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Abstract Background Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) represents a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer utilizing the heating capabilities of magnetic nanoparticles when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Because the efficacy and safety of MFH treatments depends on numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors, therefore, the proper MFH setups should focus on thermal energy dosed into the cancer cells. Methods In this study, we performed MFH experiments using human lung cancer A549 cells (in vitro) and NUDE Balb/c mice bearing human lung (A549) cancer (in vivo). In these two experimental models, the heat was induced by magnesium-doped iron(III) oxide nanoparticles coated with mPEG-silane (Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5) when exposed to an AMF. Results We observed that the lung cancer cells treated with Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5 (0.25 mg·mL−1) and magnetized for 30 min at 14.4 kA·m−1 yielded a satisfactory outcome in reducing the cell viability up to ca. 21% (in vitro). The activation energy calculated for this field strength was estimated for 349 kJ·mol−1. Both volumetric measurements and tumor mass assessments confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a superior thermal effect in mice bearing human lung cancer injected intratumorally with Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5 nanoparticles (3 mg·mL−1) and subjected to an AMF (18.3 kA·m−1) for 30 min four times at weekly intervals. Research demonstrated that mice undergoing MFH exhibited a marked suppression of tumor growth (V = 169 ± 94 mm3; p

Abstract Head-fixation of mice enables high-resolution monitoring of neuronal activity coupled with precise control of environmental stimuli. Virtual reality can be used to emulate the visual experience of movement during head fixation, but a low inertia floating real-world environment (mobile homecage, MHC) has the potential to engage more sensory modalities and provide a richer experimental environment for complex behavioral tasks. However, it is not known whether mice react to this adapted environment in a similar manner to real environments, or whether the MHC can be used to implement validated, maze-based behavioral tasks. Here, we show that hippocampal place cell representations are intact in the MHC and that the system allows relatively long (20 min) whole-cell patch clamp recordings from dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons, revealing sub-threshold membrane potential dynamics. Furthermore, mice learn the location of a liquid reward within an adapted T-maze guided by 2-dimensional spatial navigation cues and relearn the location when spatial contingencies are reversed. Bilateral infusions of scopolamine show that this learning is hippocampus-dependent and requires intact cholinergic signalling. Therefore, we characterize the MHC system as an experimental tool to study sub-threshold membrane potential dynamics that underpin complex navigation behaviors.

The application of machine learning to video coding is generally studied in two main approaches: end-to-end video coding using deep neural networks and classic hybrid codecs with individual tools implemented using such networks. This work exploits the latter approach, where a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used for fast implementation of the search for the partitioning of Coding Tree Units (CTU) into Coding Units (CUs) and Prediction Units (PUs). The proposed approach differs from the previous ones, among other factors, by the application of an ANN with probabilistic soft outputs, which allows for assessing the probability of particular division patterns. This is followed by a decision algorithm that selects more than one candidate division pattern from the most probable patterns provided by ANN. Two variants of the ANN model are considered, out of which the extended one involves deep partitioning at the PU-level. The number of selected division pattern candidates is controlled by a single parameter – uncertainty range – that allows for choosing a trade-off between the complexity and the loss of coding efficiency. This feature is particularly important for broadcasting applications, where processing must be adjusted to the current computational load and resource availability. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach yields good results using much smaller ANNs than those described in the references. This makes the proposed approach well-suited for using on edge servers where GPU may not be available. The source code for the respective HEVC codec software implementation is provided.

Background Documentation of clinical encounters continues to be a challenge to implement in practice and there is a lack of literature or evidence regarding documentation best practices in pharmacy. In order to inform documentation practices at an academic pharmacy clinic, a quality assurance (QA) initiative was implemented at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic (Clinic). Goals: The goal of this QA initiative was to determine what facilitators and barriers existed for the pharmacists in a primary care setting and improve the efficiency of consultation note writing. Description: Phase 1 conducted an online survey among Clinic pharmacists to assess each clinician’s documentation practice at baseline. Phase 2 implemented new interventions that could advance these skills. There were four main interventions introduced: 1) revised consultation note templates, 2) a documentation “checklist” to standardize expectations for documentation, 3) a “decision tree” to guide what type of note should be sent following consultations, 4) a documentation “guide” providing tips and examples to improve writing skills and 5) a peer-feedback workshop, where clinicians exchanged consultation notes, provided 1:1 feedback and shared main learning outcomes in a group discussion. During Phase 3, pharmacists re-answered the same survey questions 10 months later. This allowed for a direct comparison of documentation practices and skills before and after the interventions. Effectiveness: After the interventions, pharmacists reduced the time to complete their notes by nearly 14 min (from 48 to 34 minutes). In addition, the Clinic has since changed their approach to documentation by starting consultation notes with the clinical assessment and recommendation, followed by subjective and objective information, as opposed to the traditional SOAP format that the previous template followed. The revised note structure resulted in an increased uptake of template use from 37% to 100%. Furthermore, prior to the interventions and workshop, the majority of pharmacists ranked writing consultation notes as the most burdensome aspect of their daily workflow. Afterwards, the level of burden in writing consultation notes reduced significantly. Based on the results of the surveys as well as feedback acquired during this process, the traditional format of the Clinic’s consultation note template was permanently changed, to allow for the most important element, the recommendations, to be documented first. These findings can be used to inform how students are taught documentation and improve the quality of documentation by pharmacists in team-based or primary care settings.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a pathology of the small intestine and may predispose individuals to various nutritional deficiencies. Little is known about whether specific subtypes of SIBO, such as the hydrogen-dominant (H+), methane-dominant (M+), or hydrogen/methane–dominant (H+/M+), impact nutritional status and dietary intake in SIBO patients. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between biochemical parameters, dietary nutrient intake, and distinct SIBO subtypes. This observational study included 67 patients who were newly diagnosed with SIBO. Biochemical parameters and diet were studied utilizing laboratory tests and food records, respectively. The H+/M+ group was associated with low serum vitamin D (p < 0.001), low serum ferritin (p = 0.001) and low fiber intake (p = 0.001). The M+ group was correlated with high serum folic acid (p = 0.002) and low intakes of fiber (p = 0.001) and lactose (p = 0.002). The H+ group was associated with low lactose intake (p = 0.027). These results suggest that the subtype of SIBO may have varying effects on dietary intake, leading to a range of biochemical deficiencies. Conversely, specific dietary patterns may predispose one to the development of a SIBO subtype. The assessment of nutritional status and diet, along with the diagnosis of SIBO subtypes, are believed to be key components of SIBO therapy.

Background: This study investigates the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in musculoskeletal tumor surgeries and evaluates the impact of benchmarking in enhancing surgical outcomes. Methods: Conducted at a tertiary referral center, this retrospective analysis included 196 patients who underwent surgeries for various musculoskeletal tumors, ranging from soft tissue to bone sarcomas. Patient and tumor characteristics, along with surgical interventions and outcomes, were comprehensively assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Key findings indicate that surgical reconstruction, ASA 3 status, bone tumor presence, and the need for multiple erythrocyte transfusions significantly increase postoperative morbidity. Notably, no significant correlation was found between the Charlson Comorbidity Index scores and the occurrence or severity of complications, challenging the utility of this index in predicting short-term surgical outcomes. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of tailored surgical approaches and emphasizes rigorous preoperative assessments to mitigate risks and enhance patient care. Despite its insights, limitations include its retrospective nature and single-center scope, suggesting a need for broader, multicenter studies to generalize findings. Overall, our results underscore the necessity of integrating clinical assessments with benchmarking data to optimize outcomes in the complex field of musculoskeletal tumor surgery.

Evolution can tinker with multi-protein machines and replace them with simpler single-protein systems performing equivalent functions in an equally efficient manner. It is unclear how, on a molecular level, such simplification can arise. With ancestral reconstruction and biochemical analysis, we have traced the evolution of bacterial small heat shock proteins (sHsp), which help to refold proteins from aggregates using either two proteins with different functions (IbpA and IbpB) or a secondarily single sHsp that performs both functions in an equally efficient way. Secondarily single sHsp evolved from IbpA, an ancestor specialized in strong substrate binding. Evolution of an intermolecular binding site drove the alteration of substrate binding properties, as well as the formation of higher-order oligomers. Upon two mutations in the α-crystallin domain, secondarily single sHsp interacts with aggregated substrates less tightly. Paradoxically, less efficient binding positively influences the ability of sHsp to stimulate substrate refolding, since the dissociation of sHps from aggregates is required to initiate Hsp70-Hsp100-dependent substrate refolding. After the loss of a partner, IbpA took over its role in facilitating the sHsp dissociation from an aggregate by weakening the interaction with the substrate, which became beneficial for the refolding process. We show that the same two amino acids introduced in modern-day systems define whether the IbpA acts as a single sHsp or obligatorily cooperates with an IbpB partner. Our discoveries illuminate how one sequence has evolved to encode functions previously performed by two distinct proteins.

We present a method and a simple system for high-pH RP-LC peptide fractionation of small sample amounts (30–60 µg), at micro-flow rates with micro-liter fraction collection using ammonium bicarbonate as an optimized buffer for system stability and robustness. The method is applicable to targeted mass spectrometry approaches and to in-depth proteomic studies where the amount of sample is limited. Using targeted proteomics with peptide standards, we present the method's analytical parameters, and potential in increasing the detection of low-abundance proteins that are difficult to quantify with direct targeted or global LC-MS analyses. This fractionation system increased peptide signals by up to 18-fold, while maintaining high quantitative precision, with high fractionation reproducibility across varied sample sets. In real applications, it increased the detection of targeted endogenous peptides by two-fold in a 25 cell-cycle-control protein panel, and in-depth MS analyses of nuclear extracts, it allowed the detection of up to 8,896 proteins with 138,417 peptides in 24-concatenated fractions compared to 3,344 proteins with 23,093 peptides without fractionation. In a relevant biological problem of CDK4/6-inhibitors and breast cancer, the method reproduced known information and revealed novel insights, highlighting that it can be successfully applied in studies involving low-abundance proteins and limited samples. • Tested nine high-pH buffer/solvent systems to obtain a robust, effective, and reproducible micro-flow fractionation method which was devoid of commonly encountered LC clogging/pressure issues after months of use. • Peptide enrichment method to improve detection and quantitation of low-abundance proteins in targeted and in-depth proteomic studies. • Can be applied to diverse protein samples where the available amount is limited.

Hybrid video compression plays an invaluable role in digital video transmission and storage services and systems. It performs several-hundred-fold reduction in the amount of video data, which makes these systems much more efficient. An important element of hybrid video compression is entropy coding of the data. The state-of-the-art in this field is the newest variant of the Context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding entropy compression algorithm which recently became part of the new Versatile Video Coding technology. This work is a part of research that is currently underway to further improve the Context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding technique. This paper provides analysis of the potential for further improvement of the Context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding technique by more accurate calculation of probabilities of data symbols. The mentioned technique calculates those probabilities by the use of idea of the two-parameters hypothesis. For the needs of analysis presented in this paper, an extension of the aforementioned idea was proposed which consists of three- and four-parameters hypothesis. In addition, the paper shows the importance of proper calibration of parameter values of the method on efficiency of data compression. Results of experiments show that for the considered in the paper variants of the algorithm improvement the possible efficiency gain is at levels 0.11% and 0.167%, for the three- and four-parameter hypothesis, respectively.

Industrial production of biogas offers a way to manage distillery leachate. The waste is usually subjected to anaerobic digestion for producing biogas. However, the effluent from anaerobic processes has high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and is harmful to the environment. An effective method of lowering COD is ozonation. Effluent from biogas plants after ozonation has the potential for use in breeding grounds for plants of the Lemnaceae family. Thus, they can provide a valuable additional source of biomass for the production of bioethanol. Lemna minor L. and Spirodela polyrhiza cultures were grown in media with the addition of 2.5% PFE, which had been treated by ozonation for between 6 and 50 min. Using ozonated effluent was an effective cultivation technique in all variants. The analyzed parameters were plant growth, chlorophyll index, fresh plant weight and photosynthetic traits (net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and concentration of intercellular CO2). The best growth of Lemna minor L. was observed in the media with PFE treated for 12 min. Similar effects were obtained for S. polyrhiza, with ozone treatment for 12 and 25 min. The results show the potential of using ozone-treated post-fermentation leachate as a supplement in culture media.

Introduction To increase CO.sub.2 elimination and to reduce work of breathing in hypercapnic patients, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) can be applied via mask either with non-vented CO.sub.2 exhalation systems or with vented systems with leak port. The effect of the exhalation system on CO.sub.2 rebreathing in the mask and total gas exchange remains widely unknown. Aim of this study was to compare the exhalation systems in terms of inspiratory O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 concentrations, breathing patterns and gas exchange. Methods We prospectively examined 10 healthy subjects and 10 hypercapnic patients with both exhalation systems. O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 were measured in the nose, in the mask, and in the ventilation circuit, and respiratory rate, tidal volume, and transcutaneous capnometry (PtcCO.sub.2) were recorded during the experiments. Results Using the non-vented system, CO.sub.2 concentrations in the mask were significantly higher in both subject groups, and PtcCO.sub.2 values in the patient group increased up to 3.6 mmHg compared to the vented system (p = 0.011). O.sub.2 concentrations increased with higher O.sub.2 flow rates, but were significantly lower in the vented settings in both groups. No effect in breathing pattern could be demonstrated during the measurement time. Conclusion Using NIV, the chosen exhalation system influences CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 concentrations under the mask, CO.sub.2 rebreathing from the mask and could influence the effectiveness of the ventilation support with regards to hypercapnia treatment. To compensate for relevant hypoxia, the O.sub.2 supplementation must be set up to a sufficient level under a vented system., Author(s): Karl-Josef Franke [sup.1] [sup.3] , Maik Schroeder [sup.2] , Ulrike Domanski [sup.2] , Barbara Dewald [sup.1] , Georg Nilius [sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.412581.b, 0000 0000 9024 6397, [...]

Background Quality of Life (QoL) is a prognostic factor in heart failure (HF) of patients with acquired cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of QoL on outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) and HF. Methods and Results Quality of life of 196 adults with congenital heart disease with clinical heart failure (HF) (mean age: 44.3±13.8 years; 51% male; 56% with complex congenital heart disease; 47% New York Heart Association class III/IV) included in the prospective multicentric registry FRESH‐ACHD (French Survey on Heart Failure−Adult with Congenital Heart Disease) was assessed using the 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36), a patient‐reported survey. The primary end point was defined by all‐cause death, HF‐related hospitalization, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support. At 12 months, 28 (14%) patients reached the combined end point. Patients with low quality of life experienced major adverse events more frequently (logrank P=0.013). On univariate analysis, lower score at physical functioning (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97–0.99]; P=0.008), role limitations related to physical health (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97–0.99]; P=0.008), and general health dimensions of the SF‐36 (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95–0.99]; P=0.002) were significantly predictive of cardiovascular events. However, after multivariable analysis, SF‐36 dimensions were no longer significantly associated with the primary end point. Conclusions Patients with congenital heart disease with HF and poor quality of life experience severe events more frequently, making quality of life assessment and rehabilitation programs essential to alter their trajectory.

(1) Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) is becoming more attractive and effective with the development of new occluders. The aim of this study was to report a single-center experience in PmVSD closure using the Lifetech Konar-multifunctional occluder (MFO). (2) From March 2019 to October 2022, 43 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 13 had multifenestrated PmVSD including 5 Gerbode-type defects. (3) There were 23 males/20 females, and the median age was 17 years (range 2–68 years). Trivial aortic regurgitation was noticed in 19 patients. Implantation was successful in all patients under general anesthesia. A retrograde approach was used in 35 patients (81%). The retrograde approach was associated with a lower radiation dose (p = 0.042) and shorter fluoroscopy time (p = 0.002) compared to the antegrade approach. Full occlusion was observed immediately in 12 patients (28%) and in 33 patients (77%) at a median follow-up of 11 months. There were no complications such as embolization, complete atrioventricular block, device dislocation, new onset above grade I, or progression of tricuspid or aortic valve regurgitation. Seven of the thirteen patients with a multifenestrated defect had no residual shunt. The persistent shunts were all trivial intra-prosthetic leaks. (4) MFO is effective and safe for PmVSD closure including multifenestrated/Gerbode-type defects with no complication. However, a longer follow-up remains warranted to establish the safety of this technique.

Hypnoanalgesia is a promising non-pharmacologic adjunct technique in paediatric interventions. Its safety, efficiency, and impacts on paediatric cardiac catheterisation (CC) are unknown. Methods: In a prospective study, patients aged p = 0.62). No complications were reported. Conclusion: Paediatric CC is feasible and safe under hypnoanalgesia, even in complicated cases. Hypnoanalgesia was efficient in managing pain and stress, and it ensures more reliable pressure measurements.

Introduction: Our aim was to determine the psychological and educational impact of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting on the graduate medical education (GME) mission within two cohorts of resident physicians and attending faculty at two nearby academic trauma centers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed 55 resident physicians and attending faculty involved in the acute care of the patients from the mass shooting. We measured the psychological impact of the event, post-traumatic growth, team cohesion, social support, and known risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, we assessed the impact of the event on GME-specific tasks. Results: Attending faculty and physicians in training in GME residencies evaluated over 300 penetrating trauma patients in less than 24 hours, and approximately 1 in 3 physicians had a patient die under their care. Despite this potential for psychological trauma, the majority of clinicians reported minimal distress and minimal impact on GME activities. However, 1 in 10 physicians screened positive for possible PTSD. Paradoxically, the minority of physicians who sought psychological counseling after the event (20%) were not those who reported the highest levels of distress. Residents generally assessed the event as having an overall negative impact on their educational goals, while attendings reported a positive impact. Psychological impact correlated inversely with social support and the amount of prior education relating to mass casualty incidents (MCI) but correlated directly with the degree of stress prior to the event. Conclusion: Despite the substantial level of exposure, most resident physicians did not report significant psychological trauma or an impact on their GME mission. Some reported post-traumatic growth. However, a minority reported a significant negative impact; institutions should consider broad screening efforts to detect and assist these individuals after a MCI. Social support, stress reduction, and education on MCIs may buffer the effects of future psychologically traumatic events on physicians in training.

Thigmotaxis is an innate predator avoidance behaviour of rodents. To gain insight into how injury and disease models, and analgesic drug treatments affect thigmotaxis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed thigmotaxis in the open field test. Systematic searches were conducted of 3 databases in October 2020, March and August 2022. Study design characteristics and experimental data were extracted and analysed using a random-effects meta-analysis. We also assessed the correlation between thigmotaxis and stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal. This review included the meta-analysis of 165 studies We report thigmotaxis was increased in injury and disease models associated with persistent pain and this increase was attenuated by analgesic drug treatments in both rat and mouse experiments. Its usefulness, however, may be limited in certain injury and disease models because our analysis suggested that thigmotaxis may be associated with the locomotor function. We also conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression, but our findings on sources of heterogeneity are inconclusive because analyses were limited by insufficient available data. It was difficult to assess internal validity because reporting of methodological quality measures was poor, therefore, the studies have an unclear risk of bias. The correlation between time in the centre (type of a thigmotactic metric) and types of stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal was inconsistent. Therefore, stimulus-evoked and ethologically relevant behavioural paradigms should be viewed as two separate entities as they are conceptually and methodologically different from each other.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in the number of product returns in supply chains, which is both environmentally and economically challenging. E-commerce companies need to effectively manage product returns, as this has a direct impact on their reputation and consumer experience. Reducing returns is key to maintaining sustainable practices for online product sales. A significant increase in e-commerce transactions is also evident in Indonesia, which is the fourth largest country in the world. Despite the very large size of the market, research on e-commerce in the business-to-customer (B2C) market in Indonesia is underrepresented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify key factors from the customer perspective that influence product returns in reverse logistics in Indonesian e-commerce. The novelty of this study stems from the focus on the customer perspective on product returns in the B2C market when shopping online and the spatial scope. Due to the uncertainty inherent in multi-criteria decision making, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to rank factors and potential solutions derived from a critical literature review. As a result, the study provides a ranking of factors and alternatives for managing e-commerce returns in Indonesia. The results show that among Indonesian e-commerce customers, product quality (QP) was rated the highest, while (Pu) was rated the lowest. In terms of the alternatives that are the most suitable for improving the customer experience of e-commerce product returns in Indonesia, a clear returns policy (CRP) scored the highest, while the merchandise catalog (Cat) was rated as the lowest priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a pathology of the small intestine and may predispose individuals to various nutritional deficiencies. Little is known about whether specific subtypes of SIBO, such as the hydrogen-dominant (H+), methane-dominant (M+), or hydrogen/methane–dominant (H+/M+), impact nutritional status and dietary intake in SIBO patients. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between biochemical parameters, dietary nutrient intake, and distinct SIBO subtypes. This observational study included 67 patients who were newly diagnosed with SIBO. Biochemical parameters and diet were studied utilizing laboratory tests and food records, respectively. The H+/M+ group was associated with low serum vitamin D (p < 0.001), low serum ferritin (p = 0.001) and low fiber intake (p = 0.001). The M+ group was correlated with high serum folic acid (p = 0.002) and low intakes of fiber (p = 0.001) and lactose (p = 0.002). The H+ group was associated with low lactose intake (p = 0.027). These results suggest that the subtype of SIBO may have varying effects on dietary intake, leading to a range of biochemical deficiencies. Conversely, specific dietary patterns may predispose one to the development of a SIBO subtype. The assessment of nutritional status and diet, along with the diagnosis of SIBO subtypes, are believed to be key components of SIBO therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations have shown that Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)affects the host through various mechanisms. While both weight loss and obesity have been reported in the SIBO population due to alterations in the gut microbiome, very little is known about the influence of SIBO type on body composition. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a link between the three types of SIBO: methane dominant (M+), hydrogen dominant (H+), and methane–hydrogen dominant (H+/M+) and specific anthropometric parameters. This observational study included 67 participants (W = 53, M = 14) with gastrointestinal symptoms and SIBO confirmed by lactulose hydrogen–methane breath tests (LHMBTs) using the QuinTron device. Participants underwent a body composition assessment by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) using the InBody Analyzer. In the H+/M+ group, body weight (p = 0.010), BMI (p = 0.001), body fat in kg (p = 0.009), body fat in % (p = 0.040), visceral fat (p = 0.002), and mineral bone content (p = 0.049) showed an inverse correlation with hydrogen (H2) gas production. These findings suggest that body weight, BMI, body fat, and mineral bone content may be inversely linked to the production of hydrogen and the risk of hydrogen–methane SIBO.