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Abstract Ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be defined as any embryo that got implanted in any site rather than the endometrial cavity. Lately, different types of EP were reportedly managed by high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). We aimed to pool all available data in a systematic review without meta‐analysis and investigate the efficacy and safety tendencies of HIFU among different types of EP. We applied our comprehensive terms in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and PubMed Central databases from their inception until September 23. Retrieved references were gathered using EndNote in which we omitted the duplicates and exported the record for screening. Data regarding characteristics, safety and efficacy outcomes, and baseline information of the enrolled population were extracted. The eligible case reports were assessed using a tool by Murad and colleagues, while the quality of the included cohorts was appraised using the NIH tool. We retrieved 6637 studies, which were scrutinized by titles and abstracts. We scrutinized the full texts of 36 studies and ultimately included a total of 17 studies. All studies were conducted in China, and on different types of ectopic pregnancy including tubal, cervical, intramural, caesarian scar, and corneal ectopic pregnancy. The mean age of enrolled patients was 33.03 years, and we pooled a total sample of 853 patients. The follow‐up period varied widely among the included studies, ranging from 1.3 months to up to 69 months. Normal menstruation recurred after a mean of 35 days, as reported by nine studies. Most of the included studies reported normal β‐HCG after around 30–40 days. Twelve studies with 757 patients reported a cumulative incidence of 179 cases of abdominal pain after HIFU. Neither of the enrolled patients reportedly complained of skin burn after HIFU. We suggested managing EP patients with HIFU, especially when seeking further conceiving. High‐quality randomized controlled trials are required to draw a stronger level of evidence.

Abstract Background There is a paucity of knowledge about the healthcare attitudes and practices of French-speaking immigrants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa (FISSA) living in minority settings. The purpose of this study was to characterize FISSA healthcare experiences and confidence in the malaria-related knowledge of health professionals in Edmonton. Methods A structured survey was used to examine a cohort of 382 FISSA (48% female; 52% male) living in Edmonton. FISSA general healthcare attitudes, experiences and satisfaction with the Canadian healthcare system were studied. Healthcare Competency Perception (HCP) was characterized by using an index score. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of healthcare experiences and other outcomes. Results Intriguingly, while only 42% of FISSA had a French-speaking family physician, 83% (197/238) of those who had received health care services in Alberta found that access to medical treatment was easy, and 77% (188/243) were satisfied with received care. Although 70% (171/243) of FISSA did not receive services in French, 82% (199/243) surprisingly reported having good levels of comprehension during their visits. Satisfaction with care was associated with having a family physician (p = 0.018) and having health insurance (p = 0.041). Nevertheless, confidence in the healthcare system’s ability to treat malaria effectively was significantly lower, with only 39% (148/382) receiving a positive score on the HCP index. Conclusion This study provides an important insight into FISSA experience with and perception of the Alberta’s healthcare system.

Efficient control of automotive engine idle speed is crucial for achieving better fuel economy and smoother engine running. This paper presents a comparison between proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control and Reinforcement Learning (RL) using the Deep Q-Network (DQN) algorithm as a high-level control method for minimizing idle speed fluctuations caused by changes in engine irregularities, and the response time and accuracy of the throttle control mechanism. In addition to low-level PID control for the throttle valve position, MATLAB/Simulink was employed to build the simulation environment, incorporating an engine model and an electronic throttle body model, and observing the engine's current speed. The results demonstrated the superiority of RL-based control over PID in reducing idle speed fluctuations and enhancing engine performance in simulations and real-world experiments. This study advances automotive engine control strategies.

Purpose: We aimed to identify the risk factors that may predispose preterm neonates to develop aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). Methods: This retrospective case control study included 16 infants with APROP in zone 1 or posterior zone 2. Thirty-four gestational age and birth weight-matched controls with stage 2 or less ROP were included. We reviewed medical records on infant birth and postnatal characteristics. Results: Patients who developed APROP had a significantly longer duration of caffeine therapy, were significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA), and were more likely to have a positive blood culture than patients who developed less severe ROP. Patients with APROP who required retreatment had received inotropes for a longer duration of time, had received more plasma transfusions, were more likely to have IVH, and had a greater decrease in the serum hemoglobin during hospitalization. Conclusion: Being SGA, receiving caffeine for a longer duration, and having culture-proven sepsis were associated with APROP. IVH, a low serum hemoglobin, the need for more plasma transfusions, and a longer duration of inotropes were associated with APROP which required retreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the capillary vessel density (CVD) and the flow of superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to correlate these changes with the visual outcome. Patients and methods This is a prospective interventional study that was conducted on 17 eyes with macula-off RRD. All patients underwent 23-G vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) injection. OCTA was performed 1 month after SO removal. The outcome measures included the CVD, SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, SCP and DCP disorganization, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results There was a statistically significantly less density of the mean DCP (40.82±6.87%, P=0.03), and the mean SCP (38.95±6.75%, P=0.007) in the operated eye compared to the fellow eye. The central foveal thickness (CFT) was statistically significantly higher in the operated eye (309.06±92.12 μm) compared to the fellow eye (242.29±25.48 μm), (P=0.019). The SCP capillary arcade disruption was statistically significantly more frequent in the operated eyes (12=70.6%) especially in the eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) (P=0.049) and those with cystoid spaces (P=0.049). Conclusion The CVD, excluding the fovea, was significantly worse in the operated eyes. The SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, and SCP and DCP disorganization were detected in most patients following RRD repair, but with no significant correlation with BCVA.

Abstract Background Important knowledge gaps exist in the understanding of the management of the risks of imported malaria in Canada among Francophone immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa (FISSA). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the malaria related-knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of FISSA in Edmonton, where these immigrants are in an official minority language situation and the impact of language barriers on these factors. Methods A structured survey was used to examine the KAP of 382 FISSA in the Edmonton area from 2018 to 2019. Fisher’s Exact Test was applied to determine if there were associations between knowledge of malaria and different risk factors. Results Almost all FISSA (97%) had an accurate knowledge of fever as the key symptom of malaria. Interestingly, 60% of participants identified bed nets as a preventive method and only 19% of participants had accurate knowledge of malaria transmission. An accurate knowledge of symptoms was significantly associated with a high perceived risk of contracting malaria [odds ratio (OR) 4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–20.62]. Furthermore, even though 70% of FISSA had a high perceived risk of contracting malaria in endemic regions, only 52% of travellers had a pre-travel medical encounter. Importantly, language was not the predominant reason for not seeking pre-travel medical advice, although 84% of respondents chose French as their official language of preference when seeking medical advice. Having a French-speaking physician was correlated with satisfactory prevention knowledge (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.16–3.35). With respect to health-seeking behaviour, 88% of respondents with a child

Investing in biogas is a viable option for the production of renewable energy. Production of renewable energy such as biogas has an impact on improving the environmental function and health impacts for all beneficiaries such as humans, lands, and ecosystems. As well recycling of solid waste could be considered waste management for economic development and protection of degraded and polluted lands. Anaerobic co-digestion has been practically applied in sewage sludge processing, agricultural and waste treatment and is recognized as an economical effective way for waste reuse, treatment, and disposal. This paper presents three co-digestion experimental batches for thickened sludge with food waste, rice straw and cow waste. The mixtures were digested for thirty days, with 15 minutes of daily stirring using laboratory generator exhaust. A steel fixed dome anaerobic digester was used for experimental batches. The produced methane was recorded to be 65 %, 45.9 %, and 55 % when using thickened sludge with food waste, rice straw and cow waste, respectively. Cumulative methane was investigated for 7, 15 and 30 days to show the effect of time in methane production. The results showed that approximately 80 % of the produced methane was produced between 15 and 21 days. Anaerobic co-digestion increases the pH value of the three mixtures. The pH value was increased during anaerobic co-digestion due to the mineralization of the organic matter. However, pH values stayed between 6.0 and 8.0, which is better for growing and activating the methanogenic microorganisms as a reason for methane formation.

Abstract Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2). Mares were divided into 30 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 20 fertile (controls). Serum and LVL was collected for EV isolation, and determination of serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Characterization and visualization of EVs were done by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and flow cytometry. Results Serial ultracentrifugation of LVL and use of a commercial kit for serum were strategies for EVs isolation. Mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs. The EVs from mares with endometritis differentially expressed CD9 and CD63, compared to controls. Mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators. Conclusions Thus, EVs could be used for a better understanding the regulatory mechanisms associated with developing endometritis in mares.

As construction activity continues to increase on a daily basis, the demand for fine and coarse aggregates is also rising. However, relying on a few sources would quickly deplete the natural sources of aggregates. In Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, costly coarse pit sand from northern areas is used for concrete, as the local river sands (Ravi and Chenab) are fine and do not meet ASTM specifications for fine aggregates. To alleviate the pressure on one source, it is necessary to improve the gradation of natural river sand by utilizing quarry dust obtained during the process of crushing rock into crushed stones. This study conducted detailed experimental work to enhance the gradation of natural river sand by adding normalized quarry dust. Concrete mixes with three strengths of 21 MPa, 28 MPa, and 35 MPa were prepared by partially replacing natural river sand with quarry sand. Workability and hardened concrete properties were evaluated for all mixes, and cost analysis was performed for 28 MPa concrete. The results were compared with control concrete made with coarse pit sand. When river sand was enhanced by combining 40% river sand and 60% normalized quarry dust, the resulting sand met ASTM requirements. Furthermore, when some fines were removed from river sand and replaced with 50% normalized quarry dust, the sand also met ASTM grading requirements. The compressive and flexural strengths of concrete made with enhanced sand gradation increased by 10–25% and 9–17%, respectively, for 28 MPa concrete compared to the control concrete. Cost analysis showed that 28 MPa concrete made with enhanced natural river sand gradation was 8.6% more economical than concrete made with coarse pit sand.

This work aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of Aquaporin 7 (AQP7) gene and its association with the in-vivo fertility of Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 188 fresh semen ejaculates were collected from 47 buffalo bulls and subjected to semen evaluation. The bulls were grouped according to in-vivo fertility relying on sire conception rate (SCR) into high (SCR>50%, n=41) and low (SCR

Abstract Background Although pathological factors remain the main determinate of survival for patients with bladder cancer, quality of surgical care is crucial for satisfactory outcomes. Using a validated quality score, we investigated the impact of surgical factors on the overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with locally advanced and organ-confined disease (OCD). Retrospective review of IRCC database includes 2460 patients from 29 institutions across 11 countries. The final cohort included 1343 patients who underwent RARCs between 2005 and 2016. Patients with locally advanced disease (LAD) (> pT2 and/or N +) were compared with OCD (≤ pT2/N0). Validated Quality Cystectomy Score (QCS) based on four sets of quality metrics was used to compare surgical performance. Kaplan–Meier method was used to compute RFS, CSS and OS rates. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with RFS, DSS and OS. Results 48% had LAD. When compared to patients with OCD, they received neobladders less frequently (17% vs. 28%, p

Abstract Background Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L (=Lycopersicon esculentum Miller), is one of the most economically important crops in the world. In Egypt, tomato is infested with different pests causing damages in both quantity and quality of the yields. Six varieties of tomato, ‘Strain B,’ ‘Beto’, ‘El bandora,’ ‘GS,’ ‘Casterlok,’ and ‘Super strain B’, were evaluated for their susceptibility to some insect pest infestations during summer plantation under field conditions. Results According to the infestation with Tuta absoluta, the highly susceptible varieties that received the highest number of eggs were El bandora, followed by Strain B, while Super strain was the lowest. The obtained results indicated that the tomato Super strain B variety had much tolerance to the infestation by T. absoluta. GS variety recorded the highest mean number of eggs deposited by Phthorimaea operculella, but no eggs were observed on the leaves of El bandora and Super strain B varieties. Results also indicated that mean number of Liriomyza trifolii larvae/20 leaflets was the highest in Strain B and GS varieties. Strain B variety recorded the highest mean number of Bemisia tabaci eggs and nymphs/20leaflets than GS, which recorded the lowest value. Casterlok variety had the lowest mean number of Aphis gossypii, while, Super strain B and Strain B recorded the highest values. Conclusions Generally, all the six tested varieties were susceptible to infestation with several insect pests. The most susceptible variety was Strain B, followed by El bandora and GS while the lowest ones were the varieties Beto 86 and Super strain B.

Background Global surgery has recently gained prominence as an academic discipline within global health. Authorship inequity has been a consistent feature of global health publications, with over-representation of authors from high-income countries (HICs), and disenfranchisement of researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, we investigated authorship demographics within recently published global surgery literature.Methods We performed a systematic analysis of author characteristics, including gender, seniority and institutional affiliation, for global surgery studies published between 2016 and 2020 and indexed in the PubMed database. We compared the distribution of author gender and seniority across studies related to different topics; between authors affiliated with HICs and LMICs; and across studies with different authorship networks.Results 1240 articles were included for analysis. Most authors were male (60%), affiliated only with HICs (51%) and of high seniority (55% were fully qualified specialist or generalist clinicians, Principal Investigators, or in senior leadership or management roles). The proportion of male authors increased with increasing seniority for last and middle authors. Studies related to Obstetrics and Gynaecology had similar numbers of male and female authors, whereas there were more male authors in studies related to surgery (69% male) and Anaesthesia and Critical care (65% male). Compared with HIC authors, LMIC authors had a lower proportion of female authors at every seniority grade. This gender gap among LMIC middle authors was reduced in studies where all authors were affiliated only with LMICs.Conclusion Authorship disparities are evident within global surgery academia. Remedial actions to address the lack of authorship opportunities for LMIC authors and female authors are required.

Cracking is one of the main ways that concrete ages, allowing pollutants to seep within and potentially lowering the physical and mechanical strength and endurance of concrete structures. One of the healing procedures that merits research is the use of bacterially generated calcium carbonate precipitation in concrete mixtures to mend concrete cracks. The impact of different variables, including the nucleation location, bacterial type, concentration, uratolytic activities, pH, nutrition, and temperature on the bio-mineralization of calcium carbonate are discussed in this review article. ATR-IR (Attenuated Internal Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)/FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)/NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope) are among the micro test techniques reviewed along with the biosynthetic pathway of bio mineralized calcium carbonate. The sealing ability and recovery of mechanical and durability properties of bio-mineralized concrete specimen is discussed. Moreover, we discussed the corrosion, damages, and challenges and their detection methods. Also, in-depth knowledge on the use, advancements, and drawbacks of bio-mineralized calcium carbonate is presented. Future potential for bio-mineralized (MICP) self-healing concrete are discussed in the final section.

Fiber-reinforced polymers poles were on the increase because they were lightweight, have high strength-to-weight ratios, provide corrosion resistance, can be customized to meet strength and deflection requirements, and have a low life-cycle cost of construction and maintenance. This research presents a comprehensive review of all significant research and existing case studies to review the present knowledge concerning fiber-reinforced polymers poles. The main summary covers 70 works focusing on fiber poles to summarize recent activities on selected relevant topics and highlight possible future implementations. In this context, this study discusses fiber-reinforced polymers poles in six aspects: (i) introduction; (ii) methodology; (iii) Materials properties of FRP poles; (iv) manufacturing techniques of FRP poles; (v) testing of FRP poles (static and dynamic flexure test as cantilever beam); (vi) modeling of FRP poles. Therefore, this critical review will demonstrate an overview of FRP Poles manufacturing techniques (Pultrusion, filament winding, centrifugal process, and hand lay-up) and which Pultrusion technique is the best suited for FRP Poles. Static modeling was the most used of other techniques.

The load–deformation relationship under the footing is essential for foundation design. Shallow foundations are subjected to changes in hydrological conditions such as rainfall and drought, affecting their saturation level and conditions. The actual load–settlement response for design and reconstructions is determined experimentally, numerically, or utilizing both approaches. Ssettlement computation is performed through large-scale physical modeling or extensive laboratory testing. It is expensive, labor intensive, and time consuming. This study is carried out to determine the effect of different saturation degrees and loading conditions on settlement shallow foundations using numerical modeling in Plaxis 2D, Bentley Systems, Exton, Pennsylvania, US. Plastic was used for dry soil calculation, while fully coupled flow deformation was used for partially saturated soil. Pore pressure and deformation changes were computed in fully coupled deformation. The Mohr–Columb model was used in the simulation, and model parameters were calculated from experimental results. The study results show that the degree of saturation is more critical to soil settlement than loading conditions. When a 200 KPa load was applied at the center of the footing, settlement was recored as 28.81 mm, which was less than 42.96 mm in the case of the full-depth shale layer; therefore, settlement was reduced by 30% in the underlying limestone rock layer. Regarding settlement under various degrees of saturation (DOS), settlment is increased by an increased degree of saturation, which increases pore pressure and decreases the shear strength of the soil. Settlement was observed as 0.69 mm at 0% saturation, 1.93 mm at 40% saturation, 2.21 mm at 50% saturation, 2.77 mm at 70% saturation, and 2.84 mm at 90% saturation of soil.

In the current work, an experimental investigation of γ-Al 2 O 3 /water characteristics nanofluid was performed for convective cooling of engine cylinder head for fully developed turbulent regime. Nanoparticles of different sizes were mixed in distilled water with constant volume fraction of 1% through the experiments. The cylinder head was simulated as a rectangular duct, of an aspect ratio of 0.8, with a cast iron test specimen from actual cylinder head of diesel engine. The effect of different nanoparticle sizes (30, 100, and 150 nm), bulk temperature (60°C, 70°C, and 80°C), and flow velocity (1, 1.5 and 2 m/s) were investigated at variable heat fluxes. The experimental results revealed that the obtained enhancement of convective heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to both nanoparticle diameter and bulk temperature and directly proportional to the coolant flow velocity. Also, the highest achieved enhancement over the pure base fluid in heat transfer coefficient is 88.74% at 30 nm particle size. The γ-Al 2 O 3 /water nanofluid showed promising results for intensive study with different operating conditions.

Agriculture consumes an important ratio of the water reserve in irrigated areas. The improvement of irrigation is becoming essential to reduce this high water consumption by adapting supplies to the crop needs and avoiding losses. This global issue has prompted many scientists to reflect on sustainable solutions using innovative technologies, namely Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). This article aims to present an overview of the use of these new technologies in the analysis of the water status of crops for better irrigation management, with an emphasis on arboriculture. The review demonstrated the importance of UAV-ML-IoT technologies. This contribution is due to the relevant information that can be collected from IoT sensors and extracted from UAV images through various sensors (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal), and the ability of ML models to monitor and predict water status. The review in this paper is organized into four main sections: the use of UAV in arboriculture, UAV for irrigation management in arboriculture, IoT systems and irrigation management, and ML for data processing and decision-making. A discussion is presented regarding the prospects for smart irrigation using geospatial technologies and machine learning.

Abstract Waste management of powdered activated carbon from cyclone of some sugar factories was used for decolorization of sugar mud juice (SMJ) in this study. The presence of powdered activated carbon waste (PACW) was admitted again for their use in SMJ decolorization. The determined specific surface area are typically S BET = 613.887 m2/g and the pore distribution lies in mesoporous domain. Color removal (CR%) and decolorization capacity (DC) of the characterized PACW are similar to those of decolorants used at this time for sugar refining. The CR% with PACW reached 81.03% at pH7.0 and dosed in the amount 0.5 g/50 ml of SMJ. There are two acceptable mechanisms illustrates the attachments between phenols and carboxylate ions. In this paper, we put a simple and rapid dark liquid decolorization by controlling rejected carbon waste, which will be useful for treatment of dark liquid sugar. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of the simple pathway of SMJ decolorization

So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2) in serum of mares with healthy and abnormal uterine status (endometritis). This study was conducted on 80 Arabian mares: young (4–7 years), and old (8–14 years). Mares were divided into 48 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 32 fertile (control) at stud farms. Serum was collected for measuring IL-6, PGF2α, and PGE2, as well as miRNA isolation and qRT-PCR. Concentrations of IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α were higher in mares with endometritis compared to control. Age of mares had a remarkable effect on IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α concentrations. Relative abundance of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 was higher in both young and old mares with endometritis. We noticed that eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 revealed higher expression level in old than young mares with endometritis. This is the first study that has revealed the changes in cell free miRNA and serum inflammatory mediators during endometritis, and these findings could be used for a better understanding the pathophysiology mechanisms of endometritis in equine.

Currently, there are no specific antiviral therapeutic approaches targeting Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which cause around 5% of all human cancers. Specific antiviral reagents are particularly needed for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers (HPV + OPCs) whose incidence is increasing and for which there are no early diagnostic tools available. We and others have demonstrated that the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is overexpressed in HPV + OPCs, compared to HPV-negative cancers in this region, and that these elevated levels are associated with an improved disease outcome. Utilizing this HPV + -specific overexpression profile, we previously demonstrated that estrogen attenuates the growth and cell viability of HPV + keratinocytes and HPV + cancer cells in vitro . Expansion of this work in vivo failed to replicate this sensitization. The role of stromal support from the tumor microenvironment (TME) has previously been tied to both the HPV lifecycle and in vivo therapeutic responses. Our investigations revealed that in vitro co-culture with fibroblasts attenuated HPV + -specific estrogen growth responses. Continuing to monopolize on the HPV + -specific overexpression of ERα, our co-culture models then assessed the suitability of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), raloxifene and tamoxifen, and showed growth attenuation in a variety of our models to one or both of these drugs in vitro . Utilization of these SERMs in vivo closely resembled the sensitization predicted by our co-culture models. Therefore, the in vitro fibroblast co-culture model better predicts in vivo responses. We propose that utilization of our co-culture in vitro model can accelerate cancer therapeutic drug discovery., Importance: Human papillomavirus-related cancers (HPV + cancers) remain a significant public health concern, and specific clinical approaches are desperately needed. In translating drug response data from in vitro to in vivo , the fibroblasts of the adjacent stromal support network play a key role. Our study presents the utilization of a fibroblast 2D co-culture system to better predict translational drug assessments for HPV + cancers. We also suggest that this co-culture system should be considered for other translational approaches. Predicting even a portion of treatment paradigms that may fail in vivo with a co-culture model will yield significant time, effort, resource, and cost efficiencies., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

HPV + oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) incidence recently surpassed cervical cancer and is the most common HPV-related cancer in the developed world. HPV16 is in ∼90 % of HPV + OPCs, with episomal genomes in the majority of cases. Most existing HPV16+ cancer cell lines derive from outside the oropharynx and harbor integrated HPV genomes. Thus, there is need for OPC preclinical models to evaluate standard and experimental therapeutics in the presence of episomal HPV16 oncogenic drivers. Here we characterize HPV genome structures in eight HPV16+ OPC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and evaluate their responses to standard chemotherapy. HPV genome state was investigated by combining Southern blot, T5 exonuclease assay, whole genome sequencing, and RNAseq data. This analysis revealed complexity and variation in integrated vs. episomal HPV forms across PDXs and demonstrated that four PDXs predominantly contain episomal HPV16. Episomal status did not ensure favorable in vivo responses to cisplatin therapy, despite the more favorable prognosis previously attributed to episomal HPV + tumors; this could be due to the small number present in the dataset. Our analysis establishes PDX models as test platforms for novel therapies designed to target maintenance of the episomal forms of HPV16 that commonly appear in OPC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

An interaction between human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E2 and the cellular proteins TopBP1 and BRD4 is required for E2 plasmid segregation function. The E2-TopBP1 interaction promotes increased mitotic E2 protein levels in U2OS and N/Tert-1 cells, as well as in human foreskin keratinocytes immortalized by HPV16 (HFK + HPV16). SIRT1 deacetylation reduces E2 protein stability and here we demonstrate that increased E2 acetylation occurs during mitosis in a TopBP1 interacting-dependent manner, promoting E2 mitotic stabilization. p300 mediates E2 acetylation and acetylation is increased due to E2 switching off SIRT1 function during mitosis in a TopBP1 interacting-dependent manner, confirmed by increased p53 stability and acetylation on lysine 382, a known target for SIRT1 deacetylation. SIRT1 can complex with E2 in growing cells but is unable to do so during mitosis due to the E2-TopBP1 interaction; SIRT1 is also unable to complex with p53 in mitotic E2 wild-type cells but can complex with p53 outside of mitosis. E2 lysines 111 and 112 are highly conserved residues across all E2 proteins and we demonstrate that K111 hyper-acetylation occurs during mitosis, promoting E2 interaction with Topoisomerase 1 (Top1). We demonstrate that K112 ubiquitination promotes E2 proteasomal degradation during mitosis. E2-TopBP1 interaction promotes mitotic acetylation of CHK2, promoting phosphorylation and activation of the DNA damage response (DDR). The results present a new model in which the E2-TopBP1 complex inactivates SIRT1 during mitosis, and activates the DDR. This is a novel mechanism of HPV16 activation of the DDR, a requirement for the viral life cycle., Importance: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causative agents in around 5% of all human cancers. While there are prophylactic vaccines that will significantly alleviate HPV disease burden on future generations, there are currently no anti-viral strategies available for the treatment of HPV cancers. To generate such reagents, we must understand more about the HPV life cycle, and in particular about viral-host interactions. Here, we describe a novel mitotic complex generated by the HPV16 E2 protein interacting with the host protein TopBP1 that controls the function of the deacetylase SIRT1. The E2-TopBP1 interaction disrupts SIRT1 function during mitosis in order to enhance acetylation and stability of viral and host proteins. We also demonstrate that the E2-TopBP1 interaction activates the DDR. This novel complex is essential for the HPV16 life cycle and represents a novel anti-viral therapeutic target., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: The defects of the upper third of the auricle are considered significant reconstructive challenges, as they require frequent operations with a high risk of morbidity at the donor site and result in unacceptable cosmetic abnormalities., Objective: Is to perform the reconstruction of a full-thickness auricular defect located in the upper third of the ear using a conchal cartilage graft with postauricular flap coverage, aiming to minimize both donor and recipient morbidity., Patients and Methods: The current study included 20 patients with unilateral upper-third auricular defects. The repair involved 2 components: a cartilage graft from the concha to provide structural support and a flap for coverage. Follow-up was conducted for 6 months after the operation., Results: Successful outcomes were achieved in both subjective and doctors' assessments. Regarding subjective outcomes, 85% of the patients reported high satisfaction ( P  < .001). In terms of doctors' subjective assessment, 90% of the patients had excellent results ( P  < .001). Mild early and postoperative complications, if encountered, resolved spontaneously., Conclusion: The use of a combined conchal cartilage graft and postauricular flap in treating a full-thickness upper third auricular defect is safe and effective, with no major complications. The technique preserves the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the auricle, providing an excellent color match and minimal donor-site morbidity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Tip-enhanced spectroscopy techniques, in particular tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), rely on a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This LSPR depends on the near field antenna, its material and shape, and the surrounding medium with respect to its relative permittivity and the volume fraction of the optical near field occupied by the sample. Here, we investigate the effects of the surface composition and topography on the change of the LSPR intensity in tip-enhanced spectroscopy on SrTiO 3 nanoislands by monitoring the LSPR enhanced luminescence of gold tips. Our experimental results and analytical estimates indicate that by affecting the effective permittivity of the dielectric environment at the tip apex, the material composition as well as topography of the studied sample induce a change in LSPR intensity. This result significantly helps the understanding of the evolution or origin of the LSPR intensity during a typical TERS measurement, which in turn leads to a more accurate assessment of the relative intensity of different Raman modes in TERS.

We report on topography-induced changes of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhanced luminescence of gold tip on SrTiO 3 nanostructures with apertureless scanning near-field optical microscopy (aSNOM) in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) configuration. Our experimental and simulated results indicate that the averaged refractive index of the dielectric environment of the tip apex containing both air and SrTiO 3 in variable volume ratios, is dependent on the topography of the sample. This reveals that the local topography has to be taken into consideration as an additional contribution to the position of the LSPR.

We report on the synthesis of photoferroic Cr 3+ -doped BaTiO 3 nanoparticles with nominal Cr content ranging from 2-8 mol% by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The absorption properties of the doped systems are significantly enhanced due to the d-d band transition of Cr 3+/4+ . The structural properties of the materials are examined on the basis of lattice distortions given by the tolerance factor and microstrain. Raman scattering provides complementary information on the lattice vibrations indicating a softening of the longitudinal optic (LO) phonon mode located at 716 cm -1 with increasing Cr concentration. The charge transport properties investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrate that there is a reduction in the charge transfer resistance from 5.2 Ω to 4.3 Ω for the undoped and 4 mol% Cr 3+ -doped respectively, which favors the degradation kinetics. The photo-oxidation ability of the systems is evaluated by time evolution of photodegradation of methyl orange under standardized solar irradiation. The experimental results confirm that the best photocatalytic performance is achieved with the 4 mol% Cr 3+ -doped BaTiO 3 nanoparticles, which is ∼2.7 times higher than for the undoped sample. Evidence of superoxide radical being the dominant active species is provided by in situ reactive oxide species (ROS) capture experiments., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Objective: This prospective study examined a method using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the appropriate effective occlusal splint vertical thickness in the management of disk derangement., Study Design: Patients were diagnosed as having internal disk displacement of the temporomandibular joint and were divided into 2 groups. Group I (disk displacement with reduction) was subdivided randomly into 2 subgroups: subgroup IA (control group) comprising patients treated with 3-mm-thick splints; and subgroup IB (study group) comprising patients treated with MRI-based splint thickness. Group II (disk displacement without reduction) was subdivided randomly into 2 subgroups: subgroup IIA (control group) comprising patients treated with 3-mm-thick splints; and subgroup IIB (study group) comprising patients treated with MRI-based splint thickness. The primary outcome variables were maximum voluntary mouth opening and visual analogue scale scores for pain. The secondary outcome variable was joint sound. The final sample was composed of 162 patients (Group I = 90 and Group II = 72)., Results: Statistical analysis showed significant improvement of the clinical outcomes in subgroups IB and IIB compared with that in subgroups IA and IIA., Conclusions: On the basis of MRI measurements and clinical outcome, the present study we recommend 4-mm and 6-mm vertical splint thickness for disk displacement with reduction and disk displacement without reduction, respectively, for 1 year., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine journal publication rates of scientific papers presented orally at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2010, with comparison of country data to ECR 2000., Methods: All oral presentations from ECR 2010 were evaluated for publication between 2010 and 2014 using the MEDLINE database. Countries, collaborations, subspecialties, modalities and study design were ranked by publication percentage. Chi-square tests were used to compare publication percentages for each category of variables. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for each country relative to the host nation, Austria. ECR 2010 country statistics were compared with analogous data from ECR 2000., Results: In total, 360/840 abstracts were subsequently published (43 %). The author's country of origin (p = 0.02), subspecialty (p = 0.02) and study design (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with subsequent publication. Switzerland, the Netherlands, France and Germany were among the top six countries by publication percentage in 2000 and 2010. In 2010, Switzerland had the highest publication rate (62 %) and HR in comparison to Austria (HR 2.62 [1.31-5.25], p = 0.01). Three Asian nations increased relative publication rates over the 10-year period., Conclusion: Several European nations consistently convert relatively high percentages of oral abstracts at ECR into publications, and the influence of Asian countries is increasing., Main Messages: • Certain European nations consistently publish high percentages of orally presented abstracts at ECR. • The influence of several Asian countries on ECR is increasing. • Country, subspecialty and study design are significantly associated with journal publication. • Authors collaborating internationally have the highest publication rates and mean impact factors. • Among all modalities, PET-CT, MRI and CT have the highest publication percentages.

Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in males with epilepsy, likely of multifactorial etiology, including possible systemic vascular comorbidities and medication effects. Here we examined male patients for the possibility of a vasculogenic element of ED., Methods: Research participants included 47 men with epilepsy (mean age=30.98 years; duration of illness=13.98 years) and 25 healthy matched men (mean age=30.36). Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5). Penile blood flow was assessed using Duplex Ultrasonography (PDU) after intracavernous alprostadil injection. Penile peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were the functional parameters analyzed. Carotid artery intima media thickness (CA-IMT) was also measured., Results: Thirteen of the 47 men with epilepsy (23.40% versus 0% for controls) reported ED, and of these patients, 11 (84.62%) had abnormal PDU [PSV=28.23 ± 6.1cm/s, P=0.0001; EDV=2.22 ± 5.71 cm/s, P=0.004; RI=0.89 ± 0.22, P=0.071] suggesting vasculogic ED. Penile arterial insufficiency was identified in 5 (45.45%), while 6 (54.54%) had mixed arterial insufficiency and venous leak. Compared to patients with high PSV, patients with low PSV had lower IIED-5 scores, higher EDV, lower RI, higher diastolic blood pressure and higher CA-IMT values. There were no differences in depression, anxiety or concentrations of sex hormones. Significant correlations were evident between PDU variables and duration of illness, depression and anxiety scores and CA-IMT values. In multivariate analysis, the association between PDU parameters and CA-IMT values remained significant even after adjustment for other confounding variables., Conclusions: Vasculogenic ED is frequent with epilepsy and its relationship to systemic atherosclerosis cannot be excluded., (Copyright © 2014 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Patients with epilepsy and treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may develop metabolic bone disease; however, the exact pathogenesis of bone loss with AEDs is still unclear. Included were 75 adults with epilepsy (mean age: 31.90 ± 5.62 years; duration of treatment with AEDs: 10.57 ± 3.55 years) and 40 matched healthy controls. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral densities (BMD) of the femoral neck and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Blood samples were analyzed for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and OPG/RANKL ratio (markers of bone remodeling). Compared to controls, patients had lower BMD, BMC, Z-score, and T-score at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (all p < 0.001). Seventy-two percent and 29.33% of patients had osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Patients had significantly lower serum calcium, 25(OH)D, and OPG and higher ALP, sRANKL levels, and sRANKL/OPG (all p < 0.001). Fifty-two percent of patients had hypocalcemia, 93% had hypovitaminosis D, 31% had high levels of sRANKL, and 49% had low levels of OPG. No differences were identified between DEXA and laboratory results in relation to the type, dose, or serum levels of AEDs. BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine were found to be correlated with the duration of illness (p = 0.043; p = 0.010), duration of treatment with AEDs (p < 0.001; p = 0.012), and serum levels of 25(OH)D (p = 0.042; p = 0.010), sRANKLs (p = 0.005; p = 0.01), and OPG (p = 0.006; p = 0.01). In linear regression analysis and after adjusting for gender, age, weight, duration, and number of AEDs, we observed an association between BMD, 25(OH)D (p = 0.04) and sRANKL (p = 0.03) concentrations. We conclude that AEDs may compromise bone health through disturbance of mineral metabolism and acceleration of bone turnover mechanisms.

A 13 year old girl presented with recurrent painful "varicosities" on her right calf. These lesions were subsequently clinically diagnosed as "cavernous haemangiomas" after normal duplex scanning and were excised. Histological examination revealed multiple glomangiomas (glomus tumours). A literature review revealed only two reported cases of nodular multiple glomangioma, so that this is the third case to be reported in the literature.

Endothelin-1 is an important factor in vasoregulation and circulating levels of the peptide are increased in a number of cardiovascular disorders. However, control of endothelin-1 secretion is only sketchily understood. The possibility that endothelin-1 influences its own release was investigated. A cell immunoblot method, which can detect local secretion of peptide from individual human vascular endothelial cells, was employed. Cells were dispersed onto a protein-binding membrane. Endothelin-1 in cells or secreted and adhering to the protein-binding membrane outside the cells was detected using immunohistochemical techniques. The numbers of cells that contained endothelin-1 and secreted endothelin-1 were counted after the cells had been incubated in control conditions, or with added endothelin-1, angiotensin-II, or endothelin receptor antagonists, bosentan and BQ788. Endothelin-1 and angiotensin-II increased the numbers of cells that secreted endothelin-1. On the other hand, bosentan and BQ788 caused a reduction in the numbers of endothelin-1-secreting cells. These results indicate that human endothelial cells contain a pathway by which endothelin-1 induces its own release. The receptor antagonists, bosentan and BQ788, inhibited basal secretion of endothelin-1.

Purpose: Urethrorectal fistulas are rare, and the etiology is usually traumatic or iatrogenic (postoperative). Several operative approaches and techniques have been used for fistulous repair but no procedure has proved to be the best or universally acceptable. We present a new technique for repairing urethrorectal fistulas., Materials and Methods: We successfully treated 12 male patients 7 to 65 years old who presented with urethrorectal fistula from 1990 to 1997 using the perineal subcutaneous dartos pedicled flap procedure. Urethrorectal fistulas resulted from crush pelvic injury in 6 cases and gunshot in 2, and developed after prostatectomy in 4. The fistula was associated with urethral stricture in 4 cases. A perineal approach was used in all cases of urethrorectal fistula and combined with the transsymphyseal approach in the 4 patients with posterior urethral stricture. We interposed a subcutaneous dartos pedicled flap as a vascularized tissue flap between the repaired rectum and urethra., Results: The results of our technique were excellent in all cases. No leakage or perineal collection developed and there was no fistula recurrence. In 1 patient urethral stricture was managed by visual internal urethrotomy. Loss of the internal and external sphincters resulted in urinary incontinence in 4 cases, involving gunshot injury (2), crush pelvic injury (1) and prostatectomy (1). Followup ranged from 9 to 42 months., Conclusions: Our technique of a perineal subcutaneous dartos pedicled flap fulfills all principles of the successful repair of urethrorectal fistula. We consider it to be an ideal solution to this urological dilemma.

Purpose: A deficient urethral segment was replaced with penile skin during a 1-stage procedure in patients with a long, tight urethral stricture, multiple attempts at hypospadias repair or severe hypospadias and circumcision., Materials and Methods: In 29 patients a pedicled circumferential strip of distal penile skin was used to construct a neourethral floor. The roof was formed by regeneration of the epithelium from the edges of the floor over Buck's fascia. In our series the urethra was reconstructed because of an anterior urethral stricture in 11 patients, multiple failed hypospadias repairs in 6 and severe hypospadias with circumcision in 12., Results: A neourethra of sufficient caliber and length was constructed with minimal postoperative complications in all patients. There were 2 cases of urethrocutaneous fistula at the subcoronal region, 1 meatal stenosis, 1 persistent chordee and 1 small distal penile skin patch slough that required only prolonged dressings. Mean followup was 19 months., Conclusions: Our urethroplasty technique can be used to correct various types of anterior urethral stricture or hypospadias associated with insufficient penile or preputial skin.

Monensin was given orally to female rats at two dose levels (1.75 and 3.50 mg/kg body weight) over the period of 9-17 days of pregnancy where organogenesis of fetuses occur. The dams were killed on the nineteenth day of gestation and their fetuses were subjected to morphological, visceral and skeletal examination. The small dose of monensin increased the number of resorbed and dead fetuses and induced marked retardation in growth of viable fetuses, but visceral or skeletal defects in these fetuses were not seen. Large doses produced fetal resorption in all dams and no viable fetuses were delivered. Prolonged oral administration of monensin in male rats for 60 successive days at two dose levels, decreased the conception rate in non-treated females (mated with treated males) to 33.3% and 0% for the small and large doses, respectively. Both doses markedly decreased the weights of testicles, epididymides and seminal vesicles. The small dose of monensin caused oligospermia, whereas the large dose induced azospermia. Both doses decreased the activity of spermatogenic epithelium and caused degeneration in germ cells after histopathological examination of the testicles. It is concluded that monensin given during pregnancy to female rats is fetotoxic and when administered chronically to male rats, causes damage to the reproductive organs. The delayed effects of this drug are especially prominent.

Both in vitro and in vivo, aspirin inhibited the adenosine diphosphate and collagen-induced release of platelet factor 4 (antiheparin factor). The release induced by adrenaline and thrombin was not affected. The in-vivo effect in normal persons lasted for at least three days. Platelet uptake of acetyl-(14)C-aspirin was significantly greater than that of carboxyl-(14)C-aspirin.