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Background/Objective: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an inherited sequence variant in TP53 characterized by the early onset of various core malignancies including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), sarcomas, breast cancer, leukemias, and central nervous system tumors. We present a case of a patient with LFS who developed endocrine neoplasms not classically seen in LFS in addition to developing ACC. Case Report: A 26-year-old nonbinary individual assigned female at birth with a history of LFS complicated by osteosarcoma of the jaw was incidentally found to have thyroid and sellar masses on surveillance magnetic resonance imaging. Fine-needle aspiration of thyroid mass confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma, and the patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Pituitary workup was notable for laboratory test results consistent with adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent hypercortisolism; the patient underwent resection of the pituitary lesion. The patient was subsequently noted on abdominal imaging to have a new left adrenal mass; they underwent left adrenalectomy with pathology consistent with ACC. Discussion: There is limited literature on the relationship between LFS and thyroid and pituitary neoplasms. Genetic testing has suggested that TP53 sequence variants may play a role in tumorigenesis in thyroid and pituitary neoplasms; however, most of the current literature is based on evidence of somatic rather than germline sequence variants. Conclusion: This case highlights a patient with LFS with neoplasia of multiple endocrine organs including ACC, which is a classic finding, as well as papillary thyroid carcinoma and Cushing disease. Further investigation may be necessary to assess if patients with LFS are at a higher risk of various endocrine neoplasms in addition to the core malignancies classically described because this could affect future screening protocols.

This work investigates the adsorptive properties of Pyracantha coccinea berries powdered biomass (BPC) towards Reactive Red 120 (RR120) in an aquatic system. The morphological and structural features of BPC particles were examined before and after the adsorption of RR120 through field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XEDS), elemental analysis and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Various adsorption parameters were explored. The application of adsorption isotherms and kinetic models showed that Langmuir and PS2 models provide the best fitting parameters (R2 > 0.99). The qmax is calculated to be 22.01 mg/g at pH 2.0 and T= 295 K. The relative removal efficiency rises with temperature from qmax = 22.01 mg/g (295 K) to qmax = 31.2 mg/g (323 K) and the positive ΔH0 value obtained from the thermodynamic study indicates an endothermic and entropy-governed adsorption process. The increase of the ionic strength was found to favor the dye removal and the associated qmax values increased from 21.2 mg/g to 28.9 mg/g.

Background: The accurate computational prediction of B cell epitopes can vastly reduce the cost and time required for identifying potential epitope candidates for the design of vaccines and immunodiagnostics. However, current computational tools for B cell epitope prediction perform poorly and are not fit-for-purpose, and there remains enormous room for improvement and the need for superior prediction strategies. Results: Here we propose a novel approach that improves B cell epitope prediction by encoding epitopes as binary positional permutation vectors that represent the position and structural properties of the amino acids within a protein antigen sequence that interact with an antibody. This approach supersedes the traditional method of defining epitopes as scores per amino acid on a protein sequence, where each score reflects each amino acids predicted probability of partaking in a B cell epitope antibody interaction. In addition to defining epitopes as binary positional permutation vectors, the approach also uses the 3D macrostructure features of the unbound protein structures, and in turn uses these features to train another deep learning model on the corresponding antibody-bound protein 3D structures. This enables the algorithm to learn the key structural and physiochemical features of the unbound protein and embedded epitope that initiate the antibody binding process helping to eliminate “induced fit” biases in the training data. We demonstrate that the strategy predicts B cell epitopes with improved accuracy compared to the existing tools. Additionally, we show that this approach reliably identifies the majority of experimentally verified epitopes on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 not seen by the model during training and generalizes in a very robust manner on dissimilar data not seen by the model during training. Conclusions: With the approach described herein, a primary protein sequence and a query positional permutation vector encoding a putative epitope is sufficient to predict B cell epitopes in a reliable manner, potentially advancing the use of computational prediction of B cell epitopes in biomedical research applications.

The rapid progression of genomics and proteomics has been driven by the advent of advanced sequencing technologies, large, diverse, and readily available omics datasets, and the evolution of computational data processing capabilities. The vast amount of data generated by these advancements necessitates efficient algorithms to extract meaningful information. K-mers serve as a valuable tool when working with large sequencing datasets, offering several advantages in computational speed and memory efficiency and carrying the potential for intrinsic biological functionality. This review provides an overview of the methods, applications, and significance of k-mers in genomic and proteomic data analyses, as well as the utility of absent sequences, including nullomers and nullpeptides, in disease detection, vaccine development, therapeutics, and forensic science. Therefore, the review highlights the pivotal role of k-mers in addressing current genomic and proteomic problems and underscores their potential for future breakthroughs in research.

The fields of Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics involve the examination of complete nucleotide sequences, gene identification, and analysis of potential biological functions within diverse organisms or environmental samples. Despite the vast opportunities for discovery in metagenomics, the sheer volume and complexity of sequence data often present challenges in processing analysis and visualization. This article highlights the critical role of advanced visualization tools in enabling effective exploration, querying, and analysis of these complex datasets. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility, the article categorizes various visualizers based on their intended applications and highlights their utility in empowering bioinformaticians and non-bioinformaticians to interpret and derive insights from meta-omics data effectively.

The decrease in sequencing expenses has facilitated the creation of reference genomes and proteomes for an expanding array of organisms. Nevertheless, no established repository that details organism-specific genomic and proteomic sequences of specific lengths, referred to as kmers, exists to our knowledge. In this article, we present kmerDB, a database accessible through an interactive web interface that provides kmer-based information from genomic and proteomic sequences in a systematic way. kmerDB currently contains 202,340,859,107 base pairs and 19,304,903,356 amino acids, spanning 54,039 and 21,865 reference genomes and proteomes, respectively, as well as 6,905,362 and 149,305,183 genomic and proteomic species-specific sequences, termed quasi-primes. Additionally, we provide access to 5,186,757 nucleic and 214,904,089 peptide sequences absent from every genome and proteome, termed primes. kmerDB features a user-friendly interface offering various search options and filters for easy parsing and searching. The service is available at: www.kmerdb.com.

Osteoid osteomas are benign bone tumors characterized by severe localized pain, often challenging the daily lives of young patients. While these tumors are typically solitary, rare cases of multiple osteoid osteomas have been reported. This research paper presents a case series of 2 young patients with multiple osteoid osteomas, highlighting their clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment with cryoablation, and follow-up. The paper emphasizes the effectiveness of cryoablation as a minimally invasive treatment option for these challenging cases.

Summary: The combined use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap coupled with vascularized inguinal lymph nodes (VILNs) for simultaneous breast and lymphedema reconstruction has already been well established, and promising results have been reported. However, a standardized approach for the planning and shaping of this combined flap is still lacking. We aimed to propose a comprehensive algorithmic approach for delayed unilateral breast and lymphedema reconstruction using a predesigned abdominal flap associated with inguinal lymph node transfer.We present in detail the preoperative measurements and surgical technique of the chimeric flap, which combines a predesigned DIEP template and a preselected inguinal lymph node flap, based on the preoperative computed tomography angiography and SPEC-CT findings, respectively; four different flap types are described according to the location of the pedicles of the two flap components. Our results of a series of 34 consecutive female patients with unilateral mastectomy and arm lymphedema, who underwent this combined predesigned reconstructive procedure, are retrospectively analyzed and reported.We recorded a high survival rate of the chimeric flaps in our series, with only one case of partial ischemic loss of a DIEP skin island. In the majority of our patients, the pedicles of the combined flaps were located in opposite positions. After a mean 35-month follow-up, we recorded a 47% mean volume difference reduction of the lymphedematous compared to the unaffected arm; no donor-site lymphedema was documented. Self-evaluation questionnaires showed high patient satisfaction rates regarding breast reconstruction. This algorithmic approach provides standardized guidance for accurate design and transfer of the DIEP-VILN chimeric flap while achieving highly satisfactory outcomes for both breast and lymphedema reconstruction.

Background: Compared to conventional oxygen devices, high-flow oxygen treatment (HFOT) through the nasal cannulae has demonstrated clinical benefits. Limited data exist on whether such effects are also present in HFOT through tracheostomy. Hence, we aimed to examine the short-term effects of HFOT through tracheostomy on diaphragmatic function and respiratory parameters in tracheostomized patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation. Methods: A randomized, crossover, physiological study was conducted in our ICU between December 2020 and April 2021, in patients with tracheostomy and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The patients underwent a 30-min spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and received oxygen either via T-piece or by HFOT through tracheostomy, followed by a washout period of 15-min breathing through the T-piece and receipt of 30-min oxygen with the other modality in a randomized crossover manner. At the start and end of each session, blood gasses, breathing frequency (f), and tidal volume (VT) via a Wright's spirometer were measured, along with diaphragm ultrasonography including diaphragm excursion and diaphragmatic thickening fraction, which expressed the inspiratory muscle effort. Results: Eleven patients were enrolled in whom 19 sessions were uneventfully completed; eight patients were studied twice on two different days with alternate sessions; and three patients were studied once. Patients were randomly assigned to start the SBT with a T-piece (n=10 sessions) or with HFOT (n=9 sessions). With HFOT, VT and minute ventilation (VE) significantly increased during SBT (from [465±119] mL to [549±134] mL, P

Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in numerous ecosystems worldwide. To better understand their distribution and establish a foundation for risk assessment protocols, detailed information on MP concentrations and polymer compositions is essential. This study assessed the presence and chemical composition of MPs, ranging from 5 mm to 125 µm, in the effluents of a Greek wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a one-year period to understand the temporal variation in MP input into the receiving water fidentification and mass data were obtained through pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis. The study found that fibers (50–78 %) were the predominant form of MPs compared to particles, with the most common size range being 125–200 μm for fibers and 200–2000 μm for particles. Py-GC/MS analysis indicated a clear dominance of polyolefins among the polymers analyzed, with MP mass concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 69.29 μg/L. Increased concentrations of MP items and mass were observed following rainfall events (due to elevated discharge and altered hydraulic parameters) and during windy conditions. This underscores the need for improved assessment of background parameters in future MP monitoring strategies. By providing data on MP input in WWTP effluents over a one-year period, this study enhances our understanding of seasonal MP dynamics and can serve as a crucial reference for future measurements.

The objective of this study was to examine the integration of a wild leafy vegetable, Cichorium spinosum L., in vertical farms. This research comprises two experiments focusing on different “white” light products and nutrient solutions. During both experiments, the temperature varied between 25 and 28 °C, relative humidity ranged from 50 to 70 %, carbon dioxide was at 450 ppm, and light intensity was set at 300 μmol m−2 s−1 respectively. In the lighting experiment, the three spectra used had the commercial names Neutral, Full and a SunLike™, and their spectral composition (blue:green:red:far-red) were 14:32:43:10, 16:36:40:8, and 21:34:36:7 respectively. The photoperiod was set to 12 h and the plant density was 50 plants m−2. Results showed no significant impact on agronomical parameters and leaf anatomy. The stomatal length and width decreased as the red:blue ratio of the light sources decreased, being greater in the Neutral treatment (red:blue ratio of 3.1) compared to the Full and SunLike™ (red:blue ratios of 2.5 and 1.7 respectively). Based on these results the preferable “white light” product was the one with the highest efficiency and lowest market price at the time of the experiment. In the nutrient solution experiment, the agronomical and nutritional attributes of stamnagathi plants supplied with a control nutrient solution, “N10-Fe15” were compared to plants cultivated under limited nitrogen, “N4-Fe15” and elevated iron, “N10-Fe48”, EC was 1.5 ds m−1, and pH was 5.6–6.5. The experiment simulated commercial practices by increasing the photoperiod to 15 h and plant density to 100 plants per square meter. The results did not demonstrate significant effect of the nutrient solution differences on the agronomical characteristics except from a decrease in total Kjeldahl nitrogen under limited nitrogen conditions. Notably, leaf tissue phosphorus content increased under elevated iron conditions. The nitrate content remained within safe for consumption thresholds for all treatments. Based on these results, stamnagathi can be integrated in vertical farms under limited nitrogen conditions. Stamnagathi's resilience to elevated iron in the nutrient solution demonstrated its potential for future biofortification experiments.

The production of raisins, a method of grape preservation since antiquity, has evolved with various drying techniques that significantly impact the quality and safety of the final product. This study evaluates the efficacy of a solar indirect dryer compared to traditional sun-drying methods for drying Centennial Seedless and Sultanina grape cultivars in Crete, Greece. Key parameters assessed include environmental conditions, drying time, grape color, fungal contamination, and Ochratoxin A (OTA) levels. Grapes were dried in a controlled solar chamber and under open sun conditions. The solar chamber maintained higher average temperatures (34 °C) and lower relative humidity (39.7%) than outside conditions (24.2 °C and 58.7%, respectively), significantly reducing the drying time from 12 to 7 days. Raisins dried in the solar chamber exhibited improved color quality, with higher Lightness (L*), Hue Angle (h), and Chroma (C*) values, attributed to minimized enzymatic and nonenzymatic browning. Mycological analysis revealed a substantial reduction in Aspergillus section Nigri contamination in chamber-dried raisins, with mean colony-forming units per gram significantly lower than those of sun-dried raisins. Consequently, OTA levels were also significantly reduced in chamber-dried raisins, with Centennial Seedless showing a mean concentration of 1.01 µg/kg compared to 2.66 µg/kg in sun-dried samples, and Sultanina showing 0.70 µg/kg versus 2.05 µg/kg, respectively. These findings underscore the advantages of using solar indirect dryers to enhance drying efficiency, improve color quality, and reduce fungal and OTA contamination, highlighting the importance of adopting controlled drying technologies for safer, higher-quality raisins.

Background and Objectives:: The Wechsler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence second edition (WASI-II) is a standardised assessment tool that is widely used to assess cognitive ability in clinical, research, and educational settings. In one of the components of this assessment, referred to as the Vocabulary task, the assessed individuals are presented with words (called stimulus items), and asked to explain what each word mean. Their responses are hand-scored based on a list of pre-rated sample responses [0-Point (poor), 1-Point (moderate), or 2-Point (excellent)] that is provided in the accompanying manual of WASI-II. This scoring method is time-consuming, and scoring of responses that do not fully match the pre-rated ones may vary between individual scorers. In this study, we aim to use natural language processing techniques to automate the scoring procedure and make it more time-efficient and reliable (objective). Methods:: Utilising five different word embeddings (Word2vec, Global Vectors, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers, Generative Pre-trained Transformer 2, and Embeddings from Language Model), we transformed stimulus items and pre-rated responses from the WASI-II Vocabulary task into machine-readable vectors. We measured distance with cosine similarity, evaluating each model against a rational-expectations hypothesis that vector representations for stimuli should align closely with 2-Point responses and diverge from 0-Point responses. Assessment involved frequency of consistent representation and the Pearson correlation coefficient, examining overall consistency with the manual’s ranking across all items and sample responses. Results:: The Word2vec model showed the highest consistency with the WASI-II manual (frequency = 20 out of 27; Pearson Correlation coefficient = 0.61) while Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers was the worst performing model (frequency = 5; Pearson Correlation coefficient = 0.05). The consistency of these two models with the WASI-II manual differed significantly, Z = 2.282, p = 0.022. Conclusions:: Our results showed that the scoring of the WASI-II Vocabulary task can be automated with moderate accuracy relying upon off-the-shelf embedding models. These results are promising, and could be improved further by considering alternative vector dimensions, similarity metrics, and data preprocessing techniques to those used in this study.

Background: The advent of liquid biopsies presents a novel, minimally invasive methodology for the detection of disease biomarkers, offering a significant advantage over traditional biopsy techniques. Particularly, the analysis of cell-free RNA (cfRNA) has garnered interest due to its dynamic expression profiles and the capability to study various RNA species, including messenger RNA (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). These attributes position cfRNA as a versatile biomarker with broad potential applications in clinical research and diagnostics. Scope of Review: This review delves into the utility of cfRNA biomarkers as prognostic tools for obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Major conclusions: We evaluate the efficacy of cfRNA in forecasting metabolic outcomes associated with obesity and in identifying patients likely to experience favorable clinical outcomes following bariatric surgery. Additionally, this review synthesizes evidence from studies examining circulating cfRNA across different physiological and pathological states, with a focus on its role in diabetes, including disease progression monitoring and treatment efficacy assessment. Through this exploration, we underscore the emerging relevance of cfRNA signatures in the context of obesity and its comorbidities, setting the stage for future investigative efforts in this rapidly advancing domain.

Mucogingival surgery encompasses any procedure designed to correct defects in the morphology, position, or enhance the dental gingival junction. The lack of keratinized gingiva and the presence of gingival recession can be an esthetic and functional problem for the patient. This paper will review the gingival dimensions of the periodontium in health and address the prevalence, etiology, and predisposing factors related to defects in the quality and quantity of gingiva.Gingival augmentation techniques and indications will be reviewed, including root coverage and non-root coverage procedures. Autogenous soft tissue grafts will be described, as well as several non-autogenous graft materials.Ultimately, careful diagnosis, realistic expectations, clear goals, and correct technique selection are essential for the most successful clinical results.

Generalized uncertainty principles are effective changes to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle that emerge in several quantum gravity models. In the present letter, we study the consequences that two classes of these modifications yield on the physics of neutrinos. Besides analyzing the change in the oscillation probabilities that the generalized uncertainty principles entail, we assess their impact on the neutrino coherence length and their possible interpretation as nonstandard neutrino interactions. Constraints cast by present and planned neutrino experiments on the generalized uncertainty principles parameters are also derived.

Ecosystem services (ES) assessment is crucial in ecology, with numerous studies seeking to evaluate them. Despite the abundance of methods and indicators, standardization is lacking, hindering comparability and progress in ES understanding and monitoring. This paper reviews indicators used in scientific literature to evaluate mountain ES and then examined whether the most used indicators are also the best. Using ISI Web of Knowledge we searched papers published between 2015 and 2020 containing “ecosystem services” AND “mountains” and we selected 400 papers effectively applying at least one indicator to evaluate ES. For each article, we extracted the following information: type of ES evaluated; indicator(s) used; input data used; type of value-domain (ecological, economic or social); scale of analysis; country; mapping; and management suggestions. From the literature, we extracted a list of 130 most frequently used indicators. The results indicated that regulating services were the most frequently assessed ES, followed by provisioning, cultural, and lastly supporting. The scale of analysis was mainly regional (51%) and local (40%), while studies at national scale were less frequent (9%) and only 2 studies were at global scale. Mountain areas most studied were in Europe (50%) and Asia (31%). Ecological value-domain was the most frequent used (55%), followed by social (26%) and economic (18%). 84% of studies considered only one dimension of the value and few studies combined multiple value-domains (15%). Almost half of studies mapped ES and around one third provided management suggestions. We examined the quality of indicators based on six criteria evaluated by experts in the field: significance, simplicity, cost, replicability, ease of interpretation and policy relevance. Indicators used exhibit significant diversity, and there is no clarity in nomenclature. There are cases where the indicators used represent inadequately the ecological parameters to be measured. Although many indicators score high in some of the properties evaluated, only 13 indicators perform well in all properties. These indicators have a universal value both in terms of semantics, but also in terms of properties and should be promoted for standardization among ES assessments. We envisage the necessity to condense the array of indicators commonly used down to a small set of standardized high-quality metrics.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition. Admission and treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) is an important element in critically ill PE patients. Objectives: We aimed to identify risk factors for ICU admission and differences in patient profiles regarding risk factors and comorbidities between PE patients who had to be admitted to an ICU and those who were treated in a normal ward without ICU. Methods: We used the German nationwide inpatient sample to analyze all hospitalizations of PE patients in Germany from 2016 to 2020 stratified for ICU admission. Results: Overall, 484,859 hospitalized PE patients were treated in German hospitals from 2016 to 2020. Among these, 92,313 (19.0%) were admitted to ICU. Patients treated in ICU were younger (69.0 [IQR, 58.0-78.0] vs 72.0 [IQR, 60.0-80.0] years; P < .001) and had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. In-hospital case fatality rate was elevated in PE patients treated in ICU (22.7% vs 10.7%; P < .001), and ICU admission was independently associated with increased in-hospital case fatality (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% CI, 2.49-2.59; P < .001). Independent risk factors for ICU admission comprised PE with imminent or present decompensation (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 3.25-3.35; P < .001), hemodynamic instability (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 4.39-4.59; P < .001), arterial hypertension (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.18-1.22; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.14-1.18; P < .001), obesity (OR, 1.300; 95% CI, 1.27-1.33; P < .001), surgery (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.50-2.59; P < .001), stroke (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.76-2.96; P < .001), pregnancy (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.21-1.74; P < .001), heart failure (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.71-1.77; P < .001), atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.66-1.73; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18-1.24; P < .001), and renal failure (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.88-1.95; P < .001). Conclusion: ICU treatment is an important element in the treatment of PE patients. Besides hemodynamic compromise, cardiovascular risk factors, stroke, pregnancy, and cardiopulmonary as well as renal comorbidities were independent predictors of ICU admission. Necessity of ICU admission was afflicted by increased case fatality.

We present a rare case of delayed femoral nerve palsy resulting from a pseudo-aneurysm presenting as excruciating anterior thigh pain 2 months after an uneventful total hip arthroplasty through a Watson Jones approach. The large pseudo-aneurysm of the posterior wall of the femoral artery was treated with open exploration and artery repair since the anatomy of the lesion precluded an embolization. Although pain resolved immediately, the recovery of the femoral nerve started after 3 months, while full quadriceps function was restored by the 6th month. Positioning a Hohmann retractor along the inferior part of the anterior acetabulum rim may place the femoral artery branches under significant stretch. Preserving the capsule and keeping the retractor tension as low as possible may avoid this complication.

Air pollution is an example of a complex environmental mixture with different biological activities, making risk assessment challenging. Current cancer risk assessment strategies that focus on individual pollutants may overlook interactions among them, potentially underestimating health risks. Therefore, a shift towards the evaluation of whole mixtures is essential for accurate risk assessment. This study presents the application of an in vitro New Approach Methodology (NAM) to estimate relative cancer potency factors of whole mixtures, with a focus on organic pollutants associated with air particulate matter (PM). Using concentration-dependent activation of the DNA damage-signaling protein checkpoint kinase 1 (pChk1) as a readout, we compared two modeling approaches, the Hill equation and the benchmark dose (BMD) method, to derive Mixture Potency Factors (MPFs). MPFs were determined for five PM2.5 samples covering sites with different land uses and our historical pChk1 data for PM10 samples and Standard Reference Materials. Our results showed a concentration-dependent increase in pChk1 by all samples and a higher potency compared to the reference compound benzo[a]pyrene. The MPFs derived from the Hill equation ranged from 128 to 9793, while those from BMD modeling ranged from 70 to 303. Despite the differences in magnitude, a consistency in the relative order of potencies was observed. Notably, PM2.5 samples from sites strongly impacted by biomass burning had the highest MPFs. Although discrepancies were observed between the two modeling approaches for whole mixture samples, relative potency factors for individual PAHs were more consistent. We conclude that differences in the shape of the concentration–response curves and how MPFs are derived explain the observed differences in model agreement for complex mixtures and individual PAHs. This research contributes to the advancement of predictive toxicology and highlights the feasibility of transitioning from assessing individual agents to whole mixture assessment for accurate cancer risk assessment and public health protection.

Summary: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection that results in high mortality and long-term sequela. The central nervous system (CNS) is susceptible to injury from infectious processes, which can lead to clinical symptoms of septic encephalopathy (SE). SE is linked to a profound energetic deficit associated with immune dysregulation. Here, we show that intravenous administration of adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in septic mice improved disease outcomes by reducing SE clinical severity, restoring aerobic metabolism, and lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cerebellum, a key region affected by SE. Our high throughput analysis showed that MSC-derived sEVs partially reversed sepsis-induced transcriptomic changes, highlighting the potential association of miRNA regulators in the cerebellum of MSC-derived sEV-treated mice with miRNAs identified in sEV cargo. MSC-derived sEVs could serve as a promising therapeutic agent in SE through their favorable immunometabolic properties.

Common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) and bristly oxtongue [Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub] are winter broad-leaved weeds that have gained interest for cultivation as leafy vegetables. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of frass from the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) on nutrient content in soil, growth parameters, and nutrient content in above-ground plant tissues of common sowthistle and bristly oxtongue. Thus, two pot experiments were carried out with 5 treatments [control, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) applied at a dose of 100 kg N ha−1, and insect frass applied at a rate of 3500 kg ha−1 (0.5 % w/w) 7000 kg ha−1 (1 % w/w), and 14,000 kg ha−1 (2 % w/w)]. Our results showed that the lowest values of growth parameters for both plant species were recorded in the control treatment. At the final rosette growth stage [e.g., 152 days after sowing (DAS)], the CAN treatment exhibited the highest values of rosette diameter and above-ground dry weight, followed by the highest rate of insect frass. Similarly, at 152 DAS the SPAD index values in the CAN treatment were 28.4–41.5 % higher compared to the control treatment in both species. Regarding root dry weight, the highest values were found in the CAN and insect frass 2 % treatments. In addition, the application of insect frass significantly enhanced soil fertility, with the highest levels of P and K recorded in the insect frass 2 % treatment. In contrast, the CAN treatment resulted in the highest NO3–N content in the soil (15.83 and 19.26 mg kg−1 in common sowthistle and bristly oxtongue, respectively). Moreover, both P and K content in the above-ground plant tissues had the highest values in the insect frass 2 % treatment, while the content of Mg, Mn, and Cu in plant tissues was not affected by the fertilization sources. Therefore, our findings indicate that insect frass can be an additional option in crop fertilization programs as it can improve both the soil fertility and growth of crops compared to conventional inorganic fertilizer sources. However, the effects of insect frass in mixtures with inorganic fertilizers needs to be taken into consideration in future studies.

Absract: The contemporary field of artificial intelligence has witnessed the emergence of Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) as a noteworthy advancement, promising the delivery of high-performance end-to-end machine learning pipelines with minimal user intervention. While AutoML has exhibited considerable efficacy in various computer vision applications, an unexplored realm remains concerning its application in proximal hyperspectral imaging. The combination of hyperspectral imaging with AutoML for classifying acclimation/stress response levels of horticultural crops is an innovative application nowadays. In this study, PyCaret, an open-source AutoML framework, and PLS1-DA were evaluated for broccoli drought acclimation/stress classification using hyperspectral data. The results revealed that PyCaret and PLS1-DA performed equally well, with PyCaret slightly outperforming PLS1-DA and achieving an accuracy and F1 score of 1.00 both when differentiating between control and drought onset or drought acclimated plants and when differentiating between all three classes. These findings underscore the substantial potential of AutoML and hyperspectral imaging, particularly in tasks related to plants’ water dynamics classification.

Automated machine learning (AutoML) is considered the next advancement in artificial intelligence due to its commitment to delivering high-performance end-to-end machine learning pipelines with minimal user input. Although AutoML has demonstrated significant potential in computer vision tasks, as far as current knowledge extends, there is currently no study that has applied AutoML specifically to hyperspectral imaging for fertilization level classification. To address this information gap, the use of AutoML for classifying fertilization levels using a hyperspectral and CIELAB color space dataset was investigated. A comparative analysis was conducted between the performance of an open-source AutoML framework, PyCaret, and traditional machine learning using the PLS-DA algorithm. PyCaret achieved the highest accuracy (1.00) in classifying different fertilization levels using the hyperspectral dataset, while PLS-DA attained an accuracy of 0.91. However, the CIELAB dataset was not as effective for this classification task, achieving an accuracy of only 0.72. It is worth noting that the hyperspectral dataset outperformed the CIELAB dataset in both AutoML and PLS-DA analyses. Finally, the findings suggest that AutoML holds substantial potential to enhance the use of hyperspectral imaging in agriculture, particularly for fertilization tasks.

Background: Implementing technological solutions to screen for and detect early the most prevalent communicable diseases on cruise ships is contingent on, among others, willingness of passengers to accept use of such solutions. Method: We surveyed passenger preferences to record their willingness to accept technological solutions for screening and early detection of communicable diseases on cruise ships. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics, use of technology and acceptance of solutions were recorded anonymously in paper format. Multiple logistic regression analyses investigated the association of demographic and other characteristics with willingness and barriers/concerns of passengers to endorse proposed solutions. Results: Of a total of 1344 passengers on two successive cruises on board CELESTYAL OLYMPIA, 336 (1 every 4) participated in the survey. The vast majority of passengers (92.3 %, n = 310) agreed with at least one solution. Passengers showed lower levels of acceptance for more personalized solutions, such as use of wearable devices (45.5 %) and monitoring with cameras (64.0 %), whereas they were more receptive to less personally invasive solutions, such as integration of cabins with air purifiers (89.6 %) and air quality sensors (80.4 %). Age, self-employment status, educational level, and fear of contacting a communicable disease were significantly correlated with passengers’ willingness to adopt proposed solutions. Conclusions: To successfully integrate screening and early detection technological solutions in cruise ships, it is imperative that targeted awareness and education interventions are implemented on passengers to strengthen understanding and acceptance of such solutions and assuage concerns around monitoring and handling of personal health data.

Background and purpose: Integrating simultaneous interstitial hyperthermia in high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatments (HDR-BT) is expected to lead to enhanced therapeutic effect. However, there is currently no device available for such an integration. In this study, we presented and validated the thermobrachytherapy (TBT) preclinical prototype system that is able to seamlessly integrate into the HDR-BT workflow. Materials and methods: The TBT system consisted of an advanced radiofrequency power delivery and control system, dual-function interstitial applicators, and integrated connection and impedance matching system. The efficiency and minimum heating ability of the system was calculated performing calorimetric experiments. The effective-heating-length and heating pattern was evaluated using single-applicator split phantom experiments. The heating independence between applicators, the ability of the system to adaptable and predictable temperature steering was evaluated using multi-applicator split phantom experiments. Results: The system satisfied interstitial hyperthermia requirements. It demonstrated 50 % efficiency and ability to reach 6 °C temperature increase in 6 min. Effective-heating-length of the applicator was 43.7 mm, following the initial design. Heating pattern interference between applicators was lower than recommended. The system showed its ability to generate diverse heating patterns by adjusting the phase and amplitude settings of each electrode, aligning well with simulations (minimum agreement of 88 %). Conclusions: The TBT preclinical prototype system complied with IHT requirements, and agreed well with design criteria and simulations, hence performing as expected. The preclinical prototype TBT system can now be scaled to an in-vivo validation prototype, including an adaptable impedance matching solution, appropriate number of channels, and ensuring biocompatibility and regulatory compliance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed with a mixture of a single cell ingredient (SCI) (bacterial protein, yeast protein and algae) for organic aquaculture. Sea bream with an initial mean body weight of 6.87±0.07 g were randomly allocated to 250-litre tanks. Four isonitrogenous, isolipidic and isoenergetic diets were formulated by replacing organic fishmeal trimmings with 0% (control), 12% (SCI12), 15% (SCI15) and 18% (SCI18) of the SCI mixture. Each diet was distributed to the groups in triplicate. The fish were fed three times daily until satiation and the experimental period was 60 days. Survival rates and voluntary feed intake were similar in the fish with the different feed treatments (p > 0.05). Similar (p > 0.05) growth performance (final weight, SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in fish fed all SCI-based diets, which was superior to the control diet treatment. Apparent protein digestibility was similar among treatments, but lipid digestibility was significantly reduced in the SCI15 and SCI18 groups compared to the SCI12 group. The specific activities of trypsin, total alkaline protease and lipase were increased in fish fed the SCI15 diet (p < 0.05). The protein content in the fillet was significantly increased and the lipid content was decreased in the SCI12 and SCI18 groups compared to the other groups. No adverse effects on liver and intestinal histology were observed in the different groups. The results suggest that organic fishmeal trimmings can be successfully replaced by innovative SCIs based on microbial protein, yeast meal and algae, and that this SCI mixture could be a candidate for organic aqua feed for gilthead sea bream.

Background: COVID-19 is primarily known as a respiratory illness; however, many patients present to hospital without respiratory symptoms. The association between non-respiratory presentations of COVID-19 and outcomes remains unclear. We investigated risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with no respiratory symptoms (NRS) and respiratory symptoms (RS) at hospital admission. Methods: This study describes clinical features, physiological parameters, and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, stratified by the presence or absence of respiratory symptoms at hospital admission. RS patients had one or more of: cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or wheezing; while NRS patients did not. Results: Of 178,640 patients in the study, 86.4 % presented with RS, while 13.6 % had NRS. NRS patients were older (median age: NRS: 74 vs RS: 65) and less likely to be admitted to the ICU (NRS: 36.7 % vs RS: 37.5 %). NRS patients had a higher crude in-hospital case-fatality ratio (NRS 41.1 % vs. RS 32.0 %), but a lower risk of death after adjusting for confounders (HR 0.88 [0.83–0.93]). Conclusion: Approximately one in seven COVID-19 patients presented at hospital admission without respiratory symptoms. These patients were older, had lower ICU admission rates, and had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for confounders.

Background: Improving the method for selecting participants for lung cancer (LC) screening is an urgent need. Here, we compared the performance of the Helseundersøkelsen i Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT) Lung Cancer Model (HUNT LCM) versus the Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening trial (Nederlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek (NELSON)) and 2021 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria regarding LC risk prediction and efficiency. Methods: We used linked data from 10 Norwegian prospective population-based cohorts, Cohort of Norway. The study included 44,831 ever-smokers, of which 686 (1.5%) patients developed LC; the median follow-up time was 11.6 years (0.01–20.8 years). Results: Within 6 years, 222 (0.5%) individuals developed LC. The NELSON and 2021 USPSTF criteria predicted 37.4% and 59.5% of the LC cases, respectively. By considering the same number of individuals as the NELSON and 2021 USPSTF criteria selected, the HUNT LCM increased the LC prediction rate by 41.0% and 12.1%, respectively. The HUNT LCM significantly increased sensitivity (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028), and reduced the number needed to predict one LC case (29 versus 40, p < 0.001 and 36 versus 40, p = 0.02), respectively. Applying the HUNT LCM 6-year 0.98% risk score as a cutoff (14.0% of ever-smokers) predicted 70.7% of all LC, increasing LC prediction rate with 89.2% and 18.9% versus the NELSON and 2021 USPSTF, respectively (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The HUNT LCM was significantly more efficient than the NELSON and 2021 USPSTF criteria, improving the prediction of LC diagnosis, and may be used as a validated clinical tool for screening selection.

A common reclamation practice for closed coal surface mines is filling them with water to form pit lakes. The creation and sustainability of these lakes are significantly affected by the stability of the corresponding slopes. The present study provides a general framework for analyzing the water filling's effect on slope stability based on a new water filling index, which can indirectly consider the factors affecting the process and efficiently quantify the filling speed's influence. The assumptions of the proposed approach are thoroughly discussed, and the range of the water filling index is identified. Furthermore, the safety factor is calculated using the finite element method with the shear strength reduction technique during the filling process for various conditions (soil properties, slope geometry, hydraulic conditions, and water filling speed). Results are presented as normalized stability charts for practical use. During the water filling, the stability gradually decreases until the reservoir reaches a critical level of 10%–40% of the total height; it then increases to even more stable conditions than the initial one. Overall, the present analysis allows for the preliminary stability evaluation of a coal mine during the formation of a pit lake and the appropriate quantification of the water filling's effect.

Purpose: Traumatic lumbar hernia (TLH) constitutes a protrusion of content through a defect in the posterior abdominal wall, as a result of injury. This rare entity has been described in limited number of cases. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines. The English literature from 1990 until 2021 was reviewed, using PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar bibliographic databases, to identify case reports and case series with patients that were diagnosed with TLH. For each eligible study, demographics, clinical presentation, hernia characteristics, preoperative imaging investigations, operation details, and postoperative data were extracted for assessment. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS, version 20.0. Results: A total of 62 studies were included for review, with 164 patients with TLH. Mean age was (42.6 ± 14.3) years (47.6% males, 31.1% females, gender not specified in 35 cases). Mean diameter of hernia neck was (6.3 ± 3.1) cm, while the triangles of Petit and Grynfeltt were affected in 74.5% and 14.6%, respectively. Patients diagnosed in the emergency setting account for 54.2%, with CT scan establishing diagnosis in all but one case (97.7%). A delayed diagnosis was made in 45.8%, at a mean 1 year following trauma. Flank bulging (82.8%) and chronic back pain (34.3%) were the most frequent symptoms. In both delayed and acute group, open surgery (63.6% and 92.3%, respectively) was the preferred surgical approach. Postoperative complications were reported in 11.4% of acute and 15.0% of delayed patients. Hernia recurrence was 7%. Conclusions: TLH is uncommon with 164 cases described since 1990. CT scan is the gold standard in diagnosis. Open surgery is generally the preferred approach, particularly in the emergency setting. Acute TLH can be treated either by primary suture repair or mesh, depending on the local conditions, whereas delayed cases usually require a mesh.

A 68-year-old female with extensive medical and surgical history, including open and endovascular procedures, presented with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, hypertension, and chronic mesenteric ischemia. A computed tomographic angiogram showed significant paravisceral aortic atherosclerosis involving the celiac, superior mesenteric, and renal arteries. She underwent an open descending aorta to superior mesenteric artery, left renal artery, and left common femoral artery bypass with a “trifurcated” ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Nine months after surgery, she was progressing with significant improvement of her symptoms. Open surgical approaches in aortoiliac disease are reserved for patients with unfavorable anatomy or previous failed endovascular attempts. Detailed preoperative planning and careful patient selection are imperative for optimal outcomes.

The Region of Central Macedonia (RCM) in Northern Greece recorded the highest number of human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in Greece, despite considerable local mosquito control actions. We examined spatial patterns and associations of mosquito levels, infected mosquito levels, and WNV human cases (WNVhc) across the municipalities of this region over the period 2010–2023 and linked it with climatic characteristics. We combined novel entomological and available epidemiological and climate data for the RCM, aggregated at the municipality level and used Local and Global Moran's I index to assess spatial associations of mosquito levels, infected mosquito levels, and WNVhc. We identified areas with strong interdependencies between adjacent municipalities in the Western part of the region. Furthermore, we employed a Generalized Linear Mixed Model to first, identify the factors driving the observed levels of mosquitoes, infected mosquitoes and WNVhc and second, estimate the influence of climatic features on the observed levels. This modeling approach indicates a strong dependence of the mosquito levels on the temperatures in winter and spring and the total precipitation in early spring, while virus circulation relies on the temperatures of late spring and summer. Our findings highlight the significant influence of climatic factors on mosquito populations (∼60 % explained variance) and the incidence of WNV human cases (∼40 % explained variance), while the unexplained ∼40 % of the variance suggests that targeted interventions and enhanced surveillance in identified hot-spots can enhance public health response.

Heroin use is responsible for many drug-related deaths, so the determination of its biomarkers, except for 6-acetylmorphine, in biological samples, is of particular concern in toxicological laboratories worldwide, for a better investigation of these cases. Th use of 6-acetylmorphine as a heroin biomarker has some limitations due to its rapid bioconversion to morphine within a few hours, especially in blood samples. The need for new indirect biomarkers, like the ones that come from the processing of opium during the clandestine production of heroin, becomes imperative. A GC/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of meconin, thebaine, papaverine, acetylcodeine and noscapine, along with morphine, codeine and 6-acetylmorphine, in different biological samples of heroin users. For all analytes and all individual biological samples, the LOD and LOQ were 2.00 and 5.00 ng/mL, respectively, the calibration curves were linear (R2≥0.991) from 5.00 to 500.0 ng/mL, and absolute recoveries were higher than 91.9 %. The method was applied during the toxicological investigation of 34 forensic cases after positive immunoassay screening for opiates. The results indicate that meconin is the most frequently detected indirect biomarker of heroin use, as it was found in 91.2 % of all cases, whilst in 23.5 % of them no 6-acetylmorphine was detected. Papaverine was found in 67.6 % of all cases and is considered to be the second most important indirect biomarker of heroin use. The establishment of detecting meconin and papaverine in biological materials in parallel with the detection of morphine, codeine and 6-acetylmorphine can contribute to more conclusive results concerning heroin use in forensic cases.

In the current study, we designed, synthesized, and characterized a series of substituted pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazoles. These novel compounds were evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activity over a panel of protein kinases to determine their potential therapeutic applications against Alzheimer's disease. To gain deeper insight into the binding interactions between the most potent analogues and their respective kinase targets, advanced molecular simulations were performed. In parallel, the ability of pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazoles to inhibit Aβ40 aggregation was assessed using biophysical techniques such as circular dichroism and Thioflavin T assays. Our results highlight the specific heterocycle as a highly promising and synthetically versatile scaffold for developing inhibitors of both AD-relevant kinases and amyloid-β aggregation. Although more effort is needed to assess the possibility of developing multi-target inhibitors, pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole analogues demonstrated significant activities against their individual targets, indicating substantial capacity of the heterocyclic scaffold for further optimization toward both directions. Overall, our findings emphasize the potential of properly substituted pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazoles as multifunctional agents targeting key processes in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

This study introduces a family of root-solvers for systems of nonlinear equations, leveraging the Daftardar–Gejji and Jafari Decomposition Technique coupled with the midpoint quadrature rule. Despite the existing application of these root solvers to single-variable equations, their extension to systems of nonlinear equations marks a pioneering advancement. Through meticulous derivation, this work not only expands the utility of these root solvers but also presents a comprehensive analysis of their stability and semilocal convergence; two areas of study missing in the existing literature. The convergence of the proposed solvers is rigorously established using Taylor series expansions and the Banach Fixed Point Theorem, providing a solid theoretical foundation for semilocal convergence guarantees. Additionally, a detailed stability analysis further underscores the robustness of these solvers in various computational scenarios. The practical efficacy and applicability of the developed methods are demonstrated through the resolution of five real-world application problems, underscoring their potential in addressing complex nonlinear systems. This research fills a significant gap in the literature by offering a thorough investigation into the stability and convergence of these root solvers when applied to nonlinear systems, setting the stage for further explorations and applications in the field. • The proposed methods combine the Daftardar–Gejji and Jafari Decomposition Technique and the midpoint quadrature rule for solving systems of nonlinear equations. • The numerical results show the superiority of the proposed methods over some other third- and fourth-order convergent methods from the literature. • The proposed methods can be used in various contexts and many real-world applications.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of major public health concern due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. This resistance has been observed in various settings, including hospitals and communities, and has been detected in both animals and humans. Although peridomestic rat species (Rattus spp.) are well described reservoirs of several human pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria, little is known about their role in MRSA epidemiology. In order to investigate whether Rattus spp. in Hong Kong are potential carriers of MRSA, 221 rats were caught from various ecological areas and nasopharyngeal samples were cultured on MRSA selective media. Genotypic characteristics of MRSA were confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Two clonal sequence type (ST) 30 MRSA isolates, harbouring mecA on staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC) mec type IVc, were cultured from two house rats (Rattus tanezumi) caught in two densely populated urban areas. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first detection of community-associated (CA)-MRSA strain ST30 SCCmec IVc in peridomestic rodents in Hong Kong and globally. Our finding indicates that house rats can be carriers of MRSA strains that are widely distributed in the community.

Environmental deterioration is a significant and multi-dimensional issue that concerns the modern world. During the last decades, research has been conducted to address this argument, intending to provide holistic policies that drive sustainable development. However, the European Union (EU) should further provoke the complementarity between growth and environmental quality. Recognizing that gender equality must be introduced in Agenda (2030), this paper intends to examine the impact of well-established macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables in existing literature alongside the role of women in governance. More specifically, this study uses panel data analysis to investigate the understanding of the effects of economic growth, renewable energy, human capital, female representation in parliaments, and environmental regulation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 20 European countries from 2004 to 2018. Empirically, the study employs several econometric tests and approaches. Findings partially confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, while renewable energy and tertiary education enhance sustainability. Environmental regulation is significant for policymakers as it decreases pollution. The role of women in parliaments, which has been scarcely examined in existing literature, appears to be beneficial for the prosperity of EU societies. All empirical findings leave ample room for further discussion among European stakeholders and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of female participation in governance.

The environmental impact is a strong incentive for the development of upcycling processes for textile waste. However, toxic chemicals may occur in both brand-new textiles and post-consumer garments, and the chemical transfer in such routes is important to investigate. The present study applied non-target screening and quantification with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to follow the fate of hazardous chemicals from post-consumer polycotton garments to a new material, cellulose nanocrystals, in a chemical upcycling utilizing strongly acidic conditions. The majority of hazardous chemicals detected within the process were found to be transferred to a residual of polyester material and not to the enriched cellulose. However, phthalates were found to be mainly attached to the cellulose nanocrystals. The detected total concentration, in this case, was below 5 μg/g, at least 200 times lower than the limit set by the European Union. This indicates the importance of monitoring and controlling the phthalate content in the starting material of the process, i.e., the post-consumer garments. The chemical release into the process waste effluent could be estimated based on water solubility data for chemicals under the applied conditions. Three compounds, the water-repellent substance perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and the dyes Crystal Violet and Victoria Pure Blue, were almost entirely transferred into the process waste effluent. Although the levels detected were very low in the present pilot process, their presence eventually indicates the need for wastewater purification at further upscaling, depending on the exposure and dose in relation to toxicological relevant thresholds.

In this study, the effects of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) on various parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Three different treatments were administered to 300 sub-adult trouts, with four replicates each. The Control group received a basal diet, while the other two groups were fed diets supplemented with an IQs preparation (Sangrovit® Feed Aqua) at 500 and 1000 g/t of feed, respectively. The results demonstrated that the Sang1000 group exhibited significantly higher body weight (BW) and specific growth rate (SGR), but lower feed conversion rate (FCR) and mortality compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the oxidative status assessment revealed that IQs positively influenced the oxidative status of the fillet but did not impact the oxidative profile of the blood serum. Additionally, the histomorphometry analysis of the intestine and skin indicated that the Sang1000 group had the highest number of goblet cells per villi in the anterior intestine, along with the largest mucoid cell size. Also, gene expression analysis indicated that IQs positively supported growth in trouts. To summarize, the supplementation of fish diets with IQs resulted in improved growth performance, reduced oxidative stress in fillet, and enhanced intestinal histomorphometry in rainbow trouts.

A comprehensive overview is presented of recent theoretical advancements and observational manifestations of a relatively new type of electrostatic solitary wave (ESW), known as supersoliton or supersolitary wave (SSW). These nonlinear structures are characterized by a distorted pulse-shaped electrostatic potential excitations, deviating from the standard (“sech2”-like) form generally expected from solitonic pulses. In Space plasmas, in particular, e.g. in magnetospheric observations, SSWs may be associated with a characteristic wiggly bipolar electric field waveform. It has been shown that a three-component configuration is essential, as a minimum requirement for SSWs to occur in a plasma.Various spacecraft missions have recorded evidence of “non-conventional” electrostatic solitary waves (pulses) such as wiggly bipolar pulses, offset bipolar pulses, and monopolar pairs. This review article aims to present the current state of the art in this fascinating new theme, first outlining the basic framework for the modeling of such “exotic” ESWs and then putting forward a correlation between SSW structures with certain non-standard bipolar electric field forms observed in planetary magnetospheres.

Assessing the effectiveness of activated carbon is essential for the optimal operation of water treatment systems. Traditional evaluation methods, although precise, are typically labor-intensive and require complex equipment This study introduces a novel application of the B.EL.D™ device, utilizing redox potential measurements to gauge the activation level of carbon filters—an approach not previously employed. We hypothesized that redox potential is a reliable indicator of activated carbon's performance, a hypothesis that was rigorously validated through extensive testing against the standard iodine number test (ASTM D4607). Our analysis included both control and operational samples from ongoing water treatment processes over two years, confirming a definitive correlation between redox potential and carbon's adsorptive capacity. The findings demonstrate the potential of our method as a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective alternative to current testing practices. Currently under patent consideration, this study marks a significant advancement towards improving the assessment of activated carbon filters, providing an efficient pathway for water treatment facilities and establishing the foundation for a predictive maintenance model.

Introduction: The direct reimplantation of autologous primary articular chondrocytes in a single-stage procedure for knee cartilage lesions is a novel approach, yet to be extensively reported. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and reinterventions over a 5-year period post-surgery. Methods: A prospective case series involving 16 patients (4 female, 12 male) with single or multiple focal knee cartilage lesions was conducted. The mean age at baseline was 36.8 (±11.5) years. The mean total lesion size was 4.5 (±2.3) cm2 Patients underwent surgery where articular chondrocytes and mononuclear bone marrow cells were isolated, mixed, and seeded onto a hyaluronan-based scaffold within the lesion. A structured physical therapy regimen was followed, and patients were assessed using Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective questionnaires at various intervals. Overall, patient-reported outcomes improved over the first 3 years post-surgery, with slight declines thereafter. Results: Significant improvements over baseline were noted for various KOOS parameters and IKDC Subjective scores at different follow-up points. Reinterventions were required for two patients, one receiving intra-articular injections with mesenchymal stromal cells and another undergoing knee washout for septic arthritis while a meniscus implant was removed. Patient satisfaction at final follow-up was generally favorable. Despite a significant intraoperative cell isolation time of approximately 1.5 hours, the procedure demonstrated safety and efficacy, with an average of ±0.9 million articular chondrocytes obtained per case. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of coimplantation of intraoperatively isolated articular chondrocytes and bone marrow cells on a hyaluronan scaffold as a promising strategy for treating symptomatic knee cartilage lesions.

The effect of various chemical parameters such as NO3-, HCO3-, EDTA and citric acid on the uranium leaching from phosphate rock samples has been investigated by means of batch-type experiments and the total uranium concentration in the solution was analyzed by ICP-OES. EDTA has been found to leach uranium from phosphate rock at the highest rate, followed by carbonate and citrate. With the exception of nitrates, the ligand concentration (0.01 M and 0.001 M) appears to greatly enhance the leaching efficiency at the studied ligand concentrations. On other hand, the effect of pH differs significantly from one ligand to another, because EDTA is more effective in near neutral solutions (pH 6.5), whereas citrate in acidic solutions (pH 2.5).

Study region: Humber River Basin, Southern Ontario, Canada. Study focus: Anthropogenic influence on climate is expected to intensify heavy precipitation in Eastern Canada where rainfall is likely to increase, probably increasing the flood impacts. Downscaled CMIP5 climate model datasets, for four twenty-year periods, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were used to examine the effect of projected strongest extreme precipitation (mean maximum daily events; mean 99.9th percentile daily events) on the peak runoff of six sub-basins of the prone to flooding Humber River basin. The hydrological response of the sub-basins to the projected strongest extremes was achieved considering an hourly distribution of rain. A comparison of the downstream flood impacts from the projected events, both in space and time, was performed with 1D and 2D hydraulic modeling, using a high-resolution DTM. New hydrological insights for the region: Peak runoff increased due to the 99.9th percentile daily precipitation events, while significantly increased due to the maximum daily precipitation events, for the future periods compared to the baseline. The maximum flood depths were underestimated with the 1D model compared to the 2D one by 6.1–6.7%. The maximum flood velocities were also lower with the 1D model by 13.3–28.2%. The 2D model produced satisfactory results at every grid cell. Using additional spatiotemporal climate data and field measurements will reduce the parameter uncertainties and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Summary: Cancer-mesothelial cell interactions are critical for multiple solid tumors to colonize the surface of peritoneal organs. Understanding mechanisms of mesothelial barrier dysfunction that impair its protective function is critical for discovering mesothelial-targeted therapies to combat metastatic spread. Here, we utilized a live cell imaging-based assay to elucidate the dynamics of ovarian cancer spheroid transmesothelial migration and mesothelial-generated mechanical forces. Treatment of mesothelial cells with the adenylyl cyclase agonist forskolin strengthens cell-cell junctions, reduces actomyosin fibers, contractility-driven matrix displacements, and cancer spheroid transmigration in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent mechanism. We also show that inhibition of the cytoskeletal regulator Rho-associated kinase in mesothelial cells phenocopies the anti-metastatic effects of forskolin. Conversely, upregulation of contractility in mesothelial cells disrupts cell-cell junctions and increases the clearance rates of ovarian cancer spheroids. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of mesothelial cell contractility and mesothelial barrier integrity in regulating metastatic dissemination within the peritoneal microenvironment.

Thrombotic microangiopathies during pregnancy are rare but may be life-threatening diseases for both the mother and the fetus. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients present with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia associated with low ADAMTS-13 activity, a cleaving von Willebrand factor protein. Pregnancy has been described not only as a trigger of TTP but also as a phenotype modifier. In addition, hormonal changes induced by assisted reproduction technology (ART) swift the thrombotic – thrombolytic state towards coagulation, while increasing the pregnancy complications’ rate. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman, who conceived via ART and diagnosed with TTP at 13 weeks of gestation. She was initially treated with corticosteroids and daily plasmapheresis. Due to gradual unresponsiveness to treatment, rituximab was also added. After 3 doses, she was diagnosed with mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which resolved spontaneously after several weeks. She delivered a healthy neonate at 39+1 weeks via emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress, while the postpartum follow-up was uneventful. In conclusion, TTP should be suspected to a pregnant woman with raised hemorrhagic risk presenting with hematuria, anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Selective screening for inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) began in Cyprus in 1990. Over the last thirty-three years 7388 patients were investigated for IMD and 200 diagnoses were made (diagnostic yield 2.7%). The existence of a single laboratory of Biochemical Genetics for the whole island facilitated the creation of a national registry for IMD. The minimal prevalence of IMD in Cyprus is 53.3 cases per 100,000 live births. The most common group are disorders of amino acid metabolism (41.0%), followed by disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (16.5%), disorders of complex molecule degradation (16.5%), mitochondrial disorders (10.5%) and disorders of vitamin and co-factor metabolism (5.5%). Hyperphenylalaninaemia is the most common IMD (14.0%) followed by galactosaemia (7.0%), glutaric aciduria type I (5.5%) and MSUD (4.0%). Some disorders were found to have a relatively high incidence in specific communities, for example Sandhoff disease among the Cypriot Maronites and GM1 gangliosidosis in one particular area of the island. Other disorders were found to have a relatively higher overall incidence, compared to other Caucasian populations, for example galactosaemia, glutaric aciduria type I and MSUD, while fatty acid oxidation defects, Gaucher disease and classic PKU were found to have a relatively lower incidence. Molecular characterization of selected disorders revealed many novel genetic variants, specific to the Cypriot population.

The cytoprotective transcription factor NRF2 regulates the expression of several hundred genes in mammalian cells and is a promising therapeutic target in a number of diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, an ability to monitor basal and inducible NRF2 signalling is vital for mechanistic understanding in translational studies. Due to some caveats related to the direct measurement of NRF2 levels, the modulation of NRF2 activity is typically determined by measuring changes in the expression of one or more of its target genes and/or the associated protein products. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most relevant set of these genes/proteins that best represents NRF2 activity across cell types and species. We present the findings of a comprehensive literature search that according to stringent criteria identifies GCLC, GCLM, HMOX1, NQO1, SRXN1 and TXNRD1 as a robust panel of markers that are directly regulated by NRF2 in multiple cell and tissue types. We assess the relevance of these markers in clinically accessible biofluids and highlight future challenges in the development and use of NRF2 biomarkers in humans.

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily caused by microbial infections and characterized by immune system dysfunction. The latter ultimately leads to the progressive destruction of the alveolar bone supporting the teeth in the jawbones. Chronic migraine (CM) is a complex disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of moderate to severe headaches that unfold over hours to days. The episodes are usually unilateral and generally associated with nausea and light and/or sound stimuli sensitivity. The disease is a common cause of disability and loss of working hours, as it significantly burdens the patient's daily life. CP and CM association is clinically relevant as both involve inflammatory mechanisms and immune dysfunction. Aim: To systematically review the literature on the epidemiological association between CP and CM in adults. Methods: The study protocol followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. The design of the study adhered to the Cochrane methodology. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, as well as a manual search and evaluation of gray literature sources. The Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. The effect size of the outcome was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI), providing a measure of the association between CP and CM. The Chi-square test and I2 statistic were employed to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. The inclusion criteria were English language, observational (case-control) design, and report of the diagnostic criteria for CP and CM. Duplicate entries were excluded. The reliability and quality of the included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and GRADE tools. Two independent reviewers performed all evaluations and a third resolved discrepancies. Results: The meta-analysis included three observational studies with 522 participants. CM patients were 2.82 times more likely to be diagnosed with CP compared with healthy controls. This association was statistically significant (OR 2.82, 95 % CI 1.96–4.05, p < 0.0001); however, the external generalizability is limited because of the examination of data originating from populations with specific ethnic backgrounds. Conclusion: A high prevalence of CP was found among patients with CM compared with healthy controls. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the correlation between these pathological conditions to provide patients with high-quality care through an effective and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach.