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Vitamin D3 transporter (DBP) is a multifunctional protein. Site-specific deglycosylation results in its conversion to group-specific component protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF), which is capable of activating macrophages. It has been shown that depending on precursor conversion conditions, the resulting GcMAF activates mouse peritoneal macrophages towards synthesis of either pro- (IL-1β, TNF-α—M1 phenotype) or anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-10—M2 phenotype) cytokines. The condition for the transition of the direction of the inflammatory response of macrophages when exposed to GcMAF is the initial glycosylated state of the population of DBP molecules and the associated effective deglycosylation of DBP by β-galactosidase. In vivo experiments with GcMAF exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties on models of induced arthritis in mice and cystitis in rats indicate a significant anti-inflammatory effect of the macrophage activator. The feasibility of unidirectional induction of anti-inflammatory properties of macrophages allows creation of combined therapeutic platforms where M2 macrophages are among the key therapeutic components.

This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep’s feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health.

The surfaces of ceramic products are replete with numerous defects, such as those that appear during the diamond grinding of sintered SiAlON ceramics. The defective surface layer is the reason for the low effectiveness of TiZrN coatings under abrasive and fretting wear. An obvious solution is the removal of an up to 4-µm-thick surface layer containing the defects. It was proposed in the present study to etch the layer with fast argon atoms. At the atom energy of 5 keV and a 0.5 mA/cm2 current density, the ions were converted into fast atoms and the sputtering rate for the SiAlON samples reached 20 μm/h. No defects were observed in the microstructures of coatings deposited after beam treatment for half an hour. The treatment reduced the volumetric abrasive wear by five times. The fretting wear was reduced by three to four times.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut–brain axis with pronounced adverse effects on physical health, psychological health, and overall quality of life. Diagnostic strategies can vary, highlighting a need to synthesize best-practice guidelines. Particularly, the American College of Gastroenterology and the British Society of Gastroenterology both support a positive diagnostic strategy; evaluation with C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, and fecal lactoferrin; and evaluation with celiac disease serology. Both guidelines do not support routine colonoscopy, and both differ in recommendations for anorectal physiology testing. Given there is currently no curative treatment available, IBS management focuses on symptomatic relief, and challenges exist in achieving and maintaining this relief. Many treatments, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, exist to alleviate the uncomfortable, painful symptoms of the disorder; however, stratifying the quality of evidence behind each option is critical for application to clinical management and for tailoring this management to each patient. Lifestyle adjustments, especially in relation to diet, can be effective first-line therapies and supplements to pharmacologic therapy. Pharmacologic treatment is broadly categorized in accordance with the subtypes of IBS, with indications for different populations and mechanisms that work to target components of IBS pathophysiology. The aim of this article is to comprehensively compare updated diagnostic guidelines, review standard treatments, and outline recent pharmacologic advancements.

Embryologically, the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV) originates as an anastomotic channel between the right and left anterior cardinal veins. This positions the LBV between the manubrium sterni anteriorly and the innominate artery posteriorly. This pattern of adjacency of the aorta to the LBV is unique to mammals and results from a quirk of evolution. With age, the ascending aorta unfolds, elongates and dilates. Simultaneously, there is a change in the thoracic geometry that reduces the thoracic volume primarily from disc height loss and kyphosis. These transitions progressively compress the LBV. Normally, this compression is circumvented via collateral pathways and “Blood finds a way”. However, traversing these circuitous pathways comes at a cost and can result in delayed transit times and venous congestion. While it is possible that compression of the LBV in the setting of adequate collateral channels may fail to provoke any pathologic sequelae, we propose a phenomenon in which such compression in the setting of inadequate collateral circulation may lead to a state of pathologic venous congestion. This anatomic anomaly and its associated clinical features, if identified, can offer a new avenue for treatment options for some of the hitherto unexplained neurologic disorders.

Burn injuries, which significantly affect global public health, require effective treatment strategies tailored to varying severity. Fungi are considered a sustainable, easily propagated source for lead therapeutic discovery. In this study, we explored the burn wound healing potential of Aspergillus terreus through a combination of in vitro, in vivo, metabolite profiling, and in silico analysis. The in vitro scratch assays performed with human skin fibroblast cells showed promising wound healing activity. Furthermore, the burn-induced rats model showed a marked improvement in cutaneous wound healing, evidenced by an accelerated rate of wound closure and better skin regeneration after A. terreus extract treatment at 14 days. The results of this study demonstrated significant enhancements in wound closure and tissue regeneration in the treated rat model, surpassing the outcomes of standard treatments. This controlled healing process, evidenced by superior collagen synthesis and angiogenesis and confirmed by histopathological studies, suggests that A. terreus has potential beyond the traditionally studied fungal metabolites. The metabolite profiling of 27 bioactive compounds was further investigated by docking analysis for the potential inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, which has an important function in inflammation and wound repair. The compounds eurobenzophenone A (7), aspernolide D (16), asperphenalenone A (23), aspergilate D (15), kodaistatin A (18), and versicolactone A (14) showed the highest binding affinity to the target protein with a pose score of −16.86, −14.65, −12.65, −12.45, −12.19, and −12.08 kcal/mol, respectively. Drug-likeness properties were also conducted. The findings suggest the potential wound healing properties of A. terreus as a source for lead therapeutic candidate discovery.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Timely access to comprehensive molecular profiling is critical for selecting biomarker-matched targeted therapies, which lead to improved outcomes in advanced NSCLC. Tissue biopsy samples are the gold standard for molecular profiling; however, several challenges can prevent timely and complete molecular profiling from being performed, causing delays in treatment or suboptimal therapy selection. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive method for molecular profiling by analyzing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and RNA (cfRNA) in plasma, potentially overcoming these barriers. This paper discusses the outcomes of a multidisciplinary working group in Ontario, which proposed three eligibility criteria for liquid biopsy reimbursement: (1) insufficient tissue for complete testing or failed tissue biomarker testing; (2) suspected advanced NSCLC where tissue biopsy is not feasible; and (3) high-risk patients who may deteriorate before tissue results are available. The group also addressed considerations for assay selection, implementation, and economic impact. These discussions aim to inform reimbursement and implementation strategies for liquid biopsy in Ontario’s public healthcare system, recognizing the need for ongoing evaluation as technology and evidence evolve.

Pancreatic cancer is a complex malignancy associated with poor prognosis and high symptom burden. Optimal patient care relies on the integration of various sectors in the healthcare field as well as innovation through research. The Canadian National Pancreas Conference (NPC) was co-organized and hosted by Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in November 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The conference sought to bridge the gap between Canadian healthcare providers and researchers who share the common goal of improving the prognosis, quality of life, and survival for patients with pancreatic cancer. The accredited event featured discussion topics including diagnosis and screening, value-based and palliative care, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, cancer-reducing treatment, and an overview of the current management landscape. The present article reviews the NPC sessions and discusses the presented content with respect to the current literature.

The increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) across cancer programs has created the need for standardized monitoring and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Delayed recognition without appropriate treatment can have serious and life-threatening consequences. The management of irAEs presents a unique set of challenges that must be addressed at a multidisciplinary level. Although various national and international guidelines and working groups provide high-level recommendations for the management of irAEs, practical guidance is lacking. Furthermore, timely collaboration between specialists requires institutional protocols that enable the early recognition, assessment, and treatment of irAEs. Such protocols should be developed by institution specialists and include algorithms for all healthcare providers involved in the care of patients treated with ICIs. At William Osler Health System in Brampton, Ontario, practical step-by-step multidisciplinary treatment approaches with recommendations for the management of irAEs were developed in collaboration with experts across Canada. Here, we provide an in-depth description of the approaches, outlining baseline investigations prior to the initiation of ICIs, as well as the monitoring and management of irAEs based on symptoms, severity, and involved organ systems. We encourage other centres to adapt and modify our approaches according to their specific needs and requirements.

Background. Froin’s syndrome (FS) is a rare entity with uncertain prevalence and prognosis, defined by a pathognomonic triad: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) xanthochromia, elevated protein levels in the CSF, and hypercoagulated CSF, usually obtained through lumbar puncturing below the level of a partial or complete spinal block. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on FS from its first description in 1903 to December 2023, utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar, and included two new cases from our clinical practice. Results. We describe two patients who suffered from Froin’s syndrome secondary to spinal abscesses. According to our review, FS is caused by neoplasia in 33% of cases, non-malignant mechanical causes in 27%, infections in 27%, non-infectious inflammatory processes in 6%, and vascular in 6%. The most prevalent symptoms are paraplegia/paraparesis (64%), back pain (38%), altered mental state and/or confusion (23%), sciatica (17%), headaches (17%), leg sensory defects (17%), and urinary retention (14%), and are thought to be linked with the underlying causes rather than the CSF characteristics. FS holds a poor prognosis: only 22% recuperate fully after treatment, 22% die due to the cause leading to FS, and 14% retain sequelae. Conclusions. Xanthochromia and proteinorachia >500 mg/dL are not specific to any single pathological condition, but indicate defective CSF recirculation and spinal block, causing diffusive and/or inflammatory processes resulting in the hyperproteinosis and coagulation of the CSF. We reviewed the pathophysiology, etiologies, symptoms, outcomes, and workups of Froin’s syndrome according to the existing medical literature.

Background: Body balance is regulated by sensory information from the vestibular, visual and somatosensory systems, and changes in one or more of these sensory systems can trigger balance disorders. Individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) often present peripheral neuropathy, a condition that alters foot sensory information and can negatively influence balance and gait performance of these subjects. Objective: To evaluate and compare balance, gait, functionality and the occurrence of falls between individuals with and without a clinical diagnosis of DM2 with associated peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Cross-sectional study, which evaluated seventy individuals, thirty-five with and thirty-five without a clinical diagnosis of DM2, of both sexes and age range between 50 and 85 years, who were recruited from Basic Health Units of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The volunteers’ balance was analyzed using the Berg Balance Scale, gait-related functional tasks were measured using the Dynamic Gait Index, functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and functionality was assessed using the Katz Index. The occurrence of falls was recorded by the volunteers’ self-report. Results: Individuals with DM2 demonstrated the worst performance in balance (p = 0.000) and in gait-related functional tasks (p = 0.000), slower functional mobility (p = 0.000) and worse functionality (p = 0.016) compared to the group without DM2, demonstrating significant differences for all analyzed outcomes. A greater occurrence of falls was observed in individuals with DM2, compared to those without the disease (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Individuals with DM2 demonstrated worse performance on balance, gait-related functional tasks, slower functional mobility and worse functionality compared to those without the disease. Individuals with DM2 had the highest occurrence of falls in this study.

The present study investigates the public health impact of flooding on leptospirosis incidence after Storm Daniel in Thessaly, Greece, in September 2023. A notable increase in cases was observed, with seven cases of female patients and a mean age of 40.2 years, indicating a significant risk among working-age adults. From the end of September to the beginning of November 2023, a total of 35 patients from flood-prone areas presented to the Emergency Department of the Tertiary University Hospital of Larissa. Diagnosis of leptospirosis was established by meeting the criteria suggested by the national public health organisation (EODY)-compatible clinical course, epidemiological exposure, molecular and serologic confirmation by the detection of immunoglobulin M antibodies to leptospira spp. using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time quantitative PCR for the molecular detection of leptospira. The larger part (84.6%) of leptospirosis cases were associated with contact with floodwater. The majority of these patients (71.4%) were from the prefecture of Larissa, followed by 14.3% from the prefecture of Karditsa, 8.6% from the prefecture of Trikala, and 5.7% from the prefecture of Magnesia. Occupational exposure and urbanisation were key risk factors. The most prevalent clinical feature was rash (69.2%), followed by fever (61.5%) and myalgia (30.7%). The findings emphasise the need for robust public health strategies, improved sanitation, rodent control, and protective measures for sanitation workers. The data highlight the broader implications of climate change on public health and the necessity for ongoing surveillance and community education to mitigate future outbreaks.

Municipal management involves making decisions on various technical issues, and one such crucial aspect is the multicriteria decision-making process. When choosing suitable locations for wastewater treatment plants, it becomes necessary to consider a range of factors such as technical feasibility, economic viability, environmental impact, ecological aspects, and management requirements. However, evaluating these criteria and dealing with uncertainties can be complex. To address this challenge in the Tabuk region, a combination of two powerful analytical methods, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and geographical information system (GIS), were employed. The FAHP methodology allows for considering uncertainties and subjective judgements, while GIS provides spatial analysis capabilities. By combining FAHP and GIS, a thorough evaluation of potential wastewater treatment plant locations was conducted by determining the relative weights for each geospatial parameter. These weights were then used to generate a suitability map, visually representing the most favourable areas for site selection. The FAHP analysis resulted in higher importance given to the treatment plant’s distance to urban areas, followed by the distance to roads among the seven investigated parameters. The integrated FAHP-GIS model results show that the western parts of the region are most suitable for constructing wastewater treatment plants. These findings are valuable in facilitating multicriteria decision-making for identifying the optimum site in the area. In summary, integrating FAHP and GIS in the assessment process enables decision-makers to consider various technical, economic, environmental, ecological, and management aspects, thereby providing a comprehensive framework for site selection that can be replicated in other regions with different conditions. This approach enhances the decision-making process in municipal management and promotes more informed and effective planning in the Tabuk region.

The impoundment of Aoos springs was created in 1990 to facilitate hydroelectric production, and fish fauna has been enriched through the years due to deliberate or accidental fish stockings, with certain invasive alien fish species arising (i.e., Lepomis gibbosus, Carassius gibelio), some of which are ranked among the most dangerous species for global biodiversity. A three-year monitoring survey was conducting to map the nesting areas of Pumpkinseed, L. gibbosus, to assess the effectiveness of electrofishing as an active method to reduce the spread of the corresponding species and to identify the impact of the L. gibbosus on native species. The largest percentage of nests was found in areas with silty-sand bottoms (53.4%) and low vegetation. The potential nesting area was estimated at 1.97 km2 and the area of confirmed nesting was 0.33 km2. The species appeared to nest in a small area, compared to the potential nesting area. The results also indicate that a significant percentage of the target species (71.6% of the total number of species) was removed, with an average time per sampling of 1.2 ± 1 h, whereas the impact on the other native species was minimal. These results are important for designing and implementing programs for the eradication or reduction of L. gibbosus in the impoundment of Aoos springs.

Concern over microplastics (MPs) in the environment is rising. Microplastics are generally known to exist in aquatic settings, but less is known about their occurrence in soil ecosystems. When plastic waste builds up in agricultural areas, it can have a negative impact on the environment and food sources, as well as have an indirect effect on all trophic levels of the food chain. This paper addresses the relationship between microplastics and the management of plastic waste, which contributes to their accumulation, and it describes the sources and the movement processes of microplastics in agricultural soils as a result of natural events and disasters. Evaluating the impact of weather on coastal microplastic contamination is critical, as extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years. This study sheds light on how weather patterns affect the dispersion of plastic waste in terrestrial habitats, including the impacts of seasonality and extreme weather. According to the results of this review, typhoons, monsoons, rainfall, and floods contribute significantly more microplastics to the surface sediment through surface runoff and wind transport, particle redistribution caused by agitated waves, and fragmentation under intense abrasion forces. Severe weather conditions have the potential to disperse larger and more varied kinds of microplastics.

(1) Background: We aimed to associate the degree of food processing with blood pressure levels in adult women. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 85 adult women. The participants were subdivided into three groups: normal weight (NW: 27.05%), overweight (OW: 34.1%) and obesity (OB: 38.8%). Their anthropometric parameters, food consumption and blood pressure (BP) were evaluated. The groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test, and correlations were established using Spearman’s correlation, partial correlations (adjusted for age, medications and pathologies) and simple linear regression. Significance was set at p < 0.05. (3) Results: Women with obesity had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP = NW: 106.5 ± 11.6; OW: 111.60 ± 11.8; OB: 123.63 ± 14.0; p < 0.001 and DBP = NW: 66.5 ± 9.9; OW: 70.2 ± 8.7; OB: 80.6 ± 11.0; p < 0.001) and a lower consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed food (MPF) (NW: 0.25 ± 0.1; OW: 0.27 ± 0.09; OB: 0.21 ± 0.07; p = 0.027). Moreover, we found an inverse association among the consumption of MPF and diastolic blood pressure that remained after adjustments for covariates (r: −0.27; p = 0.01), suggesting that lower consumption of MPF is related to higher levels of DBP. (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that women with obesity seem to have a lower consumption of MPF. In addition, MPF is negatively correlated with BP, suggesting an association with obesity and cardiovascular health.

Obesity is a growing epidemic that threatens to deplete healthcare resources by increasing the prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. The prevalence of general and central obesity among the rural Black population in Limpopo Province is high; however, few studies have evaluated the association between obesity and its comorbidities among the rural Black population, and, hence, this study aims to determine the relationship between obesity and associated comorbidities. This study was cross-sectional and retrospective in design, using secondary data from the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic (AWI-Gen) research phase 1 study. A sample size of 791 participants was collected conveniently. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27 (SPSS). A chi-square, unpaired Student’s t-test, bivariate and partial correlation, and multivariate regression analysis were used for analysis. General obesity correlated positively and significantly with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and hypertension, while central obesity correlated positively and significantly with diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C ratio. In the present study, obese participants were more likely to be hypertensive, and have an increased LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Centrally obese participants were more likely to be diabetic, hypertensive, have dyslipidaemia, and exhibit reduced kidney function.

The demands for high resolution fabrication processes are ever-increasing, with new and optimized methodologies being highly relevant across several scientific fields. We systematically investigated thermal scanning probe lithography process and detailed how tuning temperature and probe contact time on the sample can optimize patterning and achieve 10 nm resolution. Additionally, we propose a novel fabrication methodology that integrates thermal scanning probe lithography and bilayer liftoff, achieving sub-20 nm resolution of the final metallized structures. Each step of the process, from sample preparation to the final liftoff, is described in detail. We also present a quantitative analysis comparing the accuracy of the lithography process to that of the bilayer liftoff. Finally, we show the feasibility of using thermal scanning probe lithography for the fabrication of photonic devices by validating our work with promising dipole geometries for this field.

Evidence supporting a link between gait and cognition is accumulating. However, the relation between executive functioning and spatiotemporal gait parameters has received little attention. This is surprising since these gait variables are related to falls. The goal of this preliminary study was to determine whether performance on measures of inhibition, reasoning, and fluency is related to variability in stride length and step width during dual-task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults. Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age were evaluated. Results indicated that processing speed was reduced, t(18) = 6.31, p = 0.0001, step width increased, t(18) = −8.00, p = 0.0001, and stride length decreased, t(18) = 3.06, p = 0.007, while dual tasking, but variability in gait parameters did not significantly change, consistent with a gait/posture-first approach. As hypothesized, better performance on a visual design fluency task which assesses cognitive flexibility was associated with less dual-task stride length variability, rs(17) = −0.43, p = 0.034, and step width variability, r = −0.56, p = 0.006. The results extend previous findings with older adults walking over ground and additionally suggest that cognitive flexibility may be important for gait maintenance while dual tasking.

The growing interest in microalgae is driven by their potential in various bioindustries, such as biofuel production, bioremediation, and the generation of high-value biomolecules. This paper aims to systematically review the state of research on bioprospecting microalgae, their applications, and recognize trends. This study employs an exploratory and descriptive research approach, using bibliometric methods to analyze scientific production and identify emerging trends in bioprospecting microalgae research. The analysis reveals exponential publication growth, with multidisciplinary sources indicating a strong applied focus. Leading countries in this research field benefit from clear technology transfer policies, and the prevalent terms “production” and “biomass” underscore the industrial relevance. Key research areas include biofuels and bioremediation, with a combined emphasis that is often studied in cultivation and biomass production. Bioactive compounds derived from microalgae are a current trend for industrial, medical, and food applications. Although the potential for CO2 capture is acknowledged, direct studies are limited. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and identifies opportunities and challenges in microalgae research, highlighting its significance for sustainable development and industrial applications.

The present study investigated the effect of supplementing a multi-carbohydrase enzyme complex (MCE) in corn–soy-based diets of Pekin ducks. The treatments were as follows: positive control (PC, 2980 and 3120 kcal/kg for starter and grower, respectively); negative control (NC, −132 kcal/kg energy reduction to PC achieved by reduction of fat and wheat middlings as filler); NC + MCE at 75 ppm (E75); 100 ppm (E100); and 125 ppm (E125) randomly distributed in 10 replicate pens with 25 birds each. Performance was evaluated after 14 and 35 d. On day 36 of the trial, five ducks/pen were processed to evaluate carcass traits. During days 1–14, the PC had a lower (p < 0.01) feed intake compared to all other treatments. At 14 and 35 d of age the NC decreased (p < 0.001) the body weight (BW) of the ducks compared to the PC by −8.3% and −5.3%, respectively. The NC BW was lower (p < 0.001) compared to all MCE-supplemented treatments at 14 and 35 d. The BW of E75, E100, and E125 treatments was not different (p > 0.05) from the PC at both evaluation periods. Cumulatively (1–35 d), the NC resulted in a weight-adjusted FCR increase (p = 0.001) of 9.9% compared to the PC, and the FCR of E75, E100, and E125 were able to recover 72.3%, 66.4%, and 63.5%, respectively, compared to the PC. The carcass and breast weights were lower (p < 0.001) in the NC compared to all other treatments, and no differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the MCE-supplemented treatments and the PC. In conclusion, these results suggest that the MCE supplementation can maintain duck growth performance with no negative effects on carcass traits in energy-reduced corn–soybean meal-based diets. From the results of the trial, 75 ppm MCE delivered the best performance recovery and 125 ppm MCE supplementation had the best % breast yield.

Alkyl nitrites (“poppers”) are a diverse class of volatile chemical compounds with a varied legal and medical history. Though once commonly prescribed to treat angina, popper use is now almost exclusively recreational. Currently, poppers are widely available and sold legally under labels like “solvent cleaner”, despite marketing suggesting they are meant to be consumed. As a result, there is little incentive for producers to implement robust quality controls to protect users. In this study, nine common popper brands were analyzed using hydrogen-1 and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess the presence of impurities. Physical labels on all nine samples indicated the contents were “pure” isobutyl nitrite, despite contradictory online marketing in several cases. Spectral results showed isobutyl nitrite was present in all popper samples. However, there was evidence that various unlabeled compounds were also present in all samples. The identity and concentration of these contaminants were not clear, but the seemingly ubiquitous presence of impurities and lack of consistency in the tested samples are concerning and may represent a threat to users’ health. We hope the results of this study draw attention to the potential dangers of recreational popper use and the need to reassess how these compounds are regulated.

Nanotechnology has provided considerable advancements in an array of disciplines. Recently, it has been shown that ferumoxytol, a magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle, can be oxidized by ionizing radiation. Ferumoxytol nanoparticles have high stability, and thus can be hypothesized that they have dosimetric potential. In this study, it has been observed that xylenol orange, a colorimetric detector of Fe3+ used for conventional Fricke dosimetry, was not able to detect radiolytic changes in ferumoxtyol. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was more readily able to evaluate the oxidation of ferumoxytol. EPR spectroscopy revealed that oxidation of 500 nM ferumoxytol in H2O was linear up to 20 Gy. This concentration, however, was unable to estimate the delivered dose from a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform system, as a 6 Gy dose was estimated to be 1.37 Gy, which represents a 79.2% underestimation of the dose delivered. Thus, while the high stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is attractive for use in pre-clinical radiation dosimetry, further radiochemical evaluation may be required before considering them for this application.

Understanding the dynamics of physiological changes involved in the acclimation responses of plants after their exposure to repeated cycles of water stress is crucial to selecting resilient genotypes for regions with recurrent drought episodes. Under such background, we tried to respond to questions as: (1) Are there differences in the stomatal-related and non-stomatal responses during water stress cycles in different clones of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner? (2) Do these C. canephora clones show a different response in each of the two sequential water stress events? (3) Is one previous drought stress event sufficient to induce a kind of “memory” in C. canephora? Seven-month-old plants of two clones (’3V’ and ‘A1’, previously characterized as deeper and lesser deep root growth, respectively) were maintained well-watered (WW) or fully withholding the irrigation, inducing soil water stress (WS) until the soil matric water potential (Ψmsoil) reached ≅ −0.5 MPa (−500 kPa) at a soil depth of 500 mm. Two sequential drought events (drought-1 and drought-2) attained this Ψmsoil after 19 days and were followed by soil rewatering until a complete recovery of leaf net CO2 assimilation rate (Anet) during the recovery-1 and recovery-2 events. The leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf reflectance parameters were measured in six-day frequency, while the leaf anatomy was examined only at the end of the second drought cycle. In both drought events, the WS plants showed reduction in stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration. The reduction in internal CO2 diffusion was observed in the second drought cycle, expressed by increased thickness of spongy parenchyma in both clones. Those stomatal and anatomical traits impacted decreasing the Anet in both drought events. The ‘3V’ was less influenced by water stress than the ‘A1’ genotype in Anet, effective quantum yield in PSII photochemistry, photochemical quenching, linear electron transport rate, and photochemical reflectance index during the drought-1, but during the drought-2 event such an advantage disappeared. Such physiological genotype differences were supported by the medium xylem vessel area diminished only in ‘3V’ under WS. In both drought cycles, the recovery of all observed stomatal and non-stomatal responses was usually complete after 12 days of rewatering. The absence of photochemical impacts, namely in the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemical reactions, photosynthetic performance index, and density of reaction centers capable of QA reduction during the drought-2 event, might result from an acclimation response of the clones to WS. In the second drought cycle, the plants showed some improved responses to stress, suggesting “memory” effects as drought acclimation at a recurrent drought.

The biomechanical efficacy of nail–plate constructs (NPCs) used in the treatment of traumatic distal femur fractures (DFFs) remains understudied compared to traditional approaches. This systematic review examines the biomechanical efficacy of NPCs compared to alternative approaches for the surgical fixation of DFFs to guide surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. This systematic review searched the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SPORT Discus databases from inception until 24 January 2024. Inclusion criteria were biomechanical studies that involved nail–plate combination constructs for DFFs. Six observational studies were included. Of the included studies, five studies utilized synthetic bone models in testing, and one study used both synthetic and cadaveric bone models. All studies found NPCs to have significantly higher axial and torsional stiffness and resistance to loading than distal lateral femoral locking plate (DLFLP) constructs. The 11 mm NPCs were significantly stiffer than the 9 mm NPCs under torsional and axial loading. Only one of two studies found NPCs to have greater axial stiffness than dual-plate (DP) constructs. NPCs and DP constructs had greater torsional and axial stiffness than the plate-only or DP with medial distal tibial plate constructs. NPCs had less displacement and torque than the plate- or nail-only constructs under axial and torsional loads. NPCs demonstrate superior axial and torsional stiffness and resistance to mechanical loads compared to DLFLP. The varying performance between 11 mm and 9 mm NPCs suggests that construct diameter plays a role in mechanical stability. NPCs and DP constructs performed better than plate-only constructs. Future research should explore the impact of varying nail diameters and plate configurations on stability, as well as the clinical efficacy of NPCs across different patient populations, particularly those with varying bone densities, to better understand their performance in real-world scenarios.

Background: The combination of oral pentoxifylline (Ptx) and vitamin E (VitE) has been used to treat radiation-induced fibrosis and soft tissue injury. Here, we review outcomes and perform a radiomic analysis of treatment effects in patients prescribed Ptx + VitE at our institution for the treatment of radiation necrosis (RN). Methods: A total of 48 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) had evidence of RN and had MRI before and after starting Ptx + VitE. The radiation oncologist’s impression of the imaging in the electronic medical record was used to score response to treatment. Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to train a model of radiomics features derived from radiation necrosis on pre- and 1st post-treatment T1 post-contrast MRIs that can classify the ultimate response to treatment with Ptx + VitE. Results: A total of 43.8% of patients showed evidence of improvement, 18.8% showed no change, and 25% showed worsening RN upon imaging after starting Ptx + VitE. The median time-to-response assessment was 3.17 months. Nine patients progressed significantly and required Bevacizumab, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or surgery. Patients who had multiple lesions treated with SRS were less likely to show improvement (p = 0.037). A total of 34 patients were also prescribed dexamethasone, either before (7), with (16), or after starting (11) treatment. The use of dexamethasone was not associated with an improved response to Ptx + VitE (p = 0.471). Three patients stopped treatment due to side effects. Finally, we were able to develop a machine learning (SVM) model of radiomic features derived from pre- and 1st post-treatment MRIs that was able to predict the ultimate treatment response to Ptx + VitE with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under curve (AUC) of 0.69. Conclusions: Ptx + VitE appears safe for the treatment of RN, but randomized data are needed to assess efficacy and validate radiomic models, which may assist with prognostication.

Moral injury is a psychological wound resulting from deep-rooted traumatic experiences that corrode an individual’s sense of humanity, ethical compass, and internal value system. Whether through witnessing a tragic event, inflicting injury on others, or failing to prevent a traumatic injury upon others, moral injury can have severe and detrimental psychological and psychosomatic outcomes that may last a lifetime. Post-traumatic experiences do not have to be a permanent affliction, however. From moral injury can come post-traumatic growth—the recovery from trauma in which personal betterment overshadows moral injury. Moral injury may lead to substantial personal growth, improved capacity and resilience. Based on these observations, it seems that from struggles and darkness, there can be positivity and hope. This review will summarize the current concepts of post-traumatic growth and consider potential mechanisms leading to resilience and recovery through post-traumatic growth. These considerations are gaining more importance in light of a growing number of existential threats, such as violent conflicts, natural disasters and global pandemics.

The development of methods to detect plant stress is not only a scientific challenge, but is also of great importance for agriculture and forestry. However, at present, stress diagnostics based on plant spectral characteristics has several limitations: (1) the high dependence of stress assessment on plant species identity; (2) the poor differentiation of different types of stress; and (3) the difficulty of detecting stress before visible symptoms appear. In this regard, the development of plant spectral metrics represents a significant area of research. Ficus elastica plants were exposed under the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from 0 to 1200 μmol photons m−2s−1. Exposure of F. elastica leaves to excess light (EL) (≥400 μmol photons m−2s−1) resulted in an increase in reflectance in the yellow-green region (522–594 nm) and a decrease in reflectance in the red region (666–682 nm) of the spectrum, accompanied by a shift of the red edge point toward the longer wavelength. These changes were revealed using the previously proposed light stress index (LSI = mean(R666:682)/mean(R522:594)). Based on the results obtained, two new vegetation indices (VIs) were proposed: LSIRed = R674/R654 and LSINorm = (R674 − R654)/(R674 + R654), indicating light stress by changes in the red region of the spectrum. The results of the study showed that LSI, LSIRed, and LSINorm have a high degree of coupling strength with maximal quantum yields of photosystem II values. The plant response to EL exposure, as assessed by the values of these three VIs, was well expressed regardless of the PPFD levels. The effect of EL at non-stressful PPFDs (50–200 μmol photons m−2s−1) was found to disappear within one hour after cessation of exposure. In contrast, the effect of the stressful PPFD (800 μmol photons m−2s−1) was found to persist for at least 80 h after cessation of exposure. The results of the study indicate the need to consider light history in spectral monitoring of vegetation.

Blueberries offer multiple health benefits, and their cultivation has expanded to warm tropical regions. However, references for foliar nutritional content are lacking in the literature. Proximal sensing may enhance nutritional characterization to optimize blueberry production. We aimed (i) to characterize the nutrient contents of healthy plants of three blueberry varieties adapted to warm climates (Emerald, Jewel, and Biloxi) using a reference method for foliar analysis (inductively coupled plasma (ICP)) and a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer on fresh and dry leaves and (ii) to differentiate blueberry varieties based on their nutrient composition. Nutrient content was statistically compared per leaf moisture condition (fresh or dry) with ICP results and used to differentiate the varieties via the random forest algorithm. P and Zn contents (ICP) in leaves were different among varieties. Dry leaf results (pXRF) were strongly correlated with ICP results. Most nutrients determined using ICP presented good correlation with pXRF data (R2 from 0.66 to 0.93). The three varieties were accurately differentiated by pXRF results (accuracy: 87%; kappa: 0.80). Predictions of nutrient contents based on dry leaves analyzed by pXRF outperformed those based on fresh leaves. This approach can also be applied to other crops to facilitate nutrient assessment in leaves.

Modern agriculture, with the use of artificial lighting, requires high-intensity LED luminaires with compact dimensions. In this regard, new approaches to the design of LED luminaires using both new materials and technical solutions have been considered. The theoretical evaluation of the influence of different materials on the efficiency of removal of thermal energy from LEDs was shown. A new material PMS-5 is proposed and evaluated as an immersion liquid, which can be used as an effective heat sink in the lower part of the luminaire up to the level of LEDs located in the top light LED luminaires. The proposed polymethylsiloxane PMS-5 liquid has more than twice the thermal conductivity (0.167 W/(m·K)) of HFE7200 and NS15 liquids used in immersion-cooled LED luminaires. Based on the theoretical evaluation, the requirements for parameters, such as metal profile area, immersion liquid volume, wall thickness area, and external area of the cylinder, are highlighted and shown. The noted parameters have a key role in the design of an efficient top light LED luminaire. It has been shown that the design of the metal profile significantly affects the efficiency of the removal of thermal energy from LEDs and it is necessary to use specialized profiles optimized for the diameter of the LED luminaire cylinder. A number of LED luminaire designs were proposed, depending on the thermal properties of the construction materials, technical and economic performance, as well as actual operating and installation conditions. The analysis of the presented theoretical evaluations allowed overlay of the design basis of LED luminaires within the presented concept and top light.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a motion-preserving treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. An effective tool for analyzing these implants’ mechanical performance and longevity in silico is finite element analysis (FEA). An FEA in ABAQUS was used to statically analyze the mechanical behavior of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing component at varying dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ankle angles and axial loading conditions during the stance phase of the gait cycle for a single cycle. The von Mises stress and contact pressure were examined on the articulating surface of the bearing component in two newly installed fixed-bearing TAA implants (Wright Medical INBONE II and Exactech Vantage). Six different FEA models of variable ankle compressive load levels and ankle angle positions, for the varying subphases of the stance phase of the gait cycle, were created. The components in these models were constrained to be conducive to the bone–implant interface, where implant loosening occurs. Our results showed that the von Mises stress and contact pressure distributions increased as the compressive load increased. The highest stress was noted at dorsiflexion angles > 15°, in areas where the UHMWPE liner was thinnest, at the edges of the talar and UHMWPE components, and during the terminal stance phase of the gait cycle. This static structural analysis highlighted these failure regions are susceptible to yielding and wear and indicated stress magnitudes that are in agreement (within 25%) with those in previous static structural TAA FEAs. The mechanical wear of the UHMWPE bearing component in TAA can lead to aseptic loosening and peri-implant cyst formation over time, requiring surgical revision. This study provides ankle replacement manufacturers and orthopedic surgeons with a better understanding of the stress response and contact pressure sustained by TAA implants, which is critical to optimizing implant longevity and improving patient care.

Classical (MD) and ab initio (AIMD) molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the fundamental properties of solid and liquid MgO. AIMD was performed by DFT using the Strongly Conditioned and Appropriately Normed (SCAN) exchange correlation functional. The obtained pair-correlation functions of liquid MgO were used as reference data for the optimization of parameters of classical MD. For the latter, a Born–Mayer–Huggins (BMH) potential was applied, and parameters were adjusted until a best fit of both structural properties was obtained by AIMD and physical properties by experimental data. Different structural, dynamic and thermodynamic properties of solid and liquid MgO were then calculated by classical MD and compared with the literature data. Good agreement was found for the Mg-O bond length, self-diffusion coefficients, density of liquid MgO and for heat content and density of crystalline MgO. Using a void-melting approach, the melting temperature of MgO was found as 3295 ± 30 K, which is in good agreement with the recent experimental work by Ronchi et al. (3250 ± 20 K). The optimized parameters of BMH potential describe well the structural, dynamic and thermodynamic properties of solid and liquid MgO and may be combined with our previous results of a CaO-Al2O3-TiO2 system to calculate the properties of a quaternary CaO-MgO-Al2O3-TiO2 system.

The AKT1 oncogene is related to various cancers due to its critical role in the PIC3CA/AKT1 pathway; however, most of the studies screened the hotspot mutation AKT1 (E17K) with various incidences. Low frequency or lack of AKT1 (E17K) mutation was reported in prostate cancer (PC) patients. This study aims to explore genetic alterations in the AKT1 PH domain by extending the sequencing to include AKT1 gene exons 3 and 4. Genomic DNA was extracted from 84 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded samples of PC patients in Jordan, and then subjected to PCR and sequencing for the targeted exons. This study revealed the presence of two novel mutations (N53Y and Q59K) and a high frequency of mutations in exon 4, with a lack of mutations in the E17K hotspot. Nine missense and two synonymous mutations were detected in exon 4 (Phe27Tyr, Phe27Leu, Ala58Thr, Ser56Phe, Arg41Trp, Phe35Leu, Asp32Glu, Phe35Tyr, and Gln43Lys) and (Ser56 and Glu40), respectively. Two synonymous mutations were detected in exon 3 (Leu12 and Ser2). It is concluded that there is a high frequency of AKT1 mutation in PC patients in Jordan with two novel missense mutations in the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. E17K hotspot mutation was not detected in any tested samples, which underlined the significant role of mutations in other AKT1 exons in PC development.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Genetic variants in miRNA processing genes, DROSHA and DICER, have been implicated in cancer susceptibility and progression in various populations. However, their role in Egyptian patients with breast cancer (BC) remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the association of DROSHA rs10719 and DICER rs3742330 polymorphisms with BC risk and clinical outcomes. This case–control study included 209 BC patients and 106 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays in blood, tumor tissue, and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test. The DROSHA rs10719 AA genotype was associated with a 3.2-fold increased risk (95%CI = 1.23–9.36, p < 0.001), and the DICER rs3742330 GG genotype was associated with a 3.51-fold increased risk (95%CI = 1.5–8.25, p = 0.001) of BC. Minor allele frequencies were 0.42 for rs10719 A and 0.37 for rs3742330 G alleles. The risk alleles were significantly more prevalent in tumor tissue than adjacent normal tissue (rs10719 A: 40.8% vs. 0%; rs3742330 G: 42.7% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed with clinicopathological features or survival outcomes over a median follow-up of 17 months. In conclusion, DROSHA rs10719 and DICER rs3742330 polymorphisms are associated with increased BC risk and more prevalent in tumor tissue among our cohort, suggesting a potential role in miRNA dysregulation during breast tumorigenesis. These findings highlight the importance of miRNA processing gene variants in BC susceptibility and warrant further validation in larger cohorts and different ethnic populations.

Neuromodulatory subcortical systems (NSSs) are monoaminergic and cholinergic neuronal groups that are markedly and precociously involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In humans, although many tools have been developed to infer information on these nuclei, encompassing neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods, a detailed and specific direct evaluation of their cellular features in vivo has been difficult to obtain until recent years. The development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models has allowed research to deeply delve into the cellular and molecular biology of NSS neurons. In fact, iPSCs can be produced easily and non-invasively from patients’ fibroblasts or circulating blood monocytes, by de-differentiating those cells using specific protocols, and then be re-differentiated towards neural phenotypes, which may reproduce the specific features of the correspondent brain neurons (including NSS ones) from the same patient. In this review, we summarized findings obtained in the field of NDDs using iPSCs, with the aim to understand how reliably these might represent in vitro models of NSS. We found that most of the current literature in the field of iPSCs and NSSs in NDDs has focused on midbrain dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease, providing interesting results on cellular pathophysiology and even leading to the first human autologous transplantation. Differentiation protocols for noradrenergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic neurons have also been recently defined and published. Thus, it might be expected that in the near future, this approach could extend to other NSSs and other NDDs.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. Because TBI is accident-related, the role of genetics in predisposing to TBI has been largely unexplored. However, the likelihood of injury may not be entirely random and may be associated with certain physical and mental characteristics. In this study, we analyzed the exomes of 50 patients undergoing rehabilitation after TBI. Patients were divided into three groups according to rehabilitation outcome: improvement, no change, and deterioration/death. We focused on rare, potentially functional missense and high-impact variants in genes intolerant to these variants. The concordant results from the three independent groups of patients allowed for the suggestion of the existence of a genetic predisposition to TBI, associated with rare functional variations in intolerant genes, with a prevalent dominant mode of inheritance and neurological manifestations in the genetic phenotypes according to the OMIM database. Forty-four of the 50 patients had one or more rare, potentially deleterious variants in one or more neurological genes. Comparison of these results with those of a 50-sampled matched non-TBI cohort revealed significant differences: P = 2.6 × 10−3, OR = 4.89 (1.77–13.47). There were no differences in the distribution of the genes of interest between the TBI patient groups. Our exploratory study provides new insights into the impact of genetics on TBI risk and is the first to address potential genetic susceptibility to TBI.

Background: We aim to ascertain prognostic factors in the current management of anal cancer within this study. Methods: We reviewed the management and outcomes of anal cancer cases over a seven-year period, inclusive (2016–2023). The primary objectives were to assess the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes of all anal cancer patients within our institution. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate survival differences between cohorts, with statistical significance determined using log-rank testing. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilised to identify prognostic factors. Cox regression hazard ratios were reported along with confidence intervals and p-values. Results: The median follow-up time for the study was 29.8 months. Seventy-five patients with anal cancer were included in this study, with 88% (66/75) being squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the majority having regional disease (82.7% (62/75)). The median age at diagnosis was 63.4 years (36–94). There was a female preponderance (57.3% (43/75)). In total, 84% (63/75) underwent definitive chemoradiation (dCRT), with 7/63 (11.1%) requiring a salvage abdomino-perineal resection (APR) for residual or recurrent disease. Adverse prognostic indicators include those with T4 disease hazard ratio = 3.81, (95% CI 1.13–12.83, * p = 0.04), poorly differentiated tumour disease HR = 3.37, (95% CI 1.13–10.02, * p = 0.04), having N2 nodal status HR = 5.03, (95% CI 1.11–22.8, * p = 0.04), and having metastatic disease at diagnosis HR = 5.8, (95% CI 1.28–26.42, * p = 0.02). Conclusion: Presenting characteristics including stage, nodal, and differentiation status remain key prognostic indicators in those diagnosed with anal malignancy.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination, early detection, and treatment, yet is the fourth most common cancer globally. HPV testing is superior to cytology for the detection of cervical pre-cancer, and jurisdictions around the world are implementing HPV primary screening, which offers the opportunity for self-screening, an important self-care intervention. Digital health solutions are also increasingly important components of self-care. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and completion of self-screening for cervical cancer offered through a digital platform within a low screening uptake region of British Columbia. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of self-screening for cervical cancer offered through a digital platform as measured by return rates of self-screening kits. Patients due or overdue for cervix screening were invited to participate. Eligible participants registered online to receive a self-screening kit, which included a device for vaginal self-screening, instructions, and a return envelope, sent to their home. After self-screening using the vaginal device, HPV testing was conducted. HPV-negative participants were returned to routine screening, and HPV-positive participants were recommended for cytology or colposcopy. Attendance rates at follow-up were evaluated. Participants were invited to complete an acceptability survey. From April 2019 to December 2023, 283 participants were sent kits, with 207 kits returned for a completion rate of 73%. Of valid samples (n = 202), 15 were HPV positive, and 93% attended follow-up care. Most respondents found the CervixCheck website easy to use, informative, and secure and were satisfied with receiving their results online. CervixCheck had a high completion rate among participants who were sent a self-screening kit. High compliance with recommended follow-up and high acceptability of self-screening for cervical cancer was observed. Most participants indicated they would self-screen again in the future. Innovative approaches to cervical screening, including self-screening and the use of digital health interventions, are ways to enhance equity and improve uptake of cervical screening.

Endometrial cancer (EC) patients make up the second largest group of female cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including quality of life (QOL) and sexual function and satisfaction (SF and S) are critical facets of survivorship. This prospective, longitudinal study assesses associations between baseline characteristics and PROs after treatment. Herein, we report the baseline clinical characteristics and PROs prior to treatment initiation. Outcomes post-treatment over time will be reported separately. Patients with planned surgery for EC were prospectively enrolled in 2019–2021 and administered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ EC Module (EN24), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), and the Mayo Clinic lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) questionnaire. This study enrolled 198 patients with a mean (SD) age of 63.6 (9.8) years and body mass index of 35.5 (8.3) kg/m2. No significant differences in the PROs for the QOL were seen when compared to the reference means (SD) except for the lower interest in sexual activity (31.9 (9.8) vs. 47.5 (SE0.70)) and lower fatigue (21.3 (19.8) vs. 31.7 (25.9)). Increased obesity was associated with an increased likelihood of LEL (p < 0.01) and multiple QOL scales, including poorer global health status (p < 0.01) and physical functioning (p < 0.01). Prior to treatment initiation for EC, the patients had a similar QOL compared to that of the general population. The patients with increasing obesity, a known risk factor for EC, had worse overall global health status and physical functioning. A better understanding of these QOL measures is imperative for earlier identification and intervention of patients at risk of chronic impairments from EC treatment.

Canada is known to have a complex pathway for new drug approval and reimbursement, resulting in delayed access for patients with serious and life-threatening diseases, such as cancer. Several recent publications from key stakeholders, including patients, physicians and policymakers, highlight patient helplessness, physician frustrations and policymakers entangled in a massive network of bureaucracy unable to make headway. Several quantitative and qualitative assessments using time from regulatory approvals to successful reimbursements confirm long review times and high rejection rates for oncology drugs, especially those receiving conditional approvals. A consensus forum of 18 Canadian oncology clinicians recently voiced frustration with the process and inability to deliver guideline-supported efficacious therapies to their patients. This manuscript compares data extracted from publicly available data sources from 2019 to June 2024 to previous publications. Methods: Public databases from Health Canada, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), which is in the process of changing to Canada’s Drug Agency, and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) were reviewed and the data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: From the data, three trends emerge, (i) an increasing number of oncology drugs are receiving conditional approvals from Health Canada, (ii) the percentage of conditionally approved oncology drugs receiving positive reimbursement recommendations from CADTH is still low but appears to be improving, but delays in access are now contingent upon pCPA deciding whether to negotiate price and then the duration of any negotiation, and (iii) real-world evidence is no longer part of the decision-making for conditional approvals. A slight increase in the positive endorsement of RWE used to support CADTH recommendations was observed. Conclusions: The lack of timely access to oncology drugs hurts Canadian patients. While a small trend of improvement appears to be emerging, longer-term data collection is required to ensure sustained patient benefits.

This study aimed to develop the ‘Healthy Eating Index for Older People’ (the index), based on New Zealand dietary guidelines, and measures the validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to derive the index scores in older adults. In Auckland, New Zealand, participants (community-dwelling adults aged 65–74 years, [n = 273, 36% male]) completed a 109-item FFQ administered one month apart (FFQ1, FFQ2), with a four-day food record (4-DFR) collected in between. Adherence to the guidelines was scored using the index, comprising a total score (maximum = 100) and two sub-scores: adequacy (maximum = 60) and moderation (maximum = 40). A comparison of FFQ1 and FFQ2 determined reproducibility, and FFQ1 and 4-DFR determined validity. Higher index scores (from FFQ1) were associated with higher intakes of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals and lower intakes of alcohol and saturated fats (nutrients from 4-DFR) after adjusting for age and sex (all p < 0.001). Total index and sub-indices correlation coefficients ranged from 0.42 to 0.77 (all p < 0.001); weighted kappa values ranged from 0.35 to 0.67; and mean differences were all p < 0.05). The index applied to the FFQ demonstrated good construct validity and reproducibility. Relative and absolute validity were acceptable, though caution is required when using the absolute sub-index scores. The index is suitable for measuring total diet quality in older New Zealand adults.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are currently employed to carry different types of cargoes, such as medical products. Several advantages can be related to the integration of UAVs in health care systems, including the possibility to access remote areas, low costs and high mobility and speed. However, some concerns can arise regarding the payload integrity, especially considering medical products that can be sensitive to vibration and lose their therapeutic effect. This paper presents the flight dynamics of a quadrotor and an attached payload, assuming a flexible attachment between them. Constraint vector representation is used to model the flexible attachment and guarantee a physical distance between them. A dual loop control, formed by a sliding mode control and reduced dimension observer, is developed to improve the trajectory tracking and payload undesired oscillations. The estimated disturbance (DE) is then calculated by the difference between the estimated payload and the desired trajectories. Numerical results have shown that with the use of the DE strategy, the undesired oscillations are attenuated, showing a reduction from maximum peaks of 0.2 m to 0.05 m. Regarding performance index evaluation, a reduction of approximately 84% is observed in terms of payload oscillation. In a second case, with a different payload and external disturbance intensity, the proposed strategy is also able to positively estimate the payload vibration and, consequently, attenuate the undesired oscillation, with an 85% reduction. Therefore, the dual loop control represents an efficient strategy for tracking trajectory with low undesired oscillation intensity.

This article addresses the phenomenon of the decreased absorption of γ-radiation when the thickness of the absorber equals a multiple of the mean free path, as observed in relevant laboratory experiments with various absorbing materials. This phenomenon can be compared with the periodic peaks in intensity in an open-ended sound tube that appear at multiples of half wavelength. This could suggest that there is analogy between the two physical systems that are the γ-ray absorber and the sound wave resonance tube. More similarities between the two systems are also presented.

Human urine and its detection are of interest in forensic studies in numerous contexts. Both crystalline urea and 1.0 M solutions of urea, as synthetic analog endmember components of human urine, were investigated as a proof-of-concept study to determine if detailed lab spectroscopy would be viable. Urea was reliably detected on Ottawa sand at concentrations of approximately 3.2% in dried experiments. Urea was detectable after 1 week of solution evaporation under lab conditions, at 9.65 wt.% 1 M solution. This investigation successfully establishes urea as a material of interest for reflective spectroscopy and hyperspectral remote sensing/image spectroscopy on a wide range of spatial scales, from specific centimeter-scale areas in a crime scene to searching large outdoor regions > 1 km2. In addition, this investigation is relevant to improving the monitoring of human trafficking, status and condition of refugee camps, and monitoring sewage.

Aromatic esters such as phenyl acetates are of interest as promising liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) due to the presence of double bonds. However, the key factor for the development of green hydrogen fuel is the production of LOHCs from renewable sources. Since the synthesis and isolation of such esters is a complex task, understanding the relationship between the chemical structures of aromatic esters and their thermodynamic properties is of great importance for their further practical use as LOHCs. Obtaining reliable thermodynamic and thermochemical properties of phenyl and benzyl phenyl acetates formed the basis of this work. Vapour pressures, enthalpies of vaporisation, and enthalpies of formation were systematically studied. An approach based on the structure–property correlation was used to confirm these quantities. Additionally, the high-level quantum-chemical method G4 was used to estimate the enthalpy of formation in the gas phase. The final stage was the assessment of the energetics of chemical reactions based on aromatic esters and their partially and fully hydrogenated analogues.

Irrigation practices that conserve water use have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but may adversely affect turfgrass appearance. The purpose of this study was to identify irrigation practices and N fertilizers that will decrease carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4,), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions while evaluating turfgrass color and quality. In both years, supplemental rainfall (SRF) soil moisture content was higher than business as usual (BAU) irrigation and syringing (SYR). Higher soil moisture led to increased fluxes in both soil CO2 and soil N2O. In 2017, the SRF fluxed lower soil CO2 as soil moisture reached levels that restricted respiration. Soil moisture was also an important predictor of soil N2O flux with BAU and SRF having higher soil N2O fluxes. SRF produced the greenest turf from May to July, whereas SRY and SRF produced the greenest turf from August to October in 2016. Both BAU and SRF had the greenest turf in 2017. BAU had the highest turfgrass quality ratings in 2016 followed by SRF and SRY, respectively, whereas in 2017 SRF and SRY had higher turfgrass quality ratings. When adopting water conservation practices to reduce GHG emissions, soil moisture content and site-specific rainfall should be closely monitored to prevent overwatering.

The field of cardio-oncology is an expanding frontier within cardiovascular medicine, and the need for evidence-based guidelines is apparent. One of the emerging focuses within cardio-oncology is the concomitant use of medications for cardioprotection in the setting of chemotherapy regimens that have known cardiovascular toxicity. While clinical trials focusing on cardioprotection during chemotherapy are sparse, an inaugural trial exploring the prophylactic potential of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) for anthracycline (ANT)-induced cardiotoxicity has recently commenced. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, though less studied in this oncology demographic, have exhibited promise in preclinical studies for conferring cardiac protection during non-ischemic toxic insults. While primarily used to reduce low-density lipoprotein, PCSK9 inhibitors exhibit pleiotropic effects, including the attenuation of inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and endothelial dysfunction. In ANT-induced cardiotoxicity, these same processes are accelerated, resulting in premature termination of treatment, chronic cardiovascular sequelae, heart failure, and/or death. This review serves a dual purpose: firstly, to provide a concise overview of the mechanisms implicated in ANT-induced cardiotoxicity, and, finally, to summarize the existing preclinical data supporting the theoretical possibility of the cardioprotective effects of PCSK9 inhibition in ANT-induced cardiotoxicity.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has revolutionized the preservation and interpretation of heritage sites. This study focuses on developing an immersive 360-degree virtual tour (VT) for the USS Drum Submarine Museum in Mobile, Alabama, USA, incorporating oral histories to enhance the accessibility and visitor experiences. The project addresses the need for innovative methods to present maritime history effectively. Using Matterport technology, detailed 3D imagery of the USS Drum was captured and processed, integrating multimedia elements and oral histories from a veteran USS Drum crew member to provide a richer historical narrative. A user experience study gathered feedback from virtual visitors, who offered quantitative and qualitative responses. The research findings indicate that the VT significantly enhances visitor engagement and historical understanding, with high satisfaction rates for visual quality and oral histories, though some users experienced technical challenges and difficulties. This study demonstrates the potential of combining immersive VTs with oral histories to create engaging educational experiences, preserving the USS Drum’s legacy and making it accessible to a broader audience, including those unable to visit in person. Furthermore, this project sets a precedent for museums to leverage digital tools in preserving and promoting maritime heritage and oral histories.

Leydig cells (LCs) in the testes produce the male sex hormone testosterone (T). Several xenobiotics, including clinical drugs, supplements, and environmental chemicals, are known to disrupt T homeostasis. Notably, some of these xenobiotics are known to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor. However, it is currently unknown whether PXR is expressed in LCs and whether PXR activation alters T synthesis in rodent LCs. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine whether PXR is expressed in rodent LCs and whether pregnenolone 16-alpha carbonitrile (PCN), the prototype agonist of rodent PXR, regulates T biosynthesis in rodent LCs. Hormonal as well as protein and gene expression analyses were conducted in rat primary LCs and MA-10 mouse Leydig cells. Results showed that PXR was expressed at the mRNA and protein level in both rat primary LCs and MA-10 cells. Incubation of rat primary LCs with PCN resulted in a significant decrease in T secretion. This PCN-induced decrease in T secretion was associated with decreased protein expression of key steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β-HSD and CYP17A1. RNA-seq results from MA-10 cells showed that PCN down-regulated the transcripts of steroidogenic enzymes and proteins involved in the T synthesis pathway. Together, these results suggest that PCN, an agonist of rodent PXR, can regulate T biosynthesis in rodent LCs by down-regulating the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in T biosynthesis. Our results are significant as they provide a potential novel mechanism for disruption of testosterone homeostasis by a variety of xenobiotics.

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of political news posts, interactive discussion factors, and uncivil comments on participants’ online incivility. The moderating effects of cognitive and affective involvement have also been considered. The data have been gathered using self-administered questionnaires from 458 respondents. The results indicate that political news posts having interactive discussion factors positively impacts the online uncivil behaviour of the participants. The uncivil comments initiated by other users also significantly impact the participants’ incivility. The data have also been analysed for the mediation effects. The construct of affective involvement emerged as an effective mediator as compared to cognitive involvement. This study posits several theoretical implications for the literature. The combination of the variables used is also rare in the literature. The findings of this study are useful for behavioural scientists, as the outcomes have a potential to predict the online behaviour of Pakistani users.