Significant Differences In Concentrations Research Articles

COMPARISON OF YIELD AND QUALITY OF CIRCULATING CELL-FREE DNA FROM K2EDTA AND K3EDTA COLLECTIONS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Background: Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a biomarker for various clinical applications, including detecting and monitoring cancer. However, blood collection tubes can affect the yield and quality of cfDNA. Since specific cfDNA collection tubes are costly, K2EDTA and K3EDTA anticoagulant tubes are alternatives in routine clinical laboratories. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of cfDNA extraction from plasma collected in K2EDTA and K3EDTA tubes and evaluate implementation for molecular diagnostics. Methods: Blood samples from 38 healthy subjects were collected in K2EDTA and K3EDTA tubes that were processed within 2 hours. The extracted cfDNA was measured and performed using SYBR Green-based qPCR for three endogenous reference genes (GAPDH, HPRT1, TFRC). The cfDNA yield and the amplification efficiency of these genes were compared between K2EDTA and K3EDTA tubes using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: There were no significant differences in cfDNA concentration between K2EDTA and K3EDTA tubes (p=0.051). However, qPCR analysis revealed significantly higher copy numbers of TFRC and HPRT1 in K2EDTA tubes than in K3EDTA tubes (p<0.05). No significant difference was found for GAPDH. Conclusion: The results indicate that K2EDTA and K3EDTA tubes are an alternative option for cfDNA analysis if samples are processed quickly after a blood draw, which offers flexibility and cost savings in resource-limited areas.

Salivary IL-1 Beta Level Associated with Poor Sleep Quality in Children/Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Sleep disorders are common in youths with autism spectrum disorders. Inflammatory cytokines such as Il-1 beta and Il-6 in saliva have been associated with alterations in sleep quality in various conditions. We assessed whether there were associations between the salivary concentration of IL-1 beta and IL-6 and sleep quality in youths with ASD versus typically developing (TD) age- and gender-matched youths. Method: Forty children and adolescents with ASD or TD participated in this study (20% females). Their parents answered the items of a validated questionnaire on sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Results: The mean Pittsburgh score was significantly higher (i.e., the quality of sleep was poorer) in the ASD group (8.68 ± 0.35 (SEM), ranging from 7 to 12 points), compared to the TD group (7.35 ± 0.54 (SEM), ranging from 2 to 12 points) (p = 0.02, Mann–Whitney U test). There were no significant differences in the salivary concentration of Il-1 beta and IL-6 receptor between the two groups, but salivary IL-1 beta concentration was inversely associated with poor sleep quality in the ASD group. No associations between the salivary Il-6 concentration and sleep quality were found in either group. Linear regression analysis by separate groups revealed significant associations between the sleep quality score and the concentration of IL-1 beta in the ASD group (p = 0.01, OR = −0.53, 95% CI −0.008–0.001). In contrast, no significant associations were observed in the TD group, or for IL-6 in either group. No significant effects of sex, age, or use of psychotropic medications were found. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with ASD showed significantly poorer sleep quality based on their parents’ reports compared to the TD group, and the salivary IL-1 beta concentration was inversely associated with sleep quality only in the ASD group. Further studies on the associations between inflammatory cytokines and sleep in ASD are needed.

Spatial and seasonal variations in trace metals in marine sediments from the Dubai coastal environment.

This study was conducted to assess sediment trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) contamination using a systematic approach by collecting sediment samples from 8 transects along the Dubai coastline, each 10 km long, and each transect included its nearshore sediment sampling station. Additionally, 10 sediment samples were collected from the Dubai creek and other potential sources of metal pollution. The sediment samples were collected in December and again in August. However, no significant difference in sediment metal concentration was found between the two sampling campaigns. The sediment trace metal concentrations (0.92-1.31mg Cd/kg, 2.82-176.6mg Cr/kg, 2.27-621.67mg Cu/kg, 0.88-23.6mg Pb/kg, 1.92-192.2mg Ni/kg and 9.1-391.05mg Zn/kg) showed considerable variability, except for Cd (1.08 ± 0.06mg/kg, 5.55% variability). Despite this, no significant differences in sediment metal concentrations were found between the sampled transects. However, significant variations in Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were evident between distances from the shoreline to offshore stations along the Dubai coast, and the nearshore locations presented clear evidence of elevated/maximum sediment metal concentrations. Most of the sediment trace metal concentrations, however, were found well within the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) for nearshore sediments. Trace metal contamination hotspots, nonetheless, were identified at some nearshore stations as determined by metal level exceedance over the SQGs, background levels and the pollution load index, with limited potential ecological risk. Overall, the findings suggest that sediments in the Dubai coastal environment are mainly influenced by anthropogenic activities in stations located in the proximity of ship maintenance, ports, and industrial areas such as Dry Dock, Jaddaf, Jebel Ali Port, Wharfage, Hamriya and DUBAL.

Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf

Trace element pollution in the Persian Gulf originates from industrial activities, urbanization, shipping, and oil extraction, leading to accumulation in sediments, water, and marine life such as jellyfish. This study investigated trace element bioaccumulation in two jellyfish species, Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda, across different locations. Jellyfish samples were collected from the Mahshahr and Dilam ports, and their trace element concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study revealed no significant differences in trace element concentrations between C. orsini and C. andromeda. However, levels of copper, iron, manganese, and nickel were significantly higher in specimens from Mahshahr compared to those from Dilam. No significant differences were observed for cadmium, mercury, vanadium, tin, magnesium, and selenium across sites. Lower concentrations of lead, arsenic, zinc, and cobalt were found in C. orsini from Dilam compared to Mahshahr. Additionally, the study found no significant correlation between trace element concentrations in the water and their accumulation in jellyfish bodies. These findings offer valuable insights into the distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in jellyfish populations across different marine environments in the Persian Gulf.

Total protein concentration and stability of Amb a 1 in glycerinated ragweed sublingual immunotherapy stored at room temperature and refrigerated cold temperature.

Few studies have investigated optimal storage conditions or expiration dates for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) formulations prepared from glycerinated allergen extracts. The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of short ragweed major allergen (Amb a 1) and total protein in SLIT formulations stored at two different temperatures. It was hypothesised that protein concentrations would show greater decline over time in a formulation stored at room temperature (RT) than in one stored under refrigeration. Two SLIT samples containing equal volumes of 20,000 PNU Amb a 1 extract were prepared and stored at refrigerated cold (CT) (2-8°C) or RT (20-24°C) for 140 days. Changes in total protein and major allergen concentration and composition were measured by Bradford assay, two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and SDS-PAGE. Presence of Amb a 1 was confirmed with Western immunoblot. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance, with p < 0.05 considered significant. SDS-PAGE showed compositional changes in a ~26-30 kDa protein band under RT and not CT storage. The Amb a 1 concentration of the RT SLIT sample declined significantly over time, compared to that of the CT SLIT sample (F(1,8) = 47.69, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in total protein concentration over time between groups (F(1,8) = 1.79, p = 0.22). These results demonstrate that storage of glycerinated SLIT formulations in refrigerated CT preserved the highest concentration of the specific allergen Amb a 1, suggesting that SLIT formulations containing short ragweed should be stored under refrigeration.

Plasma statin concentrations do not correlate with statin-induced myalgia

Abstract Aims Statins are essential in cardiovascular prevention. Although well-tolerated, patient adherence is often suboptimal due to experienced musculoskeletal symptoms ranging from mild myalgia to rare life-threatening rhabdomyolysis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma concentrations of statin metabolites in patients experiencing myalgia without rhabdomyolysis. Methods and results Plasma concentrations of statin metabolites were quantitatively assessed using mass spectrometry across three case-control cohorts evaluating statin-induced myalgia. The analysis included a total of 373 patients from the MILANO study (N=85 with self -reported myalgia), the MONTREAL study (N=248 with clinically verified myalgia) and the STOMP study (N=40 with rechallenge-verified statin-induced myalgia). STOMP found no significant difference in the plasma concentrations of statin metabolites between statin naïve patients with myalgia (N=12) taking atorvastatin 80 mg daily and asymptomatic controls (N=28), including upon subsequent statin rechallenge. Both the MILANO and MONTREAL studies showed lower plasma concentrations of statin metabolites in patients with myalgias compared to controls. MILANO showed a significant difference in rosuvastatin lactone concentration in patients with myalgias compared to asymptomatic controls (P = 0.025). Similarly, MONTREAL showed significantly lower mean atorvastatin metabolite concentrations in affected patients versus controls (P values ranging from 0.0073 to 0.037). Atorvastatin dosages in MONTREAL ranged from 5 to 80 mg daily, the most frequent regimens being 20 mg (27% in cases; 24% in controls) and 40 mg (33% in cases; 37% in controls). Creatine kinase levels were measured in all cohorts and were not different between cases and controls. Conclusion Development of myalgias in patients with normal creatine kinase levels is not associated with higher statin metabolite plasma concentrations. Myalgias during statin therapy are not caused by pharmacokinetic abnormalities.

Nontargeted urine metabolomic analysis of acute intermittent porphyria reveals novel interactions between bile acids and heme metabolism: New promising biomarkers for the long-term management of patients.

Acute intermittent porphyria is an inherited error of heme synthesis. The underlying pathophysiology, involving mainly hepatic heme synthesis, is poorly understood despite its occurrence, and the severity of acute porphyria attack is still difficult to control. A better understanding of the interactions between heme synthesis and global metabolism would improve the management of AIP patients. An untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed on the urine of 114 patients with overt AIP and asymptomatic carriers using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The collected data were analyzed by combining univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 239 metabolites were annotated in urine samples by matching chromatographic and mass spectral characteristics with those from our chemical library. Twenty-six metabolites, including porphyrin precursors, intermediates of tryptophan or glycine metabolism and, unexpectedly, bile acids, showed significant concentration differences between the phenotypic groups. Dysregulation of bile acid metabolism was confirmed by targeted quantitative analysis, which revealed an imbalance in favor of hydrophobic bile acids associated with changes in conjugation, which was more pronounced in the severe phenotype. Using a random forest model, the cholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid ratio enables the differential classification of severe patients from other patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 84%. The analysis of urine samples revealed significant modifications in the metabolome of AIP patients. Alteration in bile acids provides new insights into the pathophysiology of chronic complications, such as primary liver cancer, while also providing new biomarker candidates for predicting the most severe phenotypes.

Comparison of two pump-based systems for sampling small microplastics (>10 μM) in coastal waters

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as an important research topic due to their ubiquity in the environment and their potentially harmful effects on aquatic biota. However, our knowledge of the abundance and characteristics of the smaller fraction of MPs (<300 μm) in marine waters remains limited. This study aims to compare two different filter pump devices: AAU-UFO (Universal Filtering Object) pump and KCD (KC Denmark's Micro Plastic Particle) pump for sampling small MPs (>10 μm). Coastal waters from six sites in the Gulf of Bothnia (Baltic Sea) were sampled with both devices. The concentration and composition of the collected MPs were analyzed by FPA-μFTIR imaging. The median concentrations were 117 MP/m3 with a median mass of 118 μg/m3 and 162 MP/m3 with a median mass of 117 μg/m3, for the UFO pump and KCD pump, respectively. The predominant MP shape was fragment, and the most abundant polymers were polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene. MPs smaller than 300 μm represented more than 90% of the MPs in the samples. The recorded microplastic concentrations were several orders of magnitude higher than those previously reported using a Manta net in this area, highlighting the importance of analyzing MPs smaller than 300 μm. No significant differences in MP concentrations were found between samples from the two filter pumps, indicating that both devices are comparably effective systems for sampling MPs (>10 μm) in coastal waters. Overall, our findings contribute to harmonizing sampling methodologies for small MPs in aquatic systems, which is crucial for establishing effective monitoring programs and ensuring accurate risk assessments.

Angiopoietin II in Critically Ill Septic Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DRAK Study

Introduction: Angiopoietin II (Ang-II) plays a pivotal role in the development of microcirculatory dysfunction as it provokes endothelial barrier disruption in patients with sepsis or septic shock. In particular, those with acute kidney injury show high Ang-II concentrations. So far, it is unclear which covariates influence Ang-II concentration in the early phase of sepsis, especially if extracorporeal therapies also do. Methods: Ang-II concentrations were measured in 171 patients with sepsis after the first day of antibiotic treatment between 03/2013 and 01/2015. Ang-II was correlated with potential influencing factors (Spearman correlation). A multivariate model was established including the significant correlating parameters. The Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to detect significant differences in Ang-II concentration. Results: The median Ang-II concentration was 8015 pg/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 5024–14,185). A total of forty patients were treated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and 20 were supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO). Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (r = 0.541), creatinine clearance (r = −0.467), urinary output (r = −0.289), interleukin (IL)-6 (r = 0.529), C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.241), platelet count (r = −0.419), bilirubin (r = 0.565), lactate (r = 0.322), KRT (r = 0.451), and fluid balance (r = 0.373) significantly correlated with Ang-II concentration and were included in the multivariate model. There, creatinine clearance (p &lt; 0.01, b = −26.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) −41.8–−10.8), fluid balance (p = 0.002, b = 0.92, 95% CI 0.33–1.51), and CRP (p = 0.004, b = 127.6, 95% CI 41.6–213.7) were associated with Ang-II concentration. Furthermore, patients with KRT (median: 15,219 pg/mL, IQR: 10,548–20,270) had significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher Ang-II concentrations than those with vv-ECMO support (median: 6412 pg/mL, IQR: 5246–10,257) or those without extracorporeal therapy (median: 7156 pg/mL, IQR: 4409–12,741). Conclusion: Increased CRP, positive fluid balance, and impaired kidney function were associated with higher Ang-II concentrations in critically ill patients in the early stage of sepsis in this post hoc analysis. In particular, patients with KRT had very high Ang-II concentrations, whereas the use of vv-ECMO was not related to higher Ang-II concentrations. The significance for clinical practice should be clarified by a prospective study with standardized measurements.

Effects of the vehicle fleet on air quality in an urban university environment of Ecuador

Introduction: Air quality in university environments is critical for the health and well-being of students and staff. This study aims to identify the permissible pollutants emitted in the parking lots of the State Technical University of Quevedo (UTEQ) in the canton of Quevedo, province of Los Ríos, Ecuador. Methods: An abductive (inductive-deductive) approach was employed, utilizing statistical methods to analyze primary emission data. In-situ measurements of pollutants, specifically carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), were conducted monthly across three parking lots at the university. Each parking lot contained three strategically established monitoring points, where measurements were taken during peak entry and exit hours and on days of highest traffic, using the Temtop M2000C-2º sensor. Results: The findings revealed significant statistical differences in pollutant concentrations among the parking lots. CO levels were notably higher in the main parking lot during midday, while PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited greater dispersion in the rear parking lot. The maximum measured values were 456.71 ppm (CO) in the main parking lot, 22.29 µg/m³ (PM2.5) in the Produteq lot, and 32.54 µg/m³ (PM10) in the rear parking lot, all of which remain within the permissible limits established by Ecuadorian legislation. Conclusion: Although air pollution levels at UTEQ are classified as moderate, the results underscore the necessity for implementing short-term mitigation measures to enhance air quality. It is recommended that university authorities develop projects and actions aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and improving overall environmental conditions on campus.

Positional assessment of Concentration among Mysore University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The Purpose of this investigation was to explore the level of Concentration between different positional play of Mysore University Inter-Collegiate Male Hockey players, the aged between 18 to 22 years. The researcher has randomly selected 165 Male Field Hockey Players those who were Participated in Mysore city inter collegiate Hockey tournament and those who are practicing regularly. The researcher was classified the total samples into eleven (11) categories according to positional play, such as Center forward, right in and right out, Left in and Left out, Center Mid, Right and Left Mid, Left defender, Right &amp; Left Defender and Goal Keeper and the samples were consisted fifteen (N=15) for each position. The Knox Cube imitation test was administered to know the level of concentration among selected subjects. In order to examine the hypotheses of the study one-way ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions for variables of concentration. The findings of the investigation showed that, the Concentration level was found to be higher for goal keeper than the other positional players. Whereas, the left midfielder had low level of concentration when compare with others which was clearly indicated that, there were significant differences in concentration of selected field hockey players with positional wise. On the basis of the present investigation, it will be summarized that the concentration was influencing by different positional play.

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin drakes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on semen quality in White Pekin ducks. The drakes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups at 20 weeks of age based on the treatments followed, as T1 (Basal diet), T2 (Basal diet + 100 mg vitamin E/kg diet), and T3 (Basal diet + 200 mg vitamin E/ kg diet). Semen was collected once in four days and was subjected to various microscopic and macroscopic parameters. There was no significant difference in semen volume and appearance score among the experimental treatments. The pH of semen was found slightly alkaline in all three treatments. Most samples were white in colour and were medium thick or thick in consistency.The major contaminants observed were faeces and uric acid crystals. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher progressive motility per cent and motility score was observed in T3 compared to control group and the values of T2 were comparable. There was no significant difference in concentration, viability and sperm abnormality among the three treatments.The sperm HOS response per cent was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T3 and T2 compared to control group. Dietary addition of vitamin E enhanced the semen quality by eliminating the free radicals Keywords: Semen, ducks, Vitamin E

An innovative quick-decision strategy for evaluating the applicability of extractive distillation process with a preconcentration column in separating high-concentration organic waste liquid

In the face of the high energy consumption challenge in separating high-concentration organic waste liquid through extractive distillation (ED), the concept of preconcentration provides a new strategic direction. Therefore, it has become crucial to determine the suitability of the ED process with a preconcentration column for processing such complex mixture. Taking this into consideration, the study proposes an innovative quick-decision method that utilizes thermodynamic analysis of ternary phase diagram to determine the ratio of theoretical product flowrate at the bottom of the preconcentration column to the feed flowrate, which serves as the basis for deciding whether to choose the ED process with a preconcentration column for handling such separation tasks. Three azeotropic systems with different thermodynamic characteristics are chosen as case studies: cyclohexane/ethyl acetate/ethanol (Case 1), ethyl acetate/ethanol/water (Case 2), and n-hexane/ethyl acetate/acetonitrile (Case 3). The task of separating the above three systems is accomplished through the application of both three-column extractive distillation configuration (TCED), and four-column extractive distillation configuration (FCED). The objective functions for multi-objective optimization of all separation configurations include the minimum total annual cost (TAC), the minimum entropy generation and the minimum CO2 emissions. The research findings indicate that when the ratio of theoretical product flowrate at the bottom of the preconcentration column to the feed flowrate is not less than 0.56, or when there is a significant concentration difference among the components in the feed stream, the FCED configuration exhibits clear advantages over the TCED configuration in terms of economic, environmental, and thermodynamic aspects.

Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPreoperative oral carbohydrate intake can improve the postoperative recovery of fasting patients in many kinds of surgeries; however, the effect of carbohydrates on patients undergoing daytime oral surgery is still unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate intake on the quality of recovery of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery using the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire.MethodsNinety-two patients scheduled for daytime oral surgery were randomly allocated to the midnight fasting group (F group, n = 45) or the carbohydrate-Outfast loading group (O group, n = 47). Participants in the F group fasted from midnight the day before surgery. Patients in the O group also fasted but received the Outfast drink (4 ml/kg) 2–3 h before the induction of anesthesia. QoR-15 questionnaire, patient well-being, and satisfaction were assessed before anesthesia induction and 24 h after surgery. Perioperative blood glucose, postoperative exhaust time, and adverse events were also recorded.ResultsThe QoR-15 scores were significantly higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Seven parameters representing patient well-being evaluated on a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) were lower in the O group than in the F group postoperatively, except for the hunger and sleep quality scores. Patient satisfaction scores on a 5-point scale were higher in the O group than in the F group preoperatively and postoperatively. Meanwhile, the postoperative exhaust time was significantly shorter in the O group compared to the F group, while there were no significant differences in blood glucose concentrations between two groups.ConclusionsPreoperative oral carbohydrate intake could improve postoperative recovery quality, well-being, and satisfaction of patients undergoing daytime oral surgery 24 h after surgery, and may serve as a treatment option for patients undergoing daytime oral surgery.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053753) on 28/11/2021.

Effects of Trace Mineral Source on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed an Oxidized Soy Oil Supplemented Diet.

This study investigates the effects of oil quality and trace mineral source on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White [64.4 ± 1.95]) were randomly allocated five dietary treatments based on body weight (BW) and sex in a 30 d trial. Pigs were fed five diets: (i) fresh soy oil + inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) + inorganic selenium (FISI), (ii) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + inorganic selenium (OISI), (iii) fresh soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (FISY), (iv) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (OISY), and (v) oxidized soy oil + organic trace minerals (OTMs) + selenium yeast (OOSY). Each dietary treatment included six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three barrows and three gilts). Feeding OISI resulted in lower average daily gain (ADG) and dressing percentage (p < 0.05). The OOSY group had a higher dressing percentage and activities of serum CAT and GSH-Px in growing-finishing pigs (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Campylobacterota in the colonic digesta varied with the quality of soy oil and source of trace minerals (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in short-chain fatty acid concentrations were observed among all dietary groups. In conclusion, adding oxidized soy oil to the diet negatively impacted the ADG and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs, and replacing ITMs with OTMs and SY alleviated these negative impacts. A combination of OTMs and SY can support antioxidant capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of oxidized oil on the growth performance and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs.

Effect of natural carotenoids obtained from Haematococcus pluvialis, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, and Phaffia rhodozyma on flesh pigmentation and related biochemical mechanisms in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

The present study highlights the efficiency of natural carotenoid sources (Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia rhodozyma, and Paracoccus carotinifaciens) in terms of Atlantic salmon pigmentation, lipid profile, oxidation status (glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG)) ratio, and genomic stress markers (nrf2.1, keap1b1, hsp70, and h2q8 genes) during an 88-day feeding trial. As controls, fish fed synthetic astaxanthin was used. Four experimental diets with equal nutritional composition, except for the pigment source, were tested in an experimental design of 12 tanks and 372 fish (n = 3 × 31 per feed, start weight of 149 ± 27.5 g).Astaxanthin from H. pluvialis, P. rhodozyma, and P. carotinifaciens were found to be as efficient as synthetic astaxanthin in terms of visual perception, oxidation status and lipid peroxidation as there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in a* value, GSH/GSSG ratio, or lipid profile between the different groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the gene expression of nrf2.1, keap1b1, or hsp70 in the NQC or the PC. Fish fed P. rhodozyma showed the most favorable results as it had the numerically highest a* and C* values and the lowest L* value. Moreover, no significant difference in total muscle astaxanthin concentration was observed between the fish fed P. rhodozyma and those fed synthetic astaxanthin. However, the fish fed synthetic astaxanthin had a significantly higher concentration of total flesh astaxanthin than those fed H. pluvialis and P. carotinifaciens.The results conclude that naturally produced astaxanthin has a significant potential in Atlantic salmon pigmentation. However, further research on slaughter-ready salmon is essential to prove the concept.

Examining the complex Interplay between gut microbiota abundance and short-chain fatty acid production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients shortly after onset of disease.

This study aimed to assess differences in the enteral microbiome of relatively recent-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients (< 6-15 months since symptom onset) compared to healthy individuals, focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as potential mediators of host metabolism. We included 28 volunteers (16 ALS, 12 controls) with informed consent. No significant effect of ALS on alpha diversity (measuring the variety and abundance of species within a single sample, and indicating the health and complexity of the microbiome) was observed, but ALS patients had higher abundances of Fusobacteria and Acidobacteria. ALS subtypes influenced specific species, with increased Fusobacteria and Tenericutes in spinal ALS compared to bulbar ALS. ALS patients showed increased Enterobacter, Clostridium, Veillonella, Dialister, Turicibacter, and Acidaminococcus species and decreased Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Butyricimonas. Correlations between species varied between ALS patients and healthy individuals and among ALS subtypes. No significant differences in SCFA concentrations were found, but spinal ALS samples showed a trend towards decreased propionate content. Relationships between SCFAs and phyla colonization differed by disease status. This study suggests distinct enteral microbiome characteristics in ALS patients, though the implications are unclear. Further research is needed to determine if these differences are causative or consequential and to explore their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. The study also underscores the heterogeneity of microbiome constraints in ALS and the need for more research into ALS and SCFA metabolism.

Extracellular Vesicle Characteristics in Local Fluid and Plasma Measured by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis Can Help Differentiate High-Grade Serous Carcinoma from Benign Ovarian Pathology

Background: High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most lethal of gynecological cancers in developed countries. It usually presents late with non-specific symptoms and most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with 5-year overall survival being around 40%. Biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis of this aggressive disease are, thus, a research priority. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) that reflect the cell of origin and that can be isolated from local fluid and plasma by minimally invasive liquid biopsy are such promising biomarkers. Besides EV concentration and molecular profile, which have been the main focus of research for many years, recent studies have also called attention to EV size distribution. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of EV concentration and size distribution in local fluid and plasma as diagnostic biomarkers for HGSC. Methods: Paired pretreatment ascites and plasma samples from 37 patients with advanced HGSC and paired pretreatment free peritoneal fluid (FPF) and plasma samples from 40 controls with benign ovarian pathology (BOP) were analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Results: We observed a significant difference in EV concentration in local fluid, but not in plasma, between HGSC patients and the control group. We also found a significant difference in EV size distribution in both local fluid and plasma between HGSC patients and the control group. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of EV characteristics showed excellent diagnostic performance for the mode, D10, and D50 in local fluid and acceptable diagnostic performance for EV concentration and mean EV size in local fluid, as well as for the mode and D10 value in plasma. Conclusions: The results of our study show that EV concentration in local fluid and more importantly EV size distribution in both local fluid and plasma are significantly changed in the presence of HGSC. Future research of size-dependent molecular profiling of EVs could help identify novel diagnostic biomarkers for HGSC.

Desflurane Versus Sevoflurane and Postoperative Cardiac Biomarkers in Older Adults Undergoing Low- to Moderate-Risk Noncardiac Surgery-Secondary Analysis of a Prospective, Observer-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background/Objectives: Previous preclinical studies have shown that desflurane might have the most significant cardioprotective effect of all volatile anesthetics. However, data regarding the cardioprotective effects of desflurane versus sevoflurane are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the maintenance of anesthesia using desflurane versus sevoflurane on the postoperative maximum concentrations of cardiac biomarkers in older adults undergoing low- to moderate-risk noncardiac surgery. Methods: In this secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial, we included all 190 older adults undergoing low- to moderate-risk noncardiac surgery. Patients were randomized to receive desflurane or sevoflurane for the maintenance of anesthesia. We administered desflurane or sevoflurane, aiming at a BIS value of 50 ± 5. The cardiac-specific biomarkers included troponin T, NT-proBNP, and copeptin, which were measured preoperatively, within one hour after surgery, and on the second postoperative day. Results: There were no significant differences between the desflurane and sevoflurane groups in the postoperative maximum concentrations of troponin T (11 ng.L-1 [8; 16] versus 13 ng.L-1 [9; 18]; p = 0.595), NT-proBNP (196 pg.mL-1 [90; 686] versus 253 pg.mL-1 [134; 499]; p = 0.288), or copeptin (19 pmol.L-1 [7; 58] versus 12 pmol.L-1 [6; 41]; p = 0.096). We also observed no significant differences in the troponin T, NT-proBNP, or copeptin concentrations between the desflurane and sevoflurane groups at any measured timepoint (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: In contrast to preclinical studies, we did not observe a significant difference in the postoperative maximum concentrations of cardiac biomarkers. It seems likely that desflurane does not exert significant clinical meaningful cardioprotective effects in older adults. Thus, our results do not support the use of desflurane in patients undergoing low- to moderate-risk noncardiac surgery.

Comparative Study of Fatty Acid Composition of Muscles of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) with Natural Diet and Feeding near Salmon Farms

Coastal aquaculture and local fisheries interact in shared marine environments, influencing each other synergistically and/or antagonistically. Salmon farming, notably with open-net sea cages along the Norwegian coast, attracts wild fish due to increased food availability from uneaten feed, but it also exposes wild fish to farm emissions like waste and toxic chemicals (de-lice treatments, antifouling and medical agents). The attraction behaviour of wild fish can impact fatty acid composition in fish tissues, influenced by the high terrestrial fat content in salmon aquafeed. We study how the Atlantic cod, aggregating around salmon farms in a subarctic fjord in Northern Norway, can be affected, potentially altering their natural diet and fatty acid profiles. Our study compares the muscle-tissue fatty acid compositions of cod caught near aquaculture facilities (impact) versus fish caught in neighbouring fjords (control), and we hypothesise decreased omega-3 fatty acids near farms. The analysis revealed no significant differences in the fatty acid concentrations or categories between the impacted and control fish, challenging our initial expectations. However, differences were found for C18:1(n9)t (elaidic acid), with a higher value in the impacted fish. These findings suggest that salmon farming’s influence on cod’s fatty acid profiles in the flesh (i.e., relevant for the nutritional quality of the fillets that consumers eat) may be limited or minimal despite their aggregative behaviours around farms. The threshold levels of salmon feed consumed by wild cod before it affects the quality and survival of, e.g., sperm or other life stages, are not known and require new investigations. This study underscores the complexity of interactions between aquaculture and wild fisheries, impacting both ecological dynamics and consumer perspectives on seafood quality and health benefits.