bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the transformations in phytochemicals and grape features: a thorough examination of 'Italia' and 'Bronx Seedless' cultivars throughout multiple berry development stages
Authors: Kaya Ozkan
Published: April 2024

Understanding the physical and phytochemical characteristics of grape cultivars across different berry development stages is crucial for optimizing grape production and quality in the agricultural and viticultural industries. The study, therefore, investigated the physical characteristics and phytochemical composition of 'Italia' and 'Bronx Seedless' grape cultivars harvested across six distinct periods. In grape cultivars displayed an intriguing journey in terms of resveratrol, ranging from 5.96 mg/kg in Period I to 11.59 mg/kg in Period VI. These vital compounds known for contributing to grape color and potential health benefits showed substantial variation across the grape cultivars and harvest periods. In addition, significant variations in phytochemical compositions were observed between 'Italia' and 'Bronx Seedless' grape cultivars, with 'Italia' generally exhibiting higher concentrations of key compounds such as resveratrol, pterostilbene, anthocyanidins, and flavonoids. The longitudinal analysis across six berry developmental periods highlighted a progressive increase in the concentrations of these phytochemicals in cultivar, indicating a dynamic evolution of grape biochemistry over time. Particularly, delphinidin-3-O-glycoside, cyanidin-3-O-glycoside, and petunidin-3-O-glycoside showed marked increases, indicating significant growth in anthocyanin content from Period I to Period VI. Utilizing PCA biplots and a hierarchical clustering heatmap, the study visually represented the relationships and variances among various phytochemical components. The insights revealed how certain compounds clustered together, suggesting similarities and dissimilarities. The positioning of compounds on these plots indicated their significance in characterizing grape cultivars and their maturation over time. In summary, the data underlined the strong influence of berry development time on phytochemical composition, emphasizing the importance of strategic grape harvesting to attain desired phytochemical profiles for wine or other grape products. The findings provide valuable insights for grape growers, winemakers, and researchers aiming to exploit the full potential of these compounds in grape-based products and for those interested in understanding the dynamics of grape phytochemistry.
Proof-of-concept for a novel nanotechnology-based treatment for urolithiasis
Authors: Houlihan Ian , Kang Benjamin , Krishna Vijay , De Smita
Published: April 2024

Proof-of-concept of photonic lithotripsy in an in vitro setting and its ability to fragment the most common stone types is demonstrated. Effectiveness of different classes of photonic nanoparticles in fragmenting human stones is assessed. De-identified human stones were collected after institutional approval. Stones of a size range between 2–4 mm were rehydrated in simulated urine for 24 h. Stones were then coated with a solution of nanoparticles prior to activation with either a 785 nm or 1320 nm near-infrared energy source. Photonic lithotripsy achieved greater than 70% success rate in fragmentating calcium oxalate monohydrate stones using carbon-based nanoparticles for both near-infrared wavelengths. For gold-based nanoparticles, there was a similar success rate with the 785 nm wavelength but a significant decrease when using the 1320 nm wavelength energy source. All stones fragmented with the energy source at a distance ≥ 20 mm from the stone’s surface. Limitations include the use of mixed-composition stones, a lack of complete stone immersion in liquid during treatment, and smaller stone size. Different classes of nanoparticles when excited with a near-infrared energy source can fragment common stone types in vitro. This technology has the potential to change the way we approach and treat patients with urolithiasis in a clinical setting.
Associations between the rumen microbiota and carcass merit and meat quality in beef cattle
Authors: Holman Devin B. , Gzyl Katherine E. , Scott Haley ,   Cara Service, Prieto Nuria , López-Campos Óscar
Published: April 2024

The rumen microbiota is important for energy and nutrient acquisition in cattle, and therefore its composition may also affect carcass merit and meat quality attributes. In this study, we examined the associations between archaeal and bacterial taxa in the rumen microbiota of beef cattle and 12 different attributes, including hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, ribeye area (REA), intramuscular fat content, marbling score, fat thickness, yield grade, moisture content, purge loss, and shear force. There were significant correlations between the relative abundance of certain archaeal and bacterial genera and these attributes. Notably, Selenomonas spp. were positively correlated with live weight and HCW, while also being negatively correlated with purge loss. Members of the Christensenellaceae R-7, Moryella, and Prevotella genera exhibited positive and significant correlations with various attributes, such as dressing percentage and intramuscular fat content. Ruminococcaceae UCG-001 was negatively correlated with live weight, HCW, and dressing percentage, while Acidaminococcus and Succinivibrionaceae UCG-001 were negatively correlated with intramuscular fat content, moisture content, and marbling score. Overall, our findings suggest that specific changes in the rumen microbiota could be a valuable tool to improve beef carcass merit and meat quality attributes. Additional research is required to better understand the relationship between the rumen microbiota and these attributes, with the potential to develop microbiome-targeted strategies for enhancing beef production.

Key points

• Certain rumen bacteria were associated with carcass merit and meat quality

• Moryella was positively correlated with intramuscular fat in beef carcasses

• Acidaminococcus spp. was negatively correlated with marbling and intramuscular fat
Effects of sporadic inclusion body myositis on skeletal muscle fibre type specific morphology and markers of regeneration and inflammation
Authors: Jensen Kasper Yde , Nielsen Jakob Lindberg , Aagaard Per , Jacobsen Mikkel , Jørgensen Anders Nørkær , Bech Rune Dueholm , Frandsen Ulrik , Diederichsen Louise Pyndt , Schrøder Henrik Daa
Published: April 2024

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a subgroup of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies characterised by progressive muscle weakness and skeletal muscle inflammation. Quantitative data on the myofibre morphology in sIBM remains scarce. Further, no previous study has examined fibre type association of satellite cells (SC), myonuclei number, macrophages, capillaries, and myonuclear domain (MD) in sIBM patients. Muscle biopsies from sIBM patients (n = 18) obtained previously (NCT02317094) were included in the analysis for fibre type-specific myofibre cross-sectional area (mCSA), SCs, myonuclei and macrophages, myonuclear domain, and capillarisation. mCSA (p < 0.001), peripheral myonuclei (p < 0.001) and MD (p = 0.005) were higher in association with type 1 (slow-twitch) than type 2 (fast-twitch) fibres. Conversely, quiescent SCs (p < 0.001), centrally placed myonuclei (p = 0.03), M1 macrophages (p < 0.002), M2 macrophages (p = 0.013) and capillaries (p < 0.001) were higher at type 2 fibres compared to type 1 fibres. In contrast, proliferating (Pax7+/Ki67+) SCs (p = 0.68) were similarly associated with each fibre type. Type 2 myofibres of late-phase sIBM patients showed marked signs of muscle atrophy (i.e. reduced mCSA) accompanied by higher numbers of associated quiescent SCs, centrally placed myonuclei, macrophages and capillaries compared to type 1 fibres. In contrast, type 1 fibres were suffering from pathological enlargement with larger MDs as well as fewer nuclei and capillaries per area when compared with type 2 fibres. More research is needed to examine to which extent different therapeutic interventions including targeted exercise might alleviate these fibre type-specific characteristics and countermeasure their consequences in impaired functional performance.
Cardiovascular safety of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for gout: a Danish nationwide case-crossover study
Authors: Bech-Drewes Anne , Bonnesen Kasper , Hauge Ellen-Magrethe , Schmidt Morten
Published: April 2024

Gout attacks are treated with uric-lowering and anti-inflammatory drugs. In patients with gout, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could be both cardiovascular beneficial, due to their anti-inflammatory actions, and cardiovascular hazardous, due to their prothrombotic, hypertensive, and proarrhythmic side effects. We, therefore, examined the risk of cardiovascular events associated with NSAID use in patients with gout. We conducted a nationwide, population-based case-crossover study of all Danes ≥ 18 years of age with first-time gout during 1997–2020, who experienced a cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, or cardiovascular death) (n = 59,150). The exposure was use of NSAIDs, overall and according to type (ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac). We used the dates 300, 240, 180, and 120 before the outcome date as reference dates. We used the Mantel–Haenszel method to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between NSAID use and cardiovascular events. NSAID use was overall associated with 12% decreased odds of a cardiovascular event (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85–0.91). This decreased odds ratio was observed for the use of ibuprofen (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.97) and naproxen (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.97), but not for the use of diclofenac (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.90–1.05). Overall, use of NSAIDs was associated with decreased odds of all the individual components of the composite outcome. NSAIDs were not associated with an increased cardiovascular event rate when used in gout patients. Ibuprofen and naproxen appeared to have better cardiovascular risk profiles than diclofenac.
Expected impact of MRI-targeted biopsy interreader variability among uropathologists on ProScreen prostate cancer screening trial: a pre-trial validation study
Authors: Hietikko Ronja , Mirtti Tuomas , Kilpeläinen Tuomas P. , Tolonen Teemu , Räisänen-Sokolowski Anne , Nordling Stig , Hannus Jill , Laurila Marita , Taari Kimmo , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Autio Reija , Natunen Kari , Auvinen Anssi , Rannikko Antti
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) histology, particularly the Gleason score, is an independent prognostic predictor in PCa. Little is known about the inter-reader variability in grading of targeted prostate biopsy based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to assess inter-reader variability in Gleason grading of MRI-targeted biopsy among uropathologists and its potential impact on a population-based randomized PCa screening trial (ProScreen).

Methods

From June 2014 to May 2018, 100 men with clinically suspected PCa were retrospectively selected. All men underwent prostate MRI and 86 underwent targeted prostate of the prostate. Six pathologists individually reviewed the pathology slides of the prostate biopsies. The five-tier ISUP (The International Society of Urological Pathology) grade grouping (GG) system was used. Fleiss’ weighted kappa (κ) and Model-based kappa for associations were computed to estimate the combined agreement between individual pathologists.

Results

GG reporting of targeted prostate was highly consistent among the trial pathologists. Inter-reader agreement for cancer (GG1–5) vs. benign was excellent (Model-based kappa 0.90, Fleiss’ kappa κ = 0.90) and for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (GG2–5 vs. GG0 vs. GG1), it was good (Model-based kappa 0.70, Fleiss’ kappa κ 0.67).

Conclusions

Inter-reader agreement in grading of MRI-targeted biopsy was good to excellent, while it was fair to moderate for MRI in the same cohort, as previously shown. Importantly, there was wide consensus by pathologists in assigning the contemporary GG on MRI-targeted biopsy suggesting high reproducibility of pathology reporting in the ProScreen trial.
Is bulbospongiosus muscle botox injection safe and effective in treating lifelong premature ejaculation? Randomized controlled study
Authors: Shaher Hussein , Noah Karem , Abdelzaher Mohamed , Kandil Wael , Ahmed Islam Saied , S Nouh Islam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum-A toxin injections into the bulbospongiosus muscle for cases of lifelong drug-resistant premature ejaculation (PE).

Methods

Ninety-eight outpatients diagnosed with lifelong PE were randomly assigned to two groups: the botulinum-A toxin group comprising forty-nine patients and the placebo (saline) group also consisting of forty-nine patients. A 100 U botulinum-A toxin was diluted into 10 cc of saline, with 5 cc injected into one side of the muscle (botulinum-A toxin group) guided by ultrasound to distribute across most muscle fibers. The same technique was applied using the same volume of saline injected into the bulbospongiosus muscle. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), scores from the premature ejaculation profile (PEP), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and recording of any complications were obtained. Follow-ups occurred at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-procedure.

Results

Cases receiving injections of botulinum-A toxin into the bulbospongiosus muscle showed notably extended intravaginal ejaculatory latency times compared to their initial performance after treatment. In addition, there were enhancements in PEP scores, and notably, no significant complications were reported. Conversely, the bilateral injection of saline into the bulbospongiosus muscle did not demonstrate any impact on ejaculation latencies.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the injection of botulinum-A toxin into the bulbospongiosus muscle can serve as a safe and effective option for treating PE. Nonetheless, its clinical application warrants further studies involving larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.
Lean body mass in living kidney donors impacts postoperative renal function
Authors: Keenan Robert A. , Nic an Riogh Aisling U. , Brennan David , Morrin Martina , Lee Michael J. , Davis Niall F. , Ferede Atakelet A. , Little Dilly M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

A living donor kidney transplant is the optimal treatment for chronic renal impairment. Our objective is to assess if lean skeletal muscle mass and donor factors such as body mass index, hypertension, and age impact on renal function following donor nephrectomy.

Methods

Potential donors undergo CT angiography as part of their work-up in our institution. Using dedicated software (Horos®), standardized skeletal muscle area measured at the L3 vertebrae was calculated. When corrected for height, skeletal muscle index can be derived. Skeletal muscle mass index below predefined levels was classified as sarcopenic. The correlation of CT-derived skeletal muscle index and postoperative renal function at 12 months was assessed. Co-variables including donor gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and presence of pre-op hypertension were also assessed for their impact on postoperative renal function.

Results

275 patients who underwent living donor nephrectomy over 10 years were included. Baseline pre-donation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal function at one year post-op were similar between genders. 29% (n = 82) of patients met the criteria for CT-derived sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients were more likely to have a higher GFR at one year post-op (69.3 vs 63.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). The main factors impacting better renal function at one year were the presence of sarcopenia and younger age at donation.

Conclusion

When selecting donors, this study highlights that patients with low skeletal mass are unlikely to underperform in terms of recovery of their renal function postoperatively at one year when compared to patients with normal muscle mass and should not be a barrier to kidney donation.
Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic ICG-fluorescence lymphatic-sparing palomo varicocelectomy: a comparative retrospective study of techniques and outcomes
Authors: Esposito Ciro , Leva Ernesto , Castagnetti Marco , Cerulo Mariapina , Cardarelli Mery , Del Conte Fulvia , Esposito Giovanni , Chiodi Annalisa , Chiarenza Marco , Di Mento Claudia , Escolino Maria
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare techniques and outcomes of robotic-assisted varicocelectomy (RAV) and laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV).

Methods

The medical records of 40 patients, who received RAV and LV over a 2-year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Palomo lymphatic-sparing varicocelectomy using ICG fluorescence was adopted in all cases. Three 5-mm trocars were placed in LV, whereas four ports, three 8-mm and one 5-mm, were placed in RAV. The spermatic vessels were ligated using clips in LV and ligatures in RAV. The two groups were compared regarding patient baseline and operative outcomes.

Results

All patients, with median age of 14 years (range 11–17), had left grade 3 varicocele according to Dubin–Amelar. All were symptomatic and 33/40 (82.5%) presented left testicular hypotrophy. All procedures were completed without conversion. The average operative time was significantly shorter in LV [20 min (range 11–30)] than in RAV [34.5 min (range 30–46)] (p = 0.001). No significant differences regarding analgesic requirement and hospitalization were observed (p = 0.55). At long-term follow-up (30 months), no complications occurred in both groups. The cosmetic outcome was significantly better in LV than RAV at 6-month and 12-month evaluations (p = 0.001). The total cost was significantly lower in LV (1.587,07 €) compared to RAV (5.650,31 €) (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

RAV can be safely and effectively performed in pediatric patients, with the same excellent outcomes as conventional laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy has the advantages of faster surgery, smaller instruments, better cosmesis and lower cost than robotics. To date, laparoscopy remains preferable to robotics to treat pediatric varicocele.
Towards a comprehensive damage identification of structures through populations of competing models
Authors: Hernández-González Israel Alejandro , García-Macías Enrique
Published: April 2024

Model-based damage identification for structural health monitoring (SHM) remains an open issue in the literature. Along with the computational challenges related to the modeling of full-scale structures, classical single-model structural identification (St-Id) approaches provide no means to guarantee the physical meaningfulness of the inverse calibration results. In this light, this work introduces a novel methodology for model-driven damage identification based on multi-class digital models formed by a population of competing structural models, each representing a different failure mechanism. The forward models are replaced by computationally efficient meta-models, and continuously calibrated using monitoring data. If an anomaly in the structural performance is detected, a model selection approach based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is used to identify the most plausibly activated failure mechanism. The potential of the proposed approach is illustrated through two case studies, including a numerical planar truss and a real-world historical construction: the Muhammad Tower in the Alhambra fortress.
Altered TFEB subcellular localization in nigral neurons of subjects with incidental, sporadic and GBA-related Lewy body diseases
Authors: Moors Tim E. , Morella Martino L. , Bertran-Cobo Cesc , Geut Hanneke , Udayar Vinod , Timmermans-Huisman Evelien , Ingrassia Angela M. T. , Brevé John J. P. , Bol John G. J. M. , Bonifati Vincenzo , Jagasia Ravi , van de Berg Wilma D. J.
Published: April 2024

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of genes involved in the maintenance of autophagic and lysosomal homeostasis, processes which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of GBA-related and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). TFEB activation results in its translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Here, we investigated TFEB subcellular localization and its relation to intracellular alpha-synuclein (aSyn) accumulation in post-mortem human brain of individuals with either incidental Lewy body disease (iLBD), GBA-related PD/DLB (GBA-PD/DLB) or sporadic PD/DLB (sPD/DLB), compared to control subjects. We analyzed nigral dopaminergic neurons using high-resolution confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and semi-quantitatively scored the TFEB subcellular localization patterns. We observed reduced nuclear TFEB immunoreactivity in PD/DLB patients compared to controls, both in sporadic and GBA-related cases, as well as in iLBD cases. Nuclear depletion of TFEB was more pronounced in neurons with Ser129-phosphorylated (pSer129) aSyn accumulation in all groups. Importantly, we observed previously-unidentified TFEB-immunopositive perinuclear clusters in human dopaminergic neurons, which localized at the Golgi apparatus. These TFEB clusters were more frequently observed and more severe in iLBD, sPD/DLB and GBA-PD/DLB compared to controls, particularly in pSer129 aSyn-positive neurons, but also in neurons lacking detectable aSyn accumulation. In aSyn-negative cells, cytoplasmic TFEB clusters were more frequently observed in GBA-PD/DLB and iLBD patients, and correlated with reduced GBA enzymatic activity as well as increased Braak LB stage. Altered TFEB distribution was accompanied by a reduction in overall mRNA expression levels of selected TFEB-regulated genes, indicating a possible early dysfunction of lysosomal regulation. Overall, we observed cytoplasmic TFEB retention and accumulation at the Golgi in cells without apparent pSer129 aSyn accumulation in iLBD and PD/DLB patients. This suggests potential TFEB impairment at the early stages of cellular disease and underscores TFEB as a promising therapeutic target for synucleinopathies.
Airway collapse hinders recovery in bronchoscopy therapy for postintubation tracheal stenosis patients
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Li Hong , Zhou Yunzhi , Li Hao , Wei Huafeng , Cheng Qinghao
Published: April 2024

Background

Expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) following postintubation airway stenosis (PITS) is a rare phenomenon. The impact of airway malacia and collapse on the prognosis and the success rate of bronchoscopic interventional therapy in patients with PITS had been inadequately investigated.

Objective

The aim of this research was to assess the influence of airway malacia and collapse on the efficacy of bronchoscopic interventional therapy in patients with PITS.

Design

This retrospective analysis examined the medical documentation of individuals diagnosed with PITS who underwent bronchoscopic intervention at the tertiary interventional pulmonology center of Emergency General Hospital from 2014 to 2021.

Main outcome measures

Data pertaining to preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative stages were documented and subjected to analysis.

Results

The patients in malacia and collapse group (MC group) exhibited a higher frequency of perioperative complications, including intraoperative hypoxemia, need for reoperation within 24 h, and postoperative intensive care unit admission rate (P < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, patients in group MC demonstrated significantly worse postoperative scores (higher mMRC score and lower KPS score) compared to those in pure stenosis group (P < 0.05, respectively), along with higher degrees of stenosis after treatment and a lower success rate of bronchoscopic intervention therapy cured (P < 0.05, respectively). Pearson analysis results showed that these terms were all significantly correlated with the occurrence of airway malacia and collapse in the airway (P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

The presence of malacia or collapse in patients with PITS was associated with increased perioperative complications following bronchoscopic interventional therapy, and significantly reduced the long-term cure rate compared to patients with pure tracheal stenosis.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 06/12/2021. Registration number: ChiCTR2100053991.
Reliable detection of RNA in hippocampus sections of mice by FISH up to a post-mortem delay of 24 h
Authors: Seiffer Sophie , Brendler Jana , Schulz Angela , Ricken Albert
Published: April 2024

Proteins can be successfully localized in post-mortem (PM) brain tissue sections if the time until PM tissue sampling is not too long. In this study, we show that this also applies to the localization of RNA and in particular to the RNA of microglia-specific receptor proteins using the probes and the RNAscope™ Multiplex Fluorescent Detection Kit v2 from Advanced Cell Diagnostics. Brains were removed from killed mice after different PM delays and processed into paraffin sections. In sections of brains from animals whose cadavers had been kept at room temperature (21 °C) before tissue removal, ubiquitously expressed RNAs of genes with low to high expression levels (Polr2a, PPIB, and UBC) were reliably detected in the brain sections even if tissue removal was delayed by up to 48 h. In addition, microglia-specific G protein-coupled receptor RNA (Gpr34, P2ry12) could be reliably assigned to microglia by simultaneous labeling of the microglia with microglia-specific antibodies (Iba1 or P2ry12). Only after a delay of 48 h until tissue removal were the receptor RNA signals significantly lower. The reduction in receptor RNA signals could be delayed if the animal cadavers were stored at 4 °C until the brains were removed. Tissue sections of PM brain samples allow the spatial and cellular localization of specific RNA, at least if the sampling takes place within the first 24 h of PM.
The effect of 8-day oral taurine supplementation on thermoregulation during low-intensity exercise at fixed heat production in hot conditions of incremental humidity
Authors: Peel Jennifer S. , McNarry Melitta A. , Heffernan Shane M. , Nevola Venturino R. , Kilduff Liam P. , Coates Kathryn , Dudley Ed , Waldron Mark
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To determine the effect of taurine supplementation on sweating and core temperature responses, including the transition from compensable to uncompensable heat stress, during prolonged low-intensity exercise of a fixed-heat production (~ 200W/m2) in hot conditions (37.5 °C), at both fixed and incremental vapour-pressure.

Methods

Fifteen females (n = 3) and males (n = 12; 27 ± 5 years, 78 ± 9 kg, $$\dot{V}$$

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O2max 50.3 ± 7.8 mL/kg/min), completed a treadmill walking protocol (~ 200W/m2 heat production [Ḣprod]) in the heat (37.5 ± 0.1 °C) at fixed-(16-mmHg) and ramped-humidity (∆1.5-mmHg/5-min) following 1 week of oral taurine supplementation (50 mg/kg/bm) or placebo, in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design. Participants were assessed for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL), local sweat rate (LSR), sweat gland activation (SGA), core temperature (Tcore), breakpoint of compensability (Pcrit) and calorimetric heat transfer components. Plasma volume and plasma taurine concentrations were established through pre- and post-trial blood samples.

Results

Taurine supplementation increased WBSL by 26.6% and 5.1% (p = 0.035), LSR by 15.5% and 7.8% (p = 0.013), SGA (1 × 1 cm) by 32.2% and 29.9% (p < 0.001) and SGA (3 × 3 cm) by 22.1% and 17.1% (p = 0.015) during the fixed- and ramped-humidity exercise periods, respectively. Evaporative heat loss was enhanced by 27% (p = 0.010), heat-storage reduced by 72% (p = 0.024) and Pcrit was greater in taurine vs placebo (25.0-mmHg vs 21.7-mmHg; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Taurine supplementation increased sweating responses during fixed Ḣprod in hot conditions, prior to substantial heat strain and before the breakpoint of compensability, demonstrating improved thermoregulatory capacity. The enhanced evaporative cooling and reduced heat-storage delayed the subsequent upward inflection in Tcore—represented by a greater Pcrit—and offers a potential dietary supplementation strategy to support thermoregulation.
The role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in sensing and regulating intracellular pH
Authors: Li Hang Lam , Verhoeven Arthur , Elferink Ronald Oude
Published: April 2024

Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) differs from transmembrane adenylyl cyclases (tmAC) in many aspects. In particular, the activity of sAC is not regulated by G-proteins but by the prevailing bicarbonate concentrations inside cells. Therefore, sAC serves as an exquisite intracellular pH sensor, with the capacity to translate pH changes into the regulation of localization and/or activity of cellular proteins involved in pH homeostasis. In this review, we provide an overview of literature describing the regulation of sAC activity by bicarbonate, pinpointing the importance of compartmentalization of intracellular cAMP signaling cascades. In addition, examples of processes involving proton and bicarbonate transport in different cell types, in which sAC plays an important regulatory role, were described in detail.
Transcutaneous bilirubin reliability during and after phototherapy depending on skin color
Authors: Candel-Pau Júlia , Maya-Enero Silvia , Garcia-Garcia Jordi , Duran-Jordà Xavier , López-Vílchez María Ángeles
Published: April 2024

Measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is a non-invasive, widely used technique to estimate serum bilirubin (SB). However, its reliability in multiethnic populations during and after phototherapy is still controversial even in covered skin. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of TcB in covered (cTcB) and exposed (eTcB) skin during and after phototherapy in a multiethnic population of term and preterm neonates according to Neomar’s neonatal skin color scale. Prospective, observational study comparing SB and TcB. We determined SB when clinically indicated and, at the same time, measured cTcB under a photo-opaque patch and eTcB next to it with a jaundice meter (Dräger JM-105TM). All dyads TcB-SB were compared, both globally and according to skin color. We obtained data from 200 newborns (color1: 44, color2: 111, color3: 41, color4: 4) and compared 296 dyads TcB/SB. Correlation between cTcB and SB is strong during (0.74–0.83) and after (0.79–0.88) phototherapy, both globally and by color group. The SB-cTcB bias depends on gestational age during phototherapy and on skin color following phototherapy. The correlation between eTcB and SB during phototherapy is not strong (0.54), but becomes so 12 h after discontinuing phototherapy (0.78).

  Conclusions: Our study supports the reliability of cTcB to assess SB during and after phototherapy, with differences among skin tones after the treatment. The use of cTcB and Neomar’s scale during and mainly after phototherapy may help reduce the number of blood samples required.

What is Known:• Controversies exist on the reliability of jaundice meters during and after phototherapy in covered skin. Only a few studies have analyzed their accuracy in multiethnic populations, but none has used a validated neonatal skin color scale.

What is New:• We verified correlation between serum and transcutaneous bilirubin in covered skin in a multiethnic population depending on skin color based on our own validated neonatal skin color scale during and after phototherapy.
Exploring potential relationships between acoustic indices and ecosystem functions: a test on insect herbivory
Authors: Martini Francesco , Chen You-Fang , Mammides Christos , Goodale Eben , Goodale Uromi Manage
Published: April 2024

Biodiversity loss is a global concern. Current technological advances allow the development of novel tools that can monitor biodiversity remotely with minimal disturbance. One example is passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), which involves recording the soundscape of an area using autonomous recording units, and processing these data using acoustic indices, for example, to estimate the diversity of various vocal animal groups. We explored the hypothesis that data obtained through PAM could also be used to study ecosystem functions. Specifically, we investigated the potential relationship between seven commonly used acoustic indices and insect leaf herbivory, measured as total leaf damage and as the damage from three major insect feeding guilds. Herbivory was quantified on seedlings in 13 plots in four subtropical forests in south China, and acoustic data, representing insect acoustic complexity, were obtained by recording the evening soundscapes in those same locations. Herbivory levels correlated positively with the acoustic entropy index, commonly reported as one of the best-performing indices, whose high values indicate higher acoustic complexity, likely due to greater insect diversity. Relationships for specific feeding guilds were moderately stronger for chewers, indicating that the acoustic indices capture some insect groups more than others (e.g., chewers include soniferous taxa such as crickets, whereas miners are mostly silent). Our findings suggest that the use of PAM to monitor ecosystem functions deserves to be explored further, as this is a research field with unexplored potential. Well-designed targeted studies could help us better understand how to best use novel technologies to monitor ecosystem functions.
Association between muscular tissue desaturation and acute kidney injury in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yin Lingzi , Wang Chunsheng , Zhao Wanli , Yang Xiaoxia , Guo Yuhao , Mu Dongliang , Ni Xinli
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Present study was designed to investigate the association between muscular tissue desaturation and acute kidney injury (AKI) in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Method

A total of 253 patients (≥ 65 years old) who underwent abdominal surgery with expected duration ≥ 2 h were enrolled. Muscular tissue oxygen saturation (SmtO2) was monitored at quadriceps and bilateral flanks during surgery. Muscular desaturation was defined as SmtO2 < 90% baseline lasting for > 60 s. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI within postoperative 7 days. The association between muscular desaturation and AKI was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression model. The secondary outcomes indicated the other complications within postoperative 30 days.

Results

Among 236 patients, 44 (18.6%) of them developed AKI. The incidence of muscular desaturation at quadriceps was 28.8% (68/236). Patients with muscular desaturation had higher incidence of AKI than those without desaturation (27.9% [19/68], vs. 14.9% [25/168], P = 0.020). After adjustment of confounders, multivariable analysis showed that muscular desaturation at quadriceps was significantly associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.21–6.67, P = 0.016). Muscular desaturations at left and right flank were also associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR = 6.38, 95% CI 1.78–22.89, P = 0.004; OR = 8.90, 95% CI 1.42–45.63; P = 0.019, respectively).

Furthermore, patients with muscular desaturation may have a higher risk of pulmonary complications, sepsis and stroke at 30-day follow-up.

Conclusion

Muscular desaturation was associated with postoperative AKI in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery which may serve as a predictor of AKI.
Perifocal edema is a risk factor for preoperative seizures in patients with meningioma WHO grade 2 and 3
Authors: Teske Nico , Teske Nina C. , Greve Tobias , Karschnia Philipp , Kirchleitner Sabrina V. , Harter Patrick N. , Forbrig Robert , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Schichor Christian , Biczok Annamaria
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with intracranial meningiomas frequently suffer from tumor-related seizures prior to resection, impacting patients’ quality of life. We aimed to elaborate on incidence and predictors for seizures in a patient cohort with meningiomas WHO grade 2 and 3.

Methods

We retrospectively searched for patients with meningioma WHO grade 2 and 3 according to the 2021 WHO classification undergoing tumor resection. Clinical, histopathological and imaging findings were collected and correlated with preoperative seizure development. Tumor and edema volumes were quantified.

Results

Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 16.0 years were included. Most tumors (86/95, 90.5%) were classified as atypical meningioma WHO grade 2. Nine of 95 tumors (9.5%) corresponded to anaplastic meningiomas WHO grade 3, including six patients harboring TERT promoter mutations. Meningiomas were most frequently located at the convexity in 38/95 patients (40.0%). Twenty-eight of 95 patients (29.5%) experienced preoperative seizures. Peritumoral edema was detected in 62/95 patients (65.3%) with a median volume of 9 cm3 (IR: 0–54 cm3). Presence of peritumoral edema but not age, tumor localization, TERT promoter mutation, brain invasion or WHO grading was associated with incidence of preoperative seizures, as confirmed in multivariate analysis (OR: 6.61, 95% CI: 1.18, 58.12, p = *0.049). Postoperative freedom of seizures was achieved in 91/95 patients (95.8%).

Conclusions

Preoperative seizures were frequently encountered in about every third patient with meningioma WHO grade 2 or 3. Patients presenting with peritumoral edema on preoperative imaging are at particular risk for developing tumor-related seizures. Tumor resection was highly effective in achieving seizure freedom.
MMP1, IL-1β, sTNFR-1, and IL-6 are prognostic factors for patients with unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Nagasaka Hirotaka , Kishida Takeshi , Kouro Taku , Igarashi Yuka , Takebe Shinichi , Yamamoto Shotaro , Kondo Takuya , Koizumi Mitsuyuki , Terao Hideyuki , Suzuki Takahisa , Nakaigawa Noboru , Himuro Hidetomo , Wei Feifei , Sasada Tetsuro
Published: April 2024

Background

Few studies have reported reliable prognostic factors for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, we investigated prognostic factors in patients treated with ICIs for unresectable or metastatic RCC.

Methods

We included 43 patients who received ICI treatment for RCC between January 2018 and October 2021. Blood samples were drawn before treatment, and 73 soluble factors in the plasma were analyzed using a bead-based multiplex assay. We examined factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and immune-related adverse events (irAE) using the Chi-squared test, Kaplan–Meier method, and the COX proportional hazards model.

Results

Patients exhibited a median PFS and OS of 212 and 783 days, respectively. Significant differences in both PFS and OS were observed for MMP1 (PFS, p < 0.001; OS, p = 0.003), IL-1β (PFS, p = 0.021; OS, p = 0.008), sTNFR-1 (PFS, p = 0.017; OS, p = 0.005), and IL-6 (PFS, p = 0.004; OS, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in PFS for MMP1 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.305, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.648–17.082; p = 0.005) and OS for IL-6 (HR 23.876, 95% CI, 3.426–166.386; p = 0.001). Moreover, 26 patients experienced irAE, leading to ICI discontinuation or withdrawal. MMP1 was significantly associated with irAE (p = 0.039).

Conclusion

MMP1 may be associated with severe irAE, and MMP1, IL-1β, sTNFR-1, and IL-6 could serve as prognostic factors in unresectable or metastatic RCC treated with ICIs. MMP1 and IL-6 were independent predictors of PFS and OS, respectively. Thus, inhibiting these soluble factors may be promising for enhancing antitumor responses in patients with RCC treated with ICIs.
Usefulness of “AcT ratio” in diagnosis of internal carotid artery stenosis: a multicenter, retrospective, observational study
Authors: Tsukui Daisuke , Takekawa Hidehiro , Saito Kozue , Okabe Ryuta , Tanaka Akito , Kobayasi Saro , Igarasi Haruki , Suzuki Keisuke , Hamaguchi Hirotoshi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The ratio of the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the common carotid artery (CCA), especially the “AcT ratio,” which is a modified measurement method of acceleration time, is useful for diagnosing ICA-origin stenosis. However, previous studies were single-center studies. Therefore, this multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether a method using the AcT ratio is useful for estimating stenosis rates.

Methods

This study included 461 vessels subjected to carotid artery ultrasonography and evaluation for ICA-origin stenosis via NASCET at four hospitals. The duration from the steep rise point to the inflection point or the first peak was defined as AcT on pulsed wave Doppler. The AcT ratio was calculated as AcT of ICA/AcT of ipsilateral CCA. The AcT ratio and rate of ICA-origin stenosis were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, simple regression analysis, and ROC curve.

Results

A significant positive correlation was observed between the AcT ratio and NASCET stenosis. NASCET stenosis of ≥ 50% had a sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 70.2%, 71.6%, and 91.5%, respectively, when the cut-off value of the AcT ratio was 1.17. NASCET stenosis of ≥ 70% had a sensitivity, specificity, and NPV of 70.5%, 72.1%, and 95.9%, respectively, when the cut-off value of the AcT ratio was 1.22.

Conclusions

The findings of this multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study suggest that the AcT ratio is useful for diagnosing ICA-origin stenosis, especially for diagnosis by exclusion. NASCET stenosis of ≥ 50% was considered unlikely if the Act ratio was ≤ 1.17, whereas NASCET stenosis of ≥ 70% was considered unlikely if it was ≤ 1.22.
Navigating tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic perspectives and myeloid cell regulation mechanism
Authors: Yang Fan , Lee Gloria , Fan Yi
Published: April 2024

Sustained angiogenesis stands as a hallmark of cancer. The intricate vascular tumor microenvironment fuels cancer progression and metastasis, fosters therapy resistance, and facilitates immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature have emerged as transformative for cancer treatment, encompassing anti-angiogenesis, vessel normalization, and endothelial reprogramming. Growing evidence suggests the dynamic regulation of tumor angiogenesis by infiltrating myeloid cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and neutrophils. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is pivotal in paving the way for successful vasculature-targeted cancer treatments. Therapeutic interventions aimed to disrupt myeloid cell-mediated tumor angiogenesis may reshape tumor microenvironment and overcome tumor resistance to radio/chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
A joint sustainable order-packing vehicle routing optimisation for the cold chain e-fulfilment
Authors: Tsang Y. P. , Ma Haoran , Tan K. H. , Lee C. K. M.
Published: April 2024

Due to the new normal caused by the pandemic, consumer behaviour has now shifted to online shopping not only for general commodities but also for food and other perishable products. Therefore, e-commerce fulfilment is now integrated with cold chain capabilities to satisfy stringent requirements on time-criticality and product quality, leading to the concept of cold chain e-fulfilment. In the cold chain e-fulfilment process, perishable orders are packed in thermal packaging solutions and delivered to consumers before the quality preservation time window. To secure a sufficient time buffer during last mile delivery, excessive use of thermal packaging materials is applied, which creates an adverse environmental impact on our eco-system. Aligning with low-carbon business practices, this study proposes a novel joint optimization model, namely the Joint Optimization of Sustainable Order Packing and Multi-Temperature Delivery Problem (JOSOPMDP), for order packing and vehicle routing decisions, where the sustainable use of thermal packaging materials is promoted without negatively influencing product quality and customer satisfaction. To evaluate its viability and performance, three sets of computational experiments are subsequently conducted. It is found that the proposed model is feasible to strike a balance between order packing and vehicle routing decisions. Compared with the traditional strategy, the average total cost and satisfaction level are improved by 3.26% and 47.88%, respectively. Consequently, this research fosters sustainable thinking in the cold chain e-fulfilment process, minimizing environmental impact.
DLD is a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 infection in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Chen Can , Kang Dandan , Chen Zhenzhen , Shi Pengfei , Li Yun , Qian Shenxian
Published: April 2024

Since the discovery of copper induces cell death(cuprotosis) in 2022, it has been one of the biggest research hotspots. cuprotosis related genes (CRGs) has been demonstrated to be a potential therapeutic target for cancer, however, the molecular mechanism of CRGs in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected in DLBCL patients has not been reported yet. Therefore, our research objective is first to elucidate the mechanism and role of CRGs in COVID-19. Secondly, we conducted univariate and multivariate analysis and machine learning to screen for CRGs with common expression differences in COVID-19 and DLBCL. Finally, the functional role and immune mechanism of genes in DLBCL were confirmed through cell experiments and immune analysis. The research results show that CRGs play an important role in the occurrence and development of COVID-19. Univariate analysis and machine learning confirm that dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) is the common key gene of COVID-19 and DLBCL. Inhibiting the expression of DLD can significantly inhibit the cycle progression and promote cell apoptosis of DLBCL cells and can target positive regulation of Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, also known as KDM1A) to inhibit the proliferation of DLBCL cells and promote cell apoptosis. The immune analysis results show that high-expression of DLD may reduce T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity by regulating immune infiltration of CD8 + T cells and positively regulating immune checkpoints LAG3 and CD276. Reducing the expression of DLD can effectively enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, thereby clearing cancer cells and preventing cancer growth. In conclusion, DLD may be a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 infection in DLBCL patients. Our research provides a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of COVID-19 infection in DLBCL.
Lagrangian Stochastic Modeling of Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Shin Jihoon , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: April 2024

A single-column turbulence model for stratified atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), which solves the transport equations of turbulence probability density function (PDF) using a Lagrangian stochastic modeling (LSM) approach, is proposed in this study. This study adopts previously developed stochastic differential equations (SDEs) for particle velocity and temperature and extends the LSM to simulate inhomogeneous turbulence. The proposed LSM is tested for its ability to fully simulate statistics of inhomogeneous stratified turbulence. In the model, particles evolve by SDEs, and turbulence statistics are calculated by averaging the properties of particles. The model provides a full representation of turbulence PDF and simulates turbulent transport without any modeling assumption. The model performance is evaluated against large-eddy simulation (LES) results in the simulations of convective and stable ABL cases. For the convective ABL, LSM realistically simulates the entrainment process with the temperature and heat flux profiles that closely match with LES. The joint PDF simulated by LSM reproduces a curved and highly skewed shape, and some distinct features, like the asymmetric distribution of vertical velocity and the separation of the PDF in the entrainment zone, are simulated. LSM also reproduces the entrainment enhancement by wind shear in the simulation of sheared convective ABL. The LSM simulation of stable ABL predicts realistic turbulence intensity and mean field profiles, where Gaussian-like PDFs are simulated both in LSM and LES.