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Abstract Secondary lymphedema (LD) corresponds to a severe lymphatic dysfunction leading to the accumulation of fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue in a limb. Here, we identified apelin (APLN) as a powerful molecule for regenerating lymphatic function in LD. We identified the loss of APLN expression in the lymphedematous arm compared to the normal arm in patients. The role of APLN in LD was confirmed in APLN knockout mice, in which LD is increased and associated with fibrosis and dermal backflow. This was reversed by intradermal injection of APLN-lentivectors. Mechanistically, APLN stimulates lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression and induces the binding of E2F8 transcription factor to the promoter of CCBE1 that controls VEGF-C processing. In addition, APLN induces Akt and eNOS pathways to stimulate lymphatic collector pumping. Our results show that APLN represents a novel partner for VEGF-C to restore lymphatic function in both initial and collecting vessels. As LD appears after cancer treatment, we validated the APLN-VEGF-C combination using a novel class of nonintegrative RNA delivery LentiFlash® vector that will be evaluated for phase I/IIa clinical trial.

This field experiment was conducted in Chichu Kebele in the Dilla Zuria area from 2020 to 2023. The objective of the experiment was to determine the optimal mulching strategy for enhancing soil fertility and pineapple production by comparing three treatments (grass mulch, plastic mulch, and farmers' practices without any mulch) using a RCB (Randomized Complete Block) design. The study's findings showed that the treatments with plastic mulch had the greatest soil moisture content values (18.41%), while the treatments with no mulch had the lowest values (11.39%). Compared to mulched treatments, pineapple planted without mulch had the greatest bulk density values (1.43 g/cm3). Total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 34 and 25%, respectively due to plastic mulching. However, total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 43 and 37.5%, respectively due to grass mulching. Fruit length was larger by 42.7 and 33.2%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulch compared to the control. However, fruit girth was wider by 54.1 and 43.8%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulches compared to the control. The pineapple with the most fruit yield (71.39 t/ha), fruit length (17.4 cm), fruit girth (46.67 cm), and sucker number (15 pieces) was obtained using plastic mulching. However, pineapple grown without mulch had the lowest yield ever noted. Plastic mulch outperformed farmers' practices and grass mulching in terms of conserving soil moisture, which increased yield and yield characteristics. For the baseline, the marginal rate of return generated by the plastic and grass mulch treatments was 118.5 and 93.65%, respectively. Thus, the study's best recommendation for improving soils and achieving a high pineapple fruit yield is to grow pineapples using plastic mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74–50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66–9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35–32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11–0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary lymphedema (LD) corresponds to a severe lymphatic dysfunction leading to the accumulation of fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue in a limb. Here, we identified apelin (APLN) as a powerful molecule for regenerating lymphatic function in LD. We identified the loss of APLN expression in the lymphedematous arm compared to the normal arm in patients. The role of APLN in LD was confirmed in APLN knockout mice, in which LD is increased and associated with fibrosis and dermal backflow. This was reversed by intradermal injection of APLN-lentivectors. Mechanistically, APLN stimulates lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression and induces the binding of E2F8 transcription factor to the promoter of CCBE1 that controls VEGF-C processing. In addition, APLN induces Akt and eNOS pathways to stimulate lymphatic collector pumping. Our results show that APLN represents a novel partner for VEGF-C to restore lymphatic function in both initial and collecting vessels. As LD appears after cancer treatment, we validated the APLN-VEGF-C combination using a novel class of nonintegrative RNA delivery LentiFlash® vector that will be evaluated for phase I/IIa clinical trial. Synopsis: Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by massive swelling due to the accumulation of undrained interstitial fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue. Regenerative medicine for lymphedema has to combine molecules to repair both superficial capillaries and deeper collecting vessels. Apelin expression is downregulated in lymphedema tissues from patients. Apelin deficiency increases lymphedema in mice. Apelin restores lymphatic collecting vessel pumping and reduces fibrosis. Transient mRNA delivery of Apelin combined to VEGFC restores function in the entire lymphatic network from capillaries to collecting vessels. Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by massive swelling due to the accumulation of undrained interstitial fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue. Regenerative medicine for lymphedema has to combine molecules to repair both superficial capillaries and deeper collecting vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates the impact of ventilation, specifically modeled by a radiator fan, on heptane pool fires within a military ground vehicle engine compartment. Experiments were conducted in a 2.44 m3 scale-1 compartment with varying fan-generated inflow velocities, initial fuel thicknesses, and pan diameters. The primary objective is to comprehensively assess how ventilation conditions affect pool fire behavior, focusing on properties such as mass loss rate, heat release, temperature, and heat flux in both the boiling and steady stages. The results reveal that the boiling stage occurs at initial fuel thicknesses of 10 and 15 mm, allowing us to analyze the boiling-to-steady ratio. This ratio exhibits variation across parameters. For burning duration, the ratios range from 0.45 to 0.93, while for mass loss rate, the ratios range from 2.3 to 3.5. Regarding total heat flux, the ratios span from 2.5 to 4. The boiling-to-steady ratio for temperature varies by position: in the vertical tree, it ranges from 1.1 to 1.7; in the ceiling tree, it ranges from 2.2 to 2.9; and in the ceiling side tree, it ranges from 1.2 to 2.25. Ventilation influences the boiling-to-steady ratio. Increasing inflow velocity generally increases the ratio for burning duration and ceiling tree temperature while decreasing the ratio for mass loss rate. The impact of ventilation on other properties depends on pan diameter and initial fuel thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema (LD) is characterized by the accumulation of interstitial fluid, lipids and inflammatory cell infiltrate in the limb. Here, we find that LD tissues from women who developed LD after breast cancer exhibit an inflamed gene expression profile. Lipidomic analysis reveals decrease in specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) generated by the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in LD. In mice, the loss of SPM is associated with an increase in apoptotic regulatory T (Treg) cell number. In addition, the selective depletion of 15-LO in the lymphatic endothelium induces an aggravation of LD that can be rescued by Treg cell adoptive transfer or ALOX15-expressing lentivector injections. Mechanistically, exogenous injections of the pro-resolving cytokine IFN−β restores both 15-LO expression and Treg cell number in a mouse model of LD. These results provide evidence that lymphatic 15-LO may represent a therapeutic target for LD by serving as a mediator of Treg cell populations to resolve inflammation.Specialised pro-resolving lipid mediators can reduce inflammatory responses and may be active in lymphedema. Here the authors show that in a mouse model 15-LO derived lipid mediators are reduced during inflammation and that a lack of the 15-LO producing enzyme aggravated disease and addition of 15-LO enzyme or Treg cells reduced disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallite size of the materials considerably influences the material properties, including their compressibility and resistance to external forces and the stability of the crystalline structure; a corresponding study for which, so far, has been limited for the important class of nanocrystalline Rare Earth Sesquioxides (REOs). In the present study, we report the crystallographic structural transitions in nanocrystalline Rare Earth Oxides (REOs) under the influence of pressure, investigated via high-energy X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The study has been carried out on three of the REOs, namely Lutetium oxide (Lu2O3), Thulium oxide (Tm2O3) and Europium oxide (Eu2O3) up to the pressures of 33, 22 and 11 GPa, respectively. The diffraction data of Lu2O3 and Tm2O3 suggests the occurrence of irreversible structural transitions from cubic to monoclinic phase, while Eu2O3 showed a transition from the cubic to hexagonal phase. The transitions were found to be accompanied by a collapse in the volume and the resulting Pressure–Volume (P–V) graphs are fitted with the 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan (BM) equation of state (EOS) to estimate the bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives. Our study establishes a qualitative relationship between the crystallite size and various material properties such as the lattice parameters, transition pressure, bulk modulus etc., and strengthens the knowledge regarding the behaviour of this technologically important class of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallite size of the materials considerably influences the material properties, including their compressibility and resistance to external forces and the stability of the crystalline structure; a corresponding study for which, so far, has been limited for the important class of nanocrystalline Rare Earth Sesquioxides (REOs). In the present study, we report the crystallographic structural transitions in nanocrystalline Rare Earth Oxides (REOs) under the influence of pressure, investigated via high-energy X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The study has been carried out on three of the REOs, namely Lutetium oxide (Lu2O3), Thulium oxide (Tm2O3) and Europium oxide (Eu2O3) up to the pressures of 33, 22 and 11 GPa, respectively. The diffraction data of Lu2O3 and Tm2O3 suggests the occurrence of irreversible structural transitions from cubic to monoclinic phase, while Eu2O3 showed a transition from the cubic to hexagonal phase. The transitions were found to be accompanied by a collapse in the volume and the resulting Pressure–Volume (P–V) graphs are fitted with the 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan (BM) equation of state (EOS) to estimate the bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives. Our study establishes a qualitative relationship between the crystallite size and various material properties such as the lattice parameters, transition pressure, bulk modulus etc., and strengthens the knowledge regarding the behaviour of this technologically important class of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a highly heterogeneous disease that typically presents at an advanced, metastatic state. The multi-scale complexity of HGSOC is a major obstacle to predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and understanding critical determinants of response. Here we present a framework to predict the response of HGSOC patients to NACT integrating baseline clinical, blood-based, and radiomic biomarkers extracted from all primary and metastatic lesions. We use an ensemble machine learning model trained to predict the change in total disease volume using data obtained at diagnosis (n = 72). The model is validated in an internal hold-out cohort (n = 20) and an independent external patient cohort (n = 42). In the external cohort the integrated radiomics model reduces the prediction error by 8% with respect to the clinical model, achieving an AUC of 0.78 for RECIST 1.1 classification compared to 0.47 for the clinical model. Our results emphasize the value of including radiomics data in integrative models of treatment response and provide methods for developing new biomarker-based clinical trials of NACT in HGSOC. Response to treatment in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is highly variable. Here, the authors leverage a radiogenomic model to predict neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in HGSOC, including clinical data, medical imaging, and blood-based biomarkers such as CA-125 and ctDNA features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallite size of the materials considerably influences the material properties, including their compressibility and resistance to external forces and the stability of the crystalline structure; a corresponding study for which, so far, has been limited for the important class of nanocrystalline Rare Earth Sesquioxides (REOs). In the present study, we report the crystallographic structural transitions in nanocrystalline Rare Earth Oxides (REOs) under the influence of pressure, investigated via high-energy X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The study has been carried out on three of the REOs, namely Lutetium oxide (Lu2O3), Thulium oxide (Tm2O3) and Europium oxide (Eu2O3) up to the pressures of 33, 22 and 11 GPa, respectively. The diffraction data of Lu2O3 and Tm2O3 suggests the occurrence of irreversible structural transitions from cubic to monoclinic phase, while Eu2O3 showed a transition from the cubic to hexagonal phase. The transitions were found to be accompanied by a collapse in the volume and the resulting Pressure–Volume (P–V) graphs are fitted with the 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan (BM) equation of state (EOS) to estimate the bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives. Our study establishes a qualitative relationship between the crystallite size and various material properties such as the lattice parameters, transition pressure, bulk modulus etc., and strengthens the knowledge regarding the behaviour of this technologically important class of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of an innovative accelerated carbonation curing technique was evaluated on concrete containing natural zeolite powder and fine aggregate as partial replacement to alleviate the CO2 emission up to a certain extent from the concrete production industry and improve sequestration of CO2 into the concrete matrix in a stable form. An accelerated carbonation curing was accomplished by subjecting the concrete specimens to 0.5 and 0.75 M concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solutions up to a curing age of 180 days after the initial 28 days of normal water curing. Tests for carbonation depth, pH value, compressive strength, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to measure the extent of carbonation. The obtained results showed an increment in average compressive strength for the zeolite concrete (ZLC) mixes exposed to accelerated carbonation curing. The ZLC mixes exposed to increasing NaHCO3 solution concentration and exposure period exhibited greater carbonation depth and decreased pH at each depth interval indicating higher CO2 sequestration within the concrete matrix. The results obtained from the microstructural analysis (XRD, TGA, and FTIR) and CaCO3 content measurements confirm that the higher amount of CaCO3 formation provides a clear indication of the carbonation enhancement and CO2 sequestration within the concrete matrix and in turn contributing to the global warming reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and outer membrane protein (OMP) are among the virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria responsible for inducing pathogenicity in the infected host. OMP and LPS occur on the outer membrane of M. haemolytica A2, the primary aetiological agent of pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants. While the LPS is known to mediate Gram-negative bacterial infection by activating downstream inflammatory pathways, the potential role of OMP during inflammatory responses remained unclear. Hence, this study determined the effect of the OMP of M. haemolytica A2 on the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the male reproductive hormones (testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone). We randomly assigned twelve bucks to three groups (n = 4 bucks each): Group 1 was challenged with 2 mL PBS buffer (pH 7.0) intranasally; Group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL whole M. haemolytica A2 intranasally; and Group 3 received 2 mL of OMP extract obtained from 1.2 X 109 CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intramuscularly. Serum samples collected at pre-determined intervals were used for the quantitative determination of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα) and reproductive hormones (testosterone and LH) using commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of IL1β was initially increased within the first-hour post-challenge in Groups 2 and 3, followed by a significant decrease in concentration at 21d and 35d (p < 0.05) in Group 3. Only mild fluctuations in IL-6 occurred in group 2, as opposed to the 1.7-fold rapid increase in TNFα within 2 h post-challenge before decreasing at 6 h. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by an acute febrile response of 39.5 ± 0.38 °C (p < 0.05) at 2 h and 40.1 ± 0.29 °C (p < 0.05) at 4 h in Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. Serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both treatment groups but remained significantly (p > 0.05) lower than in Group 1 throughout the study. There was a moderate negative association between testosterone and IL1β (r = -0.473; p > 0.05) or TNFα (r = -0.527; p < 0.05) in Group 2. Serum LH also showed moderate negative associations with TNFα in Group 2 (r = -0.63; p < 0.05) and Group 3 (r = -0.54; p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that M. haemolytica A2 and its OMP produced marked alterations in serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and male reproductive hormones. The negative correlations between serum testosterone and inflammatory cytokines would suggest the potential role of OMP in causing male infertility by mediating innate inflammatory responses to suppress testosterone production in bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Imaging guidelines could play an important role in the training of radiologists, but the extent of their adoption in residency programs is unclear. With this survey, the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Junior Network aimed to assess the dissemination of the ESUR guidelines on endometrial cancer MRI staging (EC-ESUR guidelines) among young radiologists. Methods: An online questionnaire targeted to last year radiology residents and radiologists in the first year of their career was designed. It included 24 questions, structured in 4 sections (i.e., background, general, acquisition protocol, interpretation, and reporting). The survey was active between April and May 2022, accepting answers worldwide. Answers were solicited with a social media campaign and with the support of national scientific societies. Subgroup analysis was performed based on variables such as subspecialty of interest and number of EC-ESUR guidelines consultations using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: In total, 118 participants completed the questionnaire, of which 94 (80%) were from Europe and 46 (39%) with a special interest in urogenital radiology. Overall, 68 (58%) stated that the guidelines were not part of their residency teaching programs while 32 (27%) had never even consulted the guidelines. Interest in urogenital radiology as a subspecialty and EC-ESUR guidelines consultations were associated with greater confidence in supervising scan acquisition, interpreting, and reporting EC MRI staging exams. Conclusion: Four years after publication, the adoption of EC-ESUR guidelines in residency programs is heterogeneously low. Despite a possible selection bias, our findings indicate that active promotion of EC-ESUR guidelines is required. Key points: • The adoption of ESUR guidelines on endometrial cancer in radiology residency programs is heterogeneous. • Almost one third of respondents stated they had never even consulted the guidelines. • Confidence toward guidelines was higher in those who were exposed to more endometrial cancer MRI staging scans. • Reading the guidelines was associated with a greater confidence in protocol acquisition, interpretation, and reporting. • Active efforts to promote their dissemination are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study investigated the risk of bleeding when antidepressants are added to antithrombotics. Methods: Using data registered in VigiBase®, the WHO pharmacovigilance database, between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/2022, we compared the risk of reporting "serious" bleeding (Reporting Odds Ratio, ROR) with antidepressants + antithrombotics versus antithrombotics alone. Results: Increased values of ROR were found for the association Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs) + Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) versus DOACs alone (ROR=1.49(1.17-1.89)). Similar results were found for Factor Xa inhibitors or Thrombin inhibitors. This association was also found for other antithrombotics: Vitamin K Antagonists (ROR=1.37(1.12-1.68)), Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors PAIs (ROR=1.38(1.21-1.57)) and Heparins (2.04(1.59-2.62)) but not with other antidepressants (Non-Selective Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitors, NSMRIs). Conclusion: The present study suggests an increased risk of "serious" bleeding when SRIs (but not NSMRIs) are associated with antithrombotics (all antithrombotics and not only DOACs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spatial differences in conduction velocity (CV) are critical for cardiac arrhythmias induction. We propose a method for an automated CV calculation to identify areas of slower conduction during cardiac arrhythmias and sinus rhythm. Methods: Color-coded representations of the isochronal activation map using data coming from the RHYTHMIA™ Mapping System were reproduced by applying a temporal isochronal window at 20 ms. Geodesic distances of the 3D mesh were calculated using an algorithm selecting the minimum distance pathway (MDP). The CV estimation was performed considering points on the boundary of two spatially and temporally adjacent isochrones. For each of the boundary points of a given isochrone, the nearest boundary point of the consecutive isochrone was chosen, the MDP was evaluated, and a map of CV was created. The proposed method has been applied to a population of 29 patients. Results: In all cases of perimitral atrial flutter (16 pts out of 29 (55%)), areas with significantly low CV (< 30 cm/s) were found. Half of the cases present regions with low CV located in the anterior wall. No case with low CV at the so-called LA isthmus was observed. Right atrial maps during common atrial flutters showed low CV areas mainly located in the inferior inter-atrial septum. No areas of low CV were observed in subjects without a history of atrial arrhythmia while pts affected by paroxysmal AF showed areas with a limited extension of low CV. Conclusions: The proposed software for automated CV estimation allows the identification of low CV areas, potentially helping electrophysiologists to plan the ablation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel mathematical paradigm for the study of genetic variation in sequence alignments. This framework originates from extending the notion of pairwise relations, upon which current analysis is based on, to k-ary dissimilarity. This dissimilarity naturally leads to a generalization of simplicial complexes by endowing simplices with weights, compatible with the boundary operator. We introduce the notion of k-stances and dissimilarity complex, the former encapsulating arithmetic as well as topological structure expressing these k-ary relations. We study basic mathematical properties of dissimilarity complexes and show how this approach captures watershed moments of viral dynamics in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 flu genomic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the homology of the simplicial complex induced by a given pair of RNA secondary structures, R = (S , T) . Such a pair induces a bi-secondary structure, whose associated loop nerve X is the simplicial complex obtained by loop intersections. We will provide an algebraic proof of the fact that H 1 (X) = 0 . We will provide a combinatorial interpretation for the generators of H 2 (X) in terms of crossing components of the bi-structure and establish that the rank of H 2 (X) equals the total number of such crossing components. Finally, we shall prove that each crossing component naturally encodes a triangulation of a 2-sphere and provide an analysis of the geometric realization of X. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonic mannheimiosis is a widespread respiratory bacterial disease of small ruminants caused by Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2. The disease is known to affect the respiratory organs of infected animals, but its effect on other vital and reproductive organs has not been fully explored. Previous studies have demonstrated increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration post-challenge with M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS, indicating systemic inflammation in the host. This study determined the potential tissue changes and alterations of sperm parameters due to infection of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS endotoxin. In this study, twelve experimental bucks were randomly assigned to three groups of four bucks each: group 1 (control group) were intranasally inoculated with 2 mL of PBS pH 7.0, group 2 received 2 mL of 1.2 × 109 CFU/mL M. haemolytica A2 intranasally, and group 3 received 2 mL of LPS extracted from 1.2 × 109 CFU/mL of M. haemolytica A2 intravenously. Semen samples were collected at pre-determined intervals using an electro-ejaculator and analysed immediately after collection. All experimental bucks were slaughtered via exsanguination on day 60 to collect their vital and reproductive organs at necropsy, and the samples were processed and analysed for histopathological changes. The current study has revealed that bucks challenged with M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS exhibited alterations in semen parameters such as motility, wave pattern, viability, and morphological abnormalities. Mild to moderate histopathological changes of the lung, liver, testis, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and lymph nodes were also observed in both challenged groups. Therefore, this study revealed the potential harmful effects of respiratory mannheimiosis on the reproductive organs of the infected bucks and sheds light on the expanse of systemic effects of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous investigations have revealed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin from certain Gram-negative bacteria could adversely affect the reproductive system of female animals. However, it is unknown whether LPS endotoxin of Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2, the principal causative bacteria that cause pneumonic mannheimiosis in small ruminants, may also induce similar insidious effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its LPS endotoxin on the responses of female gonadal hormones (progesterone and oestrogen), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) and cellular changes via histopathology study of female reproductive organs of the treatment does. Twelve clinically healthy, non-pregnant, crossbred does were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group 1 was administered intranasally with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and served as a negative control group. Group 2 was challenged intranasally with 2 ml of bacterial inoculum containing 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml of M. haemolytica serotype A2, while Group 3 was challenged intravenously with 2 ml of LPS endotoxin extracted from 109 CFU/ml of M. haemolytica serotype A2. Following that, blood samples were collected serially at pre-determined intervals for serological analyses. All does were euthanised 60 days post-challenges, and tissue samples from the ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns, uterine body, cervix and vagina were collected for histopathological study. The serological result revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the mean concentrations of progesterone, oestrogen, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A for both challenged groups. Histopathologically, all reproductive organs (except the cervix and vagina) from both challenged groups displayed significant cellular alterations (p < 0.05) characterised by haemorrhage and congestion, necrosis and degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration and oedema. This study provides new information that elucidates the potential role of pneumonic mannheimiosis in the pathogenesis of female infertility amongst small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both military and civilian vehicles are prone to fire, with severe potential consequences in terms of material and life losses. Vehicles generally contain highly combustible and flammable materials, such as gasoline, lubricants, oil, electronic devices, rubber, plastics, and so on. At the same time, fire ignition sources are present in vehicles in electronic devices, friction, heat, etc. Fire ignition can also be caused by external sources, especially in military applications (aggression on the vehicle). Thus, appropriate measures and fire-fighting systems should be implemented to mitigate the risk of fire in military and civilian vehicles to ensure passenger safety and preserve the vehicles' mobility. Halon was previously commonly used as a fire-fighting agent in military and civilian vehicles but is currently phased out due to environmental issues. In this context, this paper aims to review the research advances and progress over the last 50 years in fire-fighting systems and agents employed in both civilian and military vehicles for land, sea, and air applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our world, with the increase of factors such as the rapid and irresponsible consumption of natural resources, man-made environmental disasters, global warming, and pollution of water resources in our world, the need for more efficient storage and disposal of solid waste has arisen. The presentation of the data required to solve spatial problems such as storage, management, and location selection can be carried out extensively and effectively using geographic information systems (GIS). On the other hand, the unsatisfactory results obtained with GIS recently have made it mandatory to use spatial multiple criteria decision-making (S-MCDM) methods that include the decision-makers in the process. In this study, landfill site selection was carried out in eight provinces in the region under the responsibility of the Eastern Black Sea Project Regional Development Administration (DOKAP). GIS and S-MCDM were used together in this site selection process. A total of eight spatial data layers were used in the site selection application. Afterwards, storage areas determined as suitable via GIS analysis underwent additional evaluation, taking into account geological, seismic, and environmental factors as well as transportation costs. In addition to these multi-component evaluations, odor analyses were carried out on the proposed storage areas using the prevailing wind direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We explored the variations in use of imaging modalities for confirming pulmonary embolism (PE) according to the trimester of pregnancy. Methods: We included all pregnant patients with confirmed acute PE from RIETE, a prospective registry of patients with PE (03/2001–02/2020). Imaging modalities included computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, or presence of signs of acute PE along with imaging-confirmed proximal deep vein thrombosis (pDVT) without pulmonary vascular imaging. We compared the imaging modalities to postpartum patients with PE, and other non-pregnant women with PE. Results: There were 157 pregnant patients (age: 32.7 ± 0.5), 228 postpartum patients (age: 33.9 ± 0.5), and 23,937 non-pregnant non-postpartum women (age: 69.5 ± 0.1). CTPA was the most common modality for confirming PE, from 55.7% in first trimester to 58.3% in second trimester, and 70.0% in third trimester. From first trimester to third trimester, V/Q scanning was used in 21.3%, 16.7%, and 18.3% of cases, respectively. Confirmed pDVT along with the presence of signs/symptoms of PE was the confirmatory modality for PE in 21.3% of patients in first trimester, 19.4% in second trimester, and 6.7% in third trimester. The proportion of postpartum patients confirmed with CTPA (85.5%) was comparable to that of non-pregnant non-postpartum women (83.2%). From the first trimester of pregnancy to postpartum period, there was a linear increase in the proportion of patients with PE diagnosed with CTPA (p = 0.039). Conclusion: CTPA was the primary modality for confirming PE in all trimesters of pregnancy, although its proportional use was higher in later stages of pregnancy. Key Points: • Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was the primary modality of diagnosis in all trimesters of pregnancy among patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism, even in the first trimester. • From the first trimester of pregnancy to postpartum period, there was a linear increase in the proportion of patients with pulmonary embolism who were diagnosed based on CTPA. • In the postpartum period, use of CTPA as the modality to confirm pulmonary embolism was comparable to non-pregnant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance and distribution of dissolved Re (DRe) were determined in the freshwater part of the Krka River (Croatia), which drains a karst landscape, and in the salinity gradient of its highly stratified estuary. Due to the low DRe concentration, a batch procedure consisting of a pre-concentration step using an anion exchange resin (Dowex) and analysis of DRe in 8 M HNO3 eluate using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS) was applied. Due to potentially inconsistent recoveries, which ranged from 60 to 87%, quantification was performed using the isotope dilution technique (ID). DRe concentrations in the Krka River increased downstream, from 6.2 pM at the spring site to 11.9 pM upstream of the estuary region. Weathering of the surrounding carbonate lithology is assumed to be the source of the natural Re. Two specific anomalies were registered: a strong increase in DRe concentration due to anthropogenic input near the town of Knin (27.5 pM) and a decrease at a downstream site caused by subsurface input of freshwater from the Zrmanja River, resulting in a relatively low DRe concentration (8.5 pM). In the estuarine region, a near-conservative behavior of DRe was found in the salinity gradient of the upper surface layer, with DRe concentrations ranging from 18 to 38 pM. Anthropogenic input was suspected within the estuarine segment near the urban area, causing a small positive deviation from the conservative line. In the bottom seawater layer, a minor decrease in DRe concentration in the most upstream estuarine regions was apparent, implying weak scavenging of Re. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) appearances of normal peripheral zone (PZ) across age groups in a biopsy-naïve population, where prostate cancer (PCa) was subsequently excluded, and propose a scoring system for background PZ changes. Methods: This retrospective study included 175 consecutive biopsy-naïve patients (40–74 years) referred with a suspicion of PCa, but with subsequent negative investigations. Patients were grouped by age into categories ≤ 54, 55–59, 60–64, and ≥ 65 years. MpMRI sequences (T2-weighted imaging [T2WI], diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI]/apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging [DCE]) were independently evaluated by two uro-radiologists on a proposed 4-point grading scale for background change on each sequence, wherein score 1 mirrored PIRADS-1 change and score 4 represented diffuse background change. Peripheral zone T2WI signal intensity and ADC values were also analyzed for trends relating to age. Results: There was a negative correlation between age and assigned background PZ scores for each mpMRI sequence: T2WI: r = − 0.52, DWI: r = − 0.49, DCE: r = − 0.45, p < 0.001. Patients aged ≤ 54 years had mean scores of 3.0 (T2WI), 2.7 (DWI), and 3.1 (DCE), whilst patients ≥ 65 years had significantly lower mean scores of 1.7, 1.4, and 1.9, respectively. There was moderate inter-reader agreement for all scores (range κ = 0.43–0.58). Statistically significant positive correlations were found for age versus normalized T2WI signal intensity (r = 0.2, p = 0.009) and age versus ADC values (r = 0.33, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The normal PZ in younger patients (≤ 54 years) demonstrates significantly lower T2WI signal intensity, lower ADC values, and diffuse enhancement on DCE, which may hinder diagnostic interpretation in these patients. The proposed standardized PZ background scoring system may help convey the potential for diagnostic uncertainty to clinicians. Key Points: • Significant, positive correlations were found between increasing age and higher normalized T2-weighted signal intensity and mean ADC values of the prostatic peripheral zone. • Younger men exhibit lower T2-weighted imaging signal intensity, lower ADC values, and diffuse enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, which may hinder MRI interpretation. • A scoring system is proposed which aims towards a standardized assessment of the normal background PZ. This may help convey the potential for diagnostic uncertainty to clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological lignin valorization has emerged as a major solution for sustainable and cost-effective biorefineries. However, current biorefineries yield lignin with inadequate fractionation for bioconversion, yet substantial changes of these biorefinery designs to focus on lignin could jeopardize carbohydrate efficiency and increase capital costs. We resolve the dilemma by designing 'plug-in processes of lignin' with the integration of leading pretreatment technologies. Substantial improvement of lignin bioconversion and synergistic enhancement of carbohydrate processing are achieved by solubilizing lignin via lowering molecular weight and increasing hydrophilic groups, addressing the dilemma of lignin- or carbohydrate-first scenarios. The plug-in processes of lignin could enable minimum polyhydroxyalkanoate selling price at as low as $6.18/kg. The results highlight the potential to achieve commercial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates as a co-product of cellulosic ethanol. Here, we show that the plug-in processes of lignin could transform biorefinery design toward sustainability by promoting carbon efficiency and optimizing the total capital cost. The current biorefineries yield lignin with inadequate fractionation for bioconversion, yet substantial changes of these biorefinery designs could jeopardize carbohydrate efficiency and increase capital costs. Here the authors resolve the dilemma by designing 'plug-in processes of lignin' to enable economic waste valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is the principal microorganism causing pneumonic mannheimiosis, a major bacterial respiratory disease among sheep and goats. The effect of this bacteria on the respiratory system is well-established. However, its effect on the reproductive physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the alterations in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone post-inoculation with M. haemolytica serotype A2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which were hypothesized to affect the reproductive functions of bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult male goats were divided equally into three groups. Goats in group 1 were treated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.0 intranasally (negative control), group 2 with 2 ml of 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intranasally (positive control), and group 3 were treated with 2 ml of lipopolysaccharide extracted from 109 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2 intravenously. Following inoculation, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into plain tubes at pre-determined intervals for serum collection to determine the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and testosterone hormone by using commercial ELISA test kits. Results from this study demonstrated that the inoculation of M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS increases the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines but decreases the concentration of testosterone hormone in challenged animals at most time points throughout the 56 days experimental period (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the M. haemolytica A2 and its LPS could alter the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and testosterone hormone, which in turn, may negatively affect the reproductive functions of bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To this date, it is a major oncological challenge to optimally diagnose, stage, and manage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Imaging can not only diagnose and stage ICC, but it can also guide management. Hence, imaging is indispensable in the management of ICC. In this article, we review the pathology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, staging, pathology, radiology, and treatment of ICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) is an epierythrocytic parasitic bacterium of small ruminants known as haemotropic mycoplasma, which is transmitted mechanically by biting flies and contaminated instruments. Acute mycoplasmosis causes severe haemolytic anaemia and mortality in young animals. At the same time, chronic disease may produce mild anaemia and varying degrees of morbidity depending on several factors, including age, reproductive status, the plane of nutrition, immunological status and the presence of concurrent infection. Haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis is currently recognised as an emerging zoonotic pathogen which is widely distributed in the sheep and goat producing areas of tropics and subtropics, where the disease is nearly endemic. Human infection has been reported in pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and people exposed to animals and arthropods. The current diagnosis of haemoplasma relies on microscopic evaluation of Giemsa-stained blood smear and PCR. Although there are few published reports on the incidence of haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis infection of small ruminants in Malaysia, information on its prevalence, risk factors, severity and economic impacts is grossly inadequate. Therefore, a large-scale survey of small ruminant flocks is necessary to elucidate the current seroprevalence status and molecular characteristics of haemotropic M. ovis infection in Malaysia using ELISA and PCR sequencing technologies. In the future, surveillance programs, including vector forecast, quarantine, monitoring by periodic surveys and public enlightenment, will limit the internal and transboundary spread of M. ovis, enhance control efforts and mitigate production losses in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical flaps are commonly used for pelvic reconstruction in a subgroup of patients with locally advanced or recurrent anorectal and gynecologic malignancies and following complications of pelvic irradiation. Surgical scenarios where flaps may be placed include (but are not limited to) extended or radical abdominal perineal resection (APR) and total pelvic exenteration (PE). Surgical flaps in pelvic reconstruction serve several functions, including reducing dead space and providing structural support, facilitating wound closure and cosmetic appearance, enhancing the postsurgical healing process, protecting anastomoses and helping to prevent adhesions of organs and viscera to adjacent structures and the pelvic side wall. The most commonly used surgical flaps in pelvic reconstruction surgery include the VRAM (Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle), MRAM (Modified Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap), gracilis, sartorius and omental flaps. Surgical flaps can be mistaken for recurrent or residual tumor by radiologists who are not familiar with the appearance or surgical methods of flap placement, since flaps may have a mass-like appearance on cross sectional imaging, including CT and MRI. Recurrent neoplasm may be difficult to differentiate from postoperative changes of flap placement and associated postsurgical anatomic distortion. This review article focuses on understanding the nuances of surgically placed pelvic flaps and identifying their normal and abnormal appearances on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along a time continuum. Postsurgical complications, including hematoma, postoperative fluid collections, infection, ischemia, and necrosis as well as tumor recurrence on the initial and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging are illustrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In living organisms, the positron-electron annihilation (occurring during the PET imaging) proceeds in about 30% via creation of a metastable ortho-positronium atom. In the tissue, due to the pick-off and conversion processes, over 98% of ortho-positronia annihilate into two 511 keV photons. In this article, we assess the feasibility for reconstruction of the mean ortho-positronium lifetime image based on annihilations into two photons. The main objectives of this work include the (i) estimation of the sensitivity of the total-body PET scanners for the ortho-positronium mean lifetime imaging using 2γ annihilations and (ii) estimation of the spatial and time resolution of the ortho-positronium image as a function of the coincidence resolving time (CRT) of the scanner. Methods: Simulations are conducted assuming that radiopharmaceutical is labeled with 44Sc isotope emitting one positron and one prompt gamma. The image is reconstructed on the basis of triple coincidence events. The ortho-positronium lifetime spectrum is determined for each voxel of the image. Calculations were performed for cases of total-body detectors build of (i) LYSO scintillators as used in the EXPLORER PET and (ii) plastic scintillators as anticipated for the cost-effective total-body J-PET scanner. To assess the spatial and time resolution, the four cases were considered assuming that CRT is equal to 500 ps, 140 ps, 50 ps, and 10 ps. Results: The estimated total-body PET sensitivity for the registration and selection of image forming triple coincidences (2γ+γprompt) is larger by a factor of 13.5 (for LYSO PET) and by factor of 5.2 (for plastic PET) with respect to the sensitivity for the standard 2γ imaging by LYSO PET scanners with AFOV = 20 cm. The spatial resolution of the ortho-positronium image is comparable with the resolution achievable when using TOF-FBP algorithms already for CRT = 50 ps. For the 20-min scan, the resolution better than 20 ps is expected for the mean ortho-positronium lifetime image determination. Conclusions: Ortho-positronium mean lifetime imaging based on the annihilations into two photons and prompt gamma is shown to be feasible with the advent of the high sensitivity total-body PET systems and time resolution of the order of tens of picoseconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We conducted this investigation in order to develop a simple method for the determination of bioavailable vanadium and its speciation within sediments. Materials and methods: The developed method is based on the determination of acid-extractable vanadium, as this fraction is presumably bioavailable, and its subsequent speciation using IC–UV/Vis (ionic chromatography with an ultraviolet-visible detector). A published procedure for vanadium speciation in pore water was further optimized in order to separate V(IV) and V(V) species using column EDTA derivatization on sediment samples. The analytical approach was applied in order to assess acid-extractable vanadium and its speciation within estuary sediments of the Krka River at the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Results and discussion: The results imply that the majority of vanadium within estuary sediments is in the form of less soluble fraction while the acid-extractable fraction comprises approximately 40% of the total vanadium present. In contrast, open sea sediment (station K4) was completely dominated by the acid-extractable vanadium. The extracted vanadium is in the form of V (IV). Conclusions: Ion-exchange chromatography with an UV/Vis detector is a promising analytical method for vanadium speciation, however, further optimization of the conditions (improvement of the sequential extraction procedure) is needed in order to assess speciation also within other vanadium sedimentary fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of studying the nonequilibrium processes in second generation HTS tapes under the action of pulsed current loads. In the study, we used short current pulses of various amplitudes from 0.9 to 5 values of the superconductor critical current. The minimum rise time of the current was 8 µs, and the pulse duration was from 1 to 250 µs. Comparisons in the behavior of samples under long current pulses with current rise time more than 3 ms were carried out. A qualitative difference in the formation of an nonequilibrium state during short and long current pulses was found. A stable current flow with amplitudes up to 4 times larger than the critical current was obtained without degradation of the superconductor. Experimental results were analyzed on the basis of the dynamic resistance model in the flux flow regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourth branchial pouch anomalies represent one of the rarest types of all branchial apparatus anomalies. They appear in the first lifedecade in a form of recurrent left-sided neck masses which demands surgical treatment. Accidental finding, appearance later in life and spontaneous resolving are really rare. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with accidental finding of asymptomatic fourth pouch cyst and fistula following follicular thyroid cancer surgery. The day after the surgery, suction bottle was filled with little white crumbs and the wound started to suppurate. Barium swallow revealed the presence of a fistulous canal that arose from the left pyriform sinus. Meanwhile, the pathologist confirmed the presence of a lateral neck cyst within this thyroid lobe. The patient was operated on but fistulous canal was not visualized. In the meantime, wound discharge ceased spontaneously. At 1-year follow up, the patient was still well and free from any symptoms. These anomalies may manifest not only in childhood but may stay asymptomatic for a long time. It seems that the fistula can resolve spontaneously and that conservative approach is an alternative to multiple surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty quantification is the integral part of any measurement and metrological activity. Apart from the conventional method of uncertainty estimations, Monte Carlo method is increasingly being applied for such estimations. In the present work, the Monte Carlo simulation is applied to evaluate the measurement uncertainty in distortion coefficient of one of the secondary pressure standards. In addition, the uncertainty is also estimated by taking the various correlation coefficients into account. The results obtained from these Monte Carlo calculations are compared with the experimental results, and the uncertainty obtained from the law of propagation method is validated by comparison with the Monte Carlo simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a pharmacovigilance study investigating the risk of bleeding complications in patients taking tramadol and oral anticoagulants (OACs). Topics include how pharmacovigilance database and found significant association between tramadol and bleeding events when used in combination with OACs; and the importance of utilizing multi-source approaches in pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology for accurate risk evaluation.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an increasingly utilized sequence in the assessment of abdominal and pelvic lesions. Benign lesions containing hemorrhagic products, with conglomerates of tightly packed blood cells or fibers, can have restricted water diffusion on DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. Such lesions can have restricted diffusion erroneously attributed to malignancy. This review illustrates benign hemorrhagic lesions displaying restricted diffusion, with histopathologic correlation in relevant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel surgical approach, currently performed for an array of conditions. Endoscopic procedures offer significant benefits, including lower cost, no surgical incisions, and shorter hospital stays. These advantages align with the current trends in health care, namely a push for “cost-effective care.” There are a multitude of health issues which are now being addressed by the endoscopic surgical approach, including peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which is a relatively new technique used in the treatment of achalasia. Endoscopic treatment utilized for GERD includes transoral incisionless fundoplication. Endoscopic bariatric surgical procedures include intragastric balloon placement, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and revision of prior bariatric procedures including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and conventional gastric sleeve procedures. Endoscopic clips are routinely utilized for achieving hemostasis, treating iatrogenic gastric and bowel ulcerations and perforations and for the closure of enteric fistulization. Novel endoscopic procedures are now replacing conventional surgery due to their non-invasive nature, faster recovery and lower healthcare costs. Radiologists need to understand how these procedures are performed, as well as expected post-procedural imaging appearance and potential complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetic acid is an important chemical raw material that can be produced directly from sugars in lignocellulosic biomass. Development of kinetic models that capture the bioconversion dynamics of multiple sugar systems will be critical to optimization and process control in future lignocellulosic biorefinery processes. In this work, a kinetic model was developed for the single- and dual-substrate conversion of xylose and glucose to acetic acid using the acetogen Moorella thermoacetica. Batch fermentations were performed experimentally at 20 g L total sugar concentration using synthetic glucose, xylose, and a mixture of glucose and xylose at a 1:1 ratio. The product yield, calculated as total product formed divided by total sugars consumed, was 79.2, 69.9, and 69.7 % for conversion of glucose, xylose, and a mixture of glucose and xylose (1:1 ratio), respectively. During dual-substrate fermentation, M. thermoacetica demonstrated diauxic growth where xylose (the preferred substrate) was almost entirely consumed before consumption of glucose began. Kinetic parameters were similar for the single-substrate fermentations, and a strong linear correlation was determined between the maximum specific growth rate μ and substrate inhibition constant, K . Parameters estimated for the dual-substrate system demonstrated changes in the specific growth rate of both xylose and glucose consumption. In particular, the maximum growth rate related to glucose tripled compared to the single-substrate system. Kinetic growth is affected when multiple substrates are present in a fermentation system, and models should be developed to reflect these features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]