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The integration of QKD systems in metro optical networks raises challenges that cannot be fully resolved with current technological means. In this work, we devised a methodology for identifying different types of impairments for a QKD link embedded in a communication network. Identification occurs in real time using a supervised machine learning model designed for this purpose. The model takes only QBER and SKR time-series data as the input, making its applicability not restricted to any specific QKD protocol or system. The output of the model specifies the working conditions for the QKD link, which is information that can be valuable for users and key management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the growing bauxite mining activities aimed at extracting aluminum ore in the Netharhat Valley, located in the Gumla and Latehar districts of Jharkhand. Adivasis share an inseparable relationship with land and forest, which play a vital role in shaping their identity and social structure. However, the introduction of new mining frontiers has ushered in persistent extraction challenges in Adivasi's life. Although capitalist varied interests promise Adivasis for development imperatives and their chance to uplift themselves through mining, the outcomes are both complex and multifaceted. The current situation is marked by complexity as the introduction of the new mining frontiers has skewed the balance. The article illustrates the diverse consequences of extensive mining on the Adivasis and their diminishing control over land and forests. It illustrates the varying stances on the issue of mining, and their differing opinions have created divisions among the villagers based on class, economic priorities and market opportunities. The introduction of new resource frontiers has weakened village egalitarianism and institutions, allowing for mining capitalism to penetrate the Adivasi heartlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstone ileus is a relatively rare complication of cholelithiasis, and an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction most commonly seen in elderly and debilitated people with associated comorbidities. Symptoms of gallstone ileus are insidious and may be vague while the delay in diagnosis results in a high mortality rate. Herein we report two cases of gallstone ileus in elderly patients with complex medical history who presented at the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension, vomiting and fluid/electrolyte disorders due to cholecysto-enteric fistula and bowel obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human endocannabinoid signaling is primarily mediated by the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors have been linked to a variety of physiological processes and are being pursued as prospective drug targets due to their potential in treating pain and inflammation. However, because of their homology and shared signaling mechanisms, investigating the individual physiological roles of these receptors and designing subtype-selective ligands has been challenging. Using active-state CB1 and CB2 structures as guides, homologous residues within the orthosteric pocket of each receptor were mutated to alanine to test whether they equally impair CB1 and CB2 activity in response to two high-affinity, nonselective agonists (CP55,940 and AM12033). Interestingly, mutating the Y5.39 position impairs CB1 but not CB2 function. Conversely, mutating residue C6.47 improves CB1 but impairs CB2 signaling. The F7.35A mutation leads to a decrease in CP55,940 potency at CB1 and impairs internalization; however, AM12033 gains potency and promotes CB1 internalization. In CB2, mutation of F7.35A decreases the potency of CP55,940 and neither agonist induces internalization. These observations provide some insight into functional sensitivity of CB1 and CB2 to different agonists when conserved residues are mutated in the orthosteric pocket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To estimate the incidence of hemorrhagic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with acenocoumarol, and the management cost of those requiring hospitalization in Greece. Methods: A nationwide telephone survey was conducted between December 2017 and January 2018, to identify cardiologists who treat AF patients with acenocoumarol. A total of 300 cardiologists were selected and reported the number of AF acenocoumarol-treated patients during the past 12 months and the number of those who experienced a hemorrhagic event. The hospital charges to sickness fund and the cost of resource utilization of AF patients hospitalized between January 2013 and June 2017 at a tertiary hospital in Athens due to acenocoumarol-related bleedings were retrieved. Results: Out of 48,255 AF patients, 12,633 (26.2%) were treated with acenocoumarol. In all, 5.1% of patients experienced a hemorrhagic event with the incidence of bleeding requiring hospitalization being 1.7%. The most common bleeding site was the gastrointestinal system (51.5%). The mean (95% CI) management cost per bleeding event requiring hospitalization was €1,202 (€1,058–€1,420). The higher cost was that of intracranial bleeding €3,887 (€2,700–€5,046). The expected annual economic burden for the management of bleedings related to acenocoumarol and requiring hospitalization was estimated at €1,463,955. Conclusions: The incidence of bleeding events in AF acenocoumarol-treated patients in Greece as well as the estimated annual economic burden for the management of bleeding events requiring hospitalization, emphasize the need to comply with the current guidelines and to optimize therapeutic strategies for the management of AF side effects with oral anticoagulants, particularly in patients with high bleeding risk.

RationaleManipulations of the endocannabinoid system could potentially produce therapeutic effects with minimal risk of adverse cannabis-like side effects. Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increase endogenous levels of the cannabinoid-receptor agonist, anandamide, and show promise for treating a wide range of disorders. However, their effects on learning and memory have not been fully characterized.ObjectivesWe determined the effects of five structurally different FAAH inhibitors in an animal model of working memory known to be sensitive to impairment by delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).MethodsA delayed nonmatching-to-position procedure was used in rats. Illuminated nosepoke holes were used to provide sample cues (left versus right) and record responses (correct versus incorrect) after delays ranging from 0 to 28 s. Various test drugs were given acutely up to two times per week before daily sessions.ResultsOne FAAH inhibitor, AM3506 (3 mg/kg), decreased accuracy in the memory task. Four other FAAH inhibitors (URB597, URB694, PF-04457845, and ARN14633) and a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor (JZL184, which blocks the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol) had no effect. Testing of AM3506 in combination with antagonists for receptors known to be affected by anandamide and other fatty acid amides indicated that the impairment induced by AM3506 was mediated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors, and not by alpha-type peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-alpha) or vanilloid transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPV1).ConclusionsFAAH inhibitors differ with respect to their potential for memory impairment, abuse liability, and probably other cannabis-like effects, and they should be evaluated individually for specific therapeutic and adverse effects.

Genome wide association studies have identified multiple loci associated with risk of developing prostate cancer but the functional significance of many of these are unknown. Here, after generating models to predict methylation, the authors identify CpG methylation sites associated with prostate cancer.