Total Tissue Research Articles

Identification and characterization of TOR in Macrobrachium rosenbergii and its role in muscle protein and lipid production

The recent scarcity of fishmeal and other resources means that studies on the intrinsic mechanisms of nutrients in the growth and development of aquatic animals at the molecular level have received widespread attention. The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway has been reported to receive signals from nutrients and environmental stresses, and regulates cellular anabolism and catabolism to achieve precise regulation of cell growth and physiological activities. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA sequence of the TOR gene of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (MrTOR). MrTOR was expressed in all tissues, with higher expression in heart and muscle tissues. In situ hybridization also indicated that MrTOR was expressed in muscle, mainly around the nucleus. RNA interference decreased the expression levels of MrTOR and downstream protein synthesis-related genes (S6K, eIF4E, and eIF4B) (P < 0.05) and the expression and enzyme activity of the lipid synthesis-related enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and increased enzyme activity of the lipolysis-related enzyme, lipase (LPS). In addition, amino acid injection significantly increased the transcript levels of MrTOR and downstream related genes (S6K, eIF4E, eIF4B, and FAS), as well as triglyceride and total cholesterol tissue levels and FAS activity. Starvation significantly increased transcript levels and enzyme activities of adenylate-activated protein kinase and LPS and decreased transcript levels and enzyme activities of FAS, as well as transcript levels of MrTOR and its downstream genes (P < 0.05), whereas amino acid injection alleviated the starvation-induced decreases in transcript levels of these genes. These results suggested that arginine and leucine activated the TOR signaling pathway, promoted protein and lipid syntheses, and alleviated the pathway changes induced by starvation.

Isolation, heterologous expression, and functional determination of an iron regulated transporter (IRT) gene involved in Fe2+ transport and tolerance to Fe2+ deficiency in Vitis vinifera

In plants, iron (Fe) regulated transporters (IRT) play important roles in uptake and transport of Fe that contributes to plant growth and development. However, biological functions of IRT transporters in fruit trees are still unknown. This study isolated 10 VvIRT genes from ‘Marselan’ grape, with varying expression levels across different tissues/organs, particularly enhanced under Fe depletion, especially in roots. Notably, VvIRT7 is the most abundantly expressed IRT gene in grape, beneficially restoring the Fe2+ uptake defect of yeast mutant DEY1453. Furthermore, VvIRT7 showed dominant expression in the roots of irt1/35S::IRT7 complementation lines. Overexpressing of VvIRT7 rescued the retarded growth of irt1 knockout mutant, by increasing the fresh weight, dry weight, total root length, total root surface, lateral root numbers, total leaf chlorophyll, ACO activity, NiR activity, SDH activity, and tissue Fe concentration. This study provides insights for understanding molecular mechanisms of Fe uptake and transport in grape.

A dosimetric comparison of 3D-CRT, IMRT and IMAT treatment techniques - assessment from radiation protection point of view.

The purpose was to assess the impact of irradiation technique type and beam energy on the mixed radiation field around the medical linear accelerator (linac) in terms of radiation quality and related radiation protection quantities. Seven radiotherapeutic plans with Alderson-Rando anthropomorphic phantom [different techniques: conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), different beams: 6 MV or 18 MV, and their arrangements) were prepared for the case of prostate malignancy. Recombination chambers REM-2 and GW2 were positioned on the treatment couch 100 cm from the beam axis at the height of the isocentre. Recombination chambers REM-2 and GW2 were used for recombination index of radiation quality Q4 determination, measurement of total tissue dose Dt and calculation of gamma and neutron components to Dt. Estimation of Dt and Q4 allowed for the ambient dose equivalent H*(10) calculations for each plan. For plans prepared with 6 MV beams, Q4 values within the limits of uncertainty were equal to one, which confirms the correctness of the measurement method. For plans implemented with 18 MV beams, the value of Q4 was in the range of 3.7-5.7. Comparison between treatment techniques indicates that the lowest exposure resulting from out-of-field doses comes from 6 MV IMAT (0.7 mSv), whereas the highest one is from 18 MV IMRT (55.1 mSv). With the recombination chambers technique it was confirmed that the choice of beam energy directly affects the generation of photoneutrons. The treatment plan technique can have a significant impact on the out-of-field dose.

Impact of Nutritional Status on Total Brain Tissue Volumes in Preterm Infants.

Preterm infants bypass the crucial in utero period of brain development and are at increased risk of malnutrition. We aimed to determine if their nutritional status is associated with brain tissue volumes at term equivalent age (TEA), applying recently published malnutrition guidelines for preterm infants. We performed a single center retrospective chart review of 198 infants < 30 weeks' gestation between 2018 and 2021. We primarily analyzed the relationship between the manually obtained neonatal MR-based brain tissue volumes with the maximum weight and length z-score. Significant positive linear associations between brain tissue volumes at TEA and weight and length z-scores were found (p < 0.05). Recommended nutrient intake for preterm infants is not routinely achieved despite efforts to optimize nutrition. Neonatal MR-based brain tissue volumes of preterm infants could serve as objective, quantitative and reproducible surrogate parameters of early brain development. Nutrition is a modifiable factor affecting neurodevelopment and these results could perhaps be used as reference data for future timely nutritional interventions to promote optimal brain volume.

Abstract C045: Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry reveals immune microenvironment alterations in COMPASS-like complex gene mutated pancreatic cancer

Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to chemoradiation and immune therapies. There is limited biomarker to identify subsets of PDAC that responds to immunotherapy or targeted therapy. We have identified a subset of PDACs (approximately 25%) carrying COMPASS-like complex (CLC) gene mutations. Analysis of the clinicopathologic and molecular features of this PDAC subset revealed that these tumors are an aggressive group of PDACs with poor or squamous histologic differentiation, increased rates of TP53 mutations, and poor patient survival compared to control PDACs. Our preliminary data showed that PDACs carrying mutations in two members of the CLC genes (KDM6A and KMT2D) have immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting that CLC genes are candidate biomarkers for immunotherapy. However, a comprehensive analysis of the immune composition, immune checkpoint expression, and the relationship between tumor cells and immune cells in CLC gene mutated PDACs compared to controls has not been performed. In this study, we characterized the immune composition in CLC gene mutated PDACs compared to paired control PDACs using tyramide signal amplification multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (mfIHC). Methods: Human PDAC tissue slides were stained with 7 markers using mfIHC and allowed for phenotyping of 7 cell types: PD-L1- epithelial cells (ECs) (pancytokeratin+PD-L1-), PD-L1+ ECs (pancytokeratin+PD-L1+), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) (CD3+CD8+), helper T cells (CD3+CD8-FoxP3-), Tregs (CD3+CD8-FoxP3+), PD-L1- antigen presenting cells (APCs) (CD163+PD-L1-), and PD-L1+ APCs (CD163+PD-L1+). Random image sections were selected in each sample (5~8 sections per sample) and divided into wild-type (WT) group (n=49) and mutant group (n=49) and analyzed using inForm Cell Analysis software. Tissue segmentation training was performed to separate stromal and epithelial elements. Cell percentage, cell density, and nearest neighbor distance of each cell type were calculated using R program. Results: There is an increased infiltration of T cells, Tregs, and helper T cells in the epithelial component of the mutant group compared with WT group. The epithelial cells are more frequent to express PD-L1. Interestingly, we also observed more Treg infiltration in the stromal component and total tissue in the mutant group compared with WT group. The CTLs are more engaged with the epithelial cells, regardless of their PD-L1 status, in the mutant group compared with WT group. Conclusions: Our results provide insight into the effects of CLC gene mutations on shaping the immune microenvironment of PDAC and suggest that CLC gene mutated PDACs have a different immune microenvironment than other PDACs and may respond differently to immunotherapy. Citation Format: Shungang Zhang, Jake McGue, Elaina Daniels, Hong Sun Kim, Dafydd Thomas, Jiaqi Shi. Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry reveals immune microenvironment alterations in COMPASS-like complex gene mutated pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C045.

Influence of subcutaneous adipose tissue index on prognosis in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic therapy: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe relation of adipose tissue depletion with prognostic outcome of variceal bleeding among cirrhotic patients is still inconclusive. The present work explored whether adipose tissue, which was measured based on computed tomography (CT), was valuable for analyzing rebleeding and mortality among patients with variceal bleeding who had undergone endoscopic therapy.MethodsThe study encompassed cirrhotic patients who underwent endoscopic therapy to prevent variceal rebleeding between January 2016 and October 2022. The L3-level CT images were obtained. Besides, impacts of subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI), as well as total adipose tissue index (TATI) on rebleeding and mortality among cirrhotic patients following endoscopic therapy were examined.ResultsIn this work, our median follow-up period was 31 months. Among those adipose tissue indexes, only SATI exhibited an independent relation to higher rebleeding (HR 0.981, 95% CI, 0.971–0.991, p < 0.001) and mortality (HR 0.965, 95% CI, 0.944–0.986, p = 0.001) risks. Upon multivariate Cox regression, low SATI (male < 30.15 cm2/m2, female < 39.82 cm2/m2) was independently linked to higher rebleeding risk (HR 2.511, 95% CI, 1.604–3.932, p < 0.001) and increased mortality risk (HR 3.422, 95% CI, 1.489–7.864, p = 0.004) after adjusting for other predictors. Furthermore, subgroups were created based on using nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs), demonstrating that quantitatively assessing SATI exerts a vital role in evaluating rebleeding incidence in patients with or without NSBB therapy.ConclusionThis study underscores the potential of quantifying SATI as a means for achieving a more accurate risk classification for individual patients and identifying patients that can gain more benefits from nutritional intervention.

Peri-implantitis increases the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with osseointegrated implants in rats treated with zoledronate

This study evaluated the peri-implant tissues under normal conditions and under the influence of experimental peri-implantitis (EPI) in osseointegrated implants installed in the maxillae of rats treated with oncologic dosage of zoledronate. Twenty-eight senescent female rats underwent the extraction of the upper incisor and placement of a titanium dental implant (DI). After eight weeks was installated a transmucosal healing screw on DI. After nine weeks, the following groups were formed: VEH, ZOL, VEH-EPI and ZOL-EPI. From the 9th until the 19th, VEH and VEH-EPI groups received vehicle and ZOL and ZOL-EPI groups received zoledronate. At the 14th week, a cotton ligature was installed around the DI in VEH-EPI and ZOL-EPI groups to induce the EPI. At the 19th week, euthanasia was performed, and the maxillae were processed so that at the implanted sites were analyzed: histological aspects and the percentage of total bone tissue (PTBT) and non-vital bone tissue (PNVBT), along with TNFα, IL-1β, VEGF, OCN and TRAP immunolabeling. ZOL group presented mild persistent peri-implant inflammation, higher PNVBT and TNFα and IL-1β immunolabeling, but lower for VEGF, OCN and TRAP in comparison with VEH group. ZOL-EPI group exhibited exuberant peri-implant inflammation, higher PNVBT and TNFα and IL-1β immunolabeling when compared with ZOL and VEH-EPI groups. Zoledronate disrupted peri-implant environment, causing mild persistent inflammation and increasing the quantity of non-vital bone tissue. Besides, associated with the EPI there were an exacerbated inflammation and even greater increase in the quantity of non-vital bone around the DI, which makes this condition a risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Factors associated with variability in skeletal muscle radiodensity in patients with metastatic cancer

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore factors associated with skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) variability in patients with metastatic cancer. MethodsThis study included 393 patients (median age 61 y, 70% women) who had computed tomography (CT) scans within 30 days of inclusion in the study. SMD was evaluated from CT by averaging the Hounsfield unit value of the total muscle area. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), and total adipose tissue index (TATI) were also assessed by CT. Additionally, age, sex, race/skin color, disease characteristics, comorbidities, inflammatory markers, handgrip strength (HGS), and body mass index (BMI) were recorded and evaluated in the linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with SMD variability. ResultsMultivariate explanatory models having SMD as an independent variable were performed and included BMI (model 1, r2 = 0.699), TATI (model 2, r2 = 0.712) or VATI and SATI (model 3, r2 = 0.706) in addition to age, race/skin color, tumor site, kidney disease, serum albumin, HGS, and SMI as dependent variables. For all models, lower SMD was associated with higher age, BMI, and adiposity measurements, kidney disease, White race/skin color, and lower serum albumin, HGS, and SMI. The primary tumor site also contributed to changes in SMD in all models, specifically those located in the gastrointestinal tract, gynecologic, and bone and connective tissue. Conclusion: In this group of patients with metastatic cancer, lower SMD was associated with older age, White race/skin color, and an overall worse clinical condition.

Association of mild and complex multimorbidity with structural brain changes in older adults: A population-based study.

We quantified the association of mild (ie, involving one or two body systems) and complex (ie, involving ≥3 systems) multimorbidity with structural brain changes in older adults. We included 390 dementia-free participants aged 60+ from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 3 and/or 6 years. Using linear mixed models, we estimated the association between multimorbidity and changes in total brain tissue, ventricular, hippocampal, and white matter hyperintensities volumes. Compared to non-multimorbid participants, those with complex multimorbidity showed the steepest reduction in total brain (β*time -0.03, 95% CI -0.05, -0.01) and hippocampal (β*time -0.05, 95% CI -0.08, -0.03) volumes, the greatest ventricular enlargement (β*time 0.03, 95% CI 0.01, 0.05), and the fastest white matter hyperintensities accumulation (β*time 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.07). Multimorbidity, particularly when involving multiple body systems, is associated with accelerated structural brain changes, involving both neurodegeneration and vascular pathology. Multimorbidity accelerates structural brain changes in cognitively intact older adults These brain changes encompass both neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular pathology The complexity of multimorbidity is associated with the rate of brain changes' progression.

Change in abdominal obesity after colon cancer surgery – effects of left-sided and right-sided colonic resection

BackgroundExcess abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with metabolic diseases and poor survival in colon cancer (CC). We assessed the impact of different types of CC surgery on changes in abdominal fat depots.Material and methodsComputed tomography (CT)-scans performed preoperative and 3 years after CC surgery were analyzed at L3-level for VAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and total adipose tissue (TAT) areas. We assessed changes in VAT, SAT, TAT and VAT/SAT ratio after 3 years and compared the changes between patients who had undergone left-sided and right-sided colonic resection in the total population and in men and women separately.ResultsA total of 134 patients with stage I-III CC undergoing cancer surgery were included. Patients who had undergone left-sided colonic resection had after 3 years follow-up a 5% (95% CI: 2–9%, p < 0.01) increase in abdominal VAT, a 4% (95% CI: 2–6%, p < 0.001) increase in SAT and a 5% increase (95% CI: 2–7%, p < 0.01) in TAT. Patients who had undergone right-sided colonic resection had no change in VAT, but a 6% (95% CI: 4–9%, p < 0.001) increase in SAT and a 4% (95% CI: 1–7%, p < 0.01) increase in TAT after 3 years. Stratified by sex, only males undergoing left-sided colonic resection had a significant VAT increase of 6% (95% CI: 2–10%, p < 0.01) after 3 years.ConclusionAfter 3 years follow-up survivors of CC accumulated abdominal adipose tissue. Notably, those who underwent left-sided colonic resection had increased VAT and SAT, whereas those who underwent right-sided colonic resection demonstrated solely increased SAT.

Relationship of tissue dimensions and three captive bolt application sites on cadaver heads from mature swine (Sus scrofa domesticus)

Penetrating captive bolt (PCB) is a common method of euthanasia for swine but has not been evaluated for mature swine < 200kg body weight (BW). The objectives were to determine tissue depth, brain contact plane, and visible brain tissue damage (brain damage[BD]) for the common FRONTAL (F) and alternative TEMPORAL (T) and BEHIND EAR (BE) placements for PCB use on sows and boars weighing < 200kg. Cadaver heads were obtained from 30 sows and 30 boars (estimated BW, mean ± SD; sows: 165.8 ± 22.4kg; boars: 173.6 ± 21.4kg) from a slaughter establishment after electrical stunning and exsanguination. Heads were cooled at 2 to 4 °C for approximately 64h. A Jarvis PAS-Type P 0.25R PCB with a Long Stunning Rod Nosepiece Assembly and a 3.5 GR power load was used for all PCB applications at the following placements: F-3.5cm superior to the optic orbits at midline, T-at the depression posterior to the lateral canthus of the eye within the plane between the lateral canthus and the base of the ear, or BE-directly caudal to the pinna of the ear on the same plane as the eyes and targeting the middle of the opposite eye. For sows, the bolt path was in the brain for 10/10 (100.0%, 95% CI: 69.2% to 100.0%) F, T, and BE heads. In heads that could reliably be assessed for BD, BD was detected in 10/10 (100.0%, 95% CI: 69.2% to 100.0%) F heads, 9/9 (100.0%, 95% CI: 66.4% to 100.0%) T heads, and 0/10 (0.0%, 95% CI: 0.0% to 30.1%) BE heads. For boars, the bolt path was in the plane of the brain for 8/9 (88.9%, 95% CI: 51.8% to 99.7%) F heads, 9/10 (90.0%, 95% CI: 55.5% to 99.7%) T heads, and 11/11 (100.0%, 95% CI: 71.5% to 100.0%) BE heads. In heads that could reliably be assessed for BD, BD was detected in 8/9 (88.9%, 95% CI: 51.7% to 99.7%) F heads, 7/10 (70.0%, 95% CI: 34.8% to 93.3%) T heads, and 4/11 (36.4%, 95% CI: 10.9% to 69.2%) BE heads. Tissue depth was reported as mean ± SE followed by 95% one-sided upper reference limit (URL). For sows, total tissue thickness differed (P < 0.05) between placements (F: 49.41 ± 2.74mm, URL: 70.0mm; T: 62.83 ± 1.83mm, URL: 76.6mm; BE: 84.63 ± 3.67mm; URL: 112.3mm). Total tissue thickness differed (P < 0.05) between placements for boars (F: 54.73 ± 3.23mm, URL: 77.6mm; T: 70.72 ± 3.60mm, URL: 96.3mm; BE: 92.81 ± 5.50mm; URL: 135.3mm). For swine between 120 and 200kg BW, the F placement may have the greatest likelihood for successful euthanasia due to the least total tissue thickness and may present less risk for failure than the T and BE placements.

Accelerated involution of germinal center in palatine tonsils in IgA nephropathy.

Altered immunological responses in the palatine tonsils may be involved in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The germinal center serves as the site for antigen-specific humoral immune responses in the palatine tonsils. Germinal center involution is frequently observed in the palatine tonsils of IgAN (IgAN tonsils). However, the pathogenic significance of these characteristic changes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the morphological changes in secondary lymphoid follicles in IgAN tonsils and to evaluate the correlation between the morphometric results and the clinicopathological severity of IgAN. The tonsils of age-matched patients with recurrent tonsillitis (RT tonsils) were used as controls. The correlation between the degree of lymphoid follicular involution and histopathological severities in clinical or kidney biopsy was evaluated. In total, 87 patients with IgAN were included (48% male, median age 35 years, median estimated glomerular filtration rate: 74 mL/min/1.73 m2). Compared to RT tonsils, IgAN tonsils showed smaller median sizes of lymphoid follicles and germinal centers (P < 0.001). The relative areas of lymphoid follicles (%LFA) and germinal centers (%GCA) in the total tonsillar tissue were smaller in the IgAN tonsils than in the RT tonsils (P < 0.001). In contrast, the median proportion of mantle zones in the total tonsillar tissue was comparable between the groups. A lower %LFA was associated with a longer period from the onset of urinary abnormalities to biopsy diagnosis and higher urinary protein excretion (P = 0.01). %LFA showed significant negative correlations with frequencies of glomeruli with both global and segmental sclerosis. The present study confirmed accelerated germinal center involution in the tonsils of patients with IgAN. This characteristic change in the IgAN tonsil correlates with heavy proteinuria and advanced chronic histopathological changes in the kidneys, thereby suggesting the involvement of repeated tonsillar immunoreactions during IgAN progression.

Effects of Dietary Allitol and D-Allulose on Body Fat Accumulation and Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.

We investigated the effects of a single and simultaneous intake of allitol and d-allulose on body fat accumulation and cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and accurately assessed the contribution of rare sugars to body fat in rats fed a high-fat diet that led to obesity. Thirty-two male 3-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, allitol, d-allulose, and allitol + d-allulose. The rats were fed experimental diets and water ad libitum for 11 weeks. High doses of allitol or d-allulose can induce diarrhea in rat; hence, each group of rats was acclimated to 1-5% allitol and d-allulose incrementally for the initial 20 days. After the feeding period, all rats were euthanized and collected tissues. Perirenal, mesenteric, and total intra-abdominal adipose tissue weights were significantly reduced by dietary d-allulose, whereas dietary allitol tended to decrease these adipose tissue weights. Both allitol and d-allulose significantly decreased carcass and total body fat mass. We confirmed that both dietary allitol and d-allulose inhibited body fat accumulation; however, d-allulose did not inhibit hepatic lipogenesis and no synergy was observed between dietary allitol and d-allulose in terms of anti-obesity effects. Dietary allitol significantly increased cecal SCFA levels and these effects were more potent than those of dietary d-allulose. The antiobesity effect of allitol may be due to the action of SCFAs, especially butyric acid, produced by the gut microbiota. Many of the effects of allitol as an alternative sweetener remain unknown, and further research is required.

Computerized metric assessment of glandular tissue volume within the peripheral zone of the prostate using combined magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology: Possible pathophysiological implications on prostate cancer development.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are prevalent urological ailments in elderly males. Numerous clinical studies have revealed an invert association between BPH/prostate size and PCa growth. This study investigates the association between prostate size and total glandular tissue volume of the peripheral zone (GVPZ) using a unique blend of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histo-anatomical imaging technique. Patients were selected who underwent both radical prostatectomy and preoperative MRI scans. MRI scans provided quantitative measurements of prostatic zone dimensions, while histo-anatomical slides yielded quantitative data on glandular density of the peripheral zone (PZ) using imaging software. Integration of MRI and histopathology enabled the assessment of the GVPZ. Statistical analysis identified relationships between total prostate volume (TPV) and GVPZ. Seventy-two patients were selected and 40 cc was determined to be the optimal cutoff for small-to-moderate versus large prostates. Once the two subgroups in TPV were formed, the relationship between TPV and GVPZ was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). The combination of MRI and histopathology offers a novel approach for precise quantification of glandular tissue within the prostatic PZ. This study corroborates the hypothesis of PZ compression via an enlarging transition zone in larger BPH prostates, resulting in PZ glandular atrophy. Given that most PCa originates in the PZ, these results shed light on the potential protective role of larger BPH prostates against PCa growth.

Bioimpedance analysis of body composition and rest energy expenditure in highly trained cross-country skiers

The body composition monitoring using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is important in assessing the functional state of athletes in sports. Based on changes of body composition, it is possible to optimize the actual dietary intake, as well as successfully organize the training process. The purpose of this research was to conduct a comparative assessment of BIA parameters and rest energy expenditure (REE) in highly trained cross-country skiers and young non-athletes. Material and methods. The members of the national cross-country skiing team from the Komi Republic and Russian Federation (n=30; age - 22.3±2.7 years) were examined. Practically healthy medical students served as a control group for the present study (n=40; age - 20.2±2.4 years). The participants successively passed the following study steps: assessment of the body composition by BIA (ACCUNIQ BC380), REE determination by indirect non-fasting calorimetry and calculation technique. Results. The parameters of total body water, fat-free mass, lean tissue and body cell mass were higher in contrast to the fat mass percentage in the athletes (р<0.001). The calculated REE was lower than measured REE among all the participants. At the same time, the REE calculated by the Ketch-McArdle formula significantly differed between the groups, while no differences were found between the REE calculated by the Harris-Benedict prediction equation. The measured REE were significantly higher by 16% (p<0.001) i n athletes compared to those in the control group. Conclusion. The body composition of athletes was distinguished by a significantly higher amounts of total body water, fat-free mass, skeletal muscle, active cell mass, and lower percentage of fat mass compared to healthy untrained individuals. The results obtained among athletes coincided with the idea that the magnitude of REE is determined by the mass of metabolically active tissues and to a lesser extent depends on the fat mass. BIA results can be used to monitor athletes' body composition during the training process.

Association of Anthropometric and CT-Based Obesity Indices with Subclinical Atherosclerosis.

Few studies have compared the strength in the associations of anthropometric and computed tomography (CT)-based obesity indices with coronary artery calcification (CAC), aortic artery calcification (AoAC), and aortic valve calcification (AVC). We assessed cross-sectcional associations of anthropometric and CT-based obesity indices with CAC, AoAC, and AVC. Anthropometric measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip ircumference, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, and waist-to-height ratio in 931 men (mean age, 63.7 years) from a population-based cohort. CT images at the L4/5 level were obtained to calculate the areas of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), total adipose tissue (TAT), VAT-to-SAT ratio (VSR), and VAT-to-TAT ratio (VTR). CAC, AoAC, and AVC were quantified using the Agatston score based on CT scanning. CAC, AVC, and AoAC were present in 348 (62.6%), 173 (18.6%), and 769 (82.6%) participants, respectively. In multivariable models adjusting for age, lifestyle factors, and CT types (electron beam CT and multidetector row CT), anthropometric and CT-based obesity indices were positively associated with CAC (p＜0.01). Conversely, VAT-to-SAT ratio and VAT-to-TAT ratio were positively associated with AoAC (p＜0.01). Any obesity indices were not associated with AVC. The strength of the associations of obesity indices with subclinical atherosclerosis varied according to the anatomically distinct atherosclerotic lesions, among men.

Evaluation of Palatal Thickness for the Placement of MARPE Device among a Cohort of Iraqi-Kurdish Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare palatal thickness in adults for the placement of mini-implants for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish people. CBCT scans from 68 Kurdish patients, aged between 18 and 30 years, were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 37 were males and 31 were females. The measurements were performed at 3 mm from the mid-palatal suture. T-zone was selected for the anterior points, at the level of the palatal cusps of 2nd premolars, and the posterior point at the level of mesio-palatal cusps of 1st molars bilaterally. Palatal thickness of males and females bilaterally, as well as anterior and posterior areas, were measured and compared. An independent t-test was applied for comparison for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney test was utilized for nonnormally distributed data. Additionally, Bonferroni correction was implemented for p-value adjustment. The mean palatal thickness at the anterior area was 6.06 mm for males, 6.17 mm for females on the right side, 5.94 mm for males, and 5.99 mm for females on the left side. The mean palatal thickness at the posterior area was almost the same for both genders (4.40 mm for males and 4.44 mm for females) on the right side, 4.35 mm for males, and 4.54 mm for females on the left side. Statistically, no significant difference was recorded between males and females, as well as right and left sides in both anterior and posterior regions; however, a very highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded when comparing total thickness, including both hard and soft tissue, between anterior and posterior regions. CBCT proves a highly effective modality in assessing palatal thickness and suggesting ideal locations for orthodontic mini-screw placement. Our examination of palatal thickness in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish individuals revealed no statistical difference between genders or sides, but significant variations were noted between anterior and posterior thicknesses. Comprehensive clinical and pre-expansion CBCT evaluations are crucial for precisely determining the optimal placement of MARPE devices in each patient, ensuring successful outcomes.

Analysis of increased motorcycle accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center study from Türkiye.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a unique set of circumstances, straining health-care systems and affecting the way of life in societies around the world. Measures such as social isolation, travel restrictions, and workplace closures have led to an increase in motorcycle use. Consequently, motorcycle accidents have become a significant problem during this period. This study presents detailed research conducted to examine motorcycle accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the causes and consequences of the increase in these accidents. This research evaluated records from a single health examination and used various models to analyze motorcycle acci-dents within a specified time period. Additionally, retrospective analyses were conducted to examine associations between motorcycle use and crashes in our country before and after the pandemic. The records of 386 patients who were injured in motorcycle accidents and followed up, received treatment, and were recorded at Biruni University Hospital between November 2015 and April 2023 were retrospectively examined. Noted details included the victims' age, gender, injury mechanism, injury site, injury severity, helmet use, presence and location of fractures, time distribution of the accident, and the severity of other important tissue injuries. The relationship between the injury site, fractures, and accident details, and the "Injury Severity Score" (ISS) was also investigated. Among the 386 injured victims in motorcycle accidents, 333 were male and 53 were female. Of these, 168 (43.5%) were motorcycle drivers, 137 (35.5%) were motorcycle couriers, and 81 (21%) were pedestrians. A total of 186 (48%) injuries occurred before the pandemic (November 2015-March 2020), while 200 (52%) were sustained during the pandemic. The study indicates a noticeable increase in motorcycle injuries, particularly among motor couriers, especially during the pandemic quarantine periods. Post hoc analysis revealed that motor couriers had significantly lower ISS compared to other professions (p=0.009 and p=0.045, respectively). Motorcyclists who wore helmets were found to have significantly lower ISS than those who did not wear helmets (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the ISS was positively correlated with the number of bone fractures, total soft tissue injury, and significant clinical characteristics (r=0.758, r=0.756, and p<0.001, respectively). This clinical study's findings demonstrate that the measures implemented during the pandemic to limit society's mobility have led to an increase in motorcycle accidents. Notably, there has been a significant rise in the number of accidents, particularly involving individual motorcycle use and motorcycle courier services.

Cerebral Oxygen Monitoring in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants Using Time-Domain Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Transmittance Mode.

Recent advances in neonatal intensive care have improved the survival rates of extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs). However, there has been no obvious improvement in the proportion of survivors without sequelae. Therefore, the development of appropriate management methods for ELBWIs in the neonatal intensive care unit is important to improve outcomes. In this study, we utilised time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) for deep brain monitoring in premature infants in the clinical setting and measured the heads of three ELBWIs once weekly using a TD-NIRS system in transmittance mode. We found that optical signals transmitted through the head were detectable in all ELBWIs. We also confirmed that the total haemoglobin concentration and tissue oxygen saturation decreased in the first month after birth, while the reduced scattering coefficient was not correlated with postmenstrual age. We anticipate that this TD-NIRS technique will be useful for clinical assessment of deep brain tissues for appropriate management of cerebral circulation of ELBWIs in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Parity affects mammary development in late-pregnant swine.

The goal of this project was to determine whether various measures of mammary development differed between gilts and multiparous sows at the end of gestation. During gestation, Yorkshire × Landrace gilts (n = 19) and sows (second and third gestations, n = 17) were fed one daily meal of a conventional corn-based diet, where the amount fed was based on body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) at mating. On day 110 ± 1 of gestation, a jugular blood sample was obtained from all gilts and sows to measure insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose, free fatty acids, and urea. On that same day, BW and BF were measured and animals were euthanized. Mammary glands from one side of the udder were dissected for compositional analyses. The fifth gland of the contralateral row of mammary glands was sampled for histology and immunohistochemical localization of Ki67. There was less total parenchyma (1,437.4 vs. 2,004.7 ± 127.1g; P < 0.001) and total extraparenchymal tissue (1,691.0 vs. 2,407.0 ± 125.3g; P < 0.001) in mammary glands of gilts compared to those from sows. When these values were expressed per kg BW (226.0 and 284.0 ± 2.7kg for gilts and sows, respectively), parenchymal mass did not differ (P > 0.10), while extraparenchymal tissue weight tended to be less in gilts than sows (P = 0.07). All components within the parenchyma differed by parity (P < 0.001). Specifically, parenchymal tissue from gilts contained a greater proportion of fat and dry matter (DM), a lower proportion of protein, and lower concentrations of DNA (6.59 vs. 9.35 ± 0.53mg/g DM) and RNA (7.76 vs. 12.33 ± 0.70mg/g DM) than that from sows. On the other hand, the circumference of alveolar lumens was greater in gilts than sows (P < 0.001), while the percentage of epithelial cells that were positive for Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation, was greater in sows than gilts (P < 0.05). Circulating concentrations of IGF-1 were greater in gilts than in multiparous sows (45.0 vs. 27.3 ± 2.8ng/mL, P < 0.001). None of the other blood variables were changed by parity. Results show a marked effect of parity on mammary gland development in swine. At the end of gestation, the mammary glands of gilts had less parenchyma with lower epithelial proliferation than glands from multiparous sows. These differences could alter the response of mammary tissue to various nutritional or endocrine signals. This information is crucial for the development of management strategies designed to maximize sow milk yield.