Anti-PF4 positivity and platelet activation after Ad26.COV2·S vaccination in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The Ad26.COV2·S (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine, has been rarely associated with vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). We investigated the prevalence of anti-PF4 antibody positivity, thrombocytopenia, D-dimer elevation, plasmatic thromboinflammatory markers, and platelet functional assays following Ad26.COV2·S vaccination in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: From July to September 2021, participants were assessed prior, 1, and 3 weeks post-vaccination. Platelet count and D-dimer were measured at each visit and anti-PF4 at week 3. A positive anti-PF4 prompted retrospective testing of the sample from week 0. Individuals with new thrombocytopenia or elevated D-dimer, positive anti-PF4, and 38 matched controls without laboratory abnormalities were evaluated for plasmatic p-selectin, tissue factor, and functional platelet activation assays. RESULTS: 630 individuals were included; 306 (48.57%) females, median age 28 years. Forty-two (6.67%) presented ≥1 laboratory abnormality in week 1 or 3. Five (0.79%) had thrombocytopenia, 31 (4.91%) elevated D-dimer, and 9 (1.57%) had positive anti-PF4 at week 3. Individuals with laboratory abnormalities and controls showed a slight increase in plasmatic p-selectin and tissue factor. Ten individuals with laboratory abnormalities yielded increased surface expression of p-selectin, and their ability to activate platelets in a FcγRIIa dependent manner was further evaluated. Two were partially inhibited by high concentrations of heparin and blockage of FcγRII with IV.3 antibody. Plasma obtained before vaccination produced similar results, suggesting a lack of association with vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with Ad26.COV2·S vaccine led to a very low frequency of low-titer positive anti-PF4 antibodies, elevation of D-dimer, and mild thrombocytopenia, with no associated clinically relevant increase in thromboinflammatory markers and platelet activation.

Effects of strength training on repeated sprint ability in team sports players: a systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review was conducted to analyze the existing evidence on the effects of strength training (ST) and complex/contrast training (CCT) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in team sports players. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were used. Original full-text articles were analyzed, without date restriction until May 26, 2024, written in English, peer-reviewed, and for eligibility must have included (1) male or female team sports players, amateur or professional category, without age restriction (2) lower extremity ST and/or CCT program (3) active control group (4) running RSA test (e.g., repeated shuttle sprint ability test or straight-line repeated sprint ability test) before and after the intervention period (5) controlled trial. Results: A total of 3,376 studies were identified and screened. Finally, 10 articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all with moderate methodological quality according to the PEDro scale. The best time, mean time, and total time presented significant pre and post-test changes, using ST in 3, 2, and 1 experimental groups, respectively, and using CCT in 1, 1, and 1 experimental groups, respectively, with almost no differences in the percentage decrement most commonly reported in RSA tests. There were no changes in the control groups. Conclusion: Together, ST performed in a range of maximal power provides benefits in the best time and mean time and performed between 80 to 95% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) provides benefits in the best time, mean time, and total time in RSA tests. CCT performed between 75 to 90% of 1 RM combined with jumps and sprints provides benefits in the best time, mean time, and total time in RSA test, but no unaltered percentage decrement in ST and CCT in elite and semi-professional team sport players.

SuFEx-Functionalized Quinones via Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation: A Potential Building Block for Bioactivity Valorization.

Herein, we describe the Ru-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones (1,4-NQs), resulting in 1,4-naphthoquinoidal/SuFEx hybrids with moderate to good yields. This method provides a novel route for direct access to ethenesulfonyl-fluorinated quinone structures. We conducted mechanistic studies to gain an in-depth understanding of the elementary steps of the reaction. Additionally, we evaluated the prototypes against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, leading to the identification of compounds with potent trypanocidal activity.

Combined Impact of Creatine, Caffeine, and Variable Resistance on Repeated Sprint Ability in Young Soccer Players.

There is evidence that both intra-serial variable resistance (I-sVR), as pre-activation within the post-activation performance enhancement cycle (PAPE), and creatine and caffeine supplementation increase athletic performance in isolation. However, the effect of the three conditioning factors on 30 m repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance in young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the summative and isolation effect of ergogenic aids and pre-activation in half-back squats (HBSs) with I-sVR on performance in an RSA test in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players were randomly assigned to either EG1 (n = 7, creatine + caffeine + I-sVR), EG2 (n = 7, creatine + placebo2 + I-sVR), EG3 (n = 7, placebo1 + caffeine + I-sVR), or EG4 (n = 7, placebo1 + placebo2 + I-sVR), using a factorial, four-group-matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Creatine supplementation included 0.3 g/kg/day for 14 days, caffeine supplementation included 0.3 mg/kg per day, and pre-activation in HBS with I-sVR (1 × 5 at 30% 1RM [1.0-1.1 m/s] + 1 × 4 at 60% 1RM [0.6-0.7 m/s]). The RSA test and HBS outcomes were evaluated. Three-way ANOVA showed non-significant differences for the RSA test and HBS outcomes (p > 0.05). At the end of this study, it was found that the three ergogenic aids, together, do not generate a summative effect on the physical performance of young soccer players. However, it is important to analyze individual responses to these specific protocols.

Ovarian Puncture Triggers an Inflammatory Response that did not Affect Late Folliculogenesis, Ovulation Rate, and Fertility.

Ovarian puncture has been widely used in assisted reproduction, but there are still gaps about its effects on ovarian morphophysiology, as well as the relationship between inflammation caused by this procedure and the follicular growth and fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ovarian puncture on folliculogenesis and fertility. Mice (n = 24) were divided into two groups: (1) SHAM-both ovaries were exposed and repositioned and (2) Punctured-ovaries were exposed, punctured, and repositioned. After 96 h of surgery, ovaries were collected for morphofunctional analysis. New females were used for the superovulation (n = 10) and fertility assays (n = 10). Increased volumetric density of inflammatory cells-p = 0.0005, p = 0.0013; hemorrhagic foci-p < 0.0001; and inflammatory exudate-p < 0.0001 could be noticed on the punctured group, compared to SHAM. The percentage of primordial follicles was lower on the punctured ovaries (p = 0.00294). Ovarian puncture has also induced an increase in the proliferation of granulosa cells of primary (p = 0.0321) and antral follicles (p = 0.0395), and an increased apoptotic index of antral follicles (p = 0.0100). There was no influence on expression of some genes related to inflammation, collagen deposition and folliculogenesis progression. The reproductive aspects (oocyte retrieval and number of fetuses per female) were not altered (p > 0.05). Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that ovarian puncture results in a local inflammation that affects follicular growth and atresia. However, it does not affect female fertility, which strengthens the safety of this procedure.

The effect of ZnSO4 and Fe2(SO4)3 on the pyrolysis of cocoa shells: A tg-FTIR study.

Pyrolysis stands out as one potential route for valorizing abundant agro-industrial cocoa residues. However, the products of this reaction, particularly bio-oil, do not possess the required quality for direct use in many applications. Thus, this study explores the use of iron sulfate and zinc sulfate as potential catalysts in the pyrolysis of these residues. In this investigation, the biomass, previously ground and dried, was impregnated with varying percentages of ferric sulfate and zinc sulfate. The TG-FTIR technique was employed to ascertain the effect of these salts on the pyrolysis of cocoa shell. The results were fitted with the DAEM model with three pseudo-components. It was determined that both salts induced alterations in the DTG profiles of the thermal decomposition of cocoa shell. In the evolved gases, compounds such as CO2, H2O, CH4, CO, HCN, and oxygenated compounds like HCOOH and CH3COOH were detected. Ferric sulfate significantly influenced the activation energies governing the reactions of the three pseudo-components. Conversely, the presence of zinc sulfate did not alter the activation energies associated with the decomposition of cocoa shell pseudo-components. Both catalysts induced alterations in the infrared spectra of the evolved gases, which is primarily evident in the relative intensities of bands corresponding to the stretching vibrations of constituent groups within CO2, CO, water, and oxygenated compounds.

Long chikungunya? An overview to immunopathology of persistent arthralgia.

Chikungunya fever (CF) is caused by an arbovirus whose manifestations are extremely diverse, and it has evolved with significant severity in recent years. The clinical signs triggered by the Chikungunya virus are similar to those of other arboviruses. Generally, fever starts abruptly and reaches high levels, followed by severe polyarthralgia and myalgia, as well as an erythematous or petechial maculopapular rash, varying in severity and extent. Around 40% to 60% of affected individuals report persistent arthralgia, which can last from months to years. The symptoms of CF mainly represent the tissue tropism of the virus rather than the immunopathogenesis triggered by the host's immune system. The main mechanisms associated with arthralgia have been linked to an increase in T helper type 17 cells and a consequent increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand and bone resorption. This review suggests that persistent arthralgia results from the presence of viral antigens post-infection and the constant activation of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 in synovial macrophages, leading to local infiltration of CD4+ T cells, which sustains the inflammatory process in the joints through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The term "long chikungunya" was used in this review to refer to persistent arthralgia since, due to its manifestation over long periods after the end of the viral infection, this clinical condition seems to be characterized more as a sequel than as a symptom, given that there is no active infection involved.

Effect of warm-up protocols using lower and higher loads on multiple-set back squat volume-load.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) after three warm-up protocols on back squat performance in trained men. Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained men performed conditioning activity (CA) with high-load (HL-CA), low-load (LL-CA), or usual specific warm-up as a control (CON). HL-CA consisted of one set of three repetitions with 90% of one repetition maximum (RM); LL-CA consisted of one set of six repetitions with 45% of 1 RM performed at maximal velocity; CON involved eight repetitions with 45% of 1 RM at controlled velocity. The participant's performance was measured using the total number of repetitions and volume load (reps × load × sets). Results: There were no significant differences between warm-up for the total number of repetitions (p = 0.17) or total volume load (p = 0.15). There was no difference between conditions for the number of repetitions (main condition effect; p = 0.17); however, participants achieved a significantly higher volume load after HL-PAPE than after CON for the first set (p = 0.04). Conclusion: High or low equated-load CA used as warm-up strategies did not potentiate subsequent performance enhancement in multiple-set back squat exercise performed until muscle failure in comparison with usual warm-up.

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor is involved in regulating NF-κB activation in B cells.

Introduction: Lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor (LRBA) is a scaffolding protein that interacts with proteins such as CTLA-4 and PKA, the importance of which has been determined in various cell types, including T regulatory cells, B cells, and renal cells. LRBA deficiency is associated with an inborn error in immunity characterized by immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. In addition to defects in T regulatory cells, patients with LRBA deficiency also exhibit B cell defects, such as reduced cell number, low memory B cells, hypogammaglobulinemia, impaired B cell proliferation, and increased autophagy. Although Lrba-/- mice do not exhibit the immunodeficiency observed in humans, responses to B cell receptors (BCR) in B cells have not been explored. Therefore, a murine model is for elucidating the mechanism of Lrba mechanism in B cells. Aim: To compare and evaluate spleen-derived B cell responses to BCR crosslinking in C57BL6 Lrba-/- and Lrba+/+ mice. Materials and methods: Spleen-derived B cells were obtained from 8 to 12-week-old mice. Subpopulations were determined by immunostaining and flow cytometry. BCR crosslinking was assessed by the F(ab')2 anti-µ chain. Activation, proliferation and viability assays were performed using flow cytometry and protein phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting. The nuclear localization of p65 was determined using confocal microscopy. Nur77 expression was evaluated by Western blot. Results: Lrba-/- B cells showed an activated phenotype and a decreased proportion of transitional 1 B cells, and both proliferation and survival were affected after BCR crosslinking in the Lrba-/- mice. The NF-κB pathway exhibited a basal activation status of several components, resulting in increased activation of p50, p65, and IκBα, basal p50 activation was reduced by the Plcγ2 inhibitor U73122. BCR crosslinking in Lrba-/ - B cells resulted in poor p50 phosphorylation and p65 nuclear localization. Increased levels of Nur77 were detected. Discussion: These results indicate the importance of Lrba in controlling NF-κB activation driven by BCR. Basal activation of NF-κB could impact cellular processes, such as, activation, differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance of B cells after antigen encounter.

Assessment of Pyrogenic Response of Medical Devices and Biomaterials by the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT): A Systematic Review.

Pyrogens are fever-inducing substances routinely investigated in health products through tests such as the Rabbit Pyrogen Test (RPT), the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), and the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT). However, the applications of the MAT for medical devices and biomaterials remain limited. This work aimed to overview the studies evaluating the pyrogenicity of medical devices and biomaterials using the MAT, highlighting its successes and potential challenges. An electronic search was performed by December 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying 321 records which resulted in ten selected studies. Data were extracted detailing the tested materials, MAT variants, interferences, and comparisons between methods. Methodological quality was assessed using the ToxRTool, and the results were synthesized descriptively. The selected studies investigated various materials, including polymers, metals, and natural compounds, employing the different biological matrices of the MAT. Results showed the MAT's versatility, with successful detection of pyrogens in most materials tested, though variability in sensitivity was noted based on the material and testing conditions. Challenges remain in optimizing protocols for different material properties, such as determining the best methods for direct contact versus eluate testing and addressing the incubation conditions. In conclusion, the MAT demonstrates significant potential as a pyrogen detection method for medical devices and biomaterials. However, continued research is essential to address existing gaps, optimize protocols, and validate the test across a broader range of materials.

Long-term performance: strength and metal encapsulation in alkali-activated iron ore tailings.

Understanding the strength behavior and leaching characteristics of mining tailings stabilized with alkali-activated cements in the short, medium, and long term is crucial for the feasibility of material applications. In this context, this study assessed the stabilization/solidification of iron ore tailings (IOT) using alkali-activated binder (AAB) composed of sugarcane bagasse ash and eggshell lime at curing times of 7, 28, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days. Additionally, leaching tests were conducted, along with the examination of possible changes in the chemical and mineralogical composition resulting from exposure to acidic environments. Tests included unconfined compression strength (UCS), leaching, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the IOT-AAB mixtures. The highest increase in UCS was observed between 7 and 60 days, reaching 6.47 MPa, with minimal variation thereafter. The AAB-bonded IOT exhibited no metal toxicity over time. Elements Ba, Mn, Pb, and Zn present in IOT and ash were encapsulated in the cemented matrix, with complete encapsulation of all metals observed from 90 days of curing time. The mineralogy of the stabilized/solidified tailings showed no changes resulting from leaching tests. Characteristic bands associated with the presence of N-A-S-H gel were identified in both pre-leaching and post-leaching samples for all curing times analyzed. Exposure to acidic environments altered bands related to carbonate bonds formed in the IOT-AAB mixture.

Hepatitis C virus NS5A and core protein induce fibrosis-related genes regulation on Huh7 cells through activation of LX2 cells.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Liver fibrosis remains a complication derived from a chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection even when it is resolved, and no liver antifibrotic drug has been approved. Molecular mechanisms on hepatocytes and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in liver fibrogenesis. To elucidate molecular mechanisms, it is important to analyze pathway regulation during HSC activation and HCV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluate the fibrosis-associated molecular mechanisms during a co-culture of human HSCs (LX2), with human hepatocytes (Huh7) that express HCV NS5A or Core protein. We evaluated LX2 activation induced by HCV NS5A or Core expression in Huh7 cells during co-culture. We determined a fibrosis-associated gene expression profile in Huh7 that expresses NS5A or Core proteins during the co-culture with LX2. RESULTS: We observed that NS5A induced 8.3-, 6.7- and 4-fold changes and that Core induced 6.5-, 1.8-, and 6.2-fold changes in the collagen1, TGFß1, and timp1 gene expression, respectively, in LX2 co-cultured with transfected Huh7. In addition, NS5A induced the expression of 30 genes while Core induced 41 genes and reduced the expression of 30 genes related to fibrosis in Huh7 cells during the co-culture with LX2, compared to control. The molecular pathways enriched from the gene expression profile were involved in TGFB signaling and the organization of extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that HCV NS5A and Core protein expression regulate LX2 activation. NS5A and Core-induced LX2 activation, in turn, regulates diverse fibrosis-related gene expression at different levels in Huh7, which can be further analyzed as potential antifibrotic targets during HCV infection.

Impact of HIV-Related Immune Impairment of Yellow Fever Vaccine Immunogenicity in People Living with HIV-ANRS 12403.

The yellow fever (YF) vaccine is one of the safest and most effective vaccines currently available. Still, its administration in people living with HIV (PLWH) is limited due to safety concerns and a lack of consensus regarding decreased immunogenicity and long-lasting protection for this population. The mechanisms associated with impaired YF vaccine immunogenicity in PLWH are not fully understood, but the general immune deregulation during HIV infection may play an important role. To assess if HIV infection impacts YF vaccine immunogenicity and if markers of immune deregulation could predict lower immunogenicity, we evaluated the association of YF neutralization antibody (NAb) titers with the pre-vaccination frequency of activated and exhausted T cells, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and frequency of T cells, B cells, and monocyte subsets in PLWH and HIV-negative controls. We observed impaired YF vaccine immunogenicity in PLWH with lower titers of YF-NAbs 30 days after vaccination, mainly in individuals with CD4 count <350 cells/mm3. At the baseline, those individuals were characterized by having a higher frequency of activated and exhausted T cells and tissue-like memory B cells. Elevated levels of those markers were also observed in individuals with CD4 count between 500 and 350 cells/mm3. We observed a negative correlation between the pre-vaccination level of CD8+ T cell exhaustion and CD4+ T cell activation with YF-NAb titers at D365 and the pre-vaccination level of IP-10 with YF-NAb titers at D30 and D365. Our results emphasize the impact of immune activation, exhaustion, and inflammation in YF vaccine immunogenicity in PLWH.

Mechanistic study of the differences in lactic acid bacteria resistance to freeze- or spray-drying and storage.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) widely used in the food industry. The objective of this work was to assess the resistance of these bacteria to freeze- and spray-drying and study the mechanisms involved in their loss of activity. The culturability and acidifying activity were measured to determine the specific acidifying activity, while membrane integrity was studied by flow cytometry. The glass transitions temperature and the water activity of the dried bacterial suspensions were also determined. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy was used to study the biochemical composition of cells in an aqueous environment. All experiments were performed after freezing, drying and storage at 4, 23 and 37 °C. The results showed that Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to osmotic, mechanical, and thermal stresses, while Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 tolerated better the first two types of stress but was more sensitive to thermal stress. Moreover, FTIR results suggested that the sensitivity of Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 to freeze-drying could be attributed to membrane and cell wall degradation, whereas changes in nucleic acids and proteins would be responsible of heat inactivation of both strains associated with spray-drying. According to the activation energy values (47-85 kJ/mol), the functionality loss during storage is a chemically limited reaction. Still, the physical properties of the glassy matrix played a fundamental role in the rates of loss of activity and showed that a glass transition temperature 40 °C above the storage temperature is needed to reach good preservation during storage. KEY POINTS: • Specific FTIR bands are proposed as markers of osmotic, mechanic and thermal stress • Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to all three stresses, Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 to thermal stress only • Activation energy revealed chemically limited reactions ruled the activity loss in storage.

Bovine oocyte activation with bull or human sperm by conventional ICSI and Piezo-ICSI: Its relationship with PLCɀ activity.

Background: The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique has low efficiency in cattle. This has mainly been attributed to the oocyte activation failure due to oocyte and/or sperm factors. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of conventional ICSI and Piezo-ICSI with bull or human sperm on bovine oocyte activation and embryo development and to assess its relationship with the phospholipase C zeta (PLCɀ) activity of both species. Methods: In vitro matured bovine oocytes were randomly divided into five groups and were fertilized as follows: conventional ICSI using bovine sperm with chemical activation (control), conventional ICSI using bovine sperm, Piezo-ICSI using bovine sperm, conventional ICSI using human sperm, and Piezo-ICSI using human sperm. PLCɀ activity was determined in bull and human sperm samples. Results: Within the groups using bull sperm, the oocytes fertilized by conventional ICSI had the lowest values of 2 pronuclei (PN) formation and cleavage, Piezo-ICSI increased both percentages and ICSI + chemical activation presented the highest 2 PN, cleavage, and blastocyst rates (p < 0.05). Within the groups using human sperm, the oocytes fertilized by Piezo-ICSI presented higher 2 PN and cleavage rates than those activated by conventional ICSI (p < 0.05). Piezo-ICSI with human sperm increased bovine oocyte activation as much as conventional ICSI + chemical activation with bovine sperm (p < 0.05). Higher values of PLCɀ activity were found in human sperm compared with bovine sperm (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the higher stability of the bovine sperm in combination with its relatively low content of PLCɀ impairs bovine oocyte activation after ICSI.

Oxidation of imidacloprid insecticide through PMS activation using CuFe2O4 nanoparticles: Role of process parameters and surface modifications.

The contamination of water bodies by synthetic organic compounds coupled with climate change and the growing demand for water supply calls for new approaches to water management and treatment. To tackle the decontamination issue, the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using copper magnetic ferrite (CuMF) nanoparticles prepared under distinct synthesis conditions was assessed to oxidize imidacloprid (IMD) insecticide. After optimization of some operational variables, such as CuMF load (62.5-250 mg L-1), PMS concentration (250-1000 µM), and solution pH (3-10), IMD was completely oxidized in 2 h without interferences from leached metal ions. Such performance was also achieved when using tap water but was inhibited by a simulated municipal wastewater due to scavenging effects promoted by inorganic and organic species. Although there was evidence of the presence of sulfate radicals and singlet oxygen oxidizing species, only four intermediate compounds were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, mainly due to hydroxyl addition reactions. Concerning the changes in surface properties of CuMF after use, no morphological or structural changes were observed except a small increase in the charge transfer resistance. Based on the changes of terminal surface groups, PMS activation occurred on Fe sites.

Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma injection in poor responders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if it possible to improve ovarian reserve parameters and oocyte retrieval in poor responders who undergo intraovarian injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Prospective cohort study. We included 148 poor responders who underwent PRP injection between October 2021 and December 2022 in our institution, comparing pre and post PRP ovarian function. In addition, the IVF outcomes of a subgroup of patients was studied after the intervention in contrast with the previous treatment. RESULTS: An improvement in ovarian reserve was observed in relation to previous values: FSH (13.57 vs. 11.32, p=0.11), AMH (0.39 vs. 0.48, p=0.06), antral follicle count (3.98 vs. 5.75, p<0.001); as well as a higher number of oocytes retrieved (2.63 vs. 3.65, p=0.01) and produced embryos (1.64 vs. 2.22, p=0.03); without a great impact on pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: Although experimental, intraovarian PRP could restore ovarian function and be postulated as an alternative to oocyte donation in patients with low ovarian reserve who do not accept this treatment. There is a lack of randomized controlled trials to support these findings.

Improving Surgical Scene Semantic Segmentation through a Deep Learning Architecture with Attention to Class Imbalance.

This article addresses the semantic segmentation of laparoscopic surgery images, placing special emphasis on the segmentation of structures with a smaller number of observations. As a result of this study, adjustment parameters are proposed for deep neural network architectures, enabling a robust segmentation of all structures in the surgical scene. The U-Net architecture with five encoder-decoders (U-Net5ed), SegNet-VGG19, and DeepLabv3+ employing different backbones are implemented. Three main experiments are conducted, working with Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU), Gaussian Error Linear Unit (GELU), and Swish activation functions. The applied loss functions include Cross Entropy (CE), Focal Loss (FL), Tversky Loss (TL), Dice Loss (DiL), Cross Entropy Dice Loss (CEDL), and Cross Entropy Tversky Loss (CETL). The performance of Stochastic Gradient Descent with momentum (SGDM) and Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) optimizers is compared. It is qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed that DeepLabv3+ and U-Net5ed architectures yield the best results. The DeepLabv3+ architecture with the ResNet-50 backbone, Swish activation function, and CETL loss function reports a Mean Accuracy (MAcc) of 0.976 and Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) of 0.977. The semantic segmentation of structures with a smaller number of observations, such as the hepatic vein, cystic duct, Liver Ligament, and blood, verifies that the obtained results are very competitive and promising compared to the consulted literature. The proposed selected parameters were validated in the YOLOv9 architecture, which showed an improvement in semantic segmentation compared to the results obtained with the original architecture.

ß-Alanine Plus Sodium Bicarbonate Co-Supplementation Does Not Decrease Neuromuscular Fatigue in Swimming.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic ß-alanine (ßA) plus acute sodium bicarbonate (SB) co-supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue during high-intensity intermittent efforts in swimming. Eleven regional and national competitive-level young swimmers performed a neuromuscular fatigue assessment before and immediately after two 20 × 25-m front crawl maximal efforts every 90 s, performed at pre- and post-4-week co-supplementation. Neuromuscular fatigue was evaluated by percutaneous electrical stimuli through the twitch interpolation technique on the triceps brachii and quadriceps femoris. Performance was defined by the mean time of the 20 efforts and blood samples to lactate concentrations were collected every four efforts. Participants supplemented 3.2-6.4 g·day-1 of chronic ßA or placebo (PL) during four weeks, and acute 0.3 g·kg-1 of SB or PL 60 min before the second assessment (allowing ßA+SB and PL+PL groups). No statistical changes were found in neuromuscular fatigue of triceps brachii. In the quadriceps femoris, a main effect of time was found in potentiated twitch delta values in pooled groups, showing a statistical increase of 19.01% after four weeks (Δ = 13.05 [0.35-25.75] N; p = 0.044), without time × group interactions. No statistical difference was found in the swimming performance. Blood lactate increased by 25.06% only in the ßA+SB group (Δ = 6.40 [4.62-8.18] mM; p Bonf < 0.001) after the supplementation period. In conclusion, 4-week ßA and SB co-supplementation were not able to reduce neuromuscular fatigue levels and improve performance in highintensity intermittent efforts, but statistically increased blood lactate levels.

Neuropsychological and Anatomical-Functional Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Stroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Aphasia: A Systematic Review.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been found to be promising in the neurorehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Aphasia and cognitive impairment (CI) are prevalent post-stroke; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the characteristics of interventions based on TMS and its neuropsychological and anatomical-functional benefits. Therefore, studies that contribute to creating TMS protocols for these neurological conditions are necessary. To analyze the evidence of the neuropsychological and anatomical-functional TMS effects in post-stroke patients with CI and aphasia and determine the characteristics of the most used TMS in research practice. The present study followed the PRISMA guidelines and included articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE databases, published between January 2010 and March 2023. In the 15 articles reviewed, it was found that attention, memory, executive function, language comprehension, naming, and verbal fluency (semantic and phonological) are the neuropsychological domains that improved post-TMS. Moreover, TMS in aphasia and post-stroke CI contribute to greater frontal activation (in the inferior frontal gyrus, pars triangularis, and opercularis). Temporoparietal effects were also found. The observed effects occur when TMS is implemented in repetitive modality, at a frequency of 1 Hz, in sessions of 30 min, and that last more than 2 weeks in duration. The use of TMS contributes to the neurorehabilitation process in post-stroke patients with CI and aphasia. However, it is still necessary to standardize future intervention protocols based on accurate TMS characteristics.