Profile Variations Research Articles

Deep learning-based approach for identifying vortex-induced vibrations in stay cables

Due to variations in wind speed profiles along the length of bridge stay cables, vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) exhibit multimodal characteristics, presenting challenges for VIV identification. Currently, the VIV identification is concentrated on the stable stage of VIV, lacking an available early warning system for detecting the initial developing stage of VIV. In this study, a deep learning-based approach that integrates energy distribution ratio features derived from frequency band wavelet packet decomposition to recognize VIV of stay cable was proposed. Firstly, vibration characteristics induced by vortices in cable-stayed bridges were analyzed based on field monitoring data from the bridge health monitoring system, aiming to propose suitable feature indicators for VIV identification. Secondly, using root mean square as label classification, a deep learning model was constructed, incorporating convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory networks, and attention mechanisms. Finally, four different stages in the evolution of stay cables VIV were identified utilizing field monitoring datasets to analyze the optimal parameter. Meanwhile, effective early warning recognition was achieved through the classification and recognition of confusion matrix. This study provides technical support for early warning systems and structural condition assessment concerning bridge stay cable VIV.

A Gaussian process model for stellar activity in 2D line profile time-series

ABSTRACT Stellar active regions like spots and faculae can distort the shapes of spectral lines, inducing variations in the radial velocities that are often orders of magnitude larger than the signals from Earth-like planets. Efforts to mitigate these activity signals have hitherto focused on either the time or the velocity (wavelength) domains. We present a physics-driven Gaussian process (GP) framework to model activity signals directly in time series of line profiles or cross-correlation functions (CCFs). Unlike existing methods that correct activity signals in line profile time series, our approach exploits the time correlation between velocity (wavelength) bins in the line profile variations, and is based on a simplified but physically motivated model for the origin of these variations. When tested on both synthetic and real data sets with signal-to-noise ratios down to ∼100, our method was able to separate the planetary signal from the activity signal, even when their periods were identical. We also conducted injection/recovery tests using two years of realistically sampled HARPS-N solar data, demonstrating the ability of the method to accurately recover a signal induced by a 1.5-Earth mass planet with a semi-amplitude of 0.3 m s−1 and a period of 33 d during high solar activity.

Decoding the variability in clinical and laboratory profiles of Chronic Inducible Urticaria vs. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria - a retrospective study from a tertiary care center.

Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is characterized by wheals and/or angioedema for longer than 6 weeks induced by specific triggers. The data regarding epidemiology of CIndU is scarce with limited available literature on urticaria severity, investigations, and treatment responses in CIndU compared to CSU. We performed a retrospective chart review of all CIndU patients(cases) enrolled in our Urticaria clinic, past seven years between January 2017 to December 2023. Equal number of CSU patients enrolled during study period were taken as controls. Patients with absence of weals and both CSU and CIndU were excluded from the study. Urticaria severity was assessed by Urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS7). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS V29 with P < 0.05 as significant. Out of all records screened, 222 CIndU (cases) and 226 CSU (controls) were eligible based on complete availability of data. Both groups were comparable in terms of age and gender with slight female preponderance. Mean UAS7 at baseline was comparable(p = 0.619) between two groups [(11.49 ± 10.37 in CIndU vs. 10.9 ± 12.2 in CSU)]. The mean CRP (mg/dl) levels for CIndU vs. CSU patients was 2.8 ± 4.2 vs. 6.9 ± 11.2 (p < 0.001). Serum D-dimer levels (mg/dl) were also significant between cases(167 ± 220) and controls(265 ± 452) (p = 0.020). The quality of life assessed by CU-QOL score was 9.39 ± 9.5 in CIndU vs. 16 ± 14.8 in CSU (p < 0.001). 80% of CIndU patients and 52% of CSU patients required updosing of antihistamines upto 4 times and the difference was statistically significant between two groups(p = < 0.001). The mean time taken to achieve remission i.e. UAS7 = 0 (T0) was 60 ± 42 days amongst CIndU while it was shorter in CSU (27.77 ± 27 days) (p < 0.001).Amongst all CIndU cases, commonest subtypes were symptomatic dermographism (SD) (39.5%) followed by cholinergic urticaria(4.2%) and cold urticaria(1.8%). Our study underscores the distinct clinical and laboratory profiles between CIndU and CSU patients. CIndU patients exhibit poorer response to standard antihistamine doses, requiring more frequent updosing and longer treatment duration. The time to attain remission as assessed by UAS7 score was also longer in CIndU patients than CSU patients (mean difference of 33 days). Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore targeted treatment approaches for CIndU.

Three-Dimensional Model Analysis Revealed Differential Cytotoxic Effects of the NK-92 Cell Line and Primary NK Cells on Breast and Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines Mediated by Variations in Receptor-Ligand Interactions and Soluble Factor Profiles.

Background/objectives: The functional activity of a certain tumor determines the effectiveness of primary NK cells and NK-92 cell line-based cancer therapy; their therapeutic effectiveness against different tumors can vary. This work provides a direct simultaneous comparison of the cytotoxic effects of in vitro-activated peripheral NK (pNK) cells and NK-92 cells in spheroid models of BT-474, MCF7 and SKOV-3 carcinomas and uncovers the reasons for the differential effectiveness of NK cells against tumors. Methods: Tumor spheroids of similar size and shape, obtained from agarose molds, were incubated with NK-92 or pNK cells for 24 h. Tumor cell death was detected using flow cytometry or confocal microscopy. Cytokine production, granzyme B levels and NK cell degranulation analyses were performed, along with pNK and target-cell phenotypic characterization. Results: While NK-92 and pNK cells lysed BT-474 spheroids with comparably low efficiency, pNK cells were more capable of eliminating MCF7 and SKOV-3 spheroids than NK-92 cells were. The results of the functional and phenotypic analyses strongly support the participation of the NKG2D-NKG2DL pathway in pNK cell activation induced by the most sensitive cytotoxic attack on SKOV-3 spheroids, whereas the CX3CR1-CX3CL1 axis appears to be involved in the pNK reaction against MCF-7 spheroids. Conclusions: We provide a new approach for the preliminary identification of the most promising NK cell receptors that can alter the effectiveness of cancer therapy depending on the specific tumor type. Using this approach, NK-92 cells or pNK subsets can be selected for further accumulation and/or genetic modification to improve specificity and reactivity.

Training rapid automatized naming in children with developmental Dyslexia

ABSTRACT The recommended rehabilitation procedures for Developmental Dyslexia (DD) are not well defined, and there is currently a large debate on which therapeutic approaches are shown to be more useful and effective. Among the trainings focused on general dysfunctional cognitive processes associated with a reading disorder, recent studies suggested the efficacy of trainings on Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) compared to others. The present study was aimed at confirming the effectiveness of RAN training (RANt) to improve the reading performances of children with DD (n = 32) compared to children on a waiting list (WL, n = 25) and to children in different treatment groups, one following a text reading training (RT, n = 26) and the other combining RAN and text reading exercises (RANt+RT, n = 20), through an online platform that allows intensive and self-adaptive activities. Results confirmed the efficacy of RANt in improving reading speed and accuracy compared to the WL group (r2 ranging from small (.16) to medium (.48)) and found the absence of differences with the other active control groups. The single-subject level analysis confirmed the results, a high inter-subject variability in treatment response and pre-post differences were found. Further studies could consider such variability in the functional profile of the DD subjects, but RANt was confirmed to be a valid tool for improving decoding skills.

Examining the Use of Polyphenols and Sugars for Authenticating Honey on the U.S. Market: A Comprehensive Review

The rise in honey production and imports into the United States necessitates the need for robust methods to authenticate honey origin and ensure consumer safety. This review addresses the scope of honey authentication, with a specific focus on the exploration of polyphenols and sugar markers to evaluate honeys in the U.S. In the absence of comprehensive federal standards for honey in the United States, challenges related to authenticity and adulteration persist. Examining the global landscape of honey authentication research, we observed a significant gap in the literature pertaining to U.S. honeys. While honeys from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia have been extensively studied, the decentralized nature of the U.S. honey market and the lack of comprehensive standards have limited the number of investigations conducted. This review consolidates the findings of global honey studies and emphasizes the need for further research studies on honey authenticity markers within the United States. We also explore previous studies on the U.S. that focused on identifying potential markers for honey authenticity. However, the inherent variability in polyphenol profiles and the lack of extensive studies of the sugar contents of honey on a global scale pose challenges to establishing universal markers. We conclude that by addressing these challenges, the field of research on polyphenols and sugars in honey can move toward more reliable and standardized methods. This advancement will enhance the use of polyphenols and other constituents like sugars as authenticity markers, ultimately benefiting both researchers and the honey industry in ensuring honey quality.

Energy Metabolic Profile in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Preliminary Landscape of Warburg Effect in Oral Cancer.

We hypothesized that cell energy metabolic profiles correlate with normal, dysplastic, and tumor cell/tissue statuses and may be indicators of aggressiveness in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The energy-related proteins that were differentially expressed in human OSCC fragments (n = 3) and their adjacent epithelial tissue (TAE) were verified using mass spectrometry (MS). Immunohistochemistry for 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) was performed to evaluate the oxidative stress patterns in OSCC (n = 10), epithelial dysplasia (n = 9), and normal epithelial (n = 4) biopsies. The metabolic energy profile of OSCC aggressiveness was investigated in human OSCC cell lines with different levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins. The genes associated with the proteins found by MS in this study were analyzed using survival analysis (OS), whereas the genes associated with a poorer prognosis were analyzed using context-specific expression, Gene Ontology (GO) and Cancer Hallmarks for function enrichment analysis. The rationale for all experimental approach was to investigate whether the variation in energy metabolism profile accompanies the different phenotypes (from epithelial to mesenchymal) during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. All OSCC fragments exhibited an increase in glycolysis-related proteins and a decrease in mitochondrial activity compared to the TAE region (p < 0.05), probably due to the downregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and antioxidant proteins. Additionally, the OSCC cell lines with a mesenchymal profile (SCC4, SCC9, and SCC25) had a lower mitochondrial mass and membrane potential and generated lower levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species than the TAE region. When we analyzed 4-HNE, the reactive species levels were increased in the epithelial regions of OSCC and potentially malignant lesions. A decrease in the levels of 4-HNE/reactive species was observed in the connective tissue underlying the dysplastic regions and the OSCC invasion zone. Based on this scenario, aggressive OSCC is associated with high glycolytic and oxidative metabolism and low mitochondrial and antioxidant activities, which vary according to the differentiation level of the tumor cells and the stage of carcinogenesis.

INTEGRATING TRANSCRIPTOMICS WITH SPATIAL RADIOGRAPHIC ATLASES FOR GLIOMA ANALYSIS

Abstract AIMS The localization of gliomas in the brain is a critical prognostic factor, reflecting the genetic makeup of their originating cells. Variations in transcriptomic profiles across different regions and subtypes may further shed light on the mechanisms driving tumor development. Our research delves into the complex interplay between glioma locations and their transcriptomic signatures, seeking to dissect the spatial and genetic intricacies contributing to glioma diversity. METHOD In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of preoperative anatomical MRI and transcriptomic data from 242 glioma patients to investigate the relationship between spatial distribution and tumor transcriptomic profiles. The MRI data were standardized by registration to the MNI-152 brain space. Tumors were segmented, and the brain was partitioned into 84 discrete subregions for detailed examination. Transcriptomic data underwent preprocessing, with principal component analysis employed to reduce dimensionality. Statistical analyses were used to assess the relationship between glioma description across different subtypes and PCA results. Additionally, we identify differentially expressed genes and common genes across regions for various glioma subtypes. Comparative analyses with the Allen Brain Atlas (divided into 84 subregions with expression data) were also performed to discern transcriptional differences between healthy individuals and glioma patients, further enhancing our understanding of glioma biology at the molecular level. RESULTS We generated 21 frequency maps detailing regional glioma occurrences, categorized by biomarkers, subtypes, and grades. Notably, some of these maps showed significant correlations with expression principal component analyses (PCAs). Our findings include a set of genes consistently expressed across subregions, alongside region specific differentially expressed genes. Additionally, we identified distinct gene expression patterns when comparing glioma patients to healthy controls in the Allen Brain Atlas, highlighting potential molecular underpinnings of glioma heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our analysis revealed notable correlations between glioma subtype locations and transcriptomic profiles, underscoring the role of transcriptomic signatures in explaining regional variations in glioma incidence.

Comprehensive Approach to TB Diagnosis Powered by Machine Learning in Endemic Countries

Abstract Introduction/Objective Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of mortality worldwide, is primarily diagnosed through methods that face numerous challenges, including lengthy result times and diagnostic inaccuracy, particularly in the context of drug-resistant strains and latent infections. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates multiple diagnostic modalities with machine learning to enhance TB diagnosis accuracy. Methods/Case Report The Machine learning model was tailored for the classification of radiological images, specifically CT scans, using original DICOM images to preserve valuable voxel information. The study involved a curated dataset of CT scans from Pakistan, TB-positive (smear+/Culture+ n=72; smear+/culture- n= 3; smear-/Culture+ n=16; smear-/Culture- n=14; clinical and radiological diagnosis only n= 12) and healthy (n=103) scans from COVID-CTSet were included in the training to assess the specificity of the model. Data preprocessing included noise reduction, histogram matching, and data augmentation techniques to ensure a robust training dataset. The methodology also incorporated using k-fold cross validation and a custom learning rate scheduling strategy to optimize the model’s training process. To further test its robustness, the model was evaluated by swapping random patches and analyzing 60 mm patches from the entire CT scan for local feature categorization. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The model has demonstrated outstanding performance, with sensitivity and specificity exceeding 95% on our internal dataset (n=117) and aligning well with clinical, smear, culture, and anti-TB antibody findings. It also showed promising results on the external NIH TB Portal’s dataset (n= 1,460). The model is robust to variations in CT scanner image quality and noise profiles, maintaining strong generalization across datasets. Even when analyzing random 60mm patches, effectively classifying all local features Conclusion Our study enhances tuberculosis diagnostic methods in endemic regions by blending machine learning with conventional diagnostic techniques. This approach improves TB detection, particularly the early and accurate identification in areas impacted by drug-resistant strains and asymptomatic latent infections. By integrating radiological and clinico-pathological data, we aim to develop a comprehensive diagnostic score. Moving forward, we plan to further integrate this method into clinical decision support systems and adapt the approach to other infectious diseases.

THE MOLECULAR HISTORY OF IDH-MUTANT ASTROCYTOMAS WITHOUT ADJUVANT TREATMENT

Abstract AIMS Hypermutation and malignant transformation are potential complications arising from temozolomide treatment of IDH-mutant gliomas. However, the natural history of IDH-mutant low-grade gliomas without temozolomide treatment is relatively un-studied. We set out to study the molecular history of paired IDH-mutant astrocytomas without adjuvant treatment in the interim. METHOD We retrieved retrospectively from our hospitals paired tumors from 19 patients with IDH-mutant, 1p19q noncodeleted Grade 2 astrocytomas where no interim adjuvant treatment with either temozolomide or radiotherapy was given between primary and first recurrences. Two patients had multiple resected recurrences and radiotherapy but not temozolomide was given before the last specimens were resected. We studied the natural molecular history of these low-grade IDH-mutant astrocytomas without pressure of temozolomide with methylation profiling and copy number variation (CNV) analyses, target DNA sequencing, TERTp sequencing, FISH for ALT and selected biomarkers. RESULTS Recurrences were mostly higher grades (15/19 patients) and characterized by new CNVs not present in the primary tumors (17/19 cases). Few novel mutations were identified in recurrences. Tumors from 17/19 (89.5%) patients showed either CDKN2A homozygous deletion, MYC or PDGFRA amplification at recurrences. There was no case of hypermutation. Phylogenetic trees constructed for tumors for the two patients with multiple recurrences showed a conserved evolution pattern. CONCLUSION In summary, our studies demonstrated in contrast to the phenomenon of temozolomide-induced hypermutation, IDH-mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted Grade 2 astrocytomas which were not treated by temozolomide instead acquired new CNVs at tumor recurrences. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular life history of IDH-mutant astrocytomas.

The Effect of Sharia Financial Inclusion on Creative Industry Financing (KSPPS BMT-NU Lenteng Branch, Sumenep)

This study aims to analyze the effect of Islamic financial inclusion on creative industry financing in KSPPS BMT-NU Sumenep. Multiple linear regression analysis technique was applied to identify the influence of independent variables.The research design used in this study is a questionnaire to customers of BMT-NU EAST JAVA Lenteng Branch Office who are willing to be respondents and fill out a questionnaire, the purpose of which is to find out how much influence the independent variables, namely, Profile (X1), Income (X2), Accessibility (X3), and Product (X4) on financing the creative industry in Sumenep Regency. The results of the research obtained through multiple Linear Regression dummy variables are profile variables and products that have a significant positive effect on financing the creative industry of BMT-NU Lenteng Branch Sumenep customers. While the accessibility variable has a significant negative effect on financing the creative industry of BMT-NU Lenteng Sumenep Branch customers. While the income variable has a positive, but insignificant effect on financing the creative idustry of BMT-NU Lenteng Sumenep Branch customers.

Development of near-optimal advanced control sequences for chiller plants with water-side economizers in U.S. Climates (ASHRAE RP-1661)

Various advanced control sequences for chiller plants with water-side economizers (WSE) have been proposed in literature, but the evaluation and optimization of those controls is limited. It is possible to maximize energy savings by selecting different sequences and related parameters based on the plant configuration, load, and climate. This paper addresses this gap by developing near-optimal advanced control sequences for chiller plants with WSEs. First, advanced control sequences for chiller plants with WSEs are categorized into condenser water, chilled water, and hybrid controls and representative sequences from each category are identified. Next, 504 different scenarios are optimized. These scenarios represent all possible combinations of two plant configurations, a constant or variable load profile, three advanced control sequences, and seven optimization parameter combinations in six climate zones. The results show the recommended near-optimal sequences can reduce energy consumption by up to 15% relative to the baseline depending on the configuration, load profile, and climate. Specifically, the CW-CHW sequence is recommended for the majority of systems because it is often the most energy efficient and/or reduces the runtime of chillers. The methodology in this paper provides practical guidance for achieving energy savings through near-optimal control of chiller plants with WSEs.

Teachers’ Motivational Skills In Primary Reading

Teachers’ motivational skills in primary reading are essential because they inspire primary learners, foster a love for learning, and contribute to academic success, laying the foundation for lifelong literacy and educational achievement. In this context, this study aimed to determine the level of teachers’ motivational skills at the primary level. The study was tested on 86 primary school teachers using a self-made questionnaire that passed stringent validity and reliability tests. The data were statistically analyzed using the mean, t-test, and analysis of variance. The results revealed that the level of teachers’ motivational skills in attention, confidence, and satisfaction was very high, while the areas of relevance were high. The level of teachers’ motivation skills, when grouped according to the variables above, was lowest in terms of relevance. Further, no significant differences emerged in teachers’ motivational skills when grouped and compared by their profile variables. Notably, the lower motivation in the relevance dimension prompts inquiry into underlying factors affecting its perception. It calls for tailored professional development interventions to address these issues, potentially leading to more effective teaching practices and learner outcomes. Keywords: Teachers’ Motivational Skills, Primary Learners, Education, Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Reading Comprehension of Key Stage 2 Learners

Reading comprehension is a critical learning skill for all students, as it is the process of simultaneously extracting and constructing meaning through interaction and involvement with written language. There are many reasons why children may have difficulty understanding what they read, including a lack of vocabulary, fluency, and word recognition. In this premise, this study aimed to determine the reading comprehension levels of key stage 2 learners in terms of vocabulary, fluency, and word recognition. The study was tested on 83 key stage 2 learners using a self-made questionnaire that passed stringent tests of validity and reliability. The data were statistically analyzed using the mean, t-test, and analysis of variance. Overall, the reading comprehension level of key stage 2 learners was at an instructional level. When grouped according to four variables, the reading comprehension level of key stage 2 learners in all three areas is at the instructional level. Further, no difference was found in the reading comprehension level of key stage 2 learners in all three areas when compared by their profile variables. Learners’ instructional rating in the three areas stems from poor vocabulary knowledge and less mastery in reading basic sight words that impede them from comprehending the given reading material. These calls for DepEd authorities, reading implementers, and school stakeholders to consider the reading profile of key stage 2 learners in proposing reading programs and in the development of localized instructional materials. Keywords: Reading comprehension, Key Stage 2, learners

Reading Proficiency Among Grade 7 Learners

Analyzing reading competency in children in Grade 7 provides insightful information on learning objectives, cognitive growth, and the efficacy of literacy training. This information has consequences for teaching practices, educational systems, and individual students. This study assessed the reading proficiency of 146 Grade 7 students using a standardized test. The data were statistically analyzed using the mean, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analysis of variance. Results showed that the overall reading proficiency of the students was at a frustration level. When grouped by three different variables, the students’ reading proficiency stayed at the frustration level across all categories. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in reading proficiency when comparing students based on their profile variables. In this context, this paper ascertained the reading proficiency of Grade 7 learners in a public secondary school in a medium-sized division in Central Philippines for the Academic Year 2022–2023. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from 146 respondents using a standardized instrument from the Oral Verification Test with one reading passage and a 7-item question. The ensuing analysis showed that the reading proficiency of Grade 7 Learners was at the frustration level, a level that signals a need for intervention, support, and reflection on instructional practices. This result calls for a customized reading plan to bring relevance and answer to the needs of the learners who still have difficulty in their reading proficiency level. Keywords: Language education, reading proficiency, word recognition, reading comprehension, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Among Dental Students From Two Private Colleges in Pakistan: A Comparative Study.

Globally, oral cancer is still a major public health concern, with different lifestyle and socioeconomic variables influencing its occurrence. This study compared the prevalence and risk factors of oral cancer among students from private colleges in Pakistan, identifying patterns and variations in risk profiles within this group. This six-month cross-sectional research was carried out at Azra Naheed Dental College and Rahbar College of Dentistry, two private dental institutions in Lahore, Pakistan. Four hundred and thirty students between the ages of 18 and 30 who were split evenly between the two schools made up the sample. A well-structured questionnaire including lifestyle variables, oral cancer awareness, and demographic information was used to gather data. Dental practitioners with training conducted clinical oral exams to look for any indications of oral lesions. The demographic variables were summed up using descriptive statistics, and the relationships between risk factors and the prevalence of oral cancer were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to define statistical significance. Among the 430 students, 215 were from Azra Naheed Dental College and 215 were from Rahbar College of Dentistry; 12 students (5.58%) at Azra Naheed and 19 students (8.84%) at Rahbar College were found to have oral lesions. Regarding lifestyle factors, 69 students (32.22%) at Azra Naheed and 62 students (28.89%) at Rahbar College reported current tobacco use. Regular betel quid chewing was observed in 93 students (43.33%) at Azra Naheed compared to 77 students (35.56%) at Rahbar College. Dietary habits showed that 148 students (68.89%) at Azra Naheed and 138 students (64.44%) at Rahbar College consumed a diet high in processed foods. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant risk factors for oral cancer, including current tobacco use (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15, p = 0.001), regular betel quid chewing (OR = 2.87, p < 0.001), and a diet high in processed foods (OR = 1.62, p = 0.021). The research identifies important risk factors for oral cancer among dentistry college students, pointing to the need for focused preventative and educational initiatives to address lifestyle-related concerns.

The distribution of Hypocretin/Orexin receptor mRNA in the mouse and human brain

Hypocretin (Hcrtr, HCRTR) / orexin (OX) receptors modulate a range of neurobiological functions and are drug targets for several disorders. Mapping the distribution of receptors in the brain can inform their function and guide targeting of specific disorders. Although studied in rodents, orexin receptor distribution has remained relatively unexplored in humans, and thus there is also a paucity of comparative anatomy. The aim of this study was therefore to map the distribution of hypocretin/orexin receptor mRNA in selected regions of the mouse and human brain by non-radioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) using digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled cRNA anti-sense probes. Data revealed both distinct and overlapping patterns of distributions of Hcrtr1/HCRTR1 and Hcrtr2/HCRTR2 mRNA suggesting that the functions of the orexin system are mediated differently by each receptor. In the mouse brain, the highest expression of Hcrtr1 mRNA was in the locus coeruleus (LC) whereas Hcrtr2 mRNA was most abundant in the lateral hypothalamus (LH). The human caudate nuclei showed significant expression of both HCRTR1 and HCRTR2 mRNA, whereas the mouse predominantly expressed Hcrtr2 mRNA. The noradrenergic neurons of the human LC showed high signals for both HCRTR1 (71.7%) and HCRTR2 (81.5%) mRNA. Expression of HCRTR2 mRNA in non-noradrenergic human LC cells was also notable. The distribution pattern in mouse and human brains is consistent with the involvement of the orexin system in arousal and the sleep/wake cycle in both species, however, variations in receptor subtype expression profiles suggests that species differences in responses to orexin receptor ligands may be expected.

Dietary modulation of human milk bioactives is associated with maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype: an exploratory analysis of carotenoids and polyphenol metabolites.

Maternal diet modifies profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), carotenoids, and polyphenols in human milk (HM). However, substantial variability in profiles exists between women, highlighting the complexity of non-dietary factors modulating these profiles. The objective of this study was to carry out a secondary analysis exploring the effect of maternal diet on HM carotenoids and polyphenols and relationships between dietary modulation of HM bioactives (carotenoids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides) and maternal α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) secretor phenotype. In this pilot study, 16 exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity were enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women were provided a 4-week meal plan consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). HM was collected for 24 h at baseline and post-intervention. Maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype was determined by 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in HM (non-secretor: < 100 nmol/ml; secretor: ≥100 nmol/ml). Concentrations of carotenoids and HMOs were determined by LC and polyphenol metabolites by UPLC-MS/MS. Thirteen women completed the study (6 secretors, 7 non-secretors). The change in HM concentrations of the HMOs lacto-N-tetraose (LNT, p = 0.007), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II, p = 0.02), difucosyllacto-N-tetraose (DFLNT, p = 0.003), and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT, p = 0.003) and polyphenol metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA, p = 0.08) and ferulic acid (p = 0.02) over the intervention time frame was differentially associated with maternal secretor status. 4-HBA and ferulic acid positively correlated with HMOs LNT and DSLNT (rrm = 0.82-0.90, p = 0.03-0.06) for secretors but not for non-secretors. Only secretors demonstrated a negative correlation between 4-HBA and DFLNT (rrm = -0.94, p = 0.001). The influence of maternal diet on composition of HMOs and polyphenol metabolites in HM differs based on maternal secretor status. Consideration of non-dietary factors is needed to evaluate differences in response of HM bioactives to dietary modulation.

Morphological and Autofluorescence Dataset for ‘Touch’ Epidermal Cell Populations Collected with Imaging Flow Cytometry

Background New methods for processing ‘touch’ or trace biological samples is an ongoing priority for forensic caseworking laboratories. These samples often contain materials from multiple individuals in varying quantities and/or degrees of degradation. Rapid characterization of cellular material before DNA profiling can allow laboratories to screen samples for the presence of multiple contributors or the amount of biological material present. Methods This dataset contains autofluorescence and morphological profiles of epidermal cell populations analyzed using Imaging Flow Cytometry. The epidermal samples were aged for varying amounts of time prior to analysis. Multiple samples from the same individual were also collected to assess profile variations within and across the contributors. Conclusions This data set may be used to investigate variability in epidermal cell populations from different individuals and potential forensic signatures contained within the non-genetic components that comprise touch biological evidence.

Variation in the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Leaves of Cotoneaster zabelii during Growing Season

Cotoneaster zabelii is a medicinal plant that is beneficial due to its polyphenol-rich leaves. In the course of optimizing the harvest time for C. zabelii cultivated in Poland, the leaf samples were collected monthly during the annual plant vegetation season, and the hydromethanolic leaf extracts were evaluated for their phenolic composition and model biological activities, including antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The phenolic profiles were analyzed using UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3, HPLC-PDA, and spectrophotometric methods (total phenolic content, TPC) to understand their seasonal variability and its correlation with bioactive properties. The identified phenolic compounds included caffeic acid derivatives, flavan-3-ols (especially (−)-epicatechin and procyanidins B-type), and flavonoids like quercetin mono- and diglycosides. Leaves harvested in July and October contained the highest polyphenolic levels and demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in most tests. The leaves harvested in July, September, and October showed optimal anti-inflammatory effects, whereas the highest antihyperglycemic activity was observed in the leaves collected from June to July. Regarding polyphenolic levels and bioactivity, the summer and autumn months appear to be the most advantageous for harvesting leaf material of optimal quality for phytotherapy.