Search Results (262)

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element in our body; however, food composition data remain limited due to analytical challenges and interferences. Seafood, abundant in Thailand, is recognized as a rich source of Se. This study aimed to expand knowledge on Se content in seafood prepared using traditional Thai cooking methods. Twenty seafood species were selected and prepared by boiling, frying, and grilling. Inductively Coupled Plasma–Triple Quadrupole–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) was used to analyze total Se contents in selected seafood species. Results revealed significant variation in Se content across species and cooking methods. The Indo-Pacific horseshoe crab showed the highest Se concentration, with fried samples reaching 193.9 μg/100 g. Se concentrations were in the range of 8.6–155.5 μg/100 g (fresh), 14.3–106.6 μg/100 g (boiled), 17.3–193.9 μg/100 g (fried), and 7.3–160.1 μg/100 g (grilled). Results found significant effects of species and cooking method on Se content (p < 0.05). Fried seafood exhibited the highest estimated marginal mean Se concentration (a 78.8 μg/100 g edible portion), significantly higher than other methods. True retention (%TR) of Se ranged from 40.4% to 100%, depending on species and method. Bigfin reef squid, wedge shell, and silver pomfret showed the highest %TR (100%), while splendid squid exhibited the lowest (52.5%). Significant interaction effects on %TR were also observed (p < 0.05). Fried seafood had the highest mean %TR (88.8%), followed by grilled (82.1%) and boiled (79.7%). These findings highlight the effects of both species and cooking method on Se retention, emphasizing the nutritional value of selected seafood in preserving bioavailable Se after cooking. Full article

This study focused on the carbonate system dynamics and air–sea CO₂ fluxes in the open-ocean waters of the Madeira–Tore Seamount Complex during August 2024. Surface water properties revealed pronounced latitudinal gradients in sea surface temperature (21.9–23.1 °C), salinity (36.2–36.7), and dissolved oxygen (228–251 µmol Kg⁻¹), influenced by mesoscale eddies and topographically driven upwelling. Despite oligotrophic conditions, distinct phytoplankton assemblages were observed, with coccolithophores dominating southern seamounts and open-ocean stations, and green algae and diatoms indicating episodic nutrient input. Surface total alkalinity (TA: 2236–2467 µmol Kg⁻¹), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC: 2006–2183 µmol Kg⁻¹), and pCO₂ (467–515 µatm) showed spatial variability aligned with water mass characteristics and biological activity. All stations exhibited positive air–sea CO₂ fluxes (2.8–11.5 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹), indicating the region is a CO₂ source during summer. Calcite and aragonite saturation states were highest in stratified, warmer waters. Principal Component Analysis highlighted the role of physical mixing, carbonate chemistry, and biological uptake in structuring regional variability. Our findings emphasize and contribute to the complex interplay of physical and biogeochemical drivers in modulating carbon cycling and ecosystem structure across Atlantic seamounts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anorectal and retroperitoneal abscesses, although differing in frequency and presentation, present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially when interconnected through complex fascial planes. Rare cases such as horseshoe ischiorectal phlegmons with extraperitoneal spread are particularly difficult to manage due to limited literature and the absence of standardized protocols. This article presents a rare case alongside a narrative review of similar cases, aiming to highlight key diagnostic pitfalls and therapeutic strategies. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify reports on horseshoe ischiorectal phlegmons with extraperitoneal or retroperitoneal extension. Relevant studies were compared with the present case. Results: We describe a 59-year-old male who presented with severe sepsis, diffuse abdominal pain, and hemodynamic instability. Imaging and surgery revealed extensive necrotizing spread to the anterior abdominal wall, peritoneum, and retroperitoneal space, despite absent local perianal signs. Emergency midline laparotomy, wide debridement, and drainage were performed. Despite intensive care, the patient suffered rapid clinical deterioration and died within six hours postoperatively. Conclusions: This case and literature review highlight how a clinically silent ischiorectal phlegmon can progress to extensive extraperitoneal involvement and fatal sepsis. This underscores the need for early recognition, advanced imaging, and aggressive multidisciplinary management. Further studies are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for complex anorectal abscesses with deep fascial extension. Full article

Study design: The advent of the Matrix Wave^TM System (Depuy-Synthes)—a bone-anchored Mandibulo-Maxillary Fixation (MMF) System—merits closer consideration because of its peculiarities. Objective: This study alludes to two preliminary stages in the evolution of the Matrix Wave^TM MMF System and details its technical and functional features. Results: The Matrix Wave^TM System (MWS) is characterized by a smoothed square-shaped Titanium rod profile with a flexible undulating geometry distinct from the flat plate framework in Erich arch bars. Single MWS segments are Omega-shaped and carry a tie-up cleat for interarch linkage to the opposite jaw. The ends at the throughs of each MWS segment are equipped with threaded screw holes to receive locking screws for attachment to underlying mandibular or maxillary bone. An MWS can be partitioned into segments of various length from single Omega-shaped elements over incremental chains of interconnected units up to a horseshoe-shaped bracing of the dental arches. The sinus wave design of each segment allows for stretch, compression and torque movements. So, the entire MWS device can conform to distinctive spatial anatomic relationships. Displaced fragments can be reduced by in-situ-bending of the screw-fixated MWS/Omega segments to obtain accurate realignment of the jaw fragments for the best possible occlusion. Conclusion: The Matrix Wave^TM MMF System is an easy-to-apply modular MMF system that can be assembled according to individual demands. Its versatility allows to address most facial fracture scenarios in adults. The option of “omnidirectional” in-situ-bending provides a distinctive feature not found in alternate MMF solutions. Full article

Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assays have emerged as among the most effective approaches for detecting endotoxins and fungi in vitro since they were first tested 50 years ago. Although detailed protocols are publicly available, conventional LAL collection methods (3% sodium chloride) waste as much as 80% of the total LAL during blood accumulation, confirming the incompatibility of these methods with the lasting survival of the American horseshoe crab. For this reason, new implementations of blood collection–suspension buffer combinations are critical. Here, we evaluated the ability of different blood collection solutions to inhibit exocytosis and subsequently treated the cells with CaCl₂ to stimulate exocytosis and improve the yield of LAL. Two test methods, chromogenic and turbidimetric tests for LAL activity, were evaluated. Crabs were bled during the bleeding season. The crab blood samples were collected with the following blood collection solutions: citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer. The cell pellets were washed with 3% NaCl and subsequently resuspended in LRW or CaCl₂ to facilitate degranulation. Both the chromogenic test and the turbidimetric assay were used to evaluate the LAL enzyme activity. Citric acid buffer, malic acid buffer, PBS buffer, and PBS–caffeine buffer blocked exocytosis, resulting in the high yields of LAL. There was no observable effect on the activity output of crab size via a chromogenic test with PBS–caffeine buffer during the bleeding season. This protocol substantially benefited prior processes, as the PBS–caffeine collection mixture decreased amoebocyte aggregation/clot formation during processing. Furthermore, we evaluated the specific biochemical parameters of PBS–caffeine-derived LAL. We developed an accessible, promising phosphate–caffeine-based blood collection buffer that prevents amoebocyte degranulation during blood collection, maximizing the LAL yield. Moreover, our analysis revealed that phosphate–caffeine-derived LAL is uniquely adaptable to compatibility with chromogenic and turbidimetric assay techniques. By employing this method for LAL blood extraction, our same-cost approach fostered significantly greater LAL yields, simultaneously ensuring a healthy limulus polyphemus population. Full article

The prediction of ground deformation during ultra-shallow-buried pilot tunnel construction is critical for urban rail transit projects in complex geological settings, yet existing cross-section models often lack accuracy. This study proposes an enhanced non-uniform convergence model based on stochastic medium theory, which decomposes surface settlement into uniform soil shrinkage and non-uniform initial support deformation. A computational formula for horseshoe-shaped sections is derived and validated through field data from Kunming Rail Transit Phase I, demonstrating a 59% improvement in maximum settlement prediction accuracy (reducing error from 7.5 mm to 3.1 mm) compared to traditional methods. Its application to Beijing Metro Line 13 reveals two distinct deformation patterns: significant ground heave occurs at 2.5 times the tunnel width from the centerline, while maximum settlement concentrates above the excavation center and diminishes radially. To mitigate heave, early strengthening of the secondary lining is recommended to control initial horizontal deformation. These findings enhance prediction reliability and provide actionable insights for deformation control in similar urban tunneling projects, particularly under ultra-shallow burial conditions. Full article

We examine how prior specification affects the Bayesian Dirichlet Auto-Regressive Moving Average (B-DARMA) model for compositional time series. Through three simulation scenarios—correct specification, overfitting, and underfitting—we compare five priors: informative, horseshoe, Laplace, mixture of normals, and hierarchical. Under correct model specification, all priors perform similarly, although the horseshoe and hierarchical priors produce slightly lower bias. When the model overfits, strong shrinkage—particularly from the horseshoe prior—proves advantageous. However, none of the priors can compensate for model misspecification if key VAR/VMA terms are omitted. We apply B-DARMA to daily S&P 500 sector trading data, using a large-lag model to demonstrate overparameterization risks. Shrinkage priors effectively mitigate spurious complexity, whereas weakly informative priors inflate errors in volatile sectors. These findings highlight the critical role of carefully selecting priors and managing model complexity in compositional time-series analysis, particularly in high-dimensional settings. Full article

The Cambrian–Ordovician Plankton Revolution played a crucial role in the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) or Ordovician Radiation, as a driver of diversification. The emergence of new planktonic species enhanced primary productivity and improved nutrient cycling, fueling diversification across trophic levels. In this context, established plankton consumers like sponges and cnidarians thrived, and animals like euarthropods also radiated in response to these environmental conditions. Here, we hypothesize that Offacolidae, a small group of early chelicerates (the group including sea spiders, spiders, mites, and horseshoe crabs) known from the early Ordovician to the end of the Silurian, were suspension feeders that diversified within this changing ecosystem. Extant chelicerates are primarily predators or parasites, with no known cases of suspension feeding, which is also the case in extinct members. However, anatomical and environmental evidence suggest that Offacolidae may have adopted this feeding strategy. We examine the environmental conditions in which Offacolidae fossils were found, considering both biotic and abiotic factors such as paleolatitude, bathymetry, and the associated plankton community. We also assess the possible biomechanics of their unique appendages to determine their suitability for suspension feeding. Finally, comparisons with extant arthropods, such as the suspension-feeding crustaceans Limnomysis benedeni, Atya gabonensis, Subeucalanus pileatus, and the genus Emerita, provide insights into possible evolutionary analogies in their morphology, which may have served the same function. If confirmed, this hypothesis would make Offacolidae a unique case within chelicerates, illustrating how exceptional early Ordovician conditions fostered novel ecological adaptations and highlighting an interesting case of analogy between different lineages of euarthropods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Horseshoe kidney is a congenital anomaly characterized by the fusion of the kidneys at the lower pole. Polycystic kidney disease with horseshoe kidney is called polycystic horseshoe kidney. Genetic testing is essential for the diagnosis of polycystic horseshoe kidney disease because it can result from a number of genetic disorders. Fewer than 20 cases of polycystic horseshoe kidney have been reported to date. However, polycystic horseshoe kidney disease was mostly diagnosed via autopsy or radiologic imaging techniques including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography. Because polycystic kidney disease has various causes, genetic testing is essential for the diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in patients with polycystic horseshoe kidney disease. At present, the diagnosis of ADPKD is made using genetic approaches, including next-generation sequencing. We reported a potentially pathogenic polycystin 1 (PKD1) gene in a patient with ADPKD and horseshoe kidney. Methods: We performed the sequencing of the PKD1 gene and radiological examinations (computed abdominal tomography). Results: Computed abdominal tomography revealed enlarged kidneys with multiple cysts fused at the lower poles, indicating polycystic HSK. The sequencing of the PKD1 gene revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant c.165_171del (p.Leu56ArgfsTer15), which genetically confirmed the diagnosis of ADPKD. The patient was treated with an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Conclusions: In this case report, we suggest that genetic testing becomes the key approach to the diagnosis of ADPKD with horseshoe kidney. Additionally, this approach offers the benefit of avoiding the possibility of the condition being mistakenly diagnosed or diagnosed late due to its uncommon occurrence and nonspecific symptoms. Full article

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a major cause of pediatric renal failure, but the molecular mechanisms driving these conditions are not yet fully understood. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and its co-receptor α-KLOTHO play crucial roles in regulating calcium and phosphate homeostasis in adult kidneys, but their roles in kidney development and the pathogenesis of CAKUT remain unclear. Because of that, we analyzed the spatial and temporal expression of FGF23 and α-KLOTHO in normal fetal kidney development and CAKUT using an immunofluorescence technique. Our results demonstrate a dynamic pattern of FGF23 and α-KLOTHO expression in healthy kidney development, with FGF23 levels decreasing and α-KLOTHO levels increasing with gestational age. Also, we showed that FGF23 expression was significantly reduced in horseshoe (HKs) and duplex kidneys (DKs), while α-KLOTHO expression remained unchanged across all CAKUT conditions. Based on our results, we suggest that altered FGF23 expression in CAKUT contributes to disease pathogenesis and may represent a potential therapeutic target. Full article

Local scour around bridge piers poses significant challenges to the stability and safety of bridge structures. Local scour results from the combined effects of increased longitudinal flow velocity, the direct impact of the flow in front of the pier, and the suction effect of horseshoe vortices. This study utilizes a three-dimensional mathematical model to simulate the flow field around the pier, employing the SWASH (simulating waves till shore) model. Experimental observations in a bed load flume were conducted to analyze the contribution of different factors to local scour. The results indicate that the scour depth caused predominantly by the flow accounts for approximately 75–80% of the total scour depth. Analysis of the longitudinal flow velocity distribution suggests that the scour depth due to the redistribution of longitudinal flow velocity generally accounts for 15–30% of the total scour depth. These findings provide insights into the local scour mechanism and have implications for the design and maintenance of bridge foundations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6), a serine protease with trypsin-like properties, belongs to the 15-member kallikrein (KLK) gene family and is predominantly recognized for its role in oncogenesis, neurodegenerative disorders, and skin conditions. Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane proteins that facilitate water transport across cell membranes. AQP1 is constitutively active in the kidneys and plays a crucial role in reabsorbing filtered water, while AQP2 is regulated by vasopressin and is essential for maintaining body fluid homeostasis. The primary objective of the present study is to investigate the spatio-temporal expression patterns of KLK6, AQP1, and AQP2 throughout normal human nephrogenesis and congenital kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) abnormalities: duplex kidneys, horseshoe kidneys, and dysplastic kidneys. Methods: An immunofluorescence analysis of KLK6, AQP1, and AQP2 was performed on 37 paraffin-embedded fetal kidney samples. The area percentage of KLK6 in the kidney cortex was calculated in normal developing samples during developmental phases 2, 3, and 4 and compared with CAKUT samples. Results: KLK6 exhibits distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns during human kidney development, with consistent localization in proximal tubules. Its subcellular positioning shifts from the basolateral cytoplasm in early phases to the apical cytoplasm in later stages, which may be strategically positioned to act on its substrate in either the peritubular space or the tubular fluid. KLK6 expression followed a quadratic trajectory, peaking at Ph4. This marked increase in the final developmental phase aligns with its strong expression in mature kidneys, suggesting a potential role in proximal tubule differentiation and functional maturation through facilitating extracellular matrix remodeling and activating proteinase-activated receptors, modulating the signaling pathways that are essential for tubular development. In duplex kidneys, structural abnormalities such as ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis may upregulate KLK6 as part of a reparative response, while its downregulation could impair epithelial remodeling and cytoskeletal integrity, exacerbating dysplastic phenotypes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of KLK6 involvement in normal kidney development and the pathology of CAKUT. Full article

The submarine rudder configuration and arrangement significantly impact its hydrodynamic performance. This paper takes the SUBOFF standard submarine model as the research object, constructs a geometrically parameterized rudder fillet structure based on parabolic parametric equations, and adopts the improved delayed separation vortex (IDDES) turbulence model to carry out numerical simulation research on the submarine rounding flow field with crossed and “X” rudder configurations. By comparing and analyzing the effects of different fillet parameters and rudder layouts on the generation mechanism of the horseshoe vortex, vortex system strength characteristics, and the distribution of the wake companion flow field at the velocity of 7.161 m/s, it is found that the introduction of the rudder fillet structure can effectively destabilize the horseshoe vortex and significantly reduce the axial velocity inhomogeneity of propeller plane. In addition, the improvement effect of the flow field in the near-axis region (r/R ∈ (0, 0.5)) is particularly significant. Compared with the crossed rudder, the “X” layout shows better flow control performance, with the maximum reduction in the axial relative velocity of the propeller plane surface reaching 49.34%, which is 24.25% higher than that of the SUBOFF baseline model, and the addition of two distributions of rudder fillets can reduce the hydrodynamic noise of the submarine by 4.6 dB vs. 5.6 dB at most. The results provide an essential hydrodynamic basis for optimizing the submarine rudder system. Full article

Xiphosurids (Merostomata, Xiphosura) are a group of chelicerates with a rich and complex evolutionary history that is constantly being updated through new discoveries. In this study, we re-estimated the divergence time of the extant horseshoe crab species with new fossil calibration points and addressed the inter- and intraspecific relationships of the American horseshoe crab through a phylogeographic perspective. In order to achieve our objectives, three datasets were compiled from fragments of different lengths of the COI gene that include sequences from 154 individuals, representing the Mexican populations. In addition to these, the datasets also included previously published sequences corresponding to individuals from different US populations and Asian horseshoe crab species. Firstly, we estimated the divergence times of extant horseshoe crab species by Bayesian methods using multiple fossil calibration points. Subsequently, we investigated the phylogeographic relationships and demographic history of Limulus polyphemus in the Americas utilizing various datasets. The time of divergence of the two Asian species clades was estimated to be approximately 127 million years ago (Ma). Phylogeographic relationships between the Asian and American species are linked through a minimum of 86 mutational steps. In America, phylogeographic relationships reflect differentiation between US and Mexican populations of L. polyphemus. We detect signs of demographic expansion for the Mexican population during the last 75,000 years, as well as an absence of phylogeographic structuring. The evolutionary history of horseshoe crabs is older than previously believed; however, the current distribution and demographic changes have probably been influenced by environmental events of the recent past, such as the glacial–interglacial periods that occurred during the Pleistocene. Full article

During pipe-roof construction using pipe-jacking technology, lubricants are injected into the tail void to reduce pipe–soil friction and minimize soil loss. However, research on ground settlement caused by multiple adjacent pipe jackings remains limited, and the influence of lubricant Young’s modulus on ground settlement control is not clear. To address these gaps, this study conducts a comprehensive investigation using a Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions (FLAC3D). Initially, the research model is validated against a pipe-roof case in Japan. Subsequently, ground response characteristics are simulated under lubricants with different Young’s moduli, considering four burial depths, two pipe-roof arrangements (“gate-shaped” and “horseshoe-shaped”), and two tail voids. The results indicate that low-stiffness lubricants mobilize greater surface settlement, while increasing the lubricant Young’s modulus more markedly optimizes the interaction among adjacent pipelines, thereby greatly alleviating the settlement. Nonetheless, the control effectiveness of lubricant on the settlement is influenced by other factors. Increasing burial depths and tail voids weaken the lubricant’s capacity to mitigate surface settlement. In contrast, the horseshoe-type arrangement is more conducive to the lubricant’s control effect on surface settlement than the gate-type system. Moreover, under these three cases, an increase in the lubricant Young’s modulus can more substantially reduce surface settlement. These findings provide valuable insights for controlling ground settlement during pipe-roof construction. Full article