Activity Concentration Research Articles

Assessment of detoxification enzymes in pyrethroid‐resistant Listronotus maculicollis Kirby suggests additional mechanisms

AbstractInsecticide resistance is a pressing issue in urban pest management. The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis Kirby, is a highly destructive turfgrass pest in northeastern North America. The overuse of pyrethroids has led to resistance in some ABW populations in the northeastern United States. Understanding ABW resistance mechanisms is pivotal for sustaining turf quality and minimizing environmental impact. This study investigated the potential for enzymatic detoxification, a common resistance mechanism in insects, to be the mechanism behind ABW tolerance to pyrethroids. Different ABW populations’ resistance levels to bifenthrin were determined through dose–response Petri dish assays. Cytochrome P450 activity and protein concentrations were measured following bifenthrin exposure. Results indicated golf course‐specific effects on enzyme and protein levels but found no direct correlation between these levels and bifenthrin dosage. P450 activity varied among different golf course populations, showing no dependence on bifenthrin dosage. These findings question prior studies suggesting P450 involvement in bifenthrin detoxification in populations of all resistance levels. This study establishes a foundation for comprehending ABW resistance mechanisms and devising effective management strategies. However, further research is needed to investigate additional detoxification enzymes and other resistance mechanisms.

Assessing the forms of integration of the higher education system in Mozambique

The forms of integration and articulation at tertiary education are debated around the world including studies those discuss expansion, differentiation, diversity, and fragmentation of higher education. The forms of integration are evaluated here by reviewing selected Mozambican higher education literature and database from 1962 to 2021. The higher education (HE) background research in Mozambique helped assessing trends and expansion, fragmentation, differentiation, and diversity processes. These processes were described using data assessed from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Mozambique in 53 public and private universities. Statistical analyses by Excel Sheets were based on the integrated data of enrolments, new admissions, and graduations to infer the performance of isomorphism through the process of differentiation, diversity, and fragmentation. The expansion and fragmentation of HE in Mozambique is well reflected on total students enrolled in public and private systems. Results indicated slight difference of new admissions between public and private system. While we registered more graduations in public system than in private. Comparison assessed demonstrated the absence of significant differences, at 5% of confidence level, between new-admissions and graduated students, reflecting the intensification of fragmentation of the mother institutions. Additionally, evidence supporting the differentiation and diversity practices in public and private institutions was not found. Moreover, the expansion and fragmentation processes detected suggest the need of decentralization to offset the heavy concentration of resources and higher activities outside Maputo. While differentiation and diversity processes were absent in higher education system in Mozambique, nevertheless, may ensure educational quality and produce high quality graduate outputs, research, and community outreach activities.

Evaluating the forms of integration of the tertiary education in Mozambique

The forms of integration and pedagogical articulation at tertiary education are debated around the world including studies those discuss expansion, differentiation, diversity, and fragmentation of higher education. The forms of integration are evaluated here by reviewing selected higher education literature and database from 1962 to 2021. The higher education (HE) background research in Mozambique helped assessing trends and expansion, fragmentation, differentiation, and diversity processes. These processes were described using data assessed from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Mozambique in 53 public and private universities. Statistical analyses by Excel Sheets were based on the integrated data of enrolments, new admissions, and graduations to infer the performance of isomorphism through the process of differentiation, diversity, and fragmentation. The expansion and fragmentation of HE in Mozambique is well reflected on total students enrolled in public and private systems. Results indicated slight difference of around 700 students of new admissions between public and private system. While we registered more graduations in public system than in private. Comparison assessed demonstrated the absence of significant differences, at 5% of confidence level, between new-admissions and graduated students, reflecting the intensification of fragmentation of the mother institutions. Additionally, evidence supporting the differentiation and diversity practices in public and private institutions was not found. Moreover, the expansion and fragmentation processes detected suggest the need of decentralization to offset the heavy concentration of resources and higher activities outside Maputo. While differentiation and diversity processes were absent in higher education system in Mozambique, nevertheless, may ensure educational quality and produce high quality graduate outputs, research, and community outreach activities.

The Effect of Air Exchange Rate and Room Size on Dose Estimation of Partial Substitution of Tin Slag 2 on Fine Aggregate in Making Mortar in Buildings

Tin slag 2 is a by-product of the tin processing and smelting industry. Tin slag 2 contains radioactive from the uranium and thorium decay series with specific activity concentrations. The current condition of tin slag 2 is still stored in storage. This study aims to simulate using tin slag 2 as a partial substitute for fine aggregate in making mortar, used as a floor or wall plastering material. Dose analysis of the use of mortar–tin slag 2 using RESRAD-BUILD. Several radionuclides were measured in tin slag 2, such as 226Ra 5.72 Bq/gram, 228Th 14.29 Bq/gram, 228Ra 16.59 Bq/gram, and potassium 1.16 Bq/gram. According to the regulations, the activity concentration limit is 1 Bq/gram for the uranium and thorium decay series radionuclide and 10 Bq/g for the potassium. Simulations were performed using RESRAD-BUILD software with scenarios of 2 room sizes against one assumption of the building/air exchange rate. In 2 room size assumptions, namely 4x3x2.5 m and 4x5x2.8 m, the results showed that the larger the room size, the smaller the dose received. Assuming the same building exchange rate, because the sizes used are different, the amount of air exchanged will also be different and affect the dose received by the receptor. The challenge that must be considered is that the air exchange rate is greatly influenced by various factors such as design, ventilation systems, natural or mechanical, environmental conditions, etc. Keywords: tin, slag 2, partial, substitution, mortar

Short-term repeated oral intake of low dose cannabidiol: effects on liver enzyme activity and creatinine concentration during intense exercise.

The side effects and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) products are currently discussed in different contexts. Of all adverse effects, hepatotoxic effects have been reported most frequently in previous studies. However, the threshold for liver toxicity of CBD in humans is uncertain due to the lack of adequately designed studies in humans below the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 300 mg/day. In a randomised, three-arm, double-blind, crossover study, the effects of two CBD products (oil and solubilisate (solu) containing 60 mg CBD) were investigated during a high-intensity exercise protocol. Seventeen well-trained subjects (26±4 years, 181±5 cm, 85.6±9.4 kg) participated in the intervention. All subjects were healthy and had no physiological or psychological injuries. Participants were divided into advanced (Ad) and highly advanced (Hi) athletes … They consumed 60 mg of the compound in each microcycle over 7 days. To evaluate possible effects of short-term repeated use of 60 mg CBD on oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine (CREA) were analysed before and after each microcycle. GOT increased significantly in both performance levels of the placebo groups (Ad: p≤0.001; Hi: p=0.003). This increase was significantly reduced in the Ad group by both CBD oil (p=0.050, ES=0.66) and CBD solu (p=0.027; ES=0.75). GPT also increased significantly in both placebo groups (Ad: p≤0.001; Hi: p=0.032). This increase was significantly reduced in the Ad group by both CBD oil (p=0.027; ES=0.75) and CBD solu (p=0.023; ES=0.77). These effects were not observed in the Hi group for either parameter. Our results show that short-term repeated use of 60 mg CBD can inhibit exercise-induced liver activity. Furthermore, under the conditions of the present study, there was no evidence for hepatotoxic effects of oral intake of CBD at 60 mg for seven days. Nevertheless, despite the inhibitory effect on exercise-induced liver activity, the study provides evidence for the pharmacological effects of CBD on the liver even at low CBD dose and does not exclude adverse effects in sensitive individuals.

Unveiling the Aluminum Doping Effects of In‐Situ Transmogrified Dual‐LDH Heterostructure and Its Fermi‐Level Alignment to Water Splitting Potentials

AbstractThe layered double hydroxide (LDH) captivates the starlight of electrochemical water‐splitting applications due to its stacked layers and larger surface area. A novel approach is reported to integrate CoFe‐LDH/NiAl‐LDH heterostructure through a single‐step in situ transmogrification, harnessing the benefits of LDH. The in situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that aluminum (Al) doping promotes the formation of high‐valent CoIII/IV‐O active species concentration in LDH, whereas without Al dopants, the catalyst predominantly exhibit NiII/III‐O species and underperform the catalytic activity. The projected density of states is very close to the Fermi level positions in Al‐doped samples which significantly enhance the electron transfer processes. The Mott–Schottky studies confirm that both Al40 CoFe30 and Al60 CoFe20 catalysts are p‐type semiconductors, exhibiting a distinct redox behaviors under applied bias. At positive bias, Al60 CoFe20 undergoes downward band bending (accumulation), and align the Fermi‐level near the water oxidation potential, which promotes the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The negative bias causes upward band bending (deep depletion) in the Al40 CoFe30, and shifts the Fermi‐level near the water reduction potential, and hence facilitates hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Overall, this study highlights the importance of manipulating Fermi‐level alignment in LDH catalysts through strategic metal doping to achieve targeted water‐splitting reactions.

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Is Required for the Larval-Pupal Transformation and Immunity of Plutella xylostella: Potential for Pest Management.

Plutella xylostella has developed high levels of resistance to many commonly used insecticides. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is essential for insect survival; thus, we evaluated whether TH could be a potential target for controlling P. xylostella. In this study, PxTH was identified; further qPCR analysis showed that PxTH increased its expression during larval pupation and was highly expressed in the head and epidermis of prepupa in P. xylostella. Subsequently, we found a significant decrease in insect pupation and eclosion rates after injection of dsPxTH or a feeding diet supplemented with 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) as a TH inhibitor in P. xylostella. Moreover, this study suggested that PxTH enzyme activity and dopamine concentrations were significantly decreased, agreeing with the blockage of larval-pupal cuticle tanning, with thinner puparium and less melanization after feeding 3-IT. In addition, expression levels of four antimicrobial peptide genes were significantly inhibited after P. xylostella feeding with 3-IT, and injection of Escherichia coli resulted in 73.3% mortality, indicating that PxTH was required for immune responses. In summary, these results confirmed that PxTH was involved in the development and immunity of P. xylostella, suggesting a critical potential novel insecticide target for RNAi-based pest control.

Sensitivity Analysis of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis to Quinone-Outside Inhibitor and 14α-Demethylase Inhibitor Fungicides in Latvia

Tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis is a severe threat to wheat production in all major wheat-growing regions. Sustainable tan spot control can be achieved by an integrated approach, including responsible management of fungicide sprays. The data about the sensitivity of P. tritici-repentis to various fungicides in the Baltic Sea region are rare. In this study, we described the variation of P. tritici-repentis sensitivity to four fungicide active ingredients to detect the formation of resistance to the most commonly used quinone-outside inhibitor (QoI) and 14α-demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides in the pathogen’s population in Latvia. The effect of prothioconazole, mefentrifluconazole, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin on 93 P. tritici-repentis strains from various hosts was tested in vitro by assessing mycelium linear growth inhibition at three different active ingredient concentrations (0 0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 mg L−1). Pathogen sensitivity significantly (p < 0.001) varied between the fungicide active ingredients and strains. The prothioconazole (concentration 0.5 mg L−1) had the most significant effect, with a median mycelial growth inhibition of 70.34%, followed by pyraclostrobin (47.02%), azoxystrobin (24.24%), and mefentrifluconazole (11.11%). Mutation G143A was detected in cytb gene sequences and confirmed the resistance formation in Latvia’s P. tritici-repentis population, while F129L and G137R mutations were absent. This study provided insight into P. tritici-repentis population’s sensitivity to active ingredients of DMI and OoI fungicide groups, helping to fill the knowledge gap about the pathogen fungicide sensitivity in this region.

Monte Carlo simulations of radiological cancer risks associated with naturally occurring radionuclides in local and imported spices from Delta and Ogun States, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, water, and plants, including spices, pose potential health risks. Given the widespread use of spices in culinary practices, it is crucial to assess the potential health risks associated with their natural radionuclides content. This study determines the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in locally processed and imported spices from markets in Delta and Ogun States, Nigeria, using gamma spectrometry. Monte Carlo simulations estimated the probabilistic distribution of cancer risk over a lifetime of exposure. The results revealed significant variability in the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th among the spice samples. The mean committed effective doses due to ingestion were 10.56 µSv/y, 9.82 µSv/y, and 6.87 µSv/y for locally produced and imported spices, respectively. Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses show that the cancer risk values fall within the acceptable range of 10-6 to 10-4, indicating minimal risk from ingestion of natural radionuclides in spices.

Increased impacts of aircraft activities on PM2.5 concentration and human health in China

The rapid development of China’s aviation industry has caused a rapid increase in airport PM2.5 emissions. This study uses the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM) to evaluate the monthly deaths caused by aircraft activities at 164 airports in China from 2015 to 2023, based on the PM2.5 concentration of airport aircraft activities and the detection data of the China National Environmental Monitoring Center, including twenty age groups, six diseases, and gender. This paper presents three main conclusions. Firstly, aviation PM2.5 emissions significantly impact mortality, with notable variations by year and season. The highest cumulative deaths are recorded in 2023, particularly in the third quarter, which peaked at 8,305 deaths. Despite the comparatively modest total of 11,604 deaths in 2022, a mere 0.2965 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration would precipitate an additional 39,138 deaths, representing a 1.05-fold rise from 2015. Secondly, the 80–84 age bracket exhibited the highest death proportion (16.51 %–18.73 %), while the 5–9 and 10–14 age groups had the lowest (0 %-0.13 %). Males aged 80–84 are the most affected demographic, with each 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 leading to an additional 87 male deaths monthly in 2023, primarily from stroke and ischemic heart disease. In contrast, females only experienced 67 additional deaths per month from the same concentration increase. Lastly, airports in the economically vibrant Beijing-Shanghai-Guangzhou-Shenzhen region showed the highest mortality rates due to PM2.5 emissions. Airports in eastern coastal areas are more severely impacted than those in central and western China, revealing a spatial clustering of high death tolls in developed regions.

A Single-Center Pilot Study of Therapeutic Apheresis in Patients with Severe Post-COVID Syndrome.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have reported chronic fatigue and severe post-exertional malaise, with symptoms similar to those of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The accumulation of agonistic receptor autoantibodies targeting beta-adrenergic (β1 and β2) and muscarinic (M3 and M4) neurotransmitter receptors may play a crucial role in the pathomechanism of both ME/CFS and post-COVID conditions. Therapeutic apheresis has been suggested as an effective treatment option for alleviating and mitigating symptoms in this desperate group of patients. In this single-center pilot study, we analyzed autoantibodies in a cohort of 20 post-COVID patients before and after therapeutic apheresis. Apheresis resulted in a decline of β1 or β2 adrenergic receptor antibodies in all patients. Additionally, the majority of patients experienced a concurrent reduction in symptoms such as fatigue, physical activity restrictions, myalgia, post-exertional malaise, and concentration disorders. This study clearly demonstrates an association between autoantibodies and the clinical improvement of post-COVID patients. Even if future sham-controlled trials do not show a positive outcome, extracorporeal apheresis may still be valuable for this patient group by temporarily improving microperfusion and symptoms. Success in restoring patients to work and normal life, as observed in many individuals after therapeutic apheresis, should be recognized. Therefore, we believe that extracorporeal therapeutic apheresis, as part of a multimodal treatment, should be considered an early intervention for postinfectious syndromes in selected patients.

Co-Administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa linn and Daflon-500® mitigates weight loss, hyperglycemia, hematological and oxidative changes in male rats with type-2 diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with persistent hyperglycemia and metabolic imbalance. Flavonoid compounds possess notable qualities in mitigating diabetes and its complications. AimHibiscus sabdariffa linn and daflon-500® were assessed for their effects on body weight, blood glucose/indices, and oxidative changes in type-2 diabetes rats over 28 days. Methods35 male rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=5). Diabetes mellitus was induced in groups 2-7 via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 55mg/kg). Group 1(DW) received distilled water (2mL/kg) only. Group 2 (STZ; untreated), group 3 {MET; metformin (200mg/kg)}, group 4 {HS; Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}, group 5 {DAF; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg)}, group 6 {DAF+HS; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}, group 7 {DAF+MET+HS; daflon-500® (1000mg/kg), metformin (200mg/kg), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (400mg/kg)}. Body weight and blood glucose were assessed fortnightly. Blood and hepatic/pancreatic tissues were collected for hematological and antioxidant testing. ResultsGroups 2-7 revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight on day 14 compared to the increased growth rate observed on day 28 (Group 7).Blood glucose levels significantly increased on days 1 and 14 in groups 2-7 but declined on day 28 in groups 4-7. Significantly higher packed cell volume, hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were observed in groups 5-7. Platelet counts were higher in Groups 2 and 5. Untreated group 2 exhibited considerably reduced catalase activity, glutathione, and malondialdehyde concentrations compared to the treated groups. ConclusionHibiscus sabdariffa linn and Daflon-500® expressed substantial hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hemato-protective effects.

Radiation doses received by humans in their dwellings – A baseline report on radionuclides exposure from construction materials used in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to assess the activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in various construction materials, including those used for building, roofing, furnishing, flooring, and plastering. The measured activity concentrations of the radionuclides ranged as follows: 238U (25 to 477Bqkg–1), 232Th (below detection limit to 239Bqkg–1), and 40K (285 to 1915 Bq kg–1). Based on these values, the materials were categorized in descending order of radioactivity threat as: Furnishing > Roofing > Building > Flooring > Plastering. The potential radiation dose and radiological hazards to occupants from continuous exposure were estimated using risk parameters. The absorbed dose rates for flooring (217.7 nGy h–1), building (286.9 nGy h–1), furnishing (353.1 nGy h–1), roofing (322.5 nGy h–1), and plastering (176.8 nGy h–1) were all found to exceed both the world average value and the typical indoor gamma dose rate of 84 nGy h–1. This study highlights significant radiological risks to inhabitants associated with the use of certain materials in building construction. These include clay tiles for roofing, wood, specific granite varieties (reddish/brown granite), and certain types of bricks (fly ash, burnt, and AAS). Environmental ImplicationMaterials used for construction of buildings contain naturally occurring radioactive materials such as uranium, thorium, potassium and radon, which can emit radiation. The radioactivity in these materials becomes a significant concern for both health and safety as it impacts the building and its occupants. When exposed to such natural radioactivity constantly, over a period of time, the dwellers might be at significant radiological risks and by monitoring radionuclides, potential health risks can be identified early, allowing for preventive measures to be taken before significant exposure occurs. This helps protect occupants from unnecessary radiation exposure and health hazards.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in polymetallic nodules and potential health risks from deep-sea mining

The activity concentration of U-238, Ra-226, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Pb-210 was measured in samples of polymetallic nodules stored in the repository of the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) based in Szczecin, Poland. The nodule samples were collected from the seabed of the Pacific Ocean, within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, approximately 2,000 kilometres west of Mexico. The activity concentration of U-238 in the studied samples ranged from 9 to 51Bqkg-1. The mean activity concentration of the other radionuclides, Ra-226, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Pb-210, was found to be at comparable levels at 350, 321, 323, and 287Bqkg-1, respectively. Also investigated was the potential radiological hazard to individuals involved in the storing and processing of the nodules, resulting from the radioactive decay of Ra-226 contained in the nodules. It was concluded that the effective dose limit (20mSv) for individuals occupationally exposed to radioactive material can be exceeded in the case of prolonged and close contact with large quantities of nodules. Effective protective measures against the detected radiation include: observing the exposure time, ensuring safe distance from the source of radiation, and selecting suitable shielding where feasible within the operational constraints of the nodule transport or storage system.

Real time monitoring of Rn-222 in workplaces and estimation of working time correction factor

The potential of electronic monitors for evaluating radon exposure is still not fully harnessed, and tests under real conditions are scarce. Ten workplaces were continuously monitored for a year with the radon measurement network of Sofia University, with calibrated and metrologically assured RadonEye +2 monitors. In 7 of the workplaces the average activity concentration of radon during the working time was significantly lower than the total time average. This difference is attributed to behavioral patterns. The ratio of the working time and the total time average (called working time correction factor kWT) for the whole year ranged from 0.71 to 0.98. Its weekly values varied significantly with coefficients of variation between 9 and 28%. Therefore, using short term estimates of kWT to correct the total time radon average determined by passive detectors could lead to bias.The workplaces also exhibited different seasonal radon patterns, although most were offices with similar schedules. In most pairs of workplaces the monthly averages were correlated very weakly or even negatively. This indicates that seasonal radon variations could be specific to each workplace. The value of kWT also varied with the season, suggesting that seasonal variations of radon during working hours might differ from those observed with passive integrating detectors.Overall, long-term follow-up by metrologically assured electronic monitors could help to improve and personalize the estimate of radon exposure of workers. These monitors could potentially support smart anti-radon systems with optimal operation schedules, thereby contributing to the reduction of the energy impact of buildings.

Determination of Radiological Hazards Associated with the use of Oba-Ile River Sediments as Building Material

This study was conducted to determine the radioactivity level in the sediment samples collected from Oba-Ile River, Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria and evaluate the radiological hazards associated with the use of the river sediments as building material. Twenty four (24) sediment samples were obtained along three different points within the River for a period of eight months. The activity concentration of 40K in the sediment sample ranged from 273.36 ± 5.41 Bqkg-1 to 1662.41± 28.19 Bqkg-1with an average concentration 892.22 ± 14.66 Bqkg-1. The values of 232Th in the sediment samples ranged between 27.22 ± 5.12 Bqkg-1 to 186.14 ± 6.22 Bqkg-1 with an average concentration 87.95 ± 7.91 Bqkg-1. The values of 238U ranged from 12.61 ± 2.01 Bqkg-1 to 241.12 ± 5.91 Bqkg-1 with an average 62.83 ± 3.18 Bqkg-1. The radiological hazards due to natural radionuclides content, such as absorbed dose rate (DR), annual effective dose rate (AEDE),excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), internal radiation hazard (Hin) and external radiation hazard (Hex) in the sediment samples were calculated. The calculated radiological parameters were compared with recommended safety limits and internationally approved values.

Car-use reduction in 15-Minute Cities. A matter of modal shift or shorter travel distances?

Policies such as the 15 Minute City seek to reduce car use by ensuring the spatial concentration and proximity of everyday activities. This paper examines how proximity to nearby services in Barcelona affects car use and analyzes whether proximity to everyday destinations affects modal choice and car trip durations differently. By matching self-reported travel behavior data and a series of GIS-based minimum walking travel times to 25 distinct everyday destinations, we are able to assess the links between proximity availability and actual car use. Our findings indicate that closer everyday destinations influence car usage by reducing the frequency of car-based modal choices, though they do not alter travel distances for those who continue to use cars. This study contributes to evidencing the effect of the 15 Minute City's premise regarding car usage reduction.

Activation of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator/Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor System in Periodontitis: A Case-Control Study.

The plasminogen activating (PA) system has a multitude of functions such as wound healing, proteolytic activity, collagen degradation and cell growth, and the role of the urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPA/uPAR) system has been studied in many disease states. The aim of this study was to investigate salivary concentrations of uPA, uPAR and uPA activity in patients with periodontitis to identify biomarkers and novel pathogenic relationships. Saliva samples were obtained from 169 participants, comprising patients with periodontitis (n = 103) and periodontally healthy volunteers (n = 66) and analysed for uPA and uPAR with a multiplex protein assay using proximity extension analysis in a subset of samples, followed by validation with ELISA. The protease activity of salivary uPA was quantified using a fluorometric assay. Patients with periodontitis had a 4.0-fold higher (p < 0.001) salivary uPA and a 2.5-fold higher (p < 0.001) salivary uPAR concentration in comparison to periodontally healthy participants. The salivary uPA activity (median [IQR]) from patients with periodontitis (123.21 [188.29] U/mL) was 1.6-fold higher (p < 0.01) than the salivary uPA activity from periodontally healthy participants (76.83 [98.09] U/mL). Levels of uPA and uPAR were strongly correlated with periodontal indices, whereas only weak correlations were found with BMI and age. Activation of uPA/uPAR likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. uPA/uPAR may have potential utility as candidate salivary biomarkers in periodontal pathogenesis.

Predictive factors associated with short-term mortality in cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with remdesivir or GS-441524 or both.

Although most cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) respond to treatment with remdesivir or GS-441524 or both with uneventful clinical courses, some die despite treatment. Identify predictive factors associated with short-term mortality in cats with FIP treated with IV remdesivir or PO GS-441524 or both. A total of 108 client-owned cats with FIP. Retrospective multicenter study using data collected from medical records. Factors associated with short-term mortality, defined as death within 84 days, were identified. Univariate analysis a t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess patient characteristics and clinicopathological variables between survivors and nonsurvivors. The short-term mortality rate was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6%-19.7%). Univariate analysis identified plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH; P < .001) and bilirubin concentration (P = .001) as being significantly increased in nonsurvivors, whereas concentrations of albumin (P = .003), total protein (P = .03), sodium (P = .005), and potassium (P = .005) were significantly lower. Additionally, nonsurvivors were significantly less likely to be febrile (≥39.4°C; P = .006). Of these variables, only plasma LDH activity ≥323 U/L, a cut-point determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was significantly associated with short-term mortality by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 15.30; 95% CI, 1.18-198.00; P = .04). Increased plasma LDH activity might be useful for predicting short-term mortality, guiding monitoring, and establishing prognosis in cats with FIP.

Detection and quantification of small and low-uptake lesions for differentiated thyroid carcinoma using non-time-of-flight iodine-124 PET/MRI.

124-iodine (124I) is used for positron emission tomography (PET) diagnostics and therapy planning in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Small lesion sizes(<10mm) and low 124I uptake are challenging conditions for the detection of DTC lymph node lesions. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the lesion detectability and quantification performance under clinically challenging imaging conditions using non-time-of-flight (TOF) PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the clinical context of radionuclide therapy planning of DTC patients. PET/MR measurements were performed on the Siemens Biograph mMR using a small lesion NEMA-like phantom (six glass spheres, diameters 3.7-9.7mm). 60 min list-mode data were acquired for nine activity concentrations (AC) ranging from 25kBq/mL to 0.25kBq/mL using a sphere-to-background ratio of 20:1. PET list-mode data were divided into five timeframes (60, 30, 16, 8, and 4min) and reconstructed using either ordered-subsets expectation maximization (OSEM) or OSEM+ point spread function (PSF) algorithm. For all reconstructions, the smallest detectable sphere size was investigated in a human observer study. Partial volume effect (PVE) corrected PET images (contour and oversize-based approach) were analyzed considering a±30% deviation range between imaged and true AC as acceptable. Clinical data of eight DTC patients with small lymph node lesions were evaluated to assess agreement between the PVE correction approaches. Longer PET acquisition times, higher ACs, and PSF reconstructions resulted in improved PET image quality and overall improved lesion detectability. The smallest 3.7mm sphere was only visible under the best imaging conditions. Using a typical clinical 124I whole-body PET/MRI protocol with an acquisition time of 8 min using OSEM reconstructions, all lesions of ≥6.5mm in diameter could be detected and the quantification provided reliable results approximately above 5.0kBq/mL. An accurate quantification of ACs in the 4.8mm sphere was not feasible in this study. In the clinical evaluation of 10 lesions, a good agreement between oversize- and contour-based PVE corrections was observed(<15% deviation). The results showed that a reliable quantification of 124I uptake with PET/MRI is feasible and, therefore, could be used to perform radioiodine pre-therapy lesion dosimetry and individualized therapy planning in DTC patients.