Low Index Research Articles

Assessment of quality and antioxidant capacity of peach in response to different UV-C dose irradiation.

The effects of different doses of UV-C irradiation (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0kJ m-2) on the quality and antioxidant capacity of peach fruit were examined. Results showed that irradiation at 2.0kJ m-2 led to higher firmness and total soluble solids, as well as lower weight loss and decay index. Additionally, peach fruits irradiated with 2.0kJ m-2 UV-C exhibited increased production of reactive oxygen species, which in turn stimulated the synthesis of total phenolics and total flavonoids and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Overall, the best abiotic stress effect was observed with 2.0kJ m-2 UV-C irradiation, resulting in improved shelf quality and increased antioxidant capacity of peach fruits during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of UV-C irradiation in peach fruit preservation.

Safety and Efficacy of Ketorolac After Craniotomy for Tumor Resection

ObjectivePostoperative pain is the most common undesirable outcome after neurosurgery. Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is administered parenterally and carries a theoretical increased risk of bleeding. Our study aims to determine whether ketorolac after craniotomy for tumor resection significantly changes the rate of postoperative adverse events, adequately controls pain, and decreases concurrent narcotic usage. MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection from 2013 to 2022. Analysis of patients who received ketorolac and those who did not in the post-operative period were compared for adverse events associated with ketorolac use. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported pain scores and postoperative opioid usage. Results1,114 patients were included, of which 70 received ketorolac in the postoperative period. Patients who received ketorolac often received it after narcotics failed to provide adequate pain control. Patients receiving ketorolac were younger (p=0.001) and had a lower comorbidity index (p=0.041) compared to the non-ketorolac group. Patients receiving ketorolac did not experience a significantly increased rate of bleeding events (p=0.850). Patients recieving ketorolac had significantly higher baseline levels of pain (p=0.018) and opioid usage (p=0.047). When matched for chronic comorbidities including pain disorders, the ketorolac group only displayed higher levels of pain early in the postoperative course (POD 0-1) but not in latter part of the initial postoperative period. ConclusionsKetorolac is a safe and effective option for pain control after craniotomy for tumor resection. Prospective data is needed to better validate these retrospective observations.

Biopsychosocial Impact of Multiple Sclerosis in Omani Patients: A Multicenter Comparative Study.

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by various clinical presentations and manifestations that include biopsychosocial impediments. This study has three interrelated goals relevant to biopsychosocial functioning: (i) compare reasoning ability, neuropsychological functioning, affective range, and quality of life (QoL) between people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and healthy controls; (ii) explore gender differences in reasoning ability and neuropsychological functioning, affective symptoms, and QoL among PwMS; and (iii) examine the relationship between QoL and cognitive performance in PwMS, focusing on those with inadequate vs. adequate QoL. Methods: This multicenter study was carried out among clinically stable PwMS (no relapse in the last two months) at follow-up in two tertiary care units in urban Oman. Healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were also recruited as a comparison group. Data were collected using cognitive batteries sensitive to current reasoning ability and conventional neuropsychological batteries designed to measure verbal learning, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed. The affective range (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and quality of life (QoL) were also evaluated. Results: The PwMS group scored lower on current reasoning ability, verbal learning, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed compared to the control group. The incidence of anxiety was higher in the PwMS group, but there were no statistically significant differences in depressive symptoms. No significant differences were found in cognitive variables between the two sexes, except in visual-spatial ability, where women outperformed men. PwMS with low QoL scored lower on attention and concentration indices than those with adequate QoL. According to QoL, no significant differences were observed in reasoning, verbal learning, or visual-spatial ability. Conclusions: The present sentinel study suggests that the Omani cohort with MS tends to have lower indices of current reasoning ability, visual and spatial memory, and cognitive speed compared to control subjects. Gender differences are minimal, except for visual-spatial abilities, where women outperform men. Quality of life significantly affects cognitive functioning. In general, the biopsychosocial impediment appears to be significant, indicating the need for comprehensive evaluation and care in the management of MS.

Associations of different genotypes with the meat productivity of sheep

Identification of the potential to increasthe agricultural production of farm animals has become possible through the use of genomic selection methods. It is advisable to improve breeding and pedigree qualities of local breeds, since these have the best adaptability to the features of the natural and geographical conditions in a given area. He controlled slaughter of animals with different genotypes allowed us to determine their meat qualities, such as biological value, slaughter yield and slaughter weight. The ratio of slaughter weight and pre‐slaughter weight gives the slaughter yield in percent.PCR (polyamino acid chain reaction) using specific synthesised sets of oligonucleotides in the genotyping of experimental sheep populations was carried out in order to study the allelic variants of the CAST and GH genes.When studying the indices characterising body weight in sheep which have different genotypes, significant increases in the indices could be observed before the periods of driving to summer pastures (17.2 kg) and during lambing (25.8 kg). The lowest indices were noted during driving both from winter pastures to summer pastures and from summer pastures to winter pastures (30.5 kg).In the period before driving, the live weight index was higher in the CASTMM genotype by 5.8 %; upon arrival in the mountains the difference was 6.1 %; during lambing — 4.7 %; before leaving for winter pastures — 8.4 % and upon arrival at winter pastures — 9.5 %.

Clinical usefulness of C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index as a prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing surgical resection of pancreatic cancer.

The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, which simultaneously evaluates the nutritional, immunological, and inflammatory statuses, is a new prognostic biomarker in patients with various cancers; however, no study has reported the clinical significance of the CALLY index in patients with pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether the preoperative CALLY index is a prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing surgical resection of pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively enrolled 461 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent surgical resection between January 2013 and December 2022. The overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. The optimal cut-off value for the preoperative CALLY index was 1.9. In the low CALLY group, patients were older (p = 0.012), more patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (p = 0.002), the median tumor size was larger (p < 0.001), more patients had pathologically confirmed metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.015) and worse pathological stage (p = 0.015), and fewer patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.003). A low CALLY index was associated with decreased OS (22.1 vs. 37.9months) and RFS (12.4 vs. 16.4months). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the preoperative CALLY index was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p = 0.045). The preoperative CALLY index is a prognostic biomarker for both OS and RFS in patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Terahertz laser-fabricated all-polymer hole arrays with high-quality quasi-bound states in the continuum

Abstract Dielectric metasurfaces promise to realize ultrahigh-quality (Q) resonances due to their ultralow material absorption. Most of them are silicon-based metasurfaces, requiring complex fabricated steps and thus suffering high costs. Laser etching processing has simple steps accompanied by low time consumption and exemplary processing efficiency. Here, an all-polymer metasurface based on hole arrays fabricated by laser processing has been proposed and investigated. Such metasurfaces achieve sharp quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) via breaking structural symmetry, form two annular circulation electric fields in different directions, and thus allow strong coupling between holes. Owing to the low refractive index of polymer, the calculated Q-factor reaches 9555 while the diameter discrepancy is 4 μm. Simulated results proved that the Q-factors of quasi-BICs can be further improved by reducing the film thickness and refractive indices of materials, which can be predicted by the fitting equation. Also, the fields in holes can be enhanced by reducing the film refractive index. These results in simulations and experiments provide an alternative method for designing high-Q resonators in terahertz regions.&amp;#xD;

Formulation and characterization of cholesterol-based nanoparticles of gabapentin protecting from retinal injury.

This study aimed to prepare cholesterol and stearic acid-based solid lipid nanoparticles of gabapentin (GAB-SLNs) for protection against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced retinal injury in rats. We prepared four preparations of GAB-SLNs using a hot high-shear homogenization ultrasonication process, and the best formulation was selected and tested for biological activity. The retinal injury was brought in male adult albino rats while gabapentin doses continued for 6weeks. Six groups of rats were assigned as the vehicle, diabetic, diabetic + gabapentin (10-20mg/kg), and diabetic + GAB-SLNs (10-20mg/kg). GAB-SLN#2 was selected as the optimized formulation with high entrapment efficacy (EE%, 98.64% ± 1.97%), small particle size (185.65 ± 2.41nm), high negative Zeta potential (-32.18 ± 0.98mV), low polydispersity index (0.28 ± 0.02), and elevated drug release (99.27% ± 3.48%). The TEM image of GAB-SLN#2 revealed a smooth surface with a spherical shape. GAB-SLNs provided greater protection against retinal injury than free gabapentin as indicated by the histopathology data which demonstrated more organization of retinal layers and less degeneration in ganglion cell layer in rats treated with GAB-SLN#2. Further, GAB-SLN#2 reduced the inflammatory proteins (IL-6/JAK2/STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The preparation of GAB-SLNs enhanced the physical properties of gabapentin and improved its biological activity as a neuroprotectant. Further studies are warranted to validate this technique for the use of oral gabapentin in other neurological disorders.

Anticonvulsants impacting bone metabolism: interim results from a cross-sectional study

Background. Despite a wide range of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with an improved pharmacological profile, patients often experience a variety of side effects during long-trem anticonvulsant therapy, among which are osteoporotic disorders. Currently, the mechanisms of AED effect on bone metabolism remain poorly understood, which creates certain difficulties in prevention and treatment of AED-induced osteoporosis.Objective: to study bone mineral density and laboratory parameters of bone metabolism in patients with epilepsy and longterm AED administration.Material and methods. A cross-sectional study included two comparison groups: 100 adult patients with epilepsy receiving AEDs for more than 12 months and 58 healthy volunteers without taking AEDs. All participants underwent general clinical examination, computed tomography (CT) densitometry at three time points (L1, L2 and femoral neck) and laboratory tests of mineral metabolism.Results. According to CT-densitometry results, a decrease in bone mineral density was detected in the majority of participants from both study groups. While assessing an impact of osteoporosis risk factors on bone tissue in epileptic patients, low motor activity and duration of AED therapy were the most significant, which was associated with lower bone mineral density indices. The study of laboratory mineral metabolism indicators revealed significant inter-group differences in indicators such as ionized calcium, 25-hydroxy-calciferol, free thyroxine and prolactin (p(U)=0.044, p(U)=0.040, p(U)=0.001, p(U)=0.003, respectively).Conclusion. The intermediate study results showed that long-term anticonvulsant use negatively affected bone metabolism in patients suffering from epilepsy. The data obtained point at need for further in-depth study of AED therapy effect on mineral metabolism.

Effects of multicomponent exercise intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in children and young adults with cerebral palsy: a multiple-baseline trial.

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) have a high risk of cardiometabolic diseases. It is unknown whether this risk is elevated in young people with CP and whether exercise can reduce this risk. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the EXErcise for Cerebral Palsy (EXECP) intervention on cardiometabolic risk in children and young adults with CP and compared this risk to typically developing children and young adults (TDs). Ambulatory male and female participants with spastic CP, aged 9-24 years, and age- and sex-matched TDs without musculoskeletal disorders were recruited. Participants with CP were measured at baseline, after a three-month control period manifesting normal development, and after the three-month strength, gait, and flexibility training intervention. TDs were measured at baseline and after the control period. They did not attend the intervention. Cardiometabolic risk factors included body weight, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass index assessed with bioimpedance; resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and aortic pulse wave velocity assessed with a non-invasive oscillometric device; fasting plasma high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Data were analyzed with independent samples t-tests and linear mixed-effects models adjusted for sex and age. The study involved 18 participants with CP (13 males, 9-22year, mean 14.2 ± 4.4) and 17 TDs (12 males, 9-22year, mean 14.6 ± 4.3). At baseline, participants with CP had a 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) [-2.0, -0.0]) kg/m2 lower skeletal muscle mass index than TDs. During the control period, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the change of any outcome. In the CP group, body weight (β = 1.87, 95% CI [1.04, 2.70]), fat percentage (β = 1.22 [0.07, 2.37], and blood glucose (β = 0.19, 95% CI [0.01, 0.37]) increased, while diastolic blood pressure (β=-2.31, 95% CI [-4.55, -0.06]) and pulse wave velocity (β=-0.44, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.16]) decreased. In the TD group, only body weight increased (β = 0.85, 95% CI [0.01, 1.68]) statistically significantly. In the CP group, no changes were observed during the intervention. Young people with and without CP do not exhibit significant differences in most cardiometabolic risk factors. EXECP intervention may attenuate some adverse development trajectories occurring without the intervention but greater volume and intensity of aerobic exercise may be needed to reduce cardiometabolic risk. ISRCTN69044459; Registration date 21/04/2017.

The Dysregulation of the Glymphatic System in Patients with Psychosis Spectrum Disorders Minimally Exposed to Antipsychotics: La dérégulation du système glymphatique en présence de troubles psychotiques chez des patients peu exposés à des antipsychotiques.

The pathophysiological mechanisms influencing psychosis spectrum disorders are largely unknown. The glymphatic system, which is a brain waste clearance pathway, has recently been implicated in its pathophysiology and has also been shown to be disrupted in various neurodegenerative and vascular diseases. Initial studies examining the glymphatic system in psychosis spectrum disorders have reported disruptions, but the findings have been confounded by medication effects as they included antipsychotic-treated patients. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) as a technique to measure the functionality of the glymphatic system in a sample of antipsychotic-minimally exposed patients with psychosis spectrum disorders and healthy controls. The study included 13 antipsychotic-minimally exposed (2 weeks antipsychotic exposure in the past 3 months/lifetime) patients with psychosis spectrum disorders and 114 healthy controls. We quantified water diffusion metrics along the x-, y-, and z-axes in both projection and association fibres to derive the DTI-ALPS index, a proxy for glymphatic activity. Between-group differences were analyzed using two-way ANCOVA controlling for age and sex. Partial correlations were used to assess the association between the ALPS index and clinical variables. Analyses revealed that antipsychotic-minimally exposed psychosis spectrum disorder patients had a lower DTI-ALPS index value than healthy controls in both hemispheres and the whole brain (all P < 0.005). Significant differences were also observed between the x and y projections/associations between patients and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we did not find any significant correlations (all P > 0.05) between the DTI-ALPS index with age, body mass index, symptomatology, and metabolic parameters. This study shows that the glymphatic system is dysregulated in antipsychotic-minimally exposed patients with psychosis spectrum disorders. Understanding the mechanisms that influence the glymphatic system may help to understand the pathophysiology of psychosis spectrum disorders as proper waste clearance is needed for normal brain functioning.

The structure and function of rhizosphere bacterial communities: impact of chemical vs. bio-organic fertilizers on root disease, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula.

Long-term use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) can cause soil compaction and acidification. In recent years, bio-organic fertilizers (BOFs) have begun to replace CFs in some vegetables and cash crops, but the application of CFs or BOFs has resulted in crop quality and disease occurrence. This study aimed to analyze the microbial mechanism of differences between CFs and BOFs in root disease, quality, and yield of tuber Chinese herbal medicine. We studied the effects of CFs, organic fertilizers, commercial BOFs, biocontrol bacteria BOFs, and biocontrol fungi BOFs on rhizosphere microbial community structure and function, root rot, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula at different periods after application and analyzed the correlation. Compared to CFs, the emergence rate and yield in BOF treatments were increased by 21.12 and 33.65%, respectively, and the ash content, water content, and disease index in the BOF treatments were decreased by 17.87, 8.19, and 76.60%, respectively. The structural equation model showed that CFs promoted the quality and yield of C. pilosula by influencing soil environmental factors, while BOFs directly drove soil bacterial community to reduce disease index and improve the quality and yield of C. pilosula. There was a stronger interaction and stability of soil microbial networks after BOF treatments. Microlunatus, Rubrobacter, Luteitalea, Nakamurella, and Pedomicrobium were identified as effector bacteria, which were related to disease prevention and yield and quality increase of C. pilosula. Microbial functional analysis indicated that the signal transduction and amino acid metabolism of soil bacteria might play a major role in improving the quality and yield of C. pilosula in the early and middle growth stages. In conclusion, compared to CFs, BOFs obtained a lower disease index of root rot and a higher quality and yield of C. pilosula by changing the structure and function of the rhizosphere bacterial community.

Hydrodynamic analysis of core annular flow with a viscoplastic lubricant

Core annular flow (CAF) with viscoplastic lubrication (VPL) is an attractive proposition for pipeline transportation of high viscous oil, slurries and suspensions. Past studies have performed stability analysis to show that the unyielded zone at the liquid-liquid interface stabilizes CAF by suppressing interfacial instabilities. However, an in-depth investigation of the flow hydrodynamics and the conditions which reduce the pumping power within stable CAF range using VPL has not been reported till date. Moreover, most of the studies have considered a Bingham Plastic liquid in the annulus. Only a single study (Usha & Sahu, 2019) is reported with Herschel-Bulkley (HB) liquid in the annulus that considers the entire annulus to be in the shear zone. Another experimental study (Huen et al., 2007) has demonstrated stable core annular flow with a shear thinning core and a HB annulus. In the present work, we analyze viscoplastically lubricated CAF for a Newtonian core where the yield stress annular liquid is described by the generalized HB model. The simplified analysis can predict CAF stability and is further explored to (i) assess the efficacy of VPL for stable energy-efficient oil transportation, and (ii) enhanced throughput without clogging during suspension transportation. The analysis, validated against data from literature, unravels the influence of rheological properties on flow hydrodynamics. We note that an annular liquid with low flow behavior index, n and yield stress, τy lowers pumping power, but the yield stress should be sufficient to form a plug zone at the interface for suppressing instabilities and stabilizing CAF. For viscous oil, a phase diagram in dimensionless coordinates (Reynolds number of the oil core and Herschel-Bulkley number of the annular liquid, both expressed at the inlet conditions) suggests the range of operation where an available HB liquid can serve as an effective annular lubricant for energy-efficient transportation.

Higher CALLY index levels indicate lower sarcopenia risk among middle-aged and elderly community residents as well as hospitalized patients.

The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, which integrates albumin, lymphocytes, and C-reactive protein levels, has emerged as a novel method to assess nutritional and inflammatory statuses in patients. This study examined the correlation between the CALLY index and sarcopenia risk using two cohorts: 1804 community dwellers from the NHANES database in the United States and 139 patients from the Department of Gerontology at Kunshan Hospital, China. In the US community cohort, RCS curve analysis was used to examine the non-linear relationship between inflammatory/nutritional markers and sarcopenia, subgroup analysis was also conducted. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between the CALLY index and the risk of sarcopenia in both cohorts. Results demonstrated a significant non-linear relationship between the CALLY index and the risk of sarcopenia (P < 0.001). Elevated levels of the CALLY index are independently linked to a decreased risk of sarcopenia in both community residents (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.57, Q3 CALLY index and OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.56, Q4 CALLY index) and hospitalized patients (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.96). This finding identified low CALLY index as a conveniently measurable parameter, serving as a nutritional and inflammatory risk factor for sarcopenia.

Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Steatotic, Alcohol-Related, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Analysis

Background and Aims: Metabolic liver disease is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. A Mediterranean diet (MD), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is effective in managing various chronic diseases, including liver diseases. This study aimed to explore the influence of adherence to the MD on the risk of chronic metabolic diseases, including steatotic liver disease (SLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and alcohol-related liver diseases (ALDs). Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 5395 individuals from a single center between 2020 and 2022, grouped by adherence to the MD using the Korean Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (K-MEDAS). MASLD score, ALD, and cardiovascular risk factors were also assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using 1:1 exact matching and multiple regression to compare the less adherent (K-MEDAS 0–7) and highly adherent (K-MEDAS 8–13) groups. Results: Adjusting for confounding variables, high adherence to the MD was significantly associated with lower rates of SLD (odds ratio [OR] 0.818, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.700–0.957, p = 0.012), MASLD (OR 0.839, 95% CI 0.714–0.986, p = 0.033), and ALD (OR 0.677, 95% CI 0.671–0.683, p &lt; 0.001). Post-propensity score matching analysis revealed that the highly adherent group exhibited significantly lower triglyceride levels, triglyceride and glucose index, atherogenic Index of Plasma, and Framingham risk scores than the less adherent group. Conclusions: Good adherence to the MD considerably reduces the risk of SLD, MASLD, and ALD, underscoring its protective effects and potential to prevent metabolic liver diseases and their complications.

Trends in Nutritional Status and Dietary Behavior in School-Aged Children with Congenital Heart Defects.

Background: Malnutrition and poor weight gain has been reported in infants with congenital heart defects (CHDs); however data in older children with CHDs are limited. In order to obtain representative data on the nutritional status, dietary behavior, and potential influencing factors in school-aged children with CHDs, we performed a nationwide online survey. Methods: Patients aged 6 to 17 years registered in the German National Register for CHDs were asked to participate in this study by completing the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) eating study questionnaire in order to assess their self-reported dietary habits. The use of the same questionnaire enabled a comparison with a representative subset of 4569 participants of the KiGGS study. Results: A total of 894 patients (mean age 12.5 ± 3.0 years; 47.2% female) were enrolled. Patients were allocated according to anatomic complexity into simple (23.8%), moderate (37.8%), and complex CHDs (38.4%). The consumption of sugar-containing food (p < 0.001) and fast food (p < 0.05) was significantly lower among the CHD patients than in the healthy children. Children with CHDs showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI) percentiles (p < 0.001) compared with their healthy peers, while children with complex and moderate CHDs had the lowest BMI. While in CHD patients, the BMI percentiles were not related to unhealthy food, there was a strong correlation with the CHD severity and number of previous interventions (p < 0.01). Conclusions: According to this nationwide survey, school-aged children with complex CHD are at risk of undernutrition, which is not due to dietary habits but to CHD severity and repeated surgery.

The relationship between the Prognostic Nutritional Index and lymphovascular and perineural invasion of the tumor in patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, and its effect on overall survival.

A low Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) value, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and perineural invasion (PeNI) have been identified as indicators of poor prognosis for many malignancies. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between PNI and LVI/PeNI, their prognostic significance, and their effect on overall survival in gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy. A cutoff value of 39.8 was taken for the PNI, and PNI < 39.8 was defined as moderate to severe malnutrition. Patients were grouped as PNI-low (PNI < 39.8) and PNI-high (PNI ≥ 39.8). Paraffin-embedded tissue sections of surgical specimens were used to evaluate PeNI as defined by previously reported criteria. The study included 270 patients with ages ranging from 23 to 90 years. The mean PNI was calculated as 39.8 ± 6.35. PeNI was detected in 232 patients (85.93%), and LVI was identified in 248 patients (91.85%). It was observed that the PNI value of patients with an expired status in the PNI < 39.8 group was lower compared to those who survived, and in patients with PNI > 39.8, those without PeNI had better survival. The presence of PeNI in patients with PNI > 39.8 increased the mortality risk by 2.088 units, while in patients with PNI > 39.8, it was found that those without LVI had better survival, and the presence of LVI increased the mortality risk by 3.171 units. Mortality developed in 166 patients (61.48%) during the five-year follow-up period. The five-year overall survival was found to be 31.02 ± 21.73 months. In patients with gastric cancer, the PNI, LVI, and PeNI are independent prognostic factors for overall survival in postoperative patients. A low PNI score is an inherently poor prognostic factor. In patients with a high PNI score, the presence of positive LVI and PeNI negatively impacts survival. We found that in patients with a low PNI, the rates of PeNI and LVI are higher compared to those with a high PNI, and this significantly affects mortality.

Relationship Between Land Use Transformation and Ecosystem Service Value in the Process of Urban–Rural Integration: An Empirical Study of 17 Prefecture-Level Cities in Henan Province, China

Urban–rural integration, which aims to balance economic growth with sustainable land use, is becoming an increasingly critical strategy for regional development. This study provides crucial insights into the relationship between land use changes and ecosystem service values (ESVs) in rapidly urbanizing areas by analyzing the urban–rural integration process in Henan Province, a typical agricultural province in China. This research investigated the relationship between land use transformation and ESVs in Henan Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing land use data and employing the equivalent factor method and elasticity model, we analyzed shifts in land use and their impacts on ecosystem services across 17 prefecture-level cities. Results indicated a gradual improvement in the urban–rural integration development index of Henan Province, particularly after 2000, but with notable disparities among cities. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, consistently demonstrated high urban–rural integration development index (URII) values, influencing the integration efforts of neighboring cities. Conversely, peripheral cities exhibited lower integration indices. Notable shifts in land use patterns characterized by diverse transfer dynamics distinctively influenced ESVs across regions. Urban sprawl initially exerted substantial impacts on ecosystem services and stabilized over time. Suburbanization impacts peaked in the early and middle stages, while agricultural intensification initially affected ecosystem services, but their effects diminished with increased efficiency. Ecological restoration efforts consistently enhanced ESVs. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between land use transitions and ecosystem services in the context of urban–rural integration.

Associations between physical activity and development in preschool-aged children born

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) on development (motor, cognitive, social-emotional) in children 4–5 years old born <30 weeks’ gestation, and to describe subgroups of children at risk...

Augmentation of antifungal activity of fluconazole using a clove oil nanoemulgel formulation optimized by factorial randomized D-optimal design.

In the present study, fluconazole (FLU) showed the highest solubility in clove oil and was selected as the oil phase for the FLU-loaded nanoemulsion (FLU-NE). Among the studied cosurfactants, Labrafac was better than ethanol at providing globules with acceptable sizes and a lower polydispersity index (PDI) when Tween 80 was the surfactant. This optimized FLU-NE was thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, FLU-NE stored at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity for 6months demonstrated good stability. The FLU-NE was converted to a FLU-loaded nanoemulsion gel (FLU-NEG) using 2% w/v sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The FLU-NEG was acceptable in terms of visual appearance and spreadability. Rheological studies revealed pseudoplastic behavior for FLU-NEG. The viscosity of FLU-NEG decreased when the applied rpm was increased. FLU-NEG showed greater drug release than that from a FLU-GEL formulation. Furthermore, the FLU release from FLU-NEG followed the Higuchi model. The results from the in vitro antifungal evaluation of FLU-NEG on Candida albicans ATCC 76615 strain confirmed the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU by clove oil. Significant differences were observed in the zones of inhibition produced by FLU-NEG compared to those produced by the blank nanoemulsion gel (B-NEG), fluconazole suspension (FLU-SUS), and nystatin samples. Thus, the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU using clove oil as the oil phase in its nanoemulsion formulation was quite evident from our results. Therefore, the developed FLU-NEG could be considered a potential candidate for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Association of glymphatic system dysfunction with cognitive impairment in temporal lobe epilepsy.

To explore the relationship between glymphatic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study retrospectively included 38 patients with unilateral TLE and 26 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs). The diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, choroid plexus volume (CPV), and cognitive assessment were obtained for each participant. Neuropsychological test batteries included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Minimum Mental State Examination, Arithmetic Test (AT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Digit Span Test (DST), Boston Naming Test, Block design, Phonological Fluency Test (PFT), and Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF). Compared to HCs, TLE patients had lower scores of MoCA, AT, DSST, DST, Block design, PFT and SVF (all p < 0.05) and lower values of mean DTI-ALPS index (1.491 ± 0.142 vs. 1.642 ± 0.123, p < 0.001). Significantly lower DTI-ALPS index values were observed in the ipsilateral hemisphere than in the contralateral hemisphere (1.466 ± 0.129 vs. 1.517 ± 0.175, p = 0.013) for patients with unilateral TLE. Correlation analyses found that SVF performance was significantly or borderline significantly associated with glymphatic function (FDR-corrected p < 0.05 for all DTI-ALPS index and FDR-corrected p = 0.057 for CPV) in TLE patients. Linear regression analyses showed that increased CPV and decreased DTI-ALPS index were independent risk factors for semantic fluency impairment (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, mediation analyses found the mediator role of the mean DTI-ALPS index in the relationship between choroid plexus enlargement and semantic fluency impairment (indirect effect: β = -0.182, 95%CI = -0.486 to -0.037). These findings reveal the important role of the DTI-ALPS index and CPV in SVF performance in unilateral TLE. Decreased DTI-ALPS index and increased CPV are the independent risk factors for semantic fluency impairment. The DTI-ALPS index may fully mediate the relationship between CP enlargement and SVF performance. These insights provide a radiological foundation for further investigations into the mechanism of the glymphatic system in TLE pathophysiology.