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Flat head syndrome (FHS) sometimes occurs when a baby maintains the same head position during the first several months of life, causing a skull deformity. FHS usually improves with time and natural growth, although some show aggravation against conservative treatment. We reviewed pathologically proved early closure of skull suture that may be seen secondary to FHS. The clinical and radiologic findings of the patients who showed progressive skull deformity resembling FHS were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients underwent surgical treatment and pathologic specimens were obtained. The detected patients included two 5-month-old infants and one 1-year-old child. The former were conservatively treated without any obvious premature suture closure on computed tomography (CT), and later developed progressive tower-like skull deformities. The infants were diagnosed with possible premature fusion of lambda site and underwent removal around lambda depression (LD). The latter showed evident sagittal suture closure on CT with digital markings, and was diagnosed with increased intracranial pressure and underwent cranioplasty of posterior expansion. Histopathologic specimens obtained from the patients' resected sutures showed irregularly narrowed suture structure with ossification and fibrous tissue proliferation within them, supporting the diagnosis of premature closure of the sagittal sutures. Their postoperative courses were uneventful, and their skull deformities subsequently improved. Conservative therapy-resistant progressive occipital skull deformity with LD may be a sign of early suture closure, even if CT does not show obvious suture closure. The findings are helpful for early diagnosis and might lead to minimal invasive surgery if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is recognized for its role in modulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in vitro , which may have significant implications for the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. However, evidence in vivo is contrasting. This study explores the impact of APOE genotypes on BBB integrity among 230 participants experiencing cognitive impairment, encompassing cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as various non-AD neurodegenerative conditions. To assess BBB integrity, we utilized cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratios and CSF/serum kappa and lambda free light chains (FLCs) as indirect markers. Our findings show a dose-dependent increase in BBB permeability in individuals carrying the APOE ε4 allele, marked by elevated CSF/serum albumin and FLCs ratios, with this trend being especially pronounced in AD patients. These results highlight the association of APOE ε4 with BBB permeability, providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. • CSF/serum albumin ratio increased in heterozygous and homozygous APOE ε4 carriers. • Kappa and lambda CSF/serum FLCs ratios increased in homozygous APOE ε4 carriers. • APOE ε4 associated with increased BBB permeability in AD and non-AD participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the synthesis of optically pure cyclometalated iridium(III) complex‐peptide hybrids as amphiphilic peptide conjugates (IPH‐ACs) and the effect of the stereochemistry with respect to their Ir(tpy)3 (tpy: 2‐(4′‐tolyl)pyridine) core on their cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Stereochemically pure IPH‐ACs were synthesized from Δ‐ and Λ‐Ir(tpyCO2H)3 by optical resolution via the diastereomeric intermediates that are conjugated with the chiral alcohol, (1R,2R)‐2‐aminocyclohexanol ((R,R)‐11), followed by the hydrolysis of the ester moieties, as we reported very recently, and their spectroscopic spectra are reported. It was found that both optically pure Δ‐ and Λ‐forms of IPH‐ACs induce paraptotic cell death in Jurkat cells and the EC50 values were evaluated by MTT assays. We also performed TEM (transmission electron microscope) analyses of Jurkat cells treated with Λ‐13 to observe morphological changes in paraptosis processes. The intracellular uptake of Λ‐forms of IPH‐ACs in the cells measured by ICP‐MS (inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry) was higher than those of Δ‐forms and the EC50 values of the Λ‐forms were smaller than those of the Δ‐IPH‐ACs. The analysis of these results suggests that the intrinsic cytotoxicity is almost equal for the Δ‐ and Λ‐forms and that the difference in cytotoxicity against Jurkat cells is due to the selectivity in the intracellular uptake of each stereoisomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental goal of ecology is to understand how the physical environment influences intraspecific variability in life history and, consequently, fitness. In streams, discharge and associated habitat conditions change along a continuum from intermittency to permanence: Headwater streams typically have smaller watersheds and are thus more prone to drying than higher‐order streams with larger watersheds and more consistent discharge. However, few empirical studies have assessed life history and associated population responses to this continuum in aquatic organisms. We tested the prediction that individual growth, rate of development, and population growth increase with watershed area in the long‐lived stream salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, where we use watershed area as a proxy for hydrologic intermittence. To address this hypothesis, we used 8 years of mark–recapture data from 53 reaches across 10 headwater streams in New Hampshire, USA. Individual growth rates and mean size at metamorphosis increased with watershed area for watersheds from 0.12 to 1.66 km2. Population growth rates increased with watershed area; however, this result was not statistically significant at our sample size. Mean age of metamorphosis did not vary across watershed areas. Lower individual growth rates and smaller sizes at metamorphosis likely contributed to reduced lifetime fecundity and population growth in reaches with the smallest watershed areas and highest vulnerability to drought. These responses suggest that as droughts increase due to climate change, headwater specialists in hydrologically intermittent environments will experience a reduction in fitness due to smaller body sizes or other growth‐related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Mexico’s dairy farms within its four regions of Tlaxcala Stated. Methods The Envelopment Data Analysis (DEA) applied to the variable returns to a scale model (VRS) for the year 2020. Also, Examine the statistical accuracy of efficiency estimation using bootstrap resampling techniques. The results reveal that Tlaxcala’s dairy farm efficiency, on the other hand, was adversely influenced by three inputs (costs): cost of investment in livestock, the total annual cost for feeding, reproduction, diseases and treatments, preventive medicine, sanitation, milking, fuel, and total labor. Results The efficiency distribution among farms using VRS, CRS, and FDH technologies reveals varying patterns. Under VRS and CRS, the majority of farms exhibit high efficiency within the 0 to less than 0.2 range, while FDH displays a broader distribution, with notable efficiency at 1 and across various ranges. These findings highlight the diverse landscape of efficiency levels across different technological approaches within the agricultural sector, offering valuable insights for optimization strategies and resource allocation. Conclusions The utilization of Bootstrap methodology enhances the reliability of efficiency assessments by providing robust statistical techniques that accommodate non-normal data distributions. By incorporating Bootstrap, decision-makers can obtain more accurate estimates of efficiency levels and confidence intervals, thereby making informed decisions regarding resource allocation and optimization strategies within the agricultural sector. As part of the study, provided The Policy suggestions.

Background This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Mexico’s dairy farms within its four regions of Tlaxcala Stated. Methods The Envelopment Data Analysis (DEA) applied to the variable returns to a scale model (VRS) for the year 2020. Also, Examine the statistical accuracy of efficiency estimation using bootstrap resampling techniques. The results reveal that Tlaxcala’s dairy farm efficiency, on the other hand, was adversely influenced by three inputs (costs): cost of investment in livestock, the total annual cost for feeding, reproduction, diseases and treatments, preventive medicine, sanitation, milking, fuel, and total labor. Results The efficiency distribution among farms using VRS, CRS, and FDH technologies reveals varying patterns. Under VRS and CRS, the majority of farms exhibit high efficiency within the 0 to less than 0.2 range, while FDH displays a broader distribution, with notable efficiency at 1 and across various ranges. These findings highlight the diverse landscape of efficiency levels across different technological approaches within the agricultural sector, offering valuable insights for optimization strategies and resource allocation. Conclusions The utilization of Bootstrap methodology enhances the reliability of efficiency assessments by providing robust statistical techniques that accommodate non-normal data distributions. By incorporating Bootstrap, decision-makers can obtain more accurate estimates of efficiency levels and confidence intervals, thereby making informed decisions regarding resource allocation and optimization strategies within the agricultural sector. As part of the study, provided The Policy suggestions.

BackgroundAppropriate use criteria (AUC) provide patient-centered physician guidance in test selection. An initial set of AUC was reported by the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) in 2018. AUC reflect evidence collected at single timepoints and may be affected by evolving evidence and experience. The objective of this study was to update and expand AUC for selected tests.MethodsRAND/UCLA (RAND Corporation [Santa Monica, CA]/University of California Los Angeles) methodology used includes the following: (a) literature review; (b) review of previously rated tests and previously employed clinical scenarios; (c) selection of previously rated tests for new ratings; (d) development of new clinical scenarios; (e) selection of additional tests; (f) three rating rounds with feedback and group discussion after rounds 1 and 2.ResultsFor 220 clinical scenarios comprising lymphoproliferative (light chain clonality), melanocytic (comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter), vascular disorders (MYC), and inflammatory dermatoses (periodic acid-Schiff, Gömöri methenamine silver), consensus by panel raters was reached in 172 of 220 (78%) scenarios, with 103 of 148 (70%) rated "usually appropriate" or "rarely appropriate" and 45 of 148 (30%), "appropriateness uncertain."LimitationsThe study design only measures appropriateness. Cost, availability, test comparison, and additional clinical considerations are not measured. The possibility that the findings of this study may be influenced by the inherent biases of the dermatopathologists involved in the study cannot be excluded.ConclusionsAUC are reported for selected diagnostic tests in clinical scenarios that occur in dermatopathology practice. Adhering to AUC may reduce inappropriate test utilization and improve healthcare delivery.

Objectives Amyloid light chain (AL)-κ and AL-λ share common histopathologic changes; however, the potential difference in clinical manifestations, histologic findings, and clinical significance between the 2 subtypes remain unclear. Methods In a retrospective study, 94 kidney biopsies for AL amyloidosis were evaluated using the composite scarring injury score (CSIS) and amyloid score (AS). Results were then compared between AL-κ and AL-λ. Results Comparing AS and CSIS between AL-κ and AL-λ, the AS was significantly higher in AL-κ than in AL-λ, with 2 components of AS (capillary wall and vascular amyloid) scoring higher in AL-κ than in AL-λ, while mesangial and interstitial ASs were similar in the 2 cohorts. In addition, the proportion of periodic acid–Schiff strong-staining amyloid in AL-κ was markedly higher than in AL-λ. There was no significant difference in CSIS and its components between the 2 subtypes of AL amyloidosis. Conclusions Overall, AL-κ presents with higher serum creatinine and a higher AS score than AL-λ at biopsy, which may indicate a worse prognosis and be an important reference for clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct way to estimate the likelihood and magnitude of extreme events is frequency analysis. This analysis is based on historical data and assumptions of stationarity, and is carried out with the help of probability distributions and different methods of estimating their parameters. Thus, this article presents all the relations necessary to estimate the parameters with the LH-moments method for the family of distributions defined only by the quantile function, namely, the Wakeby distribution of 4 and 5 parameters, the Lambda distribution of 4 and 5 parameters, and the Davis distribution. The LH-moments method is a method commonly used in flood frequency analysis, and it uses the annual series of maximum flows. The frequency characteristics of the two analyzed methods, which are both involved in expressing the distributions used in the first two linear moments, as well as in determining the confidence interval, are presented. The performances of the analyzed distributions and the two presented methods are verified in the following maximum flows, with the Bahna river used as a case study. The results are presented in comparison with the L-moments method. Following the results obtained, the Wakeby and Lambda distributions have the best performances, and the LH-skewness and LH-kurtosis statistical indicators best model the indicators' values of the sample (0.5769, 0.3781, 0.548 and 0.3451). Similar to the L-moments method, this represents the main selection criterion of the best fit distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Determination of free light chains is used increasingly for patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. The aim of the present study was to define reference intervals for free kappa and lambda chains and kappa/lambda ratio in lithium heparin plasma and compare the test results with cystatin C based estimated glomerular filtration rate. Methods: Free kappa and lambda chains were measured in Li-heparin plasma from 222 healthy blood donors using free light chain reagents and a BNII nephelometer from Siemens Diagnostics. Results: Calculated reference intervals for kappa chain, free was 4.73 mg/L (90% confidence interval 4.00 - 5.45) - 22.66 mg/L (20.33 - 24.98), for lambda chain, free was 4.33 mg/L (3.70 - 4.95) - 29.28 mg/L (26.96 - 31.59), and for Kappa/Lambda Chain ratio 0.59 (0.56 - 0.62) - 1.46 (1.37 - 1.56). There was no need for gender or age specific reference intervals. Cystatin C based estimated glomerular filtration rate had a significant effect on the levels of free light chains. Conclusions: The study presents reference intervals for plasma free light chains and compared results of estimated glomerular filtration rate with free light chains of kappa and lambda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The types of Wormian bones may play a role in population affinity and differential diagnosis of several clinical syndromes. This study investigates the distribution of types in adult skulls, their correlation to sex, population affinity, and several impairments based on the literature. One hundred ten adult Turkish skulls, 80 (72.7%) males and 30 (27.2%) females, were investigated according to type, frequency, location, and sex. Horizontal and vertical diameters and distances from the mastoid process (MP) were measured with a digital caliper. SPSS 25 was used for all statistical analyses. Results A total of 58 (52.72%) Wormian bones were identified from 110 skulls, 38 (65.5%) males and 20 (34.5%) females. The types of Wormian bones revealed significant differences between being on the right, left, or center (p = 0.012). The most frequent type was type 6 (n = 14, 24.1%) in males and type 7 (n = 8, 13.8%) in females. The most frequent type was type 7 in the lambdoid suture and type 8 in the parietomastoid suture. Conclusions The present study revealed significant differences regarding the asymmetric distribution of Wormian bones and unilateral asymmetrical types in Turkish skulls. Several factors could contribute to this, including underlying clinical syndrome, deficiencies in embryological development, and population affinity.

Background: This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Mexico’s dairy farms within its four regions of Tlaxcala Stated. Methods: The Envelope Data Analysis (DEA) applied to the variable returns to a scale model (VRS) for the year 2020. Also, the results reveal that Tlaxcala’s dairy farm efficiency, on the other hand, was adversely influenced by three inputs (costs): cost of investment in livestock, the total annual cost for feeding, reproduction, diseases and treatments, preventive medicine, sanitation, milking, fuel, and total labor. Results: The main findings are as follows, first, the mean efficiency for CRS, VRS, and efficiency scale was poor, below 50%. Second, 11 dairy farms were found that acted as relative pairs or reference points in the efficiency frontier. Third, excesses (slack) are estimated by identifying the farms that needed to reduce their costs to maintain the optimal level of milk production. Fourth, it observed that there were farms with very high slack; therefore, in the cost reduction projections they exceeded 50% of the original costs. Conclusions: Finally, It concluded that based on the DEA estimates of the efficiencies indicators, discovered that the mean efficiencies of the constant and variable returns to scale, and efficiencies scale is relatively poor but significant in this production process. As part of the study, provided The Policy suggestions.

Introduction: The asterion is a meeting point formed by the union of the lambdoid, parieto-mastoid and occipito-mastoid sutures. It is the most common landmark in surgery due to its close relation to the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. Population-specific differences were noted when determining the position of the asterion using external bony landmarks. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the anatomical position of the asterion in relation to external bony landmarks, and to determine the morphology of the asterion within the South African sample of KwaZulu-Natal. Materials and methods: Thirty-six dry adult skulls were obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy, University of KwaZulu-Natal. The morphology of the asterion was classified according to Morales Avalos et al. (2011). While, the morphometry regarding the position of the asterion were measured in accordance with Akkaşoğlu et al. (2019) methodology. Results: Type I asterion was observed in 18 (25.0%) of the cases and Type II presented in the majority of the cases with a prevalence of 75.0%. The distances from the asterion to the respective external bony landmarks were found to have no differences with regard to laterality (p > 0.05). The South African sample of KwaZulu-Natal was found to have majority of Type II present. The measurements from the asterion to the external bony landmarks were found to be very similar to an African based population. Conclusion: This study may enhance the existing body of knowledge regarding the morphology and morphometry of the asterion, which may lead to improved outcomes when analysing radiographs and for neuro-surgery.

The second wave of COVID-19 occurred in South America in early 2021 and was mainly driven by Gamma and Lambda variants. In this study, we aimed to describe the emergence and local genomic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Argentina, from its initial entry into the country until its detection ceased. Molecular surveillance was conducted on 9356 samples from Argentina between October 2020 and April 2022, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. Our findings revealed that the Lambda variant was first detected in Argentina in January 2021 and steadily increased in frequency until it peaked in April 2021, with continued detection throughout the year. Phylodynamic analyses showed that at least 18 introductions of the Lambda variant into the country occurred, with nine of them having evidence of onward local transmission. The spatial–-temporal reconstruction showed that Argentine clades were associated with Lambda sequences from Latin America and suggested an initial diversification in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires before spreading to other regions in Argentina. Genetic analyses of genome sequences allowed us to describe the mutational patterns of the Argentine Lambda sequences and detect the emergence of rare mutations in an immunocompromised patient. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying the introduction and geographical distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, as well as in monitoring the emergence of mutations that could be involved in the evolutionary leaps that characterize variants of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of serum kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) free light chains (FLCs) in patients with bladder cancer (BC). One hundred samples were collected and analysed from healthy volunteers (C) and bladder cancer patients. Cancer patients were divided into two subgroups: low-grade (LG) and high-grade cancer (HG). Concentrations of FLCs, CEA, CA19-9, creatinine and urea were measured per manufacturers' guidelines. The concentrations of κ and λ FLCs and CEA were significantly higher in BC patients in comparison to the control group. Moreover, the concentrations of κ and λ FLCs and CEA were significantly higher in both low-grade as well as high-grade cancer in comparison to the controls. The levels of κ and λ FLCs differed between tumour grades, with patients presenting higher concentrations in high-grade compared to low-grade cancer. In the total study group, κFLC correlated with λFLC, the κ:λ ratio, CRP, CEA, CA19-9, creatinine and urea. There was also a correlation between λFLC and κFLC, CRP, CEA, creatinine and urea. The λFLC showed a higher ability (sensitivity and PPV) to detect bladder cancer in comparison to κFLC and CEA. In addition, λFLC had a higher ability to exclude BC (specificity and NPV) than κFLC and CEA. λFLC also showed the highest accuracy in the detection of bladder cancer. In conclusion, the revealed differences in the concentrations of both κ and λ FLCs suggest their potential participation in bladder cancer development. Increased concentrations of free light chains in bladder cancer patients and the association with the tumour grade suggest that κ and λ FLC measurements may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer. This is the first research that evaluates the concentration of FLCs in bladder cancer, so further studies are necessary to confirm their usefulness as tumour markers of this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 10‐year‐old, entire male, English Springer Spaniel was referred for evaluation of weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia and gastrointestinal tract signs including melena/haematochezia for the previous six months. Results of serum protein electrophoresis, urine analysis, computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen, bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy, and splenic and mesenteric lymph node cytology were consistent with multiple myeloma. Endoscopically obtained gastrointestinal tract biopsies identified marked plasma cell infiltration within the duodenum, ileum and colon; immunohistochemistry showed positive labelling to MUM1 and Lambda confirming clonal plasma cell involvement. The dog entered complete clinical remission seven weeks after starting a melphalan/prednisolone protocol. The dog was euthanised 475 days after starting treatment due to cervical pain and collapse. At the time of euthanasia, blood work was not supportive of a relapse of multiple myeloma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal tract in a dog.

Background: The types of Wormian bones may play a role in population affinity and differential diagnosis of several clinical syndromes. This study investigates the distribution of types in adult skulls, their correlation to sex, population affinity, and several impairments based on the literature. One hundred ten adult Turkish skulls, 80 (72.7%) males and 30 (27.2%) females, were investigated according to type, frequency, location, and sex. Horizontal and vertical diameters and distances from the mastoid process (MP) were measured with a digital caliper. SPSS 25 was used for all statistical analyses. Results: A total of 58 (52.72%) Wormian bones were identified from 110 skulls, 38 (65.5%) males and 20 (34.5%) females. The types of Wormian bones revealed significant differences between being on the right, left, or center (p = 0.012). The most frequent type was type 6 (n = 14, 24.1%) in males and type 7 (n = 8, 13.8%) in females. The most frequent type was type 7 in the lambdoid suture and type 8 in the parietomastoid suture. Conclusions: The present study revealed significant differences regarding the asymmetric distribution of Wormian bones and unilateral asymmetrical types in Turkish skulls. Several factors could contribute to this, including underlying clinical syndrome, deficiencies in embryological development, and population affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of extreme phenomena in hydrology generally involves frequency analysis and a time series analysis. In this article we provide enough mathematics to enable hydrology researchers to apply a wide range of probability distributions in frequency analyses of hydrological drought. The article presents a hydrological drought frequency analysis methodology for the determination of minimum annual flows, annual drought durations and annual deficit volumes for exceedance probabilities common in water management. Eight statistical distributions from different families and with different numbers of parameters are used for the frequency analysis. The method of ordinary moments and the method of linear moments are used to estimate the parameters of the distributions. All the mathematical characteristics necessary for the application of the eight analyzed distributions, for the method of ordinary moments and the method of linear moments, are presented. The performance of the analyzed distributions is evaluated using relative mean error and relative absolute error. For the frequency analysis of the annual minimum flows, only distributions that have a lower bound close to the annual minimum value should be used, a defining characteristic having the asymptotic distributions at this value. A case study of hydrological drought frequency analysis is presented for the Prigor River. We believe that the use of software without the knowledge of the mathematics behind it is not beneficial for researchers in the field of technical hydrology; thus, the dissemination of mathematical methods and models is necessary. All the research was conducted within the Faculty of Hydrotechnics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Data obtained from different FLC methods used in quality assurance were compared. • Kappa (κ) FLC measurements deviated significantly over time. • No clear association between instruments/reagents and lambda (λ) FLC measurements. • Imprecision in λFLC affects κFLC/λFLC ratio, importance for clinical assessments. Free light chain (FLC) measurements are important in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathies. As FLC are heterogeneous, different reagents and instruments for measuring FLC concentrations may give diverging results that affect assessment of patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Here we investigated agreement between different FLC methods using data from the Swedish external quality assurance (EQA) programme. The two main FLC assays, N Latex FLC (Siemens) and Serum Freelite (The Binding Site), using four nephelometric or turbidimetric instrument platforms, were compared. Results from 27 EQA rounds distributed to 11–16 Swedish hospital laboratories during 2015–2020 were investigated. The kappa (κ) FLC measurements deviated significantly over time, but when only nephelometry was used, deviation from the mean was lower (median ranges: −5% to 13 %). The CV was significantly higher for the Freelite assay (mean CV = 8.7) than for the N latex assay (mean CV = 5.7) (p < 0.0001). The coefficient of determination between all combinations of reagents and instrument platforms used was generally good (r2 = 0.76–0.87), and the correlation slope acceptable (0.81–1.2). For lambda (λ) FLC measurements, no concordance between combinations of instruments and reagents is apparent, deviating between −40 % to + 48 % from the mean. The CV was significantly higher for the combination with nephelometry and the Freelite assay (CV mean = 13.9 %) than nephelometry and the N latex assay (CV mean = 9.9 %) (p <0.001). The coefficient of determination varied between combinations of reagents and instrument platforms (r2 = 0.59–0.89) and the slope ranged between 0.48 and 1.5. Significant differences between the two reagents used were sometimes noted. Imprecision in λFLC affects the κFLC/λFLC ratio. This may be important in clinical assessment of patients, especially differentiating between monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10‐year‐old, entire male, English Springer Spaniel was referred for evaluation of weight loss, polyuria, polydipsia and gastrointestinal tract signs including melena/haematochezia for the previous six months. Results of serum protein electrophoresis, urine analysis, computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen, bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy, and splenic and mesenteric lymph node cytology were consistent with multiple myeloma. Endoscopically obtained gastrointestinal tract biopsies identified marked plasma cell infiltration within the duodenum, ileum and colon; immunohistochemistry showed positive labelling to MUM1 and Lambda confirming clonal plasma cell involvement. The dog entered complete clinical remission seven weeks after starting a melphalan/prednisolone protocol. The dog was euthanised 475 days after starting treatment due to cervical pain and collapse. At the time of euthanasia, blood work was not supportive of a relapse of multiple myeloma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal tract in a dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to assess the synthesis of kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) free light chains (FLCs) in the serum of patients with COVID-19. All the 120 serum samples were collected from patients with COVID-19 and from healthy controls (vaccinated and non-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2). FLCs, IgG total, IgG4, IgG anti-Nucleocapsid (N), anti-spike S1 receptor binding domain (S-RBD) antibodies and IL-6 were measured according to the manufacturers' instructions. The concentrations of anti-N IgG, IgG total, IgG4 and IL-6 were elevated in the COVID-19 group in comparison to the vaccinated and non-vaccinated controls. The levels of anti-S-RBD IgG and κFLC were increased in COVID-19 and healthy vaccinated patients when compared to non-vaccinated controls. λFLC concentration was higher in the COVID-19 group than in the non-vaccinated group. The κ:λ ratio was lower in both COVID-19 and non-vaccinated groups in comparison to vaccinated controls. κFLC correlated with all tested parameters (anti-S-RBD IgG, anti-N IgG, λFLC, κ:λ ratio, IgG total, IgG4 and IL-6) except CRP, whereas λFLC correlated with all examined parameters except IgG4. Elevated levels of FLCs in COVID-19 and healthy vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 patients, as well as the correlation between free light chains with specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and IL-6, reflect hyperactivation of the immune system after contact with coronavirus. Furthermore, it seems that serum levels of FLCs might be used as predictive markers of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that free light chains are involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, understanding the exact mechanism requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the incidence, number, diameter, and relative location of the parietal foramen (PF) as well as communication of intracranial and extracranial orifices and their direction, and sagittal suture morphology and length. Materials and methods: A total of 280 dry Chinese adult skull specimens from the Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, were observed and measured. The occurrence rate and quantity of the PF near the sagittal suture were recorded. The aperture of the PF, the vertical distance between PF and sagittal suture, and the linear distance between PF and lambda were measured using a Vernier calliper. The length of the sagittal suture was measured by a flexible ruler; the direction and communication of intracranial and extracranial orifices were detected using a probe. Results: The total incidence of the PF was 82.86%, slightly higher on the right side than on the left side. The single-foramen type was the most prevalent. The mean diameter of the PF on the left and right sides were 1.02 ± 0.72 mm and 1.07 ± 0.67 mm, respectively, and the diameter of the PF on the sagittal suture was 1.77 ± 0.44 mm. The mean vertical distance between the PF and the sagittal suture was 5.90 ± 2.78 mm and 5.85 ± 2.75 mm on the left and right sides, respectively. The shape of the sagittal suture in the PF area was primarily dentate shaped, with an average arc length of χ = 124.36 ± 7.76 mm, of which the majority were completely healed type. The intracranial and extracranial communication was 39.97%, and the majority of the PF were anteromedial direction. Conclusions: The current study provided an anatomical basis for imaging diagnosis and neurosurgery by investigating the incidence, diameter, and relative location of the PF and intracranial and extracranial communication and direction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and global genomic surveillance strategies allowed the detection of many variants of concern and interest. The variant of interest Lambda (C.37), which originated in South America, has been the most prevalent in Peru and Chile, but its dispersion in other continents still remains unknown. The current study aims to determine the phylogenetic relationship among C.37 isolates worldwide, focusing on spike mutations to understand the spread of Lambda in pandemics. A total of 7441 sequences identified as C.37 were downloaded from the GISAID database; local analysis was carried out to identify spike mutations and phylogenetic analysis was carried out to determine the rate of spread of the virus. Our results showed some spike mutations of Lambda that allowed us to detect small local outbreaks in different countries that occurred in the past and identify several clades that have not yet been designated. Although the lineage C.37 is not epidemiologically relevant in Europe or North America, the endemic behavior of this variant in Peru had a major impact on the second SARS‐CoV‐2 wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developmental choice made by temperate phages, between cell death (lysis) and viral dormancy (lysogeny), is influenced by the relative abundance of viruses and hosts in the environment. The paradigm for this abundance-driven decision is phage lambda of E. coli , whose propensity to lysogenize increases with the number of viruses coinfecting the same bacterium. It is believed that lambda uses this number to infer whether phages or bacteria outnumber each other. However, this interpretation is premised on an accurate mapping between the extracellular phage-to-bacteria ratio and the intracellular multiplicity of infection (MOI). Here, we show this premise to be faulty. By simultaneously labeling phage capsids and genomes, we find that, while the number of phages landing on each cell reliably samples the population ratio, the number of phages entering the cell does not. Single-cell infections, performed in a microfluidic device and interpreted using a stochastic model, reveal that the probability and rate of phage entry decrease with the number of adsorbed phages. This decrease reflects an MOI-dependent perturbation to host physiology caused by phage attachment, as evidenced by compromised membrane integrity and loss of membrane potential. The dependence of entry dynamics on the surrounding medium results in a strong impact on the infection outcome, while the protracted entry of coinfecting phages increases the heterogeneity in infection outcome at a given MOI. Our findings in lambda, and similar results we obtained for phages T5 and P1, demonstrate the previously unappreciated role played by entry dynamics in determining the outcome of bacteriophage infection. [Display omitted] • Adsorption and genome entry of individual phages were followed in real time • The efficiency of phage entry decreases at higher multiplicity of infection (MOI) • Phage entry is impeded at high MOI by adsorption-induced perturbation to the cell • MOI-dependent phage entry impacts the choice between lysis and lysogeny Nguyen et al. find that when multiple lambda phages infect the same E. coli cell, they slow or even prevent each other from entering the cell. Similar behavior is observed in other phages. The impeded entry at high multiplicities, caused by phage-induced perturbation to the host cell, impacts the choice between viral reproduction and dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct way to estimate the likelihood and magnitude of extreme events is frequency analysis. This analysis is based on historical data and assumptions of stationarity, and is carried out with the help of probability distributions and different methods of estimating their parameters. Thus, this article presents all the relations necessary to estimate the parameters with the LH-moments method for the family of distributions defined only by the quantile function, namely, the Wakeby distribution of 4 and 5 parameters, the Lambda distribution of 4 and 5 parameters, and the Davis distribution. The LH-moments method is a method commonly used in flood frequency analysis, and it uses the annual series of maximum flows. The frequency characteristics of the two analyzed methods, which are both involved in expressing the distributions used in the first two linear moments, as well as in determining the confidence interval, are presented. The performances of the analyzed distributions and the two presented methods are verified in the following maximum flows, with the Bahna river used as a case study. The results are presented in comparison with the L-moments method. Following the results obtained, the Wakeby and Lambda distributions have the best performances, and the LH-skewness and LH-kurtosis statistical indicators best model the indicators’ values of the sample (0.5769, 0.3781, 0.548 and 0.3451). Similar to the L-moments method, this represents the main selection criterion of the best fit distribution.

Precise point positioning with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) is a powerful tool for geodetic and time-constrained applications that require high precision. The performance of PPP-AR highly depends on the reliability of the correct integer carrier-phase ambiguity estimation. In this study, the performance of narrow-lane ambiguity resolution of PPP using the Least-squares AMBiguity Decorrelation (LAMBDA) and bootstrapping methods is extensively investigated using real data from 55 IGS stations over one-month in 2020. Static PPP with 24-, 12-, 8-, 4-, 2-, 1- and ½-h sessions using two different cutoff angles (7° and 30°) was conducted with three PPP modes: i.e. ambiguity-float and two kinds of ambiguity-fixed PPP using the LAMBDA and bootstrapping methods for narrow-lane AR, respectively. The results show that the LAMBDA method can produce more reliable results for 2 hour and shorter observation sessions compared with the bootstrapping method using a 7° cutoff angle. For a 30° cutoff angle, the LAMBDA method outperforms the bootstrapping method for observation sessions of 4 h and less. For long observation times, the bootstrapping method produced much more accurate coordinates compared with the LAMBDA method without considering the wrong fixes cases. The results also show that occurrences of fixing the wrong integer ambiguities using the bootstrapping method are higher than that of the LAMBDA method.

Genomes of the obligate intracellular alpha proteobacterium Wolbachia pipientis often encode prophage-like regions, and in a few cases, purified particles have been recovered. Because the structure of a conserved WO phage genome has been difficult to establish, we examined paired terminase and portal genes in Wolbachia phages and prophages, relative to those encoded by the gene transfer agent RcGTA from the free-living alpha proteobacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. Terminase and portal proteins from Wolbachia have higher similarity to orthologs encoded by RcGTA than to orthologs encoded by bacteriophage lambda. In lambdoid phages, these proteins play key roles in assembly of mature phage particles, while in less well-studied gene transfer agents, terminase and portal proteins package random fragments of bacterial DNA, which could confound elucidation of WO phage genomes. In WO phages and prophages, terminase genes followed by a short gpW gene may be separated from the downstream portal gene by open-reading frames encoding a GH_25 hydrolase/muramidase, a PD-(D/E)XK nuclease, a hypothetical protein and/or a RelE/ParE toxin-antitoxin module. These aspects of gene organization, coupled with evidence for a low, non-inducible yield of WO phages, and the small size of WO phage particles described in the literature raise the possibility that Wolbachia prophage regions participate in processes that extend beyond conventional bacteriophage lysogeny and lytic replication. These intervening genes, and their possible relation to functions associated with GTAs, may contribute to variability among WO phage genomes recovered from physical particles and impact the ability of WO phages to act as transducing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent days, health problems are becoming more prevalent because of changes in lifestyles and inherited factors. Heart disease (HD), in particular, has become increasingly widespread in recent years, putting people's lives in jeopardy. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and pulse rate are all varied for each person. Normal blood pressure should be 120/90, cholesterol should be 100–129 mg/dL, pulse rate should be 72, fasting blood sugar level should be 100 mg/dL, heart rate should be 60–100 bpm, and ECG should be normal, according to medically established data. The aorta is 25 mm (1 inch) wide, whereas capillaries are only 8 μ m wide, which signifies HD. This paper is based on a public health dataset that also contains a cardiac dataset. In our previous work, a new conventional neural network (CNN) architecture was used to extract and categorize histopathological images using the K -means consensus clustering. We achieved good results with the cardiac dataset compared to the existing results. The outcome of the proposed work achieves a precision rate of 97%. In this paper, a novel conventional neural network (CNN) architecture was utilized to identify and characterize histopathology pictures with the help of using the consensus K -nearest neighbor algorithm (CKNN). The usage of a deep neural network, as well as the selection and recovery of functionality, is an essential step until the dataset is classified. As a result, the training process has pre-formed the dataset. The system evaluates the person's symptoms as input and provides the disease's possibility as an output. The suggested approach is linked to temporal data modeling and makes use of a prior HD CNN prediction. In comparison to previous outcomes, we had good outcomes with the current cardiac dataset. The proposed model's conclusion has brought out accuracy of 99.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to find parameters that can be used for classification of not very long texts, for example, by author, genre, etc. We go through various known parameters and analyze to what extent they are useful for the intended purposes. We also suggest some improvements that need to be checked further. We calculate the values of parameters at various points of text comprising N tokens (running words) counted from the beginning of text. As parameters with prospects of author and/or language attribution we identify, in particular, the h-point scaling coefficient, Yule's K, relative repeat rate, and the fraction of dis legomena. These parameters demonstrate quite stable behavior in N. Another set includes scaling exponents of parameters with respect to N. Certain modifications are suggested for Lambda and entropy introducing logarithmic corrections being powers of ln N. The results are applicable for texts of thousands to tens of thousand words. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the struggle for survival, populations occasionally evolve new functions that give them access to untapped ecological opportunities. Theory suggests that coevolution between species can promote the evolution of such innovations by deforming fitness landscapes in ways that open new adaptive pathways. We directly tested this idea by using high-throughput gene editing-phenotyping technology (MAGE-Seq) to measure the fitness landscape of a virus, bacteriophage λ, as it coevolved with its host, the bacterium Escherichia coli. An analysis of the empirical fitness landscape revealed mutation-by-mutation-by-host-genotype interactions that demonstrate coevolution modified the contours of λ’s landscape. Computer simulations of λ’s evolution on a static versus shifting fitness landscape showed that the changes in contours increased λ’s chances of evolving the ability to use a new host receptor. By coupling sequencing and pairwise competition experiments, we demonstrated that the first mutation λ evolved en route to the innovation would only evolve in the presence of the ancestral host, whereas later steps in λ’s evolution required the shift to a resistant host. When time-shift replays of the coevolution experiment were run where host evolution was artificially accelerated, λ did not innovate to use the new receptor. This study provides direct evidence for the role of coevolution in driving evolutionary novelty and provides a quantitative framework for predicting evolution in coevolving ecological communities.

The second wave of COVID-19 occurred in South America in early 2021 and was mainly driven by Gamma and Lambda variants. In this study, we aimed to describe the emergence and local genomic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Argentina, from its initial entry into the country until its detection ceased. Molecular surveillance was conducted on 9356 samples from Argentina between October 2020 and April 2022, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. Our findings revealed that the Lambda variant was first detected in Argentina in January 2021 and steadily increased in frequency until it peaked in April 2021, with continued detection throughout the year. Phylodynamic analyses showed that at least 18 introductions of the Lambda variant into the country occurred, with nine of them having evidence of onward local transmission. The spatial–-temporal reconstruction showed that Argentine clades were associated with Lambda sequences from Latin America and suggested an initial diversification in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires before spreading to other regions in Argentina. Genetic analyses of genome sequences allowed us to describe the mutational patterns of the Argentine Lambda sequences and detect the emergence of rare mutations in an immunocompromised patient. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying the introduction and geographical distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, as well as in monitoring the emergence of mutations that could be involved in the evolutionary leaps that characterize variants of concern.

This research aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of serum kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) free light chains (FLCs) in patients with bladder cancer (BC). One hundred samples were collected and analysed from healthy volunteers (C) and bladder cancer patients. Cancer patients were divided into two subgroups: low-grade (LG) and high-grade cancer (HG). Concentrations of FLCs, CEA, CA19-9, creatinine and urea were measured per manufacturers’ guidelines. The concentrations of κ and λ FLCs and CEA were significantly higher in BC patients in comparison to the control group. Moreover, the concentrations of κ and λ FLCs and CEA were significantly higher in both low-grade as well as high-grade cancer in comparison to the controls. The levels of κ and λ FLCs differed between tumour grades, with patients presenting higher concentrations in high-grade compared to low-grade cancer. In the total study group, κFLC correlated with λFLC, the κ:λ ratio, CRP, CEA, CA19-9, creatinine and urea. There was also a correlation between λFLC and κFLC, CRP, CEA, creatinine and urea. The λFLC showed a higher ability (sensitivity and PPV) to detect bladder cancer in comparison to κFLC and CEA. In addition, λFLC had a higher ability to exclude BC (specificity and NPV) than κFLC and CEA. λFLC also showed the highest accuracy in the detection of bladder cancer. In conclusion, the revealed differences in the concentrations of both κ and λ FLCs suggest their potential participation in bladder cancer development. Increased concentrations of free light chains in bladder cancer patients and the association with the tumour grade suggest that κ and λ FLC measurements may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer. This is the first research that evaluates the concentration of FLCs in bladder cancer, so further studies are necessary to confirm their usefulness as tumour markers of this malignancy.

Background: The "Raindrop skull" appearance represents the multiple punched-out and lytic lesions hitting a surface and creating a scattered splash pattern. Case Description: A 73-year-old female presented with multiple painless lumps over the forehead and head. The patient reported unintentional weight loss, fatigability, loss of appetite, fever, night sweats, and back pain for seven months (B symptoms). The examination revealed multiple, nonmobile, calvarial lesions with defined borders, measuring approximately 1 × 1 cm. Laboratory investigations of serum-free light chains showed a free kappa level of 12.91 mg/L, a lambda level of 4549.28 mg/L, and a free kappa/lambda ratio of 0.00. Radiological imaging of the skull and brain showed a "raindrop skull" appearance and multiple calvarial osteolytic lesions. The patient underwent a right superior iliac crest bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy. The laboratory and histopathological sections were compatible with multiple myeloma. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma (free light chain lambda) was rendered. Conclusion: Calvarial multiple myeloma is rare and requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose. "Raindrop skull" appearance is pathognomonic of calvarial multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The treatment challenges of condylar fractures necessitated the production of several plate designs. Among the relatively new plate designs is the lambda plate, for which biomechanical and clinical data are lacking. The purpose of this study is to examine the rigidity of fixation achieved when the lambda plate is applied to different fractures of the condylar neck and base.Methods: Five fractures of the condylar area were designed on a virtual model of a healthy mandible obtained from a CT scan. The fractures were reduced using the lambda plate. For the same fractures, alternative placements of the plate were simulated. The generated models were analysed using the finite element analysis for a 500 N bite load. The displacement of the two condylar fragments along the fracture line was calculated as an indicator of the rigidity of the fixation.Results: The displacement along the fracture was less than 0.144 mm for the neck fractures and greater than 0.165 mm for the fractures of the condylar base. A more cranial placement of the plate for the neck fractures further reduced the displacement, while a more anterior placement of the plate for the base fractures resulted in displacements greater than 0.330 mm.Conclusion: According to our study, the lambda plate offers better rigidity when applied as cranially as possible for condylar neck fractures. The lambda plate did not provide adequate fixation for base fractures. A second plate at the sigmoid notch should be considered to achieve better stabilization along the fracture if the lambda plate is eventually used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI), which is a low temperature combustion mode based on the principle of working with dual fuel, has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years due to its advantages such as high thermal efficiency, low NOx and soot emissions, and controllability of combustion. In this study, the effects of injection timing and lambda on RCCI combustion mode were investigated numerically by validating the experimental data with Converge CFD software. A four-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline direct-injection engine with a compression ratio of 9.2 was used in RCCI combustion mode at an engine speed of 1000 rpm. The maximum cylinder pressure also increased and RCCI combustion was advanced while the injection timing was advanced. The highest peak pressure was obtained at SOI=-50°CA aTDC, and the lowest peak pressure was obtained at SOI=-25°CA aTDC. Similarly, the highest peak HRR value was acquired as 213 J/°CA at SOI=-50°CA aTDC. It has been observed that as the lambda decreases, the maximum cylinder pressure increases, and combustion advances. In addition, the heat release rises with a decrease in lambda value. The maximum heat release rate was acquired as 77.91 J/°CA at λ=1.2. The results show that injection timing and lambda have a great influence on RCCI combustion mode and the combustion phase can be controlled with these parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: With posterior interhemispheric approach (PIA) it is possible to reach the cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, splenium of the corpus callosum, thalamus and some other parasplenial neural and vascular structures. To expose this surgical corridor wide enough it is crucial to make a smart bone opening. In this study, usefulness of 3D reconstructions of the preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI) prepared with a novel technique to reveal parietal bridging-vein and its anatomical relation with lambda is evaluated. METHODS: Between December 2011 and May 2013, for all virgin cases that were planned to be operated via PIA, 3D reconstructions of the preoperative MRI were prepared and compared with the surgical view. These 3D images were used to plan the craniotomy site. All cases were evaluated in means of adequate craniotomy size and complication of bridging vein injury. RESULTS: In the given period 24 virgin cases which were operated via PIA were included in the study. In all cases, the 3D-images were reflective of the surgical view after durotomy. Anatomical relations between lambda, parietooccipital notch and parietal bridging veins were shown and used for preoperative planning for craniotomy-site. Only in one case there were the need to extend the craniotomy caudally. There were no bridging vein injury. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The novel technique described in this study is useful for preoperative planning of craniotomy site in cases to be operated via PIA. This technique also facilitates the protection of bridging veins during craniotomy and durotomy by revealing its location prior to opening.

In this study, the effects of lambda and premixed ratio (PR) parameters on the response parameters of an engine operating in LTC (low temperature combusiton) mode is investigated and optimized using a hybrid method. RSM (response surface method), which is a combination of experimental and statistical method, is used as hybrid method. Depending on the variable parameters of lambda and PR, an experimental set was created with CCD (central composite design) and experiments were performed. The effects of the variable parameters on the response parameters were investigated and evaluated in detail on the generated counter graphs, optimization of the variable parameters was carried out. As lambda increased, a decrease in engine torque and thermal efficiency values, and improvements in CO 2 and NO x emissions were observed. As PR increased, thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption values worsened. The optimum premixed ratio was determined as 33.619 % and lambda value as 2.576. At these conditions, the values of response parameter were obtained as torque 12.115 Nm, BSFC 346.764 g/kWh, ITE 21.447 %, CA10 3.503, CA50 8.005, CO 0.169 %, HC 191.467 ppm, CO 2 5.301 %, NO x 404.564 ppm and soot 12.687 %. The optimization desirability value was determined as 0.665 and strengthened the goodness of the optimization. • Optimization of mixture fuel concentration and lambda with RSM. • As Lambda increases, engine torque increases, BSFC decreases, while ITE increases. • Performance, efficiency and emission parameters improve with decreasing isopropanol ratio. • The optimum isopropanol premixed ratio was determined as 33.619 % and lambda ratio as 2.576. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the actual AFR of the vehicular emission from the tailpipe data of motorcycles with petrol engine in Southwest Nigeria. It also presents the ratio between the actual air-fuel ratio (AFRactual) and the ideal/stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (AFRideal) known as the equivalence air-fuel ratio or lambda (λ). This was compared with the expected value for lambda by the catalytic technology for exhaust gases emission, which is 1 (± 5%). In this study, over 95% of the sampled motorcycles have higher lambda values than expected, thereby emitting very high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The Portable, Hand-Held, battery-operated Kane automotive 4-gas analyser with detector tube (Model Auto 4-1) was used to measure the automobile emissions. The air-fuel ratio is a significant indicator and very important measure for gasoline engine performance controlling and tuning, and anti vehicles exhaust emissions pollution reasons [1]. Internal combustion (IC) gasoline fuelled engines exhaust gases emission depend heavily and mainly on the air-fuel ratio. For a gasoline fuelled engine, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) exhaust gases emission are significantly influenced by air-fuel ratio. CO and HC are majorly generated or produced with rich air–fuel mixture, while NOx with lean air-fuel mixtures which mean that there is no fixed air-fuel mixture for which it can obtain the minimum for all exhaust gases emission [2]. This study can help in reducing fuel consumption, improving the quality of fuel combustion and reducing vehicle exhaust emissions in Nigeria.

The increasing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns regarding possible decreases in vaccine effectiveness. Here, neutralizing antibody titers elicited by mRNA-based and adenoviral vector-based vaccines against variant pseudotyped viruses were measured. BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273-elicited antibodies showed modest neutralization resistance against Beta, Delta, Delta plus and Lambda variants whereas Ad26.COV2.S-elicited antibodies from a significant fraction of vaccinated individuals had less neutralizing titer (IC50 <50). The data underscore the importance of surveillance for breakthrough infections that result in severe COVID-19 and suggest a potential benefit by second immunization following Ad26.COV2.S to increase protection from current and future variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]