24-hour Period Research Articles

Development of liposomal amniotic mesenchymal stem cell metabolite products (AMSC-MP) loaded-scaffold for in vitro osteogenesis induction

The use of scaffolds with good biocompatibility and mechanical properties largely determines the success of bone defect therapy intended to improve quality-adjusted life years. Furthermore, amniotic mesenchymal stem cell metabolite product (AMSC-MP) is required to accelerate bone regeneration with sustained release required to maximize the effectiveness of therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different phospholipids on the osteogenesis capacity of AMSC-MP liposome loaded into scaffold. The thin layer hydration method was employed to create the AMSC-MP liposomes which had different lipid components: L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) an unsaturated or hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), a saturated phospholipid, with different types of charged phospholipids i.e., 1,2-dioleoyltrimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), which were cationic and non-ionic lipids respectively.AMSC-MP liposomes were embedded in the scaffold during a 24-hour incubation period. The results indicated that the particle sizes of liposomes prepared with saturated phospholipids, HS-DOTAP (132.35 ± 2.75 nm) and HS-DOTAP (152.85 ± 5.86 nm) were larger than those with saturated phospholipids, namely PC-DOTAP (139.355 ± 2.75 nm) and PC-DOTAP (91.85 ± 0.07 nm). The use of DOTAP in AMSC-liposomes resulted in positively charged vesicles i.e., +5 mV for HSPC-DOTAP and + 10 mV for PC-DOTAP. Moreover, the results of an MTT viability test conducted on 7f2 cells and MSC indicated that all the formulas demonstrate good in vitro biocompatibility. Formulations containing DOPE produced high cellular uptake values and had superior sustain release properties compared to the others. This result correlates positively with cell attachment to the liposome scaffold which was higher than the others. Moreover, DOPE-containing formulations increased RUNX2 expression, indicating enhanced in vitro osteogenesis capacity. Therefore, Liposome AMSC-MP loaded scaffold demonstrates high potential for use in bone regeneration therapy.

To compare 24 hour blood pressure values of a conventional 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure device versus a wristband using an artificial intelligence algorithm based on photophletysmography

Abstract Background Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is of high added value in determining blood pressure, but also highly relevant quantitatively, as hypertension is the single most common medical condition. Unfortunately, practical and qualitative limitations are numerous. Purpose To determine the accuracy of a novel wrist-worn cuff-calibrated photoplethysmography (PPG)-based remote patient monitoring device versus ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Methods The single-center prospective study included 40 adult patients with standard 24-hour ABPM with a 30-minute measurements. Participants used a wrist-worn PPG device during the ABPM period. Measurements of the average difference and standard deviation (SD) for the full 24-hour period as well as for awake and asleep periods were compared. Differences in awake-asleep BP change between the investigational and reference device were described for all, and per nighttime BP dipper category. And also, investigational BP monitoring accuracy under motion will be visualised. Results During the 24-hour period the absolute difference in average SBP and DBP was 3.65 (SD±4.57) and 2.98 (SD±3.91), respectively. Similar results were found for the subsets of day- and nighttime determinations. The absolute difference in average awake-asleep BP change was 2.36 (SD ± 2.40) for SBP and 2.17 (SD ± 2.13) for DBP. Comparable absolute differences were present within each of the nighttime dipper categories. The performance of the investigational device remained stable during motion. Conclusions This study demonstrates initial evidence supporting the accuracy of the evaluated wrist-worn PPG-based device in measuring 24-hour as well as day- and nighttime BP. In the average difference and SD remained within ISO-81060-2:2018 cut-off values from recent ESH guidelines. Therefore, the presented method can provide an accurate and more patient friendly alternative to ABPM.

Inhibition of fractalkine signalling in patients with acute myocardial infarction - First results from the FRACTAL trial

Abstract Background We have previously demonstrated a strong association between expression of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 on lymphocytes and microvascular obstruction (MVO) in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Our pre-clinical studies also found an improvement in infarct size, inflammation and intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH) when rats were pre-treated with the fractalkine inhibitor KAND567. Purpose FRACTAL (FRACTalkine inhibition in Acute myocardial infarction) study was a phase IIa, pilot, randomized, 2-arm parallel group, placebo-controlled, double blinded, multi-centre trial. Its primary aim was to assess the safety and tolerability of intravenous and oral administration of the fractalkine inhibitor KAND567 as well as reducing signs of reperfusion injury in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. Methods Patients with a new diagnosis of anterior STEMI, who had index chest pain within 5 hours and angiographic occlusion of the LAD, were randomised on a 1:1 basis to receive either KAND567 or placebo over a period of 72 hours. All patients then underwent a baseline MRI scan at 3 days with a follow-up scan at 3 months, paralleled by longitudinal deep immuno­phenotyping over 9 time points. Results A total of 71 patients were enrolled into the study with 64 (90.1%) being male patients. The mean age of patients was 59.2 years. 37 patients received KAND567, whilst 34 received placebo over 72-hour period. Throughout the 3-month follow-up period, 23 (62%) patients from the KAND567 arm as compared to 24 (71%) patients in the placebo arm had reported adverse events. There was no statistical difference in serious adverse events (SAEs) between both arms with 9 documented in the placebo arm and 12 in the KAND567 arm. Safety bloods also demonstrated no significant differences between the two groups across all time points. There was a higher incidence of left ventricular (LV) thrombus in the placebo arm as compared to the KAND567 arm (17.6% vs. 2.7%; p=0.049). Additionally, the study also demonstrated a lower occurrence of IMH in the KAND567 arm compared to the placebo arm (35.5% vs. 55.2%; p=0.19). Deep immunephenotyping suggested clear target engagement in the KAND567 arm in natural killer cells as well as in cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Conclusion This first in-man study demonstrates that inhibition of the fractalkine pathway in STEMI patients appears safe and well-tolerated, while demonstrating a promising potential in preventing LV thrombus and IMH. The results suggest a new mechanism and class of drug to target reperfusion injury, clearly warranting a larger phase III study.LV thrombus and IMH

House sparrows do not show a diel rhythm in double-strand DNA damage in erythrocytes.

DNA damage can be caused by a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A recent study showed that free-living house sparrows (Passer domesticus) have higher DNA damage in the summer than the winter across five different tissues. This result was consistent when house sparrows were brought into captivity and exposed to comparable light cycles, with all other variables held constant. These results generated two hypotheses: (1) seasonal variation in DNA damage is related to circadian regulation and (2) seasonal variation in DNA damage is related to the total number of active hours. To investigate these hypotheses, we first quantified erythrocyte DNA damage in wild-caught house sparrows held in captivity on a 12L:12D light cycle at six points during the day to assess a diel or circadian rhythm but did not find one. We then performed a resonance experiment, in which birds experienced unnatural light cycles, and compared DNA damage in birds held on 6L:6D and 4.5L:7.5D resonance light cycles with their natural counterparts, 12L:12D and 9L:15D, respectively. We assessed corticosterone levels and DNA damage in blood before and after the resonance light cycles and DNA damage in abdominal fat, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and liver after the resonance light cycles. While our second experiment was not able to effectively test our hypotheses, we were able to demonstrate some interesting patterns. Throughout the resonance experiment, baseline corticosterone and testes size increased, consistent with the birds being photostimulated and preparing to breed. Surprisingly, the direction of change of DNA damage throughout the resonance photoperiod differed with tissue, which is not consistent with patterns during the breeding season in the wild. Our data indicate a potential uncoupling of the breeding physiology with the effect on DNA damage due to exposure to a resonance light cycle, which the birds may have interpreted as a skeleton photoperiod. Finally, though we were unable to fully disentangle the dynamics underlying seasonal DNA damage, we show that the previously documented patterns are not simply due to diel changes or the total amount of light exposure within a 24-hour period.

The Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p on Hela and Ca Ski Cell Lines

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In recent years, significant progress has been made in its treatment. Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound found in flavonoid-containing plants, is of interest due to its potential therapeutic effects. miR-21 plays a crucial role in cervical tumor metastasis by activating pathways related to invasion and migration, while miR-34a-5p is essential in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and preventing increased cell proliferation and migration. The findings of this study could provide insight into the role of quercetin in cancer cells. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of quercetin on the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p in HeLa and Ca Ski cervical cancer cell lines. Methods: In this study, HeLa and Ca Ski cells were treated with quercetin. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTT assay and flow cytometry over a 48-hour period. Additionally, the effects of quercetin on the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-34a-5p were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Results: The study demonstrated that quercetin inhibited the viability of HeLa and Ca Ski cells and induced apoptosis in these cells. Quercetin suppressed cell viability with an IC50 of 102.9 μM for HeLa and 304.1 μM for Ca Ski cells after 48 hours. Quercetin down-regulated miR-21 in HeLa and Ca Ski cell lines by 2.5 ± 0.1 (P = 0.045) and 2.0 ± 0.2 (P = 0.016) fold, respectively. Additionally, miR-34a-5p increased by 3.3 ± 0.7 (P = 0.010) and 2.4 ± 0.8 (P = 0.047) fold after exposure to quercetin in HeLa and Ca Ski cell lines, respectively. Conclusions: Our study showed that quercetin has an anti-cervical cancer effect and can be used alongside standard therapies as a promising agent with fewer side effects in cervical cancer treatment.

The Evaluation of Anti-Osteoclastic Activity of the Novel Calcium Hydroxide Biodegradable Nanoparticles as an Intracanal Medicament

ABSTRACT Objective: The present investigation looked into PLGA micron-sized particles or NPs, loaded with calcium hydroxide for canal disinfecting processes which have antimicrobial properties, given the significant rejection probabilities related to these kinds of treatments. Methodology: The MIC and inhibitory growing zones (n = 5) were found using the broth dilution and agar diffusion tests, accordingly. Employing confocal microscopy and live/dead labelling, cell viability was evaluated (n = 5). ANOVA was used to evaluate, and post hoc analysis came next. Results: Ca(OH)2 NPs showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 μg/mL for Fn and 10 μg/mL for Pg and Ef (P < 0.001), following a 24-hour incubation period. Conclusion: To sum up, Ca(OH)2-contained PLGA NPs show encouraging ability to kill microbes during canal cleaning treatments.

Forecasting to support EMS tactical planning: what is important and what is not.

Forecasting emergency medical service (EMS) call volumes is critical for resource allocation and planning. The development of many commercial and free software packages has made a variety of forecasting methods accessible. Practitioners, however, are left with little guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for their needs. Using 5 years of data from 3 cities in Alberta, we compute exponential smoothing and benchmark forecasts for 8-hour periods for each ambulance station catchment area and with a forecast horizon of two weeks-a spatio-temporal resolution appropriate for tactical planning. The methods that we consider differ on three spectra: the number and type of time-series components, whether forecasts are computed individually or jointly, and the way in which forecasts at a specific resolution are converted to forecasts at the resolution of interest. We find that it is important to include a weekly seasonal component when forecasting EMS demand. Multiplicative seasonality, however, shows no benefit over additive seasonality. Adding other time-series components (e.g., trend, ARMA errors, Box-Cox transformation) does not improve performance. Spatial resolutions of station catchment area and lower, and temporal resolution of 4-24 hours perform similarly. We adapt an existing hierarchical forecasting framework to a two-dimensional spatio-temporal hierarchy, but find that hierarchical reconciliation of forecasts does not improve performance at the forecast resolution of interest for tactical planning. Neither does jointly forecasting time series. We show that added complexity does not materially improve forecasting performance. The simple methods that we find perform well are easy to implement and interpret, making implementation in practice more likely. In a simulation study we alter the empirical weekly patterns and demonstrate how extreme differences between the weekly seasonality patterns of different regions cause hierarchically-reconciled bottom-up approaches to outperform top-down approaches.

Cost-effectiveness of prophylactic ramosetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

This study was conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic use of ramosetron compared to no antiemetic medications for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) from the healthcare payer and societal perspectives in South Korea. A decision analytic model was constructed to assess the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic ramosetron use versus no antiemetic therapy at 24-hour and 48-hour periods post-surgery over a 5-day duration. The model was populated using costs and utility parameters from published studies as well as from surveys of an expert panel of physicians using structured questionnaires. The cost parameters included the costs of drugs, treatment, patient time, productivity loss, and transportation. Effectiveness was measured using quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The study outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The parameter uncertainties were addressed using deterministic and probabilistic scenario analyses. The base-case analysis showed that, on average, patients treated with prophylactic ramosetron had lower costs from both the healthcare payer (US$16.88 vs US$17.33) and societal (US$16.89 vs US$18.72) perspectives and higher QALYs (0.0121 vs 0.0114) over the 5-day study duration compared to patients without any antiemetic medications. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the robustness of results for the parameters included in the model. The acceptability curve probability showed that treating patients with ramosetron compared to no antiemetic medications was more than 99% cost-effective at a willingness-to pay threshold of US$5,000/QALY from both payer and societal perspectives. The results demonstrated that prophylactic use of ramosetron compared to no antiemetic therapy is highly cost-effective to prevent PONV for patients undergoing surgery from both healthcare payer and societal perspectives. The cost effectiveness is the result of the decrease in the incidence of PONV and the direct treatment costs of severe PONV with improved patient quality of life.

Acute contractile activity induces the activation of the mitochondrial integrated stress response and the transcription factor ATF4.

Skeletal muscle relies on mitochondria to produce energy and support its metabolic flexibility. The function of the mitochondrial pool is regulated by quality control (MQC) processes. The integrated stress response (ISR), a MQC pathway, is activated in response to various cellular stressors. The transcription factor ATF4, the main effector of the ISR, ameliorates cellular stress by upregulating protective genes, such as CHOP and ATF5. Recent literature has shown that the ISR is activated upon mitochondrial stress, however, whether this includes acute exercise-induced stress is poorly defined. To investigate this, a mouse in situ hindlimb protocol was utilized to acutely stimulate muscles at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 tetanic contraction/per second for 9 mins, followed by a 1-hour recovery period. CAMKII and JNK2 were robustly activated 6-fold immediately following the protocol. ISR activation, denoted as the ratio of phosphorylated to total-eIF2a protein levels, was also elevated following recovery. Downstream, contractile activity induced an increase in the nuclear localization of ATF4. Robust 2-fold increases in the mRNA expression of ATF4 and CHOP were also observed following the recovery period. Changes in ATF4 mRNA were independent of transcriptional activation, as assessed using an ATF4 promoter-reporter plasmid. Instead, mRNA decay assays revealed an increase in ATF4 mRNA stability post-contractile activity, as a result of enhanced stabilization by the RNA binding protein, HuR. Thus, acute contractile activity is sufficient to induce mitochondrial stress and activate the ISR, corresponding to the induction of ATF4 with potential consequences for mitochondrial phenotype adaptations in response to repeated exercise.

Olanzapine Versus Quetiapine: Corrected QT Changes in Critically Ill Patients.

Olanzapine and quetiapine are frequently administered atypical antipsychotic medications and their effects on the corrected QT (QTc) in the critically ill population remain understudied. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of olanzapine and quetiapine on QTc changes in critically ill patients. This was a single-center, retrospective analysis. Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2023 through July 2023 were included if they received ≥2 doses of either olanzapine or quetiapine within a 48-hour period and had one QTc evaluated within 48 hours of antipsychotic initiation. The major endpoint was a composite of the incidence of QTc prolongation (defined as QTc > 500 ms or QTc > 60 ms above baseline) following antipsychotic initiation. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for QTc prolongation. There was no statistical difference in the major composite endpoint between patients in the olanzapine and quetiapine groups (8/83 [9.6%] vs 19/129 [14.7%]; P = .28). The incidence of QTc > 500 ms (7/244 [2.9%] vs 20/427 [4.7%]; P = .25) and change from baseline >60 ms (5/244 [2.0%] vs 17/427 [4.0%]; P = .26) were not statistically different between the olanzapine and quetiapine groups, respectively. There were no occurrences of Torsades de Pointes or extrapyramidal symptoms in either group. The results of this study suggest olanzapine and quetiapine may have similar impact on QTc prolongation in critically ill patients. These findings could contribute to safer prescribing practices in the ICU.

In vitro assessment of assembly and sex pheromones in the control of larval stages of brown dog ticks

The increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases and the growing resistance to conventional acaricides underscore the urgent need for innovative and sustainable tick management strategies. This study investigates the potential of assembly and sex pheromones for the control of larval stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, which poses significant health risks to dogs. The ticks were collected from various canine hosts in Thrissur, Kerala and subjected to Petri-dish bioassays using vapour patches impregnated with synthetic assembly pheromone (AP) and sex pheromone (SP), both individually and in combination. The efficacy of these semiochemicals was assessed based on the attraction and clustering behaviour of unfed larvae and partially fed adult ticks over a 24-hour period. Results demonstrated a significantly higher attraction to AP-impregnated patches, with notable efficacy observed in causing tick aggregation, particularly beyond 30 min of exposure. While SP also showed potential in attracting ticks, the combination of SP and AP did not result in a synergistic effect. The study highlights the potential of using semiochemicals as an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional acaricides, highlighting their role in integrated pest management strategies Keywords: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, adenine, guanine, xanthine, 2,6-DCP, Petri-dish bioassay

Ultrasound-guided Genicular Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block for patients who underwent knee arthroscopy. Patients were randomized into two groups: 1. nerve block group: ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block (superomedial, superolateral and inferomedial genicular nerve, 2-ml 0.5% ropivacaine each nerve.) prior to the general anesthesia, 2. control group: no intervention prior to the general anesthesia. The measurements were pain severity at 3,6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery at rest and at activity(Pain severity was primary outcome at 3 hours after surgery at rest); the time for first ambulation; straight leg raise; mechanical pain threshold of the block areas; time of the surgery, anesthesia and extubation; the use of analgesics in the perioperative period and 72 hours after the surgery; the number of patients awakening from pain on the first two nights after the surgery; the length of hospital stay; postoperative adverse effects. The pain severity was performed by VAS (A 10-point visual analogue scale, 0 points painless, 10 points severe pain) and median (interquartile range; IQR). A total of 70 patients (median age: 53 y, 32 men; 35 per group) were included. Compared to the control group, the nerve block group had a lower pain VAS score at rest (2[2-2] vs. 3[2-4], P<0.01) at 3 hours, and lower pain VAS score at rest persisted for 24 hours and activity persisted for 12 hours after the surgery, also had lower intraoperative dosage of sufentanil (20±4.8 vs. 28.5±5.1 mg; P<0.001), lower requirement for analgesics for pain and lower PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting) throughout the 72-hour observation period. There were no significant difference for the incidence of postoperative adverse effects and straight leg raise. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block could reduce the pain severity after knee arthroscopy and decrease the use of intraoperative sufentanil without affecting motor function.

Examining Daily Self-Efficacy, Minority Stressors, and Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among Trauma-Exposed Sexual Minority Women and Transgender and Gender-Diverse People.

This study aimed to develop and test a novel model integrating social-learning and self-medication frameworks by examining the association between self-efficacy to resist alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and daily AOD use and unhealthy drinking risk among trauma-exposed sexual minority women (SMW) and transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people. We examined whether minority stressors moderated these associations. Data were from 57 trauma-exposed SMW and TGD people who participated in a 14-day daily diary study. Multilevel binary logistic models and ordinal logistic models were employed to examine associations between self-efficacy to resist AOD use and daily AOD use and unhealthy drinking risk at within- and between-person levels. We assessed same- and cross-level interactions between daily self-efficacy to resist AOD use and minority stressors in predicting AOD use and unhealthy drinking risk within the same 24-hour period (i.e., standardized as 6 pm to 6 pm; hereafter referred to as "same-day"). Self-efficacy to resist AOD use was associated with lower AOD use and unhealthy drinking risk. Minority stressors were associated with daily AOD use. Among those who experienced higher (vs. lower) average sexual minority stressors over the 2-week daily diary period, higher-than-usual self-efficacy to resist AOD use was less protective in decreasing risk of same-day unhealthy drinking. Interventions aiming to mitigate AOD use and unhealthy drinking risk by bolstering self-efficacy to resist AOD use should consider the impact of recent cumulative exposure to sexual minority stressors in this population. Further, policy efforts are needed to reduce perpetuation of stigma.

The impact of a-tomatine on shear bonding strength in different dentin types and on cariogenic microorganisms: an in vitro and in silico study

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to investigate the shear bonding strength of a glycoalkaloid, also a novel matrix metalloproteinase enzyme known as α-tomatine, on two different surfaces of dentin (sound & caries-affected) and its efficacy against cariogenic microorganisms using in vitro and in silico methods.MethodsThe effect of a-tomatine at different concentrations (0.75 / 1 / 1.5 µM) on shear bonding strength in caries-affected and sound dentin was also investigated (n = 10; each per subgroup). The analysis of shear bonding and failure tests was conducted after a 24-hour storage period. Fracture surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope. A stock solution 3 mM of a-tomatine was prepared for antimicrobial evaluation. Antimicrobial activities of the agents against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Lactobacillus casei ATCC 4646, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 standard strains were investigated by microdilution method. In addition, through the method of molecular docking and dynamic analysis, the affinity of a-tomatine for certain enzymes of these microorganisms was examined.ResultsThe pretreatment agent and dentin type significantly influenced shear bonding strength values (p < 0.05). As the molarity of a-tomatine increased, the bonding value decreased in sound dentin, while the opposite was true in caries-affected dentin. According to molecular docking and dynamic analysis, the highest affinity was observed in L. casei’s signaling protein. Microdilution assays revealed a-tomatine to exhibit fungicidal activity against C. albicans and bacteriostatic effects against S. mutans. No antimicrobial effect was observed on L. casei.Conclusiona-tomatine demonstrates a positive impact by serving as both a pretreatment agent for bonding strength and an inhibitor against certain cariogenic microorganisms.

Cloud characteristics and their role in the 2024 United Arab Emirates extreme rainfall events

ABSTRACT Intensified by climate change, extreme rainfall events are frequently increasing and have become severe particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. On 16 April 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced a record-breaking flood event, characterized by ~ 250 mm of rain within a 24-hour period and surpassed the previous record of 1949. Later, on 2 May 2024, another rainfall event occurred but with low rainfall (~20 mm in 12 hours). These consecutive incidents raised a need to understand convective mechanism, so present study focus to analyse it using various cloud properties over Dubai. Our findings inferred that the April event was mostly driven by extensive cloud such as cumulonimbus which stretched up to ~ 16 km, with prominent features of high optical thickness (~150), small-sized cloud droplets (~23.89 µm), and considerable liquid water content (~2185 g/m−2). Further, we found high (~400–1800 J kg−1) and comparatively low (~0–700 J kg−1) potential energies, which trigerred convection on April 16 and May 02 respectively. Thus our study gained insights related to occurrence of convective activities at regional level using atmospheric and cloud parameters. These outcomes can be used as an input in climate models to improve weather patterns even in arid environments like Dubai, where cloud seeding is a regular practice.

De-etiolation is Almost Colour Blind: the Study of Photosynthesis Awakening Under Blue and Red Light.

The synthesis and assembly of functioning photosynthetic complexes in chloroplasts developing from etioplasts during the de-etiolation of angiosperm seedlings are imperative for the plant's autotrophic lifestyle. This study compared de-etiolation process under monochromatic red or blue light of equal photon flux density during a 24-hour illumination period of etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings. The aim was to elucidate the impact of these light wavelength on the etioplast-to-chloroplast transformation and the initiation of light-dependent photosynthetic reactions. Both treatments lead to the formation of functional young chloroplasts; however, the etioplast-to-chloroplast transition and the assembly of photosynthetic complexes occurred unevenly, with individual steps tuned by red or blue light. Ultrastructural analysis suggested faster prolamellar bodies disassembly under blue light, while low temperature fluorescence studies indicated a slower transformation of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide, and chlorophyll a, under these conditions. Red light further promoted the synthesis of chlorophyll b and LHCII antenna proteins. However, the efficiency of antennae in dissipating excess absorbed energy was higher for seedlings de-etiolated under blue light; the maximum quantum yield of the photosystem II reached 0.81 after 24-hour de-etiolation, equivalent to mature plants. Blue light seemed to enhance the development of well-functioning photosystems (I and II) and antennae. These findings are important for gaining a deeper understanding of photoreceptor regulation of de-etiolation and for utilizing selected light regimes to improve crop yield.

Deep Neuromuscular Block with Low Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Postoperative pain management remains a challenge in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in conjunction with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum )PP) on postoperative pain, surgical parameters, and recovery outcomes. Methods: This randomized controlled double-blind study included 44 participants undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Patients were randomized equally into two groups (22 each): Group D received deep NMB, while group M received moderate NMB using cis-atracurium, through the utilization of computer-generated random numbers enclosed within sealed, opaque envelopes, following a parallel approach. Regarding deep NMB, following an initial dose of 0.15 mg/kg, a continuous infusion of 0.06 - 0.12 mg/kg/hr was administered to maintain a post-tetanic count between 1 and 2, with low PP pressure of 10 - 12 mmHg. Conversely, for moderate NMB, after the same initial dose of 0.15 mg/kg, the continuous infusion commenced upon the train-of-four count returning to 2, with the rate adjusted to sustain a count between 1 and 3, and standard PP pressure of 15 mmHg. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity as measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The secondary outcomes included postoperative pain intensity measured by NRS scores from 2 hours to 48 hours post-surgery, time to first analgesic administration, cumulative opioid consumption within the initial 48-hour postoperative period, and patient-reported satisfaction with postoperative pain management. Statistical analysis using SPSS v26 included tests for normality (Shapiro-Wilks), with parametric data analyzed by t-test, non-parametric data by Mann-Whitney, and qualitative data by chi-square/Fisher's test. Results: Group D experienced a considerably longer time until the first analgesic rescue compared to group M (9.82 ± 1.5 hours vs. 7.23 ± 1.19 hours, P &lt; 0.001). Morphine consumption in the first 24 hours was lower in Group D (10.77 ± 1.51 mg vs. 13.09 ± 1.74 mg, P &lt; 0.001). At 6, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively, group D exhibited significantly lower pain scores (P &lt; 0.05). Surgical duration, surgical field quality, complication rates, and patient satisfaction were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Deep NMB combined with low-pressure PP provided superior postoperative analgesia without compromising surgical field quality or increasing complications in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries.

Characterization of a Polyphenol Oxidase and Lipase Produced by Microbes Derived from Palm Oil Sludge

Introduction: The waste-to-wealth concept was applied in this study. Our main objective was to identify and evaluate several microorganisms responsible for the production of important industrial enzymes using sludge from palm oil processing. We were able to isolate several bacteria that are tyrosinase producers: Bacillus cereus, Acinobacter seifertii, Klebsiella variicola and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Laccase producers Trametes polyzona, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus condimenti, as well as lipase producers. Methods: In addition, we focused specifically on B. cereus because we knew that it produces tyrosinase. Lipase is another target enzyme, and S. condimenti was found to be a hyperproducer. Production conditions included a 24-hour incubation period at 40°C and a pH of 6.0, while typical substrates such as starch and coconut oil were used. Results: Preliminary protein purification studies identified a 43 kDa lipase that is active at pH 7.0 and 40°C. Salts such as NaCl, various detergents such as Triton X-100 and Tween-80 as well as many metal ions enhanced the activity and made the enzyme unique in its biological function. Conclusion: Even with EDTA (2.5 mM), which does not completely block its function, only 40% inhibition was observed. Only a few organic solvents such as butanol, acetone and DMF are involved in inhibiting its activity.

6861 Pre- And Peri-Operative Predictors Of Glycemic Outcomes From Total Pancreatectomy And Islet Auto-Transplantation

Abstract Disclosure: E.N. Haddad: None. M. Lansang: None. H. Xiao: None. R. Walsh: None. R. Simon: None. B.A. Hatipoglu: None. K. Zhou: None. Background: There is a lack of information regarding the immediate post-operative period as a predictor of early and long-term insulin independence after total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation (TPIAT). This study examined the baseline and peri-operative variables that are associated with one-year and longer-term insulin independence following TPIAT. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 46 TPIAT patients in a single hospital system between 2010 and 2022. Perioperative variables were compared between short- (one year) and long-term (last follow up outside of year one) insulin-independent versus dependent patients. Multivariable models were used to adjust for clinically important variables. Results: The median age of the cohort at time of TPIAT was 38.5 years (IQR 30, 49). Patients were predominantly white (91%) and 50% were female. Nine (20%) and seven (15%) patients achieved short- and long-term insulin independence, respectively. The patients were followed for a median of 2.8 years (IQR 1.0, 4.7). There were no significant differences in patient demographics (age, sex, ethnicity), duration of pancreatitis, HbA1c, or mixed meal testing results (area under c-peptide curve from 0 to 4 hours) between those achieving insulin independence and those who did not. Short term insulin-independence was associated with higher median transplanted islet equivalents (IEQ)/kg (6,981 vs 4,493, p=0.02), lower units of basal insulin on discharge (7 vs 12, p=0.009), and lower rates of discharge from the hospital with an insulin regimen (67% vs 100%, p=0.006). Short-term insulin independence was also associated with decreased median insulin use in the immediate 24-hour post-operative period (14.3 vs 45.3 units, p=0.03), though this was not statistically significant when adjusting for patient weight (0.23 vs 0.56 units/kg, p=0.13). The odds of having short term insulin independence increased by 80% for every 1,000 increase in IEQ/kg (OR 1.80, CI 1.18 to 3.12, p=0.005) and decreased by 32% for every additional basal unit of insulin on discharge (OR 0.68, CI 0.42 to 0.91, p=0.003). This was no longer statistically significant after adjusting for sex, age, mixed meal testing area under c-peptide curve at 4 hours, and HbA1c. Long-term insulin independence was also associated with transplanted IEQ/kg and basal insulin units at discharge in univariable analysis. None of the patients on insulin or any other antihyperglycemic medication prior to surgery achieved short- or long-term insulin independence. Conclusion: Short- and long-term insulin independence after TPIAT is associated with a higher transplanted IEQ/kg and fewer units of basal insulin at discharge. Immediate post-operative variables can be used to inform the discussions clinicians have with their patients regarding glycemic prognosis following TPIAT. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7769 Natural plant extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity through enhancing PLIN5 expression

Abstract Disclosure: S. Shin: None. H. Jang: None. E. Kwon: None. Obesity is one of the metabolic diseases caused by excessive differentiation and excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to an imbalance between energy intake and consumption. Various drugs have been developed to effectively treat obesity, but the side effects often outweigh the benefits. Therefore, alternative weight loss supplements that can minimize side effects are needed. In this study, the effects of natural plant extract (NPE) on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice were confirmed to discover new anti-obesity material.After acclimating C57BL/6J mice for 1 week, they were divided into two groups: a normal diet (ND) group and an HFD group. After inducing obesity over 4 weeks, the HFD group was divided into HFD and HFD+NPE and reared together with the ND group for an additional 10 weeks. After a 12-hour fasting period, observations were made on weight, adipose tissue mass, morphological changes in adipocytes, and the expression differences in genes and proteins related to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in the epididymal white adipose tissue, particularly focusing on the PLIN5 protein.The increase in body weight and epididymal fat mass induced by the HFD was reduced by the administration of NPE. Morphological analysis of the epididymal fat revealed a significant increase in adipocyte size in the HFD group, whereas the NPE group showed a reduction in adipocyte size. The expression of FAO-related genes (PPARa, PGC1a, CPT1, and CPT2) and TCA cycle-related genes (PDHb, ACO, DIST, SUCLG, SDHC, and MDH2) decreased in the epididymal fat due to the HFD, but significantly increased with the administration of NPE. The NPE induced the breakdown of intracellular stored triglycerides by upregulating ATGL, LIPE, and MGL mRNA expression. The resulting liberated fatty acids were translocated to the mitochondria and oxidized through the TCA cycle, ultimately leading to a reduction in body fat. Furthermore, PLIN5 expression exhibited a significantly higher level in the NPE group compared to the other two groups. In other words, elevation in PLIN5 expression, induced by the NPE, appears to enhance lipid breakdown, activate FAO pathways, and stimulate the TCA cycle. Consequently, lipid combustion is increased, improving the weight gain and fat accumulation induced by the HFD.If additional experimental results on human application align with the above findings, NPE holds the potential as a low-side-effect ingredient for weight loss supplements. Presentation: 6/1/2024