Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the deadliest neoplasm of the urinary tract, and we are still far from completely understanding ccRCC development and treatment. The renal tissue paraffin blocks (20) of patients with ccRCC were collected at the University Hospital in Split from 2019 to 2020, and tissue sections were stained with patched (PTCH), anti-smoothened (SMO) and anti-Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibodies. SHH was highly expressed (31.9%) in grade 1 tumour, it being higher than all other grades and the control (p < 0.001–p < 0.0001). The trend of a linear decrease in the expression of SHH was observed with the progression of the tumour grade (p < 0.0001). PTCH expression was significantly lower in grades 1 and 2 in comparison to the control (p < 0.01) and grade 4 (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the expression of SMO was found in grade 4 compared to all other grades (p < 0.0001) and the control (p < 0.001). The strong expression of SHH was observed in carcinoma cells of the G1 stage with a diffuse staining pattern (>50% of neoplastic cells). Stroma and/or inflammatory infiltrate display no staining and no expression of SHH in G1 and G2, while mild focal staining (10–50% of neoplastic cells) was observed in G3 and G4. Patients with high PTCH and low SMO expression had significant time survival differences (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.029, respectively). Therefore, high levels of PTCH and low levels of SMO expression are important markers of better survival rates in ccRCC patients.

The present study was conducted to determine the ability of multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA) in feed to prevent the gastrointestinal absorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T2-toxin supplemented via spiked maize. For comparisons, hens were fed with uncontaminated basal diet without or with addition of MMDA at 2 g/kg feed. The trial consisted of 105 laying hens (Lohmann Brown) without obvious signs of disease allocated to 7 treatment groups in 35 pens. Responses were demonstrated on laying performance and health status throughout the 42 d experimental period. The results of laying performance indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin (AFB1 and T2-toxin) levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage, however simultaneous presence of MMDA laying performance was slightly modified linearly to increasing application. Dose-dependent pathological changes in liver and kidneys and their relative weights, changes in blood parameters and reduced eggshell weights were observed in the hens fed AFB1 and T2-toxin. The pathological changes in the hens fed with diets containing AFB1 and T2-toxin without MMDA were significantly higher as compared with the control group, but eggshell stability was not affected. The contents of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidney tissues were significantly decreased in the hens supplemented with MMDA at 2 and 3 g/kg in feed. MMDA supplementation significantly reduced the deposition of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidneys at the maximum tolerated dosage (2 and 3 g/kg) indicating specific binding to AFB1 and T2-toxin in the digestive tract as compared to the corresponding diets without MMDA. Exposure of AFB1 and T2-toxin indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage because of the significantly reduced egg production. Therefore, in this study, MMDA could reduce negative effects of feeding AFB1 and T-2 to laying hens.

This aim of this study was to investigate surface gloss changes of different composite dental materials after chemical degradation or polishing. Five different composites were used (Evetric, GrandioSO, Admira Fusion, Filtek Z550, Dynamic Plus). The gloss of the tested material was measured with a glossmeter before and after chemical degradation in different acidic beverages. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test for dependent samples, ANOVA, and a post hoc test. For comparison between groups, a level of significance was set at 0.05. Initial gloss values ranged from 51 to 93 at baseline to 32 to 81 after chemical degradation. The highest values were obtained for Dynamic Plus (93.5 GU) and GrandioSO (77.8 GU), followed by Admira Fusion (82 GU) and Filtek Z550 (70.5 GU). Evetric showed the lowest initial gloss values. After acidic exposures, the gloss measurements revealed different patterns of surface degradation. The results showed that the gloss of the samples decreased with time regardless of the treatment. The interaction between chemical-erosive beverages and the composite could lead to a decrease in the surface gloss of the composite restoration. The nanohybrid composite showed less gloss changes under acidic conditions, suggesting that it is more suitable for anterior restorations.

Fermentation is a crucial process in the production of alcoholic beverages such as spirits, which produces a number of volatile compounds due to the metabolic activities of yeast. These volatile compounds, together with the volatile components of the raw materials and the volatile compounds produced during the distillation and aging process, play a crucial role in determining the final flavor and aroma of spirits. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive overview of yeast fermentation and the volatile compounds produced during alcoholic fermentation. We will establish a link between the microbiome and volatile compounds during alcoholic fermentation and describe the various factors that influence volatile compound production, including yeast strain, temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. We will also discuss the effects of these volatile compounds on the sensory properties of spirits and describe the major aroma compounds in these alcoholic beverages.

Direct current (DC) power systems are gaining interest in the last decade due to increased utilization of DC outputted power sources, DC based energy storage (ES) elements and DC inputted loads. Microgrids are also becoming widely researched as the main foundation of smart grid. It is therefore logical to try to utilize DC microgrid (DCMG) concepts in organization of power systems in wide range of applications. DC microgrids have several important advantages compared to alternating current (AC) microgrids. The control system is essential in order to keep DCMG operating properly, reliable and efficient. Their control structures, with special interest in hierarchical control are explored and compared in this paper in terms of architecture and techniques. This paper presents real world applications using DCMG concept. Future research propositions given in the final chapter can be used as a foundation for researchers exploring the area.

A building-integrated microgrid (BIM) has been a widely utilized concept in low-carbon smart cities. The key advantages of microgrids are using locally available renewable energy sources (RES) and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage systems play a crucial role in BIM to achieve desired goals. Due to legal/regulatory and technical restrictions, the distribution system operator (DSO) often imposes zero energy export (ZEE) for these microgrids. Therefore, the sizing of solar-battery systems in BIM, which will be technically feasible and economically optimized, is a challenge for designers, owners and DSO. The objective of this paper is to show the practical approach for design and sizing a microgrid for public buildings using the real data sets of a power consumption and solar energy production. As an example, the BIM for the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo is presented.

populations. Unlike GP,T2D had a higher AAMR in H than NH. Additionally,the highest rate of mortality increase in T2D was noted in W and H. More studies are warranted to identify causes of the rise among T2D and stratigies to reduce the racial and ethnic gaps.

Soluble-Klotho (sKl) is the shed ectodomain of the transmembrane protein-Klotho (mKl) that exhibits pleiotropic actions, including lifespan extension, mineral metabolism, slowing-down kidney diseases and cardioprotection. The sKl is derived from the kidneys, but what type/s of renal cells secrete it is unknown. Secondly the respective roles of mKl versus sKl in regulating mineral metabolism is unclear due to the lack of appropriate in vivo models. Here, using scRNA-seq of renal distal-convolution (DC) cells, we found an unexpected pattern revealing that Klotho transcripts ( Kl) are moderately expressed in overall distal convoluted tubule (DCT), but highly enriched in the end of DCT and in connecting tubule (CNT). Immunohistochemistry further confirmed this pattern for mKl protein as well. Next, Kl was knocked-out only in renal DC to check if it affects sKl production. Interestingly, deleting Kl in the DCT and late-DCT+CNT in mice showed ~20% and ~80% reduction in sKl levels, respectively. Expectedly, knocking-out Kl along the entire DC in mice (Kl-KODC) abolished sKl levels. Furthermore, we found that compared to control mice, Kl-KODC mice exhibited reduced renal TRPV5-Ca2+ channel expression, profound calciuria, and loss of bone mineral density. The RNA-seq of automated-sorted DC cells from Kl-KODC mice revealed enhanced caveolae-mediated endocytosis of TRPV5. On the other hand, Kl-KODC mice had normal phosphate metabolism as confirmed by unchanged serum FGF23, serum phosphate, urinary phosphate excretion, and renal NaPi-IIa expression. Our findings reveal that a small population of renal DC cells accounts for the sKl levels. The lack of sKl may leads to disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis and bone loss without affecting phosphate balance in mice. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Abstract This paper aims to provide objective quality metrics assessment for cloud gaming using machine learning algorithms. Three classification algorithms (i.e., Random Forest, Random Three and J-48) have been used for the development of models for objective quality assessment of two metrics: blurriness and blockiness. The results indicate that Random Forest has the best performance in this experimental case of objective quality metrics assessment for cloud gaming. Future research activities will cover comparison of a broad range of objective quality metrics and machine learning algorithms while using larger dataset to enhance the results significance.

(1) Background: This study evaluates the effect of a conventional/low-voltage light-curing protocol (LV protocol) (10 s with 1340 mW/cm2) and high-voltage light-curing protocol (HV protocol) (3 s with 3440 mW/cm2) on the microhardness (MH) of dental resin-based composites (RBCs). Five resin composites were tested: conventional Evetric (EVT), Tetric Prime (TP), Tetric Evo Flow (TEF), bulk-fill Tetric Power Fill (PFL), and Tetric Power Flow (PFW). (2) Materials and Methods: Two tested composites (PFW and PFL) were designed for high-intensity light curing. The samples were made in the laboratory in specially designed cylindrical molds; diameter = 6 mm and height = 2 or 4 mm, depending on the type of composite. Initial MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of composite specimens 24 h after light curing using a digital microhardness tester (QNESS 60 M EVO, ATM Qness GmbH, Mammelzen, Germany). The correlation between the filler content (wt%, vol%) and the MH of the RBCs was tested. For the calculation of depth-dependent curing effectiveness, the bottom/top ratio for initial MH was used. (3) Conclusions: MH of RBCs is more dependent on material composition than on light-curing protocol. Filler wt% has a greater influence on MH values compared to filler vol%. The bottom/top ratio showed values over 80% for bulk composites, while for conventional sculptable composites, borderline or suboptimal values were measured for both curing protocols.

Nearby lightning strokes are often considered as a prime source of transient overvoltages in the substations. Lightning overvoltages can cause unreliable operation of power system and power supply interruptions. Calculation of expected lightning overvoltages is necessary to design appropriate protection system. This paper presents the analysis of the lightning overvoltage performance of real 400 kV overhead transmission line and gas insulated substation (GIS), considering various factors, such as lightning stroke locations, peak currents, front rise times, etc. EMTP-RV software was used to model transmission line and substation elements and conduct simulations, while transmission line lightning performance was determined using Sigma Slp software. The expected overvoltages and surge arrester currents are calculated and used to design lightning protection system of the considered substation. Obtained results also indicate the importance of proper modelling of power system elements and lightning strokes.

The main objective of this review was to investigate whether educational attainment has an impact on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as the implementation of smart technology to detect this condition. Data on the relationship between education level and the occurrence of AF were collected, as well as data on smart devices for detecting AF. A lower level of education has been linked to an increased risk of AF. With this in mind, it is easy to explain the clear correlation between education level and AF, as well as the adoption of smart device detection and how it may improve illness prognosis. People with a higher level of education understand and embrace the notion of employing smart devices to detect and prevent AF; they also have decreased AF prevalence compared with those with a lower level of education.