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In response to the energy crisis, researchers are working on creating novel materials for the electrodes of energy storage devices, particularly supercapacitors. Furthermore, in order to promote an environmentally friendly environment, the contamination of industrial effluent with various colors is becoming a significant problem that needs to be addressed right now. Ce-Mo co-doped NiO nanomaterials have been created for the first time to address this problem. The capacitive and photocatalytic performance of NiO was greatly influenced by the morphology, which was significantly altered by the co-doping of Ce and Mo. The characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET and XPS were used to investigate the specific physical properties of the as-prepared nanomaterials. CV, GCD, and EIS experiments were used to evaluate the electrochemical characteristics. CV analysis has revealed that among the various Ce and Mo co-doped NiO samples, Ce0.05Mo0.05NiO based on nanowires has offered the highest specific capacitance, i.e., 1108.68 F/g. The EIS studies have revealed that Ce0.05Mo0.05NiO nanowires are highly conductive in nature. Moreover, after 10,000 CV cycles, 85.7% capacitance retention was noted for Ce0.05Mo0.05NiO nanowires. The photocatalytic performance of as-prepared nanowires was assessed against the model dye methyl red (MR). During the optical study of as-prepared co-doped NiO nanomaterials, the Ce0.05Mo0.05NiO sample has shown a reduced optical band gap of 2.95 eV, which is very helpful for the photocatalytic conduct. The optimized Ce0.05Mo0.05NiO nanowires have exhibited 97% photodegradation activity against the methyl red (MR) and strong catalytic stability (88.7%). On the basis of such astonishing performance, it is suggested that the as-reported Ce and Mo co-doped NiO material based on nanowires is a potential candidate for the application in energy storage and water purification applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of water distribution at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) has historically suffered due to poor design, suboptimal operation, and water scarcity. To address these issues, the system has been designed with ungated irrigation outlets to ensure equitable water allocation at secondary and tertiary levels. This research evaluates the hydraulic performance of three irrigation outlets: adjustable proportional module (APM), adjustable orifice semi-module (AOSM), and open flume (OF) using a physical model study. A distributary channel model with these outlets was constructed at the Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, where discharge coefficients (Cd) were calibrated and measured under various hydraulic and geometric conditions, including free and submerged flow conditions, and with adjustments to flow depths and outlet settings. The results showed variability in Cd values under free flow and submerged flow conditions with APM and AOSM ranging from 6.07 to 8.20 and 0.56 to 0.74, respectively, and OF between 2.46 and 4.31. Additionally, the behavior of outlet tampering on Cd values was also assessed under three scenarios: tampering with the half wing wall (1st), tampering with the full wing wall (2nd), and lowering the bed level downstream of the outlet (3rd). The increase in Cd values for APM and AOSM was + 10.84% and + 14.49% under 1st scenario, + 17.12% and + 22.36% under 2nd scenario, and + 24.25% and + 26.30% under 3rd scenario, respectively. The results reveal that even minor tampering with outlet structures can lead to significant deviations in performance, highlighting the importance of maintaining stringent control over outlet configurations to ensure equitable and efficient water distribution. There is a critical need for rigorous, site-specific calibration of irrigation outlets to optimize their performance under local conditions and redesigning outlet structures to minimize the impacts of tampering, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of water use in large-scale irrigation systems. The findings from this study provide essential insights for irrigation engineers and policymakers tasked with upgrading and maintaining irrigation infrastructure. By adopting a more customized approach to outlet design and management, it is possible to significantly improve water use efficiency and achieve more sustainable irrigation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer is common among older men, and its diagnosis often involves a procedure called transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy, which helps detect cancer but also carries risks like infection and bleeding, particularly for elderly patients. This study evaluated the survival of men over 80 years of age to determine if undergoing a TRUS biopsy might improve their chances of surviving prostate cancer. By examining the records of 200 patients who had this biopsy, the study identified factors linked to poorer survival, including high levels of prostate-specific antigen, advanced cancer grade, and metastases. These findings can assist in a more accurate evaluation of the risks associated with TRUS biopsy in elderly patients and may guide future research toward developing safer or alternative strategies for diagnosing and managing prostate cancer in this population. Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among elderly males in Western countries. TRUS biopsy remains a standard diagnosing approach for prostate cancer but poses notable risks, particularly in older men, including complications such as sepsis, acute retention, and rectal bleeding, which can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate cancer-specific survival outcomes in men aged over 80 years and whether there is any cancer-specific survival advantage for TRUS biopsy procedure. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, we studied outcomes of 200 patients (median age, 82 years) with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (>4.0 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) who underwent TRUS biopsy. Each participant was followed up until death using an electronic system and a unique identifier in a defined geographical area. Cancer-specific and overall survival analyses were carried out utilising SPSS, while R Project was employed to construct and evaluate two nomograms survival duration and predict the risk of death post-biopsy. All statistical tests were two-tailed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Amongst the participants, only 24 patients were alive at the end of follow-up (median age, 91 years). The PSA levels ranged from 4.88 to 102.7 ng/mL. Log-rank and Breslow tests indicated that higher PSA levels, the development of metastases, and ISUP grade group 8–10 were associated with shorter survival times. Age, co-morbid conditions, and tumour type were incorporated into the nomogram due to their clinical significance. Patients aged <81 years had lower mortality risk, while those aged >88 years faced higher mortality risks. Complications from the biopsy increased mortality risks in both cancerous and benign cases, and metastasis significantly heightened the likelihood of death. However, co-morbid conditions did not influence survival probability. Conclusions: Our findings underscore that older age (specifically 80 years and above), high Gleason score, metastasis, and elevated PSA levels are predictive of poorer survival outcomes in elderly men following TRUS biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RO and ChRCC are kidney tumours with overlapping characteristics, making differentiation between them challenging. The objective of this research is to create a radiogenomics map by correlating radiomic features to molecular phenotypes in ChRCC and RO, using resection as the gold standard. Fourteen patients (6 RO and 8 ChRCC) were included in the prospective study. A total of 1,875 radiomic features were extracted from CT scans, alongside 632 cytobands containing 16,303 genes from the genomic data. Feature selection algorithms applied to the radiomic features resulted in 13 key features. From the genomic data, 24 cytobands highly correlated with histology were selected and cross-correlated with the radiomic features. The analysis identified four radiomic features that were strongly associated with seven genomic features. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating radiomic and genomic data to enhance the differential diagnosis of RO and ChRCC, paving the way for more precise and non-invasive diagnostic tools in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In group-living animals, chronic juvenile social isolation stress (SIS) can profoundly affect behavior and neuroendocrine regulation. However, its impact on social behavior in avian species, particularly regarding sexspecific neural circuit differences, remains underexplored. This study focused on zebra finches, a species known for its social clustering and cognitive abilities, to elucidate these influences. Results indicated that SIS significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels in females but not in males, suggesting a heightened stress response and susceptibility in females. Additionally, SIS disrupted sociality and flocking behavior in both sexes, with more severe impairments in social recognition observed in females. Mesotocin (MT) levels in the lateral septum of both sexes and in the ventromedial hypothalamus of females were found to mediate the SIS effect, while vasotocin (VT) levels within the social behavior network remained unchanged. Pharmacological interventions confirmed the critical role of MT in reversing SIS-induced impairments in sociality, flocking behavior, and social recognition, particularly in females. These findings highlight unique nucleus- and sex-dependent variations in MT and VT regulation, providing novel insights into the mechanisms governing avian social behavior. This study advances our understanding of the independent evolutionary pathways of neural circuits and neuroendocrine systems that modulate social behaviors across different taxonomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify entrepreneur mentor benefits and challenges as a result of entrepreneurship mentoring in higher education (HE). Design/methodology/approach: An entrepreneurship mentoring scheme was developed at a UK university to support prospective student entrepreneurs, with mentors being entrepreneurs drawn from the local business community. A mentor-outcomes framework was developed and applied to guide semi-structured interviews. Findings: Results supported the broader applicability of our framework, with a revised framework developed to better represent the entrepreneur mentor context. Alongside psychosocial and personal developmental outcomes, mentors benefitted from entrepreneurial learning, renewed commitment to their own ventures and the development of additional skills sets. Enhanced business performance also manifested itself for some mentors. A range of challenges are presented, some generic to the entrepreneur setting and others more specific to the higher education (HE) setting. Research limitations/implications: The framework offered serves as a starting point for further researchers to explore and refine the outcomes of entrepreneur mentoring. Practical implications: The findings serve to support those considering developing a mentor programme or including mentoring as part of a formal entrepreneurship education offer, specifically in a university setting but also beyond. Originality/value: The vast majority of entrepreneurship mentoring studies focus on the benefits to the mentee. By focusing on benefits and challenges for the entrepreneur mentor, this study extends our knowledge of the benefit of entrepreneurship mentoring. It offers an empirically derived entrepreneur mentor outcomes framework, as well as offering insights into challenges for the entrepreneur mentor within an HE setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare but aggressive cancer that is difficult to predict and treat effectively. Current methods for assessing a patient's outlook often fall short. Our research introduces a new approach that could change this. We look at the fat surrounding the kidney using detailed CT scan analysis, combined with standard clinical information. This method provides a more accurate prediction of how patients with UTUC might fare. By examining the texture and patterns in this fat tissue, we can potentially detect early signs of cancer spread that are not visible to the naked eye. Our findings could help doctors make better treatment decisions, such as whether to use chemotherapy before surgery or how extensive the surgery should be. This personalized approach aims to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer. Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) presents significant challenges in prognostication due to its rarity and complex anatomy. This study introduces a novel approach integrating perirenal fat (PRF) radiomics with clinical factors to enhance prognostic accuracy in UTUC. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 103 UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. PRF radiomics features were extracted from preoperative CT scans using a semi-automated segmentation method. Three prognostic models were developed: clinical, radiomics, and combined. Model performance was assessed using concordance index (C-index), time-dependent Area Under the Curve (AUC), and integrated Brier score. Results: The combined model demonstrated superior performance (C-index: 0.784, 95% CI: 0.707–0.861) compared to the radiomics (0.759, 95% CI: 0.678–0.840) and clinical (0.653, 95% CI: 0.547–0.759) models. Time-dependent AUC analysis revealed the radiomics model's particular strength in short-term prognosis (12-month AUC: 0.9281), while the combined model excelled in long-term predictions (60-month AUC: 0.8403). Key PRF radiomics features showed stronger prognostic value than traditional clinical factors. Conclusions: Integration of PRF radiomics with clinical data significantly improves prognostic accuracy in UTUC. This approach offers a more nuanced analysis of the tumor microenvironment, potentially capturing early signs of tumor invasion not visible through conventional imaging. The semi-automated PRF segmentation method presents advantages in reproducibility and ease of use, facilitating potential clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative way to combat water scarcity brought on by population increase and climate change is rainwater harvesting (RWH), particularly in arid and semiarid areas. Currently, Pakistan is facing major water issues due to underprivileged water resource management, climate change, land use changes, and the sustainability of local water resources. This research aims to find out the suitable sites and options for RWH structures in the Quetta district of Pakistan by integrating the depression depth technique, Boolean analysis, and weighted linear combination (WLC) with hydrological modeling (HM), multicriteria analysis (MCA), a geographic information system (GIS), and remote sensing (RS). To find suitable sites for RWH, a collection of twelve (12) thematic layers were used, including the slope (SL), land use land cover (LULC), subarea (SA), runoff depth (RD), drainage density (DD), lineament density (LD), infiltration number (IFN), distance from built-up area (DB), distance from roads (DR), distance from lakes (DL), maximum flow distance (MFD), and topographic wetness index (TWI). The Boolean analysis and WLC approach were integrated in the GIS environment. The consistency ratio (CR) was calculated to make sure the assigned weights to thematic layers were consistent. Overall, results show that 6.36% (167.418 km2), 14.34% (377.284 km2), 16.36% (430.444 km2), 18.92% (497.663 km2), and 18.64% (490.224 km2) of the area are in the categories of very high, high, moderate, low, and very low suitability, respectively, for RWH. RWH potential is restricted to 25.35% (666.86 km2) of the area. This research also identifies the five (5) best locations for checking dams and the ten (10) best locations for percolation tanks on the streams. The conducted suitability analysis will assist stakeholders in selecting the optimal locations for RWH structures, facilitating the storage of water, and addressing the severe water scarcity prevalent in the area. This study proposes a novel approach to handle the problems of water shortage in conjunction with environmental and socioeconomic pressures in order to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) enhances prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis by using multiple imaging modalities. Tissue-mimicking materials (TMM) phantoms, favoured over animal models for ethical and consistency reasons, were created using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varying molecular weights (Mw). Methods: Four PVA samples, varying in Mw with constant concertation, were mixed with glycerol, silicon carbide (SiC), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Phantoms with varying depth and inclusion sizes were created and tested using shear-wave elastography (SWE). An mpUS phantom was developed to mimic prostate tissue, including isoechoic and hypoechoic inclusions and vessels. The phantom was scanned using supersonic ultrasound, strain elastography, and Doppler ultrasound. Validation was performed using radical prostatectomy data and shear-wave elastography. Results: The acoustic properties varied with enhancers like glycerol and Al2O3. Low Mw PVA samples had a speed of sound ranging from 1547.50 ± 2 to 1553.70 ± 2.2 m/s and attenuation of 0.61 ± 0.062 to 0.63 ± 0.05 dB/cm/MHz. High Mw PVA samples ranged from 1555 ± 2.82 to 1566 ± 4.5 m/s and 0.71 ± 0.02 to 0.73 ± 0.046 dB/cm/MHz. Young's modulus ranged from 11 ± 2 to 82.3 ± 0.5 kPa across 1 to 10 freeze-thaw cycles. Inclusion size, depth, and interaction statistically affect the SWE measurements with p-value = 0.056327, p-value = 8.0039 × 10−8, and p-value = 0.057089, respectively. SWE showed isoechoic inclusions, prostate tissue, and surrounding tissue only. The Doppler velocity was measured in three different inner diameters. Conclusion: PVA mixed with enhancer materials creates an mpUS phantom with properties that mimic normal and abnormal prostate tissue, blood vessels, and soft tissue, facilitating advanced diagnostic training and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pathogens pose a persistent threat to crop plants, risking global food security. Anthracnose of sorghum caused by Colletotrichum graminicola causes a considerable loss in sorghum production. This study aimed to manage the anthracnose disease in sorghum using green‐synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles using pomegranate peel and to assess their impacts on the agroeconomic attributes of sorghum. Synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles showed strong dose‐dependent antifungal activity against C. graminicola and significantly reduced mycelial radial growth, comparable to commercial fungicides. Foliar application of TiO2 at concentrations of 150 and 200 ppm reduced the disease index >60% in pot trials. Additionally, the effect of TiO2 NPs on the growth and yield of sorghum plants and the possible mechanism(s) behind the suppression of anthracnose disease were deciphered. TiO2 NPs also improved shoot and root length, biomass accumulation, penile size, number of grains, and grain weight in sorghum plants infected with C. graminicola. Application of TiO2 NPs significantly increased the content of defense‐related biochemicals, including total phenolic contents, activities of defense‐related enzymes (PO, PPO, and PAL), photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll contents and carotenoids), and total protein contents. Collectively, our study verified the potential of green‐synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles to suppress anthracnose disease by activating a defense system and stimulating growth and yield promotion under pathogen stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model was developed to improve predictions of survival and recurrence in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC)—a rare and aggressive cancer. Notably, an accurate prediction of survival and recurrence is essential for deciding on effective therapeutic management scheme(s) in UTUC. The combined radiomics features extracted from CT scans with clinical data significantly improved the accuracy of predicting patient outcomes compared to clinical data alone. The combined clinico-radiomics model also demonstrated a superior predictive performance to the models developed using only clinical or radiomics data, achieving high concordance indices for survival and recurrence prediction. The integrated approach unraveled hidden patterns in CT data indicative of the recurrence risk and enabled precise patient risk stratification to inform treatment planning. It also provided a deeper understanding of the tumor matrix and its evolution, enabling more refined, tailored, and (potentially) more effective treatment plans for UTUC patients. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The accurate prediction of survival and recurrence in UTUC is crucial for effective risk stratification and guiding therapeutic decisions. Models combining radiomics and clinicopathological data features derived from computed tomographic urograms (CTUs) can be a way to predict survival and recurrence in UTUC. Thus, preoperative CTUs and clinical data were analyzed from 106 UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. Radiomics features were extracted from segmented tumors, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method was used to select the most relevant features. Multivariable Cox models combining radiomics features and clinical factors were developed to predict the survival and recurrence. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) was applied to evaluate the performance and survival distribution analyses were assessed by a Kaplan–Meier analysis. The significant outcome predictors were identified by multivariable Cox models. The combined model achieved a superior predictive accuracy (C-index: 0.73) and higher recurrence prediction (C-index: 0.84). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences in the survival (p < 0.0001) and recurrence (p < 0.002) probabilities for the combined datasets. The CTU-based radiomics models effectively predicted survival and recurrence in the UTUC patients, and enhanced the prognostic performance by combining radiomics features with clinical factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) vaccine manufacturing have attracted considerable interest as advanced methods for combating viral infections. The respiratory mucosa is a primary target for pathogen attack, but traditional intramuscular vaccines are not effective in generating protective ion mucosal surfaces. Mucosal immunization can induce both systemic and mucosal immunity by effectively eliminating microorganisms before their growth and development. However, there are several biological and physical obstacles to the administration of genetic payloads, such as IVT-mRNA and DNA, to the pulmonary and nasal mucosa. Nucleic acid vaccine nanocarriers should effectively protect and load genetic payloads to overcome barriers i.e., biological and physical, at the mucosal sites. This may aid in the transfection of specific antigens, epithelial cells, and incorporation of adjuvants. In this review, we address strategies for delivering genetic payloads, such as nucleic acid vaccines, that have been studied in the past and their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work seeks to evaluate the impact of selected enzyme complexes on the optimised release of phenolics from leaves of Pongamia pinnata. After preliminary solvent extraction, the P. pinnata leaf extract was subjected to enzymatic treatment, using enzyme cocktails such as kemzyme dry-plus, natuzyme, and zympex-014. It was noticed that zympex-014 had a greater extract yield (28.0%) than kemzyme dry-plus (17.0%) and natuzyme (18.0%). Based on the better outcomes, zympex-014-based extract values were subsequently applied to several RSM parameters. The selected model is suggested to be significant by the F value (12.50) and R2 value (0.9669). The applicability of the ANN model was shown by how closely the projected values from the ANN were to the experimental values. In terms of total phenolic contents (18.61 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid contents (12.56 mg CE/g), and DPPH test (IC50) (6.5 g/mL), antioxidant activities also shown significant findings. SEM analysis also revealed that the cell walls were damaged during enzymatic hydrolysis, as opposed to non-hydrolysed material. Using GC-MS, five potent phenolic compounds were identified in P. pinnata extract. According to the findings of this study, the recovery of phenolic bioactives and subsequent increase in the antioxidant capacity of P. pinnata leaf extract were both positively impacted by the optimisation approaches suggested, including the use of zympex-014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, pure and lanthanum (La)-doped copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO-NPs) are synthesized using a sol-gel technique which is quite simple, efficient and cost-effective as well. Various characterization techniques have been employed to investigate the effect of rare earth dopant (La) on morphological, compositional, structural, optical, and vibrational properties of fabricated nanomaterial which is tested as potential photo catalyst. Quite interestingly, the bandgap was reduced by the introduction of dopant element. Additionally, the average particle size was also reduced for doped samples. Degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated under UV visible light for 100 min in the presence of synthesized photocatalysts. The best efficiency of 80% is achieved by 2% La-doped sample attributed to Burstein-Moss effect. Experimental results are well consistent with the results of the simulation which were realized while using finite element analysis (FEA) technique in RF module (version 5.3a) of COMSOL Multiphysics. This simulation technique helped to understand the insight about the various aspect of the photocatalytic process reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical imaging has allowed for significant advancements in the field of ultrasound procedures over the years. However, each imaging modality exhibits distinct limitations that differently affect their accuracy. It is imperative to ensure the quality of each modality to identify and eliminate these limitations. To achieve this, a tissue-mimicking material (TMM) phantom is utilised for validation. This study aims to perform a systematic analysis of tissue-mimicking materials used for creating ultrasound phantoms. We reviewed 234 studies on the use of TMM phantoms in ultrasound that were published from 2013 to 2023 from two research databases. Our focus was on studies that discussed TMMs' properties and fabrication for ultrasound, elastography, and flow phantoms. The screening process led to the selection of 16 out of 234 studies to include in the analysis. The TMM ultrasound phantoms were categorised into three groups based on the solvent used; each group offers a broad range of physical properties. The water-based material most closely aligns with the properties of ultrasound. This study provides important information about the materials used for ultrasound phantoms. We also compared these materials to real human tissues and found that PVA matches most of the human tissues the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To create a radiogenomics map and evaluate the correlation between molecular and imaging phenotypes in localized prostate cancer (PCa), using radical prostatectomy histopathology as a reference standard. Radiomic features were extracted from T2-weighted (T2WI) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) images of clinically localized PCa patients (n = 15) across different Gleason score-based risk categories. DNA extraction was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Gene expression analysis of androgen receptor expression, apoptosis, and hypoxia was conducted using the Chromosome Analysis Suite (ChAS) application and OSCHIP files. The relationship between gene expression alterations and textural features was assessed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was utilized to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the model. A significant correlation was observed between radiomic texture features and copy number variation (CNV) of genes associated with apoptosis, hypoxia, and androgen receptor (p-value ≤ 0.05). The identified radiomic features, including Sum Entropy ADC, Inverse Difference ADC, Sum Variance T2WI, Entropy T2WI, Difference Variance T2WI, and Angular Secondary Moment T2WI, exhibited potential for predicting cancer grade and biological processes such as apoptosis and hypoxia. Incorporating radiomics and genomics into a prediction model significantly improved the prediction of prostate cancer grade (clinically significant prostate cancer), yielding an AUC of 0.95. Radiomic texture features significantly correlate with genotypes for apoptosis, hypoxia, and androgen receptor expression in localised prostate cancer. Integration of these into the prediction model improved prediction accuracy of clinically significant prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the safety and prognosis of enbloc or piecemeal removal after enbloc resection of a gastric GIST by comparing the clinical data of endoscopic en block resection and piecemeal removal (EP) and en block resection and complete removal (EC) of gastric GISTs. Methods: A total of 111 (43 endoscopic piecemeal, and 68 complete removal) patients with gastric GIST's ≥ 2 cm in diameter who underwent endoscopic therapy from January 2016 to June 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, it was ensured that the tumor was intact during the resection, however, it was divided into EP group and EC group based on whether the tumor was completely removed or was cut into pieces which were then removed. The patients' recurrence-free survival rate and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in RFS rates between the two groups (P = 0.197). The EP group had relatively high patient age, tumor diameter, risk classification, and operation time. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of nuclear fission images, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative fasting time, complication rate and complication grading between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic piecemeal removal after en block resection of gastric GIST is safe and effective and achieves similar clinical outcomes as complete removal after en block resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A systematic review assessed multiparametric ultrasound [mpUS] modalities in diagnosing prostate cancer via radical prostatectomy specimens. Between 2012 and 2023, eleven studies evaluated grayscale TRUS, SWE, CEUS, and mpUS. Sensitivity ranged from 37.7% to 55% for grayscale TRUS, 55% to 88.1% for SWE, 59% to 81% for CEUS, and 74% for mpUS, with specificities ranging accordingly. Notably, sensitivity for clinically significant prostate cancer was 55%, 73%, 70%, and 74%, respectively, with varying specificities. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 [QUADAS-2] was used to evaluate bias and applicability. The review underscores the significance of mpUS modalities in prostate cancer diagnosis, highlighting their varying sensitivity and specificity in detecting both overall and clinically significant prostate cancer lesions. Background: Prostate cancer is a prevalent cancer among men. Multiparametric ultrasound [mpUS] is a diagnostic instrument that uses various types of ultrasounds to diagnose it. This systematic review aims to evaluate the performance of different parametric ultrasounds in diagnosing prostate cancer by associating with radical prostatectomy specimens. Methodology: A review was performed on various ultrasound parameters using five databases. Systematic review tools were utilized to eliminate duplicates and identify relevant results. Reviewers used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Results [QUADAS-2] to evaluate the bias and applicability of the study outcomes. Result: Between 2012 and 2023, eleven studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the different ultrasound parametric procedures in detecting prostate cancer using grayscale TRUS, SWE, CEUS, and mpUS. The high sensitivity of these procedures was found at 55%, 88.6%, 81%, and 74%, respectively. The specificity of these procedures was found to be 93.4%, 97%, 88%, and 59%, respectively. This high sensitivity and specificity may be associated with the large lesion size. The studies revealed that the sensitivity of these procedures in diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer was 55%, 73%, 70%, and 74%, respectively, while the specificity was 61%, 78.2%, 62%, and 59%, respectively. Conclusions: The mpUS procedure provides high sensitivity and specificity in PCa detection, especially for clinically significant prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for at least 80% of renal tumours worldwide. The grading of clear cell carcinoma is crucial for its management; therefore, it is important to distinguish the ccRCC grade pre-operatively. The aim of this research is to differentiate high- from low-grade ccRCC non-invasively using machine learning (ML) and radiomics features extracted from pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scans, taking into consideration the tumour sub-region that offers the greatest accuracy when grading. Furthermore, radiomics and machine learning were compared with biopsy-determined grading in a sub-group with resection histopathology as a reference standard. Background: Renal cancers are among the top ten causes of cancer-specific mortality, of which the ccRCC subtype is responsible for most cases. The grading of ccRCC is important in determining tumour aggressiveness and clinical management. Objectives: The objectives of this research were to predict the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC pre-operatively and characterise the heterogeneity of tumour sub-regions using radiomics and ML models, including comparison with pre-operative biopsy-determined grading in a sub-group. Methods: Data were obtained from multiple institutions across two countries, including 391 patients with pathologically proven ccRCC. For analysis, the data were separated into four cohorts. Cohorts 1 and 2 included data from the respective institutions from the two countries, cohort 3 was the combined data from both cohort 1 and 2, and cohort 4 was a subset of cohort 1, for which both the biopsy and subsequent histology from resection (partial or total nephrectomy) were available. 3D image segmentation was carried out to derive a voxel of interest (VOI) mask. Radiomics features were then extracted from the contrast-enhanced images, and the data were normalised. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the XGBoost model were used to reduce the dimensionality of the features. Thereafter, 11 ML algorithms were implemented for the purpose of predicting the ccRCC grade and characterising the heterogeneity of sub-regions in the tumours. Results: For cohort 1, the 50% tumour core and 25% tumour periphery exhibited the best performance, with an average AUC of 77.9% and 78.6%, respectively. The 50% tumour core presented the highest performance in cohorts 2 and 3, with average AUC values of 87.6% and 76.9%, respectively. With the 25% periphery, cohort 4 showed AUC values of 95.0% and 80.0% for grade prediction when using internal and external validation, respectively, while biopsy histology had an AUC of 31.0% for the classification with the final grade of resection histology as a reference standard. The CatBoost classifier was the best for each of the four cohorts with an average AUC of 80.0%, 86.5%, 77.0% and 90.3% for cohorts 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Conclusions: Radiomics signatures combined with ML have the potential to predict the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC with superior performance, when compared to pre-operative biopsy. Moreover, tumour sub-regions contain useful information that should be analysed independently when determining the tumour grade. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish the grade of ccRCC pre-operatively to improve patient care and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prospectively assess clinical and cost effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopic laser fragmentation of urinary stones causing symptoms or obstruction. Patients and methods: 100 consecutive patients with an average (median) age 55.6 (57.5) years and average (median) stone size of 8.2 mm (± 7 mm) between October 2018 and December 2021 who underwent emergency ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation formed the study cohort as part of a clinical service quality improvement. Primary outcome was single procedure stone-free rate and cost-effectiveness. The secondary outcomes were complications, re-admission and re-intervention. A decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (EUL) and emergency temporary stenting followed by delayed ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (DUL) using our results and success rates for modelling. Results: Single procedure stone-free rates (SFR) for EUL and DUL were 85%. The re-intervention rate, re-admission and complication rates of the study cohort (EUL) were 9%, 18%, and 4%, respectively, compared to 15%, 20%, and 5%, respectively for the control cohort (DUL). The decision analysis modelling demonstrated that the EUL treatment option was more cost-efficient, averting £2868 (€3260) per patient for the UK health sector. Total cost of delayed intervention was £7783 (€8847) for DUL in contrast to £4915 (€5580) for EUL. Conclusions: Implementation of quality improvement project based on a reduction in CT detection-to-laser fragmentation time interval in acute ureteric obstruction or symptoms caused by stones had similar clinical effectiveness compared to delayed ureteroscopic management, but more cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study investigates the time‐varying skills of Shariah‐Compliant and conventional equity fund managers in selectivity, volatility, market return, liquidity, and higher‐order of Multidimensional Time‐Varying Skills of Fund Managers: A Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Equity Fundsco‐moments. Additionally, it examines the persistence and causal relationships among these timing abilities. The analysis utilizes equity mutual funds data from January 2010 to June 2022, encompassing three major Islamic countries: Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, representing over 80% of the Islamic funds market. Employing diverse time‐varying techniques, this study reveals the presence of selectivity, volatility, and co‐skewness timing skills while detecting the absence of a market, liquidity, and co‐kurtosis timing abilities among conventional and Islamic fund managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially life-threatening but preventable complication after urological surgery. Physicians are faced with the challenges of weighing the risks and benefits of thromboprophylaxis given scanty evidence for or against and practice variation worldwide. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to explore the possibility of a risk-stratified approach for thromboembolism prophylaxis following radical prostatectomy. Design, setting, and participants: A prospective database was accessed to cross-link venous thromboembolism events in 522 men who underwent minimally invasive prostatectomy between February 2010 and October 2021. A deterministic data linkage method was used to record events through electronic systems. Community Health Index (CHI) numbers were used to identify patients via electronic health records. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics such as age, comorbidities, Gleason staging, and readmission details accrued. Outcomes: VTE within 90 days and development of a risk-stratified scoring system. All statistical analysis was performed using R-Statistical Software and the risk of VTE within 90 days of surgery was estimated via gradient-boosting decision trees (BRT) model. Results and limitations: 1.1% (6/522) of patients developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 3 months post-minimally invasive prostatectomy. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the body mass index (p = 0.016), duration of hospital stay (p < 0.001), and number of readmissions (p = 0.036) between patients who developed VTE versus patients who did not develop VTE. BRT analysis found 8 variables that demonstrated relative importance in predicting VTE. The receiver operating curves (ROC) were constructed to assess the discrimination power of a new model. The model showed an AUC of 0.97 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.945,0.999). For predicting VTE, a single-center study is a limitation. Conclusions: The incidence of VTE post-minimally invasive prostatectomy in men who did not receive prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin is low (1.1%). The proposed risk-scoring system may aid in the identification of higher-risk patients for thromboprophylaxis. Patient summary: In this report, we looked at the outcomes of venous thromboembolism following minimally invasive radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in consecutive men. We developed a new scoring system using advanced statistical analysis. We conclude that the VTE risk is very low and our model, if applied, can risk stratify men for the development of VTE following radical surgery for prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater plays a major role in addressing the worldwide problem of water scarcity and food security. With a growing population and increasing urbanization, there is a rising demand for groundwater to meet agricultural and domestic water needs. A variety of advanced approaches are necessary to sustain groundwater management. This study investigated the age and origin of groundwater, as well as its relationship with anthropogenic and climatic factors. Stable isotopes were used, namely oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (2H) for the estimation of groundwater origin and radioactive isotopes of Tritium (3H) for the estimation of its age. The investigation of stable isotopes revealed that the aquifer is predominantly influenced by river water, with a minor contribution from rainwater. Furthermore, the analysis of radioactive isotopes revealed that the groundwater age ranges from 5 to 50 years old in most areas. Older groundwater is predominantly found in urban areas, while younger groundwater is present in agricultural and woodland regions. However, the presence of "old" water in the upper groundwater layers in urban areas is attributed to over-abstraction and limited natural recharge. The primary climatic factor that governs the age and origin of groundwater is rainfall upstream of the study area, which directly contributes to the river flows. The rainfall is high in the east but, due to urbanization, recharge is decreased. Consequently, old and river recharge groundwater is found in this area. These observations underscore the unsustainable and alarming use of groundwater in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of boardroom diversity on the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. Boardroom diversity is quantified in the following aspects: relation-oriented diversity and task-oriented diversity. Design/methodology/approach: Panel data on Chinese financial listed firms between 1998 and 2017 are used in this study. Panel regression is used to analyze the firm data for fixed effects and robust standard errors. Findings: Task-oriented diversity of the board increases financial stability. Regarding the impact of boardroom diversity on firm risk, the results reveal that task-oriented diversity of the board reduces firm risk, which supports the predictions of this research. Regarding the moderating effect of state ownership on the relationship between boardroom diversity (task- and relation-oriented diversity) and financial stability, the results show that state ownership enhances the positive impact of the board's task-oriented diversity on financial stability. Practical implications: Task-oriented diversity of the board enhances the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. As existing studies on bank boards in China are limited, the findings of this research can be used when crafting policy initiatives to enhance financial stability. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of boardroom diversity, particularly task- and relation-oriented diversity, on financial stability. It provides empirical support that boardroom diversity positively affects the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. This research also offers empirical evidence that state ownership enhances the positive impact of the board's task-oriented diversity on financial stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To prospectively assess clinical and cost effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopic laser fragmentation of urinary stones causing symptoms or obstruction. Patients and methods 100 consecutive patients with an average (median) age 55.6 (57.5) years and average (median) stone size of 8.2 mm (± 7 mm) between October 2018 and December 2021 who underwent emergency ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation formed the study cohort as part of a clinical service quality improvement. Primary outcome was single procedure stone-free rate and cost-effectiveness. The secondary outcomes were complications, re-admission and re-intervention. A decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (EUL) and emergency temporary stenting followed by delayed ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (DUL) using our results and success rates for modelling. Results Single procedure stone-free rates (SFR) for EUL and DUL were 85%. The re-intervention rate, re-admission and complication rates of the study cohort (EUL) were 9%, 18%, and 4%, respectively, compared to 15%, 20%, and 5%, respectively for the control cohort (DUL). The decision analysis modelling demonstrated that the EUL treatment option was more cost-efficient, averting £2868 (€3260) per patient for the UK health sector. Total cost of delayed intervention was £7783 (€8847) for DUL in contrast to £4915 (€5580) for EUL. Conclusions Implementation of quality improvement project based on a reduction in CT detection-to-laser fragmentation time interval in acute ureteric obstruction or symptoms caused by stones had similar clinical effectiveness compared to delayed ureteroscopic management, but more cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in infectious pancreatic necrosis, a complication of acute pancreatitis. The study found that Treg activation disrupts the barrier function of the duodenum, allowing bacteria to enter the pancreatic necrosis. The researchers focused on the expression of the co-inhibitory molecule Programmed-death 1 (PD-1) on Tregs and found that PD-1 expression correlated with the level of Tregs. They also conducted experiments on mouse models and found that blocking PD-1 reduced the translocation of bacteria into the pancreas. The study suggests that PD-1 blockage could be a potential therapeutic strategy for infectious pancreatic necrosis, but further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

Dilute magnetic semiconductor Zn1−xCuxO (x = 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%) nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method. The impact of dopant concentration on the physical properties was investigated along with the anti-bacterial and photocatalytic activities. Synthesis of ZnO nanorods was confirmed by the characteristic band at 380 nm in UV–Visible spectra of the synthesized samples. A red shift in absorbance spectra was observed from 380 to 465 nm with an increase in dopant concentration. The hexagonal wurtzite geometry and rod-like morphology of Cu-doped ZnO nanorods having an average size of 29 nm were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. An increase in the crystallinity of the material was observed with an increase in the dopant (Cu) ratio without any alteration in geometry. EDX analysis was used to confirm the purity of samples. FTIR spectra were recorded to explore the functional group present in samples. The hysteresis loop drawn by a vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) was utilized to analyze the ferromagnetic behavior. As-synthesized pure and Cu–ZnO nanorods were evaluated for their photocatalytic behavior for the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) dye. Zn1 − xCuxO with x = 4.5%, pH 3, and catalyst dosage of 0.5 g has shown the maximum efficiency. Results elucidated > 81% degradation of MO dye with a rate constant (k) value of − 1.930 × 10−2 min−1 in just 90 min of exposure to a visible light source. ZnO nanorods have also exhibited anti-bacterial potential against gram-positive and gram-negative strains of bacteria. However, smaller size nanorods were found more effective to suppress the growth of gram-negative bacteria. A slight decrease (11%) in catalytic potential was observed in the 5th cycle during recycling and reuse experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human commensal species take advantage of anthropogenic conditions that are less likely to be challenged by the selective pressures of natural environments. Their morphological and physiological phenotypes can therefore dissociate from habitat characteristics. Understanding how these species adjust their morphological and physiological traits across latitudinal gradients is fundamental to uncovering the eco‐physiological strategies underlying coping mechanisms. Here, we studied morphological traits in breeding Eurasian tree sparrows (ETSs; Passer montanus) among low‐latitude (Yunnan and Hunan) and middle‐latitude (Hebei) localities in China. We then compared body mass; lengths of bill, tarsometatarsus, wing, total body, and tail feather; and baseline and capture stress‐induced levels of plasma corticosterone (CORT) and the metabolites including glucose (Glu), total triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), total protein, and uric acid (UA). None of the measured morphological parameters varied with latitude except in the Hunan population, which demonstrated longer bills than those in other populations. Stress‐induced CORT levels significantly exceeded baseline levels and decreased with increasing latitude, but total integrated CORT levels did not vary with latitude. Capture stress‐induced significantly increased Glu levels and decreased TG levels, independent of site. However, the Hunan population had significantly higher baseline CORT, baseline and stress‐induced FFA levels, but lower UA levels, which differed from other populations. Our results suggest that rather than morphological adjustments, physiological adjustments are mainly involved in coping mechanisms for middle‐latitude adaptation in ETSs. It is worth investigating whether other avian species also exhibit such dissociation from external morphological designs while depending on physiological adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenocarcinomas are one of the most common histological types of gastric cancer. It has been ranked fifth among common cancers and is the third among death causing cancers worldwide. The high mortality rate among patients with gastric cancer is because of its silent evolution, genetic heterogeneity, high resistance to chemotherapy as well as unavailability of highly effective therapeutic strategy. Until now a number of several treatment strategies have been developed and are being practiced such as surgery, chemotherapy, radio therapy, and immunotherapy, however, further developments are required to improve the treatment responses and reduce the side effects. Therefore, novel personal therapeutic strategies based on immunological responses should be developed by targeting different check points and key immune players. Targeting macrophages and related molecular elements can be useful to achieve these goals. In this minireview, we discuss the available treatment options, molecular underpinnings and immunological regulations associated with gastric adenocarcinoma. We further describe the possible check points and immunological targets that can be used to develop novel therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered as one of main causes of death in men globally. More research is required on the diagnostic accuracy of mpUS and advanced modalities in prostate cancer detection, which may provide insightful information into the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of this technique. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of different ultrasound scanning technologies (shear-wave elastography, contrast enhanced, micro-ultrasound) and grayscale ultrasound technology in the detection of prostate cancer. This will assist in determining whether this new method of detecting prostate cancer is effective. Our results showed that some studies proved that advanced ultrasound modalities are promising methods for the detection of prostate cancer. The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of different ultrasound scanning technologies in the detection of prostate cancer. A systematic search was conducted using the Cochrane Guidelines for Screening and Diagnostic Tests. We performed a systematic search in the international databases PubMed, Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane Library. Searches were designed to find all studies that evaluated Micro-US, mpUS, SWE and CEUS as the main detection modalities for prostate cancer. This study was registered with Research Registry of systematic review and meta-analysis. The QUADAS-2 tool was utilized to perform quality assessment and bias analysis. The literature search generated 1376 studies. Of these, 320 studies were screened for eligibility, with 1056 studies being excluded. Overall, 26 studies with a total of 6370 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity for grayscale, CEUS, SWE, Micro-US and mpUS modalities were 0.66 (95% CI 0.54–0.73) 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.88), 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.90), 0.85 (95% CI 0.76–0.94) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.71–1.03), respectively. Moreover, the pooled specificity for grayscale, CEUS, SWE, Micro-US and mpUS modalities were 0.56 (95% CI 0.21–0.90), 0.78 (95% CI 0.67–0.88), 0.76 (95% CI 0.65–0.88), 0.43 (95% CI 0.28–0.59) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.54–0.81), respectively. In terms of sensitivity, substantial heterogeneity between studies was detected (I2 = 72%, p = 0.000 < 0.05). In relation to specificity, extreme heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 93%, p = 0.000 < 0.05). Some studies proved that advanced ultrasound modalities such as mpUS, Micro-US, shear-wave elastography, contrast enhanced and micro-ultrasound are promising methods for the detection of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of microplastic (MP) pollution is one of the most pressing environmental problems faced today and for the future. Plastics are ubiquitous due to their exponential use and mismanagement, resulting in the accumulation of fragments across the world. Hence, the problem of MP pollution is aggravated when these plastic items disintegrate into smaller particles due to different physical, chemical, and environmental factors. The consumption of these MP pollutants by wildlife is a worldwide concern and a potentially crucial risk for all ecosystems. Consequently, MPs have caused a wide variety of problems for both public health and wildlife concerning vital life processes—specifically reproduction, which is critical to species' survival in an ecosystem. Despite MPs' detrimental effects on wildlife reproduction, it remains unclear how MPs can affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. This review highlights the significant reproductive toxicity of MPs in wildlife, with potentially devastating consequences for human health. The findings emphasize the urgency of developing effective solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of MP pollution on the reproductive systems of wildlife and preserving the integrity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The impact of heat stress on reproduction is complex and multifactorial and is compounded by growing challenges due to climate change. Both animal welfare and fertility are vulnerable parameters easily affected by heat stress. Heat stress leads to a marked decrease in the developmental competence of oocytes and the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa, leading to a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. There is an urgent need to find viable methods of alleviating the effects of global warming on animal welfare and fertility and, accordingly, guard the reproductivity, productivity, and profitability of cattle farms. In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20–30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the recommended treatments to achieve oncological outcomes in localized prostate cancer. However, a radical prostatectomy is a major abdominopelvic surgery. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known complication associated with surgical procedures, including RP. There is a lack of consensus regarding VTE prophylaxis in urological procedures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate different aspects of VTE in post-radical prostatectomy patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed, and relevant data were extracted. The primary aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis (wherever possible) of VTE occurrence in post-RP patients in relation to surgical approach, pelvic lymph node dissection, and type of prophylaxis (mechanical or combined prophylaxis). The secondary aim was to investigate the incidence and other risk factors of VTE in post-RP patients. A total of 16 studies were included for quantitative analysis. Statistical methods for analysis included the DerSimonian–Laird random effects. We were able to conclude that the overall incidence of VTE in post-radical prostatectomy is 1% (95% CI) and minimally invasive procedures (MIS), including laparoscopic, as well as robotic procedures for radical prostatectomy and RP without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), are associated with less risk of developing VTE. Additional pharmacological prophylaxis to mechanical methods may not be necessary in all cases and should be considered in high-risk patients only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the accuracy of pre-surgical prostate size measurements using mpMRI and USWE with imaging-based 3D-printed patient-specific whole-mount moulds facilitated histopathology, and to assess whether size assessment varies between clinically significant and non-significant cancerous lesions including their locations in different zones of the prostate. Methods: The study population included 202 men with clinically localised prostate cancer opting for radical surgery derived from two prospective studies. Protocol-based imaging data was used for measurement of size of prostate cancer in clinically localised disease using MRI (N = 106; USWE (N = 96). Forty-eight men overlapped between two studies and formed the validation cohort. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the accuracy of pre-surgical prostate cancerous size measurements using mpMRI and USWE with imaging-based 3D-printed patient-specific whole-mount moulds facilitated histopathology as a reference standard. Independent-samples T-tests were used for the continuous variables and a nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples was applied to examine the distribution and median differences between mpMRI and USWE groups. Results: A significant number of men had underestimation of prostate cancer using both mpMRI (82.1%; 87/106) and USWE (64.6%; 62/96). On average, tumour size was underestimated by a median size of 7 mm in mpMRI, and 1 mm in USWE. There were 327 cancerous lesions (153 with mpMRI and 174 for USWE). mpMRI and USWE underestimated the majority of cancerous lesions (108/153; 70.6%) and (88/174; 50.6%), respectively. Validation cohort data confirmed these findings MRI had a nearly 20% higher underestimation rate than USWE (χ2 (1, N = 327) = 13.580, p = 0.001); especially in the mid and apical level of the gland. Clinically non-significant cancers were underestimated in significantly higher numbers in comparison to clinically significant cancers. Conclusions: Size measurement of prostate cancers on preoperative imaging utilising maximum linear extent technique, underestimated the extent of cancer. Further research is needed to confirm our observations using different sequences, methods and approaches for cancer size measurement. Key points: The study assessed size of prostate cancer on MRI and ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) and compared with size on microscopic examination (histopathology) after radical prostatectomy. In comparison to histopathology, there was significant underestimation of prostate cancer size by imaging using MRI and USWE. Specific message is for men opting for focal treatment of prostate cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of satellite precipitation products (SPPs) for reliable flood modeling has become a necessity due to the scarcity of conventional gauging systems. Three high-resolution SPPs, i.e., Integrated Multi-satellite Retrieval for GPM (IMERG), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), and Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS), data were assessed statistically and hydrologically in the sparsely gauged Chenab River basin of Pakistan. The consistency of rain gauge data was assessed by the double mass curve (DMC). The statistical metrics applied were probability of detection (POD), critical success index (CSI), false alarm ratio (FAR), correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error (RMSE), and bias (B). The hydrologic evaluation was conducted with calibration and validation scenarios for the monsoon flooding season using the Integrated Flood Analysis System (IFAS) and flow duration curve (FDC). Sensitivity analysis was conducted using ±20% calibrating parameters. The rain gauge data have been found to be consistent with the higher coefficient of determination (R2). The mean skill scores of GSMaP were superior to those of CHIRPS and IMERG. More bias was observed during the monsoon than during western disturbances. The most sensitive parameter was the base flow coefficient (AGD), with a high mean absolute sensitivity index value. During model calibration, good values of performance indicators, i.e., R2, Nash−Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and percentage bias (PBIAS), were found for the used SPPs. For validation, GSMaP performed better with comparatively higher values of R2 and NSE and a lower value of PBIAS. The FDC exhibited SPPs' excellent performance during 20% to 40% exceedance time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Editorial: Molecular mechanisms and immunotherapeutic targets in nanomedicine-based cancer therapy," discusses the importance of finding effective treatments for cancer, which remains a significant threat in today's world. The article highlights the limitations of traditional therapies and the potential of nanomedicine in improving cancer treatment. It also mentions specific research topics within the field, such as the use of lipid-based nanoparticles, engineered exosomes, and molecular modifications in cancer prognosis and drug resistance. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for advanced diagnostic tools and targeted molecular targets to improve cancer management and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To perform multiscale correlation analysis between quantitative texture feature phenotypes of pre-biopsy biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and targeted sequence-based RNA expression for hypoxia-related genes. Materials and Methods: Images from pre-biopsy 3T bpMRI scans in clinically localised PCa patients of various risk categories (n = 15) were used to extract textural features. The genomic landscape of hypoxia-related gene expression was obtained using post-radical prostatectomy tissue for targeted RNA expression profiling using the TempO-sequence method. The nonparametric Games Howell test was used to correlate the differential expression of the important hypoxia-related genes with 28 radiomic texture features. Then, cBioportal was accessed, and a gene-specific query was executed to extract the Oncoprint genomic output graph of the selected hypoxia-related genes from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Based on each selected gene profile, correlation analysis using Pearson's coefficients and survival analysis using Kaplan–Meier estimators were performed. Results: The quantitative bpMR imaging textural features, including the histogram and grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), correlated with three hypoxia-related genes (ANGPTL4, VEGFA, and P4HA1) based on RNA sequencing using the TempO-Seq method. Further radiogenomic analysis, including data accessed from the cBioportal genomic database, confirmed that overexpressed hypoxia-related genes significantly correlated with a poor survival outcomes, with a median survival ratio of 81.11:133.00 months in those with and without alterations in genes, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that there is a correlation between the radiomic texture features extracted from bpMRI in localised prostate cancer and the hypoxia-related genes that are differentially expressed. The analysis of expression data based on cBioportal revealed that these hypoxia-related genes, which were the focus of the study, are linked to an unfavourable survival outcomes in prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins impact the entire food supply chain, from agricultural fields to processing facilities, markets, and consumer tables. In peanut cultivation, this threat poses a constant challenge throughout the cultivation, processing, and consumption stages. To confront this challenge, an exhaustive study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the effects of targeted soil amendments; namely, Vermicompost, Lentil crop residue, and Sulphate of Potash applied during the pivotal sowing phase at two distinct locations, Chakwal and Attock. The research includes meticulous groundnut sample analysis to quantify aflatoxin levels, revealing a significant reduction across all soil amendments compared to the control group. Vermicompost stands out as the most effective, achieving a remarkable 64.8% reduction, followed closely by Sulphate of Potash at 62.4%. Statistical analysis highlights non-significant differences among amendments. Beyond aflatoxin mitigation, the study underscores the dual benefit of these soil amendments, contributing not only to mycotoxin control but also enhancing overall crop productivity. Percent increase in number of grains per plant ranged between 58.82% to 43.53% whereas in hundred grain weight it ranged between 17.10% and 10.55%. In summary, the study emphasizes the importance of strategic soil amendments, particularly Vermicompost and Sulphate of Potash, in mitigating aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. The dual benefit of improved crop productivity adds significance to the findings, offering a holistic approach to address the multifaceted dimensions of aflatoxin challenges in peanut cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Microbial inoculants can reinvent the value and edible security of cultured sausages. Various studies have demonstrated that starter cultures made up of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Staphylococcus xylosus (known as L-S) isolated from traditional fermented foods were used in fermented sausage manufacturing. Methods: This study evaluated the impact of the mixed inoculation cultures on limiting biogenic amines, nitrite depletion, N-nitrosamine reduction, and quality metrics. Inoculation of sausages with the commercial starter culture (SBM-52) was evaluated for comparison. Results and discussion: Results showed that the L-S strains could rapidly decrease the water activity (Aw) and pH of fermented sausages. The ability of the L-S strains to delay lipid oxidation was equivalent to the SBM-52 strains. The non-protein nitrogen (NPN) contents of L-S-inoculated sausages (0.31%) were higher than that of SBM-52-inoculated sausages (0.28%). After the ripening process, the nitrite residues in the L-S sausages were 1.47 mg/kg lower than in the SBM-52 sausages. Compared to the SBM-52 sausages, there was a 4.88 mg/kg reduction in the biogenic amines' concentrations in L-S sausage, especially for histamine and phenylethylamine concentrations. The N-nitrosamine accumulations of the L-S sausages (3.40 ug/kg) were lower than that of the SBM-52 sausages (3.70 ug/ kg), and the NDPhA accumulations of the L-S sausages were 0.64 ug/kg lower than that of the SBM-52 sausages. Due to their significant contributions to nitrite depletion, biogenic amine reduction, and N-nitrosamine depletion in fermented sausages, the L-S strains have the potential to serve as an initial inoculant in the process of manufacturing fermented sausages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-bundle endomicroscopy has several recognized drawbacks, the most prominent being the honeycomb effect. We developed a multi-frame super-resolution algorithm exploiting bundle rotation to extract features and reconstruct underlying tissue. Simulated data was used with rotated fiber-bundle masks to create multi-frame stacks to train the model. Super-resolved images are numerically analyzed, which demonstrates that the algorithm can restore images with high quality. The mean structural similarity index measurement (SSIM) improved by a factor of 1.97 compared with linear interpolation. The model was trained using images taken from a single prostate slide, 1343 images were used for training, 336 for validation, and 420 for testing. The model had no prior information about the test images, adding to the robustness of the system. Image reconstruction was completed in 0.03 s for 256 × 256 images indicating future real-time performance is within reach. The combination of fiber bundle rotation and multi-frame image enhancement through machine learning has not been utilized before in an experimental setting but could provide a much-needed improvement to image resolution in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]