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The emergence of neuromorphic computing, inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, presents a transformative framework for modelling neurological disorders in drug development. This article investigates the implications of applying neuromorphic computing to simulate and comprehend complex neural systems affected by conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy, drawing from extensive literature. It explores the intersection of neuromorphic computing with neurology and pharmaceutical development, emphasizing the significance of understanding neural processes and integrating deep learning techniques. Technical considerations, such as integrating neural circuits into CMOS technology and employing memristive devices for synaptic emulation, are discussed. The review evaluates how neuromorphic computing optimizes drug discovery and improves clinical trials by precisely simulating biological systems. It also examines the role of neuromorphic models in comprehending and simulating neurological disorders, facilitating targeted treatment development. Recent progress in neuromorphic drug discovery is highlighted, indicating the potential for transformative therapeutic interventions. As technology advances, the synergy between neuromorphic computing and neuroscience holds promise for revolutionizing the study of the human brain's complexities and addressing neurological challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Radiodermatitis (RD) is an adverse effect of radiation therapy. RD can negatively impact quality of life and can also hinder treatment in cancer patients. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has the potential to treat RD at the cellular level, and it is more promising compared to other therapy alternatives. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of PBMT for the treatment and management of RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Methods: The methodology followed for the review was based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, and the extensions by Levac et al. This involved a literature search in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane without any time limit, for original articles on the basis of the inclusion criteria, i.e., studies focusing on the effectiveness of PBMT on RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy as an anticancer treatment. The review has been reported on the basis of the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Results: A total of 14 studies were reviewed, of which only 2 (14.28%) studies reported no significant effect of PBMT on RD; the remaining studies reported positive outcomes (85.71%) with no adverse effects. Among studies with positive outcomes, PBMT has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the severity of RD. Furthermore, PBMT application has been studied as a preventive measure (35.71%), treatment and management (50%), and for both the prevention and cure of RD (14.29%). Conclusion: Overall, PBMT can be considered a reliable and effective treatment modality for reducing the severity of RD. However detailed studies related to the long-term effects of PBMT, its effect on pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) will aid in better assessment of the technique. More clinical trials with a broader sample size could also aid in fine-tuning the efficacy of PBMT treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructures are tiny objects at the molecular and microscopic scale, with carbon nanotubes being the most notable among them. The elements possess exceptional microelectronic properties and other unique characteristics. Researchers have recently focused on the mathematical features of these materials. Molecular descriptors are crucial in mathematical chemistry, particularly in QSAR and QSPR modeling. Topological indices hold a significant position among them. This study presents the precise formulation of the ten most crucial topological indices for a benzene ring positioned on a P-type surface within the highly symmetric 2D lattice BCZ 48 . We have incorporated the computed indices to develop a predictive model for the graph energy of the 2D lattice and, in addition, provided the NMR patterns and the HOMO-LUMO gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, heterogeneous, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production, complement activation, and immune complex deposition. SLE predominantly affects young, middle-aged, and child-bearing women with episodes of flare-up and remission, although it affects males at a much lower frequency (female: male; 7:1 to 15:1). Technological and molecular advancements have helped in patient stratification and improved patient prognosis, morbidity, and treatment regimens overall, impacting quality of life. Despite several attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis of SLE, knowledge about the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this disease is still lacking. The current treatment options for SLE are pragmatic and aim to develop composite biomarkers for daily practice, which necessitates the robust development of novel treatment strategies and drugs targeting specific responsive pathways. In this communication, we review and aim to explore emerging therapeutic modalities, including multiomics-based approaches, rational drug design, and CAR-T-cell-based immunotherapy, for the management of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by progressive memory loss and progressive decline in cognitive function. There is currently no effective treatment for the onset and/or progression of the pathophysiological diseases of AD. The global prevalence of this disease has increased in recent years due to modern lifestyle. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a drug with significant neuroprotective potential. Since plant metabolites, especially polyphenols, have important pharmacological properties acting against β-amyloid (Aβ), Tau, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, such phytochemicals were selected in the present research. Using the Schrödinger tool (Maestro V.13.6), the drug potency of these metabolites was studied after installation in the highly configured workstation. Among the 120 polyphenols docked, amygdalin showed notable docking values of − 11.2638, followed by eriocitrin (− 10.9569), keracyanin (− 10.7086), and amaroswerin (− 9.48126). The prominent MM-GBSA values of these molecules were − 62.8829, − 52.1914, − 68.6307, and − 63.1074, respectively. The MM-GBSA energy values demonstrated the drug stability of these molecules for β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)-causing AD. In the absorption and distribution assessment, these phytochemicals showed significantly better values than the inhibitors CNP520. The chosen phytochemicals have been demonstrated as non-hepatotoxic; however, the BACE1 inhibitor CNP520 is hepatotoxic. In both the molecular docking and ADMET assessments, these natural chemicals have shown optimism as potential drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease. However, in order to understand the detailed biological metabolism of these compounds in AD, they need to be evaluated in in vivo studies to validate its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The assessment of cardiac performance in septic new-borns is crucial for detecting hemodynamic instability and predicting outcome. The aim of the study is to assess myocardial performance in neonates with sepsis for the early identification of cardiac dysfunction. Patients and methods: A case control study was carried out from September 2022 to May 2023 at the Neonatal Intensive care unit, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. A total of 68 neonates were included in the study, with 33 females and 35 males. The study population was further subdivided into 3 groups namely preterm septic neonates (n = 21), term septic neonates (n = 10) and non-septic healthy controls (n = 37). The cardiac structure and function were assessed using conventional method, Tissue Doppler imaging (Sm) and speckle tracking echocardiography (GLS). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (approval number IEC: 90/2022). The CTRI registration number for the study is CTRI/2022/09/045437 and was approved on September 12, 2022. Prior to the neonate's enrolment, informed consent was obtained from their mothers or legal guardians. Results: Out of the total 68 neonates, 31 were cases and 37 were controls which included 33 females and 35 males. LV systolic function was not statistically significant between cases and controls. E/A ratio of the mitral valve was significantly lower in septic newborns than in healthy neonates. (1.01 ± 0.35 vs 1.18 ± 0.31, p < 0.05) preterm neonates showed significantly lower Lateral E' and RV E' velocities than term neonates. TAPSE was significantly lower in septic preterm neonates. (8.61 ± 1.28 vs. 10.7 ± 2.11, p < 0.05) No significant difference was noted in the Myocardial Performance Index between septic neonates and healthy neonates. LV Global Longitudinal Strain was slightly lower in preterm septic neonates than in term neonates with sepsis. Conclusion: Septic newborns are associated with LV diastolic dysfunction, RV systolic dysfunction and substantially higher pulmonary systolic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive disease with very few treatment options. We previously demonstrated that mUM is characterized by high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here we tested the anti-tumor, signaling and metabolic effects of imipridones, which are CLPP activators, which inhibit OXPHOS indirectly and have demonstrated safety in patients. Methods: We assessed CLPP expression in UM patient samples. We tested the effects of imipridones (ONC201 and ONC212) on the growth, survival, signaling and metabolism of UM cell lines in vitro, and for therapeutic efficacy in vivo in UM liver metastasis models. Results: CLPP expression was detected in primary and mUM patient samples. ONC201 and 212 decreased OXPHOS effectors, inhibited cell growth and migration, and induced apoptosis in human UM cell lines in vitro. ONC212 inhibited OXPHOS, increased metabolic stress and apoptotic pathways, inhibited amino acid metabolism, and induced cell death-related lipids. ONC212 also decreased tumor burden and increased survival in vivo in two UM liver metastasis models. Conclusions: Imipridones are a promising strategy for further testing and development in mUM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to measure the peri-incisional numbness developing after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) performed using the midline skin incision. It studies the natural course of the numbness and determines its correlation with the skin incision length (SIL). Materials & methods: 66 knees undergoing primary TKA with a standard midline incision were evaluated. The SIL and the area of numbness (AON) were measured in complete knee extension and 90° of flexion. The area was marked by the patient using a sketch pen and then determined by an independent observer using monofilament testing. The "ImageJ" software was used to calculate the area. Results: All patients developed numbness around the knee after TKA. There was a statistically significant correlation between the SIL and AON in both flexion and extension at two weeks (p < 0.001) and three months (p < 0.001). However, there was a weak and insignificant correlation at six months (p = 0.217). Conclusion: When TKA is performed using the midline skin incision, the SIL positively correlates with the AON postoperatively during the initial short-term follow-up. At six monthly follow-ups, there is no significant correlation between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and their derived phytochemicals have a long history of treating a wide range of illnesses for several decades. They are believed to be the origin of a diverse array of medicinal compounds. One of the compounds found in kudzu root is puerarin, a isoflavone glycoside commonly used as an alternative medicine to treat various diseases. From a biological perspective, puerarin can be described as a white needle crystal with the chemical name of 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyran-4-one-8-D-glucopyranoside. Besides, puerarin is sparingly soluble in water and produces no color or light yellow solution. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have confirmed the significant therapeutic effects of puerarin. These effects span a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, cardioprotection, immunomodulation, anticancer properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-osteoporosis properties, and more. Puerarin achieves these effects by interacting with various cellular and molecular pathways, such as MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, β-catenin, and PKB/Akt, as well as different receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of puerarin as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Extensive cellular, animal, and clinical research has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral stroke, depression, and more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focused on the effect of graphite proportion and the incorporation of fly ash in Fe-Cu-based friction materials produced via powder metallurgy technique. Microstructural investigation of the specimens demonstrated the homogenous distribution of the secondary element (Cu), lubricant (graphite), and reinforcements (fly ash) in the matrix (Fe). A maximum density of 5.7 g/cm3 was attained for the specimens, with an overall density of 70 pct of theoretical density. FM03 specimens showed a better wear resistance of 4.7 × 10−8 g/Nm with an optimum coefficient of friction of 0.4. The specific wear rate of the conventional friction material was 97.7 pct higher than the FM03 specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is second most deadly and third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. CRC cases have been increasing lately with a shift to fast food diets, unhealthy lifestyles and other environmental conditions. The gut microbiota thriving on dietary fibres and worn off mucus layers plays a decisive role in the homeostasis of the gut. In dysbiosis, this consortium of commensal microbes is replaced by harmful microbes, rather the pathogens leading to catastrophic outcomes with respect to the individual's well-being, like chronic inflammation, interference in cellular mechanisms, promotion of tumour micro-environments, induction of prooncogenic immunity pathways, etc. A number of microorganisms are known to participate in tumorigenesis, working as 'driver' or 'passenger' bacteria with resultant oncogenic outcomes. Organisms like Bacillus fragilis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus gallolyticus, collagenolytic Enterococcus faecalis, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, E. coli and others have the ability to induce proinflammatory genes and precancerous precursors modulating the immune system and the stromal cells to support the growth of tumour. Mechanisms of these organisms participating in tumour growth, promotion and metastasis are mentioned and briefed about in this review. In most cases, the presence of these microbes is observed only after the tumour has already set in or in pre-cancerous stages, generally making the revival of the commensal population difficult to recolonise. Every individual has unique resident microbial footprint, showing virulence in one and not in another. Hence attempts should be made to maintain a diet rich in dietary fibres with a healthy lifestyle to avoid dysbiosis and further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast and gynecologic cancers are common across the world and are associated with substantial societal and economic burden. Pembrolizumab was among the first immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1 to be approved for the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Recent clinical trials have established pembrolizumab regimens as a standard of care treatment for these tumor types. Clinical data are further supported by patient-reported outcome, cost-effectiveness, and real-world evidence. Pembrolizumab monotherapy and combination regimens do not negatively influence health-related quality of life and are cost-effective relative to comparators. Ongoing phase 3 studies with pembrolizumab will expand the current understanding of its use in breast and gynecologic cancers. Several of these studies are in patients with early-stage disease with the hope of curing patients. The main objective of this review is to summarize the clinical, humanistic, and economic value of pembrolizumab in these settings and to describe the future challenges for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and payers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood group system of human beings can impact the health and auditory system. There are correlations between various audiological test findings and blood groups. Studies have shown that persons with the O blood group have reduced resonance frequency of the middle ear and amplitude of otoacoustic emissions. Therefore, Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) results could be different across blood groups. The current study aimed to determine the difference in Distortion product otoacoustic emission input–output function in persons with varying groups of blood. A total of sixty college-going young female adults, aged between 18 and 25 years, participated in the current study. They were divided into four groups, each with 15 participants based on the blood group type (A, B. AB. O). The subjects underwent Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) input–output function on the following frequencies: 703 Hz,1060 Hz,1416 Hz,2114 Hz,2827 Hz,4243 Hz, and 5645 Hz. The analysis showed no significant difference in the area and slope of the Distortion product otoacoustic emission input–output function at all frequencies. Thus, the study's result shows no effect of the blood group on Distortion product otoacoustic emission input- output function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate auditory spatial perception in individuals with and without recreational noise exposure using Virtual Acoustic Space Identification. A standard group comparison design using purposive sampling was conducted on 60 normal-hearing participants aged 18–30. They were divided into experimental and control groups based on their scores on the recreational hearing habits questionnaire (CHAR). The experimental group was exposed to recreational noise for at least 4 h per day, while the control group had no noise exposure. The procedure involved the administration of Virtual Acoustic Space Identification (VASI) at 65 dB SPL. Spatial perception was measured at eight spatial percepts within the head. Based on the confusion matrix, accuracy scores, reaction time at each virtual location, and the overall VASI score were calculated. The results indicate a significant difference in Front errors and Front-as-back errors in the two groups; people with recreational noise exposure had more errors in these spatial percepts. This indicates the differential impact of recreational noise on auditory spatial perception. The differences observed in the test can be attributed to the complexity of the auditory spatial perception task, the stimulus and the better sensitivity of the VASI in detecting spatial deficits. Recreational noise exposure affects spatial auditory perception, emphasizing the importance of mitigating recreational noise-related risks for auditory spatial skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the rice seed microbiome, our objective was to isolate novel strains of Xanthomonas, a plant-associated bacterium with diverse lifestyles. Four isolates, anticipated to be Xanthomonas based on morphological features of yellow colonies, were obtained from healthy rice seeds. Phylo-taxono-genomic analysis revealed that these isolates formed monophyletic lineages belonging to a novel species within the genus Luteibacter. Pairwise ortho Average Nucleotide Identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization confirmed their distinct species status. We propose Luteibacter sahnii sp. nov. as a novel species, with PPL193T = MTCC 13290T = ICMP 24807T = CFBP 9144T as the type strain and PPL201, PPL552, and PPL554 as other constituent members. The fatty acid profile of the type strain is dominated by branched fatty acids like Iso-C15:0, consistent with other members of the genus. The novel species displays non-pathogenic attributes and exhibits plant probiotic properties, protecting rice plants from the leaf blight pathogen X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and genomic regions encoding anti-microbial peptides emphasize its potential contributions to plant hosts. This study underscores the importance of employing a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods in culturomics to enhance our understanding of rice seed microbiome diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the genomic landscape of Sika deer populations, emphasizing the detection and characterization of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and their contribution towards components of fitness. Using 85,001 high-confidence SNPs, the investigation into ROH distribution unveiled nuanced patterns of autozygosity across individuals especially in 2 out of the 8 farms, exhibiting elevated ROH levels and mean genome coverage under ROH segments. The prevalence of shorter ROH segments (0.5-4 Mb) suggests historical relatedness and potential selective pressures within these populations. Intriguingly, despite observed variations in ROH profiles, the overall genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) remained relatively low across all farms, indicating a discernible degree of genetic exchange and effective mitigation of inbreeding within the studied Sika deer populations. Consensus ROH (cROH) were found to harbor genes for important functions viz., EGFLAM gene which is involved in the vision function of the eye, SKP2 gene which regulates cell cycle, CAPSL involved in adipogenesis, SPEF2 which is essential for sperm flagellar assembly, DCLK3 involved in the heat stress. This first ever study on ROH in Sika deer, to shed light on the adaptive role of genes in these homozygous regions. The insights garnered from this study have broader implications in the management of genetic diversity in this vulnerable species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Incisional hernias (IH) rates after diverting loop ileostomy reversal (DLI-R) have been reported up to 24%. We aimed to characterize the incidence rate and risk factors associated with DLI-R site IH formation within 1-year in a large patient cohort. Methods: A retrospective review at a single quaternary referral center hospital of adult patients who underwent DLI-R over a 5-year period and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) imaging performed within 1-year for any indication postoperatively was conducted. All CTs scans were independently reviewed by staff surgeons to determine the presence of a fascial defect at the DLI-R site. Results: 2,196 patients underwent DLI-R; of these, 569 (25.9%) underwent CT imaging for any indication. Mean patient age, 54.8 (± 14.9), BMI 27.6 kg/m2. 87 (15%) patients had a parastomal hernia at time of DLI-R. After median follow-up of 10 months, 203 patients (35.7%) had IH at the DLI-R site. Age (p = 0.14), sex (p = 0.39), race (p = 0.75), and smoking status (p = 0.82) weren't associated with IH after DLI-R. Comorbidities weren't significantly associated with IH following DLI-R. In univariate analysis, increased BMI (p < 0.001), presence of a parastomal hernia (p = 0.008), and suture type (p = 0.01) were associated with IH development. On multivariate analysis, BMI remained significant, and polyglyconate compared to polydioxanone suture were associated with higher rates of IH (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We observed that the rate of incisional hernias within 1-year of diverting ileostomy reversal was indeed common at 36%. Granted, a high percentage of the population was excluded due to heterogeneity in radiographic evaluation that could be mitigated in future prospective studies. Our study suggests that IH preventative strategies include weight loss for overweight and obese patients prior to DLI-R and that the optimal suture for DLI-R is polydioxanone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Numerous studies have identified diabetes mellites (DM) as a significant risk factor for postoperative wound morbidity, with suboptimal preoperative glycemic control (GC) posing an even greater risk. However, this data largely excludes ventral hernia patients. Our study examined the association between diabetes and preoperative GC and postoperative outcomes following open complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Methods: We identified diabetic patients who had undergone open, elective, clean VHR with transversus abdominis release (TAR) and permanent synthetic mesh at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between January 2014 and December 2023. Their 30-day outcomes were compared to non-diabetic patients undergoing the same procedure. Subsequently, diabetic patients were categorized based on GC. status: "Optimal GC" (HbA1c < 7%), "Sub-optimal GC" (HbA1c 7-8.4%), and "Poor GC" (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%) and their outcomes were compared. Results: 514 patients with DM who underwent clean elective TAR were identified, of which 431 met the inclusion criteria. GC was deemed optimal in 255 patients, sub-optimal in 128, and poor in 48 patients. Demographics were similar, except for anticoagulation treatment (p = 0.014). The entire study population exhibited significantly higher rates of wound morbidities and overall complications compared to non-diabetic patients. However, rates of surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), and reoperation did not differ significantly among the three cohorts of presurgical glycemic control (p = 0.82, p = 0.46, p = 0.51, p = 0.78), respectively. No occurrence of mesh removal was documented. Conclusion: In general, diabetes is a marker for increased wound morbidity and complications following complex abdominal wall reconstruction. However, we could not establish a hard cutoff to justify withholding surgery in symptomatic patients based on an arbitrary HbA1C level. We believe this data is important for shared decision-making when considering AWR for symptomatic ventral hernias in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstructured Numerical Image Dataset Separation (UNIDS) method employing an enhanced unsupervised clustering technique. The objective is to delineate an optimal number of distinct groups within the input grayscale (G-S) image content, utilizing the improved limited iteration agglomerative clustering (iLIAC) clustering technique for the separation and enhancement of picture elements. The UNIDS method is structured into two primary stages: partitioning and validation. In the partitioning stage, the UNIDS method identifies an appropriate number of discrete clusters within the grayscale image using the iLIAC technique, eliminating the need for predetermined procedures. Subsequently, the method evaluates the similarity and deviation among data elements within the same group in the resultant image dataset. Additionally, it assesses the proximity and inters severance among clusters in the outcome of the image dataset through the partitioning process. Empirical results indicate that the UNIDS system excels in the spontaneous identification of an optimal number of discrete clusters within the input G-S image. The system demonstrates superior thickness, reduced deviation among data elements within the same cluster, increased inter-separation, and diminished inter-closeness between cluster elements. Furthermore, empirical analysis establishes the superior performance of the UNIDS approach compared to existing clustering techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: When faced with contaminated ventral hernia repairs, surgeons must decide to repair the defect in a single-stage or delay the definitive repair until a clean scenario has been achieved. We sought to compare wound complications, long-term hernia recurrence and quality of life for patients who underwent delayed versus single-staged abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in the setting of clean-contaminated and contaminated wounds. Methods: The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative was used to identify adult patients at our institution who underwent open AWR with retromuscular synthetic mesh placement between January 2014 and August 2023. The delayed group included patients who underwent clean-contaminated or contaminated abdominal operation in the setting of a ventral hernia without placement of permanent synthetic mesh, then underwent AWR with permanent synthetic mesh placement in a separate operation. The single-staged group had clean-contaminated or contaminated wounds concomitant with AWR. Outcomes of the AWR were compared. Results: 63 patients underwent a delayed AWR and 375 patients underwent a single-staged AWR with a median(IQR) follow-up of 3(2,5)years. Most common concomitant procedures involved small intestine(30%) or hepatobiliary(30%). Most common index operations in delayed AWR were ileostomy(52.4%) and colostomy(14.2%) reversals. Median(IQR) time between initial operation and definitive AWR was 1.0 (0.7, 1.9)years. Median(IQR) hernia width was 11.35(8.4, 15.0)cm at initial operation and 16.0(15.0,20.0)cm at AWR for the delayed group(p < 0.001). Three patients (19%) in the delayed group and 14(12%) in the single-staged underwent wound debridement within 30-days(p = 0.46); a single patient in each required partial mesh excision within 30-days(p = 0.098). Wound morbidity, reoperation and hernia recurrence were similar (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with a ventral hernia and separate indication for abdominal operation with a clean-contaminated or contaminated wound, either delayed or single-stage approaches to AWR may be viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although hernia repair constitutes a significant portion of surgical training, education around more complex hernia concepts such as abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) or paraesophageal hernia repair may be lacking. We developed and implemented a pre-rotation quiz for residents on an AWR and minimally invasive surgery service. We also investigated the staff and resident perception of resident knowledge and experience of the rotation before and after quiz implementation. Methods: The multiple-choice quiz questions were written by clinical and research fellows, validated by four staff, two fellows, and two senior residents and implemented in June 2023. Questions assessed knowledge of anatomy, operative steps, mesh materials, clinical trials, and postoperative management specific to ventral, inguinal, and paraesophageal hernia repairs. Residents were notified of the summative quiz three weeks prior and provided with reference materials specific to quiz questions. Anonymous Likert-type surveys were distributed to staff and residents between 3/2023 and 3/2024. Responses were assessed based on the overall score as well as individual domains and then compared based on whether they were completed before or after implementation of the quiz. Results: 17 seniors and 29 juniors rotated on service and all completed the pre-rotation quiz between 7/1/2023-3/4/2024. The mean first attempt score was 72%(± 12.4%) for junior residents and 88.4%(± 9.6%) for senior residents. Staff reported overall resident knowledge improved after quiz implementation (maximum 90, mean(SD): 46.25(± 8.58) vs. 75.5(± 11.24),p = 0.05). Sixteen(45.7%) residents responded to the survey before quiz implementation and 23(50%) after. Residents only reported improved knowledge regarding current literature (maximum 5, mean(SD):3.2 ± 0.98 vs. 3.8 ± 0.78,p = 0.04). Conclusion: Implementing a pre-rotation quiz effectively improves staff perception of resident knowledge and preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) is the most dreaded manifestation of systemic tuberculosis in the pediatric age group. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to severe neurological complications and sequelae. Knowledge about the imaging spectrum of CNS TB will help in early presumptive diagnosis and prompt treatment, reducing the development of complications. Imaging also plays a vital role in monitoring the progression of disease after the initiation of antituberculosis therapy. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have recently improved the diagnostic efficacy manifold. In this review, we describe the imaging characteristics, the role of advanced imaging techniques, and follow-up imaging in various types of CNS TB in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we report on theoretical studies of thermodynamic properties, structural and dynamic stabilities, dependence of unit-cell parameters and elastic constants upon hydrostatic pressure, charge carrier effective masses, electronic and optical properties, contributions of interband transitions in the Brillouin zone of the novel Tl2HgGeSe4 crystal. The theoretical calculations within the framework of the density-functional perturbation theory (DFPT) are carried out employing different approaches to gain the best correspondence to the experimental data. The present theoretical data indicate the dynamical stability of the title crystal and they reveal that, under hydrostatic pressure, it is much more compressible along the a-axis than along the c-axis. Strikingly, the charge effective mass values ( m e ∗ and m h ∗ ) vary considerably when the high symmetry direction changes indicating a relative anisotropy of the charge-carrier's mobility. Furthermore, the Young modulus and compressibility are characterized by the maximum and minimum values ( E max and E min ) and ( β max and β min ) that are equal to (62.032 and 28.812) GPa and (13.672 and 6.7175) TPa–1, respectively. Additionally, we have performed calculations of the Raman spectra (RS) and reached a good correspondence with the experimental RS spectra of the Tl2HgGeSe4 crystal. The XPES associated to RS constitutes powerful techniques to explore the oxidized states of Se and Ge in Tl2HgGeSe4 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and characterization properties of a polymer composite composed of water hyacinth plant fibres. In order to improve the mechanical properties of the composite specimens, a new powder derived from the moringa plant was used for the first time as a filler material in the water hyacinth plant-reinforced polymer composites. In this study, composite specimens were prepared using a hot compression moulding machine. The weight percentage of moringa resin filler powder and hyacinth fibre was varied during the process from 2.5 to 7.5% and 15 to 35%. The resulting tensile strength ranged from 18.24 MPa to 32.14 MPa, flexural strength ranged from 38.64 to 56.32 MPa, impact strength ranged from 1 to 3.75 J, and hardness ranged from 66 to 98 Shore D hardness. The composite sample containing 5% moringa filler powder and 30% WH fibre content achieved high mechanical strength, maximum decomposition temperatures, and high crystallinity percentages. It exhibited 11–13% higher strength compared to the other samples. Absorption studies showed weight gains of 3.42% and 4.45% for water and chemical absorption, respectively. The fracture surfaces of the composite specimens were analysed using the SEM technique. The fabricated composites could be useful for particle board and medium density fibre board applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung Cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic avenues due to the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current treatments. In this study, we utilized a thorough in-silico and in-vitro methodology to develop prospective drugs for the treatment of lung cancer. The active components of Citrus latifolia were identified through the utilization of a variety of pharmacological instruments, such as Gene Ontology, GeneCards, DrugBank, the Chinese Traditional Drug Database, and GeneMANIA. Subsequent molecular docking studies using GOLD software revealed Hesperidin as the most promising candidate, exhibiting a remarkable binding affinity (GOLD score: 60.98 kcal/mol) towards the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a pivotal target in lung cancer therapy. Further validation through Schrodinger-Glide redocking reaffirmed the robust interaction between Hesperidin and EGFR. Pharmacokinetic profiling of top-scoring ligands indicated favorable drug-like properties, supporting their therapeutic potential. Molecular dynamics simulations employing Desmond software demonstrated the structural stability and persistence of the Hesperidin-EGFR complex over a 100-ns trajectory, corroborating its efficacy. Additionally, cytotoxicity analysis revealed a potent inhibitory effect of Hesperidin with an IC50 value of 34.25 µg/ml. Collectively, our findings underscore Hesperidin from Citrus latifolia as a promising candidate for lung cancer therapy, warranting further investigation through in-vivo studies for clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of oral hygiene maintenance is of prime importance in dentulous and edentulous individuals. There are numerous types of bacteria which colonise in the oral cavity. Completely edentulous individuals have to follow proper hygiene procedures to keep their dentures germ free which can prevent numerous oral conditions. The main aim of this text was to briefly understand the interaction between microorganisms and denture, discuss the various methods of preventing plaque formation on dentures and highlight the natural antimicrobial agents in detail. Main body: There are numerous factors which play a role in biofilm formation. Methods such as patient education, maintenance of denture hygiene and use of pharmacological methods have proven to effectively reduce or prevent the growth of microorganisms. Pharmacological agents can broadly be classified into natural and synthetic based on their source of origin. Based on their mechanism of action, they are classified as biocides, biocide releasing polymers and surface acting agents. The use of natural v/s synthetic products has always seen positives and negatives. Apart from the antimicrobial activity, the influence of these agents on the mechanical properties also remains an important aspect. This text highlights the various natural antimicrobial agents that can be incorporated in the dentures and the effect they have on the mechanical properties of the dentures. Conclusion: The interaction between microorganisms and denture has been explored in detail. The various natural and synthetic antimicrobial agents have been enlisted following which the natural antimicrobials have been discussed in detail. The various natural products have shown marked antimicrobial nature however, their influence on the mechanical properties is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In polymer matrix composites (PMCs), reinforced lignocellulosic fibres are one of the excellent endeavours; doing so eliminates the need for the more commonplace synthetic fibres. In this respect, the fibres from Enset ventricosum (EV), one of the underutilized which have not been studied extensively, were focused to carry out an investigation on PMCs applications using the particles of Limonia acidissima fruit shell powder (LASP) as reinforcing agent. The study set out to evaluate the adeptness of altered LASP and EV plant fibres by 4% NaOH treatment. The results from morphological, physicochemical, XRD, FTIR, and thermal aspects of alkali-treated samples of LASP and EV fibres revealed that the alkali treatment significantly improved the compatibility of biomaterial' property to utilize the natural fillers in the epoxy–EV fibre composites. The first-degree polynomial model was fitted using the response surface analysis to optimize the impact energy, water absorption, tensile, and flexural strength of reinforced fibre with respect to composition and fibre length. Using RSM numerical model, aforementioned properties were analysed to develop the ideal epoxy–EV fibre composite for attaining a minimal water absorption, a high tensile modulus, flexural strength, and impact energy. Accordingly, 3 mm of fibre length reinforcement with 38.3 wt % of biomaterials loading reinforcement was found to be optimized for idealistic epoxy–EV fibre composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, copper mould casting is used to prepare Ti-6Al-4 V alloy in the form of a cylindrical rod of dimension 7.5 mm ∅ × 33 mm L . Microstructural and grain size changes are observed in different regions along the length of the rod sample suggesting the influence of cooling rate during solidification. The present study is undertaken to investigate the microstructural changes in three different regions along the length of the sample. Cooling rates calculated using standard empirical method at different regions are found to be in the range of ~ 1.53 × 104–4.3 × 104 K/s. The obtained alloy is analysed using micro-indentation to determine the hardness. The present study also probes into the understanding of chemical interaction among the participating elements resulting in bond formation to explain the micro-segregation effect. Grain size variation is observed in the range of 149–411 µm within the same rod sample along the longitudinal direction. This study helps to understand the formation of graded microstructure in Ti-6Al-4 V useful in load-bearing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite materials are being studied extensively because of their unique and versatile properties and applications. The conductivity and electronic structure has attributed for their application in photo and electrocatalysis. Here, a smooth, facile, and self-propagating combustion method is used for the synthesis of NiTiO3 nanoparticles and evaluated as an efficient and economic catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for clean energy production. The designed catalyst was characterized by various spectro-analytical techniques as well as microscopic techniques. The X-ray diffraction profile of NiTiO3 nanoparticles portrayed the crystalline behavior of nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 27.65 nm. The Transmission electron microscopic images exhibited the uniform distribution of NiTiO3 nanoparticles on the Ni-foam electrode surface. The catalyst supported on nickel foam exhibited better efficacy for catalyzing OER in 1.0 M KOH with a lower overpotential of 390 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The designed catalyst exhibited a lower Tafel slope value as well as better stability for OER. This study opens up the application of perovskite materials for water-splitting reactions. Schematics for the OER at NiTiO3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and if diagnosed at later stages, it can be lethal and incurable. Lung cancer is conventionally treated using chemotherapy. Among the chemotherapeutic drugs used, topoisomerase-II inhibitor etoposide is mainly used first-line chemotherapeutic drug for lung adenocarcinoma treatment. Due to its fast and extensive metabolism by the cytochrome-P 450 system, etoposide shows limited efficacy and reduced bioavailability. Our study examines the zinc oxide nanoparticle-loaded etoposide activity on drug metabolism and crosstalk between angiogenesis and Akt pathways. The Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that after drug loading to Zinc oxide nanoparticles, particle size increased to 49 nm from 4 nm. The developed etoposide-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles showed sustainable drug release with respect to tumor microenvironment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded with etoposide showed enhanced anticancer effects at lower concentrations compared to pure etoposide. The etoposide nanoformulation showed decreased cytochrome P4503A4 expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, leading to decreased drug excretion and enhanced anticancer efficiency of etoposide. The developed nanoformulation promoted the apoptosis of A549 cells by stimulating the expressions of caspase 7 and caspase 9, along with the reduction in phosphorylated Akt and ERK signaling molecules. It also showed inhibition of angiogenesis and migration of A549 cells by inhibiting the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor -A & C, HIF-α, Fibroblast growth factor, Angiogenin, Transforming growth factor -β and Matrix metalloproteinases -2, 9 &13. Etoposide loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles and their in vitro activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trustworthy prediction of flow stress behaviour is essential to optimise the hot working process parameters. It also helps accurately capture the finite element simulations of many complex processes. In this work, modification in the Johnson–Cook (JC) model has been proposed for better prediction of the flow stress behaviour of the 92W–5Co–3Ni alloy. Initially, uniaxial compression tests were conducted at different strain rates (1 s−1, 25 s−1, 50 s−1, 75 s−1, and 100 s−1) and temperatures (323 K, 473 K, 673 K, 873 K) using Gleeble-3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. It was confirmed that flow stress variation is sensitive to both strain rate and temperature change. Subsequently, various microstructural parameters were evaluated, such as grain size, tungsten–tungsten contiguity (W/W contiguity), tungsten–tungsten connectivity (W/W connectivity), dihedral angle, neck length, solid volume fraction, and matrix volume fraction. Afterwards, the phenomenological-based constitutive models, namely, Johnson–Cook (JC) and modified Johnson–Cook (m-JC), were initially established. The analysis of flow stress prediction based on various statistical parameters revealed that both models demonstrate poor flow stress prediction capabilities with correlation coefficient (R) of 0.7715 and 0.7925, respectively. An improved Johnson–Cook model (i-JC) was proposed, replacing the strain term with the Ludwigson hardening equation and varying the coefficient of strain rate hardening term with plastic strain and strain rate. The i-JC model significantly improved the accuracy of flow stress prediction with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9891, average absolute relative error (AARE) of 1.35%, and standard deviation of 1.33%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Mesosphaerum suaveolens extracts were used for the green fabrication of fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) by the microwave-assisted method. This study unravels the effect of CQDs on improving the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes followed by the anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The bio-fabricated CQDs indicated various characteristics that were analyzed, including phase, structure, functional groups, and binding energies. The CQDs displayed notable photocatalytic performance in the removal of MB (80.73%) and RhB (92.3%) dye, after 200 min of sunlight irradiation. The highest catalytic degradation activity of the CQDs is accredited to their high electron transport at the edges, which is helpful to the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of CQDs was demonstrated against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). This research suggests that bio-fabricated CQDs act as active photocatalysts and hold promise as a potentially ideal material for mitigating water pollution and exploring anticancer potentials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline lakes, characterized by high salinity and limited nutrient availability, provide an ideal environment for studying extreme halophiles and their biogeochemical processes. The present study examined prokaryotic microbial communities and their ecological functions in lentic sediments (with the salinity gradient and time series) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and a metagenomic approach. Our findings revealed a negative correlation between microbial diversity and salinity. The notable predominance of Archaea in high-salinity lakes signified a considerable alteration in the composition of the microbial community. The results indicate that elevated salinity promotes homogeneous selection pressures, causing substantial alterations in microbial diversity and community structure, and simultaneously hindering interactions among microorganisms. This results in a notable decrease in the complexity of microbial ecological networks, ultimately influencing the overall ecological functional responses of microbial communities such as carbon fixation, sulfur, and nitrogen metabolism. Overall, our findings reveal salinity drives a notable predominance of Archaea, selects for species adapted to extreme conditions, and decreases microbial community complexity within saline lake ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT), which comprise seminoma and non-seminoma subtypes, are the most common cancers in young men. In this study, we present a comprehensive whole genome sequencing analysis of adult TGCTs. Leveraging samples from participants recruited via the UK National Health Service and data from the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project, our results provide an extended description of genomic elements underlying TGCT pathogenesis. This catalogue offers a comprehensive, high-resolution map of copy number alterations, structural variation, and key global genome features, including mutational signatures and analysis of extrachromosomal DNA amplification. This study establishes correlations between genomic alterations and histological diversification, revealing divergent evolutionary trajectories among TGCT subtypes. By reconstructing the chronological order of driver events, we identify a subgroup of adult TGCTs undergoing relatively late whole genome duplication. Additionally, we present evidence that human leukocyte antigen loss is a more prevalent mechanism of immune disruption in seminomas. Collectively, our findings provide valuable insights into the developmental and immune modulatory processes implicated in TGCT pathogenesis and progression. Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are the most common cancers in young men. Here, the authors analyse the genomic landscape of TGCT using data from the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project, revealing divergent evolutionary trajectories and the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy in brain metastases (BrM) requires an improved understanding of the immune composition of BrM and how this is affected by radiation and dexamethasone. Our two-arm pilot study (NCT04895592) allocated 26 patients with BrM to either low (Arm A) or high (Arm B) dose peri-operative dexamethasone followed by pre-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (pSRS) and resection (n= 13 per arm). The primary endpoint, a safety analysis at 4 months, was met. The secondary clinical endpoints of overall survival, distant brain failure, leptomeningeal disease and local recurrence at 12-months were 66%, 37.3%, 6%, and 0% respectively and were not significantly different between arms (p= 0.7739, p= 0.3884, p= 0.3469). Immunological data from two large retrospective BrM datasets and confirmed by correlates from both arms of this pSRS prospective trial revealed that BrM CD8 T cells were composed of predominantly PD1+ TCF1+ stem-like and PD1+ TCF1-TIM3+ effector-like cells. Clustering of TCF1+ CD8 T cells with antigen presenting cells in immune niches was prognostic for local control, even without pSRS. Following pSRS, CD8 T cell and immune niche density were transiently reduced compared to untreated BrM, followed by a rebound 6+ days post pSRS with an increased frequency of TCF1- effector-like cells. In sum, pSRS is safe and therapeutically beneficial, and these data provide a framework for how pSRS may be leveraged to maximize intracranial CD8 T cell responses. Radiation and steroid dosing can affect the immune composition of brain metastasis (BM). The authors have designed a pilot study of pre-operative stereotactic radiosurgery with low or high dose of peri-operative dexamethasone for resectable brain metastases, here reporting clinical outcomes and characterization of intratumor TCF1+ CD8+ stem-like T cell immune niches in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian spot-billed duck, Anas poecilorhyncha is a large dabbling and non-migratory breeding bird. The identification and phylogenetic relationship of A. poecilorhyncha remain uncertain due to the presence of overlapping meristic characters and hybridization with closely related species. Molecular data aids when there are challenges in morphological identification. However, genetic characterization of A. poecilorhyncha has been paid less attention. Apart from their functional and physiological role, mitochondrial genome can also be used for various purposes, including species identification, phylogenetic analysis, understanding the domestication history of species etc. Therefore, the present study aimed to sequence the mitochondrial genome of A. poecilorhyncha and its closely related domestic species A. platyrhynchos (mallard duck) to understand their mitochondrial genome structure and phylogenetic relationships. The length of mitochondrial genome of A. poecilorhyncha and A. platyrhynchos was 16,608 and 16,604 bp respectively. Mitochondrial genome contained 37 genes and a non-coding control region. Overall, the characteristics of mitochondrial genome of both species were found to be conserved. The phylogenetic tree exhibited seven major clades (A to G) with a high bootstrap support. Notably, the Indian A. poecilorhyncha population formed a distinct clade (C) whereas the A. poecilorhyncha that were probably sampled from China grouped along with A. zonorhyncha (clade B). Besides, one of the A. poecilorhyncha probably sampled from China was placed in the clade A, which predominantly consisted of A. platyrhynchos. It suggests that Indian A. poecilorhyncha population is genetically different from Chinese A. poecilorhyncha population. Further, it sheds light on the importance of conducting a comprehensive phylogenetic study on these species. The newly sequenced mitochondrial genome of A. poecilorhyncha and A. platyrhynchos would be useful not only to have a better understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of Anas species but also to help in the conservation of A. poecilorhyncha which is under constant threat from rapid urbanization, interspecific hybridization and other human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appendicitis, an infection and inflammation of the appendix is a prevalent condition in children that requires immediate treatment. Rupture of the appendix may lead to several complications, such as peritonitis and sepsis. Appendicitis is medically diagnosed using urine, blood, and imaging tests. In recent times, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning have been a boon for medicine. Hence, several supervised learning techniques have been utilized in this research to diagnose appendicitis in pediatric patients. Six heterogeneous searching techniques have been used to perform hyperparameter tuning and optimize predictions. These are Bayesian Optimization, Hybrid Bat Algorithm, Hybrid Self-adaptive Bat Algorithm, Firefly Algorithm, Grid Search, and Randomized Search. Further, nine classification metrics were utilized in this study. The Hybrid Bat Algorithm technique performed the best among the above algorithms, with an accuracy of 94% for the customized APPSTACK model. Five explainable artificial intelligence techniques have been tested to interpret the results made by the classifiers. According to the explainers, length of stay, means vermiform appendix detected on ultrasonography, white blood cells, and appendix diameter were the most crucial markers in detecting appendicitis. The proposed system can be used in hospitals for an early/quick diagnosis and to validate the results obtained by other diagnostic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extraordinary resolution down to 50 microns is demonstrated for the first time for bulk ultrasonics, using novel micro-fabricated metamaterial lenses. The development and performance of the silicon-based Fabry–Perot type metalenses with an array of 10 micrometre square holes are discussed. Challenges in wave reception are addressed by a custom-developed micro-focal laser with a sub-micron spot size and an innovative experimental set-up together with physics based signal processing. The results provide a pathway for material diagnostics at greater depths with high resolution using micro-metalens-enhanced ultrasound as an alternative to expensive and radiation prone electromagnetic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonon antibunching, a phenomenon arising from the quantum statistics of mechanical vibrations, has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in quantum information processing, sensing, and energy harvesting. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of phonon antibunching in a system consisting of three weakly nonlinear coupled nanomechanical resonators. We analytically derive and study the antibunching behavior of phonons in the proposed system and bring insight into the underlying mechanisms. The optimal phonon blockade results from destructive quantum interference due to distinct two-phonon excitation pathways. Due to this quantum interference, these unconventional phonon blockade systems can achieve antibunched statistics even in weakly nonlinear regimes, in contrast to conventional phonon blockade systems that require strong nonlinearity. We show that with the inclusion of an additional resonator, there are multiple additional two-phonon excitation pathways compared to two resonator cases, which results in stronger phonon antibunching and supports single phonon for longer duration. These findings are interesting for practical phononics using coupled-resonator systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

misophonia is a sound tolerance disorder which disturbs the emotions of people when exposed to specific triggers. Studies have shown that visual triggers alone can cause misophonia in affected individuals in the absence of auditory triggers. It is also said to affect people's quality of lives affecting social life, work life and personal relationships. Different studies on misophonia indicate that it is prevalent between 5% and 34.67%. These studies help us understand the existence of misophonia across different parts of the world. Studies report factors like gender, age, socioeconomic status, etc. play significant roles in impacting the prevalence of disorder. This study aims to review 12 such English articles available online, to get a comprehensive set of data to make it easy for readers and researchers. Results of the review indicate that not many countries have their prevalence rates established which could be indicating the lack of awareness. In countries that have carried out the study, clinically significant misophonia exists in many individuals with various degrees with multiple factors affecting it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration-assisted micro-milling has emerged as a promising technique in vibration-assisted machining, aiming to enhance machining quality by applying small-amplitude high-frequency vibrations to the workpiece during micro-milling operations. This paper presents a novel design of a piezo actuator-based non-resonant type workpiece vibratory system specifically designed for 2D vibration-assisted micro-milling application. The developed system is experimentally evaluated by generating 2D vibrations, considering each axis' cross-coupling and hysteresis displacements, at various actuation frequencies ranging from 100 to 600 Hz. The application of the proposed setup focuses on the micro-milling of slots on an Aluminum 6061 and Titanium grade-5 workpiece samples, utilizing 2D sinusoidal out-of-phase vibrations along x and y directions with a peak-to-valley amplitude of 10 µm. The cutting force data is collected and recorded by a tool force dynamometer, and the root mean square value of the cutting force is used as a parameter to compare conventional micro-milling with vibration-assisted micro-milling processes. In addition, the study compares the average surface roughness of the milled slots when using vibration assistance and without it. The experimental results demonstrate a significant decrease in cutting force and an improvement in the average surface roughness of the milled slot when implementing 2D vibration-assisted micro-milling. These findings highlight the significance of the design, characterization, applicability, and suitability of the proposed non-resonant workpiece vibratory system in the field of vibration-assisted micro-milling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To retrospectively compare inter- and intra-reader agreement of abbreviated MRCP (aMRCP) with comprehensive MRI (cMRCP) protocol for detection of worrisome features, high-risk stigmata, and concomitant pancreatic cancer in pancreatic cyst surveillance. Methods: 151 patients (104 women, mean age: 69[10] years) with baseline and follow-up contrast-enhanced MRIs were included. This comprised 138 patients under cyst surveillance with 5-year follow-up showing no pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), 6 with pancreatic cystic lesion-derived malignancy, and 7 with concomitant PDAC. The aMRCP protocol used four sequences (axial and coronal Half-Fourier Single-shot Turbo-spin-Echo, axial T1 fat-saturated pre-contrast, and 3D-MRCP), while cMRCP included all standard sequences, including post-contrast. Three blinded abdominal radiologists assessed baseline cyst characteristics, worrisome features, high-risk stigmata, and PDAC signs using both aMRCP and cMRCP, with a 2-week washout period. Intra- and inter-reader agreement were calculated using Fleiss' multi-rater kappa and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Cyst size, growth, and abrupt main pancreatic duct transition had strong intra- and inter-reader agreement. Intra-reader agreement was ICC = 0.93–0.99 for cyst size, ICC = 0.71–1.00 for cyst growth, and kappa = 0.83–1.00 for abrupt duct transition. Inter-reader agreement for cyst size was ICC = 0.86 (aMRCP) and ICC = 0.83 (cMRCP), and for abrupt duct transition was kappa = 0.84 (aMRCP) and kappa = 0.69 (cMRCP). Thickened cyst wall, mural nodule and cyst-duct communication demonstrated varying intra-reader agreements and poor inter-reader agreements. Conclusion: aMRCP showed high intra- and inter-reader agreement for most pancreatic cyst parameters that highly rely on T2-weighted sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the prevalent use of chemically synthesized carbon nanomaterials in commercial supercapacitors, accounting for over 80% of deployments, marked by costliness and reliance on non-renewable resources. In response, biowaste is explored as a prospective source of sustainable carbon. The research focuses on converting biomass waste into an economically viable, high-performance electrical energy storage system. Renewable and environmentally benign biomass feedstock is prioritized for cost-effective and sustainable supercapacitor electrode design. A cost-effective three-dimensional (3D) porous honeycomb carbon is synthesized from bamboo shells via carbonization and activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH). The resulting activated carbon exhibits significant porosity and a high specific surface area, validated by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Morphological studies using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showcase the 3D honeycomb structure. Structural analyses through Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) further affirm the material's characteristics. The carbonized bamboo shell-derived electrode demonstrated an outstanding specific capacitance of 310 and 135 F/g at 1 A/g in a three-electrode and two-electrode systems respectively. Remarkably, even after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 2 A/g in a 2 M KOH aqueous electrolyte solution, the electrode exhibited remarkable capacitance retention at 78%. The fabricated symmetric cell demonstrates high values of an energy density of 10.8 Wh/kg and a power density of 720 W/kg at 1 A/g. Utilizing the developed electrode, a symmetric supercapacitor device is successfully demonstrated by illuminating ten red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), showcasing its practical utility in energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimization method is proposed for the grid-tied unbalanced MG to reduce overall operating costs and voltage deviation. The proposed method consists of battery systems, EV, PV units, DG, and WT units. The proposed technique is the Ladder Spherical Evolution (LSE) Search algorithm, while finding the optimum method that minimizes both the net cost of the microgrid and the VDI while taking into account uncertain parameters is the major goal of the proposed work. The proposed model includes a 3-phase power flow to prevent the adoption of unworkable solutions. The restrictions for a 3-phase unbalanced network (such as DG, PV, WT, and BS units) originate from their technological constraints and the current-related depiction of power flow. At this point, the performance of the proposed technique is better than the existing approaches in MATLAB. The proposed method manages uncertainties, reduces functional costs and the voltage variation index, and offers more dependable and realistic solutions. The total cost of SSA is 480$, CHA is 470$, AOS is 450$, and the proposed is 340$. Thus, the proposed method provides an optimal solution with less computation and low cost than the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) proposed a ventral hernia grading guideline, primarily supported by expert opinion, recommending biologic mesh placement in high-risk patients. We investigated the relationship between this industry-sponsored guideline and discourse around ventral hernia repair (VHR). Methods: Medline platform from Web of Science's database identified publications "pre-VHWG"(1999-01-01 to 2009-12-31), and "post-VHWG"(2010-01-01 to 2020-12-31) describing VHR and complications or recurrence of VHR with the following comorbidities: COPD, smoking, diabetes, immunosuppression, or obesity. Poisson regression analyzed keyword frequency over time using logarithmically transformed data. Results: Of 1291 VHR publications identified pre-VHWG and 3041 publications identified post-VHWG, 172 (13.3%) and 642 (21.1%) publications respectively included prespecified keywords. The keyword groups "biologic"(IRR 3.39,95%CI1.34-11.4,p = 0.022) and "comorbid"(IRR 1.95, 95%CI1.09-3.74,p = 0.033) significantly increased with frequency after publication of the VHWG. Conclusion: The VHWG publication likely contributed to a focus on comorbidities and biologic mesh in the ensuing literature within the field of VHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although intraoperative music is purported to mitigate postoperative pain after some procedures, its application has never been explored in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). We sought to determine whether intraoperative music would decrease early postoperative pain following AWR. Methods: We conducted a placebo-controlled, patient-, surgeon-, and assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial at a single center between June 2022 and July 2023 including 321 adult patients undergoing open AWR with retromuscular mesh. Patients received noise-canceling headphones and were randomized 1:1 to patient-selected music or silence after induction, stratified by preoperative chronic opioid use. All patients received multimodal pain control. The primary outcome was pain (NRS-11) at 24 ± 3 h. The primary outcome was analyzed by linear regression with pre-specified covariates (chronic opioid use, hernia width, operative time, myofascial release, anxiety disorder diagnosis, and preoperative STAI-6 score). Results: 178 patients were randomized to music, 164 of which were analyzed. 177 were randomized to silence, 157 of which were analyzed. At 24 ± 3 h postoperatively, there was no difference in the primary outcome of NRS-11 scores (5.18 ± 2.62 vs 5.27 ± 2.46, p = 0.75). After adjusting for prespecified covariates, the difference of NRS-11 scores at 24 ± 3 h between the music and silence groups remained insignificant (p = 0.83). There was no difference in NRS-11 or STAI-6 scores at 48 ± 3 and 72 ± 3 h, intraoperative sedation, or postoperative narcotic usage. Conclusion: For patients undergoing AWR, there was no benefit of intraoperative music over routine multimodal pain control for early postoperative pain reduction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05374096. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous renal biopsy, although essential for renal disease diagnosis, is associated with a number of post-biopsy complications ranging from gross haematuria to AV fistula to death. In this study, we carried out an active haematoma surveillance and attempted to correlate renal sonological parameters—kidney length, renal parenchymal changes, renal cortical and parenchymal thickness for their potential use in prediction of post-renal biopsy complications. Methods: This was a prospective study done from April 2022 to April 2023 on all adult patients undergoing native or transplant kidney biopsy. Baseline clinical, laboratory and renal sonological parameters were noted prior to biopsy. USG-guided renal biopsy was done and any haematoma at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h post-biopsy noted. Biopsy complications including need for any interventions were noted. Results: Out of the 240 patients enrolled in the study, 58.3% experienced post-biopsy complications. Among these, 5% of patients encountered major complications, with 3.33% necessitating medical intervention following renal biopsy procedures. A high percentage, 98.89%, exhibited hematoma formation within 12 h post-biopsy. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that a hematoma size exceeding 1.2 cm at the 12-h mark exhibited a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71% in predicting the need for blood transfusion. Renal parenchymal changes were the most reliable sonological parameters for predicting post-biopsy complication on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The incidence of major complications requiring interventions following renal biopsy is notably low. Our study highlights the significance of renal sonological characteristics, including parenchymal thickness, cortical thickness and parenchymal changes, in predicting these complications. Furthermore, we emphasize the utility of hematoma surveillance immediately post-biopsy and at the 12 h, as a valuable tool for predicting the necessity of post-biopsy interventions. This approach can aid in efficiently triaging patients and determining the need for further observation post-renal biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In injection molding, heat transfer at the polymer/mold interface during solidification of the polymer significantly affects the cooling rate, microstructure, and hence the product quality. An accurate estimation of the boundary heat flux transients is essential for the successful simulation of polymer solidification, which can aid in predicting and preventing potential defects that may arise from improper filling and cooling. Simulation studies also help in optimizing the cycle time with different process parameters. In the present work, a pneumatically-operated injection molding machine capable of producing a single component in one cycle was designed and fabricated in-house to estimate the heat flux transients at the polymer/mold interface. The mold used for solidification of the polymer was made from tool steel (P20) with a simple rectangular cavity. The mold was instrumented with thermocouples across the thickness to record its thermal history during injection molding. The polymer/mold interfacial heat flux transients were estimated by solving an inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). The temperature measured at locations beneath the cavity surface inside the mold was used as an input to the inverse solver. Altering the melt injection and mold temperatures showed negligible effects on heat flux transients at the polymer/mold interface. The estimated solidification time for the polymer sample was about 2 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]