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Abstract Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, complex autoimmune rheumatic disease with multiple factors that contribute to pain. People with SSc emphasize the effect pain has on their quality of life, but no studies have systematically examined the frequency and relative importance of different SSc pain sources, patterns of pain from different sources, and pain management experiences. Our objectives are to (1) develop a tool, jointly with researchers, health care providers, and patients, to map sources of pain in SSc, determine patterns of pain from different sources, and understand pain management experiences; and (2) administer the final tool version to participants in the large multinational Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort. Methods First, we will use validated pain assessment tools as templates to develop an initial version of our pain assessment tool, and we will obtain input from patient advisors to adapt it for SSc. The tool will include questions on pain sources, pain patterns, pain intensity, pain management techniques, and barriers to pain management in SSc. Second, we will conduct nominal group technique sessions with people living with SSc and health care providers who care for people with SSc to further refine the tool. Third, we will conduct individual usability testing sessions with SPIN Cohort participants. Once the tool has been finalized, we will administer it to individuals in the multinational SPIN Cohort, which currently includes over 1,300 active participants from 54 sites in 7 countries. We will perform unsupervised clustering using the KAy-Means for MIxed LArge data (KAMILA) method to identify participant subgroups with similar profiles of pain sources (present or absent) and to evaluate predictors of subgroup membership. We will use latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of participants with similar profiles based on pain intensity scores for each pain source and evaluate predictors. Discussion Once completed, our pain assessment tool will allow our team and other researchers to map sources of pain in SSc and to understand pain management experiences of people living with SSc. This knowledge will provide avenues for studies on the pathophysiology of pain in SSc and studies of interventions to improve pain management.

Clinical misdiagnosis between cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) affects treatment plans. We report a tissue sampling approach with molecular biopsy using electroporation. This method, coined electroporation-based biopsy (e-biopsy), enables nondestructive nonthermal permeabilization of cells in the skin for vacuum-assisted extraction of biomolecules. We used e-biopsy for ex vivo proteome extraction from 3 locations per patient in 21 cSCC, 20 BCC, and 7 actinic keratosis human skin samples. Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, we identified 5966 proteins observed with nonzero intensity in at least 1 sample. The intrapatient Pearson correlation of 0.888 ± 0.065 for patients with BCC, 0.858 ± 0.077 for patients with cSCC, and 0.876 ± 0.116 for those with solar actinic keratosis indicates high consistency of the e-biopsy sampling. The mass spectra presented significantly different proteome profiles for cSCC, BCC, and solar actinic keratosis, with several hundreds of proteins differentially expressed. Notably, our study showed that proteomes sampled with e-biopsy from cSCC and BCC lesions are different and that proteins of CRNN, SULT1E1, and ITPK1 genes are significantly overexpressed in BCC in comparison with those in cSCC. Our results provide evidence that the e-biopsy approach could potentially be used as a tool to support cutaneous lesions classification with molecular pathology.

Background: In anatomical research, there is often a need to present complex topographical relationships in more detail, under magnification, beyond the scope of gross anatomy. However, more than magnification is often needed to better understand the arrangement of small anatomical structures. Special stains allow for the differentiation of connective tissue stroma and mutual relations between small structures such as blood vessels and nerves. Aim: This review presents selected histochemical methods that can be applied in anatomical research. Such a concise outline can be both a compendium of knowledge for beginning researchers and an inspiration for anatomists and clinicians exploring the human body's details. Conclusions: The advantage of histochemical staining is its relatively low cost and the large amount of information that can be obtained with their use.

ABSTRACTMacroalgal biomass production models that capture nutrient dynamics, temperature, light and salinity are important for the design and operation of large-scale farms. The goal of this study is to understand how the nitrogen fertilizing regime, relating to dose (µM N week−1), amplitude (µM N) and duration (hours) of fertilization, affects the dynamics of nitrogen content and biomass production of Ulva sp. We hypothesize that the nitrogen fertilizing regime controls the Ulva Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), defined here as the fraction of fertilizer nitrogen that is utilized and allocated to yield N, and, accordingly, also nitrogen assimilation in the biomass and the growth rate. We test this hypothesis by measuring internal nitrogen and biomass weight and by calculating NUE under various fertilization regimes in controlled photobioreactors. Based on these experimental data, we developed a biomass productivity model that predicts nitrogen and biomass dynamics temporally over three weeks of cultivation. This study highlights efficient fertilizing regimes and enables the development of a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between external N, internal N and biomass production of Ulva sp. under varying external N levels, which is important for real-world agricultural applications. This study provides a better understanding of the external N-internal N-biomass triangle leading to an improved dynamic cultivation model, enabling better control of nutrient application and biomass production in macroalgal farming for a sustainable marine bioeconomy.

Differences between orbital and subcutaneous abdominal fat in the same patient have been noted but not formally investigated, previously. The objective of this research was to compare the differential expression of protein profiles in subcutaneous abdominal and orbital adipose tissues. In this cross-sectional, observational study, orbital fat tissue was sampled from 10 patients who underwent blepharoplasty and agreed to provide a small sample of subcutaneous abdominal fat. Shotgun mass spectrometry was performed on the extracted proteome. Data were analyzed using protein appearance patterns, differential expression and statistical enrichment. Protein analysis revealed significant differences in proteomics and differential expression between the orbital and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues, which presented five proteins that were uniquely expressed in the orbital fat and 18 in the subcutaneous abdominal fat. Gene Ontology analysis identified significantly different cellular processes and components related to the extracellular matrix or basement membrane components. This analysis shows the differences between orbital and subcutaneous abdominal fat found in proteomics differential expression, uniquely expressed proteins, and cellular processes. Further research is needed to correlate specific proteins and cellular processes to the mechanism of fat accumulation and obesity.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia worldwide. The etiopathogenesis of this disease remains unknown. Currently, several hypotheses attempt to explain its cause, with the most well-studied being the cholinergic, beta-amyloid (Aβ), and Tau hypotheses. Lately, there has been increasing interest in the role of immunological factors and other proteins such as alpha-synuclein (α-syn) and transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43). Recent studies emphasize the role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in the spread of pathological proteins within the brains of AD patients. TNTs are small membrane protrusions composed of F-actin that connect non-adjacent cells. Conditions such as pathogen infections, oxidative stress, inflammation, and misfolded protein accumulation lead to the formation of TNTs. These structures have been shown to transport pathological proteins such as Aβ, Tau, α-syn, and TDP-43 between central nervous system (CNS) cells, as confirmed by in vitro studies. Besides their role in spreading pathology, TNTs may also have protective functions. Neurons burdened with α-syn can transfer protein aggregates to glial cells and receive healthy mitochondria, thereby reducing cellular stress associated with α-syn accumulation. Current AD treatments focus on alleviating symptoms, and clinical trials with Aβ-lowering drugs have proven ineffective. Therefore, intensifying research on TNTs could bring scientists closer to a better understanding of AD and the development of effective therapies.

Abstract Purpose Comprehensive understanding of force plate parameters distinguishing individuals postprimary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) from healthy controls during countermovement jumps (CMJ) and/or drop jumps (DJ) is lacking. This review addresses this gap by identifying discriminative force plate parameters and examining changes over time in individuals post‐ACLR during CMJ and/or DJ. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta analyses following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine databases were searched from inception to March 2022. We included cross‐sectional papers comparing post‐ACLR with healthy controls or longitudinal studies of individuals at least 6 months postprimary ACLR while performing CMJ and/or DJ on force plates. The methodological quality was appraised using the Modified Downs and Black Checklist. Results Thirty‐three studies including 1185 (50.38%) participants post‐ACLR, and 1167 (49.62%) healthy controls, were included. Data were categorised into single‐leg CMJ, double‐leg CMJ, single‐leg DJ, and double‐leg DJ. Jump height was reduced in both single (mean difference [MD] = −3.13; p

Background: The human body is a complex entity composed of organs and systems that pull together to fulfill specific functions necessary to sustain life. This seemingly simple definition, however, needs to be revised since the importance of the human body goes far beyond its biological role. Aim: In anatomical literature, much attention is paid to the human body's material (morphological) aspects. Contrary to such an approach, the presented considerations aim to devote attention solely to the body itself, which for centuries has been an object of interest for scientists and a source of inspiration for artists. Conclusions: With the progress of science and technology, the boundaries and taboos related to the human body are almost constantly changing. Modern anatomy and neuroanatomy can develop in greater depth and breadth, and the human body can be understood in a much more comprehensive range of contexts. Science is increasingly exploring the structure and functioning of the body and, thanks to the development of modern psychology, its association with the mind.

Abstract Offshore macroalgae production could provide an alternative source of biomass for food, materials and energy. However, the offshore environment in general, specifically the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) offshore, is a high energy and low nutrients environment, thus challenging for macroalgae farming. In this study, we experimentally investigated the impact of season, depth, and pre-cultivation fertilization duration on the growth rates and chemical composition of offshore Ulva biomass, and developed a predictive model tailored to offshore conditions, capable of estimating both biomass growth rate and nitrogen content. Specifically, we measured Ulva biomass growth rate and internal nitrogen in the nitrogen-poor EMS a few kilometers offshore the Israeli coast at various depths and on-shore pre-cultivation fertilization schedules. Based on these data, we constructed a predictive cultivation model of Ulva offshore growth, which allows for the optimization of fertilization requirements for offshore cultivation. This study provides new insights on the effects of seasonality, depth, and pre-cultivation fertilization duration on growth rates and chemical composition of offshore Ulva sp. biomass production.

Background. High levels of cardiac troponin in the blood indicates myocardial injury, including those caused by intense exercises. Recent studies have shown that an elevation in the troponin concentration in the patients can be caused by the macrotroponin circulation. There is no data in the scientific literature describing this problem in athletes.The aim. To identify the cases and possible causes of high blood levels of cardiac markers in athletes before and after endurance exercises.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 11 male cross-country skiers aged 15–21 years. The study included two stages: the first was conducted at the end of the preparatory period (November, 2020–2021), the second – in the middle (March) of the 2020–2021 competitive period. At each stage, two blood samples were taken from a vein: the first – in the morning on an empty stomach after a day of rest, the second – 12–14 hours after a high-intensity exercise. In the blood serum, the activity of total creatine kinase (CK), weight concentration of the cardiac isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), and concentration of high sensitive troponin I (Tn) were measured.Results. The activity of CK in athletes exceeded the upper limit threshold, and decreased from the preparatory (November) to the competitive (March) period. The concentration of CK-MB in response to exercise increased by 2 times and was not accompanied by the signs of myocardial injury. The most sensitive indicator, responsive to physical activity, was troponin I. However, the highest elevation of Tn in blood of one athlete, both before and after the exercise, was associated with the presence of macrotroponin without signs of myocardial injury.Conclusions. An increase of muscle tissue injury biomarkers in blood, including the heart muscle (CK, CK-MB, and Tn), by 2–4 times is a typical reaction for the body of a cross-country skier to an intense exercise. High levels of troponin in the blood, both before and after training or competition, may be associated with the presence of macrotroponin.

The surging adoption of lithium‐ion batteries, driven by diverse applications including electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics, has intensified the demand for high‐energy cathode materials. The existing methods to produce cathode materials typically include high‐temperature (>800 °C) sintering for a long period of time (>15 h), which are not only energy‐intensive but also significantly contribute to CO2 emissions. This investigation presents the ultrafast microwave solid‐state process to produce battery cathode materials by synthesizing high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO). Benefiting from rapid direct heating with an ultrahigh heating rate (>50 °C), high‐purity and well‐defined LNMO crystals are produced in a much shorter time (2 h) as compared to the conventional heating methods (>15 h). It is revealed that microwave irradiations substantially accelerate the reaction kinetics and enhance the homogeneity of LNMO. The as‐synthesized LNMO cathode delivers an excellent discharge capacity of 137.96 mAh g−1 (at 0.05 C), and outstanding cycling stability (≈63% retention over 280 cycles). The in situ characterizations elucidate the charge kinetics, suggesting high structural stability of the LNMO cathode during the reversible intercalation of Li‐ions. These encouraging results pave the way toward the manufacturing of other oxide materials for energy storage and other applications using the rapid microwave method.

Unused animal waste rendered fat is a potential feedstock for marine biofuels. In this work, bio-oil was generated using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of nitrogen-free and low sulfur rendered bovine fat. Maximum bio-oil yield of 28 ± 1.5% and high heating value of 38.5 ± 0.16 MJ·kg‒1 was obtained at 330 °C at 50% animal fat solid load and 20 min retention time. The nitrogen and sulfur content were negligible, making the produced bio-oil useful marine biofuel, taking into account current stringent regulations on NOx and SOx emissions. The economic analysis of the process, where part of the bovine fat waste is converted to the bio-oil and the semi-solid residues can be used to supply the heat demand of the HTL process and alternately generate electricity, showed that our process is likely to generate a positive profit margin on a large scale. We also showed the growing economic importance of electricity in the revenues as commercial production becomes more energy efficient.

A significant weakness of many organic and inorganic aerogels is their poor mechanical behaviour, representing a great impediment to their application. For example, polymer aerogels generally have higher ductility than silica aerogels, but their elastic modulus is considered too low. Herein, we developed extremely low loading (3 and a thermal conductivity of only 0.035 W/m·K, it outperforms many commercial insulators and foams. As compared to a pure PVA polymer aerogel, a 170% increase in storage modulus is obtained by adding only 0.6 wt% GO nanosheets. The nanocomposite aerogel demonstrates strong fire resistance, with a 50% increase in burning time and little smoke discharge. After surface modification with 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, the aerogel demonstrates water resistance, which is suitable for outdoor applications in which it would be exposed to precipitation. Our research demonstrates a new pathway for considerable improvement in the performance and application of polymer aerogels.

Background: Modern research in the morphological sciences field requires various specialized research methods, including histological techniques. This concise review presents considerations on applying selected histochemical techniques in anatomical research. Aim: This article presents selected metal-based stains and their application in examining tissue morphology and structure using an optical microscope. Additionally, the article will explore the benefits, drawbacks, and widespread usage of these stains. Conclusions: Morphological research requires reliable observations. Thus, specific pros and cons of applying metallic stains must be evaluated. However, the use of metal-based stains in microanatomical and neuroanatomical research is still current.

Abstract Excision tissue biopsy, while central to cancer treatment and precision medicine, presents risks to the patient and does not provide a sufficiently broad and faithful representation of the heterogeneity of solid tumors. Here we introduce e-biopsy—a novel concept for molecular profiling of solid tumors using molecular sampling with electroporation. As e-biopsy provides access to the molecular composition of a solid tumor by permeabilization of the cell membrane, it facilitates tumor diagnostics without tissue resection. Furthermore, thanks to its non tissue destructive characteristics, e-biopsy enables probing the solid tumor multiple times in several distinct locations in the same procedure, thereby enabling the spatial profiling of tumor molecular heterogeneity.We demonstrate e-biopsy in vivo, using the 4T1 breast cancer model in mice to assess its performance, as well as the inferred spatial differential protein expression. In particular, we show that proteomic profiles obtained via e-biopsy in vivo distinguish the tumors from healthy breast tissue and reflect spatial tumor differential protein expression. E-biopsy provides a completely new molecular sampling modality for solid tumors molecular cartography, providing information that potentially enables more rapid and sensitive detection at lesser risk, as well as more precise personalized medicine.