Abstract Background and aims. Liver mechanical properties’ (stiffness/viscoelasticity) evaluation is relevant for diagnosing/monitoring liver fibrosis. Due to limitations of the commonly used elastography, we propose the use of rheology and Low Field-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR). Methods. In 30 liver samples from patients undergoing bariatric surgery and 18 control samples, we evaluated the shear modulus G/critical stress τc (elastic properties) and mean complex modulus 𝐺∗a (elastic/viscous properties) by rheology. LF-NMR was used to measure the spin–spin relaxation time (T2m), reflecting iron content. The expression of iron-related proteins and of pro-fibrotic proteins were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Tissue histology was also determined. Results. 𝐺∗a/G/τc were higher in pathological samples, which also...

Abstract Purpose To determine the impact of low versus atmospheric oxygen tension during only the pre-maturation phase of biphasic capacitation in vitro maturation. Methods The study involved sibling oocytes (532 cumulus-oocyte complexes [COCs] from 20 participants [mean age 29.5 ± 2.5 years]) with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing CAPA-IVM without gonadotrophins. After oocyte pick-up (OPU), COCs were randomized to undergo pre-maturation under low or atmospheric oxygen, then IVM culture at 20% oxygen. The primary outcome was the oocyte maturation rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of fertilization, blastulation, and good-quality blastocysts. Cumulus cell gene expression was also determined, and glucose and lactate concentrations in...

Abstract Kombucha is a traditional fermented tea rich in organic acids and shows potential as a carbon source for Shewanella species to generate electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This research investigated the applicability of kombucha post-fermentation medium as a substrate to support the growth of Shewanella putrefaciens and electricity generation in recirculating MFCs. A preliminary growth study showed that S. putrefaciens could proliferate by utilizing organic acids present in 21-day-old kombucha at various concentrations. Inoculating recirculating dual-chamber MFCs with kombucha tea improved power production compared to the no-inoculum control, with recirculation yielding a power density of 756 mW m−2 and a current density of 4160 mA m−2. This study demonstrates...