This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence and chemical composition of the crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates, and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates and silica. The crystal macropatterns observed in this study aid in the species identification and provide novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis.

Fibrous dysplasia of the mandible typically begins during toddler years and culminates during puberty. These lesions may cause jaw disfigurement and may not be amendable to surgery. Imatinib successfully has treated cherubism associated with SH3BP2 mutations, but similar lesions can present in other conditions such as Noonan syndrome. We report diagnosis of Noonan syndrome caused by a PTPN11 activating mutation and successful treatment of the fibrous dysplasia of the mandible with imatinib.

Brassica crops include various edible vegetable and plant oil crops, and their production is limited by low temperature beyond their tolerant capability. The key regulators of low-temperature resistance in Brassica remain largely unexplored. To identify post-transcriptional regulators of plant response to low temperature, we performed small RNA profiling, and found that 16 known miRNAs were responsive to cold treatment in Brassica rapa. The cold response of seven of those miRNAs were further confirmed by qRT-PCR and/or northern blotting analyses. In parallel, a genome-wide association study of 220 accessions of Brassica napus identified four candidate MIRNA genes, all of which were cold-responsive, at the loci associated with low temperature resistance. Specifically, these large-scale data analyses revealed a link between miR1885 and the plant response to low temperature in both B. rapa and B. napus. Using 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends approach, we validated that miR1885 can cleave its putative target transcripts, Bn.TIR.A09 and Bn.TNL.A03, in B. napus. Furthermore, overexpression of miR1885 in Semi-winter type B. napus decreased the mRNA abundance of Bn.TIR.A09 and Bn.TNL.A03, resulting in increased sensitivity to low temperature. Knocking down of miR1885 in Spring type B. napus led to increased mRNA abundance of its targets and improved rapeseed tolerance to low temperature. Together, our results suggested that the loci of miR1885 and its targets could be potential candidates for the molecular breeding of low temperature-tolerant Spring type Brassica crops.

A document by warda rasool. Click on the document to view its contents.

Objective: To compare intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose and oral ferrous sulphate for treatment of postpartum anemia. Design: Single-center, open-label, randomized trial. Setting: Tertiary perinatal center. Population: Three-hundred women with postpartum anemia (hemoglobin < 100 g/L within 48-hours postpartum) were included between September 2020 and March 2022. Methods: Women were randomly allocated to receive intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose or oral ferrous sulphate. Intravenous iron was given in one or two doses, while ferrous sulphate as two 80 mg tablets once daily. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was maternal fatigue measured by Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) six weeks postpartum. Hemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group comparison (p<0.05 significant). Results: MFI score at six weeks postpartum did not differ between groups (median 38 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 20-74) in the ferric carboxymaltose, median 34 (IQR 20-70) in the ferric derisomaltose, and median 36 (IQR 20-72) in the ferrous sulphate group; p=0.26). Participants receiving oral iron had lower levels of hemoglobin (135 (119-150) vs 134 (113-157) vs 131 (125-137) g/L; p=0.008), ferritin (273 (198-377) vs 187 (155-246) vs 24 (17-37) µg/L; p<0.001) and transferrin saturation (34 (28–38) vs 30 (23–37) vs 24 (17-37) %; p<0.001) than those receiving ferric carboxymaltose or ferric derisomaltose. Conclusions: Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, intravenous ferric derisomaltose and oral ferrous sulphate had similar impact on maternal fatigue at six weeks postpartum despite improved hematological laboratory parameters in the intravenous iron groups.

In organic solar cells, the singlet and triplet excitons dissociate into free charge carriers with different mechanisms due to their opposite spin state. Therefore, the ratio of the singlet and triplet excitons directly affects the photocurrent. Many methods were used to optimize the performance of the low-efficiency solar cell by improving the ratio of triplet excitons, which shows a long diffusion length. Here we observed that in high-efficiency systems, the proportion of singlet excitons under linearly polarized light excitation is higher than that of circularly polarized light. Since the singlet charge transfer state has lower binding energy than the triplet state, it makes a significant contribution to the charge carrier generation and enhancement of the photocurrent. Further, the positive magnetic field effect reflects that singlet excitons dissociation plays a major role in the photocurrent, which is opposite to the case of low-efficiency devices where triplet excitons dominate the photocurrent.

ABSTRACT Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world’s third most common type of cancer. Case studies have shown an inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the incidence of human colorectal cancer. This study aims to assess vitamin D levels in patients who underwent colonoscopy for diagnostic colorectal cancer. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study with subjects in this study were patients who came to the Digestive Surgery polyclinic and underwent a colonoscopy for diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Level of vitamin D was collected before the colonoscopy examination and categorized into three groups, vitamin D with a value of < 20 ng/mL indicate a deficiency, a level of 20 – 30 ng/mL as an insufficiency level, and a value > 30 ng/mL as a sufficient value. A colonoscopy examination was performed to obtain a diagnosis of colorectal cancer based on anatomical pathology examination. Result: Examination of vitamin D levels from 120 subjects showed the average vitamin level was 16.36 ng/mL, which indicates vitamin D deficiency levels. A total of 85 subjects (70.8%) showed vitamin D deficiency, as many as 24 (20%) showed vitamin D insufficiency levels, and only 11 study subjects (9.2%) showed sufficient vitamin D levels. The colonoscopy showed 60 subjects (50%) with colorectal cancer. The relationship between vitamin D levels and the diagnosis of CRC showed a value of p = 0.60 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant difference between low levels of Vitamin D and the diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world’s third most common type of cancer. Data in Indonesia based on GLOBOCAN in 2020 shows CRC in the fourth position with around 35,000 new cases each year. The pathogenesis mechanisms of CRC are complex and heterogeneous, one of which is the involvement of NRAS (Neuroblastoma Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) mutations which play a role in cell growth regulation, as well as the expression of Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This study aims to assess the association of subject characteristics and NRAS mutations with HER2 expression in CRC. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study. There were 58 patients included in this study, they were colorectal cancer patients in the Digestive Surgery division at Dr. Hassan Sadikin Hospital. Examination of NRAS mutations was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from fresh tumour tissue obtained from surgery or colonoscopy. Meanwhile, HER2 examination used the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) method of paraffin blocks for anatomical pathology examination. Result: HER2 overexpression was found in 6/58 (10.3%) patients with CRC, and from 8 subjects with NRAS mutations, only 1 subject (1.7%) showed overexpression of HER2. Univariate analysis of HER2 expression showed no significant associations to age, sex, histologic feature, tumor location, and NRAS mutations. A significant association was found between HER2 expression and stadium of the CRC with p=0.001. Conclusion: There is no association between NRAS mutations and HER2 overexpression in colorectal cancer patients.

Farmers are at high risk for developing adverse health problems due to occupational pesticide exposure. we aimed to compare the frequency of the micronuclear (MN) cellular changes, g binucleated cells (BN), karyorrhexis (KR) and karyolysis (KL) in pesticide exposed farmers and non-exposed individuals. Also, to correlate between the frequency of MN cellular changes and the other nuclear abnormalities with farmers‘ age, their use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the duration of pesticides exposure. A total of 92 buccal smears were collected from Sudanese farmers (cases: n=50, exposed to pesticides) and non-farm workers (controls: n=42, non-exposed to pesticides). The smears were fixed with 95% ethanol and stained following the standard Feulgen technique., A structured questionnaire was designed to collect demographic data and pesticide exposure related information. 39 (78%) farmers do not use PPE. In addition, there was a significant difference (P< 0.05) in the frequency of Micronucleated cells (MN), Total Micronuclei (TMN), Binucleated cells (BN), Karyorehxsis (KH), and Karyolysis (KL) in the buccal cells of cases and control. The application of pesticide without adopting standard protective measures caused genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in farmers’ buccal cells.

Background and Purpose: β-arrestin2 plays an important role in opioid receptor signaling, but its involvement in morphine- and fentanyl-induced respiratory depression is widely debated. The aim of this study was to determine whether β-arrestin2 signaling is associated with fentanyl- and morphine-induced respiratory depression. Experimental Approach: This study investigated whether β-arrestin2 is involved in respiratory depression induced by fentanyl or morphine by inhibiting the upstream signaling molecule GRK2 and knocking out β-arrestin2 in mice, using whole-body plethysmography chambers to assess changes in respiratory function. Key Results: In the experiment of inhibiting GRK molecules, GRK inhibitors significantly improved the respiratory depression induced by morphine, but had no effect on fentanyl. In experiment of knocking out β-arrestin2, respiratory depression was significantly improved in the morphine group, but less affected in the fentanyl group. Conclusion and Implications: Our results suggested that inhibition of β-arrestin2 signaling alleviated morphine-induced respiratory depression but had little effect on fentanyl-induced respiratory depression in both models, suggesting differences in the respiratory depression mechanisms between fentanyl and morphine. This suggests that we may need to give a differentiated dosing regimen in clinical treatment of respiratory depression caused by the two drugs.

The poly lactate co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles of tubercular drugs have been demonstrated to have sustained release profile over seven days. There is no information on the location or mode of release of these nanoparticles in living system. Therefore, we have planned the study to explore the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of PLGA rifampicin nanoparticles in healthy human volunteers. Rifampicin was labeled with 99mTc by indirect method and nanoparticles were prepared by a single emulsion evaporation method. To investigate the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of nanoparticles, a single dose of 450 mg of rifampicin was administered orally to healthy human volunteers divided into two different groups. Following a single oral dosage of the rifampicin nanoformulation, the PK parameters were significantly different between the nanoparticle and conventional groups AUC (113.8 vs 58.6), MRT (16.2 vs 5.8) and Ke (0.04 vs 0.10). Also SPECT/CT images revealed bio-distrubution of nanoparticles in the distal portions of the intestine, which is consistent with our dosimetry analysis Significant difference in PK parameters and bio-distribution of nanoparticles in spleen and lymph nodes with maximum deposition were observed in large intestine. Nanoparticle distribution pattern may be advantageous for the treatment of intestinal or lymph node TB and has the potential to result in a lower dose of rifampicin nanoformulation for the treatment of pulmonary TB.

Abstract Introduction NHS staff face mental health problems due factors including burnout, workload, exposure to trauma and lack of support. Healthcare professionals often face barriers to seeking help and are less likely to seek out professional help for their own mental health. Following staff suicides, this study aimed to identify the perceived barriers to seeking support faced by staff members across an NHS Trust. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. A further 10 informal conversations were had with staff not wanting to be formally interviewed. Results Framework analysis was used to analyse the data, resulting in four themes being identified around perceived barriers to seeking support: stigma organisational culture privacy access to support Discussion Findings indicated that staff perceived significant barriers, including mental illness-related stigma, workplace trauma, organisational culture, confidentiality concerns and access to support. Many staff members who needed to help did not reach out for support within the workplace, despite knowing they needed it. Conclusion There are perceived barriers to seeking help affect both the individual and the culture of the organisation. Larger studies are needed to assess the perceived barriers experienced by staff nationwide, with the aim of tackling these to improve staff wellbeing.

Monitoring the condition of complex systems with implemented sensors in an online manner is of great importance to their safety and availability. Broad learning system (BLS), which expands the single-hidden-layer neural network by enriching the number of hidden-layer nodes, can greatly improve the model training efficiency. But, the randomly generated hidden-layer nodes make BLSs performing poorly in some high-dimensional data classification tasks. This paper focuses on providing some ideas to tackle this problem by optimizing the generation of initial nodes to compact the BLS hidden-layer structure. Specifically, logistic regression (LR) and structural causal model (SCM) are considered to obtain rough predictions of system fault state to replace the randomly generated hidden-layer nodes with no practical significance. Thus, the outputs of the initial node groups are more closely related to the system health status. The proposed methods are expected to improve the feature extraction effectiveness, to simplify the network structure, and to reduce the computational burden. Various simulation datasets are considered to prove the universality of the proposed method in complex system fault diagnosis. And, with real data from a high-speed train brake control system, the effectiveness of the proposed online monitoring framework is further verified. It is also shown that the proposed methods are convenient to migrate to new operation environments.

We study the ground state solutions for the following p\&q-Laplacain equation \[ \left\{ \begin{array}{ll} -\Delta_pu-\Delta_qu+V(x) (|u|^{p-2}u+|u|^{q-2}u)=\lambda K(x)f(u)+|u|^{q^*-2}u,~x\in\R^N, \\ u\in W^{1,p}(\R^N)\cap W^{1,q}(\R^N), \end{array} \right. \] where $\lambda>0$ is a parameter large enough, $\Delta_ru = \text{div}(|\nabla u|^{r-2}\nabla u)$ with $r\in\{p,q\}$ denotes the $r$ Laplacian operator, $1

From the author’s recent studies, it was found that, in low/medium/high cycle fatigue(LHCF) regime, the Wöhler Curve Method is well suitably employed to perform the fatigue life assessment of metals, in which the stress-based intensity parameter calculation is based on the linear-elastic analysis. In this study, an attempt is made through many fatigue test data of notch components of metals from the literature to illustrate that, in LHCF regime, the Notch S-N Curve Method is well suitable for fatigue life analysis of notch components of metals, in which the stress-based intensity parameter calculation is based on the linear-elastic analysis. By concepts of the critical stress and the critical distance by Taylor and by two calibration fatigue failure curves of a smooth specimen and notch specimen by Susmel and Taylor, further, a local approach for predicting the notch S-N curve is proposed based the linear elastic stress fields ahead of notches. Accuracy of the Notch S-N Curve Method is proven by many fatigue test data of notch components of metals from the literature in LHCF regime.

A method for accurately estimating the electron correlation energy as a 1 st order correction to the Hartree-Fock energy is presented. It succeeds by disallowing the representation of the electron repulsion operator to be more fine-grained than the corresponding representation of the two-particle density. To extract the electron correlation contribution to the molecular internal energy from the exact wavefunction, the short-range contribution to the electron repulsion operator is replaced by a corresponding correlation kinetic energy penalty. Utilizing the virial theorem, this self-interaction-free exact-exchange method becomes applicable on condition of stability of the Self-Consistent Field wave function. Laplace as well as Fourier transforms are resorted to as consistency checks. Atomic and small molecular ions are considered for validation. The latter require modelling of the screened Coulomb hole associated with 1s electrons owing to coupled short-range electron-nucleus and electron-electron interactions. For this purpose, Hooke's atom is analyzed (0.03 ≤ í µí¼” ≤ 1000) and consistency is demonstrated for 1s ! Helium-like ions (Z=1-36). While impacting core-valence interactions, the said screening is absent in the valence as confirmed by the Be-like ions (Z=3-36) 1í µí± ! 2í µí± ! systems, for LiH, BeH + , Li2 and for LiBe +. A chemistry associated exclusively with K-shell orbitals is briefly discussed based mainly on results for HeH + and H3 +. Fractional charges scaling the Coulomb hole is inferred to better represent the complex correlation hole in hydrogen clusters and high-pressure metallic hydrogen.

The Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is a wild mammal which is living in nature in Indonesia forest. Recently due to the highest demand of civet coffee, push the changes of the living environment of the Asian palm civet as the pet or captive breed. Changes in the environment from the wild to human intervention cause shift in their behaviour and feeding patterns. This is thought possibly to affect it’s anatomical structure and histology digestive organ and mainly the lingual papillae as an entrance of the food. This study aims to analyse the anatomical structure of the lingual papillae and the secretions of the lingual glands in Paradoxurus hermaphroditus due to the changes of the food behaviour by gross macroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) in the form of histochemical staining (hematoxyline eosin, Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff, and Masson’s Trichrome). The SEM results revealed that several type lingual papillae are found on the tongue of the Paradoxurus hermaphroditus they are: fungiform, arrowhead filiform, giant arrowhead filiform, scale-like filiform, conical, and circumvallate papillae. The histological results showed that on the radix of tongue of the civet are found Weber’s glands which produce the secretion of neutral and acid mucin. Collagen fibers were found scattered in all of the lamina propria and some of the tunica muscularis with higher collagen intensity at the apex. In conclusion, these results provide the new insight of the adaptation form of the lingual papillae of the Asian palm civet due to their changes of feeding behaviour based on the type, number, distribution of the papillae, as well as the type of lingual gland secret and the presence of the collagen fibre.

Isolated TAPVC is difficult to diagnose on a prenatal ultrasound as standard obstetric screening views are often normal. We present a case of isolated infra-cardiac TAPVC highlighting the utility of STIC imaging in the diagnosis ofTAPVC

A 69-year-old female presented to the emergency department with chest pain and EKG changes consistent with anterior STEMI. Left heart catheterization revealed multi-vessel CAD. She was referred for a CABG. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with contrast raised concerns for apical pseudoaneurysm (Image 1). Cardiac computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a multi-lobular dissecting pseudoaneurysm and extensive pericardial thickening (Images 3 and 4). This was confirmed at surgery, and she underwent partial pericardiectomy. Repair of the defects was deemed too high risk and adhesion prevented the insertion of any grafts. She subsequently underwent percutaneous revascularization.

Tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis has been the standard clinical approach for the treatment of most airway diseases, especially invading the lower trachea or carina. However, when long-length (exceeding 2 cm in children or 5 cm in adults) tracheal circular resection is performed, tracheal replacement therapy is often required. In this study, we aimed to utilize autologous tracheal epithelia and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as the seeding cells, utilize polycaprolactone (PCL) coated with Silk Fibroin Methacryloyl (SilMA) as the scaffold to carry the cells and Kartogenin (KGN). Firstly, SilMA with the concentration of 10%, 15% and 20% was made, and the experiment of swelling and degradation was performed. With the increase of the concentration, the swelling ratio decreased, the degradation progress slowed down. Upon the result of CCK-8 test and HE staining of 3D co-culture, the 20% SilMA was selected. Next, SilMA and the cells attached to SilMA were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity test shows that 20% SilMA has good cytocompatibility. The hybrid scaffold was then made by PCL coated with 20% SilMA. The mechanical test shows this hybrid scaffold has better biomechanical properties. In vivo tracheal defect repair assays were done to evaluate the effect of the hybrid substitution. H&E staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining showed that this hybrid substitution ensured the viability, proliferation and migration of epithelium. This study is expected to provide new strategies for the fields of tracheal replacement therapy needing mechanical properties and epithelization.

Objective: To assess the influence of vaccination on reproductive outcome treatment of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Setting: A university-affiliated reproductive medical center. Population: The study included a total of 1105 couples who underwent 1269 IVF treatment cycles with fresh cycles from March.1.2021 to January.1.2022. 215 vaccinated couples, 677 unvaccinated couples, 101 couples with female vaccinated only, and 112 couples with male vaccinated only. Methods: 1105 couples were divided into four groups according to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccination status of both partners: Group A, both partners were vaccinated; Group B, only female partners were vaccinated; Group C, only male partners were vaccinated; Group D, neither of them was vaccinated. To compare the live birth and neonatal outcomes among different vaccinated couples or unvaccinated couples. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome was a live birth rate and secondary outcomes were a low birth rate and preterm birth rate. Result(s): The results showed that there are no significant differences in live birth rate and neonatal outcomes among different groups. The logistic regression model applied demonstrated that the different vaccination statuses of infertile couples had no effects on the live birth rates. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 inactive vaccine did not affect the couples’ reproductive outcome in IVF treatment. To prevent serious complications related to COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and the perinatal period, active immunization with vaccines is available before pregnancy.

The contact fatigue of carbon steel gear tooth surfaces under different lubrication conditions has been investigated and a model of the effect of lubrication conditions on contact fatigue has been established. Electrochemical corrosion forms nonferrous oxide on the tooth surface, and the crack corrosion between the nonferrous oxide and the Fe matrix may become the initiation point for contact fatigue. High temperature generated by frictional heat can accelerate the plastic deformation. Micro damage less than Hertzian contact is more likely to expand into macro pitting. The pressure around the micro damage increases when the micro damage partially coincides with the contact width, so the tooth surface around the pit is more likely to produce new pits, and then form the superposition and aggregation. The larger the lubricating oil supply, the larger the contact width, and the larger the width of the micro damage can be activated, the improvement of lubrication can promote the propagation of micro damage.

The stability of residual stress plays an important role in the fatigue performance of materials. In this work, the stability of surface residual stress in carburized alloy steel with different carburized layers is studied by axial fatigue tests. Different stress amplitudes are applied to the specimens over several cycles, and the resulting residual stress on the surface is measured by X-ray diffraction. It is found that residual stress relaxation occurs on the specimens when the applied stress amplitude is large, and that the relaxation rate depends on the magnitude of the stress amplitude. The stress relaxation is most obvious in the first cycle, and changes slowly in the subsequent cycles. A model of surface residual stress evolution is established which can accurately describe the relaxation process. The residual stress on the surface of the specimen is found to be in a stable state, if the stress amplitude is less than 30% of the material yield strength.

Persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, threatening women’s health. Despite growing prophylactic vaccination, annual cervical cancer cases are still increasing and show a trend of younger onset age. However, therapeutic approaches towards HPV infection are still limited. 25-hydrocholesterol (25HC) has a wide-spectrum inhibitory effect on a variety of viruses. To explore efficient interventions to restrict HPV infection at an early time, we applied different pseudoviruses (PsV) to evaluate anti-HPV efficacy of 25HC. We tested PsV inhibition by 25HC in cervical epithelial-derived HeLa and C-33A cells, using high-risk (HPV16, HPV18, HPV59), possibly carcinogenic (HPV73), and low-risk (HPV6) HPV PsVs. Then we established murine genital HPV PsV infection models and applied IVIS to evaluate anti-HPV efficacy of 25HC in vivo. Next, with the help of confocal imaging, we targeted 25HC activity at filopodia upon HPV exposure. After that, we used RNA-seq and Western blotting to investigate 1) how 25HC disturbs actin cytoskeleton remodeling during HPV infection and 2) how prenylation regulates the cytoskeletal remodeling signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that 25HC perturbs F-actin rearrangement by reducing small GTPase prenylation. In this way, the phenomenon of HPV virion surfing was restricted, leading to failed infection.