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Abstract Rising cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India, especially in metropolitan cities is an increasing concern. The individuals that were most affected are young professionals working in the corporate sector. However, the corporate sector has remained the least explored for T2D risk predisposition. Considering corporate employees’ lifestyles and the role of gene-environment interaction in T2D susceptibility, the study aims to find genetic variants associated with T2D predisposition. In this first kind of study, 680 young professionals (284 T2D cases, and 396 controls) were diagnosed and screened for 2658 variants on an array designed explicitly for the CoGsI study. The variant filtering was done at Bonferroni p-value of 0.000028. The genetic data was analysed using PLINK v1.09, SPSS, R programming, VEP tool, and FUMA GWAS tool. Interestingly, 42 variants were associated with the T2D risk. Out of 42, three missense variants (rs1402467, rs6050, and rs713598) in Sulfotransferase family 1 C member 4 (SULT1C4), Fibrinogen Alpha Chain (FGA), and Taste 2 Receptor Member 38 (TAS2R38) and two untranslated region (UTR) variants (rs1063320 and rs6296) in Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class I, G (HLA-G) and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 1B (HTR1B) were associated with the T2D risk. CoGsI identified potential genomic markers increasing susceptibility to the early onset of T2D. Present findings provide insights into mechanisms underlying T2D manifestation in corporate professionals due to genetics interacting with occupational stress and urban lifestyles.

Ceropegia is tuberous herb, mostly found growing on grassy slopes of hills and plateaus. Species of Ceropegia are recognized mostly for its peculiar ornamental and/or medicinal properties. Most species from the genus Ceropegia are included in threatened category because of special requirements in terms of climate and habitat. Earlier studies have indicated that habitat destruction and collecting of tubers for local consumption are the major threats. However; during recent years; their populations have been found declining rapidly due to habitat modifications and anthropogenic pressures like grazing, tourism and trampling, land use changes, etc. Since the majority of the reported Ceropegia species were previously classified as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN, conservation efforts ought to be pursued in order to slow the rate at which these species are becoming extinct. Present research article deals with taxonomy, flowering and fruiting period, present status, threats of critically endangered Ceropegia species found in and around Western Ghats region of Nashik district. The present study would help in identifying the species habitats and the areas to be prioritized for their conservation.

Abstract Introduction Water Jet Ablation Therapy (WJAT) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) represent two common surgical treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Despite their increasing use, there is no study between these two methods. We aim to evaluate their efficacy and safety through a network meta‐analysis (NMA), providing critical insights for clinical decision‐making in the management of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. Methods Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized controlled trials and prospective single‐arm studies comparing WJAT and HoLEP with TURP, reporting symptom scores, flow rates and adverse events. Data extraction and quality assessments were independently performed. Bayesian modelling in RStudio was used for statistical analysis, evaluating continuous outcomes through mean difference and categorical variables via risk ratios. Risk‐of‐Bias (RoB) and GRADE assessments were performed. Findings Twenty‐three studies were included (WJAT‐11, HoLEP‐12). Most studies were at some or high risk of bias. At 12 months, the IPSS, Qol, PVR and Qmax improvements were 4.14 points (95% CI: ‐0.34 to 8.64, not‐significant [NS], GRADE‐rating: Low), 0.32‐points (95% CI:‐10.70 to 3.27, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low), 2.45 ml/s (95% CI: ‐1.85 to 7.05, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low), 63.10 ml (95% CI: 39.80 to 87.30, statistically‐significant [SS], GRADE‐rating: Moderate), respectively, all in favour of HoLEP. Haemoglobin‐loss was lower with HoLEP, 1.16 g/dl (95% CI: ‐2.56 to 0.54 mg/dl, NS, GRADE‐rating: Moderate) than WJAT. The risk of incontinence was higher with HoLEP; 4.48 (95% CI: 0.22 to 168.50, NS, GRADE‐rating: Very Low) than WJAT in single–arm analysis. The risk of blood transfusion was higher with WJAT (RR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.00 to 4.21, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low) than HoLEP. Risk of Total Serious Adverse Events (Clavien‐Dindo grade>3) was higher with HoLEP (RR = 1.12, higher with HoLEP, 95% CI: 0.20 to 12.71, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low) than WJAT. Retreatment was lower with HoLEP (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.02 to 10.54 GRADE‐rating: Low) than WJAT. Interpretation Our study suggests that both HoLEP and WJAT are effective treatments for BPH, both with similar IPSS and QoL improvements. HoLEP excels in functional outcomes, particularly in improving Qmax and PVR. Conversely, WJAT, with its shorter operation time and hospital stays, presents a compelling alternative, particularly for outpatient settings.

The construction demolition is non-degradable. Recycled aggregates were utilized to create sustainable products in pervious concrete manufacture. Adding fibers enhances pervious concrete mechanical properties. High absorption of Recycled aggregate (RA) and polyethylene-glycol are used to ensure internal curing. The purpose of this study was to statistically improve the mechanical properties of pervious concrete based on an experimental investigation. Taguchi method was employed to present DOE (Design of Experiment). Five factors in four levels designed by Taguchi provide sixteen mixes (L16 array). The factors were the replacement of coarse aggregates by recycled aggregates, W/C ratio, synthetic macro-fiber, steel fiber and polyethylene-glycol. Designed mixes were prepared. Taguchi’s analysis concluded; that macro-fiber addition has no impact on mechanical properties. Using a ratio of 10% recycled aggregates replacement was the optimum ratio. Taguchi prediction of optimum mixes was experimented with using mixes. Confirmation test results agree with the predicted values within ±10%.

Abstract Coronary artery disease has a high mortality rate and is a striking public health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the global population. On the early onset of myocardial ischemia, thrombolytic therapy and coronary revascularization could promptly restore the bloodstream and nutrient supply to the ischemic tissue, efficiently preserving less severely injured myocardium. However, the abrupt re-establishment of blood flow triggers the significant discharge of previously accumulated oxidative substances and inflammatory cytokines, leading to further harm referred to as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Diabetes significantly raises the vulnerability of the heart to I/R injury due to disrupted glucose and lipid processing, impaired insulin sensitivity and metabolic signaling, and increased inflammatory responses. Numerous studies have indicated that adipokines are crucial in the etiology and pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Adipokines such as adiponectin, adipsin, visfatin, chemerin, omentin, and apelin, which possess protective properties against inflammatory activity and insulin resistance, have been shown to confer myocardial protection in conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial I/R injury, and diabetic complications. On the other hand, adipokines such as leptin and resistin, known for their pro-inflammatory characteristics, have been linked to elevated cardiac lipid deposition, insulin resistance, and fibrosis. Meteorin-like (metrnl) exhibits opposite effects in various pathological conditions. However, the data on adipokines in myocardial I/R, especially in diabetes, is still incomplete and controversial. This review focuses on recent research regarding the categorization and function of adipokines in the heart muscle, and the identification of different signaling pathways involved in myocardial I/R injury under diabetic conditions, aiming to facilitate the exploration of therapeutic strategies against myocardial I/R injury in diabetes.

Abstract Energy flow within cellular elements of the brain is a well-orchestrated, tightly regulated process, however, details underlying these functions at the single-cell level are still poorly understood. Studying hypometabolism in aging and neurodegenerative diseases may benefit from experimentation on unicellular bioenergetics. Here, we examined energy status in neurons and astrocytes using mixed hippocampal cultures and PercevalHR, an ATP:ADP nanosensor. We assessed exposures of several compounds including KCl, glutamate, FCCP, insulin, and glucose. A mitochondrial stress test was performed, and PercevalHR’s fluorescence was corrected for pH using pHrodo. Results demonstrate that PercevalHR can reliably report on the energetic status of two cell types that communicate in a mixed-culture setting. While KCl, glutamate, and FCCP showed clear changes in PercevalHR fluorescence, insulin and glucose responses were found to be more subtle and sensitive to extracellular glucose. These results may highlight mechanisms that mediate insulin sensitivity in the brain.

Abstract Background Neurovascular deficits and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction are major hallmarks of brain trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress is a prominent contributor to neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction and can propagate BBB disruption. Oxidative damage results in an imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis, which can further drive functional impairment of brain capillaries. To this end, we developed a method to track mitochondrial-related changes after oxidative stress in the context of neurovascular pathophysiology as a critical endophenotype of neurodegenerative diseases. Methods To study brain capillary-specific mitochondrial function and dynamics in response to oxidative stress, we developed an ex vivo model in which we used isolated brain capillaries from transgenic mice that express dendra2 green specifically in mitochondria (mtD2g). Isolated brain capillaries were incubated with 2,2’-azobis-2-methyl-propanimidamide dihydrochloride (AAPH) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation. Following the oxidative insult, mitochondrial bioenergetics were measured using the Seahorse XFe96 flux analyzer, and mitochondrial dynamics were measured using confocal microscopy with Imaris software. Results We optimized brain capillary isolation with intact endothelial cell tight-junction and pericyte integrity. Further, we demonstrate consistency of the capillary isolation process and cellular enrichment of the isolated capillaries. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and morphology assessments were optimized in isolated brain capillaries. Finally, we found that oxidative stress significantly decreased mitochondrial respiration and altered mitochondrial morphology in brain capillaries, including mitochondrial volume and count. Conclusions Following ex vivo isolation of brain capillaries, we confirmed the stability of mitochondrial parameters, demonstrating the feasibility of this newly developed platform. We also demonstrated that oxidative stress has profound effects on mitochondrial homeostasis in isolated brain capillaries. This novel method can be used to evaluate pharmacological interventions to target oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease and neurovascular pathophysiology as major players in neurodegenerative disease.

There are only a few works you can find in Piranesi's Etching that are not related to the "past". In his work, "ruin" is the most frequent theme. This article targets the ways ruin is depicted in Piranesi's work. Thus, by considering Piranesi’s prime and typical works and moving through his varying embodiments of ruin, this article will explain the different aspects of these representations and describes, the visuals of the way ruin is shown in his works. Based on Kant's theory of aesthetics in "The Critique of Judgment" and describing the concept of "sublimity" within that theoretical framework, it’s been attempted to provide the ground for answering "why" this type of representation reflects sublimity.The descriptive-analytical findings from this research indicate that fragmentality is the main feature in showing "the past" in Piranesi's work. Some of his works have archaeological approach, and by them, Piranesi tries to give us an "image" from the past. The dominance of the visual aspect and the frequency of the designs and their expansive range, from fireplace details to monuments and urban design, show that, in Piranesi's view, these pictures are beside each other in a sequence to build a complete picture of "the past". Although "phrases" come in to help the visual with accuracy and detail in some of these pictures, the fragmented quality of the contents of these depictions and the distance between the different types of them are not explained, as if this past would always represent itself as "lost". The recurring theme of "ruin" is also confirming of such an approach. Shape-wise, the most prominent manifestation of Piranesi's "ruins" is their enormous dimensions. Such depictions of memorials are recounting of the "mathematically sublime" in Kant's aesthetic system. As if in the face of "the sublimity" of these ruins, imagination fails to comprehend the mounting perceptual apprehensions. Also, ruins, in different ways, bespeak the power of the passing of time as a natural force. The sign of decadence on these ruins, in the forms of distortion of segments and growth of moss and greens, on another level, can intrigue experiencing sublimity in the audience. This experience is reminding of the "dynamically sublime" in Kant's aesthetics, where the subject feels fear when confronted by the power of nature. This fear, existing in Piranesi’s memorial, can be especially observed in Piranesi’s prison series. Prisons have nested spaces that evoke the impossibility of escaping such powers. In addition, by reviewing the content of the pictures and Piranesi’s text, it is apparent that this failure to comprehend is caused by facing the sublimity of the Roman Empire. Piranesi, in his different works, has attempted to depict this lost glory through pictures and words. However, this civilization and its example in Rome are so “sublime” in his view that they are depicted as a “fragmented” matter.

Background: Suicide is a primary health concern worldwide, and has a negative impact on the individual, family, and society. The literature suggests that females are more prone to attempt suicide and have more suicidal inclinations; however, males are more serious suicide attempters compared to females. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients admitted to acute care with the current suicide attempt. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive patients, aged between 18 and 60 years, who were medically stable and presented to the emergency or medical wards at the hospital with suicidal attempt, were included in this study. Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory–II were administered to assess the current suicidal intent and ideation, depression, and hopelessness. Results: The diagnostic breakup was – 69% mood (affective) disorders, 21% adjustment disorders, 4% schizophrenia, and 6% other disorders. Most suicide attempters were female (66% vs. 34%) and belonged to a younger age group (28.30 ± 10.08 years vs. 34.73 ± 13.97 years) compared to males (P < 0.05). Although both genders displayed high suicide intent, a significant difference in the SIS score was noted between females and males (36.53 ± 7.68 vs. 41.47 ± 8.82; P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a difference in the clinical and demographic profile among male and female suicide attempters. Hence, appropriate interventions can be devised to prevent the future suicide attempts as per the demographic and clinical characteristics specific to the study population.

Abstract This study aimed to classifying wheat genotypes using support vector machines (SVMs) improved with ensemble algorithms and optimization techniques. Utilizing data from 302 wheat genotypes and 14 morphological attributes to evaluate six SVM kernels: linear, radial basis function (RBF), sigmoid, and polynomial degrees 1–3. Various optimization methods, including grid search, random search, genetic algorithms, differential evolution, and particle swarm optimization, were used. The radial basis function kernel achieves the highest accuracy at 93.2%, and the weighted accuracy ensemble further improves it to 94.9%. This study shows the effectiveness of these methods in agricultural research and crop improvement. Notably, optimization-based SVM classification, particularly with particle swarm optimization, saw a significant 1.7% accuracy gain in the test set, reaching 94.9% accuracy. These findings underscore the efficacy of RBF kernels and optimization techniques in improving wheat genotype classification accuracy and highlight the potential of SVMs in agricultural research and crop improvement endeavors.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the safety and feasibility of “en‐bloc” Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) with trainee involvement in patients with prostates larger than 200 cc. Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing HoLEP using the “en‐bloc” technique for prostate sizes > 200 cc between July‐2017 and December‐2023 at an academic teaching hospital. Perioperative data was collected, including patient demographics, clinical parameters, operative details and functional outcomes. Patients who continued to experience incontinence at 1 year were further followed up at 2 years to update their continence status. Sub‐group analysis was performed to compare outcomes between patients with preoperative prostate size of 200–300 cc and > 300 cc. Results The analysis included 89 patients with a mean age of 73.12 ± 8.10 years. Preoperative prostate weight ranged from 200 to 401 cc with a median of 245 cc, and median PSA was 7.71 ng/ml. Median operative time was 218.5 minutes, and median enucleated prostate volume was 164.2 cc. Median postoperative PSA was 0.4 [0.21–0.78] ng/ml. At 1‐year follow‐up, mean IPSS was 1 ± 2.4, Qmax was 27.03 ± 11.57 ml/s and PVR was 21.6 ± 28.6 ml. Postoperative complications included blood transfusion (5.6%), acute renal injury (4.5%), urinary tract infection (2.2%), postoperative urinary retention (2.2%) and urethral stricture (5%). Although transient urinary incontinence was noted in 41.6% at 1–3‐months, complete continence was achieved in 83.3% and 96.3% at 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in operative time and enucleated weight between prostates 200–300 cc and > 300 cc, but no significant differences in postoperative IPSS, PVR or Qmax at 3‐months. Conclusion “En‐bloc” HoLEP is a feasible and safe procedure for prostates larger than 200 cc, demonstrating favourable perioperative and functional outcomes despite the extended operative times and involvement of trainees.

IntroductionAlthough CAR-T cell therapy has limited efficacy against solid tumors, it has been hypothesized that prior treatment with Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) would increase CAR-T cell tumor infiltration, leading to improved antigen specific expansion of CAR-T cells.MethodsTo test this hypothesis in a metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model, we engineered two anti-CEA single-chain Fab (scFab) CAR-T cells with signaling domains from CD28zeta and 4-1BBzeta, and tested them in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe anti-CEA scFab CAR-T cells generated from three different human donors demonstrated robust in vitro expression, expansion, and lysis of only CEA-positive TNBC cells, with the CD28z-CAR-T cells showing the highest cytotoxicity. IFN-γ and granzyme B release assays revealed significantly higher IFN-γ production at a 4:1 effector-to-target (E:T) ratio in CD28z-CAR-T cells compared to 4-1BBz-CAR-T cells. Treatment of CEA-positive TNBC MDA-MB231 xenografts in the mammary fat pads of NSG mice, that produced spontaneous lung metastases over time, resulted in significant tumor growth reduction compared to either therapy alone (p

The current linear economy assumes abundant, easily accessible, and cost-effective natural resources. However, this assumption is unsustainable, especially considering the world’s current trajectory exceeding the Earth’s ecological limits. In contrast, circular economy (CE) reduces wastes and improves resource efficiency, making them a more sustainable alternative to the dominant linear model. Biomass energy generated from agricultural leftovers, forestry wastes, and municipal trash provides a renewable substitute for fossil fuels. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy security. Proper waste management, including trash reduction, recycling, and innovative waste-to-energy technology, reduces the burden on landfills and incineration and creates renewable energy from materials that would otherwise go to waste. Although integrating these techniques is consistent with the CE’s resource efficiency and waste minimization principles, it requires addressing environmental, technical, and socioeconomic challenges. Given the pressing global issues, transitioning to a CE and implementing sustainable environmental practices are crucial to mitigate the current waste management crisis. The aim of this study is to emphasize the viability of biomass as a source of sustainable energy, the necessity of comprehensive strategies that prioritize ecological sustainability, community involvement, and innovation to achieve a circular principle based future, and the potential obstacles to the implementation of sustainable environmental practices. This study will aid in implementing CE practices to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill loads. Beyond environmental benefits, it can also bring economic, social, and health improvements. Furthermore, this study will assist societies in addressing global issues, such as resource scarcity, pollution, and climate change, as well as transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Most of the available models for estimating the snow avalanche impact pressures are 2D in nature. In this work, a 3D non-Newtonian Navier-Stokes equations–based simulation model is developed. For transient comparison, snow avalanche impact pressures were measured on an instrumented obstacle of 1 m height and 0.65 m width for high-density moist snow. This experimental setup was developed and installed on a 61-m-long facility at a research station near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. Based on experimentations and simulations carried out in the current work, the measured and simulated avalanche impact pressures were correlated, which can be used to estimate the avalanche impact pressures on the structures for the dense flow of avalanches. The root mean square error between the currently proposed model and the measured data is nearly 10.74, which is significantly less than the existing models for the estimation of the avalanche impact pressures on the obstacles. Further, the effective drag coefficient [Formula: see text] for the avalanche flow and the instrumented obstacle, which takes into account the combined effects of the fluid, solid, granular, and compressibility effects of the flowing snow, is found in the range of 3.97 to 8.54, which is in agreement with published studies.

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are a 3D spherical nanostructure composed of highly oriented, dense layers of oligonucleotides conjugated to a hollow or solid core. This structure allows SNAs to show resistance to nuclease degradation, enter into nearly all cells without transfection agents and enable precise interactions with target molecules. Based on superior biological properties, SNAs can be tailored for diverse biological applications, rendering them a flexible and biosafe tool for biological applications as well as an enabling platform for therapy. In this review, we mainly discuss the structure and conjugation mode of SNAs and focus on recent advances in their applications, such as biomedical detection, imaging, and drug delivery. Finally, the remaining challenges and future directions of SNAs are also discussed and proposed.

Wastewater treatment has become widely recognized as a highly efficient approach for tackling the pressing issue of limited access to clean water, which is anticipated to give rise to a global crisis in the foreseeable future. This highlights the need to pay close attention to Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, which has emerged as a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment because of its efficiency and exceptional capability to provide high-quality treated water, especially in developing countries. As industrialization accelerates in these regions, the management and treatment of industrial wastewater present pressing environmental and public health challenges. MBR technology, a combination of membrane filtration and biological treatment, offers a viable solution with distinct advantages, such as enhanced treatment efficiency, smaller footprint, reduced chemical usage, and water reuse potential. This review comprehensively examines MBR technology as a novel and transformative approach to industrial wastewater treatment in developing countries. Some key findings suggest that addressing the challenge of membrane fouling by employing strategies such as selecting appropriate membranes based on specific wastewater characteristics and implementing membrane backwashing and chemical cleaning can extend membrane life and improve performance. The operational success of the Membrane Reactor Technology rests on continuous optimization and control of parameters like Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentration and aeration rates, which can maximize treatment efficiency and minimize energy usage. The provision of training for skilled operation and routine maintenance is crucial. The study indicates that successful country-level technology implementation depends on understanding the specific characteristics of local wastewater hydraulic conditions and implementing appropriate pretreatment processes to avoid clogging. Stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for overcoming costs, technical expertise, energy consumption, and regulatory compliance barriers. Further, efforts from governments, industries, and international organizations are necessary to effectively deploy MBR technology, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of industrialization and supporting sustainable development in developing countries.

The release and accumulation of CO2 in the working face of the coal mine is a major safety concern and requires an effective means to avoid the incidence of the mine. This present study therefore sought to develop a self-CO2 adsorbing backfill (SCAB) material to remove CO2 from the working environment, and simultaneously mitigate the movements of the surrounding rock layers. SCAB was formulated using coal mine solid waste activated with an alkali activator, and binderless 4 A zeolite was embedded in the backfill body. The total CO2 adsorption capacity was investigated using a CO2 flow-through method under ambient pressure and temperature conditions. The adsorption plateau was found in stages II and III respecting the predetermined curing time and zeolite contents. The maximum adsorption capacity was 143.8 mg-CO2/g-SCAB, resulting in an increase of up to 82 % in UCS compared to reference samples. The underlying mechanism was discovered in morphological analyses.1) The well distribution of zeolite in the SCAB body provided as diffusive pathways and adsorption sites for CO2 after standard curing. 2) The adsorbed CO2 underwent a desorption stage when the CO2 concentration decreased and reacted to the cementitious matrix of the SCAB body. 3) More CaCO3 crystals were generated and filled in the micro spaces of the SCAB body, which contributed to an increase in compressive strength. This study developed an effective approach to remove CO2 gas from the working face of the coal mine during backfilling. Adsorbed CO2 improved the strength of the material, provided as a novel multi-function backfill mining for sustainable green coal mining technology.

Abstract Abandoned coal mine goaf is affected by air leakages and prone to spontaneous combustion, resulting in environmental pollution and geological disasters. Haizhou Open-pit Mine adopts both underground and open-pit mining methods. During the long-term mining process, the original stable stratum structure is constantly destroyed, and the slope slides, increasing cracks and severe air leakage around the goaf and roadway. The spontaneous combustion of coal is particularly prominent after the mine shut down. At present, there is no suitable indirect monitoring method to effectively explore the spontaneous combustion area in goaf. The study developed an all-weather monitoring plan and conducted multi-point continuous long-term measurements of the spontaneous combustion state in one abandoned coal mine goaf located in the eastern part of the Haizhou Open-pit Mine. We evaluated the dynamic correlation between surface CO2 flux (SCF) and changes in the underground fire areas, determined the scope and evolution trend of the fire areas, and identified the distribution and change laws of SCF. The results show a significant positive correlation between SCF and soil temperature; moreover, the SCF value was found to reflect the CO2 emission intensity of the goaf. The high SCF in the test area showed month-wise expansion and increase, while the CO2 emission gradually increased monthly, and the calculated annual total emission was approximately 7017 t. Hence, the study can further provide guidance for the monitoring of spontaneous combustion in shallow coal seams, goaf and the assessment of CO2 emissions from underground coal fires through the on-site monitoring and analysis results.

This study explores the use of a Siamese neural network architecture to enhance classification performance in few-shot learning scenarios, with a focus on bovine facial recognition. Traditional methodologies often require large datasets, which can significantly stress animals during data collection. In contrast, the proposed method aims to reduce the number of images needed, thereby minimizing animal stress. Systematic experiments conducted on datasets representing both full and few-shot learning scenarios revealed that the Siamese network consistently outperforms traditional models, such as ResNet101. It achieved notable improvements, with mean values increasing by over 6.5% and standard deviations decreasing by at least 0.010 compared to the ResNet101 baseline. These results highlight the Siamese network’s robustness and consistency, even in resource-constrained environments, and suggest that it offers a promising solution for enhancing model performance with fewer data and reduced animal stress, despite its slower training speed.

The discovery of targetable mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has opened up a plethora of therapeutic options. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are found in 10%–20% of NSCLC; however, it is extremely rare in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in SCLC is unclear. Here, we describe the case of a 57-year-old nonsmoker lady who was diagnosed with metastatic SCLC. She received multiple lines of palliative chemotherapy. She was deemed unfit for further chemotherapy and immunotherapy and was started on tablet erlotinib empirically. On follow-up imaging with positron emission tomography-computed tomography, she had a partial response and has currently on erlotinib for 2.5 years without disease progression. Although cases with transformation of EGFR-mutated NSCLC to SCLC have been observed, de novo EGFR mutation in SCLC is infrequent. It has been observed that de novo EGFR mutation in SCLC is associated with females, non-smokers, and patients in the eastern part of the world. The current guidelines do not recommend molecular testing for EGFR mutations in SCLC. We described a case of SCLC who had a response to TKI and such cases warrant an answer to whether EGFR mutation testing should be recommended in nonsmoker, females with SCLC, or for them who have failed the first line of chemotherapy.

Abstract Objectives We aim to compare efficacy and safety of water vapour therapy (Rezūm), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) for treating men with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. Materials PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 30 July 2023, followed by reference searching and dual‐independent study selection. We analysed only randomized clinical trials. RoB‐2, NIH‐quality assessment tool and GRADE guidelines were used for quality‐of‐evidence (QoE) assessment. Relevant prospective studies without a critical risk‐of‐bias were included. Results At 12 months, Rezūm showed similar efficacy to TUNA and TUMT for improvement in International Prostate Symptoms Score – Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.33 points (95% CI: −1.66 to 4.35) favouring TUMT (QoE: Moderate) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.07 points (95% CI: −3.64 to 3.88) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezum had similar outcomes to TUNA and TUMT for Maximum Peak‐Flow Rate (Qmax): Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.05 mL/s (95% CI: −4.88 to 2.82) favouring Rezūm (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.37 mL/s (95% CI: −4.61 to 4.21) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Furthermore, post‐void residual volume (PVR) comparisons demonstrated that Rezūm was similar, or inferior to other techniques at 12 months – Rezūm versus TUMT: 11.20 mL (95% CI: −32.40 to 10.30) favouring TUMT (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 24.10 mL (95% CI: 2.81 to 45.10) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezūm also had a similar surgical retreatment rate with TUMT and TUNA up to 3‐years – TUMT versus Rezūm RR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.20 to 15.90) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm showed RR: 1.81 (95% CI: 0.2 to 24.60) (QoE: Low). In the first 12 months after treatment, Rezūm had a higher rate of serious adverse events (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade 3) than TUMT and TUNA. TUMT versus Rezūm with RR = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13 to 3.14) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm with RR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.04 to 3.49) (QoE: Low). Conclusions Moderate to weak evidence suggests that Rezūm is not superior to TUNA and TUMT in all domains studied.

Abstract The upper respiratory tract is the initial site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nasal spike-specific secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) correlates with protection against Omicron breakthrough infection. We report that intranasal vaccination using human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectored Omicron spike in people who previously vaccinated with ancestral vaccine could induce robust neutralizing sIgA in the nasal passage. Nasal sIgA was predominantly present in dimeric and multimeric forms and accounted for nearly 40% of total proteins in nasal mucosal lining fluids (NMLFs). A low-level IgG could also be detected in NMLFs but not IgM, IgD, and IgE. After a complete nasal wash, sIgA in the nasal passage could be replenished rapidly within a few hours. A comparison of purified paired serum IgA, serum IgG, and nasal sIgA from the same individuals showed that sIgA was up to 3-logs more potent than serum antibodies in binding to spikes and in neutralizing Omicron subvariants. Serum IgG and IgA failed to neutralize XBB and BA.2.86, while nasal sIgA retained potent neutralization against these newly emerged variants. Further analysis showed that sIgA was more effective than IgG or IgA in blocking spike-mediated cell-to-cell transmission and protecting hACE2 mice from XBB challenge. Using a sIgA monoclonal antibody as a reference, we estimated that the total nasal sIgA contains about 2.6–3.9% spike-specific sIgA in NMLFs collected approximately one month after intranasal vaccination. Our study provided insights for developing intranasal vaccines that can induce sIgA to build an effective and mutation-resistant first-line immune barrier against constantly emerging variants.

The discovery of disease-specific biomarkers, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), holds the potential to transform the landscape of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by facilitating timely diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and accelerating drug discovery. Such advancement could ultimately improve the quality of life and survival rates for ALS patients. Despite more than a decade of research, no miRNA biomarker candidate has been translated into clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize data from original studies that analyzed miRNA expression from liquid biopsies via PCR and compared them to healthy controls. Our analysis encompasses 807 miRNA observations from 31 studies, stratified according to their source tissue. We identified consistently dysregulated miRNAs in serum (hsa-miR-3665, -4530, -4745–5p, −206); blood (hsa-miR-338–3p, -183–5p); cerebrospinal fluid (hsa-miR-34a-3p); plasma (hsa-miR-206); and neural-enriched extracellular vesicles from plasma (hsa-miR-146a-5p, −151a-5p, −10b-5p, −29b-3p, and −4454). The meta-analyses provided further support for the upregulation of hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-338–3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-151a-5p, and downregulation of hsa-miR-183–5p, hsa-miR-10b-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, and hsa-miR-4454 as consistent indicators of ALS across independent studies. Our findings provide valuable insights into the current understanding of miRNAs' dysregulated expression in ALS patients and on the researchers’ choices of methodology. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts towards discovering disease-specific biomarkers.

Abstract To date, degraded mangrove ecosystem restoration accomplished worldwide primarily aligns towards rehabilitation with monotypic plantations, while ecological restoration principles are rarely followed in these interventions. However, researchers admit that most of these initiatives' success rate is not appreciable often. An integrative framework of ecological restoration for degraded mangroves where site-specific observations could be scientifically rationalized, with co-located reference pristine mangroves as the target ecosystem to achieve is currently distinctively lacking. Through this experimental scale study, we studied the suitability of site-specific strategies to ecologically restore degraded mangrove patches vis-à-vis the conventional mono-species plantations in a highly vulnerable mangrove ecosystem in Indian Sundarbans. This comprehensive restoration framework was trialed in small discrete degraded mangrove patches spanning ~ 65 ha. Site-specific key restoration components applied are statistically validated through RDA analyses and Bayesian t-tests. 25 quantifiable metrics evaluate the restoration success of a ~ 3 ha degraded mangrove patch with Ridgeline distribution, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) tests, and Mahalanobis Distance (D2) measure to prove the site’s near-equivalence to pristine reference in multiple ecosystem attributes. This restoration intervention irrevocably establishes the greater potential of this framework in the recovery of ecosystem functions and self-sustenance compared to that of predominant monoculture practices for vulnerable mangroves.

Abstract Graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, graphene-based nanocomposites, etc.) are emerging as an extremely important class of nanomaterials primarily because of their unique and advantageous physical, chemical, biological, and optoelectronic aspects. These features have resulted in uses across diverse areas of scientific research. Among all other applications, they are found to be particularly useful in designing highly sensitive biosensors. Numerous studies have established their efficacy in sensing pathogens and other biomolecules allowing for the rapid diagnosis of various diseases. Considering the growing importance and popularity of graphene-based materials for biosensing applications, this review aims to provide the readers with a summary of the recent progress in the concerned domain and highlights the challenges associated with the synthesis and application of these multifunctional materials.

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in food items is of significant concern due to their potential to cause various human health issues when ingested. Milk and dairy products are widely consumed for their nutritional value and have been found to contain MPs, as evidenced by numerous research studies. This review paper examines the current contamination levels of MPs in dairy products and breast milk, as well as evaluates the environmental impact of the analytical methods used for MPs analysis. The highest contamination levels in dairy products and human breast milk have been found up to 2590 MPs/L. Hence policymakers should enforce stringent regulations to ensure food quality. Additionally, it has been noted that existing analytical methods for detecting MPs in dairy products often fail to adhere to the principles of green analytical chemistry, with many scorings below 0.58 on the AGREE scale. These findings emphasize the urgent necessity for the development of rapid and green analysis methods for detecting MPs in dairy products and breast milk.

In order to effectively prevent and control coal spontaneous combustion and improve the safety of coal mining, bagasse carboxymethy cellulose (BCC) prepared from bagasse (BS) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as the substrates. A gel (BCC-CMC) for inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion was prepared using a chemical crosslinking method involving zirconium citrate crosslinking and glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) modification. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to characterize both the crystal and molecular structure of bagasse and its derived bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose. The results indicated that new carboxymethyl groups were introduced into bagasse during the treatment, facilitating the successful extraction and preparation of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The results of viscosity and bonding tests demonstrated that the concentration and dosage of CMC had the most significant influence on the gel viscosity, which remained higher and more stable at room temperature. The coal bonded by the gel coal mixture can effectively seal surface cracks, with a bonding degree of up to 70.72 %. TG-DTG, temperature-programmed oxidation experiment and FTIR analyses revealed that, compared to raw coal, coal samples treated with gel exhibited improved stability, fewer active groups, and fewer oxygen-containing functional groups, effectively inhibiting coal’s low temperature oxidation and reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion. The gel is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and exhibits good flame retardant properties. This study is of great significance for preventing and controlling coal spontaneous combustion, effectively ensuring the safe production of coal resources and the safety of mine workers, achieving the green sustainable development of the mine.

The Home Health Project, set on Clare Island, five kilometres off the Irish Atlantic coast, is a pilot exploration of ways in which various forms of technology can be utilised to improve healthcare for individuals living in isolated communities. The integration of digital health technologies presents enormous potential to revolutionise the accessibility of healthcare systems for those living in remote communities, allowing patient care to function outside of traditional healthcare settings. This study aims to explore the personal experiences and perspectives of participants who are using digital technologies in the delivery of their healthcare as part of the Home Health Project. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine members of the Clare Island community participating in the Home Health Project. Interviews took place in-person, in June 2023. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. To identify determinants of engagement with the Home Health Project, the data was then deductively coded to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and organised into themes. Seven of the possible 14 TDF domains were supported by the interview data as influences on engagement with the Project: Knowledge, Beliefs about capabilities, Optimism, Intentions, Environmental context and resources, Social influences and Emotion. Overall, participants evaluated the Home Health Project as being of high quality which contributed to self-reported increases in health literacy, autonomy, and feeling well supported in having their health concerns addressed. There was some apprehension related to data protection, coupled with a desire for extended training to address aspects of digital illiteracy. Future iterations can capitalise on the findings of this study by refining the technologies to reflect tailored health information, personalised to the individual user.

BackgroundThere is a need for therapies that can mitigate bone marrow dysfunction and organ toxicity that occur following myeloablative injury and reduced intensity conditioning regimens used in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The pathogenesis of adverse effects from BMT conditioning has been linked to injury to the vascular endothelium, bone marrow (BM), and other organs.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the thrombopoietin mimetic drug JNJ-26366821 (TPOm) on BM vascular recovery in mice undergoing myeloablative radiation conditioning followed by BMT.Study designTPOm (doses: 0 µg, 300 µg, 1000 µg per Kg body weight) was administered on Days 0 and 7 after BMT, in mice receiving a total body irradiation (TBI) conditioning regimen (5.5 Gy x 2) before congenic BMT. BM donner cell engraftment was analyzed using flow cytometry on Days 7, 14, and 30 post-BMT. The morphological and biophysical properties of the BM vasculature were evaluated by intravital multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and immunofluorescence confocal imaging. Herein, morphological properties involve microvascular density (MVD), vessel diameter, and vascular area, while biophysical properties include transfer rate (Ktrans) of contrast within the BM vascular niche, as well as the fractional volume (vec) of extracellular extravascular tissue (EES).ResultsNo significant difference in donor chimerism was observed at days 7, 14, and 30 post-BMT, between TPOm and PBS-treated mice. TPOm intervention improved BM vasculature regeneration in transplanted mice. The MVD, Ktrans, and BM vasculature as well as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in the BM, showed a dose dependent improvement in mice treated with TPOm. On day 14 post-BMT, the group receiving 1000 µg/Kg TPOm showed significant shifts (p-value < 0.05) in MVD, Ktrans, and VEGFR2 expression from their corresponding control types (TPOm dose 0 µg) towards levels comparable to healthy controls.ConclusionTPOm intervention augments BM vascular structure and function, which may be important for hematopoietic recovery and bone marrow function in radiation conditioned hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, in addition to enhancing platelet recovery.

IntroductionInadequate exposure to real-life operating can impede timely acquisition of technical competence among surgical residents, and is a major challenge faced in the current training climate. Mental rehearsal (MR)—the cognitive rehearsal of a motor task without overt physical movement—has been shown to accelerate surgical skills learning. However, the neuroplastic effect of MR of a complex bimanual surgical task is unknown. The aim of this study is to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess the impact of MR on prefrontal and motor cortical activation during a laparoscopic knot tying task.MethodsTwelve surgical residents performed a laparoscopic knot tying task before and after either mental rehearsal (MR, intervention group) or textbook reading (TR, control group). In both groups, fNIRS was used to measure changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (HbO2) in the prefrontal (24 channels) and motor cortices (22 channels). Technical performance was measured using leak volume, objective performance score and task progression score.ResultsMR led to a decrease in HbO2 (reduced activation) in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), and an increase in HbO2 (increased activation) in the left middle frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, and left postcentral gyrus. No discernible changes in activation were observed after TR in either the PFC or motor cortex. Moreover, smaller ΔHbO2 responses in the right PFC and greater ΔHbO2 responses in the left motor cortex were observed in the MR group compared with the TR group. Leak volume was significantly less following MR (p = 0.019), but not after TR (p = 0.347). Mean objective performance score was significantly higher following MR compared with TR (p = 0.043).ConclusionMental rehearsal may enhance surgical skill acquisition and technical proficiency by reducing utilization of attentional resources in the prefrontal cortex and improving neural efficiency in motor areas during a laparoscopic surgical task.

Natural gas, coal, and oil account for over 84 % of the world’s energy demand. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, are released during the combustion of fossil fuels, leading to substantial climate changes and environmental damage. Therefore, harnessing energy from alternative sustainable resources without the emission of harmful waste products is vital for the ecosystem’s health. By 2050, global food waste production will reach 3.4 billion metric tons. Although widely recognized as a substantial energy resource, its value is underutilized throughout sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, understanding and exploiting the potential value of food waste as a biofuel can result in net-zero emissions, reducing significant environmental pollution while conserving natural resources. Furthermore, this paper reviews how effective management of food waste will have the potential to contribute to the development of waste-to-energy resources in SSA countries, as well as help improve global ecosystems.

The use of efficient biobased materials for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater has been demonstrated to be a highly effective method. The natural adsorbent banana peduncle has a lot of potential for treating wastewater because it is renewable, inexpensive, readily available, and environmentally benign. To learn more about the possible uses of these adsorbents, we synthesized them from banana peduncles and studied their shape, crystalline structure, and functional groups. The following parameters were found to be ideal for lead biosorption in batch trials concentrating on Pb (II) removal: a pH of 5, a contact period of 120 min, particle sizes between 240 and 300 mesh, concentrations at 40 mg/L, dosages of 3 g/L, and agitation rates of 200 revolutions per min (RPM). The banana peduncle showed an amazing biosorption efficiency of 94.0 % in the results. A comparison was made between the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models to investigate the adsorption isotherms of lead (II) ions. The R2 values obtained for these models were 0.9946, 0.9769, and 0.9537, respectively. Models that were pseudo-second-order and first-order were evaluated; the latter showed a better fit. The effectiveness and affordability of banana peduncle as the best adsorbent were highlighted by desorption testing. This study shows how materials made from banana peduncles can be an effective and sustainable way to reduce heavy-metal pollution in wastewater. This paper is the first to explore the potential absorption of Pb (II) by the peduncle of bananas, based on our current understanding.

Quality of spiritual living (QSL) in old age is closely related to the health and well-being of older adults. It is necessary to explore the psychosocial factors and mechanisms that affect the QSL of older adults. The researchers investigated 512 older Chinese people using the positive social mentalities scale, social participation scale, sense of life meaning scale, and spiritual living self-assessment questionnaire. (1) Positive social mentalities (PSMs), social participation (SP), and life meaning (LM) had significant positive correlations with QSL of older adults; (2) SP and LM had serial mediating effects between PSMs and QSL. PSMs influenced QSL through the serial mediating effects of SP and LM. It revealed the critical psychosocial factors and the mechanism affecting QSL in old age, which can provide scientific reference for implementing an active aging strategy.

Abstract Objective The present study investigated attentional biases in anxiety using facial expressions and eye-tracking measures. Method Seventy-six participants, between 18 and 36 years, took part in the study and were divided based on trait anxiety levels: Low, Moderate, and High. The stimuli were facial expressions, and the measures of interest were Probability of First Fixation and Proportion of Fixation Time. Results The results revealed vigilance biases towards expressions of disgust, regardless of anxiety level, and maintenance biases towards expressions of happiness, regardless of stimulus presentation time, in the Low Trait Anxiety group compared to the High Trait Anxiety group. Conclusion These findings raise questions related to the importance of using positive stimuli in anxiety treatment and the need to specify the types, levels, and characteristics of stimuli used in research.

Objectives: Poor Food security (FS) is associated with risk of diet-related diseases and rising healthcare costs. Produce Prescription Interventions (PRx) are emerging clinical tools to improve FS and diet quality, but their impact in families with children is not well established. This study evaluates the impact of a pediatric PRx on FS and nutrition-related behaviors. Methods: Adult caregivers of children (0-18) were enrolled within a 6-month produce delivery and nutrition education intervention. A validated food security survey was administered pre/post intervention to determine FS scores and “Food Secure” status. Statistical analyses tested pre-post differences in FS scores and proportion of scores within the “Food Secure” range. Semi-structured interviews were performed post-intervention to explore families’ experiences with low FS and healthy behaviors and were thematically analyzed. Results: Between October 2021 and December 2022, 82 families were enrolled, 65 completed FS survey at baseline and 54 completed it at post-intervention. FS scores improved post-intervention ( P

Abstract Background In recent years, health systems have expanded the focus on health equity to include health-related social needs (HRSNs) screening. Community health workers (CHWs) are positioned to address HRSNs by serving as linkages between health systems, social services, and the community. This study describes a health system’s 12-month experience integrating CHWs to navigate HRSNs among primary care patients in Bronx County, NY. Methods We organized process and outcome measures using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) implementation framework domains to evaluate a CHW intervention of the Community Health Worker Institute (CHWI). We used descriptive and inferential statistics to assess RE-AIM outcomes and socio-demographic characteristics of patients who self-reported at least 1 HRSN and were referred to and contacted by CHWs between October 2022 and September 2023. Results There were 4,420 patients who self-reported HRSNs in the standardized screening tool between October 2022 and September 2023. Of these patients, 1,245 were referred to a CHW who completed the first outreach attempt during the study period. An additional 1,559 patients self-reported HRSNs directly to a clinician or CHW without being screened and were referred to and contacted by a CHW. Of the 2,804 total patients referred, 1,939 (69.2%) were successfully contacted and consented to work with a CHW for HRSN navigation. Overall, 78.1% (n = 1,515) of patients reported receiving social services. Adoption of the CHW clinician champion varied by clinical team (median 22.2%; IQR 13.3–39.0%); however, there was no difference in referral rates between those with and without a clinician champion (p = 0.50). Implementation of CHW referrals via an electronic referral order appeared successful (73.2%) and timely (median 11 days; IQR 2–26 days) compared to standard CHWI practices. Median annual cost per household per CHW for the intervention was determined to be $184.02 (IQR $134.72 – $202.12). Conclusions We observed a significant proportion of patients reporting successful receipt of social services following engagement with an integrated CHW model. There are additional implementation factors that require further inquiry and research to understand barriers and enabling factors to integrate CHWs within clinical teams.

O artigo tem o objetivo de compreender o espaço e a importância das pessoas com deficiência no direito e na sociedade brasileira, como o desenvolvimento do conceito de “pessoa com deficiência” explica a inclusão tardia e incompleta desse segmento social na construção da cidadania no Brasil? Nossa hipótese é que o desenvolvimento desse conceito no Brasil é produto das lutas e reinvindicações dos movimentos sociais juntamente com as iniciativas externas, particularmente de organismos internacionais como a Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) que, a partir de meados do século XX, influenciaram decisivamente as principais políticas públicas destinadas a esse público. Não obstante, esse desenvolvimento é tardio e incompleto, estando completamente conectado com a construção da cidadania no Brasil. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória resgatando a história a partir dos principais autores, leis e teorias envolvidas com o tema.

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study are to evaluate the impact of incidental prostate cancer (iPCa) and its different grade group (GG) on the surgical outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and, furthermore, to assess the independent risk factors associated with the detection of iPCa. Patients (or materials) and Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution for HoLEP cases that were performed between 2017 and 2022. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of prostate cancer and those without baseline prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels within 1 year were excluded. Four hundred seventeen patients were divided into three groups: benign prostatic hyperplasia—377; clinically insignificant (GG 1)—29; and clinically significant prostate cancer (GG 2–5)—11. The preoperative parameters analysed included age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, use of 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitors, PSA, prostate size, PSA density, and history of negative prostate biopsy. To evaluate the association between clinical and demographic variables, a multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed. We also assessed intraoperative and post‐operative outcomes among these three groups. Results A total of 417 patients were analysed; 40 (9.6%) patients had iPCa, of which 29 (72.5%) and 11 (27.5%) were clinically nonsignificant and significant prostate cancer, respectively. Of all the demographic and preoperative variables analysed, hypertension was significantly associated with overall prostate cancer diagnosis (p

Abstract In the Kandi zone of Punjab, India, root and rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the local vegetation near the Shivalik mountain foothills. Fifteen fungal colonies exhibiting distinct cultural morphology on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates were selected for plant–microbe interaction studies. Among these, the isolate HNB9 was identified as a nonpathogenic root colonizer. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed HNB9 as Talaromyces albobiverticillius, characterized by the secretion of a red pigment as a secondary metabolite. Plants colonized with T. albobiverticillius HNB9 exhibited enhanced growth, manifesting in increased shoot and root length compared to untreated controls. This study unveiled the first evidence that a species from the Talaromyces genus, specifically T. albobiverticillius, possesses dual capabilities of root colonization and plant growth promotion. Moreover, HNB9 demonstrated the production of plant growth-regulating compounds like Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and proficient solubilization of crucial nutrients (Phosphorous, Zinc, and Silica) through plate culture methods. This finding represents a significant contribution to the understanding of root-colonizing fungi with plant growth-promoting attributes, challenging the existing knowledge gap within the Talaromyces genus.

The rhizosphere hosts diverse microbes crucial for plant growth. This is because plant roots secrete organic compounds, thereby enriching the rhizosphere with essential nutrients. Biochar improves soil quality, while nano-biochar shows promise in contaminant adsorption. Its production from biochar is easily achievable through top-down methodologies including hydrothermal synthesis, ball-milling, sonication, and centrifugation. The advantages of employing nano-biochar are evident in several aspects. Nano-biochar exhibits enhanced properties such as greater surface area, increased porosity, and greater reactivity compared to bulk-biochar. This enhanced surface area allows for greater adsorption capacity, enabling nano-biochar to effectively immobilize contaminants in the environment. In this review, detailed interactions and applications of nano-biochar are summarized. Nano-biochar interacts with contaminants in the rhizosphere by electrostatic interaction, cation-π interactions and redox reactions, influencing soil microbial communities and plant resilience. Nano-biochar can adsorb contaminants from the rhizosphere, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants. Thus, it helps alleviate abiotic stresses, improves nutrient availability, and supports plant growth. Furthermore, the mechanistic processes of surface oxidation, mineral dissolution, organic matter release, and mechanical fragmentation in biochar are discussed, culminating in biochar ageing and nano-biochar formation, which creates a conducive environment for microorganisms. This review examines nano-biochar-rhizosphere interactions, highlighting their effects on plant-soil dynamics and resilience. Future research should address synthesis scalability and safety concerns to unlock nano-biochar's potential in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

Assessing the phenotype of cattle through human visual inspection is a very common and important practice in precision cattle breeding. This paper presents the results of a correlation analysis between scores produced by humans for Nelore cattle and a variety of measurements that can be derived from images or other instruments. It also presents a study using the k-means algorithm to generate new ways of clustering a batch of cattle using the measurements that most correlate with the animal's body weight and visual scores.