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Utilizing supplementary information in simple random sampling, this research paper discussed a new method for finding the finite population mean of a predictive variable, and the properties of the suggested method have been investigated. The suggested estimator’s advantages over traditional estimators are demonstrated using theoretical asymptotic techniques and empirical analysis. The recommended estimator outperforms the customary unbiased, ratio, product, and regression estimators, as well as many other known population mean estimators.

In this work, a CaYF5:Ho3+/Yb3+ upconversion phosphor was synthesized and its structural, morphological, and optical properties were studied. Apart from these studies, latent fingerprint detection and security ink applications were also demonstrated using this phosphor.

To establish national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Thailand for lesions of different complexity.Radiation dose quantity as kerma-area-product (KAP) and cumulative air-kerma at reference point (CAK) from 76 catheterization labs in 38 hospitals in PCI registry of Thailand was transferred online to central data management. Sixteen months data (May 2018 to August 2019) was analyzed. We also investigated role of different factors that influence radiation dose the most.Analysis of 22,737 PCIs resulted in national DRLs for PCI of 91.3 Gy.cmThis large multi-centric study established DRLs for PCIs which can act as reference for future studies. A hallmark of our study is establishment of reference levels for coronary lesions classified as per ACC/AHA and thus for different complexities.

Computed tomography (CT) has long been the gold standard in diagnosing patients with suspected small bowel obstruction (SBO). Recently, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has demonstrated comparable test characteristics to CT imaging for the diagnosis of SBO. Our primary objective was to estimate the annual national cost saving impact of a POCUS-first approach for the evaluation of SBO. Our secondary objectives were to estimate the reduction in radiation exposure and emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS).We created and ran 1000 trials of a Monte Carlo simulation. The study population included all patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain who were diagnosed with SBO. Using this simulation, we modeled the national annual cost savings in averted advanced imaging from a POCUS-first approach for SBO. The model assumes that all patients who require surgery or have non-diagnostic POCUS exams undergo CT imaging. The model also conservatively assumes that a subset of patients with diagnostic POCUS exams undergo additional confirmatory CT imaging. We used the same Monte Carlo model to estimate the reduction in radiation exposure and total ED bed hours saved.A POCUS-first approach for diagnosing SBO was estimated to save a mean (±SD) of $30.1 million (±8.9 million) by avoiding 143,000 (±31,000) CT scans. This resulted in a national cumulative decrease of 507,000 bed hours (±268,000) in ED LOS. The reduction in radiation exposure to patients could potentially prevent 195 (±56) excess annual cancer cases and 98 (±28) excess annual cancer deaths.If adopted widely and used consistently, a POCUS-first algorithm for SBO could yield substantial national cost savings by averting advanced imaging, decreasing ED LOS, and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure in patients. Clinical decision tools are needed to better identify which patients would most benefit from CT imaging for SBO in the ED.

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative paper is to identify and amplify the voice of those experts who advise practitioners faced with foreign market entry decisions. This paper reports the importance that experts place on the rule of law, a positive ethical climate in host nations and the experts’ knowledge of investment financial performance after five years of the initial foreign market entry.Design/methodology/approachThe sample included 12 experienced expert professional interviewees who spent careers with publicly held multinational corporations, attorneys who advised multinational corporation officers, arbitrators with significant international dispute resolution experience, corporate ethics compliance experts, small global entrepreneurial business owners and an academic specializing in international commercial law and dispute resolution.FindingsThe rule of law and ethical climate significantly influence private market entry mode, dispute resolution choices and the likelihood of financial success. Finally, the findings illuminate the importance of the rule of law and a positive ethical climate in private foreign market entry decisions and their managerial and policy implications.Originality/valueThis study lays the foundation for the development of propositions to understand better the significant role of the rule of law in the private foreign investment decision-making process and the financial performance of the foreign investment.

Supplementary Figure 1 from γ-Tocotrienol Promotes TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis through Reactive Oxygen Species/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/p53–Mediated Upregulation of Death Receptors

Supplementary Figure Legend from γ-Tocotrienol Promotes TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis through Reactive Oxygen Species/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/p53–Mediated Upregulation of Death Receptors

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, is in clinical trials for cancer therapy, but its anticancer potential is limited by the development of resistance. We investigated the ability of tocotrienol (T3), an unsaturated vitamin E present in palm oil, rice bran, barley, oats, and wheat germ, to sensitize tumor cells to TRAIL. Results from esterase staining, colony formation, caspase activation, and sub-G1 cell cycle arrest revealed that γ-T3 can sensitize human colon cancer cells to TRAIL. When examined for the mechanism, we found that γ-T3 significantly downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (c-IAP2 and Bcl-xL). We also found that γ-T3, but not tocopherol, induced the expression of the TRAIL receptors death receptor (DR)-4 and DR5. This induction was not cell type specific, as upregulation was also found in pancreatic, kidney, and leukemic cells. Upregulation of DRs by γ-T3 required the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sequestering of ROS abolished both upregulation of the receptors and potentiation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Induction of DRs by γ-T3 also required activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), as silencing of ERK1 by specific siRNA abrogated the upregulation of TRAIL receptors. Further, induction of DRs by γ-T3 required the expression of p53 and Bax, as no induction of the receptors was found in colon cancer cells with deletion of these genes. Overall, our results show that γ-T3 sensitizes tumor cells to TRAIL by upregulating DRs through the ROS/ERK/p53 pathway and by downregulating cell survival proteins. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2196–207. ©2010 AACR.

Supplementary Figure 1 from Berberine Modifies Cysteine 179 of IκBα Kinase, Suppresses Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated Antiapoptotic Gene Products, and Potentiates Apoptosis

Supplementary Figure 2 from Berberine Modifies Cysteine 179 of IκBα Kinase, Suppresses Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated Antiapoptotic Gene Products, and Potentiates Apoptosis

Supplementary Figure Legends 1-2 from Berberine Modifies Cysteine 179 of IκBα Kinase, Suppresses Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated Antiapoptotic Gene Products, and Potentiates Apoptosis

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from a plant used traditionally in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, has been reported to exhibit chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory activities through unknown mechanism. Because of the critical role of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in these processes, we investigated the effect of berberine on this pathway. We found that berberine suppressed NF-κB activation induced by various inflammatory agents and carcinogens. This alkaloid also suppressed constitutive NF-κB activation found in certain tumor cells. Suppression of NF-κB activation occurred through the inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα by the inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK) activation, leading to suppression of phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65, and finally to inhibition of NF-κB reporter activity. Inhibition of IKK by berbeine was direct and could be reversed by reducing agents. Site-specific mutagenesis suggested the involvement of cysteine residue 179 in IKK. Berberine also suppressed the expression of NF-κB–regulated gene products involved in antiapoptosis (Bcl-xL, Survivin, IAP1, IAP2, and cFLIP), proliferation (cyclin D1), inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), and invasion (matrix metalloproteinase-9). Suppression of antiapoptotic gene products correlated with enhancement of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and chemotherapeutic agents and with inhibition of TNF-induced cellular invasion. Overall, our results indicate that chemopreventive, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities displayed by berberine may be mediated in part through the suppression of the NF-κB activation pathway. This may provide the molecular basis for the ability of berberine to act as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5370–9]

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an intensely pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects black patients. However, the pathogenesis of PN is poorly understood. We performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling, ligand receptor analysis and cell trajectory analysis of 28,695 lesional and non-lesional PN skin cells to uncover disease-identifying cell compositions and genetic characteristics. We uncovered a dysregulated role for fibroblasts (FBs) and myofibroblasts as a key pathogenic element in PN, which were significantly increased in PN lesional skin. We defined seven unique subclusters of FBs in PN skin and observed a shift of PN lesional FBs towards a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype, with WNT5A+ CAFs increased in the skin of PN patients and similarly so in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A multi-center PN cohort study subsequently revealed an increased risk of SCC as well as additional CAF-associated malignancies in PN patients, including breast and colorectal cancers. Systemic fibroproliferative diseases were also upregulated in PN patients, including renal sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Ligand receptor analyses demonstrated increased FB1-derived WNT5A and periostin interactions with neuronal receptors MCAM and ITGAV, suggesting a fibroblast-neuronal axis in PN. Type I IFN responses in immune cells and increased angiogenesis/permeability in endothelial cells were also observed. As compared to atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PSO) patients, increased mesenchymal dysregulation is unique to PN with an intermediate Th2/Th17 phenotype between atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These findings identify a pathogenic role for CAFs in PN, including a novel targetable WNT5A+ fibroblast subpopulation and CAF-associated malignancies in PN patients.

Immune-checkpoint blockade has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, most patients do not respond to single-agent therapy. Combining checkpoint inhibitors with other immune-stimulating agents increases both efficacy and toxicity due to systemic T-cell activation. Protease-activatable antibody prodrugs, known as Probody therapeutics (Pb-Tx), localize antibody activity by attenuating capacity to bind antigen until protease activation in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we show that systemic administration of anti–programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti–PD-L1) and anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) Pb-Tx to tumor-bearing mice elicited antitumor activity similar to that of traditional PD-1/PD-L1–targeted antibodies. Pb-Tx exhibited reduced systemic activity and an improved nonclinical safety profile, with markedly reduced target occupancy on peripheral T cells and reduced incidence of early-onset autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. Our results confirm that localized PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition by Pb-Tx can elicit robust antitumor immunity and minimize systemic immune-mediated toxicity. These data provide further preclinical rationale to support the ongoing development of the anti–PD-L1 Pb-Tx CX-072, which is currently in clinical trials.

Patient skin dose from interventional fluoroscopy procedures may exceed the threshold of tissue injuries and established guidelines recommend patient follow-up for air kerma at reference point (KThis retrospective study analyzed 37,917 consecutive procedures in interventional radiology and vascular surgery at a tertiary-care hospital between January 2016 and June 2021. Radiation dosage was retrieved from the fluoroscopy acquisition systems. For a patient receiving multiple procedures, but each with KNearly 1/3rd (37.4 %) patients underwent multiple procedures. With individual procedures of KIn the absence of guidelines on patient follow-up for multiple procedures, our study may provide good material for setting up such guidelines.

In Bangladesh, the topsoil of agricultural land is being used to manufacture burnt clay bricks for a long time. This is one of the major reasons for reducing the cultivable land every year. But, we have a huge amount of River Dredged Soil (RDS) available that could be used for manufacturing building materials as an alternate to the conventional bricks. In this regard, the present study has been performed to investigate various properties of RDS from the Brahmaputra River and different mixes of RDS containing different percentages of cement content. The physical properties such as specific gravity, unit weight, mean diameter, maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of RDS were determined following standard procedures. Cylindrical specimens of RDS were prepared by mixing with different amounts of cement content. All the specimens were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days before testing. Water absorption of the RDS-cement specimens after 28 days was found between 14 to 18% which is in the range of first-class burnt clay brick. It was found that the water absorption decreases with the increase in the percentages of cement content. The unconfined compressive strength was observed to increase with the increment of cement content as well as curing age. The maximum unconfined strength was recorded for the specimens containing 14% cement and the rate of strength increment was about 45% in two weeks. It means the addition of cement with RDS will definitely increase the strength. But, the maximum use of cement must be decided based on the required strength and economic consideration. The deformation at failure was found decrease with the increase in cement content. This indicates that the stiffness of the stabilized RDS would increase upon the increment of cement content. Based on the above test results, it is concluded that the dredged soil from Brahmaputra River can be stabilized with cement for making compressed earth block which would be an alternative to the burnt clay brick that uses valued agricultural soil as raw material. Progressive Agriculture 32 (1): 71-77, 2021

In this study, which is the first of its kind in the gulf region, eye doses of interventional cardiologists and nurses were measured using active dosimeters for left and right eyes, in 60 percutaneous coronary interventions in three main hospitals in Kuwait. The dose given in terms of Hp(0.07) per procedure when ceiling suspended screens were used by main operators ranged from 18.5 to 30.3 µSv for the left eye and from 12.6 to 23.6 µSv for the right eye. Taking into account typical staff workload, the results show that the dose limit of 20 mSv/year to the eyes can be exceeded for interventional cardiologists in some situations, which demonstrates the need of using additional effective radiation protection tools, e.g. protective eye spectacles, in addition to the regular and proper use of ceiling suspended screens. With indications of increase in workload, the need for availability of a dedicated active dosimeter for the regular monitoring of eye doses is emphasized.

Over 80% to 90% of thyroid tumours are papillary thyroid carcinoma, the most prevalent well-differentiated thyroid cancer. It carries favourable prognosis which is well documented. Due to delayed consultation and, thus, late detection, rarely cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma may present with large growth, creating difculties for decisive care, quality of life, overall survival, and prognosis. We report a case of a 51-year-old who presented with 4-year history of neck mass and 2-year history bleeding ulcer over the swelling. On examination, the ulcer had maggots and cytological study conrmed Papillary thyroid carcinoma. After pre-operative optimisation, patient underwent Total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection followed by radioactive iodine ablation 4 weeks later. Patient was on regular follow up for 1 year and reported no complaints

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are premalignant intraepidermal neoplasms that occur as a result of cumulative sun damage. AKs commonly relapse, and up to 16% undergo malignant transformation into cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). There is a need for novel therapies that reduce the quantity and surface area of AKs as well as prevent malignant transformation to cSCCs. We recently showed that GZ17-6.02, an anti-cancer agent composed of curcumin, haramine, and isovanillin, inhibited the growth of H297.T cells. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a novel topical formulation of GZ17-6.02, known as GZ21T, in a murine model of AK generated by exposing SKH1 mice to ultraviolet irradiation. Treatment of mice with topical GZ21T inhibited the growth of AKs by decreasing both lesion count (p=.028) and surface area occupied by tumor (p=.026). GZ21T also suppressed the progression of AKs to cSCC by decreasing the count (p=.047) and surface area (p=.049) of lesions more likely to represent cSCC. RNA sequencing and proteomic analyses revealed that GZ21T suppressed several pathways, including MAPK (p=.026), Pi3K-Akt (p=.028), HIF-1α (p=.030), Wnt (p=.031), insulin (p=.011), and ErbB (p=.006) signaling. GZ21T also upregulated the autophagy-promoting protein AMPK, while suppressing proteins such as PD-L1, glutaminase, pAkt1 S473, and eEF2K.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyse the frequency, demographics, primary disease and cumulative effective dose of patients undergoing two or more 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations in a year. Methods: In a retrospective study performed at a tertiary-care hospital, patients who underwent ≥2 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in a calendar year were identified for two consecutive years. The CT radiation dose was calculated using dose-length-product and sex-specific conversion factors. The primary malignancy of patients was retrieved from electronic medical records. Results: 10,714 18F-FDG PET/CT exams were performed for 6,831 unique patients in 2 years, yielding an average of 1.6 exams per patient. The maximum number of 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations any patient underwent in a single year was seven. 20.9% patients had ≥2 18F-FDG PET/CT exams in any single year. Thirty nine percent patients in the cohort were below 60 years age. The median dose for 18F-FDG PET/CT examination was 25.1 mSv and maximum value reaching 1.7 to 2.9 times the median value. Cumulative effective dose (CED) was≥100 mSv in 12–13% of the patients. The cumulative dose for both years combined demonstrated the 25th percentile, 50th percentile and 75th percentile as well as the mean to be over 100 mSv, with the 25th percentile being 109 mSv. The dominant primary malignancies contributing to serial 18F-FDG PET/CTs in decreasing frequency were melanoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Conclusions: A sizeable number of patients undergo≥2 18F-FDG PET/CT exams with one out of every eight patients receiving cumulative dose≥100 mSv and that includes patients with long-life expectancy. Advances in knowledge: The study found that one of five patients had≥2 18F-FDG PET/CT exams in a calendar year, one of four patients in two years and one of eight patients received cumulative dose≥100 mSv. Top malignancies associated with serial imaging in decreasing order of frequency included melanoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The radiation protection principles of justification, optimization, and dose limitation as enumerated by the International Commission on Radiological Protection have been guiding light for the profession for over three decades. The dose limitation does not apply to medical exposure but keeping patients’ doses low is achieved through optimization, particularly by developing and using diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). There are new findings that demonstrate that despite using the best possible approaches to justification and optimization including as well use of DRLs, a very large number of patients are receiving doses in excess of 100 mSv of effective dose or organ doses exceeding 100 mGy. A non-ignorable fraction of patients is receiving such high doses in a single day. The magnitude of such patients creates the need for a relook into the principles with the intent to understand what can be done to attend to today’s problems. A look at other areas such as approaches, and principles used in the pharmaceutical industry and in traffic management throws some light into what can be learnt from these examples. It appears that the system needs to be enriched to deal with the protection of the individual patient. The currently available approaches and even the principles are largely based on the protection of the population or group of patients. The third level of justification for individual needs further refinement to take into account series of imaging many patients are needing, and cumulative radiation doses involved, many of which happen in a short duration of 1 to 5 years. There is every likelihood of patient radiation doses continuing to increase further that underscores the need for timely attention. This paper provides several suggestions to deal with the situation.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and it is increasingly threatening people’s health. Early diagnosis is crucial to reducing the threat; however, the chance of missed polyps in today’s colonoscopy examination is still high (about 10%) due to limitations in diagnosis techniques and data analysis methods. The colonoscope is a kind of robot and on its tip there is a camera to acquire images. This paper presents a study aimed to improve the rate of successful diagnosis with a new image data analysis approach based on the faster regional convolutional neural network (faster R-CNN). This new approach has two steps for data analysis: (i) pre-processing of images to characterize polyps, and (ii) incorporating of the result of the pre-processing into the faster R-CNN. Specifically, the pre-processing of colonoscopy was expected to reduce the influence of specular reflections, resulting in an improved image, upon which the faster R-CNN algorithm was aplied. There are several improvements of the faster r-CNN tailoring to the task of colon polyps detection. To confirm the superiority of this new approach, the mean average precision (mAP) was used to compare the results obtained with the new approach and the faster R-CNN algorithm. The experimental result shows that the mAP of the new approach is 91.43%, as opposed to 90.57% with the faster R-CNN, which shows a significant improvement.

Chronic pruritus is a debilitating symptom with limited treatment options. Identifying molecular targets underlying chronic pruritic dermatoses is essential for the development of novel, targeted therapies. IL-31 is an important mediator of itch by integrating dermatologic, neural, and immune systems. IL-31 helps induce and maintain chronic pruritus via both indirect stimulation of inflammatory cells and through direct neural sensitization. IL-31 is overexpressed in various chronic pruritic skin conditions, and exogenous IL-31 induces itch and scratching behavior. Studies have demonstrated that IL-31R and IL-31 antagonism significantly reduces itch in patients with atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis, two extremely pruritic skin conditions. Emerging evidence, including recent phase II clinical trials of IL-31R antagonists, demonstrates that IL-31 plays an important role in itch signaling. Additional studies are ongoing to evaluate IL-31R and IL-31 antagonism as treatments of chronic pruritus.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and is characterized by epidermotrophism of malignant CD4+ T-lymphocytes. When MF advances to a recurrent stage, patients require treatment with systemic therapies such as vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. While vorinostat has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor activity in MF, its exact molecular mechanism has yet to be fully discerned. In the present study, we examined the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of vorinostat treatment in two MF cell lines, Myla 2059 and HH. We find that vorinostat downregulates CTLA-4, CXCR4, and CCR7 in both cell lines, but its effect on several key pathways differs between the two MF cell lines. For example, vorinostat upregulates CCL5, CCR5, and CXCL10 expression in Myla cells but downregulates CCL5 and CXCL10 expression in HH cells. Furthermore, vorinostat upregulates IFN-γ and IL-23 signaling and downregulates IL-6, IL-7, and IL-15 signaling in Myla cells but does not affect these pathways in HH cells. Although Myla and HH represent established MF cell lines, their distinct tumor origin from separate patients demonstrates that inherent phenotypic variations within the disease persist, underscoring the importance of using a variety of MF cells in the preclinical development of MF therapeutics.

Purpose An estimated 377 million diagnostic and interventional radiological exams are performed annually in the United States and approximately 4 to 5 billion globally. All use x-ray tubes that emit x-rays over a broad energy band, a technology that is more than a century old. Only a small fraction of the radiation is useful for imaging while the remaining fraction either increases the radiation dose received by the patient or degrades the image. Monochromatic x-rays can provide lower dose images in many of these radiological applications while maintaining or improving image quality. We report the development of the first monochromatic x-ray source suitable for low-dose, high-quality imaging in the clinic and demonstrate its first application and performance with mammography phantoms. Methods X-ray fluorescence was used to generate monochromatic x-rays with selectable energies from 18 to 60 keV. This patented technology was incorporated into a laboratory prototype of a monochromatic x-ray mammography system. Image quality was evaluated as a function of radiation dose in standard breast phantoms using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measured for high and low contrast masses and microcalcifications. Spatial imaging properties were assessed from these images as well as from modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis. Measurements using an iodine contrast agent were also performed. The results were compared to those obtained using a commercially available, conventional x-ray mammography system. Results Our prototype system reduced radiation dose by factors of five to ten times for the same SNRs as obtained from the conventional system. This performance was demonstrated in phantoms simulating a wide range of lesion sizes and microcalcifications in a variety of breast thicknesses. The high SNRs for very thick breast phantoms provide evidence that screening with less breast compression is possible while maintaining image quality. Contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) with monochromatic x-rays was shown to provide a simpler and more effective technique at substantially lower radiation dose. The MTF value at 20% was 9 lp/mm. Conclusions The monochromatic x-ray system is more sensitive for imaging a wide range of breast sizes and compositions than conventional broadband mammography. High image quality and lower dose are its hallmarks. It also makes CEDM much more effective than current methods developed for use with conventional broadband mammography systems.

Vinculin is a well-known cytoskeletal protein and is a component of the integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesion system. Recently, vinculin is also being reported from the nuclei from a number of organisms. However, there is no report yet on purification of nuclear vinculin from the native source of any organism. In the present study, by using western blotting, we show nuclear localization of vinculin in chicken liver. The chicken liver nuclear vinculin was purified to homogeneity and subsequently, the identity of vinculin was confirmed by peptide mass fingerprinting. Further, actin was co-immunoprecipitated with vinculin from chicken liver nuclear extract. Interestingly, the above immunoprecipitate (IP) demonstrated histone specific protease activity. Thus, the present study suggests plausible interaction of vinculin with actin and histone specific proteases in the chicken liver nuclei.

Background Pruritus is a common symptom that can significantly reduce quality of life through sleep disruption. Objective To examine features of disturbed sleep in patients with chronic pruritic dermatoses and test the hypothesis that systemic inflammation may serve as a biomarker for impaired sleep in these patients. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey investigating systemic inflammation using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Logistic regression was used to compare patients with and without sleep disturbances, adjusting for demographics (model 1) and medical comorbidities (model 2). Results Chronic pruritic dermatoses were associated with multiple sleep disturbances, including nighttime awakenings (model 1: odds ratio [OR], 1.646; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.031-2.627; model 2: OR, 1.329; 95% CI, 0.888-1.989) and early morning awakening (model 1: OR, 1.669, 95% CI, 1.118-2.493; model 2: OR, 1.582; 95% CI, 1.008-2.481). Mean CRP levels were 52.8% higher among patients with pruritic dermatoses reporting trouble sleeping compared with those who did not (0.663 vs 0.434 mg/dL; P = .034). Trouble sleeping was also positively correlated with CRP levels (β = 0.142, P = .025). Limitations Potential recall bias among participants. Conclusions In addition to confirming sleep disturbances with pruritic dermatoses, we found these disturbances are more likely to present with elevated CRP levels. Clinicians should consider the potential risk for sleep-related and cardiac comorbidities in patients diagnosed with itchy skin conditions.

To increase the size of the flowers for easy plucking, flower yield, pyrethrins content (%), and elite mutant selection in pyrethrum.To increase pyrethrum production and acclimatize in north Indian...

The Gd2O3 nanophosphors codoped with Yb3+/Tm3+ and Yb3+/Tm3+/Li+ ions have been successfully synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction method. Upon 980 nm laser diode excitation, the upconversion emission spectra of the synthesized phosphors have been recorded. The observed spectra show intense blue bands at ∼ 477 nm, ∼ 489 nm and one red band at ∼ 656 nm, which are assigned to 1G4(a) → 3H6, 1G4(b) → 3H6 and 1G4(b) →3F4 transitions of Tm3+ ion respectively. The absorption spectrum of the prepared phosphor has been recorded using UV–Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The mechanism involved in UC emission process have been analysed with help of energy level diagram and pump power study. Moreover, the CIE colour coordinates of synthesized phosphors lies in blue region which indicates that the prepared phosphors have potential applications in NIR to Visible upconversion and in blue LEDs.

BackgroundPrurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperkeratotic nodules on the trunk and extremities. While there is growing research on the immunological basis of PN, the neuropathic and structural components of PN lesions are unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the inflammatory, neuropathic, and structural pathways in PN compared to atopic dermatitis (AD).MethodsLesional and non-lesional skin biopsies were collected from 13 PN and 6 AD patients. mRNA and protein expression in biopsies was determined using RNA-Sequencing and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the DESeq2 R package and pathway level enrichment was determined using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. IHC expression was quantified with QuPath followed by statistical comparison with the Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U.ResultsCompared to lesional AD, lesional PN had greater mRNA expression of MMPs, OSM, NGF, IL1β, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL8, and insulin-like growth factors, and lower expression of CCL13, CCL26, EPHB1, and collagens. Compared to non-lesional AD, non-lesional PN showed upregulation of keratin-family genes. GSEA revealed that lesional PN had greater keratinization, cornified envelope, myelin sheath, TGF-beta signaling, extracellular matrix disassembly, metalloendopeptidase activity, and neutrotrophin-TRK receptor signaling, while non-lesional PN had higher keratin filament, extracellular structure organization, extracellular matrix disassembly, and angiogenesis. IHC showed increased dermal nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in lesional PN compared to lesional AD (p=0.038), and greater epidermal NGF compared to dermal NGF in non-lesional PN (p=0.014).LimitationsSingle, tertiary care center.ConclusionsPN demonstrated increased neurotrophic and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling signatures compared to AD, possibly explaining the morphological differences in their lesions. These signatures may therefore be important components of the PN pathogenesis and may serve as therapeutic targets.

Wide-neck intracranial aneurysms need additional devices like balloons or stent for management. Balloon-assisted coiling has evolved both with interventionalist experience and device modifications.We discussed our experience, evolution, and complications with this novel technique.Data of 2014-2019 was retrospectively reviewed for type of balloon used along with complications in intracranial aneurysm coiling. Two hundred five aneurysms were detected in 188 patients, of which balloon-assisted coiling was planned for 198 aneurysms. Both single and double-lumen balloons were used. Aneurysms were divided into bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms. The complications were compared between bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms, and between single and double lumen balloons.Balloon-assisted coiling was planned for 198 aneurysms but successfully done for 195 (98.5%) cases. Single-lumen balloons were used in 56 aneurysms (28.3%), and double-lumen balloons were used in 142 cases (71.7%). Procedural thromboembolism within parent vessel was seen in 28 cases (14.1%); however symptomatic were encountered in 5 cases (2.5%). Intraprocedural rupture of the aneurysmal sac was seen in 9 cases (4.5%). The procedure-related mortality in our series was 1.6% (3/188 patients), and morbidity was 4.3% (8/188 patients). The complications among bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms compared between single- and double-lumen balloons showed a greater number of symptomatic thromboembolic complications in sidewall aneurysms with the use of single lumen balloons.There are significant symptomatic thromboembolic complications in sidewall aneurysms with the use of single-lumen balloons which decreased as interventionalist experience evolved and better hardware developed.

By utilizing the effective energy transfer from Ce

The article is part of the series of articles on radiation protection. You can find further articles in the special section of the CVIR issue. In addition to the risks from fluoroscopic-guided interventional procedures of tissue injuries, recent studies have drawn attention to the risk of stochastic effects. Guidelines exist for preprocedural planning and radiation management during the procedure. The concept of a substantial radiation dose level (SRDL) is helpful for patient follow-up for tissue injury. The uncommon nature of tissue injuries requires the interventionalist to be responsible for follow-up of patients who receive substantial radiation doses. Dose management systems for recognizing and avoiding higher patient exposures have been introduced. The European Directive provides a legal framework and requirements for equipment, training, dose monitoring, recording and optimization that are helpful in radiation risk management.

To identify a patient cohort who received ≥ 100 mSv during a single computed tomography (CT)-guided intervention and analyze clinical information. Using the dose-tracking platform Radimetrics that collects data from all CT scanners in a single hospital, a patient-level search was performed retrospectively by setting a threshold effective dose (E) of 100 mSv for the period from January 2013 to December 2017. Patients who received ≥ 100 mSv in a single day during a single CT-guided intervention were then identified. Procedure types were identified, and medical records were reviewed up to January 2020 to identify patients who developed short- and/or medium-term (up to 8 years) medical consequences. Of 8952 patients with 100 mSv+, there were 33 patients who underwent 37 CT-guided interventions each resulting in ≥ 100 mSv. Procedures included ablations (15), myelograms (8), drainages (7), biopsies (6), and other (1). The dose for individual procedures was 100.2 to 235.5 mSv with mean and median of 125.7 mSv and 111.8 mSv, respectively. Six patients (18 %) were less than 50 years of age. During the study period of 0.2 to 7 years, there were no deterministic or stochastic consequences identified in this study cohort. While infrequent, CT-guided interventions may result in a single procedure dose of ≥ 100 mSv. Awareness of the possibility of such high doses and potential for long-term deleterious effects, especially in younger patients, and consideration of alternative imaging guidance and/or further dose optimization should be strongly considered whenever feasible. • Although not so frequent, CT-guided interventions may result in a single procedure dose of ≥ 100 mSv • Procedures with potential for high dose includes ablations, myelograms, drainages, and biopsies

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis has long been projected as one of the sustainable saviors for achieving food security for mankind. However, there exist conflicting views regarding recommending AM fungi as inocula to farmers. Fungal, host, soil and climatic factors affect AM efficacy in the field. The process of identifying, calculating and comparing the costs and benefits of AM symbioses in economic terms is of international interest from both farmer and industry perspectives. It has not yet been possible to economically quantify the benefits of AM fungi in agroecosystems. Some potential benefits such as increased yield, lower fertilizer consumption and better disease tolerance can be measured quantitatively by cost-benefit analyses, but others such as reductions in soil erosion and nutrient leaching, soil carbon sequestration, phytoremediation, renaturation and landscaping are mainly qualitative and cannot be assessed by conventional cost-benefit methodologies. We identify and explore approaches to assessing economic benefits of inoculation with AM fungi and the risks and limitations involved. To ensure that all potential benefits of AM symbioses are given due cognizance, we propose any economic evaluation should also use contingent methods as applied to economic assessment of biodiversity and afforestation. Development of a framework involving systematic measurements of factors involved in establishment and function of AM symbioses should address risks in mismeasurement and resolve issues related to incomplete knowledge and potential conflicts.

This study has examined consumers’ acceptance, preference, and willingness to pay (WTP) for five newly developed convenient (ready-to-cook) catfish products. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluf...