Changes In Size Research Articles

Fruit growth and water use of two pear cultivars grown in South Africa: implications for precision irrigation scheduling

In South Africa, as in other semi-arid countries, sustainable production of high-value crops requires precise management of limited water resources. We investigated daily and seasonal changes in stem and fruit growth as indicators of water stress in pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees, in the Western Cape Province. Stem and fruit growth data were collected hourly throughout the 2022–2023 growing season on 2 cultivars commonly planted in South Africa – Packham’s Triumph and Forelle. Soil water content, tree sap flow, and orchard microclimate were also monitored. Fruit maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) was highly sensitive to soil water deficit and more sensitive than stem size changes. However, the patterns of fruit MDS for both cultivars changed as the season progressed. Early in the season (October–December), there was a strong correlation between fruit MDS and soil water deficit (R2 ~ 0.72). The fruit shrunk with increasing soil water deficit as water loss through transpiration exceeded gains through xylem and phloem inflows. In contrast, daytime fruit size swelled from late December until harvest (February/March), likely because of the dominance of phloem inflows and decreased peel transpiration as the fruit matured. Correlation between fruit expansion and soil water deficit was weaker (R2 ~ 0.32) during the later stage even though fruit growth continued until harvest. Stem MDS consistently showed midday shrinkage throughout the season in response to soil water deficit, but with more scatter (R2~ 0.37). Seasonal total transpiration was greater for Forelle (733 mm) than Packham’s Triumph (539 mm) because of the higher leaf area index of the Forelle and the longer growing season. This study suggests that pear fruit growth data can provide accurate estimates of tree water status, but only during the early stages of growth. Towards maturity, fruit size changes respond indirectly to water deficit, possibly through reductions in photosynthesis.

Analysis of Influence of Ultrasonic Shot Peening on Surface Plastic Behavior of Superalloy

This work focuses on the effects of ultrasonic shot peening (USP) on grain refinement and orientation behavior in the surface region of GH4151 superalloy. The microstructure evolution of the alloy under USP durations were studied. The effects of USP-induced grain refinement, orientation, and dislocation motion behavior were analyzed. The results indicated that during the USP process, the plastic deformation of the surface layer of superalloys is accompanied by changes in grain size and orientation. The random impact of the spheres on the surface area promotes grain refinement and grain rotation, enhancing the randomness of grain orientations and reducing the texture strength and the proportion of “soft” orientation distribution. Over a long period of treatment, a large number of spheres cause the slip planes and slip directions of each grain to rotate due to the additional shear stress from the impact, resulting in relatively consistent plastic deformation on the surface and the enhanced randomness of grain orientations, thus reducing the high texture strength introduced by previous machining processes. The understanding of dislocation pile-up behavior and the relationship between externally applied shear stress, pile-up characteristics, and grain refinement is essential for optimizing the USP process and achieving the desired material properties.

Modulation of the Microstructure and Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Performance of g-C3N4 by Thermal Exfoliation

This work explores the impact of reaction temperature during thermal exfoliation treatment of bulk-g-C3N4 in the air atmosphere on the structure and performance of the resulting CN photocatalyst. The analysis conducted using XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, and elements mapping tests, illustrated an increase in nitrogen-vacancy and oxygen content on the surface of the CN photocatalyst, resulting in a porous and sparse structure, changes in crystal size, and improved visible light absorption performance. The photocatalytic reduction experiments of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) showed that the CN-540 showed the highest reduction rate of 96.9%, with a reaction rate constant 6.21 times that of bulk-g-C3N4. After 100 min of illumination, the photocatalytic degradation rates of CN-540 for TC-HCl and RhB were 66.7% and 60.6%, respectively. The TOC test results indicated mineralization rates of 51.5% for TC-HCl and 46.6% for RhB. Room temperature fluorescence spectroscopy (PL), transient photocurrent response (TPC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements confirmed the excellent photogenerated charge carrier separation and transport efficiency of CN-540. The photocatalytic mechanism for reducing Cr(VI) by CN-540 was elucidated based on the active species •OH and •O2– and Mott-Schottky (M-S) tests. This study provides experimental data for optimizing the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 and paves a new way for developing efficient photocatalysts. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Mycological analysis in three schools over four seasons using passive air sedimentation

The aim of the study is the isolation and identification of fungi using passive air sedimentation. This study analyzed 540 mycological samples from three primary schools in Zenica, collected in September, December, February, and May. Each season, 135 samples were taken from five rooms (two classrooms, a gym, a locker room, and a library) in each school. Samples were collected three times daily at three different heights with 15-minute exposure times. Samples were refrigerated and transported in sterile bags, incubated for 24 hours, and inoculated on specific agars with and without additives. Plates were incubated at 37°C and 25°C for up to 7 days, followed by examinations. Petri dishes were used for passive air sampling, and colonies were counted after incubation. The average number of microorganisms (CFU/m³) was calculated using Omeliansky’s method. Statistical methods included the Chi-squared test and p-value. Colony appearance was assessed visually and microscopically using a light microscope. Growth rate, size, structure, and color changes were monitored. In September, the highest mold concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (796 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (1260 CFU/m³, not significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (3980 CFU/m³, significant). Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp. were most prevalent, with Alternaria spp. significant at H. Kikić Primary School. In December, the highest mold/yeast concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (4578 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (1924 CFU/m³, significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (2587 CFU/m³, not significant). Penicillium spp. was most prevalent. In February, the highest mold concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (4578 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (2786 CFU/m³, not significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (5838 CFU/m³, significant). Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. were equally prevalent. In May, the highest mold/yeast concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (6568 CFU/m³, significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (3516 CFU/m³, significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (7431 CFU/m³, significant). Aspergillus spp. was most prevalent. These findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and implementing appropriate ventilation measures to manage air quality and health concerns in schools.

Population Size and Language Change: An Evolutionary Perspective

There is increasing interest in the way that the size, composition, and environment of populations influence the way that their languages evolve. There are two reasons why an exploration of population and language change from the perspective of evolutionary biology might be useful. First, some of the relevant hypotheses rest explicitly or implicitly on theories developed in evolutionary biology, so it is important to critically evaluate the fit of these theories to language change. Second, methods developed in evolutionary biology have been applied to evaluating these hypotheses. Instead of aiming for a comprehensive review of the interaction between population size and language change, the focus of this review is on analogies drawn to processes in biological evolution (e.g., founder effects), processes that may have interesting parallels in both species and languages (e.g., evolution of complexity in small populations), and techniques from evolutionary biology that have been applied to language data (e.g., Wright-Fisher models).

Influence between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure With Results of Urine Protein Examination in Pregnant Women at Bangkalan Health Center

Background: Preeclampsia is an increase in blood pressure that occurs after the 20th week of gestation. Until now, the exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. During the second trimester of pregnancy the pressure in the renal veins (renal venous pressure) changes and increases. Increased renal venous pressure causes proteinuria, especially in the orthostatic position, which causes a slightly greater change in kidney size. Purpose: The aim of this study was The Relationship Between Body Mass Index And Blood Pressure With Results Of Urine Protein Examination In Pregnant Women At Bangkalan Health Center. Methods: Analytical Research Design with a cross sectional approach. Independent variable Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure, dependent variable results of urine protein examination. The sample of this study were 210 pregnant women who carried out Integrated ANC at the Bangkalan Health Center, the sampling technique used Simple random sampling. Secondary data collection by looking at medical record data, statistical tests using Rank Spearman. Results: Based on statistical tests using Rank-Spearman, the results showed ρ value (0.024) <α (0.05) indicating that there is a relationship between Body Mass Index and urine protein examination results. The results of the study ρ value (0.020) <α (0.05) there is a relationship between blood pressure and the results of urine protein examination. Conclusion: Detection of proteinuria is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy. Proteinuria is the last symptom to appear in patients with preeclampsia.

Effectiveness of Intake of Aloe Vera Juice in Reducing the Symptoms of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome among Reproductive Age Group in Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry, India

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a health disorder that is prevalent among women in the child bearing age. This disease is described by the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries due to inability of follicles to release mature eggs. To evaluate the effectiveness of intake of aloe vera juice in reducing the symptoms of poly cystic ovarian syndrome among reproductive age group . Methods: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a health disorder that is prevalent among women in the child bearing age. This disease is described by the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries due to inability of follicles to release mature eggs. Results: The finding shows that the experimental group had significant positive changes in the normal uterine size by 10% to 23.3% and positive changes in the right and left ovaries sizes which can imply that Aloe Vera has therapeutic effect on reproductive health. Post-assessment comparison revealed significant differences in uterus and left ovary sizes between the groups, with p-values of 0.005 and 0.004, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that aloe vera juice is effective in reducing the symptoms of poly cystic ovarian syndrome among reproductive age group. However, the results of this study need to be confirmed with larger samples and longer follow-up studies designed and powered for safety outcomes.

Nanostructured spinel ferrites: A comprehensive study on the synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of Zn and Mn substituted magnetite nanoparticles produced through the co-precipitation method

Seven cubic spinel ferrite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through the co-precipitation method. These nanoparticles include Fe3O4, Zn0.4Fe0.62+Fe23+O4, Mn0.4Fe0.62+Fe23+O4, Zn0.6Mn0.4Fe0.42+Fe1.63+O4, Zn0.4Mn0.6Fe0.42+Fe1.63+O4, Zn0.4Mn0.4Fe0.22+Fe23+O4, and Zn0.4Mn0.4Fe0.42+Fe1.83+O4. The Rietveld method was used to analyze X-ray diffraction data, confirming that all samples have a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The presence of zinc and manganese ions in magnetite lattice leads to changes in lattice parameters and crystallite size, resulting in a range of 7–12 nm crystallite sizes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of nanoparticles reveals two significant adsorption peaks at 560-576 cm−1 and 437-449 cm−1, corresponding to metal ion stretching vibrations at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the presence of iron, zinc, and manganese in various oxidation states. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical, agglomerated nanoparticles. The study confirmed the elemental composition and mapping images of prepared samples using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The magnetic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were meticulously examined utilizing a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. A direct correlation is established between the structural alterations induced by Zn2+/Mn2+ and their subsequent effects on magnetic characteristics, specifically through the reallocation of cations and the mechanisms of electron hopping occurring at the B-sites. The structural modifications result in enhanced superparamagnetic behavior, exhibiting saturation magnetization values between 46.01 and 69.38 emu/g. The sustainable characteristics of these materials render them highly viable options for applications in environmental remediation and green technology.

The small-for-size syndrome in living donor liver transplantation: current management.

Small-for-size syndrome poses a significant challenge in living donor liver transplantation, with potentially severe consequences including liver failure and death. This review explores the management strategies for SFSS, starting from the pathophysiology of the disease. SFSS arises from insufficient liver mass in the graft and hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhotic recipients, leading to portal hyperperfusion and subsequent liver injury. Risk factors include graft size, quality, recipient factors, and hemodynamic changes during transplantation.Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial during living donor liver transplantation to optimize portal vein and hepatic artery flow. Prevention strategies focus on donor-recipient matching and intraoperative graft inflow modulation. Optimizing venous outflow and avoiding portal hyperperfusion is essential. Management of established small-for-size syndrome involves supportive care, pharmacologic interventions, and radiological and surgical options. Pharmacotherapy includes somatostatin analogues, beta-blockers, and vasopressin analogues to reduce portal flow and pressure. Surgical interventions aim to modulate portal flow and mitigate complications. Retransplantation may be necessary in severe cases, guided by persistent graft dysfunction despite liver flow modulations. In conclusion, preventing and managing small-for-size syndrome in living donor liver transplantation requires comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions. Advancements in graft/recipient matching, hemodynamic monitoring, pharmacologic and surgical techniques aiming to inflow modulation have improved outcomes, enabling successful transplantation even with ultra-small grafts.

Enhancing shielding efficiency of ordinary and barite concrete in radiation shielding utilizations

Concrete has been widely utilized as a radiation shielding material due to its properties and structural integrity. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of ordinary concrete versus barite concrete as radiation shielding materials, focusing on the physical aspects and changes in crystal size lattice parameters after neutron irradiation. Specifically, the research investigates the shielding effectiveness of these materials across different grades (M15, M25, M35, and M45) against gamma-ray sources Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137. The methodology involves measuring the linear attenuation coefficient (μ), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP). Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to assess crystallite size and lattice parameter changes post-irradiation for neutron irradiation. Results indicate that incorporating barite as an aggregate significantly enhances the density and crystallite macroscopic properties of the concrete. Irradiation with Cobalt-60 and Cesium 137 revealed that ordinary concrete has a lower linear attenuation (μ) ranging from 0.172 to 0.195 cm−1, with consistent mass attenuation across all grades at 0.81 cm2/g. XRD analysis demonstrated a rightward shift in the SiO₂ and BaSO₄ peaks post-irradiation, signifying crystalline expansion. In terms of lattice parameters, the d-value showed a notable decrease of 0.10 after 48 h of irradiation in grade 25, while the most significant increase of 0.02 occurred after 24 h of irradiation in grades 15 and 45. In conclusion, barite concrete proves to be more effective for radiation shielding in nuclear facilities, whereas ordinary concrete is suitable for medical shielding, or facilities exposed to lower radiation doses.

Convergence and divergence of diploid and tetraploid cotton genomes.

Polyploidy is an important driving force in speciation and evolution; however, the genomic basis for parallel selection of a particular trait between polyploids and ancestral diploids remains unexplored. Here we construct graph-based pan-genomes for diploid (A2) and allotetraploid (AD1) cotton species, enabled by an assembly of 50 genomes of genetically diverse accessions. We delineate a mosaic genome map of tetraploid cultivars that illustrates genomic contributions from semi-wild forms into modern cultivars. Pan-genome comparisons identify syntenic and hyper-divergent regions of continued variation between diploid and tetraploid cottons, and suggest an ongoing process of sequence evolution potentially linked to the contrasting genome size change in two subgenomes. We highlight 43% of genetic regulatory relationships for gene expression in diploid encompassing sequence divergence after polyploidy, and specifically characterize six underexplored convergent genetic loci contributing to parallel selection of fiber quality. This study offers a framework for pan-genomic dissection of genetic regulatory components underlying parallel selection of desirable traits in organisms.

Evolution over time of cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features in a large cohort of patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis treated with tafamidis

Abstract Introduction Data on evolution of transthyretin wild-type cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt) during treatment with tafamidis is scarce. This hinders the quest for parameters of response and a priori treatment eligibility. Purpose To study the evolution of biomarkers, ECG, and echocardiographic features during early tafamidis treatment. Methods We prospectively collected data after 12-18 months of treatment in a single-centre database. Changes of NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity Troponin I (hs-cTnI) between baseline and follow-up evaluations (at 12 and 18 months) were tested for significance. For ECG and echocardiographic features, we considered baseline and the last available follow-up (median interval 11.1 months). Results We included 253 patients (median age 77[71-82]years; 90% males). Median (IQR) baseline NT-proBNP was 2472(1355-4749)ng/L, hs-cTnI 47(30-82)ng/L. Furosemide was administered in 58% of cases (median dose 25[25-50]mg/day). Compared to baseline, NT-proBNP was 2342(1316-4148)ng/L at 12 (p=0.886), and 2633(1393-6063)ng/L at 18 months (p=0.285), with 4% and 30% of patients showing ≥30% and ≥300ng/L increase at 12 and 18 months, respectively; hs-cTnI was 46(29-70)ng/L at 12 (p=0.947), and 44(25-68)ng/L at 18 months (p=0.866), with 35% and 7% showing a ≥20% increase at 12 and 18 months, respectively, and 21 (11.5% over 183 analyzable) with increase at 12 and reduction at 18 months. Patients on furosemide were 69% and 70% at 12 and 18 months, respectively; the dose increased to 37.5(25-75)mg/day at 18 months (p=0.009). At baseline, 117(47%) patients had history/permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Forty-one(16%) had an implantable electronic device, 16(6%) underwent subsequent implantation. Median PR interval was 210(185-240)msec, trending toward prolongation (p=0.054). QRS duration increased (100[86-130]vs120[90-140]msec, p=0.004), together with conduction disturbances (left anterior fascicular block 30[21%]vs43[29%], p=0.036; right bundle branch block 14[10%]vs27[18%], p=0.002). AF prevalence raised from 19% to 25%. There were no significant changes in left ventricular (LV) geometry (septum thickness 18[16-20]vs18[16-20]mm, p=0.666; end-diastolic diameter 45±7vs45±8mm, p=0.434), systolic function (ejection fraction 51±10%vs49±11%, p=0.070), filling pressures (E/e’ 17[11-20]vs14.9[13-19], p=0.086) and left atrial size (mean volume 46±15vs48±13ml/m2, p=0.649). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (18±4vs17±4mm) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (40[33-45]vs36[30-45]mmHg) remained stable. Conclusions We did not observe neither improvement nor worsening of laboratory/instrumental variables within the first 12-18 months of tafamidis. There was a progression of electrical disorders. After initial progression hs-cTnI tended to improve. Extended follow-up and a matched case-control series will help identify possible later changes useful to monitor treatment response and effects of supporting heart failure treatments.

Quantum-gravitational effects on Joule-Thomson expansion and black hole shadows in F(R) gravity with barrow entropy corrections

We present a novel investigation into the thermodynamic properties and shadow images of a topological phantom AdS black hole within the framework of F(R) gravity, utilizing the Barrow entropy formulation. We introduce a detailed study of the Joule-Thomson expansion, calculating the Joule-Thomson coefficient and mapping isenthalpic and inversion curves to characterize heating/cooling phases. Our findings reveal that the Barrow parameter plays a crucial role in altering the shape and position of these thermodynamic curves, thereby significantly impacting the black hole's thermal behavior. Moreover, we demonstrate that variations in F(R) gravity parameters such as the scalar curvature R0, the type of field interaction η, and fR0—lead to substantial modifications in the shadow of the black hole. These changes in shadow size and shape underscore the direct influence of the underlying gravitational theory on the interaction between black holes and light, offering new perspectives on how black holes are perceived by distant observers. Additionally, we calculate the total observed intensities from the emission function of the accretion disk, with graphical analysis showing that the F(R) gravity parameters markedly affect the intensity distribution around the black hole. This has significant implications for the accretion disk's emission properties and the resulting shadow image, highlighting the critical impact of modified gravity theories on observable black hole phenomena. This work offers fresh insights and underscores the importance of considering modified gravity frameworks when studying black hole thermodynamics and optical properties.

Exploring the impact of coronary microvascular dysfunction on cardiac remodeling after st-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background The complex interplay between Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD) and ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) presents significant clinical hurdles. CMD, commonly seen as a complication following STEMI, is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and persistent anginal symptoms. Despite its clinical relevance, the link between CMD post-STEMI and subsequent left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, along with functional LV remodelling (FLVR), is yet to be fully explored. Purpose Examine the link between CMD 3 months post-STEMI and its impact on FLVR and diastolic dysfunction. Methods This prospective, observational cohort study focused on STEMI patients. At 3-month post-STEMI, a comprehensive coronary physiology assessment of the culprit artery was conducted using the thermodilution method to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). CMD was identified with an IMR ≥ 25 or a CFR < 2.0, assuming an FFR > 0.80. Diastolic dysfunction was classified according to ASE/EACVI 2016 guidelines. FLVR was categorized as per Surenjav Chimed et al.'s criteria: Group I with no significant changes in LV size or function, Group II with a decrease in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 5% without LV dilatation, Group III with an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) ≥ 20%, and Group IV showing both an increase in LVEDV ≥ 20% and a decrease in LVEF over 5%. The study aimed to elucidate the relationship between CMD and the progression of FLVR and diastolic dysfunction, tracked over a 12-month period. Results The study involved 210 patients, mostly men (59.5%), with a median age of 65 (IQR: 58–76). At the 3-month follow-up, CMD was observed in 57 (27.1%) patients. CMD patients had a higher female prevalence (63.2% vs. 32.0%; p < 0.001) and more diabetes (42.1% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.001) compared to non-CMD patients. Both groups shared similar body mass indices, medications, and other risk factors. Laboratory results were similar between groups, except brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in CMD patients (70.0 vs. 37.0 ng/L; p < 0.001). After 12 months, CMD patients demonstrated significantly less recovery in LVEF (-10.00% vs. 8.00%; p < 0.001), higher prevalence of grade 2 LV diastolic dysfunction (73.08% vs. 1.32%; p < 0.001), and a higher incidence of advanced FLVR (notably in Groups 3 and 4) compared to non-CMD (11.32% vs. 7.28% and 22.64% vs. 1.99%, respectively; p < 0.001). In the adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis, IMR values independently predicted more severe FLVR and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions This study highlights that CMD 3 months after STEMI is linked to worse FLVR, diastolic dysfunction, and less recovery in LVEF, emphasizing the need for early CMD detection for better risk assessment. Further research is essential to explore underlying mechanisms and intervention opportunities.LVEF Changes at 12 Months by CMD StatusDiastolic Dysfunction and LV Remodeling

Left ventricular apical aneurysms and outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background/Introduction The presence of left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) has been shown to be associated with increased risk of adverse events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the between LVAA size and outcomes is uncertain. Purpose To explore associations between baseline LVAA diameter and progressive changes in LVAA size over time and poor outcomes in HCM patients. Methods Our HCM multimodality imaging database (transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)) was retrospectively assessed for studies reporting LVAA, defined as one or more akinetic or dyskinetic apical segments. LVAA size (widest systolic diameter in millimetres in the transverse plane) was recorded at two time points: earliest identification and most recent imaging, with LVAA size progression (mm/year) calculated. Patients’ electronic records were reviewed for composite outcome including stroke, apical thrombus, death, and appropriate therapy from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), categorical data numerically or as percentages. Comparisons between groups were made using Wilcoxon ranks sum and Fischer exact test for continuous and binary variables, respectively. Cox regression was used to assess independent associations with composite outcomes. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 106 patients were identified with LVAA and clinical follow-up (mean age 64.7±11.4 years, 70% male). Mean follow-up duration was 6.5±3.0 years. Baseline LVAA was confirmed by CMR and TTE in 70 and 30% of cases respectively. Mean LVAA size at baseline was 16.2±7.6 mm (range 6-56 mm). During multivariate Cox analysis, baseline LVAA size in mm was independently associated with the composite outcome (HR 1.04, 95% CIs 1.0 to 1.08, p=0.04). Mean duration between baseline and maximal LVAA size scan was 5.4±3.0 years. Median progression in LVAA size was 1.0 (IQR 0.6 to 1.8) mm per annum (range 0.0 to 8.1 mm). During multivariate analysis, LVAA progression rate in mm per year was independently associated with the composite outcome (HR 1.4 95% CIs 1.11 to 1.7, p=0.002). Conclusion(s) These data support the association between LVAA size and poor outcomes in HCM patients. We also demonstrate the progressive nature of LVAAs and indicate those more rapidly increasing in size are at highest risk of adverse events, with potential implications for management strategies.

Intra-specific variations in Schistosoma mansoni and their possible contribution to inconsistent virulence and diverse clinical outcomes.

Schistosoma mansoni was introduced from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade and remains a major public health problem in parts of South America and the Caribbean. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of three S. mansoni strains with different geographical origins-from Liberia, Belo Horizonte and Puerto Rico. We demonstrated significant variation in virulence and host-parasite interactions. We investigated the phenotypic characteristics of the parasite and its eggs, as well as the immunopathologic effects on laboratory mouse organ systems. Our results show significant differences in worm morphology, worm burden, egg size, and pathologic organ changes between these strains. The Puerto Rican strain showed the highest virulence, as evidenced by marked liver and spleen changes and advanced liver fibrosis indicated by increased collagen content. In contrast, the strains from Liberia and Belo Horizonte had a less pathogenic profile with less liver fibrosis. We found further variations in granuloma formation, cytokine expression and T-cell dynamics, indicating different immune responses. Our study emphasizes the importance of considering intra-specific variations of S. mansoni for the development of targeted therapies and public health strategies. The different virulence patterns, host immune responses and organ pathologies observed in these strains provide important insights for future research and could inform region-specific interventions for schistosomiasis control.

Evolution of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Alloy 617B During Service on a Key-Component Test Platform at 700 °C.

The evolution of the microstructural and mechanical properties of alloy 617B during long-term service on a key-component test platform at 700 °C was systematically investigated. The precipitation behavior and size changes of the M23C6 and γ' phases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that carbide M23C6 precipitated in the form of discontinuous particles, plates, or needles at grain boundaries and within grains, while the γ' phase had a spherical shape and was distributed in a dispersed manner. With prolonged service time, both the M23C6 and γ' phases gradually coarsened. After 24,000 h of service, the yield strength, tensile strength, and Brinell hardness of alloy 617B significantly increased; however, the impact toughness decreased, accompanied by intergranular embrittlement. The increase in precipitate volume fraction and its contribution to the strength of the alloy were evaluated by a precipitation strengthening model. The coarsening of M23C6 was identified as the main cause of embrittlement. The findings of this study provide important experimental data and theoretical support for the stability of 617B alloys under long-term high-temperature service conditions.

The Vulnerability of Malagasy Protected Areas in the Face of Climate Change

This study examines the vulnerability of Madagascar’s protected areas (PAs) to climate change, focusing on climate change velocity, and its impact on biodiversity. We analyzed current and near future climate data using principal component analysis (PCA) and climate change velocity metrics to predict shifts in climatic conditions from the present to the near future, while under the mild and extreme emission scenarios (SSP 126, SSP 585). Forward velocities, which are characterized by the minimum distances that must be overcome by species to keep in track with their appropriate comparative climate, are most pronounced in western and southern Madagascar. In contrast, the backward velocity, which uses future climatic conditions in grid cells in comparison to current conditions, is more common in the eastern regions of the island, and hints at the minimum distance that organisms would have to overcome in colonizing a new habitat. Even though the correlations between PA size and climate change velocity are weak, there is a tendency for larger PAs to exhibit more stable climatic conditions. Conservation strategies must prioritize enhancing the resilience of PAs through adaptive management to mitigate climate impacts. Our findings provide crucial insights for policymakers and conservation planners to develop climate-smart strategies that ensure the long-term efficacy of Madagascar’s PA network.

Ectopic Mediastinal Thyroid: A Crossroad Between a Multi-Layered Endocrine Perspective and a Contemporary Approach in Thoracic Surgery

An ectopic thyroid (ET) involves numerous scenarios of detection and outcomes, while its current management is not standardised. A mediastinal ET (MET) represents a low index of suspicion. In this paper, we introduce a 47-year-old female who was accidentally identified with an MET, and a modern surgical approach was provided. An anterior mediastinal mass of 3.2 cm was found at CT upon a prior COVID-19 infection. Previous to the infection, she experienced non-specific complaints for a few months (intermittent night sweats, facial erythema, chest pressure, and dyspnoea). Also, CT identified a thymus-like mass and a left adrenal incidentaloma of 3 cm. The endocrine panel was normal, and the subject declined further investigations. She was re-admitted 12 months later: the MET had increased +1 cm (+45% volume) and was confirmed at a 99mTc pertechnetate scintigraphy. Noting the symptoms, mediastinal anatomy, and size change, the MET was removed via a minimally invasive trans-cervical approach (eutopic gland preservation) with the help of a Cooper thymectomy retractor (which also allowed for a synchronous thymus mass resection). No post-operatory complications were registered, the thyroid function remained normal, and the mentioned symptoms were remitted. A histological exam confirmed a benign MET and thymus hyperplasia, respectively. To conclude, this case pinpoints important aspects, such as the clinical picture became clear only upon thoracic surgery due to the complete remission of the complaints that initially seemed widely non-specific. The incidental MET finding was associated with a second (adrenal) incidentaloma, a scenario that might not be so rare, following multiple imaging scans amid the COVID-19 era (no common pathogenic traits have been identified so far). The co-presence of a thymus mass represented one more argument for surgery. Minimally invasive cervicotomy associated with eutopic gland conservation and the use of a Cooper thymectomy retractor highlight modern aspects in video-assisted thoracic surgery, which provided an excellent outcome, involving one of the lowest mediastinal thyroids to be removed by this specific procedure. Awareness of such unusual entities helps inform individualised, multidisciplinary decisions for optimum prognoses.

Accelerated Alzheimer's Aβ-42 secondary nucleation chronologically visualized on fibril surfaces.

Protein fibril surfaces tend to generate toxic oligomers catalytically. To date, efforts to study the accelerated aggregation steps involved with Alzheimer's disease-linked amyloid-β (Aβ)-42 proteins on fibril surfaces have mainly relied on fluorophore-based analytics. Here, we visualize rare secondary nucleation events on the surface of Aβ-42 fibrils from embryonic to endpoint stages using liquid-based atomic force microscopy. Nanoscale imaging supported by atomic-scale molecular simulations tracked the adsorption and proliferation of oligomeric assemblies at nonperiodically spaced catalytic sites on the fibril surface. Upon confirming that fibril edges are preferential binding sites for oligomers during embryonic stages, the secondary fibrillar size changes were quantified during the growth stages. Notably, a small population of fibrils that displayed higher surface catalytic activity was identified as superspreaders. Profiling secondary fibrils during endpoint stages revealed a nearly threefold increase in their surface corrugation, a parameter we exploit to classify fibril subpopulations.