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FEBS Open Bio remains dedicated to serving the scientific community by ensuring rapid publication of rigorous science and pioneering initiatives to support researchers. In this editorial, we reflect on a year of achievements, and look forward to the new developments planned for 2025.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La selección adecuada para la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos en la pierna es un reto terapéutico. A pesar de disponer de varias opciones de reconstrucción, es importante elegir una técnica eficaz y con la menor morbilidad posible de la zona donante. Objetivo: Demostrar la eficacia terapéutica del colgajo de lengüeta medial en la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos de la pierna, en comparación con los colgajos convencionales. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte emparejado por edad. Se seleccionaron 64 pacientes con defectos de tejidos blandos, divididos, de acuerdo a la intervención, en 1) colgajo de lengüeta medial, y 2) colgajos convencionales (sural, sóleo, gastrocnemio), y se les realizó seguimiento hasta el año postoperatorio. Variables de desenlace: tiempo quirúrgico en minutos, cicatrización, tiempo de cicatrización en días, complicaciones. Resultados: Los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía con colgajo de lengüeta medial y colgajos convencionales cicatrizaron completamente. El tiempo de cicatrización fue de 16,2 ± 11,2 días en el colgajo de lengüeta y de 16,1 ± 11,2 días en los convencionales, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos (p = 0,89).El tiempo quirúrgico para los colgajos de lengüeta fue de 225,2 ± 117,8 minutos, y de 191,3 ± 117,2 minutos para los de comparación (p = 0,65), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No hubo complicaciones en los colgajos de lengüeta medial. Conclusión: Los hallazgos sugieren que la técnica de colgajo de lengüeta medial es tan eficaz como la técnica de colgajo convencional, con preservación y cicatrización completa del colgajo y sin ninguna complicación mayor en este grupo estudiado. Abstract: Background: Selecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity. Objective: Demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps. Materials and methods: Cohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group 1) medial tab flap, and group 2) conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively. Outcome variables: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications. Results: The patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2 ± 11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1 ± 11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (P = .89).The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2 ± 117.8 minutes, and 191.3 ± 117.2 minutes for the comparison flaps (P = .65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group.

In the current context, excessive mobile device use has led to new issues, such as nomophobia—an irrational fear of being without a mobile phone—and phubbing, which involves ignoring nearby people in favor of using one’s phone. These behaviors are increasingly prevalent among young people, particularly in university settings, and can negatively impact well-being, including the emergence of poor sleep patterns. Given that sleep is essential for academic performance and mental health, examining how nomophobia and phubbing relate to disruptions in university students’ sleep habits is crucial. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between nomophobia, phubbing, and poor sleep patterns among university students, determine whether nomophobia and phubbing are significant predictors of these patterns, and examine the individual contribution of each variable on sleep. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative design with correlational-explanatory scope was used, conducted from March to June 2023. The sample consisted of 533 students from a private university in Peru, aged 18 to 24, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. Data were collected using the Short Nomophobia Questionnaire (SNQ-5) and the Brief Phubbing Scale (BPS-6), validated instruments with strong internal consistency. The results showed moderate positive correlations between nomophobia, phubbing, and poor sleep patterns. Linear regression analysis indicated that the predictor variables explained 45.1% of the variance in poor sleep patterns. Nomophobia significantly affected all three analyzed sleep patterns (late nights, insomnia, and short sleep), whereas phubbing significantly impacted only short sleep. The findings underscore the importance of addressing excessive mobile device use in university settings, as both nomophobia and phubbing affect students’ sleep quality. Future research is recommended to explore their impact on mental health and evaluate interventions to mitigate these phenomena and their implications for academic performance.

Monoclonal antibody therapeutics is a massively growing field. Progress in providing monoclonal antibody therapeutics to treat brain disorders is complicated, due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to large macromolecular structures. To date, the most successful approach for delivering antibody therapeutics to the brain is by targeting the transferrin receptor (TfR) using anti-TfR BBB shuttles, with the 8D3 antibody being one of the most extensively studied in the field. The strategy of fine-tuning TfR binding affinity has shown promise, with previous results showing an improved brain delivery of bivalent 8D3-BBB constructs. In the current study, a fine-tuning TfR affinity strategy has been employed to improve single-chain variable fragment (scFv) 8D3 (scFv8D3) affinity mutants. Initially, in silico protein-protein docking analysis was performed to identify amino acids (AAs) likely to contribute to 8D3s TfR binding affinity. Mutating the identified AAs resulted in decreased TfR binding affinity, increased blood half-life and increased brain concentration. As monovalent BBB shuttles are seemingly superior for delivering antibodies at therapeutically relevant doses, our findings and approach may be relevant for optimizing brain delivery.

Introducción y objetivos: el análisis de bioimpedancia (BIA) es un método no invasivo para la determinación de composición corporal. Las ecuaciones que calculan los componentes corporales acarrean errores, por lo que los parámetros bioeléctricos obtenidos con BIA, resistencia, reactancia y ángulo de fase son usados cada vez más frecuentemente como predictores de estados de salud o de rendimiento. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: 1) Comparar los valores bioeléctricos obtenidos por dos dispositivos BIA, uno mano-pie (BIA-101) y otro mano-mano (BIA-TELELAB), en una población adulta española sana, de raza blanca y de amplio rango de edad; 2) Proporcionar valores de referencia de dichos parámetros para ambos dispositivos, que puedan servir para futuros estudios en poblaciones de raza blanca con patologías. Metodología: 206 sujetos de entre 20 y 70 años participaron en esta investigación. Las mediciones se llevaron a cabo con una corriente de 250 µA y una frecuencia de 50 kHz. Resultados: los resultados obtenidos para los tres parámetros bioeléctricos son distintos entre ambos dispositivos debido, entre otras cosas, al distinto camino recorrido por la corriente. No obstante, existe una correlación significativa fuerte o muy fuerte entre los valores obtenidos, lo que indica que es posible desarrollar con ellos ecuaciones distintas, pero válidas, para la obtención de composición corporal. Conclusiones: los valores bioeléctricos obtenidos por ambos dispositivos BIA para una población adulta sana, de raza blanca y amplio rango de edad, con un número relativamente grande de sujetos en cada franja de edad, pueden servir como referencia para estudios futuros.

PurposeThe Multicentre Acute ischemic stroke imaGIng and Clinical data (MAGIC) repository is a collaboration established in 2024 by seven stroke centres in Europe. MAGIC consolidates clinical and radiological data from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who underwent endovascular therapy, intravenous thrombolysis, a combination of both, or conservative management.ParticipantsAll centres ensure accuracy and completeness of the data. Only patients who did not refuse use of their routine data collected during or after their hospital stay are included in the repository. Approvals or waivers are obtained from the responsible ethics committees before data exchange. A formal data transfer agreement (DTA) is signed by all contributing centres. The centres then share their data, and files are stored centrally on a safe server at the University Hospital Zurich. There, patient identifiers are removed and images are algorithmically de-faced. De-identified structured clinical data are connected to the imaging data by a new identifier. Data are made available to participating centres which have entered into a DTA for stroke research projects.Repository setupInitially, MAGIC is set to comprise initial and first follow-up imaging of 2,500 AIS patients. Clinical data consist of a comprehensive set of patient characteristics and routine prehospital metrics, treatment and laboratory variables.OutlookOur repository will support research by leveraging the entire range of routinely collected imaging and clinical data. This dataset reflects the current state of practice in stroke patient evaluation and management and will enable researchers to retrospectively study clinically relevant questions outside the scope of randomized controlled clinical trials. New centres are invited to join MAGIC if they meet the requirements outlined here. We aim to reach approximately 10,000 cases by 2026.

Los riesgos ambientales son una preocupación para la habitabilidad del planeta. Se estima que para 2050, el 68 % de la población mundial vivirá en ciudades, y en México, el 79 % ya reside en áreas urbanas. Esta concentración poblacional enfrenta amenazas como la variabilidad climática y los efectos derivados del cambio climático, que se manifiestan en fenómenos meteorológicos extremos, incluyendo inundaciones. El índice topográfico de humedad (TWI por sus siglas en inglés) es una herramienta útil para identificar áreas susceptibles a inundaciones y planificar infraestructura preventiva. En esta investigación, se realizó un análisis diacrónico hemerográfico digital de inundaciones en Xalapa de Enríquez, Veracruz, México; modelando el TWI con datos procedentes de LIDAR para identificar zonas propensas a inundaciones. También se analizaron la marginación, el arbolado per cápita y el drenaje pluvial de la ciudad. Los resultados mostraron que, en 18 años ocurrieron 369 inundaciones en 120 colonias, afectando al 61.5 % de los habitantes. El 56 % de las inundaciones ocurrieron entre 2017 y 2022. Dos de las tres colonias con más inundaciones tienen un grado de marginación medio. El 39.8 % de las colonias tiene menos de 5 m² de arbolado por habitante, incumpliendo la legislación local, y el 56.7 % no alcanza los 15 m² recomendados internacionalmente. El TWI reveló que el 45 % de la superficie inundable no está registrada en el apartado de Amenazas y Vulnerabilidad a Inundaciones del Programa Municipal de Ordenamiento Territorial. Las 10 colonias con más inundaciones tienen los porcentajes más bajos de alcantarillado pluvial. Se concluye que es factible y deseable replicar el TWI en otras ciudades para prevenir inundaciones y planificar obras de gestión integral del riesgo de desastres, valorando la superficie arbolada per cápita en coordinación con mejoras en el drenaje pluvial, mediante un enfoque intraurbano de colonia.

Background: Selecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity. Objective: Demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps. Materials and methods: Cohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group (1) medial tab flap, and group (2) conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively. Outcome variables: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications. Results: The patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2 ± 11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1 ± 11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p = .89).The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2 ± 117.8 min, and 191.3 ± 117.2 min for the comparison flaps (p = .65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group. Resumen: Antecedentes: La selección adecuada para la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos en la pierna es un reto terapéutico. A pesar de disponer de varias opciones de reconstrucción, es importante elegir una técnica eficaz y con la menor morbilidad posible de la zona donante. Objetivo: Demostrar la eficacia terapéutica del colgajo de lengüeta medial en la reconstrucción de tejidos blandos de la pierna, en comparación con los colgajos convencionales. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte emparejado por edad. Se seleccionaron 64 pacientes con defectos de tejidos blandos, divididos, de acuerdo a la intervención, en 1) colgajo de lengüeta medial, y 2) colgajos convencionales (sural, sóleo, gastrocnemio), y se les realizó seguimiento hasta el año postoperatorio. Variables de desenlace: tiempo quirúrgico en minutos, cicatrización, tiempo de cicatrización en días, complicaciones. Resultados: Los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía con colgajo de lengüeta medial y colgajos convencionales cicatrizaron completamente. El tiempo de cicatrización fue de 16,2 ± 11,2 días en el colgajo de lengüeta y de 16,1 ± 11,2 días en los convencionales, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos (p = 0,89).El tiempo quirúrgico para los colgajos de lengüeta fue de 225,2 ± 117,8 minutos, y de 191,3 ± 117,2 minutos para los de comparación (p = 0,65), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No hubo complicaciones en los colgajos de lengüeta medial. Conclusión: Los hallazgos sugieren que la técnica de colgajo de lengüeta medial es tan eficaz como la técnica de colgajo convencional, con preservación y cicatrización completa del colgajo y sin ninguna complicación mayor en este grupo estudiado.

Respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have high prevalence and share common risk factors. In some respiratory diseases such as sleep apnoea and COPD, the evidence of their negative impact on the prognosis of CVDs seems clear. However, in other diseases it is less evident whether there is any direct relationship. With this in mind, our objective was to provide information that may be helpful to better understand the relationship between respiratory pathology and CVDs.There are different reasons for this relationship, such as shared risk factors, common pathophysiological mechanisms, side effects of treatment and the direct effect in the heart and great vessels of respiratory diseases.Indeed, aging and smoking are risk factors for CVDs and also for respiratory diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), COPD and interstitial lung diseases (ILD).Furthermore, there are common pathophysiological mechanisms that affect both respiratory diseases and CVDs, such as accelerated atherosclerosis, microvascular dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, hypoxemia and oxidative stress.Besides that, it is well known that lung cancer, sarcoidosis and amyloidosis may directly affect the heart and great vessels.Finally, side effects of drugs for respiratory diseases and the discontinuation of treatments that are necessary for CVDs, such as β-blockers and aspirin, may have a deleterious impact on the cardiovascular system.In conclusion, the coexistence of respiratory diseases and CVDs is very common. It makes modifying diagnostic and therapeutic management necessary and is also a relevant prognostic factor. Resumen: Las enfermedades respiratorias y cardiovasculares (ECVs) tienen una alta prevalencia y comparten factores de riesgo comunes. En algunas enfermedades respiratorias como la apnea del sueño y la EPOC, la evidencia de su impacto negativo en el pronóstico de las ECVs parece clara. Sin embargo, en otras enfermedades es menos evidente si existe alguna relación directa. Considerando esto, nuestro objetivo fue aportar información que pueda ser útil para comprender mejor la relación entre la patología respiratoria y las ECVs.Existen diferentes razones para esta relación, como factores de riesgo compartidos, mecanismos fisiopatológicos comunes, efectos secundarios del tratamiento y el efecto directo en el corazón y los grandes vasos de las enfermedades respiratorias.De hecho, el envejecimiento y el tabaquismo son factores de riesgo para las ECVs y también para las enfermedades respiratorias como la apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS), la EPOC y las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales (EPID).Además, existen mecanismos fisiopatológicos comunes que afectan tanto a las enfermedades respiratorias como a las ECVs, como la aterosclerosis acelerada, la disfunción microvascular, la disfunción endotelial, la inflamación, la hipoxemia y el estrés oxidativo. Además, es bien conocido que el cáncer de pulmón, la sarcoidosis y la amiloidosis pueden afectar directamente al corazón y a los grandes vasos.Finalmente, los efectos secundarios de los fármacos para enfermedades respiratorias y la suspensión de tratamientos necesarios para las ECVs, como los β-bloqueantes y la aspirina, pueden tener un impacto deletéreo sobre el sistema cardiovascular.En conclusión, la coexistencia de enfermedades respiratorias y ECVs es muy frecuente, lo que obliga a modificar el manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico y es, además, un factor pronóstico relevante.

This paper presents a proof-of-concept of a versatile Power Quality (PQ) analyser for tracking the voltage supply in industrial and residential sectors. It implements 2D Higher-Order Statistics (HOS) to assess voltage quality, based more on the sinusoidal waveform than on power fluctuations. Beyond the second-order parameters and permissible deviations regulated by the norm, EN 50160, the two-dimensional traces and probability density functions, along with a previously studied differential index, manage to identify different states of the electrical grid. Waveforms were measured in the wall plugs of a public building. In regard to analysing reliability and voltage waveform, the results corroborate that incorporating skewness and kurtosis indicators improves the characterisation, as well as extracting the customers’ supply behaviour under normal and anomalous operations. The instrument showed good behaviour in site characterisation, and the implemented method was considered as a probabilistic approach for the risk assessment of an installation. The prototype was tested in the facilities of a public building of the university, being able to detect deviations in 10 s traces of 3.9% in variance and 0.6% in kurtosis.

Background: Familial Meniere's disease (FMD) is a rare polygenic disorder of the inner ear. Mutations in the connexin gene family, which encodes gap junction proteins, can also cause hearing loss, but their role in FMD is largely unknown. Methods: We retrieved exome sequencing data from 94 individuals in 70 Meniere's disease (MD) families. Through gene burden analysis, we calculated the enrichment of rare variants (allele frequency < 0.05) in connexins genes in FMD individuals compared with the reference population. The connexin monomer and the homomeric connexon structural models were predicted using AlphaFold2 and HDOCK. RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were done in mice cochleae to identify expression of the mouse ortholog candidate gene Gjd3. Results: We found an enrichment of rare missense variants in the GJD3 gene when comparing allelic frequencies in FMD (N = 94) with the Spanish reference population (OR = 3.9[1.92–7.91], FDR = 2.36E-03). In the GJD3 sequence, we identified a rare haplotype (TGAGT) composed of two missense, two synonymous, and one downstream variant. This haplotype was found in five individuals with FMD, segregating in three unrelated families with a total of ten individuals; and in another eight MD individuals. GJD3 encodes the gap junction protein delta 3, also known as human connexin 31.9 (Cx31.9). The protein model predicted that the NP_689343.3:p.(His175Tyr) missense variant could modify the interaction between connexins and the connexon assembly, affecting the homotypic GJD3 gap junction between cells. Our studies in mice revealed that Gjd3—encoding Gjd3 or mouse connexin 30.2 (Cx30.2)—was expressed in the organ of Corti and vestibular organs, particularly in the tectorial membrane, the base of inner and outer hair cells and the nerve fibers. Conclusions: The present results describe a novel association between GJD3 and FMD, providing evidence that FMD is related to changes in the inner ear channels, and supporting a new role of tectorial membrane proteins in MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Current research on host-gut microbiota interactions is hindered by almost infinite bacterial combinations depending on intrinsic characteristics, environment, and health status, which prevents large-scale screenings in mammals. For these reasons, the bacterivore model organism C. elegans has been developed to test the effects of gut microbiota extracts from mammals. This study tested whether storage conditions of mouse feces and fecal extracts modify normal C. elegans healthspan. Methods: Feces from mice were processed for microbiota extraction after collection or after one or twelve months at -80 °C and compared to microbiota extracted six months before and left at room temperature. Extracts were probed for bacterial composition, viability, and nutritional content and tested in synchronized wild-type (strain N2) worms for food preferences and intake, development, fat accumulation, brood size, and maximal lifespan. Results: Long-term freezing of feces before microbiota extraction modified composition but did not negatively impact subsequent worm development, fat accumulation, reproduction, and maximal lifespan, whereas using samples extracted and left at room temperature after a long period of time resulted in robust avoidance and was detrimental for normal growth. Conclusions: Using frozen feces to test for impacts of microbiota in C. elegans appears an appropriate method since it did not affect normal biology and healthspan, which supports protocols with already existing feces stored in biobanks for high-throughput phenotype screenings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine how corneoscleral geometry changes with axial length and to assess the usefulness of including the sagittal configuration of the anterior segment when predicting the axial length. Methods: An observational study was performed including 96 healthy subjects (96 eyes). Axial length was calculated from optical biometry (IOL Master 500). Corneal curvature and scleral sagittal height parameters at 13, 14 and 15 mm were obtained automatically using corneoscleral topography (eye surface profiler; ESP). In addition, corneal and scleral sagittal heights at numerous locations (21 radii: 0–10 mm from the corneal apex at 12 angles: 0–330°) were calculated using the raw height data extracted from the ESP. The relationships between axial length and the study parameters were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis. The equations for the prediction of axial length were obtained by fitting multiple linear regression models. Results: The temporal‐nasal scleral asymmetry at 13‐, 14‐ and 15‐mm chord lengths was significantly correlated with axial length (r2 ≤ 0.26; p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between the temporal scleral sagittal height and axial length (r2 ≤ 0.28; p ≤ 0.02). The nasal scleral sagittal height was not associated with axial length. Three significant multiple linear regression models were fitted based on spherical equivalent, corneal radius and scleral asymmetry at 13 (r2 = 0.79; p < 0.001), 14 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) and 15 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) mm chord lengths. Conclusions: Larger ocular globes show reduced temporal‐nasal scleral asymmetry, mainly due to the lower sagittal height of the temporal sclera. Thus, the geometry of the temporal scleral may be a factor of interest during myopia progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FEBS Open Bio remains dedicated to serving the scientific community by ensuring rapid publication of rigorous science and pioneering initiatives to support researchers. In this editorial, we reflect on a year of achievements, and look forward to the new developments planned for 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax genus possesses bioactive properties attributed to phenolic compounds, which may exhibit antioxidant effects and inhibit the advanced glycation end products (AGEs). However, identifying these phenolic compounds and AGEs has become increasingly relevant to understanding such activities. This study aimed to identify phenolic compounds in extracts of Smilax spp. and evaluate their antioxidant and AGEs inhibitory activities. To achieve this, the Smilax genus was identified via PCR, and phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, naringenin-6- C -glucoside, quercetin, quercetin-3- O -glucoside, and myricetin were identified using HPLC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethyl-benzothiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), while AGEs inhibition was evaluated using a model system formed by bovine serum albumin-glucose. The highest antioxidant activity was 3612.18 mM TE/g, and the inhibition of AGEs was 52.44 %. These results demonstrate that Smilax spp. can inhibit AGEs, neutralize free radicals, and reduce compounds associated with antioxidant capacity. • Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS/MS in extracts from Smilax spp. • Extracts the Smilax spp. have phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity and AGEs inhibitory. • The phenolic compound content is correlated with antioxidant activity but not AGEs inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace (GP) and pecan shell (PS) are two by-products rich in phenolic compounds (PC), and dietary fiber (DF) that may be considered for the development of functional baked foods. In this study, four formulations with different GP:PS ratios (F1(8%:5%), F2(5%:5%), F3(5%:2%), F4(0%:5%), and control bread (CB)) were elaborated and characterized (physiochemical and phytochemical content). Also, their inner structure (SEM), changes in their FTIR functional group's vibrations, and the bioaccessibility of PC and sugars, including an in vitro glycemic index, were analyzed. Results showed that all GP:PS formulations had higher mineral, protein, DF (total, soluble, and insoluble), and PC content than CB. Additionally, PC and non-starch polysaccharides affected gluten and starch absorbance and pores distribution. In vitro digestion model showed a reduction in the glycemic index for all formulations, compared to CB. These findings highlight the possible health benefits of by-products and their interactions in baked goods. • The addition of grape pomace and pecan shells increases the content of bioactive compounds in bread formulations. • Phenolic compounds and dietary fiber interact with gluten proteins and starchy compounds. • The presence of phenols and dietary fiber derivatives can modulate the release of sugars and reduce the glycemic index in an in vitro system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathological cascade of Alzheimer's disease (AD) along with aggregation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular aggregates of tau protein. In animal models of amyloidosis, local immune activation is centered around Aβ plaques, which are usually of uniform morphology, dependent on the transgenic model used. In postmortem human brains a diversity of Aβ plaque morphologies is seen including diffuse plaques (non-neuritic plaques, non-NP), dense-core plaques, cotton-wool plaques, and NP. In a recent study, we demonstrated that during the progression of Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes (ADNC), a transformation of non-NP into NP occurs which is tightly linked to the emergence of cortical, but not hippocampal neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology. This highlights the central role of NP in AD pathogenesis as well as brain region-specific differences in NP formation. In order to correlate the transformation of plaque types with local immune activation, we quantified the clustering and phenotype of microglia and accumulation of astrocytes around non-NP and NP during the progression of ADNC. We hypothesize that glial clustering occurs in response to formation of neuritic dystrophy around NP. First, we show that Iba1-positive microglia preferentially cluster around NP. Utilizing microglia phenotypic markers, we furthermore demonstrate that CD68-positive phagocytic microglia show a strong preference to cluster around NP in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex. A similar preferential clustering is observed for CD11c and ferritin-positive microglia in the frontal cortex, while this preference is less pronounced in the hippocampus, highlighting differences between hippocampal and cortical Aβ plaques. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes showed a clear preference for clustering around NP in both the frontal cortex and hippocampus. These data support the notion that NP are intimately associated with the neuroimmune response in AD and underscore the importance of the interplay of protein deposits and the immune system in the pathophysiology of AD., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Neurochemistry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society for Neurochemistry.)

Background: Selecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity., Objective: Demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps., Materials and Methods: Cohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group 1)medial tab flap, and group 2)conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively., Outcome Variables: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications., Results: The patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2±11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1±11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (P=.89). The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2±117.8minutes, and 191.3±117.2minutes for the comparison flaps (P=.65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps., Conclusion: The findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group., (Copyright © 2024 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)