Nevin Manimala

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Aug 20;121(34):e2319077121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2319077121. Epub 2024 Aug 14.

ABSTRACT

Successful implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework requires identifying a process for measuring and valuing changes in biodiversity that build on the recognition that economics and valuation must play a key role in “halting and reversing” biodiversity loss. Here, we discuss considerations for a practical path to valuing changes in biodiversity. Framing changes in the value of biodiversity as a summary of changes in certain natural assets enables leveraging existing approaches and international standards associated with environmental-economic accounting. We discuss why an approach that builds from individual species, evolutionary groups, or functional groups into a practical, hierarchical statistical classification system is better than the development of any one biodiversity index. We merge techniques from ecology and other natural sciences, national and environmental-economic accounting, and economics, which are all on the cusp of making measurement of the change in the value of biodiversity possible. The focus should be on scaling and integrating these approaches. The path forward appears to begin with imperfect but useful measures, grounded in robust concepts, while establishing ambition to further scale-up measurements-just like the past evolution of many other official statistical series.

PMID:39141347 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2319077121

Vet Res Commun. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s11259-024-10490-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The cytokine context present in the reproductive tract of cows is closely involved in normal uterine functions, including the estrous cycle and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. However, the roles of some cytokines in the uterus, and their relation with reproductive performance remain to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to examine the protein expression of several cytokines such as TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, IFNγ, IL-4, and TGF-β₃ in endometrial biopsies previous to conception, to evaluate the possible association with delayed conception in dairy cows. Protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the protein expression levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-4 and TGF-β₃ were not associated with the parturition-conception interval, whereas the high protein expression levels of IFNγ were associated with the parturition-conception interval. Finally, the low protein expression of IL-8 showed a statistical tendency to be associated with delayed conception. This is the first report about the protein expression of IFN-γ in the endometrium of dairy cows and also, this cytokine could enhance the favorable conditions to achieve an early pregnancy.

PMID:39141287 | DOI:10.1007/s11259-024-10490-1

Adv Ther. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s12325-024-02959-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite the technological advancements in catheter ablation strategies, the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) post-ablation remains a concern that requires further investigation. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have shown a significant effect on weight reduction, which in turn is associated with freedom from AF recurrence in both patients who are obese and not obese undergoing ablation. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the available evidence on the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in maintaining sinus rhythm post-ablation.

METHODS: Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until June 9, 2024. Double-independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Evidence was pooled using DerSimonian-Laird random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Three propensity score-matched studies (n = 6031 participants) were analyzed. Over a 12-months follow-up, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with a significant reduction in AF recurrence compared to controls, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.549, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.315, 0.956], P = 0.034; I² = 57%. No significant heterogeneity was observed (Q statistic = 4.6, heterogeneity P = 0.1).

CONCLUSION: The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is associated with a lower risk of AF recurrence in patients receiving AF ablation therapy. Further large-scale randomized trials are necessary to explore the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in maintaining ablation outcomes over the long term.

PMID:39141282 | DOI:10.1007/s12325-024-02959-x

Clin Transl Oncol. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s12094-024-03656-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: High-grade gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses. Understanding the factors that influence their progression is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. This study investigates the prognostic significance of panimmune inflammation in patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas.

MATERIALS-METHODS: Data from 89 high-grade glioma patients were analysed retrospectively. The Panimmune inflammation Value (PIV) of each patient meeting the eligibility criteria was calculated on the basis of platelet, monocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts obtained from peripheral blood samples taken on the first day of treatment. PIV is calculated using the following formula: PIV = T × M × N ÷ L. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to identify the optimal cut-off value for PIV about progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes. The primary and secondary endpoints were the differences in OS and PFS between the PIV groups. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used for survival analyses.

RESULTS: The ROC analysis indicated that the optimal PIV threshold was 545.5, which exhibited a significant interaction with PFS and OS outcomes. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on their PIV levels: a low PIV (L-PIV) group comprising 45 patients and a high PIV (H-PIV) group comprising 44 patients. A comparative analysis of survival rates indicated that patients with elevated PIV had a shorter median PFS of 4.0 months compared to 8.0 months in the low PIV group (P = 0.797), as well as a reduced median OS of 19.0 months versus not available (NA) in the low PIV group (P = 0.215).

CONCLUSION: Our study results did not reveal a statistically significant association between H-PIV measurements and reduced PFS or OS. However, PIV effectively stratified newly diagnosed high-grade glioma patients into two distinct groups with significantly different PFS and OS outcomes.

PMID:39141278 | DOI:10.1007/s12094-024-03656-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Aug 14;196(9):810. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-12960-0.

ABSTRACT

Forest fires pose significant environmental and socioeconomic threats, particularly in regions such as Central India, where forest ecosystems are vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Understanding forest fire dynamics and identifying fire risk zones are crucial for effective mitigation. The current study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of forest fires in the Khandwa and North Betul forest divisions in the Central Indian region over 22 years using Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope tests on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) fire point data. We found a nonsignificant increase in forest fires in both divisions. Khandwa showed a nonsignificant slope rise of more than three events per year, while North Betul revealed an increase of around one event per year. The lack of statistical significance suggests that upward trends of forest fire events may result from random fluctuations rather than consistent patterns. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed significant clustering of fire incidents in both regions. Khandwa confirmed moderate clustering (Moran’s I = 0.043), whereas North Betul showed robust clustering (Moran’s I = 0.096). Kernel density estimation further identified high-risk clusters in both divisions, necessitating zonal-wise targeted fire management strategies. Fire risk zonation was developed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), combining 10 environmental and socioeconomic factors. The AHP model, validated using MODIS fire data, showed reliable accuracy. The results revealed many of both divisions in the high- to very high-risk categories. Approximately, 45% of the area of the Khandwa and nearly 50% of the area of North Betul fall under high to very high fire risk zones. Khandwa’s high-risk areas mainly lie in the northern and southeastern parts, while North Betul lies in the northwestern and north-eastern regions. The identified fire-prone areas indicate the pressing need for local or region-specific fire prevention and mitigation strategies. Thus, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into forest fire risk management and contribute to more focused research and methodological developments.

PMID:39141225 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-024-12960-0

Neotrop Entomol. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s13744-024-01185-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to understand the feeding behavior of Neotropical brown stink bug nymphs Euschistus heros (F.) on soybean plants during vegetative stage through electropenetrography (EPG) technique. Three distinct phases were identified: non-feeding, pathway, and ingestion. Waveforms representing these phases were consistent across nymphal instars and plant structures, and named Np, Eh1, and Eh2, respectively. Biological interpretations of the waveforms were proposed by integrating visual observations, comparisons with adult waveforms, and histological studies. The waveforms Np, Eh1, and Eh2 were associated with resting/walking, initial stylet-plant contact, and xylem sap ingestion, respectively. Notably, nymphs showed a higher number of Eh1 events and longer durations when feeding on petioles compared to leaves, particularly in younger instars. However, differences between instars diminished in older nymphs. Fifth instars consistently exhibited the highest Eh1 values, and displayed longer xylem ingestion durations compared to other instars. Second instars demonstrated increased xylem ingestion events on petioles compared to leaves. Across plant structures, on petioles, nymphs generally showed longer xylem ingestion durations than on leaf surfaces. Fifth instar consistently had the longest ingestion durations overall. Additionally, statistical differences in xylem ingestion duration were observed between instars within each plant structure, with fifth instars displaying the longest durations. These findings offer valuable insights into the feeding behavior of E. heros nymphs, which could inform the development of more effective pest management strategies for soybean crops.

PMID:39141217 | DOI:10.1007/s13744-024-01185-y

Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s12010-024-05006-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IGFLR1 is a novel biomarker, and some evidences suggested that is involved in the immune microenvironment of CRC. Here, we explored the expression of IGFLR1 and its association with the prognosis as well as immune cell infiltration in CRC, with the aim to provide a basis for further studies on IGFLR1. Immunohistochemical staining for IGFLR1, TIM-3, FOXP3, CD4, CD8, and PD-1 was performed in eligible tissues to analyze the expression of IGFLR1 and its association with prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Then, we screened colon cancer samples from TCGA and grouped patients according to IGFLR1-related genes. We also evaluated the co-expression and immune-related pathways of IGFLR1 to identify the potential mechanism of it in CRC. When P < 0.05, the results were considered statistically significant. IGFLR1 and IGFLR1-related genes were associated with the prognosis and immune cell infiltration (P < 0.05). In stage II and III CRC tissue and normal tissue, we found (1) IGFLR1 was expressed in both the cell membrane and cytoplasm and which was differentially expressed between cancer tissue and normal tissue. IGFLR1 expression was associated with the expression of FOXP3, CD8, and gender but was not associated with microsatellite instability. (2) IGFLR1 was an independent prognostic factor and patients with high IGFLR1 had a better prognosis. (3) A model including IGFLR1, FOXP3, PD-1, and CD4 showed good prognostic stratification ability. (4) There was a significant interaction between IGFLR1 and GATA3, and IGFLR1 had a significant co-expression with related factors in the INFR pathway. IGFLR1 has emerged as a new molecule related to disease prognosis and immune cell infiltration in CRC patients and showed a good ability to predict the prognosis of patients.

PMID:39141178 | DOI:10.1007/s12010-024-05006-1

Radiol Phys Technol. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s12194-024-00833-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using a commercially available boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) dose calculation program (NeuCure^® Dose Engine) in terms of calculation accuracy and computation time. Treatment planning was simulated under the following calculation parameters: 1.5-5.0 mm grid sizes and 1-10% statistical uncertainties. The calculated monitor units (MUs) and computation times were evaluated. The MUs calculated on grid sizes larger than 2 mm were overestimated by 2% compared with the result of 1.5 mm grid. We established the two-step method for the routine administration of BNCT: multiple calculations involved in beam optimization should be done at a 5 mm grid and a 10% statistical uncertainty (the shortest computation time: 10.3 ± 2.1 min) in the first-step, and final dose calculations should be performed at a 2 mm grid and a 10% statistical uncertainty (satisfied clinical accuracy: 6.9 ± 0.3 h) in the second-step.

PMID:39141174 | DOI:10.1007/s12194-024-00833-7

Laryngoscope. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/lary.31699. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To characterize incidence of mandibular anomalies (MAs) and compare gestational age, airway interventions, and complications among individuals with MA phenotypes (isolated retrognathia, isolated micrognathia, syndromic micrognathia, micrognathia plus cleft palate/cleft lip and palate, agnathia/micrognathia plus cervical auricle/otocephaly, and agnathia/micrognathia plus microstomia) and unaffected individuals.

METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database was used to collect data over a 20-year period beginning in 2000. Interventions were classified as perinatal when performed on day of life (DOL) 0 or 1 and subsequent when performed during the birth hospitalization after DOL 1. Hypoxic complications included cardiac arrest, birth asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, anoxic brain damage, intraventricular hemorrhage or cerebral infarction. Descriptive statistics are reported, and the Rao-Scott chi-square test compared groups.

RESULTS: MAs affected 119 per 100,000 birth visits. Preterm delivery was more frequent for all MA phenotypes. Individuals with MA phenotypes are more likely to require medical attention (airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 OR no airway intervention received but patient sustained hypoxic complication/mortality): 16.2%-70.7% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.01. Despite receipt of airway interventions at a higher rate, collectively individuals with MAs who received an airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 have a mildly elevated risk of hypoxic complication or mortality (32.4% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth is more common, however, does not account for the elevated rate of airway intervention. Individuals with MAs require higher rates of medical attention, and current airway management paradigms are insufficient to prevent complications and mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Laryngoscope, 2024.

PMID:39140255 | DOI:10.1002/lary.31699

Clin Respir J. 2024 Aug;18(8):e13821. doi: 10.1111/crj.13821.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the predictive effect of the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio (LNR) and the platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) on the expression of programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) in patients diagnosed with lung cancer.

METHODS: The clinical records of 86 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 2020 and February 2022 at Fu Yang People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The records included information on age, gender, smoking history, hematological indices at the time of admission, staging of the lung malignancy, histopathological subtype, comorbidities, and the expression levels of PD-L1. Patients were stratified into two distinct cohorts based on their PD-L1 expression levels: Those with an expression level greater than or equal to 1% were classified into the PD-L1 positive expression group, while the remainder were categorized as the PD-L1 negative expression group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the influencing factors of PD-L1, and the diagnostic efficacy was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS: Upon analysis, the PD-L1 positive expression group manifested notably lower values as compared to their counterparts in the PD-L1 negative expression group (LNR: 0.262 ± 0.105 vs. 0.390 ± 0.201; PNR: 41.03 [29.64, 50.11] vs. 49.50 [37.38, 73.83]), and these differences were statistically significant. There was a notable disparity in PD-L1 expression based on gender, with males exhibiting a statistically significant higher positivity rate compared to females. Furthermore, patients in Stages I-III of the disease demonstrated a markedly elevated PD-L1 positivity rate compared to those in Stage IV (p < 0.05). Incorporating univariates with statistical differences into multivariate logistic regression analysis suggests that stage and LNR are independent risk factors for PD-L1 negative expression. ROC curve analyses revealed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for LNR as an indicator for PD-L1 positive expression stood at 0.706, while the AUC for PNR was calculated at 0.687.

CONCLUSION: PD-L1 expression is correlated with gender and lung cancer staging, and LNR and PNR have a predictive value for PD-L1 expression.

PMID:39140242 | DOI:10.1111/crj.13821