H2 Group Research Articles

Criterion for ellipticity on Heisenberg group

We provide a semi-constructive criterion for ellipticity of the differential operator on the Heisenberg group H1.\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathbb {H}^1.$$\\end{document}

Strawberry Yield Improvement by Hydrogen-Based Irrigation Is Functionally Linked to Altered Rhizosphere Microbial Communities.

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is crucial for agricultural microbial systems. However, the mechanisms underlying its influence on crop yields is yet to be fully elucidated. This study observed that H2-based irrigation significantly increased strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) yield with/without nutrient fertilization. The reduction in soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter was consistent with the increased expression levels of N/P/K-absorption-related genes in root tissues at the fruiting stage. Metagenomics profiling showed the alterations in rhizosphere microbial community composition achieved by H2, particularly under the conditions without fertilizers. These included the enrichment of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, such as Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Cupriavidus genera. Rhizobacteria with the capability to oxidize H2 (group 2a [NiFe] hydrogenase) were also enriched. Consistently, genes related to soil carbon (C) fixation (i.e., rbcL, porD, frdAB, etc.), dissimilar nitrate reduction (i.e., napAB and nrfAH), and P solublization, mineralization, and transportation (i.e., ppx-gppA, appA, and ugpABCE) exhibited higher abundance. Contrary tendencies were observed in the soil C degradation and N denitrification genes. Together, these results clearly indicate that microbe-mediated soil C, N, and P cycles might be functionally altered by H2, thus increasing plant nutrient uptake capacity and horticultural crop yield.

Effective concentration of herbal anaesthetics Origanum vulgare L. oil and its effects on stress parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Using anaesthetics is an important application in aquaculture especially where the fish transportation, vaccination, grading, sorting activities and many other handling operations have been conducted during the different stages of production periods in the farms or hatcheries. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oregano essential oil (OO) as an anaesthetic for Nile tilapia and to determine the optimal concentration and post-application stress effects compared to clove oil (CO). Nile tilapia juveniles were exposed to different concentrations of OO (20-40-60-80-100mgL-1) and CO (50mgL-1) for different time periods to determine the optimal concentration and exposure time. After the effective concentration of OO was determined, in the second experiment, stress parameters (glucose, plasma cortisol) were analysed after 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24h of application. The results compared to the control group and CO results. The study found that OO which has carvacrol compound higher than 78% was an efficient anaesthetic for Nile tilapia, and the effective concentration was found to be 60mgL-1. No significant differences were found between opercular beats in any concentration of OO and CO. Basal glucose level in blood without anaesthesia application and recorded at 39.33mgdL-1 and significantly lower than OO and CO at first two sampling points, 0 and 2h (p<0.05). According to plasma cortisol level results, although CO experimental group showed secondary stress response at 12h (17.91±4.21ngmL-1), OO and CO group cortisol levels decreased at 24h after anaesthesia application 7.13±0.14and 7.01±0.54ngmL-1, respectively, below the control group cortisol concentration (12.28±1.81ngmL-1). These findings have important implications for the aquaculture industry as the use of OO as an anaesthetic could reduce the stress and mortality associated with traditional anaesthetics. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of OO as an anaesthetic agent for other fish species and to determine the optimal concentration and exposure time for different species.

Genomic characteristics of adipose-derived stromal cells induced into neurons based on single-cell RNA sequencing

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) can be induced to differentiate into neurons, representing the most promising avenue for cell therapy. However, the molecular mechanism and genomic characteristics of the differentiation of ADSCs into neurons remain poorly understood. In this study, cells from the adult ADSCs group, induction 1h, 3h, 5h, 6h, and 8h groups were selected for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq). Samples from these seven-time points were sequenced and analyzed. The expression of neuron marker genes, including NES, MAP2, TMEM59L, PTK2B, CHN1, DNM1, NRSN2, FBLN2, SCAMP1, SLC1A1, DLG4, CDK5, and ENO2, was found to be low in the ADSCs group, but highly expressed in differentiated cell clusters. The expression of stem cell marker genes, including CCND1, IL1B, MMP1, MMP3, MYO10, and BMP2, was the highest in the ADSCs cluster. This expression decreased significantly with the extension of induction time. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of upregulated genes in the induced samples showed that the biological processes related to neuronal differentiation and development, such as neuronal differentiation, projection, and apoptosis, were significantly upregulated with a longer induction time during cell cluster differentiation. The results of the cell communication analysis demonstrated the gradual formation of complex neural network connections between ADSC-derived neurons through receptor and ligand pairs at 5h after the induction of differentiation.

Impact of fucosyltransferase 1-mediated epidermal blood group antigen H on anti-inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis.

The presence of the blood group H2 antigen on the membrane of red blood cells determines blood type O in individuals and this H2 antigen serves as a precursor to the A and B antigens expressed in blood types A and B, respectively. However, the specific involvement of ABH antigens in skin diseases is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate the expression of ABH antigens in skin tissue of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and MC903-induced AD-like mice. We demonstrated that the expression of ABH antigen is primarily located in the granular and horny layers of the skin in healthy control individuals. However, in patients with AD, the expression of the ABH antigen was absent or diminished in these layers, while the H2 antigen expression increased in the spinous layers of the affected skin lesions. Then, we investigated the biological function of blood group H antigen mediated by fucosyltransferase 1 (Fut1) in the skin, utilizing an AD mouse model induced by MC903 in wild-type (WT) and Fut1-knockout mice. After the application of MC903, Fut1-deficient mice, with no H2 antigen expression on their skin, exhibited more severe clinical signs, increased ear swelling, and elevated serum IgE levels compared with those of WT mice. Additionally, the MC903-induced thickening of both the epidermis and dermis was more pronounced in Fut1-deficient mice than that in WT mice. Furthermore, Fut1-deficient mice showed a significantly higher production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6 in skin lesions compared with that of their WT counterparts. The expression of chemokines, particularly Ccl2 and Ccl8, was notably higher in Fut1-deficient mice compared with those of WT mice. The infiltration of CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells into the lesional skin was significantly elevated in Fut1-deficient mice compared with that in WT mice. These findings demonstrate the protective role of H2 antigen expression against AD-like inflammation and highlight its potential therapeutic impact on AD through the regulation of blood group antigens.

Krylov complexity for Jacobi coherent states

We develop computational tools necessary to extend the application of Krylov complexity beyond the simple Hamiltonian systems considered thus far in the literature. As a first step toward this broader goal, we show how the Lanczos algorithm that iteratively generates the Krylov basis can be augmented to treat coherent states associated with the Jacobi group, the semi-direct product of the 3-dimensional real Heisenberg-Weyl group H1, and the symplectic group, Sp(2, ℝ) ≃ SU(1, 1). Such coherent states are physically realized as squeezed states in, for example, quantum optics [1]. With the Krylov basis for both the SU(1, 1) and Heisenberg-Weyl groups being well understood, their semi-direct product is also partially analytically tractable. We exploit this to benchmark a scheme to numerically compute the Lanczos coefficients which, in principle, generalizes to the more general Jacobi group Hn ⋊ Sp(2n, ℝ).

Hydrogen gas inhalation ameliorates LPS-induced BPD by inhibiting inflammation via regulating the TLR4–NFκB–IL6/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the placenta

IntroductionHydrogen (H2) is regarded as a novel therapeutic agent against several diseases owing to its inherent biosafety. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been widely considered among adverse pregnancy outcomes, without effective treatment. Placenta plays a role in defense, synthesis, and immunity, which provides a new perspective for the treatment of BPD. This study aimed to investigate if H2 reduced the placental inflammation to protect the neonatal rat against BPD damage and potential mechanisms.MethodsWe induced neonatal BPD model by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg) into the amniotic fluid at embryonic day 16.5 as LPS group. LPS + H2 group inhaled 42% H2 gas (4 h/day) until the samples were collected. We primarily analyzed the neonatal outcomes and then compared inflammatory levels from the control group (CON), LPS group and LPS + H2 group. HE staining was performed to evaluate inflammatory levels. RNA sequencing revealed dominant differentially expressed genes. Bioinformatics analysis (GO and KEGG) of RNA-seq was applied to mine the signaling pathways involved in protective effect of H2 on the development of LPS-induced BPD. We further used qRT-PCR, Western blot and ELISA methods to verify differential expression of mRNA and proteins. Moreover, we verified the correlation between the upstream signaling pathways and the downstream targets in LPS-induced BPD model.ResultsUpon administration of H2, the inflammatory infiltration degree of the LPS-induced placenta was reduced, and infiltration significantly narrowed. Hydrogen normalized LPS-induced perturbed lung development and reduced the death ratio of the fetus and neonate. RNA-seq results revealed the importance of inflammatory response biological processes and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in protective effect of hydrogen on BPD. The over-activated upstream signals [Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), Caspase1 (Casp1) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome] in LPS placenta were attenuated by H2 inhalation. The downstream targets, inflammatory cytokines/chemokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, IL-1β, C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1)], were decreased both in mRNA and protein levels by H2 inhalation in LPS-induced placentas to rescue them from BPD. Correlation analysis displayed a positive association of TLR4-mediated signaling pathway both proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in placenta.ConclusionH2 inhalation ameliorates LPS-induced BPD by inhibiting excessive inflammatory cytokines and chemokines via the TLR4–NFκB–IL6/NLRP3 signaling pathway in placenta and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for BPD.

Abstract PO5-01-08: The impact of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) expression by RT-PCR on tumor characteristics and outcome in estrogen receptor (ER) positive, HER2 negative early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background: The role of HER2 expression in HER2 negative breast cancer is evolving. Whether HER2 expression has an impact on ER positive, HER2 negative early-stage breast cancer in unclear. Oncotype DX assay Recurrence Score comprises of standardized quantitative HER2 mRNA expression levels by RT-PCR. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Oncotype HER2 score on tumor characteristics and outcome. Methods: All women assigned to the Clalit Health Services registry between 2006 to 2011 with ER positive, HER2 negative early-stage breast cancer whose tumor were sent for oncotype were identified. Patients in which HER2 score was reported in the oncotype results were included. Differences in age, tumor characteristics and chemotherapy administration between lower HER2 score (H1), i.e. HER2 score ≤ 9.1, to higher HER2 score (H2), i.e. 9.2-10.7, were analyzed. 5-year Kaplan–Meier for distant recurrence free survival (DRFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated and differences between H1 and H2 were evaluated. Analyses were repeated separately for node negative and for node positive (N mic and 1-3 lymph nodes) disease. Results: A total of 1535 patients were included, 948 patients with node negative disease and 587 with node positive disease. Of these, 814 and 721 patients were categorized to the H1 and H2 groups, respectively. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. The distribution of oncotype RS was different, with significantly lower proportion of patients with RS between 0-10 and higher proportion of RS above 25 in the H1 group compared to the H2 groups. This difference was identified both for patients with node negative and node positive disease (Table). The distributions of age, tumor size and histological subtype were comparable between the H1 and the H2 groups, both for node negative and node positive disease. Within each RS group, administration of chemotherapy was comparable between H1 and H2 groups, regardless of nodal involvement. DRFS and OS were not associated with HER2 score. For RS 0-25, node negative disease, 5-year DRFS was 96.2% in H1 and 96.4% in H2 groups (p=0.92) and 5-year OS was 97.2% in H1 and 98.1% in H2 groups (p=0.39). For RS &amp;gt;25, node negative disease, 5-years DRFS was 89% in H1 and 90.8% in H2 groups (p=0.33) and 5-year OS was 90.6% in H1 and 90.8% in H2 groups (p=0.7). Similarly, for node positive disease, DRFS and OS were comparable between H1 and H2 group in all subgroups. Conclusions: Low HER2 mRNA expression by Oncotype RT-PCR assay was associated with significantly high Oncotype RS. Patients' outcome was not directly affected by HER2 score and was determined by RS. Further study is desired to clarify the role of HER2 expression in early stage, luminal breast cancer. Table. Comparison of age and tumor characteristics between low (H1) and high (H2) HER2 score Citation Format: Hadar Goldvaser, Raz Mutai, Salomon Stemmer, Iryna Kuchuk, Margarita Tokar, Shani Paluch-Shimon, Rinat Yerushalmi, Karen Drumea, Ella Evron, Amir Sonnenblick, Einav Gal-Yam, Gil Bar Sela, Ayelet Shai, Rotem Merose, Avital Bareket-Samish, Lior Soussan-Gutman. The impact of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) expression by RT-PCR on tumor characteristics and outcome in estrogen receptor (ER) positive, HER2 negative early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-01-08.

Effect of hydrothermal carbon on biogas production from agricultural waste by anaerobic fermentation

In this study, biogas residue was used as raw material to prepare biogas residue by hydrothermal carbonization at 190℃ with different treatment time. The effects of hydrothermal carbon addition on gas production characteristics during medium temperature anaerobic fermentation (straw, straw + chicken manure, chicken manure) were studied, and the differences of surface formation of biogas residue hydrothermal carbon were observed by SEM. The results showed that the duration of gas generation peak was prolonged in the straw + chicken manure fermentation group and the chicken manure fermentation group after adding biogas residue hydrothermal charcoal, and the total gas production in the 8h, 12h and 24h hydrothermal charcoal groups increased more (P &lt; 0.05), and the total gas production increased 39.2% at most. There was no significant difference in cumulative gas production among groups in straw fermentation group. According to the actual production, the optimal HTC process for anaerobic fermentation is 8 h at 190℃.

Off-shell fields and conserved currents

We study interactions of higher-spin massless fields φ with conserved currents multilinear in the off-shell matter fields ϕ. Specifically, we focus on the 3d case where a slight modification of the σ−-cohomology technique developed earlier is directly applicable to control nontriviality of the interaction vertices at the convention that the vertices removable by a local field redefinition of a higher-spin field or having schematic form F(φ)G(ϕ), where F(φ) is a gauge invariant field strength of a free higher-spin field, are called deformationally trivial. It is demonstrated how the σ−-cohomology approach can be applied to the analysis of nonlinear vertices. Generally, deformationally trivial vertices are not σ−-closed while the deformationally non-trivial ones must be in H(σ−). It is shown that, at least in the 3d case, the relevant cohomology group H1(σ−)=0 and, hence, no deformationally non-trivial off-shell vertices exist. On the other hand, there exists an infinite class of deformationally trivial vertices, that includes the vertex recently proposed for spin three. Our analysis goes beyond the higher-spin vertices allowing to show that, at least in three dimensions, nonlinear combinations of the off-shell scalar fields and their derivatives cannot obey non-trivial equations.

Preparation of high-performance materials based on carbon nanofibers and analysis of mechanical properties at room and high temperatures

The shortcomings of conventional building materials, such as inadequate tensile strength and fire resistance, have been significantly exacerbated with the emergence of complex and diverse engineering practices. However, the current research on high-performance building materials is still in its nascent stage. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the potential improvements in the mechanical properties of building materials through the incorporation of carbon fiber and nano silica. Specifically, we focus on assessing the mechanical properties of these modified materials at both room and elevated temperatures. Our experimental results demonstrate a notable enhancement in compressive strength. At room temperature, the H2 group exhibited a 15.1% increase in compressive strength, while the H5 group experienced a 7.3% increase. Notably, the compressive strength of the H7 group reached its highest value at 47.13 MPa. Additionally, the H2 group displayed the highest bending strength at 5.18 MPa. Our electron scanning microscopy analysis revealed the uniform dispersion of carbon fibers within the building materials, without any clumping. This suggests that when the dosage of Carbon Fiber reaches 0.6% of the mass of building materials, it can be uniformly dispersed within the mixture. We have also evaluated the performance of the modified materials under high temperatures. It was observed that the prefabricated building materials group experienced a 65% reduction in compressive strength when subjected to 800 °C. Conversely, the carbon fiber building materials exhibited a compressive strength loss of over 62%. Overall, the carbon fiber building materials outperformed the standard building materials under high temperature conditions, with significantly higher compressive strength. Moreover, the modified materials demonstrated an improvement in the residual splitting strength, ranging from 26% to 37% when exposed to temperatures over 800 °C. These findings indicate a substantial enhancement in the mechanical properties of the proposed modified materials. In conclusion, the incorporation of carbon fiber and nano silica into the building materials resulted in substantial improvements in their mechanical properties. These modified materials hold great potential for practical construction projects, offering higher performance and enhanced durability.

O242: Prolonged subnormothermic acellular machine perfusion of human kidneys

Abstract Introduction Prolonged periods of ex vivo perfusion are required to effectively deliver regenerative therapies directly to a kidney before transplantation. This provides time to start repair processes and reduce the likelihood of early graft dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the capability of extending the preservation interval using subnormothermic acelllular machine perfusion (SNAP). Methods After a period of static cold storage, 12 human kidneys declined for transplantation were perfused with an oxygenated human serum albumin-based solution at 32°C for 6, 12 or 24h (n=4 per group). After preservation all kidneys were reperfused with a red blood cell-based solution at 37°C for 4h for assessment. Results Functional parameters remained stable during SNAP in all kidneys. However, the perfusate flow rate was significantly lower in the 24h group (24h 166±45, 12h 266±45, 6h 214±36 mL/min/100g; P=0.008). After reperfusion, levels of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were similar between groups (P&amp;gt;0.05). Levels of oxygen consumption were significantly lower in 24h kidneys compared to 12h (24h 1.45±0.86, 12h 4.3±1.78 mL/min/100g; P=0.0294). Histological evaluation showed a preserved renal morphology in all kidneys, except for the 24h group which showed a mild increase in tubular and endothelial damage. Conclusion This study demonstrated that human kidneys can be successfully preserved with SNAP for up to 12h. There was some evidence of additional ischaemic injury in the 24h SNAP kidneys which warrants further investigation.

Time matters: Cervical ripening balloon for 6 versus 12 h-Retrospective comparison between two protocols.

Recently, two randomized controlled trials compared removal of cervical ripening balloon (CRB) after 6 versus 12 h. Their results showed similar Bishop score changes in both groups and a shorter time to delivery in the 6-h group. Neither of the studies was powered to show difference in mode of delivery. The aim of this study was to compare mode of delivery when the CRB was removed after 6 versus 12 h. A historical control study comparing induction of labor with a CRB between two time periods, one in which the CRB was removed after 12 h (12-h group), and the other in which it was removed after 6 h (6-h group). We included term pregnancies with a singleton fetus in vertex presentation. We excluded patients with a previous cesarean delivery, failed ripening with prostaglandins prior to CRB insertion, and any contraindication for vaginal delivery. The primary outcome was mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included delivery within 24 h and other maternal and neonatal outcomes. We included 1704 patients, 914 in the 12-h group, and 717 in the 6-h group. Removal after 6 h was associated with a lower rate of cesarean and instrumental deliveries (28.6% vs 22.5%, and 12% vs 6.2%, respectively) and a higher rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h. All differences were statistically significant. Removing a cervical ripening balloon after 6 rather than 12 h is associated with reduced cesarean and instrumental delivery rates, and should be considered as a reasonable, and potentially superior alternative in labor induction protocols with intracervical ripening balloon.

First Detection of International High-Risk blaKPC-2-Harbouring Escherichia coli Pandemic Lineage ST648 in Pet Food Packages

The continued worldwide increase in pet ownership has significantly boosted the growth of the pet food industry accompanied by new food safety risks and challenges. This study was designed to determine the occurrence and molecularly characterize multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales in pet food. Eighty-six (86) packages of dry and wet pet food purchased in different retail stores were screened for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by agar dilution technique using EUCAST/BrCAST recommendations. Blue-Carba test was further used to screen for carbapenemase-producing isolates. Isolated CRE strains were identified at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Detection of carbapenemase-encoding genes was carried out by PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 15 (17.4%) MDR-CRE (Escherichia coli (n = 2), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 10), Leclercia adecarboxylata (n = 2), and Cronobacter spp. (n = 1)) were isolated from 86 pet food samples. In addition to being resistant to beta-lactams, the Gram-negative bacterial isolates were also resistant to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tigecycline. Interestingly, two carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates harboured blaKPC-2 gene. WGS analysis of the two blaKPC-2-producing E. coli isolates revealed that they both belong to ST648 and serotype O153:H2 group. The genetic context of the blaKPC-2 showed that they were carried by an IncN plasmid on a Tn4401b transposon element. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of blaKPC-2-harbouring E. coli ST648 pathogens in pet food. The detection of blaKPC-2-harbouring E. coli ST648 pandemic high-risk lineage in pet food is worrisome and a serious “One Health” issue. Therefore, pet food should be considered as a potential vehicle for the transmission of MDR pathogens to companion animals, and a risk factor for the dissemination of these bacterial pathogens to pet animals and their human guardians.

Therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and their conditioned medium on LPS-induced endometritis in mice

AimTo explore the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and their conditioned medium (MSC-CM) in repairing the endometritis mouse model in vivo. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce acute inflammation in endometritis mouse model. Mice were treated in six groups: control group (PBS), model group (LPS), LPS+MSC-CM (6 h) group, LPS+MSC-CM (12 h) group, LPS+MSCs (6 h) group and LPS+MSCs (12 h) group. Morphological and histological changes of mouse uterus were observed, and mouse uterine inflammation index myeloperoxidase (MPO) and related immune index TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. ResultsThere exist remarkable inflammatory response and an obvious increase in the value of MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the endometritis mouse model compared with the control group. Morphological and histological appearances were relieved after treated with hUC-MSCs and MSC-CM. Besides, the value of MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 showed different degrees of decline. In comparison with LPS+MSC-CM (12 h) and LPS+MSCs (12 h) group, there was significant decrease in inflammatory indicators in LPS+MSC-CM (6 h) and LPS+MSCs (6 h) group. ConclusionsIntrauterine infusion of hUC-MSCs and MSC-CM can alleviate LPS induced endometritis.

N95 respirators alter facial skin physiological functions and lipidome composition in health care personnel.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, wearing medical respirators and masks was essential to prevent transmission. To quantify the effects of N95 mask usage by measuring facial skin biophysical characteristics and changes in the lipidome. Sixty healthy volunteers wore N95 respirators for 3 or 6h. Facial images were acquired and physiological parameters were measured in specific facial areas, before and after mask-wearing. Lipidome analysis was also performed. After N95 respirator usage, facial erythema was observed in both the 3 and 6h groups. Both sebum secretion and trans-epidermal water loss increased significantly in mask-covered cheeks and chins after 6h of mask wearing compared with before mask wearing (p<0.05). Principal component analysis revealed significant differences in lipid composition after mask wearing compared with before. The ceramide subclass NS exhibited a positive correlation with stratum corneum hydration, whereas the AP subclass was negatively correlated with trans-epidermal water loss in the 6h group. Prolonged wear of N95 respirators may impair facial skin function and alter lipidome composition.

Transportation stress: Impact on behaviour and welfare in meat-type chickens under indian scenario

In order to find standard transport time and its effect on the welfare, 480 marketable commercial broiler chickens (CARIBRO VISHAL; avg. 2.0 kg body weight) were transported for 2, 4, 8h and without transport in crates in three replicates in a completely randomized design. Transport affected welfare as well as behaviour of broiler chickens. Transport stretch impacted the gait score and tonic immobility with maximum aggravation with extended duration. Runaway results shown that 8h group exhibited more run-away time (279.20sec). Number of birds affected by physical injuries increases with the duration. Bodyweight change was significant among transported groups, especially 8h travelled group exhibited more (−8.21%) body weight loss. It is concluded that a transport period of more than 4h in Indian conditions is not recommended as its causing a significant level of stress in the birds leading to stress, production loss and hampering welfare of broilers.

Molecular hydrogen attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy in mice by promoting autophagy

BackgroundApproximately 40 to 60% of patients with sepsis develop sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), which is associated with a substantial increase in mortality. We have found that molecular hydrogen (H2) inhalation improved the survival rate and cardiac injury in septic mice. However, the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism by which hydrogen modulates autophagy and its role in hydrogen protection of SIC.MethodsCecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce sepsis in adult C57BL/6J male mice. The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham, Sham + 2% hydrogen inhalation (H2), CLP, and CLP + H2 group. The 7-day survival rate was recorded. Myocardial pathological scores were calculated. Myocardial troponin I (cTnI) levels in serum were detected, and the levels of autophagy- and mitophagy-related proteins in myocardial tissue were measured. Another four groups of mice were also studied: CLP, CLP + Bafilomycin A1 (BafA1), CLP + H2, and CLP + H2 + BafA1 group. Mice in the BafA1 group received an intraperitoneal injection of the autophagy inhibitor BafA1 1 mg/kg 1 h after operation. The detection indicators remained the same as before.ResultsThe survival rate of septic mice treated with H2 was significantly improved, myocardial tissue inflammation was improved, serum cTnI level was decreased, autophagy flux was increased, and mitophagy protein content was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to the CLP + H2 group, the CLP + H2 + BafA1 group showed a decrease in autophagy level and 7-day survival rate, an increase in myocardial tissue injury and cTnI level, which reversed the protective effect of hydrogen (P < 0.05).ConclusionHydrogen exerts protective effect against SIC, which may be achieved through the promotion of autophagy and mitophagy.

Can sodium and potassium measured in timed voids be used as reference instruments for validating self-report instruments? Results from a urine calibration study

BackgroundSodium and potassium measured in 24-h urine collections are often used as reference measurements to validate self-reported dietary intake instruments. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether collection and analysis of a limited number of urine voids at specified times during the day (“timed voids”) can provide alternative reference measurements, and to identify their optimal number and timing. MethodsWe used data from a urine calibration study among 441 adults aged 18–39 y. Participants collected each urine void in a separate container for 24 h and recorded the collection time. For the same day, they reported dietary intake using a 24-h recall. Urinary sodium and potassium were analyzed in a 24-h composite sample and in 4 timed voids (morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight). Linear regression models were used to develop equations predicting log-transformed 24-h urinary sodium or potassium levels using each of the 4 single timed voids, 6 pairs, and 4 triples. The equations also included age, sex, race, BMI (kg/m2), and log creatinine. Optimal combinations minimizing the mean squared prediction error were selected, and the observed and predicted 24-h levels were then used as reference measures to estimate the group bias and attenuation factors of the 24-h dietary recall. These estimates were compared. ResultsOptimal combinations found were as follows: single voids—evening; paired voids—afternoon + overnight (sodium) and morning + evening (potassium); and triple voids—morning + evening + overnight (sodium) and morning + afternoon + evening (potassium). Predicted 24-h urinary levels estimated 24-h recall group biases and attenuation factors without apparent bias, but with less precision than observed 24-h urinary levels. To recover lost precision, it was estimated that sample sizes need to be increased by ∼2.6–2.7 times for a single void, 1.7–2.1 times for paired voids, and 1.5–1.6 times for triple voids. ConclusionsOur results provide the basis for further development of new reference biomarkers based on timed voids. Clinical Trial Registryclinicaltrials.gov as NCT01631240.

Effectiveness of perioperative low-dose esketamine infusion for postoperative pain management in pediatric urological surgery: a prospective clinical trial

BackgroundPostoperative pain is common in pediatric urological surgery. The study assess the impact of perioperative intravenous infusion of low-dose esketamine on postoperative pain in pediatric urological surgery.MethodsPediatric patients (n = 80) undergoing urological surgery were randomized into four groups. Patients in the control group were administered an analgesic pump containing only hydromorphone at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg (Hydromorphone Group 1, H1) or 0.15 mg/kg (Hydromorphone Group 2, H2). Patients in the experimental group were injected intravenously with 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine (Esketamine group 1, ES1) or equal volume of saline (Esketamine Group 2, ES2) during anesthesia induction. Esketamine 1.0 mg/kg and hydromorphone 0.1 mg/kg were added to the analgesic pump. Face, Leg, Activity, Crying, and Comfort (FLACC) scale or the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and adverse effects were recorded at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Additionally, total and effective PCA button presses were recorded.ResultsIn comparison to the H1 group, the pain scores were notably reduced at all postoperative time points in both the ES1 and H2 groups. The ES2 group exhibited lower pain scores only at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. When compared to the H2 group, there were no significant differences in pain scores at various postoperative time points in the ES2 group. However, the ES1 group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at 6, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, and these scores were also significantly lower than those observed in the ES2 group. The total and effective number of PCA button presses in the ES1, ES2 and H2 group were lower than that in the H1 group (P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse effects within 48 h after surgery was 15% in ES1, 22% in ES2, 58% in H1, and 42% in H2, respectively (P = 0.021).ConclusionsThe use of low-dose esketamine infusion in analgesia pump can effectively alleviates postoperative pain in pediatric urological patients, leading to a significant reduction in the number of analgesic pump button press. The combined approach of perioperative anesthesia induction and analgesia pump administration is recommended for optimal pain management in these patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry- ChiCTR2300073879 (24/07/2023).