Control Values Research Articles

Central responses to peripheral inflammation may include decreased expression of key apoptotic protease caspase-3 in brainstem

Microglia activation by proinflammatory stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is considered among the risk factors for neurodegeneration, but the LPS treatment may also have a neuroprotective effect, which leads to further analysis of the relationship between microglial activation and regulators of cell death. In the present work, a comparative study was carried out on proteins expression of marker for activated microglia Iba-1 and the apoptotic executor protease caspase-3 in the brainstem and prefrontal cortex of rats injected intraperitoneally with endotoxin at different doses and schedules. One day after LPS at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, single, the Iba-1 and caspase-3 expression in both structures did not differ from control values. Endotoxin administration fourfold at the same dose over 7 days (once every 2 days) led one day after the last injection to a significant increase in the Iba-1 level in the brainstem, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of caspase-3. The same effects in this structure were observed 7 days after a single injection of LPS at a higher dose of 5 mg/kg. In a 7-day experiment, in contrast to the brainstem, no changes in caspase-3 expression were found in the frontal cortex, and an increase in Iba-1 expression was observed only after a single injection of LPS at a high dose. The detected decrease of caspase-3 level in the brain stem under neuroinflammatory conditions may reflect the development of neuroprotective processes, especially important for the structure responsible for such key body functions as respiration, blood pressure and heartbeat.

Vertical instability prediction and its direction control using a support vector machine in integrated commissioning of JT-60SA solely based on magnetics

Abstract We developed a redundant logic for predicting Vertical Displacement Events (VDEs) using only magnetic diagnostics with a Support Vector Machine (Inoue et al 2022 Nucl. Fusion 62 086007). This logic was experimentally validated in the integrated commissioning of JT-60SA. Triggering of VDEs results in significant asymmetric heat loads on first walls and electromagnetic loads on conducting materials. These concerns are mitigated by a newly proposed direction control for VDEs. We successfully detected VDEs in experiments and controlled their direction by setting the control voltage to zero upon detection, thus guiding VDEs in an intended direction and reducing the risk to the device from unmitigated VDEs in either direction, although completely avoiding VDEs remains the ideal. In the developed predictor, VDEs are predicted using proxies to monitor the controller’s performance with an adaptive voltage allocation scheme (Inoue et al 2021 Nucl. Fusion 61 096009). For future experiments, we plan to extend our approach to monitor more detailed information from the equilibrium controller, including control values of each PID component, which has been shown to enhance the prediction accuracy of VDEs.

The Study of the State of Monoaminergic Systems in the Brain Structures of the Offsprings of Female BALB/C Mice at Different Stages of Formation of Autism Spectrum Disorders

The study of the status of norepinephrine-, dopamine- and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems of BALB/C mice brain structures on 15 and 64 days of postnatal development (PD) in the model of autistic disturbances induced by injection of of sodium valproate (SV, 400 mg/kg, s/c) to pregnant females was carried out using the HPLC/ED method. The level of both catechol- and indolamines in the brain structures of control group mice at the age of 15 days was significantly lower than in adult animals at the age of 64 days. Prenatal administration of SV caused a decrease in all parameters of monoaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum of offspring at the age of 15 days, but had no effect in other brain structures studied. Subsequently, the level of dopamine increased and by the 64th day of PD did not differ from the parameters of the control group. The parameters of the serotonergic system changed in a similar pattern, with the content of serotonin and the serotonin metabolite 5-OIAA in the striatum increasing gradually and reaching maximum values by the 64th day of PR. Our data allows to assume that the administration of SV to pregnant females affects the activity of the dopamine and serotonergic systems of the brain of the offspring, causing a decrease in their activity in the striatum by the 15th day of pregnancy, followed by restoration to control values by the 64th day, which we previously observed in male pups. Thus, the patterns of dynamic changes in the neurochemical profile do not differ between males and females.

The Role of Cajanus cajan in Enhancing Soil Fertility and Macrofauna Populations in Intensively Cultivated Systems in Korhogo (Northern Côte d’ivoire)

In the Korhogo department, it is almost impossible to practice fallowing. The aim of this study is to determine how the Cajanus fallow impact the soil the biological and physical soil fertility. Macrofauna and soil samples were taken in different cropping systems (Cajan + maize, Cajanus + groundnut, Cajanus + maize + groundnut, Cajanus) and compared with the control (soil that did not contain any legume). The population density and abundance of the different macrofauna sampled were calculated and compared by analysis of variance ANOVA at the threshold of 0.05. The results show that the cropping system based on Cajanus cajan favoured the repopulation of the soil with Termicidae, Lumbricidae and Formicidae to the control. These values varied from 90 to 340 individuals/m2 for Lumbricidae in the system based on Cajanus. compared to the control values lower than 5 individuals/m2. The comparison of the population density according to the type of tillage also shows that flat plowing systems stimulate increase Lumbricidae populations more than ridged soils (325; 275; 125 individuals/m2 on plowing. against 230; 100 individuals /m2 on ridge) respectively on Cajanus+ groundnut, Cajanus + groundnut+ maize and pure Cajanus. On the other hand, the intercropping which increased the number of Lumbricidae, Termicidae and Formicidae, whatever the type of tillage, are, respectively, Cajanus + groundnut, Cajanus + groundnut + maize, Cajanus + maize and pure Cajanus.The introduction of Cajanus into intercropping systems leads to an improvement in the physical and biological fertility of the soil.

Pre-existing dementia is associated with 2-3 folds risk for in-hospital mortality and complications after intracerebral hemorrhage stroke.

Pre-existing dementia was related to poor functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and its commonly underlying pathologies were considered as cerebral amyloid angiopathy. But the impact of pre-existing dementia on in-hospital mortality in Chinese ICH patients has not been well characterized. To investigate the association between pre-existing dementia and in-hospital mortality after ICH. Data were extracted from the China Stroke Center Alliance database. Information about the existence of prior to stroke dementia was obtained from next of kin informants and registered in clinical charts. Patients' characteristics, in-hospital mortality, home discharge and complications were compared between ICH patients with and without pre-existing dementia. Out of the 72,318 ICH patients, we identified 328 patients with pre-existing dementia. Patients with pre-existing dementia were more likely to experience greater stroke severity as measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale. In the adjusted models, the presence of pre-existing dementia was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.12-4.77), more frequent in-hospital complications of pulmonary embolism (OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.16-25.14), pneumonia (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08-2.33), urinary tract infection (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.21-4.64), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.27-4.49) and lower home discharge (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38∼0.93). ICH patients with pre-existing dementia are more likely to suffer from greater stroke severity, poorer outcomes and lower home discharge. Future studies should evaluate the value of intensive risk factor control among individuals with pre-existing dementia for stroke prevention.

Isolation of Novel Compounds from Lepidium sativum Seeds and Evaluation of Their Potential Anti-Tumor Activity.

Four undescribed compounds including a pair of enantiomers of a dihydroarylnaphthalene lignan [(±)-1], an arylnaphthalene lignan (2), and an indoleacetic acid ester (3), together with four known compounds (4-7), were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium sativum. Their structures were identified by HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of these compounds were assigned by ECD data in combination with quantum chemical calculations. Compound (-)-1 had weak inhibitory activity against HeLa cell line with an IC50 value of 60.23±3.51 μM, and compound (+)-1 presented moderate inhibitory effect against HeLa cell line with an IC50 value of 19.99±1.00 μM (IC50 value of the positive control was 0.40±0.02 μM).

Liver Fluke-Derived Molecules Accelerate Skin Repair Processes in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, are among the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus. Consequently, the search for new therapeutic strategies remains highly relevant. Based on our previous data on acute wounds, bioactive molecules derived from the liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus hold promise as a novel approach to wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the wound-healing properties of excretory–secretory products (ESP) and inactivated eggs of O. felineus in a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two-month-old mice of the BKS.Cg + Leprdb/+Leprdb/OlaHsd (db/db) strain were inflicted with superficial wounds of 5 mm in diameter. Mouse groups included several controls (methylcellulose as the vehicle and human recombinant PDGF as the positive control) and specific-treatment groups (ESP and inactivated O. felineus eggs). Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and RT-PCR studies using markers for M1/M2 polarization, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling were carried out. Additionally, an image analysis of Masson’s trichrome-stained skin sections was performed. The proliferation of HaCaT cells under ESP and egg treatment was also assessed. The present study reveals a significant increase in the percentage of wound healing in ESP- and egg-treated groups, which significantly exceeded the control values after 14 days. Wound treatment with either ESP or worm eggs resulted in (i) a reduction in inflammation with a canonical M1-to-M2 polarization shift, (ii) the modulation of the vascular response, and (iii) dermal extracellular matrix remodeling. All results are comparable to those of the positive control group treated with PDGF. This study also reveals that ESP, but not O. felineus eggs, stimulated keratinocyte proliferation in vitro. The results indicate the high wound-healing potential of liver fluke bioactive molecules and open prospects for further research on these new promising therapeutic approaches.

A Spectrophotometric Method to Determine Minimal Erythema Dose for Ultraviolet Radiation in Human Skin

Background/Objectives: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces oxidative stress in the skin by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to inflammatory conditions including erythema (a sign of sunburn). This clinical study aims to develop an instrumental evaluation method to determine the minimal erythema dose (MED) for UVR. Methods: Fourteen human subjects aged 27 to 57 years (48.93 ± 8.54) participated in this study. Six subsites were designated on the test skin site of each subject and irradiated with UVR at different doses. The examiner visually assessed erythema, determining the ‘visual MED’. Additionally, the a* value (a chrominance parameter presenting greenness to redness) was measured using a spectrophotometer as an indicator of erythema. The a* values of the UVR-irradiated subsites were compared to the non-irradiated control value, and the differences were referred to as Δa*. The Δa* value of the subsites irradiated with UVR at the ‘visual MED’ was referred to as the Δa*VMED for each subject. The mean of the Δa*VMED values of all subjects was chosen as a criterion value for the ‘instrumental MED’. The ‘instrumental MED’ was defined as the lowest dose of UVR that causes an Δa* value equivalent to the criterion value. The ‘visual MED’ and ‘instrumental MED’ values of all subjects were subjected to correlation analysis. Results: The mean of the Δa*VMED values of all subjects was 1.88 ± 0.8. The means of the ‘visual MED’ and ‘instrumental MED’ values (in J m−2 unit) of all subjects were 300.14 ± 84.16 and 303.29 ± 77.99, respectively. In Pearson correlation analysis, the ‘instrumental MED’ and ‘visual MED’ values had a very strong positive correlation with each other (r = 0.864, p = 0.000). Conclusions: This study suggests that the instrumental evaluation method of MED based on the spectrophotometric measurement of the a* values can complement or replace the visual evaluation method and that this method will be useful in monitoring skin tolerance to oxidative stress affected by prooxidant factors and defensive factors.

Quantifying Mast Cell and Eosinophil Cellular Density in Skin Biopsy Tissue From Adults With Maculopapular Cutaneous Mastocytosis as Compared With Urticaria and Normal Skin: A Retrospective Histopathologic Study.

Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM) is a rare disorder characterized by a pathologic accumulation of mast cells in the skin, which may or may not be accompanied by systemic mastocytosis. Diagnosis of MPCM on skin biopsy can be challenging because the findings may be subtle. Although mast cell density in MPCM has been reported, data informing a proposed cutoff for diagnosis and diagnostic criteria are limited. We identified adult patients diagnosed with MPCM and urticarial tissue reaction/chronic urticaria on skin biopsy and compared the mast cell and eosinophil counts per 1 mm2 in 10 cases each of MPCM, chronic urticaria, and normal skin from routine biopsies. All slides were stained with CD117, and CD117-positive mast cells were counted per 1 mm2 using digital microscopy. Eosinophils were counted on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides per 1 mm2 using digital microscopy. The median number of mast cells per 1 mm2 was significantly higher in MPCM than in cases of urticaria and normal skin/control tissue (177.3 vs. 26.8 vs. 47.8 mast cell per mm2, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). The calculated "cut point" for mastocytosis versus chronic urticaria and normal skin was 66 mast cells per 1 mm2, whereas the value for controls versus urticaria was 37 mast cells per 1 mm2. Eosinophils had similar density in MPCM and urticaria, and their presence was significant in the differentiation of MPCM and urticaria from normal tissue. This study adds to the literature by providing objective mast cell density data to distinguish challenging cases of cutaneous mastocytosis from urticarial reactions and normal skin. Future studies could explore the development of computer-aided estimations of cellular density with more extensive comparison with other inflammatory conditions to translate our findings more readily into clinical practice.

Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies on the effect of composite surfactants on the wettability of anthracite coal

In order to improve the wettability of coal bed water injection, the effects of several composite surfactants on the wettability of anthracite coal were investigated. Firstly, the wettability of different composite surfactants on anthracite was analysed by macroscopic experiments (surface tension and settling time) to determine the optimal concentration and optimal ratio of composite surfactants. Secondly, the effects of adsorption of different composite surfactants on the physicochemical properties of the coal dust surface were investigated by mesoscopic experiments (scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrometer analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray electron spectroscopy and zeta potential), and the results showed that the content of hydrophilic functional groups (Si-O-Si, C-O-C, C-O and C=O) on the surface of anthracite coal after treatment with the composite surfactant increased significantly, and the surface potential value decreased significantly in absolute value, agglomerated large coal particles would be formed on the coal surface, and the cracks between coal particles were favourable for the penetration of aqueous solution. Finally, the synergistic mechanism of different composite surfactants was analysed from the perspective of microscopic molecular simulation. The results showed that the composite surfactants enhanced the interaction energy of the coal/composite surfactant/water system, improved the relative concentration distribution of the system, and increased the diffusion coefficient of water molecules. The results of the study can provide valuable guidance for the development of new composite surfactants with wetting effect, which has important application value for mine dust control.

Visualizing intraoperative transcranial motor-evoked potentials during glioma surgery for predicting postoperative paralysis prognosis

The primary goals of glioma surgery are maximal tumor resection and preservation of brain function. Intraoperative motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring is commonly used to predict and minimize postoperative paralysis. However, studies on intraoperative MEP trends and postoperative paralysis are scarce. This study aimed to determine the relationship between intraoperative MEP trends and postoperative paralysis. This retrospective study evaluated 229 patients with supratentorial glioma without preoperative paralysis who underwent tumor resection surgery under general anesthesia at our institution between October 2019 and December 2022. Intraoperative transcranial MEP monitoring was performed, and the entire MEP trends on affected and unaffected sides was visualized. Postoperative paralysis and patient-related factors were analyzed. Postoperative paralysis occurred in 36 patients, with the paralysis improving over time and being permanent in 30 and 6 patients, respectively. In the improvement group, the temporary decrease in transcranial MEP rapidly improved. Even when the MEPs were <50% of the control value, fluctuations indicating improvement were observed after the decrease. However, in the permanent paralysis group, transcranial MEP remained consistently <50% of the control value until the end of surgery, after its initial decrease. The significant factors contributing to permanent paralysis were tumor localization close to the pyramidal tract (p = 0.0304) and postoperative cerebral infarction in the pyramidal tract (p = 0.0009). The overall intraoperative MEP trend can reflect the risk of postoperative paralysis during glioma surgery. Thus, visualizing this trend can provide a better understanding of the prognosis of postoperative paralysis.

Synergistic Phytochemical and Nanotechnological Exploration of Melia azedarach With Silver Nitrate: Elucidating Multifaceted Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Insecticidal Potentials.

Plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical and health applications. This study explores the phytochemical, therapeutic, and phytotoxic properties of Melia azedarach by analyzing extracts from its bark, flowers, leaves, and fruits using six solvents: ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Twenty-one phytochemical tests were conducted, revealing significantly positive results for various tests. However, the ethanolic and methanolic flower extracts yielded no significant results in other tests. The highest total phenolic content was found in the chloroform extract of the leaves (96 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the ethanolic and hexane leaf extracts, with a 98% DPPH scavenging rate. Antibacterial testing showed significant efficacy against Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Kluyvera spp., and Pseudomonas spp., with p values < 0.0001. The fruit chloroform extract demonstrated the highest alpha-amylase inhibition (93 ± 0.05), while the ethanolic leaf extract had the greatest tumor inhibition (85.6 ± 0.5). Insecticidal assays revealed that the acetone bark extract had the highest control values (56% and 57%). Due to their higher reducing potential, the leaves were used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, EDX, and SEM, revealing an average particle size of 20-30 nm and spherical morphology. The AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and insecticidal activities. These findings highlight the potential of M. azedarach and its AgNPs for developing novel therapeutic agents.

Geochemical study of heavy metals in samples from dumpsites at Onitsha, Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria

Core (0-60cm) samples were collected from selected dumpsites at Onitsha and control site at Awka, Nigeria. Physiochemical parameters (particle size distribution, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, Organic Matter (OM in %)) and heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Aluminium (Al), Cobalt (Co), Molybdenium (Mo), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn) and Silicon (Si)) were analyzed using standard methods. The result of the physiochemical analysis shows that the samples were generally sandy with acidic pH values (4.89-6.24); OM ranged from 5.693-27.71%; CEC ranged from 0.072-0.62(Cmol/kg). Comparatively, DS 5 (Obosi) has the highest levels of these heavy metals followed by DS 2 (Woliwo). The order is Bida &lt; Okpoko &lt;Obosi 1 &lt; Woliwo &lt; Obosi 2. The levels of these heavy metals were above the control values. They were equally above national and international guidelines. Enrichment Factor (EF) values varied between no enrichment to extremely severe enrichment. Pollution load index (PLI) indicated that all the sampled sites were polluted while the ecological risk of heavy metals varied between low contamination to high contamination. The prevailing indiscriminate disposal of wastes occasioned by nonexistence of appropriate disposal facilities is the direct cause of the situation. Proactive measures and regular environmental monitoring must be taken to minimize further deterioration as the contaminants pose serious deleterious effects on human and soil organisms.

Research on Spatial Morphological Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Industrial Heritage: A Case Study of Nine Industrial Heritages in Guizhou Province

Industrial heritage, recognized as a significant aspect of historical and cultural heritage, has garnered considerable attention from scholars globally. To elucidate the spatial morphological characteristics and the underlying influencing factors of industrial heritage within karst regions, this study employs methods such as the interstice index, fractal dimension analysis, and spatial syntax. It conducts research on the spatial morphological characteristics of nine typical industrial heritages in Guizhou Province. The primary factors contributing to the variations in layout forms are the intricate karst topography and the functional requirements of production. The functional zoning of industrial heritage aligns with its layout, characterized by straightforward functional zones that have not developed into composite spaces. The overall connectivity of industrial heritage is relatively low, exhibiting weak integration, significant disparities in control values, low average depth values, and a deficiency in comprehensibility and diversity of options. This indicates that the internal connectivity of industrial heritage spaces is generally inadequate, with low accessibility, strong interrelations, average convenience, limited connectivity, and generally acceptable passage. The overall spatial, architectural, and roadway configurations of industrial heritage predominantly exhibit a uniform pattern. Importantly, industrial heritage reveals a highly variable overall spatial form, with an average fractal dimension of 1.57, complex architectural layouts (average fractal dimension of 1.50), and simplistic road network designs (average fractal dimension of 1.43), which collectively suggest high spatial complexity and irregular characteristics. This study can provide a reference for the analysis of spatial characteristics and influencing factors of other material cultural heritages, and it is of great significance for the systematic protection and revitalization of industrial heritage.

Mediation of enjoyment and burnout in the link between teacher-student relationships and foreign language achievement and its gender differences

ABSTRACT The significance of teacher-student relationships in foreign language (FL) learning has been well-established. However, the intricacies of how teacher-student relationships indirectly influence FL achievement, particularly through the lens of emotional experience, remain to be fully understood. Grounded in attachment theory and control value theory, this study dissected the mediating roles of enjoyment and burnout in the link between teacher-student relationships and FL achievement, and further explored the gender differences in these mediation effects. The survey encompassed 4,900 English learners from Hainan Province, China. Student-reported scales for enjoyment and burnout in English learning were utilized, complemented by an English achievement test. Structural equation modeling (SEM) elucidated that enjoyment and burnout served as partial mediators in the link between teacher-student relationships and English achievement. Furthermore, multi-group SEM revealed gender-specific variations in these mediation effects, with stronger mediation observed in boys than girls. This study offers theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical insights for FL teaching and learning.

Predictors of 1-year follow-up period MACE in patients with NSTEMI

Abstract Background Identifying viable predictors of MACE in NSTEMI continues to pose a challenge in the field of cardiology. Unraveling these factors will elucidate crucial mechanisms underlying adverse post-infarction outcomes and identify key strategies for optimizing treatment. Aim Evaluation by using the multi-marker panel the biomarkers having a high predictive value regarding the risk of MACE developing in patients with NSTEMI. Methods The study embraced 550 patients with NSTEMI treated by angioplasty. A panel of 67 biomarkers was quantitatively determined by ELISA, immune assay and flow cytometry on admission in the blood linked to the most important mechanisms conceptually involved in post-infarction evolution (inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, hemostasis disorders, oxidative stress, NETosis, Ang 1-7/Ang II axis etc.) The rate of MACE (cardiac death, stroke, myocardial reinfarction) was estimated in a follow-up period of 18 months. In order to underline the overt predictors, the hazard ratio CI (95%) was assayed. 60 healthy persona formed control series. Results Upon admission, the circulating levels of 62 out of 67 biomarkers in patients with NSTEMI significantly deviated from control values. The MACE rate during 1-st year after revascularization was 28% (154 pts). According to hazard ratio (HR) the maximal predictive power regarding MACE risk of 1-year follow-up period was unraveled for 3 markers: endothelial microparticles (EMs), platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) and von Willebrand/ADAMTS13 ratio. For EMs – HR 2.21 CI (1.19-3.84; p&amp;lt;0.01); for PMVs - HR 2.56 CI (1.43-3.96; p&amp;lt;0.01); for von Willebrand/ADAMTS13 ratio - HR 2.94 CI (1.77-4.73; p&amp;lt;0.01). EMs-CD62E exceeded control level by 77,6% (325.6±101.5 vs 183.2±67.7 Ms/µL); PMVs-CD62P by 129% (378.6±87.4 vs 165.5±59.6 MVs/µL) and von Willebrand/ADAMTS13 ratio by 88% (2.52±1.88 vs 1.34±1.11). These predictors have not been adjusted to age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion Considering the pathophysiological significance of the highlighted predictors of MACE (EMs, PMPs and the von Willebrand/ADAMTS13 ratio) endothelial dysfunction and an activated prothrombotic state emerge as pivotal mechanism in the adverse progression of NSTEMI. THUS, these predictors should indicate a focus on corrective therspy targets.

Right chambers deformation after tricuspid edge-to-edge percutaneous repair

Abstract Background The development of new analysis software has allowed to broaden myocardial deformation study to right chambers. There are already reference values for right ventricle (RV) and more recently for right atrium (RA). Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER) potentially causes changes in right chambers mechanics. Purpose Our aim is to evaluate the impact of TEER in the myocardial deformation of RV and RA. Methods Observational retrospective study including all the consecutive patients undergoing TEER in our tertiary centre. Additionally, a control group of healthy volunteers was included. Baseline and 3 months postprocedural echocardiograms were analyzed with a dedicated software to obtain RV, free wall (FW-) and 4 chambers (4C-) global longitudinal strain (GLS), and RA, reservoir (SrRA), conduit (ScdRA) and centrality (SctRA) strains , deformation values. Interobserver variability was evaluated in the control group with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Differences in baseline values between cases and control group were evaluated with Mann-Whitney U test. Evolutive changes in deformation parameters were studied using paired Wilcoxon W test. Results 15 healthy controls and 29 patients undergoing TEER (79.3% female, 79 [75-82] years-old) were included. Baseline tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was severe in 21 (72.4%), whereas the others were massive or torrential, and the most frequent mechanism was functional (22, 75,9%). Interobserver agreement in the control group was excellent for FW-GLS (0.88; p &amp;lt;0.001), SrRA (0.99; p &amp;lt;0.001) y ScdRA (0.93; p &amp;lt;0.001), good for SctRA (0.68; p= 0.019) and insufficient for 4C-SGL (0.36; p= 0.20). RV deformation values were significantly worse in patients than in controls (Table). However, solely FW-GLS showed improvement 3 months after the procedure (-15.7 vs -20.5 %; p= 0.022). Conclusions Right chamber deformation analysis is feasible and significantly reduced in patients undergoing TEER. Nevertheless, percutaneous treatment of TR has scarce effect in mechanics at early phases. Longer follow up may be required to evaluate the impact in right strain parameters. Table. Right chambers myocardial deformation values in healthy controls and patients undergoing TEER.Figure

Dysregulation of sympathoadrenal system activity in patients with microvascular angina

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have highlighted that a significant proportion of patients (up to 47%) undergoing coronary angiography due to clinical indications do not exhibit significant stenosis in epicardial vessels. Among these patients, up to 50% may suffer from microvascular angina (MVA). Despite the absence of intramural coronary artery lesions typically associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of transient myocardial ischemia and cardiac pain syndrome raises interest due to the incomplete understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Objective This study aims to comprehensively investigate sympathoadrenal system activity in patients with microvascular angina. Materials and Methods A total of 40 patients diagnosed with MVA, aged 35-76 years, including 11 (27.5%) men and 29 (72.5%) women, were enrolled, along with 20 healthy individuals. Assessment of sympathoadrenal system (SAS) activity involved determining daily urinary excretion levels of free and conjugated catecholamine fractions (CA) using solid-phase enzyme immunoassay: adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and DOFA. Additionally, catecholamine deamination enzyme activity—monoamine oxidase (MAO)—was determined using solid-phase EIA. Results Patients with MVA exhibited a significant increase in the excretion of all CA fractions. Specifically, adrenaline (A) excretion increased by 56.7%, surpassing the control by 1.7 times (p&amp;lt;0.001). Noradrenaline (NA) levels were elevated by 59.5% in MVA patients, which was 1.6 times higher than the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001). Dopamine (DA) levels in MVA patients increased by 31.0%, surpassing control values by 1.36 times (p&amp;lt;0.001). Moderate elevation in DOFA levels by 19.7% was observed, which was 1.23 times higher than the control (p&amp;lt;0.01). Ratios of CA sulfocatecholamine formation processes indicated pronounced deviations from normal. Gender differences revealed marked changes in sympathoadrenal activity, particularly in women (p&amp;lt;0.001). Studies of MAO activity on the first day identified a moderate decrease in its activity in MVA patients—0.03±0.002 units/ext. (p&amp;lt;0.01), while healthy individuals exhibited an activity level of 0.07±0.001 units/ext. Conclusion The findings underscore the crucial pathogenetic role of SAS in the development of MVA. The study demonstrates that the severity of ischemia correlates with disruptions in SAS components. Notably, these disruptions are pronounced in MVA, indicating an overload of the sympathoadrenal system—a critical component of organismal homeostasis. Under conditions of SAS overload, the pivotal enzyme in biogenic amine oxidation, MAO, undergoes significant transformation, leading to reduced activity towards monoamines. These findings were consistent with our clinical investigation.

Effects of Microbial Organic Fertilizer, Microbial Inoculant, and Quicklime on Soil Microbial Community Composition in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Continuous Cropping System

The additions of microbial organic fertilizer (MOF), a microbial inoculant (MI), and quicklime (Q) are considered to be sustainable practices to restore land that has been damaged by continuous cropping of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). However, the combined effects of these three additives on pepper yield, soil chemical properties, and soil microbial communities were unclear. The experimental design consists of 13 treatment groups: the untreated soil (control); soil amended solely with three treatments for each of MOF (1875–5625 kg ha−1), MI (150–450 mL plant−1), and Q (1500–4500 kg ha−1); and soil amended with combinations of MOF, MI, and Q at three comparable concentrations. A significant increase in pepper fruit diameter, length, yield, and soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents occurs upon exclusive and combined applications of MOF, MI, and Q. Pepper yield was greatest (29.89% more than control values) in the combined treatment with concentrations of 1875 kg ha−1 MOF, 150 mL plant−1 MI, and 1500 kg ha−1 Q. The application of Q increased soil pH and reduced soil–fungal richness. The application of MOF, MI, and Q increased the relative abundance of bacterial genera and the complexity of bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks compared with control levels. The combined application of MOF, MI, and Q resulted in the greatest microbial network complexity. A Mantel test revealed the key role of soil available nitrogen content and bacterial diversity in the regulation of pepper growth and yield. We conclude that the combined application of MOF, MI, and Q improves soil nutrient availability and modifies soil microbial community composition, significantly promoting plant growth and pepper yield during continuous cultivation.

Expression of pyruvate kinase, malate and octopine dehydrogenase genes in the gills of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) under conditions of hypoxia and reoxygenation

The effect of hypoxia on the expression level of pyruvate kinase (PKM), octopine dehydrogenase (OcDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) genes in the gill tissue of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (L., 1819) was studied experimentally. The control group of mollusks was kept at 9–10°C and the oxygen level in the water was 8.5 mgO2 l–1. Experimental – at 9–10°C and 2.2 mgO2 l–1. The exposure was 24 and 72 hours. Some of the individuals were subsequently subjected to the reoxygenation procedure. Under conditions of hypoxia, the expression level of OcDH and MDH genes increased by 3 and 2 times, respectively (p 0.05). At the same time, OcDH expression showed sensitivity to the oxygen content in the medium. Under the conditions of reoxygenation, the process was completely suppressed. The expression of the PKM gene, on the contrary, did not depend on hypoxic effects and remained at the level of control values.