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This work studies the elemental seasonal variation in the PM2.5 obtained from the Monterrey Metropolitan Area with particular emphasis on sulfur species. The existence of these sulfur species was identified in all samples analyzed in this work. The results of this work evidence the formation of surface layers rich in sulfur compounds, which indicates the formation of secondary organic aerosols. This point was confirmed by the highest correlation identified between O3 concentration and relative humidity with the sulfur wt% in PM2.5. Additionally, this work proposes a multiple-liner correlation among sulfur wt% formed on PM2.5 with several pollutants and meteorological conditions, identifying the main contributors to their formation. Results suggest first the formation of sulfite species followed by their oxidation to sulfate species, which are promoted by specific conditions of relative humidity and O3. Among all evaluated seasons, samples obtained in fall showed the highest amount of sulfur wt% attributable to a synergetic effect between relative humidity and O3 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial insemination (AI) is a valuable tool to overcome inbreeding in endangered species, including European donkey breeds. Developing effective methods to extend storage time of donkey semen could enhance AI pregnancy results for this species. Previous research on stallion semen stored at 15°C-20°C has been shown as an alternative for "bad coolers" and a non-skim milk-based medium has been recently developed for this purpose (Anim. Reprod. Sci. 2022; 247:107088). This study was aimed to assess the effect of centrifugation (centrifuged vs. non-centrifuged), extender (skim milk-based vs. non-skim milk synthetic), and storage temperature (5 °C vs. 17 °C) conditions for long-term storage on the sperm parameters of donkey sperm. Eight ejaculates were collected from two Andalusian donkeys. Fresh ejaculates were analysed and divided into 6 aliquots: 2 non-centrifuged (NC) diluted with skim milk-based extender, 2 centrifuged (C) and resuspended with skim milk-based extender (SM; INRA96, IMV, France), and 2 centrifuged (C) and resuspended with non-skim milk based synthetic extender (NS, Beyond, Minitube, Germany). All aliquots were resuspended to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/ml and analyzed after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of storage at 5 °C and 17 °C. Sperm total (TMOT) and progressive motility (PMOT) were measured by computer assisted sperm analysis. Viable acrosome-intact sperm (VAI) were assessed by flow-cytometric analysis. The effect of the different treatments was evaluated using repeated-measures analysis with significance defined as P<0.05. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM. Centrifuged samples generally maintained higher sperm parameter values; however, NC samples stored at 5°C performed similarly to some of the centrifuged treatments. C-SM and C-NS initially showed similar results; after 3 days of storage, C-SM exhibited significantly superior values for TMOT, PMOT, and VAI compared to C-NS. By and large C-SM and C-NS showed higher values for the sperm parameters assessed when stored at 17 °C. On day 7, C-SM samples stored at 5 and 17°C significantly preserved sperm quality compared to the other treatments. According to our results, centrifuged samples generally maintained higher sperm parameter values than non-centrifuged samples. Surprisingly, centrifuged samples stored at 17°C outperformed storage at 5°C in terms of motility and viability; such temperatures could mitigate the detrimental impact of cold shock. Contrary to expectations, NS did not yield the favorable results reported in stallion sperm, highlighting the need to further investigate alternative storage conditions. Our findings support the growing evidence that donkey semen may benefit from liquid-storage at > 15°C for both short- and long-term storage (SJAR. 2020; 18:e0402). In conclusion, centrifuged donkey sperm preserves motility and viability for up to three days stored at 17°C, providing a viable alternative to traditional cool storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ProAKAP4, AKAP4 precursor, is a specific protein from spermatozoa flagella, essential for maintaining motility efficiency. In all mammals studied proAKAP4 levels have been shown to correlate with total and progressive motility. In stallions and donkeys, proAKAP4 serves as an indicator of sperm quality and sustained motility over the time once thawed. This study aimed to compare proAKAP4 concentration with cytometry parameters: acrosome integrity, ROS production, mitochondrial potential and lipidic disorder. Animal cohort consisted of eight Asturcon ponies. Three ejaculates of each pony (24 ejaculates) were collected and frozen by commercial protocol. Post-thawed semen was analyzed by CASA and flow cytometry (PNA, JC1, HE, Fluo3 and M540 stains) and the proAKAP4 amount was quantified by ELISA commercial kit, Horse 4MIDⓇ Kit. Results show a positive correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and flow cytometry dyes: PNA stain (r= 0.34, p=0.0178), indicating membrane integrity; a negative correlation with membrane lipid disorder, M540 stain (r= -0.327, p=0.0234); a positive correlation with ROS production, H2 stain intensity (r= 0.48, p=0.005); and a negative correlation with mitochondrial potential measured by JC-1 (r=-0.41, p=0.0042). These results suggest that a spermatozoon with an intact membrane possesses more proAKAP4. Additionally, a spermatozoon with a high proAKAP4 concentration and an intact membrane also implies higher motility, resulting in increased ROS production. Conversely, a spermatozoon exhibiting significant lipid disorder shows a lower proAKAP4 concentration, indicating lower quality and reduced likelihood of reaching the fertilization site. As observed in previous publications, mitochondrial activity is not associated with proAKAP4 concentration, suggesting that the energy expenditure of the spermatozoon is not linked to the quality of movement defined by proAKAP4 concentration. A quality threshold of 42.10 ng of proAKAP4/10M of spermatozoa was calculated using a cluster between viability and motility parameters. This concentration is consistent with the 37.77 ng/10M of spermatozoa identified in a previous study, it may serve as a criterion for determining the sperm quality in post-thaw conditions. A relationship with cytometry parameters is observed showing that proAKAP4 is positively correlated with intact acrosome membrane and production of ROS which it suggests that an intact and rapid spermatozoon will show more proAKAP4 concentration. On the contrary, proAKAP4 is negatively correlate with a lipid disorder of the membrane which it means that a less quality spermatozoa will show less proAKAP4 concentration. Even if correlations are not high, their significance is strong, further analysis with a bigger cohort are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Burro de Miranda is an endangered donkey breed. The dynamics of the immune system of the donkey's reproductive tract are essential to manage the fertility of these animals for the improvement and survival of the species. In mares, high numbers of immune cells infiltrating the endometrium promote endometrosis, which is still to be confirmed in jennies. Uterine biopsies of 32 jennies were evaluated based on the Kenney and Doig grading system used in mares. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used to assess the infiltration and distribution of neutrophils and eosinophils. Macrophage and B and T lymphocytes endometrial distribution was conducted through immunohistochemistry. T lymphocytes were the most predominant cells in jenny endometrium, macrophages being the second. T lymphocytes were also found in the superficial and glandular epithelium. Eosinophils, neutrophils and B lymphocytes were the least common cells. No differences were found in the inflammatory infiltrate compared to the different endometrosis grades (IIA, IIB and III). This study mapped the immune cells in jenny's endometrium, providing core valuable information for additional immunological and reproductive studies in this species. It also highlighted significant differences in endometrial immune cell distribution between the jenny and the mare during estrus and diestrus, supporting the need to develop of a more suitable scoring system than the current Kenney and Doig categorization to assess the morphology and clinical feature of jenny's endometrium., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The follicular fluid (FF) is crucial for providing oocytes with an ideal environment that promotes their development and maturation. Not only does this fluid supply nutrients and hormones, but also other components that protect both follicular cells and the oocyte itself from potential harmful factors, such as those inducing oxidative stress (OS). The FF has also been suggested to have beneficial effects on sperm when they reach the oviduct. The objectives of this study were to describe the presence and activity levels of redox biomarkers in the preovulatory follicular fluid (PFF), and to analyze the impact of PFF on the motility, viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of donkey sperm. For this purpose, ten PFF samples obtained from Catalan jennies and nine ejaculates collected from Catalan donkeys were used. Redox biomarkers -including enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and oxidative biomarkers- were analyzed in jennies' PFF. After collection, each semen sample was split into two aliquots of equal volume. The two aliquots were centrifuged to remove the seminal plasma; one pellet was resuspended in Tris Buffered Medium (TBM), and the other was resuspended in TBM supplemented with 20% PFF. Motility parameters (CASA) and other semen quality biomarkers (flow cytometry) were assessed after 0, 60 and 120 min of incubation at 38 °C. Exposure of donkey sperm to PFF reduced intracellular ROS levels and helped maintain sperm motility and viability. These findings suggest that, in the oviduct, the PFF components protect donkey sperm from oxidative stress. Furthermore, knowing better the composition of donkey PFF in terms of antioxidant biomarkers may be used to improve the formulation of media for oocyte maturation and fertilization in this and other species., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The combination of radiation and immunotherapy potentiated antitumor activity in preclinical models. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a bladder-preserving approach, including dual immune checkpoint blockade and radiotherapy, in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)., Patients and Methods: Patients with localized MIBC underwent transurethral resection, followed by durvalumab (1,500 mg) plus tremelimumab (75 mg) every 4 weeks for three doses and concurrent radiotherapy (64-66 Gy to bladder). Patients with residual or relapsed MIBC underwent salvage cystectomy. The primary endpoint was complete response, defined as the absence of MIBC at posttreatment biopsy. Secondary endpoints were bladder-intact disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival., Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled at six centers. Complete response was documented in 26 (81%) patients. Two patients had residual MIBC, and four patients were not evaluated. After a median follow-up of 27 months, 2 patients underwent salvage cystectomy. The 2-year rates for bladder-intact disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were 65%, 83%, and 84%, respectively. The 2-year estimates of non-muscle-invasive bladder relapse, MIBC, and distant metastasis were 3%, 19%, and 16%, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities were reported in 31% of patients, with diarrhea (6%) and acute kidney failure (6%) being the most frequent., Conclusions: This multimodal approach including durvalumab plus tremelimumab with concurrent radiotherapy is feasible and safe, showing high efficacy in terms of response and eliciting bladder preservation in a large number of patients. Further research on this approach as an alternative to cystectomy is warranted., (©2025 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Objective: The objective of this trial was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of sharing audio recordings of primary care visits with older adults with multimorbidity., Methods: We used a two-arm, randomized, controlled, feasibility trial with 3-month follow-up. Patients aged ≥ 65 years-with diabetes and hypertension-were recruited from academic primary care settings in New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Texas. Patients were randomized to receive online access to audio recordings of scheduled visits for three-months or care as usual (after visit summaries). Primary outcomes were acceptability and feasibility assessed using several indicators: acceptabilityrecruitment of 90 patients; recording use; and the Appropriateness of Intervention Measure (AIM; >3), feasibility- retention rate; protocol adherence; and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM; >3). Interviews were conducted with clinicians (n = 14) and patients (n = 19). Exploratory outcomes included patient activation, satisfaction, adherence, and quality of life., Results: We met recruitment (n = 91) and retention (98 %) targets and exceeded feasibility (Median FIM 4; IQR 3 - 4) and acceptability (Median AIM 4; IQR 3 - 4) metrics. Fidelity to protocol was high (92 %), and 40 of 45 patients (85 %) accessed their recordings. Interviewees noted the benefits of visit recording, including greater recall, understanding, and family engagement. Recording had little perceived impact on the visit interaction, and concerns about visit recording were minimal. Exploratory outcomes revealed better PROMIS Mental Health Scores for patients receiving Audio compared to Usual Care at 3 months: 51.5 (SD 7.7) vs. 47.7 (SD 9.9), P = 0.04., Conclusions: Sharing visit recordings online with older adults is feasible and acceptable. A larger trial is needed to determine the impact of sharing recordings on patient health outcomes., Practice Implications: Recording is a highly scalable approach to supporting older adults and their care partners in managing care. Advances in natural language processing may unlock further opportunities for this innovative strategy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. HealthPAL is software developed with NIH funding (R01LM012815) by Dr. Barr and is freely available at GITHUB https://github.com/openrecordings/healthpal; HealthPAL has not been commercialized and Dr. Barr receives no financial incentives or income related to its use., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk. Our aim was to develop a natural language processing approach to characterizing firearm access in clinical records., Materials and Methods: We used clinical notes from 36 685 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients between April 10, 2023 and April 10, 2024. We expanded preexisting firearm term sets using subject matter experts and generated 250-character snippets around each firearm term appearing in notes. Annotators labeled 3000 snippets into three classes. Using these annotated snippets, we compared four nonneural machine learning models (random forest, bagging, gradient boosting, logistic regression with ridge penalization) and two versions of Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers, or BERT (specifically, BioBERT and Bio-ClinicalBERT) for classifying firearm access as "definite access", "definitely no access", or "other"., Results: Firearm terms were identified in 36 685 patient records (41.3%), 33.7% of snippets were categorized as definite access, 9.0% as definitely no access, and 57.2% as "other". Among models classifying firearm access, five of six had acceptable performance, with BioBERT and Bio-ClinicalBERT performing best, with F1s of 0.876 (95% confidence interval, 0.874-0.879) and 0.896 (95% confidence interval, 0.894-0.899), respectively., Discussion and Conclusion: Firearm-related terminology is common in the clinical records of VHA patients. The ability to use text to identify and characterize patients' firearm access could enhance suicide prevention efforts, and five of our six models could be used to identify patients for clinical interventions., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association 2024.)