Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Is Associated With Congestion-Related Anorexia and Weight Loss in Advanced Heart Failure.

Background: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is associated with appetite-suppressing effects and weight loss in patients with malignancy.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationships between GDF-15 levels, anorexia, cachexia, and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods: In this observational, retrospective analysis, a total of 344 patients with advanced HFrEF (age 58 ± 10 years, 85% male, 67% NYHA functional class III), underwent clinical and echocardiographic examination, body composition evaluation by skinfolds and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, circulating metabolite assessment, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, and right heart catheterization.

Novel archaeal ribosome dimerization factor facilitating unique 30S-30S dimerization.

Protein synthesis (translation) consumes a substantial proportion of cellular resources, prompting specialized mechanisms to reduce translation under adverse conditions. Ribosome inactivation often involves ribosome-interacting proteins. In both bacteria and eukaryotes, various ribosome-interacting proteins facilitate ribosome dimerization or hibernation, and/or prevent ribosomal subunits from associating, enabling the organisms to adapt to stress.

Gemcitabine and docetaxel for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: EuroGemDoce group results.

Objective: To evaluate the oncological efficacy and safety of sequential intravesical gemcitabine/docetaxel (Gem/Doce) therapy in a European cohort of patients with high-risk and very-high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after previous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment.

Materials And Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 95 patients with NMIBC, treated with Gem/Doce at 12 European centres between 2021 and 2024. Patients previously treated with BCG who had completed a full induction course and received at least one follow-up evaluation were included.

Comparative Analysis of Protist Communities in Oilsands Tailings Using Amplicon Sequencing and Metagenomics.

The Canadian province of Alberta contains substantial oilsands reservoirs, consisting of bitumen, clay and sand. Extracting oil involves separating bitumen from inorganic particles using hot water and chemical diluents, resulting in liquid tailings waste with ecotoxicologically significant compounds. Ongoing efforts aim to reclaim tailings-affected areas, with protist colonisation serving as one assessment method of reclamation progress.

From Spectra to Signatures: Detecting Fentanyl in Human Nails with ATR-FTIR and Machine Learning.

Human nails have recently become a sample of interest for toxicological purposes. Multiple studies have proven the ability to detect various analytes within the keratin matrix of the nail. The analyte of interest in this study is fentanyl, a highly dangerous and abused drug in recent decades.

Study of Positioning Accuracy Parameters in Selected Configurations of a Modular Industrial Robot-Part 1.

This article presents the fundamental principles of robot accuracy. It characterizes a modular robot, describes the measurement setup, and outlines the methodology for evaluating positioning accuracy across different configurations of the modular robot (four, five, and six modules) under varying loads of 6, 10, and 16 kg. An analysis was conducted on the impact of load changes on four- and five-module configurations, as well as the effect of configuration changes on the robot's performance with 6 and 10 kg loads.

Preconceptional and Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation in the Visegrad Group Countries for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are malformations of the central nervous system that represent the second most common cause of congenital morbidity and mortality, following cardiovascular abnormalities. Maternal nutrition, particularly folic acid, a B vitamin, is crucial in the etiology of NTDs. FA plays a key role in DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair, acting as a cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions essential for neural tube development.

Plasma Bacterial Metabolites in Crohn's Disease Pathogenesis and Complications.

Background/objectives: Crohn's disease is known for being associated with an abnormal composition of the bacterial flora, dysbiosis and intestinal function disorders. Metabolites produced by gut microbiota play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CD, and the presence of unspecific extraintestinal manifestations.

Methods: The aim of this study was a determination of the level of bacterial metabolites in blood plasma in patients with Crohn's disease.

Association of Gene Polymorphism and Serum Level of α Klotho Protein with Different Tumor Grades, Overall Survival and Cytokine Profile in Glioma Patients.

Gliomas are the most common and lethal forms of malignant brain tumors. We attempted to identify the role of the aging-suppressor gene and Klotho protein in the immunopathogenesis of gliomas. We examined genetic variants by PCR-RFLP and measured serum Klotho levels using the ELISA method.

The Intrinsic Neuronal Activation of the CXCR4 Signaling Axis Is Associated with a Pro-Regenerative State in Cervical Primary Sensory Neurons Conditioned by a Sciatic Nerve Lesion.

CXCL12 and CXCR4 proteins and mRNAs were monitored in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of lumbar (L4-L5) and cervical (C7-C8) spinal segments of naïve rats, rats subjected to sham operation, and those undergoing unilateral complete sciatic nerve transection (CSNT) on post-operation day 7 (POD7). Immunohistochemical, Western blot, and RT-PCR analyses revealed bilaterally increased levels of CXCR4 protein and mRNA in both lumbar and cervical DRG neurons after CSNT. Similarly, CXCL12 protein levels increased, and CXCL12 mRNA was upregulated primarily in lumbar DRGs ipsilateral to the nerve lesion.

Disrupting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Activity: A Virtual Screening and Binding Assay Study.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus that emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. The spike glycoprotein (S protein) plays a crucial role in viral target recognition and entry by interacting with angiotensin, converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the functional receptor for the virus, via its receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD availability for this interaction can be influenced by external factors, such as fatty acids.

Creep Resistance and Microstructure Evolution in P23/P91 Welds.

This paper summarizes the results of investigations into heterogeneous P23/P91 welds after long-term creep exposure at temperatures of 500, 550 and 600 °C. Two variants of welds were studied: In Weld A, the filler material corresponded to P91 steel, while in Weld B, the chemical composition of the consumable material matched P23 steel. The creep rupture strength values of Weld A exceeded those of Weld B at all testing temperatures.

Innovative Approaches to Material Selection and Testing in Additive Manufacturing.

This study focuses on selecting a suitable 3D printer and defining experimental methods to gather the necessary data for determining the optimal filament material for printing components of the VEX GO and VEX IQ robotic kits. The aim is to obtain the required data to identify an appropriate filament material and set 3D printing parameters to achieve the desired mechanical properties of the parts while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Another key objective is achieving optimal operational functionality, ensuring the required part performance with minimal printing costs.

Detailed Analysis of the Debris-Fretting Damage Areas on Coated Fuel Cladding.

Fuel failure caused by fretting damage to cladding remains a relevant issue despite decades of research and development aimed at enhancing the physical parameters of fuel. This paper presents the results of experiments conducted at the Research Centre Řež on Zr-1%Nb alloy tube specimens covered with protective coatings made of chromium (Cr) and nitrogen (N) compounds. The experiments involved debris-fretting tests under dry conditions at room temperature as well as microscopic measurements of groove depths.

Optimization of MoNiCr Alloy Production Through Additive Manufacturing.

One of the concepts behind Generation IV reactors is a molten salt coolant system, where the materials for the reactor itself and for the primary and secondary circuit components are subjected to extreme chemical and thermal stresses. Due to the unavailability of these materials, a nickel-molybdenum alloy known as MoNiCr has been developed in the Czech Republic. This paper discusses the manufacturing process for the MoNiCr alloy, covering conventional casting technology, forming, powder atomization, additive manufacturing (AM) using the directed energy deposition (DED-LB) process, and final heat treatment.

Evaluation of the Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Magnesium Alloys with 9% Al and 9% Zn Additions.

The need to reduce energy consumption means that it is necessary to reduce the weight of vehicles. However, a thick wall of massive elements promotes the formation of casting defects, which must be removed by either plastic processing (straightening) or welding methods (surface and internal discontinuities). Basic alloys contain Al and Zn as the main alloying elements.

Sensitivity Analysis and Influence Evaluation of Progressive Wall Thickness of Honeycomb Structures as Energy Absorber Produced by Additive Technology Multi-Jet Fusion.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of polymeric cell structures for the production of energy absorbers and to focus on the geometric optimization of polymeric cell structures producible by additive technologies to achieve the required deformation characteristics, high material efficiency and the low weight of the resulting absorber. A detailed analysis of different types of cell structures (different lattice structures and honeycombs) and their properties was performed. Honeycombs, which have been further examined in more detail, are best suited for absorbing large amounts of energy and high levels of material efficiency at known load directions.

Shear Capacity of Hollow High-Performance Concrete Beams with Cross-Wound Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement.

This paper introduces cross-wound CFRP shear reinforcement of hollow HPC beams. The CFRP reinforcement was manufactured in the form of a square tubular mesh from carbon rovings oriented at ±45° from the longitudinal axis. The shear reinforcement was made in two variants from carbon yarns with linear densities of 1600 and 3700 tex.

Influence of 3D Printing Conditions on Physical-Mechanical Properties of Polymer Materials.

The popularity of 3D printing technology is rapidly increasing worldwide. It can be applied to metals, ceramics, composites, hybrids, and polymers. Three-dimensional printing has the potential to replace conventional manufacturing technologies because it is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Multilateral Use of Dandelion in Folk Medicine of Central-Eastern Europe.

Background: Dandelion ( sect. , also referred to as F.H.

Pyroxsulam Resistance in : An Emerging Challenge in Crop Protection.

, a prevalent weed in Czech winter wheat fields, has developed resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides due to their frequent use. This study reports a biotype of resistant to pyroxsulam, with cross and multiple resistance to iodosulfuron, propoxycarbazone, pinoxaden, and chlortoluron. Dose-response experiments revealed high resistance of both R1 and R2 biotypes to pyroxsulam, with resistance factors (RF) of 6.

Thermally Induced Phenomena in Amorphous Nifedipine: The Correlation Between the Structural Relaxation and Crystal Growth Kinetics.

The particle size-dependent processes of structural relaxation and crystal growth in amorphous nifedipine were studied by means of non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman microscopy. The enthalpy relaxation was described in terms of the Tool-Narayanaswamy-Moynihan model, with the relaxation motions exhibiting the activation energy of 279 kJ·mol for the temperature shift, but with a significantly higher value of ~500 kJ·mol being obtained for the rapid transition from the glassy to the undercooled liquid state (the latter is in agreement with the activation energy of the viscous flow). This may suggest different types of relaxation kinetics manifesting during slow and rapid heating, with only a certain portion of the relaxation motions occurring that are dependent on the parameters of a given temperature range and time frame.

A Simplified Method for Evaluating Chitin-Binding Activity Applied to YKL-40 (HC-gp39, CHI3L1) and Chitotriosidase.

YKL-40 is structurally similar to chitotriosidase (CHIT1), an active chitinase, but it lacks chitin-degrading activity while retaining chitin-binding capability. Elevated YKL-40 levels are associated with inflammatory diseases and cancers, making it a valuable biomarker. We previously reported that the W69T substitution in YKL-40 significantly reduces its chitin-binding affinity, identifying W69 as a crucial binding site.

First Detection of in Namibian Bird Ectoparasites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) with a Description of New Quill Mite Species.

is a common intracellular bacterial genus that infects numerous arthropods and filarial nematodes. In arthropods, it typically acts as a reproductive parasite, leading to various phenotypic effects such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, feminization, or male-killing. Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are a group of bird parasites that have recently attracted increasing interest due to the detection of unique phylogenetic lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria and potentially pathogenic taxa.

Evaluation of the role of unconventional prefoldin RPB5 interactor (URI1) in hepatitis B virus infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver disease and lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To better understand the factors involved in viral infection and pathogenesis and to develop novel therapies, it is crucial to investigate virus-host interactions. HBV infection has been shown to increase the expression of the unconventional prefoldin RPB5 interactor (URI1), a cellular protein that promotes liver tumorigenesis and HCC metastasis.