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One of the limiting factors to developing plasma thrusters on alternative propellants is the cost associated with changing the diagnostic tools, which are often propellant-dependent. For laser induced fluorescence (LIF), which is typically used for ion velocity distribution measurements to determine ion trajectories and potential profiles, either new lasers need to be bought, which are tuned to the wavelength of the new element's excitation level, or a costly tunable laser is required. A method to use existing LIF setups designed for xenon on any propellant has been demonstrated on a Hall thruster operating on krypton. In the demonstration test, a small amount of xenon (0.01%–4%) was mixed with the main krypton propellant for use as a diagnostic tracer, and xenon ion velocities were measured while also monitoring changes in the mean discharge current and oscillations. High signal-to-noise ratios in LIF data acquired along the channel centerline were obtained with tracer gas fractions ≤1% that negligibly affected the thruster operation. These results and comparison of the emission spectra of xenon and other common propellants suggest that the tracer LIF method should be broadly applicable to LIF measurements in Hall thrusters operating on alternative propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a reply to a comment regarding a study on pregnancy outcomes in women with mitochondrial disease. The study was a retrospective analysis of pregnancies in women with genetically confirmed mitochondrial disease. The study acknowledged its limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on maternal recall and retrospective chart review. The study found that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was the initial presentation of glucose intolerance in these women, and it emphasized the importance of increasing awareness of mitochondrial disease among clinicians and obstetricians. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: The most common pathogenic mitochondrial mutation associated with mitochondrial disease is m.3243A>G. Increased obstetric complications, such as spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes (GDM), preterm delivery, and preeclampsia, have been reported in women carrying this mutation. We aimed to determine the fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with mitochondrial disease. Methods: We retrospectively studied the obstetric and perinatal outcomes in 88 pregnancies of 26 women with genetically confirmed mitochondrial disease (m.3243A>G in the MTTL1 gene (n = 25); m.12258C>A in the MT-TS2 gene (n = 1)). Outcomes included pregnancy related complications, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery and birthweight. Results: Mean heteroplasmy rate was 18%. The miscarriage rate was higher than background at 25%. 21 pregnancies (24%) were complicated by GDM; 9 pregnancies (13.6%) had a preterm delivery and 2 of them (3%) an extreme premature delivery < 32 weeks. One woman had preeclampsia and one had a postpartum hemorrhage. The caesarean section (CS) rate was 20%. For every unit increase in maternal heteroplasmy levels there was a 26% increased risk of undergoing an assisted operative vaginal delivery (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04–1.53, P = 0.002, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.005) and an 18% increased risk of undergoing a CS (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.39, P = 0.01, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.03) compared to a spontaneous vaginal delivery. There was a statistical significant correlation between maternal and offspring heteroplasmy levels. Spearman correlation rho = 0.96, 95% CI 0.78–0.99, P = 0.0002. Conclusion: Women with mitochondrial disease appear to have more frequent obstetric complications including miscarriage and GDM. Pre-pregnancy diagnosis of m.3243A>G will enable the counseling of women and increase awareness of possible obstetric complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare form of adult‐onset diabetes that can be difficult to diagnose due to its variable clinical phenotype. Transfer RNA‐derived small fragments are a novel, emerging class of small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that have significant potential as serum biomarkers due to their stress‐induced generation, abundance, stability and ease of detection. Methods: We investigated the levels of tiRNA 5'ValCAC (alone and in combination with miR‐23b‐3p) identified from small RNA sequencing studies in serum samples from healthy controls, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and MIDD subjects. Results: Serum levels of 5'ValCAC were reduced in MIDD and type 2 diabetes subjects compared to controls. Type 2 diabetes subjects had higher serum levels of miR‐23b‐3p compared to all other subjects. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis showed the potential of 5'ValCAC and miR‐23b‐3p as MIDD biomarkers, with the combination showing excellent separation from type 2 diabetes subjects. Conclusions: This is the first report showing altered serum levels of tiRNAs in diabetes subjects. The combined use of 5'ValCAC and miR‐23b‐3p as serum biomarkers could potentially differentiate between MIDD subjects and type 2 diabetes subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a large-scale international survey conducted by the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) AI committee on patient perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in endoscopy. The survey included 1,237 patients from all six continents, who responded to 13 statements about the use of AI in endoscopy. The majority of patients believed that AI and humans can complement each other and supported the use of AI in endoscopy. However, fewer patients believed that AI could be better than experienced endoscopists, and they felt that endoscopists should remain responsible for decision making. Additionally, most patients believed that endoscopists or hospitals should be liable for any medical malpractice caused by the use of AI. Overall, the survey revealed that patients appreciate the benefits of AI in endoscopy but also recognize the importance of human expertise and accountability. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents the results of an international survey conducted by the World Endoscopy Organization AI committee on endoscopists' opinions regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in endoscopy. The survey included 465 endoscopists from 83 countries, with a range of backgrounds and experience levels. The majority of participants believed that AI would improve endoscopy quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. However, there were concerns about financial reimbursement, medical liability, potential de-skilling, and the possibility of unnecessary resections and increased procedure times. Overall, most endoscopists expressed a willingness to use AI when available. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the diagnostic confidence of endoscopists assessing videos of Barrett's esophagus (BE). The study involved 22 endoscopists from 12 centers who reviewed standardized endoscopy videos with and without AI. The results showed that the use of AI significantly increased confidence levels for both expert and non-expert endoscopists. Interestingly, non-experts also experienced a significant increase in accuracy when using AI. These findings suggest that AI has the potential to improve diagnostic confidence during endoscopic assessments. [Extracted from the article]

We examine how extended-release buprenorphine depot (BUP-XR) is put to use and made to work in implementation practices, attending to how care practices are challenged and adapted as a long-acting technology is introduced into service in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in Australia. Our approach is informed by ideas in science and technology studies (STS) emphasising the irreducible entanglement of care practices and technology, and in particular the concept of 'tinkering' as a practice of adaptation. To make our analysis, we draw on qualitative interview accounts (n = 19) of service providers involved in BUP-XR implementation across five sites. Our analysis considers the disruptive novelty of BUP-XR. Tinkering to make a novel technology work in practice slows down the expectation of implementation in relation to transformative innovation, despite the promise of dramatic or rapid change. Tinkering allowed for more open relations, for new care practices that departed from the routine and familiar, opening potential for how BUP-XR could be put to use and made to work in its new situation, and as its situation evolved along-with its implementation. Flexibility and openness of altering relations was, however, at times, held in tension with inflexibility and closure. This analysis identifies a concern for what is made present and what is made absent in the altered care network affected by BUP-XR, with the multiple effects of supervised daily dosing practices thrown into relief as they become absented. Tinkering to implement BUP-XR locally connects with a broader assemblage of trial and movement in the constitution of treatment. The introduction of long-acting technologies prompts new questions about embedded implementation practices, including supervised dosing, urinalysis, the time and place of psychosocial support, and how other social aspects of care might be recalibrated in drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]