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Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality. Despite advances in treatment, metastatic progression and resistance to standard therapies significantly worsen patient outcomes. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in metastasis, enabling cancer cells to gain invasive and migratory capabilities, often driven by changing miRNA expression involved in the regulation of pathological processes like drug resistance. Targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have improved outcomes, particularly in BRCA-mutated and DNA repair-deficient tumors; however, resistance and limited efficacy in advanced stages remain challenges. Recent studies highlight the potential synergy of PARPi with DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors, such as ATR and CHK1 inhibitors, which disrupt cancer cell survival pathways under stress. This study investigated the combined effects of olaparib with ATR and CHK1 inhibitors (ATRi and CHK1i) on migration, invasion, and EMT-related protein expression and miRNA expression in ovarian cancer cell lines OV-90 and SKOV-3. The results demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity, inhibition of migration and invasion, and modulation of miRNAs linked to metastasis. These findings suggest that combination therapies targeting DNA repair and cell cycle pathways may offer a novel, more effective approach to managing advanced EOC and reducing metastatic spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the phytosociological data from four sample sites located in the Pannonian region. The study areas, ranging from 2.4 to 2.5 hectares, have been subjected to goat grazing and mowing for 24 years. N1: Nagyréde, an overgrazed pasture with 24 goats; N2: Nagyréde, a mown field; C1: Csokvaomány, a lightly grazed pasture with 12 goats; and meadow C2: Csokvaomány, a site that is both mown and grazed. Six phytosociological surveys were conducted randomly in each area. We also considered the conservation value, biomass production, and forage values. Phytosociological data were processed using hierarchical cluster analysis and the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. The overgrazed pasture (N1) exhibited the most degraded vegetation community, dominated by weeds and disturbance-tolerant species. The overgrazed (N1) pasture had a low forage value because of the different timing of treatments. Even in the lightly grazed pasture (C1), the proportion of species indicative of degradation was significant. The species composition of the areas indicated that the mown and subsequently grazed area (C2) had outstanding values. The species richness of C2 was twice that of the mown field (N2). Based on the present study, a combination of light grazing pressure and mowing is the most suitable approach for managing and economically utilizing these grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is critical to sustain the diversity of the microbiota to maintain host homeostasis and health. Growing evidence indicates that changes in gut microbial biodiversity may be associated with the development of several pathologies, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is still the first-line drug for treatment of T2DM unless there are contra-indications. The drug primarily inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases the sensitivity of target cells (hepatocytes, adipocytes and myocytes) to insulin; however, increasing evidence suggests that it may also influence the gut. As T2DM patients exhibit gut dysbiosis, the intestinal microbiome has gained interest as a key target for metabolic diseases. Interestingly, changes in the gut microbiome were also observed in T2DM patients treated with metformin compared to those who were not. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the association of the gut microbiome with the antihyperglycemic effect of metformin. Numerous studies indicate that the reduction in glucose concentration observed in T2DM patients treated with metformin is due in part to changes in the biodiversity of the gut microbiota. These changes contribute to improved intestinal barrier integrity, increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), regulation of bile acid metabolism, and enhanced glucose absorption. Therefore, in addition to the well-recognized reduction of gluconeogenesis, metformin also appears to exert its glucose-lowering effect by influencing gut microbiome biodiversity. However, we are only beginning to understand how metformin acts on specific microorganisms in the intestine, and further research is needed to understand its role in regulating glucose metabolism, including the impact of this remarkable drug on specific microorganisms in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse data bias, where there is a lack of sufficient cases, is a common problem in data analysis, particularly when studying rare binary outcomes. Although a two‐step meta‐analysis approach may be used to lessen the bias by combining the summary statistics to increase the number of cases from multiple studies, this method does not completely eliminate bias in effect estimation. In this paper, we propose a one‐shot distributed algorithm for estimating relative risk using a modified Poisson regression for binary data, named ODAP‐B. We evaluate the performance of our method through both simulation studies and real‐world case analyses of postacute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children using data from 184 501 children across eight national academic medical centers. Compared with the meta‐analysis method, our method provides closer estimates of the relative risk for all outcomes considered including syndromic and systemic outcomes. Our method is communication‐efficient and privacy‐preserving, requiring only aggregated data to obtain relatively unbiased effect estimates compared with two‐step meta‐analysis methods. Overall, ODAP‐B is an effective distributed learning algorithm for Poisson regression to study rare binary outcomes. The method provides inference on adjusted relative risk with a robust variance estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In North American beef production, handling and restraint of young calves is integral to animal welfare and management practices. This study used a mixed-method approach to gather public perceptions of three handling and restraint methods common in western Canada during spring processing (TT—tilt table, RW—roping and wrestling, and NF—roping and NordFork). Canadians (n = 551) participated in an online survey that included videos of each handling method to ascertain preferences and acceptability. Participants were given industry information about handling and restraint or generic information regarding hay as a control information statement within the topic of agriculture. The survey also collected information about knowledge of the beef industry, animal welfare, and empathy toward animals. The reasons for preferences for specific handling methods were described as the presence of a perceived positive attribute and the absence of a perceived negative for most preferred methods, and inversely when explaining the least preferred method. The main themes focused on the calf's experience, perception of handler actions, and pragmatic balancing of needs for a good life for the calf. All methods were rated as more acceptable for participants that ate meat consistently, knew more about the beef industry, and, to a lesser extent, if the individual had a lower animal empathy score. Acceptability was not affected by providing information about the practices; however, information did elicit more pragmatic reasoning. Most participants preferred TT over NF and RW (p < 0.001) and found TT more acceptable as well (p < 0.001). The TT was the most preferred method due to calf experience and human handling—notably the absence of dragging a calf, which was predominant in why participants selected NF or RW as their least preferred method. Consistency of themes highlights that regardless of method or acceptability, the fundamental expectation of the public focuses on the perception of the calf's quality of life, humane handling, and pragmatism, which are values aligned with beef sustainability initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Statistician / Wiadomości Statystyczne is the property of State Treasury - Statistics Poland and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of motion sensors for monitoring cattle behaviour has enabled farmers to predict the state of their cattle's welfare more efficiently. While most studies work with one dimensional output with disjunct behaviour categories, more accurate prediction can still be achieved by including complex movements and enriching the sensor algorithmto detect multi-dimensional movements, i.e., more than onemovement occurring simultaneously. This paper presents such a machine-learning method for analysing overlapping independent movements. The output of the method consists of automatically recognized complex behaviour patterns that can be used for measuring animalwelfare, predicting calving, or detecting early signs of diseases. This study combines automated motion sensors (i.e., halter and pedometer) for ruminants known as RumiWatch mounted on a Charolais fattening bull and camera observation. Fourteen types of complex movements were identified, i.e., defecating-urinating, eating, drinking, getting up, head movement, licking, lying down, lying, playingaggression, rubbing, ruminating, sleeping, standing, and stepping. As multiple parallel binary classificators were used, the system was able to recognize parallel behavioural patterns with high fidelity. Two types of machine learning, i.e., Support Vector Classification (SVC) and RandomForest were used to recognize different general and non-general forms of movement. Results from these two supervised learning systemswere compared. A continuous forty-eight hours of videowere annotated to train the systems and validate their predictions. The success rate of both classifiers in recognizing specialmovements fromboth sensors or separately in different settings (i.e., window and padding) was examined. Although the two classifiers produced different results, the ideal settings showed that all forms of movement in the subject animal were successfully recognized with high accuracy. More studies using more individual animals and different ruminants would increase our knowledge on enhancing the system's performance and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study examined the impact of grazing by Hungarian Grey cattle on plant communities in grasslands restored and established through different methods. The grasslands were established and restored in 2009 using five methods: (I) naturally regenerating fallow, (II) hay-mulch addition, (III) seeded grassland following soil preparation, (IV) grazing on abandoned alfalfa fields, and (V) overseeded fallow initiated in 1989. From 2009 to 2011, all sites were uniformly mowed, after which they were grazed using free-ranging Hungarian Grey cattle starting in 2012. This project aims to restore traditional land use and dry grassland grazing in the region. Phytosociological recordings were conducted in 2012, the first year following grazing initiation, and again in 2020, nine years later. We assessed the botanical composition and grassland management value across sites in a 260-hectare experimental area within the Pannonian biogeographic region. The current study seeks to determine how different grassland restoration techniques have influenced the botanical composition and grassland management values of pastures and to identify the most suitable restoration methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using R to assess species count differences across four vegetation categories. The results indicate that the overseeded fallow established in 1989 and the hay-mulch addition method were the most effective techniques. Directly seeded grasslands and abandoned alfalfa fields differed most significantly from these areas. Across all types, species richness and total cover increased relative to the initial conditions in 2012, and the naturalness of the species composition also improved. Returning to traditional land use improved the ecological state of all sites. Restoration of the grazed areas proved optimal over the elapsed period, with two years of mowing followed by grazing. Grazing with Hungarian Grey cattle, a low-impact rustic breed, yielded successful grassland restoration outcomes. Among the restoration methods, direct seeding and the use of alfalfa fields proved uneconomical and ineffective in promoting the desired species composition. Natural regeneration and, particularly, the hay-mulch addition method, were the most effective for conservation and grassland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grimace scales have been used to assess pain in various animal species. This study aimed to develop the calf grimace scale (CGS), evaluate its responsiveness and the effect of external factors (change of environment and dam separation, and restraint) on CGS. Sixty-nine Angus calves, 6–8 weeks old, were randomly allocated into castrated (n = 34) and sham castrated (n = 35) groups. Images were extracted from videos pre- (M1-M4), during- (M5), and post-castration/sham castration (M6, M7). Six facial action units (FAUs) were identified: ear position, orbital tightening, tension above the eye, nostril dilation, straining of chewing muscle, and mouth opening. Final CGS median scores increased after castration (P < 0.001) for both non-restrained (M7 versus M2) and restrained (M6 versus M3) calves, indicating scale responsiveness. Final CGS median scores increased (P < 0.001) when calves were subjected to external factors before castration (M1 [baseline] versus M2 and M3). However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in CGS median scores before and after sham castration, regardless of restraint (M3 versus M6, and M2 versus M7), indicating that the external factors may have reached a maximum effect. The CGS is composed of six FAUs, responsive to acute pain and can identify stress unrelated to pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Sports Medicine / Medycyna Sportowa is the property of Agencja Wydawnicza Medsportpress Sp. z o. o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Audience: Emergency medicine (EM) residents. This simulation curriculum may also be utilized for senior medical students conducting EM rotations. Background: Ophthalmologic education represents only a small portion of medical school curriculums and continues to decrease over time, leaving physicians poorly equipped to diagnose and manage eye complaints.1 Of emergency physicians (EPs) surveyed, 72.5% felt that they could diagnose orbital compartment syndrome (OCS), yet only 40.3% felt comfortable performing a necessary lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC).2 These survey results demonstrate the urgent need for improved ophthalmology education in EM residency to help us diagnose and manage potentially vision-threatening pathology. Educational Objectives: By the end of this simulation, learners will be able to: 1) demonstrate the major components and a systematic approach to the emergency ophthalmologic examination, 2) develop a differential diagnosis of sight-threatening etiologies that could cause eye pain or vision loss, 3) demonstrate proficiency in performing potentially vision-saving procedures within the scope of EM practice. Educational Methods: Low-fidelity simulation was conducted using a novel model adapted from that used by Phillips et al. during their ophthalmology day in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University.3 The simulation case was developed by an interdepartmental team of ophthalmologists and EPs at our institution. Research Objectives: To evaluate for statistically significant changes in self-efficacy, knowledge, and performance after an educational intervention. Our primary outcome was defined as a checklist-based performance on a simulated case of orbital compartment syndrome necessitating LCC. Research Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective pre- and post-interventional study evaluating the impact of an educational intervention on EM resident management of a simulated case of OCS. Our twopart study intervention consisted of a lecture on OCS followed by a four and a half hour ophthalmology education day (OED). Residents were evaluated using self-efficacy scales (SES), multiple-choice questions (MCQ), and a performance checklist (developed via a modified Delphi process) at three timepoints: Preintervention, immediate post-intervention, and three months post-intervention. Post-graduate year (PGY)-1 through PGY-4 EM residents at an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center participated. Results: Initial recruitment consisted of 18 residents (PGY-1 through PGY-4), and 16 residents (PGY-1 through PGY-3) completed the study. Nine residents participated in the OED and seven residents did not. There were no pre-existing differences in median checklist-based performance, MCQ, or SES scores prior to the intervention. At three months post-OED, the OED attendees scored statistically significantly higher on checklist-based performance than non-attendees (lecture only). Discussion: Ophthalmology education in physician training is limited, and EP comfort with performing visionsaving procedures is poor. We developed a simulation case involving such a vision-saving procedure as well as an ophthalmology curriculum that increased skill retention surrounding management of ophthalmologic emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the appearance and meaning of city walls on ducal and municipal seals in 13th-century Poland. Despite the great popularity of the motif, actual stone or brick fortifications, both of towns and castles, were rare in Poland at the time. It is especially striking that in the area of Kuyavia, where local dukes introduced the motif onto their seals at an early stage, such architectonic structures were almost entirely absent. Several towns also employed images of stone walls on their seals before they gained the real fortifications. The motif of fortification is examined here as a symbol of civilization in a wider sense, and particularly that of the communal town. The final section the paper explores ways in which Polish society might have come to understand this symbolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is focused on a formal Bayesian method of recursive multi-step-ahead density prediction and its ex post evaluation. Our approach remains within the framework of the standard (classical or orthodox) Bayesian paradigm based on the Bayes factor and on the use of the likelihood-based update. We propose a new decomposition of the predictive Bayes factor into the product of partial Bayes factors, for both a finite number of consecutive k-step-ahead forecasts (where k> 1) and the recursive updates of the posterior odds ratios based on updated data sets. The first factor in the decomposition is related to the relative k-step-ahead forecasting ability of models, while the second one measures the updating effect. To illustrate the usefulness of the proposed measures, we apply the new decomposed predictive Bayes factors to compare the forecasting ability of models when the true data generating process (DGP) is known, using simulated data sets. Taking into account the effect of updating, the posterior odds ratios leads to the conclusion that the best model coincides with the true DGP. However, the highest k-step-ahead forecasting ability (considered alone) can be achieved by some other, less adequate models. Next, we investigate the predictive ability of different Vector Error Correction (VEC) models with conditional heteroscedasticity, combining three macroeconomic variables: unemployment, inflation and interest rates, separately for the US and Polish economies. The results show that the inference about the models' predictive performance depends on the forecast horizon as well as on taking into account the updating effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a pathogenic fungus and selected endophytic fungi of the ash tree, we propose a modified model of fungal dual cultures that allows us to obtain two new parameters particularly useful in the search for fungal pathogen control agents. The first of these, called the vitality parameter, is applicable to the study of both biotic and abiotic factors affecting fungal growth. It is measured as the ratio of fungal growth radius in the direction of a studied factor to the growth radius in the opposite direction. The second parameter, called the inhibition parameter, relates to biofactors and is the ratio of the vitality parameters of the two tested fungi in dual cultures. This parameter combines the information on the growth of both dual culture components, for the first time, as a one value. In order to correctly determine the values of both parameters, a required inoculation configuration in dual cultures and a method for calibrating the duration of such cultures have been developed. All this together creates a new tool for a more sophisticated look at the use of dual cultures in the search for means to control fungal pathogens, including those that threaten the stability of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metformin, one of the most frequently used oral glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), is associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events in approximately 20% of users. These unwanted actions result in non-compliance or even discontinuation of metformin therapy. The aim of the presented meta-analysis was to determine whether adding a drug from the group of sulfonylureas, glitazones, DPP-IV inhibitors, or probiotics to metformin monotherapy may affect the risk of GI side effects. The material for this meta-analysis comprised data from 26 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) published in English. This meta-analysis included 41,048 patients. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials databases were thoroughly searched to find relevant RCTs. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Type (PICOT) structure was used to formulate study selection criteria and the research question. Cochrane Review Manager Software 5.4 was used to carry out analysis of collected data. The results were presented as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each group, and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. As expected from clinical practice, metformin was associated with a markedly increased risk of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to placebo. In comparison to other GLDs, taking metformin was related to an elevated risk of diarrhea and abdominal pain and to a lowered risk of vomiting and bloating. In turn, adding other GLDs to metformin treatment was associated with an elevated risk of nausea and vomiting than treatment with metformin in monotherapy. However, adding probiotics to metformin therapy was related to a decreased risk of diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. The obtained results demonstrate that the combination of metformin with other GLDs may elevate the risk of nausea and vomiting, whereas combination with probiotics decreases the risk of diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. Thus, the results of our meta-analysis suggest that probiotics may reduce the risk of some GI side effects in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who started treatment with metformin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Light is a very important parameter in poultry farming. It can influence production, meat quality and welfare. The increasingly popular energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has replaced other light sources in many farms. We aimed to investigate the effects of incandescent light (IL) and LED lighting on production, meat quality parameters and behavior. In the first five weeks, there was a significant difference in body weights between the groups. The feed conversion ratio was more favorable in all weeks in the LED group. Among the meat quality parameters, only the shear force values differed significantly between the groups. Broilers raised under LED lighting were more active, spent more time socializing and rested less. The results indicated that LED lighting positively impacts animal welfare and production efficiency. Many farms have been replacing traditional lighting sources with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs because of technological modernization. We aimed to investigate the effects of incandescent lighting (IL) and LED lighting on Cobb 500 broiler chickens for six weeks. Production parameters (body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio), calculated slaughter values (yield%, relative breast%, thigh%) and breast meat quality parameters (pH at 45 min and 24 h postmortem, color, drip loss, kitchen equipment losses, shear force, meat composition) were recorded. Non-stop recordings were used to analyze the behavior of the birds during several periods of rearing. The LED group was significantly better in the body weight parameter between week 1 and 5 and the feed conversion ratio between week 2 and 3. The most significant difference in behavior was observed in the middle of the rearing period. The chickens in the LED group spent more time eating, drinking and interacting, and rested less. There was no difference in the meat quality parameters; only shear force was significantly lower in the LED group (1781.9 g/s vs. 2098.8 g/s). According to our results, LED lighting can bring about positive changes in animal production efficiency, behavior and other important characteristics for meat consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids tend to form supramolecular aggregates via non‐covalent interactions where the chirality of individual molecules is amplified to the macroscopic level. We show that this can also be achieved for non‐chiral carotenoid monomers interacting with polysaccharides. The chirality induction in canthaxanthin (CAX), caused by heparin (HP) and hyaluronic acid (HA), was monitored by chiroptical spectroscopy. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra indicated the presence of multiple carotenoid formations, such as H‐ and J‐type aggregates. This is consistent with molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations of the supramolecular structures and their spectroscopic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids tend to form supramolecular aggregates via non‐covalent interactions where the chirality of individual molecules is amplified to the macroscopic level. We show that this can also be achieved for non‐chiral carotenoid monomers interacting with polysaccharides. The chirality induction in canthaxanthin (CAX), caused by heparin (HP) and hyaluronic acid (HA), was monitored by chiroptical spectroscopy. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra indicated the presence of multiple carotenoid formations, such as H‐ and J‐type aggregates. This is consistent with molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations of the supramolecular structures and their spectroscopic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMDs) prompts the need for early diagnosis and effective markers for their prediction. Hyperglycemia, the primary indicator of CMDs including prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leads to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OxS). This condition, resulting from chronic hyperglycemia and insufficient antioxidant defense, causes damage to biomolecules, triggering diabetes complications. Additionally, aging itself can serve as a source of OxS due to the weakening of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Notably, previous research indicates that miR-196a, by downregulating glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), contributes to insulin resistance (IR). Additionally, a GPx3 decrease is observed in overweight/obese and insulin-resistant individuals and in the elderly population. This study investigates plasma GPx3 levels and miR-196a expression as potential CMD risk indicators. We used ELISA to measure GPx3 and qRT-PCR for miR-196a expression, supplemented by multivariate linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our findings included a significant GPx3 reduction in the CMD patients (n = 126), especially in the T2DM patients (n = 51), and a decreasing trend in the prediabetes group (n = 37). miR-196a expression, although higher in the CMD and T2DM groups than in the controls, was not statistically significant, potentially due to the small sample size. In the individuals with CMD, GPx3 levels exhibited a negative correlation with the mass of adipose tissue, muscle, and total body water, while miR-196a positively correlated with fat mass. In the CMD group, the analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between glucose and GPx3 levels. ROC analysis indicated a 5.2-fold increased CMD risk with GPx3 below 419.501 ng/mL. Logistic regression suggested that each 100 ng/mL GPx3 increase corresponded to a roughly 20% lower CMD risk (OR = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.996–0.999; p = 0.031). These results support the potential of GPx3 as a biomarker for CMD, particularly in T2DM, and the lack of a significant decline in GPx3 levels in prediabetic individuals suggests that it may not serve reliably as an early indicator of CMDs, warranting further large-scale validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the potential of Raman Optical Activity (ROA) spectroscopy in the field of organic and inorganic materials research has been well demonstrated, its practical application is still limited. This work shows historical background, current state of the art and challenges of ROA spectroscopy facing scientists today. Expectations and development prospects for the coming years are also discussed. Efforts have already been made to improve but also to properly interpret the ROA signal when the ROA technique is combined with other spectroscopies (i.e., ROA/Electronic Circular Dichroism and ROA/Circularly Polarized Luminescence). The paper shows how to intensify the ROA effect to shorten the spectrum accumulation time, control possible artefacts and support the analysis of ROA spectra with actual and new theoretical approaches. However, the challenge is to increase the interest in this technique among the academic community, develop reliable protocols and adapt them for practical use. National and international research networks can significantly contribute to the growth of methodologies and standardization in areas in which the ROA has so far been little used. This paper presents a perspective vision for the future progress of ROA alongside other chiroptical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to estimate the difference in cost, revenue, and profit between unassisted and assisted calvings on western Canadian cow-calf operations. Historical records of individual animal production measures from 2015 to 2020 and industry-described inputs were used in a modified decision tree model. The incidence of assisted calvings in heifers and cows was 4.6 and 2%, respectively. Assisted heifers and cows had an expected profit of −$227.43 and −$67.06 CAD per calving, respectively, while unassisted heifers and cows had an expected profit of −$76.11 and $120.12 CAD per calving, respectively. Calving assistance can impact the profitability of western Canadian cow-calf operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sole ulcers, a common cause of lameness is the costliest non-infectious foot lesion in dairy cows and one of the most prevalent non-infectious foot lesions in freestall housing systems. Costs associated with sole ulcers are treatment costs, plus increased labor and decreased productivity and fertility. Routine hoof trimming is part of a strategy to manage sole ulcers. However, hoof trimming strategies differ among farms. The two most frequently applied strategies are: 1) partial herd hoof trimming with a 2-month interval between trims; and 2) whole herd hoof trimming at 6-month intervals. A Markov model was developed to investigate whether every 2 months partial herd hoof trimming or whole herd hoof trimming every 6 months was the most cost-effective strategy to avoid costs associated with sole ulcers. In this model, the net benefits for a 100-cow herd and the average productive life span of a dairy cow in intensive dairy systems of 3 years were evaluated. Partial herd hoof trimming was the most cost-effective strategy 100% of the time compared to whole herd hoof trimming, with a difference in 3-year net benefits of US$4,337 (95% CI: US$2,713—US$5,830). Based on sensitivity analyses, variables that were the sources of the biggest uncertainty in the model were herd size, the probability of being trimmed in a partial herd trim, and the prevalence of sole ulcers. To further investigate the impacts of herd size and of probability of being trimmed, various scenario analyses were conducted. With increasing herd size, the difference in net benefits in favor of partial herd hoof trimming increased even more. Scenario analyses about the probability of getting trimmed all indicated that targeted intervention increased the difference in net benefits in favor of partial herd hoof trimming. However, if the selection of cows to be trimmed in a partial herd trim was random, the whole herd hoof trimming strategy became cost-effective. Therefore, targeted selection and early intervention are necessary to decrease costs associated with sole ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We compare predictive performance of a multitude of alternative Bayesian vector autoregression (VAR) models allowing for cointegration and time‐varying conditional covariances, described by different multivariate stochastic volatility (MSV) models, including their hybrids with multivariate GARCH processes (MSV‐MGARCH), as well as t‐GARCH and Markov‐switching structures. The forecast accuracy is evaluated mainly through predictive Bayes factors, but energy scores and the probability integral transform are also used. Two empirical studies, for the US and Polish economies, are based on a small model of monetary policy comprising inflation, unemployment and interest rate. The results indicate that capturing conditional heteroskedasticity by some MSV‐MGARCH specifications contributes the most to the forecasting power of the VAR/VEC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Breeding & Feeding / Állattenyésztés és Takarmányozás is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wood pastures have been characteristic farming types in the Pannonian biogeographical region over the centuries. In the present work, we studied wood-pastures of typical geographical locations in the North Hungarian Mountain Range of Hungary characterized by similar environmental conditions but grazed by different livestock. The sample area of Cserépfalu was grazed by Hungarian Grey Cattle, while the Erdőbénye was grazed by Hungarian Racka Sheep. Coenological records of the sites were collected from 2012 to 2021 in the main vegetation period according to the Braun-Blanquet method with the application of 2 × 2 m sampling quadrats, where the coverage estimated by percentage for each present species was also recorded. To evaluate the state of vegetation, 'ecological ordering' distribution, diversity, and grassland management values were used. Between the two areas, the grazing pressure of the two studied livestock produced different results. Based on the diversity values, woody–shrubby–grassland mosaic diversity values were high (Shannon diversity: 2.21–2.87). Cattle grazing resulted in a variable and mosaic-like shrubby area with high cover values. Based on our results, grazing by cattle provides an adequate solution for forming and conserving wood-pasture habitats in the studied areas of Hungary. However, if the purpose is to also form valuable grassland with high grassland management values, partly sheep grazing should be suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Statistician / Wiadomości Statystyczne is the property of State Treasury - Statistics Poland and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: In the current market, most retailers in EU countries pay pig breeders primarily for the lean meat percentage of the carcass, which does not agree entirely with the quality of pork meat (such as colour). It is well known that pigs are more susceptible than other livestock species to high environmental temperatures. High temperatures in finishing pigs are associated with reduced performance parameters. This study evaluated the seasonal effect (summer vs. autumn) on performance (live weight, average daily gain) and slaughter traits of finishing pigs (warm and cold carcass weights, trunk length, fat thickness), as well as meat quality parameters of the pork (pH at 45 min and 24 h postmortem, colour, drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, shear force, and meat composition). Seasonal differences in performance between summer and autumn were more pronounced when measuring the length of the phase of the average daily weight gain during the trial. There was also a significant difference in trunk length and fat thickness parameters (withers, loin, and mean back fat thickness), L* value, total drip loss, and cooking loss between the two groups. In addition, the seasonal differences affected the meat composition parameters. Most retailers in EU countries pay pig breeders for their animals' lean meat percentage, which does not align fully with measures of pork quality (such as colour). In this study, we investigated the effects of season (summer vs. autumn) on finishing pigs' performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters in 24 slaughter pigs. Growing performance traits (live weights, average daily weight gain), slaughter values (warm and cold carcass weights, trunk length, fat thickness) and meat quality parameters (pH at 45 min and 24 h postmortem, colour, drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, shear force, and meat composition) were recorded. Seasonal differences were more pronounced for the initial age, the number of days in the growing-finishing phase, and the average daily gain. There was also a significant difference in the trunk length between groups, the fat thickness on withers and loin, and also in mean fat thickness. A significant difference was found in the case of pH, total drip loss, and meat colour (L*). The intramuscular fat and collagen content of meat was significantly higher in summer; in contrast, the protein content of meat samples was considerably lower in summer. In conclusion, seasonal effects on finishers' performance, lean meat values, and several meat quality parameters highlight the importance of more profound seasonal settings of climate control to fulfil the progressively changing quantitative and qualitative requests of pork sector participants from farm to fork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Media & Society / Media i Społeczeństwo is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Stress during the transition of beef steers from ranch to feedlot may depend on steer source and preconditioning. The interplay between physiological and behavioral patterns of preconditioned (PC) and auction-derived (AD) steers, particularly after commingling, is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate whether hair cortisol (HC) concentrations were related to the health and performance of PC and AD steers and study behavioral activities after commingling over 6 wk in a feedlot. Steers, sourced either from ranch (PC, n  = 250) or local auction (AD, n  = 250), were assigned into 1 of 5 pens, 100% PC (100PC); 75% PC 25% AD (75PC); 50% PC 50% AD (50PC); 25% PC 75% AD (25PC), and 100% AD (0PC), each pen containing 100 steers. Pen was the experimental unit and individual steers were the observational unit where physiological and behavioral changes were measured. The study subsampled 225 steers (PC = 113 and AD = 112) which were equipped with CowManager ear tags to record behaviors. On day 40, hair samples from each steer were collected by clipping hair close to the skin. Data were analyzed using multiple linear, logistic regression, or multilevel negative binomial regression models depending on the outcomes. There was no difference in HC concentrations (day 40) between PC and AD steers (P  =   0.66), and no association with Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)-related morbidity (P  = 0.08) or average daily gain (ADG) (P  = 0.44). After adjusting for source and commingling effects, HC concentrations did not affect time spent eating (P  = 0.83), ruminating (P  = 0.20), active (P  = 0.89), or non-active (P  = 0.32). PC steers spent more time eating and ruminating over weeks 1 to 4 (P  < 0.01) and weeks 1 to 3, respectively (P  < 0.05), and more time being active over weeks 1 and 2 compared to AD steers (P  < 0.001), but less time being non-active than AD steers on weeks 1 to 3 (P  < 0.001). Steers in 100PC and 50PC pens spent more time eating than steers in 0PC (P  < 0.001), whereas steers in 25PC spent less time eating than steers in 0PC (P  < 0.001). Steers in 0PC spent the most time being not active (P  < 0.01). In conclusion, preconditioned steers spent more time eating, ruminating, and being active and less time being not active over the first 3 wk in the feedlot, regardless of commingling. The HC concentrations did not identify potentially lower stress related to ranch transfer and were neither associated with BRD-related morbidity nor ADG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mandibular prognathism, also called progenia, is a type of anterior malocclusion that has negative effects on physical and mental health. The aim of the study was to determine differences in the selfimage of people with mandibular prognathism before and after orthognathic surgery. Materials and methods: The study included 155 people - 79 of whom had a mandibular prognathism (group A) and 76 of whom had a previous mandibular prognathism that had already been corrected by surgery (group B). The research method used was a diagnostic survey that included original questions about wellbeing, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Results: Group A statistically significantly more often experienced feelings of frustration, lower self-confidence, embarrassment, concern about appearance, especially when meeting new people, and lack of comfort due to their appearance being the center of attention than group B. People in group A were statistically significantly more likely to avoid smiling or laughing in company, to hide a smile in pictures, to avoid looking at themselves in the mirror, to compare their appearance to others, and to avoid meetings due to dissatisfaction with their appearance than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B. People in group A were statistically significantly less likely to preferably rate the general appearance of the face, the profile of the face, the appearance of the face from the front, and the appearance of the teeth than were people in group B. Conclusions: Orthognathic surgery is a very important factor affecting the psyche of people with prognathism. People with mandibular prognathism before orthognathic surgery experience more negative feelings about their appearance, more often engage in behaviors aimed at concealing a malocclusion, and rate their appearance worse than people who have undergone orthognathic surgery. In view of this, comprehensive medical care, including psychological care, should be provided before, during, and after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dental material industry is rapidly developing resin-based composites (RBCs), which find widespread use in a variety of clinical settings. As such, their biocompatibility has gained increasing interest. This literature review presents a summary of research into the cytotoxicity of methacrylate-based composites published from 2017 to 2023. Subject to analysis were 14 in vitro studies on human and murine cell lines. Cytotoxicity in the included studies was measured via MTT assay, LDH assay, and WST-1 assay. The QUIN Risk of Bias Tool was performed to validate the included studies. Included studies (based entirely on the results of in vitro studies) provide evidence of dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity of dental resin-based composites. Oxidative stress and the depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH) were suggested as reasons for cytotoxicity. Induction of apoptosis by RBCs was indicated. While composites remain the golden standard of dental restorative materials, their potential cytotoxicity cannot be ignored due to direct long-term exposure. Further in vitro investigations and clinical trials are required to understand the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity and produce novel materials with improved safety profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductions: Ink based on metallic nanoparticles has been widely used so far for the fabrication of electronic circuits and devices using printing technology. This study aimed at the analysis of the effect of the silver shell thickness of nickel@silver core@shell (Ni@Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on the fabrication and conductive properties of deposited coatings.Methods: The process of the synthesis of Ni@Ag NPs with various silver shell thicknesses was developed. The physicochemical properties (size, stability against aggregation process) of synthesized Ni@Ag nanoparticles were analyzed. The films based on ink containing Ni@Ag NPs with different silver shell thicknesses were fabricated and sintered in a temperature range of 120– 300 °C and at times from 15 to 90 min. The dependence of their conductive properties on the applied temperature and time as well as silver shell thickness was evaluated.Results: Ni NPs were coated with 10, 20, 30, 35, 45, and 55 nm silver shell thickness. The resistivity of coatings based on obtained NPs depends on the thickness of the Ag shell and the sintering temperature. After sintering at 300 °C, the highest decrease in its value (at an optimal sintering time of 60 min) from about 100 μΩ·cm to 9 μΩ·cm was observed when the thickness of the shell increased from 10 to 55 nm. At the lowest sintering temperature (120 °C) the highest conductivity (about 50% of that for bulk nickel) was obtained for films based on Ni@Ag NPs with 45 and 55 nm of the silver shell thickness.Discussions: The analysis of the resistivity of the sintered films showed that higher conductivity was obtained for the coatings formed from Ni@Ag NPs with the thicker Ag shell; moreover, thicker shells allowed a lowering of sintering temperature due to higher conductivity and a lower melting point of silver in comparison to nickel NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and there is a critical need to unfold its highly heterogeneous disease patterns. Our objective was to characterize the illness spectrum of MIS-C for improved recognition and management. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from March 1, 2020–September 30, 2022, in 8 pediatric medical centers from PEDSnet. We included 1139 children hospitalized with MIS-C and used their demographics, symptoms, conditions, laboratory values, and medications for analyses. We applied heterogeneity-adaptive latent class analyses and identified three latent classes. We further characterized the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the latent classes and evaluated their temporal patterns. Class 1 (47.9%) represented children with the most severe presentation, with more admission to the ICU, higher inflammatory markers, hypotension/shock/dehydration, cardiac involvement, acute kidney injury and respiratory involvement. Class 2 (23.3%) represented a moderate presentation, with 4–6 organ systems involved, and some overlapping features with acute COVID-19. Class 3 (28.8%) represented a mild presentation. Our results indicated that MIS-C has a spectrum of clinical severity ranging from mild to severe and the proportion of severe or critical MIS-C decreased over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UV-Vis sintering process was applied for the fabrication of conductive coatings composed of low-cost nickel–silver (Ni@Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with core–shell structures. The metallic films were formed on a plastic substrate (polyethylene napthalate, PEN), which required their sintering at low temperatures to prevent the heat-sensitive polymer from destroying them. The UV-Vis sintering method, as a non-invasive method, allowed us to obtain metallic coatings with good conductivity at room temperature. In optimal sintering conditions, i.e., irradiation with a wavelength of 350–400 nm and time of 90 min, conductivity corresponding to about 30% of that of bulk nickel was obtained for the coatings based on Ni@Ag NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the CuAgZr metallic glasses (MGs) are investigated, a promising material for biomedical applications due to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial activity. Using an integrated approach of combinatorial synthesis, high‐throughput characterization, and machine learning (ML), the mechanical properties of CuAgZr MGs are efficiently explored. The investigation find that post‐deposition oxidation in inter‐columnar regions with looser packing causes high oxygen content in Cu‐rich regions, significantly affecting the alloys' mechanical behavior. The study also reveals that nanoscale structural features greatly impact plastic yielding and flow in the alloys. ML algorithms are tested, and the multi‐layer perceptron algorithm produced satisfactory predictions for the alloys' hardness of untested alloys, providing valuable clues for future research. The work demonstrates the potential of using combinatorial synthesis, high‐throughput characterization, and ML techniques to facilitate the development of new MGs with improved strength and economic feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CuZr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites have attracted great attention in recent years owing to their unique mechanical properties compared to bulk glassy samples. The vital effect of B2 CuZr phase on mechanical properties was previously confirmed in CuZr-based alloys with equiatomic concentrations of copper and zirconium. In this paper, the structures and mechanical properties of the Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy, which has hypereutectoid composition with respect to stoichiometric B2 CuZr phase, were studied. This alloy exhibits high glass-forming ability, but low tendency to form the B2 CuZr phase during solidification. However, we demonstrated that depending on the cooling rate during solidification, governed by sample diameter, either bulk metallic glass or bulk metallic glass matrix composite can be produced. In order to allow partial crystallization of the B2 phase during solidification with the volume fraction allowing to observe the strain hardening effect, the minimum cooling rate should be lower than 40 K/s. The composite consisting of a glassy outer layer and a crystalline core composed of the B2 phase exhibits fracture strength of the same level as the bulk glassy sample (above 1800 MPa) obvious work-hardening with a plastic deformation of about 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collation of the current scope of literature related to population dynamics (i.e., growth, die‐off, survival) of foodborne pathogens on fresh produce can aid in informing future research directions and help stakeholders identify relevant research literature. A scoping review was conducted to gather and synthesize literature that investigates population dynamics of pathogenic and non‐pathogenic Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli on whole unprocessed fresh produce (defined as produce not having undergone chopping, cutting, homogenization, irradiation, or pasteurization). Literature sources were identified using an exhaustive search of research and industry reports published prior to September 23, 2021, followed by screening for relevance based on strict, a priori eligibility criteria. A total of 277 studies that met all eligibility criteria were subjected to an in‐depth qualitative review of various factors (e.g., produce commodities, study settings, inoculation methodologies) that affect population dynamics. Included studies represent investigations of population dynamics on produce before (i.e., pre‐harvest; n = 143) and after (i.e., post‐harvest; n = 144) harvest. Several knowledge gaps were identified, including the limited representation of (i) pre‐harvest studies that investigated population dynamics of Listeria spp. on produce (n = 13, 9% of pre‐harvest studies), (ii) pre‐harvest studies that were carried out on non‐sprouts produce types grown using hydroponic cultivation practices (n = 7, 5% of pre‐harvest studies), and (iii) post‐harvest studies that reported the relative humidity conditions under which experiments were carried out (n = 56, 39% of post‐harvest studies). These and other knowledge gaps summarized in this scoping review represent areas of research that can be investigated in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are characterized by excellent glass-forming ability, combined with superior mechanical properties. However, oxygen impurities degrade both these aspects as oxides serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites during solidification. Rare-earth elements (REEs) are known to be good oxygen scavengers, binding oxygen to less harmful forms. The most stable rare-earth oxide (REO) is M2O3, which occurs in three polymorphic forms, depending on the radius of metal cation: cubic, hexagonal, and monoclinic. Here, we show the effect of Sc, Y, Lu, Nd, and Gd additions in relation to the oxygen content on the glass-forming ability of the Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 alloy. Microscopic observations (SEM) supported by chemical analysis (EDS, WDS), structure identification (XRD), and thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out. The critical diameter for glass formation (Dc) in the high oxygen alloy doped with cubic oxide-forming elements (Sc, Y, and Lu) can be even higher (Dc = 9 mm) compared to the undoped alloy synthesized from low oxygen components. Therefore, we have demonstrated that it is feasible to produce BMG using low-purity constituents with REE-based oxygen scavengers. This bridges the gap between laboratory development and cost-effective commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Breeding & Feeding / Állattenyésztés és Takarmányozás is the property of Herman Otto Intezet Nonprofit Kft. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The clinical and genetic heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presents distinct challenges in predicting response to therapy and overall prognosis. The main objective of this study was to assess the application of the immunohistochemistry- and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based molecular markers in the diagnosis of DLBCL and its prognostic value in patients treated with rituximab-based immunochemotherapy. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective study, which analyzed data from 7 Hungarian hematology centers. Eligible patients were adults, had a histologically confirmed diagnosis of DLBCL, were treated with rituximab-based immunochemotherapy in the first line, and had available clinicopathological data including International Prognostic Index (IPI). On the specimens, immunohistochemistry and FISH methods were performed. Germinal center B-cell like (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes were classified by the Hans algorithm. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and EFS at 2 years (EFS24). For survival analysis, we used Kaplan-Meier curves with the logrank test and multivariate Cox regression. Results: A total of 247 DLBCL cases were included. Cases were positive for MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and MUM1 expression in 52.1%, 66.2%, 72.6%, and 77.8%, respectively. BCL6 translocation, BCL2 gene copy number (GCN) gain, IGH:: MYC translocation, MYC GCN gain, IGH::BCL2 translocation, and BCL6 GCN gain were detected in 21.4%, 14.1%, 7.3%, 1.8%, 7.3%, and 0.9%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 52 months, 140 patients (56.7%) had disease progression or relapse. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for EFS24 was 56.2% (CI: 50.4-62.8%). In univariate analysis, only IPI and BCL6 expression were significant predictors of both OS and EFS, whereas MUM1 predicted EFS only. In multivariate analysis, the IPI score was a significant independent negative, whereas MIB-1 and BCL6 protein expressions were significant independent positive predictors of both OS and EFS. Conclusion: In our study, we found that only IPI, BCL6 protein expression and MIB-1 protein expression are independent predictors of survival outcomes in DLBCL. We did not find any difference in survival by GCB vs. non-GCB subtypes. These findings may improve prognostication in DLBCL and can contribute to designing further research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It has been suggested that an insufficient antioxidant defense system composed of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and nonenzymatic molecules, is a key factor triggering oxidative damage in the progression of liver disease. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether the level of CAT and -262 C/T polymorphism in the promoter of CAT (rs1001179) are associated with NAFLD. Methods: In total, 281 adults (152/129 female/male, aged 65.61 ± 10.44 years) were included in the study. The patients were assigned to an NAFLD group (n = 139) or a group without NAFLD (n = 142) based on the results of an ultrasound, the Hepatic Steatosis Index, and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). CAT levels were determined using an ELISA test, and genomic DNA was extracted via the standard phenol/chloroform-based method and genotyped via RFLP-PCR. Results: The CAT level was decreased in NAFLD patients (p < 0.001), and an ROC analysis revealed that a CAT level lower than 473.55 U/L significantly increases the risk of NAFLD. In turn, genotyping showed that the CT genotype and the T allele of -262 C/T CAT polymorphism elevate the risk of NAFLD. The diminished CAT level in the NAFLD group correlated with increased FLI, waist circumference and female gender. Conclusion: The obtained results support observations that oxidative damage associated with NAFLD may be the result of a decreased CAT level as a part of the antioxidant defense system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent genetic lesions provide basis for risk assessment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, current prognostic classifiers rely on a limited number of predefined sets of alterations. Methods: Disease-relevant copy number aberrations (CNAs) were screened genome-wide in 260 children with B-cell precursor ALL. Results were integrated with cytogenetic data to improve risk assessment. Results: CNAs were detected in 93.8% (n = 244) of the patients. First, cytogenetic profiles were combined with IKZF1 status (IKZF1normal, IKZF1del and IKZF1plus) and three prognostic subgroups were distinguished with significantly different 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates, IKAROS-low (n = 215): 86.3%, IKAROS-medium (n = 27): 57.4% and IKAROS-high (n = 18): 37.5%. Second, contribution of genetic aberrations to the clinical outcome was assessed and an aberration-specific score was assigned to each prognostically relevant alteration. By aggregating the scores of aberrations emerging in individual patients, personalized cumulative values were calculated and used for defining four prognostic subgroups with distinct clinical outcomes. Two favorable subgroups included 60% of patients (n = 157) with a 5-year EFS of 96.3% (excellent risk, n = 105) and 87.2% (good risk, n = 52), respectively; while 40% of patients (n = 103) showed high (n = 74) or ultra-poor (n = 29) risk profile (5-year EFS: 67.4% and 39.0%, respectively). Conclusions: PersonALL, our conceptually novel prognostic classifier considers all combinations of co-segregating genetic alterations, providing a highly personalized patient stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As clinical understanding of pediatric Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 (PASC) develops, and hence the clinical definition evolves, it is desirable to have a method to reliably identify patients who are likely to have post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 (PASC) in health systems data. In this study, we developed and validated a machine learning algorithm to classify which patients have PASC (distinguishing between Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and non-MIS-C variants) from a cohort of patients with positive SARS- CoV-2 test results in pediatric health systems within the PEDSnet EHR network. Patient features included in the model were selected from conditions, procedures, performance of diagnostic testing, and medications using a tree-based scan statistic approach. We used an XGboost model, with hyperparameters selected through cross-validated grid search, and model performance was assessed using 5-fold cross-validation. Model predictions and feature importance were evaluated using Shapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) values. The model provides a tool for identifying patients with PASC and an approach to characterizing PASC using diagnosis, medication, laboratory, and procedure features in health systems data. Using appropriate threshold settings, the model can be used to identify PASC patients in health systems data at higher precision for inclusion in studies or at higher recall in screening for clinical trials, especially in settings where PASC diagnosis codes are used less frequently or less reliably. Analysis of how specific features contribute to the classification process may assist in gaining a better understanding of features that are associated with PASC diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) is associated with worsening diabetes trajectory. It is unknown whether PASC in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) manifests as worsening diabetes trajectory. Objective. To explore the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) and T1D-related healthcare utilization (for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hypoglycemia (SH)) or hemoglobin (Hb) A1c trajectory. Methods: We included children <21 years with T1D and ≥1 HbA1c prior to cohort entry, which was defined as COVID-19 (positive diagnostic test or diagnosis code for COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or PASC) or a randomly selected negative test for those who were negative throughout the study period (Broad Cohort). A subset with ≥1 HbA1c value from 28 to 275 days after cohort entry (Narrow Cohort) was included in the trajectory analysis. Propensity score-based matched cohort design followed by weighted Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of COVID-19 with healthcare utilization ≥28 days after cohort entry. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to measure change in HbA1c in the Narrow Cohort. Results. From March 01, 2020 to June 22, 2022, 2,404 and 1,221 youth met entry criteria for the Broad and Narrow Cohorts, respectively. The hazard ratio for utilization was (HR 1.45 (95% CI: 0.97, 2.16)). In the Narrow Cohort, the rate of change (slope) of HbA1c increased 91–180 days after cohort entry for those with COVID-19 (0.138 vs. −0.002, p = 0.172). Beyond 180 days, greater declines in HbA1c were observed in the positive cohort (−0.104 vs. 0.008 per month, p = 0.024). Conclusion. While a trend toward worse outcomes following COVID-19 in T1D patients was observed, these findings were not statistically significant. Continued clinical monitoring of youth with T1D following COVID-19 is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recently, global interest in goat milk and goat milk products has increased, due to their high nutritional value and better amino acid composition and fatty acid profile compared to cow milk. Moreover, the more favorable fatty acid composition of these foodstuffs (such as increased long-chain n-3 fatty acids) has significant implications on the reduction of human health problems and is increasingly important for consumers as a result. One of the common ways to enhance the foodstuffs via long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is to enrich animal diets with fishmeal, fish oil, or marine algae. Marine algae are a source of long-chain n-3 PUFA, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is essential for human nutrition because it is able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and it has antihaemolytic properties. Conversely, marine algae supplementation is linked to some adverse effects, such as decreased dry matter intake and milk yield, and results in milk fat depression in dairy animals and influences the flavour of their milk. This study evaluated low-level marine algae supplementation in goat milk, whey, and cheese composition, and the fatty acid profile of goat milk and cheese as well as the sensory profile of goat milk. In this report, daily supplementation of 5 g/head of marine algae significantly influenced the recovery of fat and protein in curd, whey, and cheese composition. In addition, marine algae supplementation markedly improved the concentrations of beneficial fatty acids in milk and cheese without negative effects on milk flavour. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the low level of Schizochytrium limacinum marine algae (daily 5 g per animal) on the milk, cheese, and whey composition; fatty acid profile of milk and cheese; and the sensory profile of goat milk using an e-nose device. Thirty Alpine goats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (C, n = 15)—fed grass with daily 600 g concentrate and the experimental group (MA, n = 15) who received the same forage and concentrate supplemented with 5 g/head/day marine algae. Animals were kept indoors and the investigation period lasted 52 days, including the first six weeks as the period of adaptation and the last 10 days as the treatment period. During the adaptation period, bulk milk samples from each group were collected once a week (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d), while during the treatment period (10 days), bulk milk samples from each group were taken every day, and cheese samples were processed from bulk milk each day from both groups. Marine algae supplementation had no negative effect on milk composition. In contrast, the marine algae inclusion significantly elevated the fat and protein content of whey and the protein content of cheese, as well as the recovery of fat and protein in the curd, while increasing the cheeses' moisture content on a fat-free basis. The marine algae supplementation significantly increased the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the rumenic acid (CLA c9t11) concentrations and decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio in the milk and cheese. There were no significant differences between the C and the MA group with regard to the sensory profiles of the milk. It can be concluded that the milk obtained from goats given daily supplementation of 5g of MA has a fatty acid profile more beneficial to human health, without any negative effects on the milk's aromatic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, it can be stated that the economics of non-dairy sheep breeding in the Czech Republic experienced a worsening trend in recent years. One of the ways to improve this situation is to use some of these breeds also for milk production. One of the possible breeds usable for milk production, especially for the good milk production of mothers, is the Clun Forest (CF). The aim of our experiment was to evaluate the daily milk yield (DMY) and the contents of fat (F), total protein (TP) and lactose (L), pH, titratable acidity (TA), concentration of urea (CU) and somatic cell count (SCC) in CF ewes during lactation. In our experiment, the following means of individual traits for the whole lactation were found: DMY: 579 g, contents of F, TP and L: 6.73%, 5.82% and 4.98%, pH: 6.55, TA: 8.74 °SH, CU: 36.08 mg/100 ml and log SCC: 4.71. The stage of lactation had a significant (P < 0.01) effect on DMY, contents of F and TP and pH and TA. The results of our experiment show that CF ewes had lower DMY than dairy breeds (DB). However, the majority of the milk quality traits was comparable to DB. Moreover, the high fat and protein contents and the values of most other milk quality traits are good prerequisites for high cheese yield and optimal final quality of other sheep’s milk products. The results of our experiment suggest that CF ewes could be used for milk production while the milk production of CF ewes should ensure an improvement in the economics and competitiveness of smaller farms in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]