Gs Values Research Articles

Enhancing Prostate Cancer Staging: Association of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Imaging with Histopathological Grading in Treatment-Naive Patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between 68Ga-PSMA uptake in PSMA PET/CT in primary prostate cancer (PC) and its histopathological grading (Gleason score and ISUP grade). Additionally, we compared preoperative biopsy histopathological findings with definitive pathology results in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. We retrospectively analyzed 86 patients who underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for primary PC staging, of which 40 patients later underwent radical prostatectomy. PET/CT results, including SUVmax values, were correlated with GS and PSA concentrations. Histopathology reports were analyzed and compared between biopsy and final pathology results following RP. A significant positive correlation was observed between SUVmax and ISUP grades (Pearson's ρ = 0.34, p < 0.001), with higher SUVmax values associated with more advanced grades. A cut-off SUVmax value of 5.64 was determined to predict upstaging in patients, yielding a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 60% (AUC = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94). Additionally, 57.5% of patients experienced a grade shift following RP, with a 35% upgrade and 22.5% downgrade in ISUP grades. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting high-risk prostate cancer, particularly in patients with GS > 7 or PSA levels ≥ 10 ng/mL. The findings suggest that this imaging modality may be less effective for the staging of patients with lower GS or PSA values, that is, low-risk PCa. Further prospective studies are necessary to validate these results.

Quercus acutissima exhibits more adaptable water uptake patterns in response to seasonal changes compared to Pinus massoniana

BackgroundSeasonal precipitation variability significantly affects water use in forests; however, whether water uptake is adapted to changes in precipitation, particularly whether it could affect the coexistence of tree species, has rarely been quantified in forest systems. MethodIn this study, dual stable isotopes and the Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system were used to determine the water sources of a mixed conifer (Pinus massoniana) and broadleaf (Quercus acutissima) forest and changes in hydraulic characteristics during the dry and wet seasons in a southern hilly region of China. ResultsAlthough the hydraulic characteristics of P. massoniana were lower than those of Q. acutissima, it maintained a stable water source from the deep soil layer and a higher stomatal conductance (Gs), leading to a higher transpiration rate (Tr) during the growing seasons. Q. acutissima mainly absorbed water from deeper soil layers in the dry season and took up from shallow soil layers in the wet season. Its Gs values exhibited sensitivity to precipitation, while it maintained a lower Tr value during the growing seasons. The excessive water-use strategy observed in P. massoniana may confer weak drought-tolerance during higher frequency and more intense extreme precipitation events, whereas Q. acutissima may exhibit better ecological adaption to precipitation changes. ConclusionsThe overlap of water niches in mixed forests did not appear to affect the coexistence of tree species. The present study provides insights into reforestation and water management in the southern hilly regions of China.

Utilization of ozonated oil for internal dental whitening: a clinical, blind, and randomized study

To evaluate through a randomized, blind clinical study the effectiveness of two conventional bleaching agents modified by the incorporation of ozone gas on the degree of dental bleaching and color stability. Methodology: Forty-two teeth were selected with endodontic treatment and a degree of dental saturation (GS) equal to or greater than A2 and divided into 2 groups (n=21 teeth: PNaS: Sodium perborate + saline solution and PNaOZ: Sodium perborate + ozone sunflower oil with 16 ppm. Color GS was evaluated at the beginning of treatment and 7 days after the end of treatment, with the aid of Vita classical color scale. The statistical analysis of the color GS was performed by the Wilcoxon test, and the number of sessions by the Shapiro-Wilk test followed by the Mann-Whitney test, for correlation between GS and the number of clinical sessions, spearman correlation was performed. Resulted: There was a statistically significant difference between the initial (G1 = 15.0 ± 2.00 and G2 = 16.00 ± 1.00) and final (G1 = 5.00 ± 6.00 and G2 = 3 ± 3.00) GS values and PNaOZ had a greater color variation between the final and initial color. The number of clinical sessions was statistically lower for PNaOZ. No significant differences were found between the number of sessions and the GS. Conclusion: Adding ozone to sodium perborate accelerated dental bleaching, thus reducing the number of clinical sessions.

From lava to leaf: Physiological responses and trace element mobility in Tilia cordata L. trees grown in volcanic ash amended urban soil

This study investigates the potential of utilizing volcanic ash (VA), classified as special waste, as an inorganic soil amendment to enhance tree growth and resilience in urban areas near volcanic regions. Lime trees were transplanted into pots filled with urban soil (Cnt) or amended with 10 % VA. Tree’s physiological traits were monitored over the growing season. Notably, VA-treated trees showed improved net CO2 assimilation (Pn) and stomatal conductance (gs) during the leaf senescent stage. The analysis of ash, and Cnt and VA soils, showed low concentrations of trace elements. In addition, trace element accumulation in the leaves of VA trees was not observed. In summer, during a 12-day drought stress test, VA-stressed trees exhibited enhanced water absorption, reduced lipid peroxidation, and higher Pn and gs values in the initial days compared to control-stressed trees. Importantly, the VA also promoted a 33 % larger tree root system, potentially enhancing drought resilience. This could offer an important advantage for trees, especially during the tree's critical establishment phase. Thus, VA could be a promising amendment for urban soils to bolster tree tolerance to drought.

Water Stress Index and Stomatal Conductance under Different Irrigation Regimes with Thermal Sensors in Rice Fields on the Northern Coast of Peru

In the face of the climate change crisis, the increase in air temperature negatively impacts rice crop productivity due to stress from water scarcity. The objective of this study was to determine the rice crop water stress index (CWSI) and stomatal conductance (Gs) under different irrigation regimes, specifically continuous flood irrigation treatments (CF) and irrigations with alternating wetting and drying (AWD) at water levels of 5 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm below the soil surface (AWD5, AWD10, and AWD20) in an experimental area of INIA-Vista Florida and in six commercial areas of the Lambayeque region using thermal images captured with thermal sensors. The results indicated that AWD irrigation generated more water stress, with CWSI values between 0.4 and 1.0. Despite this, the yields were similar in CF and AWD20. In the commercial areas, CWSI values between 0.38 and 0.51 were obtained, with Santa Julia having the highest values. Furthermore, a strong Pearson correlation (R) of 0.91 was established between the CWSI and Gs, representing a reference scale based on Gs values for evaluating water stress levels.

The legacy of past droughts induces water-sparingly behaviour in Grüner Veltliner grapevines.

Drought is becoming more frequent and severe in numerous wine-growing regions. Nevertheless, limited research has examined the legacy of recurrent droughts, focusing on leaf physiology and anatomy over consecutive seasons. We investigated drought legacies (after 2 years of drought exposure) in potted grapevines, focusing on stomatal behaviour under well-watered conditions during the third year. Vines were subjected for two consecutive years to short- (SD) or long-term (LD) seasonal droughts, or well-watered conditions (WW). In the third year, all plants were grown without water limitation. Water potential and gas exchange were monitored throughout the three seasons, while leaf morpho-anatomical traits were measured at the end of the third year. During droughts (1st and 2nd year), stem water potential of SD and LD plants fell below -1.1 MPa, with a consequent 75% reduction in stomatal conductance (gs ) compared to WW. In the 3rd year, when all vines were daily irrigated to soil capacity (midday stem water potential ~ -0.3 MPa), 45% lower values of gs were observed in the ex-LD group compared to both ex-SD and ex-WW. Reduced midrib vessel diameter, lower leaf theoretical hydraulic conductivity, and smaller stomata were measured in ex-LD leaves compared to ex-SD and ex-WW, likely contributing to the reduced gas exchange. Our findings suggest that grapevines exposed to drought may adopt a more water-conserving strategy in subsequent seasons, irrespective of current soil water availability, with the degree of change influenced by the intensity and duration of past drought events.

Response of stomatal conductance to plant water stress in buffalograss seed production: Observation with UAV thermal infrared imagery

Stomatal conductance (gs) is an indicator that allows for direct evaluation of plant water status, but it is challenging to achieve rapid monitoring in large-scale fields due to limitations in observation methods. Here this study was conducted to identify the thresholds of gs with different target yields and develop a gs-based water stress diagnostic model for buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.) using UAV thermal infrared imagery for buffalograss in 2022 and 2023. The results of the field experiment demonstrated that the gs rapidly response to changes in the water stress status of buffalograss. The thresholds of gs were 403 and 385 mmol m−2 s−1 for the vegetative and reproductive growth stages, respectively, with the target seed yield of 1224 kg ha−1. The gs values were classified into three levels for the vegetative growth and four levels for the in reproductive growth stage of buffalograss, respectively. The canopy temperature depression response to water stress is consistent with the gs. Based on this relationship, this study developed a gs-based diagnostic model with a random forest algorithm for buffalograss. Furthermore, a spital map of gs was created using UAV thermal infrared imagery. The modification test results indicated that the model made a good estimation of gs were good with normalized root mean square errors of 15% in the vegetative stage and 11% in the reproductive stage, respectively. Therefore, it is feasible to use thermal infrared imagery for monitoring gs and evaluating the water stress of plants in buffalograss fields.

Cessation of berry growth coincides with leaf complete stomatal closure at pre-veraison for grapevine (Vitis vinifera) subjected to progressive drought stress.

Drought events have devasting impacts on grape berry production. The aim of this study was to investigate berry growth in the context of leaf stomatal closure under progressive drought stress. Potted grapevine plants (varieties 'Syrah' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon') were evaluated at pre-verasion (30-45 d after anthesis, DAA) and post-veraison (90-107 DAA). Berry diameter, berry absolute growth rate (AGR), leaf stomatal conductance (Gs) at midday, plant water potential at predawn and midday (ΨPD and ΨMD, respectively), and soil relative water content were measured repeatedly. The ΨPD-threshold of 90 % loss in stomatal conductance (Gs10, i.e. complete stomatal closure) was determined. Data were related to plant dehydration phases I, II and III with corresponding boundaries Θ1 and Θ2, using the water potential curve method. At pre-veraison, berry AGR declined together with leaf Gs in response to soil drying in both varieties. Berry AGR transitioned from positive to negative (shrinkage) values when leaf Gs approached zero. The Gs10-threshold was -0.81 MPa in 'Syrah' and -0.74 MPa in 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and was linked to boundary Θ1. At post-veraison, berry AGR was negligible and negative AGR values were not intensified by increasing drought stress in either variety. Leaf complete stomatal closure under progressive drought stress coincides with cessation of berry growth followed by shrinkage at pre-veraison (growth stage 1).

The effect of water deficit on leaf stomatal conductance, water relations, chlorophyll fluorescence and growth of rootstock-scion combinations of cacao

Adverse effects caused by drought on cacao seedlings can produce significant yield losses and require a better understanding of plant-tolerance mechanisms in order to overcome them. The selection of drought-tolerant rootstocks is a key strategy to achieve greater resilience in water-limited environments. This study aimed to assess leaf ecophysiological responses and growth of four rootstocks and 24 rookstock-scion combinations to water deficit. Leaf stomatal conductance (gs), leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and relative quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) were measured in irrigated and non-irrigated seedlings. Data were recorded 14 and 20 days after irrigation was suspended in the non-irrigated seedlings. Biomass of leaf, stem and root as well root volume were determined 24 days after irrigation was withheld. The EET-400 rootstock showed significantly higher values of Ψleaf at both 14 and 20 days under water deficit. This rootstock and IMC-67 showed the highest gs after 14 days without irrigation The relationship between Ψleaf and gs showed that the combinations of rootstock EET-400 with scions EET-575, EET-576 and EETP-800 exhibited the highest values of gs and Ψleaf. The lower root volumes found under the water deficit condition in EET-400 and IMC-67 demonstrate that tolerance to water deficit by cacao rootstocks is not influenced by a greater contact surface of the root with the soil.

Soil–Plant Interaction Mediated by Indigenous AMF in Grafted and Own-Rooted Grapevines under Field Conditions

Plant–soil biota represent a unique living system crucial for improving crops’ adaptation to climate change. In vineyards, plant–soil relations are mediated by rootstock–scion interaction, with grafted vines being the main plant material employed in vineyard planting. The interaction between two deeply different biological systems such as Vitis vinifera sativa and the American Vitis species may modify vines’ adaptation to abiotic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological response (chlorophyll content—CHL; stomatal conductance—gs) of grafted and ungrafted vines and assess the involvement of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in this response. In two vineyards located in Central Italy, the presence of AMF was assessed in the roots of grafted and ungrafted cv ‘Aleatico’ vines. The morphological traits of AMF and root mycorrhizal colonization differed in the grafted and ungrafted vines. Under limited climate conditions, ungrafted vines showed better leaf resilience traits (high CHL and gs values) and larger AMF storage organs (vesicles). On the other hand, the grafted ones—which are more sensitive to climate conditions (lower gs and CHL)—involved AMF colonization strategies (greater abundance of arbuscoles and mycorrhizal colonization potential) linked to the improved uptake and transport of water from the bulk soil to the vine. Taken together, these findings highlight different mycorrhizal colonization strategies and storage behaviors in grafted and ungrafted vineyards and with respect to different physical and chemical soil traits.

Non-invasive rust detection of steel plates determined through interfacial modulus

Initial methods to detect rust in pipelines have been conducted through invasive probes and sectioning off parts of the facility as the plant is running. These methods greatly increase the costs overall. The need for a feasible solution to this issue lies in the detection of rust formation through a non-invasive method. This study’s objective is to measure rust formation through droplet motion on the outer layer of pipelines. Multiple experiments are conducted using carbon steel sheets whose bottom layer has been exposed to acid for different durations of time. As rust formation in the metal is a voltaic phenomenon, it would mean that the acid corrosion of the bottom layer would adversely affect the top layer of the substrate. Consequentially, droplet motion and the droplet’s contour would change in different corrosive scenarios which we could then detect with novel parameters in our lab. One such parameter is the Interfacial Modulus (GS), which describes the initial resistance of the solid’s outer layer towards the liquid. We can understand this parameter with the aid of the novel device, known as the Centrifugal Adhesion Balance (CAB). As we cause the drop to slide across the substrate at constant normal force condition, we observe the difference in the contour of the drop as it slides across the substrate. The real-time change in contact angles at each edge of the drop, along with its change in external lateral force, causes a change in the GS values, which varies in different corrosive scenarios.

Responses of Planting Modes to Photosynthetic Characteristics and Fluorescence Parameters of Fokienia hodginsii Seedlings in a Heterogeneous Nutrient Environment

Fokienia hodginsii seedlings tend to vary significantly in response to differences in the surrounding environment, especially when the nutrient environment is heterogeneous and neighboring plants are in competition. Plant physiological differences occur not only in the root system, but also in the photosynthetic characteristics and fluorescence parameters of the leaves. Therefore, in this experiment, three planting modes (single planting, pure planting of F. hodginsii and mixed planting of F. hodginsii and Cunninghamia lanceolata) were set up to simulate different competition patterns. Three heterogeneous nutrient environments (N, P, K heterogeneous nutrient environment) were planted in this experiment, and the homogeneous environments were used as controls to determine the differences in photosynthetic characteristics, fluorescence parameters and the interaction of different environmental factors on each index in different heterogeneous nutrient and planting environments. The interactions of different environmental factors with various indicators were measured. In addition, all treatment combinations were evaluated and ranked by principal components analysis. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was on average 28.8% and 22.3% higher under monoculture treatment compared to pure and mixed planting in each nutrient environment. Transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (Gs) were the lowest under pure planting mode, and the overall mean of Tr was 27.2% and 5.5% lower than monoculture and mixed planting, respectively, and the overall mean of Gs was 36.5% and 14.7% lower, respectively. Intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) was higher under mixed and pure planting mode than monoculture, but their overall increments were not significant. Pn, Tr and Gs values of F. hodginsii in the N and P patches were significantly higher than those in the homogeneous patches, whereas the average values of Pn, Tr and Gs in the K patches were slightly higher than those in the homogeneous patches. The average values of leaf Fo, Fv/Fm and qP in each nutrient patch under single planting were higher than those under pure and mixed planting, but most of the differences were not significant. The actual photochemical efficiency (yield), photosynthetic electron transfer rate (ETR) and Fv/Fm in N and P patches were significantly higher than those in the homogeneous patches, whereas qP and NPQ in N and P patches differed due to different planting patterns. Most fluorescence parameters in the K patches were lower than those in the homogeneous patches. Planting patterns and nutrient heterogeneity showed significant interaction effects on Pn, Gs, Yield, ETR, Fv/Fm and NPQ. The highest scores for photosynthetic characteristics and fluorescence parameters of F. hodginsii single planting were in N and P nutrient patches.

Photosynthetic Physiological Basis of Forage Mass Stability in a Progeny of Rhizome-Rooted ‘Qingshui’ Medicago sativa L.

Rhizome-rooted alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an excellent forage for establishing grazing and ecological grasslands, requiring a high and stable yield. Studying the genetic and physiological basis of stable expression of biomass traits is essential for improving production performance in rhizome-rooted alfalfa. We analyzed forage mass and photosynthetic physiological indices of the improved progenies (RSA−01, RSA−02, and RSA−03), parental “Qingshui” (CK1), and “WL168” (CK2) at ages one and five years and their relationships, then revealed heterotic stability. Moreover, we explored the effects of interannual dynamics and genetic differences on tested indices. The results revealed compared with the forage mass of CK1, RSA−03 at ages one and five years increased by 22.17% and 19.72%, respectively, while RSA−01 and RSA−02 varied from 1.40% to 8.65%, indicating obvious heterosis in forage mass of RSA−03. At one year of age, Gs value, Car content and SS content of RSA−03 were higher than those of CK1; SS content of RSA−03 were higher than those of CK2 and RSA−02; Ci, Gs and Tr values of RSA−03 were higher than those of RSA−01. At five years of age, Pn, Gs, and WUE values, and Sta content of RSA−03 were higher than those of CK1; Ci value and Suc content of RSA−03 were higher than those of CK2; Car content and Gs value of RSA−03 were higher than those of other progenies. The forage mass; Chl(a/b) ratio; Pn, Gs, and WUE values; Suc content of RSA−03 at age five years were higher than those at age one year by 9.99%–44.24%. Through path analysis, Gs and NSC were direct factors affecting forage mass at age one year, and both Pn and SP affected forage mass indirectly through Gs; Gs and Chl(a+b) were direct factors affecting forage mass at age five years, and SS affected forage mass indirectly through Gs. Interestingly, Chlb, Chl(a/b), Pn, Tr, Gs, Ci, Suc, SP, and SS were more influenced by age than genetics, while the opposite was true for Car and Sta. Accordingly, RSA−03 showed obvious and stable heterosis in forage mass and photosynthetic physiology, recommending the establishment of grazing pastures and ecological vegetation.

Cenostigma microphyllum seedlings in semiarid region grow faster under arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, regardless of water availability

Reforestation dry tropical forests (DTF) has several challenges that need to be overcome. In this perspective, this study evaluated the performance of Cenostigma microphyllum seedlings inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF plants) for 2 years after transplanting to the field with different rainfall intensity. AMF plants showed the highest gs values in both plots. These plants in wet plots stored more soluble sugars in their stems and roots, whereas root tissue was chosen under the dry plot. AMF plants had more phosphorus than Control plants in dry plots. Furthermore, AMF plants were 24% and 27% larger than Control plants in wet and dry plots, respectively. AMF plants root diameter was 25% and 18% greater in wet and dry plots, respectively, than in the control plants. Thus, the AMF plants showed higher main root biomass in both plots than the Control plants. The results of this study confirm that inoculation of C. microphyllum seedlings during germination confers a physiological advantage to these plants in field conditions after transplanting, regardless of water availability in the plot, even after two dry seasons. This can be a useful tool for recovering deforested areas in DTF.

Effect of Water Stress and Shading on Lime Yield and Quality.

The aim of this study was to test the combined effect of water stress and cropping system on yield and fruit quality in Bearss lime trees. For this purpose, two irrigation treatments were applied during stage II of fruit growth: control (well irrigated, automatically managed by soil water content sensors) and stress (non-irrigated), both under open-field and shaded conditions. Soil water status was assessed by determining soil water content and plant water status by measuring stem water potential (Ψstem), stomatal conductance (gs), and net photosynthesis (Pn). Yield parameters (kg and the number of fruits per tree and fresh mass per fruit) and fruit quality were assessed on two harvest dates. In addition, on the second harvest date, the content of metabolites and nutrients in the lime juice was analyzed. The results showed that soil water deficit induced 35% lower gs values in open-field than in shaded conditions. The highest kg and the number of fruits per tree were observed in the shaded system, especially on the first harvest date. The lowest yield was observed in stressed trees grown without netting. Slightly higher fresh mass and equatorial diameter were observed in shaded fruits than in open-field fruit. Soil water deficit increased fruit total soluble solids and decreased juice content, especially in open-field trees. Shaded conditions made the lime trees more resilient to soil water deficit, which led to higher yields and better external fruit quality traits. In addition, fruit precocity was significantly higher in the shaded system.

Filter cake increases sugarcane yield.

Sugarcane cultivation stands out in Brazilian agribusiness, covering more than eight million hectares for the production of sugar, ethanol, and by-products. Fertilization is one of the limiting factors in sugarcane yield, for which filter cake is a viable solution to meet plant nutritional needs. This study aimed to assess the effect of enriched filter cake on gas exchange and yield in RB041443 sugarcane, cultivated in soils of the coastal tablelands of Paraíba, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the Monte Alegre S/A sugarcane mill, in the municipality of Mamanguape, using a randomized blocks experimental design, with 12 treatments (T1- cake, T2- cake + MAP, T3- cake + gypsum, T4 - cake + phosphate, T5- cake + bagasse, T6- cake + MAP + gypsum, T7- cake + MAP + phosphate, T8- cake + MAP + bagasse, T9- cake + gypsum + phosphate, T10- cake + gypsum + bagasse, T11- cake + phosphate + bagasse, and T12- control (only MAP)), and 4 replications, totaling 48 plots. A significant effect (5% probability) was also observed for the variables number of leaves and tons of stem per hectare (TSH). T1- cake, T4- cake + phosphate, T6- cake + MAP + gypsum and T10- cake + gypsum + bagasse, had the best results for TSH, with yields greater than 140 t ha-1. Regarding stomatal conductance, the highest values were obtained in T6 and T8, which, together with T11, had the highest gs values. Concerning the internal carbon concentration, T1, T2, T6, and T8 stood out. T6 also had a significant effect on transpiration. From this study, it was concluded that the use of enriched filter cake as a base fertilizer in sugarcane culture contributes to increasing the yield of the RB041443 variety, generating positive responses for plant gas exchange, being T1 and T10 indicated to increase the production in the sugar-energy sector.

Impact of volume status on sarcopenia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

There were few data regarding the association of volume status with sarcopenia using muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between volume status and sarcopenia in ND-CKD patients. Our retrospective study analyzed data from a previous study which included ND-CKD patients who had stable renal function. Our study used its baseline data alone. The edema index and muscle mass were measured using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis machine. The edema index was calculated using extracellular water/total body water ratio. The skeletal muscle index (SMI, kg/m2) was calculated using appendicular muscle mass per height squared. Handgrip strength (HGS, kg) was measured during the standing position in all patients. Dynamic gait speed (GS, m/s) was evaluated using 6-m walking speed. Patients with both low muscle mass (SMI < 7.0 kg/m2 for men and < 5.7 kg/m2 for women using bioimpedance analysis) and low HGS (< 28 kg for men and < 18 kg for women) or low GS (< 1.0 m/s) were classified as having sarcopenia. The patients (n = 147) were divided into tertiles based on the edema index level. The mean edema index in the low, middle, and high tertiles was 0.377 ± 0.006, 0.390 ± 0.003, and 0.402 ± 0.006, respectively. The edema index was significantly correlated with SMI, HGS, and GS (r = − 0.343 for SMI, − 0.492 for HGS, and − 0.331 for GS; P < 0.001 for three indicators). The SMI, HGS, and GS values were 8.1 ± 1.0 kg/m2, 33.0 ± 9.4 kg, and 1.2 ± 0.2 m/s in the low tertile,7.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2, 30.0 ± 7.5 kg, and 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s in the middle tertile, and 7.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2, 23.7 ± 7.4 kg, and 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s in the high tertile, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that SMI was lower in patients in the high tertile than in those in the low tertile. HGS was lowest in high tertile, and GS was greatest in the low tertile. The high tertile for predicting sarcopenia had an odds ratio of 6.03 (95% CI, 1.78–20.37; P = 0.004) compared to low or middle tertiles. The results of multivariate analyses were similar to those of the univariate analyses. The subgroup analyses showed that statistical significance was greater in < 65 years and men than ≥ 65 years and women. The present study showed that the edema index is inversely associated with sarcopenia, muscle mass index, strength, and physical performance in ND-CKD patients. However, considering the limitations of our study such as its small sample size, this association was not strong. Further studies that include volume-independent measurements, data on physical activity and diet, and a larger number of patients are warranted to overcome these limitations.

Seasonal Variation in Physiological Traits of Amazonian Coffea canephora Genotypes in Cultivation Systems with Contrasting Water Availability

Climate variation throughout the year affects photosynthesis and other physiological processes correlated with plant development and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the physiological attributes of Coffea canephora genotypes over the year in the Brazilian Amazon and assess their relationship with crop yield. The experiment was carried out in three cultivation systems with three genotypes. The evaluations were carried out in four periods: the peak of the dry season (S1); the beginning of the rainy season (S2); the peak of the rainy season (S3); and the beginning of the dry season (S4). A dataset of gas exchange, pigment indices, chlorophyll fluorescence, branch growth, and coffee yield was obtained. The group of gas exchange variables was the main contributor to treatment discrimination and was most affected by seasons. As expected, the values of gs, E, and A were significantly lower in S1, while the values of VPDLeaf-ar, TLeaf, and IWUE were significantly higher. Our results demonstrate that climatic seasonality affects the photosynthesis of Amazonian Robustas coffee, even under irrigated conditions, particularly in response to increased VPD. The physiological variables analyzed at the leaf level, even in different periods, did not explain the differences in the yield of C. canephora.

66 GRIP STRENGTH, ONLY A PHYSICAL TASK? ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN RESTING-STATE BRAIN CONNECTIVITY AND GRIP STRENGTH

Abstract Background Grip strength (GS) is a simple measure used in the assessment of frailty and sarcopenia. Despite being physical, studies show that it is also related with depression and cognition. Our aim was to explore if brain connectivity is implicated in GS. Methods Participants from Wave 3 of TILDA with adequate resting-state functional-MRI data were included. Connectome-based predictive modelling was used on Shen parcellated brain connectivity matrices to find connections that are positively and negatively associated with grip strength: positive and negative networks (PN and NN). On each iteration of a randomized 10-fold cross-validation, the training folds were utilized to perform partial Spearman correlations (age-, sex-adjusted) between each connection and GS. Significant (p&amp;lt;0.001) connections were selected. PN and NN strengths were computed by summing across all significant correlations. Linear models regressing GS on network strengths were built on training data and used to predict GS in the test fold. After 10 folds were complete the performance was measured via Pearson R between predicted and true GS values. This 10-fold process was repeated 1000 times and a mean R obtained. Permutation significance testing was employed where the cross-validation procedure was repeated 1000 times, with GS randomly shuffled each time. The P-value was the proportion of permuted R values &amp;gt;= the mean R. Results 317 participants were included (mean(SD) age 67.3(7.2) and 49.8% female). For PN: R[95% intervals]=0.29[0.26, 0.32], P&amp;lt;0.001 and for NN: R=0.24[0.20, 0.28], P&amp;lt;0.001. In both, the default mode, dorsal attention, and cerebellum networks were highly involved but with differing patterns: most notable was the presence of high connectivity between both cerebellar hemispheres in the PN but not in the NN. Conclusion Grip strength is related with different brain connectivity patterns suggesting the involvement of networks beyond motor areas. Further studies are required to disentangle the neuroscience behind this clinically relevant physio-cognitive task.

Construction and validation of a prognostic marker and risk model for HCC ultrasound therapy combined with WGCNA identification.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a highly aggressive and metastatic nature. Ultrasound remains a routine monitoring tool for screening, treatment and post-treatment recheck of HCC. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the role of ultrasound therapy and related genes in prognosis prediction and clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Methods: Gene co-expression networks were developed utilizing the R package WGCNA as per the expression profiles and clinical features of TCGA HCC samples, key modules were identified by the correlation coefficients between clinical features and modules, and hub genes of modules were determined as per the GS and MM values. Ultrasound treatment differential expression genes were identified using R package limma, and univariate Cox analysis was conducted on the intersection genes of ultrasound differential expression genes and hub genes of key HCC modules to screen the signatures linked with HCC prognosis and construct a risk model. The median risk score was used as the threshold point to classify tumor samples into high- and low-risk groups, and the R package IOBR was used to assess the proportion of immune cells in high- and low-risk groups, R package maftools to assess the genomic mutation differences in high- and low-risk groups, R package GSVA’s ssgsea algorithm to assess the HALLMARK pathway enrichment analysis, and R package pRRophetic to analyze drug sensitivity in patients with HCC. Results: WGCNA analysis based on the expression profiles and clinical data of the TCGA LIHC cohort identified three key modules with two major clinical features associated with HCC. The intersection of ultrasound-related differential genes and module hub genes was selected for univariate Cox analysis to identify prognostic factors significantly associated with HCC, and a risk score model consisting of six signatures was finally developed to analyze the prognosis of individuals with HCC. The risk model showed strength in the training set, overall set, and external validation set. The percentage of immune cell infiltration, genomic mutations, pathway enrichment scores, and chemotherapy drug resistance were significantly different between high- and low-risk groups according to the risk scores. Expression of model genes correlated with tumor immune microenvironment and clinical tumor characteristics while generally differentially expressed in pan-cancer tumor and healthy samples. In the immunotherapy dataset, patients in the high-risk group had a worse prognosis with immunotherapy, indicating that subjects in the low-risk group are more responsive to immunotherapy. Conclusion: The 6-gene signature constructed by ultrasound treatment of HCC combined with WGCNA analysis can be used for prognosis prediction of HCC patients and may become a marker for immune response.