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Oyster mushroom stem residue, a by-product with medicinal and nutritive values, might be a prospective feed supplement in poultry nutrition. The study focused on evaluating the impact of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue (OMSR) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, blood characteristics, and the cecal bacterial count in Arbor Acres broilers raised 35 d. A total of 144 day-old chicks, with an average weight of 40.27± 2.45 g, were divided into 3 groups: control (received a standard basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline), and OMSR (fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg OMSR), where each group comprises 8 replications of 6 chicks. Supplementation of 300 mg/kg of OMSR powder in the broiler diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight as opposed to the control and antibiotic treatments, though the average daily feed intake was not influenced by OMSR supplementation during the whole experimental period. However, in comparison to the control and antibiotic groups, OMSR significantly reduced the postmortem breast meat drip loss percentage (P < 0.05) at 24 hours and on the seventh d. Furthermore, the OMSR group reported significantly elevated levels of Hb and RBC counts (P < 0.05), and decreased levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (P < 0.05) on d 35 in comparison to broilers in the control and antibiotic groups. Additionally, the OMSR group exhibited an improved Heterophil/Lymphocytes (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05) relative to the broilers of the control and antibiotic groups. In contrast, the inclusion of OMSR in the broiler diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence other serum biochemical and hematological values tested. Broilers in OMSR group had reduced number (P < 0.05) of E. coli and Salmonella spp., but higher presence of Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in contrast to the control broilers. To summarize, the study's findings revealed that 300 mg of OMSR powder supplementation per kg of basal diet could be act as a natural growth promoter, and confer favorable effects on health and meat quality of broilers.

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Numerous prior studies have identified therapeutic targets that could effectively combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and Main protease (Mpro). In parallel, antiviral compounds like abacavir, acyclovir, adefovir, amantadine, amprenavir, darunavir, didanosine, oseltamivir, penciclovir, and tenofovir are under investigation for their potential in drug repurposing to address this infection. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of modifying the functional groups of the aforementioned antivirals in silico. Using the genetic optimization for ligand docking algorithm on software Maestro (version 11.1), the modified antivirals were docked onto ACE2 receptor, RdRp, and Mpro. Using QuickProp (Maestro v11.1), PASS (prediction of activity spectra for the substances), and altogether with SwissADME, the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) of the modified antivirals, as well as their bioavailability and the predicted activity spectra, were determined. Discovery studio software was used to undertake post-docking analysis. Among the 10 antivirals, N(CH3)2 derivative of darunavir, N(CH3)2 derivative of amprenavir and NCH3 derivative of darunavir exhibited best binding affinities with ACE2 receptor (docking scores: -10.333, -9.527 and -9.695 kJ/mol, respectively). Moreover, NCH3 derivative of abacavir (-6.506 kJ/mol), NO2 derivative of didanosine (-6.877 kJ/mol), NCH3 derivative of darunavir (-7.618 kJ/mol) exerted promising affinity to Mpro. In conclusion, the results of the in silico screenings can serve as a useful information for future experimental works.

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South Asians are a rapidly growing subset of the Asian population in the United States. They comprise people from multiple countries with diverse beliefs, languages, and cultural identities and values. The incidence of breast cancer is rising in South Asian women in the United States, with earlier onset and predilection for HER2-enriched tumors. Despite the rising incidence of breast cancer, participation in screening remains lower than other populations. Health care inequities in South Asian women are multifactorial and may be due to traditional health beliefs and practices, language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of overall awareness. Developing a culturally sensitive environment in breast imaging clinic practice can lead to improved patient care and adherence. Given the scarcity of data specific to the South Asian population in United States, there is a need for health service researchers and practice leaders to obtain more high-quality data to understand the needs of South Asian patient populations.

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More than 25 million Americans have limited English-language proficiency (LEP) according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This population experiences challenges accessing health care and is least likely to receive preventive health care, including screening mammogram. In a setting where the breast radiologist does not speak the language of their patient, using certified medical interpreter services is fundamental. Medical interpreter use is associated with improved clinical care and patient satisfaction and can potentially increase adherence to screening mammograms and follow-up in patients with LEP. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires interpreter services for patients with LEP who are receiving federal financial assistance. Failure to provide interpretative services when necessary is considered discriminatory and illegal. The use of untrained medical interpreters, including ad hoc interpreters (eg, family, friends, or untrained staff), is associated with more medical errors, violation of confidentiality, and poor health outcomes. Types of medical interpretation services available to address language barriers include in-person interpretation, telephone and video remote interpretation, and qualified bilingual staff. Proper training and certification of medical interpreters is essential to prevent misinterpretations and ensure patient safety. When using an interpreter service, speak to and maintain eye contact with the patient, address the patient directly and seat the interpreter next to or slightly behind the patient, use visual aids whenever possible, and have the patient repeat the information to verify comprehension. Breast radiologists can address disparities in breast cancer screening and treatment by promoting effective communication.

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RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Transgender persons often experience healthcare disparities due to lack of provider knowledge. With increasing gender diversity awareness and prevalence of gender-affirming care, radiologists-in-training need to be aware of the unique health considerations for this patient population. Radiology residents have limited exposure to dedicated teaching on transgender medical care and imaging during training. Development and implementation of a radiology-based transgender curriculum can help close this gap in radiology residency education. The aim of this study was to explore radiology resident attitudes and experiences with a novel radiology-based transgender curriculum, guided by the conceptual framework of reflective practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative approach was employed using semi-structured interviews to explore resident perspectives of a curriculum covering transgender patient care and imaging over 4 monthly sessions. Ten residents at the University of Cincinnati radiology residency participated in interviews consisting of open-ended questions. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted across all responses. RESULTS: Four themes emerged through the existing framework: 1) impactful/memorable aspects; things learned; increased awareness; and suggestions/feedback. Prominent subthemes included patient panel and stories, physician experts sharing knowledge and experiences, link to radiology and imaging, novel concept, gender-affirming surgeries and anatomy, appropriate radiology reporting, and patient interactions. CONCLUSION: Radiology residents found the curriculum to be an effective novel educational experience that was previously unaddressed during their training. This imaging-based curriculum can be further adapted and implemented in a variety of radiology curricular settings.

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Health care disparities, which are differences in the attainment of full health potential among population groups, have been documented across medical conditions, clinical settings, and diagnostic and treatment modalities. Deeply rooted health care disparities due to many factors have affected how Black women (BW) view medical care including screening mammography. This article explores health care disparities around breast cancer in BW and how patient distrust, provider biases, race, and social determinants of health continue to have negative effects on breast cancer outcomes in BW, despite medical advances in breast cancer detection and management. In addition, this article addresses the importance of culturally competent care for BW around breast cancer awareness, screening, and treatment, and offers strategies to address disparities and rebuild trust.

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Transparent glass substrates are routinely used in the fabrication of metasurfaces, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and holographic devices. While readily compatible with photolithographic patterning methods, when electron beam (E-Beam) techniques are used, field distortion and stitching errors can result due to the buildup of charge. A common approach to overcome this issue is to deposit a thin conductive polymer layer (E-Spacer). However, if high-voltage E-Beam is used to achieve nano-features, the polymer conductivity is not sufficient. We have shown that by using chromium (Cr) as an overcoating conductive layer on the resist, we can achieve accurate and seamless patterning in multiple writing fields and used the method to fabricate on-chip Si3N4 waveguides on SiO2. This technique has the potential to enable the fabrication of large-scale integrated photonic systems on transparent or dielectric substrates.

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly associated with both vitamin D deficiency and obesity, two prevalent health conditions worldwide. Arterial stiffness, an independent predictor of CVDs, is particularly elevated in both conditions, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive, hindering effective management of CVDs in this population. We recruited 20 middle-aged Emiratis, including 9 individuals with vitamin D deficiency (Vit D level ≤20 ng) and obesity (BMI ≥30) and 11 individuals as control with Vit D level >20 ng and BMI <30. We measured arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and performed whole transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. We validated these findings using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and multiplex analysis. PWV was significantly higher in the vitamin D deficient and obese group relative to controls (p ≤ 0.05). The DEG analysis revealed that pathways related to interleukin 1 (IL-1), nitrogen metabolism, HIF-1 signaling, and MAPK signaling were over-activated in the vitamin D deficient and obese group. We found that HIF-1alpha, NOX-I, NOX-II, IL-1b, IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF were significantly upregulated in the vitamin D deficient and obese group (p < 0.05). Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of arterial stiffness in vitamin D deficiency and obesity, demonstrating the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in this process. Our findings suggest that these biomarkers may serve as potential therapeutic targets for early prevention of CVDs. Further studies are needed to investigate these pathways and biomarkers with larger cohort.

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Recently, 1-nonadecene and L-lactic acid were identified as unique metabolites in radicular cysts and periapical granuloma, respectively. However, the biological roles of these metabolites were unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the inflammatory and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) effects of 1-nonadecene, and the inflammatory and collagen precipitation effects of L-lactic acid on both periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PdLFs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PdLFs and PBMCs were treated with 1-nonadecene and L-lactic acid. Cytokines' expression was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and macrophage polarization markers were measured using flow cytometry. The collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and released cytokines were measured using collagen assay, western blot, and Luminex assay, respectively. In PdLFs, 1-nonadecene enhances inflammation through the upregulation of some inflammatory cytokines including IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12A, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) α. 1-Nonadecene also induced MET through the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of N-cadherin in PdLFs. 1-Nonadecene polarized macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype and suppressed their cytokines' release. L-lactic acid exerted a differential impact on the inflammation and proliferation markers. Intriguingly, L-lactic acid induced fibrosis-like effects by enhancing collagen synthesis, while inhibiting MMP-1 release in PdLFs. These results provide a deeper understanding of 1-nonadecene and L-lactic acid's roles in modulating the microenvironment of the periapical area. Consequently, further clinical investigation can be employed for target therapy.

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Vitamin D3 deficiency, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the early detection of vascular damage in those patients is still difficult to ascertain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized to play a critical role in initiation and pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction. Herein, we aimed to identify circulating miRNA biomarkers of vascular dysfunction as early predictors of CVDs. We have recruited 23 middle-aged Emiratis patients with the following criteria: A healthy control group with vitamin D ≥ 20ng, and BMI < 30 (C1 group = 11 individuals); A vitamin D deficiency (Vit D level ≤ 20 ng) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) group (A1 group = 9 patients); A vitamin D deficiency, obese, plus DM (A2 group = 3 patients). Arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured and the whole transcriptome analysis with qPCR validation for miRNA in plasma samples were tested. PWV relative to age was significantly higher in A1 group 19.4 ± 4.7 m/s and A2 group 18.3 ± 1.3 m/s compared to controls 14.7 ± 2.1 m/s (p < 0.05). Similar patterns were also observed in the Augmentation pressure (AP) and Alx%. Whole RNA-Sequencing revealed miR-182-5p; miR-199a-5p; miR-193a-5p; and miR-155-5p were differentially over-expressed (logFC > 1.5) in high-risk patients for CVDs vs healthy controls. Collectively, our result indicates that four specific circulating miRNA signature, may be utilized as non-invasive, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for early vascular damage in patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency, obesity and DM.

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INTRODUCTION: Periapical abscesses are 1 of the most frequent pathologic lesions in the alveolar bone. Recently, we have identified 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) as the highest unique metabolite in periapical abscesses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the immunologic and pathophysiological roles of this metabolite in the initiation and development of periapical abscesses. METHODS: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with 17-ODYA. Gene expression analysis and interleukin (IL)-8 release were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Macrophage polarization and cytokine release were also determined using flow cytometry and Luminex bioassay (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN), respectively. RESULTS: In periodontal ligament fibroblasts, 17-ODYA caused significant (P < .0001) up-regulation of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 at 10 µmol/L after 6 days of treatment and up-regulation of platelet-derived growth factor alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor alpha at all tested concentrations after 2 days of treatment. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, 17-ODYA significantly increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 at 10 µmol/L (P < .0001) and vascular endothelial growth factor alpha and platelet-derived growth factor alpha at 1 µmol/L 17-ODYA (P < .0001). 17-ODYA polarized macrophages toward a proinflammatory phenotype (M1) and suppressed the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. 17-ODYA significantly enhanced the release of IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to identify the pathologic role of 17-ODYA in the development of periapical abscesses. The results of this study are important in shedding light on the pathogenesis of periapical abscesses in relation to microbial metabolites.

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The number of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) has doubled over the past 10 years, and this figure continues to rise. The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, encompassing a vast array of differences in gender identity and sexual orientation. Additionally, it is inclusive of people from all races, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This intersectionality of identities and experiences impacts both access to health care and its delivery. Barriers to care for this population are multifactorial and include stigma, discrimination, bias, limited role models, issues with insurance coverage, lack of education and training for health care providers, and lack of research on LGBTQ+ health-related issues. Specific to breast cancer, the screening recommendations for this group are influenced not only by risk but also by gender-affirming hormonal and surgical therapies. This article will provide an overview of the LGBTQ+ population, review breast cancer screening compliance and recommendations, summarize the multitude of health disparities, and offer potential interventions to improve care delivery at the individual, facility, organizational, and health policy levels.

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Creating a comprehensive didactic curriculum for breast imaging fellows can be a demanding undertaking, especially considering that most breast practices are understaffed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid rising clinical volumes. This leaves little time for didactic education. In this article, we present our approach to creating a collaborative weekly multidisciplinary didactic lecture series involving multiple institutions, using the Society of Breast Imaging's suggested fellowship curriculum as the foundation. We discuss the advantages for both trainees and faculty, including fostering camaraderie, networking, and engagement among breast imaging fellows. Faculty have the opportunity for professional development by leveraging their clinical expertise through selecting didactic topics in their niche. This creates a pathway for speaking faculty to be recognized as regional and national experts.

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Hispanic/Latino people represent 19% of the U.S. population, and this proportion is expected to increase to 26% by 2050. Hispanic/Latino people comprise a diverse ethnic group that includes individuals from all races, religions, languages, cultural identities, and nationalities. Barriers to health care that have created significant disparities in this community include language, low socioeconomic status, and inability to afford health insurance. Health coverage for Hispanic/Latino people has been a longstanding problem in the U.S., stopping many of these patients from seeking preventive care such as screening mammography. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latino women in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer death in this group. Five-year breast cancer survival in Hispanic/Latino women is slightly lower than that in non-Hispanic White women. Some of the factors that account for the ethnic disparities in breast cancer include lower levels of adherence to screening mammography of Hispanic/Latino women as a consequence of inadequate insurance coverage, language barriers, lack of transportation, being unable to leave work, and lack of childcare. By promoting a culturally sensitive clinical environment, breast radiologists can increase patient engagement, utilization of preventive services, treatment adherence rates, and overall health status.

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OBJECTIVE: To assess and understand the inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE) needs of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) membership to guide development of a strategic plan and goals for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Alliance (IDEA) of SBI. METHODS: A 23-question survey developed by IDEA was distributed electronically to all SBI members in November 2020 to assess and understand the society's IDE needs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Open-ended responses were reviewed by the authors and sorted into three categories: supportive, nonsupportive, or neutral suggestions. RESULTS: The response rate was 12% (453/3686). Only 55% (238/429) of respondents agreed that the diversity of SBI leadership reflected the diversity of the society, with stronger agreement that actions of SBI aligned with their core values of collaboration and collegiality (327/249,75%), and of respect for diversity and inclusiveness (303/429, 70%). Overall, 65% (172/264) of respondents were satisfied with the quality and diversity of speakers at the annual symposium; however, White respondents agreed more compared to non-White respondents (P = 0.035), and those practicing greater than 20 years agreed more compared to those practicing 6 to 10 years (P = 0.023). Of 88 total suggestions, three common themes were: more resources for recruitment, retention, and education for a diverse staff; further increase in diversity among leadership and membership; and more patient care resources. CONCLUSION: In addition to showing areas of agreement by SBI members, this survey also identified opportunities for SBI and IDEA to further incorporate IDE into our initiatives and organization.

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This article is part of the Dendritic Cell Guidelines article series, which provides a collection of state-of-the-art protocols for the preparation, phenotype analysis by flow cytometry, generation, fluorescence microscopy, and functional characterization of mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) from lymphoid organs and various non-lymphoid tissues. Recent studies have provided evidence for an increasing number of phenotypically distinct conventional DC (cDC) subsets that on one hand exhibit a certain functional plasticity, but on the other hand are characterized by their tissue- and context-dependent functional specialization. Here, we describe a selection of assays for the functional characterization of mouse and human cDC. The first two protocols illustrate analysis of cDC endocytosis and metabolism, followed by guidelines for transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of cDC populations. Then, a larger group of assays describes the characterization of cDC migration in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The final guidelines measure cDC inflammasome and antigen (cross)-presentation activity. While all protocols were written by experienced scientists who routinely use them in their work, this article was also peer-reviewed by leading experts and approved by all co-authors, making it an essential resource for basic and clinical DC immunologists.

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A strong association between obesity and COVID-19 complications and a lack of prognostic factors that explain the unpredictable severity among these patients still exist despite the various vaccination programs. The expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the main receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is enhanced in obese individuals. The occurrence of frequent genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACE2 is suggested to increase COVID-19 severity. Accordingly, we hypothesize that obesity-associated ACE2 polymorphisms increase the severity of COVID-19. In this study, we profiled eight frequently reported ACE2 SNPs in a cohort of lean and obese COVID-19 patients (n = 82). We highlight the significant association of rs2285666, rs2048683, rs879922, and rs4240157 with increased severity in obese COVID-19 patients as compared to lean counterparts. These co-morbid-associated SNPs tend to positively correlate, hence proposing possible functional cooperation to ACE2 regulation. In obese COVID-19 patients, rs2285666, rs879922, and rs4240157 are significantly associated with increased blood nitrogen urea and creatinine levels. In conclusion, we highlight the contribution of ACE2 SNPs in enhancing COVID-19 severity in obese individuals. The results from this study provide a basis for further investigations required to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 associated SNPs in COVID-19 obese patients.

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We recently reported sex differences in mesenteric arterial function of the UC Davis type-2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rats as early as the prediabetic state. We reported that mesenteric arteries (MA) from prediabetic male rats exhibited a greater impairment compared to that in prediabetic females. However, when females became diabetic, they exhibited a greater vascular dysfunction than males. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the female sex hormone, estrogen preserves mesenteric arterial vasorelaxation in UCD-T2DM female rats at an early prediabetic state. Age-matched female Sprague Dawley and prediabetic (PD) UCD-T2DM rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and subcutaneously implanted with either placebo or 17ß-estradiol (E2, 1.5 mg) pellets for 45 days. We assessed the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF) to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation, using pharmacological inhibitors. Responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine (PE) were also measured. Additionally, metabolic parameters and expression of some targets associated with vascular and insulin signaling were determined. We demonstrated that the responses to ACh and SNP were severely impaired in the prediabetic state (PD OVX) rats, while E2 treatment restored vasorelaxation in the PD OVX + E2. Moreover, the responses to PE was significantly enhanced in MA of PD OVX groups, regardless of placebo or E2 treatment. Overall, our data suggest that 1) the impairment of ACh responses in PD OVX rats may, in part, result from the elevated contractile responses to PE, loss of contribution of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) to vasorelaxation, and a decreased sensitivity of MA to nitric oxide (NO), and 2) the basis for the protective effects of E2 may be partly attributed to the elevation of the NO contribution to vasorelaxation and its interaction with MA as well as potential improvement of insulin signaling. Here, we provide the first evidence of the role of E2 in protecting MA from early vascular dysfunction in prediabetic female rats.

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