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Nature Communications Jun 2024Soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence is predominantly governed by mineral protection, consequently, soil mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC)...
Soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence is predominantly governed by mineral protection, consequently, soil mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) turnovers have different impacts on the vulnerability of SOC to climate change. Here, we generate the global MAOC and POC maps using 8341 observations and then infer the turnover times of MAOC and POC by a data-model integration approach. Global MAOC and POC storages are Pg C (mean with 5% and 95% quantiles) and Pg C, while global mean MAOC and POC turnover times are yr and yr in the top meter, respectively. Climate warming-induced acceleration of MAOC and POC decomposition is greater in subsoil than that in topsoil. Overall, the global atlas of MAOC and POC turnover, together with the global distributions of MAOC and POC stocks, provide a benchmark for Earth system models to diagnose SOC-climate change feedback.
PubMed: 38909059
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49743-7 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024Because calves are born with low levels of antibodies, effective colostrum management is one of the most critical factors for successful calf rearing. A timely and...
Because calves are born with low levels of antibodies, effective colostrum management is one of the most critical factors for successful calf rearing. A timely and adequate supply of sufficiently high-quality colostrum immediately after birth is essential to ensure the passive immunization of calves. Frozen colostrum reserves are recommended to fulfill the immunological and nutrient requirements of newborn calves, even in exceptional situations; however, the implementation rates on German dairy farms and challenges of realization remain unclear. A 33-question online survey, focused on frozen colostrum reserves, was developed to obtain an overview of colostrum management practices on German dairy farms. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections: 1. personal data; 2. farm characteristics; 3. colostrum management. Of the 155 responses we received, 63.9% were from female farmers, and 35.5% were from male farmers. Conventional farming was practiced on 89.0% of farms, and organic farming was practiced on 7.1% of farms. Of the respondents, 89.0% froze colostrum. The main reasons for freezing colostrum were: 1. the dam does not produce enough colostrum; 2. the dam cannot be milked; or 3. in cases where the dam dies during birth. Farmers primarily froze colostrum from cows during their third to fifth lactation. Before freezing, 33.1% of the respondents measured indicators in the colostrum to estimate Ig concentrations, whereas 2.3% determined the colostrum quality after freezing. Reusable and disposable PET deposits (23.1%, 22.3%) and ColostroBags (20.0%) were the primary containers used to freeze colostrum. The main reasons for not freezing colostrum were the high labor intensity and the availability of fresh colostrum from other cows. Thawing methods included buckets (47.7%) and professional water baths (13.8%). The survey identified areas in which improved knowledge transfer could enhance colostrum management. Furthermore, there appeared to be a lack of specific, feasible instructions for employees concerning the practical implementation of colostrum management. Most importantly, the regular determination and documentation of Ig concentrations should be emphasized. The added value of stored colostrum, relative to a greater workload, should also be promoted, particularly on smaller farms.
PubMed: 38908701
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24716 -
SLAS Technology Jun 2024This work aimed to synthesize and characterize a biocompatible hydrogel of alginate and chitosan enriched with iron sulfide nanoparticles. Three concentrations of iron...
This work aimed to synthesize and characterize a biocompatible hydrogel of alginate and chitosan enriched with iron sulfide nanoparticles. Three concentrations of iron sulfide nanoparticles (FeSNCs) 0.03905, 0.0781, and 0.2343 mg/ml were used. Gel swelling was determined using phosphate-buffered saline solution at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. The microstructure, the morphology, and the elastic strength were determined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and rheological studies, respectively. The functional groups were identified through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biocompatibility was determined in a murine model; after seven days of subdermal inoculation, histological sections stained with H&E were analyzed, and then histopathological features were evaluated. All the compounds obtained showed a loss modulus lower than the storage modulus. The 0.2343 mg/ml FeSNCs hydrogel showed higher swelling than the control. In the in vivo evaluation, no adverse effects were found. The presence of FeSNCs was well tolerated in the subcutaneous tissue of mice, according to histopathological analysis. The hydrogels synthesized with added FeSNCs demonstrate a swelling ratio of 150%, rheologically exhibiting gel-like behavior rather than viscous liquids. Furthermore, they did not present any adverse effects on the subcutaneous tissue.
PubMed: 38908548
DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100158 -
Acta Biomaterialia Jun 2024The equine hoof wall has outstanding impact resistance, which enables high-velocity gallop over hard terrain with minimum damage. To better understand its viscoelastic...
The equine hoof wall has outstanding impact resistance, which enables high-velocity gallop over hard terrain with minimum damage. To better understand its viscoelastic behavior, complex moduli were determined using two complementary techniques: conventional (∼5 mm length scale) and nano (∼1 μm length scale) dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The evolution of their magnitudes was measured for two hydration conditions: fully hydrated and ambient. The storage modulus of the ambient hoof wall was approximately 400 MPa in macro-scale experiments, decreasing to ∼250 MPa with hydration. In contrast, the loss tangent decreased for both hydrated (∼0.1 to 0.07) and ambient (∼0.04 to 0.01) conditions, over the frequency range of 1 to 10 Hz. Nano-DMA tests conducted up to 200 Hz showed little frequency dependence beyond 10 Hz. The loss tangent of tubular regions showed more hydration sensitivity than in intertubular regions, but no significant difference in storage modulus was observed. Loss tangent and effective stiffness were higher in indentations for both hydration levels. This behavior is attributed to the hoof wall's hierarchical structure, which has porosity, functionally graded aspects, and material interfaces that are not captured at the scale of indentation. The hoof wall's viscoelasticity characterized in this work has implications for the design of bioinspired impact-resistant materials and structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The outer wall of horse hooves evolved to withstand heavy impacts during gallop. While previous studies have measured the properties of the hoof wall in slowly changing conditions, we wanted to quantify its behavior using experiments that replicate the quickly changing forces of impact. Since the hoof wall's structure is complex and contributes to its overall performance, smaller scale experiments were also performed. The behavior of the hoof wall was within the range of other biological materials and polymers. When hydrated it becomes softer and can dissipate more energy. This work improves our understanding of the hoof's function and allows for more accurate simulations that can account for different impact speeds.
PubMed: 38908419
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.06.022 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Jun 2024Lamivudine (LMD), an enantiomer of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine, plays a crucial role in combatting HIV-1 and managing hepatitis B virus infections. Despite its...
Enhancing Flowability of Lamivudine through Quasi-Emulsion Solvent-Diffusion (QESD) Crystallization: A Comprehensive Study on Surfactant Impact, Particle Morphology by QbD concepts and Tablet Compression Challenges.
Lamivudine (LMD), an enantiomer of 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine, plays a crucial role in combatting HIV-1 and managing hepatitis B virus infections. Despite its effectiveness, challenges arise from its difficult flowability and tendency to agglomerate during storage, necessitating a granulation step before tablet compression, as direct compression has proven ineffective. This study aimed to optimize Lamivudine spherical agglomerates using response surface methodology, delving into the intricate relationship between design factors (concentration of tween, span, and acetone) and experimental outcomes (yield and particle size) through central composite design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for optimization, with the Quasi-emulsion solvent-diffusion (QESD) crystallization technique utilized for the checkpoint batch. This technique, involving a single solvent and antisolvent with surfactants, showcased remarkable enhancements in flowability and reduced storage agglomeration. The impact of various surfactants [Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), polysorbate 80, and sorbitane monooleate] on particle morphology, flowability, and storage agglomeration during crystallization was thoroughly assessed. While achieving direct compression into tablets, the porous structure of LMD agglomerates presented challenges in tablet press production speeds, prompting adjustments such as reducing punch speed or implementing a precompression step. Positive outcomes were realized for disintegration and in vitro drug release in comparison to direct compression and wet granulation methods. In conclusion, the QESD crystallization technique successfully yielded hollow, spherical LMD agglomerates with enhanced properties, representing a significant milestone in pharmaceutical formulation.
PubMed: 38908413
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106835 -
Medicina 2024Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder affecting glycosphingolipid metabolism. Most FD patients have cardiac involvement, mainly manifested as left... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder affecting glycosphingolipid metabolism. Most FD patients have cardiac involvement, mainly manifested as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), leading to early death due to complications (arrhythmias, valvular disease, vascular involvement). Early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) before fibrosis development has been associated with better cardiac outcomes in terms of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and functional parameters.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with FD treated with agalsidase alfa for at least 2 years. The primary objectives were: [a] to assess the annual rate of change in LVMI; [b] to define the overall incidence of stability, regression or progression of LVMI.
RESULTS
Forty-nine patients were included in the final analysis, with a median follow-up of 7 years. The overall change in LVMI was 0.38 g/m2.73/year, without significant influence of baseline LVH, gender, age at ERT initiation, LV ejection fraction, body mass index, renal disease, and classical cardiovascular risk factors. Long-term ERT with agalsidase alfa was associated with stabilization of LVMI in 98% of patients with FD and was independent of the same covariables.
CONCLUSION
Our results are in line with previous literature of comparable FD populations and probably represent the first study of its kind in Argentina. We here highlight the importance of cardiac morphometric stability as a positive outcome of ERT.
Topics: Humans; Fabry Disease; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; alpha-Galactosidase; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Adult; Enzyme Replacement Therapy; Middle Aged; Isoenzymes; Recombinant Proteins; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies; Time Factors
PubMed: 38907966
DOI: No ID Found -
Ferroptosis inhibitor improves outcome after early and delayed treatment in mild spinal cord injury.Acta Neuropathologica Jun 2024We show that redox active iron can induce a regulated form of non-apoptotic cell death and tissue damage called ferroptosis that can contribute to secondary damage and...
We show that redox active iron can induce a regulated form of non-apoptotic cell death and tissue damage called ferroptosis that can contribute to secondary damage and functional loss in the acute and chronic periods after spinal cord injury (SCI) in young, adult, female mice. Phagocytosis of red blood cells at sites of hemorrhage is the main source of iron derived from hemoglobin after SCI. Expression of hemeoxygenase-1 that induces release of iron from heme, is increased in spinal cord macrophages 7 days after injury. While iron is stored safely in ferritin in the injured spinal cord, it can, however, be released by NCOA4-mediated shuttling of ferritin to autophagosomes for degradation (ferritinophagy). This leads to the release of redox active iron that can cause free radical damage. Expression of NCOA4 is increased after SCI, mainly in macrophages. Increase in the ratio of redox active ferrous (Fe) to ferric iron (Fe) is also detected after SCI by capillary electrophoresis inductively coupled mass spectrometry. These changes are accompanied by other hallmarks of ferroptosis, i.e., deficiency in various elements of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) pathway. We also detect increases in enzymes that repair membrane lipids (ACSL4 and LPCAT3) and thus promote on-going ferroptosis. These changes are associated with increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a toxic lipid peroxidation product. Mice with mild SCI (30 kdyne force) treated with the ferroptosis inhibitor (UAMC-3203-HCL) either early or delayed times after injury showed improvement in locomotor recovery and secondary damage. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from human SCI cases show evidence of increased iron storage (ferritin), and other iron related molecules, and reduction in GSH. Collectively, these data suggest that ferroptosis contributes to secondary damage after SCI and highlights the possible use of ferroptosis inhibitors to treat SCI.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Animals; Spinal Cord Injuries; Mice; Female; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Iron; Treatment Delay
PubMed: 38907771
DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02758-2 -
Evaluation of starch granules based on hydroxypropylcellulose as a substitute for excipient lactose.Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care... Jun 2024The improvement in flowability and adhesion of starch powder (SP) is essential for using starch as an excipient for lactose intolerant patients. In this study, we...
BACKGROUND
The improvement in flowability and adhesion of starch powder (SP) is essential for using starch as an excipient for lactose intolerant patients. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the usefulness of hydroxypropylcellulose with molecular weight 80,000 (HPC-80) in the preparation of the starch granules (SG) as a substitute for excipient lactose.
METHODS
Hydroxypropylcellulose with molecular weight 30,000 (HPC-30) and HPC-80 were used as binders to prepare the SG, and defined as HPC-30-SG and HPC-80-SG, respectively. Mean particle size (D50) was measured according to the Method, Optical Microscopy of Particle Size Determination in Japanese Pharmacopoeia, Eighteenth Edition, and storage stability were evaluated by measuring of the physical properties after vortexing the granules for 180 s (physical impact). The product loss rate was calculated from the weight change of the various excipients before and after the one dose packaging (ODP).
RESULTS
The D50 of SP (30 µm) was smaller than that of the lactose powder (115 µm). The granulation with 0.75-3% HPC-30 and HPC-80 increased the particle size of SP, and the D50 in 1.5% HPC-30-SG (255 µm) and HPC-80-SG (220 µm) were higher than that of lactose. The excipient was removed from the heat seal of the ODP, and upon visual inspection, a large amount of starchy material was observed to be adhering to the paper in the SP. On the other hand, the low recovery rate in SP was attenuated by the granulation with HPC-30 and HPC-80. In the both HPC-30 and HPC-80, the improvement in recovery rate reached a plateau at 1.5%, and the levels of recovery rate was similar to that of lactose. The recovery rate in the 0.75-3% HPC-30-SG and 0.75% HPC-80-SG were decreased by the physical impact, however, the recovery rate and amount of 1.5% and 3% HPC-80-SG were not affected by the physical impact, and these levels were similar to that of lactose.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of HPC-80 as a binder of SG was found to produce a higher quality granule product than conventional HPC-based SG. This finding is useful in streamlining the preparation of starch-based powdered medicine in clinical applications.
PubMed: 38907305
DOI: 10.1186/s40780-024-00354-w -
BMC Medical Research Methodology Jun 2024As evidence related to the COVID-19 pandemic surged, databases, platforms, and repositories evolved with features and functions to assist users in promptly finding the...
BACKGROUND
As evidence related to the COVID-19 pandemic surged, databases, platforms, and repositories evolved with features and functions to assist users in promptly finding the most relevant evidence. In response, research synthesis teams adopted novel searching strategies to sift through the vast amount of evidence to synthesize and disseminate the most up-to-date evidence. This paper explores the key database features that facilitated systematic searching for rapid evidence synthesis during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform knowledge management infrastructure during future global health emergencies.
METHODS
This paper outlines the features and functions of previously existing and newly created evidence sources routinely searched as part of the NCCMT's Rapid Evidence Service methods, including databases, platforms, and repositories. Specific functions of each evidence source were assessed as they pertain to searching in the context of a public health emergency, including the topics of indexed citations, the level of evidence of indexed citations, and specific usability features of each evidence source.
RESULTS
Thirteen evidence sources were assessed, of which four were newly created and nine were either pre-existing or adapted from previously existing resources. Evidence sources varied in topics indexed, level of evidence indexed, and specific searching functions.
CONCLUSION
This paper offers insights into which features enabled systematic searching for the completion of rapid reviews to inform decision makers within 5-10 days. These findings provide guidance for knowledge management strategies and evidence infrastructures during future public health emergencies.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Databases, Factual; Pandemics; Emergencies; Information Storage and Retrieval
PubMed: 38907198
DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02246-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This study evaluates electrochemical voltage-range and voltage-profile regarding electrodes of insertion (intercalation) batteries. The phrase "voltage-range" expresses...
This study evaluates electrochemical voltage-range and voltage-profile regarding electrodes of insertion (intercalation) batteries. The phrase "voltage-range" expresses the difference between obtained maximum and minimum potential for the cells. It also can be called as operating voltage-range, working voltage-range, electrochemical voltage-range, or voltage window. This paper proposes a new notion regarding electron density of states, i.e. trans-band, which can be implemented to justify the voltage -range and -profile, by means of Fermi levels' alignment. Voltage -range and -profile of a number of insertion electrode materials are clarified by the proposed theoretical approach, namely LiMnO, LiMnO, ZnMnO, LiFePO, LiCoO, LiFeSiO, LiFeSOF, and TiS. Moreover, the probable observed difference between charge and discharge profile is explained by the approach. The theoretical model/approach represents a number of important concepts, which can meet some scientific fields, e.g. electrochemistry, energy storage devices, solid state physics (DFT), and phase diagrams. By means of DFT calculations, this paper deals with quantizing the energy of electrochemical reactions, justifying the configuration of voltage-profile, and explaining the origin of the voltage-range. Accordance with the experimental observations suggests that this paper can extend boundary of quantum mechanics toward territories of classical thermodynamics, and boundary of the modern thermodynamics toward kinetics. Opening a new horizon in the related fields, this paper can help tuning, engineering, and predicting cell-voltage behavior.
PubMed: 38906926
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65230-x