Datasets:

andersonbcdefg

/

pubmed_pairs_part2

like 0

Crotamine-based recombinant immunotoxin targeting HER2 for enhanced cancer cell specificity and cytotoxicity.

Crotamine, one of the major toxins present in the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, exhibits potent cytotoxic properties and has been suggested for cancer therapy applications. However, its selectivity for cancer cells needs to be improved. This study designed and produced a novel recombinant immunotoxin, HER2(scFv)-CRT, composed of crotamine and single-chain Fv (scFv) derived from trastuzumab targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The recombinant immunotoxin was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using various chromatographic techniques. The cytotoxicity of HER2(scFv)-CRT was assessed in three breast cancer cell lines, demonstrating enhanced specificity and toxicity in HER2-expressing cells. These findings suggest that the crotamine-based recombinant immunotoxin has the potential to expand the repertoire of recombinant immunotoxin applications in cancer therapy.

Research advances in application of mainstream anammox processes: Roles of quorum sensing and microbial metabolism.

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a low-carbon biological nitrogen removal process, that has been widely applied to treat high-strength wastewater. However, the practical application of mainstream anammox treatment is limited due to the slow growth rate of anammox bacteria (AnAOB). Therefore, it is important to provide a comprehensive summary of the potential impacts and regulatory strategies for system stability. This article systematically reviewed the effects of environmental fluctuations on anammox systems, summarizing the bacterial metabolisms and the relationship between metabolite and microbial functional effects. To address the shortcoming of mainstream anammox process, molecular strategies based on quorum sensing (QS) were proposed. Sludge granulation, gel encapsulation and carrier-based biofilm technologies were adopted to enhance the QS function in microbial aggregation and reduction of biomass loss. Furthermore, this article discussed the application and progress of anammox-coupled processes. Valuable insights were provided for the stable operation and development of mainstream anammox process from the perspectives of QS and microbial metabolism.

Biochar conductivity and electron donating capability control Cr(VI) bioreduction.

Biochar can facilitate Cr(VI) bioreduction, but it is still undetermined which biochar property control this process. We observed that the apparent Cr(VI) bioreduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 could be identified as a fast and a relatively slow processes. The fast-bioreduction rates (r

Emergency Medical Services handoff of patients in cardiac arrest in the Emergency Department: A retrospective video review study of duration and details of handoff.

We aimed to evaluate the duration and frequency of communication between EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and ED (Emergency Department) staff during handoff and the subsequent time to critical cardiac care (rhythm determination, defibrillation) using CA (cardiac arrest) video review.

The impact of BMI on arrest characteristics and survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

To assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on survival to hospital discharge of patients presenting with refractory ventricular fibrillation treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We hypothesize that due to limitations in pre-hospital care delivery, people with high BMI have worse survival after prolonged resuscitation and ECPR.

Application of omics technology to investigate the mechanism underlying the role of San Hua Tang in regulating microglia polarization and blood-brain barrier protection following ischemic stroke.

San Hua Tang (SHT) was first mentioned in the book "The Collection of Plain Questions about Pathogenesis, Qi, and Life." SHT has the effect of dispelling wind and dredging collaterals, dredging viscera, and guiding stagnation, and is used in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). SHT is composed of Rheum palmatum L., Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson, Citrus assamensis S.Dutta & S.C.Bhattacharya, and Notopterygium tenuifolium M.L.Sheh & F.T.Pu, which is the traditional prescription of the Tongxia method for the treatment of stroke. Tongxia is one of the "eight methods" used in traditional Chinese medicine, which plays a role in treating diseases by promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis and defecation. Studies have demonstrated a close relationship between gut microbiota metabolism and cerebral stroke; however, the role of SHT in IS treatment through gut microbiota or intestinal metabolites is unclear.

Spectrum-effect relationship study to reveal the pharmacodynamic substances in Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae medicine pair for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most serious and irreversible liver damage associated with alcohol consumption. Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae are traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for dispelling the effects of alcohol. Many studies have shown that the combination of two medicinal materials has the enhanced effect of treating ALD.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Pediatric Portal Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To investigate the technical outcome, clinical outcome, and patency of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in pediatric portal hypertension (PHT).

Kalirin is involved in epileptogenesis by modulating the activity of the Rac1 signaling pathway.

Epilepsy is a common chronic brain disease. Despite the availability of various anti-seizure drugs, approximately 30 % of patients do not respond to treatment. Recent research suggests that Kalirin plays a role in regulating neurological function. However, the pathogenesis of Kalirin in epileptic seizures remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of Kalirin in epileptogenesis.

Assessment of Prior Well Child Checks in Children With Concerns for Testicular Position: Opportunities for Early Referral From an Integrated Health System.

To assess, through an integrated primary and specialty care pediatric health system, the association of well-child checks prior to referral with final urological diagnosis with the aim to identify opportunities for earlier referral of care.

Microplastics as vectors of chemical contaminants and biological agents in freshwater ecosystems: Current knowledge status and future perspectives.

Microplastics (MPs) are becoming ubiquitous, and their environmental fate is becoming an issue of concern. Our review aims to synthesize current knowledge status and provide future perspectives regarding the vector effect of MPs for chemical contaminants and biological agents. The evidence in the literature indicates that MPs are a vector for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), metals and pharmaceuticals. Concentrations of chemical contaminant in orders of six-fold higher on MPs surfaces than in the surrounding environmental waters have been reported. Chemical pollutants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PAFSs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), exhibiting polarities in the range of 3.3-9 are the commonest chemicals reported on MP surfaces. Regarding metals on MPs including chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), the presence of C-O and N-H in MPs promote a relatively high adsorption of these metals onto MP surfaces. Regarding pharmaceuticals, not much has been done, but a few studies indicate that commonly used drugs such as ibuprofen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen have been associated with MPs. There is sufficient evidence supporting the claim that MPs can act as vectors for viruses, bacterial and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, and MPs act to accelerate horizontal and vertical gene transfer. An area that deserves urgent attention is whether MPs can act as vectors for invertebrates and vertebrates, mainly non-native, invasive freshwater species. Despite the ecological significance of invasive biology, little research has been done in this regard. Overall, our review summarises the state of the current knowledge, identifies critical research gaps and provides perspectives for future research.

Characterization of G-type Clostridium perfringens bacteriophages and their disinfection effect on chicken meat.

Clostridium perfringens is one of most important bacterial pathogens in the poultry industry and mainly causes necrotizing enteritis (NE). This pathogen and its toxins can cause foodborne diseases in humans through the food chain. In China, with the rise of antibiotic resistance and the banning of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry farming, food contamination and NE are becoming more prevalent. Bacteriophages are a viable technique to control C. perfringens as an alternative to antibiotics. We isolated Clostridium phage from the environment, providing a new method for the prevention of NE and C. perfringens contamination in meat.

Discrepancies between preliminary and final COVID-19 mortality data-the case of Serbia.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have scrambled to set up data collection and dissemination pipelines for various online datasets. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the preliminary COVID-19 mortality data from Serbia, which has been included in major COVID-19 databases and utilized for research purposes worldwide.

Physiological responses to honeybee venom poisoning in a model organism, the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus.

In this study, the biochemical and physiological features of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus were investigated to understand the impact of the honeybee Apis mellifera venom on them using physiological methods (mortality, total level of metabolism), biochemical methods (ELISA, mass spectrometry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry) and molecular methods (real-time PCR). Together, the obtained findings suggest that venom injection increased the level of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the CNS of P. apterus, indicating that this hormone plays a key role in activating defence responses. Furthermore, histamine levels in the gut increased significantly after envenomation and did not seem to be modulated by AKH. In contrast, histamine levels in the haemolymph increased after treatment with AKH and AKH + venom. In addition, we found that vitellogenin levels in haemolymph decreased in both males and females after venom application. Lipids, which are the main energy metabolites used by Pyrrhocoris, were significantly exhausted from the haemolymph after the administration of venom and the co-application with AKH reversed this effect. However, we did not find much influence on the effect of digestive enzymes after the injection of venom. Our research has highlighted the noticeable effect of bee venom on P. apterus' body and provided new insights into the role of AKH in controlling defensive responses. However, it is also likely that there will be alternative defence mechanisms.

"Effect of time-restricted feeding on high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster".

Metabolic alterations associated with obesity have been related to chronodisruption i.e., the desynchronization of molecular clocks that regulate circadian rhythms. The search for tools that improve the dietary treatment of obesity has recently focused on behaviors related to chronodisruption, and intermittent fasting is increasingly gaining interest. Studies in animal models have identified the benefits of time-restricted feeding (TRF) on metabolic alterations associated with changes in circadian rhythms induced by a high-fat diet. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TRF in flies with metabolic damage and chronodisruption.

Minocycline induces tolerance to dendritic cell production probably by targeting the SOCS1/ TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in maintaining peripheral immune tolerance. The use of tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs), i.e., semi-mature DCs that express co-stimulatory molecules but not pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been proposed. However, the mechanism of tolDCs induced by minocycline is still unclear. Our previous bioinformatics analyses based on multiple databases suggested that the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB (SOCS1/TLR4/NF-κB) signal pathway was associated with DCs maturation. Thus, we studied whether minocycline could induce DC tolerance through this pathway.

Purity and DNA content of AAV capsids assessed by analytical ultracentrifugation and orthogonal biophysical techniques.

Development and manufacturing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors for gene therapy requires suitable analytical methods to assess the quality of the formulations during development, as well as the quality of different batches and the consistency of the processes. Here, we compare biophysical methods to characterize purity and DNA content of viral capsids from five different serotypes (AAV2, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9). For this purpose, we apply multiwavelength sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) to obtain the species' contents and to derive the wavelength-specific correction factors for the respective insert-size. In an orthogonal manner we perform anion exchange chromatography (AEX) and UV-spectroscopy and the three methods yield comparable results on empty/filled capsid contents with these correction factors. Whereas AEX and UV-spectroscopy can quantify empty and filled AAVs, only SV-AUC could identify the low amounts of partially filled capsids present in the samples used in this study. Finally, we employ negative-staining transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry to support the empty/filled ratios with methods that classify individual capsids. The obtained ratios are consistent throughout the orthogonal approaches as long as no other impurities and aggregates are present. Our results show that the combination of selected orthogonal methods can deliver consistent empty/filled contents on non-standard genome sizes, as well as information on other relevant critical quality attributes, such as AAV capsid concentration, genome concentration, insert size length and sample purity to characterize and compare AAV preparations.

Effects of theta burst stimulation on the coherence of local field potential during working memory task in rats.

Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a highly efficient repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paradigm, has been widely used to modulate the working memory (WM) ability in experimental and clinical study. However, the underly neuroelectrophysiological mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of iTBS, cTBS and rTMS on WM and explore the neural oscillatory communication changes in PFC involved in spatial WM task. 18 rats were treated by iTBS, cTBS and rTMS respectively (n = 6 each), while the rats in control group (n = 6) received no stimulation. T-maze WM task was used to assess the rats' performance of WM after stimulation. Local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded from a microelectrode array implanted in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) while the rats were performing the WM task. Functional connectivity (FC) strength was assessed by LFP-LFP coherence calculations. The results showed that the rats from the rTMS group and iTBS group are able to reach criteria in less time than the control group's duration of the T-maze task. The power and the coherence value of rTMS and iTBS groups show a significant increase in the theta-band and gamma-band activity, wheras there are no significant differences of the energy and the coherence value between the cTBS group and the control group in theta-band. Furthermore, significantly positive correlations were observed between changes of memory performance during the WM task and the changes of the coherence value of the LFPs. In conclusion, these results indicate that rTMS and iTBS may improve the ability of WM by modulating the neural activity and connectivity in PFC.

Use of surfactant-based amorphous solid dispersions for BDDCS class II drugs to enhance oral bioavailability: A case report of resveratrol.

This paper aimed to improve in vitro dissolution/solubility as well as inhibit intestinal metabolism and thus enhance oral bioavailability for a BDDCS class II drug by constructing surfactant-based amorphous solid dispersions using resveratrol (RES) as a model drug. After preliminary screening of polymers and surfactants, and subsequent prescription optimization, two optimized spray-drying RES-polymer-surfactant ASDs were obtained and exhibited a significant increase in solubility of RES by 2.69-3.45-fold compared to crystalline RES, and by 1.13-1.56-fold compared to corresponding RES-polymer ASDs, maintaining a higher concentration in the dissolution process. A metabolism study using everted sacs showed that two optimized ASDs reduced the concentration ratio of RES-G to RES to 51.66%-52.05% of crystalline RES on the serosal side of the rat everted intestinal sac at 2 h. Consequently, these two RES-polymer-surfactant ASDs achieved significantly higher exposure of RES in the plasma with significant enhancements in C

Crystalline and amorphous famotidine malate as pathways to prevent polymorphic transformation with improved dissolution.

Famotidine (FMT) is an orally administered histamine H2-receptor blocker with limited bioavailability since it exhibits low solubility and low permeability. In addition, the recent withdrawal of ranitidine from the market, makes famotidine an interesting candidate to obtain solid forms with improved pharmacokinetic performance. In this work, crystal engineering concepts and the co-amorphous formation strategy were applied to obtain two novel solids. Crystalline famotidine malate (FMT-MT) and a vitreous phase (FMT-MTa) were prepared by solvent evaporation and mechanochemical synthesis, respectively. FMT-MT (monoclinic, S.G. P2

Development and identification of molecular markers of GhHSP70-26 related to heat tolerance in cotton.

Heat stress significantly affect plant growth and development, which is an important factor contributing to crop yield loss. However, heat shock proteins (HSPs) in plants can effectively alleviate cell damage caused by heat stress. In order to rapidly and accurately cultivate heat-tolerant cotton varieties, this study conducted correlation analysis between heat tolerance index and insertion/deletion (In/Del) sites of GhHSP70-26 promoter in 39 cotton materials, so as to find markers related to heat tolerance function of cotton, which can be used in molecular marker-assisted breeding. The results showed the natural variation allele (Del22 bp) type at -1590 bp upstream of GhHSP70-26 promoter (haplotype2, Hap2) in cotton (Gossypium spp.) promoted GhHSP70-26 expression under heat stress. The relative expression level of GhHSP70-26 of M-1590-Del22 cotton materials were significantly higher than that of M-1590-In type cotton materials under heat stress (40 ℃). Also, M-1590-Del22 material had lower conductivity and less cell damage after heat stress, indicating that it is a heat resistant cotton material. The Hap1 (M-1590-In) promoter was mutated into Hap1

Why the power of diversity does not always produce better groups and societies.

Diversity is supposed to create better groups and societies but sometimes fails. It is explained why the power of diversity may not create better groups in the current diversity prediction theory. Diversity may hurt civic life and introduce distrust. This is because the current diversity prediction theory is based on real numbers that ignore individual abilities. Its diversity prediction theory maximizes performance with infinite population size. Contrary to this, collective intelligence or swarm intelligence is not maximized by infinite population size, but by population size. The extended diversity prediction theory using the complex number allows us to express individual abilities or qualities. The diversity of complex numbers always produces better groups and societies. The wisdom of crowds, collective intelligence, swarm intelligence or nature-inspired intelligence is implemented in the current machine learning or artificial intelligence, called Random Forest. The problem of the current diversity prediction theory is detailed in this paper.

Nanobiotechnology-based treatment strategies for malignant relapsed glioma.

Gliomas are the most aggressive and lethal tumors of the central nervous system, for which few therapeutic options exist. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for most gliomas; however, tumor recurrence is nearly inevitable. Emerging nanobiotechnology-based strategies have shown great prospects for early glioma diagnosis, physiological barrier traversing, postoperative regrowth suppression, and microenvironment remodeling. Herein, we focus on the postoperative scenario and summarize the key properties of the glioma microenvironment, especially its immune peculiarities. We elucidate the challenges of managing recurrent glioma. We also discuss the potential of nanobiotechnology in addressing the therapeutic challenges of recurrent glioma, including optimizing the design of drug delivery systems, enhancing intracranial accumulation, and restoring the anti-glioma immune response. The development of these technologies offers new opportunities for accelerating the drug development process and treating recurrent glioma.

Pearls and Pitfalls in the Transesophageal Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale.

Large randomized controlled trials have shown the benefits of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO. Recent studies have highlighted the clinical significance and prognostic implication of various anatomical features of PFO and the adjacent atrial septum, such as atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), PFO size, large shunt, and hypermobility. Transthoracic echocardiography with contrast study is used for the indirect diagnosis of PFO, as it reveals the passage of the contrast into the left atrium. In contrast, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers a direct demonstration of PFO by measuring its size using the maximum separation distance between the septum primum and septum secundum. Furthermore, TEE enables the acquisition of detailed anatomical features of the adjacent atrial septum including ASA, hypermobility, and PFO tunnel length, which carry significant prognostic implications. Transesophageal echocardiography also facilitates the diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, a relatively rare cause of paradoxical embolism. This review provides evidence for supporting TEE as a useful screening test for patients with cryptogenic stroke to identify suitable candidates for percutaneous device closure of PFO. Additionally, cardiac imaging specialists with proficiency in comprehensive TEE examination should be part of the heart-brain team for proper evaluation of and decision-making in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

A transcription factor and a phosphatase regulate temperature-dependent morphogenesis in the fungal plant pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici.

Naturally fluctuating temperatures provide a constant environmental stress that requires adaptation. Some fungal pathogens respond to heat stress by producing new morphotypes that maximize their overall fitness. The fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici responds to heat stress by switching from its yeast-like blastospore form to hyphae or chlamydospores. The regulatory mechanisms underlying this switch are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a differential heat stress response is ubiquitous in Z. tritici populations around the world. We used QTL mapping to identify a single locus associated with the temperature-dependent morphogenesis and we found two genes, the transcription factor ZtMsr1 and the protein phosphatase ZtYvh1, regulating this mechanism. We find that ZtMsr1 regulates repression of hyphal growth and induces chlamydospore formation whereas ZtYvh1 is required for hyphal growth. We next showed that chlamydospore formation is a response to the intracellular osmotic stress generated by the heat stress. This intracellular stress stimulates the cell wall integrity (CWI) and high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) MAPK pathways resulting in hyphal growth. If cell wall integrity is compromised, however, ZtMsr1 represses the hyphal development program and may induce the chlamydospore-inducing genes as a stress-response survival strategy. Taken together, these results suggest a novel mechanism through which morphological transitions are orchestrated in Z. tritici - a mechanism that may also be present in other pleomorphic fungi.

Pediatric Pasteurella canis endophthalmitis.

We report an atypical presentation of endophthalmitis in a 2-month-old infant due to a rare infection by Pasteurella canis, small Gram-negative coccobacilli that inhabit the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals, including domesticated cats and dogs. Ocular infections are mainly associated with animal bites and scratches.

The utility of computed tomography venography in the routine evaluation of patients who present to a lymphedema center with lower extremity edema.

Computed tomography venography (CTV) is not routinely used to screen patients presenting with a presumed lower extremity lymphedema diagnosis for left iliac vein obstruction (IVO) or May-Thurner syndrome (MTS). The objective of this study is to determine the utility of routine CTV screening for these patients by evaluating the proportion presenting with clinically significant CTV-identified left IVO.

Public Chronic Pain Stigma and the Role of Pain Type and Patient Gender: An Experimental Vignette Study.

Research exploring the specific manifestations of chronic pain (CP) public stigma is scarce. One potential factor influencing public stigma manifestations may be the CP type, that is, the presence (secondary CP) or absence (primary CP) of a clearly identifiable pathophysiology. Furthermore, patient gender may play a key role, whereby pain-related gender stereotypes may evoke distinct gender role expectations towards men and women experiencing CP. The aim of the research was 2-fold. First, by means of an experimental vignette design, the general population's cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses were investigated, both towards primary versus secondary CP and towards men versus women. Second, a potential interaction was examined between CP type and patient gender. The research is divided into 2 separate samples: individuals with CP (N = 729) and individuals without CP (N = 283). Factorial ANOVA models were estimated with CP type, patient gender, and participant gender included as factors, age as control variable. The findings support, partly, the general hypothesis of higher (perceived) public stigma towards individuals with primary (vs secondary) CP. No main effects of patient gender were observed. Gender bias in stigmatizing manifestations only emerged in certain contextual circumstances (ie, pain type and participant gender). Different interaction effects (with a combination of gender, patient gender, or CP type) were significant for the distinctive outcome variables. Interestingly, throughout the findings, different patterns of results are found in both samples. The study contributes to the literature on CP stigma, as well as the psychometric examination of items assessing stigmatizing manifestations. PERSPECTIVE: This study examined the role of contextual factors chronic pain type and patient gender into cognitive, affective, and behavioral stigmatizing manifestations coming from the general population towards individuals with chronic pain through an experimental vignette study. The study contributes to the chronic pain stigma literature, as well as the psychometric examination of items assessing stigmatizing manifestations.

Glycoprotein acetyls and depression: Testing for directionality and potential causality using longitudinal data and Mendelian randomization analyses.

Inflammation is associated with depression, but causality remains unclear. We investigated potential causality and direction of effect between inflammation and depression.

Body mass index and clinical outcomes in individuals with major depressive disorder: Findings from the GSRD European Multicenter Database.

Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) are at higher risk for obesity. In turn, weight gain is a predisposing factor for depression. Although clinical data are sparse, suicide risk also appears to be elevated in obese patients. This study used data from the European Group for the Study of Resistant Depression (GSRD) to investigate clinical outcomes associated with body mass index (BMI) in MDD.

Long-term evolution of shrub prescribed burning effects on topsoil organic matter and biological activity in the Central Pyrenees (NE-Spain).

Since the last half of the 20th Century, scrubs have been invading subclimatic grasslands in the montane and subalpine stages of Spain due to the decrease of the grazing activity. This shrub encroachment reduces biodiversity and the ecopastoral value of the region and leads to the accumulation of woody fuel, which represents a high fire risk. To control the encroachment, prescribed burnings are performed but their effects on soils over the years are still undetermined. This study aims to research about the long-term effects of a prescribed burn of Echinospartum horridum (Vahl) Roth. on topsoil organic matter and biological activity. Soil sampling was carried out in Tella-Sin (Central Pyrenees, Aragón, Spain) and four treatments were selected: unburned (UB), immediately burned (B0), burned 6 years before (B6, mid-term) and burned 10 years before (B10, long-term). Among the obtained results, an immediately after burning decrease on β-D-glucosidase activity (GLU) was found, which did not recover over time. Other properties did not have an immediate reduction but did so over time: total soil organic carbon (SOC), labile carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), basal soil respiration (bSR). And others were not affected at all: microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and the microbial metabolic quotient (qCO

Straw density board vs. conventional density board: Is straw density board more sustainable?

The widespread use of density boards in various industries has caused a series of environmental issues. The results of this study can inform policy-making and facilitate the sustainable development of density boards. The research focuses on the comparison between 1m

Evaluation of the applicability of selected analytical techniques for determining the characteristics of humic substances sourced from by-products of the wastewater treatment process.

Although humic substances (HSs) are among the most valuable compounds in the environment, they often constitute nuisance factors for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, their recovery from by-products of WWTPs opens up opportunities for their utilization. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the suitability of selected analytical methods for determining the structure, properties, and possible utilization of HSs originating from WWTPs based on model humic compounds (MHCs). As a consequence, the study proposed separate approaches for the initial and in-depth characterization of HSs. The results demonstrate that UV-Vis spectroscopy may be recognized as a cost-effective approach for the preliminary characterization of HSs. Such a method indeed gives similar information on the degree of complexity of MHCs as X-EDS and FTIR, and similarly to them allows for the differentiation of their particular fractions. In turn, X-EDS and FTIR techniques were recommended to be used for in-deep analysis of HSs due to their ability to detect heavy metals and biogenic elements in their structure. Contrarily to other studies, the presented research indicates that only selected absorbance coefficients - A

Enrichment and ecological risks of microplastics in mangroves of southern Hainan Island, China.

Mangroves have recently been identified as one of the most threatened ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) pollution from terrestrial and marine sources, while little is known regarding the MPs enrichment, influencing factors and associated ecological risks in mangroves. The present investigation aims to evaluate the accumulation, characteristics, and ecological risks of MPs in various environmental matrices from three mangroves of southern Hainan Island during dry and wet seasons. The results revealed the prevalence of MPs pollution in the surface seawater and sediment from all studied mangroves during two seasons, where the highest MPs abundance was observed at Sanyahe mangrove. The abundance of MPs varied considerably in surface seawater by seasons and were distinctly modulated by rhizosphere effect. The characteristics of MPs also exhibited some pronounced variations across mangroves, seasons and environmental compartments, but the detected MPs were dominated by fiber-shaped, transparent-colored, and smaller-sized (100-500 μm) MPs. The most prevalent polymer types were polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene. Further analyses revealed positive correlations between MPs abundance and contents of nutrient salts in surface seawater but negative relationships between MPs abundance and water physicochemical properties, including temperature, salinity, pH and conductivity (p < 0.05). The joint use of three evaluation models indicated MPs posed varying degrees of ecological risks to all studied mangroves, whereas Sanyahe mangrove exhibited the highest ecological risk of MPs pollution. This study provided new insights into the spatial-seasonal variations, influencing factors and risk assessment of MPs in mangroves, which would be helpful for source tracing, pollution monitoring and policy formulation.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania surface waters: A statewide assessment, associated sources, and land-use relations.

The objectives of this study are to identify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania surface waters, corresponding associations with potential sources of PFAS contamination (PSOC) and other parameters, and compare raw surface water concentrations to human and ecological benchmarks. Surface water samples from 161 streams were collected in September 2019 and were analyzed for 33 target PFAS and water chemistry. Land use and physical attributes in upstream catchments and geospatial counts of PSOC in local catchments are summarized. The hydrologic yield of the sum of 33 PFAS (∑PFAS) for each stream was computed by normalizing each site's load by the drainage area of the upstream catchment. Utilizing conditional inference tree analysis, the percentage of development (>7.58 %) was identified as a primary driver of the ∑PFAS hydrologic yields. When percentage of development was removed from analysis, ∑PFAS yields were closely related to surface water chemistry associated with landscape alteration (e.g., development or agricultural cropland), such as concentrations of total nitrogen, chloride, and ammonia, but also to count of water pollution control facilities (agricultural, industrial, stormwater, and/or municipal waste pollution abatement facilities). In oil and gas development regions, ∑PFAS yields were associated with combined sewage outfalls. Sites surrounded by ≥2 electronic manufacturing facilities had elevated ∑PFAS yields (median = 241 ng/s/km

The use of muscle biomarkers for assessing physiological effects of heavy metal pollution in the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula).

The greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula has been used as a sentinel species for estimating environmental risks to human populations. Previous studies in mining areas have focused on the liver of shrews as the primary target of physiological and metabolic changes due to heavy metal pollution. However, populations persist even when detoxification by the liver seems to be compromised and damage is observed. These pollutant-adapted individuals inhabiting contaminated sites may exhibit altered biochemical parameters that confer increased tolerance in various tissues other than the liver. The skeletal muscle tissue of C. russula might be an alternative tissue that allows the survival of organisms inhabiting historically polluted sites due to the detoxification of redistributed metals. Organisms from two heavy metal mine populations and one population derived from an unpolluted site were used to determine the detoxification activities, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage, as well as cellular energy allocation parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity (a biomarker of neurotoxicity). Muscle biomarkers differ between shrews from polluted sites and shrews from the unpolluted location, with the mine animals showing: (1) a decreased energy consumption concomitant with increased energy reserves and total available energy; (2) reduced cholinergic activity, suggesting an impairment of neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction; (3) an overall decrease in detoxification capacity and enzymatic antioxidant response and a higher level of lipid damage. Also, some of these markers differed between females and males. These changes may have resulted from a decreased detoxifying capacity of the liver and could potentially bring about significant ecological effects for this highly active species. Heavy metal pollution induced physiological changes in Crocidura russula showing that skeletal muscle may serve as a backup sink organ allowing rapid species adaptation and evolution.

Scenario-based modelling of changes in chemical intake fraction in Sweden and the Baltic Sea under global change.

The climate in Europe is warming twice as fast as it is across the rest of the globe, and in Sweden annual mean temperatures are forecast to increase by up to 3-6 °C by 2100, with increasing frequency and magnitude of floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather. These climate change-related environmental factors and the response of humans at the individual and collective level will affect the mobilization and transport of and human exposure to chemical pollutants in the environment. We conducted a literature review of possible future impacts of global change in response to a changing climate on chemical pollutants in the environment and human exposure, with a focus on drivers of change in exposure of the Swedish population to chemicals in the indoor and outdoor environment. Based on the literature review, we formulated three alternative exposure scenarios that are inspired by three of the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). We then conducted scenario-based exposure modelling of the >3000 organic chemicals in the USEtox® 2.0 chemical library, and further selected three chemicals (terbuthylazine, benzo[a]pyrene, PCB-155) from the USEtox library that are archetypical pollutants of drinking water and food as illustrative examples. We focus our modelling on changes in the population intake fraction of chemicals, which is calculated as the fraction of a chemical emitted to the environment that is ingested via food uptake or inhaled by the Swedish population. Our results demonstrate that changes of intake fractions of chemicals are possible by up to twofold increases or decreases under different development scenarios. Changes in intake fraction in the most optimistic SSP1 scenario are mostly attributable to a shift by the population towards a more plant-based diet, while changes in the pessimistic SSP5 scenario are driven by environmental changes such as rain fall and runoff rates.

Generalizability of an EHR-network dataset to the United States for cardiovascular disease conditions: Comparison of Cerner real world data with the national inpatient sample.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) data from health systems are increasingly being combined for clinical research purposes. Yet, it remains unclear whether these large EHR data sources provide a representative assessment of national disease prevalence and treatment. To evaluate this, we compared Cerner RealWorldData (CRWD), a large EHR data source, to those seen in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 3 cardiovascular conditions (myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and stroke.

Effects of repeated developmental GLP-1R agonist exposure on young adult behavior and hippocampal structure in mice.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are common type 2 diabetes medications that have been repurposed for adult chronic weight management. Clinical trials suggest this class may also be beneficial for obesity in pediatric populations. Since several GLP-1R agonists cross the blood-brain barrier, it is important to understand how postnatal developmental exposure to GLP-1R agonists might affect brain structure and function later in life. Toward that end, we systemically treated male and female C57BL/6 mice with the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (0.5 mg/kg, twice daily) or saline from postnatal day 14 to 21, then allowed uninterrupted development to young adulthood. Beginning at 7 weeks of age, we performed open field and marble burying tests to assess motor behavior and the spontaneous location recognition (SLR) task to assess hippocampal-dependent pattern separation and memory. Mice were sacrificed, and we counted ventral hippocampal mossy cells, as we have recently shown that most murine hippocampal neuronal GLP-1R is expressed in this cell population. We found that GLP-1R agonist treatment did not alter P14-P21 weight gain, but modestly reduced young adult open field distance traveled and marble burying. Despite these motor changes, there was no effect on SLR memory performance or time spent investigating objects. Finally, we did not detect any changes in ventral mossy cell number using two different markers. These data suggest developmental exposure to GLP-1R agonists might have specific rather than global effects on behavior later in life and that extensive additional study is necessary to clarify how drug timing and dose affect distinct constellations of behavior in young adulthood.

Whole-Slide Imaging, Mutual Information Registration for Multiplex Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence.

Multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence (mIHC/mIF) is a developing technology that facilitates the evaluation of multiple, simultaneous protein expressions at single-cell resolution while preserving tissue architecture. These approaches have shown great potential for biomarker discovery, yet many challenges remain. Importantly, streamlined cross-registration of multiplex immunofluorescence images with additional imaging modalities and immunohistochemistry (IHC) can help increase the plex and/or improve the quality of the data generated by potentiating downstream processes such as cell segmentation. To address this problem, a fully automated process was designed to perform a hierarchical, parallelizable, and deformable registration of multiplexed digital whole-slide images (WSIs). We generalized the calculation of mutual information as a registration criterion to an arbitrary number of dimensions, making it well suited for multiplexed imaging. We also used the self-information of a given IF channel as a criterion to select the optimal channels to use for registration. Additionally, as precise labeling of cellular membranes in situ is essential for robust cell segmentation, a pan-membrane immunohistochemical staining method was developed for incorporation into mIF panels or for use as an IHC followed by cross-registration. In this study, we demonstrate this process by registering whole-slide 6-plex/7-color mIF images with whole-slide brightfield mIHC images, including a CD3 and a pan-membrane stain. Our algorithm, WSI, mutual information registration (WSIMIR), performed highly accurate registration allowing the retrospective generation of an 8-plex/9-color, WSI, and outperformed 2 alternative automated methods for cross-registration by Jaccard index and Dice similarity coefficient (WSIMIR vs automated WARPY, P < .01 and P < .01, respectively, vs HALO + transformix, P = .083 and P = .049, respectively). Furthermore, the addition of a pan-membrane IHC stain cross-registered to an mIF panel facilitated improved automated cell segmentation across mIF WSIs, as measured by significantly increased correct detections, Jaccard index (0.78 vs 0.65), and Dice similarity coefficient (0.88 vs 0.79).

From centralized to ad-hoc knowledge base construction for hypotheses generation.

To demonstrate and develop an approach enabling individual researchers or small teams to create their own ad-hoc, lightweight knowledge bases tailored for specialized scientific interests, using text-mining over scientific literature, and demonstrate the effectiveness of these knowledge bases in hypothesis generation and literature-based discovery (LBD).

Less-Suture Vascular Anastomosis: Development of Alternative Protocols with Multifunctional Self-Wrapping, Transparent, Adhesive, and Elastic Biomaterials.

Blood vessel anastomosis by suture is a life-saving, yet time-consuming and labor-intensive operation. While suture-less alternatives utilizing clips or related devices are developed to address these shortcomings, suture anastomosis is still overwhelmingly used in most cases. In this study, practical "less-suture" strategies are proposed, rather than ideal "suture-less" methods, to reflect real-world clinical situations. In the case of rat artery (d = 0.64 mm) anastomosis, the less-suture anastomosis involves the application of thin, adhesive, transparent, and self-wrapping films to the site. This surprisingly reduces the number of stitches required from ten (without films) to four (with films), saving 27 min of operating time per vessel. Furthermore, the decreased number of stitches largely alleviates fibrosis-mediated wall-thickening. Thus, a less-suture strategy is particularly useful for anastomosis of multiple vessels in emergency conditions and small-diameter vessels.

Histotripsy ablation for the treatment of feline injection site sarcomas: a first-in-cat

Feline soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and injection site sarcoma (fISS) are rapidly growing tumors with low metastatic potential, but locally aggressive behavior. Histotripsy is a non-invasive focused ultrasound therapy using controlled acoustic cavitation to mechanically disintegrate tissue. In this study, we investigated the

Supply chain traceability and counterfeit detection of COVID-19 vaccines using novel blockchain-based

We propose a novel framework, Vacledger, for supply chain traceability and counterfeit detection of COVID-19 vaccines using a blockchain network. It includes four smart contracts on a private-permissioned blockchain network for supply chain traceability and counterfeit detection of COVID-19 vaccine, more specifically to (i) handle the rules and regulations of vaccine importing countries and provide authorization for cross the borders (regulatory compliance and border authorization smart contract), (ii) register new and imported vaccines in the

Racial Disparity in Gender Affirming Surgery: A Comparative Study on Plastic Surgeon Social Media Use.

In the past 5 years, social media use among plastic surgeons has grown to become a common modality used to promote one's practice. However, surgeons lack the necessary ethical training to understand how their published content impacts patient opinions and behavior. Social media trends among plastic surgeons may contribute to the reduced rate of Black (non-White) patients accessing gender affirming surgery.

Preservation Rhinoplasty: A New Approach to Mestizo Noses.

Preservation rhinoplasty is a widely used technique; however, its use on mestizo noses is poorly documented. Our objective was to assess the level of satisfaction of our mestizo patients 1 year after their preservation rhinoplasty.

Implementing WHO's Intersectoral Global Action Plan for epilepsy and other neurological disorders in Southeast Asia: a proposal.

The World Health Assembly approved the Intersectoral Global Action Plan for epilepsy and neurological disorders. Member states, including those in Southeast Asia, must now prepare to achieve IGAP's strategic targets by embracing novel approaches and strengthening existing policies and practices. We propose and present evidence to support four such processes. The opening course should engage all stakeholders to develop people-centric instead of outcome-centric approaches. Rather than caring for convulsive epilepsy alone, as currently done, primary care providers should also be skilled in diagnosing and treating focal and non-motor seizures. This could reduce the diagnostic gap as over half of epilepsies present with focal seizures. Currently, primary care providers lack knowledge and skills to manage focal seizures. Technology-enabled aids can help overcome this limitation. Lastly, there is need to add newer "easy to use" epilepsy medicines to Essential Medicines lists in light of emerging evidence for better tolerability, safety and user-friendliness.

Massive spontaneous nontraumatic subcapsular hepatic hematoma treated using arterial embolization: A case report and review of the literature.

A nontraumatic and idiopathic spontaneous subcapsular hepatic hematoma is a rare but often fatal condition. Herein, we report a case of nontraumatic progressive massive subcapsular hepatic hematoma that straddled both liver lobes and was successfully treated by repeated arterial embolization. Following treatment, the hematoma did not progress.

Non-Viral Gene Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Intra-Arterial Injection.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has limited treatment options, and modest survival after systemic chemotherapy or procedures such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). There is therefore a need to develop targeted therapies to address HCC. Gene therapies hold immense promise in treating a variety of diseases, including HCC, though delivery remains a critical hurdle. This study investigated a new approach of local delivery of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) via intra-arterial injection for targeted local gene delivery to HCC tumors in an orthotopic rat liver tumor model.

Bifocal Intracanial Rosai-Dorfman Disease Mimicking Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma: Diagnostic Pitfalls About a Case Report.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a clonal histiocytic proliferation characterized by large S100 positive histiocytes with variable emperipolesis. Extranodal locations were confirmed with the central nervous system or the meninges involvement in less than 5% of cases, which is marked as a significant differential diagnosis of meningiomas in radiological and intra-operative pathological examination. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are the keys to definitive diagnosis. We present a case of bifocal Rosai-Dorfman disease in a 26-year-old man, mimicking Lymphoplasmacyte-rich Meningioma. This case allows us to demonstrate the diagnosis pitfalls encountered in this localization.

Massive and Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Review of Current Definitions and Concepts.

While massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) have been abundantly studied, inconsistent definitions in the literature and theories about pain and dysfunction related to them can be difficult to navigate when considering an individual patient.

Low- Versus High-dose Cyclophosphamide in Class III/IV Lupus Nephritis: A Retrospective Study from South Asia.

The comparative efficacy of low-dose cyclophosphamide (LD-CYC) and high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-CYC) for treatment of lupus in South Asians is not well established. We aimed to compare treatment outcomes in South Asian patients with class III and IV lupus nephritis treated with either regimen.

Dataset for the van-drone routing problem with multiple delivery drop points.

The distribution of parcels is one of the most complex and challenging processes in supply chain execution. Lately, the development of both electronic and quick commerce has driven carriers and courier operators to identify more effective methods for express parcel delivery. To this end, the development of efficient distribution networks that aim in increasing customer experience while maintaining low operating costs is significant importance both for researchers as well as for practitioners. This article presents a dataset for the Van Drone Routing Problem with Multiple Delivery Points and Cooperation (VDRPMDPC). The latter examines a van-drone team from an operational viewpoint, where a van moves along a road network while the drone egress and ingress from a van to a nearby delivery location and then travels back to the van. This problem has been created with the aim of assessing the design of more sustainable and cost-effective delivery routes in urban and semi urban environments via the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). For the development of this dataset real geographical positions have been used located at two different areas of Athens, Greece. The entire benchmark is composed of 14 instances comprised by 20, 40, 60 and 100 clients respectively. The dataset is publicly available for its use and modification.

Fluoroscopy and CT Guided Translumbar Tunneled Dialysis Catheter for Hemodialysis Access Failure in a Case of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Vascular access in hemodialysis is essential to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients' survival. Unfortunately, even after years of recent advances, a significant number of patients may develop multi-access failure for many reasons. In this situation, arterial-venous fistula (AVF) or catheters placement in traditional vascular sites (jugular, femoral, or subclavian) are not feasible. In this scenario, translumbar tunneled dialysis catheters (TLDCs) may be a salvage option. The use of central venous catheters (CVC) is associated with an increased incidence of venous stenosis that can progressively limit future vascular access routes. The common femoral vein can be used for temporary access in patients in whom traditional approaches for permanent central venous access may not be feasible because of either chronically occluded or not accessible vasculature; however, this location is not preferred for long-term venous access because of the high rate of catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI). In these patients, a direct translumbar approach to the inferior vena cava is a lifesaving alternative. This approach has been described by several authors as a bail-out option. Fluoroscopy-guided access via a translumbar approach into the inferior vena cava bares the risk of hollow-organ perforation or severe bleeding from the inferior vena cava or even the aorta. To minimize the risk of complications caused by a translumbar central venous access, we hereby present a hybrid approach with CT-guided translumbar access of the inferior vena cava followed by a conventional implantation of the permanent central venous catheter. CT scan-guided access of IVC that further helps in our case as patient has large bulky kidneys secondary to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Using Frequency Rhythmic Electro Magnetic Neural Stimulation (FREMS); Effectiveness in Daily Practice.

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) is common and difficult to treat with limited treatment options. We assessed the efficacy of frequency rhythmic electromagnetic neural stimulation (FREMS) in patients with PDPN.

Human Urinary Myiasis Caused by

In humans and other mammals, urinary myiasis can be rarely caused by

A 20 Years Retrospective Descriptive Study of Human Cystic Echinococcosis and the Role of Albendazole Concurrent with Surgical Treatment: 2001-2021.

Hydatid cyst, caused by the larvae of

YAP/TEAD1 and β-catenin/LEF1 synergistically induce estrogen receptor α to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.

Bone remodeling is vital to the maintenance of bone homeostasis and may lead to destructive skeletal diseases once the balance is disrupted. Crosstalk between Wnt and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling has been proposed in bone remodeling, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study was designed to explore the effect of Wnt-ER signaling during the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Rat BMSCs were isolated and identified using flow cytometry and stimulated with Wnt3a. Wnt3a treatment promoted osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of the BMSCs. Meanwhile, Wnt3a enhanced the expression of ERα as well as the canonical Wnt signaling mediator β-catenin and the alternative Wnt signaling effector Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Interestingly, DNA pulldown assay revealed direct binding of transcriptional enhanced associate domain 1 (TEAD1) and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), transcriptional partners of YAP1 and β-catenin, respectively, to the promoter region of ERα. In addition, inhibition of TEAD1 and LEF1 suppressed Wnt3-promoted BMSC osteogenic differentiation and blocked Wnt3a-induced ERα expression. Furthermore, an in vivo model of femoral bone defect also supported that Wnt3a facilitated bone healing in an ERα-dependent way. Together, we suggest that Wnt3a promotes the osteogenic activity of BMSCs through YAP1 and β-catenin-dependent activation of ERα, via direct binding of TEAD1 and LEF1 to the ERα promoter.

An Interesting Case of Hydatid Cyst of Liver Concomitant with Hydatid Cyst of Broad Ligament: A Case Report.

Hydatid cyst is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by

Beijing Blue: Impact of the 2008 Olympic Games and 2014 APEC Summit on Air Quality.

This paper examines the effects of interventions to reduce air pollution during two international events on air quality in Beijing and its neighbor cities. Air quality data were gathered from China's Ministry of Environmental Protection, meteorological data from the China Meteorological Administration and economic data from the China Statistical Yearbook. The paper uses fixed-effect panel data models to empirically evaluate air quality improvement in Beijing and other affected cities before, during, and after the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Results show substantial improvement in air quality in Beijing and neighboring cities during the two events. However, some of the air quality improvement achieved reverted within a year after the games and within a week after the summit. Furthermore, the improvement achieved during the summit completely reverted and air quality deteriorated severely five days after the summit. It is also found that air quality in China, at least in the cities included in this study, gradually improved over the past 15 years or so. The findings suggest that sustainable interventions and incentive-based programs to reduce emissions from industry production and traffic are the key to maintaining the air pollution reduction achieved during the events.

Multi-Focal Giant Cell Tumor of A Single Tendon Sheath: A Rare Case Report.

A giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a rare benign tumor that typically presents as a solitary mass in the hand or wrist. Multifocal presentation of GCTTS is extremely rare and has been reported in only a few cases. Although the origin of multifocal giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath remains incompletely elucidated, it is a rare disorder that distinguishes itself from the diffuse form of GCTTS that typically occurs near major joints. In this case study, we report a patient with a localized multifocal GCTTS affecting the tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) on the volar surface of the right thumb. The diagnosis was confirmed by both radiological and histological examinations. Additionally, the patient underwent surgical excision of the tumor masses and did not encounter any recurrence during the six-month follow-up period.

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of pediatric concurrent versus standard hospice care.

Using a sample of 18,152 pediatric hospice patients, this study assessed the cost-effectiveness of concurrent care over standard hospice care. Analysis of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios with bootstrapping simulations showed that concurrent care was more effective but at a higher cost.

Periapical Lesion: A Single-Sitting Root Canal Treatment.

The aim of root canal treatment is to disinfect the root canal completely and prevent the progression of any periapical infection. Surgical treatment of periapical lesions is associated with many complications and challenges. This article describes the management of a periapical lesion of the right lower premolar in a single-visit root canal procedure using Metapex. The patient was observed for one week for any incidences of flare-ups.

Development of High-Grade Sarcoma After Second Dose of Moderna Vaccine.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease characterized by predominantly respiratory symptoms, which can progress to respiratory failure. Due to the novelty of the vaccines, it is difficult to assess if there are any associated long-term side effects. Here, we present a case of an elderly female who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and developed a high-grade sarcoma at the site of the injection. A 73-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and renal angiomyolipoma status post resection in 2019 presented with worsening right upper arm swelling for the past two weeks. She noticed the swelling two to four days after receiving her second dose of the Moderna vaccine within 1 cm from the prior injection site. Physical examination was remarkable for a 6 cm, circular, mobile, soft mass present in the right upper arm. MRI with and without contrast revealed a 5.2 cm soft tissue mass overlying the triceps region with irregular features concerning for malignancy. Fine needle aspiration revealed pathologic characteristics indicative of high-grade sarcoma. The patient ultimately had resection of the mass four months after the initial visit and was diagnosed as having grade 3, stage IIIA undifferentiated, pleomorphic high-grade sarcoma. Herein, we present a case demonstrating the development of high-grade sarcoma at the injection site in an elderly female patient within days of receiving the second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, it is unclear whether there is a true association between the vaccines and malignancy or inflammatory response exacerbating underlying malignancy. This case highlights the necessity to investigate and be aware of such rare, adverse complications that may be associated with the novel COVID-19 vaccinations to guide physicians in their differential diagnosis.

A Case Report of Cardiac Failure in a Patient on Teduglutide for High-Output Ileostomy Stoma.

A high volume of ileostomy output in patients with extensive bowel resection can be hard to manage. This leads to extensive loss of fluids and electrolytes along with malabsorption. Medications have traditionally controlled it by delaying intestinal transit and decreasing intestinal and gastric secretion using opiates, loperamide, diphenoxylate, omeprazole, somatostatin, and octreotide. However, many patients depend on parenteral nutrition and fluid and electrolyte infusions, even with optimal drug therapy. Despite the best possible care, they may develop renal failure. Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog given as a daily subcutaneous injection, and it has been promising in managing short bowel syndrome. It has been effective in decreasing the dependence on parenteral nutrition. However, improving fluid and electrolyte balance can precipitate cardiac failure in some patients, especially those with borderline cardiac functions, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. This usually presents in the first few months of the initiation of teduglutide therapy and may require stopping the medication. We present the case report of an elderly female with a high-output stoma on parenteral nutrition on teduglutide. There was a significant decrease in stoma output, and parenteral nutritional support could be stopped. However, she presented with worsening dyspnea and was diagnosed with cardiac failure with an ejection fraction of 16%-20%. The baseline ejection fraction was 45%, done six months before this. Coronary angiography showed no stenosis in any vessels, and the decline in left ventricular ejection fraction and fluid overload was attributed to teduglutide therapy.

Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) First Manifested as a Rapidly Progressive Acute Respiratory Failure (RF): Lymph Node Biopsy Negative Presentation Posing a Diagnostic Challenge.

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are two forms of ALCL: primary and secondary. Primary can be systemic, affecting multiple organs, or cutaneous, affecting mainly the skin. A secondary form occurs when another lymphoma undergoes an anaplastic transformation. ALCL rarely presents as initial symptoms of respiratory failure. In most of these situations, the trachea or bronchial involved with an obstruction was present. We present an unusual case of ALCL where the patient rapidly progressed to acute hypoxic respiratory failure with a patent bronchus and trachea. Unfortunately, the patient rapidly deteriorated and died before diagnosis. Only upon at autopsy, it was found that his lung parenchyma was diffusely involved with ALCL. The autopsy report showed that the patient had CD-30 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative ALCL diffusely involving all lung fields.

Concurrent Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Centre in Sindh, Pakistan.

The present study aimed to evaluate the proportion of concurrent symptoms of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCSs) among patients with schizophrenia.

Pseudo-Pneumothorax Due to Skin Folds in a Patient With Pneumonia.

Pseudo-pneumothorax refers to several conditions that can mimic pneumothorax on chest radiography, leading to diagnostic uncertainty and unnecessary interventions. These include skin folds, bed sheet folds, clothes, scapular borders, pleural cysts, and elevated hemidiaphragm. We report a case of a 64-year-old patient with pneumonia whose chest radiograph revealed, in addition to the typical pneumonia findings, what appeared similar to bilateral pleural lines raising the suspicion of bilateral pneumothorax, but this finding was not supported clinically. Careful reexamination and further imaging ruled out the possibility of pneumothorax and concluded that this was the result of artifacts produced by skin folds. The patient was admitted and received intravenous antibiotics and was discharged three days later in stable condition. Our case highlights the importance of careful examination of imaging findings before unnecessarily proceeding to tube thoracostomy, especially when the clinical suspicion of pneumothorax is low.

Mixed-Model Curriculum for Nerve Block Education in Emergency Medicine Residency.

Introduction With the rising opioid epidemic, there has been a push for multimodal pain management within the emergency department. Nerve blocks have been shown to be an effective pain management strategy for many conditions, with improved success when used with ultrasound. However, there is no generally accepted method for teaching residents how to perform nerve blocks. Materials and methods Seventeen residents from a single academic center were enrolled. The residents were surveyed pre-intervention regarding demographics, confidence, and use of nerve blocks. The residents then completed a mixed-model curriculum that included an electronic module (e-module) on three plane nerve blocks and a practice session. Three months later, residents were tested on their ability to independently perform the nerve blocks and resurveyed regarding confidence and use. Results Of the 56 residents in the program, 17 enrolled in the study; 16 participated in the first session, and nine participated in the second session. Each resident had < four ultrasound-guided nerve blocks prior to participation with a slight increase in the total number of nerve blocks after the sessions. Residents were able to perform, on average, 4.8 of seven tasks independently. Residents who completed the study reported feeling more confident in their ability to perform ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (p = 0.01) and to complete associated tasks (p < 0.01). Conclusion This educational model resulted in residents completing the majority of tasks independently with improved confidence in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. There was only a slight increase in clinically performed blocks.

Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic Methods: The Present and Future.

To meet the needs of the colorectal cancer (CRC) patient population, colorectal cancer screening is continuously updated. The most significant advice is to start CRC screening exams at age 45 for people at average risk for CRC. CRC testing is divided into two categories: stool-based tests and visual inspections. High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing, fecal immunochemical testing, and multitarget stool DNA testing are stool-based assays. Colon capsule endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are visualization examinations. There have been arguments about the importance of these tests in detecting and managing precursor lesions because of the lack of validation of screening results. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and genetics have prompted the creation of newer diagnostic tests, which require validation in diverse populations and cohorts. In this article, we have discussed the present and emerging diagnostic tests.

Pulmonary Haemosiderosis Secondary to Hereditary Haemochromatosis; a Case Report.

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disease of increased intestinal absorption of iron, leading to accumulation in tissues which may progress to organ damage, most commonly in the liver. Iron deposition in the liver can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Other common manifestations of haemochromatosis include diabetes, bronzing of the skin, arthropathy and cardiomyopathy. Here, we describe a case of pulmonary haemosiderosis secondary to HH.

Pre-operative Occurrence of First Bite Syndrome in Two Cases of Parotid Gland Tumour.

First bite syndrome (FBS) is a gustatory-evoked painful condition that is characterised by the onset of severe electric shock-like pain in the periauricular region. In the majority of patients, FBS develops postoperatively. However, in rare instances, it may present in a pre-operative setting.

Correction to: Antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens recovered from the urine of patients at Canadian hospitals from 2009 to 2020.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac122.].

In-ICU Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients in a Reference Cameroonian Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Mortality rate amongst critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is disproportionately high in sub-Saharan African countries such as Cameroon. Identifying factors associated with higher in-ICU mortality guides more aggressive resuscitative measures to curb mortality, but the dearth of data on predictors of in-ICU mortality precludes this action. We aimed to determine predictors of in-ICU mortality in a major referral ICU in Cameroon.

Gastroplasty with endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of obesity.

Video 1Demonstration of the steps of gastroplasty with endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of obesity.

Successful ECT in an adolescent with catatonia and psychosis due to COVID-19.

This case report highlights the use of ECT in an adolescent patient with a COVID-19 infection, which is an area of limited data. The patient received a full course of bitemporal ECT, with a total of 15 treatments administered over four months. The patient responded robustly, with a complete return to her pre-infection baseline mental status, and response has remained durable for one-year post continuation phase ECT taper. Maintenance ECT considerations for catatonia should be determined on a case-by-case basis but was not needed for our patient, given the durability of the response to ECT.

The Infection of Healthcare Workers and the Reinfection of Patients by Omicron Variant - Jiangsu Province, China, December 2022 to January 2023.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and previously infected patients (PIPs) may experience a wave of epidemic following the modification of the country's coronavirus disease (COVID)-zero policy in China.

Synaptic plasticity realized by selective oxidation of TiS

Memristive devices operating analogous to biology synapses demonstrate great potential for neuromorphic applications. Here, we reported the space-confined vapor synthesis of ultrathin titanium trisulfide (TiS

Partitioning and recovery of proteases from lizardfish (

Partitioning and recovery of proteases from stomach extract (SE) and acidified stomach extract (ASE) of lizardfish using a three-phase partitioning (TPP) system in combination with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was optimized. The highest yield and purity were obtained in the interphase of the TPP system, which consisted of a SE or ASE to

Identification of Sex-Specific Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Asthma in Middle-Aged and Older Canadian Adults: An Analysis of CLSA Data.

Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous respiratory disease resulting from a complex interplay between genetic variations and environmental exposures. There are sex disparities in the prevalence and severity of asthma in males and females. Asthma prevalence is higher in males during childhood but increases in females in adulthood. The mechanisms underlying these sex differences are not well understood; nevertheless, genetic variations, hormonal changes, and environmental influences are thought to play important roles. This study aimed to identify sex-specific genetic variants associated with asthma using CLSA genomic and questionnaire data.

Quantifying care delivery team influences on the hospitalization outcomes of patients with multimorbidity: Implications for clinical informatics.

The primary objective was to quantify the influences of care delivery teams on the outcomes of patients with multimorbidity. Electronic medical record data on 68,883 patient care encounters (i.e., 54,664 patients) were extracted from the Arkansas Clinical Data Repository. Social network analysis assessed the minimum care team size associated with improved care outcomes (i.e., hospitalizations, days between hospitalizations, and cost) of patients with multimorbidity. Binomial logistic regression further assessed the influence of the presence of seven specific clinical roles. When compared to patients without multimorbidity, patients with multimorbidity had a higher mean age (i.e., 47.49

The survival analysis of rifampicin/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients based on the levels of inflammatory biomarkers: a retrospective cohort study.

The development of tuberculosis and inflammatory status are closely related. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with rifampicin/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB).

A Missense p.Q>R234 Mutation in the Osteopontin Gene Is Associated With the Prolificacy of Iraqi Awassi Ewes.

One of the most valuable traits in production and breeding is a sheep's prolificacy which is influenced by several genes, one of which is the osteopontin (

Efficacy of Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Real-life Experience and Outcome from a Tertiary Care Centre.

To report response rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with different available chemotherapeutic regimens over 10 years.

Long-term post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection: a retrospective, multi-database cohort study in Hong Kong and the UK.

Evidence on post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) has shown inconsistent findings. This study aimed to generate coherent evidence on the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection using electronic healthcare records across two regions.

"To Be Honest, You Probably Would Have to Read It 50 Times": Stakeholders Views on Using the Opt-Out Approach for Vaccination in Jails.

Despite national guidelines on infectious disease testing and vaccination in prisons, there is heterogeneity on the implementation of these practices in jails. We sought to better understand perspectives on the implementation of opt-out vaccination for infectious diseases in jails by interviewing a broad group of stakeholders involved in infectious diseases vaccination, testing, and treatment in Massachusetts jails.

Incarcerated Littre's Hernia in a Neonate Presenting as Enteroscrotal Fistula.

A 27-day-old male neonate, presented with feculent discharge from the scrotum. Operative findings revealed incarcerated right inguinal hernia with perforated Meckel's diverticulum as its content, leading to enteroscrotal fistula. Resection of the Meckel's diverticulum and end-to-end ileoileal anastomosis was performed along with repair of inguinal hernia from within the abdominal cavity. The outcome was favorable. Enteroscrotal fistula due to incarceration of inguinal hernia is a rare presentation. We are adding to the literature, an extremely rare case of incarcerated Littre's hernia in the right inguinal region presenting as enteroscrotal fistula in a neonate.

Gastrointestinal Duplications: A Decade's Experience.

Gastrointestinal (GI) duplications are rare congenital malformations with diverse presentations. They usually present in the pediatric age, especially in the first 2 years of life.

Relapsing immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis during maintenance treatment with low-dose steroids: a case report.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) often has a good response to initial steroid therapy, but a high relapse rate during follow-up. Knowledge about the predictors and treatment strategy of relapsing IgG4-SC is of great significance.

Assessment of Antenatal and Postnatal Prognostic Indicators in the Outcome of Neonatal Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, surgical methods, and anesthesia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is still associated with significant mortality. Predicting which babies will have poorer outcomes is essential to identify the high-risk babies and to give targeted care and accurate prognosis to the parents, especially in a resource crunch set-up.

Esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum: a narrative review to understand this rare and commonly misdiagnosed variant of well-differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare variant of a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Unlike other forms of esophageal cancers, CC of the esophagus is difficult to diagnose on endoscopic biopsies. This can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and increases morbidity. We reviewed the available literature to shed light on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of this disease. Our aim is to create a better understanding of this rare disease entity and contribute to a timely diagnosis to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Investigation of the determinants of alcohol use among women in Oshikoto region, Namibia.

Alcohol abuse is one of the world's main public health issues. Alcohol use is growing among African women, and it has become an underlying factor in women's health risk profiles.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of infection prevention and control among radiographers in a resource constraint setting in Namibia.

Radiographers' role as healthcare workers places them at constant risk for hospital-acquired infections. Practical, evidence-based methods are necessary to reduce the transmission of pathogens to and from patients and healthcare workers.

Microbiome modulation in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer: a systematic review of clinical interventions.

The role of probiotics/prebiotics in modulating the procarcinogenic effects of microbiota have been studied with inconclusive results. This systematic review aimed to identify the role of several studied interventions on the gut microbiota modulation in humans for the prevention and management of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Socioeconomic burden of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review.

The relationship between Socio-Economic Status (SES) and the factors that may play a role in orthodontic treatment demand and uptake have not been explored. Such information is needed for better planning of orthodontic services and to ensure that health care is provided equally among all social classes. The objective of this systematic review was to find out whether socioeconomic status affects the treatment needs of orthodontic patients.

Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 and its modulation in disease: exploring new frontiers.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2), an important enzyme in the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System, degrades Angiotensin II (Ang II) into Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), whose actions are opposite to that of Ang II. Interestingly, SARS CoV-2 virus entry into human cells is mediated by ACE2. ACE2 receptors that are widely expressed in lungs and various other organs. Ang-(1-7) seems to have favorable effects on lungs, by preventing fibrosis in lung inflammation models, and exerts a similar action in cardiac and renal pathologies as well. Thus, modulation of Ang-(1-7) can be of potential benefit in chronic as well as acute inflammatory diseases affecting lungs and other organs. Upregulation of ACE2 by statins in different organs, and its consequent beneficial effects, have been demonstrated in many experimental studies, and also in a few clinical ones. This review aims at probing the role of ACE2 and its therapeutic modulation in pulmonary and extra pulmonary diseases, including COVID-19.

Association Between 24-Hour Movement Behavior and Cognitive Function in Brazilian Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Findings From the ELSA-Brasil.

The relationship between 24-hr movement behavior and specific domains of cognitive function is unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the joint association of daily time spent in light (light-intensity physical activity [LPA]) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep with cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.

The role of selenium and nano selenium on physiological responses in plant: a review.

Selenium (Se), being an essential micronutrient, enhances plant growth and development in trace amounts. It also protects plants against different abiotic stresses by acting as an antioxidant or stimulator in a dose-dependent manner. Knowledge of Se uptake, translocation, and accumulation is crucial to achieving the inclusive benefits of Se in plants. Therefore, this review discusses the absorption, translocation, and signaling of Se in plants as well as proteomic and genomic investigations of Se shortage and toxicity. Furthermore, the physiological responses to Se in plants and its ability to mitigate abiotic stress have been included. In this golden age of nanotechnology, scientists are interested in nanostructured materials due to their advantages over bulk ones. Thus, the synthesis of nano-Se or Se nanoparticles (SeNP) and its impact on plants have been studied, highlighting the essential functions of Se NP in plant physiology. In this review, we survey the research literature from the perspective of the role of Se in plant metabolism. We also highlight the outstanding aspects of Se NP that enlighten the knowledge and importance of Se in the plant system.

Online learning resource recommendation method based on multi-similarity metric optimization under the COVID-19 epidemic.

With the continuous COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic, online learning has become a normal choice for many learners. However, the problems of information overload and knowledge maze have been aggravated in the process of online learning. A learning resource recommendation method based on multi similarity measure optimization is proposed in this paper. We optimize the user score similarity by introducing information entropy, and use particle swarm optimization algorithm to determine the comprehensive similarity weight, and determine the nearest neighbor user with both score similarity and interest similarity through secondary screening in this method. The ultimate goal is to improve the accuracy of recommendation results, and help learners learn more effectively. We conduct experiments on public data sets. The experimental results show that the algorithm in this paper can significantly improve the recommendation accuracy on the basis of maintaining a stable recommendation coverage.

Unusual Site of a Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (Nora's Lesion) Involving the Scapula: First Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP), also known as Nora's lesion, is a rare benign surface lesion of bone that typically occurs in the hands and feet. We report herein the first case of BPOP occurring in an unusual location, specifically the scapula of a 29-year-old male patient. The lesion exhibited features mimicking those of a peripheral chondrosarcoma because of its atypical location in the axial skeleton and the presence of calcification, which indicates the presence of cartilaginous matrix. Treatment involved a wide surgical resection, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of BPOP of the bone. At a five-year follow-up, there was no evidence of local recurrence.