Changes In Composition Research Articles

Study on the Thermal Effect of Spontaneous Combustion of Coal-Based Activated Carbon By-Products Oxidized and Carbonized Powders

ABSTRACT To investigate the spontaneous combustion thermal effect of the by-products oxidized powder (OP) and carbonized powder (CP) produced during the preparation of coal-based activated carbon (CBAC). First, the changes in composition and pore structure of OP and CP compared with raw coal (RC) were measured by coal quality analysis and nitrogen adsorption experiments. The ability of OP and CP to physically adsorb oxygen was determined. Then, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the whole process thermal effect of the spontaneous combustion of OP and CP. Finally, the thermal effect of OP and CP during low-temperature oxidation process was further explored by the C80 micro-calorimeter, and the thermodynamic characteristics were also probed. The results show that the content of fixed carbon and carbon elements in OP and CP are significantly greater than that in RC, which makes the pore structure of both complicated. In addition, the total pore volume, average pore size, and specific surface area of OP and CP are greater than that of RC, which is more conducive to the physical adsorption of oxygen by both. No transition platform is caused by the decomposition of intermediate products on the DSC curve of CP. The characteristic temperatures of CP (except T D10) are lower than that of OP, indicating that the spontaneous combustion reaction of CP started earlier than that of OP. However, part of the combustible substance of CP was consumed in the dry distillation process, leading to the thermal release and maximum thermal release rate being smaller than that of OP. The apparent activation energy (E a) of stages H2 and H3 in the low-temperature oxidation process of OP is 75.04 and 11.42 kJ mol−1, while that of CP is 83.11 and 30.91 kJ mol−1. The threshold of CP entering stages H2 and H3 is higher than that of OP. Nevertheless, from the pre-exponential factor (A), the low-temperature oxidation process of CP is more rapid.

Functional evolution of island dwellings in Dongshan Island, Fujian, under the influence of socio-cultural factors

ABSTRACT Unique natural conditions and socio-cultural backgrounds influenced the evolution of island dwellings, a type of dwellings in China. Over time, the influence of socio-cultural factors, particularly on architectural functions, has gradually become prominent. This study takes Tongshan Ancient City in Dongshan County, Fujian Province, as an example to study the changes in function and socio-cultural factors, and clarify this mechanism. It investigates 52 dwellings, and summarizes the evolution of architectural functions. By analyzing two clues of changes, this study determined three main socio-cultural factors with the most influence: transformation of industrial structure, change of personnel composition, and continuity of religious beliefs.

Retrospective analysis of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry data demonstrates body composition changes with age in dogs and cats.

Use 18 years of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan data to characterize how body composition changes with age in dogs and cats. This was a retrospective observational study using data obtained from DEXA scans performed between 2006 and 2023. A total of 6,973 observations from 1,273 colony-housed dogs ≤ 1 to 16.1 years old and 6,593 observations from 1,096 colony-housed cats ≤ 1 to 16.9 years old were obtained. Animal ages were rounded to the nearest 1/10-year intervals. Means for each interval were calculated and quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomial models were fit to assess trends over age. Age had an effect on all DEXA measurements. In dogs, lean mass increased early in life before slowing to a peak at age 6.3 and then declined gradually. Fat mass also increased until slowing to a peak at age 9.3 and then decreased. In cats, lean mass increased before slowing to a peak at age 4.5, decreased gradually until age 12.5, and then sharply declined. Fat mass increased until slowing to a peak at age 7.5 and then decreased gradually. This retrospective study provides a baseline for how body composition changes with age. Results suggest that lean mass loss may begin earlier than previously reported in dogs and cats. Sarcopenia and obesity are common conditions in aging pets. Results can be used to improve body composition assessment of patients and investigate the efficacy of nutritional interventions.

Phytoclimatological study in the high plains of Sétif: application of the bioclimatic classification system (Algeria)

The Global Bioclimatic Classification System (WBCS) by Rivas-Martínez is an effective approach to reflect and study the role of climate in determining the potential distribution of natural vegetation at various temporal and spatial scales. In particular, the diversity of physical characteristics in the Setifian high plains leads to the complexity of large-scale phytogeographic belts. Isobioclimates, unique combinations of bioclimatic indices (continentality, ombrotype, and thermotype), have been created for the study area based on Rivas-Martínez's global bioclimatic classification system for current and future climate scenarios, using the parallel climate model from CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) under the intermediate greenhouse gas emission scenario (RCP4.5). Precipitation and temperature data from the "WorldClim" dataset were used as the data source. These climatic variables were reduced to a spatial resolution of 1 km. The objective is to understand how the climate is evolving in this region, what the consequences are, and what the future holds for these natural ecosystems. A phytosociological study complemented by satellite image analysis reveals a high diversity of pre-forestry formations. The digitally mapped results were used to 1) assess the relative redistribution of isobioclimates and the magnitude of change, 2) identify and locate the new projected isobioclimates, and 3) explore the compositional changes in vegetation types among analogous isobioclimatic zones. The ordination of the relationships between vegetation and bioclimates shows a strong correlation between Rivas-Martinez indices and the distribution and composition of vegetation. Changes in ombrotype, thermotype, bioclimate, ombrotype, and isobioclimate differed between the current and future series. The resulting map presents 9 isobioclimatic units, which are advantageous for confirming the diagnosis of bioclimatic characteristics and describing the relationships between climatic variables and the corresponding distributions of natural vegetation. We identified eight different isobioclimates for the current period (1979-2013) and seven for the future period (2050), three thermotype horizons for both the current and future periods, and finally, four ombrotype horizons for the period (1979-2013), while two ombrohorizons represent the period (2050). This approach is useful for explaining territorial diversity in environmental applications related to ecological adaptation assessment, nature conservation, landscape regionalization, and planning.

Microbiome-derived metabolite effects on intestinal barrier integrity and immune cell response to infection.

The gut microbiota exerts a significant influence on human health and disease. While compositional changes in the gut microbiota in specific diseases can easily be determined, we lack a detailed mechanistic understanding of how these changes exert effects at the cellular level. However, the putative local and systemic effects on human physiology that are attributed to the gut microbiota are clearly being mediated through molecular communication. Here, we determined the effects of gut microbiome-derived metabolites l-tryptophan, butyrate, trimethylamine (TMA), 3-methyl-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate (3,4-TMAB), 4-(trimethylammonio)pentanoate (4-TMAP), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), glycocholic acid (GCA) and benzoate on the first line of defence in the gut. Using in vitro models of intestinal barrier integrity and studying the interaction of macrophages with pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, we could ascertain the influence of these metabolites at the cellular level at physiologically relevant concentrations. Nearly all metabolites exerted positive effects on barrier function, but butyrate prevented a reduction in transepithelial resistance in the presence of the pathogen Escherichia coli, despite inducing increased apoptosis and exerting increased cytotoxicity. Induction of IL-8 was unaffected by all metabolites, but GCA stimulated increased intra-macrophage growth of E. coli and tumour necrosis-alpha (TNF-α) release. Butyrate, 3,4-TMAB and benzoate all increased TNF-α release independent of bacterial replication. These findings reiterate the complexity of understanding microbiome effects on host physiology and underline that microbiome metabolites are crucial mediators of barrier function and the innate response to infection. Understanding these metabolites at the cellular level will allow us to move towards a better mechanistic understanding of microbiome influence over host physiology, a crucial step in advancing microbiome research.

Hydrophilic Ultra-fine SiC Nanowires Enhance the Performance of Hydrated Salt Phase-Change Energy Storage Materials.

In this study, ultrafine linear nanostructured SiC with high wettability and large specific surface area were synthesized via the carbothermal reduction method. These nanowires were impregnated with Na2SO4·10H2O, CaCl2·6H2O, MgCl2·6H2O, and CaMg2Cl6·12H2O to obtain composite phase change materials (CPCMs), which demonstrated improved phase separation and significantly reduced supercooling. In particular, the supercooling degree of CaCl2·6H2O was minimized to 0.1 °C. The SiC nanowires effectively prevented issues of dehydration and deliquescence in hydrated salts. The thermal storage capacities of the CPCMs exceeded 90%, with Na2SO4·10H2O and MgCl2·6H2O reaching 107.10% and 103.35%, respectively. Furthermore, the CPCMs exhibited greater sensitivity to changes in temperature compared with the pure hydrated salt phase change materials (PCMs). These results indicate that ultra-fine SiC nanowires can act as a versatile carrier for hydrated salt PCMs at low and intermediate temperatures.

Comparison of the nutritional composition and calculated Nutri-score classifications of the Dutch food retail supply in 2018 and 2020.

In the Netherlands, reformulation strategies have been established for several years, whereas Nutri-Score was implemented in 2024. Besides being a helpful tool for consumers to make healthier food choices, Nutri-Score also aims to stimulate food reformulation by food manufacturers. The present study investigates whether changes in food composition could have led to different calculated Nutri-Score classifications. Food compositions and Nutri-Score classifications were calculated using the updated Nutri-Score algorithm. Food groups with the largest change in the distribution of Nutri-Score classifications were analysed in-depth by plotting frequency distributions and calculating median contents for nutrient contents that relatively changed the most in 2020. Food composition data were available from the Dutch Branded Food database in 2018 (n 38 295) and 2020 (n 48 091). Not applicable. In general, median nutrient contents and calculated Nutri-Score classifications were similar for 2018 and 2020. The median sugar and SFA contents were lower for some food groups (e.g. breakfast cereals, meat preserves, sweets and sweet goods) in 2020 compared to 2018. The median SFA content for meat preserves and sweets and sweet goods was relatively low in Nutri-Score classification A ascending towards higher median content in Nutri-Score classification E. Although food reformulation was not substantial in the Dutch food retail supply in 2018 and 2020, some differences in Nutri-Score classifications were observed. When implemented, Nutri-Score may encourage food manufacturers to increase their reformulation efforts. Repeated monitoring of food compositions and Nutri-Score classifications is recommended to establish reformulation efforts by food manufacturers.

Long term changes in Chalk groundwater quality in East Anglia, UK

Groundwater abstraction quantity from the Chalk is limited to what is sustainable. Water quality data collected in the 1970s and 1980s have been compared with modern water quality monitoring data for 25 public supply abstraction sites. This comparison has established that there has been both substantial (magnitude) and significant (statistical) change in composition at all sites. Identified changes generally represent real changes in groundwater composition. At some sites in the south of the area considered, water that is not the result of present-day recharge processes is being replaced by water from present-day recharge. It is also clear that, at those sites where ancient brackish water is known to be present at depth, it is generally not being mobilised by pumping. In the north of the area, changes are more subtle but there is a tendency of groundwater composition to approach the regional average, apart from calcium which is trending higher. Nitrate has not increased here, suggesting that reduction is a still-active process. Thus, although quantity has been sustained, quality is changing but not to a degree that impacts potable use.

The Relationship Between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle (SMP) and the Emergence of Degenerative Diseases (Hypertension) in Posyandu for the Elderly Mugi Sehat

Degenerative disease is a condition of continuous decline in body function with increasing age. Hypertension is a degenerative disease that is often suffered by the elderly. The aging process results in changes in body composition, often without being accompanied by weight changes. Increasing age in the elderly will experience functional limitations caused by changes in body composition, one of which is the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the percentage of skeletal muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu. The instruments in this study used a Digital Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure and an Omron Karada Scan Body Composition Monitor Model HBF-375 to measure Skeletal Muscle Percentage. This research method uses a cross-sectional research design. The sample in this study is 58 people. The research was conducted at the Mugi Sehat Elderly Posyandu in the working area of the 2022 UPTD Kembar I health center in May-June 2023. The sampling technique in this study uses total sampling and data analysis using the Spearman Rank test. The results of this study from the bivariate analysis showed that there was no relationship between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu, namely the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle with hypertension P value = 0.576 (CC=-0.075).

Age-related changes in carcass composition, physicochemical properties, texture and microstructure of meat from White King pigeons

ABSTRACT 1. An experiment was conducted to explore the age-related changes in carcass composition, physicochemical properties, texture and microstructure of meat from White King pigeons. The study used 32 carcasses collected from White King pigeons (16 aged 4 weeks and 16 aged 180 weeks). 2. The 180-week-old White King pigeons had a higher percentage of eviscerated carcass characteristics. The 4-week-old pigeons were characterised by higher percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat and carcass remainders. There were significant differences in chemical and physicochemical characteristics as well as in texture and microstructure parameters amongst White King pigeons of different ages. 3. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the age of White King pigeons has a considerable impact on carcass composition, physicochemical properties, meat texture and microstructure. Older pigeons had higher percentages of eviscerated carcass components, which may reflect maturation, while younger pigeons had greater proportions of fat and carcass remainders. These findings suggest that age-related changes should be considered when evaluating meat quality and composition, as each age group presented distinct characteristics.

Oxygen vacancy order–disorder transition process during topotactic filament formation in a perovskite oxide tracked by Raman microscopy and transmission electron microscopy

Vacancy-ordered perovskite oxides are attracting attention due to their diverse functions such as resistive switching, electrocatalytic activity, oxygen diffusivity, and ferroelectricity. It is important to clarify the chemical lattice strains arising from compositional changes and the associated vacancy order–disorder phase transitions at the atomic scale. Here, we elucidate the intermediate process of a topotactic phase transition in Ca-doped bismuth ferrite films consisting of alternating stacks of oxygen perovskite layers and a brownmillerite-type oxygen vacancy layer. We use Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to closely examine the evolution of local strains exerted on the constituent sub-layers by electrochemical oxidation. A negative Raman chemical shift is observed during oxidation, which is linearly correlated with the local negative chemical expansivity of the oxygen layer. It seemingly contradicts with the general trend that oxides undergo lattice contraction upon oxidation. Oxygen vacancies initially confined in the vacancy layers can be understood to diffuse into the oxygen layers during melting of the ordered structure. The finding deepens our understanding of the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling of vacancy-ordered oxides.

Decoding Brain Development and Aging

Abstract The aging process induces a variety of changes in the brain detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These changes include alterations in brain volume, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) white matter hyperintense lesions, and variations in tissue properties such as relaxivity, myelin, iron content, neurite density, and other microstructures. Each MRI technique offers unique insights into the structural and compositional changes occurring in the brain due to normal aging or neurodegenerative diseases. Age-related brain volume changes encompass a decrease in gray matter and an increase in ventricular volume, associated with cognitive decline. White matter hyperintensities, detected by FLAIR, are common and linked to cognitive impairments and increased risk of stroke and dementia. Tissue relaxometry reveals age-related changes in relaxivity, aiding the distinction between normal aging and pathological conditions. Myelin content, measurable by MRI, changes with age and is associated with cognitive and motor function alterations. Iron accumulation, detected by susceptibility-sensitive MRI, increases in certain brain regions with age, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative processes. Diffusion MRI provides detailed insights into microstructural changes such as neurite density and orientation. Neurofluid imaging, using techniques like gadolinium-based contrast agents and diffusion MRI, reveals age-related changes in cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid dynamics, crucial for brain health and waste clearance. This review offers a comprehensive overview of age-related brain changes revealed by various MRI techniques. Understanding these changes helps differentiate between normal aging and pathological conditions, aiding the development of interventions to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and other symptoms. Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence have enabled novel methods for estimating brain age, offering also potential biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Oral microbiome in the development of oral cancer

Oral cancer is an aggressive and rapidly progressive disease. The oral cavity is home to over 700 species of microorganisms which regulate metabolism, immune function and health. There are 3 types of mechanisms by which bacteria may participate in carcinogenesis. First, bacteria cause chronic inflammation, which stimulates the production of cytokines, including interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factor. Second, bacteria can interact directly with host cells by secreting toxins or by binding to membrane receptors. Finally, the production of metabolites by bacteria may also contribute to carcinogenesis. The importance of bacteria level and composition in the transition of oral precancerous lesions to cancer has been demonstrated. The relationship of changes in microbiome composition with smoking, inflammation in healthy individuals, as well as with the development of oral cancer in patients has been studied.

Body composition and muscle composition phenotypes in patients on waitlist and shortly after liver transplant – results from a pilot study

BackgroundSarcopenia is common in end-stage liver disease and negatively impacts patients awaiting or undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to measure body composition and sarcopenia. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of MRI-based LT body composition profiling, describe waitlist body composition, and assess the natural rate of change in body composition while on the waitlist and post-LT.MethodsThis prospective pilot study recruited adults listed for LT at an urban, tertiary care facility. Eighteen participants were scanned at time of waitlisting and 15 had follow-up MRIs (waitlist and/or post-LT). An 8-min MRI was used to measure body composition (AMRA® Researcher) including thigh fat-free muscle volume (FFMV) and fat infiltration (MFI), visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (ASAT) adipose tissue volumes, and liver fat. A sex- and BMI invariant FFMV z-score (z-FFMV) was calculated, and muscle composition (MC) phenotypes were defined using the muscle assessment score (consisting of the FFMV z-score and sex-adjusted MFI). Rate of body composition change was calculated using mixed-effect modelling and is presented as rate per 30 days.ResultsAt time of waitlisting, 73% of the 18 participants had high MFI and 39% had the adverse MC (low FFMV z-score and high MFI) phenotype. Seven participants received an LT. Post-LT serial MRIs, at a median of 147 days apart within the first 200 days post-LT, demonstrated increased z-FFMV 0.22 SDs/(30 days) (p = 0.002), VAT 0.23 (p < 0.001), and ASAT 0.52 (p = 0.001) L/(30 days), but no change in MFI (p = 0.200) nor liver fat (p = 0.232).ConclusionMRI-based body composition profiling is feasible in LT patients and shortly after LT. This can be amended to routine clinical scans and may help in early identification of patients who may benefit from interventions to improve body composition. In addition, body composition changes significantly over time after LT.

Changes of gluten protein composition during sourdough fermentation in rye flour

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCeliac disease (CD) is an immune‐mediated condition triggered by gluten consumption. Although more studies stated that gluten proteins are partially degrading during sourdough fermentation, it is still unclear whether the CD toxic epitopes are affected. Our aim was to examine the effect of controlled sourdough fermentation on the gluten content and composition with different sourdough starters in rye flour.FindingsDespite significant changes in protein size distribution and a decrease in secalin types confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography methods, the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed increased gluten content after fermentation. The incomplete degradation of gluten and the potential resistance of celiac toxic epitopes may explain our results. As part of the R5 antibody binding, epitopes are supposed to be unavailable in the native form of secalins; they might be released and become accessible in the smaller protein fragments.ConclusionsIn comparison of the effect of different starter cultures, the results show that the different microbiological composition of the sourdough samples might be the reason for the differences in the protein degradation.Significance and NoveltyResults highlight the importance of a deeper investigation of the effects of gluten protein degradation on CD toxicity and the standardization of the fermentation process.

Temperature sensitivity of soil respiration declines with climate warming in subalpine and alpine grassland soils

AbstractWarming as a climate change phenomenon affects soil organic matter dynamics, especially in high elevation ecosystems. However, our understanding of the controls of soil organic matter mineralization and dynamics remains limited, particularly in alpine (above treeline) and subalpine (below treeline) grassland ecosystems. Here, we investigated how downslope (warming) and upslope (cooling) translocations, in a 5-years reciprocal transplanting experiment, affects soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10), soil aggregation, and soil organic matter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) composition (C/N ratio). Downslope translocation of the alpine (2440 m a.s.l.) and subalpine (1850 m a.s.l.) to the lowland site (350 m a.s.l.) resulted in a temperature change during the growing seasons of + 4.4K and + 3.3K, respectively. Warming of alpine soils (+ 4.4K) reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 32%, which was accompanied by a significant decrease of soil macroaggregates. Macroaggregate breakdown induced an increased respiration quotient (qCO2) by 27% following warming of alpine soils. The increase in qCO2 respiration was associated with a significant decrease (from 2.84 ± 0.05 to 2.46 ± 0.05) in Q10, and a change in soil organic matter composition (lower C/N ratios). Cooling did not show the opposite patterns to warming, implying that other mechanisms, such as plant and microbial community shifts and adaptation, were involved. This study highlights the important role of SOC degradability in regulating the temperature response of soil organic matter mineralization. To predict the adverse effect of warming on soil CO2 release and, consequently, its negative feedback on climate change, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of C storage and turnover is needed, especially at high elevations in the Alps that are particularly affected by rising temperatures.

Can wheel polishers improve surface properties and color stability of monochromatic resin composites?

BackgroundTo overcome the color layering procedure, monochromatic resin composites have been introduced. However, little is known about their polishability, gloss and color stability. This study aimed to investigate the surface roughness, gloss, and color change of monochromatic resin composites polished with wheel systems after being immersed in coffee.Materials and methodsOmnichroma, Zenchroma, Essentia Universal, Charisma Diamond One and NeoSpectra ST were used to obtain 120-disc samples of 8 × 2 mm. Only one side of the sample was polished with Twist Dia (TWD) or Nova Twist (NOV). The samples were examined for surface roughness, gloss, and color (ΔE and ΔE00) before and after 7 days of immersion in coffee and subsequent repolishing. The discs were examined via SEM. Surface roughness and gloss values were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey and Pearson correlation tests. ΔE and ΔE00 values were evaluated using T tests, multivariate ANOVA, and Dunnett’s post-hoc tests.ResultsFor TWD groups, the smoothest material was Omnichroma (p < 0.05), while for NOV groups, it was Omnichroma and Zenchroma. Omnichroma was the glossiest, while Charisma Diamond One was the least glossy. In TWD groups, Charisma Diamond One and Essentia Universal were the most discolored, while Zenchroma and Omnichroma were the least. For NOV groups, Essentia Universal and Charisma Diamond One were the most discolored, while NeoSpectra ST, Omnichroma and Zenchroma were the least. After repolishing, Charisma Diamond One did not reach the level of ΔE < 2, while the other groups showed values below. Color evaluation with the CIELab and CIEDE2000 systems revealed similar results for the TWD groups after post-staining.ConclusionsSmooth and glossy surfaces could be achieved with the wheel system regardless of the composite resin. Repolishing after discoloration ensures that the color recovery is below the acceptable limit. Color evaluations with CIELab and CIEDE2000 yielded similar results.

The Nutritional, Mineral, and Nutraceutical Quality Is Differentially Affected by the Mango Cultivar

The main mango cultivars produced in the southern Pacific region of Mexico are Ataulfo, Manila, Haden, and Criollo. However, mineral, nutritional, and nutraceutical composition studies are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cultivars on the nutritional, mineral, and nutraceutical qualities of mango produced in Mexico. The cultivar significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) the fruit composition across these indices. Criollo had the highest potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc concentrations, while Haden showed the highest calcium content. Manila had the highest iron content, contributing 0.76% of the recommended daily intake. Ataulfo and Haden were statistically similar in manganese content, both higher than Criollo, with Ataulfo reaching the maximum copper concentration. Ataulfo also had the highest sugar content, while Criollo had the most dietary fiber (3.1%), double that of Ataulfo and Haden. Haden had the lowest dry matter (14.8%) and lowest protein content (0.46%), with Manila showing the lowest ash content. The cultivars also differed in nutraceutical composition: Ataulfo was highest in total phenols, DPPH, and vitamin A; Haden in carotenoids and flavonoids; and Criollo in vitamin C. Cultivar selection induces changes in mango nutritional composition.

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Their Effect on Urolithiasis: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Urolithiasis (UL) is increasingly prevalent due to rising cardiorenometabolic diseases, posing significant management challenges despite advances in urological techniques. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, primarily used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, have emerged as a potential novel approach for UL treatment. These inhibitors may help reduce the risk of urolithiasis, particularly in patients with diabetes, by improving glycemic control and altering urinary chemistry, which are crucial factors in stone formation. However, the changes in urinary composition induced by SGLT2 inhibitors might also increase the risk of uric acid stone formation. This review evaluates the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors in managing UL, highlighting both the benefits and the risks. While these inhibitors show promise in reducing new and recurrent urinary stones in patients with diabetes, data on their effects in patients without diabetes who form stones are limited. Current human evidence largely comes from post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and large-scale database studies, with only one study providing detailed stone composition data. Experimental studies in animal models and cell lines have focused on calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, showing that SGLT2 inhibitors specifically target CaOx stone formation and related renal inflammation. Although primarily studied for CaOx stones, their potential impact on other calcium-containing stones, such as calcium phosphate, remains promising. Further research is needed to explore their therapeutic potential and optimize treatment strategies.

Mass spectrometry imaging of two neocortical areas reveals the histological selectivity of schizophrenia-associated lipid alterations

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder known to affect brain structure and functionality. Structural changes in the brain at the level of gross anatomical structures have been fairly well studied, while microstructural changes, especially those associated with changes in the molecular composition of the brain, are still being investigated. Of special interest are lipids and metabolites, for which some previous studies have shown association with schizophrenia. AIM: To utilize a spatially resolved analysis of the brain lipidome composition to investigate the degree and nature of schizophrenia-associated lipidome alterations in the gray and white matter structures of two neocortical regions — the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9, BA9) and the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann area 22, posterior part, BA22p), as well compare the distribution of the changes between the two regions and tissue types. METHODS: We employed Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometric Imaging (MALDI-MSI), supplemented by a statistical analysis, to examine the lipid composition of brain sections. A total of 24 neocortical sections from schizophrenia patients (n=2) and a healthy control group (n=2), representing the two aforementioned neocortical areas, were studied, yielding data for 131 lipid compounds measured across more than a million MALDI-MSI pixels. RESULTS: Our findings revealed an uneven distribution of schizophrenia-related lipid alterations across the two neocortical regions. The BA22p showed double the differences in its subcortical white matter structures compared to BA9, while less bias was detected in the gray matter layers. While the schizophrenia-associated lipid differences generally showed good agreement between brain regions at the lipid class level for both gray and white matter, there were consistently more discrepancies for white matter structures. CONCLUSION: Our study found a consistent yet differential association of schizophrenia with the brain lipidome composition of distinct neocortical areas, particularly subcortical white matter. These findings highlight the need for broader brain coverage in future schizophrenia research and underscore the potential of spatially resolved molecular analysis methods in identifying structure-specific effects.