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OBJECTIVE: To describe the multimodal imaging features, including en face optical coherence tomography (OCT), of Biettis crystalline dystrophy (BCD). METHODS: Wide field fundus photography, autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and cross sectional and en face OCT were performed in a case of BCD. The level of the crystals in the retina were analyzed. RESULTS: A 42-year-old patient was referred for retinal evaluation with nyctalopia, photophobia and metamorphopsia. Retinal examination and wide field color fundus photography were remarkable for bilateral crystalline deposits in the posterior pole and midperipheral retina. Wide field FAF showed extensive nummular atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the macula and periphery. Spectral-domain (SD) OCT illustrated bilateral chorioretinal atrophy in the macula. En face SD OCT captured the hyperreflective crystals in various retinal layers, depending on the selected segmentation. The patient was diagnosed with BCD and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis (CYP4V positive for two variants). CONCLUSION: In this case report, we describe the multimodal imaging features of Biettis Crystalline Dystrophy. Wide field FAF illustrated diffuse nummular RPE atrophy in the posterior pole and periphery and en face OCT captured the hyperreflective crystals in different layers of the retina.

In order to lessen carbon emissions, preserve natural resources, and enhance the planet’s sustainability for future generations, environmentally friendly and sustainable composites offer a promising solution that combines technological innovation and environmental responsibility. Therefore, the current study focused on the development of walnut shell (WS) powder as a natural reinforcing additive for polypropylene (PP) composites as sustainable materials for potential automotive applications. Different particle sizes (150, 212, and 300) μm and particle content (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) of WS-reinforced PP composites were investigated. This investigation involved two strategies: The first strategy was to determine the best WS size and loading in the PP matrix. The second strategy involved the development of additives by applying dual treatment methods on the WS: alkaline and microwave as chemical and physical treatment at the same time. Under fixation microwave conditions, different NaOH concentrations of 3, 5, and 7% were applied. The extrusion and hot compression processes at fixed operating conditions were used to combine all dosages of WS/PP composites. The mechanical properties of tensile, flexural, and impact for all the composite dosages for the strategies were studied according to ASTM standards D638, D790, and D256, respectively. To confirm the mechanical properties, the influence of treatment techniques on the WS powder and WS/PP composites was also investigated using physicochemical characterization Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the best WS/PP composite was compared with the real automotive part (automobile steering airbag cover [ASAC]) to confirm the mechanical properties of the new WS/PP composites. The results showed that the first strategy obtained a 212 μm, 20 wt% composites that achieved the highest tensile strength, which increased about 1.2 times the tensile strength of the PP matrix. The second strategy showed composite that had treated WS with 7% NaOH (WS7Comp) attained the best mechanical properties throughout other WS/PP composites. In addition, the mechanical properties of the new WS/PP composites were adjusted to the ASAC mechanical properties. Therefore, the improved composites could be a promising alternative material for automotive applications.

Natural sources used in industry, such as environmental waste fibers for plants, waste paper, and others, can lessen waste-throwing problems and reduce environmental pollution to save lives on the earth’s crust. The natural composites of natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic are undoubtedly to be sustainable and eco-friendly. Therefore, the current work was conducted to study the addition of natural fiber date palm Khestawi-type fiber (DPKF) with different loadings (5, 10, and 15%) into the polypropylene (PP) matrix to prepare DPKF/PP composites. The specimens were prepared by using the lamination method. In addition, the mechanical properties of these composite material specimens were studied by following ASTM, which included tensile, flexural, and impact tests. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to analyze the morphology and the structure crystallite studied of the DPKF/PP composites. The results show that the DPKF/PP composite with 15% fiber content recorded the best tensile strength, tensile modulus, and low tensile strain performance. Moreover, XRD and SEM analysis confirmed the mechanical properties and crystalline nature of the DPKF/PP composites. Finally, the values of the flexural and impact properties increased with increasing fiber loading.

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular subtypes, underscoring a better understanding of its molecular features and underlying regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, identifying novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets is crucial for advancing the current standard of care for breast cancer patients. Methods Ninety-six formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer samples underwent miRNAome profiling using QIAseq microRNA library kit and sequencing on Illumina platform. Mature miRNA quantification was conducted using CLC Genomics Workbench v21.0.5, while Relapse-free survival (RFS) analysis was conducted using RStudio 2023.09.1. Gain-of-function studies were conducted using miRNA mimics, while the effects of miRNA exogenous expression on cancer hallmark were assessed using 2-dimentional (2D) proliferation assay, three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture, and live-dead staining. TargetScan database and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used for miRNA target identification. Results Hierarchical clustering based on miRNA expression revealed distinct patterns in relation to PAM50 classification and identified miRNAs panels associated with luminal, HER2, and basal subtypes. hsa-miR-5683 emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker, showing a favorable correlation with RFS and suppressing tumorigenicity under 2D and 3D conditions in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. Findings were further extended to the MCF7 hormone receptor positive (HR+) model. Transcriptomic profiling of hsa-miR-5683 overexpressing TNBC cells revealed its potential role in key oncogenic pathways. Integration of downregulated genes and CRISPR-Cas9 perturbational effects identified ACLY, RACGAP1, AK4, MRPL51, CYB5B, MKRN1, TMEM230, NUP54, ANAPC13, PGAM1, and SOD1 as bona fide gene targets for hsa-miR-5683. Conclusions Our data provides comprehensive miRNA expression atlas in breast cancer subtypes and underscores the prognostic and therapeutic significance of numerous miRNAs, including hsa-miR-5683 in TNBC. The identified gene targets unravel the intricate regulatory network in TNBC progression, suggesting promising avenues for further research and targeted therapeutic interventions.

O presente estudo objetiva analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos óbitos por neoplasia maligna de estômago de 2013 a 2022 nas regionais de saúde do estado do Paraná. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo ecológico acerca do perfil de mortalidade por neoplasia maligna de estômago nas Regiões de Saúde do Paraná, por meio do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. As variáveis analisadas foram: ano de óbito, faixa etária, cor/raça, escolaridade e sexo conforme Região de Saúde, no período de 2013 a 2022, com posterior análise estatística. Constatou-se 9.731 óbitos, sendo 32,9% na Região Metropolitana, 10,8% em Londrina e 9,2% em Cascavel. Houve maior prevalência no sexo masculino (65,6%), na cor branca (76,2%), acima de 80 anos (19,05%) e com menor escolaridade (30,6%). Dada a alta mortalidade dessa neoplasia, evidencia-se a importância da análise do perfil epidemiológico a fim de avaliar os fatores de risco e o diagnóstico precoce.

This study compares the treatment effects after six months of therapy with nintedanib and pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by comprehensively analyzing key parameters and establishing the diagnostic performance of two biomarkers, Krebs von den Lungen-6(KL-6) and CC chemokine Ligand-18 (CCL-18), to predict treatment outcomes. In a hospital-based retrospective cohort study, 75 patients diagnosed with IPF were divided into three groups based on their treatment: the newly diagnosed group, which included newly diagnosed IPF patients without receiving any antifibrotic treatment (25 patients), IPF patients on pirfenidone treatment (26 patients), and IPF patients on nintedanib treatment (24 patients). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and baseline values of predicted forced vital capacity (FVCp), there was no significant difference in the rate of changes after 24 weeks of follow-up for FVCp (-0.2 ± 0.6, 0.0 ± 2.3, and 0.8 ± 3.5 ml change after 4, 12, and 24 weeks for pirfenidone) and (-1.7 ± 5.9, 1.0 ± 8.9, and 1.4 ± 9.5 ml change after 4, 12, and 24 weeks for nintedanib). CCL-18 offers a better ability to predict radiological findings than KL-6. Most side effects were minor and included diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rash, and hyperpigmentation. In conclusion, both drugs have demonstrated the capacity to postpone the beginning stages of FVCp decrease and lung function decline. There was little difference between the efficacy of nintedanib and pirfenidone. Both drugs were safe and well tolerated for the treatment of IPF.

Lucy Gracen,1 Melanie Aikebuse,2,3 Babak Sarraf,2– 4 Steven M McPhail,5 Anthony W Russell,6 James O’Beirne,7 Katharine M Irvine,8 Suzanne Williams,9 Patricia C Valery,4,* Elizabeth E Powell2– 4,* 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia; 2Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; 3Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; 4QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 5Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 6Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; 7Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia; 8Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 9Inala Primary Care General Practice, Inala, QLD, Australia*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Elizabeth E Powell, Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational, Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37, Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia, Tel +61 412 014 337, Email e.powell@uq.edu.auBackground: Although clinical guidelines endorse screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with advanced fibrosis in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the feasibility of and barriers and considerations relevant to implementing this approach in the community remain unclear.Methods: Sequential adults with T2D attending selected community clinics during 2021– 2023 were invited to receive a “liver health check” (n=543). A further 95 participants were referred directly from their general practitioner (GP) or self-referred to the study. A total of 302 participants underwent a point of care assessment of hepatic steatosis and stiffness (FibroScan) and were advised to see their GP to discuss the results. “Template” letters containing key results, their interpretation and advice about management of cardiometabolic risk, patient follow-up and referral criteria, were sent to participants’ GPs.Results: Referral to a tertiary liver clinic was advised in GP letters for 45 (15%) participants with an increased risk of clinically significant fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement ≥ 8), 15 participants with ‘red flags’ (eg splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia) and 2 with unsuccessful FibroScan examinations. A referral from GPs to the liver clinic was received for 27 (44%) of these 62 participants. Approximately 90% of GPs rated the “template” letters favourably on a Likert rating scale.Conclusion: The low rate of participation in the “liver health check” and liver clinic referral reflects a real-world scenario and may stem from societal under-recognition and engagement with MASLD, competing health priorities or under-appreciation of the link between liver fibrosis severity and mortality risk. Further studies need to address strategies to enhance participation in liver health assessments and determine their impact on liver-related morbidity/mortality and overall survival.Keywords: NAFLD, primary care, chronic liver disease, FibroScan

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have recently gained increasing attention in the biomedical field as promising biodegradable materials with harmless degradation products. Magnesium-based alloys have a wide range of biomedical applications because of their outstanding biocompatibility and unique mechanical properties. Widespread use of Mg-based biomedical devices eliminates the need for post-healing biomaterial removal surgery and minimizes the negative consequences of the implantation of permanent biomaterials, including stress shielding and undesired metal ion release in the body. This paper provides a literature review on the properties and manufacturing methods of Mg-based alloys for biomedical applications, including orthopedic implants, cardiovascular applications, surgical wires and staplers, and antitumor activities. Each application of Mg-based biomaterials is investigated from a biological perspective, including matching functional properties, biocompatibility, host tissue responses, and anti-microbial strategies, along with potential additive manufacturing technologies for these applications. Finally, an outlook is presented to provide recommendations for Mg-based biomaterials in the future.

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in breast cancer pathogenesis, including Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) subtype. Identifying the lncRNA expression patterns across different breast cancer subtypes could provide valuable insights into their potential utilization as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this study, we profiled lncRNA expression in 96 breast cancer cases, revealing significant differences compared to normal breast tissue. Variations across breast cancer subtypes, including Hormone Receptor-positive (HR + ), HER2-positive (HER2 + ), HER2 + HR + , and TNBC, as well as in relation to tumor grade and patients’ age at diagnosis were observed. TNBC and HER2+ subtypes showed distinct clustering, while HER2 + HR+ tumors clustered closer to HR+ tumors based on their lncRNA profiles. Our data identified numerous enriched lncRNAs in TNBC, notably the elevated expression of LINC00960, which was subsequently validated in two additional datasets. Analysis of LINC00960 expression in an independent TNBC cohort (n = 360) revealed elevated expression of LINC00960 to correlate with cell movement, invasion, proliferation, and migration functional categories. Depletion of LINC00960 significantly reduced TNBC cell viability, colony formation, migration, and three-dimensional growth, while increasing cell death. Mechanistically, transcriptomic profiling of LINC00960-depleted cells confirmed its tumor-promoting role, likely through sponging of hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-183-5p, leading to the upregulation of cancer-promoting genes including BMI1, KRAS, and AKT3. Our findings highlight the distinct lncRNA expression patterns in breast cancer subtypes and underscore the crucial role for LINC00960 in promoting TNBC pathogenesis, suggesting its potential utilization as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

Writing studies must conduct replicable, aggregable, and data-supported (RAD) research to understand the relationship between creativity and writing, including how writers use creative thinking to generate texts and how environmental factors mediate writers' engagement with creative thinking. This article traces research on creativity from selected writing studies journals since the 2011 release of "The Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing." Through a systematic literature review, the findings show how RAD research supports domain-specific knowledge-building about writers' creativity, which can help teachers, scholars, and practitioners to understand what counts as originality in writing, how writers produce creative texts, and how educational institutions can teach advanced writing skills that develop students' creative thinking.

Background We previously demonstrated that retinal ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs), which are indicative of ischemia in the middle retina, may be a biomarker of ischemic cardiovascular disease. In this study, we sought to determine the relationship between RIPLs and atrial fibrillation, a common source of cardiac emboli. Methods and Results In this case-control study, we identified individuals between the ages of 50 and 90 years who had undergone macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Individuals with atrial fibrillation were identified, and age- and sex-matched individuals from the same pool, but without a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, were selected as controls. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans were reviewed by 3 independent and masked observers for presence of RIPLs. The relationship between RIPLs and atrial fibrillation was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. There were 106 and 91 subjects with and without atrial fibrillation, respectively. The percentage of subjects with RIPLs was higher in the atrial fibrillation group compared with the control group (57.5% versus 37.4%; P=0.005). After adjusting for age, sex, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, carotid stenosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction, the presence of RIPLs was significantly associated with atrial fibrillation, with an odds ratio of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.01-3.59). Conclusions RIPLs are significantly associated with atrial fibrillation, independent of underlying ischemic heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors. This association may inform the diagnostic cardiovascular workup for individuals with RIPLs incidentally detected on optical coherence tomography scan of the macula.

Passive monitoring of wildlife has proven to be a highly effective tool in management and conservation. This work describes an end-to-end system for acoustic localization within the context of a specific use case. The system is described in terms of its constituent modules and the functionality of each module, as it relates to the use case of Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) localization, is detailed. First, we address the field deployment of acoustic recorders in terms of optimal configuration, spacing, and number in a manner that is at once utilitarian and mathematically rigorous. Then, we propose novel methods used to automatically detect the calls from recordings, match the detected calls across recordings, and calculate the time difference of arrivals (TDOAs). Finally, a new hyperbolic localization approach is presented that uses the TDOAs to estimate the position of the calls. Each module is formulated within a theoretical framework, implemented numerically in an efficient manner, and shown to compare favorably against existing methods. Moreover, the performance of the complete system is evaluated using field recorded data and the impact of environmental factors such as field relief, vegetation features, and wind speed are illustrated and discussed. We assert and demonstrate that the factor with the most immediate and profound impact on advancing the state of the art in acoustic monitoring of wildlife is open access to high-volume, diverse field data that is accompanied by high-quality ground truth.

The utilization of edible oleogels as oil structures has been proven to comprise a suitable alternative to fat. In this research, whey protein concentrate (WPC) oleogel structure was designed and improved by the creation of a soluble complex of WPC-basil seed gum (BSG) and WPC-xanthan gum (XG) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 % w/w). The results showed increasing the hydrocolloids had positive effects on oleogel characteristics, which can preserve oil well in the microstructure network of oleogel. Additionally, the incorporation of hydrocolloids promoted stability of oleogels against stress and heat. Therefore, the centrifuge stability of WPC oleogel was 26 and increase to ∼98 and 100 % in 0.6XG:WPC and 0.6BSG:WPC oleogels, respectively. The evaluation of the rheological properties revealed the predominant elastic behavior of the oleogles. Overall, the addition of either XG or BSG into WPC-based oleogel improved its physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Moreover, oleogels prepared using 0.6 % BSG-5 % WPC exhibited the best properties.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized as an unprecedented global health crisis. Over 7 million mortalities have been documented with many paediatric fatalities. Trauma and orthopaedic care, much like other specialities, were marginalized due to resource allocation during the pandemic which affected paediatric care. This is the first systematic review to centralise and compile the recommended published guidelines from professional bodies in principally English speaking countries on managing paediatric trauma and orthopaedic care. These guidelines will be required to be implemented sooner and more effectively in case of future pandemics with similar impact.MethodsA search was conducted on PubMed/MedLine, Cochrane Library and Embase using terms including p(a)ediatric or child* and/or COVID* or coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2 and/or trauma and/or orthop(a)edic* with a simplified MeSH heading [mh] in order to make the search as comprehensive as possible. General terminology was utilized to make the search as exhaustive as possible for this systematic review. Another search was conducted on resources available in the public domain from professional bodies publishing on consensus statements and clinical practice guidelines in countries where English is the principal language managing pediatric trauma and orthopedics. The review adhered to PRISMA guidance.ResultsThe search revealed a total of 62 results from both databases and professional bodies. Duplicates were removed. This was then reviewed to identify a total of 21 results which fit the inclusion criteria and included within the main analysis. The guidelines from professional bodies were outlined and categorized into aspects of clinical care.DiscussionThe impact of COVID-19 pandemic has compelled for changes in clinical practice and pediatric management. The systematic review highlights the relevant guidelines on service provision for pediatric patients including indications for urgent referrals, surgical prioritization, reasons for follow-up and trauma guidelines. The rationale for care during the unpredictable evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic may have the potential to be translated and replicated in future pandemics of similar significance.

Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) is an infrequent condition with a large variety of causes that can lead to serious disabilities. However, in 20% to 35% of cases, no cause is found. In this study we evaluated the hereditary (P & C Proteins, antithrombin, mutation of prothrombin G20210A and factor V Leiden), other risk factors (hyperhomocycteinemia, factor VIII, ACL-ab, APL-ab, and OCP) and clinical manifestations among a population of Iranian patients with CVT. 18 women and 10 men aged 16 to 50 years with CVT were screened for inherited and acquired coagulation risk factors. No one had an abnormal ACL-ab, APL-ab or antithrombin III deficiency. One had prothrombin G20210A mutation (heterozygot) (3.6%). Hyperhomocycteinemia was observed in 5 patients (17.9%). APC-R was decreased in 3 (10.7%). 2 had positive factor V Leiden mutation (heterozygot) (7.1%). 17 had an increased of factor VIII (60.7). PS and PC deficiencies were each detected in two cases (7.1%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that screening for inherited thrombophilia may be an integral part in the diagnostic workup and duration of treatment in patients with CVT.

Background: Given the importance of communication skills education in medical sciences and the need for an appropriate curriculum for clinical education, this study aimed to design and implement a clinical communication skills curriculum for third-year dental students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.Method: This action research study included 60 third-year dental students. The educational program was developed based on the Communication Skills Training-3 Elements Model and Instructional Development Institute (IDI) model. Interactive student-centered teaching methods were designed by including team-based teaching, group discussion, action-based interactive lectures, role-playing, and multimedia application strategies. The course was delivered over 18 sessions, each 90 minutes long, by communication skills and dentistry professors, as a workshop-based course worth 1 credit in the fifth semester of the general dentistry program. The students were evaluated regarding their knowledge and skills at the end of the course.Results: Most of the expected communication skills, including starting the session and establishing a connection, gathering data, considering the patient's perspective, providing information, mutual agreement, and ending the session were at a good level after the implementation of this program. Female students performed better than their male counterparts in various communication aspects, although statistically significant differences were only observed for the skills of providing information, mutual agreement, and ending the session (P=0.032).Conclusion: Using this clinical communication skills course for dental students can be beneficial, and with further studies in this field and examining its effectiveness in more dental schools, it can be presented to other dental schools as well.