This meta-analysis investigates the prognostic value of MRI-based radiomics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment outcomes, specifically focusing on overall survival (OS) variability. The study protocol was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202420101). Initially, a systematic review identified 15 relevant studies involving 6243 patients through a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS), highlighting a low risk of bias in most domains. Our analysis revealed a significant average concordance index (c-index) of 72% across studies, indicating the potential of radiomics in clinical prognostication. However, moderate heterogeneity was observed, particularly in OS predictions. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression identified validation methods and radiomics software as significant heterogeneity moderators. Notably, the number of features in the prognosis model correlated positively with its performance. These findings suggest radiomics’ promising role in enhancing cancer treatment strategies, though the observed heterogeneity and potential biases call for cautious interpretation and standardization in future research. Full article

Where teleost fish are concerned, studies in tryptophan immunomodulation generally point to immunosuppressive properties, thus presenting a potential anti-inflammatory dietary strategy. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the effects of tryptophan dietary supplementation on immune and neuroendocrine responses of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, undergoing chronic inflammation. Juvenile European seabass were intraperitoneally injected with either Freund’s Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA, inflamed group) or a saline solution (control group). Within each group, fish were fed a control (CTRL) and a CTRL-based diet supplemented with tryptophan (0.3% DM basis; TRP) for 4 weeks. Different tissues were sampled every week for the assessment of immune-related parameters. When TRP was provided to FIA-injected fish, mcsfr gene expression increased from 1 to 2 weeks and remained high until the end of the experiment. The same fish showed a concurrent increase in peripheral monocyte counts. Moreover, il34 expression at 1 week post-FIA injection was higher in TRP-fed than in CTRL-fed fish. After one week, molecular patterns of anti-inflammatory processes seemed to be favoured by TRP (mcsfr, gr1, il34 and tgfβ). Altogether, the results show that the feeding period seems to be critical where tryptophan supplementation is concerned since at later inflammatory stages—and longer feeding periods—fish fed TRP displayed a molecular profile similar to that of the CTRL group. In contrast, shorter administration periods might accelerate immune regulatory pathways. Full article

The effects of dried tea residues on the nutritional parameters and fermentation quality, microbial community, and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silage were investigated. In this study, dried tea residues generated from five different processing techniques (green tea, G; black tea, B; white tea, W; Pu’er raw tea, Z; Pu’er ripe tea, D) were added at two addition levels (5% and 10% fresh weight (FW)) to alfalfa and fermented for 90 days. The results showed that the tea residues increased the crude protein (CP) content (Z10: 23.85%), true protein nitrogen (TPN) content, DPPH, and ABST radical scavenging capacity, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the alfalfa silage. Moreover, the pH, ammonia-N (NH₃-N) content, and acetic acid (AA) content decreased (p < 0.05). The effects of tea residues were promoted on these indicators with increasing tea residue addition. In addition, this study revealed that the influence of dried tea residues on the nutritional quality of alfalfa silage was greater than that on fermentation quality. Based on the nutrient composition, the addition of B or G to alfalfa silage can improve its silage quality, and these tea byproducts have the potential to be used as silage additives. Full article

Papillomaviruses (PV) infect epithelial cells and can cause hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions. In felids, most described PVs are from domestic cats (Felis catus; n = 7 types), with one type identified in each of the five wild felid species studied to date (Panthera uncia, Puma concolor, Leopardus wiedii, Panthera leo persica and Lynx rufus). PVs from domestic cats are highly diverse and are currently classified into three genera (Lambdapapillomavirus, Dyothetapapillomavirus, and Taupapillomavirus), whereas those from wild felids, although diverse, are all classified into the Lambdapapillomavirus genus. In this study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify ten novel PV genomes from rectal swabs of five deceased caracals (Caracal caracal) living in the greater Cape Town area, South Africa. These are the first PVs to be described from caracals, and represent six new PV types, i.e., Caracal caracal papillomavirus (CcarPV) 1–6. These CcarPV fall into two phylogenetically distinct genera: Lambdapapillomavirus, and Treisetapapillomavirus. Two or more PV types were identified in a single individual for three of the five caracals, and four caracals shared at least one of the same PV types with another caracal. This study broadens our understanding of wild felid PVs and provides evidence that there may be several wild felid PV lineages. Full article

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, model extraction attacks pose a significant challenge, undermining the integrity of machine learning models by enabling adversaries to replicate proprietary algorithms without direct access. This paper presents a comprehensive study on model extraction attacks towards image classification models, focusing on the efficacy of various Deep Q-network (DQN) extensions for enhancing the performance of surrogate models. The goal is to identify the most efficient approaches for choosing images that optimize adversarial benefits. Additionally, we explore synthetic data generation techniques, including the Jacobian-based method, Linf-projected Gradient Descent (LinfPGD), and Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) aiming to facilitate the training of adversary models with enhanced performance. Our investigation also extends to the realm of data-free model extraction attacks, examining their feasibility and performance under constrained query budgets. Our investigation extends to the comparison of these methods under constrained query budgets, where the Prioritized Experience Replay (PER) technique emerges as the most effective, outperforming other DQN extensions and synthetic data generation methods. Through rigorous experimentation, including multiple trials to ensure statistical significance, this work provides valuable insights into optimizing model extraction attacks. Full article

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior to the competitive season considering age (19.76 ± 1.42 years) and BMI (25.9 ± 3.0 kg/cm²). Hypothesis 1 was assessed using a hierarchical (sequential) multiple regression analysis, assessing the predictive capacity of Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index scores in relation to Verbal Memory scores. Hypothesis 2 utilized a binomial logistic regression to determine if King–Devick and near point of convergence scores predict those with a prior history of concussion. Results: Hypothesis 1 developed two models, where Model 1 included Visual Memory as the predictor, while Model 2 added the Cognitive Efficacy Index as a predictor for verbal memory scores. Model 1 significantly explained 41% of the variance. Results from Model 2 suggest that the Cognitive Efficacy Index explained an additional 24.4%. Thus, Model 2 was interpreted where only the Cognitive Efficacy Index was a significant predictor (p = 0.001). For every 1 unit increase in the Cognitive Efficacy Index, Verbal Memory increased by 41.16. Hypothesis 2’s model was significant, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in those with a history of concussion. However, there were no significant unique predictors within the model as age (Wald = 1.26, p = 0.261), King–Devick (Wald = 2.31, p = 0.128), and near point of convergence (Wald = 2.43, p = 0.119) were not significant predictors individually. Conclusions: The conflicting findings of this study indicate that baseline data for those with a history of concussion greater than one year may not be comparable to the same metrics during acute concussion episodes. Young athletes who sustain a concussion may be able to overcompensate via the visual system. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required using the proposed model’s objective metrics. Full article

Background and objective: Chronic respiratory diseases in children deteriorate their daily life due to dyspnea and reduced lung function. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, cohort study included children with chronic lung disease. They were instructed to perform home-based pulmonary rehabilitation 30 min/session, three sessions/week for three months. Pulmonary function test (PFT) using spirometry, respiratory muscle strength (RMT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 6 min walk test (6MWT), dyspnea questionnaires, speech evaluation, and pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) were assessed pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation. Compliance and satisfaction of the program were also evaluated. Results: Twenty children (mean age: 11.2 ± 3.1 years) with chronic respiratory diseases without cardiopulmonary instability participated. The overall compliance was 71.1% with no related adverse events. After pulmonary rehabilitation, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), RMT, 6MWT, dyspnea questionnaire, speech rate, and PedsQL (child) significantly improved (p < 0.05), particularly better in the FEV₁ < 60% group than in the FEV₁ ≥ 60% group and in the high-compliance group (compliance ≥ 50%) than in the low-compliance group (compliance < 50%). Conclusions: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for children with chronic lung disease was feasible with high compliance and effective in terms of objective functions, subjective dyspnea symptom, and quality of life. Full article

This research reviews the phenomenon of extractive deforestation as a possible trigger for cascade reactions that could affect part of the forest ecosystem and its biodiversity (surface, aerial, and underground) in tropical, subtropical, and boreal forests. The controversy and disparities in criteria generated in the international scientific community around the hypothesis of a possible link between “mother trees” and mycorrhizal networks in coopetition for nutrients, nitrogen, and carbon are analyzed. The objective is to promote awareness to generate more scientific knowledge about the eventual impacts of forest extraction. Public policies are emphasized as crucial mediators for balanced sustainable development. Currently, the effects of extractive deforestation on forest ecosystems are poorly understood, which requires caution and forest protection. Continued research to increase our knowledge in molecular biology is advocated to understand the adaptation of biological organisms to the new conditions of the ecosystem both in the face of extractive deforestation and reforestation. The environmental impacts of extractive deforestation, such as the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, altered water cycles, and the contribution of climate change, remain largely unknown. Long-term and high-quality research is essential to ensure forest sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity for future generations. Full article

Recent studies have highlighted the lipid-lowering ability of hawthorn ethanol extract (HEE) and the role played by gut flora in the efficacy of HEE. Our study sought to explore the effects of HEE on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in normal flora and pseudo germ-free mice. The results showed that HEE effectively diminished hepatic lipid accumulation, ameliorated liver function, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and blood lipid profiles, and regulated blood glucose levels. HEE facilitated triglyceride breakdown, suppressed fatty acid synthesis, and enhanced intestinal health by modulating the diversity of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. In addition, HEE apparently helps to increase the presence of beneficial genera of bacteria, thereby influencing the composition of the gut microbiota, and the absence of gut flora affects the efficacy of HEE. These findings reveal the potential of hawthorn for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD and provide new perspectives on the study of functional plants to improve liver health. Full article

Conventional book casting of Sm₂TM₁₇-type alloys (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) leads to a coarse, highly segregated microstructure, predominantly due to the slow, variable cooling rate from the mould surface towards the centre of the ingot. These cast alloys require a long homogenisation treatment to remove this segregation and develop a super-saturated, metastable SmTM₇-type hexagonal phase. This SmTM₇ phase is a vital precursor phase required during magnet production to develop the complex cellular structure responsible for high magnetic properties. In this work, strip casting was employed to facilitate rapid solidification to develop thin flakes (<0.5 mm thick) with a columnar grain structure. Rapid cooling has the potential to produce a homogenous microstructure consisting predominantly of the metastable SmTM₇ phase. This could remove or significantly reduce the need for the energy-intensive homogenisation treatment usually required in conventional magnet manufacture. This paper investigates the effect of wheel speed (and hence cooling rate) on flake thickness, microstructure, and phase balance of the cast alloys. It was shown that for wheel speeds between 1.1 and 3.0 m/s, the microstructure showed large variation; however, in all cases, evidence of the columnar SmTM₇ phase was presented. The adhesion between the melt and the wheel was deemed to be critical for the nucleation and subsequent columnar growth of SmTM₇ grains, where the wheel speed controlled both the flow of the alloy onto the wheel and the thickness of the resultant flake. It was determined that in order to achieve a homogenous columnar SmTM₇ structure, the maximum flake thickness should be limited to 270 μm to avoid the formation of equiaxed Sm₂TM₁₇ grains through insufficient cooling. Full article

SCARECROW-LIKE6 (SCL6) plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the meristem. In Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr., an important afforestation tree species in China, SCL6 (LaSCL6) has two alternative splicing variants—LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2—which are regulated by microRNA171. However, their roles are still unclear. In this study, LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 were transformed into the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. genome, and the phenotypic characteristics of transgenic A. thaliana, including the germination percentage, root length, bolting time, flower and silique formation times, inflorescence axis length, and branch and silique numbers, were analyzed to reveal their functions. It was found that LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 overexpression shortened the root length by 41% and 31%, respectively, and increased the inflorescence axis length. Compared with the wild type, the bolting time in transgenic plants was delayed by approximately 2–3 days, the first flower and silique formation times were delayed by approximately 3–4 days, and the last flower and silique formation times were delayed by about 5 days. Overall, the life cycle in transgenic plants was prolonged by approximately 5 days. These results show that LaSCL6 overexpression inhibited the transitions from the vegetative meristem to inflorescence meristem and from the flower meristem to meristem arrest in A. thaliana, revealing the roles of LaSCL6-var1 and LaSCL6-var2 in the fate transition and maintenance of the meristem. Full article

The flow and morphological characteristics of liquid water on the icing and anti-icing surfaces of aircraft are closely related to the icing characteristics and anti-icing surface temperature distribution. To predict the flow and breakup characteristics of a water film, a 3D model of continuous water film flow and a model of water film breakup into rivulets on an anti-icing surface were constructed based on the icing model, and the corresponding methods for solving the models were developed. Using the NACA0012 airfoil as a simulation object, the changing characteristics of height and velocity for a continuous water film with time and the morphological characteristics of rivulets formed from the breakup of a continuous water film were simulated numerically. The results indicate that, with an increase in inflow velocity, the time required for the water film to completely cover the surface and reach stability decreases. Downstream in the water droplet impact zone, the calculated values of continuous water film height align well with experiments, as well as the stream height at the continuous water film rupture location with the experimental values. With the reasonable contact angle, the calculation error of the stream width is within 10%. Full article

Cryptofaunal nematodes, those living on the hard substrate of the coral reefs, are largely unknown in terms of diversity and assemblage structure. We described nematode assemblages at seven sites spanning about 200 km along Jardines de La Reina, a well-preserved reef system in the Greater Antilles. We identified about 3000 nematodes, mostly of the families Desmodoridae and Chromadoridae; the most abundant species were Croconema cinctum, Desmodora communis, and Euchromadora vulgaris. The regional richness was moderate with 70 observed species (0.95 confidence interval: 65–75 species) and 75 extrapolated species (0.95 CI: 68–83 species). This richness was lower than in other reef biotopes, maybe reflecting evolutionary constraints due to interactions with stony corals. The local expected richness at 100 individuals was similar among sites, with a median of 26 species (0.95 CI: 20–34 species), and likely caused by diversification rate and evolutionary time acting at the same pace on populations. The taxonomic β-diversity was high and without differences among sites (median: 0.85; 0.95 CI: 0.33–1), probably due to significant substrate heterogeneity at 10-cm scale. The prevalence of replacement over richness difference suggests that local processes (e.g., environmental filtering and competition) contribute more to β-diversity than niche availability, which would be largely similar across the reef terraces. Contrary to our expectations, no gradient of assemblage structure occurred, nor significant effect of benthic cover on nematodes. However, nematode functional structure showed a conservative set of biological traits reflecting adaptations to hydrodynamic regime: armed oral cavity/intermediate colonizing capability/ornamented cuticles/conical tail. Our results provide insights about the taxonomic and functional diversity of nematodes and highlight the vast knowledge gaps about the processes ruling the meiofauna community structure in coral reefs. Full article

Diabetic atherosclerosis is a complex process that is characterized by diffuse and unstable lesions increasing 2–4-fold the risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Diabetic dyslipidemia has a predominant role in coronary artery disease (CAD) and has been the target of classical and emerging pharmaceutical agents with established or promising CV benefits. The aim of the present narrative review was to summarize the effects of classical and novel lipid-lowering pharmaceutical agents on lipid profile and CV outcomes in diabetic patients with established CAD or high risk of CAD. Statins remain the first-line treatment for all diabetic patients since they considerably ameliorate lipid parameters and non-lipid CV risk factors, leading to reduced CV morbidity and mortality. Complementary to statins, ezetimibe exerts lipid-lowering properties with modest but significant reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and CV mortality. PCSK9 inhibitors considerably reduce LDL-C levels and lower MACEs in diabetic patients. On the other hand, fibrates may confer a very modest decline in MACE incidence, while the CV impact of omega-3 fatty acids is promising but remains questionable. Bempedoic acid and inclisiran have a potential therapeutic role in the management of diabetic dyslipidemia, but this is still not adequately documented. Given the heightened CV risk among individuals with diabetes, more decisive results would be of great importance in the utility of all these drugs. Full article

(1-x)(Ba_0.75Sr_0.1Bi_0.1)(Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃-x(Sb_0.5Li_0.5)TiO₃ (abbreviated as BSBiTZ-xSLT, x = 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1) ceramics were prepared via a conventional solid-state sintering method under different sintering temperatures. All BSBiTZ-xSLT ceramics have predominantly perovskite phase structures with the coexistence of tetragonal, rhombohedral and orthogonal phases, and present mainly spherical-like shaped grains relating to a liquid-phase sintering mechanism due to adding SLT and Bi₂O₃. By adjusting the sintering temperature, all compositions obtain the highest relative density and present densified micro-morphology, and doping SLT tends to promote the growth of grain size and the grain size distribution becomes nonuniform gradually. Due to the addition of heterovalent ions and SLT, typical relaxor ferroelectric characteristic is realized, dielectric performance stability is broadened to ~120 °C with variation less than 10%, and very long and slim hysteresis loops are obtained, which is especially beneficial for energy storage application. All samples show extremely fast discharge performance where the discharge time t_0.9 (time for 90% discharge energy density) is less than 160 ns and the largest discharge current occurs at around 30 ns. The 1155 °C sintered BSBiTZ-0.025SLT ceramics exhibit rather large energy storage density, very high energy storage efficiency and excellent pulse charge–discharge performance, providing the possibility to develop novel BT-based dielectric ceramics for pulse energy storage applications. Full article

Powdery mildew (PM) caused by Erysiphe polygoni is an important foliar disease in mungbean (Vigna radiata). A previous study showed that QTL qPMRUM5-2 is a major locus for PM resistance in mungbean accession RUM5 (highly resistant). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that flanking markers of the qPMRUM5-2 covered a region of 1.93 Mb. In this study, we conducted fine mapping for the qPMRUM5-2 using the F₂ population of 1156 plants of the cross between Chai Nat 60 (CN60; highly susceptible) and RUM5. PM resistance evaluation was performed under field conditions using F_2:3 lines grown in three different environments. QTL analyses consistently located the qPMRUM5-2 to a 0.09 cm interval on linkage group 6 between InDel markers VrLG6-InDel05 and VrLG6-InDel10, which corresponded to a 135.0 kb region on chromosome 8 containing nine predicted genes of which five were NBS-LRR-type genes Recognition of Peronospora parasitica 13-like protein (RPP13L). Whole-genome re-sequencing of RUM5 and CN60 showed polymorphisms in four RPP13L genes predictively cause substantial amino acid changes, rendering them important candidate genes for PM resistance. The InDel markers VrLG6-InDel05 and VrLG6-InDel10 flanking to the qPMRUM5-2 would be useful for marker-assisted breeding of PM resistance in the mungbean. Full article

To selectively target and treat murine melanoma B16BL6 tumors expressing α_vβ₃ integrin receptors, we engineered tumor-specific functional extracellular vesicles (EVs) tailored for the targeted delivery of antitumor drugs. This objective was achieved through the incorporation of a pH-responsive adjuvant, cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide (cRGD, serving as a tumor-targeting ligand), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, employed as a model antitumor drug). The pH-responsive adjuvant, essential for modulating drug release, was synthesized by chemically conjugating 3-(diethylamino)propylamine (DEAP) to deoxycholic acid (DOCA, a lipophilic substance capable of integrating into EVs’ membranes), denoted as DEAP-DOCA. The DOCA, preactivated using N-(2-aminoethyl)maleimide (AEM), was chemically coupled with the thiol group of the cRGD-DOCA through the thiol–maleimide click reaction, resulting in the formation of cRGD-DOCA. Subsequently, DEAP-DOCA, cRGD-DOCA, and 5-FU were efficiently incorporated into EVs using a sonication method. The resulting tumor-targeting EVs, expressing cRGD ligands, demonstrated enhanced in vitro/in vivo cellular uptake specifically for B16BL6 tumors expressing α_vβ₃ integrin receptors. The ionization characteristics of the DEAP in DEAP-DOCA induced destabilization of the EVs membrane at pH 6.5 through protonation of the DEAP substance, thereby expediting 5-FU release. Consequently, an improvement in the in vivo antitumor efficacy was observed for B16BL6 tumors. Based on these comprehensive in vitro/in vivo findings, we anticipate that this EV system holds substantial promise as an exceptionally effective platform for antitumor therapeutic delivery. Full article

The simultaneous increase in strength and plasticity of aluminum and its alloys at cryogenic temperatures has been shown in previous research, but the deformation mechanism was still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to reveal the relationship between slip behavior and mechanical response at low temperatures. A quasi-in situ scanning electron microscope was used to observe the evolution of slip bands in the selected aluminum single crystals with two typical orientations at 25 °C, −100 °C, and −180 °C. The results showed that irrespective of orientation, the density of the slip plane was increased with the decline in temperature, which inhibited slip localization and significantly improved plasticity and work hardening. In detail, at RT, the slip bands were widening until the micro-cracks were generated, causing early failure during deformation. When the temperature was decreased to −180 °C, the slip plane density was increased, and the deformation was more homogenous. Moreover, the slip mode was influenced by orientation and temperature. In particular, a single slip system was activated in the sample with the [112] orientation at all the temperatures investigated. Multiple slip systems were found to activate at 25 °C and −100 °C, and only the primary slip system was activated in the sample with [114] orientation at −180 °C. These findings deepen the understanding of slip behavior at cryogenic temperatures, providing new insights into the deformation mechanism of aluminum and its alloys. Full article

Hearing loss (HL) is a common and multi-complex etiological deficit that can occur at any age and can be caused by genetic variants, aging, toxic drugs, noise, injury, viral infection, and other factors. Recently, a high incidence of genetic etiologies in congenital HL has been reported, and the usefulness of genetic testing has been widely accepted in congenital-onset or early-onset HL. In contrast, there have been few comprehensive reports on the relationship between late-onset HL and genetic causes. In this study, we performed next-generation sequencing analysis for 91 HL patients mainly consisting of late-onset HL patients. As a result, we identified 23 possibly disease-causing variants from 29 probands, affording a diagnostic rate for this study of 31.9%. The highest diagnostic rate was observed in the congenital/early-onset group (42.9%), followed by the juvenile/young adult-onset group (31.7%), and the middle-aged/aged-onset group (21.4%). The diagnostic ratio decreased with age; however, genetic etiologies were involved to a considerable degree even in late-onset HL. In particular, the responsible gene variants were found in 19 (55.9%) of 34 patients with a familial history and progressive HL. Therefore, this phenotype is considered to be a good candidate for genetic evaluation based on this diagnostic panel. Full article

The quality of fat in infant milk is determined by the fatty acid profile and selected indices describing nutritional value. The aim of this study was to analyze the fatty acid profile and lipid quality indices of infant formulas and compare these data with breast milk. The study material included seven types of cow’s milk-based follow-on infant formulas and samples of mature breast milk. The determination of fatty acids was performed using the gas chromatography (GC) technique. Lipid quality indices were calculated based on the relevant equations. Infant formulas contained more medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and oleic acid. Moreover, they contained more than 30% more linoleic acid and more than twice as much α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In contrast, significant amounts of trans fatty acids (TFAs) were noted in breast milk, while infant formulas contained trace amounts. Infant formulas were characterized by a lower AI (Index of Atherogenicity) (0.49–0.98) and TI (Index of Thrombogenicity) (0.48–0.60) and a higher H/H (hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic) ratio (1.93–2.30) compared with breast milk (1.47, 1.60, and 1.21, respectively). The composition of infant formulas depended on the type of fat added at the production stage and differed significantly from breast milk, particularly in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid quality indices. Full article

Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods—pre-pandemic and pandemic times—involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT—Health and Work Survey—was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health. Full article

Aim: To investigate inflammation indices and erythropoietin levels for their potential role in distinguishing polycythemia vera from secondary polycythemia and to compare different parameter combinations in terms of the diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This retrospective cohort was created from patients assessed for polycythemia from January 2020 to December 2023. Polycythemia vera diagnosis was made according to the 2016 World Health Organization criteria (n = 145). Those who did not fulfill the criteria were defined as having secondary polycythemia (n = 84). Results: The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index were significantly higher in the polycythemia vera group (p < 0.001 for all). Erythropoietin had the highest area under the curve in the analysis to distinguish groups, followed by the systemic immune-inflammation index. The platelet lymphocyte ratio (≥135) had the highest specificity to detect polycythemia vera, followed closely by the systemic immune-inflammation index. The sensitivity for polycythemia vera detection was highest with the erythropoietin and systemic immune-inflammation index combination, followed by erythropoietin and the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio. All the single and combinatory variables exhibited significant performance in predicting polycythemia vera after adjusting for age and sex. However, the erythropoietin and systemic immune-inflammation index combination had the highest odds ratio, followed by erythropoietin alone. Conclusion: These are promising findings supporting the usability of these biomarkers, especially the systemic immune-inflammation index, as minor criteria in the diagnosis of polycythemia vera. It is especially crucial to note that using erythropoietin in combination with these markers may improve diagnostic accuracy. Full article