Cs Levels Research Articles

Carbon starvation considerably accelerated nickel corrosion by Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Carbon starvation can affect the activity of microbes, thereby affecting the metabolism and the extracellular electron transfer (EET) process of biofilm. In the present work, the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) behavior of nickel (Ni) was investigated under organic carbon starvation by Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Starved D. vulgaris biofilm was more aggressive. Extreme carbon starvation (0% CS level) reduced weight loss due to the severe weakening of biofilm. The corrosion rate of Ni (based on weight loss) was sequenced as 10% CS level > 50% CS level > 100 CS level > 0% CS level. Moderate carbon starvation (10% CS level) caused the deepest pit of Ni in all the carbon starvation treatments, with a maximal pit depth of 18.8 μm and a weight loss of 2.8 mg·cm−2 (0.164 mm·y−1). The corrosion current density (icorr) of Ni for the 10% CS level was as high as 1.62 × 10−5 A·cm−2, which was approximately 2.9-fold greater than the full-strength medium (5.45 × 10−6 A·cm−2). The electrochemical data corresponded to the corrosion trend revealed by weight loss. The various experimental data rather convincingly pointed to the Ni MIC of D. vulgaris following the EET-MIC mechanism despite a theoretically low Ecell value (+33 mV).

Circulating miR-146b and miR-27b are efficient biomarkers for early diagnosis of Equidae osteoarthritis

One of the most orthopedic problems seen in the equine is osteoarthritis (OA). The present study tracks some biochemical, epigenetic, and transcriptomic factors along different stages of monoiodoacetate (MIA) induced OA in donkeys in serum and synovial fluid. The aim of the study was the detection of sensitive noninvasive early biomarkers. OA was induced by a single intra-articular injection of 25 mg of MIA into the left radiocarpal joint of nine donkeys. Serum and synovial samples were taken at zero-day and different intervals for assessment of total GAGs and CS levels as well as miR-146b, miR-27b, TRAF-6, and COL10A1 gene expression. The results showed that the total GAGs and CS levels increased in different stages of OA. The level of expression of both miR-146b and miR-27b were upregulated as OA progressed and then downregulated at late stages. TRAF-6 gene was upregulated at the late stage while synovial fluid COL10A1 was over-expressed at the early stage of OA and then decreased at the late stages (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both miR-146b and miR-27b together with COL10A1 could be used as promising noninvasive biomarkers for the very early diagnosis of OA.

Endurance exercise training reinforces muscular strength with improvements in mitochondrial oxidative capacity, lysosome reformation, and myogenic differentiation against doxorubicininduced skeletal muscle wasting in mice.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic medication broadly used to treat diverse cancers. However, chronic DOX chemotherapy can cause myotoxicity and muscle atrophy. Endurance exercise (EXE) is used to prevent negative muscle excitation. Based on emerging evidence, this study investigated the challenges that occur in skeletal muscle quantity, quality, and metabolic determinants through autophagy, myogenic regulatory factors (MRF), antioxidant enzymes, and both the AMPK and AKT/mTOR pathways. Male C57BL/6J adult mice were divided into four groups after one week of acclimation: sedentary (SED) plus saline (SAL)-receiving (SED-SAL), EXE plus SAL-receiving (EXE-SAL), SED plus DOX-receiving (SED-DOX), and EXE plus DOX-receiving (EXEDOX) groups. All mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with either SAL or DOX (5 mg/kg, every 2 weeks) for 8 weeks, while a treadmill running EXE was performed. Body weight, muscle weight, and muscle strength were measured, and the red portions of the gastrocnemius muscle were excised for biochemical analysis. Chronic DOX administration deteriorated body composition by decreasing body and absolute muscle weights, whereas EXE reinforced a grip strength per body weight. Although DOX inhibited BECN1 expression, EXE enhanced CS, LC3-I, LC3-II, and LAMP levels. Moreover, DOX did not interrupt MRF functions, but EXE improved MYOD without altering SOD1 or SOD2 expression. However, neither the AMPK nor the AKT/mTOR signaling pathways were associated with either DOX-receiving or EXE training. DOX chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting is associated with autophagy dysregulation. However, long-term aerobic EXE training enhances muscular strength with an increase in mitochondrial oxidative capacity, lysosome formation, and myogenic differentiation.

Suicidal behaviors in patients with chronic physical illness: A test on the interpersonal theory of suicide.

The unalleviated burden of chronic physical illness (CPI) increases the risk of suicidal behaviors (SB) in affected individuals. This study tested the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) in patients with CPI. Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases were recruited from two hospitals in South Korea. Data from 257 participants who completed Time (T) 1 and T2 surveys were analyzed. Hierarchical regression analyses for passive and active suicide ideation (PSI and ASI), and suicide plans and attempts (SP and SA) at both time points were conducted. Interpersonal theory of suicide hypotheses were partially supported. Even accounting for factors such as depression, anxiety, and lifetime SA, some main and interaction effects of the ITS constructs explained SB in a cross-sectional examination, but to a lesser degree in a longitudinal examination that controlled for T1 SB. PB was a consistent correlate of SB. TB was also relevant, as PB-SA association was significant among participants with high TB both times. ASI was associated with SP and SA at T1, and the ASI-SP association at T1 was stronger at a high CS level. Overall, the results suggest the relevance of ITS constructs that warrant attention to prevent SB in patients with CPI.

Anatomic Features of Patients With Recurrent Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

Background: There are several anatomic variations of the peroneal muscles and lateral malleolus of the ankle that may play an important role in the onset of peroneal tendon dislocation. Purpose: To investigate the anatomic variations of the retromalleolar groove and peroneal muscles in patients with and without recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 30 patients (30 ankles) with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation who underwent both MRI and CT before surgery (PD group) and 30 age- and sex-matched patients (control [CN] group) who underwent MRI and CT were included in this study. The imaging was reviewed at the level of the tibial plafond (TP level) and at the center slice between the TP and the fibular tip (CS level). The appearance of a malleolar groove (convex, concave, or flat) and the posterior tilting angle of the fibula were assessed on CT images. The appearance of accessory peroneal muscles, height of the peroneus brevis muscle belly, and volume of the peroneal muscle and tendons were assessed on MRI scans. Results: There were no differences in the appearance of the malleolar groove, posterior tilting angle of the fibula, or accessory peroneal muscles at the TP and CS levels between the PD and CN groups. The peroneal muscle ratio was significantly higher in the PD group than in the CN group at the TP and CS levels (both P < .001). The height of the peroneus brevis muscle belly was significantly lower in the PD group than in the CN group (P = .001). Conclusion: A low-lying muscle belly of the peroneus brevis and a larger muscle volume in the retromalleolar space were significantly associated with peroneal tendon dislocation. Retromalleolar bony morphology was not associated with peroneal tendon dislocation.

Hyaluronan driven by epithelial aPKC deficiency remodels the microenvironment and creates a vulnerability in mesenchymal colorectal cancer.

Mesenchymal colorectal cancer (mCRC) is microsatellite stable (MSS), highly desmoplastic, with CD8+ Tcells excluded to the stromal periphery, resistant to immunotherapy, and driven by low levels of the atypical protein kinase Cs (aPKCs) in the intestinal epithelium. We show here that a salient feature of these tumors is the accumulation of hyaluronan (HA) which, along with reduced aPKC levels, predicts poor survival. HA promotes epithelial heterogeneity and the emergence of a tumor fetal metaplastic cell (TFMC) population endowed with invasive cancer features through a network of interactions with activated fibroblasts. TFMCs are sensitive to HA deposition, and their metaplastic markers have prognostic value. We demonstrate that invivo HA degradation with a clinical dose of hyaluronidase impairs mCRC tumorigenesis and liver metastasis and enables immune checkpoint blockade therapy by promoting the recruitment of B and CD8+ Tcells, including a proportion with resident memory features, and by blocking immunosuppression.

Preoperative biochemical values are correlated with adenoma volume, but not predictive factors for hungry bone syndrome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

We aimed to investigate correlation between perioperative biochemical values and adenoma volume, the effects of perioperative biochemical values and clinicopathological variables on postoperative hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy. A retrospective study planned in tertiary university hospital on patients undergone surgery for primer hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative calcium (first, close to surgery, maximum), PTH (first, close to surgery, maximum), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorus (P) values, postoperative calcium (early, late), postoperative PTH (early, late), 24-hour urinary calcium calculation, time from the first diagnosis of elevated calcium until surgery, preoperative hypercalcemia treatments, excised parathyroid gland, histopathologic diagnosis, maximum diameter and volume of the excised parathyroid on histopathologic examination, postoperative intravenous calcium supplement were analyzed. 73 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 18-82), and 83.6% were female. In univariate analysis, patients who were administrated intravenous (IV) calcium supplement had higher preoperative PTH (p=0.024). adenoma volume correlated moderate with preoperative PTH first (r=0.396, p=0.001), preoperative maximum parathormone (r=0.380, p=0.001), preoperative PTH CS (r=0.432, p&lt;0.001) and preoperative first elevated calcium (r=0.240, p=0.041) levels. We conclude that biochemical parameters and adenoma size are not predictive factors in determining the requirement of IV calcium supplement. Preoperative PTH and calcium levels were moderately associated with adenoma volume.

Professional quality of life among undergraduate nursing students: Differences and predictors

BackgroundCompassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are all factors that nursing students may experience during their education. PurposesTo assess the levels, prevalence, associations, and predictors of CS, BO, and STS among undergraduate nursing students. MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from a convenience sample of through a web-based survey using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL-5). ResultsThe mean scores of CS, BO, and STS were 38.64, 26.14, and 27.68, respectively. The highest percentages of nursing students reported moderate CS, BO, and STS levels. Strong associations were found among CS, BO, and STS. Significant differences were found regarding age, income level, taking a well-balanced diet, university type, residency, Grade Point Average, intention to leave and satisfaction in nursing. Several variables predicted CS, BO, and STS and accounted for 49.9%, 59.5%, and 31.4% of the variance, respectively. ImplicationsNursing students should be closely monitored and regularly screened for the presence of BO and STS. Nurse educators and advisors should recognize and implement strategies that enhance CS and reduce both BO and STS.

The Control of Novel and Traditional Elemental Impurities: Ag, Au, Co, Cs, Li, Mo, Se, Sr, and V in Mint Tea Infusions (Peppermint, Mentha piperita L.) Available in Poland: A Health Risk Assessment.

The purpose of our studies is the evaluation of the health risks of the novel elemental impurities (Ag, Au, Co, Cs, Li, Mo, Se, Sr, and V) in mint tea infusions (Mentha piperita L.) available in Poland. For this purpose, we applied ICP-MS-based methodology for content analysis (elemental profile and µg/L of the infusion) and also the specific health risk assessment for a comprehensive assessment. Our strategy was based on weekly intake (µg/L of infusion/week) considering weekly tea consumption. Then, based on the weekly consumption of tea per adult, individuals were compared to the Temporary Tolerated Weekly Intake (PTWI) designated by the Joint FAO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and the weekly consumption per body weight (µg/L of infusion/week/bw) was estimated. Daily exposure to Co in the tested products is in a range of 0.093-0.238 µg/day. In comparison, the established PDE (oral exposure) for Co by the ICH guideline (the ICH guideline Q3D (R1), 2019) is 50 µg/day. For lithium, PDE is approximately 560 µg/day and, in our study, the estimated daily exposure for Li in investigated products is in a range of 0.226-2.41 µg/day. Our studies found also low levels of Cs (in a range of 0.0598-0.195 µg/L), Mo (in a range of 0.663-3.261 µg/L), and Sr (0.223-65.842 µg/L) in infusions. For Molybdenum, the established PDE is approximately 3400 µg/day. There are no documents about Sr and Co in the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) database and the ICH guideline Q3D (R1). In the case of V, the established PDE is 120 µg/day, and the level of V in analyzed infusions is in a range of 0.284-0.702 µg/L. Silver and gold were present only in a few samples, and the estimated daily exposure for Ag is approximately 0.04575 µg/day for product A and approximately 0.1885 µg/day for product O, except for Au, which is in a range of 0.000356-0.114 µg/L. The estimated daily exposure for Ag is 167 µg/day and, for Au, it is in a range of 8.9 × 105-0.0285 µg/day. It can be concluded that levels of all investigated elements (novel and also traditional elemental impurities) in the daily dose should not threaten the consumer's health after consuming mint tea infusions.

Improved charge extraction and atmospheric stability of all-inorganic Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite solar cells by MoS2 nanoflakes

Among lead-free halide double perovskites, Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 is a potential alternative to substitute toxic and unstable organic-inorganic lead-based halide perovskites. However, the film forming ability and wide indirect bandgap have impeded its applications. Herein, we investigate to use MoS 2 nanoflakes as a hole transport interlayer to improve the crystallinity of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 , tailor energy level alignments and enhance the stability of solar cells. With the addition of the MoS 2 nanoflakes, the Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 -based solar cell has a power conversion efficiency of 4.17% with an open circuit voltage of 1.10 V and short-circuit current of 6.12 mA cm −2 . This work would provide a new approach for developing all inorganic lead-free Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 -based solar cells with high power conversion efficiency and good stability. • MoS 2 can tailor the energy level of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 to enhance hole extraction. • The power conversion efficiency of the device with MoS 2 nanoflakes is up to 4.17%. • The devices with MoS 2 remain 90% efficiency up to 23 days under ambient conditions.

Does unilateral adhesive capsulitis also affect the healthy shoulder? Bilateral evaluation of shoulder kinematics and pain sensitivity using IMU sensors and algometer

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a generally unilateral condition caused by a pathological retraction of the capsule and ligaments of the glenohumeral joint. This results in progressive pain with a decrease of Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT), and in gradual loss of range of motion (ROM) in all planes of space [1]. The effectiveness of physical therapy treatments depends on the appropriate clinical management strategies, for this reason, the objective evaluation and treatment remain challenging [2]. In this observational study, clinical and kinematic differences between healthy and capsulitis shoulder before and after a conservative physiotherapy protocol are enquired. Humeral flexion/abduction motions of 10 patients with unilateral AC were investigated with inertial and magnetic (IMU) sensors. Specifically, ISEO protocol was used to assess the differences in humeral ROM between the pathological and healthy shoulder [3], and pain sensitivity was assessed by means of algometer. The acquisitions were performed, on both capsulitis (cS) and healthy shoulder (hS), twice: at the baseline (T0), and after 20 one-hour individual sessions of physiotherapy protocol (T1) [4]. Significant differences in the humeral ROM during both motion exercises were detected between cS and hS at T0 but not after physical therapy treatment (Fig. 1a). On the contrary PPT increased significatively at the cS level (not shown) and at the hS level ( Fig. 1 b). To date, no previous study has investigated the quality of movement with IMU sensors nor the differences between hS and cS in patients with AC. This study reveals that ISEO protocol is an efficient approach for quantitative evaluation of physical therapy efficacy in AC. Moreover, while physical therapy does not improve ROM in hS, it does ameliorate significantly bilateral patients’ pain sensitivity: since unilateral AC alters motor programs not only of the affected shoulder but also of dorsal and cervical elements [5], physical therapies treating and mobilitating these areas have a bilateral biomechanical effect that allows a reduction of pain sensitivity also at the level of hS.

Distressed but Highly Satisfied: Professional and Personal Distress of Nepali Doctors

Background: This research studied the prevalence of professional and personal distress of Nepali doctors, and examined the impact of their professional quality of life (ProQOL) on their distress. Aim: To examine the situation of personal and professional distress and explore interrelationships between measures of ProQOL (burnout - BO, secondary traumatic stress - STS, and compassion satisfaction - CS) with personal distress (anxiety, depression and somatic burden) of Nepali doctors. Methods: A survey design was used to examine the personal and professional distress of doctors using an online and a paper-and-pencil survey with the use of Somatic Symptoms Scale (SSS-8), Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and Professional Quality of life Scale in Nepali (ProQOL5-N) tools. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques were used to measure the influence of professional distress on personal distress. Results: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, psychosomatic distress and suicide risks of Nepali doctors (N= 557) were 30.89 %, 25.41 %, 20.50% and 5.70% respectively. BO and STS scores showed moderate risks (BO = 95.25% and STS = 76.23 %), with just over 1% doctors at high risk for BO and STS (1.28% and 1.65% respectively). Nepali doctors were highly satisfied with their service (CS = 93.42%). The data on SEM showed a reasonably good fit between the STS and CS measures and levels of personal distress of the studied population, but BO could not be tested. A moderate but statistically significant positive effect of STS on personal distress, except psychosomatic distress, was found. The effect of CS on personal distress could not be determined. Conclusions: One-fifth of Nepali doctors had a high level of personal distress. The risk for BO and STS was moderate. It was found that Nepali doctors found highly satisfied with their service. The impact of professional distress on personal distress could not be fully determined

Halka Boyunlu Sülünlerde (Phasianus colchicus) Nakil Kaynaklı Stresin Önlenmesinde C Vitamininin Etkinliğinin Araştırılması

Objective: In this study, the efficiency of vitamin C on the prevention or reduction of transport induced stress in ring-necked pheasants was investigated.&#x0D; Material and Method: Two experimental and a control group were formed in the study. Vitamin C was given to the experimental groups in the drinking water for one week at the levels of 200 (AA1) and 400 (AA2) mg/kg BW daily. After one week, the pheasants were transported and the plasma corticosterone levels and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio were determined before and after transport. &#x0D; Results: When the values obtained before and after transplantation were compared, a significant increase was found after transplantation for both parameters in the control group, while a significant increase was found only in plasma CS levels in the AA1 and AA2 groups. All parameters before and after transport were similar in all three groups. After transport, level of plasma corticosterone and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio were similar in the experimental groups, but these parameters were lower than the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Administration of oral vitamin C for one week before transportation decreases transport induced stress response.

Modulatory Effects of Swimming Training on Hypoxia-Induced Factors in Heart Tissue of Rats Exposed to Chronic Stress

Background: Monitoring cardiac, metabolic, neurological, and aging responses to stressors is critical. This study aimed to investigate the effect of swimming training on HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in heart tissue of rats exposed to chronic stress. Methods: To this end, 30 male Wistar rats (age: 10 - 12 weeks, weight: 220 ± 20 g) were randomly divided into five equal groups of six rats as follows: (1) Con (no treatment for 10 weeks); (2) CS + ST (4 weeks of stress, 4 weeks of swimming); (3) ST (4 weeks of swimming); (4) CS (4 weeks of stress); (5) CS-time (4 weeks of stress, 6 weeks of no treatment). Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by an open field test. Heart tissue was immunohistochemically assessed for HIF-1α expression using a polyclonal antibody. Vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels were also determined using western blot analysis. To analyze the data, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that chronic mild stress (CMS) significantly decreased the HIF-1α expression in heart tissue in CS and CS-time groups (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the result revealed that swimming training significantly increased the level of HIF-1α expression in heart tissue in ST and CS + ST groups (P &lt; 0.05). Although swimming training increased HIF-1α levels in the CS + ST group after a period of four weeks of CMS, these increases were smaller than those observed in ST and control groups (P &lt; 0.05). The results from the One-way ANOVA test also demonstrated that the CMS significantly downregulated the VEGF expression in heart tissue in CS and CS-time groups, whereas swimming training significantly increased its level in ST and CS + ST groups (P &lt; 0.05). Although swimming training increased VEGF levels in the CS + ST group after a period of four weeks of CMS, these increases were smaller than those detected in ST and control groups. Conclusions: Although chronic mild stress had the potential to reduce hypoxia-induced factors in heart tissue, swimming training modified these factors.

Effects of imbalance of mineral elements on peripheral neutrophil metabolism in sheep

The imbalance of mineral element homeostasis in animals is common, causing animal immune dysfunction. Ten female sheep were randomly selected and injected with 4% (w/v) Na2EDTA through a central venous catheter to establish the mineral element imbalance model, then divided into control group (before injection) and Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) group (after injection). Isolation of peripheral blood neutrophils for mineral elements content determination was done using Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and nontargeted metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The ICP-MS results showed that Hg and Cs levels in neutrophils were significantly lower after injection than before (P<0.05), but had no significant effects on other elements. Our previous study showed that serum Zn, P, K, and other 11 elements were significantly lower after the injection of Na2EDTA than before. LC-MS/MS results showed that differential metabolites are mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism; monoamine metabolism was weakened; and polyamine metabolism was enhanced. Under positive and negative ion modes, the mineral elements P, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn had the highest correlation with the differential metabolites of neutrophils, followed by Se, and the correlation between each mineral element and different differential metabolites was also different. The results indicated that the imbalance in mineral elements affected the metabolism of sheep neutrophils, these may affect neutrophil function, and Na2EDTA could help to reduce the level of heavy metals in the body of sheep. Our data may provide a theoretical basis for the precise regulation of animal immune metabolism by modern animal husbandry nutrition.

AGROECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE REVIVAL OF AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES IN THE TERRITORY CONTAMINATED WITH RADIONUCLIDES (A CASE OF THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER)

The experimental results of many years of research on the agroecological aspects of the revival of agricultural industries in the territory contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the Chernobyl disaster are presented, analyzed and summarized. It is shown that in the remote period of development of the radiation situation, the most critical branch of agricultural production is dairy farming, and the product is milk produced in personal subsidiary plots of the population. Therefore, along with the economic feasibility and expediency of the formation of a highly productive branch of agricultural production, it is necessary to provide the measures for minimization the individual effective equivalent dose of exposure to the population by ensuring the production of products that are guaranteed to be safe in terms of radiation. The main ways to achieve this are the preparation and using of animal rations, the content of radionuclides in which, according to predictive calculations, cannot lead to exceeding the permissible levels of Cs in milk, as well as the saturation of fodder crop rotations with plants that have a potentially low ability to accumulate radionuclides.

Induced effect of Ca2+ and Al3+ on chaetominine synthesis by Aspergillus fumigatus CY018 under submerged fermentation.

Chaetominine (CHA), an alkaloid with a biological activity obtained from Aspergillus fumigatus CY018, has strong anticancer activity against the human leukemia cells. However, its physiological and biochemical research is limited by CHA yield in the liquid-state fermentation, which is a problem that urgently needs effective biological solution. In this work, Ca2+ and Al3+ were found to have a strong promoting effect on CHA production after multiple metal ions screening. Then, the addition condition of Ca2+ and Al3+ was, respectively, optimized CHA production and dry cell weight. The intermediate metabolites were increased with coaddition of Ca2+ and Al3+ . The activities of key enzymes of DAHPs, AroAs, and TrpCs in the CHA biosynthesis pathway were improved by 3.58-, 3.60-, and 3.34-fold, respectively. Meanwhile, the transcription level of laeA, dahp, cs, and trpC was upregulated by 3.22-, 12.65-, 5.58-, and 6.99-fold, respectively, by coaddition of Ca2+ and Al3+ . Additionally, the fermentation strategy was successfully scaled up to a 5-L bioreactor, in which CHA production could attain 75.6 mg/L at 336 h. This work demonstrated that Ca2+ and Al3+ coaddition was an effective strategy for increasing CHA production, and the information obtained might be useful in the fermentation of filamentous fungi with the addition of metal ions.

3d [formula omitted] dualities for SU(Nc)×U(1) Chern-Simons gauge theories

We systematically study 3d N=2 dualities for U(Nc) gauge theories with different CS levels for the abelian and the non-abelian factors. We derive such dualities by a gauging/ungauging procedure on other known dualities and by adding an opportune CS contact term for the baryonic symmetry. This allows us to follow the various steps on the three sphere partition function, obtaining exact identities among the new dual phases proposed here. We apply the procedure to various cases, namely SQCD without and with adjoint, chiral dualities and some sporadic cases arising from the real mass flow of models with an E7×U(1) enhancement of the global symmetry.

Immune milieu and microbiome of the distal urethra in Ugandan men: impact of penile circumcision and implications for HIV susceptibility

BackgroundCoronal sulcus (CS) anaerobe abundance and IL-8 levels are linked to HIV acquisition, and are dramatically reduced after penile circumcision (PC). The distal urethra may be the site of some HIV acquisition before PC, and presumably most acquisition post PC. We describe the immune milieu and microbiome of the distal urethra in uncircumcised Ugandan men, and define the impact of PC. Participants consisted of HIV-negative, genital symptom-free adult Ugandan men undergoing PC (n = 51). Urethral and coronal sulcus swabs were collected at baseline and at 6- and 12-months post-PC. Soluble immune factors were quantified by multiplex ELISA, and bacterial abundance assessed by 16S rRNA qPCR and sequencing.ResultsAt baseline, the urethra was enriched compared to the CS for most cytokines (including IL-8 and MIP-1β) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin, an epithelial disruption marker), although CS levels of IL-1α and IL-1β were higher. Baseline total bacterial abundance was ≥ 20-fold higher in the CS than the urethra (median 27,100 vs. 1200 gene copies/swab, p = 0.001), and anaerobes comprised 58% of CS bacteria vs. 42% of urethral bacteria. PC did not alter urethral IL-8 (median 806 at baseline vs. 1130 pg/ml at 12 months; p = 0.062) and urethral sE-cadherin increased (113,223 vs. 158,385 pg/ml, p = 0.009), despite five- and sevenfold drops in total bacterial and anaerobe abundance after PC, respectively. However, PC dramatically reduced CS levels of sE-cadherin (15,843 vs. 837 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and most cytokines (IL-8; 34 vs. 3 pg/ml, p < 0.001), while reducing total bacterial and anaerobe abundance by 13-fold and 60-fold, respectively (both P ≤ 0.004).ConclusionsThe urethra is immunologically rich with characteristics of an HIV-susceptible tissue site. However, PC had no impact on urethral immunology and may have reduced epithelial integrity, despite modest reductions in total bacteria and anaerobes, suggesting that HIV protection from PC is not mediated via immune or microbiome alterations in the urethra.6PgEasmsZ9wG1E4iwYa-kCVideo abstract

THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN THYROID HYPERTROPHIC AND ADENOMATOUS TRANSFORMATION

Background: Thyroid benign nodules (TBNs) are the most common diseases of this endocrine gland and are common worldwide. Among TBNs the colloid goiter (CG) and thyroid adenoma (TA) are very frequentdiseases. Evaluation of variant of TBNs is clinically important for subsequent therapeutic interventions, as well as for a clearer understanding the etiology of these disorders. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine differences in the content offifty trace elements (TE) in CG and TA tissues. Methods: Thyroid tissue levels of TE have prospectively evaluated in 46 patients with CG and 19 patients with TA. Measurements have performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides (INAA-LLR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), respectively. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for TE analysis. Results: It was observed that in both CG and TA tissues the contents of Ag, Al, Cr, Hg, Mn, Th, and Zn increased, whereas the levels of Au, Be, Cs, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th, Yb, and Zr were unchanged in comparison with normal thyroid tissue. No differences were found between the TE contents of CG and TA. Conclusions: From results obtained, it was possible to conclude that the common characteristics of CG and TA tissue samples were of a high level of Ag, Al, Cr, Hg, Mn, Th, and Zn in comparison with normal thyroid and, therefore, these TE could be involved in etiology and pathogenesis of thyroid disorders such as CG and TA. Peer Review History: Received: 12 November 2021; Revised: 15 December; Accepted: 31 December, Available online: 15 January 2022 Academic Editor: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Rima Benatoui, Laboratory of Applied Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar University Annaba, BP12 E L Hadjar–Algeria, benattouiryma@gmail.com Similar Articles: COMPARISON OF LEVELS OF TWENTY CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN NORMAL THYROID TISSUE AND HYPERTROPHIC THYROID TISSUE