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With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, questions are increasingly being raised by stakeholders regarding how such technologies can enhance the environmental, social, and governance outcomes of organizations. In this study, challenges related to the organization and retrieval of video content within large, heterogeneous media archives are addressed. Existing methods, often reliant on human intervention or low-complexity algorithms, are observed to struggle with the growing demands of online video quantity and quality. To address these limitations, a novel approach is proposed, where convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory networks are utilized to extract both frame-level and temporal video features. Residual networks 50 (ResNet50) is integrated for enhanced content representation, and two-frame video flow is employed to improve system performance. The framework achieves precision, recall, and F-score of 79.2%, 86.5%, and 83%, respectively, on the YouTube, EPFL, and TVSum datasets. Beyond technological advancements, opportunities for effective content management are highlighted, emphasizing the promotion of sustainable digital practices. By minimizing data duplication and optimizing resource usage, scalable solutions for large media collections are supported by the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The aim of this anatomical study was to evaluate the course of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, its positional relationship to adjacent structures, and the resulting clinical relevance under consideration of various functional positions. Materials and methods: Twenty upper extremities from ten adult human cadavers embalmed using Thiel's method were included in this study. The greatest possible movement/slippage of the EPL tendon, the angle at which the tendon wraps around Lister's tubercle, and its course across the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis (ECRL and ECRB) were recorded and defined in all functional positions. Results: Our findings demonstrate a high range of motion of the tendon in relation to clinically relevant structures. Conclusion: Understanding the anatomical course of the EPL tendon, its potential extent of movement, and its resulting positional changes is essential for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of patients with complaints or injuries in the dorsoradial wrist region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion detection from social media data plays a crucial role in studying societal emotions concerning different events, aiding in predicting the reactions of specific social groups. However, it is complex to automatically extract implicit emotional information from noisy social media text data. This study introduces the Hierarchical Deep Ensemble Learning (HDEL) system to identify emotions in text data. The proposed HDEL model utilizes BiLSTM (Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory), CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), BiGRU (Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit), and RCNN (Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network) in the first level of its hierarchy. The predicted probabilities of the four models are embedded with input data to prepare the intermediate hybrid data. This hybrid data is fed to the next layer of the proposed system, which utilizes a Random Forest (RF) algorithm to predict the emotion. The proposed approach is tested using three emotion datasets: the WASSA-2017 Emotion Intensity (EmoInt) dataset, the International Survey on Emotion Antecedents and Reactions (ISEAR) dataset, and the CrowdFlower (CF) dataset. EmoInt and ISEAR are clean and balanced, while CF is noisy and imbalanced. The results are compared with various state-of- the-art Machine Learning models. The outperforming results depict the superiority of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) was employed using two carbon-based nanopowders (multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano-graphene) to enhance the machining characteristics of Udimet-720. Pulse-on-time, pulse-off-time, and current were selected as control variables, with material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (SR) as output responses. Taguchi's L9 design was utilized to conduct experimental trials. Empirical models were generated, and the output responses were optimized using the heat-transfer search algorithm technique. An objective function was formulated for simultaneous optimization, and the obtained solution was utilized to investigate the influence of carbon-based nanopowders (MWCNTs and nano-graphene). Results of simultaneous optimization have given the optimal parameter settings at Ton of 4 µs, Toff of 3 µs, and current of 18 A with optimal response values of MRR at 26.22 mg/min, TWR at 0.4759 mg/min, and SR at 5.91 μm. Under the same machining conditions, nano-graphene-based EDM at a 1 g/L concentration has yielded higher MRR and the lowest TWR and SR compared to MWCNTs-based EDM and conventional EDM. The machined surfaces were also investigated for surface defects through scanning electron microscopy. The surface defects, in terms of the formation of globules and micro-pores, were observed to be less pronounced for the use of graphene powder than for MWCNTs. The authors believe that the present work will be useful for machining hard materials, which are widely used in aeronautical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the optimal parameters for regulated metal deposition (RMD) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) processes when joining 316LN stainless steel. The objective was to determine the optimal settings for current (A), voltage (V), and gas flow rate (GFR, L/min) to achieve the desired weld bead characteristics, including bead width (BW), bead height (BH), depth of penetration (DOP), and heat-affected zone (HAZ). A Box–Behnken design based on response surface methodology was employed for the bead-on-plate trials. Mathematical models were developed from the experimental data and validated through analysis of variance and residual analysis, with R-squared values confirming model accuracy. The heat transfer search (HTS) algorithm was used for both single objective and multiobjective optimization. For RMD, optimal results were achieved with a BW of 9.95 mm, BH of 4.39 mm, DOP of 2.26 mm, and HAZ of 0.29 mm, at 130 A, 18 V, and 20 L/min GFR. For FCAW, optimal values were a BW of 11.45 mm, BH of 3.59 mm, DOP of 2.15 mm, and HAZ of 0.40 mm, at 210 A, 24 V, and 10 L/min GFR. The Pareto solutions offered a most suitable choice of the optimal configuration, balancing the desired BW, BH, DOP, and HAZ values. The effectiveness of the HTS algorithm is demonstrated by the minimal differences between predicted and measured values, highlighting its high accuracy in optimizing 316LN stainless steel welding parameters.Article highlights: Adjusted welding settings for current, voltage, and gas flow to get the best weld quality. Tested different settings and created accurate models to predict welding results. Used a smart method to find the best welding options and balance quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy, comprehensiveness, empathetic tone, and patient preference for AI and urologist responses to patient messages concerning common BPH questions across phases of care. Methods: Cross-sectional study evaluating responses to 20 BPH-related questions generated by 2 AI chatbots and 4 urologists in a simulated clinical messaging environment without direct patient interaction. Accuracy, completeness, and empathetic tone of responses assessed by experts using Likert scales, and preferences and perceptions of authorship (chatbot vs. human) rated by non-medical evaluators. Results: Five non-medical volunteers independently evaluated, ranked, and inferred the source for 120 responses (n = 600 total). For volunteer evaluations, the mean (SD) score of chatbots, 3.0 (1.4) (moderately empathetic) was significantly higher than urologists, 2.1 (1.1) (slightly empathetic) (p < 0.001); mean (SD) and preference ranking for chatbots, 2.6 (1.6), was significantly higher than urologist ranking, 3.9 (1.6) (p < 0.001). Two subject matter experts (SMEs) independently evaluated 120 responses each (answers to 20 questions from 4 urologist and 2 chatbots, n = 240 total). For SME evaluations, mean (SD) accuracy score for chatbots was 4.5 (1.1) (nearly all correct) and not significantly different than urologists, 4.6 (1.2). The mean (SD) completeness score for chatbots was 2.4 (0.8) (comprehensive), significantly higher than urologists, 1.6 (0.6) (adequate) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Answers to patient BPH messages generated by chatbots were evaluated by experts as equally accurate and more complete than urologist answers. Non-medical volunteers preferred chatbot-generated messages and considered them more empathetic compared to answers generated by urologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fragmentation of care (FC, the receipt of care at > 1 institution) has been shown to negatively impact cancer outcomes. Given the multimodal nature of breast cancer treatment, we sought to identify factors associated with FC and its effects on survival of breast cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of surgically treated, stage I–III breast cancer patients in the 2004–2020 National Cancer Database, excluding neoadjuvant therapy recipients. Patients were stratified into two groups: FC or non-FC care. Treatment delay was defined as definitive surgery > 60 days after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors predictive of FC, and survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods. Results: Of the 531,644 patients identified, 340,297 (64.0%) received FC. After adjustment, FC (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.25–1.29) was independently associated with treatment delay. Factors predictive of FC included Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), treatment at comprehensive community cancer programs (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08) and integrated network cancer programs (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.51–1.59), AJCC stage II (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05–1.07) and stage III tumors (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.10), and HR + /HER2 + tumors (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07). Treatment delay was independently associated with increased risk of mortality (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.20–1.26), whereas FC (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.86–0.88) showed survival benefit. Conclusions: While treatment delay negatively impacts survival in breast cancer patients, our findings suggest FC could be a marker for multispecialty care that may mitigate some of these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium plays a crucial role as a second messenger in neuronal signal transduction pathways. The influx of calcium ions through various physicochemical gating channels activates neuronal calcium signaling. The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a significant intracellular structure that sequesters calcium and controls signaling through SERCA, IPR, and leak channel mechanisms. Disruption of calcium dynamics can trigger intrinsic dyshomeostasis, cell damage, and apoptosis. The present study articulates a Caputo fractional time derivative in the polar coordinate dimensions to investigate the role of nonlocal calcium-free ions in the neuron through the Orai channel, and ER fluxes, incorporating various physiological parameters. The solution was obtained through the hybrid integral transform technique for analytical form. The closed form was generated using Green's function in terms of Mainardi and Wright's functions. Our simulation uncovered the calcium concentration bandwidth of interaction with different neuronal parameters. Parameters and calcium ion synergy show normal and Alzheimer's disease-impacted interaction through different illustrations. Our simulation reveals that S100B and BAPTA have significant calcium-controlling behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium ions are the second messenger playing as regulators for various cellular activities. Its spatiotemporal control is critical for various brain functions, including neuroplasticity, apoptosis, and cell death. The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) plays an important role in determining these spatiotemporal calcium dynamics. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) - Orai channel on the membrane generates additional calcium flow, whereas other membrane fluxes contribute to cytosolic flux. Due to their anomalous character, we used the Caputo fractional differential operator to mimic these interactions in polar coordinates. Solutions were generated using hybrid integral transform methods to control the analytical approach. Using Green's function yielded a closed-form solution for Mittag-Leffler-type functions. This work emphasizes the significant relationship between calcium and various buffer levels in neurons. The differential transition simulation of a time derivative with space across different parameters indicated a decrease in calcium concentration. Anomalously low buffer levels exhibited the impact of Alzheimer's disease on calcium higher concentration, leading to the death of neurons. Additionally, the research introduces a method involving S100B, BAPTA, and calmodulin buffers to uphold optimal calcium levels within the neuronal cytosol. The applicability of this model with different buffer properties and parameters and memory impacts the calcium concentration with the neurological disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphenoid wing dysplasia is a characteristic finding in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Some of these children develop proptosis and vision loss secondary to the spheno-orbital encephalocele. A 6-year-old boy presented to us with complaints of painless progressive uni-ocular vision loss and progressive pulsatile proptosis. Imaging revealed spheno-orbital encephalocele into the orbit through the dysplastic posterior orbital wall. 3D printed customized implant was designed and placed to fit the defect. This prevented further herniation of the temporal lobe into the orbit, leading to reduction of proptosis and improvement in vision of the child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper selenide (Cu2Se) is a promising semiconductor with notable potential for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. This study investigates the impact of film thickness on the physical properties of Cu2Se thin films. Cu2Se thin films of varying thicknesses were synthesized using the thermal evaporation technique. These films were then analyzed for optical properties, structural characteristics, and surface morphology. Optical analysis was conducted using absorption spectra over a wavelength range of 200 to 900 nm. From these spectra, we determined key optical parameters such as the energy band gap (Eg), extinction coefficient (k), and refractive index for films of different thicknesses. Dielectric properties were evaluated, allowing us to calculate the dielectric constant and dielectric loss for various film thicknesses. Additionally, current–voltage (I-V) characteristics and Raman spectroscopy were performed, and the results are presented and discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of musculoskeletal radiologists in interventional oncology procedures, highlighting their contributions and challenges in this emerging field. Musculoskeletal radiologists play a crucial role in cancer care by providing expertise in image interpretation, facilitating treatment decisions, and offering valuable insights during multidisciplinary discussions. However, they face technical challenges in balancing diagnostic and interventional skills, as well as clinical challenges in navigating complex oncology and palliative care scenarios. The decision to engage in musculoskeletal interventional oncology procedures depends on individual radiologists and practice groups, considering factors such as technical proficiency, clinical judgment, and operational considerations. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pandemic Breast Cancer Consortium (PBCC) published recommendations for triage of breast cancer patients. The recommendations included neoadjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer patients experiencing delays in surgery. This study evaluated national patterns of neoadjuvant treatment according to triage guidelines. Methods: Patients treated with surgery (upfront or post-neoadjuvant) in 2018–2020 were collected from the National Cancer Database. The proportions of patients treated according to the PBCC triage guidelines were calculated in 2020 and compared with similar cohorts in 2018–2019. Patient and hospital factors were evaluated for association with treatment. Results: Among cT1N0 ER+/PR+/HER2– patients, those treated in 2020 were more likely to receive neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) compared with those before that time (odds ratio [OR], 3.08; range, 2.93–3.24). Among the patients with cT2N0 or cT1N1 disease, NET was more common in 2020 (OR, 1.76; range, 1.65–1.88). Academic facility, black or Asian race, more comorbidities, and the New England/Middle Atlantic region were associated with NET use. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded utilization of neoadjuvant therapy for surgical breast cancer patients was observed. Health care system limitations during the pandemic contributed to expanded adoption of neoadjuvant therapy for early breast cancer, contrary to usual practice. Long-term outcomes for patients treated according to PBCC recommendations should be closely monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium is a decisive messenger for neuronal vivid functions. The calcium intracellular sequestering major unit is the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). Brownian motion of calcium could be bound to different buffers like S100B, calmodulin, etc, and different organelles. Plasma membrane channels like voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) and Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase (PMCA), Orai channel could perturb the calcium concentration. To investigate the calcium interplay for intracellular signaling we have developed the two-dimensional time fractional reaction–diffusion equation. To solve this model analytically, we have used the Laplace and Fourier cosine integral transform method. By using Green's function we obtained the compact solution in closed form with Mainardi's function and Wright's function. Uniqueness and existence proved the more fundamental approach to the fractional reaction–diffusion problem. The fractional Caputo approach gives better insight into this real-life problem by its nonlocal nature. Significant effects of different parameters on free calcium ions were obtained and the results are interpreted with normal and Alzheimeric cells. Non-local property and dynamical aspects are graphically presented which might provide insight into the Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and S100B parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Topiramate therapy is associated with systemic adverse effects including paresthesia,abdominal pain, and fluctuations in plasma levels. The purpose of this research was to develop an intranasal in situ gel based system comprising Topiramate polymeric nanoparticles and evaluate its potential both in vitro and in vivo. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation method were added into the in situ gelling system of Poloxamer 407 and HPMC K4M. Selected formulation (TG5) was evaluated for physicochemical properties, nasal permeation and in vivo pharmacokinetics in rats. PLGAnanoparticles (O1) exhibited low particle size (~ 144.4 nm), good polydispersity index (0.202), negative zeta potential (-12.7 mV), and adequate entrapment efficiency (64.7%). Developed in situ gel showed ideal pH (6.5), good gelling time (35 s), gelling temperature(37℃), suitable viscosity (1335 cP)and drug content of 96.2%. In vitro drug release conformedto Higuchi release kinetics, exhibiting a biphasic pattern of initial burst release and sustained release for 24 h. Oral administration of the drug to Sprague–Dawley rats (G3) showed higher plasma Cmax(504 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) when compared to nasal delivery of in situ gel (G4) or solution (G5). Additionally, AUC0-α of G3 (8786.82 ng/ml*h) was considerably higher than othergroups. Brain uptake data indicates a higher drug level with G4 (112.47 ng /ml) at 12 h when compared to G3. Histopathological examination of groups; G1 (intranasal saline), G2(intranasal placebo), G3, G4, and G5 did not show any lesions of pathological significance. Overall, the experimental results observed were promising and substantiated the potential of developed in situ gel for intranasal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanitary napkins are technical textile products that women use to hygienically collect menstrual fluids when they are menstruating. Because sanitary napkins must simultaneously fulfil a number of end-use requirements, they have layered constructions. Through the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Surat, India, this study explores the eco-friendly (organic material) sanitary napkin production facility in the village of Bhatlai in the Gujarat province of India and identifies an issue. With eco-friendly organic sanitary products, bioburdens are a big problem. The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan accepts recommendations and improvements relating to sterility in a sanitary manufacturing unit after bioburden testing is conducted using various approaches outlined by Sanitary Napkins - Specification (IS 5405:2019). This study seeks to develop sanitary napkins that are sterilized and have no bioburden to replace SAPs (super absorbent polymer) with an ecologically friendly biopolymer that provides competent performance and characteristics to rural women of India living near or below poverty line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing collaborative research platforms for quantum bit control is crucial for driving innovation in the field, as they enable the exchange of ideas, data, and implementation to achieve more impactful outcomes. Furthermore, considering the high costs associated with quantum experimental setups, collaborative environments are vital for maximizing resource utilization efficiently. However, the lack of dedicated data management platforms presents a significant obstacle to progress, highlighting the necessity for essential assistive tools tailored for this purpose. Current qubit control systems are unable to handle complicated management of extensive calibration data and do not support effectively visualizing intricate quantum experiment outcomes. In this paper, we introduce Qubit Control Storage and Visualization (QubiCSV), a platform specifically designed to meet the demands of quantum computing research, focusing on the storage and analysis of calibration and characterization data in qubit control systems. As an open-source tool, QubiCSV facilitates efficient data management of quantum computing, providing data versioning capabilities for data storage and allowing researchers and programmers to interact with qubits in real time. The insightful visualization are developed to interpret complex quantum experiments and optimize qubit performance. QubiCSV not only streamlines the handling of qubit control system data but also improves the user experience with intuitive visualization features, making it a valuable asset for researchers in the quantum computing domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, stands as the predominant global health crisis of the decade, claiming millions of lives and causing profound disruptions to society. Despite the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19, the situation remains challenging, necessitating the exploration of new antiviral drugs. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of diphenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives as a potential lead series for inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzyme. The synthesized molecules underwent screening for inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro enzyme at a concentration of 20 µM. Compounds 6–14 exhibited inhibition ranging from 88 to 99%. Further assessments were conducted to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of these compounds against both the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Delta variant in virus-infected cells. Compounds such as 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole (9), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole (10), and 4-(4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene-1,2-diol (14) exhibited promising activity against both the SARS-CoV-2 strain (with IC50 values of 7.7 µM, 12.6 µM, and 11.8 µM, respectively) and the Delta variant (with IC50 values of 7.4 µM, 13.8 µM, and 12.1 µM, respectively). Moreover, the 3CLpro inhibition IC50 values for these compounds correlated well with the observed antiviral activity, measuring at 5.1 µM (9), 10.9 µM (10), and 7.3 µM (14). These findings underscore the efficacy of diphenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives as promising candidates for further development and optimization in the fight against COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic and progressive systemic condition that characterizes irreversible alterations in the kidneys' function and structure over an extended period, spanning months to years. CKD is the one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. However, very limited treatment options are available in the market for management of the CKD. Diabetes and hypertension are the key risk factors for the progression of CKD. It is majorly characterised by glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Plants are considered safe and effective in treating various chronic conditions. A diverse group of phytoconstituents, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes, have found significant benefits in managing chronic ailments. Terpenes constitute a diverse group of plant compounds with various therapeutic benefits. Evidence-based pharmacological studies underscore the crucial role played by terpenes in preventing and managing CKD. These substances demonstrate the capacity to hinder detrimental pathways, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis, thereby demonstrating benefit in renal dysfunction. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the roles and positive attributes of commonly occurring terpenes in managing the causes and risk factors of CKD and the associated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PTPN2 (protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2, or TC-PTP) and PTPN1 are attractive immuno-oncology targets, with the deletion of Ptpn1 and Ptpn2 improving response to immunotherapy in disease models. Targeted protein degradation has emerged as a promising approach to drug challenging targets including phosphatases. We developed potent PTPN2/N1 dual heterobifunctional degraders (Cmpd-1 and Cmpd-2) which facilitate efficient complex assembly with E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and mediate potent PTPN2/N1 degradation in cells and mice. To provide mechanistic insights into the cooperative complex formation introduced by degraders, we employed a combination of structural approaches. Our crystal structure reveals how PTPN2 is recognized by the tri-substituted thiophene moiety of the degrader. We further determined a high-resolution structure of DDB1-CRBN/Cmpd-1/PTPN2 using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This structure reveals that the degrader induces proximity between CRBN and PTPN2, albeit the large conformational heterogeneity of this ternary complex. The molecular dynamic (MD)-simulations constructed based on the cryo-EM structure exhibited a large rigid body movement of PTPN2 and illustrated the dynamic interactions between PTPN2 and CRBN. Together, our study demonstrates the development of PTPN2/N1 heterobifunctional degraders with potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, the developed structural workflow could help to understand the dynamic nature of degrader-induced cooperative ternary complexes. PTPN2 (protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2) and PTPN1 are attractive immuno-oncology targets, however, targeting PTPN2/N1 poses significant challenges. Here, the authors report the development of potent PTPN2/N1 heterobifunctional degraders and reveal biochemical and structural insights into the formation of ternary structures with cereblon E3 ligase by X-ray diffraction, cryo-EM and MD simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chondrocranium provides the key initial support for the fetal brain, jaws and cranial sensory organs in all vertebrates. The patterns of shaping and growth of the chondrocranium set up species-specific development of the entire craniofacial complex. The 3D development of chondrocranium have been studied primarily in animal model organisms, such as mice or zebrafish. In comparison, very little is known about the full 3D human chondrocranium, except from drawings made by anatomists many decades ago. The knowledge of human-specific aspects of chondrocranial development are essential for understanding congenital craniofacial defects and human evolution. Here advanced microCT scanning was used that includes contrast enhancement to generate the first 3D atlas of the human fetal chondrocranium during the middle trimester (13 to 19 weeks). In addition, since cartilage and bone are both visible with the techniques used, the endochondral ossification of cranial base was mapped since this region is so critical for brain and jaw growth. The human 3D models are published as a scientific resource for human development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and food addiction are associated with distinct brain signatures related to reward processing, and early life adversity (ELA) also increases alterations in these same reward regions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the effect of early life adversity on food addiction are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the interactions between ELA, food addiction, and brain morphometry in individuals with obesity. 114 participants with high body mass index (BMI) underwent structural MRIs, and completed several questionnaires (e.g., Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Early Traumatic Inventory (ETI)). Freesurfer 6 was applied to generate the morphometry of brain regions. A multivariate pattern analysis was used to derive brain morphometry patterns associated with food addiction. General linear modeling and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the effects of ELA and resilience on food addiction in individuals with obesity. Statistical significance was determined at a level of p < 0.05. High levels of ELA showed a strong association between reward control brain signatures and food addiction (p = 0.03). Resilience positively mediated the effect of ELA on food addiction (B = 0.02, p = 0.038). Our findings suggest that food addiction is associated with brain signatures in motivation and reward processing regions indicative of dopaminergic dysregulation and inhibition of cognitive control regions. These mechanistic variabilities along with early life adversity suggest increased vulnerability to develop food addiction and obesity in adulthood, which can buffer by the neuroprotective effects of resilience, highlighting the value of incorporating cognitive appraisal into obesity therapeutic regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks and lower limb amputation. Prevalence of diabetes is rising globally. α-glucosidase is validated target for controlling hyperglycemia because of its role in catalysing hydrolysis of carbohydrates to glucose in GIT. In an attempt to find novel safe and effective α-glucosidase inhibitors, coumarin linked thiazole was identified as potential scaffold on the basis of its interactions with the active site of α-glucosidase studied in silico. A series of coumarin linked thiazole derivatives were synthesized and analyzed for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential in an in-vitro assay. The synthesized molecules showed potent inhibition of α-glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 0.14 to 9.38 μM. The most potent compound 2-[(4-bromophenyl) amino)-N-(4- (2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) thiazol-2-yl] acetamide was further docked with α-glucosidase and molecular dynamics studies were carried out for 100 ns which suggested the stability of protein and ligand in the protein active site over the simulation period and role of hydrophobic interactions slightly more than the electrostatic/polar interactions in ligand- receptor stability. In summary, our results demonstrate efficacy of coumarin-linked thiazole as potential leads for further optimization and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the synthesis of a new oxacalix[4]arene system, DMANSOC, wherein two 5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalene sulfonamide subunits are attached to the lower rims of the basic oxacalix[4]arene platform. Extensive spectrophotometric studies were conducted to investigate the selectivity and sensitivity of DMANSOC towards nitroaromatic explosives. Detailed analysis of spectrophotometric data, utilizing techniques such as Stern-Volmer, Benesi-Hildebrand, Job's plot, and interference study, unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of DMANSOC as a highly efficient fluorescent sensor for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol explosive (TNP) detection in an aqueous medium. The sensor exhibited a linear concentration range of 7.5 μM to 50 μM, with a low detection limit of 4.64 μM and a high binding affinity of 2.45 × 104 M towards TNP. Furthermore, the efficiency of the sensor in environmental samples contaminated with TNP was evaluated, yielding excellent recovery rates. Complementary DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to elucidate the mechanism behind the selective fluorescence quenching of DMANSOC in the presence of TNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a core component of systemic therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, response rates remain low, and development of therapy resistance is a primary issue. Combinatorial strategies employing a second agent to augment the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy is predicted to reduce the incidence of treatment resistance and increase the durability of response to therapy. Methods: Here, we employed quantitative proteomics approaches to identify novel druggable proteins and molecular pathways that are deregulated in response to 5-FU, which might serve as targets to improve sensitivity to chemotherapy. Drug combinations were evaluated using 2D and 3D CRC cell line models and an ex vivo culture model of a patient-derived tumour. Results: Quantitative proteomics identified upregulation of the mitosis-associated protein Aurora B (AURKB), within a network of upregulated proteins, in response to a 24 h 5-FU treatment. In CRC cell lines, AURKB inhibition with the dihydrogen phosphate prodrug AZD1152, markedly improved the potency of 5-FU in 2D and 3D in vitro CRC models. Sequential treatment with 5-FU then AZD1152 also enhanced the response of a patient-derived CRC cells to 5-FU in ex vivo cultures. Conclusions: AURKB inhibition may be a rational approach to augment the effectiveness of 5-FU chemotherapy in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to better define estrogen receptor-low-positive (ER-low+) breast cancer biology and determine the utility of the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® (RS) assay in this population. Methods: Patients with information regarding percentage ER positivity and PAM50 subtype were identified in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and subtype distribution was determined. Next, patients with ER-low+ (ER 1–10%), HER2− breast cancer undergoing upfront surgery with known RS result were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and our institutional Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center (DF/BCC) database; RS distribution was examined. Finally, patients with ER-low+, HER2− breast cancer treated at DF/BCC from 2011 to 2020 without prior RS results and in whom tissue was available to perform the assay were identified. RS results, treatment, recurrence and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were determined. Results: Of 1033 patients in TCGA, ER percentage and PAM50 subtype were available for 342 (33.1%) patients. Forty-six (13.5%) had ER-low+/HER2− tumors, among whom 82.6% were basal and 4.3% were luminal A. Among 3423 patients with ER-low+/HER2− disease in the NCDB, RS results were available for 689 (20.1%) patients; 67% had an RS ≥26. In our institutional database, only two patients with ER-low+/HER2− disease and an RS were identified, both with RS ≥26. Among 37 patients in our institutional cohort without prior RS, 35 (97.4%) had an RS ≥26, determined with testing. After a median follow-up of 40 months (range 3–106), three patients, all treated with chemotherapy, recurred. Three-year BCSS was 97.0% (95% confidence interval 96.9–97.1%). Conclusions: Most ER-low+/HER2− breast cancers are basal-like, with RS ≥26 suggesting these tumors are similar to triple-negative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majun Nisyan (MJN) is a polyherbal formulation used in Unani medicine for its therapeutic efficacy against Nisyan (forgetfulness/dementia). In the current work, an effort was made to develop and validate a new high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the quantitative estimation of the marker compounds (α + β) boswellic acids, β-asarone, isoeugenol, 6-gingerol and piperine from the formulation of MJN. The method employed HPTLC plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system comprised of toluene‒ethyl acetate‒chloroform‒acetic acid (8:2:5:0.1, V/V). This method yields compact spots for (α + β) boswellic acids (RF 0.102 ± 0.01), β-asarone (RF 0.982 ± 0.04), isoeugenol (RF 0.850 ± 0.03), 6-gingerol (RF 0.698 ± 0.03) and piperine (RF 0.355 ± 0.01). A CAMAG TLC Scanner 4 was used to carry out the densitometric scanning at 254 nm. The International Council for Harmonisation's Q2(R1) guideline was used to validate the HPTLC method. Each gram of the MJN formulation was found to contain 0.0248 ± 0.0053 mg (α + β) boswellic acids, 0.0520 ± 0.0069 mg β-asarone, 0.0487 ± 0.0041 mg isoeugenol, 0.0468 ± 0.0023 mg 6-gingerol and 0.0609 ± 0.0084 mg piperine. The developed and validated HPTLC method was found to be simple, inexpensive, sensitive, precise and accurate. This method can be easily applied to routine control analysis of all commercially available Ayurvedic and herbal formulations containing (α + β) boswellic acids, β-asarone, isoeugenol, 6-gingerol and piperine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In past several decades, gait biometrics has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional identification methods, offering advancements in surveillance, monitoring, and analysis techniques. However, determining gender based on gait remains a challenge, particularly in computer vision applications. This study proposes a robust and adaptable approach to address this issue by leveraging gait analysis. There is a growing need for datasets tailored to gait analysis and recognition to facilitate the extraction of relevant data. While most existing research relies on image-based gait datasets, this study utilizes the OULP-Age dataset from OU-ISIR, representing gait through gait energy images (GEIs). The methodology involves feature extraction from GEIs using pre-trained models, followed by classification with the XGBoost classifier. Gender prediction is enhanced through parameter fine-tuning of the XGBoost classifier. Comparative analysis of 11 pre-trained models for feature extraction reveals that DenseNet models, combined with optimized XGBoost parameters, demonstrate promising results for gender prediction. This study contributes to advancing gender prediction based on gait analysis and underscores the efficacy of integrating deep learning models with traditional classifiers for improved accuracy and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscoelasticity of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-laden air–water interface was characterized using two different experimental methods. The first experimental method used a Langmuir-Pockels (LP) trough coupled with a pair of oscillating barriers. The second method is termed the Bicone-Trough (BT) method, where a LP trough was custom-built and fit onto a rheometer equipped with a bicone fixture to standardize the preparation and conditioning of a particle-laden interface especially at high particle coverages. The performance of both methods was evaluated by performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis to calculate the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Overall, the rheometer-based BT method offered better strain control and considerably higher SNRs compared to the Oscillatory Barriers (OB) method that oscillated barriers with relatively limited positional and speed control. For a CNT surface coverage of 165 mg/m2 and a frequency of 100 mHz, the interfacial shear modulus obtained from the OB method increased from 39 to 57 mN/m as the normal strain amplitude increased from 1 to 3%. No linear viscoelastic regime was experimentally observed for a normal strain as small as 0.5%. In the BT method, a linear regime was observed below a shear strain of 0.1%. The interfacial shear modulus decreased significantly from 96 to 2 mN/m as the shear strain amplitude increased from 0.025 to 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in epithelial cancers. The cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1 CT) aids in tumorigenesis by upregulating the expression of multiple oncogenes. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in several cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in many cancers. In this study, we focus on recent evidence suggesting that STAT3 and MUC1 regulate each other’s expression in cancer cells in an auto-inductive loop and found that their interaction plays a prominent role in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance. The STAT3 inhibitor Napabucasin was in clinical trials but was discontinued due to futility. We found that higher expression of MUC1 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to Napabucasin. Therefore, high-MUC1 tumors may have a better outcome to Napabucasin therapy. We report how MUC1 regulates STAT3 activity and provide a new perspective on repurposing the STAT3-inhibitor Napabucasin to improve clinical outcome of epithelial cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections impose a significant impact on global health and encompass major expenditures in medical treatments. Human mycoses, a fungal co-infection associated with SARS-CoV-2, is caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Recently, there is increasing threat about spread of antimicrobial resistance in fungus, mostly in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections are associated with several issues, including tedious and non-selective detection methods, the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, severe side effects, and ineffective drug delivery. Thus, a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method and a high-efficacy and low-toxicity therapeutic approach are needed. Nanomedicine has emerged as a viable option for overcoming these limitations. Due to the unique physicochemical and optical properties of nanomaterials and newer biosensing techniques, nanodiagnostics play an important role in the accurate and prompt differentiation and detection of fungal diseases. Additionally, nano-based drug delivery techniques can increase drug permeability, reduce adverse effects, and extend systemic circulation time and drug half-life. This review paper is aimed at highlighting recent, promising, and unique trends in nanotechnology to design and develop diagnostics and treatment methods for fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used for processing data to make decisions, Interact with humans, and understand their feelings and emotions. With the advent of the Internet, people share and express their thoughts on day-to-day activities and global and local events through text messaging applications. Hence, it is essential for machines to understand emotions in opinions, feedback, and textual dialogues to provide emotionally aware responses to users in today's online world. The field of text-based emotion detection (TBED) is advancing to provide automated solutions to various applications, such as business and finance, to name a few. TBED has gained a lot of attention in recent times. The paper presents a systematic literature review of the existing literature published between 2005 and 2021 in TBED. This review has meticulously examined 63 research papers from the IEEE, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to address four primary research questions. It also reviews the different applications of TBED across various research domains and highlights its use. An overview of various emotion models, techniques, feature extraction methods, datasets, and research challenges with future directions has also been represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which a person fails to produce adequate insulin or insulin reactions to cells, so that blood sugar levels are high in diabetes patients. Nanoparticles of small particle size have very significant effects against other types of dosage. Diabetes is treated with metal oxide-like nanoparticles such as zinc oxide, silver oxide, cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, vanadium oxide, chromium oxide, and gold nanoparticles. Different plants are used for the green synthesis of zinc, silver, magnesium oxide, cerium oxide, and golden nanoparticles. These analyses include separate in vitro and in vivo tests. The in vitro studies include nanoparticles characterization, antioxidant studies, anti-diabetic studies, and green synthesized nanoparticles phytochemical studies. In the in vivo trials, the animal research involves a range of test models, diabetes induction, experimental design, sample collection, and blood sample characterization by different testing methods. Studies in in vitro and in vivo reveal nanoparticles of metal oxide to be anti-diabetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creators of CRISPR/Cas have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their ground-breaking technology and its exceptional potential to address fundamental issues in the field of biological sciences. This revolutionary tool has accelerated the development of novel crop varieties with enhanced features in agriculture, all without the need for transgenes. However, in order for this technology to reach its full potential, the establishment of a precise and comprehensive global regulatory framework for these crops is crucial. Despite the absence of foreign genetic material in crops developed through CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing, there is an ongoing and intense debate surrounding the regulation of these crops prior to their release into the market. While certain CRISPR-edited crops have already been introduced in Japan, their legal status remains a point of contention in several nations, including the EU and New Zealand. This review paper serves as a comprehensive guide to the worldwide regulatory framework for CRISPR-edited crops, as well as provide insights into the future prospects of this transformative technology. By examining the current landscape of regulations and exploring potential avenues for harmonization, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for CRISPR-edited crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicines are considered to be safe and efficient and are widely used for the prevention and treatment of chronic disorders. However, quality control of these formulations and their standardization in terms of quantities of biomarker compounds are extremely important. These tasks are quite challenging in case of polyherbal formulations as there are hundreds of phytoconstituents present at nanogram or picogram levels. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods are useful tools in such cases as they are highly sensitive and specific. Majoon-e-Nisyan (MJN) is a polyherbal Unani formulation used in the treatment of amnesia. It contains five constituent herbs Kundur (Boswellia serrate Roxb.), Waj (Acorus calamus L.), Saad Koofi (Cyperus rotundus L.), FilfilSiyah (Piper nigrum L.), Zanjabeel (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) made in Asl-asli (honey). In this paper, we have identified five biomarker compounds, one from each constituent herb, viz., (α + β) boswellic acid, β-asarone, luteolin, 6-gingerol and piperine, and developed an LC-MS/MS method for their simultaneous determination in MJN formulation. Further, the developed method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity and sensitivity according to ICH guidelines. We found that the linearity of each calibration curve displayed r2 value not less than 0.99, the intra- and interday precisions showed RSD in the range of 0.7–1.0 and 1.0–2.9%, respectively. We achieved recovery of each marker compound in the range of 87.5–94.1%. Moreover, the limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be in the range of 0.3 to 5 ng/mL. Finally, the developed method was applied to quantify the marker compounds in MJN formulation. Our method successfully quantified (α + β) boswellic acid, β-asarone, luteolin, 6-gingerol and piperine as 0.973 ± 0.009, 0.093 ± 0.004, 0.003 ± 0.001, 0.0256 ± 0.002 and 0.0266 ± 0.008 mg/g of MJN formulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported method for the simultaneous determination of (α + β) boswellic acid, β-asarone, luteolin, 6-gingerol and piperine in MJN formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by dementia and the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain. Recently, microbial dysbiosis has been identified as one of the major factors involved in the onset and progression of AD. Imbalance in gut microbiota is known to affect central nervous system (CNS) functions through the gut-brain axis and involves inflammatory, immune, neuroendocrine and metabolic pathways. An altered gut microbiome is known to affect the gut and BBB permeability, resulting in imbalance in levels of neurotransmitters and neuroactive peptides/factors. Restoration of levels of beneficial microorganisms in the gut has demonstrated promising effects in AD in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The current review enlists the important beneficial microbial species present in the gut, the effect of their metabolites on CNS, mechanisms involved in dysbiosis related to AD and the beneficial effects of probiotics on AD. It also highlights challenges involved in large-scale manufacturing and quality control of probiotic formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-edible oils hold great potential as a viable feedstock for bio-lubricant production. Among these oils, castor oil stands out due to its unique hydroxyl group structure. Castor oil finds applications in various fields such as lubrication, dielectrics, and heat transfer. This study focused on investigating the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of castor oil and graphene nanoplatelets/castor oil nanofluids. The nanofluids were synthesized through a two-step process involving the combination of graphene nanoplatelets crystal powder with pure castor oil. Morphological and crystallographic analyses revealed platelet-shaped graphene nanoplatelets with a prominent (002) reflection. Dynamic viscosity measurements were performed using a rheometer at temperatures ranging from 40 °C to 100 °C, and thermal conductivity assessments were conducted using the Modified Transient Plane Source technique from 30 °C to 70 °C. Investigation revealed that as temperature increased, the nanofluids exhibited a significant decrease in dynamic viscosity. Conversely, the dynamic viscosity increased moderately with higher concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets. Importantly, the addition of graphene nanoplatelets did not disrupt the Newtonian flow behavior of castor oil. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in thermal conductivity with increasing concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets. This enhancement can be attributed to the high conductivity of graphene nanoplatelets. Overall, biodegradable graphene nanoplatelets/castor oil nanofluid present promising prospects as an advanced lubricating oil with superior heat transfer properties. This research contributes to the understanding and utilization of nanofluids for effective thermal management applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing urbanization and industrialization has led to a dramatic increase in demand for clean potable water. Nanotechnology is used in environmental applications to eliminate pollutants, pathogens, and other effluents from water. Nanomaterials have gained importance in sustainable development. Alumina (Al2O3) and its composites are generally used as nanomaterials because of high surface area, porous nature, large number of active sites, formation of meta-stable phase and hexagonal structure, which makes it a potential candidate for water treatment. The nano alumina can be coated on membranes and the composites can be used for purification of water, specifically for the removal of heavy metal ions, dyes and other microbes. The prime focus of the review paper is the treatment of water using alumina composites; the same can be extended to other applications like dye removal and desalination with some modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of the increased prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in bilateral ovaries (PCOS) in females globally (~ 20%), the rate of decisive treatment is limited due to late and invasive diagnostics and the unavailability of stand-alone drugs against phenotypic symptoms associated with PCOS. This study aims at unravelling molecular mechanisms allied with this disorder and identifying genes and pathways that are altered causing PCOS as a pre-requisite need. Furthermore, this study intends at assessing the therapeutic potentials of Gymnemasylvestre phytocompounds mainly triterpene saponins against targeted proteins and helps in seeking exemplar drug candidates. The study is designed in 2 major parts—firstly identifying key proteins involved in pathophysiology by tracing back the deregulated genes in mRNA expression profiles of PCOS Patients obtained from GEO datasets database further compared and analysed by GEO2R Analyzer and significantly deregulated genes were subjected to PPI network, KEGG and GO analysis using STRING and ShinyGO tools. The second half of the study involved molecular docking its visualisation and in silico pharmacological analysis of imminent phytocompounds revealing plausible drug candidates. Results: In the study, most implied deregulated genes were MRP gene family, ICT1, NDUFA12, VDAC3, APOO, TOMM5, COX6C, COX7B, EDN1 and EDN3 genes whose functional enrichment suggests flawed metabolism of proteins and damaged mitochondrial translation. With high binding affinity, less toxicity at higher dose level Lupeol, Beta-Amyrin, Beta-Elemene, Stigmasterol, Gymnestrogenin and Dammarane proves to be efficient drug candidates. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disorder and encourage further clinical studies pertaining to medicinal natural phytocompounds of Gymnemasylvestre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of proteins that neutralise vascular endothelial growth factors, such as pegaptanib, ranibizumab and aflibercept, can inhibit the process of angiogenesis, thereby restoring eyesight in individuals with retinal vascular disorders. However, due to the posterior location and chronic nature of retinal diseases, a safe and effective intraocular protein delivery system is currently lacking. Thus, dissolving bilayer microneedles (MNs) with the potential to deliver proteins to the back of the eye in an efficient and minimally invasive manner were developed in this study. A model protein, ovalbumin (OVA), was incorporated into MNs fabricated from different polymers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Optimised PVA/PVP MNs were demonstrated to be robust enough to pierce porcine sclera with > 75% of the needle length penetrating the sclera and dissolving within 150 s. SDS-PAGE and OVA-specific ELISA revealed that the bioactivity of the model protein was maintained during the manufacture of MNs. In hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test, MNs fabricated from all chosen polymers were classified as non-irritants. Furthermore, ex vivo permeation studies showed that optimised MNs could permeate 86.99 ± 7.37% of OVA through the sclera, twice that of the needle-free patch (42.16 ± 3.95%), highlighting the capability of MNs to circumvent physical barriers and promote protein delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. In this work, a novel, efficient and safe intraocular protein delivery system was successfully established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose is to discuss abdominal tuberculosis mimicking malignancy involving the abdominal viscera. TB of the abdominal viscera is common, especially in countries where tuberculosis is endemic and in pockets of non-endemic countries. Diagnosis is challenging as clinical presentations are often non-specific. Tissue sampling may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. Awareness of the early and late disease imaging appearances of abdominal tuberculosis involving the viscera that can mimic malignancy can aid detecting TB, providing a differential diagnosis, assessing extent of spread, guiding biopsy, and evaluating response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One well established HIF functional target from mammalian studies is pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK1), as upregulation of PDK1 by HIF reduces flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and promotes anaerobic ATP generation by glycolysis[3]. B replying to b R. Comas-Ghierra et al. I Nature Communications i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39510-5 (2023) In a recent paper, we showed that the hypoxia response (HR) pathway promotes gluconeogenesis in I Caenorhabditis elegans i through upregulation of PCK-1, a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)[1]. In summary, we agree with Comas-Ghierra et al. that malate dismutation is an additional important adaptation to hypoxia, but we want to highlight that the specific environmental and developmental context of HIF activation dictates the specific hypoxia response. Malate dehydrogenase, which is also upregulated by HIF-1, converts oxaloacetate into malate, which can enter the mitochondria to be converted to fumarate in the first step of malate dismutation. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Whilst significant progress has been made to defeat HIV infection, the efficacy of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in the paediatric population is often hindered by poor adherence. Currently, two long-acting (LA) intramuscular injectable nanosuspensions of rilpivirine (RPV) and cabotegravir (CAB) are in clinical development for paediatric populations. However, administration requires access to healthcare resources, is painful, and can result in needle-stick injuries to the end user. To overcome these barriers, this proof-of-concept study was developed to evaluate the intradermal delivery of RPV LA and CAB LA via self-disabling dissolving microarray patches (MAPs). Methods: Dissolving MAPs of two conformations, a conventional pyramidal and a bilayer design, were formulated, with various nanosuspensions of RPV and CAB incorporated within the respective MAP matrix. MAPs were mechanically robust and were capable of penetrating ex vivo skin with intradermal ARV deposition. Results: In a single-dose in vivo study in rats, all ARV MAPs demonstrated sustained release profiles, with therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations of RPV and CAB detected to at least 63 and 28 d, respectively. In a multi-dose in vivo study, repeated MAP applications at 14-d intervals maintained therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations throughout the duration of the study. Conclusions: These results illustrate the potential of the platform to repeatedly maintain plasma concentrations for RPV and CAB. As such, these MAPs could represent a viable option to improve adherence in the paediatric population, one that is capable of being painlessly administered in the comfort of the patient's own home on a biweekly or less frequent basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high carrier concentration and mobility reduce the electrical resistivity (ρ) and enhance the power factor (PF) of thermoelectric (TE) materials based on electrical transport optimization. In this study, Ag/Bi codoped (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (wt.%)) Mg2Si/MgO TE material was synthesized by ball milling and hot pressing. The crystal structure, morphology, composition, electrical properties, and TE properties of the Ag/Bi codoped Mg2Si/MgO samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Hall effect measurements, and Seebeck coefficient/electric resistance measurements, respectively. The results confirmed the correlation between the Mg2Si and MgO structures and indicated that all the samples exhibited n-type thermoelectricity. The Ag/Bi (2 wt.%) co-added Mg2Si/MgO sample yielded a low ρ of 31 mΩ m, a high Seebeck coefficient (S) of –619 µV K−1, and a high PF of 12.4 µW m−1 K−2 at room temperature. The PF of this sample is higher than that of the undoped sample by one order of magnitude (1.3 µW m−1 K−2). Further, at 773 K, the Ag/Bi (2 wt.%) co-added Mg2Si/MgO sample exhibited the highest PF of 112 µW m−1 K−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to assess the best friction stir welding (FSW) parameter for HDPE sheet weld joints. In this context, tool rotational speed, tool transverse speed, and tool tilt angle have been considered as control parameters. The experiments have been planned according to Taguchi's L16. The process outcomes were evaluated in terms of tensile strength and elongation. Analysis of variance methodology has been implemented to evaluate the most significant control parameter regarding process outcomes. These outcome values have been used to optimize the FSW control variables using the concept of Grey relational analysis. In addition, the integration of the Grey concept and fuzzy system has also been explored to analyze the optimum welding combination. When compared, it was found that both optimization routes yielded identical outcomes in terms of parametric optimization. The favorable welding conditions were obtained with a tool rotation speed of 1070 rpm, a tool traverse speed of 20 mm/min, and a tool tilt angle of 2° for maximum output response, whereas the tool rotation speed was obtained as the most influential control parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]