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Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and post-operative morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan, between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 101 children up to 18 years of age admitted to the PCICU were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics and peri-operative variables were recorded, and VIS scores were collected to assess their association with post-surgery outcomes. A score of ≥15 was considered high, while a score <15 was considered low. Results: Among the 101 children included in the study, 49 (48.5%) were male and 52 (51.5%) were female, with a mean age of 7.45±2.81 years. Fifteen (14.9%) patients had a high VIS score during their ICU stay, while 86 patients had a low VIS score. Low cardiac output was the most common post-operative morbidity observed in 9 (8.9%) children, followed by hepatic dysfunction and acute kidney injury, each reported in 8 (7.9%) children. Significant associations were found between high VIS and hepatic dysfunction (p<0.001), acute kidney injury (p<0.001), low cardiac output (p<0.001), neurological dysfunction (p=0.016), and mortality (p<0.001). Conclusion: High VIS scores were significantly associated with poor short-term morbidity and mortality in children undergoing corrective surgery for CHDs. The VIS system can aid in predicting disease progression, severity, and outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichodes sedlaceki sedlaceki Winkler is newly recorded from Beshgram, Chitral, KPK, Pakistan. Both the genus and the species are new to this region. Figures of the habitus and the aedeagus, along with a distributional map, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the main nerves in the wrist area that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. CTS affects 5% of the general population and results in pain in the wrist due to repetitive use, most commonly affecting women and office workers. Conservative management of CTS includes neurodynamic modulation to promote median nerve gliding during upper limb movements to maintain normal function. However, evidence for the benefits of neurodynamic modulation found disparities, and hence, the effectiveness of neurodynamic modulation remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically review the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effectiveness of neurodynamic techniques as a non-surgical treatment option for CTS. Using the PRISMA guidelines, two authors searched four electronic databases, and studies were included if they conformed to pre-established eligibility criteria. Primary outcome measures included outcomes from the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire, while secondary outcomes included nerve conduction velocity, pain, and grip strength. Quality assessment was completed using the Cochrane RoB2 form, and a meta-analysis was performed to assess heterogeneity. Twelve RCTs met our inclusion/exclusion criteria with assessments on 1003 participants in the treatment and control arms. High heterogeneity and some risks of bias were observed between studies, but the results of the meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in our primary outcome, the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire-symptom severity scale (mean difference = −1.20, 95% CI [−1.72, −0.67], p < 0.00001) and the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire-functional severity scale (mean difference = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.53, −0.60], p < 0.00001). Secondary outcomes such as sensory and motor conduction velocity increased significantly, while motor latency was significantly reduced, all positively favoring neurodynamic techniques. Pain was also significantly reduced, but grip strength was not significantly different. Our systematic review demonstrates significant benefits of neurodynamic modulation techniques to treat CTS and specifically that it reduces symptom severity, pain, and motor latency, while at the same time improving nerve conduction velocities. Hence, our study demonstrates a clear benefit of neurodynamic techniques to improve recovery CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis, structure, photophysical, and optoelectronic properties of five eight-coordinate Europium(III) ternary complexes, namely, [Eu(hth)3(L)2], bearing 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-hexanedione (hth) as a sensitizer and L = H2O (1), dpso (diphenyl sulphoxide, 2), dpsoCH3 (4,4′-dimethyl diphenyl sulfoxide, 3), dpsoCl (bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulphoxide, 4), and tppo (triphenylphosphine oxide, 5) as co-ligands. The NMR and the crystal structure analysis confirmed the eight-coordinate structures of the complexes in solution and in a solid state. Upon UV-excitation on the absorption band of the β-diketonate ligand hth, all complexes showed the characteristic bright red luminescence of the Europium ion. The tppo derivative (5) displayed the highest quantum yield (up to 66%). As a result, an organic light-emitting device, OLED, was fabricated with a multi-layered structure—ITO/MoO3/mCP/SF3PO:[complex 5] (10%)/TPBi:[complex 5] (10%)/TmPyPB/LiF/Al—using complex 5 as the emitting component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the boiler-turbine unit in power systems, a coordinated control structure plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance in supply and demand of energy, reducing pollutant emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. The matching requirements of the turbine and boiler, the wide range of load changes, and the cooperative operation of many devices in the power system pose many challenges to designing a coordinated control system for the boiler turbine system, thus making the control design a difficult task. In this paper, iterative learning control (ILC) is used to maintain the throttle pressure and megawatt output power of a boiler turbine at the desired set points by controlling the hybrid pattern design structure. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can maintain the desired set points, and the desired response can also be obtained faster by using the proposed approach compared to the ones available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by a complex and prolonged injury process that exacerbates the damage induced by the primary injury and inhibits the potential for regeneration. SCI frequently results in the devastating loss of neurological functions and thus has serious consequences on patient quality of life. Current treatments are limited and focus on early interventions for the acute management of complications. Therefore, the development of novel treatments targeting ongoing injury processes is required to improve SCI outcomes. We aimed to systematically review studies published in the last 10 years that examined experimental treatments with neuroregenerative and neuroprotective capabilities for the improvement of SCI. We analyzed treatments from 44 studies that were identified through a systematic literature search using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE (searched through Ovid). We performed a meta-analysis for Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion test data and collected immunohistochemistry results to demonstrate neuroregenerative and neuroprotective properties of the treatments, respectively. The two treatments that illustrated the most significant improvements in functional recovery using the BBB test were the combined use of tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) with neural stem cells (NSCs) and Fortasyn® Connect (FC) supplementation. Both treatments also attenuated secondary injury processes as demonstrated through immunohistochemistry. Combined tFNA with NSCs and FC supplementation are promising treatments for the improvement of SCI as they both demonstrate neuroregenerative and neuroprotective properties. Further pre-clinical testing is required to validate and determine the long-term efficacies of these treatments for the improvement of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co 3 O 4 nanosheets were produced as a carbon analog to engulf mesoporous TiO 2 particles as a heterostructured catalyst for OER. • The heterostructure efficiently performed OER with a 340 mV overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 and lasted up to 20 h. • This study can be expanded to develop heterostructured catalysts with different metal oxides and analyze their interaction with TiO 2 for water oxidation. 2D ultrathin Co 3 O 4 sheets are a promising new material with the potential to emulate the desirable properties of graphene-based materials for use in a wide range of electrochemical applications. Anode oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its complex four-electron transfer mechanism is the subject of this investigation because of their potential relevance to the problem of industrial-scale hydrogen generation by water electrolysis. The development of long-lasting, efficient, and inexpensive electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution process is thus of immediate importance. An interesting inorganic graphene counterpart was created in this study by synthesizing Co 3 O 4 nanosheets enclosing mesoporous spherical TiO 2 nanoparticles using economical and straightforward technique. With overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA/cm2, the resultant catalyst was very long-lasting, continuing to function even after 20 h in an alkaline environment. The catalyst's synergistic interaction at the interface of the inorganic graphene counterpart is credited with its extraordinary activity, which was accompanied by a low Tafel slope value of 70 mV/dec and turnover frequencies (TOFs) reaching 0.025 sec -1 at an overpotential of 400 mV. The formation of a heterostructure between the Co 3 O 4 sheets and mesoporous spherical TiO 2 nanoparticles leads to interfacial electron transfer, resulting in an increase in the electron density of active metals. This elevated electron density, along with the altered electronic arrangement, enhanced electrical conductivity, and accelerated charge transfer, contributes to the improved catalytic activity of the catalyst compared to its individual components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain-penetrant ATM inhibitor, AZD1390, promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery in preclinical models of spinal cord injury This study demonstrates that AZD1390, an orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant, potent, and highly selective inhibitor of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), promotes dramatic recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Consistent with the suppression of pATM levels in AZD1390-treated animals, cholera toxin B tracing of axons showed that only oral AZD1390, but not KU-60019, promoted DC axon regeneration through the lesion site and into the rostral cord (Figure 2C,D). [Extracted from the article]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity, disability and mortality across all age groups globally. Currently, only palliative treatments exist, but these are suboptimal and do little to combat the progressive damage to the brain that occurs after a TBI. However, multiple experimental treatments are currently available that target the primary and secondary biochemical and cellular changes that occur after a TBI. Some of these drugs have progressed to clinical trials and are currently being evaluated for their therapeutic benefits in TBI patients. The aim of this study was to identify which drugs are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for TBI. A search of ClinicalTrials.gov was performed on 3 December 2021 and all clinical trials that mentioned "TBI" OR "traumatic brain injury" AND "drug" were searched, revealing 362 registered trials. Of the trials, 46 were excluded due to the drug not being mentioned, leaving 138 that were completed and 116 that were withdrawn. Although the studies included 267,298 TBI patients, the average number of patients per study was 865 with a range of 5–200,000. Of the completed studies, 125 different drugs were tested in TBI patients but only 7 drugs were used in more than three studies, including amantadine, botulinum toxin A and tranexamic acid (TXA). However, previous clinical studies using these seven drugs showed variable results. The current study concludes that clinical trials in TBI have to be carefully conducted so as to reduce variability across studies, since the severity of TBI and timing of therapeutic interventions were key aspects of trial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the rat DC injury model better recapitulates human SCI pathophysiology,1,5 the same profile of MMP-9 (Figure S10A) and MMP-12 (Figure S10B) mRNA expression was also observed. (D) Inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-12 by oral AZD1236 attenuates mRNA levels of proinflammatory pain markers interleukin-1 (IL-1 ), tumour necrosis factor- (TNF- ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the DC injury model. This study demonstrated that short-term inhibition of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 and MMP-12 in both mouse and rat models of spinal cord injury (SCI) using the clinic-ready, orally bioavailable and specific inhibitor, AZD1236, attenuated injury-induced oedema, proinflammatory pain markers, pain sensation and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) breakdown. (E) Inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-12 by intrathecal AZD1236 also attenuates mRNA levels of proinflammatory pain markers IL-1 , TNF- and IL-6 in the DC injury model. [Extracted from the article]

Adaptor protein (AP) complexes mediate selective intracellular vesicular trafficking and polarized localization of somatodendritic proteins in neurons. Disease-causing alleles of various subunits of AP complexes have been implicated in several heritable human disorders, including intellectual disabilities (IDs). Here, we report two bi-allelic (c.737C>A [p.Pro246His] and c.1105A>G [p.Met369Val]) and eight de novo heterozygous variants (c.44G>A [p.Arg15Gln], c.103C>T [p.Arg35Trp], c.104G>A [p.Arg35Gln], c.229delC [p.Gln77Lys∗11], c.399_400del [p.Glu133Aspfs∗37], c.747G>T [p.Gln249His], c.928−2A>C [p.?], and c.2459C>G [p.Pro820Arg]) in AP1G1 , encoding gamma-1 subunit of adaptor-related protein complex 1 (AP1γ1), associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by mild to severe ID, epilepsy, and developmental delay in eleven families from different ethnicities. The AP1γ1-mediated adaptor complex is essential for the formation of clathrin-coated intracellular vesicles. In silico analysis and 3D protein modeling simulation predicted alteration of AP1γ1 protein folding for missense variants, which was consistent with the observed altered AP1γ1 levels in heterologous cells. Functional studies of the recessively inherited missense variants revealed no apparent impact on the interaction of AP1γ1 with other subunits of the AP-1 complex but rather showed to affect the endosome recycling pathway. Knocking out ap1g1 in zebrafish leads to severe morphological defect and lethality, which was significantly rescued by injection of wild-type AP1G1 mRNA and not by transcripts encoding the missense variants. Furthermore, microinjection of mRNAs with de novo missense variants in wild-type zebrafish resulted in severe developmental abnormalities and increased lethality. We conclude that de novo and bi-allelic variants in AP1G1 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorder in diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant public health concern regarding medical diagnosis errors, which are a major cause of mortality. Identifying the root cause of these errors is challenging, and even if one is identified, implementing an effective treatment to prevent their recurrence is difficult. Optimization-based analysis in healthcare data management is a reliable method for improving diagnostic precision. Analyzing healthcare data requires pre-classification and the identification of precise information for precision-oriented outcomes. This article introduces a Cooperative-Trivial State Fuzzy Processing method for significant data analysis with possible derivatives. Trivial State Fuzzy Processing operates on the principle of fuzzy logic-based processing applied to structured healthcare data, focusing on mitigating errors and uncertainties inherent in the data. The derivatives are aided by identifying and grouping diagnosis-related and irrelevant data. The proposed method mitigates invertible derivative analysis issues in similar data grouping and irrelevance estimation. In the grouping and detection process, recent knowledge of the diagnosis progression is exploited to identify the functional data for analysis. Such analysis improves the impact of trivial diagnosis data compared to a voluminous diagnosis history. The cooperative derivative states under different data irrelevance factors reduce trivial state errors in healthcare big data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, and other lipid vesicles derived from cells, play a pivotal role in intercellular communication by transferring information between cells. EVs secreted by progenitor and stem cells have been associated with the therapeutic effects observed in cell-based therapies, and they also contribute to tissue regeneration following injury, such as in orthopaedic surgery cases. This review explores the involvement of EVs in nerve regeneration, their potential as drug carriers, and their significance in stem cell research and cell-free therapies. It underscores the importance of bioengineers comprehending and manipulating EV activity to optimize the efficacy of tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spreading quickly throughout populations, whether animal or human-borne, infectious illnesses provide serious risks and difficulties. Controlling their spread and averting disinformation requires effective risk assessment and epidemic identification. Technology-enabled data analysis on diseases allows for quick solutions to these problems. A Combinational Data Assessment Scheme intended to accelerate disease detection is presented in this paper. The suggested strategy avoids duplicate data replication by sharing data among edge devices. It uses indexed data gathering to improve early detection by using tree classifiers to discern between various kinds of information. Both data similarity and index measurements are considered throughout the data analysis stage to minimize assessment errors. Accurate risk detection and assessment based on information kind and sharing frequency are ensured by comparing non-linear accumulations with accurate shared edge data. The suggested system exhibits high accuracy, low mistakes, and decreased data repetition to improve overall effectiveness in illness detection and risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern digital sphere, graph theory is a significant field of research that has a great deal of significance. It finds widespread application in computer science, robotic directions, and chemistry. Additionally, graph theory is used in robot network localization, computer network problems and the formation of various chemical structures for networks. Moreover, it finds uses in exploring diffusion mechanisms and scheduling aircraft as well. The present research project examines and concentrates on the edge version of metric dimension of the Concealed Non-Kekuléan Benzenoid Hydrocarbon, Polythiophene, Backbone DNA network and Bakelite networks. All the mentioned networks have constant edge metric dimension except Bakelite network, as demonstrated by the results. If we talk about the applications of these networks, Polythiophene are used to treat prion disorders. It is also capable of detecting metal ions. The concept of Bakelite, which finds applications in the jewelry, electrical, cookware, sports, and clock industries, had an impact on the invention of modern polymers. The functions of DNA include information encoding, replication, mutation, and recombination gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A partial notch loading technique for E-plane sidelobe reduction and gain enhancement of higher order TM30 and TM70 mode rectangular patch antennas is proposed. In this technique, out of phase surface current distribution regions of higher order TMm0 (m = 3, 7) mode patch antennas are partially removed to create new radiating edges. It is shown that superposition of radiated fields of these additional radiating edges and that of unperturbed TMm0 (m = 3, 7) mode can be used to achieve sidelobe reduction and gain enhancement in single-layer configuration. Two novel single layer, easy to fabricate higher order mode patch antennas, namely, notch loaded TM30 mode patch antenna (Antenna 1) and notch loaded TM70 mode patch antenna (Antenna 2), are presented. Antenna 1 shows a measured gain of 12.9 dBi and E-plane sidelobe levels (SLL) of -10.5 dB, whereas Antenna 2 shows a measured gain of 16 dBi and SLL of -12.8 dB. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the highest reported antenna gain for single-layer TM70 mode rectangular patch antenna. Due to their high gain, proposed antennas are suitable for short range point to point communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2016, a survey was carried out on the distribution of Scarabaeidae from Kotli District, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and unpublished data of some scarab species from Balochistan are added. The list consists of 20 species and three subspecies in 18 genera. The subfamily Scarabaeinae had the highest number of taxa with ten species and two subspecies. The Rutelinae had five species and one subspecies, Cetoniinae with three species, and one species each in Dynastinae and Melolonthinae. A taxonomic account of Scarabaeidae from the northern part of Pakistan, including some areas of Azad Kashmir, was studied by RATCLIFFE & AHMED (2010), SABATINELLI & AHRENS (2015) and SIDDIQUI et al. (2014) but never attempted from Kotli District, Azad Kashmir. For this reason, all the records reported from this area are new. Furthermore, new data and a new record are provided for some Scarabaeidae species from Balochistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyrazine as ancillary ligand coordinated to dysprosium(III) tris-acetylacetonate complex was synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Photophysical properties of the Dy(III) complex were investigated both in solution and solid powder. The quantum yield ( ɸ) of the complex in chloroform is 0.024. The UV excitation of the complex in the solid state generates white light emission which indicates significant energy transfer from the ligands (acetylacetone and pyrazines) to the Dy(III) ion. This could be due to the appropriate balancing of the intensity ratio of the yellow and blue emission bands of the Dy(III) complex. This represents an example of a single component system. The correlated colour temperature (CCT) of this white light is calculated as 5340.21 K which lies in a cool region. The radiative properties of the Dy(III) complex are calculated using Judd-Ofelt analysis and the phenomenological parameters calculated are Ω 2  = 8.07 × 10 −20  cm 2 , Ω 4  = 1.94 × 10 −20  cm 2 and Ω 6  = 1.67 × 10 −20  cm 2 . The branching ratio ( β R ) ratio calculated from the emission spectrum follows the order: 4 F 9/2  →  6 H 13/2  >  4 F 9/2  →  6 H 15/2  >  4 F 9/2  →  6 H 11/2 . The β R for the 4 F 9/2  →  6 H 13/2 transition is highest, and it contributes 83% to the total emission branching and can be considered as a possible transition for laser amplification. The white light emission from the solid powder Dy(III) complex as a single component may possibly find its use in white light emitting devices (WLEDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modifier variant can abrogate the risk of a monogenic disorder. DFNM1 is a locus on chromosome 1 encoding a dominant suppressor of human DFNB26 recessive, profound deafness. Here, we report that DFNB26 is associated with a substitution (p.Gly116Glu) in the pleckstrin homology domain of GRB2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1), an essential scaffold in the MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase/HGF (MET/HGF) pathway. A dominant substitution (p.Arg544Gln) of METTL13, encoding a predicted methyltransferase, is the DFNM1 suppressor of GAB1-associated deafness. In zebrafish, human METTL13 mRNA harboring the modifier allele rescued the GAB1-associated morphant phenotype. In mice, GAB1 and METTL13 colocalized in auditory sensory neurons, and METTL13 coimmunoprecipitated with GAB1 and SPRY2, indicating at least a tripartite complex. Expression of MET-signaling genes in human lymphoblastoid cells of individuals homozygous for p.Gly116Glu GAB1 revealed dysregulation of HGF, MET, SHP2, and SPRY2, all of which have reported variants associated with deafness. However, SPRY2 was not dysregulated in normal-hearing humans homozygous for both the GAB1 DFNB26 deafness variant and the dominant METTL13 deafness suppressor, indicating a plausible mechanism of suppression. Identification of METTL13-based modification of MET signaling offers a potential therapeutic strategy for a wide range of associated hearing disorders. Furthermore, MET signaling is essential for diverse functions in many tissues including the inner ear. Therefore, identification of the modifier of MET signaling is likely to have broad clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Secretariat Building is located inside the Chandigarh, Capitol Complex, India. The exterior surface of the building has deteriorated due to weathering effects. The aim of the present study was to assess efficacy of selected protective materials on exposed heritage reinforced concrete surface of the Secretariat Building for restoration. Selected concrete sealers and Evercrete DPS with essential oil of peppermint and eucalyptus were evaluated for UV degradation yellowing test on white cement panels, accelerated ageing test on concrete beams up to 5 years, field trial on the exterior surface of the Secretariat Building up to 38 weeks and test for determining the water absorption on concrete cores (ASTM D 6489-99) up to 4 years. The result reveals that Konex WRA-2318 and La Shield WR Xtra are effective for surface treatment of the Secretariat Building without changing the colour of the surface up to 4 and 2 years respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we studied the impact of spatial distribution of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) on the performance variation of CNTFETs. The distribution of CNT spacing for a given density is identified and verified through Monte Carlo simulation. This distribution is then incorporated into a compact model to study its impact on the performance variation. It was identified that the spatial distribution of CNT not only generates a new source of performance variation, it also leads to around 10% lower current compared with the generally assumed uniform distribution case at typical CNT density. The approach is also used to evaluate the variations of inverter gate delay and SRAM static read noise margin which demonstrate its capability for predicting CNTFET-based circuit performance variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider numerical solution of a quadratic matrix equation associated with a nonsingular M-matrix (M-QME), which arises in study of noisy Wiener–Hopf problems for Markov chain. We first transform the M-QME to a nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equation (NARE) of special form, and then solve this special NARE by fixed-point iteration. Theoretical analysis and numerical experiments show that our method is effective and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a gate capacitance model for the aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) array-based FETs with arbitrary distribution of separations between CNTs. By using conformal mapping, the boundary conditions of a capacitor formed by a CNT and a finite planar gate electrode are transformed into a symmetrical circular geometry that simplifies the formulation of the capacitance. The derived model shows improved accuracy compared with the existing models in most of the practical situations, including closely packed CNTs with strong electric field screening, nonuniform CNT spacing, endpoint capacitance with finite gate electrode termination, and substrate material with a different dielectric constant from the gate dielectric. The model has been extensively verified by numerical simulation. To demonstrate the usefulness of the model, it has been applied to predict the gate capacitance of a CNTFET with an experimentally measured CNT spacing distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction. Food production is based on the use of fertilizers, in particular those containing phosphorus. Recovery of phosphorus from wastewater can prevent eutrophication of water bodies, meanwhile the removed phosphate can be used as a fertilizer. Materials and methods. Wastewater containing phosphorous, iron ore, iron reducing bacteria are the main components of the proposed technology for phosphorous recovery. Microscopic observations were done using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Obtained fertilizer was tested for plant growth. Results and discussion. An effective biological method for removal and recovery of phosphate from phosphate containing liquid wastes using precipitation of phosphate by microbiallyproduced ferrous ions was proposed. Performance of this biotechnology on the example of reject water (liquid fraction of anaerobic sludge) from municipal wastewater treatment plant was shown. This biotechnology is based on the application of iron ore treated by iron-reducing bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain Bk. Dissolved ferrous are produced from solid iron ore using iron-reducing bacteria and precipitate phosphate present in wastewater. Phosphate-iron precipitate was assessed as a phosphorus fertilizer by addition of it to sandy soil poor with nutrients using for cultivation of three plants, namely Lycopersicum esculantum L. (tomato), Casicum annuum L. (pepper) and Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach). Addition of phosphorous precipitate to soil increased dry weight of stems and leaves of test plants by up to 5 times in comparison with control. Conclusion. The biotechnology of anaerobic removal and recovery of phosphate from reject water of municipal wastewater treatment plants using iron-reducing bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain Bk and iron ore as a source of ferric has been developed. Produced phosphate - iron precipitate could be used as a phosphorus fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is ever-growing, resulting in life-changing neurological deficits which can have devastating long-term impacts on a person's quality of life. There is an unmet clinical need for a treatment which will prevent progression of the injury, allowing improved axonal regeneration and functional recovery to occur. The initial mechanical insult, followed by a cascade of secondary mechanisms, leads to the exacerbation and remodelling of the lesion site, thus inhibiting neurological recovery. Oedema rapidly accumulates following SCI and contributes to the detrimental pathophysiology and worsens functional outcomes. This study systematically reviewed the current experimental treatments being explored in the field of SCI, which specifically target oedema. Abiding by PRISMA guidelines and strict inclusion criteria, 14 studies were identified and analysed from three online databases (PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE). As a result, we identified three key modalities which attenuate oedema: selective inhibition of the main water channel protein, aquaporin 4 (AQP4), modulation of inflammation and surgical interventions. Collectively, however, they all result in the downregulation of AQP4, which crucially leads to a reduction in oedema and improved functional outcomes. We concluded that trifluoperazine (TFP), a calmodulin kinase inhibitor which prevents the cell-surface localisation of AQP4, was the most efficacious treatment, significantly eliminating oedema within 7 days of administration. To date, this study is the most concise analysis of current experimental treatments for oedema, exposing its molecular mechanisms and assessing potential therapeutic pathways for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, placing an enormous socioeconomic burden on healthcare services and communities around the world. Survivors of TBI can experience complications ranging from temporary neurological and psychosocial problems to long-term, severe disability and neurodegenerative disease. The current lack of therapeutic agents able to mitigate the effects of secondary brain injury highlights the urgent need for novel target discovery. This study comprises two independent systematic reviews, investigating both microRNA (miRNA) and proteomic expression in rat models of severe TBI (sTBI). The results were combined to perform integrated miRNA-protein co-expression analyses with the aim of uncovering the potential roles of miRNAs in sTBI and to ultimately identify new targets for therapy. Thirty-four studies were included in total. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify any miRNA–protein associations. Endocytosis and TNF signalling pathways were highlighted as common pathways involving both miRNAs and proteins found to be differentially expressed in rat brain tissue following sTBI, suggesting efforts to find novel therapeutic targets that should be focused here. Further high-quality investigations are required to ascertain the involvement of these pathways and their miRNAs in the pathogenesis of TBI and other CNS diseases and to therefore uncover those targets with the greatest therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the complexities of urban planning and addresses major issues by carefully weighing four options for smart city technology, community-based development, green infrastructure investment, and transit-oriented development. Unlike traditional evaluations, our study applies the novel SWARA-WASPAS model to spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs), thus identifying and navigating the uncertainty present in decision making. This methodological approach improves the accuracy of our assessment by providing detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Our study offers useful insights for urban policymakers and planners using carefully weighted criteria and employing a methodical ranking procedure. The aim is to provide insights for decisions that promote equity, environmental consciousness, resilience, and symmetry in urban environments. The application of the SWARA-WASPAS approach not only advances the field but also provides a strong basis for informed decision making. This improves the accuracy of our evaluations and provides detailed insights into each option's pros and cons. Our study uses weighted criteria and systematic ranking to advise urban policymakers and planners. Our main goal is to help urban populations make resilient, environmentally responsible, equitable, and symmetrical decisions. Our research aims to further the conversation on sustainable urban development by offering a framework based on data that addresses the difficulties associated with dynamic urban environments. In the end, we want our humanized viewpoint to speak to a wider audience and inspire a shared dedication to creating cities that flourish in the face of changing urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intellectual disability (ID), which affects around 2% to 3% of the population, accounts for 0.63% of the overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). ID is characterized by limitations in a person's intellectual and adaptive functioning, and is caused by pathogenic variants in more than 1000 genes. Here, we report a rare missense variant (c.350T>C; p.(Leu117Ser)) in HACE1 segregating with NDD syndrome with clinical features including ID, epilepsy, spasticity, global developmental delay, and psychomotor impairment in two siblings of a consanguineous Pakistani kindred. HACE1 encodes a HECT domain and ankyrin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HACE1), which is involved in protein ubiquitination, localization, and cell division. HACE1 is also predicted to interact with several proteins that have been previously implicated in the ID phenotype in humans. The p.(Leu117Ser) variant replaces an evolutionarily conserved residue of HACE1 and is predicted to be deleterious by various in silico algorithms. Previously, eleven protein truncating variants of HACE1 have been reported in individuals with NDD. However, to our knowledge, p.(Leu117Ser) is the second missense variant in HACE1 found in an individual with NDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel (octylamine modified vermiculite) material for enhanced simultaneous removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II). • Modification involved ion exchange and surface complexation properties between surfactant and vermiculite. • Modified material was low lost with no secondary pollution. • After modification, adsorbent showed >220 % metal uptake with easy separation and recyclability. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) have been remained the topic of investigation for various research studies because of their adverse effects on human health, furthermore, they have toxic and non‒biodegradable properties. In this study, vermiculite (VER) was functionalized with octylamine (OCT) to obtain a novel organoclay (OCT-VER) for enhanced simultaneous adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution. Adsorbents were characterized and parameters influencing on adsorption were also investigated. The adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by OCT-VER was monolayer and homogenous which was described well by Langmuir isotherm model. After modification, the affinities of OCT-VER towards both metal ions were enhanced. In single system, maximum adsorption capacities for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were improved from 45.245 and 102.289 mg.g−1 to 69.595 and 184.603 mg.g−1, while in binary system from 37.539 and 78.265 mg.g−1 to 61.630 and 121.986 mg.g−1, respectively. In adsorbent regeneration experiment of OCT-VER, the removal ratio was found ≈90 % even after 5 consecutive cycles, exhibiting good stability and easy regeneration potential. After studying thoroughly, ion-exchange and complexation properties were the main reaction mechanism. These findings suggested that the proposed low cost adsorbent was suitable and promising material for Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key pathological features of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) include impairment of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and the progression of white matter lesions (WMLs) amongst other structural lesions, leading to the clinical manifestations of cSVD. The function of endothelial cells (ECs) is of major importance to maintain a proper BBB. ECs interact with several cell types to provide structural and functional support to the brain. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) myelinate axons in the central nervous system and are crucial in sustaining the integrity of white matter. The interplay between ECs and OLs and their precursor cells (OPCs) has received limited attention yet seems of relevance for the study of BBB dysfunction and white matter injury in cSVD. Emerging evidence shows a crosstalk between ECs and OPCs/OLs, mediated by signaling through the Wingless and Int-1 (WNT)/β-catenin pathway. As the latter is involved in EC function (e.g., angiogenesis) and oligodendrogenesis, we reviewed the role of WNT/β-catenin signaling for both cell types and performed a systematic search to identify studies describing a WNT-mediated interplay between ECs and OPCs/OLs. Dysregulation of this interaction may limit remyelination of WMLs and render the BBB leaky, thereby initiating a vicious neuroinflammatory cycle. A better understanding of the role of this signaling pathway in EC–OL crosstalk is essential in understanding cSVD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurotrophic factors (NTF) secreted by Schwann cells in a sciatic nerve (SN) graft promote retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon regeneration after either transplantation into the vitreous body of the eye or anastomosis to the distal stump of a transected optic nerve. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective and growth stimulatory properties of SN grafts in which Schwann cells had been killed (acellular SN grafts, ASN) or remained intact (cellular SN grafts, CSN). We report that both intravitreal (ivit) implanted and optic nerve anastomosed CSN promote RGC survival and when simultaneously placed in both sites, they exert additive RGC neuroprotection. CSN and ASN were rich in myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and axon growth-inhibitory ligand common to both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin. The penetration of the few RGC axons regenerating into an ASN at an optic nerve transection (ONT) site is limited into the proximal perilesion area, but is increased >2-fold after ivit CSN implantation and increased 5-fold into a CSN optic nerve graft after ivit CSN implantation, potentiated by growth disinhibition through the regulated intramembranous proteolysis (RIP) of p75NTR (the signalling trans-membrane moiety of the nogo-66 trimeric receptor that binds MAG and associated suppression of RhoGTP). Mϋller cells/astrocytes become reactive after all treatments and maximally after simultaneous ivit and optic nerve CSN/ASN grafting. We conclude that simultaneous ivit CSN plus optic nerve CSN support promotes significant RGC survival and axon regeneration into CSN optic nerve grafts, despite being rich in axon growth inhibitory molecules. RGC axon regeneration is probably facilitated through RIP of p75NTR, which blinds axons to myelin-derived axon growth-inhibitory ligands present in optic nerve grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caspase-2 is the most evolutionarily conserved member of the mammalian caspase family and has been implicated in both apoptotic and non-apoptotic signaling pathways, including tumor suppression, cell cycle regulation, and DNA repair. A myriad of signaling molecules is associated with the tight regulation of caspase-2 to mediate multiple cellular processes far beyond apoptotic cell death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature pertaining to possible sophisticated molecular mechanisms underlying the multifaceted process of caspase-2 activation and to highlight its interplay between factors that promote or suppress apoptosis in a complicated regulatory network that determines the fate of a cell from its birth and throughout its life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports synthesis, characterisation and photophysical properties of the visible and NIR emitting distorted square antiprismatic (C 4V) ternary [Ho(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ] and [Tm(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ], complexes. • Visible and NIR luminescence. • Blue emission. • Luminescence from Ho and Tm complexes. • Potential candidates for optical communications and of broadening amplification band. A sensitizer ligand, 1,1,1,5,5,5-Hexafluoro-2,4-pentandione (Hhfaa) is employed to synthesize two new ternary–lanthanide(III) complexes, [Ho(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ] and [Tm(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ], in which the monodentate N-donor indazole (H ind) was used as the antenna ligand. Both the complexes were characterised thoroughly. The single-crystal XRD suggests that the complexes are eight-coordinate where the metal ions are coordinated to three hfaa̶ and two H ind ligands making the coordination polyhedra as LnO 6 N 2 with distorted square antiprismatic geometries. The one- and two-dimensional NMR analyses confirm the eight-coordinate structures and show that the complexes are isostructural in the solution. The complexes are thermally stable up to 200 °C, which is quite suitable to find the potential application in the optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the UV-excitation of the complexes led to characteristic emission transitions in the visible and NIR regGive a space between NIR and region on from the [Ho(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ] and [Tm(hfaa) 3 (H ind) 2 ] complexes. The NIR luminescence, particularly 1.5 μm from the Ho complex and 1.4 μm from the Tm complex makes them potential candidates for optical communications and of broadening amplification band from C– band (1530–1560 nm) to S + band (1450–1500 nm) in optical fibre, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are contradictory reports on the role of the serine/threonine kinase isoform glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Some report that GSK3 activity promotes axonal growth or myelin disinhibition, whilst others report that GSK3 activity prevents axon regeneration. In this study, we sought to clarify if suppression of GSK3β alone and in combination with the cellular-stress-induced factor RTP801 (also known as REDD1: regulated in development and DNA damage response protein), using translationally relevant siRNAs, promotes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and neurite outgrowth/axon regeneration. Adult mixed retinal cell cultures, prepared from rats at five days after optic nerve crush (ONC) to activate retinal glia, were treated with siRNA to GSK3β (siGSK3β) alone or in combination with siRTP801 and RGC survival and neurite outgrowth were quantified in the presence and absence of Rapamycin or inhibitory Nogo-A peptides. In in vivo experiments, either siGSK3β alone or in combination with siRTP801 were intravitreally injected every eight days after ONC and RGC survival and axon regeneration was assessed at 24 days. Optimal doses of siGSK3β alone promoted significant RGC survival, increasing the number of RGC with neurites without affecting neurite length, an effect that was sensitive to Rapamycin. In addition, knockdown of GSK3β overcame Nogo-A-mediated neurite growth inhibition. Knockdown of GSK3β after ONC in vivo enhanced RGC survival but not axon number or length, without potentiating glial activation. Knockdown of RTP801 increased both RGC survival and axon regeneration, whilst the combined knockdown of GSK3β and RTP801 significantly increased RGC survival, neurite outgrowth, and axon regeneration over and above that observed for siGSK3β or siRTP801 alone. These results suggest that GSK3β suppression promotes RGC survival and axon initiation whilst, when in combination with RTP801, it also enhanced disinhibited axon elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a cause of profound and irreversible damage, with no effective therapy to promote functional recovery. Photobiomodulation (PBM) may provide a viable therapeutic approach using red or near‐infrared light to promote recovery after SCI by mitigating neuroinflammation and preventing neuronal apoptosis. Our current study aimed to optimize PBM dose regimens and develop and validate the efficacy of an invasive PBM delivery paradigm for SCI. Dose optimization studies were performed using a serum withdrawal model of injury in cultures of primary adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGN). Implantable and transcutaneous PBM delivery protocols were developed and validated using cadaveric modeling. The efficacy of PBM in promoting recovery after SCI in vivo was studied in a dorsal column crush injury model of SCI in adult rats. Optimal neuroprotection in vitro was achieved between 4 and 22 mW/cm2. 11 mW/cm2 for 1 min per day (0.66 J/cm2) increased cell viability by 45% over 5 days (p <0.0001), increasing neurite outgrowth by 25% (p <0.01). A method for invasive application of PBM was developed using a diffusion‐tipped optogenetics fiber optic. Delivery methods for PBM were developed and validated for both invasive (iPBM) and noninvasive (transcutaneous) (tcPBM) application. iPBM and tcPBM (24 mW/cm2 at spinal cord, 1 min per day (1.44 J/cm2) up to 7 days) increased activation of regeneration‐associated protein at 3 days after SCI, increasing GAP43+ axons in DRGN from 18.0% (control) to 41.4% ± 10.5 (iPBM) and 45.8% ± 3.4 (tcPBM) (p <0.05). This corresponded to significant improvements at 6 weeks post‐injury in functional locomotor and sensory function recovery (p <0.01), axonal regeneration (p <0.01), and reduced lesion size (p <0.01). Our results demonstrated that PBM achieved a significant therapeutic benefit after SCI, either using iPBM or tcPBM application and can potentially be developed for clinical use in SCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to synthesize high-density, vertically-aligned, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on an insulating substrate at low temperature using a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible process is presented. Two factors are identified to be important in the carbon nanotube (CNT) growth, which are the catalyst design and the substrate material. By using a Ni–Al–Ni multilayer catalyst film and a ZrO2 substrate, vertically-aligned CNTs can be synthesized at 340 °C using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Both the quality and density of the CNTs can be enhanced by increasing the synthesis temperature. The function of the aluminum interlayer in reducing the activation energy of the CNT formation is studied. The nanoparticle sintering and quick accumulation of amorphous carbon covering the catalyst can prematurely stop CNT synthesis. Both effects can be suppressed by using a substrate with a high surface energy such as ZrO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in patients with CHDs undergoing cardiac surgery at a tertiary care center of Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Paediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: July 2022 to June 2023. Material & Methods: We analyzed patients who underwent open or closed heart surgery for CHDs. PMV was defined as duration of mechanical ventilation > 72 hours from the time of arrival to PCICU until extubation after cardiac surgery. Peri-operative factors were noted and their association with PMV was documented. Results: In a total of 184 patients who underwent surgeries for CHD, 105 (57.1%) were male while the overall mean age was 7.23±6.49 years. Post-surgery, PMV was documented in 17 (9.2%) patients. PMV was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), weight (p<0.001), cyanosis (p=0.005), TAPSE (p=0.011), and CPB time (p=0.003). Post-surgery, PMV was linked with metabolic acidosis (p=0.003), lactate (p=0.001), AVDO2 (p<0.001), inotropic score (p=0.002), low cardiac output (p=0.005), LV dysfunction (p<0.001), acute kidney injury (p=0.002), sepsis (p<0.001), pneumonia (p=0.004), mortality (p=0.045), and PCICU stay (p<0.001). Conclusion: PMV was documented in 9.2% patients who underwent CHD repair. Age, weight, cyanosis, TAPSE, CPB time, metabolic acidosis, lactate, AVDO2, inotropic score, low cardiac output, LV dysfunction, acute kidney injury, sepsis, and pneumonia were noted to be significant risk factors for PMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral small vessel disease is characterised by decreased cerebral blood flow and blood–brain barrier impairments which play a key role in the development of white matter lesions. We hypothesised that cerebral hypoperfusion causes local hypoxia, affecting oligodendrocyte precursor cell—endothelial cell signalling leading to blood–brain barrier dysfunction as an early mechanism for the development of white matter lesions. Bilateral carotid artery stenosis was used as a mouse model for cerebral hypoperfusion. Pimonidazole, a hypoxic cell marker, was injected prior to humane sacrifice at day 7. Myelin content, vascular density, blood–brain barrier leakages, and hypoxic cell density were quantified. Primary mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells were exposed to hypoxia and RNA sequencing was performed. Vegfa gene expression and protein secretion was examined in an oligodendrocyte precursor cell line exposed to hypoxia. Additionally, human blood plasma VEGFA levels were measured and correlated to blood–brain barrier permeability in normal-appearing white matter and white matter lesions of cerebral small vessel disease patients and controls. Cerebral blood flow was reduced in the stenosis mice, with an increase in hypoxic cell number and blood–brain barrier leakages in the cortical areas but no changes in myelin content or vascular density. Vegfa upregulation was identified in hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which was mediated via Hif1α and Epas1. In humans, VEGFA plasma levels were increased in patients versus controls. VEGFA plasma levels were associated with increased blood–brain barrier permeability in normal appearing white matter of patients. Cerebral hypoperfusion mediates hypoxia induced VEGFA expression in oligodendrocyte precursor cells through Hif1α/Epas1 signalling. VEGFA could in turn increase BBB permeability. In humans, increased VEGFA plasma levels in cerebral small vessel disease patients were associated with increased blood–brain barrier permeability in the normal appearing white matter. Our results support a role of VEGFA expression in cerebral hypoperfusion as seen in cerebral small vessel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aims to develop a mathematical model to estimate the initial permeate flux of a direct contact membrane distillation process operated with various solids concentrations and Cross Flow Velocities (CFVs). Digestate produced from an anaerobic digestion of livestock wastewater was used as a feed solution for the laboratory scale membrane distillation. Heat transfer coefficients and Nusselt number constants were determined from the distillation experiments performed with various CFVs and feed solution temperatures. An empirical function was derived to reflect the effect of solids concentration on the flux prediction. A statistical analysis supported that the flux predicted by the model fitted very well with the observed flux. By using the developed model, numerical experiments were performed to simulate the flux according to various CFVs, feed solution temperatures, and solids concentrations (0–2200 mg/L). Also, Temperature Polarization Coefficient (TPC) values were calculated by using the results simulated from the numerical experiments. The developed model can be used to predict the initial flux of the membrane distillation process specifically to treat wastewater including high solids contents, and the modeling works can provide more insights on the relationship among flux, CFV, temperature difference, solids concentrations, and heat transfer efficiency. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • A mathematical model developed to predict the permeate flux of the DCMD process. • Suspended solids had more significant influence on the flux than dissolved solids. • Flux with suspended solids concentration was suggested as J = B { P f 0 (1 − a C ss ) − P p 0 }. • Modeling provided more understandings on the membrane distillation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earthquakes prediction based on LST anomalies remain a contradicting debate due to limited and short-term data around the earthquake's epicenter. The results are varying in different case studies, only few research matches with pre seismic LST anomalies while many are not found to be significant for earthquakes predication. This study assessed temperature anomalies in different earthquakes events of Mw ≥ 6.0 in Pakistan from 2000 to 2020. The present study uses Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite thermal imagery data over the epicenter region to analyze thermal anomaly associated and earthquake prediction. The surface temperature growth before the earthquake event is estimated using the satellite thermal infrared images carrying valuable earthquake precursory information. The study area Pakistan is prone to active seismicity due to Northern Head-on Collision of Indian-and Eurasian plate; Southern Makran Subduction Zone of Indian and Arabian plate and the regional Chaman transform boundary. The results show pre seismic temperature variation range between 30 °C − 54 °C, which seems to be a good prospect for linking thermal anomalies to earthquake prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is an autoimmune complex pigmentation disease characterized by non-pigmented patches on the surface of the skin that affect approximately 0.5–2% population worldwide. The exact etiology is still unknown; however, vitiligo is hypothesized to be a multifactorial and genetically heterogeneous condition. Therefore, the current study is designed to investigate the anthropometric presentation and genetic spectrum of vitiligo in fifteen consanguineous Pakistani families. The clinical evaluation of participating individuals revealed varying degrees of disease severity, with 23 years as the average age of disease onset. The majority of the affected individuals had non-segmental vitiligo (NSV). Whole exome sequencing analysis revealed clustering of rare variants of known vitiligo-associated genes. For instance, in the affected individuals of family VF-12, we identified three novel rare variants of PTPN22 (c.1108C>A), NRROS (c.197C>T) and HERC2 (c.10969G>A) genes. All three variants replaced evolutionarily conserved amino acid residues in encoded proteins, which are predicted to impact the ionic interactions in the secondary structure. Although various in silico algorithms predicted low effect sizes for these variants individually, the clustering of them in affected individuals increases the polygenic burden of risk alleles. To our knowledge, this is the first study that highlights the complex etiology of vitiligo and genetic heterogeneity in multiplex consanguineous Pakistani families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the origin of the nonideal turn- ON characteristics of the graphene-silicon Schottky junction. Native oxide (SiO2) is proved to play a critical role in determining the behavior of a graphene-Si junction. Within the metal–oxide–semiconductor structure, the effective voltage drop across the junction degrades due to the capacitor network, which contributes to an increased ideality factor. Residual metal catalysts are detected, which act as recombination centers in the silicon and further degrade the ideality factor by enhancing the recombination current. The recombination current is found to be the dominant factor in making the junction nonideal. Forming gas annealing and the insertion of an interfacial dielectric restore the ideality of a graphene-Si junction by reducing the interface states and bulk recombination centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Here, we report a severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss locus, DFNB100 on chromosome 5q13.2-q23.2. Exome enrichment followed by massive parallel sequencing revealed a c.2510G>A transition variant in PPIP5K2 that segregated with DFNB100-associated hearing loss in two large apparently unrelated Pakistani families. PPIP5Ks enzymes interconvert 5-IP7 and IP8, two key members of the inositol pyrophosphate (PP-IP) cell-signaling family. Their actions at the interface of cell signaling and bioenergetic homeostasis can impact many biological processes. The c.2510G>A transition variant is predicted to substitute a highly invariant arginine residue with histidine (p.Arg837His) in the phosphatase domain of PPIP5K2. Biochemical studies revealed that the p.Arg837His variant reduces the phosphatase activity of PPIP5K2 and elevates its kinase activity. We found that in mouse inner ear, PPIP5K2 is expressed in the cochlear and vestibular sensory hair cells, supporting cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Mice homozygous for a targeted deletion of the Ppip5k2 phosphatase domain exhibit degeneration of cochlear outer hair cells and elevated hearing thresholds. Our demonstration that PPIP5K2 has a role in hearing in humans indicates that PP-IP signaling is important to hair cell maintenance and function within inner ear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic modality that has gained increasing interest in neuroscience applications, including acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Its proposed mechanisms for therapeutic effect when delivered to the injured brain include antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence for the value of PBM in improving outcomes in acute TBI and presents a meta-analysis of the pre-clinical evidence for neurological severity score (NSS) and lesion size in animal models of TBI. A systematic review of the literature was performed, with searches and data extraction performed independently in duplicate by two authors. Eighteen published articles were identified for inclusion: seventeen pre-clinical studies of in vivo animal models and one clinical study in human patients. The available human study supports safety and feasibility of PBM in acute moderate TBI. For pre-clinical studies, meta-analysis for NSS and lesion size were found to favor intervention versus control. Subgroup analysis based on PBM parameter variables for these outcomes was performed. Favorable parameters were identified as: wavelengths in the region of 665 nm and 810 nm; time to first administration of PBM ≤4 h; total number of daily treatments ≤3. No differences were identified between pulsed and continuous wave modes or energy delivery. Mechanistic substudies within included in vivo studies are presented and were found to support hypotheses of antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative effects, and a modulation of cellular metabolism. This systematic review provides substantial meta-analysis evidence of the benefits of PBM on functional and histological outcomes of TBI in in vivo mammalian models. Study design and PBM parameters should be closely considered for future human clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To compare the different smile variables amongst patients with varying vertical skeletal patterns, and to find whether there is a correlation between the dynamic contributing factors and the vertical smile parameters. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Orthodontics, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan, Pakistan from 01-10-2020 to 01-04-2021. The posed smiles of 120 participants, aging 15-25 years, having well-aligned dental arches were videotaped for objective measurements and comparisons with their underlying vertical skeletal growth patterns. RESULTS: The evaluation of smile parameters showed a significantly decreased inter-labial gap in patients with skeletal low angle in males (8.92±3.6mm) and females (9.44±2.58 mm) [p<0.004]. Upper lip length was significantly decreased in low angle (16.23±1.59 mm) cases for males as compared to vertically high (18.57±1.47 mm) and normal angle (18.24±2.08 mm) cases. Inter commissural width was increased significantly in the low angle cases (63.39±8.14 mm) when compared with the high angle cases (58.24±5.44 mm) in females. Maximal Incisal Display was significantly increased in high angle cases (9.03±1.31 mm) p<0.001 as compared to the low angle cases (7.64±1.98 mm). A 65.8% (n=79) of the sample showed a flat smile arc with 26.7% (n=32) having consonant smiles while 7.5% (n=9) showed a reverse smile arc. CONCLUSION: Smile dynamics are influenced by underlying skeletal patterns. Individuals with skeletally high angles showed an increased incisal display and an increased upper lip elevation upon smiling. While the low angle patterns displayed a decreased inter-labial gap and majority showed a flat smile arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To find the different etiological factors underlying a midline diastema which will help in effective orthodontic correction by enabling the practitioner to adopt the most appropriate mechanics. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan, from 01-08-2020 to 01-02-2021. A sample of 165 patients was analyzed according to age, gender, presenting various occlusal traits, and relevant diastema findings to assess the underlying etiology of the maxillary midline diastema. Cases with a midline diastema of >0.5 mm were documented with examination including clinical intra-oral examination and orthopantomograms and upper occlusal radiographs. Examinations were done by the same observer to reduce human error and were cross-checked by a superior to minimize the possibility of error. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: Dental anomalies (n=113, 68.6%) was the most frequent cause of maxillary midline diastema. Dental anomalies were observed in both females (n=77/112; 68.8%) and males (n=36/53; 67.9%). Common dental anomalies included tooth/arch size discrepancies (n=58, 51.3%), abnormal occlusal patterns (n=37; 32.7%) and missing teeth (n=18 15.9%). Other contributing factors for maxillary midline diastema observed were abnormal maxillary arch structure (n=30; 18%), physical impediments (n=18; 11%), muscular imbalances (n=3; 1.8%) and pernicious habits (n=1; 0.6%). Common causes of physical impediments were fleshy labial frenum 10/18; 55.6%) and supernumerary tooth (n=8/18; 44.4%). CONCLUSION: Maxillary midline diastema was common in both genders and was associated with multiple etiologies of which dental anomalies, abnormal maxillary arch structure and physical impediments were highly prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Narcissism is a personality disorder that has an impact on interpersonal relationship with friends, family and colleagues. These individuals can be more shy, arrogant or over-sensitive. These traits are also present among normal individual. A lot of features of behaviour are still unknown. Objective: To observe the narcissism score among medical and allied health students and the association of narcissism with their academic performance. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Fatima Memorial College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore from March 2019 to October 2019. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study of six months duration the "Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI40)" tool was administrated to 385 medical and allied health undergraduates. NPI scores were calculated. Comparative analysis was carried out. Multiple linear regression was also performed to observe the dependence of NPI score on demographic variables. Results: NPI score of males were found to be higher (18.27) than females scores (14.66). The odds for NPI were 21.98 times higher in males as compared to females. Similarly, hostilities were 3.42 times at more risk of narcissism. Last exam percentage was significantly associated with narcissism score. (0.024) Conclusion: Students of Allied health sciences exhibit more narcissistic traits than MBBS undergraduates. Institutes should encourage student counseling & mentoring sessions and they should have taught to overcome negative personality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which showed that targeting of the central ataxia telangiectasia-mutated-checkpoint kinase-2 (ATM-Chk2) pathway regulating the response to double-strand breaks slows neural decline in Drosophila models of chronic neurodegeneration. Results show that Chk2 inhibitor, prexasertib, represents a treatment option to promote functional recovery after spinal cord or optic nerve injury. Also cited are the neuroprotective effects of prexasertib and the experimental design.

In this research work, a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure for the biosorption of Cr(VI) ions was studied. A detailed comparative study was performed to check the adsorption efficiency of agrowaste (banana and potato peels)-based adsorbents. Firstly, mixed biosorbent was washed, dried and ground into powder, secondly, biosorbent was pyrolyzed into biochar and thirdly TiO2 nanocomposite (TiO2 NC) biosorbent was made by sonicating using prepared biochar and TiO2 NPs. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were synthesized by a green method using Psidium guajava leaf extract. The synthesized adsorbents were characterized by SEM, EDX FT-IR, XRD and UV-visible analysis. The effect of four different factors, i.e., pH of the synthetic metallic solution, time, concentration and adsorbent dosage was studied. The optimum conditions were time (120 min), pH (3), concentration (10 ppm) and adsorbent dosage (1.0 g). The kinetic modeling showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) ion follows a pseudo second-order mechanism and the Langmuir isotherm model was found to fit better for this study. Response surface methodology (RSM)-based optimized parameters provided optimal parameter sets that better represent the adsorption rate models. The uptake capacity of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was found to be biomass (76.49 mg/L) ˂ biochar (86.51 mg/L) ˂ TiO2 NC (92.89 mg/L). It can be suggested that the produced TiO2 NC could possibly be an efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cr(IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]