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Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a minimally invasive tool for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This enables dynamic risk stratification, earlier recurrence detection and optimized post-surgical treatment. Two primary methodologies have been developed for ctDNA-based MRD detection: tumor-informed strategies, which identify tumor-specific mutations through initial tissue sequencing to guide ctDNA monitoring, and tumor-agnostic approaches, which utilize predefined panels to detect common cancer-associated genomic or epigenomic alterations directly from plasma without prior tissue analysis. The debate over which is superior in terms of sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness and clinical feasibility remains unsolved. This review summarizes studies published up to November 2024, exploring the utility and performance of tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic approaches for ctDNA analysis in CRC. We evaluate the strengths and limitations of each methodology, focusing on sensitivity, specificity and clinical outcomes. Both strategies demonstrate clinical utility in post-operative risk stratification and guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in CRC patients. Tumor-informed approaches generally exhibit superior sensitivity and specificity for recurrence prediction, attributed to their personalized tumor profile designs. However, these methods are limited by the need for prior tissue sequencing and higher associated costs. In contrast, tumor-agnostic approaches offer broader applicability due to their reliance on plasma-only analysis, although with relatively lower sensitivity. Technological advancements, including fragmentomics and multi-omic integrations, are expanding the capabilities of ctDNA-based MRD detection, enhancing the performance of both approaches. While tumor-informed strategies currently offer higher precision in MRD detection, tumor-agnostic approaches are gaining traction due to their convenience and improving performance metrics. The integration of novel technologies in ongoing clinical trials may redefine the optimal approach for MRD detection in CRC, paving the way for more personalized and adaptive patient management strategies. • ctDNA-based MRD analysis enhances risk stratification and optimizes adjuvant chemotherapy management in CRC patients. • Tumor-informed assays track patient-specific mutations, achieving higher sensitivity and precision in MRD. • Tumor-agnostic methods target predefined signatures allowing broader applicability but with relatively lower sensitivity. • Emerging technologies like fragmentomics and multi-omic integration expand the potential of both approaches. • Ongoing trials are exploring both strategies in clinical workflows, leading to more personalized CRC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rheological properties of dough are important for wheat quality characterisation. This research sought to obtain prediction models for rheological characteristics and to characterise the breadmaking quality of whole wheat using NIRS (Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy) technology, in order to offer a rapid tool to the farmers to know the quality of their product at the harvest moment. Tenacity (P), extensibility (L), deformation energy (W) and ratio P/L of dough were measured using traditional methods. NIR spectra were acquired from these samples. Models to predict the values from these parameters were developed. The SEC achieved for the extensibility, deformation energy and tenacity of dough and the ratio between the two latter parameters were 5.27mm, 9.97×10−4 J, 3.98mm and 0.025, respectively. The four models were validated by cross-validation, and by independent validation. The precision obtained in these models was enough for being applied in harvesters or at delivering moment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The great increase in maximum laden mass and recent fatal accidents involving tractors having ROPS tested in accordance with a specific standard have led to the need to evaluate the validity of the current standards for testing ROPS. A ROPS able to meet the requirements of the current tests, but without a rollover safety margin, has been designed. This means that it is possible to manufacture ROPS without sufficient safety but that could still be successfully tested in accordance with the current standards. A proposal has been developed to improve the standards by using the maximum laden mass as the reference mass as well as modifying the coefficients in their formulae. The proposed methodology recognizes the validity of the current Code 4 and SAE J2194 formulae for tractors with additional ballast mass that is less than 35% of their unladen mass. The proposed methodology would provide adequate and homogeneous safety for all tractors, equivalent to the safety provided by the current Code 4 standard for tractors whose maximum laden is 135% of their unladen mass. If the current formulae are not modified, then their validity should be limited to a safety margin of maximum laden mass equivalent to 135% of the reference mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how local conditions and dispersal dynamics structure communities of passively dispersing aquatic invertebrates remains uncertain, especially in aridland systems. In these systems, dispersal is irregular and successful colonization is subject to priority effects. To investigate these factors, we compared rotifer species composition from Chihuahuan Desert rock pools, playas, and tanks. (1) We found 132 species with high beta-dissimilarity among sites (> 0.8). (2) Correlation between species richness and habitat area was significant, but weak, for all sites. (3) Dissimilarity analyses, supported by negative Dispersal-Niche Continuum Index (DNCI) values, showed that stochastic processes dominate community assembly. (4) We examined influence of three important environmental variables on richness and community structure: hydroperiod, algal mat and macrophyte development, and conductivity; we also examined how rotifer trophi type (a functional trait) affected DNCI and identified indicator species. Hydroperiod was important for playas and tanks, but not rock pools. Conductivity had a strong influence. Richness was greatest in habitats with highest amounts of vegetation. Environmental factors explained ~12% of variation in community composition, indicating that while deterministic processes are significant, stochastic processes dominate in these systems. We provide a conceptual model that highlights the distinctive of nature aquatic communities in aridlands compared to temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myogenic stem cells (MSC), also known as satellite cells, play a key role in mediating post-hatch skeletal muscle growth in broiler chickens. Information regarding the heterogeneity of MSC populations and myofiber size distributions in different muscles of modern broiler strains of both sexes is scarce. Thus, myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and myogenic regulatory factor expression by MSC populations in 2 functionally different muscles (Biceps femoris , BF and Pectoralis major , PM) from both sexes of broilers from 2 strains, Ross 708 x Ross 708 (ROSS ; Aviagen Group, Huntsville, AL) and Red Ranger (RR ; S&G Poultry, Clanton, AL) was evaluated. Female and male broilers from both strains (n = 80 birds per strain) were reared for 43 d on a common corn and soybean meal-based diet. At 43 d of age, 8 birds per sex per strain (n = 32 total) were euthanized and PM and BF muscle samples from each bird were analyzed using cryohistology, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and fluorescence microscopy. Cryosections from each muscle from each bird were IF stained to detect Myf-5, MyoD, and Pax7-expressing MSC. The CSA of every fiber in each digital image was measured and MSC populations (Myf-5+, MyoD+, Pax7+, Myf-5+: MyoD+, Myf-5+: Pax7+, MyoD+: Pax7+, and Myf-5+: MyoD+: Pax7+) were enumerated. Myofiber CSA was similar among the 2 strains and 2 sexes (P > 0.05). As expected, mean myofiber CSA was greater in the predominantly fast-twitch PM than the predominantly slow-twitch BF muscle (P = 0.006). At 43 d of age, ROSS broilers had a 32% larger population of Myf-5+: MyoD+: Pax7+ MSC compared with RR (P = 0.04). The heterogeneity of MSC was similar among the sexes. While the total MSC population was larger in the BF muscle compared with the PM (P < 0.05), the Myf-5+ and Pax7+ MSC densities were similar among muscles (P > 0.05). The major differences in myofiber morphometrics and MSC heterogeneity were not among the different broiler strains or sexes but were instead, between the 2 functionally different muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a very promising technology to manufacture sheet metal products by the CNC controlled movement of a simple forming tool. Although it is a slow process, the cost reduction linked to the fact that punches or dies are avoided, makes it a very suitable process for low series production, in comparison with the traditional stamping or drawing processes. Nevertheless, the process still needs a further optimization to guarantee the reliability required for industrial applications. Process analysis based on experimental tests and modelling is required to analyse the effect of process parameters on the characteristics of incrementally formed parts and to go deeper in the understanding of the process itself. Therefore, this paper shows preliminary results obtained with experimental tests and a simple FEM model which gives accurate prediction of some characteristics of the formed parts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A preparation method for a new electrode material based on the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2/polyaniline (PANI) composite is reported. This material is prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 assisted by ultrasonic irradiation. The materials are characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDX, AFM, nitrogen adsorption (BET surface area) and electrical conductivity measurements. PANI in the emeraldine salt form interacts with metal-oxide particles to assure good connectivity. The dc electrical conductivity measurements at room temperature indicate that conductivity values are one order of magnitude higher in the composite than in the oxide alone. This behavior determines better reversibility for Li-insertion in charge–discharge cycles compared to the pristine mixed oxide when used as electrode of lithium batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the family history of diabetes in type 2 black South African diabetics with emphasis on the parental phenotype.Design: Prospective case-control study in which family histories were obtained from patients.Setting: Diabetic clinic of a provincial teaching hospital in the Transkei region of South Africa.Subjects: A total of 1111 type 2 diabetics attending the diabetic clinic and 687 controls.Main Outcome Measures: History of diabetes in parents, siblings, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles.Results: Altogether 27.3% of diabetic subjects had a family history of diabetes compared with 8.4% in the control group (p<0.01). Among the group with positive family history 82.6% reported only one diabetic family member, while 17.4% reported at least two relatives; 6.6% had a diabetic relative from both maternal and paternal sides, and 87.8% had first degree relative with diabetes. Among them there was a significant maternal aggregation with 64.7% of patients having a diabetic mother compared with 27% who had a diabetic father (p<0.01). No maternal effect was observed among the second and third degree relatives. Patients with positive family history had an earlier onset of diabetes than those without family history (p<0.01).Conclusion: These data suggest that type 2 diabetes is heritable in black South African diabetics. It is also likely that maternal influences may play an important part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OECD test codes were developed on the basis that the energy to be absorbed by the ROPS during an overturn is proportional to the tractor mass. The selection of the tractor mass used as a reference for the calculation of this energy determines the result of the tests. SAE Standard J2194 and the OECD codes/ISO standards/EU directives generally use the unballasted mass of tractors, but SAE Standard Jl194 uses the maximum gross machine mass. We used 300 tractor models to compare the safety provided by the two different methodologies for testing ROPS: OECD Code 4 and SAE Jl194. It was possible to establish that SAE Jl194 provides a higher level of safety than Code 4 for tractors having ballast greater than 35% of their unballasted mass. SAE Jl194 is more demanding with light tractors than with heavy tractors and, as the tractor mass in the moment of overturning can be very different from its unladen mass, it is more in line with the current situation of modern tractors. OECD Code 4 provides the same safety level for light and heavy tractors, but the level of real safety depends on the quotient between the maximum admissible and unballasted masses. Because of that, OECD Code 4 is valid for tractors having moderate ballast, but for highly ballasted tractors its validity is very doubtful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the use of the ball burnishing process to improve the final quality of Inconel 718 surfaces is studied. This process changes the roughness and residual stresses of the previously end milled surfaces, achieving the finishing requirements for engine components. Both the burnishing system and main parameters are taken into account, considering their influence on finishing. Workpiece surface integrity is ensured due to the compression effect of this surfacef enhancement process and its associated cold working. Results of different tested pieces are discussed in relation to the maximum and mean surface roughness achieved microstructure and surface hardness. Results of heat-treated low carbon mould steel P20 (32 HRC) are compared with those for the nickel alloy Inconel 718 (solution treated and age hardening, 40 HRC). The main conclusions are that using a large radial width of cut in the previous end milling operation, together with a small radial width of cut during burnishing can produce acceptable final roughness. And compression cold working is higher and deeper in the Inconel 718 than in the steel case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) and co-infections with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains poorly characterized in Peru. The aim of this study was to identify HPV infections and the presence of co-infections by other important STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis , and Herpes simplex virus) in women attending the public health system in northern Peru. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in asymptomatic women attending the cervical cancer screening program in a public hospital of Cajamarca, Peru. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, recent gynecological bleeding, previous hysterectomy, previous history of HPV-related disease including cervical intraepithelial lesions, cancer, warts and cutaneous manifestations. A cervical swab was collected from each patient using a disposable cytobrush. Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The pathogens evaluated were: HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis , and Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). A total of 300 asymptomatic women were enrolled in the current study. The pooled prevalence of HPV detected in our study was 19.33% (16.33% as single infection and 3.00% in co-infections) from the total samples. Co-infections between the different pathogens were also observed in 15 cases, being HPV and T. vaginalis the most frequent with 10 cases (66.67%). The most frequent type identified in HPV monoinfections were HPV-16 (16.33%), HPV-52 (14.29%) and HPV-31 (8.16%). Co-infection by multiple HPV types were also identified with up to 4 genotypes at the same time in a single patient The majority of patients with high-risk HPV were between 18 - 39 years old (60.87%) and had a sexual partner in the last 6 months (93.48%). Also, the majority of the patients with high-risk types did not report frequent condom use (89.13%). We found an important prevalence of HPV in asymptomatic women from northern Peru. The most common genotypes were HPV-16, HPV-52 and HPV-31. Among the STIs studied, T. vaginalis was the most common pathogen detected in co-infections with HPV. Education on condom use and timely screening should be encouraged in the Peruvian population to prevent the expansion of HPV and other sexually transmitted pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used a cytoplasmic enzyme system in the study of the in vitro cytotoxic activity of human peripheral blood leucocytes against isolated liver cells in patients with chronic liver diseases. Lymphocytes from primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active liver disease patients were shown to have an in vitro capacity to induce a cytolitic effect on isolated hepatocytes, as demonstrated by the enhanced release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a cytoplasmic marker enzyme. No significant LDH release was seen with control lymphocytes of normal persons or with lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Our results corroborate, in a different assay system, by a simple, reproducible and different method, that lymphocyte-mediated liver eel! damage 'm vitro' occurs in both primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocytes from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients were shown to have an injurious effect on rat liver mitochondria, as was demonstrated by the inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory control by these cells. The incubation of the PBC patients' lymphocytes with isolated rat liver mitochondria produced a significant inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in the presence of ADP: However, no significant effect on respiration was seen with control lymphocytes of normal persons or with lymphocytes from patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and miscellaneous liver diseases. The results suggest that this injurious effect of PBC lymphocytes on mitochondria might be a consequence of sensitization in vivo of the PBC patients' lymphocytes by the mitochondrial antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]