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Abstract Background High-risk strains of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer. Multiple clinical studies have emphasized that smoking and drinking are critical risk factors for cervical cancer and its high-grade precursors. In this study, we investigated if smoking and/or drinking augment the molecular mechanisms of cervical carcinogenesis and defined a potential therapeutic approach for their attenuation. Methods The impact of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and/or ethanol (EtOH) exposure on cervical cancer cells was assessed by measuring changes in their cell migration and invasion characteristics. Expression of HPV16 E6/E7, NF-κB, cytokines, and inflammation mediators was determined using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, luciferase reporter assay, and confocal microscopy. Herein, we used curcumin (Cur), and PLGA nanoparticle formulation of curcumin (PLGA-Cur) and determined effectiveness of free Cur and PLGA-Cur formulation on smoking and drinking activated NF-κB/IL-6 mediated inflammatory signaling pathways using in vitro cervical cancer models. Results Treatments with B[a]P and/or EtOH altered the expression of HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes and EMT markers in cervical cancer cells; it also enhanced migration and invasion. In addition, B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure promoted inflammation pathways through TNF-α and NF-κB signaling, leading to IL-6 upregulation and activation of VEGF. The molecular effects caused by B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure were effectively attenuated by curcumin (Cur)/PLGA-Cur treatment. Conclusions These data suggest a molecular link between smoking, drinking, and HPV infectivity in cervical carcinogenesis. In addition, attenuation of these effects by treatment with Cur/PLGA-Cur treatment, implies the role of curcumin in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

The application of extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes (EXs), is rapidly expanding in the field of medicine, owing to their remarkable properties as natural carriers of biological cargo. This study investigates utilization of exosomes derived from stromal cells of tumor adjacent normal tissues (NAF-EXs) for personalized medicine, which can be derived at the time of diagnosis by endoscopic ultrasound. Herein, we show that exosomes (EXs) derived from NAFs demonstrate differential bio-physical characteristics, efficient cellular internalization, drug loading efficiency, pancreatic tumor targeting and delivery of payloads. NAF-derived EXs (NAF-EXs) were used for loading ormeloxifene (ORM), a potent anti-cancer and desmoplasia inhibitor as a model drug. We found that ORM maintains normal fibroblast cell phenotype and renders them incompatible to be triggered for a CAF-like phenotype, which may be due to regulation of Ca2+ influx in fibroblast cells. NAF-EXs-ORM effectively blocked oncogenic signaling pathways involved in desmoplasia and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and repressed tumor growth in xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, our data suggests preferential tropism of NAF-EXs for PDAC tumors, thus imply feasibility of developing a novel personalized medicine for PDAC patients using autologous NAF-EXs for improved therapeutic outcome of anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, it provides the opportunity of utilizing this biological scaffold for effective therapeutics in combination with standard therapeutic regimen.

This study presents an initial exploration of the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Salsola foetida, a wild plant native to southeastern Algeria. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the biochemical content, phytochemical profile, and bioactivity of the plant’s aerial parts. The biomass of S. foetida was found to comprise 51.2 ± 0.4% ash, with elemental analysis revealing the presence of carbon, oxygen, calcium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. Carbohydrates were identified as the predominant constituents, surpassing the levels of proteins and lipids. Phytochemical screening, coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis, confirmed the presence of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and phenols. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis further delineated a spectrum of phenolic compounds, with rutin emerging as the predominant compound at 1.59 µg/ml. Quantification revealed a noteworthy phenolic content of 67.1 ± 0.2 µg GE/mg ED. The extract exhibited robust radical scavenging effects, with the radical 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 61.8 ± 0.2 μg/ml, along with protective effects against H2O2-induced hemolysis and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Additionally, the extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. Notably, it exhibited considerable sunscreen properties, boasting a sun protected factor (SPF) value of 21 ± 1. Overall, S. foetida presents promising antioxidant activity and a spectrum of potential biological activities, underscoring its significance as a novel antioxidant candidate for applications in animal nutrition, medicine, and natural product research.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has affected millions of people worldwide. The current treatments for diabetes, such as insulin therapy and oral medications, have limitations, including adverse effects and high costs. Therefore, there is a need for new and effective treatments for diabetes. Recent studies have shown that plants from the Chenopodiaceae family have anti-diabetic properties. In this study, we have identified 22 plants from the Chenopodiaceae family that have been reported to have anti-diabetic properties. These plants contain various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols that have been shown to have anti-diabetic effects. Some of these compounds can enhance insulin secretion, improve glucose uptake, and reduce blood glucose levels. The anti-diabetic properties of these plants have been investigated in vitro and in vivo studies, and the results are promising. Several of these plants have been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in animal models of diabetes significantly. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that plants from the Chenopodiaceae family have potential as safe and effective treatment options for diabetes. Further research is needed to fully understand these plants’ mechanisms of action and safety profile. However, these findings provide a promising avenue for developing new anti-diabetic drugs from natural sources. Specifically, I’ve outlined three significant mechanisms: stimulation of insulin secretion, enhancement of glucose uptake, and inhibition of gluconeogenesis, all of which are attributed to the bioactive compounds found in Chenopodiaceae medicinal plants.

Study Design A fused deposition modeling three-dimensional (3D)-printed model of the L4–5 vertebra for lumbar discectomy was designed. The model included separately printed dura mater, spinal cord, ligamentum flavum, intervertebral disc (from thermoplastic polyurethane), and bony structures (from polylactic acid), and the material cost approximately US$ 1 per model. A simple plumbing endoscope was used for visualization. Dura mater injury was assessed by painting two layers on the dura mater, which peeled off with trauma. Purpose Endoscopic spine surgery is a subject of high interest in neurosurgery given its minimally invasive nature; however, it has a steep learning curve. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cost-efficient 3D-printed model when teaching this technique to neurosurgery residents. Overview of Literature Only a few studies have investigated the efficacy of such a model. Methods Eight residents with >2 years of training participated. Residents performed the procedure bilaterally and twice at 1-week intervals. Results From the 32 surgeries, four were excluded because of facet removal (as it widened the surgical corridor), leaving 28 surgeries for analysis. Initial surgeries demonstrated a mean operation time of 21 minutes 18 seconds (standard deviation [SD], 2 minutes 32 seconds), which improved to a mean of 6 minutes 45 seconds (SD, 37 seconds) in the fourth surgery (F(3, 17)=19.18, p

This retrospective observational study was conducted in Libya to examine the frequency and determinants of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among hospitalised haemodialysis inpatients between January 2018 and June 2020. The study highlighted a notable prevalence of DDIs among HD patients, with a prevalence rate of 71.1%. Regarding the identification of DDI predictors and their correlations with extended hospital stays and polypharmacy, regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors and outcomes. The study found that DDIs were associated with prolonged hospital stays and were independently linked to polypharmacy in HD patients. Furthermore, a significant clinical impact of DDIs on HD patients was observed, particularly in relation to in-hospital mortality.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the preferences of orthopedics and traumatology specialists in evaluating the spinopelvic relationship in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Türkiye. Methods: Members of the Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Association (n=2485) were invited to fill out the questionnaire. The survey was created using Google Forms and distributed to participants via WhatsApp and Gmail by sharing the link. A total of 205 orthopedic surgeons responded and completed the questionnaire. The survey included 13 questions about the duration of their experience, the number of THA and spinal instrumentation procedures they performed, the dislocation rates they encountered after surgery, and the radiological assessments they performed for the spinopelvic relationship. Results: Sixty-three percent of the participants evaluated spinopelvic parameters in patients undergoing THA. Forty-seven percent of surgeons state that in their daily practice, they determine the angle of the acetabular component according to whether the spinal deformity is rigid, flexible, balanced, or unstable. While 88% of the participants stated the rate of encountering dislocation after primary THA as less than 2%, 12% of the participants stated it as more than 2%. It was observed that 40% of the surgeons with a prosthetic dislocation rate of more than 2% evaluated the spinopelvic relationship, while 67% of the surgeons with a dislocation rate of less than 2% evaluated the spinopelvic relationship. Conclusion: Approximately half of the orthopedic surgeons in Türkiye plan component placement in primary THA cases by considering the spinopelvic relationship. In order to increase awareness about the spinopelvic relationship, it would be beneficial to give more space to this subject in training programs and conferences. Level of Evidence: N/A.

Abstract Introduction Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis characterized by hemophagocytosis leading to uncontrolled inflammation; the most common etiology in secondary cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is viral infections, especially Epstein–Barr virus. Visceral leishmaniasis is a vectorborne protozoal disease caused by Leishmania donovani complex. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions, with 50,000–90,000 new cases annually. Case presentation A 15-month-old Arab female was admitted to our hospital with 15 days of fever and decreased weight. On clinical examination, she had a markedly enlarged liver and spleen that were palpable 4 cm and 6 cm below the costal margin, respectively. The peripheral blood smear showed hypochromic microcytic anemia, poikilocytosis, reactive lymphocytosis, and mild thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration did not show malignancy or any other pathological findings. The patient was put on antibiotic therapy without improvement. Repeated bone marrow aspiration showed erythrophagocytosis; intracellular small round organisms looked like the amastigote form of Leishmania (Donovan bodies) with no evidence of malignancies. Her lab values showed ferritin greater than 500 ug/L, pancytopenia, and hypertriglyceridemia. The patient was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to visceral leishmaniasis. Conclusion Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to visceral leishmaniasis is an extensively rare phenomenon in the medical literature that causes challenges in diagnosis and management. Steroids should be used wisely to not cover the symptoms of infections or malignancy, and amphotericin B resistance should be kept in mind in unresponsive Leishmania cases.

Bu çalışmada, perlit (PT) ve uçucu kül (UK) bazlı geopolimerlere çömlek sırı atığı (ÇSA) ikamesinin mekanik özellikler ve yüksek sıcaklık performansı üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Sadece PT, sadece UK ve ağırlıkça %75 UK ve %25 PT içeriği ile üretilen geopolimer harçlara %10, 20 ve 30 oranlarında ÇSA ikame edilmiştir. Harçlar, sabit 10M NaOH içeriği ve 8 saat 100 ºC ısıl kür ile üretilmiştir. Üretilen harçların 7, 28 ve 90 günlük eğilme ve basınç dayanımları belirlenmiş ve 500 ºC, 750 ºC ve 1000 ºC sıcaklıklarındaki performansları değerlendirilmiştir. Deneyler sonucunda, ÇSA malzemesinin PT ve UK+PT içeren numunelere kütlece %20 oranına kadar ikame edilmesinin nihai basınç dayanımı açısından olumlu yönde etkileri olduğu, UK içeren numunelerde ise ÇSA ikamesinin nihai basınç dayanımı açısından olumsuz etkileri olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Nihai dayanımlarda en yüksek değerler, 34.4 ve 32.41 MPa basınç ve 6.46 ve 6.3 MPa eğilme dayanımları ile UK+PT+ÇSA içeren numunelerde sırasıyla %10 ve 20 ÇSA oranlarında elde edilmiştir. Eğilme ve basınç dayanımları açısından optimum ÇSA oranının %10-20 aralığında olduğu söylenebilir. UK malzemesine ÇSA malzemesinin ikamesi, kür yaşına göre dayanım gelişimlerini olumsuz etkilerken, PT ve UK+PT içeren numunelere ÇSA malzemesi ikamesi dayanım gelişimlerinde olumlu etkiler meydana getirmiştir. ÇSA malzemesi yüksek sıcaklık performansı açısından tüm gruplarda olumlu etki meydana getirmiştir. ÇSA malzemesinin karışımlarda kütlece ikame yüzdesi arttıkça, dayanım kayıpları azalmıştır. UK malzemesinin yerine %30 ÇSA malzemesinin ikame edildiği numunelerde 750 ºC’de %40’a varan dayanım artışı tespit edilmiştir.

Sundar Khani is native grape variety of Pakistan which has long berry length and significantly rich in taste and sweetness. There is limited literature on pretreatment and drying data for this valuable variety of Grapes. Current study was conducted to investigate the physio-chemical indices of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and olive oil combined treatments followed by natural sun drying method. The effects of 2 % K2CO3 pretreatments alone and in combination with various amounts of pure olive oil (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) were studied. The results showed that, physical attributes like raisin length, width, volume, weight and total replication weight increased under distilled water treatment, while, combination of 2 % K2CO3 + 3 % Olive oil significantly reduced the drying time, 2 % K2CO3 + 1 % Olive oil gave higher final yield, rehydration ratio was highest under dH2O treatment and greater decay loss was observed at 2 %K2CO3 + 2 % olive oil. Further, 2 % K2CO3 displayed higher ratios of total soluble solids, sugars and peroxidase enzyme activity as well as titratable acidity, anthocyanins, total phenols, flavonoids were maximum at 2 % K2CO3 + 2 % Olive oil pretreatment. In addition, 2 % K2CO3 + 3 % Olive oil increased the Catalase enzyme activity as well as achieved higher scores in the evaluation of sensory attributes particularly morphological form, color and overall acceptance. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical indices of Sundar Khani grapes under different pretreatment and sun-drying conditions using K2CO3 and olive oil and it could be suggested that raisin production of Sundar Khani by using above mentioned treatments along with sun drying could have future scope both in export and industrial markets due to its incredible reduction in drying and processing time.

Waste Basalt Powder (BT) is a stone cutting workshop waste. The BT was recycled in the high strength mortars by Portland cement (PC). High temperature performance of the mortars were determined up to 800 ºC by in terms of weight and strength losses. The global warming potential (GWP) and Primary Energy (PE) of the mortars were calculated by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the mortars and their environmental impacts were evaluated. GWP and PE decreased up to 23.9 % and 22.4 % in BT-containing mortars compared to the control group, respectively. Lower CO2 emission and PE values were determined in all the BT-containing mortars compared to the control group. Mortars containing 15 % BT had 9.92 % higher compressive strength than the control group with 14.35 % and 13.44 % lower GWP and PE values, respectively. The optimum BT content is 15 % in terms of strength, high temperature resistance and environmental impact. As a result, it is possible to successfully recycle BT material in the production of high-strength mortar that is more resistant to high temperatures.

Background: The purpose of this study was to present our experience in patients who had been treated with posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for various spinal deformities. Methods: Thirty-seven patients who performed PVCR between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range: 12–50 months). The demographic data of the patients, mean blood loss, amount of blood replacement, duration of operation, intensive care and hospitalization period, PVCR level, instrumentation level, amount of preoperative curvature, amount of postoperative curvature improvement, preoperative and postoperative neurological status, and complications were examined. Angular measurements were performed on X-ray. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.5 years (range: 3–80 years). PVCR was applied to patients due to different pathologies (congenital, tumor metastasis, posttraumatic kyphosis, revision scoliosis, and infection). The mean operation time was 445.5 min (260–720) with an average blood loss of 1903 ml (400–7000 ml). It was observed that the average local kyphosis angle decreased from 67.65° to 7.42° in 26 patients who were operated for advanced deformity (P < 0.001). When these values were compared in all 34 patients, the preoperative angle value decreased from 55.1° to 3.5° (P < 0.001) and decreased from 70° to 0° in 13 congenital kyphosis patients. Conclusion: PVCR is an effective method for correcting severe spinal deformities and can be used to correct curvature in different patient groups. Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Abstract Transient electrical pulsing is used to investigate the slowed charge density wave (CDW) kinetics of 1T‐TaS2. These measurements distinguish a fast response of the material, consistent with the onset of self‐heating, from much slower transients that occur on timescales orders of magnitude longer than this. The latter variations appear consistent with slow configurational changes in the CDW, which, due to the thin nature of the 1T‐TaS2, can be distinguished from the much faster dynamics of Joule heating. Experiments in which the cooling of the material is interrupted, demonstrate the possibility of “programming” it in different, strongly nonequilibrium, CDW phases. Collectively, the results point to the existence of a complex free‐energy space for the thinned material, whose multi‐valley structure and hidden metastable states govern the resulting thermal and field‐driven dynamics. Crucially, this work demonstrates that while the CDW dynamics in this material may have a thermal character, the timescales associated with these motions can be very different from those on which self‐heating occurs. This discovery will be important for efforts to implement active devices that utilize the CDW states of thinned 1T‐TaS2.

BackgroundIschemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a complex pathological process, triggered by the restoration of blood flow following an interrupted blood supply. While restoring the blood flow is the only option to salvage the ischemic tissue, reperfusion after a prolonged period of ischemia initiates IRI, triggering a cascade of inflammatory responses ultimately leading to neutrophil recruitment to the inflamed tissue, where they release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are web-like structures of decondensed chromatin and neutrophilic proteins, including peptidyl-arginine deiminase 2 and 4 (PAD2, PAD4), that, once outside, can citrullinate plasma proteins, irreversibly changing their conformation and potentially their function. While the involvement of NETs in IRI is known mainly from rodent models, we aimed to determine the effect of NET formation and especially PADs-mediated extracellular protein citrullination in a porcine model of limb IRI.MethodsWe conducted our study on amputated pig forelimbs exposed to 1 h or 9 h of ischemia and then reperfused in vivo for 12 h. Limb weight, edema formation, compartmental pressure were measured, and skeletal muscle was analyzed by immunofluorescence (TUNEL assay and dystrophin staining) to evaluate tissue damage. Fibrin tissue deposition, complement deposition and NETs were investigated by immunofluorescence. Citrullinated plasma proteins were immunoprecipitated and citrullinated fibrinogen was identified in the plasma by Western blot and in the tissue by immunofluorescence and Western blot.ResultsOur data consolidate the involvement of NETs in a porcine model of limb IRI, correlating their contribution to damage extension with the duration of the ischemic time. We found a massive infiltration of NETs in the group subjected to 9 h ischemia compared to the 1 h and citrullinated fibrinogen levels, in plasma and tissue, were higher in 9 h ischemia group. We propose fibrinogen citrullination as one of the mechanisms contributing to the worsening of IRI. NETs and protein citrullination represent a potential therapeutic target, but approaches are still a matter of debate. Here we introduce the idea of therapeutic approaches against citrullination to specifically inhibit PADs extracellularly, avoiding the downstream effects of hypercitrullination and keeping PADs’ and NETs’ intracellular regulatory functions.

AimsHistorically, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk profile mitigation has had a predominant focus on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In this narrative review we explore the residual ASCVD risk profile beyond LDL-C with a focus on hypertriglyceridaemia, recent clinical trials of therapeutics targeting hypertriglyceridaemia and novel modalities addressing other residual ASCVD risk factors.FindingsHypertriglyceridaemia remains a significant ASCVD risk despite low LDL-C in statin or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor-treated patients. Large population-based observational studies have consistently demonstrated an association between hypertriglyceridaemia with ASCVD. This relationship is complicated by the co-existence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Despite significantly improving atherogenic dyslipidaemia, the most recent clinical trial outcome has cast doubt on the utility of pharmacologically lowering triglyceride concentrations using fibrates. On the other hand, purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has produced favourable ASCVD outcomes. The outcome of these trials suggests alternate pathways involved in ASCVD risk modulation. Several other pharmacotherapies have been proposed to address other ASCVD risk factors targeting inflammation, thrombotic and metabolic factors.ImplicationsHypertriglyceridaemia poses a significant residual ASCVD risk in patients already on LDL-C lowering therapy. Results from pharmacologically lowering triglyceride are conflicting. The role of fibrates and combination of EPA and DHA is under question but there is now convincing evidence of ASCVD risk reduction with pure EPA in a subgroup of patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. Clinical guidelines should be updated in line with recent clinical trials evidence. Novel agents targeting non-conventional ASCVD risks need further evaluation.

OBJECTIVES:. Accurate classification of disorders of consciousness (DoC) is key in developing rehabilitation plans after brain injury. The Coma Recovery Scale—Revised (CRS-R) is a sensitive measure of consciousness validated in the rehabilitation phase of care. We tested the feasibility, safety, and impact of CRS-R-guided rehabilitation in the ICU for patients with DoC after acute hemorrhagic stroke. DESIGN:. Retrospective cohort study. SETTING:. This single-center study was conducted in the neurocritical care unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center. PATIENTS:. We analyzed records from consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), who underwent serial CRS-R assessments during ICU admission from April 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, where CRS-R less than 8 is vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS); CRS-R greater than or equal to 8 is a minimally conscious state (MCS). INTERVENTIONS:. None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:. Outcomes included adverse events during CRS-R evaluations and associations between CRS-R and discharge disposition, therapy-based function, and mobility. We examined the utility of CRS-R compared with other therapist clinical assessment tools in predicting discharge disposition. Seventy-six patients (22 SAH, 54 ICH, median age = 59, 50% female) underwent 276 CRS-R sessions without adverse events. Discharge to acute rehabilitation occurred in 4.4% versus 41.9% of patients with a final CRS-R less than 8 and CRS-R greater than or equal to 8, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 13.4; 95% CI, 2.7–66.1; p < 0.001). Patients with MCS on final CRS-R completed more therapy sessions during hospitalization and had improved mobility and functional performance. Compared with other therapy assessment tools, the CRS-R had the best performance in predicting discharge disposition (area under the curve: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72–0.94; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:. Early neurorehabilitation guided by CRS-R appears to be feasible and safe in the ICU following hemorrhagic stroke complicated by DoC and may enhance access to inpatient rehabilitation, with the potential for lasting benefit on recovery. Further research is needed to assess generalizability and understand the impact on long-term outcomes.

A 4-year-old boy was referred to our tertiary hospital after a penetrating adnexal injury by a large-breed dog to the left orbital area. There was an increase in lacrimation, which was thought to be due to an inflammatory reaction. However, it was discovered that the lacrimation increased in the reverse-Trendelenburg position and with the Valsalva maneuver. Halo sign and beta transferrin test were positive, which led to the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, and the patient was operated using a supraorbital craniotomy. A dural tear was visualized and sutured appropriately, then fibrin glue and an autologous galeal graft were applied to the tear. The CSF oculorrhea stopped postoperatively, and the patient was discharged after 10 days of follow-up. The patient had no recurrent CSF leakage at 4-year follow-up. Although CSF oculorrhea is rare and may be difficult to discern from lacrimation, the presence of pneumocephalus and halo sign should suggest fistula repair.

The article shows the results of a study on the determination of SBAS satellite positioning integrity parameters as a HPL and VPL protection levels. To this end, a modified algorithm was developed to determine the HPL and VPL protection levels from a common aircraft position navigation solution based on EGNOS and SDCM augmentation systems. The developed mathematical scheme was verified on real GNSS kinematic data recorded by two onboard Septentrio AsterRx2i and Trimble Alloy receivers installed on a Diamond DA 20-C aircraft. Based on the conducted tests, it was found that the HPL parameter does not exceed 12.24 m, while respectively the VPL does not exceed 18.01 m. In addition, in the course of the study it was found that the proposed EGNOS+SDCM solution improves the HPL/VPL integrity determination in relation to the EGNOS solution by 8÷66%. The mathematical scheme used in the study was also applied to designation the HPL/VPL terms for the UAV platform. The obtained results of the HPL/VPL values for the positioning of the aircraft and the UAV platform show a high efficiency of the developed algorithm for improving the integrity parameter.

Accelerating urbanization and unplanned excessive human pressure are increasing changes in major land use. These transitions cause long-term negative transformations in rural systems. This study was conducted to examine the changes in some soil properties and carbon stocks of lands that were converted from forest to cropland 30 years ago in ten di#erent villages in the Karaisalı district of Adana, Türkiye. A total of 360 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from two depth levels (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) from the soil pits in the adjacent forest and converted to cropland and agricultural areas. Soil organic carbon and bulk density analyses were performed on all soil samples. According to the data obtained from the topsoil (0–30 cm) 101.56 tC ha−1 , 69.06 tC ha−1 , and 66.25 tC ha−1 carbon were stored in the topsoil of the forest, and converted to cropland and agricultural area, respectively. There has been an average of 32% reduction in soil carbon stocks in converted cropland from degraded forest areas. Dramatic reduction in carbon stocks occurred in the topsoil (0–30 cm). Policymakers need to plan their land-use management policies to take into account the ecological consequences of the land-use transition.

Neurobrucellosis is a rare and challenging complication of brucellosis. Its non-specific clinical presentation makes it challenging to diagnose. The coexistence of neurobrucellosis with subdural empyema is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Herein, we present the case of a 27-year-old male with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in-situ and a history of exposure to Brucella via animal care and consumption of raw milk. The patient presented with a left frontal headache and vertigo following a head trauma. The initial cranial imaging demonstrated a left-sided subdural hematoma and slit ventricles. The patient underwent drainage by craniotomy. Brucella spp. was detected in the drained sample, and the patient was treated with a multi-modal approach, which included antibiotics and surgical drainage. The follow-up plan involved a repeat cranial computed tomography and shunt adjustment for recurrent subdural effusions. This case adds to the few reports of neurobrucellosis associated with subdural empyema. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of considering neurobrucellosis in patients with neurological symptoms and a subdural collection in brucellosis-endemic areas.

Background There is a potential concern about increased bleeding risk in patients receiving omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The aims of this study‐level meta‐analysis were to determine the risk of bleeding and to assess whether this relationship is linked to the received dose of omega‐3 PUFAs or the background use of antiplatelet treatment. Methods and Results Electronic databases were searched through May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials of patients receiving omega‐3 PUFAs. Overall bleeding events, including fatal and central nervous system events, were identified and compared with those of a control group. A total of 120 643 patients from 11 randomized clinical trials were included. There was no difference in the pooled meta‐analytic events of bleeding among patients receiving omega‐3 PUFAs and those in the control group (rate ratio [RR], 1.09 [95% CI, 0.91–1.31]; P=0.34). Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke, intracranial bleeding, and gastrointestinal bleeding were similar. A prespecified analysis was performed in patients receiving high‐dose purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which demonstrated a 50% increase in the relative risk of bleeding but only a modest increase in the absolute risk of bleeding (0.6%) when compared with placebo. Bleeding risk was associated with the dose of EPA (risk difference, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.05–0.43]; P=0.02) but not the background use of antiplatelet therapy (risk difference, −0.01 [95% CI, −0.02 to 0]; P=0.056). Conclusions Omega‐3 PUFAs were not associated with increased bleeding risk. Patients receiving high‐dose purified EPA may incur additional bleeding risk, although its clinical significance is very modest.

Fractional flow reserve fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently recommended in the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index is an emerging concept that provides a fully quantitative measure of the longitudinal distribution of CAD. It can be derived from FFR, as well as other non-hyperemic indices, and is a novel metric of assessing the focality or diffuseness of CAD. PPG adds a second domain to the assessment of CAD, beyond ischemia as measured by FFR, and may enable clinicians to better inform their patients about the status of their CAD but may also predict potential outcomes before revascularization. In this article, we will provide an in-depth review on the concept of PPG index and its correlation to pre and post revascularization ischemia. We will assess the relationship between PPG index and plaque characteristics and how this is translated into any difference in procedural and long-term clinical outcomes.

Background This study examines spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease associated with malnutrition. Our goals are to assess how effectively screening tools can detect malnutrition and evaluate the impact of nutritional interventions on neurological outcomes, particularly motor functions. Methods Thirty-seven genetically diagnosed SMA patients (types 1, 2, and 3) under nusinersen therapy were included in the study. The nutritional status of these patients was assessed by using anthropometric measurements, including height for age (HFA), weight for height (WFH), and body mass index (BMI) before and after the study. Additionally, the risk of malnutrition was determined using screening tools, namely the Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP). Nutritional counseling followed the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines and considered the patients’ dietary history, including content and administration method. Motor functions were assessed by validated tests: the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) and the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale—Expanded (HFMSE). Result The study showed an improvement in HFA, by a change from −0.95 to −0.65 (p = 0.015). Conversely, BMI scores decreased from 0.08 to −0.54 (p = 0.015), while WFH and MUAC showed no significant alterations (p = 0.135, p = 0.307). Following nutritional interventions, HFMSE demonstrated a median increase from 29.5 to 30.5 (p = 0.023). Patients identified as being at high risk for malnutrition based on PYMS and STAMP belonged to the moderate-to-severe malnutrition group (BMI Z-score ≤ −2, p = 0.001). Conclusions Use of screening tools in SMA patients is highly beneficial for the early detection of malnutrition. Future research should highlight the importance of combining nutritional management with nusinersen therapy to potentially alter the disease trajectory, especially in motor and neurological functions.

This study extensively investigates the biochemical composition of male date palm leaflets (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from the El M’Ghair region in Algeria, focusing on the cultivars Deglet Nour, Degla Beida, and Ghars. The chemical analysis centers on proteins, total sugars, total phenols, and flavonoids, revealing significant differences in these compounds among the three cultivars. ‘Degla Beida’ exhibits the highest protein content (39.09 ± 4.58 %), contrasting with ‘Ghars’, which records the lowest (18.33 ± 5.35 %). Total sugars exhibit variability among cultivars, with ‘Ghars’ displaying the highest levels (74.54 ± 6.92 %) and ‘Degla Beida’ the lowest (46.28 ± 9.11 %). The production ratios of crude methanolic aqueous extracts show consistent extraction efficiencies across cultivars. Abundant phenolic compounds, notably in ‘Degla Beida’, and significant variations in flavonoid content are observed. Specifically, ‘Degla Beida’ and ‘Deglet Nour’ boast the highest flavonoid levels (36.02 ± 3.79 and 30.18 ± 3.88 μg QE. mg-1, respectively), whereas ‘Ghars’ demonstrates the lowest (22.02 ± 2.31 μg QE. mg-1). The correlation matrix reveals positive associations among proteins, total phenols, and flavonoids, contrasting with a strong negative association with total sugar content.

Immune response elicited during pneumococcal carriage has been shown to protect against subsequent colonization and infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The study was designed to measure the baseline serotype-specific anti-capsular IgG concentration and opsonic titers elicited in response to asymptomatic carriage in adults with and without type 2-diabetes. Level of IgG to capsular polysaccharide was measured in a total of 176 samples (124 with type 2 diabetes and 52 without type 2 diabetes) against serotype 1, 19F, 9V, and 18C. From within 176 samples, a nested cohort of 39 samples was selected for measuring the functional capacity of antibodies by measuring opsonic titer to serotypes 19F, 9V, and 18C. Next, we measured levels of IgG to PspA in 90 samples from individuals with and without diabetes (22 non-diabetes and 68 diabetes). Our results demonstrated comparable IgG titers against all serotypes between those with and without type 2-diabetes. Overall, we observed higher opsonic titers in those without diabetes as compared to individuals with diabetes for serotypes 19F and 9V. The opsonic titers for 19F and 9V significantly negatively correlated with HbA1c. For 19F, 41.66% (n = 10) showed opsonic titers ≥ 1:8 in the diabetes group as compared to 66.66% (n = 10) in the non-diabetes group. The percentage was 29.6% (n = 7) vs 66.66% (n = 10) for 9V and 70.83% (n = 17) vs 80% (n = 12) for 18C in diabetes and non-diabetes groups respectively. A comparable anti-PspA IgG (p = 0.409) was observed in those with and without diabetes, indicating that response to protein antigen is likely to remain intact in those with diabetes. In conclusion, we demonstrated comparable IgG titers to both capsular polysaccharide and protein antigens in those with and without diabetes, however, the protective capacity of antibodies differed between the two groups.

Endotracheal intubation, frequently required during management of refractory status epilepticus (RSE), can be facilitated by anesthetic medications; however, their effectiveness for RSE control is unknown. We performed a single-center retrospective review of patients admitted to a neurocritical care unit (NCCU) who underwent in-hospital intubation during RSE management. Patients intubated with propofol, ketamine, or benzodiazepines, termed anti-seizure induction (ASI), were compared to patients who received etomidate induction (EI). The primary endpoint was clinical or electrographic seizures within 12 h post-intubation. We estimated the association of ASI on post-intubation seizure using logistic regression. A sub-group of patients undergoing electroencephalography during intubation was identified to evaluate the immediate effect of ASI on RSE. We screened 697 patients admitted to the NCCU for RSE and identified 148 intubated in-hospital (n = 90 ASI, n = 58 EI). There was no difference in post-intubation seizure (26 % (n = 23) ASI, 29 % (n = 17) EI) in the cohort, however, there was increased RSE resolution with ASI in 24 patients with electrographic RSE during intubation (ASI: 61 % (n = 11/18) vs EI: 0 % (n = 0/6), p =.016). While anti-seizure induction did not appear to affect post-intubation seizure occurrence overall, a sub-group of patients undergoing electroencephalography during intubation had a higher incidence of seizure cessation, suggesting potential benefit in an enriched population.

In recent years, smart water sensing technology has played a crucial role in water management, addressing the pressing need for efficient monitoring and control of water resources analysis. The challenge in smart water sensing technology resides in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the data collected by sensors. Outliers are a well-known problem in smart sensing as they can negatively affect the viability of useful analysis and make it difficult to evaluate pertinent data. In this study, we evaluate the performance of four sensors: electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature (Temp), and pH. We implement four classical machine learning models: support vector machine (SVM), artifical neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), and isolated forest (iForest)-based outlier detection as a pre-processing step before visualizing the data. The dataset was collected by a real-time smart water sensing monitoring system installed in Brussels’ lakes, rivers, and ponds. The obtained results clearly show that the SVM outperforms the other models, showing 98.38% F1-score rates for pH, 96.98% F1-score rates for temp, 97.88% F1-score rates for DO, and 98.11% F1-score rates for EC. Furthermore, ANN also achieves a significant results, establishing it as a viable alternative.

Objective: To determine the occurrence of restless leg syndrome in individuals with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March 2020 to August 2020. Methods: A total of 280 CKD patients not dependent on dialysis were included in the study. The data were collected through interviews containing questions from international restless leg syndrome study group (IRLSSG). Patients were stratified into different stages according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Restless leg syndrome was diagnosed by analyzing the responses of the interview marked by the examiner. Results: Among 280 patients, 15.7% (n=44) of chronic kidney disease patients were noted to have restless leg syndrome. The syndrome was significantly more frequent in females and was associated with higher CKD stages (Stage V > Stage III and IV). There was no association with either age or BMI. Conclusion: Restless leg syndrome is more common in chronic kidney disease stage V as compared to lower chronic kidney disease stages (III & IV). If untreated, it can affect patients' quality of life and increase the risk of cardiovascular activities. How to cite this: Basit MB, Sabir O, Shahid AH, Kanwal A, Qadri GA, Rizvi N. Evaluation of Restless Leg Syndrome in Patients with NonDialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease at Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore: A Cross-sectional study. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 95-100.doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.516

Background and Aim: Intramuscular myxomas are uncommon benign tumors that are rarely seen in the paraspinal musculature. They might present with neurological symptoms if situated near the spinal cord or may present with nonspecific symptoms such as back pain. Case Presentation: The case of this study was a 46-year-old female presented with back pain that was exacerbated with movement. A thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2 hyperintense 35x25x85 mm mass that extends craniocaudally within the right-sided paraspinal muscles with heterogeneous contrast enhancement on T1 sequence images. Using a paramedian incision, paraspinal muscles were dissected, and a rubbery mass was palpated within. The tumor was mobilized in all quadrants and removed with its pseudocapsule. The tumor internally had a gel-like substance with rubbery margins. The patient was discharged without complications. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the 16th case of paraspinal intramuscular myxoma in the literature. Even though it is a rare entity, one must be vigilant for pathologies within the paraspinal muscles in patients with back pain

In this study we present an efficient method for synthesizing highly pure ZnO nanoparticles using a Gliding Arc Discharge (GAD) plasma system as a non-thermal plasma source. This approach offers distinct advantages over conventional techniques, including simplicity, a short synthesis time, utilization of readily available air as the source gas, and potential scalability, rendering it a promising alternative for sustainable ZnO nanoparticle production. The synthesized nanoparticles physicochemical properties were characterized using various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, we evaluated the effectiveness of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles for wastewater treatment by assessing their photocatalytic activity against methylene blue (MB), Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and Congo Red (CR) under UV light irradiation for 2 h and 30 min. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of highly pure ZnO nano-powder with an average size of 27.18 nm and a band gap energy of 3.28 eV in an exceptionally brief duration and through straightforward steps. Additionally, GAD plasma-assisted ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a significant dye removal rate, showcasing their potential as highly effective materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. This study contributes new insights into the application of GAD plasma for nanoparticle synthesis.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly found in the marine environment and can have harmful impacts on marine biodiversity. Therefore, investigation of the occurrence, source and risks of PAHs is of great importance to protect ecosystem and human health. The objectives of this work were to assess the concentrations and distribution of PAHs in marine sediments and in mollusc bivalve (Callista chione) along the Mediterranean coasts of Morocco and finally evaluate the risk to human health caused by exposure to PAHs. Five sediments samples and seventy five C. chione specimens, were collected along the Moroccan Mediterranean coasts. The ∑PAHs levels in sediment varied considerably, varying from 1 to 251 ng/g with an average of 50.38 ng/g, while values for bivalves varied from 1 to 51 ng/g dw with an average concentration of 16.76 ng/g dw. The PAHs profile indicates the dominance of 2 and 3 rings PAHs both in bivalves and sediments. PAH concentrations generally rise as one moves from northeast to northwest part of the studied area, closer to the Strait of Gibraltar. The assessment of PAH isomeric ratios revealed a mixed pyrolytic/petrogenic source. Based on the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the risk of PAHs in the sediments was considered to be comparatively low. Similarly, Ecological risk assessment based on risk quotient (RQ) and toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) revealed potentially low ecological risks from PAHs. Exposure to PAHs via bivalve consumption does not cause adverse impacts on the health of consumers following the calculated health risk indices. As the levels of PAHs in biota are not negligible, continuous mentioning marine organisms campaigns should be performed to highlight the distribution and concentration of PAHs and assess the risk for human health from consumption of seafood., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Iatrogenic cervical artery dissection (CeAD) results from various procedures including interventional angiographic procedures and diagnostic angiography. Iatrogenic CeAD is rare, resulting in limited literature on management and outcomes. This observational cohort study investigates approaches and outcomes of iatrogenic CeAD after endovascular interventions., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review for patients who underwent endovascular intervention with resulting iatrogenic CeAD at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 1998 to 2021. Pertinent patient factors were extracted and descriptive statistics generated., Results: Between 1998 and 2021, 21,191 patients underwent catheter-based cerebral angiography. Thirty-two had iatrogenic CeADs (23 women; median age 59 [range 40.5-92.9]). Common comorbidities included hypertension (62.5%), smoking (56.3%), and hyperlipidemia (46.9%). Nine (28.1%) had dissection with diagnostic angiograms, 6 (18.8%) endovascular thrombectomy, 15 (46.9%) intracranial aneurysm treatment/coiling, and 2 (6.3%) intracranial angioplasty with/without stenting. All dissections were diagnosed by cerebral angiography during the same session as initial interventions. Four (12.5%) underwent hyperacute stenting. Thirty (93.7%) were placed on antithrombotic therapy with aspirin alone (34.4%) or dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (37.5%). Median duration of acute treatment was three months. Follow-up imaging showed excellent radiological course., Conclusions: Iatrogenic CeAD with endovascular interventions is rare and typically benign. Most are managed medically without complications or long-term negative outcomes. Oral single or dual-antiplatelet therapies are preferred compared to previous studies which emphasize intravenous anticoagulation. The duration of acute therapy varied from three months to lifelong. Key factors influencing clinical decision-making may include occlusion rate, pseudoaneurysm formation, intracranial extension, distal collateral circulation, and resultant ischemia., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

This study focuses on the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, a globally distributed grain pest that affects cereals and pulses. Using chemicals to store grains can harm pest control and pose risks to consumers and the environment. The facultative intracellular symbiont bacteria Wolbachia can affect host's reproductive capacities in a variety of ways, which makes it useful in the management of pests such as C. maculatus. The main goal of the study was to identify Wolbachia diversity in the C. maculatus population. Phylogenetic analysis utilized mitochondrial COI and 12S rRNA genes to identify the host C. maculatus, while screening for Wolbachia was conducted using genes (wsp, coxA, and ftsZ) genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia genes resulted in one new Wolbachia strain (wCmac1) in C. maculatus populations and contrasting already published data of other Callosobruchus strains. The study discussed the detection of Wolbachia and its phylogenetic comparison with other C. maculatus and Coleopteran populations. It is important to take these findings into account when considering host-pathogen interactions., Competing Interests: NO authors have competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Rasool et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental issue, even reaching remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic, posing threats to biodiversity and food chains. The present research represents a pioneering endeavor aimed at exploring the relationship between lipids and microplastics in 20 wild specimens of Trematomus bernacchii from the Ross Sea (Antarctica). Fish were grouped in MPs-ingested and MPs-free based on whether they had ingested microplastics. Raman spectroscopy revealed that contaminated fish samples contained from one to three different types of polymeric fibers (1.4 items/specimen, ± = 0.7), specifically, polyester (PES), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) techniques were employed for the study of the lipid composition in term of fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs). Fifty different FAME compounds were identified and quantified in the lipid fraction extracted from the muscle tissues of the selected fish samples. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the most abundant family of fatty acids in T. bernacchii species with eicosapentaenoic (C20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6ω3) acids as main components. In detail, PUFA class accounted for 46.78 ± 6.82% and 44.62 ± 4.86% of the total fatty acid composition in MPs-ingested and MPs-free groups, respectively. The contents of the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) varied from 27.93% to 31.15% and from 24.23% to 25.05% in MPs-ingested and MPs-free fish samples, respectively. Based on Mann-Whitney test results (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference from a statistical point of view between two groups of fishes. Additionally, nutritional quality indices exhibited comparable values between groups. Results showed that no significant differences were found in the fatty acids distribution between the two groups. This indicates that the lipid composition of wild fish that are naturally exposed to plastic pollution remains unchanged and could still have beneficial effects on human health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Plastic pollution in Special Protected Areas for Migratory Birds and Sites of Community Importance is a growing environmental concern. These areas, often designated to provide safe habitats for migratory bird species, are increasingly threatened by plastic litter. In this study, we conducted the first assessment of plastic litter, ranging from macro to microplastics, in beach sediments from two sites (Montorsoli Beach and Pylon Beach) along the coast of the Strait of Messina, a Special Protected Area, to assess beach quality and ecological risk. The selected beaches for this study are representative example of two different possible source of anthropogenic contaminations. Plastic density ranged from 1.2 pieces/m 2 to 0.1 pieces/m 2 , Montorsoli and Pylon Beach, respectively. The most abundant plastic litter consisted of plastic pieces ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 50 cm. Several anthropogenic microparticles were identified, including Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polytetrafluoroethylene, cotton fibers and cellulose-based materials. Montorsoli beach had a high percentage (91 %) of Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). While in Pylon beach the main polymer was cotton (49 %). Furthermore, calculated pollution indices showed that Montorsoli was very dirty compared to Pylon beach. Furthermore, the presence of PMMA pellets found at Montorsoli beach may endanger marine birds that depend on the resources of these areas, which are designated as Special Protection Areas for rare and vulnerable bird species. This baseline assessment not only provides crucial information on the current status of plastic pollution, but also offers valuable data that can be instrumental in effective regional management efforts., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The APOE-ε4 genotype is the highest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and exercise training can reduce the risk of AD. Two early pathologies of AD are degradation of tight junctions between brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) and brain glucose hypometabolism. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine how the APOE-ε4 genotype and serum from exercise trained individuals impacts BMEC barrier function and metabolism., Methods: iPSC homozygous for the APOE-ε3 and APOE-ε4 alleles were differentiated to BMEC-like cells and used to measure barrier function and metabolism. To investigate exercise effects, serum was collected from older adults pre- and post- 6 months of exercise training (n = 9 participants per genotype). APOE-ε3 and APOE-ε4 BMEC were treated with genotype-matched serum, and then barrier function and metabolism were measured., Findings: APOE-ε4 genotype impaired BMEC barrier function and metabolism by reducing sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels by 27% (p = 0.0188) and baseline insulin signalling by 37% (p = 0.0186) compared to APOE-ε3 BMEC. Exercise-trained serum increased SIRT1 by 33% (p = 0.0043) in APOE-ε3 BMEC but decreased SIRT1 by 22% (p = 0.0004) in APOE ε4 BMEC., Interpretation: APOE-ε4 directly impairs glucose metabolism and barrier function. Serum from exercise trained individuals alters SIRT1 in a genotype-dependent manner but may require additional cues from exercise to decrease AD pathologies., Funding: Brain and Behaviour Initiative at the University of Maryland through the Seed Grant Program, NSF-GRFP DGE 1840340, Fischell Fellowship in Biomedical Engineering, NSF CBET-2211966 and DGE-1632976, National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation, University of Maryland ASPIRE Program, NIH R01HL165193, R01HL140239-01, and R01AG057552., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests Authors declare they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The natural fastest way to deal with pathogens or danger signals is the innate immune system. This system prevents too much inflammation and tissue damage and efficiently eliminates pathogens. The epiregulome is the chromatin structure influenced by epigenetic factors and linked to cis-regulatory elements (CREs). The epiregulome helps to end the inflammatory response and also assists innate immune cells to show specific action by making cell-specific gene expression patterns. This inspection unfolds two concepts: (1) how epiregulomes are shaped by switching the expression levels of genes, manoeuvre enzyme activity and earmark of chromatin modifiers on specific genes; during and after the infection, and (2) how the expression of specific genes (aids in prompt management of innate cell growth, or the reaction to aggravation and illness) command by epiregulomes that formed during the above process. In this review, the consequences of intrinsic immuno-metabolic remodelling on epiregulomes and potential difficulties in identifying the master epiregulome that regulates innate immunity and inflammation have been discussed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ensembl (www.ensembl.org) is an open platform integrating publicly available genomics data across the tree of life with a focus on eukaryotic species related to human health, agriculture and biodiversity. This year has seen a continued expansion in the number of species represented, with >4800 eukaryotic and >31 300 prokaryotic genomes available. The new Ensembl site, currently in beta, has continued to develop, currently holding >2700 eukaryotic genome assemblies. The new site provides genome, gene, transcript, homology and variation views, and will replace the current Rapid Release site; this represents a key step towards provision of a single integrated Ensembl site. Additional activities have included developing improved regulatory annotation for human, mouse and agricultural species, and expanding the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor tool. To learn more about Ensembl, help and documentation are available along with an extensive training program that can be accessed via our training pages., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.)

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of submucosal 8 mg (2 mL) dexamethasone (DEX) on postoperative pain, swelling, chewing efficiency, trismus, healing, and discomfort after periodontal flap surgery (PFS)., Methods: In this randomized controlled split-mouth study, 25 patients underwent PFS in the mandible, whereby postoperative, submucosal DEX was injected to the surgical field to the test group and submucosal normal saline was applied to the control group. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the 101-point numeric rate scale in the first 8 h after PFS and on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th days, whereas swelling, chewing efficiency, trismus, healing, discomfort and analgesic consumption were evaluated preoperatively on the 1st, 2nd and 7th days., Results: In the intergroup evaluation, the VAS-7th hour value of the test group was lower than the control group(p < 0.05). On the 1st day, it was observed that there was less swelling and more chewing efficiency in the test group than in the control group(p < 0.05). When time-dependent changes were examined, the decrease in mouth opening due to trismus in the control group was greater than that in the test group on the 1st and the 2nd days compared to the preoperative period(p < 0.05). Finally, postoperative healing, discomfort, and analgesic consumption were similar between groups., Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, the submucosal DEX may be an effective protocol in the management of pain, swelling, and trismus after PFS., Clinical Relevance: Our findings shed light on the possible effects of DEX after PFS., Trial Registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06119893)., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: This clinical study was approved by the human subjects ethics board of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Van Yuzuncu Yil University (Decision number: 13.07.2021/08). The present study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2013. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06119893). Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Moiré magnets have emerged as intriguing platforms for hosting exotic magnetic states due to the competing interactions within these materials. Recent experiments have reported noncollinear magnetic states in moiréCrI3, particularly focusing on twisted double bilayer (tDB) and double trilayer (tDT) configurations. However, atomistic simulations of moiréCrI3have largely been limited to the bilayer case. Here, we use stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert simulations to investigate skyrmion nucleation in tDB and tDTCrI3and to estimate the threshold Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (th-DMI) required for their stabilization. Our findings show that the th-DMI decreases significantly with reduced twist angles. Above this threshold, three skyrmions nucleate at the monoclinic regions of the moiré supercell, randomly distributing across the interfacial layers and imprinting onto adjacent layers. Additionally, a substrate-induced DMI further reduces the th-DMI without affecting skyrmion localization. These results suggest that small twist angles and substrate-induced DMI can facilitate skyrmion formation in moiré structures., (© 2024 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved.)

Ectopic pregnancy, the implantation of a fertilized zygote outside the uterine cavity, presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs, and treatment involves surgery or methotrexate in selected cases. A 24-year-old woman at 37 weeks of gestation underwent elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia, revealing an unexpected broad ligament ectopic pregnancy. The live fetus and placenta were successfully delivered without complications. The study reports a rare asymptomatic broad ligament ectopic pregnancy until 37 weeks, diagnosed by laparotomy-treatment involved removing the ovary and placenta and preserving the uterus. A healthy male baby and mother recovered well. This rare ectopic pregnancy, with placental implantation in the broad ligament, resulted in a successful cesarean delivery of a healthy infant and complication-free recovery, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and skilled surgical intervention., Competing Interests: None declared., (Published by Oxford University Press and JSCR Publishing Ltd. © The Author(s) 2024.)