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Interaction between CaV2.1 and Junctophilin3/4 depends on the II-III loop of CaV2.1 and on the α-helical region of Junctophilin3/4
Effects of hexavalent chromium on the biology of Steinernema feltiae: evaluating sublethal endpoints for ecotoxicity testing
Essential information about the effects of a pollutant on an ecosystem can be obtained by observing how it influences a bioindicator organism. Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI+) naturally occurs in Irish agricultural soils at levels of up to 250 mg/kg, which raises concerns about potential negative impacts on human health and the surrounding areas. This research aimed to assess the sublethal effect concentrations (up to 300 ppm) of Cr VI + on the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema feltiae focusing on endpoints such as nematode movement and host finding ability in contaminated sand and pathogenicity, percentage penetration, sex ratio and reproduction in Galleria mellonella. To achieve that, an Irish isolate of S. feltiae [strain SB 12 (1)], was used in all experiments. The attraction of nematodes to the insect host was tested using PVC tubes of various lengths, containing sand with various concentrations of Cr VI + (50-300 ppm in increments of 50). The replication was tenfold and the insect mortality was recorded at the end of the experiment. Results showed that there was a significant effect of Cr VI + on the pathogenicity, movement and host finding ability of the nematodes in contaminated sand, and on the percentage of penetration in an insect host. However, no significant effects among the studied Cr VI + concentrations were observed in S. feltiae reproduction in G. mellonella. Similarly, the presence of the toxicant (at low concentration of 12ppm) did not affect the growth of the nematode symbiotic bacteria in liquid and solid media (TSA and NBTA). Reproduction, unlike the other sublethal parameters tested, appeared not to be an optimal endpoint for assessing soil Cr VI + risk contamination. Overall, this study confirms the excellent potential of S. feltiae to be used as a suitable sentinel organism in assessing the risk of Cr VI + soil contamination especially in the contexts of agriculture and soil health.
Association between environmental stress factors, salivary cortisol level and dental caries in Egyptian preschool children: a case-control study
Abstract Dental caries remains the most common chronic disease in childhood. This study aimed to identify environmental stressors in children and estimate the association between salivary cortisol level as a stress biomarker and childhood caries. We conducted a case-control study involving 80 Egyptian children. The cases were 40 children with early childhood caries (ECC). The controls included 40 caries-free children. Data were collected from the parents or caregivers of the children using a questionnaire. The clinical examination included caries experience and an oral hygiene index. Saliva samples were collected and tested for unbounded cortisol levels. The results from the current study showed that the mean age for participants was 5.09 ± 0.66 years. Twenty-one of the children with ECC were girls. In multivariate regression, there is a significant association between ECC and elevated salivary cortisol levels (> 0.57 µg/dl) with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 9.649 (p = 0.003), father smoking (AOR = 5.791, p = 0.030), sleeping with a bottle or food in the mouth (AOR = 8.481, p = 0.027), and poor oral hygiene evaluated through the Silness-Löe Plaque Index (AOR = 6.681, p = 0.001). As a conclusion, the study indicates that salivary cortisol is an independent stress biomarker in relation to early childhood caries. Salivary cortisol as a stress biomarker can help clinicians provide an additional assessment tool for identifying caries risk in children.
Substrate-specific effects point to the important role of Y361 as part of the YER motif in closing the binding pocket of OCT1
Correction: Rearing methods and life cycle characteristics of Chironomus sp. Florida (Chironomidae: Diptera): A rapid-developing species for laboratory studies
Tranexamic acid in ear surgery: enhancing surgical field visibility and reducing bleeding—a systematic review and meta analysis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa PfpI is a methylglyoxalase
A predictive model for left ventricular reverse remodeling after pharmacological therapy in children with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy
Background Pharmacological advances have improved pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) prognosis, which manifests as left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR). However, significant inter-individual variability exists in therapeutic response. Identifying predictors is critical for individualizing management to inform device and transplant timing. Aim To develop a nomogram for predicting LVRR in pediatric DCM. Methods A retrospective analysis of 146 children hospitalized for DCM from January 2012 to June 2023. 55 exhibited LVRR. A nomogram predicting pediatric DCM-LVRR was developed using univariate analysis and logistic regression to select predictors. The nomogram was validated via bootstrapping and receiver operating characteristic curves for discrimination. Calibration was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Decision curve analysis evaluated performance and utility. Results Age, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension Z-score, and QRS interval were associated with the occurrence of LVRR. Discrimination was high (C-index 0.903) and internally validated on bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions (Adjusted C-index 0.895). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed no significant deviation between nomogram predictions and outcomes (χ2 = 10.883; P = 0.207). DCA revealed that the model was clinically useful at threshold probabilities > 4%. Conclusions We developed and internally validated a nomogram predicting LVRR for pediatric DCM patients, exhibiting high sensitivity, specificity and clinical utility.
Correction of metal artefacts around orthodontic mini-implants – a micro-CT study in the rat tail model
Abstract Micro-CT enables volumetric analysis of peri-implant tissue, but grey value alterations due to metal artefacts can impair analyses. This study aimed to assess to which extent peri-implant grey values are affected by metal artefacts at increasing distance to the implant, and whether mathematical correction is possible. In nine rats, two Ti6Al4V orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs), 0.8 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm in length, were placed in a single tail vertebra. Micro-CT scans were performed before (T0) and after (T1) careful removal of the OMIs. Consecutive micro-CT scans were registered and differences in local grey values were computed at increasing distance to the implant (10.4 μm to 405.6 μm). Correction coefficient (CC) computation was performed using a smoothing spline fit, with the distance to the implant and the grey value difference as independent and dependent variable, respectively. To validate the effectiveness of the CC, the amount of calcified bone volume per total volume (BV/TV) was assessed within a standardized volume of interest (VOI) reaching up to 1 mm around the OMIs before and after the application of CC, and the T1-T0 differences between corrected and uncorrected scans were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The grey value difference between uncorrected T0 and T1 scans was low in proximity to the implant (32.7%±6.11%) and improved at a distance of at least 100 μm (93.4%±4.46%). CC computation revealed a satisfactory fit (R2 = 0.989, RMSE = 0.031) and the difference in grey values was significantly lower after correction (p < 0.001). Most VOIs showed significant improvement, though overcorrection was observed in a few cases. Within the limitations of the study, metal artefacts decreased with increasing distance to the OMIs, and significant improvement was possible using the CC.
Mitochondrial glutaredoxin Grx5 functions as a central hub for cellular iron-sulfur cluster assembly
High density lipoprotein particle size and function associate with new cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and patients with CKD have markedly higher CVD mortality compared to healthy controls. However, the relationship between specific lipoprotein profiles and new CV events in patients with advanced CKD and cardiovascular burden is unknown. We profiled the distribution of High density lipoprotein (HDL) size, particle concentration, and cholesterol and triglyceride content of the baseline plasma of 325 subjects with moderate CKD followed for 2.5 years using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We used Cox regression models controlled for various clinical factors to characterize the role of specific HDL profiles in predicting CV events in this high-risk population. The cholesterol uptake capacity of HDL from peripheral tissues- cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and HDL oxidation were also quantified using standardized assays. Patients with new CV events demonstrated increased HDL size, large HDL particle numbers, and CEC. Increased HDL particle size [HR = 2.56, p = 0.002], large HDL particle numbers [HR = 1.41, p = 0.001], HDL-cholesterol levels [HR = 1.03, p = 0.008], and CEC [HR = 1.46, p = 0.03] associated with CV events. Our study demonstrates that higher HDL particle size associated with new CV events in the CKD population with a high cardiovascular burden independent of CEC and HDL cholesterol. Collectively, the data strongly associate altered lipoprotein metabolism, particularly HDL metabolism, and new CV events in patients with established CKD and CVD, allowing us to risk stratify and potentially reduce mortality and morbidity in this high-risk population.
Study of the effect of dryness and storage on Ceratonia siliqua L. stem extracts and evaluation of their insecticidal activity
Abstract Vector-borne diseases continue to transmit many dangerous pathogens to humans. After decades of continuous use of insecticides, many types of vectors have shown the ability to build resistance to them. This has necessitated the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives in the form of bioinsecticides. Plants contain a wide range of phytochemicals with specific targeting, rapid biodegradability, environmental sustainability and a variety of medicinal properties, making them a valuable source of biologicals. Moreover, this has led to the development of highly effective new drugs. This study aimed to identify the active ingredients in Ceratonia siliqua L., gathered from two consecutive fruiting seasons which were then divided into C. siliqua fresh (CSF), dry (CSd), and old (stored) stem (CSO) extracts Ceratonia siliqua. Metabolomics profiling was performed using UPLC/MS and multivariate data analysis. The UPLC/MS study resulted in the tentative identification of 54 secondary metabolites. These compounds included flavonoids, phenolic acids, withanolides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, etc. CSd showed the highest number of identified components followed by CSO and CSF. The % identification was nearly equal in the negative ion mode for the three extracts while for the positive ion mode it followed the order of CSF > CSd > CSO. After several exposure periods, the plant methanol extracts in this research showed significant insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae, Cx. pipiens, and housefly larvae M. domestica. (CSd) demonstrated the highest insecticidal activity (100 MO%) against Cx. pipiens (LC50 = 0.09 and 0.07 mg/ml) following 24- and 48-hour post-treatments at 1.0 mg/ml. The (CSF) was the most effective on M. domestica larvae (LC50 = 2.32 and 1.80 mg/ml), 24 and 48 h post-treatment with 25 mg/ml concentration. Both CSd and CSF extracts were the most effective at killing mosquito and house fly larvae, followed by the CSO extract. Therefore, C. siliqua extracts may serve as an effective bio-agent for specific vector-borne infection control.
Double prenylation of budding yeast Ykt6 regulates cell wall integrity and autophagy
The impact of perioperative positive fluid balance on postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing open hepatectomy: A retrospective single center cohort study
Background Low central venous pressure (CVP) or fluid restriction strategies are frequently employed during liver parenchymal resection to minimize intraoperative blood loss. However, both hypovolemia and excessive fluid administration can impair organ perfusion, increasing the risk of renal dysfunction and acute kidney injury (AKI). This study explores the relationship between perioperative fluid management strategies and renal outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Method A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted involving 691 patients who underwent an open hepatectomy. Patients were categorized by positive fluid balance: <1 Liter, 1-2 Liters, and >2 Liters. Propensity score was used for matching among the groups. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was compared. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the correlation between fluid balance and AKI risk. Result The overall incidence of AKI was 11.58%, with the highest occurrence in the group with a fluid balance greater than 2 Liters. This group demonstrated a significantly higher relative risk of developing AKI compared to those with positive fluid balances of <1 Liter and 1-2 Liters (adjusted RR 1.85, p = 0.042, 95% CI 1.02-3.38). An increase in fluid balance was associated with a higher incidence rate ratio for AKI (p = 0.016). Additionally, an operating time >5 hours, blood loss >1000 ml, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B and C were significantly associated with an increased risk of post-hepatectomy AKI. Conclusion Maintaining a fluid balance of 1-2 liters during hepatectomy is crucial to reducing the risk of postoperative AKI, while balances above 2 liters significantly increase it. Prolonged operating times, high blood loss, and advanced liver disease also elevate AKI risk, emphasizing the need for careful fluid management.
Author Correction: Oxidative stress index-based scoring for prediction of long-term prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastases
Substrate recognition and cleavage-site preferences of Lon protease
How circuits for habits are formed within the basal ganglia
Recent findings show that stereotyped movement sequences (habits) need the cortex in the learning phase, but after learning, the cortex can be inactivated, and the movement still be performed flawlessly. The motor program is dependent on the sensorimotor part of the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) and on synaptic plasticity in the thalamostriatal synapses. New findings from several laboratories have revealed a highly precise spatially interactive organization within the basal ganglia [DLS, substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and the thalamostriatal parafascicular nucleus (PF)] and with precise input from the cortex. The DLS-SNr-PF-DLS loop is subdivided into many parallel loops. I now propose that these parallel loops can act to reinforce the activity of the different striatal projection neurons in the DLS that take part and that the synaptic transmission in DLS becomes potentiated each time the motor sequence is performed successfully, if rewarded through a dopamine burst. It is argued that after learning the DLS-SNr-PF-DLS loop can operate in isolation.
Study on optimization measures for water level fluctuation of large water conveyance aqueducts
This paper addresses the issue of water surface fluctuations in aqueducts caused by the Karman Vortex Street phenomenon, which significantly impacts the structural stability and water delivery efficiency of the aqueducts. Based upon existing research findings, a representative three-dimensional fluid dynamics model is developed to optimize the transition section and tail pier structure of the aqueduct, with the objective of reducing water level fluctuations and improving hydraulic stability.The research focuses on improving the symmetry of both the transition section and the tail pier, optimizing the tail pier structure, and analyzing its wave attenuation effect. The experimental results demonstrate that a conical tail pier performs better than a platform-shaped tail pier in eliminating water surface fluctuations, significantly reducing turbulent energy dissipation at the exit transition section, maintaining a relatively stable Froude number, and achieving a stable flow pattern. Furthermore, by comparing the total head loss at the outlet tapering section, it is found that a shorter (e.g.,15-meter) conical tail pier results in lower head loss than a longer (e.g.,35-meter) conical tail pier, indicating that a compact conical tail pier is more effective. This suggests that shorter tail piers are generally more effective in reducing head loss and improving flow stability. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing tail pier selection in aqueduct design.This study highlights the crucial role of tail pier structure in reducing water surface fluctuations caused by the Karman Vortex Street phenomenon, thereby providing theoretical support and practical guidance for improving the structural stability and water delivery efficiency of aqueducts.