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We show a simple way to compare the electronic properties of a zeolite framework by a standard FT-IR analysis, after following the shift of the peak at ∼600 cm-1, which corresponds to the Si-O-Si bond bending [double ring (DR6)] vibrations of the framework. The FT-IR peak can significantly redshift from one metal-supported zeolite to another depending on the reduction degree of the metal. These results bring an extremely fast, inexpensive and non-destructive method to assess the electron density in metal-supported zeolites.
To develop and validate a simple scoring system for dysphagia after fragility fracture or orthopedic surgery in older adults. This prospective cohort study included a total of 934 participants aged ≥ 65 years who were hospitalized due to fragility fractures or had undergone orthopedic surgery. The following outcomes were set: pneumonia during hospitalization, pneumonia-related and dysphagia-related mortalities (sum of pneumonia-associated and choking-associated deaths). The odds and hazard ratios were calculated for the candidate independent variables, and the risk factors for dysphagia were selected. Additionally, the weighted score of the scoring system was calculated using the odds and hazard ratios. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 43 (4.6%) patients during hospitalization. During 2.0 years follow up period, thirty-eight (21.8%) and two (1.1%) patients died due to pneumonia and choking, respectively. Among the collected independent variables, male sex, < 800 kcal/day calorie intake, and poor form of rice or main dish were selected as risk factors for dysphagia. The weighted risk score was determined as follows: 1 point for male sex, < 800 kcal/day calorie intake, and when the dietary form was rice porridge or chopped main dish; 2 points when the dietary form was rice in a blender, main dish in a blender, tube feeding, and nothing by mouth. After adjusting for covariates, pneumonia-related and dysphagia-related mortalities were 2.67-3.84 times for 1 point, 7.08-9.82 times for 2 points, and 44.55-53.74 times higher for 3 or 4 points, in comparison to 0 points. Early intervention is recommended for participants with score ≥ 1.
Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) is a potential treatment option for trigeminal autonomic cephalgia (TAC) performed fluoroscopically or endoscopically. We explored the role of noninvasive SPGB via intranasal application of lidocaine (INL) in hemicrania continua (HC) and probable TAC. In 4 patients of HC, INL spray decreased baseline acute attacks from Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) 8-10/10 to nil acute attacks and baseline continuous NRS-11 from 2-6/10 to 0-2/10 in 3 months. In patient of probable TAC, multiple acute attacks a day of NRS-11 10/10 decreased to NRS-11 1-2/10 in 3 months follow-up, with acute attacks of 1-2 in a day. Ten percent INL spray may be used as noninvasive treatment modality for HC and probable TAC, both for acute attacks and decreasing basal continuous pain.
This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and simplicity of a preoperative vascular assessment method with ViewtifyⓇ for perforator flap elevation. To evaluate the accuracy and simplicity of this new method, we compared it with an existing reliable method based on the same contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. The evaluation included the deviation of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) course and the position of the perforators, as well as the time required for evaluation. CT images were acquired from 20 female patients who underwent DIEA perforator flap reconstruction. A third-year plastic surgery resident, new to flaps and the software, was the candidate for this new method and hand-drew a schematic diagram from three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) images reconstructed with ViewtifyⓇ. After receiving only short instructions on how to operate the software, she began the evaluations. The comparison was made with reference images that had been created by a board-certified surgeon using a reliable method from the same CT images. The average age and body mass index (BMI) of patients were 48.1 ± 7.5 years and 24.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2, respectively. Deviations in the DIEA pathway were within 7.4 ± 3.2 mm, and perforator positions matched the reference images. Evaluation times decreased significantly, stabilizing below 10 min in 5 patients. The average evaluation time across all patients was approximately 8 minutes. ViewtifyⓇ enables accurate and efficient preoperative vascular assessment, even for inexperienced surgeons, demonstrating a rapid learning curve. This method may offer an alternative approach for the surgical planning of perforator flap elevation.
Soccer is an open-skill sport in which players must rapidly process visual cues and transform them into appropriate motor actions under changing contextual constraints. Stroboscopic vision training has been proposed as a method for enhancing visuomotor processing and sport-related performance, but its value as an embedded visual constraint within regular soccer-specific training remains unclear. This single-site, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled intervention study examined whether a 6-week stroboscopic vision training program combined with soccer-specific practice could improve visuomotor reaction performance and soccer-specific reactive agility in male collegiate soccer players. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to either a stroboscopic training group or a non-stroboscopic group, with 18 participants in each group. Both groups completed the same soccer-specific training tasks three times per week. The stroboscopic training group wore Senaptec Strobe eyewear with the stroboscopic mode activated, whereas the non-stroboscopic group wore visually similar clear non-stroboscopic eyewear that did not produce visual occlusion or stroboscopic restriction. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation during pre- and post-intervention testing. Simple motor time, simple lower-limb visuomotor reaction time, complex reaction speed, with-ball reactive agility time, and without-ball reactive agility time were assessed before and after the intervention. Intervention effects were primarily evaluated using linear mixed-effects models with group, time, and group × time interaction as fixed effects and participant ID as a random intercept. Training experience and weekly training time were included as covariates. ANCOVA was also conducted as an adjusted analysis, with post-test values as dependent variables and corresponding pre-test values and training-related variables as covariates. The linear mixed-effects models showed significant group × time interactions for all five outcomes, indicating greater pre-to-post improvements in the stroboscopic training group than in the non-stroboscopic group. Compared with the non-stroboscopic group, the stroboscopic training group showed larger reductions in simple motor time, simple lower-limb visuomotor reaction time, complex reaction speed, with-ball reactive agility time, and without-ball reactive agility time. The ANCOVA results were consistent with the primary analysis, showing significantly lower adjusted post-intervention values in the stroboscopic training group across all outcomes after controlling for baseline performance, training experience, and weekly training time. These findings suggest that adding stroboscopic vision training to soccer-specific practice may provide additional short-term benefits in visuomotor reaction efficiency and soccer-specific reactive agility. Compared with the same soccer-specific training performed with visually similar clear non-stroboscopic eyewear, adding stroboscopic vision training may further improve visuomotor reaction efficiency and soccer-specific reactive agility in male collegiate soccer players. This approach may be used as an auxiliary strategy for developing soccer-specific reactive ability, although further studies are required to determine whether these gains are retained over time and transferred to match play.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) persists in latent reservoirs, mainly within CD4+ T cells, which are refractory to antiretroviral therapy, and can lead to rapid viral rebound upon treatment interruption. The "shock and kill" strategy aims to eliminate latent reservoirs by inducing viral transcription through latency-reversing agents (LRAs), thereby exposing infected cells to immune-mediated clearance. We developed and validated a simple, low-cost, and highly reproducible in vitro screening protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LRAs, using a two-color flow cytometry assay on ACH2 cells, a well-characterized model of HIV-1 latency. Using this method, we identified PEP005 and CUDC-907 as the most potent LRAs across multiple experimental settings. Their reactivation capacity was further confirmed through transcriptomic analysis, which revealed a significant upregulation of viral RNA copies following stimulation. In addition, we collaborated with Dompé for using the Exscalate platform, an innovative computer-aided drug discovery approach, together with the experimental validation, which led to the identification of Tandutinib, a tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitor, as a novel LRA candidate with appreciable latency-reversing activity in the ACH2 model. While the ACH2 cell line does not fully recapitulate the complexity of HIV latency in vivo, it offers a robust and scalable system for early-stage screening and prioritization of candidate LRAs. Importantly, the future application of these LRAs in ex vivo samples derived from people living with HIV, with a particular focus on pediatric samples, will be crucial to deepen our understanding of latency reactivation in clinically relevant settings and age-specific immune environments. This study addresses a major obstacle to curing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection: the persistence of latent viral reservoirs that are not eliminated by current therapies. We developed a simple and reproducible assay to identify compounds capable of reactivating latent virus, a key step in cure strategies. Using this approach, we identified effective latency-reversing compounds and, through collaboration with Dompé using the EXSCALATE platform, we also identified Tandutinib as a promising new candidate for further investigation.
The novel RANO risk score provides prognostic stratification for patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma(GBM) and includes age, Karnofsky Performance Scale(KPS), RANO resection class(RRC), and MGMT promoter methylation(MGMTm). However, MGMTm testing is unavailable in many countries. We aimed to explore the prognostic performance of a RANO-adapted clinical score excluding MGMTm. We applied the same scoring system established by original RANO score, excluding MGMTm. Three risk classes were defined as numerical scores derived through tertiles. The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS), and the secondary exploratory endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS). One-hundred twenty patients were included. Three risk classes were identified:low-risk(0-1 points,n:47, 39.2%), intermediate-risk(2-3 points,n:27, 22.5%), and high-risk(≥4 points,n:46, 38.3%). The median OS was 35.5 months(95% CI:21.1-49.9) for the low-risk group, 16 months(95% CI:9.9-22.1) for the intermediate-risk group, and 5 months(95% CI:3.6-6.3) for the high-risk group(p < 0.001). Similarly, the median PFS was 16.3 months(95% CI:12.3-20.3) for the low-risk group, 9.9 months(95% CI:7.2-12.6) for the intermediate-risk group, and 4.1 months(95% CI:3.5-4.7) for the high-risk group(p < 0.001). This simplified RANO-adapted score demonstrated promising prognostic stratification using basic clinical parameters. As a pragmatic adaptation study, external validation is required before clinical application, particularly in settings where MGMTm testing is unavailable. Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer. Doctors often use simple scores to help estimate a patient’s outlook and to support discussions about care. One existing score, developed by the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology group, uses age, physical function, the amount of tumor removed during surgery, and a tumor test called MGMT promoter methylation. However, this tumor test is not available in many hospitals. In this study, we looked at whether a simpler version of this score could still give useful information when the MGMT test is not available. We reviewed the medical records of 120 patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma treated at one hospital. The simplified score used three pieces of information that are usually available in routine care: patient age, physical function after surgery, and how much of the tumor was removed. The simplified score separated patients into three groups with different survival outcomes. Patients in the lower-score group lived longer on average than patients in the higher-score group. This score should not be used to deny or limit treatment. It may help doctors explain expected outcomes and support communication with patients, especially where MGMT testing is not available. Because this was a small study from one hospital, more research in larger and more diverse patient groups is needed before this score can be widely used in clinical practice.
In this review, we emphasize on ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) utilized in environmental and analytical chemistry for separation and sensing purposes in contrast to their binary counterparts, known as simple deep eutectic solvents (DESs). To ensure food security, high water quality, and environmental protection from the current industrialized era of the twenty-first century, it is of utmost importance to determine and separate effluents, pollutants, or any undesired materials in our related day-to-day utilities, foods, or nature using a more efficient and green separating media or sensor. For this reason, there is no better choice for an analytical chemist to design and use hybrid and natural ternary deep eutectic solvents, with enhanced physicochemical properties. Since the discovery of simple binary DESs, they have been applied in sensing and separation sciences, but the invention of ternary deep eutectic solvents has made them a more interesting and suitable candidate for the development of separation or sensor methodologies based on TDESs. Furthermore, we explore TDES structure-property relationships, showing how the choice of components dictates macroscopic properties. This molecular-level understanding facilitates the rational design of tailored solvents for analytical applications. This review consolidates recent advances in TDES-based sensing and separation to support future research.
malnutrition is a modifiable risk factor that is associated with a higher number of post-surgical complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), such as delayed healing, persistent drainage and prosthetic infection. The identification of simple and reliable nutritional parameters is key to optimizing the preoperative preparation of elderly patients, a particularly vulnerable group. the objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the nutritional prognostic index (NPI) and other biochemical parameters as predictors of surgical wound-related complications in patients ≥ 75 years of age undergoing primary TKA. a single-center retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. Patients ≥ 75 years of age who underwent surgery for TKA between January 2016 and December 2019, with nutritional data available in the 6 months prior to surgery, were included. Biodemographic, biochemical (albumin, fibrinogen, creatinine, lymphocytes), clinical (hospital stay, readmissions) variables were analyzed, and combined indices (albumin/lymphocyte ratio, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, NPI) were calculated. Prolonged hospital stay ( > 7 days) and readmission were considered as indicators of postoperative complications. of 584 patients operated on, 117 met inclusion criteria (mean age 79.6 years; 71 males, 46 females). There were 8 readmissions (6.8 %). Patients with albumin < 3.5 g/dl and NPI < 40 had significantly longer stayed (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). An NPI < 40 was associated with lower albumin, lymphocyte, and albumin/fibrinogen ratio levels, as well as longer duration of hospitalization (12.8 vs. 6.6 days; p = 0.023). In the analysis of readmissions, only albumin (p = 0.018) and NPI (p = 0.018) showed a significant association. preoperative nutritional assessment could be key to identifying and optimizing the nutritional status of these patients, to reduce postoperative complications. NPI and serum albumin are confirmed as simple and useful nutritional markers to predict postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing TKA. An NPI value < 40 identifies patients at higher risk of wound complications and prolonged hospital stay, reinforcing the need to incorporate routine nutritional assessment in the preoperative period and to propose specific nutritional interventions in this high-risk group.
Increasing evidence suggests extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key components of liquid biopsies to aid cancer diagnosis and treatment selection, if their collection can be translated to clinical settings. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is relatively simple, fast, and cost-effective, but its potential for "real-world" EVs collection for cancer diagnoses is unknown. Here we aimed to critically evaluate SEC using clinically-relevant plasma volumes and across a range of common cancer types that are frequently diagnosed too late. EVs were collected, using qEV70 or qEV35 SEC columns, from duplicate aliquots of n = 43 plasma samples procured at diagnosis with lung, ovarian, or gastric cancers and characterised on multiple parameters, seeking correlations with patients clinicopathological information. To investigate potential diagnostic relevance, EVs were collected in the same way from n = 10 plasma samples from healthy donors. We found that SEC has many attributes indicating that it is translatable to real-world clinical utility. With both SEC types, relatively large quantities of EVs were successfully collected from small plasma volumes for all three cancer types. No significant differences existed between qEV70 and qEV35 particle sizes, structure, and EVs markers. EVs in qEV35 isolates versus qEV70 isolates had reduced purity and/or increased protein corona, but both isolates revealed clinical correlations. Importantly, depending on the cancer type(s), results suggested that the EVs isolates at the time of cancer diagnosis may inform on lymph node-positivity and advanced stage, and may be prognostic for shorter time to disease progression. Furthermore, analysis of plasma CD63+ EVs and CD81+ EVs appears to have diagnostic relevance, due to their typically significantly greater quantities in cancer types compared to healthy controls. Altogether, SEC shows promise as a potential approach for clinical EVs collection as liquid biopsies and correlations between plasma EVs quantities with a range of clinicopathological characteristics suggests this would be worthwhile.
Enhancing the combustion performance of ammonium perchlorate (AP) remains a critical challenge in developing high-performance solid propellants. To achieve efficient and safe combustion regulation, energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) offer a promising solution by virtue of their catalytic activity, intrinsic energy release, and reduced environmental impact. In this work, a series of N,N-bis(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)amine (BTA)-based ECCs was synthesized through a simple, green, and efficient one-pot method. Six new ECCs were successfully obtained: [Fe(BTA)3](HGua)3·3H2O (ECC-1), [Fe(HBTA)3](HGua)(H2BTA)·5H2O (ECC-2), [Mn(BTA)3](HGua)4·3H2O (ECC-3), [Al(BTA)3](HGua)3·4H2O (ECC-4), [Co(HBTA)(BTA)2](HGua)3·4H2O (ECC-5), and [Ni(BTA)3](HGua)4·6H2O (ECC-6). These ECCs were comprehensively characterized to evaluate their energetic properties, thermal stability, mechanical sensitivities, and catalytic effects on AP decomposition. Thermal analysis indicates that most BTA-based ECCs significantly accelerate AP decomposition, lowering its high-temperature decomposition peak by up to 81 °C Moreover, these complexes exhibit good thermal stability with decomposition temperatures ranging from 141 °C to 312 °C, low mechanical sensitivity with impact sensitivities above 40 J (except for ECC-2 at 5 J), and high energy output arising from the nitrogen-rich BTA ligand. Electrothermal ignition experiments further demonstrate their capability to promote and stabilize the combustion of HMX/AP composites, yielding accelerated burning rates and enhanced flame propagation, which highlights their substantial potential as green and efficient combustion catalysts for next-generation solid propellants.
In this study, the efficacy of pinus sp. nanocellulose membranes, with and without silver nanoparticles, was evaluated in the treatment of experimental burns in rabbits. A total of twenty animals were used, each receiving three standardized dorsal burns of equal size, treated with either a simple dressing (negative control), a nanocellulose membrane without silver, or a nanocellulose membrane containing silver. Healing was monitored through macroscopic and microscopic analyses performed on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 after the induction of the burns. The findings demonstrated that nanocellulose membranes effectively promoted tissue repair and skin regeneration, with evidence of fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and neovascularization throughout the healing process. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles showed potential to enhance early wound contraction, although all groups achieved complete re-epithelialization by the end of the experimental period. While the addition of silver may contribute to antimicrobial protection and early tissue response, further studies are required to confirm its role in accelerating the healing process and to better elucidate its mechanisms of action. Overall, pinus sp. nanocellulose membranes represent a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of burns, supporting their potential application in clinical practice.
Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains a leading cause of early, potentially preventable death following traumatic injury. Contemporary multicenter data continue to demonstrate that fatalities from hemorrhagic shock cluster within the first hours after injury, reinforcing the operational principle that the critical timeline is from point of injury to initiation of hemostatic resuscitation rather than time to hospital arrival. Ongoing armed conflict, including the war in Ukraine, as well as broader preparedness for future disasters and mass casualty events, underscores the need for evidence-based, practical strategies to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. Panel discussion and supporting documents underscore that forward resuscitation must be feasible for protocol-based teams in austere environments: early blood where possible, ideally low-titer O whole blood, plasma-based bridging strategies (including spray- or freeze-dried plasma, which is rapidly becoming available and very new to the prehospital paradigm) when blood logistics are constrained, and mandatory early adjuncts, tranexamic acid and calcium, embedded into simple, auditable pathways. This synthesis integrates the panel's "good, bad, and hard realities" from the audience discussion and proposes practical next steps for scalable clinical governance in the prehospital space in Ukraine under ongoing conflict constraints.
Chloroplast genomes are widely used in phylogenetic and evolutionary studies due to their conserved structure and maternal inheritance. However, a comprehensive pan-chloroplast analysis across the genus Hordeum remains lacking. In this study, we assembled and annotated 43 chloroplast genomes representing 12 Hordeum species, together with 18 chloroplast genomes from other Poaceae species, to investigate structural variation, repeat sequences, codon usage, RNA editing, selective pressure, and nucleotide diversity. All chloroplast genomes exhibited the typical quadripartite structure with genome sizes ranging from 136,461 bp to 137,149 bp in Hordeum. The lengths of LSC and IR regions showed strong positive correlations with chloroplast genome size (r = 0.853 and 0.857, respectively). IR boundaries were highly conserved within Hordeum, whereas three distinct boundary types were identified across Poaceae. Pentanucleotide simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were universally present in Hordeum but absent in some other Poaceae species, representing a candidate Hordeum-enriched marker pending broader validation. Based on the newly assembled chloroplast genomes of Hordeum, the phylogenetic relationships were reappraised. A total of 66 protein-coding genes contained RNA editing sites, with ndhB harboring the most edits in Hordeum. All examined protein-coding genes showed Ka/Ks values below 1, while ribosomal subunit genes exhibited the highest interspecific variation in Ka/Ks. Hordeum bulbosum displayed the highest intraspecific nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity, whereas cultivated Hordeum vulgare showed extremely low diversity. Several hypervariable regions were identified as candidate DNA barcodes. This pan-chloroplast genome study provides new insights into the structural and evolutionary dynamics of Hordeum chloroplast genomes and offers valuable genomic resources for phylogeny, germplasm identification, and adaptive evolution in the genus.
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), a vital food and oilseed crop native to China, has the development of high-yield and high-quality new varieties as a core objective in soybean breeding. However, studies on genetic diversity and marker-trait associations for yield-related traits across multiple environments using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers remain limited. This study utilized 20 pairs of SSR primers to investigate genetic diversity and marker-trait associations (MTAs) between SSR markers and yield-related traits in 150 soybean accessions of diverse origins, which were grown under two environmental conditions. Genetic diversity analysis of 12 key agronomic traits, including plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, and hundred-seed weight, showed substantial phenotypic variation with large ranges and high coefficients of variation among the accessions. Cluster analysis based on agronomic traits classified the germplasm into five clusters under environment E1 and four clusters under environment E2. SSR primer amplification of the accessions' genomic DNA produced an average of 7.10 amplified loci and 6.80 polymorphic loci per primer pair, with an average polymorphic locus rate of 96%. The average values of effective allele number (Ne), gene diversity index (H), Shannon's information index (I), polymorphism information content (PIC), and genetic similarity coefficient (GSC) were 1.5035, 0.3581, 0.5176, 0.3539, and 0.57, respectively. SSR-based cluster analysis divided the 150 accessions into three distinct clusters. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) validated that the selected SSR primers could effectively discriminate among the accessions. Population structure analysis indicated complex genetic relationships and substantial genetic diversity within the germplasm panel. Association analysis between agronomic traits and SSR markers identified 44 markers significantly associated with yield-related traits, of which 13 were simultaneously linked to two or more yield-related traits. Using generalized linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) analyses, six SSR markers significantly associated with yield-related traits were consistently detected across the two environments. These results provide a theoretical basis for germplasm utilization and molecular breeding in soybean.
Predicting outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) by reliable and simple tools is an unmet need. Retrospective studies have suggested that liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography (Fibroscan®) can predict outcomes. We aimed to validate the prognostic value of LSM statics and determine the relevance of LSM dynamics in a large, prospective, cohort study. Clinical, biological and LSM data of adult patients with uncomplicated PSC were prospectively recorded annually for 5 years. LSM was assessed either continuously or according to 3 Baveno-VII classes (<10kPa, >10-<15kPa, >15kPa). The primary endpoint was transplant-free survival. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were determined using time-dependent multivariable Cox regression analyses. Effect of LSM change was evaluated using joint modeling. Progression was defined by a significantly positive individual LSM slope. 538 patients with at least one reliable LSM and follow-up available (median: 60.7 months, Q1-Q3(48.6-66.0)) were analyzed. Median baseline LSM was 7.6(5.8-11.7)kPa. Nineteen patients died and 72 were transplanted. Baseline LSM was strongly and independently linked to the risk of death or transplantation (RDT). For the groups 2.5--<10kPa, 10--<15kPa, >15kPa, 5 years transplant-free survival was 93.9%(90.3-%-96.2%), 78.1%(66.2%-86.3%) and 46.0%(34.6%-56.7%) respectively. Progressors experienced a worst transplant-free survival vs non-progressors: aHR 3.12(1.55-6.24), P=0.001. Each one kPa/year increment was associated with 18% increase in RDT. This observational study validates the strong prognostic value of both static and dynamic LSM in PSC, as assessed by Fibroscan®. These results support the use of LSM as a risk stratification tool and potential surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.
Malnutrition is common in stroke patients, emphasising the need for routine malnutrition screening. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC) are markers of muscle mass, while bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived phase angle (PhA) is a marker of muscle quality and cellular integrity. This study investigated the relationships between limb circumferences and malnutrition risk or PhA in subacute stroke patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted in stroke patients aged ≥50 years admitted to a rehabilitation unit. Anthropometric measurements and BIA data were collected. Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. CC and MUAC cut-off values were based on sex-specific diagnostic thresholds. The study included 228 patients (age 71.7 ± 10.8 yrs, body mass index 26.8 ± 3.9 kg/m2, 54% men). A high prevalence of low MUAC and CC values was observed in both sexes. High malnutrition risk was significantly more prevalent in patients with low or very low CC, whereas MUAC categories showed no significant differences. There were significant associations between CC and GNRI, PNI, and CONUT score, as well as with whole-body, upper-limb, or lower-limb PhA. By contrast, MUAC showed only weak associations with PhA. In subacute stroke patients, CC, highly than MUAC, was associated with malnutrition risk and PhA. These findings support the use of CC as a simple measure for identifying stroke patients at higher malnutrition risk and with poorer muscle-related nutritional status.
Clinical features associated with sustained ventricular arrhythmias (sVA) during acute myocarditis (AM) are poorly defined. Identify simple clinical characteristics of arrhythmogenic AM patients who develop sVA during acute-phase hospitalization. Case-control study of AM patients hospitalized in two tertiary centers from 2000 to 2020. Patients with documented sVA during AM hospitalization (cases) were compared with AM patients without VA (controls). Patients with history of myocardial infarction, heart failure or VA were excluded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate clinical parameters associated with occurrence of sVA during AM hospitalization. Study included 41 cases with sVA and 137 controls without any VA during AM hospitalization period. VAs included monomorphic VT and polymorphic VT/VF in 24/41 (58.5%) and 17/41 (41.5%) cases, respectively. Older age, syncope, palpitations, hemodynamic instability, intraventricular conduction delay on ECG, and reduced LV function (LVF) were associated with increased sVA occurrence on univariate analysis. Multivariable model including age, gender, admission ECG, and LVF revealed age (OR 1.027/year, 95% CI [1.015, 1.052]; p = 0.038), intraventricular conduction delay (OR 5.55, 95% CI [2.237, 8.346]; p < 0.001), and reduced LVF (OR 4.38, 95% CI [1.783, 9.081]; p = 0.002) to be independently associated with sVA. Applying these characteristics, we could delineate AM patients with differing prevalence of sVA during hospitalization. Few clinical parameters, readily available upon admission, including older age, intraventricular conduction delay, and reduced LVF, are associated with acute-phase sVA in AM. Once validated by larger studies, these parameters may assist decision-making regarding level of care and ECG monitoring.
We describe a simple modification of the classical double-agar-layer (DAL) assay that integrates Robert Koch's dilution-streaking to improve spatial separation of individual plaques and streamline the isolation of purified phages. In the method, named DS-DAL (dilution-streaking-DAL), a clarified phage lysate isolated against its specific host is first dilution-streaked across the surface of hard agar plates (1.5%); then the corresponding host-containing soft agar (0.75%) overlay is poured over the air-dried streaked surface, and the plates are incubated until plaques form along the streak tracks. We applied the technique to purify host-specific coliphages and Shigella phages intended for phage therapy in poultry, as well as polyvalent phages against Aeromonas for aquaculture applications. The approach produced discrete, well-spaced plaques with undiluted samples in the second or third line of the dilution streak (depending on the initial titer values), requiring only one plate to purify the phage, compared with 7-8 plates required for that many dilutions in conventional overlay plating. Thus, the dilution-streak DAL is a low-cost assay for rapid phage purification that requires no specialized equipment and is compatible with routine downstream workflows in both research and applied settings.