackingoss due to the small proportion of the object in the whole image sequence. To address the problem ofacking scale information in the visual SLAM system, we recover the altitude data based on a RANSAC-based plane estimation approach. The proposed method is tested on both the self-created UAV dataset and the KITTI dataset to evaluate its performance. The results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the solution in facilitating UAV flights. Full article

Traditional visual detection methods that employ image data are often unstable due to environmental influences like lighting conditions. However, microfiber spectrometers are capable of capturing the specific wavelength characteristics of tail coal suspensions, effectively circumventing the instability caused by lighting variations. Utilizing spectral analysis techniques for detecting ash content in tail coal appears promising as a more stable method of indirect ash detection. In this context, this paper proposes a rapid detection method for the coal ash content in tailings suspensions based on absorption spectra and deep feature extraction. Initially, a preprocessing method, the inverse time weight function (ITWF), is presented, focusing on the intrinsic connection between the sedimentation phenomena of samples. This enables the model to learn and retain spectral time memory features, thereby enhancing its analytical capabilities. To better capture the spectral characteristics of tail coal suspensions, we designed the DSFN (DeepSpectraFusionNet) model. This model has an MSCR (multi-scale convolutional residual) module, addressing the conventional models’ oversight of the strong correlation between adjacent wavelengths in the spectrum. This facilitates the extraction of relative positional information. Additionally, to uncover potential temporal relationships in sedimentation, we propose a CLSM-CS (convolutional long-short memory with candidate states) module, designed to strengthen the capturing of local information and sequential memory. Ultimately, the method employs a fused convolutional deep classifier to integrate and reconstruct both temporal memory and positional features. This results in a model that effectively correlates the ash content of suspensions with their absorption spectral characteristics. Experimental results confirmed that the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 80.65%, an F1-score of 80.45%, a precision of 83.43%, and a recall of 80.65%. These results outperformed recent coal recognition models and classical temporal models, meeting the high standards required for industrial on-site ash detection tasks. Full article

This study investigated the thermomechanical behavior of 4D-printed polylactic acid (PLA), focusing on its response to varying temperatures and strain rates in a wide range below the glass transition temperature (T_g). The material was characterized using tension, compression, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), confirming PLA’s strong dependency on strain rate and temperature. The glass transition temperature of 4D-printed PLA was determined to be 65 °C using a thermal analysis (DMTA). The elastic modulus changed from 1045.7 MPa in the glassy phase to 1.2 MPa in the rubber phase, showing the great shape memory potential of 4D-printed PLA. The filament tension tests revealed that the material’s yield stress strongly depended on the strain rate at room temperature, with values ranging from 56 MPa to 43 MPA as the strain rate decreased. Using a commercial FDM Ultimaker printer, cylindrical compression samples were 3D-printed and then characterized under thermo-mechanical conditions. Thermo-mechanical compression tests were conducted at strain rates ranging from 0.0001 s⁻¹ to 0.1 s⁻¹ and at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (T_g) at 25, 37, and 50 °C. The conducted experimental tests showed that the material had distinct yield stress, strain softening, and strain hardening at very large deformations. Clear strain rate dependence was observed, particularly at quasi-static rates, with the temperature and strain rate significantly influencing PLA’s mechanical properties, including yield stress. Yield stress values varied from 110 MPa at room temperature with a strain rate of 0.1 s⁻¹ to 42 MPa at 50 °C with a strain rate of 0.0001 s⁻¹. This study also included thermo-mechanical adiabatic tests, which revealed that higher strain rates of 0.01 s⁻¹ and 0.1 s⁻¹ led to self-heating due to non-dissipated generated heat. This internal heating caused additional softening at higher strain rates and lower stress values. Thermal imaging revealed temperature increases of 15 °C and 18 °C for strain rates of 0.01 s⁻¹ and 0.1 s⁻¹, respectively. Full article

Solar energy reaching a horizontal surface can possess fluctuations that impact electricity generation at a solar plant. Despite this, energy access remains inadequate, particularly in rural areas, with an estimated 82% deficiency. This drives us to assess the regressive and spatial-temporal accessibility of solar energy in the southern and mid regions of Mozambique. This evaluation aims to determine the actual availability of energy for electrification purposes. Data on global horizontal irradiation from approximately 8 stations across all provinces in the specified regions, collected between 2012 and 2014 at intervals of 1 and 10 min, were analyzed using regression and correlation methods along with a specialized algorithm for classifying days based on clear sky index terms. The statistical analysis identified days with significant potential for energy accessibility, exceeding 50% of the average. The findings suggest a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.30 for energy and non-linear regression with clear sky index coefficients around 0.80. The method employed demonstrated accuracy when compared to theoretical simulations of the clear sky index in the region, indicating its potential applicability in other regions of interest. Full article

In the Chilean population, calcium consumption is deficient. Therefore, several strategies have been implemented to increase calcium intake, such as consuming dairy products and supplements. In this study, an ingredient composed of bone flour (BF) and protein hydrolysate (PH) obtained from salmon frame was used as an innovative source of calcium. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of BF and PH in a 1:1 ratio (providing two calcium concentrations to the nuggets, 75 and 125 mg/100 g) on calcium content and sensory attributes of salmon nuggets submitted to baking or shallow frying. Proximal chemical analyses, fatty acid composition, calcium content, and sensory evaluation (acceptability and check-all-that-apply test) were tested in the nuggets. The incorporation of BF/PH (1:1) in both concentrations increased the calcium content of salmon nuggets being higher for the 125 mg/100 g. On the other hand, no negative effects were observed on sensory properties where all samples showed good overall acceptability for baked and fried nuggets. Therefore, the incorporation of BF/PH (1:1) into salmon nuggets enhances the nutritional quality of these products by providing a higher calcium content without significantly affecting their sensory properties. Full article

Objective: To investigate the impact of a prior cervical excisional procedure on the oncologic outcomes of patients with apparent early-stage cervical carcinoma undergoing radical hysterectomy. Methods: The National Cancer Database (2004–2015) was accessed, and patients with FIGO 2009 stage IB1 cervical cancer who had a radical hysterectomy with at least 10 lymph nodes (LNs) removed and a known surgical approach were identified. Patients who did and did not undergo a prior cervical excisional procedure (within 3 months of hysterectomy) were selected for further analysis. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated following the generation of Kaplan–Meier curves and compared with the log-rank test. A Cox model was constructed to control a priori-selected confounders. Results: A total of 3159 patients were identified; 37.1% (n = 1171) had a prior excisional procedure. These patients had lower rates of lymphovascular invasion (29.2% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.014), positive LNs (6.7% vs. 12.7%, p < 0.001), and a tumor size >2 cm (25.7% vs. 56%, p < 0.001). Following stratification by tumor size, the performance of an excisional procedure prior to radical hysterectomy was associated with better OS even after controlling for confounders (aHR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.66). The rate of minimally invasive surgery was higher among patients who had a prior excisional procedure (61.5% vs. 53.2%, p < 0.001). For these patients, performance of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy was not associated with worse OS (aHR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.66, 2.82). Conclusions: For patients undergoing radical hysterectomy, preoperative cervical excision may be associated with a survival benefit. For patients who had a prior excisional procedure, minimally invasive radical hysterectomy was not associated with worse overall survival. Full article

Background and Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as a physiological variation in duration between sinus beats. The aim of this study was to research and analyze the HRV between various groups of patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in an outpatient setting. Patients who had undergone a tilt-table test were selected for this study and were divided into three groups based on their self-reported health anamnesis: group 1 (n = 84, mean age 45.8 ± 17.8) consisted of patients with no known orthostatic intolerance or neurodegenerative disease, group 2 consisted of patients with a known or suspected orthostatic intolerance (n = 50, mean age 46.5 ± 18.6), and group 3 consisted of patients with a known or suspected neurodegenerative disorder (n = 29, mean age 55.6 ± 20.4). During the tilt-table test, HRV frequency-domain parameters—normalized low frequency (LFnu) and high frequency (HFnu), absolute powers—absolute low frequency (LF-RRI), absolute high frequency (HF-RRI), and LF/HF ratio—were recorded during 5 min rest in the supine position. Results: Group 1 had a reduced LFnu at 52.93% (SD: 18.00) compared to group 2 at 58.57% (18.06) and group 3 at 61.80% (SD: 17.74), and group 1 had increased HFnu: group 1—47.08% (SD: 17.97), group 2—41.41% (SD: 18.03), and group 3—38.16% (SD: 14.7). LFnu and HFnu differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). LF-RRI was reported as follows: group 1—531.32 ms² (SD: 578.57), group 2—346.2 ms² (SD: 447.96), and group 3—143.21 ms² (SD: 166.96). HF-RRI was reported as follows: group 1—835.87 ms² (SD: 1625.42), group 2—297.46 ms² (SD: 507.15), and group 3—70.83 ms² (SD: 75.67). LF-RRI and HF-RRI comparisons between groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). LF/HF ratios were reported as follows: group 1—1.91 (SD: 2.29), group 2—2.43 (SD: 2.33), and group 3–2.54 (SD: 2.17). LF/HF ratio comparisons between groups were statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusions: This study shows that patients with known or suspected orthostatic intolerance and neurodegenerative disorders have reduced HRV, possibly caused by reduced parasympathetic modulation. HRV in patients with known or suspected neurodegenerative disorders is reduced more severely than in patients with orthostatic disorders. Other studies in HRV have indicated a possible increase of risk in cardiovascular disorders in patients with reduced HRV, and therefore, HRV analysis could be a potential clinical diagnostic tool. However, the lack of universally agreed upon methodology, reference values, and possible external and internal factor influence hinders the introduction of HRV examinations into wider clinical practice. Full article

Haemophilia presents a significant challenge to the quality of life of affected individuals. Evaluating the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with haemophilia (PwH) provides a valuable mean of assessing their perception of overall care outcomes, while also identifying influential factors across various age and condition severity demographics. This observational retrospective study determined the HRQoL of 100 adult PwH in Northern Greece through comprehensive analysis and interpretation of their HRQoL levels, particularly in domains concerning their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, obtained through the Haem-A-QoL index questionnaire. Disease severity and young age were significantly associated with the administration of prophylactic treatment (84.2% of patients with severe haemophilia and 65.2% of patients aged 18–30). The mean Haem-A-QoL score was 40.11 ± 17.38, with the lowest HRQoL observed in the 46–60 age group (46.16), and the highest in the ≥61 age groups (35.16). Notably, the ‘Sports/Leisure’ and ‘Physical Health’ domains exhibited the highest scores, in contrast to ‘Family Planning’ and ‘Relationships/Sexuality’. Individuals with mild haemophilia recorded the lowest mean score (39.38), while those with a severe condition exhibited the highest (41.23). Age, disease severity, and physical activity emerged as primary determinants significantly affecting HRQoL outcomes. Full article

The synthesis and structural characterization of new “2+1” mixed ligand fac-[Re(CO)₃(OO)(L)] and Re(CO)₂(OO)(L)₂ complexes are reported herein. Maltol and kojic acid were chosen as bidentate OO ligands, while imidazole, isocyanocyclohexane or triphenylphosphine were selected as the monodentate ligands. The synthesis of the rhenium complexes was based on the reaction of [NEt₄]₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] with maltol and kojic acid to generate the intermediate aqua complex fac-[Re(CO)₃(OO)(H₂O)], followed by the replacement of the labile aqua ligand by the monodentate ligand. Structural characterization of all Re complexes was established by NMR and IR spectroscopies, as well as two of them by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, revealing distorted octahedral geometry around the Re center. In the crystal lattice, the complexes form supramolecular networks due to the development of intermolecular interactions of the N-H⋯O, C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π type. Full article

The continuous discharge of organic dyes into freshwater resources poses a long-term hazard to aquatic life. The advanced oxidation Fenton process is a combo of adsorption and degradation of pollutants to detoxify toxic effluents, such as anti-bacterial drugs, antibiotics, and organic dyes. In this work, an activated attapulgite clay-loaded iron-oxide (A-ATP@Fe₃O₄) was produced using a two-step reaction, in which attapulgite serves as an enrichment matrix and Fe₃O₄ functions as the active degrading component. The maximum adsorption capacity (q_t) was determined by assessing the effect of temperature, pH H₂O₂, and adsorbent. The results showed that the A-ATP@Fe₃O₄ achieves the highest removal rate of 99.6% under optimum conditions: 40 °C, pH = 3, H₂O₂ 25 mM, and 0.1 g dosage of the composite. The dye removal procedure achieved adsorption and degradation equilibrium in 120 and 30 min, respectively, by following the same processes as the advanced oxidation approach. Catalytic activity, kinetics, and specified surface characteristics suggest that A-ATP@Fe₃O₄ is one of the most promising candidates for advanced oxidation-enrooted removal of organic dyes. Full article

In order to solve problems such as a slow switching speed, a high switching power, a loss of pure IGBT modulators, and the weak withstanding load short-circuit ability of pure SiC MOSFET modulators used for vacuum loads, this paper proposes a new scheme for high-voltage pulse modulators based on SiC MOSFET/IGBT hybrid connecting circuits. It has a low power loss like the pure SiC MOSFET modulator and a strong withstanding load short-circuit ability like the pure IGBT modulator. Firstly, the principle circuit of the hybrid connecting modulator are discussed and chosen. And the basic working processes of the hybrid parallel-series modulator is described in detail. Secondly, three key points in this new scheme are analyzed and designed as follows: the static and dynamic voltage sharing; the actualizing of the ZVS process for IGBTs; the improvement of short-circuit protection for SiC MOSFETs. A modulator consisting of 16-stage 1200 V-SiC MOSFETs and 1200 V-IGBTs in hybrid parallel-series states is tested. Based on the sample circuit, the working data, such as high-voltage pulse waveforms of 10 kV/2 KHz/10 μs, static and dynamic voltage sharing, the driving control sequence, the U/I sequence of the IGBT, the short-circuit protection waveform, and the calculation, are obtained and discussed. Full article

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationships among several clinical factors and also the tumor topography and surgical strategies used in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We designed an analytical, observational, retrospective study that included patients admitted to our emergency surgical department and diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study group inclusion criteria were: patients admitted during 2020–2022; patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (including the ileocecal valve); patients who benefited from a surgical procedure, either emergency or elective. Results: In our study group, consisting of 153 patients, we accounted for 56.9% male patients and 43.1% female patients. The most common clinical manifestations were pain (73.2% of the study group), followed by abdominal distension (69.3% of the study group) and absence of intestinal transit (38.6% of the study group). A total of 69 patients had emergency surgery (45.1%), while 84 patients (54.9%) benefited from elective surgery. The most frequent topography of the tumor was the sigmoid colon, with 19.60% of the patients, followed by the colorectal junction, with 15.68% of the patients, and superior rectum and inferior rectum, with 11.11% of the patients in each subcategory. The most frequent type of procedure was right hemicolectomy (21.6% of the study group), followed by rectosigmoid resection (20.9% of the study group). The surgical procedure was finished by performing an anastomosis in 49% of the patients, and an ostomy in 43.1% of the patients, while for 7.8% of the patients, a tumoral biopsy was performed. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer remains one of the most frequent cancers in the world, with a heavy burden that involves high mortality, alterations in the quality of life of patients and their families, and also the financial costs of the medical systems. Full article

DNA damage checkpoints are essential for coordinating cell cycle arrest and gene transcription during DNA damage response. Exploring the targets of checkpoint kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi has expanded our comprehension of the downstream pathways involved in DNA damage response. While the function of checkpoint kinases, specifically Rad53, is well documented in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, their targets remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of deleting RAD53 on the global transcription profiles and observed alterations in genes associated with ribosome biogenesis, DNA replication, and cell cycle. However, the deletion of RAD53 only affected a limited number of known DNA damage-responsive genes, including MRV6 and HMX1. Unlike S. cerevisiae, the downregulation of HOF1 transcription in C. albicans under the influence of Methyl Methanesulfonate (MMS) did not depend on Dun1 but still relied on Rad53 and Rad9. In addition, the transcription factor Mcm1 was identified as a regulator of HOF1 transcription, with evidence of dynamic binding to its promoter region; however, this dynamic binding was interrupted following the deletion of RAD53. Furthermore, Rad53 was observed to directly interact with the promoter region of HOF1, thus suggesting a potential role in governing its transcription. Overall, checkpoints regulate global gene transcription in C. albicans and show species-specific regulation on HOF1; these discoveries improve our understanding of the signaling pathway related to checkpoints in this pathogen. Full article