Changes In Proportion Research Articles

Abstract WP95: Impact of First Imaging Protocol Changes on Door-to-Puncture Time in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy

Introduction: The choice of initial imaging modality significantly impacts door-to-puncture time (DPT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Studies have shown that using CT as the first imaging modality can reduce DPT compared to MRI. In July 2023, we revised critical pathway (CP) protocols including first image modalities from MRI to CT regardless of last known normal time (LNT). Therefore, we evaluated the impact of process modification including first image modalities could reduce the DPT for the EVT candidates. Methods: Prior to July 2023, EVT candidate AIS patients who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, comprehensive stroke center, received CT as the first imaging modality if they arrived within 6 hours after onset, while others underwent MRI. From July 2023, all patients with disabling symptoms or an NIHSS score of 6 or higher received CT as the initial imaging, irrespective of LNT. We retrospectively analyzed the single center quality indicators, including DPT, door-to-image time, door-to-reperfusion time, and proportion of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) comparing outcomes before and after the protocol change. Results: The total number of AIS patients undergoing EVT increased from 396 in the first half of 2022 to 442 in the second half of 2023. Median DPT decreased from 71 minutes in early 2022 to 60 minutes after the protocol change, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of patients achieving DPT within 60 minutes from 37.5% to 52.2%. The median door-to-image time for patients receiving CT decreased from 27 minutes to 22.5 minutes, with 94% achieving imaging within 30 minutes post-change compared to 70% pre-change. MRI, on the other hand, showed a median door-to-image time reduction from 30 minutes to 28.5 minutes, but only 50% achieved imaging within 30 minutes. Overall, the median door-to-reperfusion time decreased from 130 minutes to 105 minutes, with the proportion of patients achieving reperfusion within 120 minutes increasing from 37.9% to 62.5%. There was no significant change in proportion of sICH. Conclusions: The protocol change to a CT-first approach significantly improved key EVT quality indicators, particularly in reducing door-to-puncture time. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing imaging strategies to enhance outcomes in AIS patients undergoing EVT.

Wood Chip Incorporation in Almond Orchard Planting Berms Increased Gravimetric Water Content, Soil CO2 Efflux, and Fine Root Length Density

Incorporation of chipped woody material into soil instead of burning or transporting wood chips (WCs) off-site is a practical solution to dispose of old orchard trees. In woody plants, the most external (fine) lateral roots are critical in acquiring water and nutrients and are the part of the root system that is most responsive to changes in the soil environment. Our objective was to measure the impact of pre-planting WC incorporation into the planting site on young almond tree root parameters such as root length density (root length per soil volume) and root architecture. We hypothesized that presence of decomposing WCs in soils in the years following planting leads to increased fine root length density and changes in root architecture that increase soil exploration per unit root biomass. Plum WCs were incorporated into the orchard soil 6 months before planting and three blocks were established with paired treatment and control (no WC) plots. Root traits, soil water content, soil bulk density, and soil CO2 efflux were measured in both the berm and alleyways twice in years 2 and 3 after planting. We found significant increases in standing root length density in planting berms with WC incorporation 2 and 3 years after trees were planted. This was due to an increase in root mass per soil volume rather than an increase in specific root length or a change in proportion of fine roots produced. Thus, although root foraging was increased in planting berms with WCs incorporated, this was not due to a change in root architectural traits.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediates Pyroptosis of Alveolar Macrophages to Induce Radiation Lung Injury

Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining lung homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying alveolar macrophage pyroptosis and inflammasome activation in radiation-induced lung injury remain unclear. In this study, we employed multicolor flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the immune cell and cell death landscape in the tissue microenvironment of radiation-induced lung injury. Additionally, we utilized mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation and Duolink techniques to investigate the core inflammasome responsible for mediating alveolar macrophage pyroptosis. We noticed that the percentage of alveolar macrophages, T, B and epithelial cells decreased significantly post-irradiation. Notably, the proportional changes in alveolar macrophages closely correlated with Szapiels' pneumonia score. Furthermore, alveolar macrophages emerged as the earliest cell type to initiate pyroptosis and act as pivotal regulators of cell communication. In vitro and in vivo experiments, we observed a significant increase in NLRP3 binding to the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein in irradiated alveolar macrophages. In vivo, MCC950 effectively inhibited alveolar macrophage pyroptosis and significantly reducing inflammatory cells recruitment. Subsequently, targeting AM pyroptosis ultimately inhibit the infiltration of interstitial macrophages and the activation of fibroblasts, decrease collagen deposition and alleviate the severity of radiation-induced lung fibrosis. Targeting alveolar macrophage pyroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation hold substantial therapeutic potential for mitigating radiation-induced lung injury. Environmental implicationIonizing radiation can contaminate soil, water, and the atmosphere, posing a serious threat to human health. Furthermore, ionizing radiation can potentially altering the structure of genetic material within cells, leading to genetic mutations and reduced biodiversity. Therefore, ionizing radiation should be classified as a hazardous substance and strictly managed and controlled. By implementing protective measures, including limiting the use of radioactive materials and adopting effective prevention and control strategies, the negative impacts of radiation on humans and the environment can be mitigated, protecting the ecosystem. This study elucidates the potential mechanisms of radiation damage to human lung tissue and explores methods to address them.

Win Ratio Analyses Using a Modified Hierarchical Composite Outcome: Insights from PARAGLIDE-HF

The win ratio (WR) is an emerging alternative for reporting composite outcomes, prioritizing clinically significant events such as mortality while incorporating surrogate measures. However, its benefits should be weighed against limitations, particularly the influence of lower hierarchical outcomes. This secondary analysis of the PARAGLIDE-HF trial performed a WR sensitivity analysis using a modified hierarchical composite outcome to assess the utility of WR sensitivity analysis and the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan. PARAGLIDE-HF compared sacubitril/valsartan with valsartan in heart failure (HF) patients with ejection fraction >40% (N = 466). A hierarchical outcome in the primary analysis included cardiovascular death, HF hospitalizations, urgent HF visits, and change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), with a 25% decrease considered a win. In the prespecified subgroup with ejection fraction ≤60% (N = 357), sacubitril/valsartan showed a treatment effect on the hierarchical outcome (WR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.08-1.97). Sensitivity analyses for this subgroup included: (1) excluding NT-proBNP change, (2) substituting the 25% proportion change of NT-proBNP with 10% or 50%, and (3) including renal outcomes within the hierarchical outcome. In addition to the WR, the win odds (WO), in which 50% of the ties are allocated to both the numerator and denominator of the WR-a potentially more suitable modification of the WR that accounts for the presence of ties-were presented. Excluding NT-proBNP (WR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00-2.22; WO, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00-1.26), adjusting the NT-proBNP threshold from 25% to 10% or 50% (WR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06-1.89; WO, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04-1.56 for 10%; and WR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.12; WO, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06-1.48 for 50%), and incorporating renal outcomes (WR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.07-1.94; WO, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56) consistently favored sacubitril/valsartan. Multiple WR sensitivity analyses support a consistent treatment benefit of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan in patients with ejection fraction >40% to 60%. Future studies could consider prespecifying WR sensitivity analysis for comprehensive assessment of treatment effects. PARAGLIDE-HF; ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT03988634 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03988634).

Relationship Among Macronutrients, Dietary Components, and Objective Sleep Variables Measured by Smartphone Apps: Real-World Cross-Sectional Study.

Few studies have explored the relationship between macronutrient intake and sleep outcomes using daily data from mobile apps. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between macronutrients, dietary components, and sleep parameters, considering their interdependencies. We analyzed data from 4825 users of the Pokémon Sleep and Asken smartphone apps, each used for at least 7 days to record objective sleep parameters and dietary components, respectively. Multivariable regression explored the associations between quartiles of macronutrients (protein; carbohydrate; and total fat, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats), dietary components (sodium, potassium, dietary fiber, and sodium-to-potassium ratio), and sleep variables (total sleep time [TST], sleep latency [SL], and percentage of wakefulness after sleep onset [%WASO]). The lowest intake group was the reference. Compositional data analysis accounted for macronutrient interdependencies. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. Greater protein intake was associated with longer TST in the third (+0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.26 h) and fourth (+0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.27 h) quartiles. In contrast, greater fat intake was linked to shorter TST in the third (-0.11, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.27 h) and fourth (-0.16, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.07 h) quartiles. Greater carbohydrate intake was associated with shorter %WASO in the third (-0.82%, 95% CI -1.37% to -0.26%) and fourth (-0.57%, 95% CI -1.13% to -0.01%) quartiles, while greater fat intake was linked to longer %WASO in the fourth quartile (+0.62%, 95% CI 0.06%-1.18%). Dietary fiber intake correlated with longer TST and shorter SL. A greater sodium-to-potassium ratio was associated with shorter TST in the third (-0.11, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.02 h) and fourth (-0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.10 h) quartiles; longer SL in the second (+1.03, 95% CI 0.08-1.98 min) and fourth (+1.50, 95% CI 0.53-2.47 min) quartiles; and longer %WASO in the fourth quartile (0.71%, 95% CI 0.15%-1.28%). Compositional data analysis, involving 6% changes in macronutrient proportions, showed that greater protein intake was associated with an elevated TST (+0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.35 h), while greater monounsaturated fat intake was associated with a longer SL (+4.6, 95% CI 1.93-7.34 min) and a larger %WASO (+2.2%, 95% CI 0.63%-3.78%). In contrast, greater polyunsaturated fat intake was associated with a reduced TST (-0.22, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.05 h), a shorter SL (-4.7, 95% CI to 6.58 to -2.86 min), and a shorter %WASO (+2.0%, 95% CI -3.08% to -0.92%). Greater protein and fiber intake were associated with longer TST, while greater fat intake and sodium-to-potassium ratios were linked to shorter TST and longer WASO. Increasing protein intake in place of other nutrients was associated with longer TST, while higher polyunsaturated fat intake improved SL and reduced WASO.

Changes in the critical nutrient content of packaged foods and beverages after the full implementation of the Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law: a repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundChile’s Food Labelling Law was implemented in three phases with increasingly stricter limits. After initial implementation, sugars and sodium decreased in packaged foods, with no significant changes for saturated fats. It is unclear whether full implementation is linked with further reformulation or if producers reversed changes due to consumers’ preferences. This study examines changes in the proportion of “high in” products and the nutrient content of packaged foods during the Law’s three phases.MethodsThis repeated cross-sectional study included the best-selling packaged foods and beverages during 2015–2020. We analyzed the proportion of products classified as “high in” critical nutrients using the final phase cutoffs and examined changes in the content of calories, sugars, sodium, and saturated fats in the three phases. To assess the changes in proportions, we used Firth’s bias-reduced logistic regression models and the Cochran-Armitage test for trends. Quantile regression was used to evaluate changes in nutrient content.ResultsThe proportion of “high in” products decreased from 70.8 to 52.5% after the final phase (p < 0.001). The proportion of “high in” sugars products decreased across all sweet food and beverage groups (p < 0.001), except for candies (− 4.5 percentage points (pp), p = 0.09). The largest reductions occurred in sweet spreads and breakfast cereals (− 44.3 and − 40.4 pp, respectively, p < 0.001). For the proportion of “high in” sodium, reductions occurred in all savory food groups (p < 0.001), except cheeses and ready-to-eat meals (p < 0.24), with the largest decreases in savory baked products and non-sausage meat products (− 40.4 and − 38.9 pp, respectively, p < 0.001). Reductions in “high in” saturated fats and energy were less consistent, with the largest decreases in nuts and snacks and savory spreads (− 22.2 and − 20.0 pp, respectively, p < 0.001) and savory baked products and breakfast cereals (− 32.8 and − 25.7 pp, respectively, p < 0.001), respectively. After full implementation, most sweet categories showed left shifts in sugars distribution, except for candies. Similarly, most savory categories showed left shifts for sodium, except savory spreads and ready-to-eat meals. Changes increased as regulation limits tightened (p for trend < 0.001).ConclusionsAfter fully implementing Chile’s law, the proportion of “high in” products and the content of critical nutrients decreased in all food and beverage categories. The largest changes occurred for sodium in savory foods and sugars in sweet foods/beverages. Stricter regulatory limits were associated with decreases in critical nutrient content over time.

P0156 Plasma immune protein profiles in therapy-naïve ulcerative colitis relate to extent of affected tissue and density of intestinal infiltration, differentiating patients with discreet disease courses

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal inflammation driven by inflammatory memory T helper cell (ThM) reactivation. Heterogeneity in clinical disease and variability in response to treatment require new strategies targeting the patient’s underlying immune disease. As inflammation in UC only affects the intestinal mucosa, it is debated whether peripheral blood immune responses could reliably reflect ongoing intestinal immune disease. Methods To unequivocally establish this, we performed a uniquely deep immune characterization of therapy-naïve pediatric UC patients (n=34) and controls (n=55) by measuring 92 plasma immune proteins, circulating ThM subpopulations, intestinal mRNA expression, and intestinal immunohistochemistry. Extensive clinical follow-up was used to relate immune responses to clinical disease severity and therapy response. Results At diagnosis, 23 plasma proteins were differentially abundant in UC compared to controls. Increased protein concentrations mainly related to the IL-17 pathway (IL-17, IL-8, CCL20), tissue remodelling (MMP-10, MMP1, HGF), acute phase response (IL-6, OSM) and chemokinesis (CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL3). Interestingly, intestinal mRNA expression of highly abundant plasma proteins similarly increased, whereas no proportional changes in circulating ThM were detected. Unbiased hierarchical clustering of plasma immune profiles yielded two clusters of UC patients; UC_A with significantly increased concentrations of 17 proteins, many of which Th17/neutrophil-related, versus UC_B with lower concentrations. Notable increases in UC_A were: IL- 17A; OSM, a neutrophil product previously associated with anti-TNF therapy resistance; CXCL9 and CXCL11, IFN-g-induced chemokines. Strikingly, this UC_A immune profile strongly related to increased size of the affected intestinal surface and degree of infiltrating IL-17A+ cells and number of neutrophils in the biopsies. Clinically, UC_A patients had higher clinico-pathological parameters, more severe intestinal disease at endoscopy and on histology , and required earlier treatment intensification during 1.5 year follow-up, compared to UC_B patients. Conclusion These data firmly establish that, even though inflammation in UC only affects the intestinal mucosa, peripheral blood immune protein responses reliably reflect the degree of ongoing intestinal immune disease in UC. Implementing immune profiling in routine clinical characterization at diagnosis improves identification of patients who will develop a severe disease course allowing tailored treatment with earlier start of more intensive immunomodulatory treatment to treat to target and avoid tissue damage.

Major change in swine influenza virus diversity in France owing to emergence and widespread dissemination of a newly introduced H1N2 1C genotype in 2020.

Swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) are a major cause of respiratory disease in pigs worldwide, presenting significant economic and health risks. These viruses can reassort, creating new strains with varying pathogenicity and cross-species transmissibility. This study aimed to monitor the genetic and antigenic evolution of swIAV in France from 2019 to 2022. Molecular subtyping revealed a marked increase in H1avN2 cases from 2020 onwards, altering the previously stable subtypes' distribution. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of H1av (1C) strains identified 10 circulating genotypes, including 5 new genotypes. The most predominant genotype from 2020 onwards, denominated H1avN2#E, was characterized by an HA-1C.2.4, an N2-Gent/84, and internal protein-encoding genes belonging to a newly defined subclade within the Eurasian avian-like (EA) lineage termed EA-DK. H1avN2#E emerged in Brittany, the country's most pig-dense region, and rapidly became the most frequently detected swIAV genotype across France. This drastic change in the swIAV lineage proportions at a national scale was unprecedented, making H1avN2#E a unique case for understanding swIAV evolution and spreading patterns. Phylogenetic analyses suggested an introduction of the H1avN2#E genotype from a restricted source, likely originating from Denmark. It spread rapidly with low genetic diversity at the start of the epizootic in 2020, showing increasing diversification in 2021 and 2022 as the inferred population size grew and stabilized, and exhibited reassortments with other enzootic genotypes. Amino acid sequence alignments of H1avN2#E antigenic sites revealed major mutations and deletions compared to commercial vaccine 1C strain (HA-1C.2.2) and previously predominant H1avN1 strains (HA-1C.2.1). Antigenic cartography confirmed significant antigenic distances between H1avN2#E and other 1C strains, suggesting that the new genotype has escaped the pre-existing immunity of the swine population. Epidemiologically, the H1avN2#E virus exhibited epizootic hallmarks with more severe clinical outcomes compared to H1avN1 viruses. These factors likely contributed to the spread of H1avN2#E within the pig population. The rapid rise of H1avN2#E highlighted the dynamic nature of swIAV genetic and antigenic diversity, underscoring the importance of tailored surveillance programs to support risk assessment during potential new outbreaks. It also demonstrates the need to strengthen biosecurity measures when introducing pigs into a herd, including swIAV positivity assessment followed by quarantine, and restrict the trade of swIAV-excreting live swine between European countries.

A new tube chamber system for evaluation of anterior chamber pressure during phacoemulsification tested in porcine eyes.

To measure the optimal anterior chamber pressure (ACP) for safe phacoemulsification using a new tube chamber system with internal pressure measurement function in the porcine eye. The 20-gauge and 21-gauge straight tips with yellow and orange sleeves, respectively, were covered by a test chamber combined with a pressure sensor for measuring ACP. This was measured for 20s from 10s after starting aspiration in the linear mode using vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip, and 300 and 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip. Using a porcine eye, a pressure sensor fixed with a 0.9 mm corneal incision measured ACP. For the posterior capsule contact assay, porcine eyes were treated as described above, and the ultrasonic needle tip was held at the height of the iris and aspirated for 30s in linear mode at a vacuum of 200 and 150 mm Hg for the 20-gauge tip, and 300 and 250 mm Hg for the 21-gauge tip. The bottle height at which the posterior capsule accidentally contacted the ultrasonic tip was recorded, and the estimated ACP was calculated. The internal pressure of the new tube chamber system and ACP from the porcine eye closely matched proportional changes at vacuum levels of 200 and 150 mm Hg with 20-gauge tips. Similarly, proportional changes at vacuum levels of 300 and 250 mm Hg with the 21-gauge tip were nearly equal. The bottle height at which the posterior capsule contacted with the tip and estimated ACP were 57.5±12.6 cm (20.2±7.9 mm Hg) at 200 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip, 35.0±10.0 cm (16.6±6.3 mm Hg) at 150 mm Hg with a 20-gauge tip, 47.5±12.6 cm (18.7±8.7 mm Hg) at 300 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip, and 32.5±5.0 cm (15.7±3.5 mm Hg) at 250 mm Hg with a 21-gauge tip. A comprehensive understanding of this chamber system's characteristics and usage can resolve anterior chamber instability caused by changing preoperative settings on the phaco machine.

Long-range inputome of prefrontal GABAergic interneurons in the Alzheimer's disease mouse.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by damage to cortical circuits. However, the mechanisms underlying AD-associated changes in long-range circuits remain poorly understood. In this study, we used viral tracing and fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) imaging to investigate whole-brain changes in the input circuit of the frontal cortex of 5×FAD mice. Pathological axonal degeneration was widely observed in upstream regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus, across all AD brains examined. The proportion of input neurons projecting to parvalbumin-expressing neurons, compared to those projecting to somatostatin-expressing neurons, decreased in the hippocampus and basal forebrain. This decline was closely related to mouse age and the cell type of the presynaptic input neurons. This study demonstrates the selective vulnerability of long-range circuits in the prelimbic area in AD at the mesoscopic level, thereby enhancing our understanding of circuit architecture degeneration across the brain. We used whole-brain imaging with single-cell resolution to generate brain-wide input maps of the Alzheimer's disease mouse model. The pathological changes in the input proportions showed relevance with the mouse age, distribution, and cell type of the presynaptic input neurons. Compared to the cell body and dendrites of the medial prefrontal cortex input neurons, the pathological changes in the axonal structure are more extensive.

Sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan initiation in patients naïve to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors: Insights from PARAGLIDE-HF.

Whether prior treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) modifies efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) in patients with heart failure (HF) and ejection fraction (EF) >40% is unclear, thus Sac/Val according to ACEi/ARB status at baseline was assessed. This was a pre-specified analysis of Prospective comparison of ARNI with ARB Given following stabiLization In DEcompensated HFpEF (PARAGLIDE-HF), a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of Sac/Val versus valsartan, categorizing patients according to baseline ACEi/ARB status. The primary endpoint was time-averaged proportional change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline through weeks 4 and 8. Secondary analyses included a win-ratio analysis of the hierarchical outcome of (i) cardiovascular death; (ii) HF hospitalizations; (iii) urgent HF visits; and (iv) time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP from baseline to weeks 4 and 8, in addition to safety outcomes. Among 466 patients, 107 (23%) were ACEi/ARB naïve at the time of randomization. NT-proBNP favoured Sac/Val irrespective of ACEi/ARB status (naïve: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-1.13; users: 0.88, 95% CI 0.74-1.05; pinteraction = 0.52). The win ratio of the hierarchical outcome was 1.13 (95% CI 0.86-1.49) for ACEi/ARB users and 1.38 (95% CI 0.81-2.37) for ACEi/ARB naïve (pinteraction = 0.51). Safety endpoints showed non-significant interactions by ACEi/ARB status, with odds ratio of 1.79 (95% CI 0.68-4.72) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.29-1.78) for symptomatic hypotension and worsening renal function, respectively for ACEi/ARB naïve. In HF with EF >40% stabilized after worsening HF, safety and efficacy were similar irrespective of ACEi/ARB status at baseline, supporting early initiation irrespective of prior ACEi/ARB use.

Heat and Cold Shocks Decrease the Incidence of Diapause in Trichogramma telengai Larvae.

Insect diapause and response to thermal stress are similar in the variety of manifestations. However, the influence of thermal shocks on the incidence of insect diapause has not been sufficiently studied. Our laboratory experiments showed that both cold (-10 °C) and heat (43 °C) shocks experienced for at least 20-30 min significantly reduced the incidence of facultative larval winter diapause in the insect egg parasitoid Trichogramma telengai. However, the patterns of these responses were substantially different. In particular, the peaks of the sensitivity to diapause-averting effects of heat and of cold shocks fell, correspondingly, on middle-stage (5 days of development at 15 °C) and late-stage (9-11 days of development at 15 °C) larvae. Heat shocks influence the incidence of diapause mostly via the changes in the initial proportions of diapause-destined and non-diapause-destined individuals, whereas the effect of cold shocks is mostly based on differential mortality (i.e., the difference in mortality among treatments of the same experiment) with better survival of non-diapause-destined individuals. These results elucidate the peculiarities of the interaction between stress and diapause, allowing us to specify the methods for Trichogramma mass rearing and storage.

2'-Fucosyllactose attenuates aging-related metabolic disorders through modulating gut microbiome-T cell axis.

Aging-related metabolic disorders seriously affect the lifespan of middle-aged and older people, potentially due to disruptions in the adaptive immune and gut microbial profiles. Dietary intervention offers a promising strategy for maintaining metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) on aging-induced metabolic dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that 2'-FL significantly relieved aging-related metabolic disorders, including weight gain, lipid deposition, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, systemic inflammation, and abnormal hepatic metabolism. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant reduction in T cytotoxic (Tc), T helper (Th), and regulatory T (Treg) cells and a significant increase in Th17 cells in aged mice, while 2'-FL relieved the aging-induced proportional changes in Th and Th17 subtypes. The aging intestinal microecology was characterized by higher Th17/Treg ratios, impaired gut barrier function, lower gut bacterial diversity, decreased abundance of beneficial genera including Ligilactobacillus, Colidextribacter, Mucispirillum, and Lachnoclostridium, and increased abundance of harmful bacteria including Turicibacter and Desulfovibrio, which was ameliorated by 2'-FL treatment. These findings highlight that 2'-FL is an ideal dietary prebiotic for improving aging-related metabolic disorders by modulating both the adaptive immune system and the gut microbial profile.

Dual-modal improved biosensing platform for sugarcane smut pathogen based on biological enzyme-Mg2+ DNAzyme coupled with DNA transporter cascading hybridization chain reaction

Sugarcane smut is a major disease affecting the yield and quality of sugarcane, and its early detection is crucial for the healthy development of sugarcane industry. In this work, a dual-modal biosensing platform is designed based on Au-V-MOF and 3D DNA walker for highly sensitive and precise detection of the sugarcane smut pathogen. This detection system utilizes the catalytic properties of biocatalysts and the precise cleavage of DNAzymes, along with 3D DNA walker nanotechnology and a designed “walking track”, to achieve amplified detection signals and accurate target recognition. The detection platform utilizes catalytic hairpin assembly for target recycling. Output strand T1 interacts with DNAzyme via a 3D transporter, cleaving S1 in Mg2+ presence. This triggers cascading hybridization chain reaction to form long double-stranded DNA structures that absorb substantial methylene blue (MB). This amplifies the electrical signal and causes a proportional color change due to the redox reaction of MB, which enables electrochemical and colorimetric detection of the target. The method shows a linear response range from 0.0001 to 10,000 pM with a detection limit of 56.76 aM (S/N = 3). It features high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, which offers significant potential for early warning and precise detection of sugarcane smut.

New data of deuterium excess values of glacial ice of Kamchatka

The isotopic signature (δ18О, δ2Н, d-excess) of the ice of the Ushkovsky volcano in Kamchatka were studied. A new shallow ice core was obtained in 2022 in the Gorshkov crater. The 14 m long ice core was dated by counting annual layers, which were also compared with known eruptions in recent years. The upper 14 m of the glacier were formed over the last 16 years (from 2006 to 2022). The values of δ18О very from −16 to −24‰, δ2Н from −110,5 to −177,7‰, the averaged values are −20,5 and −150,2‰, respectively. The d-excess value varies with depth from 8,7 to 21,3‰, the average value is 13,7‰. For winter horizons at low values of δ18О and δ2Н, an increase in d-excess is noted. Such features are associated with the origin of moisture brought to Kamchatka. The source of moisture is the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, for which there are pronounced differences in the conditions of moisture evaporation between summer and winter. The increasing trends in δ18О and δ2Н values from 2006 to 2022 are accompanied by a decrease in deuterium excess, indicating an increase of summer precipitation. However, in addition to changes in seasonal proportions of precipitation, ice d-excess values may reflect climatic changes in the source of moisture.

Faculty diversity trends in physical medicine and rehabilitation by gender, race, and ethnicity in the United States, 1977–2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study describes the gender and racial/ethnic trends in academic physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&amp;R) and the shifts that have taken place in more than 4 decades.ObjectiveTo gauge the diversity in gender and race/ethnicity across academic degrees, academic ranks, chair positions, and tenure status in the academic workforce of PM&amp;R.DesignSurveillance study.Setting and MethodsThe data for academic PM&amp;R faculty were self‐reported and obtained from the annual Faculty Roster report of the Association of American Medical Colleges from 1977 to 2021.Main Outcome MeasuresTo compare the distribution of academic degree, rank, chair position, and tenure status over time, the percentage composition for each category was calculated for a period of 45 years. The temporal trends were depicted by plotting the counts and proportion changes, and the progress in terms of racial representation was illustrated by graphing the absolute changes in the percentage composition.ResultsDespite an overall increase in the representation of women, women remained underrepresented in the full professor rank in 2021, at only 32.1% of full professors. The instructor category was the only category in which the proportion of women faculty was higher in 2021 (62.8%) than in 1977 (58.5%). Asian faculty had the greatest increase in representation at all ranks, with the proportion of Asian full professors increasing from 1.8% to 11.4%, associate professors increasing from 7.4% to 14.4%, and assistant professors increasing from 11.2% to 20.2%. Women's representation as department chairs increased from 12.5% to 23.7% and Asians from 2.5% to 15.3%.ConclusionOverall, although there was an increase in the number of women and underrepresented minority faculty in academic PM&amp;R over the study period, disparities based on gender and ethnicity/race persisted, particularly in higher academic ranks and leadership positions.

Evaluating the effect of making the indication field compulsory in electronic prescriptions: A pre-post study in a hospital prescribing system.

Recording the indication for a medicine in the prescription supports communication. In May 2023, our district hospitals made the free-text indication field in prescriptions compulsory for all medicines in the inpatient prescribing system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of introducing a compulsory indication field in an inpatient prescribing system. Text in the indication field was manually classified as an indication, 'other text', 'rubbish text', 'to be determined' and 'blank'. Prescribing data were extracted from the district data warehouse. The change in proportion of prescriptions with an indication was compared for 8 weeks after introduction of a compulsory indication field to an equivalent 8 weeks in 2022. Secondary outcomes included medication cessation and indication recording before discharge. We analysed 81 634 prescriptions before and 82 726 after indications were made compulsory. The proportion of prescriptions with an indication increased from 29.2% to 75.6%. 'Rubbish text' increased from 0% to 2.3%, 'other text' from 2.5% to 14.7%, and 'to be determined' from 0.0% to 6.6%. Of 5557 prescriptions with 'to be determined' initially, 18.1% were ceased and 2.7% had an indication before discharge. After making the prescription indication field compulsory, the proportion of medicines with an indication increased from 29% to 76%, with only a small increase in 'rubbish text'. Following the system change, the quality of information recording improved but there was no change in medicine use. Compulsory fields should be combined with improvements in other components of care to improve medicine use.

Морфологическая характеристика Elaphe dione (Pallas, 1773) (Reptilia: Colubridae) на севере ареала в Самарской области

A detailed morphological description of the Elaphe dione (Pallas, 1773) in the Samara region is given. In wild-caught adult specimens that were not in a state of molting (n = 119), three variants of belly coloration were identified: beige (47.0%), ginger (26.9%), and gray (26.1%). Among individuals with beige and ginger bellies predominated males (67.9% and 59.4%, respectively), and females with gray bellies predominated (54.8%). The first case of partial melanism in the region was registered. The maximum L.corp. of captured snakes was 1050 mm for females and 930 mm for males. The average value of the index. L.corp. / L.cd. in juvenile (n = 6) and adult females (n = 51) is higher than that in similar males (n = 10 and n = 63), equal to 5.3 for females of both ages and 4.4 / 4.2 for males of the named age, respectively. Ranges of variability of L.corp. / L.cd. over-lapped by one value in young individuals (5.1 – 5.5 in females and 4.2 – 5.1 in males) and did not overlap in adult snakes (4.9 – 6.0 in females and 3.8 – 4.7 in males) due to changes in body proportions with age. Males had a lower mean Ventr. value and a larger number of Scd. compared to females (191.4 and 67.2 versus 204.2 and 59.6, respectively). For the Lab. characteristic on the left and right five combination options were identified, for Temp.I+II – 7 and 10 respectively. The proportion of asymmetric individuals of both sexes (n = 195) according to bilateral characteristics (Lab., Temp.I L / R, Temp.II L / R) was 88%. The FAMI index in males (n = 111) and females (n = 84) was 0.86 and 0.89, respectively.

Variations in humeral and femoral strains across body sizes and limb posture in American alligators.

Bone loading is a crucial factor that constrains locomotor capacities of terrestrial tetrapods. To date, limb bone strains and stresses have been studied across various animals, with a primary emphasis on consistent bone loading in mammals of different sizes and variations in loading regimes across different clades and limb postures. However, the relationships between body size, limb posture and limb bone loading remain unclear in animals with non-parasagittally moving limbs, limiting our understanding of the evolution of limb functions in tetrapods. To address this, we investigated in vivo strains of the humerus and femur in juvenile to subadult American alligators as they walked with various limb postures. We found that principal strains on the ventromedial cortex of the femoral midshaft increased with larger sizes among the three individuals displaying similar limb postures. This indicates that larger individuals experience greater limb bone strains when maintaining similar limb postures to smaller individuals. Axial and shear strains in the humerus were generally reduced with a more erect limb posture, while trends in the femur varied among individuals. Given that larger alligators have been shown to adopt a more erect limb posture, the transition from sprawling to erect limb posture, particularly in the forelimb, might be linked to the evolution of larger body sizes in archosaurs, potentially as a means to mitigate limb bone loading. Moreover, both the humerus and femur experienced decreased shear loads compared with axial loads with a more erect limb posture, suggesting proportional changes in bone loading regimes throughout the evolution of limb posture.

Cannabidiol can affect morphology, morphometry, enzymatic and microbial activity of rabbit digestive system.

The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of the continuative dietary administration of a hemp oil extract containing cannabinoids (cannabidiol, CBD) on the macroscopic morphology, morphometry, and enzymatic activity of different intestinal tracts as well as on the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the cecum of growing rabbits. The research was performed on 16 rabbits randomly selected from 2 experimental groups (8 per group). In detail, 42, sixty-day-old New Zealand White x California rabbits (sex ratio 1:1, average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2g) were homogeneously divided into 2 groups (21 animals/group), named Control and CBD. Both groups were fed the same commercial diet, but the CBD one was supplemented with 0.1ml of a hemp extract in coconut-based oil corresponding to 10mg of CBD/animal/day. Up to 92 days of age (for 27 d), individual live weight and feed intake were weekly measured. At 92 days of age, 8 rabbits/group (sex ratio 1:1) were moved to a specialized slaughterhouse, and the gastro-intestinal tract was separated from the carcass. Samples from 8 rabbits per dietary treatment were used for the histomorphological analysis of small and large intestine. In addition, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum were processed for enzymatic analysis. The caecal contents were used for the SCFA determination. The administration of CBD did not affect feed intake and the final rabbits whole body weight (P > 0.05), but some changes were detected in the gastro-intestinal tract of the animals. CBD seemed to interfere with protein digestion, with a significantly lower activity of the enzymes related to peptides in the small intestine and a consequent increase of the fermentative activity of caecal microbiota. This effect, in combination with a general decrease of fermentative activity in the caecal content of rabbits submitted to CBD treatment, was responsible for a change in the SCFA proportion mainly regarding the reduction of butyrate production (P < 0.01) that resulted significantly higher in CTR group compared to CBD. This last result is very important for intestinal health. Such fermentation activity modification was coupled with changes in the relative abundance of goblet cells in the colon. Overall, our findings suggest that a relative long-term administration of CBD may affect digestion in rabbits, in particular at enzymatic and fermentative level.