Boeing and Airbus developed a special testing procedure to investigate the compressive response of laminates that have been impacted (following standards ASTM D 7137 and DIN 65561). This study focuses on both experimental and numerical analysis of Kevlar plates subjected to compression after impact. To ensure high quality and appropriate mechanical properties, the composite plates were manufactured using autoclaving. The DIN 65561 protocol was followed for all three test systems. Initially, ultrasonic C-scanning was performed on all plates before testing to confirm they were free of any significant defects arising from the manufacturing process. Subsequently, low-energy impact testing was conducted at levels ranging from 0 to 8 Joules. Three specimens were tested at each energy level. After the impact, all specimens underwent ultrasonic C-scanning again to assess the internal delamination damage caused by the impactor. Finally, both pristine and impacted specimens were subjected to compressive testing using the special jig specified in DIN 65561. The compressive impact strength results obtained from these tests were plotted against the delamination area measured by C-scanning. This data was then compared to results obtained from specimens with artificial damage. Semi-empirical equations were used to fit both sets of curves. The same procedure (impact testing, C-scanning, and data analysis) was repeated to investigate the relationship between impact energy and total delamination area. Lastly, finite element modeling was employed to predict the buckling stresses that develop under compression in the impacted systems studied. These modelling approaches have demonstrated good accuracy in reproducing experimental results for CAI tests.

Introduction: CT scan of the skull in patients with head trauma play an important role in identifying patients' injuries; In moderate to severe brain injury; CT scans are arguably the best way to get information about the intracranial complications of a head injury. Researchers have cited a number of reasons for why doctors are increasingly asking for CT scans of patients. In this study; pathological findings in CT scan of patients with mild cranial trauma and level of consciousness 13-15 are examined. Method: In this study, the treatment process of 445 patients who had referred to the emergency department due to skull trauma was examined as research units; and samples were taken by simple random sampling among patients for whom CT scan of the brain was requested. In this study; the reasons for requesting a CT scan of the skull from the requesting physician were questioned through an interview at the time of request. Results: According to the tables; it can be seen that most of the patients referred to the hospital due to skull trauma for CT scan were men and were discharged in less than the first 24 hours. The age group of 21 to 30 years had the highest and the age group over 70 years had the lowest frequency and the highest percentage of request for CT scan was by doctor and the biggest injury that caused patients with mild cranial trauma to go to hospital was fall. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, cranial trauma is one of the life-threatening factors that can cause minor or severe injuries Its range varies from superficial injuries to hematoma and intracranial hemorrhage, which is a reason to perform CT scans of patients with skull trauma. In order to carefully examine the extent of the damage to the patient and to avoid possible risks and to take the necessary measures for treatment. On the other hand, the lack of clear protocols as well as the lack of clarity and certainty of physicians in their diagnoses to perform graphs of qualified people has increased the number of unnecessary CT scans

Introduction:ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) help in detecting early ischemic changes in stroke patients. This scoring system helps in predicting the stroke outcome, treatment options like thrombolysis and prognosis. It is a 10-point scaling system based on anatomical regions supplied by the middle cerebral artery and each point is subtracted for areas with ischemic changes. Aims and objectives:To study the effectiveness of the ASPECTS scoring in the assessment of the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation stroke. Materials and methods:A retrospective study was performed on stroke patients referred to our institute for an NCCT scan. 40 stroke patients with a mean age of 59+/-3 years were selected and patients with intracranial hemorrhage or hemorrhagic transformation of infarct were excluded. Scans were performed on a 128-slice multidetector CT PHILIPS Perspective scanner. The ASPECTS score was determined using standardised axial CT cuts. Result: In this case series study of 40 patients, a total of 28 patients (70%) had a score of 7 or more and these patients had better prognoses with proper treatment and follow-up.The remaining 12 patients (30%) had a score of less than 7 and even with treatment and sequential follow-up, they had no neurological recovery. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the ASPECTS can be used as a tool for predicting treatment outcomes in stroke patients. A score of 7 or more is associated with a good prognosis.

Pneumatosis intestinalis is the presence of air within the two layers of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the small and large intestines. This accumulation of gas can cause thicker walls of the intestines in X-ray or CT scans. Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Thrombosis occurs due to the formation of blood clots within the SMA. As it supplies from the ampulla in the second part of the duodenum to the splenic flexure of the large intestine its thrombosis can cause ischemia in any part depending upon its branch. A 67-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with the complaint of generalized abdominal pain for 5 days along with fever, nausea, vomiting, obstipation, and postprandial fullness. On further investigation with the help of an MDCT scan and X-ray, proximal jejunal loops showed circumferential air within the walls giving the diagnosis of Pneumatosis Intestinalis along with Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis causing jejunal infarct.

To verify the reliability of the proposed stitching linear scan method for roundness measurement of small cylindrical workpieces, measurement uncertainties of the workpieces with various dimension are conducted. The cross-sectional circle of a cylindrical workpiece is divided into several equal arcs to be measured. Thus, the arc profile can be characterized according to the measured arcs. The roundness profile of the cylindrical part can be obtained by stitching these arc profiles together. Firstly, the measurement uncertainty of the workpiece with a diameter 1.5 mm and length 5.8 mm is evaluated to be 0.095 μm which can meet the uncertainty target of 0.1 μm. Considering the uncertainty of θx and θz which are the alignment around X-axis and Z-axis respectively changing with workpiece dimension changing, relevant uncertainties are carried out. As a result, there is no limitation with respect to workpiece diameter theoretically If the alignment can reach θz = θx = ±0.1° without considering the measurable range of the machine.

Adequate serum vitamin D and iron levels are thought to positively influence physical training adaptations and mood. The purpose of this prospective, observational, study was to investigate relationships between serum 25-OH vitamin D and serum ferritin levels with body composition and athlete burnout symptoms. Seventy-three collegiate athletes (49 female) from 7 indoor and outdoor sports were tested pre-season and post-season for: nutrient biomarkers (serum 25-OH vitamin D and serum ferritin) via venipuncture; body composition (total lean mass, bone mineral densi-ty/BMD, and % body fat) via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans; and athlete burnout symptoms (post-season) via the athlete burnout questionnaire (ABQ). When male and female co-horts were combined, significant relationships were noted between pre-season serum 25-OH vit-amin D versus the change (∆: post-season minus pre-season) in both BMD (r=-0.34;p=0.0003) and % body fat (r=-0.28;p=0.015). Serum ferritin ∆ was significantly associated with lean mass ∆ (r=-0.34;p=0.003). For burnout symptoms, serum 25-OH vitamin D ∆ significantly explained 20.6% of the variance for devaluation of sport in the male cohort only. Across time, serum 25-OH vitamin D levels increased while serum ferritin levels decreased, non-significantly, in both males and fe-males. Relationships between nutrient biomarkers and body composition were opposite of physio-logical expectations.

Background The acknowledgment of computed tomography (CT) defined diagnosis in high prevalence northern Italy may identify more patients with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID 19) infection, than RT-PCR alone. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 148 chest CT scans of oncological patients who were referred to the Radiological Unit of Policlinico S. Marco from 1st of February 2020 to 30th of April 2020, during the Covid-19 outbreak in Bergamo area. Therefore, we analyzed RT-PCR tests of these 148 patients. Results Among 32 patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 infection: 17 patients were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms (53.1%), while 15 developed severe disease (46.8%). The incidence of COVID-19 infection is 22.9%, the mortality rate is 18.8%. Severe COVID-19 disease is associated with higher median age. We did not find any correlation between disease severity and sex, smoke or cardiovascular comorbidities. Remarkably, patients who were on treatment developed milder disease than cancer patients who were not on treatment. Conclusions The acceptance of CT-defined diagnosis in high prevalence area like Bergamo highlighted a larger number of COVID-19 oncological population than RT-PCR alone, in particular asymptomatic and mild symptomatic patients. We observed that actively treated patients had milder disease, according to previous studies that suggested a protective role of immunosuppression.

In this paper, we present a new concept of the generalized core orthogonality (called the C-S orthogonality) for two generalized core invertible matrices $A$ and $B$. $A$ is said to be C-S orthogonal to $B$ if $A^{\tiny\textcircled{S}}B=0$ and $BA^{\tiny\textcircled{S}}=0$, where $A^{\tiny\textcircled{S}}$ is the generalized core inverse of $A$. The characterizations of C-S orthogonal matries and the C-S additivity are also provided. And the connection between the C-S orthogonality and C-S partial order has been given using their canonical form. Moreover, the concept of the strongly C-S orthogonality is defined and characterized.

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms have revolutionized the medical image segmentation processes. Thus, the precise segmentation of organs and their lesions may contribute to an efficient diagnostics process and a more effective selection of targeted therapies as well as increasing the effectiveness of the training process. Thus, AI may contribute to the automatization of the image scan segmentation process and increase the quality of the resulting 3D objects, which may lead to the generation of more realistic virtual objects. In this paper, we focus on the AI-based solutions applied in the medical image scan segmentation, and intelligent visual-content generation, i.e. computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) images in the context of Extended Reality (XR). We consider different types of neural networks used with a special emphasis on the learning rules applied, taking into account algorithm accuracy and performance, as well as open data availability. This paper also attempts to summarize the current development of AI-based segmentation methods in medical imaging and intelligent visual content generation that are applied in XR. Finally, this paper concludes with possible developments and open challenges in AI application in Extended Reality-based solutions. Finally, the future lines of research and development directions of Artificial Intelligence applications both in medical image segmentation and Extended reality-based medical solutions are discussed.

Backround: FNH is a common benign liver lesion, mostly solitary, and with no evidence of malignant transformation over time. The diagnosis can usually be made by imaging modalities with distinct features in MRI- and CT-scans. Case series: We present a case series of three patients with solitary liver tumors which were highly suspicious to be large FNH, based on radiological features. The patients were sent to our center for second opinion and probable treatment. Indication for resection was given because of nonconclusive radiologic imaging in the first, substantial growth progression in the second and elevated AFP in the third case. Histology revealed well to poor differentiated HCCs. Discussion: FNH tends to show a distinct pattern in imaging modalities, but HCC can mimic FNH. The MRI-scan using hepatotropic contrast agent is the most sensitive imaging modality to diagnose FNH. AFP is usually not elevated in FNH. Asymptomatic FNH does not require surgery but a reliable diagnosis is crucial. In case of an uncertain diagnosis surgery should be offered to patients. Conclusion: In cases with a progression in size, an elevated level of AFP should be suspicious. A second opinion at a center for hepato-biliary surgery with HCC/FNH-experienced radiologists and surgeons is reasonable. Generally, an over-therapy via surgery should be avoided and follow-ups of a newly diagnosed FNH including measurement of AFP are advisable to detect alterations.

Presenting a case report about an occurrence of duodeno-duodenal intussusception in a 17-year-old female patient. Intussusception is typically observed in children. The patient has a history of recurrent pain and vomiting for four days. During the examination tenderness in the epigastric area worsened when the legs were elevated. An initial X-ray of the abdomen was done and the findings were normal. Subsequent ultrasound and abdominal CECT scans of the abdomen revealed intussusception involving the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th part of the duodenum ampulla of Vater and pancreas without any identifiable cause for this condition. There was no abnormal thickening of the wall. This case shows how using radiological imaging and surgical management helps to prevent severe complications in cases like duodeno-duodenal intussusception in adults.

In this presented case, a 77 years old woman suffering from ongoing knee pain underwent a bone scan using 99mTc-hydroxydiphosphonate (HDP) in suspicious for bone infection. An incidental finding from this scan revealed diffuse cardiac uptake, necessitating further diagnostic procedures to exclude the possibility of cardiac amyloidosis. In the subsequent 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scan and SPECT images, no perceptible cardiac uptake was observed at all. Upon retrospective review of the patient’s medical records, she had received 1000mg of ferric carboxymaltose for iron-deficient anemia, the day before the 99mTc-HDP bone scan. Therefore, it is assumed that the diffuse and temporary cardiac activity was due to the transient iron overload. We present and share this bone scan images in order to avoid possible future misinterpretation of cardiac amyloidosis.

As a rapidly expanding family of two-dimensional (2D) materials, MXenes have recently gained considerable attention due to their appealing properties. Here, by developing a solution-based coating method that enables transfer-free and layer-by-layer film coating, we investigate the layer-dependent nonlinear optical absorption of Ti₃C₂T_x films ‒ an important member of the MXene family. By using the Z-scan technique, we characterize the nonlinear absorption of the prepared MXene films consisting of different numbers of monolayers. The results show that there is a strong and layer-dependent nonlinear absorption behavior, transitioning from revisable saturable absorption (RSA) to saturable absorption (SA) as the layer number increases from 5 to 30. Notably, the nonlinear absorption coefficient β varies significantly within this range, changing from ~7.13 × 10² cm/GW to ~-2.69 × 10² cm/GW. We also characterize the power-dependent nonlinear absorption of the MXene films at various incident laser intensities, and a decreasing trend in β is observed for increasing laser intensity. These results reveal the intriguing layer-dependent nonlinear optical properties of 2D MXene films, highlighting their versatility and potential for implementing high-performance nonlinear photonic devices.

Some COVID-19 patients develop interstitial pneumonia that can evolve into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). This is accompanied by an inflammatory cytokine storm. SarS-CoV has proteins capable of promoting cytokine storm, especially in patients with comorbidities, including obesity. Since there is currently no resolutive therapy for ARDS and given the scientific literature regarding the use of adenosine, its application has been hypothesized. Adenosine through its receptors is able to inhibit the acute inflammatory process, increase the protection capacity of the epithelial barrier and reduce the damage due to an overactivation of the immune system, such as in cytokine storms. These features are known in ischemia / reperfusion models and could also be exploited in acute lung injury, with hypoxia. In light of these hypotheses, for compassionate use, a COVID-19 patient, with unresponsive respiratory failure, was treated with adenosine. The results showed a rapid and clear improvement in clinical conditions, with the negative effect of detection of SarS-CoV2.

Cell division control 37 (CDC37) increases the stability of HSP90 client proteins and is thus essential for numerous intracellular oncogenic signaling pathways, playing a key role in prostate oncogenesis. Notably, elevated expression of CDC37 was found in prostate cancer cells, although the regulatory mechanisms through which CDC37 expression becomes increased are unknown. Here we show both positive and negative regulation of CDC37 gene transcription by two members of the SCAN transcription factor family- MZF1 and SCAND1, respectively. Consensus DNA-binding motifs for myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1 / ZSCAN6) were abundant in the CDC37 promoter region. MZF1 became bound to these regulatory sites and trans-activated the CDC37 gene whereas MZF1 depletion decreased CDC37 transcription and reduced tumorigenesis of prostate cancer cells. On the other hand, SCAND1, a zinc-fingerless SCAN box protein that potentially inhibits MZF1, accumulated at MZF1-binding sites in CDC37 gene, negatively regulated CDC37 gene and inhibited tumorigenesis. SCAND1 was abundantly expressed in normal prostate cells but was reduced in prostate cancer cells, suggesting a potential tumor suppressor role of SCAND1 in prostate cancer. These findings indicate that CDC37, a crucial protein in prostate cancer progression, is regulated reciprocally by MZF1 and SCAND1.

The regulation of multiple bacterial phenotypes was found to depend on different cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs) that constitute intracellular signalling second messenger systems. Most notably, c-di-GMP, along with proteins related to its synthesis, sensing and degradation, was identified as playing a central role in the switching from biofilm to planktonic modes of growth. Recently, this world has been under expansion, with the discoveries of other signalling CNDs in bacteria (c-di-AMP and cGAMP) and also in eukaryotes, novel protein and RNA receptors of CDNs, and the numerous functions related to these molecules. In this work, we comprehensively review and analyse the structural biology data about the systems that bacteria use to synthesise and recognise CDNs, detailing their interactions at molecular level with their products/ligands. Additional interesting observations were made, including that different receptor types can bind CDNs in similar conformations and that, based on genomic data, different CDN second messenger systems may coexist in many organisms. The large amount of sequence and structural data available allows a broad view of the importance of CDNs in bacteria, but how cells coordinate these molecules to ensure adaptation to changing environmental conditions is still open for much further exploration.

COVID-19 is a severe global problem, and AI can play a significant role in preventing losses by monitoring and detecting infected persons in early-stage. This paper aims to propose a high-speed and accurate fully-automated method to detect COVID-19 from the patient's CT scan images. We introduce a new dataset that contains 48260 CT scan images from 282 normal persons and 15589 images from 95 patients with COVID-19 infections. At the first stage, this system runs our proposed image processing algorithm to discard those CT images that inside the lung is not properly visible in them. This action helps to reduce the processing time and false detections. At the next stage, we introduce a novel method for increasing the classification accuracy of convolutional networks. We implemented our method using the ResNet50V2 network and a modified feature pyramid network alongside our designed architecture for classifying the selected CT images into COVID-19 or normal with higher accuracy than other models. After running these two phases, the system determines the condition of the patient using a selected threshold. We are the first to evaluate our system in two different ways. In the single image classification stage, our model achieved 98.49% accuracy on more than 7996 test images. At the patient identification phase, the system correctly identified almost 234 of 245 patients with high speed. We also investigate the classified images with the Grad-CAM algorithm to indicate the area of infections in images and evaluate our model classification correctness.

Higher body weight is known to negatively impact plasma vitamin C status. However, despite this well-documented inverse association, recommendations on daily vitamin C intakes by health authorities worldwide do not include particular reference values for people of higher body weight. This suggests that people of higher body weight and people with obesity may be insufficient in vitamin C in spite of ingesting the amounts recommended by their health authorities. The current preliminary investigation sought to estimate how much additional vitamin C people with higher body weights need to consume in order to attain a comparable vitamin C status to that of a lower weight person consuming an average Western vitamin C intake. Data from two published vitamin C dose-concentration studies were used to generate the relationship: a detailed pharmacokinetic study with seven healthy non-smoking men and a multiple depletion-repletion study with 68 healthy non-smoking men of varying body weights. Our estimates suggest that an additional intake of 10 mg vitamin C/day is required for every 10 kg increase in body weight to attain a comparable plasma concentration to a 60 kg individual with a vitamin C intake of ~110 mg/day, which is the daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Thus, individuals weighing e.g. 80 and 90 kg will need to consume ~130 and 140 mg vitamin C/day, respectively. People with obesity will likely need even higher vitamin C intakes. As poor vitamin C status is associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, these findings may have important public health implications. As such, dose-finding studies are required to determine optimal vitamin C intakes for overweight and obese people.

A thorough understanding of the type and severity of cataracts is crucial for accurately estimating the optimal phacoemulsification energy. In preceding research efforts, an innovative clinical prototype known as the Eye Scan Ultrasound System (ESUS) was developed to facilitate the automated characterization of cataracts. To evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype as a medical tool, extensive data must be collected from several patients with and without cataracts. However, obtaining an adequate number of patients and data for training and testing machine learning models is challenging. To overcome this limitation, the authors implemented a simulated prototype model of the ESUS system, to augment the data. The proposed model encompasses the electric-to-acoustic signal conversion in the ultrasonic transducer, the wave propagation through the eye, and the subsequent acoustic-to-electric signal conversion. Electrical modelling of the transducer was done using a two-port network and the wave propagation was modelled by using the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. This holistic modelling approach enabled the generation of synthetic data augmentation, presenting great similarity with real data. The synthetic data can then be employed together with real data for the purpose of cataract classification.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented effect on national radiological investigations. Since the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID-19 as a global pandemic, health policies have been rapidly organized to limit the spread of the virus and decrease the risk of exposure. These restrictions, in combination with home-stay arrangements and the onset of economic recession. As a result of public policies, financial difficulties and patient fear, many radiology departments have suffered a significant reduction in diagnostic examinations with important implications for their economic stability. The aim of this work is to evaluate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Radiology Department of an infectious disease hospital.

.Background: Facial features are the first basic spring of medical knowledge in children and adults with congenital malformation. Children born with multiple contractures almost always receive the misdiagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex. Larsen syndrome can easily be diagnosed at birth via the proper interpretations of its characteristic facial features and multiple dislocations. Instant diagnosis can facilitate the orthopaedic strategy for early treatment and follow-ups. Material and Methods: Six children (four boys and two girls, age range from a few months to 7 year-old) have been referred to our departments for diagnosis and treatment. All children received their first misdiagnosis by the paediatricians as having arthrogryposis multiplex congenita . The clinical phenotype was our first decisive tool for diagnosis. All children exhibited the classical phenotype of Larsen syndrome, dish-like facies associated with multiple joint dislocations. Radiological phenotypic characteristics confirmed our clinical diagnosis. three children out of six showed unpleasant cervical spine deformities. The first child of a-2- year old became tetraplegic after minor trauma. One child presented with rigid cervical kyphosis . The third child wasa product of first related marriage and was born congenital tetraplegia . genotype has been carried out for confirmation . Results: Three children underwent open reduction for congenital hip and knee dislocations. one child underwent spinal fusion CO-C7 because of tetraplegia. 3D reformatted and reconstruction CT scan of the craniocervical junction in two children showed unusual male segmentations along C2-3 causing effectively the development of rigid cervical kyphosis and one child with congenital tetraplegia showed serious malsegmentation of C1/C2 associated with hypoplasia of the anterior and the posterior rings of the atlas. These findings in the last two children made any surgical intervention quite sophisticated. Four of these children were compatible with the autosomal dominant type of Larsen syndrome and manifested heterozygous mutation in FLNB mapped 3p14.3, encoding and actin-binding protein, filamin B. One child showed no mutations in the FLNB, though his clinical and radiological phenotype and his family history of first related marriage were totally compatible within the diagnosis of autosomal recessive type of Larsen syndrome. Conclusion: The orthopaedic strategy in patients with Larsen syndrome can not be achieved unless a precise diagnosis is has to be established as early as possible. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita has been the first false diagnosis which was the reason for improper management.The most diagnostic confusion /error occurs to the paediatricians is the multiple contractures which are akin to arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. In practice, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a symptom complex rather than a precise diagnostic entity. The second diagnostic misconception is the generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity which can mimic hypotonia. Hypotonia in a newborn can be falsely categorized within the floppy infant syndrome. We used 3D reformatted CT scan to further understand the craniocervical junction pathology in three children with cervical spine kyphosis. Strikingly, mal segmentation and defective ossifications of the atlanto-axial spine segments in a child with Larsen syndrome and congenital tetraplegia

Background: A careful work-up before Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) consists not only of measuring anatomical conditions but also assessment of frailty. Previous studies have evaluated body composition parameters, primarily fat and muscle mass. Few data are available on other frailty parameters, which, however, can be easily determined by pre-TAVR computed tomography (CT). Objectives: The primary objective was to investigate the impact of total muscle area (TMA) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as frailty parameters, on 5-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. Methods: Between 01/2017 and 12/2018, consecutive TAVR patients undergoing CT-angiography scan enabling TMA and VAT measurement were included. A single axial image was acquired at the level of the middle third lumbar vertebra to perform TMA and VAT measurements using dedicated slicing software (Sliceomatic, TomoVision). Results: A total of 500 patients qualified for TMA analysis. Age was not associated with a higher risk of 5-year mortality HR 1.02 (95% CI: 0.998 - 1.049; p=0.069). Body surface area normalized TMA (nTMA) was significantly associated with 5-year all-cause mortality (HR 0.927, 95% CI: 0.927-0.997; p= 0.033), while VAT had no effect (HR 1.002, 95% CI: 0.99-1.015; p= 0.7). The effect of nTMA on 5- year all-cause mortality was gender-dependent: the protective effect of higher nTMA was found in male patients (pinteraction: sex * nTMA = 0.007). The combination of normalized TMA and VAT was not associated with higher mortality rates. Conclusion: Normalized TMA derived from routine CT before TAVR complements frailty assessment in patients undergoing TAVR.

Side-scan sonar (SSS) detection is a key method in applications such as underwater environmental security and subsea resource development. The use of acoustic images for seabed target detection has gradually become a mainstream underwater detection method. However, many existing detection approaches primarily concentrate on tracking the evolution path of optical image object detection tasks, resulting in complex structures and limited versatility. To tackle this issue, we introduce a pioneering Dual-Domain Multi-Frequency Network (D2MFNet) meticulously crafted to harness the distinct characteristics of SSS image detection. In D2MFNet, aiming at the underwater detection requirements of small scenes, we introduce a novel method for optimize and improve the detection sensitivity of different frequency ranges and propose a Multi-Frequency Combined Attention Mechanism (MFCAM). This mechanism amplifies the relevance of dual-domain features across different channels and space. Moreover, recognizing that SSS images can provide richer insights after frequency domain conversion, we introduce a Dual-Domain Feature Pyramid Network (D2FPN). By incorporating frequency domain information representation, D2FPN significantly augments the depth and breadth of feature information in underwater small datasets. Our methods are seamlessly designed for integration into existing networks, offering plug-and-play functionality with substantial performance enhancements. We have conducted extensive experiments to validate the efficacy of our proposed techniques, and the results showcase their state-of-the-art performance. MFCAM improves the mAP by 16.9% in the KLSG dataset and 15.5% in the SCTD dataset. The mAP of D2FPN was improved by 8.4% in the KLSG dataset and by 9.8% in the SCTD dataset. We will make our code and models publicly available at https://dagshub.com/estrellaww00/D2MFNet.

This study aimed to investigate the atherogenicity (quality) of LDL particles in patients with acute and recovered from COVID-19 infection. The participants were adults, aged 18 years or older of both sexes. Those with positive RT-PCR results at baseline were included in the Acute COVID-19 group (n=33), and those with negative RT-PCR six months after acute infection, were included in the Recovered COVID-19 group (n=30). The LDL quality was evaluated using three validated methods: Z-scan, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Lipoprint. The Recovered COVID-19 group showed significantly higher numbers of large LDL particles (less atherogenic) than the Acute COVID-19 group (P<0.05). We also found that COVID-19 infection was associated with the oxidative modification of LDL particles. D-dimer and CRP levels were correlated with Z-scan results and antioxidant-amount estimate. Moreover, we noticed that the infection left a sequel in LDL quality, even after six months of recovery. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring lipids during and after recovery from COVID-19 infection, and their potential deleterious effect on the LDL profile might correlate with the progression of atherosclerosis and poor clinical outcomes.

Broadband reverse saturable absorption is systematically investigated via Z-scan, transient absorption spectrum (TAS). The excited state absorption and negative refraction of Orange IV are observed in the Z-scan experiment at 532 nm. Meanwhile, two-photon induced excited-state absorption and pure two-photon absorption are observed at 600 nm and 700 nm with the pulse width of 190 fs, respectively. An ultrafast broadband absorption in visible wavelength region is observed via TAS. The different nonlinear absorption mechanism at multiple wavelengths is discussed and interpreted from the results of TAS. In addition, the ultrafast dynamics of negative refraction in the excited state of Orange IV is investigated via degenerate phase object pump probe, from which the weak long-lived excited state is extracted. All studies indicate that Orange IV has the potential to be further optimized into a superior broadband reverse saturable absorption material and also has certain reference significance for the study of optical nonlinearity in organic molecules containing azobenzene groups.

A continuous spatio-temporal database of accurate soil moisture (SM) measurements is an important asset for agricultural activities, hydrologic studies, and environmental monitoring. The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), launched in May 2012, has been providing SM data globally with a revisit period of two days. It is imperative to assess the quality of this data before performing any application. Since resources of accurate SM measurements are very limited in Puerto Rico, this research will assess the quality of the AMSR2 data by comparing with ground-based measurements and perform a downscaling technique to provide a better description of how the sensor perceives the surface soil moisture as it passes over the island. The comparison consisted of the evaluation of the mean error, root mean squared error, and the correlation coefficient. Two downscaling techniques were used and their performances were studied. The results revealed that AMSR2 products tend to underestimate. This is due to the extreme heterogeneous distributions of elevations, vegetation densities, soil types, and weather events on the island. This research provides a comprehensive study on the accuracy and potential of the AMSR2 products over Puerto Rico. Further studies are recommended to improve the AMSR2 products.

Surface processes such as coatings, corrosion, photocatalysis, and tribology are greatly diversified by acid-base interaction at the surface overlayer. This study focuses on the action of metallic copper surface as an electron donor/acceptor related to inactivation of viruses; it was found that regarding Cu2O or Cu materials electrostatic interaction plays a major role in virus inactivation. We applied TPPE method to clarify the mechanism of electron transfer (ET) occurring at light irradiated copper surfaces. The TPPE characteristics was strongly influenced by the environments, which correspond to the temperature and environment dependence of the total count of emitted electrons in the incident light wavelength scan (PE total count, NT), the photothreshold, and further the activation energy (E) analyzed from Arrhenius plot of NT values obtained in the temperature-increase and subsequent temperature-decrease processes. In this study we reexamined the dependence of the TPPE data from two types of Cu metal surfaces: Sample A, which was mechanically abraded in alcohols, water, and air, and Sample C, which was only ultrasonically cleaned in these liquids. The NT for both Samples slowly increased with increasing temperature, reached a maximum (NTmax) at 250C (maximum temperature, Tmax), and after that decreased. For Sample A the NTmax value decreased in the order H2O > CH3OH > C2H5OH > (CH3)2CHOH > C3H7OH, although the last alcohol gave Tmax = 100C, while with Sample C the NTmax value decreased in the order: C3H7OH > (CH3)2CHOH > C2H5OH > CH3OH > H2O. Interestingly, both orders of the liquids were completely opposite: this means that Cu surface can possess two-way character. The NT intensity was found to be strongly associated with the change of the hydroxyl group (Cu-OH) to the oxide oxygen (O2) in the O1s spectra in the XPS measurement. The difference between the above orders was explained by the acid-base interaction mode of the Cu-OH group with the adsorbed molecule on the surfaces. The H2O adsorbed on Sample A produces the electric dipole Cu-OH+---:OH2 (--- hydrogen bond), while the C3H7OH and (CH3)2CHOH adsorbed on Sample C produce ROH+---:O(H)-Cu (R = alkyl groups). Gutmann’s acceptor number (AN) representing the basicity of the liquid molecules was found to be related to the TPPE characteristics: (CH3)2CHOH (33.5), C2H5OH (37.1), CH3OH (41.3), H2O (54.8) (the AN of C3H7OH could not be confirmed). With Sample A the values of NTmaxa and EaUp1 both increased with increasing AN (Up1 means the 1st temperature-increase process). On the other hand, with Sample C the values of NTmaxc and EcUp1 both decreased with increasing AN. These findings suggest that Sample A acts as an acid, while Sample C functions as a base. However, in the case of both types of Samples A and C the NTmax values were found to increase with increasing EUp1. It was explained that the EUp1 values depending on the liquids originate from the difference in the energy level of the hydroxyl group radical at the surface denoted. This is able to attract electrons in the neighborhood of the Fermi level of the base metal by tunnelling. After that due to Auger emission electrons are released, leading to the ET in the overlayer. These electrons are considered to have a strong ability of reducibility.

Abstract: Background: The optimal strategy for the microelimination of HCV within community settings remains ambiguous. We evaluated the percentage of participants who achieved linkage to care (LTC) following the conclusion of the screening campaign, and examined the diverse factors influencing LTC among these individuals. The effectiveness of recall intervention for the non-LTC population and its barriers were analyzed. Methods: We initiated an HCV patients recall program to identify the HCV participants who might not be treated after the HCV screening campaign. A program staff recalled HCV participants who lost to follow-up through the telephone from March 2019 to June 2019. They were informed of HCV treatment's importance, efficacy, availability, and safety. Result: Among 185 HCV-infected participants, 109 (58.9%) HCV-infected participants had obtained LTC. Compared with those who had LTC, those without LTC were older, lower education levels, were less aware of their HCV infection, less frequently lived in urban areas, and had less health insurance. At the end of the recall program, 125 (67.6 %) persons had liked to care. The proportion of LTC increased by 8.7 %. 119 persons had an HCV RNA test, and 82 (68.9%) had viremia. Of 82 patients with viremia, 78 (95.1%) received antiviral therapy. 76 (97.4 %) of them achieved a sustained virological response. Conclusion: After a community screening campaign, 59 % of participants with anti-HCV positive had LTC. The recall program can increase by 9 %. However, there were still 32% of HCV participants who couldn't be linked to care. Outreach care for non-LTC patients is a way worth trying to achieve micro-elimination of HCV in the rural community.

IHepatitis C virus (HCV) has a high genetic diversity, with seven genotypes with 86 subtypes. This genetic variability confers persistence in the infection and escape of the immune system with evolution to cirrhosis and cancer. Environmental factors can contribute to different disease progression, being essential to assess the viral genotype in the infection and discuss the environmental particularities of Eastern Amazon, and the frequencies of Liver fibrosis between different HCV genotypes in patients living in a region of the Brazilian Eastern Brazilian Amazon. Consists in an observational cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data of 76 individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C between 2019 and 2020 in public health services were selected. Data collected was tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2010TM spreadsheets and analysed in GraphPad Prism 5.0TM. Liver fibrosis was associated with genetic subtypes. Subtype 1b was predominant (42.1%), followed by 1a (13%) and 3a (1.3%). 69.7% of participants had chronic hepatitis, with mild fibrosis (F1/F2) being the most prevalent (38.1%). Severe fibrosis was detected in 75% of individuals infected with the subtype 1b, that is associated with more severe disease. We suggest further studies, to assess other communities in the region, as well as the monitoring of these patients with Liver Elastography to determine the disease evolution and its better management.

This work demonstrates that a plasmid can function as an efficient biocatalyst in mediating the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction at high temperatures in ultrapure water. Compared with ssDNA, the plasmid displayed a remarkable catalytic efficiency (97% yield within 20 min). Aromatic aldehydes which bear strong or moderate electron-withdrawing groups reacted satisfactorily with nitromethane, which afforded the corresponding β-nitroalcohols in good yields within 2 h (up to 98%). By contrast, aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with electron-donating groups did not react. Moreover, the yield significantly dropped when the size of the carbanion increased, and the yield was only 10% when nitropropane was used as the donor.

As high strength and ultra-high strength steels are widely used in all kinds of modern welded constructions, a lot of research is carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of weldments of these steels but there is a scarce information on such important characteristic as their corrosion behaviour. This research focuses on the corrosion behaviour of weld metal of weldments of S906QL and S700MC steels. Weld metal was tested electrochemically in a 3,5% NaCl aqueous solution via potentiodynamic scan to determine corrosion rate and its dependence on welding gap. No influence of welding gap on corrosion rate was found but the experimental results suggested that corrosion rate depended on the chemical composition of filler material and the microstructure of weld metal.

Despite the available literature on traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarkers elsewhere, data are limited or non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of the study was to analyse associations in acute TBI between admission serum biomarker concentrations and TBI severity, CT-scan findings and outcome as well as explore the influence of concurrent Toxoplasma gondii infection. Concentrations of serum biomarkers (GFAP, NFL Tau, UCH-L1, and S100B) were measured and Toxoplasma gondii detected in samples obtained <24 hours post-injury. The GOSE was used to evaluate 6 months outcome. All biomarkers levels increased with severity of TBI, but this increase was significant only for NFL (P=0.01). GFAP values significantly increased (P=0.026) in those with unfavorable outcome. Tau levels were higher in those who died (P=0.017). GFAP and NFL were sensitive to CT-scan pathology (p values respectively 0.004 and 0.002). S100B levels were higher (P<0.001) in TBI patients seropositive to Toxoplasma gondii. NFL was found to be sensitive to TBI severity while NFL and GFAP were predictive of CT intracranial abnormalities. Increased levels of GFAP and Tau were associated with poorer outcomes 6 months after TBI. S100B levels were significantly higher in T. gondii seropositive TBI patients.

Deterioration of concrete subjected to freezing and thawing climatic conditions is one of most important factors affecting the durability of concrete infrastructure in cold climates. The freeze-thaw resistance of cementitious materials like concrete and mortar can be determined by the CDF test (Capillary Suction of De-icing chemicals and Freeze-Thaw Test). Here, concrete specimens are subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles with simultaneous addition of de-icing salt and the amount of material weathered near the surface is determined. For concretes with adequate freeze-thaw resistance, this test method works very well. However, specimens with inadequate or unknown performance often experience increased edge weathering, which is caused by the detachment of the lateral isolation tape. The increasing edge influence thus leads to a falsification of the results and consequently to an underestimation of the actual freeze-thaw resistance of the material. In materials research in particular, however, concretes with high levels of weathering are studied in order to be able to investigate various factors of influence on the freeze-thaw resistance of concretes in a targeted manner. This paper presents a novel methodology that delivers new information regarding the weathering of CDF test samples and the associated distribution function of the height decrease using high resolution 3D scan data. The results indicate a correlation between the progression of the distribution function and the sample's maximum aggregate size. The change of the sample volume can be used to support the weathering results of the standard CDF methodology. The increase of the surface area is used to estimate the tortuosity of the sample surface. It indicates an asymptotic curve approaching a specific maximum value, which is dependent on the the weathering depth of the sample.

The current paper aims to study the impact properties of additively manufactured Maraging steel (1.2709) using laser powder bed fusion (PBF-L) processing. The specimens were manufactured using 3Dsystems ProX 300 equipment under constant specific power input, or Andrew Number. The interactions between the build strategy and parameters, such as Hatch spacing and Scan speed was, and the impact strength and fracture were investigated. The Impact energy anisotropy was also investigated parallel and perpendicular to the build direction. Instrumented impact testing was performed, and the fractography supported that the fusion zone geometry dictated the fracture behaviour. The influence from gaseous elements such as Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen was found insignificant at the levels found in the printed material.

Due to the widespread application of (hetero)arylazoles, the development of straightforward functional group-tolerant synthetic methods that enable selective heteroaromatic elaboration under mild conditions aroused considerable attention. Over the last years we were interested in studies aimed to broaden the substrate scope of the direct functionalization of azoles and, in particular, to develop efficient synthetic protocols for the carbon-carbon bond forming reaction by selective palladium-catalyzed Csp2-H bond activation of imidazole derivatives. During these studies, we discovered that the outcome of the Pd-catalyzed arylation of imidazoles with aryl bromides is deeply influenced by the nature of the reaction solvent. Specifically, it is well known that the Pd-catalyzed direct arylation of imidazoles with aromatic halides selectively leads to C-5 monoarylation products when polar aprotic solvents such as DMF (or DMA) are used as a reaction medium, but these solvents are coded as dangerous according to EHS (Environmental, Health, Safety) parameters. Instead, the use of aromatic solvents as the reaction medium for direct arylations, although some of them show good EHS values, is poorly reported, probably due to their low solvent power against reagents and their potential involvement in undesired side reactions. So, with the intention of filling this gap, in this paper, we have developed a selective C-5 arylation procedure in anisole as the solvent, discovering also the unprecedented role of benzoic acid as a promoter of the coupling.

The α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (Se enzyme) encoded by FUT2 is involved in the secretor status of ABH(O) blood group antigens. The sedel2 allele is one of the non-functional FUT2 (se) alleles in which 9.3 kb containing the entire coding region of FUT2 is deleted by Alu-mediated nonhomologous recombination. In addition to this allele, three SNPs of FUT2, c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T, appear to be prevalent in certain Oceanian populations such as Polynesians. Recently, we developed an endpoint genotyping assay to determine the sedel2 zygosity, using a FAM-labeled probe for detection of the sedel2 allele and a VIC-labeled probe for detection of FUT2. In this study, instead of the VIC probe, a HEX-labeled probe covering both c.375A>G and c.385A>T and a Cy5-labeled probe covering c.571C>T were added to the sedel2 allele assay mixture to allow simultaneous detection of these four variations by endpoint genotyping for the sedel2 zygosity and fluorescence melting curve analysis for c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T genotyping. The results obtained from 24 Samoan subjects with this method were identical to those obtained with previous methods. Therefore, it appears that present method can accurately determine these four variations simultaneously.

Vitamin C status is known to be associated with several demographic and lifestyle factors. These include gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy/lactation, body weight, smoking status and dietary habits. In the present study, our aim was to interrogate the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 datasets to assess the impact of these factors on vitamin C dose-concentration relationships to establish if there are higher requirements for vitamin C in certain subpopulations and the possible extent of these additional requirements. The relevant data were extracted from the NHANES 2017-2018 datasets, the final cohort of which comprised 2828 non-supplementing adult males and females (aged 18 – 80+ years) with both vitamin C serum concentrations and dietary intake data available. The data was subsequently stratified by gender, age tertiles (≤36, 37-58, ≥59 years), ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and total Hispanic), socioeconomic tertiles (poverty income ratios: &gt;3.0, 1.36 – 3.0, ≤1.35), weight tertiles (≤72, 72-91, ≥91 kg), BMI tertiles (≤26, 26-32, ≥32 kg/m2) and smoking status. Sigmoidal (four parameter logistic) curves with asymmetrical 95% confidence intervals were fitted to the dose-concentration data. We found that males required vitamin C intakes ~1.2-fold higher than females to reach ‘adequate’ serum concentrations of 50 µmol/L. Males had both higher body weight and a higher prevalence of smoking than females. Smokers required vitamin C intakes ~2.0-fold higher than non-smokers to reach adequate vitamin C concentrations. Relative to adults in the lighter weight tertile, adults in the heaver weight tertile required ~2.0-fold higher dietary intakes of vitamin C to reach adequate serum concentrations. We did not observe any impact of ethnicity or socioeconomic status on the vitamin C dose-concentration relationship, and although no significant difference between younger and older adults was observed at vitamin C intakes &gt; 75 mg/day, at intakes &lt; 75 mg/day, older adults had an attenuated serum response to vitamin C intake. In conclusion, certain demographic and lifestyle factors, specifically gender, smoking and body weight, have a significant impact on vitamin C requirements. Overall, the data indicate that the general population must consume ~110 mg/day of vitamin C to attain adequate serum concentrations, smokers require ~165 mg/day relative to non-smokers, and heavier people (100+ kg) require ~155 mg/day to reach the same vitamin C concentrations. These findings have important implications for global vitamin C dietary recommendations.

Pneumonia is a severe lower respiratory tract infection that is a common complication and a major cause of mortality of the vitamin C-deficiency disease scurvy. This suggests an important link between vitamin C status and lower respiratory tract infections. Due to the paucity of information on the vitamin C status of patients with pneumonia, we assessed the vitamin C status of 50 patients with community-acquired pneumonia and compared these with 50 healthy community controls. The pneumonia cohort comprised 44 patients recruited through the Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) and 6 patients recruited through the intensive care unit (ICU); mean age 68 ± 17 years, 54% male. Clinical, microbiological and haematological parameters were recorded. Blood samples were tested for vitamin C status using HPLC with electrochemical detection and protein carbonyl concentrations, a marker of oxidative stress, using ELISA. Patients with pneumonia had depleted vitamin C status compared with healthy controls (23 ± 14 µmol/L vs 56 ± 24 µmol/L, P <0.001). The more severe patients in the ICU had significantly lower vitamin C status than those recruited through AMAU (11 ± 3 µmol/L vs 24 ± 14 µmol/L, P = 0.02). The total pneumonia cohort comprised 62% with hypovitaminosis C and 22% with deficiency, compared with only 8% hypovitaminosis C and no cases of deficiency in the healthy controls. The pneumonia cohort also exhibited significantly elevated protein carbonyl concentrations compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.001), indicating enhanced oxidative stress in the patients. We were able to collect subsequent samples form 28% of the cohort (mean 2.7 ± 1.7 days; range 1-7 days). These showed no significant differences in vitamin C status or protein carbonyl concentrations compared with baseline values (P = 0.6). Overall, the depleted vitamin C status and elevated oxidative stress observed in the patients with pneumonia indicates an enhanced requirement for the vitamin during their illness. Due to the important roles that vitamin C plays in the immune system, low vitamin C status is possibly both a cause and a consequence of the disease. Therefore, these patients would likely benefit from additional vitamin C supplementation to restore their blood and tissue levels to optimal. This may decrease oxidative stress and aid in their recovery.

Candida (C.) infections represent a serious health risk for people affected by inflammatory bowel disease. An important fungal virulence factor is the capacity to form biofilms on the colonized surface of the host. This research study aimed to determine the effect of C. tropicalis and C. albicans co-infection on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Colitis severity was evaluated using histology and colonoscopy. Mice were mono-inoculated with C. albicans, C. tropicalis or co-challenged with both species. Mice were administered 3% DSS to induce acute colitis. Biofilm activity was assessed using (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl] 2H-tetrazoliumhydroxide (XTT) assay. Abundance of C. albicans in the colon tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Co-challenged mice showed decreased colitis severity compared to mono-inoculated mice. The XTT assay demonstrated a marked decrease of C. albicans biofilm production in a C. albicans culture incubated with C. tropicalis supernatant. Immunohistochemical staining showed that C. albicans was more abundant in the mucosa of C. albicans mono-inoculated mice compared to the co-inoculated group. These data indicate an antagonistic microbial interaction between the two Candida species, where C. tropicalis may produce molecules capable of limiting the ability of C. albicans to adhere to the host intestinal surface leading to a reduction in biofilm formation.

Background and objectives: Since 2013, highly effective direct-acting (DAA) chronic hepatitis C (CHC) antiviral therapy became available, which has cure rates of over 95%. For choice of optimal CHC treatment, assessment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and liver fibrosis stage are necessary. Information about distribution of these parameters among CHC patients in Baltic states and especially in Ukraine is scarce. This study was performed to obtain epidemiological data regarding CHC GT and fibrosis stage distribution for better planning of resources and prioritization of patients for DAA drug treatment according to disease severity in high-income (Baltic states) and lower-middle income (Ukraine) countries. Materials and Methods: This was an epidemiological, retrospective, cross-sectional study that included 1451 CHC patients. Demographic and disease information from medical charts was collected for each patient during a single visit. Results: Most frequent suspected mode of viral transmission was blood transfusions (17.8%), followed by injection drug use (15.7%); however, in 50.9% of patients exact mode of transmission was not clarified. In Ukraine (18.4%) and Estonia (26%) transmission by the injection drug use was higher than in Lithuania (5%) and Latvia (5.3%). Distribution of HCV GT among patients with CHC was as follows: GT1 - 66.4%; GT3 - 28.1; and GT2 - 4.1%. The prevalence of GT1 was the highest in Latvia (84%), and the lowest in Ukraine (63%, p<0.001). Liver fibrosis stages were distributed as follows: F0 - 12.2%, F1 - 26.3%, F2 - 23.5%, F3 – 17.1% and F4 - 20.9%. Cirrhosis (F4) was more prevalent in Lithuanian patients (30.1%) than in Estonians (8.1%, p <0.001). Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of epidemiological characteristics of HCV infection in the Baltic states and Ukraine. The data regarding the patterns of HCV GT and fibrosis stage distribution will be helpful for the development of national strategies to control HCV infection in the era of DAA therapy.

Background: Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean dang-gui, has long been widely used in traditional treatment methods. There have been a number of studies of the health effects of A. gigas and related compounds, but studies addressing effects on blood triglycerides (TG) are lacking. To investigate the effects of A. gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) on TG in Korean subjects, we carried out a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Subjects who met the inclusion criterion (130 mg/dL ≤ fasting blood TG ≤ 200 mg/dL) were recruited for this study. One hundred subjects were assigned to the AGNE group (n=50) or the placebo group (n=50), who were given 1g/day of AGNE (as a gigas Nakai extract 200mg/d) in capsules, and the control group for 12 weeks. Outcomes were efficacy TG, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, and safety parameters were assessed initially for a baseline measurement and after 12 weeks. Results: After 12 weeks of supplementation, TG and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration and TG/HDL-C ratio in the AGNE group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p <0.05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that ingestion of AGNE may improve TG and be useful to manage or prevent hypertriglyceridemia.

Purpose: Localization and mapping with LiDAR data is a fundamental building block for autonomous vehicles. Though LiDAR point clouds can often encode the scene depth more accurate and steadier compared with visual information, laser-based Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) remains challengeable as the data is usually sparse, density variable and less discriminative. The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate and reliable laser-based SLAM solution. Design/methodology/approach: The method starts with constructing voxel grids based on the 3D input point cloud. These voxels are then classified into three types to indicate different physical objects according to the spatial distribution of the points contained in each voxel. A global environment model with Partition of Unity (POU) implicit surface is maintained along the process and located voxels are merged into it from stage to stage, through scan-to-model matching implemented by Levenberg-Marquardt method. Findings: We find a laser-based SLAM method. The method uses POU implicit surface representation to build the model and is evaluated on the KITTI odometry benchmark without loop closure. Experimental results indicate that the method achieves accuracy comparable to the state-of-the-art methods. Originality/value: We propose a novel, low-drift SLAM method, which falls into a scan-to-model matching paradigm, operates on point clouds obtained from Velodyne HDL64. The method is of value to researchers developing SLAM systems for autonomous vehicles.

1) Background: We analyzed, by PET-SCAN, how growth hormone (GH) could act on the brain of an older woman, not GH-deficient, which was beginning to show some cognitive deficiencies and presented an ApoE genotype 4/3; 2) Methods: After performing a first psychometric study (TAVEC verbal learning test), the metabolic activity of brain structures related to knowledge, memory, and behavior was analyzed using 18-F Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-SCAN. The patient was then treated with GH (0.4 mg/day) for three weeks and on the last day under this treatment, a new PET-SCAN was performed. One month after beginning treatment with GH, a new TAVEC test was performed; 3) Results: GH administration normalized the cognitive deficits observed in the first psychometric test and increased significantly (P < 0.025) the metabolic activity in practically all brain cortical areas, specifically in the left hippocampus and left amygdala, although not in the left parahippocampus; and 4) Conclusions: This is the first study in which the positive effects of GH on cerebral metabolism have been visualized in a human patient. Our data confirm the positive effects of this hormone on cognition, memory and behavior in patients affected by mild cognitive impairments.

Copper-catalyzed and organocopper-involved reactions are of great significance in organic synthesis. To have a deep understanding of the reaction mechanisms, the structural characterizations of organocopper intermediates become indispensable. Meanwhile, the structure-function relationship of organocopper compounds would advance rational design and development of new Cu-based reactions and organocopper reagents. Compared to the mono-carbonic ligand, the C,N- and C,C-bidentate ligands better stabilize the unstable organocopper compounds. The bidentate ligands can chelate to the same copper atom via ?2-mode, forming a mono-cupra-cyclic compounds with at least one acute C-Cu-C angle. When the bidentate ligands bind to two copper atoms via ?1-mode at each coordinating site, the bimetallic macrocyclic compounds will form nearly linear C-Cu-C angles. The anionic coordinating sites of the bidentate ligand can also bridge two metals via ?2-mode, forming organocopper aggregates with Cu-Cu interactions and organocuprates with contact ion pair structures. The reaction chemistry of some selected organocopper compounds is highlighted, showing their unique structure-reactivity relationships.

Preterm delivery can be precipitated by infection, and preterm infants are at heightened risk of postnatal infection. Little is known about the ontogeny of inflammatory biomarkers in extremely preterm infants. We hypothesized that suspected prenatal infection (chorioamnionitis or spontaneous preterm labor) and clinically diagnosed postnatal infection would be associated with unique biomarker signatures, and those patterns would be influenced by the degree of prematurity. Venous blood was collected daily for the first week and weekly for up to 14 additional weeks from 142 neonates born at 22-32 weeks gestation. A custom array was utilized to measure monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were obtained from the electronic medical record. 90 infants had suspected prenatal infection and 63 were diagnosed with postnatal infection. Independent of gestational age at delivery, MCP-1 was significantly increased (P &lt; 0.001) in association with maternal preeclampsia, but MCP-1 was decreased (P&lt;0.01) and CRP was increased (P&lt;0.05) in the presence of chorioamnionitis. IL-6 and CRP were both increased in infants diagnosed with postnatal infection with peak levels observed on days 2 and 3, respectively. In conclusion, suspected prenatal and postnatal infections and non-infectious complications of pregnancy are associated with unique biomarker profiles, independent of gestational age. In those clinically diagnosed with a postnatal infection in the absence of antenatal infection concerns, IL-6 increases before CRP, emphasizing a potential role for expanded biomarker screening if antibiotics are initially avoided in infants born exclusively for maternal indications.

Motivated from the theory of Hilbert-Schmidt morphisms between Hilbert C*-modules over commutative C*-algebras by Stern and van Suijlekom [J. Funct. Anal., 2021], we introduce the notion of p-absolutely summing morphisms between Hilbert C*-modules over commutative C*-algebras. We show that an adjointable morphism between Hilbert C*-modules over monotone closed commutative C*-algebra is 2-absolutely summing if and only if it is Hilbert-Schmidt. We formulate version of Pietsch factorization problem for p-absolutely summing morphisms and solve partially.

A series of MgAl-layered double hydroxide (MgAl-HT), the calcined form at 500^oC (MgAlO_x) and the re-hydrated one at 25^oC (MgAl-HT-RH) were synthesized. Physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface area of the as-synthesized, calcined and re-hydrated catalysts was determined by N₂ physisorption at -196^oC. CO₂-teperature programmed desorption (CO₂-TPD) was applied to determine the basic sites of catalysts. The catalytic test reaction was carried out using benzaldehyde and their derivatives with nitromethane and their derivatives. The Henry products (1-15) were obtained in a very good yield using MgAl-HT-RH catalyst either by conventional method at 90^oC in liquid phase, or under microwave irradiation method. The mesoporous structure and basic nature of re-hydrated solid catalyst were responsible for their superior catalytic efficiency. The robust nature was determined by using the same catalyst for five times, where the product % yield was almost unchanged significantly.

Soil amendments with composted organic materials are recommended to increase soil organic matter (SOM), promote soil fertility, and the Circular Economy. Growing areas of hedged olive groves in southern Iberia peninsula generate huge amounts of olive leaves whose potential as soil organic amendment is not fully studied. An experimental field trial in a hedged olive grove (cv. “Cobrançosa”) was set up near Portalegre, Portugal, to test a compost of olive leaves plus sheep manure (2:1) applied in the row, at soil surface. Three nominal rates (0 or control, 2.5 and 5.0 kg m-2) were used, in a complete randomized block setup (3 treatments, 3 replicas, 9 plots) and soil chemical properties of layers 0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm deep were annually monitored. Results (mainly in layer 0-5 cm) showed increases in total N, carbon of the particulate organic matter (POM-C), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX-C), extractable phosphorus, and zinc, after one year, and increases in soil organic carbon (SOC), C-stock, pHKCl, extractable phosphorus, and zinc, after two years. POX-C was the most sensitive SOM-related indicator, showing increases up to 30 cm deep after one year. This compost improved soil fertility, but should be monitored over longer periods of time, namely for SOC and extractable zinc content.

A recent review of global vitamin C status indicated a high prevalence of deficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in specific subgroups within high-income countries. Here we provide a narrative of potential factors influencing vitamin C status. The in vivo status of vitamin C is primarily affected by dietary intake and supplement use. Dietary intake can be influenced by cultural aspects such as staple foods and traditional cooking practices. Environmental factors can also affect vitamin C intake and status; these include geographic region, season and climate, as well as pollution. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race are known to affect vitamin C status, as do socioeconomic factors such as deprivation, education and social class, and institutionalization. Various health aspects affect vitamin C status; these include body weight, pregnancy and lactation, genetic variants, smoking, and disease states, including severe infections as well as various non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Some of these factors have changed over time, therefore we also explore if vitamin C status has shown temporal changes. Overall, there are numerous factors that can affect vitamin C status to different extents in various regions of the world. Many of these factors are not taken into consideration during the setting of global recommended dietary intakes for vitamin C.

.Background: Neither radiological phenotypic characteristics nor reconstruction CT scan to study the cranial contour in children with the so called the idiopathic type of West syndrome has been implemented to reach the etiology understanding. Material and Methods: The basic diagnostic measures and the traditional antiepileptic treatments have been applied to these children in accordance with the conventional protocol of investigations and treatment for children with West syndrome. Boys from three unrelated families were given the diagnosis of idiopathic type of West syndrome. Three boys aged 6,7,9 and three parents (age range of 28-41 year) were included in this study. These children and their parents were referred to our orthopedic departments because of variable skeletal deformities. All showed the history of intellectual disabilities, cryptogenic epileptic spasms and fragmented hypsarrhythmia. Recently, variable forms skeletal deformities of flat foot, torticollis and early onset osteoarthritis. We performed detailed clinical and radiological phenotypic characterization of every affected child, siblings and parents. All affected children underwent whole exome sequence analysis Results: The craniofacial phenotype of all children revealed apparent disruption of development of the cranial bones. Palpation of the skull bones showed unusual palpable boney ridges along different sutural locations. A-7-year-old child showed abnormal bulging over the sagittal suture associated with bilateral boney ridges over the sequamosal sutures. Examining his parents, we noticed a similar skull radiographic abnormality in his mother radiographs. A-10-year-old boy showed an extremely narrow frontal area, facial asymmetry and a well palpable ridge over the lambdoid sutures. 3D reconstruction CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of early closure . His mother showed typical radiographic skull phenotype with a history of postadulthood scoliosis. A- 12-year-old boy showed brachycephaly. Investigating his parents revealed a brachycephalic mother with border line intellegence. We affirm that the pattern of inheritance in the three boys was compatible with X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance . Whole exome sequencing showed non definite phenotype/genotype correlation. Conclusion: The aim of this study was fivefold. First, to refute the common usage of the term idiopathic and we affirm that our findings are Novel. Second, it could be possible that West syndrome is a symptom complex rather than a separate diagnostic entity. Third, to further detect the genetic carrier , we explored the connection between the cranial bones in the children with West syndrome with what is seen in parents.. Fourth, the differences in cranial bones abnormalities among every child and another seems to be heterogeneous. Fifth, it seems that the progressive deceleration in the development of this group of children is highly connected to the progressive closure of the cranial sutures.

Diffusion-controlled cyclic voltammograms at fast scan rates show peak shifts as well as decreases in the peak currents from the predicted diffusion-controlled currents especially when currents are large in low concentration of supporting electrolyte. This has been conventionally recognized as an IR-drop effect by solution resistance on the peaks as well as heterogeneous kinetics. It is also brought about by negatively capacitive currents associated with charge transfer reactions. The reaction product generates dipoles with counterions to yield a capacitance, of which current flows oppositely to that of the double layer capacitance. The three effects are specified here in the oxidation of a ferrocenyl derivative by fast scan voltammetry. The expression for voltammograms complicated with IR-drop is derived analytically, and yields deformed voltammograms. The peak shift is approximately linear with the IR-term, but exhibits a convex variation. Dependence of some parameters on the peaks by the IR-drop is compared with those by the negative capacitance. The latter is more conspicuous than the former under conventional conditions. The two effects cannot be distinguished specifically except for variations of conductance of the solution.

Current commitments by European governments seek to improve energy consumption as a means to reduce carbon emissions from building stock by 2050. Within such context, retrieving reliable three-dimensional contours from point clouds becomes an important step in developing facade retrofitting solutions since facade retrofitting projects often make use of as-built 3D models to help reduce inaccuracies by narrowing interpretation and measurement errors. This work aims to provide a method that uses topology-based parametric modelling for reconstructing building envelopes from point clouds. Through a semi-automated process that gives permanent visual feedback, the user adjusts parameters to custom standards of acceptability. A solution under the form of a Grasshopper definition delivers building envelope 3D contours in various file formats as a means for increasing interoperability. The main contributions of this work consist of a parametric reconstruction workflow capable of solving building topology for retrieving 3D contours, a strategy to bypass point cloud occlusion, and a strategy for converting those contours into an IFC model directly from the parametric modelling environment.

The thorough description of the peculiarities of additively manufactured structures represents a current challenge for aspiring freeform fabrication methods, such as the selective laser melting (SLM). All of which have an immense advantage in the fast fabrication (no special tooling or moulds required), the geometrical flexibility in the design of components, and their efficiency when only low quantities are required. However, designs demand the precise knowledge of the material properties, which in case of additively manufactured structures are anisotropic and, under certain circumstances, in addition of an inhomogeneous nature. Furthermore, these characteristics are highly dependent on the fabrication settings. Within this study, the anisotropic tensile properties of selective laser melted stainless steel (1.4404, 316L) are investigated: The Young’s modulus ranged from 148 GPa to 227 GPa, the ultimate tensile strength from 512 MPa to 699 MPa and the breaking elongation ranged, respectively, from 12% to 43%. The results were compared to related studies, in order to classify the influence of the fabrication settings. Furthermore, the influence of the chosen raw material was addressed by comparing deviations on the directional dependencies reasoned by differing microstructural developments during manufacture. Stainless steel was found to possess its maximum strength at a 45° layer versus loading offset, which is precisely where AlSi10Mg was previously reported to be at its weakest.

The existences of the N→C dative bonds in the complexes between N-containing molecules and fullerenes have been verified both theoretically and experimentally. However, finding stable N→C dative bonds is still a highly challenging task. In this work, we investigated computationally the N→C dative bonds in the complexes formed by fullerene C60 with 1,2,5-chalcogenadiazoles, 2,1,3-benzochalcogenadiazoles and 1,2,4,5-chalcogenatriazoles, respectively. It was found that the N→C dative bonds are formed along with the formation of the N–Ch···C (Ch = S, Se, Te) chalcogen bonds. In the gas phase, from S-containing complexes through Se-containing complexes to Te-containing complexes, the intrinsic interaction energies become more and more negative, which indicates that the N–Ch···C chalcogen bonds can facilitate the formation of the N→C dative bonds. The intrinsic interaction energies are compensated by the large deformation energy of fullerene C60. The total interaction energies of Te-containing complexes are negative, while both of the total interaction energies of S-containing complexes and Se-containing complexes are positive. This means that the N→C dative bonds in the Te-containing complexes are more easily observed in experiments in comparison with those in the S-containing complexes and Se-containing complexes. This study provides a new theoretical perspective on the experimental observation of the N→C dative bonds in the complexes involving fullerenes. Further, the formation of stable N→C dative bonds in the complexes involving fullerenes can significantly change the properties of fullerenes, which will greatly simulate and expand the application range of fullerenes.

Nowadays, digitalization and automation in both industrial and research activities is a driving force for innovations. In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) techniques - the subset of Artificial Intelligence - have been widely applied as a key tool to automize and digitalize numerous in-dustrial processes. ML models can predict specific features, like materials' lifetime in a heating device, based on recently trained algorithms with applied input data. The results of ML algorithms are easy to interpret and can significantly decrease the time of research and decision-making, thus, substituting the trial-error approach. This work presents the state of the art in the application of Machine Learning in the investigation of MgO-C refractories for the steel industry. Also, the work presents an overview of the most commonly used ML algorithms in refractory engineering. So far published results confirm the high performance of ML, e.g., for prediction of oxidation behaviour, optimum graphite content and wear rate of MgO-C refractories, or for clustering materials based on various fused and sintered MgO sources into groups with similar corrosion resistance, thus, permitting to reduce expensive fused raw materials content. Most of the presented works were positively validated via experiment.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver metabolism-associated steatohepatitis caused by non-alcoholic factors. NAFLD is currently the most prevalent liver disease in the world, affecting one-fourth of the world's population, and its prevalence increases with age. There are no approved drugs specifically for the treatment of NAFLD, and one important reason hindering drug development is the lack of effective biomarkers. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, has been linked to NAFLD and aging in recent studies. Coincidentally, hepatocytes are responsible for the major CRP production, and the levels of CRP increase with age. Therefore, CRP is not only a potential marker, but also acts as a key factor driving liver aging and NAFLD. Herein, we reviewed the biological function and production mechanism of CRP and the relationship between CRP and NAFLD. We also comprehensively described the potential molecular mechanisms of CRP-mediated signaling in aging-associated NAFLD. Finally, we proposed possible therapeutic approaches based on the mechanism of CRP signaling in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We hope this study can provide new insights into the development of aging associated NAFLD biomarkers and suggest that modulation of CRP signaling is a potential therapeutic target.

Consider a uniquely ergodic $C^*$-dynamical system ba\-sed on a unital $*$-endomorphism $\Phi$ of a $C^*$-algebra. We prove the uniform convergence of Cesaro averages $\frac1{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\lambda^{-n}\Phi(a)$ for all values $\lambda$ in the unit circle which are not eigenvalues corresponding to "measurable non continuous" eigenfunctions. This result generalises the analogous one in commutative ergodic theory presented in [19], which turns out to be a combination of the Wiener-Wintner Theorem (cf. [22]) and the uniformly convergent ergodic theorem of Krylov and Bogolioubov (cf. [15]).

We cultured Parmelina carporrhizans and P. quercina in Corn Meal Agar and 0.2% glucose Malt Yeast Agar for 160 days. Chemosyndrome of natural thalli and mycobiont cultures were analyzed by HPLC. Lecanoric acid, atranorin, chloratranorin and ergosterol were detected in P. carporrhizans thalli, while lecanoric acid, chloratranorin and aliphates were found in P. quercina thalli. The secondary methabolites pattern between thalli and mycobiont culture was completely different in both species. Both species secreted the phenalenone myeloconone C in culture media and was also detected in P. quercina mycobiont aggregates. Interestingly, the phenolic compounds produced by the mycobiont culture of P. carporrhizans are related to those produced by natural thallus by the same biosynthetic pathway, while the chemosyndrome of P. quercina mycobiont implies switch of biosynthetic pathway from acetate-polymalonate pathway to shikimic acid pathway, with pulvinic acid as major compound of mycobiont culture. The role of Myelochonone C, confluentic acid and pulvinic acid produced by mycobiont culture is discussed as possible adaptive vantage in field as photoprotective agent or as byproduct result of stressing artificial culture conditions.

Two series of novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]- and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline fluorophores with 4’-amino[1,1′]-biphenyl residue at position 5 have been prepared via Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. The treatment of 2-(4-bromophenyl)-4-hydrazinoquinazoline with orthoesters in solvent-free conditions or in absolute ethanol leads to the formation of [4,3-c]-annulated triazoloquinazolines, whereas [1,5-c] isomers are formed in acidic media as a result of Dimroth rearrangement. 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis unambiguously confirmed the annelation type and determined the molecular structure of p-bromophenyl intermediates and target products. Photophysical properties of the target compounds were investigated in two solvents and solid state and compared with those of related 3-aryl-substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]quinazolines. The excluding of aryl fragment from triazole ring has been revealed to improve fluorescence quantum yield in solution. Most of the synthesized structures show moderate to high quantum yields in solution. Additionally, the effect of solvent polarity on the absorption and emission spectra of fluorophores has been studied and considerable fluorosolvatochromism was stated. Moreover, electrochemical investigation and DFT calculations have been performed, their results are consistent with the experimental observation.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is one of the drought-resistant warm-season turfgrasses adapted to the southern and transitional zones in the United States. Multiple hybrid varieties have been developed and released for use as a turfgrass and others are in pipeline. Increasing genetic di-versity of commercial varieties is vital to tackle stress tolerance. A DNA profiling study of 21 experimental selections from the Oklahoma State University (OSU) turfgrass breeding program and 11 cultivars was conducted using 51 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs that spread across the bermudagrass genome. Pairwise genetic relationship analysis among the genotypes using 352 polymorphic bands showed genetic similarity coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.89. Cluster analysis using the un-weighted paired group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) method grouped the entries into six clusters. Correlation analysis identified different levels of pairwise genetic relationship among the entries that largely reflected parental relationship. Di-rectional breeding and selection for cold hardiness or drought resistance created progeny that had distinct genetic diversity in the tested bermudagrasses. It is evident that an increase in genetic diversity of the existing cultivar pool with the release of one or more of the experimental selec-tions for commercial use will strengthen and improve bermudagrass systems.

We recently formulated Modular Dvoretzky, Type-Cotype, Khinchin-Kahane and Grothendieck Inequality problems in the Appendix of \textit{[arXiv:2302.03718v1]}. For the sake of wide accessibility we give a separate treatment of them.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet in adequate amounts to prevent hypovitaminosis C and the potentially fatal deficiency disease scurvy. Global vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency has not previously been reported, despite vitamin C’s pleiotropic roles in both non-communicable and communicable disease. This review highlights the global literature on vitamin C status and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency. Related dietary intake is reported if assessed in the studies. We also explore if global vitamin C status has changed over time. Overall, the review illustrates the shortage of high quality epidemiological studies of vitamin C status in many countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries. The available evidence indicates that vitamin C deficiency is common in low- and middle-income countries and not uncommon in high income settings. Further high quality studies are required to confirm these findings, including in the countries not yet represented, and to fully understand associations with a range of disease processes. Our findings suggest a need for interventions to prevent deficiency in a range of at risk groups and regions of the world.

As the use of AI in medical imaging has increased, so has the need to explain a model’s results. Segmentation models are one technique used to produce explainable results. Due to larger size and sophistication, segmentation models which operate on 2D data can often produce better results than models operating on 3D data. In the real world, imaging is combined with clinical factors for diagnosis. To replicate this, multimodal models are used which combine image and text modalities. I propose a multimodal arrangement that converts 3D scans to 2D and uses a 2D segmentation model (DeepLabV3) to analyze the images. This is combined with clinical biomarkers to achieve a complete confidence score. Using the Medical Segmentation Decathlon Lung (MSDL) dataset and the LUng CAncer Screening dataset (LUCAS), I achieved a testing Dice coefficient of 0.91 on segmentation with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC), average precision (AP), and F-Score of 0.89, 0.91, and 0.85 respectively on the final multimodal results. This approach raises the F-score from the previously achieved value of 0.508 to 0.85, creating a new baseline of what is achievable with multimodal lung cancer diagnostics and possible methods to achieve these accuracies.

The goal of the study is to assess the potential correlation between maternal Sars-cov-2 infection , detected three months before the second trimester anomaly scan, and fetal iperecogenicity in order to determine whether or not this could be considered a predictive factor for maternal-fetal complications . The study included 48 pregnant women who did not have any clear maternal or fetal problems. These individuals had an anomaly scan in the second trimester, as well as amniocentesis and fetal cariotyping, and then RT-PCR testing on their placental tissue after birth to rule out transplacental transmission. There have been no reports of fetal abnormalities via amniocentesis or fetal cariotyping. The patients experienced a high rate of spontaneous births (83%). Fetal development problems (2%) and premature delivery (4%) were uncommon, although placental swabs revealed a possibility of viral transmission across the placenta itself. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observational study to show that detecting isolated intestinal hyperechogenicity during an abnormality scan in fetuses of women infected with Sars-Cov-2 in the previous three months does not appear to be a predictor of poor maternal-fetal outcomes, but may be linked to transplacental virus transmission.

Background Total serum bile acids (TSBA), liver-spleen scan and dynamic liver functional tests, in our case the antipyrine clearance (Ap Cl), have been long adopted. The aim of our study was that of assessing whether some diagnostic tests, scarcely performed due to the novel techniques implementation, were reliable diagnostic tools. Methods Data extracted from records of two well-matched for age and gender populations was retrospectively analysed. Specifically, 17 patients with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis were confronted with 17 subjects suffering from liver cirrhosis. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental findings, such as the Child-Pugh classification, the number connection test for evaluating hepatic encephalopathy, prothrombin time, serum albumin levels, TSBA concentration, Ap Cl determination, abdominal ultrasound and liver-spleen scan imaging as well as endoscopy features were evaluated. Results Cirrhotics showed a median concentration of TSBA increased respect to that of patients with chronic hepatitis, independently from gender, 20.1 versus 12.24 micromol/L, P= 0.0054. The median AP Cl value of the patients with liver cirrhosis was reduced confronted with that of patients with chronic hepatitis, specifically, 13.92 opposed to 18.3 mcg Ap/dL, P= 0.045. Furthermore, the median liver-spleen scan score was higher in cirrhotics than in chronic hepatitis patients, i.e., 3.47 versus 1.47, P= 0.000. The AUROCs of TSBA levels and of the liver-spleen scan scores for differentiating patients with liver cirrhosis from those with chronic hepatitis were 0.82 and 0.96, respectively. When was applied a new predictive model, combining the previous ones, the AUROC to discriminate patients belonging to the two populations was 0.98. The best cut-off of the new index was 26, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100.00% and 82.35%, respectively, correctly classifying 91.18% of the patients. Discussion Both TSBA and liver-spleen scan were high discriminant as well as their combination, while Ap Cl showed some limitations as reliable diagnostic tool. TSBA and liver-spleen scan have been too soon and unnecessarily overlooked.

The current paradigm shift in orthodontic treatment planning is based on facially driven diagnostics. This requires an affordable, convenient, and non-invasive solution for face scanning. Therefore, utilization of smartphones` TrueDepth sensors is very tempting. TrueDepth refers to front-facing cameras with a dot projector in Apple devices that provide real-time depth data in addition to visual information. There are several applications that tout themselves as accurate solutions for 3D scanning of the face in dentistry. Their clinical accuracy has been uncertain. This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy of the Bellus3D Dental Pro app, which uses Apple's TrueDepth sensor. The app reconstructs a virtual, high-resolution version of the face, which is available for download as a 3D object. In this paper, sixty TrueDepth scans of the face were compared to sixty corresponding facial surfaces segmented from CBCT. Difference maps were created for each pair and evaluated in specific facial regions. The results confirmed statistically significant differences in some facial regions in amplitudes greater than 3 mm, suggesting that current technology has limited applicability for clinical use. The clinical utilization of facial scanning for orthodontic evaluation, which does not require accuracy in the lip region below 3 mm, can be considered.

In this article, we analyse the computer aid screening method of COVID19 using Xray and CT scan images. The main objective is to set an analytical closure about the computer aid screening of COVID19 among the X-ray image and CT scan image. The computer aid screening method includes deep feature extraction, transfer learning and traditional machine learning image classification approach. The deep feature extraction and transfer learning method considered 13 pre-trained CNN model. The machine learning approach includes three sets of features and three classifiers. The pre-trained CNN models are alexnet, googlenet, vgg16, vgg19, densenet201, resnet18, resnet50, resnet101, inceptionv3, inceptionresnetv2, xception, mobilenetv2 and shufflenet. The features and classifiers in machine learning approaches are GLCM, LBP, HOG and KNN, SVM, Naive bay’s respectively. In addition, we also analyse the different paradigms of classifiers. In total, the comparative analysis is carried out in 65 classification models, i.e. 13 in deep feature extraction, 13 in transfer learning and 39 in machine learning approaches. Finally, all the classification models perform better in X-ray image set compare to CT scan image set.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been declared as a global pandemic. Due to its infection rate and severity, it has emerged as one of the major global threats of the current generation. To support the current combat against the disease, this research aims to propose a Machine Learning based pipeline to detect the COVID-19 infection using the lung Computed Tomography scan images (CTI). This implemented pipeline consists of a number of sub-procedures ranging from segmenting the COVID-19 infection to classifying the segmented regions. The initial part of the pipeline implements the segmentation of the COVID-19 affected CTI using Social-Group-Optimization and Kapur’s Entropy thresholding, followed by k-means clustering and morphology-based segmentation. The next part of the pipeline implements feature extraction, selection and fusion to classify the infection. PCA based serial fusion technique is used in fusing the features and the fused feature vector is then employed to train, test and validate four different classifiers namely Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function, and Decision Tree. Experimental results using benchmark datasets show a high accuracy (> 91%) for the morphology-based segmentation task and for the classification task the KNN offers the highest accuracy among the compared classifiers (> 87%). However, this should be noted that this method still awaits clinical validation, and therefore should not be used to clinically diagnose the ongoing COVID-19 infection.

Human microbiome data from genomic sequencing technologies is fast accumulating, giving us insights into bacterial taxa that contribute to health and disease. Predictive modeling of such microbiota count data for classification of human infection from parasitic worms such as helminths can help in detection and management across global populations. Real-world datasets of microbiome experiments are typically sparse containing hundreds of measurements for bacterial species, of which only a few are detected in the bio-specimens that are analyzed. This feature of microbiome data produces the challenge of needing more observations for accurate predictive modeling and has been dealt with previously using different methods of feature reduction. To our knowledge, integrative methods such as transfer learning has not been explored in the microbiome domain yet, as a way to deal with data sparsity by incorporating knowledge of different but related datasets. One way of incorporating this knowledge is by using a meaningful mapping among features of these datasets. In this paper, we claim that this mapping would exist among members of each individual cluster grouped based on phylogenetic dependency among taxa and their association to the phenotype. We validate our claim by showing that models incorporating associations in such a grouped feature space result in no performance deterioration for the given classification task. In this paper, we test our hypothesis using classification models that detect helminth infection in microbiota of human fecal samples obtained from Indonesia and Liberia countries. In our experiments, we first learn binary classifiers for helminth infection detection by using Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, Multilayer Perceptrons, and Random Forest methods. In the next step, we add taxonomic modeling using the SMART-scan module to group the data, and learn classifiers using the same four methods, to test the validity of the achieved groupings. We observed a 6% to 23% and 7% to 26% performance improvement based on the Area Under ROC Curve (AUC) and Balanced Accuracy(Bacc) measures, respectively, over 10 runs of 10-fold cross-validation. These results show that using phylogenetic dependency for grouping our microbiota data actually results in a noticeable improvement in classification performance for helminth infection detection. These promising results from this feasibility study demonstrate that methods such as SMART-scan can be utilized in the future for knowledge transfer from different but related microbiome datasets by phylogenetically-related functional mapping, to enable novel integrative biomarker discovery.

With the rise of long-read sequencers and long-range technologies, delivering high-quality plant genome assemblies is no longer reserved to large consortia. Indeed, sequencing techniques but also computer algorithms have reached a point where the reconstruction of assemblies at the chromosome-scale is now feasible at the laboratory scale. Current technologies, and especially long-range technologies, are numerous and selecting the most promising one for the genome of interest is crucial to obtain optimal results. In this study, we resequenced the genome of the yellow sarson, Brassica rapa cv. Z1, using the Oxford Nanopore PromethION sequencer and assembled the sequenced data using current assemblers. To reconstruct complete chromosomes, we used and compared three long-range techniques, optical mapping, Omni-C and Pore-C sequencing libraries commercialized by Bionano Genomics, Dovetail Genomics and Oxford Nanopore Technologies respectively, or a combination of the three, in order to evaluate the capability of each technology.

In chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, interferon-based treatments showed toxicity, limited efficacy, and psychiatric manifestations. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents appeared safer, though it remains unclear if they may exacerbate or foster mood symptoms in drug-naïve CHC patients. We evaluated 62 CHC patients’ mental status, before and 12 weeks after DAA therapy, by assessment scales and psychometric instruments. We subdivided patients into two groups, CHC patients with (Group A) or without (Group B) a current and/or past psychiatric history. After DAA treatment, Group A patients showed low anxiety and improved depression, no variation in self-report distress, but worse general health perceptions. No significant difference emerged from coping strategies. Depression and anxiety improved in Group B, and no change emerged from total self-reported distress, except for somatization. Moreover, Group B increased problem-focused strategies for suppression of competing activities, and decreased strategies of instrumental social support. Contrarily, Group B reduced significantly emotion-focused strategies, such as acceptance and mental disengagement, and improved vitality, physical and social role functioning. DAA therapy is safe and free of hepatological and psychiatric side effects in CHC patients, regardless of current and/or past psychiatric history. In particular, patients without a psychiatric history also remarkably improved their quality of life.

Elbow dislocation and instability present significant clinical challenges, necessitating a thorough understanding of the underlying bio-mechanical mechanisms. In this study, a quasi-static three-dimensional finite element model of the human elbow joint is developed to investigate stress distribution and stages of dislocation in the human elbow under various loading conditions. The model simulates the elbow joint in different degrees of flexion (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) and forearm positions (pronation and supination), providing detailed insights into the progression of dislocation. Significant findings include the identification of high stress concentrations on the humerus at 90° flexion and on the radial and coronoid processes at 30°, 45°, and 60° flexion. Three reproducible stages of dislocation were observed, particularly in flexed positions with forearm pronation or supination. These stages align with experimental observations and highlight the initial occurrence of bony failures, such as radial head and ulnar coronoid fractures, preceding soft tissue tears. Clinically, the study underscores that early-stage low-impact posterior elbow dislocations retain enough stability to be managed with closed reduction and early mobilization. However, as dislocations progress, significant damage to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments is expected, necessitating more invasive treatments. This research provides valuable bio-mechanical insights into elbow dislocation, aiding in the development of improved treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes through precise and timely clinical interventions. The validated FEM serves as a powerful tool for pre-surgical planning offering a comprehensive understanding of elbow joint mechanics.

The performance of laser beams in tracking Lissajous scan trajectories is severely limited by beam jitter. To enhance the performance of fast steering mirror (FSM) control in tracking Lissajous scan trajectories, this paper proposed a fractional order active disturbance rejection controller (FOADRC) and verified its effectiveness in improving system scanning tracking accuracy. A dynamic mathematical model of fast steering mirror was studied and the design of parameters for the control mode of the closed-loop system was determined. A reduced order linear active disturbance rejection controller suitable for FSM systems was designed and the corresponding fractional order proportional differentiation (FOPD) controller were determined according to the mathematical model. The use of the designed controller enabled high-performance tracking of high-frequency Lissajous scanning curves (X-axis 500 Hz, Y-axis 350 Hz) and met the need for high-frequency repetitive scanning. The controller has the characteristics of simple implementation and low computational complexity and is suitable for closed-loop control applications in engineering.

Breakthrough Sparsity Theorem, derived independently by Donoho and Elad \textit{[Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2003]}, Gribonval and Nielson \textit{[IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, 2003]} and Fuchs \textit{[IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, 2004]} says that unique sparse solution to NP-Hard $\ell_0$-minimization problem can be obtained using unique solution of P-Type $\ell_1$-minimization problem. In this paper, we derive noncommutative version of their result using frames for Hilbert C*-modules.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge requiring vigilant surveillance and disease control. This study aimed to characterize C. jejuni strains isolated in Romania from 2017-2020, focusing on genetic diversity, virulence, and antibiotic resistance determinants. The isolates underwent phenotypical testing, PCR, and antibiotic resistance assessment using Disc Diffusion Kirby–Bauer for ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Genetic analysis identified resistance and virulence genes, point mutations, and performed sequence typing (7-gene MLST) to determine genetic relatedness. Results indicated substitutions at position 86 in the amino acid sequence or position 257 in the nucleotide sequence of the gyrA gene in 47 fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. Additionally, mutations in the rRNA23S gene at positions 2074 and 2075, associated with macrolide resistance, were found in 12 of the 66 isolates. Allelic profiles generated 38 sequence types (STs), including three new STs not present in the reference database. The sequence data analysis revealed a genetically diverse C. jejuni population with a weak clonal structure. This study provides crucial insights into the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni strains in Romania, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures.

Nanotechnology sparks discussions and concerns about the impacts of new nanomaterials on health and the environment. It holds importance in various domains due to its unique struc-tures. Carbon dots (C-dots) are versatile nanomaterials with applications in bioimaging, sensing, catalysis, polymers, solar cells, and more. They offer desirable characteristics such as stability, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and high photoluminescent quantum yield. C-dots have the potential to replace expensive fluorophores in solar cells. They are catego-rized as carbon quantum dots, graphene quantum dots, and carbonized polymer dots. C-dots have outstanding optical and photoelectric properties with low toxicity. Bottom-up and top-down approaches are used for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), with each method im-pacting their physicochemical characteristics. The choice of synthesis method depends on de-sired properties and application requirements. Researchers combine these methods and ex-plore new approaches to enhance synthesis efficiency and tailor CD properties. CDs have di-verse chemical structures with modified oxygen, polymer-based, or amino groups on their surface. Various characterization methods such as HRTEM, XPS, and optical analysis (PL, UV) are used to determine CD structure. Carbon dots (CDs) are cutting-edge fluorescent nano-materials with remarkable qualities such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, environmental friendliness, high water solubility, and photo-stability. They are easily adjustable in terms of their optical properties, making them highly versatile in various fields. CDs find applications in bio-imaging, nanomedicine, drug delivery, solar cells, LEDs, photo-catalysis, elec-tro-catalysis, and other related areas.

The purpose of the study is to show the effect of the intake of vitamin C obtained from a diet rich in fruit and vegetables or vitamin C supplements on the level of vitamin C in the plasma. The level of vitamin C in plasma were determined before the study (T1), and after five months (T2). Moreover, a medical record was carried out and a questionnaire on the habits such as general eating and specific consumption of food rich in vitamin C. Both of them were completed before and after five months. In addition, related anthropometric analyses were carried out. The results of the first determination of vitamin C level in plasma were between 1.0 and 16.0 mg/L and the results of the second determination of vitamin C in plasma were between 4.9 and 14.1 mg/L. Furthermore, it was identified that 50% of the questioned people had a low fruit intake. Raw vegetables were consumed by fewer people, the intake being higher during the main meals. The correlation of plasma vitamin C with the eating habits of the subjects to the study points out an interdependence between the consumption of fruit and vegetables and the level of vitamin C in the plasma.

Adenoviruses are associated with respiratory tract, gastrointestinal or, less frequently, other involvement. Epidemics of adenovirus infections occur globally, in communities and in closed or crowded settings. In our institution, an outbreak of Adenovirus infection in infants and children was recently observed. Two main patterns of clinical presentation were observed: 68 patients had mainly respiratory symptoms (pharyngitis n=67, cough n=44; tonsillar exudate n=17; other respiratory signs n=4) while 26 patients showed prevalent gastrointestinal involvement (diarrhea n=26, vomiting n=8). Patients with respiratory symptoms had a significantly higher count of WBC, PMN and platelets, while CRP level approached statistical significance (p=0.07) for higher values in the patients with diarrhea. In order to explore the impact of selected presenting features, possible association between level of CRP and presence of pharyngeal exudate, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, duration of fever, number of neutrophils, and administration of antibiotics was analyzed. Patients falling in the tertile with more elevated CRP values had significantly more often tonsillar exudate and diarrhea, while those in the lower tertile had a 4.4 days duration of fever, vs. ≥5.0 days in the remaining patients. Antibiotic therapy was administered more frequently to patients with higher values of CRP (p=0.006). Duration of hospitalization was not associated with the CRP level. The median time from the receipt of positive adenovirus PCR test result to patient discharge was 1 day in 73% of cases. The number of copies of adenovirus detected by PCR ranged between 47 million and 15/L. Falling in the highest terzile of copy number was significantly associated with pharyngitis. The 24 patients with evidence of viral coinfection had no difference in the demographics or presenting features, with the only exception of a significantly higher leukocyte count. Rapid turn-around of results of molecular testing of adenovirus genome on pharyngeal swab allowed us to rapidly diagnose adenovirus infection, allowing stopping antibiotic therapy and immediate discharge, with reduced discomfort for the families and more appropriate use of hospital beds. A high copy number of adenovirus from pharyngeal swab should not be taken as an indicator of worse prognosis, thus allowing preferential use of qualitative rather than quantitaive assay.

Aging is a complex process associated with tissue degeneration and an increased risk of age-related diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Terasen®, a nutraceutical containing standardized extracts of Euterpe oleracea, Myrciaria dubia, and purified oil of Bixa orellana and Astrocaryum aculeatum on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism for aging research. The findings demonstrated that Terasen® exhibited significant antioxidant activity and influenced the feeding behavior of C. elegans, leading to a reduced pharyngeal pumping rate and a decreased number of offspring produced by treated individuals. Notably, Terasen® also displayed a remarkable ability to extend the lifespan of C. elegans. These findings suggest that Terasen® may possess promising anti-aging effects in vivo, warranting further investigation.

The involvement of NK and other cytotoxic cells is considered the first defense' line against cancer. However, a significant lack of information prevails on the possible roles played by factors considered characteristic of primitive cells, such as c-kit and Sca-1, in activating these cells, particularly in melanoma models subjected to treatments with substances under investigation, such as the case of norcantharidin. In this study, B16F1 murine melanoma cells were used to induce tumors in DBA/2 mice, estimating the proportions of NK and iNKT cells, the presence of activation (CD107a+) and primitive/activation (c-kit+/Lya6A+) markers, some tumor parameters, such as the presence of mitotic bodies, nuclear factor area, NK and iNKT cell infiltration in the tumor, infiltrated tumor area, and infiltrating lymphocyte count at 10x and 40x in specimens treated with pentoxifylline, norcantharidin and the combination of both drugs. Possible correlations were estimated with Pearson's correlation analysis. Despite having demonstrated multiple correlations, it should be noted that immaturity/activation markers were related to these cells' activation. At the tumor site, iNKT cells are the ones that exert the cytotoxic potential on tumor cells, but they are confined to specific sites in the tumor. Due to the higher number of interactions of natural killer cells with tumor cells, it is concluded that the most effective treatment was PTX at 60 mg/kg + NCTD at 0.75 mg/kg.

Modified nucleobases are potentially useful building blocks when containing catalytically active functionalities and could be introduced in chiral tridimensional molecules such as nucleic acids, which creates the premises for the development of novel catalytic species. Herein we describe the synthesis of a novel β-C-nucleoside bearing a diol group at anomeric position, amenable as metal ligand or as organo-catalyst. The abasic ligand was successfully prepared and inserted into complementary DNA strand.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is a multifunctional protein that is involved in proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis mechanism of hepatocytes. HCV core protein genetic variability has been implicated in various outcomes of HCV pathology and treatment. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the role of HCV core protein in tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced death under the viewpoint of HCV genetic variability. Immortalized hepatocytes (IHH), and not the Huh7.5 hepatoma cell line, stably expressing HCV subtype 4a and HCV subtype 4f core proteins showed that only HCV 4a core protein could increase sensitivity to TNFα-induced death. Development of two transgenic mice expressing the two different core proteins under the liver-specific promoter of transthyretin (TTR) allowed for the in vivo assessment of the role of core in TNFα-induced death. Using the TNFα-dependent model of lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/Dgal) we were able to recapitulate the in vitro results in IHH cells in vivo. Transgenic mice expressing HCV 4a core protein were more susceptible to the LPS/Dgal model while mice expressing HCV 4f core protein had the same susceptibility as their littermate controls. Transcriptome analysis in liver biopsies from these transgenic mice gave insights into HCV core molecular pathogenesis, while linking HCV core protein genetic variability to differential pathology in vivo.

Abstract: Carbohydrates form the major source of energy in Asian diets. A lower carbohydrate diet became the recommended golden standard for healthy lifestyle. However, the effects of low-carbohydrates diet on health in apparently healthy individuals have been poorly studied, especially in relation to insulin resistance syndrome (IRS). A total of 120 healthy weight participants with no previous history of a major medical condition and an average BMI of ≤ 25kg/m2 were recruited. Self-reported dietary intake and objective physical activity by accelerometry were tracked for seven days. Participants were divided into three categories according to their dietary intake of carbohydrates. Blood samples were collected for metabolic markers analysis. HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (HOMA-B) and C-peptide were used to evaluate glucose homeostasis. The consumption of low carbohydrates (less than 45% of total energy) significantly correlated with higher HOMA-IR, Lower HOMA-β % compared to moderate carbohydrate intake (between 45% to 65%). However, only the HOMA-β % was significantly influenced by carbohydrates intake. Moreover, low carbohydrates intake was significantly associated with elevated C-peptide secretion. The substitution of carbohydrates with other macronutrients, such as fat and proteins in the Atkins/ketogenic diet, resulted in a pronounced induction of IRS-related inflammatory markers; FGF2, IP-10, IL-6, IL-17A, MDC and reduction of IL-13. Overall, the presented data highlight, for the first time, that low carbohydrate intake results in significant glucose homeostasis imbalance that may be driven by a heightened state of inflammatory response.

Vitamin C is important in preventing and slowing the progression of many diseases. There is significant evidence linking periodontal disease and vitamin C. We aimed to systematically review studies addressing the relationship between vitamin C and periodontal disease and the preventive ability of vitamin C against periodontal disease. Electric searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Studies addressing the relationships between periodontal disease and vitamin C in adults aged over 18 years were included. Quality assessment was done using Critical Appraisal Skills Program guideline and GRADE-CERQual. Seventy hundred and sixteen articles were retrieved and fifteen articles (7 cross-sectional studies, 2 case-control studies, 2 cohort studies, and 4 randomized controlled trial [RCT]) were selected by reviewing all articles. Vitamin C intake and blood level were negatively related to periodontal disease in all 7 cross-sectional studies. Subjects who suffer from periodontitis presented lower vitamin C intake and lower blood vitamin C level than subjects without periodontal disease in the two case-control studies. Patients with lower dietary intake or lower blood level of vitamin C showed greater progression of periodontal disease than did the controls. Intervention using vitamin C administration improved gingival bleeding in gingivitis but not in periodontitis. Alveolar bone absorption was also not improved. The present systematic review suggested that vitamin C contributes to reduced risk of periodontal disease.

Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a highly conserved regulatory process carried out by adenosine-deaminases (ADARs) on dsRNAs. Although a considerable fraction of the transcriptome is edited, the function of most editing sites is unknown. Previous studies indicate changes in A-to-I RNA editing frequencies following exposure to several stress types. However, the overall effect of stress on the expression of ADAR targets is not fully understood. Here, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of wild-type and ADAR mutant C. elegans worms after heat-shock to analyze the effect of heat-shock stress on the expression pattern of genes. We found that ADAR regulation following heat-shock does not directly involve heat-shock related genes. Our analysis also revealed that lncRNAs and pseudogenes, which have a tendency for secondary RNA structures, are enriched among upregulated genes following heat-shock in ADAR mutant worms. The same group of genes is downregulated in ADAR mutant worms under permissive conditions, which is likely, considering that A-to-I editing protects endogenous dsRNA from RNA-interference (RNAi). Therefore, temperature increases may destabilize dsRNA structures and protect them from RNAi degradation, despite the lack of ADAR function. These findings shed new light on the dynamics of gene expression under heat-shock in relation to ADAR function.

Infectious as well as most non-infectious diseases share certain common molecular mechanisms. Among them, oxidative stress and the subsequent inflammatory reaction are of particular note. Metabolic disorders induced by external agents, be they bacterial or viral pathogens, excessive calorie intake, poor-quality nutrients, or environmental factors, produce an imbalance between the production of free radicals and endogenous antioxidant systems; the consequence being the oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Oxidation and inflammation are closely related, and whether oxidative stress and inflammation represent the causes or consequences of cellular pathology, they produce metabolic alterations that influence the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review we highlight two key molecules in the regulation of these processes: Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2). PON1 is an enzyme bound to high-density lipoproteins. It breaks down lipid peroxides in lipoproteins and cells, participates in the protection conferred by HDL against different infectious agents, and is considered part of the innate immune system. With PON1 deficiency, CCL2 production increases, which induces migration and infiltration of immune cells in target tissues, and is involved in disturbing normal metabolic function. This disruption involves pathways controlling cellular homeostasis as well as metabolically-driven chronic inflammatory states. Hence, an understanding of these relationships would help improve treatments and, as well, identify new therapeutic targets.

Aim. The purpose of the work was the development of a machine learning model for diagnosing the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C according to the data of routine clinical examination. Materials and methods. A total of 1240 patients with chronic viral hepatitis C was examined. A set of data obtained from 689 patients balancing by the stage of liver fibrosis was used for developing and testing machine learning models. 9 routine clinical parameters were selected as the most important predictors for determining the likelihood of liver fibrosis the 3–4 stages presence: age, height, weight and body mass index of the patient, the number of platelets in the clinical blood test, levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and total bilirubin in a biochemical blood test. Results. The accuracy of the developed method for determining the 3–4 stages of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C in comparison with the «gold standard» of diagnosis (liver biopsy) was 80.56% (95% CI: 69.53–88.94%), sensitivity — 66.67%, specificity — 94.44%. Conclusion. The developed method is an alternative to more expensive and geographically inaccessible studies. The method does not require the purchase of additional equipment or software, as well as additional laboratory tests, when used in real clinical practice. The introduction of the method into clinical practice can help to solve the problem of low material and territorial availability of diagnostic tests and allow determining the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C.

Our study aimed to identify predictors for the effectiveness of tumor regression in lung cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and cancer resections. Patients admitted between 2016 and 2022 were included in the study. Based on the histology of the tumor, patients were categorized into lung adenocarcinoma group (LUAD), and squamous cell carcinoma group (SQCA). Ninety-five patients with non-small cell lung cancer were included in the study. Fifty-eight (61.1%) and 37 (38.9%) patients were included in the LUAD and SQCA groups, respectively. Nine (9.5%), 56 (58.9%), and 30 (31.6%) patients were categorized with a tumor regression score of I, II, and III respectively. In multivariable analyses, histology of the primary tumor (SQCA), lymph node size in the preoperative CT scan (>1.7cm) and absolute tumor size reduction after neoadjuvant treatment (>2.6 cm) independently predict effectiveness of tumor regression (OR, [95% Confidence interval, p-value] of 6.88 [2.40-19.77, p70 years, extended resection >one lobe, and tumor recurrence or metastasis were identified as significant independent predictors of reduced overall survival. Assessment of tumor size before and after neoadjuvant treatment might help to identify high-risk patients with decreased survival and to improve patient management and care.

Digital health has added numerous promising solutions to enhance the health and wellness of people with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) and their informal caregivers: (1) Background: It is important to get a comprehensive view of currently available technologies, their outcomes, and conditions of success to inform recommendations regarding digital health solutions for people with NCDs and their caregivers. This environmental scan was performed to identify the features of existing digital health solutions relevant to the targeted population. This work reviews currently available digital health solutions and their related characteristics to develop a decision support tool for older adults living with mild or major neurocognitive disorders and their informal caregivers. This knowledge will inform the development of a decision support tool to assist older adults and their informal caregivers in their search for adequate digital health solutions according to their needs and preferences, based on trustable information.; (2) Methods: We conducted an environmental scan to identify digital health solutions from a systematic review and targeted searches in grey literature covering the regions of Canada and Europe. Technological tools were scanned based on a preformatted extraction grid. We assessed their relevance based on selected attributes and summarized findings; (3) Results: We identified 100 available digital health solutions. The majority (56%) were not specific to NCDs. Only 28% provided scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Remote patient care, movement tracking, and cognitive exercises were the most common purposes of digital health solutions. Most solutions were presented as decision aid tools, pill dispensers, apps, web, or a combination of these platforms. (4) Conclusions: This environmental scan allowed the identification of current digital health solutions for older adults with mild or major neurocognitive disorders and their informal caregivers. Findings from the environmental scan highlight the need for additional approaches to strengthen digital health interventions for the well-being of older adults with mild and major NCDs and their informal and formal healthcare providers.

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for various incurable conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To study its safety and efficacy, we analyzed 1011 patients who underwent intrathecal administration of autologous BMMNCs along with neurorehabilitation. At mean follow-up of 19.3 months after intervention, 90.6% patients showed overall improvement. Improvements were observed in attention concentration, command following, eye contact, sitting tolerance, social interaction, hyperactivity, communication, speech, aggressiveness, stereotypical and self-injurious behavior. Statistically significant changes were observed in scores of Indian Scale of Autism Assessment and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (p<0.05). On subgroup analysis, improvements were recorded irrespective of age and disease severity and better outcome was observed in patients who took multiple doses of cell therapy compared to single dose. Comparative Brain PET-CT scan of 401 patients showed improved brain metabolism after the intervention. No major adverse events were reported. Only 9 out of 1011 patients experienced seizures which were managed using medications. 4 out of 9 had history of seizures while 5 had normal EEG with no history. However, improvements were still observed in these 9 patients. Thus, intrathecal transplantation of autologous BMMNCs along with neurorehabilitation is safe and efficacious in patients with ASD.

The use of additive manufacturing in fabricating composite components has been gaining traction in the past decade. However, some issues with mechanical perfor-mance still need to be resolved. The issue of material porosity remains a pertinent one that needs more understanding to be able to determine viable solutions. Different re-searchers have examined the subject of porosity issues in AM-fabricated CFRP compo-sites. However, more research to quantitatively determine the effects of fabrication temperatures at the micro-scale is still needed. This study employed micro CT scan analysis to quantitatively compare the effects of fabrication temperatures at 230°C, 250°C, 270°C, and 290°C for CF-PA and CF-ABS composites. This followed an SEM evaluation which was used to determine the effects of the temperatures on interlayer and intralayer porosity generation. The porosity volume was related to the mechanical properties results in which it was determined how deposition temperatures affect the porosity volumes. It was also determined that semicrystalline composites are generally more affected by fabrication temperatures than amorphous composites, with the rela-tionship between porosity and mechanical properties also established. The overall po-rosity volume from the interlayer and intralayer voids was also determined, with the interlayer voids found to play a more determinant role in influencing the mechanical properties.

BACKGROUND Studies concerning multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and how those patients present to the Emergency Department (ED) are scarce. Our study sought to investigate whether abnormal laboratory values were associated with worse outcomes. METHODSThis was a retrospective case-control study from March 2020 to June 2020. Patients with MIS-C were compared to a control group. Laboratory values were compared whether admitted to PICU or not. The Pearson’s Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were conducted for associations. RESULTSA total of 80 patients were included in the study (41MISC, 39 control). There were significant associations between patients admitted to the PICU and neutrophilia (p = 0.03) and elevated troponin (p = 0.01). There were no significant associations between having a non-good outcome and obesity, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, or elevated troponin. When MIS-C patients were compared to the control group MISC-C patients had more obesity and elevated troponin. CONCLUSIONSPatients admitted to the PICU had more neutrophilia and elevated troponin yet had a fairly good outcome. When compared to control patients, there was a significant association with obesity and elevated troponin in the MIS-C group.

The aim of this article is to identify the best available evidences analyzing liver samples, normall and pathological. In the study were used liver samples, collected during necropsy, from healthy patients and from patients diagnosed with cirrhosis .This mentioned, are known as routinally practice for hepatitis C diagnosis, which conduct to hepatic cirrhosis. In this study direction, chronic liver diseases stimulate a degree of hepatocyte injury. So previously mentioned modifications, alters thet affect the liver architecture and finally ends in cirrhosis are well analyse on microscopic preparates. Folowing morphological steps, it is possible to analyse normal and alterate liver structure, on colored preparates.

Khosravi, Drnov\v{s}ek and Moslehian [\textit{Filomat, 2012}] derived Buzano inequality for Hilbert C*-modules. Using this inequality we derive Deutsch entropic uncertainty principle for Hilbert C*-modules over commutative unital C*-algebras.

Let $\{\tau_n\}_{n=1}^\infty$ and $\{\omega_m\}_{m=1}^\infty$ be two modular Parseval frames for a Hilbert C*-module $\mathcal{E}$. Then for every $x \in \mathcal{E}\setminus\{0\}$, we show that \begin{align}\label{UE} \|\theta_\tau x \|_0 \|\theta_\omega x \|_0 \geq \frac{1}{\sup_{n, m \in \mathbb{N}} \|\langle \tau_n, \omega_m\rangle \|^2}. \end{align} We call Inequality (\ref{UE}) as \textbf{Noncommutative Donoho-Stark-Elad-Bruckstein-Ricaud-Torr\'{e}sani Uncertainty Principle}. Inequality (\ref{UE}) is the noncommutative analogue of breakthrough Ricaud-Torr\'{e}sani uncertainty principle \textit{[IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, 2013]}. In particular, Inequality (\ref{UE}) extends Elad-Bruckstein uncertainty principle \textit{[IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, 2002]} and Donoho-Stark uncertainty principle \textit{[SIAM J. Appl. Math., 1989]}.

This study develops a vitamin C controlled-release system trackable via color changes as a function of vitamin C release. The system is composed of coaxial microfibers prepared via coaxial electrospinning, with a core of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) incorporating vitamin C, and a shell composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) containing polydiacetylene (PDA) as the color-changing material. The shell thickness was controlled by adjusting the amount of PCL ejected during electrospinning, allowing the regulation of the release rate of vitamin C. When vitamin C added to PEO penetrated the PCL layer, the color of PDA changed from blue to red, indicating a color change. The results of this study can be applied to devices that require immediate detection of vitamin C release levels.

In this study, we used Chlorella vulgaris (C.vulgaris) grown in the dairy wastewater as biomass to produce a third-generation biodiesel. The lipids were extracted from the biomass and the biodiesel obtained by transesterification. Following ASTM and EN guidelines, the biodiesel was assessed along with its density, viscosity, heating value, and flash point. Gas chromatography was used to evaluate the concentration, composition, and type of fatty acid methyl esters. The results showed a biodiesel yield of 93% with a composition of 33% saturated, 28% monounsaturated, and 37% polyunsaturated. Engine testing was carried out to monitor the levels of CO, CO2, NOx, and smoke emissions as well as to assess the biodiesel performance. Results demonstrate the possibility of producing third-generation biodiesel from C. Vulgaris cultivated in dairy wastewater. The proposed process valorize the dairy wastewater and might represent an alter-native approach for biodiesel production and the disposal of the wastewater.

Various implementations of the Move with Interleaving transform are discussed in this paper, with the transformation itself explained briefly at first. The transform has an expected time complexity of O(n), where n represents the length of the sequence being transformed. The importance of implementation also grows as the sequences become longer. The paper explains three different implementations: the first uses the standard vector, the second employs a lookup table, and the third utilises a dynamic linked list with a pool of released records. The experiments were conducted on 32 greyscale raster images of various contexts and sizes. All three solutions were implemented in both C++ and Java, and then executed on three different platforms: a personal computer running MS Windows and Linux, and a Raspberry Pi 2 with Linux. The implementation based on the dynamic linked list was the fastest, and outperformed the vector-based implementation by more than 1800%. While direct comparisons between results on the Raspberry Pi and those on the modern personal computer may not be straightforward, a consistent pattern prevails: the dynamic linked list implementation outperformed the other two consistently, and the C++ code was faster than the code written in Java. The difference was most evident on the Raspberry Pi.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and despite advances in treatment, survival rates are still low; therefore, the development of novel drugs is imperative. Acetylcorynoline (ACN) is derived from Corydalis ambigua. The effect of ACN on colon cancer is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated its potential effects. Our data showed that ACN inhibited cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, ACN induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting cell growth. In the present study, we hypothesized that ACN regulates c-Myc through CNOT2 or MID1IP1. ACN reduced the protein expression of oncogenic genes, decreased c-Myc half-life, and rapidly inhibited the serum stimulation response. Moreover, knockdown of CNOT2 and MID1IP1 with ACN increased apoptosis and further reduced the expression of oncogenes. In addition, ACN exhibited a synergistic effect with low-dose of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (Dox). Collectively, our data demonstrates that ACN inhibited c-Myc expression through CNOT2 and MID1IP1 and induced apoptosis. These findings indicate the potential of ACN as a therapeutic agent against colon cancer.

Using a safe subset of C++ is a promising direction for increasing the safety of the programming language while maintaining its performance and productivity. In this paper, we examine how close existing C/C++ code is to conforming to a safe subset of C++. We examine the rules presented in existing safe C++ standards and safe C++ subsets. We analyze the code characteristics of 5.8 million code samples from the Exebench benchmark suite and 5 modern C++ applications using a static analysis tool. We find that raw pointers, unsafe casts, and unsafe library functions are used in both C++ code at large and modern C++ applications. In general, C++ code at large does not differ much from modern C++ code, and continued work will be required to transition from existing C/C++ code to a safe subset of C++.