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In iris biometric recognition systems, protecting the storage and transmission of iris templates is crucial, and template protection techniques are pivotal for ensuring their security. A prevalent approach involves using indexing methods as an effective algorithm for iris template protection, leveraging the index or rank of the extracted iris code to generate a secure iris template. Meantime, many privacy threats to biometric data have emerged, necessitating heightened protection measures. Specifically, protecting the privacy of iris data is imperative within the context of iris template protection during recognition processes. As stipulated by the international standard ISO/IEC 30136, effective iris template protection must concurrently meet the criteria of irreversibility, revocability, and unlinkability. Nevertheless, existing indexing methods on iris template protection faced the formidable challenge of simultaneously fulfilling these three privacy requirements while maintaining the efficacy of iris recognition. This paper introduces a standard ranking (standardR) algorithm, named standardR, designed to enhance the security of iris templates by transforming each iris template into an irreversible representation. The experimental results on the benchmarked Casia-Iris-interval dataset, along with two additional iris datasets MMU1 and UBRIS 1, demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. The proposed standardR algorithm achieves an equal error rate (EER) of 0.1695% and an area under the curve of 0.93011% with the Casia-Iris-Interval dataset. Furthermore, the algorithm maintains efficient recognition with a reduced iris code length of 1280 bits, a time complexity of O(n log n), and satisfies the biometric template protection (BTP) requirements in irreversibility, unlinkability, and renewability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiation of iris and ciliary body lesions as benign or malignant and cystic or solid is important. The aim of this study was to compare anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography (AS SS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings in iris and ciliary body tumors. Forty-two eyes of 38 cases with iris and ciliary body tumors imaged with UBM and AS SS-OCT between September 2018 and September 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Of 42 eyes, 14 had melanoma, 14 iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cysts, 7 nevi, 3 Lisch nodules, 2 iris stromal cysts, 1 pars plana cysts, and 1 iris mammillations. An equivalent (100%) visualization of the anterior tumor margin was obtained with both techniques. Compared to AS SS-OCT, UBM was superior for posterior margin visualization in melanocytic tumors and IPE cysts. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement between UBM and AS SS-OCT for melanocytic tumors < 2.5 mm in base diameter and < 2 mm in thickness. Although, UBM is the gold standard for ciliary body and iridociliary tumors. AS SS-OCT should be considered as an excellent alternative to UBM, especially in minimally elevated iris lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye gaze direction is a critical issue since several applications in computer vision technology rely on determining gaze direction, where individuals move their eyes to limited mobility locations for sensory information. Deep neural networks are considered one of the most essential and accurate image classification methods. Several methods of classification to determine the direction of the gaze employ convolutional neural network models, which are VGG, ResNet, Alex Net, etc. This research presents a new method of identifying human eye images and classifying eye gaze directions (left, right, up, down, straight) in addition to eye-closing discrimination. The proposed method (Di-eyeNET) stands out from the developed method (Split-HSV) for enhancing image lighting. It also reduces implementation time by utilizing only two blocks and employing dropout layers after each block to achieve fast response times and high accuracy. It focused on the characteristics of the human eye images, as it is small, so it cannot be greatly enlarged, and the eye's iris is in the middle of the image, so the edges are not important. The proposed method achieves excellent results compared to previous methods, classifying the five directions of eye gaze instead of the four directions. Both the global dataset and the built local dataset were utilized. Compared to previous methods, the suggested method's results demonstrate high accuracy (99%), minimal loss, and the lowest training time. The research benefits include an efficient method for classifying eye gaze directions, with faster implementation and improved image lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present new design techniques to improve the gain and impedance bandwidth of short backfire antennas. For the gain enhancement procedure, our approach was to flare the rim of the antenna, which simultaneously led to an increase in the impedance bandwidth of the antenna. Parametric studies were carried out to obtain the optimal flaring angle. The peak realized gain was obtained as 17.2 dBi with an impedance bandwidth of 55% (2.4 dB and 28.6% increase in gain and bandwidth, respectively, compared to the unflared antenna). To further enhance the impedance bandwidth, an inductive iris was added to improve impedance matching at the waveguide aperture. We varied the width of the iris to obtain the optimal width that provided the best gain and impedance bandwidth result of 17.1 dBi and 66% (~40% increase compared to the unflared antenna without iris). To experimentally verify the work, prototypes were fabricated and tested. We found good agreement between simulation and measurement. The results of this study indicate that gain and bandwidth can be enhanced through optimized geometrical modification of the SBF structure. Furthermore, our 3D-printed technique demonstrates a mass reduction compared with conventional metallic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic infectious demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by JC polyomavirus predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Nowadays, HIV, hematological malignancies and iatrogenic immune suppression account for most PML cases. For unknown reasons, spinal cord is classically protected from PML lesions. Here, we report the course of a patient harboring spinal cord lesions in the context of PML with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and review the eight other cases reported in the literature so far. Then, we discuss the evolving spectrum of PML over recent years, potentially making its diagnosis more challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical science encompasses meticulous processes, from initial pharmacological testing to distribution and pharmacovigilance. Each stage demands unwavering precision and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure the quality and safety of medicinal products. This article delineates the multifaceted landscape of pharmaceutical regulations, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards as a cornerstone of quality assurance. GMP standards, encompassing GxP principles, mandate adherence to rigorous protocols throughout the drug lifecycle. Within the European Union (EU), GMP standards are codified in directives and regulations governing medicinal products for human and veterinary use. Volume 4 of Eudralex serves as a compendium of EU regulations, providing comprehensive guidelines for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Mutual Recognition Agreements on GMP inspections between the EU and other jurisdictions aim to facilitate trade and regulatory cooperation, exemplifying international collaboration in pharmaceutical oversight. Recent agreements between the EU and the US FDA streamline inspection processes, reducing redundant inspections and expediting market access for pharmaceutical products. Moreover, electronic systems such as EudraGMDP enhance transparency and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry. By evaluating international GMP practices, this article underscores the importance of harmonizing regulatory standards for Good Manufacturing Practices globally. In conclusion, adherence to GMP standards not only ensures the quality of pharmaceutical products but also plays a pivotal role in the development of pharmacy practices worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant species of family Iridaceae like Crocus, Gladiolus, Iris and Freesia are grown worldwide for their commercially valued flowers and flowering product. All these plants along with other cultivated members are known to get diseases from multiple pathogens. This leads to greater damage in yield causing huge economic losses to farmers and growers. To understand the disease cycle, their cause and prophylactic measures on broader scale, fungal and bacterial pathogens causing corm rot diseases, blight diseases, leaf spot, wilt diseases and viral diseases are discussed. The survey of the reported literature and their analysis revealed that corm and rhizome rot is most devastating disease in all commercially valued species from this family, worldwide. Fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum found to be pathogen of major concern. Viral and bacterial disease is equally recurring problem. Yet, suitable and recommended agronomic practices along with use of fungicides and bactericides have potential in preventing spread of pathogens and diseases to nearby fields. The endeavour of the article is to provide summarised information with potential to be utilised by stakeholders for better disease management and prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Innere Medizin (2731-7080) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Birds display a rainbow of eye colours, but this trait has been little studied compared with plumage coloration. Avian eye colour variation occurs at all phylogenetic scales: it can be conserved throughout whole families or vary within one species, yet the evolutionary importance of this eye colour variation is under‐studied. Here, we summarize knowledge of the causes of eye colour variation at three primary levels: mechanistic, genetic and evolutionary. Mechanistically, we show that avian iris pigments include melanin and carotenoids, which also play major roles in plumage colour, as well as purines and pteridines, which are often found as pigments in non‐avian taxa. Genetically, we survey classical breeding studies and recent genomic work on domestic birds that have identified potential 'eye colour genes', including one associated with pteridine pigmentation in pigeons. Finally, from an evolutionary standpoint, we present and discuss several hypotheses explaining the adaptive significance of eye colour variation. Many of these hypotheses suggest that bird eye colour plays an important role in intraspecific signalling, particularly as an indicator of age or mate quality, although the importance of eye colour may differ between species and few evolutionary hypotheses have been directly tested. We suggest that future studies of avian eye colour should consider all three levels, including broad‐scale iris pigment analyses across bird species, genome sequencing studies to identify loci associated with eye colour variation, and behavioural experiments and comparative phylogenetic analyses to test adaptive hypotheses. By examining these proximate and ultimate causes of eye colour variation in birds, we hope that our review will encourage future research to understand the ecological and evolutionary significance of this striking avian trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "C group" of the histiocytic disorders is characterized by non-Langerhans-cell histiocytic lesions in the skin, mucosal surfaces, or both, out of which Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is the most common typically affecting the skin. The eye is the most common extra-cutaneous site of JXG., we aim at providing our clinical and histopathological experience with this group of diseases including the adult-onset xanthogranuloma (AXG). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients with the tissue diagnosis of ocular and periocular cutaneous and mucocutaneous non-LCH disorders who presented to us over a period of 25 years (January 1993 to December 2018). Results: Twenty patients were diagnosed as "Group C" disease with an age range of 2 months-60.9 years. Eleven patients were females (55%) and nine were males (45%). The involvement was mostly unilateral in 80.9%. All cases fell into the xanthogranuloma family with 11 JXG patients, 8 AXG patients of skin and ocular surface, and one patient with solitary reticulohistiocytoma (SRH). The clinical site of involvement in JXG was primarily in the eyelid in 5 patients (45%), ocular surface lesions in 2 (18%), iris in 2 (18%), choroidal and bilateral orbital lesions in 1 patient each (9%). The group of AXG, presented equally with eyelid lesions in 4/8 and ocular surface lesions in 4/8. The non-Langerhans' histiocytic infiltrate showed supportive immunohistochemical staining properties (reactive to CD68 marker and negative to S-100 and langerin markers). Conclusion: Among the rare histiocytic disorders, xanthogranulomatosis is the commonest and has wide clinical manifestations. Accurate diagnosis needs to be supported by typical histopathological findings. JXG was the commonest in our study with relatively older mean age at presentation and frequent eyelid rather than iris involvement. AXG is often confused with xanthelasma when involving the eyelids with corneal limbal involvement is relatively frequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background After antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, people with HIV (PWH) treated for tuberculosis (TB) may develop TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS). Integrase inhibitors, by providing a faster HIV-RNA decline than efavirenz, might increase the risk for this complication. We sought to assess incidence and determinants of TB-IRIS in PWH with TB on raltegravir- or efavirenz-based ART. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of the Reflate TB 2 trial, which randomized ART-naive PWH on standard TB treatment, to receive raltegravir- or efavirenz-based ART. The primary objective was to evaluate the incidence of TB-IRIS. Incidence rate ratio comparing TB-IRIS incidence in each arm was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare TB-IRIS–free survival probabilities by ART arm. Cox regression models were fitted to analyze baseline characteristics associated with TB-IRIS. Results Of 460 trial participants, 453 from Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and Vietnam were included in this analysis. Baseline characteristics were median age 35 years (interquartile range [IQR], 29–43), 40% female, 69% pulmonary TB only, median CD4, 102 (IQR, 38–239) cells/mm³, and median HIV RNA, 5.5 (IQR, 5.0–5.8) log copies/mL. Forty-eight participants developed TB-IRIS (incidence rate, 24.7/100 PY), 19 cases in the raltegravir arm and 29 in the efavirenz arm (incidence rate ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval.35–1.10). Factors associated with TB-IRIS were: CD4 ≤ 100 cells/μL, HIV RNA ≥500 000 copies/mL, and extrapulmonary/disseminated TB. Conclusions We did not demonstrate that raltegravir-based ART increased the incidence of TB-IRIS compared with efavirenz-based ART. Low CD4 counts, high HIV RNA, and extrapulmonary/disseminated TB at ART initiation were associated with TB-IRIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intra-field redox zonation across depth in soils can be heterogeneous and account for the presence of biogeochemical "hot spots." Understanding the spatial distribution of hot spots is desirable but hard to obtain. Materials and methods: In this study, low-cost manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) oxide-coated Indicator of Reduction In Soils (IRIS) films were installed at a wetland. A grid soil sampling approach within a monitoring plot (20 × 20 m; 2-m raster cells) featured a microrelief of 29 cm above the water table (WT). Data of Mn and Fe oxide removal along IRIS films and natural (newly formed) Fe oxides along Mn IRIS served to spatially resolve digital redox maps by ordinary kriging. Results and discussion: A distinctive redox zonation due to the microrelief could be differentiated with the lowest oxide loss at elevated terrain. Located at 9 to 29 cm above the WT, small-scaled pattern of oxide loss of a few cm2 occurred due to anoxic microsites (zone I). Zone II was located at 4 to 9 cm above the WT (Fe2+ sink), whereas zone III extended below and a few cm above the WT (Fe2+ source). Mn IRIS displayed three times more oxide loss, compared to Fe IRIS. Thereupon, natural Fe oxides formed to a major extent along Mn IRIS with on average 80% in redox zone I and II. Thus, Fe2+ was an omnipresent constituent in soil solution, while no or only minor synthetic Fe oxide along Fe IRIS were removed. This highlights the clear difference between the reducibility of pedogenic Fe oxides and synthetic Fe oxides. Overall, the large reactive surface area of IRIS can circumvent problems associated with misclassification of the soil redox status using redox electrodes, which are more susceptible to soil spatial variability. Conclusions: Homogeneity and representativeness of redox sensitive topsoil samples or soil solutions can in fact only be guaranteed within a range < 5 m for this particular study site. IRIS can be utilized to investigate both: microsite-driven features such as neo-formed natural Fe oxides along Mn IRIS (< mm to cm scale) and geo-referenced oxide loss from IRIS at the plot scale (tens to hundreds of meters). Soil redox maps deliver important spatial information for the worldwide growing demand for high-resolution digital soil maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse outcomes of fungal infection in mammalian hosts depend on the complex interactions between the host immune system and pathogen virulence-associated traits. The main clinical problems arise when the host response is either too weak to effectively eliminate the pathogen or overly aggressive, resulting in host tissue damage rather than protection. This article will highlight current knowledge regarding the virulence attributions and mechanisms involved in the dual-sided role of the host immune system in the immunopathogenesis of the thermally dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei through the lens of the damage response framework (DRF) of microbial pathogenesis model.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a programmable closed-loop system for tracking, modulating, and assessing dynamic iris behavior, including in the mid-dilated position.MethodsA programmable closed-loop iris control system was developed by customizing an ANTERION OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Custom software was developed to store camera and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, track pupillary diameter (PD), control a light-emitting diode (LED), and modulate ambient lighting to maintain the iris in a dilated, constricted, or mid-dilated position in real-time. Study participants underwent 3 consecutive 65-second scan sessions. Dynamic iris behavior in the form of peak constriction velocity (PCV) and mid-dilated iris activity (MDIA) were calculated and analyzed offline.ResultsAmong 58 participants, 56 (96.6%) were eligible for analysis based on achieving and maintaining mean PD within ±10% of the calculated mid-dilated PD. Mean participant age was 49.8 ± 18.9 years. Mean PCV was 3.92 ± 0.83 mm/s, and mean MDIA was 0.37 ± 0.15 mm. The mean difference between the calculated and achieved mid-dilated PD was 0.166 ± 0.192 mm. There were significant negative correlations between PCV and age (slope = -0.022, P < 0.001) and MDIA and age (slope = -0.004, P < 0.001). Success rates were lower (69.0%) but relationships between dynamic iris behavior and age were similar based on achieving and maintaining mean PD within ±5% of the calculated mid-dilated PD.ConclusionsA programmable closed-loop iris control system can modulate dynamic iris behavior and maintain the iris in a mid-dilated position. Pupillary constriction velocity and iris activity in the mid-dilated position decrease with age.Translational relevanceThis system can be applied to study dynamic disease processes involving the iris and establish novel biometric measures that could serve as risk factors for acute and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).

Iris segmentation is an initial step for identifying the biometrics of animals when establishing a traceability system for livestock. In this study, we propose a deep learning framework for pixel-wise segmentation of bovine iris with a minimized use of annotation labels utilizing the BovineAAEyes80 public dataset. The proposed image segmentation framework encompasses data collection, data preparation, data augmentation selection, training of 15 deep neural network (DNN) models with varying encoder backbones and segmentation decoder DNNs, and evaluation of the models using multiple metrics and graphical segmentation results. This framework aims to provide comprehensive and in-depth information on each model’s training and testing outcomes to optimize bovine iris segmentation performance. In the experiment, U-Net with a VGG16 backbone was identified as the optimal combination of encoder and decoder models for the dataset, achieving an accuracy and dice coefficient score of 99.50% and 98.35%, respectively. Notably, the selected model accurately segmented even corrupted images without proper annotation data. This study contributes to the advancement of iris segmentation and the establishment of a reliable DNN training framework.

Iris is one of the most widely used biometric modalities because of its uniqueness, high matching performance, and inherently secure nature. Iris segmentation is an essential preliminary step for iris-based biometric authentication. The authentication accuracy is directly connected with the iris segmentation accuracy. In the last few years, deep-learning-based iris segmentation methodologies have increasingly been adopted because of their ability to handle challenging segmentation tasks and their advantages over traditional segmentation techniques. However, the biggest challenge to the biometric community is the scarcity of open-source resources for adoption for application and reproducibility. This review provides a comprehensive examination of available open-source iris segmentation resources, including datasets, algorithms, and tools. In the process, we designed three U-Net and U-Net++ architecture-influenced segmentation algorithms as standard benchmarks, trained them on a large composite dataset (>45K samples), and created 1K manually segmented ground truth masks. Overall, eleven state-of-the-art algorithms were benchmarked against five datasets encompassing multiple sensors, environmental conditions, demography, and illumination. This assessment highlights the strengths, limitations, and practical implications of each method and identifies gaps that future studies should address to improve segmentation accuracy and robustness. To foster future research, all resources developed during this work would be made publicly available.

(1) Background: Our previous research provides evidence that vergence eye movements may significantly influence cognitive processing and could serve as a reliable measure of cognitive issues. The rise of consumer-grade eye tracking technology, which uses sophisticated imaging techniques in the visible light spectrum to determine gaze position, is noteworthy. In our study, we explored the feasibility of using webcam-based eye tracking to monitor the vergence eye movements of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) during a visual oddball paradigm. (2) Methods: We simultaneously recorded eye positions using a remote infrared-based pupil eye tracker. (3) Results: Both tracking methods effectively captured vergence eye movements and demonstrated robust cognitive vergence responses, where participants exhibited larger vergence eye movement amplitudes in response to targets versus distractors. (4) Conclusions: In summary, the use of a consumer-grade webcam to record cognitive vergence shows potential. This method could lay the groundwork for future research aimed at creating an affordable screening tool for mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with severe primary immunodeficiency are at risk for complications from live-attenuated vaccines. Here, we report a case of a vaccine-associated paralytic polio and Bacille Calmette-Guérin disease in a 6-month-old girl with severe combined immunodeficiency resulting from homozygous recombinant activating gene 1 deficiency. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulins and oral pocapavir for poliovirus, and antimycobacterial therapy for regional Bacille Calmette-Guérin disease, allowing stem cell transplant. Following transplantation, poliovirus type 3 with 13 mutations was detected from cerebrospinal fluid but not from stool, indicating ongoing viral evolution in the central nervous system despite pocapavir treatment. Clinical improvement and immune reconstitution allowed the patient to be successfully discharged with no further detection of poliovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates the variations in floral scent composition among different species and developmental stages of Iris plants: Iris uniflora, Iris typhifolia, and Iris sanguinea. The study analyzes the fragrance components by utilizing electronic nose technology in tandem with headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and loading analysis are applied to discern whether floral scents of the same Iris species at distinct stages could be differentiated. The results show that the electronic nose significantly distinguishes the aromas from different stages and that there are differences in aroma composition. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry confirms significant differences in volatile components regarding the three Iris species, with common compounds like alcohols, aromatics, and aldehydes present throughout stages. Notably, nonyl aldehyde, capric aldehyde, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and n-heptadecane are consistently found. Cluster analysis reveals a grouping of decay stage samples of Iris typhifolia and Iris sanguinea due to terpene and ester abundance. Nonyl aldehyde significantly contributes to the aroma profiles of all species, owing to its high odor activity value. The significant content of volatile compounds in these Iris varieties suggests economic and medicinal potential beyond ornamental value, providing references for the development of Iris-scented products, aromatherapy, and the extraction of pharmacologically active substances from Iris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, multimodal biometric systems have garnered a lot of interest for the identification of human identity. The accessibility of the database is one of the contributing elements that impact biometric recognition systems. In their studies, the majority of researchers concentrate on unimodal databases. There was a need to compile a fresh, realistic multimodal biometric database, nonetheless, because there were so few comparable multimodal biometric databases that were publically accessible. This study introduces the MULBv1 multimodal biometric database, which contains homologous biometric traits. The MULBv1 database includes 20 images of each person's face in various poses, facial emotions, and accessories, 20 images of their right hand from various angles, and 20 images of their right iris from various lighting positions. The database contains real multimodal data from 174 people, and all biometrics were accurately collected using the micro camera of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. A face recognition technique is also suggested as a case study using the gathered facial features. In the case study, the deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was used, and the findings were positive. Through several trials, the accuracy was (97.41%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare cancer that forms in the eye. Once the disease becomes metastatic, which occurs in approximately half of the cases, the prognosis is highly dismal with there being no standard treatment, underscoring the dire need to develop novel systemic therapies for UM. In this study, we discovered that two molecular features characteristic of UM, MDM4 overexpression and increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity associated with infrequent p53 mutations and frequent GNAQ/GNA11 mutations, respectively, work together to suppress p53 to confer growth advantage on UM cells. Furthermore, we show that a small-molecule kinase inhibitor CEP-1347 targets MDM4 and PKC at the same time to effectively activate p53 and inhibit the growth of UM cells at clinically feasible concentrations. Thus, CEP-1347 is a unique, dual inhibitor of MDM4 and PKC in UM cells and may become a therapeutic option for refractory UM. Uveal melanoma (UM) is among the most common primary intraocular neoplasms in adults, with limited therapeutic options for advanced/metastatic disease. Since UM is characterized by infrequent p53 mutation coupled with the overexpression of MDM4, a major negative regulator of p53, we aimed to investigate in this study the effects on UM cells of CEP-1347, a novel MDM4 inhibitor with a known safety profile in humans. We also examined the impact of CEP-1347 on the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, known to play a pivotal role in UM cell growth. High-grade UM cell lines were used to analyze the effects of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of MDM4 and PKC, respectively, as well as those of CEP-1347 treatment, on p53 expression and cell viability. The results showed that, at its clinically relevant concentrations, CEP-1347 reduced not only MDM4 expression but also PKC activity, activated the p53 pathway, and effectively inhibited the growth of UM cells. Importantly, whereas inhibition of either MDM4 expression or PKC activity alone failed to efficiently activate p53 and inhibit cell growth, inhibition of both resulted in effective activation of p53 and inhibition of cell growth. These data suggest that there exists a hitherto unrecognized interaction between MDM4 and PKC to inactivate the p53-dependent growth control in UM cells. CEP-1347, which dually targets MDM4 and PKC, could therefore be a promising therapeutic candidate in the treatment of UM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptoms such as severe mosaic, yellowing and necrosis of leaves have been observed in iris (Iris spp.) plants for many years. In this study, the presence of potyvirus species that can cause similar symptoms in iris plants was investigated. Field surveys were carried out in the province of Bilecik in the South Marmara region-Türkiye in the year 2022. In the study, a total of 41 iris plants were collected, including 34 symptomatic and 7 asymptomatic ones. Potyvirus infections were detected by conventional molecular methods using degenerate primers for amplification of the partial NIb (nuclear inclusion protein b) gene region specific to the genus Potyvirus. As a result of the molecular assays, potyvirus infection was detected in 6 plants showing symptoms caused by viruses. After nucleotide sequencing of the 6 Potyvirus fragments obtained, the infections were determined to be caused by iris severe mosaic virus (ISMV). These isolates showed over 94% nucleotide similarity among themselves and 82-99% similarity with the global isolate. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Potyvirus species were successfully separated among themselves according to the NIb gene region obtained with these degenerate primers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the cataract surgery of a 79-year-old female patient with iridoschisis and senile nuclear cataracts. Observations: Ophthalmologic examination of the 79-year-old female patient who came to our clinic with complaints of decreased vision in the right eye was observed to have a grade-3 senile nuclear cataract and iridoschisis in quadrants 2–3, 4–7, and 10–11 of the iris in the right eye and a grade-2 senile nuclear cataract and iridoschisis in quadrants 5–7 in the left eye to a lesser extent compared to the right eye. The iris fibrils were not connected to the corneal endothelium. A safe surgical area was created by administering the viscoelastic material several times during cataract surgery. Conclusions and importance: Although iridoschisis has a low incidence rate, it is important to also consider comorbid ocular pathologies when treating iridoschisis patients. Since cataract surgery for these patients is more specialized than for uncomplicated cases, the necessary surgical planning must be paid due diligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tesla Revista Científica is the property of Puerto Madero Editorial Academica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Basrah Journal of Science / Magallat Al-Barat Li-L-ulum is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Biometric identification systems involve securing biometric traits by encrypting them using an encryption algorithm and storing them in the cloud. In recent decades, iris recognition schemes have been considered one of the most effective biometric models for identifying humans based on iris texture, due to their relevance and distinctiveness. The proposed system focuses on encrypting biometric traits. The user's iris feature vector is encrypted and stored in the cloud. During the matching process, the user's iris feature vector is compared with the one stored in the cloud. If it meets the threshold conditions, the user is authenticated. Iris identification in cloud computing involves several steps. First, the iris image is pre-processed to remove noise using the Hough transform. Then, the pixel values are normalized, Gabor filters are applied to extract iris features. The features are then encrypted using the AES 128-bit algorithm. Finally, the features of the test image are matched with the stored features on the cloud to verify authenticity. The process ensures the privacy and security of the iris data in cloud storage by utilizing encryption and efficient image processing techniques. The matching is performed by setting an appropriate threshold for comparison. Overall, the approach offers a significant level of safety, effectiveness, and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the practice and application of IRIS configuration management in railway signal engineering projects in view of the practice in railway projects. The technology management means related to IRIS configuration management are used to ensure product traceability, safety and reliability in the project life cycle, thus playing a very important supporting role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 2022, a cluster of nontravel‐related cases of human mpox were reported in the United Kingdom. The outbreak has since spread worldwide infecting over 85 000 patients and causing over 100 deaths. Recent data clearly suggest that patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with CD4 counts less than 200 cells per mm3 suffer significantly worse outcomes than immunocompetent patients. The available countermeasures lack robust clinical data and are deployed based on in vitro and animal studies as well as extrapolations from use against other poxviruses. In many cases, despite administration of these available treatments, initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and management of suspected immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after initiating ART, patients die. This review summarizes available data, identifies knowledge gaps and proposes recommendations on the management of severe mpox in people living with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of 179 weevil species collected from 1996 to 2019 at an isolated steppe site in plain northwestern part of Stavropol Territory in southeastern European Russia is given and compared with the weevil assemblage at Ina Village in the Barguzinskaya Depression, Buryatia. Characteristic taxonomic and ecological features of the both weevil assemblages are discussed; the ratio of the higher plants to weevil species diversity is about 1.4 : 1 in Stavropol Territory, and almost 6 : 1 in Buryatia. The distribution of the genus Mononychus along the steppe zone is shown, Mononychus ireos is recorded for the first time for Mongolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important steps in the operation of biometric systems based on iris recognition of the human eye is pattern comparison. However, the comparison of the recorded pattern with the pattern stored in the database of the biometric system cannot function properly without effective extraction of key features from the iris image. In the presented work, we propose an iris recognition system based on image feature extraction and extreme grey shade analysis. Harris-Laplace, RANSAC and SIFT descriptor algorithms were used to find and describe key points. In the experimental part, two methods were used to compare descriptors: the Brute Force method and the Siamese Network method. IIT Delhi Iris Database (version 1.0), MMU v2 database, UBIRIS v1, UBIRIS v2 image databases were used for the study. The proposed method utilizes a different approach when using the generalized corner extraction algorithm (Harris-Laplace algorithms) for comparing iris patterns. In addition, we prove that the use of the descriptor and the Siamese neural networks significantly improves the results obtained in the original method based on paths alone in the case of well contrasted infrared images with very low resolutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native populations of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio, two endangered bulbous species within the large Iris genus in Iridaceae, are threatened with extinction due to mining and other industrial activities in their natural habitats in Central Asia, including Iran. These species not only have a significant economic impact on the global horticultural industry due to their versatility and attractive phenotypic traits, but also have significant ecological value that necessitates their conservation. In this study, we examined the morphological and functional diversity between individuals within these two species, which exhibit high tolerance to environmental stresses. Our study examined 10 populations of I. hymenospatha and two populations of I. histrio based on bulb, flower, and leaf characteristics throughout Iran. We recognized a gradation of five different leaf shapes among I. hymenospatha populations with significant differences between some populations, including “Arak-Khomain” and “Arak-Gerdo”. The “Jaro”, “Natanz-Karkas”, “Ardestan-Taleghan”, “Arak-Rahjerd”, “Arak-Gerdo”, “Ganjnameh”, and “Abas-Abad” populations of I. hymenospatha displayed maximal values in leaf width, stem diameter under flower, crown diameter, flower number, leaf number, and bulb diameter. The I. histrio “Velian” population had a significantly larger flower size, a longer stem length, a larger style width, a longer flowering date, and a higher plant height compared to the “Ganjnameh” population of I. histrio. Such characteristics of both species make them remarkable ornamental plants. Our study also revealed that I. hymenospatha populations grow on different soils and elevations and have the ability to adapt to different growing conditions. Given the threats they face, conservation through horticultural selection and propagation offers a viable conservation strategy for both species. This approach not only preserves the genetic diversity of these species, but also enables their further contribution to the horticultural industry.

Abstract A 15‐month‐old, grey, Thoroughbred filly presented for investigation of a 6‐week history of corneal oedema and blepharospasm on the right eye (OD). The filly was otherwise healthy. Following ophthalmic examination, glaucoma on the OD was diagnosed. A space occupying mass within the anterior chamber was documented on transpalpebral ultrasonographic examination. This mass obliterated most of the anterior intraocular structures on the peripheral nasal side (corneal endothelium and drainage angle), leading to secondary glaucoma. After systemic and topical treatment addressing secondary glaucoma, the corneal oedema reduced. The mass was visualised as an irregularly rounded brown structure associated with the iris on the peripheral nasal side of the anterior chamber. Given the filly's signalment, location and appearance of the mass, a tentative diagnosis of intraocular melanoma was made and enucleation was performed. Histopathological evaluation of the globe revealed solid sheets of heavily pigmented melanocytic cells, disrupting the normal ciliary body architecture and extending into the iris and subretinal. The cells were pleomorphic, polyhedral to round with occasional spindle‐shaped cells, and contained moderate to large amounts of granular black‐brown pigment (melanin). The iridal component expanded into the anterior chamber, with cells directly opposed to Descemet's membrane, with loss of the endothelium and expanding and occluding the filtration angle in this area. The lesion infiltrated locally into the edge of the sclera, but did not extend through the sclera, though occasional perivascular clusters of melanophages were observed within the scleral stroma adjacent to the optic nerve. Diagnosis of a uveal melanocytic neoplasm was confirmed, with characteristics similar to only one reported case . This is a unique case of a rapidly growing, invasive, uveal melanoma in a young horse. Intraocular melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnoses for glaucoma in grey horses, regardless of the age and absence of melanocytic skin lesions.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in immunocompromised patients with disseminated Mycobacterium genavense. Management relies on high-dose corticosteroids.We describe two cases of late-onset corticosteroid-refractory IRIS related to disseminated infection in a HIV-positive patient and a renal transplant patient who had a favorable outcome with a monoclonal TNF-α blocker.

Abstract Since publication of the last consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs, there has been revision of leptospiral taxonomy and advancements in typing methods, widespread use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines, and improved understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis (including dogs vaccinated with 2‐serovar Leptospira vaccines in some regions). In 2021, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Board of Regents voted to approve the topic for a revised Consensus Statement. After identification of core panelists, a multidisciplinary group of 6 experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health was assembled to vote on the recommendations using the Delphi method. A draft was presented at the 2023 ACVIM Forum, and a written draft posted on the ACVIM website for comment by the membership before submission to the editors of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This revised document provides guidance for veterinary practitioners on disease in dogs as well as cats. The level of agreement among the 12 voting members (including core panelists) is provided in association with each recommendation. A denominator lower than 12 reflects abstention of ≥1 panelists either because they considered the recommendation to be outside their scope of expertise or because there was a perceived conflict of interest.

The bouncepoints or reflection point of a seismic wave is very important to determine a research area that utilizes SS precursors data. In this study the data used has criteria, to obtain good data. Hence, the research results are also good, while the criteria are: the depth of the earthquake source is limited to less than 75 Km to reduce interference with precursor waves that arrive earlier (sSdiff) and it is easier to determine the bouncepoint. The earthquake source is more than 5.8 Mw to get a good SS phase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The best distance between the source and the receiving station is ≥ 1000 to avoid interference with waves reflected on the surface (Ss670s and Ss400s) and ≤ 1650 to avoid interference with ScSScS precursors. The location of this study is in the south of the island of Kalimantan (15 bouncepoints) and there are 3 points data whose bouncepoints is outside the study area. Earthquake data obtained from IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology). The research data for earthquake centers are in Australia, New Zealand and others, for earthquake measuring stations in Europe and Asia.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate and summarize the developmental rules of the ocular anterior segment of neonates by means of wild-field digital imaging system. Methods We used the wide-field digital imaging system to sequentially capture images of the neonates’ eyes within 42 days after delivery, including the ocular surface, anterior segment, and fundus. At the same time, basic information at the time of birth and examination was collected. Results Among 248 newborns, 51.21% were male. Abnormalities of the anterior segment such as visualization of anterior chamber angle vessels (79.03%) and iris vessels (51.21%), iris process (42.34%), persistent pupillary membranes (19.35%), albinism, congenital cataracts, corneal leucoma, and subconjunctival hemorrhage were observed in this study. There were significant differences in the appearance of iris vessels among different sex, gestational age and birth weight, postmenstrual age and weight at the time of examination and iris color groups. The iris vessels were more visualized in males relative to females (OR = 6.313, 95% CI 2.529–15.759). The greater the postmenstrual age at the time of examination, the lower the visualization of iris vessels (OR = 0.377, 95% CI 0.247–0.575). In addition, although visualization of anterior chamber angle vessels differed within the birth gestation age and weight at examination groups, there was no significant correlation by regression analysis. Conclusions The anterior segment of perinatal neonates can be visualized by the wide-field digital imaging system. The neonatal iris and anterior chamber angle are immature, and the visible vessels at the anterior chamber angle that vanish later than the surface of the iris are characteristic structures.

Acute primary angle closure glaucoma is a potentially blinding ophthalmic emergency requiring prompt treatment to lower the elevated intraocular pressure in humans and dogs. The PACG in most of canine breeds is epidemiologically similar to humans with older and female patients overrepresented with the condition. The American Cocker Spaniel (ACS) is among the most common breeds observed with PACG development in dogs. This study initially sought to identify genetic risk factors to explain the high prevalence of PACG in ACSs by using a case-control breed-matched genome-wide association study. However, the GWAS failed to identify candidate loci associated with PACG in this breed. This study then assessed intrinsic ocular morphologic traits that may relate to PACG susceptibility in this breed. Normal ACSs without glaucoma have a crowded anterior ocular segment and narrow iridocorneal angle and ciliary cleft, which is consistent with anatomical risk factors identified in humans. The ACSs showed unique features consisting of posterior bowing of iris and longer iridolenticular contact, which mirrors reverse pupillary block and pigment dispersion syndrome in humans. The ACS could hold potential to serve as an animal model of naturally occurring PACG in humans.

PurposeTo assess safety and efficacy outcomes of sutured custom silicone artificial iris and intraocular lens implantation combined with penetrating keratoplasty (triple procedure).MethodsProspective consecutive surgical case series of patients who underwent the triple procedure between 2010 and 2019 at Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, followed up for 1 year minimum. Safety outcomes were changes from preoperative to last follow-up in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications. Efficacy outcomes included changes in subjective glare (none to severe), cosmetic appearance (worse to very much improved), and visual function as assessed by the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 at 1-year follow-up.ResultsAmong 82 eyes implanted with an artificial iris, 14 eyes (17.1%) underwent the triple procedure. The median follow-up was 18.1 months (range 12.0-54.9 months). The median CDVA improved from 2.0 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range 0.9-2.3 logMAR) to 0.7 logMAR (range 0.2-2.6 logMAR) (P = 0.02). Average endothelial cell count decreased 57.6% (P < 0.01). Six eyes (42.9%) experienced IOP elevations, 13 eyes (92.3%) developed iritis, and 11 eyes (78.6%) underwent secondary surgery. Graft rejection or secondary graft failure occurred in 7 eyes each (50.0%). Cosmesis improved in 12 eyes (85.7%; P < 0.01). The Visual Function Questionnaire-25 score improved from 72 to 77 (P < 0.01). Glare symptoms did not change significantly.ConclusionsThe triple procedure was effective at improving CDVA, cosmesis, and quality of life; however, it was associated with frequent postoperative complications, of which iritis, IOP elevation, and secondary graft failure were the most common.

Congenital aniridia manifests with total or partial absence of the iris. The association of the disease with the PAX6 gene has been proven. Changes in the PAX6 structure lead to intrauterine pathology, visual organ malformation, malformation of master regulator proteins of organogenesis affecting various cells’ differentiation (central nervous system cells included). Such disorders result into the development of PAX6-associated syndromes with various brain malformations, neurological disorders, and systemic pathology (thyroid pathology, Wilms tumor, glucose intolerance). Isolated congenital aniridia is also accompanied by psychoneurological disorders. It can be associated with brain structures’ disorders during embryogenesis and with impact of external stress factors on the child (frequent medical checkup, surgical treatments). The psychoneurological disorders’ pathogenesis as well as congenital aniridia’s genetic mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, it is crucial to review new relevant data within the context of previously obtained information to gather full picture of the clinical signs of the disease and to improve the management of children with congenital aniridia.

Abstract Introduction Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare and life-threatening condition caused by uncontrolled immune activation leading to excessive inflammation and tissue destruction. It could either be due to a primary genetic defect or be triggered by secondary causes such as infections, autoimmune diseases, rheumatological diseases or post-transplant immunosuppression. We here report the case of a 4-year-old child with a recent AIDS diagnosis who developed a severe systemic inflammation. Case report We here report the case of a 4-year-old child with a recent AIDS diagnosis who was admitted to the ER with acute respiratory failure due to Pneumocystis jiroveci infection and Aspergillosis; the following microbiological assessment also showed a CMV, HSV, EBV and HHV-7 coinfection. On the 51st day after she’d started antiretroviral therapy, 39th after she’d followed a course of Bactrim and Caspofungin for PJI and Ambisome for pulmonary Aspergillosis, she started presenting fever, unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. She also presented worsening of her clinical conditions, with evidence at the laboratory assessments of progressive raise in inflammatory indexes, coagulopathy, trilinear cytopenia and hyperferritinemia. To perform the differential diagnosis between IRIS and HLH, HLA-DR on T cells was studied, turning out negative for IRIS. Therefore, in the suspicion of HLH, a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were performed with evidence of trilinear cytopenia, prevalence of T-cells and macrophages with signs of phagocytosis. She was started on high-dose steroids and Anakinra for a total of 29 days, resulting in prompt apyrexia and progressive improvement of her clinical conditions and laboratory results. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge there is poor literature available about the differential diagnosis of HLH and IRIS, therefore medical management in the concurrence of these two conditions needs to be further investigated, especially in a setting where immunological testing is not quickly available. The clinical differences between these pathologies are blurred and the bone marrow biopsy within marker for IRIS helped us to distinguish these two entities.

Introduction: Pupil and iris disorders form an important category of eye diseases. Accurate segmentation of the pupil is the first and most important step in the automatic diagnosis of diseases related to the pupil and iris. Most of the existing methods do not have enough accuracy and are sensitive to the effects of noise and specular spot reflection. In addition, the images used in these methods usually have limitations, such as the viewing angle. Method: In the proposed algorithm, a stable method is offered to remove the effects of specular spot reflection in the pupil, and necessary preprocessing is done to detect the exact location of the pupil. An optimized color mapping algorithm is proposed and the mapping is calculated with the help of the LM algorithm to accurately determine the pupil boundary. This method does not impose any restrictions on the eye image and shape, and the angle of the pupil in the image can be in any shape and direction. Results: The proposed method does not assume any specific model as the final pupil boundary (circle or oval) and is robust to noise and specular reflection factors as well. This method has been able to accurately detect the pupil boundary with the accuracy of 98.8% using UBIRIS dataset and 98% using the collected data by authors. Conclusion: The method presented in this paper can be used to increase the accuracy in determining the internal and external border of the iris to diagnose diseases related to the pupil and iris, as well as identity identification based on iris tissue.