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We propose a framework for tracking arbitrary complex cell boundary movements, relying on a unique definition of protrusion and retraction as the pathlength a virtual edge marker traverses when moving continuously perpendicular to the cell boundary. We introduce the level set method as a numerical scheme to reconstruct continuous boundary movement in time-lapse image sequences with finite time sampling. For moderately complex movements, we describe a numerically less expensive method that satisfactorily approximates the definition. Densely sampled protrusion and retraction rates were accumulated in space-time charts revealing distinct morphodynamic states. Applying this technique to the profiling of epithelial cell protrusion we identified three different states. In the I-state, long cell edge sectors are synchronized in cycles of protrusion and retraction. In the V-state random bursts of protrusion initiate protrusion waves propagating transversally in both directions. Cells switch between both states dependent on the Rac1 activation level. Furthermore, the persistence of transversal waves in the V-state depends on Arp2/3 concentration. Inhibition of PAK shifts cells into a λ-state where continuous protrusion is occasionally interrupted by self-propagating ruffles. Our data support a model where activation of Rac1 mediates the propagation of protrusion waves, whose persistence depends on the relative abundance of activated Arp2/3 and polymerizable G-actin.

Cell migration initiates by extension of the actin cytoskeleton at the leading edge. Computational analysis of fluorescent speckle microscopy movies of migrating epithelial cells revealed this process is mediated by two spatially colocalized but kinematically, kinetically, molecularly, and functionally distinct actin networks. A lamellipodium network assembled at the leading edge but completely disassembled within 1 to 3 micrometers. It was weakly coupled to the rest of the cytoskeleton and promoted the random protrusion and retraction of the leading edge. Productive cell advance was a function of the second colocalized network, the lamella, where actomyosin contraction was integrated with substrate adhesion.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant interest in veterinary medicine due to their unique properties, including enhanced stability, greater antimicrobial efficacy, and reduced toxicity compared to traditional silver salts. Their applications span various areas of veterinary practice, such as dermatology, wound management, infection prevention, drug delivery, and disinfection. This review explores their use in pigs, highlighting their role as feed additives to prevent diarrhoea, as antibacterial agents in semen extenders, and veterinary dermatology. AgNPs possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, positioning them as a promising alternative to antibiotics in addressing antibiotic resistance. Additionally, AgNPs have shown antiviral potential, though the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. The review examines the antibacterial and antiviral properties of AgNPs, their utility in facility sanitation, and their potential toxicity to pigs. While AgNPs offer significant benefits in veterinary applications, concerns about their toxicity persist. Efforts to reduce this toxicity, such as surface modifications or combining AgNPs with other substances, are under investigation. Further research is essential to fully understand the potential applications and safety of AgNPs in pig medicine.

The aim of the present study was to assess dietary and sex-related effects on selected blood indicators of 40-day-old mallard ducks undergoing fattening. The ducks were divided into three dietary groups (control, L50 and L100). The control (C) group was fed a diet containing soybean meal as the main protein component of the feed. In both experimental groups L50 and L100 soybean meal was replaced with meal of whole seeds of white lupine, Zulika variety, in proportions of 50 and 100%, respectively. With respect to the assessed dietary effect, the serum of the L50 group showed a significantly higher albumin concentration as compared to the C group (P < 0.05) accompanied by a significantly lower proportion of γ-globulins in the L50 group as compared to the L100 group (P < 0.01). As for the blood plasma, the C group showed a significantly higher concentration of total cholesterol as compared to the L100 group (P < 0.05) and a highly significant increase in the triacylglyceride (TAG) level as compared to the L50 and L100 groups (P < 0.01). Concerning plasma mineral indicators, ducks of the C group showed a significantly higher calcium concentration (P < 0.05) in comparison to the L100 group and a lower phosphorus concentration (P < 0.01) in comparison to the L50 as well as L100 group. Further, the C group showed a significantly lower level of potassium (K) as compared to the L50 group (P < 0.05) as well as the L100 group (P < 0.01). The sex of the ducks significantly (P < 0.05) affected the proportion of α-globulins in serum and the magnesium level in the plasma and affected the plasma levels of TAG and K and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01).

Selexipag (Uptravi) is an oral selective IP prostacyclin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The pivotal GRIPHON study was the largest clinical study ever conducted in PAH patients, providing long‐term data from 1,156 patients. PAH comedication did not affect exposure to selexipag, while exposure to its active metabolite ACT‐333679 was reduced by 30% when taken in combination, clinically not relevant in the context of individual dose up‐titration. Using log‐linear regression models linking model‐predicted steady‐state exposure to pharmacodynamics (PD), exposure to selexipag and ACT‐333679 showed some statistically significant, albeit not clinically relevant, effects on exercise capacity, laboratory values, and the occurrence of prostacyclin‐related adverse events, but not on vital signs or adverse events denoting hemorrhage. Using suitable modeling techniques, the GRIPHON study yielded clinically relevant data with limited burden of pharmacokinetics (PK) blood sampling, demonstrating that PK/PD modeling enables firm conclusions even with sparse PK and PD sampling.

Climate significantly affects the performance of building materials and its changing patterns are posed to increasingly exacerbate the projected impacts. Prevention strategies are indeed necessary to ensure avoiding excessive degradation and serious damage to the built environment. In this context, innovative and accessible methodologies and tools are required to investigate and characterize the interaction between material properties and climatic factors. This paper presents an innovative device for the simulation of natural ventilation, relative humidity and temperature fluctuations and for evaluating the performance of building materials subjected to different environmental scenarios. The presented results include the design, construction and validation of a small-scale wind tunnel (2 m × 1.8 m ca. vertical orientation). Key findings outline the adequacy of the tool in reproducing a stable, quality airflow with the following characteristics: achievable operational airflow speed ranges between 0.2 and 0.7 m/s, safe operational temperature is included between 10℃ and 35℃ and allowable operational relative humidity varies between 30 and 99%. Advantages and limitations for laboratory applications are outlined in the paper and future work is also suggested.

Over the course of Ross 308 hybrid broiler chick cock and hen rearing, whole chicken bodies including feathers were monitored for changes in the levels of nitrogenous substances, essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA). At five-day intervals (Days 1, 5, 9, 15, 20, 26, 30, 35 and 40 of rearing), randomly selected chickens were slaughtered after 24 h of fasting. Over the course of rearing, N-substance levels ranged from 629.1 to 429.0 g/kg dry matter in hen bodies and from 616.0 to 477.3 g/kg dry matter in cock bodies. N-substance levels were statistically significantly different in the two sexes on rearing Days 35 and 40 (P ≤ 0.01). The levels of all amino acids (AA) in dry body matter of chickens up to 15 days of age dropped significantly over time, while in the period from Day 20 to Day 40, some AA levels increased or reached the baseline. With most AA, the levels were lower in hens than in cocks over the course of the trial. At the end of the trial (Days 35 and 40), statistically significant differences between the sexes were found for most EAA (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). NEAA, except for Ser and Ala, were also significantly higher in cocks on Days 35 and 40 (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). Among the monitored EAA, the dry matter of the bodies of hens exhibited the highest levels of Leu, 8.70% on average, followed by Val 6.54%, Lys 5.26%, Ile 5.25%, Thr 4.84%, Phe 4.30%, Tyr 2.51% and Met 2.21%. Leu was also the most abundant in the cock bodies, 8.42% on average, followed by Val 6.30%, Lys 5.36%, Ile 5.06%, Thr 4.57%, Phe 4.45%, Tyr 2.88% and Met 2.17%. Knowledge of the levels of nitrogenous substances, EAA and NEAA in the whole bodies of broiler chickens including feathers will help to determine optimal rearing conditions.

PurposeThis study investigated the effect of an intervention designed to reduce patients’ emotional distress associated with breast biopsy.Methods125 breast biopsy patients receiving standard of care (control group, CG) were compared to 125 patients (intervention group, IG) who received a brochure with information prior to the biopsy and were biopsied by physicians trained in empathic communication. Anxiety was assessed by the State-Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) at four time points (pre- and post-procedural, pre- and post-histology). All participants completed pre- and post-procedural questionnaires addressing worries, pain and comprehension. We evaluated the impact of the intervention on STAI-S levels using a log-transformed linear mixed effects model and explored patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of the procedure descriptively.ResultsPost-procedural and post-histology timepoints were associated with 13% and17% lower with STAI-S levels than at the pre-procedural timepoint on average. The histologic result had the strongest association with STAI-S: malignancy was associated with 28% higher STAI-S scores than a benign finding on average. Across all time points, the intervention did not affect patient anxiety. Nevertheless, IG participants perceived less pain during the biopsy. Nearly all patients agreed that the brochure should be handed out prior to breast biopsy.ConclusionWhile the distribution of an informative brochure and a physician trained in empathic communication did not reduce patient anxiety overall, we observed lower levels of worry and perceived pain regarding breast biopsy in the intervention group. The intervention seemed to improve patient’s understanding of the procedure. Moreover, professional training could increase physicians’ empathic communication skills.Trial registration numberNCT 02796612 (March 19, 2014).

We present an analysis of the complex gas hydrodynamics in the X-ray luminous galaxy cluster RXJ1347.5-1145 caught in the act of merging with a subcluster to its southeast using a combined \\(186\\) ks Chandra exposure, \\(2.5\\) times greater than previous analyses. The primary cluster hosts a sloshing cold front spiral traced by four surface brightness edges \\(5.^{\\prime \\prime}85^{+0.04}_{-0.03}\\) west, \\(7.^{\\prime \\prime}10^{+0.07}_{-0.03}\\) southeast, \\(11.^{\\prime \\prime}5^{+1.3}_{-1.2}\\) east, and \\(16.^{\\prime \\prime}7^{+0.3}_{-0.5}\\) northeast from the primary central dominant galaxy, suggesting the merger is in the plane of the sky. We measure temperature and density ratios across these edges, confirming they are sloshing cold fronts. We observe the eastern edge of the subcluster infall shock, confirming the observed subcluster is traveling from the southwest to the northeast in a clockwise orbit. We measure a shock density contrast of \\(1.38^{+0.16}_{-0.15}\\) and infer a Mach number \\(1.25\\pm0.08\\) and a shock velocity of \\(2810^{+210}_{-240}\\) km s\\(^{-1}\\). Temperature and entropy maps show cool, low entropy gas trailing the subcluster in a southwestern tail, consistent with core shredding. Simulations suggest a perturber in the plane of the sky on a clockwise orbit would produce a sloshing spiral winding counterclockwise, opposite to that observed. The most compelling solution to this discrepancy is that the observed southeastern subcluster is on its first passage, shock heating gas during its clockwise infall, while the main cluster's clockwise cold front spiral formed from earlier encounters with a second perturber orbiting counterclockwise.

We present Chandra observations of hot gas structures, characteristic of gas stripping during infall, in the Virgo cluster elliptical galaxy M60 (NGC4649) located \\(1\\) Mpc east of M87. \\(0.5-2\\) keV Chandra X-ray images show a sharp leading edge in the surface brightness \\(12.4 \\pm 0.1\\) kpc north and west of the galaxy center in the direction of M87 characteristic of a merger cold front due to M60's motion through the Virgo ICM. We measured a temperature of \\(1.00 \\pm 0.02\\) keV for abundance \\(0.5 Z_\\odot\\) inside the edge and \\(1.37^{+0.35}_{-0.19}\\) keV for abundance \\(0.1 Z_\\odot\\) in the Virgo ICM free stream region. We find that the observed jump in surface brightness yields a density ratio of \\(6.44^{+1.04}_{-0.67}\\) between gas inside the edge and in the cluster free stream region. If the edge is a cold front due solely to the infall of M60 in the direction of M87, we find a pressure ratio of \\(4.7^{+1.7}_{-1.4}\\) and Mach number \\(1.7 \\pm 0.3\\). For 1.37 keV Virgo gas we find a total infall velocity for M60 of \\(1030 \\pm 180\\) kms\\(^{-1}\\). We calculate the motion in the plane of the sky to be \\(1012^{+183}_{-192}\\) km\\(^{-1}\\) implying an inclination angle \\(\\xi = 11 \\pm 3\\) degrees. Surface brightness profiles show the presence of a faint diffuse gaseous tail. We identify filamentary, gaseous wing structures caused by the galaxy's motion through the ICM. The structure and dimensions of these wings are consistent with simulations of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities as expected if the gas stripping is close to inviscid.