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This study aimed to investigate the presence of structural and functional changes in extraocular muscles (EMs) among patients with inactive Graves' orbitopathy (GO) classified according to the Clinical Activity Score (CAS). Sixty-seven patients with Graves' disease (GD) and inactive GO were included. The data collected included clinical parameters, thyroid function, autoantibody levels, EOM morphology via orbital ultrasound (US), and ocular motility. Patients were stratified into Red Filter Test (RFT)-positive or RFT-negative groups based on the presence or absence of latent diplopia during the RFT examination. Thirty-three patients (49.25%) exhibited latent diplopia on the RFT, despite not reporting double vision during standard ocular motility tests. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, disease duration, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in up-gaze, and medial rectus muscle thickness (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in thyroid status, TRAb and ATA levels, CASs, exophthalmos, or lateral rectus thickness between the two groups. This study revealed that in inactive GO, subclinical EM dysfunction and morphological changes may be present, which might not be apparent through routine ocular examinations. The RFT is effective in detecting latent diplopia, highlighting its utility in identifying subtle ocular motility issues and subclinical muscle involvement. Comprehensive evaluations combining functional tests like the RFT and imaging are essential for early detection of GO-related abnormalities, enabling tailored and prompt management and improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Insertion and deletion (indel) analysis of CRISPR-Cas guide RNAs (gRNAs) is crucial in gene editing to assess gRNA efficiency and indel frequency. This study evaluates the utility of CRISPResso2 with Oxford Nanopore sequencing data (nCRISPResso2) for gRNA indel screening, compared to two common Sanger sequencing-based methods, TIDE and ICE. To achieve this, sheep and horse fibroblasts were transfected with Cas9 and a gRNA targeting the myostatin (MSTN) gene. DNA was subsequently extracted, and PCR products exceeding 600 bp were sequenced using both Sanger and Nanopore sequencing. Indel profiling was then conducted using TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2. Results: Comparison revealed close correspondence in indel formation among methods. For the sheep MSTN gRNA, indel percentages were 52%, 58%, and 64% for TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2, respectively. Horse MSTN gRNA showed 81%, 87%, and 86% edited amplicons for TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2. The frequency of each type of indel was also comparable among the three methods, with nCRISPResso2 and ICE aligning the closest. nCRISPResso2 offers a viable alternative for CRISPR-Cas gRNA indel screening, especially with large amplicons unsuitable for Illumina sequencing. CRISPResso2's compatibility with Nanopore data enables cost-effective and efficient indel profiling, yielding results comparable to common Sanger sequencing-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Insertion and deletion (indel) analysis of CRISPR-Cas guide RNAs (gRNAs) is crucial in gene editing to assess gRNA efficiency and indel frequency. This study evaluates the utility of CRISPResso2 with Oxford Nanopore sequencing data (nCRISPResso2) for gRNA indel screening, compared to two common Sanger sequencing-based methods, TIDE and ICE. To achieve this, sheep and horse fibroblasts were transfected with Cas9 and a gRNA targeting the myostatin (MSTN) gene. DNA was subsequently extracted, and PCR products exceeding 600 bp were sequenced using both Sanger and Nanopore sequencing. Indel profiling was then conducted using TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2. Results Comparison revealed close correspondence in indel formation among methods. For the sheep MSTN gRNA, indel percentages were 52%, 58%, and 64% for TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2, respectively. Horse MSTN gRNA showed 81%, 87%, and 86% edited amplicons for TIDE, ICE, and nCRISPResso2. The frequency of each type of indel was also comparable among the three methods, with nCRISPResso2 and ICE aligning the closest. nCRISPResso2 offers a viable alternative for CRISPR-Cas gRNA indel screening, especially with large amplicons unsuitable for Illumina sequencing. CRISPResso2’s compatibility with Nanopore data enables cost-effective and efficient indel profiling, yielding results comparable to common Sanger sequencing-based methods.

Antiplatelet therapy is an important factor influencing the postterm patency rate of carotid artery stenting (CAS). Clopidogrel is a platelet aggregation inhibitor mediated by the adenosine diphosphate receptor and is affected by CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms in vivo. When the CYP2C19 gene has a nonfunctional mutation, the activity of the encoded enzyme will be weakened or lost, which directly affects the metabolism of clopidogrel and ultimately weakens its antiplatelet aggregation ability. Therefore, based on network pharmacology, analyzing the influence of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on the antiplatelet therapeutic effect of clopidogrel after CAS is highly important for the formulation of individualized clinical drug regimens. The effect of the CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on the antiplatelet aggregation of clopidogrel after CAS was analyzed based on network pharmacology. A total of 100 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease who were confirmed by the neurology department and required CAS treatment were studied. CYP2C19 genotyping was performed on all patients via a gene chip. All patients were classified into the wild-type (WT) group (*1/*1), heterozygous mutation (HTM) group (CYP2C19*1/*2, CYP2C19*1/*3), and homozygous mutation (HMM) group (CYP2C19*2/*2, CYP2C19*2/*3, and CYP2C19*3/*3). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used to detect the blood concentration of clopidogrel and the plasma clopidogrel clearance (CL) rate in different groups of patients before and after clopidogrel treatment. The platelet aggregation rate of patients with different genotypes was measured by turbidimetry. The incidences of clopidogrel resistance (CR) and stent thrombosis in different groups after three months of treatment were analyzed. The results showed that among the different CYP2C19 genotypes, patients from the HTM group accounted for the most patients, while patients from the HTM group accounted for the least patients. Similarly, the clopidogrel CL of patients in the HMM group was lower than that of patients in the WT group and HTM group (P < 0.01). The platelet inhibition rate of patients in the HMM group was evidently inferior to that of patients in the WT group and HTM group (P < 0.01). The incidence of CR and stent thrombosis in the WT group was notably lower than that in the HTM and HMM groups (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the CYP2C19 gene can affect CR occurrence and stent thrombosis after CAS by influencing clopidogrel metabolism and platelet count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From four-function calculators to calculators (or computers) with Computer Algebra System (CAS) software, Mathematics computing technology has advanced. With just a few button pushes, CASs can solve a wide range of mathematical problems, which is a true quantum leap in technology. The implications of having software in the classroom that can, for example, expand and factorize algebraic expressions, solve equations, differentiate functions, and find antiderivatives are causing the mathematical community to engage in a heated debate about whether this is one of the most exciting or frightening developments in the history of education. It was only a matter of time before Artificial Intelligence entered the field of Science. This is now also the case with Mathematics, one of the dominant, perhaps the most basic, but also the most "difficult" of the sciences. The human mind, for better or for worse, has its limits. As we see in every manifestation of our lives, in this case, technology is being enlisted to help humanity take the next step, whether it has to do with automation and practical matters, or with knowledge and exploration. Creating a model that is understandable to humans is the primary objective of Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, concepts and methods from numerous mathematical fields can be used to prepare these models. In this paper, we will examine the use of AI in CASs and explore some ways to optimize them. The documentation sheets are the data source that we used to examine their characteristics. The research results reveal that there are many tips that we can follow to accelerate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has starkly exposed our significantly limited ability to promptly identify and respond to emergent biological threats. Consequently, there is an urgent need to advance biotechnological methods for addressing both known and unforeseen biological hazards. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized genetic engineering, enabling precise and efficient synthetic biology applications. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles underlying the CRISPR/Cas system and assess the advantages and limitations of various CRISPR/Cas-based techniques applicable to the detection of, defense against, and treatment of viral infections. These techniques include viral diagnostics, the development of antiviral vaccines, B cell engineering for antibody production, viral activation/interference, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, this review delves into the challenges and bioethical considerations associated with use of the CRISPR/Cas system. With the continuous evolution of technology, the CRISPR/Cas system holds considerable promise for addressing both existing and unforeseen biological threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study focuses on testing the capability of a restricted tibia‐first, gap‐balanced patient‐specific alignment technique (PSA) to restore bony morphology and phenotypes. Methods: Three‐hundred and sixty‐seven patients were treated with navigated total knee arthroplasty and tibia‐first gap‐balanced PSA technique. Boundaries for medial proximal tibial angle were 86°–92°, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle 86°–92°, and hip–knee–ankle angle 175°–183°. Knees were classified by coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK), with subsequent analyses comparing pre‐ and postoperative distributions. Phenotype classification within CPAK groups assessed pre‐ and postoperative distributions. Results: Preoperatively, the largest CPAK group was type II (30.8%), followed by type I (20.5%) and type V (17.8%). Postoperatively, type II remained the largest group (39%), followed by type V (30%). All groups with varus/valgus deformities (I, III, IV and VI) became smaller. While in straight legs (II, IV), the CPAK was restored in more than 70%–75%, in varus groups (I, IV) in 40%–50% and in valgus (III and VI) in 5%–18%. The joint line obliquity remained the same in the majority of knees (straight >75%; varus 63%–80%; valgus VI 95%), with the exception of CPAK III (40%). The phenotype analysis showed for straight legs a phenotype restoration of 85%, for varus 94% and for valgus 37%. Joint line convergence angle was reduced significantly in all groups from 1.8°–4.3° preoperatively to 0.6°–1.2° postoperatively. Conclusion: PSA restores bony phenotypes and joint line obliquity in the majority of straight and varus knees, while most of the valgus and extreme varus knees are normalised. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Logopedia e Comunicazione is the property of Edizioni Centro Studi Erickson SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climatic changes significantly impact forest ecosystems, inevitably affecting forestry and forest-related industry. Considering that most forests are actively managed, there is a need to define the future risks and set a strategy for forestry and silviculture in a changing world. This review provides insight into the new challenges and opportunities forest management and silviculture face in the coming decades. There is sound recognition of risk factors expected from climate change, yet great uncertainty exists in the predictions of the response of forests to new conditions. Additionally, the stakeholders' interests in the goods and services offered by forests are changing, and this also needs to be taken into account in future forest management. Undoubtedly, the goal of future forestry and silviculture in the 21st century will be primarily to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the forest. Sustainable use of goods and ecosystem services from forests will be directly related to the continuity and sustainability of the forest in the future. Adaptive forest management aims to promote the adaptive capacity of forests to new conditions resulting from climate change. If adaptation efforts are effective, adaptive forest management should be a kind of risk management. There is no one-fits-all strategy for adaptation to uncertain future conditions. Silviculture in the 21st century is expected to be more conducive to adapting forests to changes. Operational silvicultural activities should focus on ensuring the resilience and adaptation of forests to future environmental conditions. Modern silviculture offers activities that fall within the scope of contemporary close-to-nature silviculture practices. However, some of the currently applied practices will require review and modification to be applicable under new conditions. This review also identifies the need to fill knowledge gaps in order to develop more effective and flexible adaptation strategies to foster sustainable forest development and, thus, sustainable forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative treatment option for patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) but has been correlated with increased risk for distal embolization and periprocedural stroke despite the use of adjunctive embolic protection devices (EPD). This study compared four types of EPDs and their intra and periprocedural related complications. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed/Medline to identify studies that investigated the outcomes of CAS with adjuvant use of EPDs, including Proximal Balloon (PB), Distal Filter (DF), and Distal Balloon (DB) strategy. Continuous flow reversal performed via transcarotid approach by a commercially available device as an embolic protection strategy was intentionally excluded based on its distinct procedural characteristics and lack of availability outside of the United States. This network meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Results: Overall, 45 studies, consisting of 7600 participants satisfied the predetermined search criteria and were included in this network meta-analysis. Overall, 13 studies provided data regarding the number of patients with new ischemic lesions detected in the DW-MRI. DF (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.54–6.44; p = 0.002) and DB (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.58–3.29; p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of new ischemic lesions compared to PB on DW-MRI imaging. No statistical difference was identified between DB versus DF groups (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.73–2.59; p = 0.317). 36 and 27 studies reported on periprocedural stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) rates, respectively, showing similar odds of neurologic adverse events between all three groups. Conclusions: PB deployment during CAS is superior to DF and DB in preventing distal embolization phenomena. However, no statistically significant difference in TIA and stroke rate was found among any of the analyzed EPD groups. Further research is warranted to investigate the association of embolic phenomena on imaging after CAS with clinically significant neurologic deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Ligilactobacillus is a diverse genus among lactobacilli with phenotypes that reflect adaptation to various hosts. CRISPR-Cas systems are highly prevalent within lactobacilli, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius, the most abundant species of Ligilactobacillus, possesses both DNA- and RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems. In this study, we explore the presence and functional properties of I-B, I-C, I-E, II-A, and III-A CRISPR-Cas systems in over 500 Ligilactobacillus genomes, emphasizing systems found in L. salivarius. We examined the I-E, II-A, and III-A CRISPR-Cas systems of two L. salivarius strains and observed occurrences of split cas genes and differences in CRISPR RNA maturation in native hosts. This prompted testing of the single Cas9 and multiprotein Cascade and Csm CRISPR-Cas effector complexes in a cell-free context to demonstrate the functionality of these systems. We also predicted self-targeting spacers within L. salivarius CRISPR-Cas systems and found that nearly a third of L. salivarius genomes possess unique self-targeting spacers that generally target elements other than prophages. With these two L. salivarius strains, we performed prophage induction coupled with RNA sequencing and discovered that the prophages residing within these strains are inducible and likely active elements, despite targeting by CRISPR-Cas systems. These findings deepen our comprehension of CRISPR-Cas systems in L. salivarius, further elucidating their relationship with associated prophages and providing a functional basis for the repurposing of these Cas effectors for bacterial manipulation.IMPORTANCELigilactobacillus salivarius is a diverse bacterial species widely used in the food and dietary supplement industries. In this study, we investigate the occurrence and diversity of their adaptive immune systems, CRISPR-Cas, in over 500 genomes. We establish their function and provide insights into their role in the interplay between the bacterial host and the predatory phages that infect them. Such findings expand our knowledge about these important CRISPR-Cas immune systems widespread across the bacterial tree of life and also provide a technical basis for the repurposing of these molecular machines for the development of molecular biology tools and the manipulation and engineering of bacteria and other life forms.

Parthenocarpy and stenospermocarpy are the two mechanisms underlying the seedless fruit set program. Seedless fruit occurs naturally and can be produced using hormone application, crossbreeding, or ploidy breeding. However, the two types of breeding are time-consuming and sometimes ineffective due to interspecies hybridization barriers or the absence of appropriate parental genotypes to use in the breeding process. The genetic engineering approach provides a better prospect, which can be explored based on an understanding of the genetic causes underlying the seedlessness trait. For instance, CRISPR/Cas is a comprehensive and precise technology. The prerequisite for using the strategy to induce seedlessness is identifying the crucial master gene or transcription factor liable for seed formation/development. In this review, we primarily explored the seedlessness mechanisms and identified the potential candidate genes underlying seed development. We also discussed the CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing approaches and their improvements.

Abstract Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disabling disease and involves about 1–3% of the worldwide population over the age of 60. A significant prevalence of psychopathological symptoms has been recorded as most patients with PD developed over their disease course neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, psychosis, and cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. These non-motor symptoms, which could appear decades before motor ones, become disturbing symptoms during the later phases of the disease. Hence, the current research aims to study depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. Thirty-six patients with Parkinson’s disease aged from 40 to 65 years (20 males and 16 females) and 36 age and sex-matched controls (19 males and 17 females) were included in the study. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr scale, Schwab and England’s scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to assess depression in both groups. Results Patients were 20 males and 16 females (mean age 52.44 ± 7.45), mean duration of Parkinsonism was 3.88 years. The mean value for Hoehn and Yahr scale was 1.97 ± 1.42, for UPDRS T was 42.41 ± 20.91 and Schwab England's scale was 74.77 ± 17.78. Concerning cognition, MMSE was significantly lower among patients 25.33 ± 3.63, than in the control group and CAS total was significantly lower in patients (16 ± 71.35) than in the control group 9.81 ± 84.62. Conclusion Depressive symptoms are widespread in Parkinson's disease. Depression should be strictly determined and addressed, particularly in patients with more advanced cognitive impairment who are at a higher risk of developing or worsening depression.

Abstract Background Anxiety disorders are frequent but remain often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hence, valid screening instruments are needed to enhance the diagnostic process. The Clinical Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a 25-item anxiety screening tool derived from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). However, this scale is not available in French. The General anxiety disorder − 7 (GAD-7) scale, which has been validated in French, is a 7-item instrument with good psychometric properties. This study contributes to the validation of an adapted French version of the CAS, using the GAD-7 as the reference. Methods A forward-backward English-French-English translation of the CAS was performed according to standard practice. The French versions of the CAS and GAD-7 were completed by 127 French speaking healthcare professionals. CAS internal consistency was assessed using Crohnbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was tested after 15 days in a subsample of 30 subjects. Convergent validity with GAD-7 was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability was explored using one-way random effects model to calculate the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results French CAS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.97), high convergent validity with GAD-7 (Pearson’s R 0.81, p

Background: In March 2023, the lung allocation policy underwent major changes from a tiered structure to a composite allocation score (CAS). The goal was to improve allocation equity for disadvantaged groups by deprioritizing transplant distance. This study examines the effects of CAS on geographic trends and transportation efficiency. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, queried for adult lung transplants from September 1, 2022 to September 1, 2023. Outcomes were nautical distance of transplant, ischemic time, and flight required for transport (estimated as distance >100 miles). Perioperative complications and early survival were analyzed, with propensity matching to account for baseline differences. Results: A total of 1,394 pre-CAS and 1,197 post-CAS patients were included in the study cohort. Post-CAS recipients were less likely to be ABO type O (39.2% vs 47.3%, p

This article addresses the sustainability of using digital technologies in mathematics education. The paper emphasizes the need to understand how we can improve mathematics learning processes and the role of technology in these processes. Technology encompasses various fields such as science, manufacturing, services, and transportation, covering a wide range from machines to methods. The use of technology in mathematics education should also be evaluated within this scope. The article examines how digital technologies are used in mathematics classes and how this usage affects students' mathematics learning processes. Technological advancements, ranging from graphic calculators to web-based applications, have transformed mathematics instruction. However, it is an important question whether technology is used only to access answers more quickly or to improve how mathematics is learned. Especially when there are numerous equations and programming languages in mathematics classes, the limitations of material presentation must be considered. Additionally, this research highlights the importance of using platforms for implementing online learning policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphogypsum (PG) severely pollutes the environment and is difficult to recycle. PG is primarily composed of CaSO4 · 2H2O. In this study, the characteristics of SO2 released from the solid–solid reaction between calcium sulphide (CaS) and CaSO4 were thoroughly investigated using thermodynamic calculations. Experiments were performed by tuning the molar ratio of CaS to CaSO4, reaction atmosphere (S, CH4, N2, and air), and the heating rate. As shown by the phase diagram, high reaction temperatures favour CaO stability, and the corresponding maximum SO2 equilibrium partial pressure increases. The total SO2 production significantly increased with increasing molar ratio and slightly increased when the ratio exceeded 1:3. The SO2 productions were ranked from highest to lowest as follows: S, CH4, N2, CO, and air. The total SO2 production decreased with increasing heating rate. For the reaction between CaS and CaSO4, a higher molar ratio of CaS to CaSO4 no less than 1:3, both S and CH4 reductive atmospheres, and a lower heating rate (2°C/min) favour the total SO2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disabling disease and involves about 1–3% of the worldwide population over the age of 60. A significant prevalence of psychopathological symptoms has been recorded as most patients with PD developed over their disease course neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, psychosis, and cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. These non-motor symptoms, which could appear decades before motor ones, become disturbing symptoms during the later phases of the disease. Hence, the current research aims to study depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. Thirty-six patients with Parkinson's disease aged from 40 to 65 years (20 males and 16 females) and 36 age and sex-matched controls (19 males and 17 females) were included in the study. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr scale, Schwab and England's scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to assess depression in both groups. Results: Patients were 20 males and 16 females (mean age 52.44 ± 7.45), mean duration of Parkinsonism was 3.88 years. The mean value for Hoehn and Yahr scale was 1.97 ± 1.42, for UPDRS T was 42.41 ± 20.91 and Schwab England's scale was 74.77 ± 17.78. Concerning cognition, MMSE was significantly lower among patients 25.33 ± 3.63, than in the control group and CAS total was significantly lower in patients (16 ± 71.35) than in the control group 9.81 ± 84.62. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are widespread in Parkinson's disease. Depression should be strictly determined and addressed, particularly in patients with more advanced cognitive impairment who are at a higher risk of developing or worsening depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Lung transplantation can extend the lives of individuals with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF). Until March 2023, the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) was used in the United States to determine transplant priority. Certain clinical events or attributes ("risk events") that are not included in the LAS (e.g., massive hemoptysis) are relatively common and prognostically important in CF and may prompt an exception request to increase priority for donor lungs. The new Lung Composite Allocation Score (CAS) also allows for exceptions based on the same principles. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of LAS exceptions in persons with CF (PwCFs) listed for lung transplantation and assess whether LAS exceptions are associated with improved waitlist outcomes for PwCFs compared with similarly "at-risk" individuals without LAS exceptions. Methods: A merged dataset combining data from the CF Foundation Patient Registry and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (2005--2019) was used to identify PwCFs listed for lung transplantation. We compared waitlist outcomes between PwCFs with a LAS exception versus those without an exception despite having a risk event. Risk events were defined as an episode of massive hemoptysis, pneumothorax, at least three moderate/severe pulmonary exacerbations, and/or a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second by >30% predicted (absolute) in the prior 12 months. Analyses were performed using competing risk regression with time to transplantation as the primary outcome and death without a transplant as a competing risk. Results: Of 3,538 listings from 3,309 candidates, 2% of listings (n = 81) had at least one exception. Candidates with an exception and those with a risk event but no exception received lung transplants more slowly than people without an exception or risk event (subdistribution hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: LAS exception cohort, 0.66 [0.52--0.85]; risk event cohort without exceptions, 0.79 [0.72--0.86]). There was no difference between those with LAS exceptions and those at risk without LAS exceptions: subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.84 (0.66--1.08). Conclusions: LAS exceptions are rare in PwCFs listed for lung transplantation. LAS exceptions resulted in a similar time to transplantation for PwCFs compared with similarly at-risk individuals. As we enter the CAS era, these LAS-based results are pertinent to improve risk stratification among PwCFs being considered for lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety disorders are frequent but remain often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hence, valid screening instruments are needed to enhance the diagnostic process. The Clinical Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a 25-item anxiety screening tool derived from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). However, this scale is not available in French. The General anxiety disorder − 7 (GAD-7) scale, which has been validated in French, is a 7-item instrument with good psychometric properties. This study contributes to the validation of an adapted French version of the CAS, using the GAD-7 as the reference. Methods: A forward-backward English-French-English translation of the CAS was performed according to standard practice. The French versions of the CAS and GAD-7 were completed by 127 French speaking healthcare professionals. CAS internal consistency was assessed using Crohnbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was tested after 15 days in a subsample of 30 subjects. Convergent validity with GAD-7 was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability was explored using one-way random effects model to calculate the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: French CAS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), high convergent validity with GAD-7 (Pearson's R 0.81, p < 0.001), and very good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93–0.98). Conclusion: The proposed French version of the CAS showed high reliability and validity that need to be further investigated in different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of globalization and the increasingly complex nature of BOM (Bill of Materials) and manufacturing structures make it progressively challenging to explain supply chains using traditional linear methods. The literature lacks an integrated examination of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), which emphasizes adaptability to dynamic environments, and the resilience concept. This study aims to contribute to filling this gap in the literature. Research was conducted on production-oriented supply chains through a systematic literature review and bibliometric mapping methods using the Web of Science database. It was observed that supply chain and resilience issues have gained attention in academia in recent years, the CAS approach is deemed suitable for supply chain and resilience topics, and simulation is the most recommended analytical validation method. The findings are expected to contribute to curriculum updates in relevant faculties and the alignment of studies on the subject with the current trends in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tree Health is the property of Tree Health Research Society, Japan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Türkiye Adalet Akademisi Dergisi is the property of Justice Academy of Turkey and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The morphology of the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation is increasingly being recognized as the cause of atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque leading to cerebral infarction. In this study, we investigated the relationship between carotid bifurcation angle and carotid plaque volume evaluated using black blood magnetic resonance imaging (BB-MRI). Among the 90 patients who underwent revascularization for atherosclerotic symptomatic carotid stenosis between April 2016 and October 2022 using BB-MRI, carotid plaque was evaluated in 57 patients. Relative overall signal intensity (roSI) was defined as the signal intensity of the plaque on T1-weighted images relative to the signal intensity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the same slice as the common carotid bifurcation. Regions showing roSI 1.0 were defined as plaque, and the plaque volume and relative plaque volume were measured from roSI 1.0 to 2.0 in 0.1 increments. We calculated the angles between the common carotid artery (CCA) and the ICA and between the CCA and the external carotid artery (ECA) on magnetic resonance angiography. We classified two groups according to carotid bifurcation angles based on the ICA angle: Group A =

Genome engineering has been transformed in recent years by the introduction of the CRISPR technology for a variety of cancer research projects spanning from fundamental science to translational medicine and precision cancer treatment. Although there have been tremendous advancements in this area, a number of technical issues still need to be resolved, including off-target activity, inadequate indel or poor homology-directed repair (HDR) efficiency, in vivo distribution of the Cas system components, and immunological reactions. Chromosome rearrangements brought on by off-target effects might unintentionally affect some poorly matched genomic locations and restrict the use of CRISPR-Cas editing technologies for therapeutic reasons. Studies have shown that CRISPR-Cas tools may be more susceptible to off-target effects than some of the other common gene-editing techniques because a Cas protein is a monomer that might accidentally enhance the identification of shorter target sequences, whereas the TALEN and ZFN assemblies are dimeric. Offtarget effects often come from Cas enzymes that cleave bystanders (not intended targets) and guide RNA to recognize mismatches. CRISPR systems delivered in vivo can trigger immune responses against foreign substances by significantly increasing people's innate immunity and/or adaptive immunity. Guide RNAs may be used to initiate innate immune responses. This article provides an overview of CRISPR-Cas applications from the lab to the clinic, identifies current barriers that may restrict the use of CRISPR-Cas systems as gene-editing toolkits in precision medicine, and offers some perspectives on how to address these barriers and speed up technical advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an application of strategy synthesis to enforce spatial properties. This is achieved by implementing a toolchain that enables the tools CATLib and VoxLogicA to interact in a fully automated way. The Contract Automata Library (CATLib) is aimed at both composition and strategy synthesis of games modelled in a dialect of finite state automata. The Voxel-based Logical Analyser (VoxLogicA) is a spatial model checker for the verification of properties expressed using the Spatial Logic of Closure Spaces on pixels of digital images. We provide examples of strategy synthesis on automata encoding motion of agents in spaces represented by images, as well as a proof-of-concept realistic example based on a case study from the railway domain. The strategies are synthesised with CATLib, while the properties to enforce are defined by means of spatial model checking of the images with VoxLogicA. The combination of spatial model checking with strategy synthesis provides a toolchain for checking and enforcing mobility properties in multi-agent systems in which location plays an important role, like in many collective adaptive systems. We discuss the toolchain's performance also considering several recent improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR-Cas system, responsible for bacterial adaptive immune response, has evolved as the game-changer in the field of genome editing and has revolutionized both animal and plant research owing to its efficiency and feasibility. CRSIPR- associated (Cas) protein, an integral component of the CRSIPR-Cas toolkit, cut the target genetic material for making the desirable edits. However, unchecked nuclease activity of Cas protein may lead to unforeseen off-target effects. Anti-CRISPR (Acr), small proteins usually found in phages and other mobile genetic elements, are the natural inhibitors of the Cas proteins that help phages to escape the immune system of the host. Acr proteins regulate the activity of the Cas nuclease by interacting with its different domains which results in the blockage of CRISPR activity. Thus, it is essential to understand the interactions between these two rival proteins in order to switch off the cutting machinery when needed. Experimental methods to identify protein–protein interaction, are often costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Computational strategies, such as data- driven predictive models, can complement experimental studies by providing fast, efficient, reliable, and cheaper alternatives to predict protein interactions. Herein, we report the first machine learning-based predictive model to identify novel interactions between Acr and Cas proteins using an ensemble strategy. The accuracy of our proposed ensemble model was more than 95%, indicating its high predictive power. The developed model can contribute to automate the process of discovering the natural inhibitors of Cas protein for controlling the off- target cleavage and improving the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas technology. To extend the support for diverse levels of end-users, a web application named AcrCasPPI was developed which is available at http://login1.cabgrid.res.in:5020/. Alternatively, a python package named acrcasppi-ml, is also available at https://pypi.org/project/acrcasppi-ml/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Istanbul Commerce University Journal of Social Sciences / İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Commerce University Journal of Social Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on daily life. In hospitals, the impact of the pandemic was observed in the diagnostic and therapeutic workflow. In this work, we explored potential changes in activities related to the treatment of foreign body injuries (FBIs) in children and the behavioral habits of physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among physicians of the Susy Safe network. The survey comprised items related to respondent information, reference center characteristics, the treatment of FBIs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a modified COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). The survey was distributed among the Susy Safe project international network surveillance registry for FBIs. A total of 58 physicians responded to the survey, including 18 (32%) from Europe and 16 (28%) from South America. The respondents indicated that the estimated number of aspirated foreign bodies during the pandemic was lower than or the same as that before the pandemic (43, 74%), and the same was observed for ingested foreign bodies (43, 74%). In univariable logistic regression, no single predictor was associated with a delay in routine care for children or an increasing tendency of medical personnel to avoid procedures. The workflow of physicians involved in the management of FBIs in children has not changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in emergency departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Phainomena is the property of Phenomenological Society of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Graves orbitopathy is both disabling and disfiguring. Medical therapies to reduce inflammation are widely used, but there is limited trial data beyond 18 months of follow-up. Methods: Three-year follow-up of a subset of the CIRTED trial (N = 68), which randomized patients to receive high-dose oral steroid with azathioprine/placebo and radiotherapy/sham radiotherapy. Results: Data were available at 3 years from 68 of 126 randomized subjects (54%). No additional benefit was seen at 3 years for patients randomized to azathioprine or radiotherapy with regard to a binary clinical composite outcome measure (BCCOM), modified European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy score, or Ophthalmopathy Index. Clinical Activity Score (CAS), Ophthalmopathy Index, and Total Eye Score improved over 3 years (P < .001). However, quality of life at 3 years remained poor. Of 64 individuals with available surgical outcome data, 24 of 64 (37.5%) required surgical intervention. Disease duration of greater than 6 months before treatment was associated with increased need for surgery [odds ratio (OR) 16.8; 95% CI 2.95, 95.0; P = .001]. Higher baseline levels of CAS, Ophthalmopathy Index, and Total Eye Score but not early improvement in CAS were associated with increased requirement for surgery. Conclusion: In this long-term follow-up from a clinical trial, 3-year outcomes remained suboptimal with ongoing poor quality of life and high numbers requiring surgery. Importantly, reduction in CAS in the first year, a commonly used surrogate outcome measure, was not associated with improved long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to inform the development of a subsidized, culturally adapted Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for the Chinese American (CA) community in Brooklyn, New York (NY), USA. We conducted interviews with CA adults to understand their eating and shopping behaviors, interests in CSAs, and recommendations for educational content to inform the development of a subsidized and culturally adapted CSA. We then conducted thematic analysis of those interviews and identified major themes. CA adult participants shared interest in a CSA primarily to support their own health, interact socially with farmers and other participants, and gain access to fresh, culturally appropriate produce. Major concerns for participation, especially among older adults, included language barriers, transportation, and mobility. The unique needs and motivations of CAs should be centered in the development of alternative food access interventions for this population. CA adult participants living in Brooklyn, NY may be interested in a subsidized culturally adapted CSA that includes health information about the produce and provides in-language support. Engaging communities in the development of a health program may be important to ensure accessibility and acceptability for CA populations.

Purpose: Robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (raTKA), currently a major trend in knee arthroplasty, aims to improve the accuracy of implant positioning and limb alignment. However, it is unclear whether and to what extent manual radiographic and navigation measurements with the MAKO™ system correlate. Nonetheless, a high agreement would be crucial to reliably achieve the desired limb alignment. Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients with osteoarthritis and a slight-to-moderate varus deformity undergoing raTKA were prospectively included in this study. Prior to surgery and at follow-up, a full leg radiograph (FLR) under weight-bearing conditions was performed. In addition, a computed tomography (CT) scan was conducted for preoperative planning. The hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) and joint line convergence angle (JLCA) were measured in the preoperative and follow-up FLR as well as in the CT scout (without weight-bearing) by three independent raters. Furthermore, the HKA was intraoperatively assessed with the MAKO™ system before and after raTKA. Results: Significantly higher HKA values were identified for intraoperative deformity assessment using the MAKO system compared to the preoperative FLR and CT scouts (p = 0.006; p = 0.05). Intraoperative assessment of the HKA with final implants showed a mean residual varus deformity of 3.2° ± 1.9°, whereas a significantly lower residual varus deformity of 1.4° ± 1.9° was identified in the postoperative FLR (p < 0.001). The mMPTA was significantly higher in the preoperative FLR than in the CT scouts (p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, the mMPTA was adjusted to a mean of 87.5° ± 0.9° with final implants, while significantly higher values were measured in postoperative FLRs (p < 0.001). Concerning the mLDFA, no significant differences could be identified. Conclusion: The clinical importance of this study lies in the finding that there is a difference between residual varus deformity measured intraoperatively with the MAKO™ system and those measured in postoperative FLRs. This has implications for preoperative planning as well as intraoperative fine-tuning of the implant position during raTKA to avoid overcorrection of knees with slight-to-moderate varus osteoarthritis. Level of evidence: Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Filozofski Vestnik is the property of Scientific Research Centre of Slovenian Academy of Sciences & Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) is essential to comprehend the impacts of biodiversity changes on ecosystem functioning. This knowledge helps to detect and anticipate significant trends in global biodiversity loss and the homogenization of biota worldwide to prevent them. Species act together with climate, resource availability, and disturbance regimes to modulate ecological processes defining ecosystems' complexity and their dynamic adaptation to variability. In this article, we revisit the BEF paradigm by addressing current knowledge of how biodiversity connects to ecosystem functioning across scales in the context of complex adaptive systems (CAS). We focus on ecosystem processes that lead to the emergence of the BEF relationship, considering ecosystem functioning as a macroscopic emergent property. Specifically, this work integrates the knowledge of the processes that connect biodiversity to ecosystem functioning. It addresses how biodiversity supports ecosystem multifunctionality across scales, resulting in the persistence of CAS in a rapidly changing world. We present a framework for ecological management considering the BEF relationship within the scope of CAS. The CAS standpoint brings new insights into the BEF field and its relevance for future ecological conservation of the Earth's life support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is one of the most important food and energy crops. Viruses pose a severe threat to sugarcane cultivation by adversely affecting yield and juice quality and also restrict the germplasm exchange. Available mechanical and chemical methods are ineffective in managing the viral diseases. Tissue culture plantlets, developed through either shoot tip or meristem culture to avoid viruses in the field, give protection only to a shorter period. Moreover, conventional breeding to develop virus-resistant cultivars is laborious and time-consuming process, especially in vegetatively propagated crops like sugarcane. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats & CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) is a robust tool for introducing site-specific mutations in crop plants. CRISPR/Cas system can be used to manipulate both viruses and/or plant genomes based on the nature of virus genetic material to protect plants from the viruses in a short time. Multiplex genome editing lowers the development of CRISPR/Cas evading viral variants and improves editing efficiency. Hence, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing along with simultaneous editing of multiple regions through multiplexing would be an effective strategy to manage viral pathogens in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial CRISPR/Cas systems target foreign genetic elements such as phages and regulate gene expression by some pathogens, even in the host. The system is a marker for evolutionary history and has been used for inferences in Mycobacterium tuberculosis for 30 years. However, knowledge about mycobacterial CRISPR/Cas systems remains limited. It is believed that Type III-A Cas systems are exclusive to Mycobacterium canettii and the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) of organisms and that very few of the >200 diverse species of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) possess any CRISPR/Cas system. This study sought unreported CRISPR/Cas loci across NTM to better understand mycobacterial evolution, particularly in species phylogenetically near the MTBC. An analysis of available mycobacterial genomes revealed that Cas systems are widespread across Mycobacteriaceae and that some species contain multiple types. The phylogeny of Cas loci shows scattered presence in many NTM, with variation even within species, suggesting gains/losses of these loci occur frequently. Cas Type III-A systems were identified in pathogenic Mycobacterium heckeshornense and the geological environmental isolate Mycobacterium SM1. In summary, mycobacterial CRISPR/Cas systems are numerous, Type III-A systems are unreliable as markers for MTBC evolution, and mycobacterial horizontal gene transfer appears to be a frequent source of genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life of a patient with per- sistent complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring urgens surgical intervention – endarterectomy with emergency angioplasty of an inflamed, bleeding Right Inter- nal Carotid Artery (RICA) by direct access via Right Common Carotid Artery (RCCA), known as Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). Case study A patient in her 60s was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and contracted COVID-19 in March 2022, as confirmed by RT PCR antigen test. The infection was followed by short- and long-term complications, many of which can be linked to COVID. These include significant weakness persisting for months after the illness, rapid weight loss of 25 kg, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, severe dizziness, onset of diabetes, decrease dimmunity with increased periodontal inflammation (including formation of a periapical abscess of a molar tooth) and secondary suppuration of the submandibular lymphnodes, one of which lying jacent to the right internal carotidartery (RICA). This accumulation of symptoms led the patient to seek medical and neuropsychological help. Test ingusing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) confirmed depression, with vegetative disorders being the most predominant. Eight months after undergoing COVID-19, the patient suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). The accumulation of diseases (diabetes mellitus, stage III hypertension and TIA) had a dramatic impact on the patient's health, including life-threatening conditions.A vascular surgeon consulted the patient advised immediate surgical treatment: carotid endarterectomy. The urgency of the situation was exacerbated by bleeding during the operation from the operated, secondarily inflamed wall of the RICA (lying adjacent to the suppurated submandibular node).This prompted an emergency decision for an endovascular procedure: the implantation of a stent covered with water-proof material (peripheral stent graft). This was made by a direct access via puncture of the common carotid artery (RCCA) below the endarterectomy level (TCAR).The SF-36 questionnaire was chosen to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL).The SF-36 results are presented in such a way that higher scores correspond to fewer complaints, indicating better health and higher quality of life. Before revascularization, the patient's HRQOL was found to be lower, which was related to the negative impact of long COVID, while after the procedure, the quality of life gradually improved in subsequent surveys. A significant difference was found in physical function, with a mean score of 66.0 (p<0.001) compared to a score of 94.9 (±9.4) for 100 age-matched health subjects. A similar result was found in the physical role (p < 0.001). The patient's overall quality of life score was 331.0 compared to a score of 578.0 (±111.9) for age-matched normal healthy people. Conclusions Better quality of life in patients with long COVID is an important therapeutic goal that can be achieved through comprehensive, multispecialty treatment for both physical and psychological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of phosphogypsum (PG) to calcium sulfide (CaS) using thermochemical methods solve the environmental problems caused by PG. However, the commonly used reducing agents are coal and CO. The use of the above‐mentioned reducing agents is not economically efficient. In this paper, rice husk (RH) is used as a reducing agent and sludge (SL) as an additive to reduce PG. The effect of the two on PG decomposition and the mechanism of the synergistic effect are also investigated in combination with kinetic calculations. It is found that decomposition rate of CaSO4 in PG is 99.99% and yield of CaS is 98.38% when 40% RH + 20% SL is used as the reducing agent at 900°C for 30 min. The combined use of RH + SL is superior to RH alone in reducing the initial decomposition temperature and Ea. The mechanism functions of both reduced PG are G(α) = −ln(1 − α). There is a synergistic mechanism between RH and SL. The Fe2O3 in SL increases the cleavage of nitrogen oxide‐containing compounds and PAHs in tar to monocyclic aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons while producing more CO, H2, and CH4. Meanwhile, SL ash can promote the reaction process of carbon with CaSO4, thus increasing the decomposition rate of PG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]