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Abstract Heat stress poses a significant environmental challenge that profoundly impacts wheat productivity. It disrupts vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis, by impeding the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus and compromising plasma membrane stability, thereby detrimentally affecting grain development in wheat. The scarcity of identified marker trait associations pertinent to thermotolerance presents a formidable obstacle in the development of marker-assisted selection strategies against heat stress. To address this, wheat accessions were systematically exposed to both normal and heat stress conditions and phenotypic data were collected on physiological traits including proline content, canopy temperature depression, cell membrane injury, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate (at vegetative and reproductive stage and ‘stay-green’. Principal component analysis elucidated the most significant contributors being proline content, transpiration rate, and canopy temperature depression, which exhibited a synergistic relationship with grain yield. Remarkably, cluster analysis delineated the wheat accessions into four discrete groups based on physiological attributes. Moreover, to explore the relationship between physiological traits and DNA markers, 158 wheat accessions were genotyped with 186 SSRs. Allelic frequency and polymorphic information content value were found to be highest on genome A (4.94 and 0.688), chromosome 1A (5.00 and 0.712), and marker Xgwm44 (13.0 and 0.916). Population structure, principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis also partitioned the wheat accessions into four subpopulations based on genotypic data, highlighting their genetic homogeneity. Population diversity and presence of linkage disequilibrium established the suitability of population for association mapping. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium decay was most pronounced within a 15–20 cM region on chromosome 1A. Association mapping revealed highly significant marker trait associations at Bonferroni correction P

Abstract Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare childhood manifested disease associated with impaired bile secretion with severe pruritus yellow stool, and sometimes hepatosplenomegaly. PFIC is caused by mutations in ATP8B1, ABCB11, ABCB4, TJP2, NR1H4, SLC51A, USP53, KIF12, ZFYVE19, and MYO5B genes depending on its type. ABCB11 mutations lead to PFIC2 that encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Different mutations of ABCB11 have been reported in different population groups but no data available in Pakistani population being a consanguineous one. We sequenced coding exons of the ABCB11 gene along with its flanking regions in 66 unrelated Pakistani children along with parents with PFIC2 phenotype. We identified 20 variations of ABCB11: 12 in homozygous form, one compound heterozygous, and seven heterozygous. These variants include 11 missenses, two frameshifts, two nonsense mutations, and five splicing variants. Seven variants are novel candidate variants and are not detected in any of the 120 chromosomes from normal ethnically matched individuals. Insilico analysis revealed that four homozygous missense variations have high pathogenic scores. Minigene analysis of splicing variants showed exon skipping and the addition of exon. This data is a useful addition to the disease variants genomic database and would be used in the future to build a diagnostic algorithm.

Abstract Water scarcity and droughts are among the most challenging issues worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a major crop in Saudi Arabia, is being significantly affected by water scarcity, soil salinity, and desertification. Alternative water sources are needed to conserve freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has a significant number of aquaculture farms that generate substantial amounts of wastewater, which can be utilized as an alternative source of irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential of aquaculture wastewater as an alternative irrigation source for date palm orchards. Aquaculture wastewater was collected from 12 different farms (Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions, Saudi Arabia) and its quality was analyzed. The impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil quality, nutrient availability, nutrient status of date palm trees, and dates fruit quality were assessed in comparison to source water (freshwater) irrigation at Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions. The water quality analyses showed higher salinity (EC = 3.31 dSm−1) in farm Q3, while all other farms demonstrated no salinity, sodicity, or alkalinity hazards. Moreover, the aquaculture wastewater irrigation increased soil available P, K, NO3 −–N, and NH4 +–N by 49.31%, 21.11%, 33.62%, and 52.31%, respectively, compared to source water irrigation. On average, date palm fruit weight, length, and moisture contents increased by 26%, 23%, and 43% under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Further, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents in date palm leaf were increased by 19.35%, 34.17%, 37.36%, 38.24%, and 45.29%, respectively, under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Overall, aquaculture wastewater irrigation significantly enhanced date palm plant growth, date palm fruit quality, and soil available nutrients compared to freshwater irrigation. It was concluded that aquaculture wastewater can be used as an effective irrigation source for date palm farms as it enhances soil nutrient availability, date palm growth, and date fruit yield and quality. The findings of this study suggest that aquaculture wastewater could be a viable alternative for conserving freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia.

Zero factorial, defined to be one, is often counterintuitive to students but nonetheless an interesting concept to convey in a classroom environment. The challenge is to delineate the concept in a simple and effective way through the practice of justification, a familiar concept in mathematics and science education. In this regard two algebraic and one statistical justification using the squeeze theorem are presented. To assess the effectiveness of the justifications, a student survey was conducted at a comprehensive university incorporating the analysis of the pre- and post-presentation statements. They clearly present that the justifications are useful in giving credence to zero factorial equals one. Overall, the result from the online survey supports that the students preferred Justification 1. The justifications provide instructors alternative ways to initiate exploration of students’ intuitive set up of comprehending unobvious facts like zero factorial equals one. For a range of learners with their varied abilities to perform various mental activities most closely associated with learning and problem-solving, the justifications as simple alternative methods offer the potential to raise the current level of cognitive skills to inspire differentiated paths of learning. These are evident from survey results noting the role of statistical thinking and techniques.

Abstract Background In literature, the levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 are increased in periodontitis. Limited data are available regarding the expression of miRNA-146a and miR-NA-155 in diseased human peri-implant tissue. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the expression of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 in human gingival peri-implant tissue affected by peri-implantitis. Methods After recording the clinical parameters, human peri-implant pocket tissues were harvested from sites diagnosed with peri-implantitis (n = 15 cases) in addition to healthy peri-implant sulcus tissues (n = 15 controls). The levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 were assessed using real-time qPCR. Results Cases exhibited a significantly higher mean expression of miRNA-155 (5.2-fold increase) and miRNA-146a (2.8-fold increase) than controls. MiRNA-155 and miRNA-146a demonstrated an appropriate sensitivity (87.5% and 87.5%, respectively) and specificity (73.3% and 66.7%, respectively) in discriminating cases from controls. A moderate correlation (r = 0.544, p = 0.029) was found between miRNA-155 and miRNA-146a levels in the case group. Conclusions The expressions of miRNA-146a and miR-NA-155 are different between healthy and peri-implantitis affected tissues. Both miRNAs might potentially able to discriminate healthy from peri-implantitis affected tissues.

The synthesis of zeolite nanoparticles is studied comprehensively by adding an organic template as a reflux method, extracted from crystals. The zeolite nano-crystals are quite effectively synthesized by incorporating silica, organic template, and alkali metal. The tetrapropylammoniumhydroxide, tetrapropylammoniumbromide and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as organic templates are added for the assistance of zeolite (albite) crystals. A cross-linker TEOS is also mixed. Adding carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide made the morphology of albite more interesting. Nucleation time is an important feature for the formation of albite crystals. The albite nano-shaped crystal is developed for instance when reaction time is less than 240 h, after this period crystal size increases with time. Batch 1 of zeolite is prepared with additives for testing its morphology, like surface area, particle size shape, and crystal geometry. The general trend (e.g., pore volume, percentage composition, particle size, geometry) of zeolite nano-crystal is explained by the help of robust techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Background: Colon cancers are categorized into mismatch repair deficient/microsatellite unstable (MSI-H) and mismatch repair proficient/microsatellite stable (MSS) cancers. This study aims to compare the disease characteristics and trends in the utilization of cancer therapies across different age groups and stages in these two groups. Methods: MSI-H and MSS colon adenocarcinomas from 2010 to 2016 were identified using the National Cancer Database. We compared patient and disease characteristics between the two groups and evaluated the use of adjuvant chemotherapy across age groups and cancer stages. Within MSI-H and MSS groups, we conducted a landmark analysis after propensity score matching for adjuvant chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy to determine its effect on survival. Results: Of the 542,368 patients that met inclusion criteria, 120,751 (22%) had mismatch repair results available—out of these 96,928 (80%) had MSS colon cancers while 23,823 (19.7%) had MSI-H cancers. MSI-H disease had a bimodal age distribution (

Abstract Vaccination has proven to be a valuable tool to combat SARS-CoV-2. However, reports of rare adverse reactions such as thrombosis/thrombocytopenia syndrome after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination have caused scientific, public and media concern. ChAdOx1 was vectorised from the Y25 chimpanzee adenovirus, which was selected due to low human seroprevalence to circumvent pre-existing immunity. In this study, we aimed to explore patterns of T-cell activation after SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 vaccine exposure in vitro using PBMCs collected from pre-pandemic ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 naïve healthy donors (HDs), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer vaccinated controls. PBMCs were assessed for T-cell proliferation using the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 vaccines. Cytokine analysis was performed via intracellular cytokine staining, ELISpot assay and LEGENDplex immunoassays. T-cell assays performed in pre-pandemic vaccine naïve HDs, revealed widespread lymphocyte stimulation after exposure to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (95%), ChAdOx-spike (90%) and the Ad26.COV2. S vaccine, but not on exposure to the BNT162b2 vaccine. ICS analysis demonstrated that CD4+ CD45RO+ memory T-cells are activated by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in vaccine naïve HDs. Cytometric immunoassays showed ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 exposure was associated with the release of proinflammatory and cytotoxic molecules, such as IFN-γ, IL-6, perforin, granzyme B and FasL. These studies demonstrate a ubiquitous T-cell response to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2. S in HDs recruited prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with T-cell stimulation also identified in vaccinated controls. This may be due to underlying T-cell cross-reactivity with prevalent human adenoviruses and further study will be needed to identify T-cell epitopes involved.

Abstract Background Fowl adenovirus-4 is a causative agent of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS) in chickens and has been frequently reported from many countries. Fowl adenoviruses cause severe disease and mortality in broiler and layer breeders in Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this study, pathological lesions and the dissemination of fowl adenovirus-4 into the visceral organs of infected birds were investigated as well as molecular characterisation of detected strains. For this, liver, heart and spleen from 20 necropsied chickens originated from a broiler breeder flock and a layer breeder flock were embeded on the FTA cards and the samples were analysed for adenovirus-DNA by PCR and sequencing. Results The findings of necropsy in both broiler and layer breeder chickens were similar, and the liver was severely effected showing hepatitis, and the heart with hydropericardium lesions. The kidneys were swollen with haemorrhages and small white foci on the surface of the spleens were noted. Intestinal congestion and ecchymotic hemorrhages were also observed in some birds. Fowl adenovirus-4-DNA was detected by PCR in all collected organs of 20 birds. The sequence analysis revealed that fowl adenovirus-4 present in Azerbaijan and close similarity of the hexon genes of the adenoviruses existing in the Middle East, North America, far east and Indian subcontinent were determined by phylogenetic analysis. However, sequence diversity was detected from the adenovirus strains circulating in Europe, North and South America. Conclusions This study indicates the impact of fowl adenovirus-4 on the poultry health and production, and improved disease control and prevention strategies are necessary to reduce the HHS disease in chickens in Azerbaijan.

Efficient irrigation water use directly affects crop productivity as demand increases for various agricultural products due to population growth worldwide. While technologies are being developed in various fields, it has become desirable to develop automatic irrigation systems to reduce the waste of water caused by traditional irrigation processes. This paper presents a novel approach to an automated irrigation system based on a non-contact computer vision system to enhance the irrigation process and reduce the need for human intervention. The proposed system is based on a stand-alone Raspberry Pi camera imaging system mounted at an agricultural research facility which monitors changes in soil color by capturing images sequentially and processing captured images with no involvement from the facility’s staff. Two types of soil samples (sand soil and peat moss soil) were utilized in this study under three different scenarios, including dusty, sunny, and cloudy conditions of wet soil and dry soil, to take control of irrigation decisions. A relay, pump, and power bank were used to achieve the stability of the power source and supply it with regular power to avoid the interruption of electricity.

Babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis, is a major seasonal issue in sheep, particularly in countries like Türkiye with high Rhipicephalus bursa tick populations. Previous studies employing various methods such as microscopy, serology, or molecular techniques have reported different epidemiological data concerning ovine babesiosis. Addressing this knowledge gap, our study employed a combined nested PCR (nPCR)/indirect ELISA (iELISA) approach, analyzing blood samples collected from 414 sheep between April and July 2023 using both techniques. nPCR amplified the 18S ribosomal RNA gene of B. ovis and determined a molecular prevalence of 1.9%. Conversely, serological testing using iELISA targeted the BoSA1 antigen and revealed a significantly higher positivity rate of 59.9% for anti-B. ovis antibodies. The temporary presence of Babesia after recovery reduces nPCR sensitivity, resulting in lower molecular prevalence. However, even if Babesia is not present in the host, anti-B. ovis antibodies remain in the serum for a long time and can be detected serologically. Our study underscores the necessity of concurrently employing molecular and serological methods for an accurate assessment of B. ovis prevalence. It highlights the importance of comprehensive epidemiological approaches for effective disease management in sheep populations.

Divorce is a complex life event that often has significant impacts, especially on the psychological well-being of children. This research aims to deeply explore the psychological impact of divorce on children in Manado City, North Sulawesi. Through a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 informants, including children, divorced parents, and judges from the Manado Religious Court. The results of the study indicate that divorce affects not only the physical and social aspects of children but also significantly impacts their emotional state. Children who are victims of their parents' divorce often experience deep feelings of loss, uncertainty about their family's future, and confusion about the causes of the divorce. Emotional conflicts also arise in children who are victims of divorce, such as feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, and prolonged anxiety. These psychological impacts are then reflected in various aspects of the child's life, including a decline in academic performance, lack of motivation to study, and deviant behaviors such as drug use or engaging in promiscuous activities. In facing these challenges, it is crucial for children to receive adequate social and psychological support. Therefore, the roles of family, government, schools, and the surrounding community in providing appropriate support and facilitating children's adaptation to their parents' divorce are very important. Support from various parties can help children who are victims of divorce in their psychological recovery.

Abstract Intercropping, a widely adopted agricultural practice worldwide, aims to increase crop yield, enhance plant nutrient uptake, and optimize the utilization of natural resources, contributing to sustainable farming practices on a global scale. However, the underlying changes in soil physio-chemical characteristics and enzymatic activities, which contribute to crop yield and nutrient uptake in the intercropping systems are largely unknown. Consequently, a two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted on the maize/soybean intercropping practices with/without nitrogen (N) fertilization (i.e., N0; 0 N kg ha−1 and N1; 225 N kg ha−1 for maize and 100 N kg ha−1 for soybean ) to know whether such cropping system can improve the nutrients uptake and crop yields, soil physio-chemical characteristics, and soil enzymes, which ultimately results in enhanced crop yield. The results revealed that maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) had higher crop yield, biomass dry matter, and 1000-grain weight of maize than mono-cropping treatments (i.e., N0MM, and N1MM). Nonetheless, these parameters were optimized in N1MI treatments in both years. For instance, N1MI produced the maximum grain yield (10,105 and 11,705 kg ha−1), biomass dry matter (13,893 and 14,093 kg ha−1), and 1000-grain weight (420 and 449 g) of maize in the year 2021 and 2022, respectively. Conversely, soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) reduced such yield parameters for soybean. Also, the land equivalent ratio (LER) and land equivalent ratio for N fertilization (LERN) values were always greater than 1, showing the intercropping system’s benefits in terms of yield and improved resource usage. Moreover, maize intercropping treatments (i.e., N0MI and N1MI) and soybean intercropping treatments (i.e., N0SI and N1SI) significantly (p

Abstract Background The globose scale (GS), Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Boyer de Fonscolombe) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), has invaded wild apricot forests in their native range in Central Eurasia threatening the ancestral germplasm resource. Biological control efficacy of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against the globose scale was assessed in laboratory and field experiments. Results In the laboratory, Harmonia axyridis has a high feeding capacity on GS with numbers consumed daily increasing with temperature (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 °C), reaching an upper asymptote of 160–200 scales per day. In field cage experiments, efficacy of biological control (EBC) against first instar (49–99%) and second instar nymphs (20–80%) increased with GS density. When ants were present, control efficiency was reduced by 10–15%. In open-field experiments without cages, EBC was comparatively lower regardless of duration and how H. axyridis were released whether as adults, eggs cards or a mixture of adults and eggs cards. Conclusions In the long term, biological control with this ladybird predator could be considered as part of an IPM program package that includes banning or delaying mowing grass and understory plants in the forests that offer pollen and nectar for natural enemies.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare melanoma originating in the eye’s uvea, with 50% of patients experiencing metastasis predominantly in the liver. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, there is only a limited effectiveness of combined immune checkpoint therapies, and half of patients with uveal melanoma metastases succumb to disease within 2 years. This study aimed to provide a path toward enhancing immunotherapy efficacy by identifying and functionally validating tumor-reactive T cells in liver metastases of patients with UM. We employed single-cell RNA-seq of biopsies and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to identify potential tumor-reactive T cells. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of UM metastases were created from patients, and tumor sphere cultures were generated from these models for co-culture with autologous or MART1-specific HLA-matched allogenic TILs. Activated T cells were subjected to TCR-seq, and the TCRs were matched to those found in single-cell sequencing data from biopsies, expanded TILs, and in livers or spleens of PDX models injected with TILs. Our findings revealed that tumor-reactive T cells resided not only among activated and exhausted subsets of T cells, but also in a subset of cytotoxic effector cells. In conclusion, combining single-cell sequencing and functional analysis provides valuable insights into which T cells in UM may be useful for cell therapy amplification and marker selection.

Background Postoperative computed tomography imaging surveillance is an essential component of care after acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. Prognostic imaging factors after ATAAD repair have not been systematically reviewed. Methods and Results We performed a systematic review to summarize postoperative computed tomography measurements including aortic diameter, cross‐sectional area, volume, growth rate, and false lumen thrombosis in addition mid‐ to long‐term clinical outcomes after ATAAD repair. Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL in October 2022. Studies were included if they reported clinical outcomes such as mortality or aortic reintervention after 1 year and included aforementioned computed tomography findings. Studies of chronic aortic dissection and studies of exclusive patient populations such as those with connective tissue diseases were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Searches retrieved 6999 articles. Sixty‐eight studies met inclusion criteria (7885 patients). Extended repairs were associated with improved false lumen thrombosis, decreased aortic growth rate, and decreased rates of reintervention but not improved survival. Growth rates of the aorta post‐ATAAD repair were highest in the descending thoracic aorta. The most frequent prognostic imaging factors reported were a patent/partially thrombosed false lumen and postoperative aortic diameter >40 to 45 mm. Conclusions Established measurements of positive aortic remodeling, including complete false lumen thrombosis and stabilization of postoperative aortic diameter and growth are the most studied prognostic indicators for improved clinical outcomes after ATAAD repair. Growth rate of the aorta remains significant after ATAAD repair. Future studies should prospectively evaluate and compare prognostic factors for improved surveillance and management.

This study aims to assess the extent to which blockchain technology (BCT) may constitute an alternative to the conventional stock trading system and emphasize the changing roles of the key parties. It is expected that BCT would enhance the performance of the process across the three stages (i.e. trading, clearing and settlement within the stock exchange environment). A thorough literature review is conducted to understand the BCT performance modeling techniques and approaches (empirical and analytical) and to examine the theoretical potentials and capabilities of BCT in the financial markets. The case study and simulation methods are used to evaluate the impact of BCT implementation in optimizing the process of trading, clearing and settlement in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) stock-trading activities. This paper presents a simulation analysis comparing a blockchain system with a traditional trading system in the context of stock market. The simulation procedures involve modeling processes over different durations and transaction volumes, using metrics such as process time and cycle time to evaluate performance. The performance index combines these metrics with weights to ensure accurate and consistent measurements. Simulation results reveal that the blockchain system significantly outperforms the current trading system, especially at higher transaction volumes, highlighting its scalability and efficiency. A threshold of 30,000 transactions is identified as the point where blockchain’s benefits become apparent. The analysis shows that blockchain significantly elevate the process efficiency. It reduces both cycle time and process time across varying transaction volumes, maintaining consistency and reliability. Additionally, a simple simulation using the Hyperledger Fabric platform demonstrates the practical implementation of a permissioned blockchain for clearing transactions, emphasizing the system's capability to manage high transaction volumes efficiently and securely. The use of blockchain network for handling seamless transactions using pre-defined smart contracts significantly improves the performance of the stock trading processes, specifically in the clearing phase. Interestingly, the BCT system drops the need for a “third party” (i.e. stock custodian) across the three stages. At the end of the paper, we propose a thereat mitigating model for stock trading with a new blockchain system.

Observation of nanosilicon-based contributions to the interstellar nanodust is problematic because the indirect-bandgap of silicon makes its optical features wide, while carbon’s higher abundancy and ionization potential and the rising slope of extinction curves introduce heavy convolution. Recent macroscopic synthesis and charging of nanosilicon, the coming online of the Webb space telescope with unprecedented spectral resolution, and advances in modeling algorithms, light scattering, and fundamental atomistic computation may open opportunities for effective comparison between laboratory and space observation. Here, we study the transport of charged nanosilicon in electric/magnetic fields. We use high voltage across liquid colloids to charge and propel nanosilicon into external fields and imprint them on metal-coated substrates. We use absorption, luminescence, and light scattering in liquid, flight, and imprinted surfaces to study the field deflection of nanosilicon. We use the Mie/finite-difference time-domain theory to obtain scattering curves of nanosilicon and silica. Nanosilicon-based UV features near the 217.5-nm carbon bump are recorded and calculated using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) atomistic theory at 225, 280, and 153 nm resulting from bound–bound, and valence-continuum transitions, respectively. We also show that the constituents of silicates, oxygen and Mg and Fe metal ions, can attach to Si nanoparticles without interrupting luminescence, infrared, or UV signatures, respectively. Because charge defects allow nanosilicon transport over large distances via open B fields of solar holes as well as provide them with narrow “atomic-like” transitions, which are otherwise extended, sightlines with lower carbon and higher resolution afforded by Webb may allow the unmasking of Si-based features.

PurposeRetinoblastoma, a childhood cancer originating in the retina, is primarily attributed to pathogenic RB1 mutations The aim of this study is to conduct a mutational analysis of the RB1 gene in cases of unilateral Retinoblastoma among individuals within the Jordanian population.MethodsIn this study, the peripheral blood of 50 unilateral Rb patients was collected, genomic DNA was extracted, and mutations were identified using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis.ResultsIn this cohort of 50 unrelated patients with unilateral Rb, the median age at diagnosis was eight months (mean, 12 months; range; 2 weeks to 54 months). Twenty-eight (56%) were males, 29 (58%) had the disease in the right eye, 3 (6%) had a positive family history of Rb, and 20 (40%) were diagnosed within the first year of life. RB1 gene pathogenic mutations were detected in 14 out of 50 (28%) patients, indicating germline disease. Among unilateral non-familial cases, 11 out of 47 (23%) were found to have germline RB1 mutations. Overall, five (36%) of the germline cases had the same mutation detected in one of the parents consistent with an inherited disease (four (80%) were of paternal origin); 3 (60%) of these had affected carrier parent, two (40%) had an unaffected carrier parent. Nine (64%) patients had the nonsense mutation, and six (43%) had the mosaic mutation. The significant prognostic factors for positive genetic testing were positive family history (p = 0.018) and age at diagnosis less than 12 months (p = 0.03). At a median of 54 months follow-up, two (4%) patients were dead from distant metastasis. The overall eye salvage rate was 44% (n = 22/50) eyes; 100% for groups A, B, and C, 60% for group D, and none for group E eyes. There was no correlation between the presence of germline mutation and outcome in terms of eye salvage, metastasis, and survival.ConclusionIn this study, 28% of patients with unilateral Rb had germline RB1 mutations, of which 43% were inherited, and one-third presented beyond their first year of life. Therefore, molecular screening is critical for genetic counseling regarding the risk for inherited Rb in unilateral cases, including those with no family history, regardless of the age at diagnosis. However, germline mutations did not appear to significantly predict patient outcomes regarding eye salvage, metastasis, and survival.

Abstract Wearing face masks is the best way to stop the spread of respiratory infections. However, if masks are not sterilized, changing them too frequently can actually increase the risk of cross‐contamination. Herein, the construction of an antipathogen photocatalytic mask with carbon vacancy‐modified carbon nitride nanosheets (g‐C3N4‐VC Ns) coated on the non‐woven fabrics of the out layer of the mask, offering effective and long‐term protection against damaging pathogens when exposed to light is reported. The introduced carbon vacancies are found capable of creating energy‐disordered sites and inducing energetic electric force to overcome the Coulomb interactions between electron‐hole pairs, thus promoting the electron‐hole separation to achieve a high generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thanks to its high activity in generating ROS upon exposure to light, the as‐prepared photocatalytic mask shows high pathogen sterilization performance. This, in turn, prolongs the mask's protective lifetime, decreases the need for regular replacement, and decreases medical waste production. The work demonstrated here opens new viewpoints in designing pathogens biocidal protective devices for health protection, offering significant promise in specific environment self‐protection.

Thromboembolism is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. While the link between cancer and venous thrombosis is well known, the recognition of arterial thrombosis as a serious complication of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents is a recent development. One of the chemotherapy agents frequently linked to acute vascular events is cisplatin. We discuss a rare case of cisplatin-related brachial arterial thrombosis in a 50-year-old man who was treated for cholangiocarcinoma with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Although rare, cisplatin-related arterial thrombosis demands careful monitoring, a high index of suspicion, and prompt management to prevent serious complications and mortality.

Determining the evapotranspiration (ET) of cotton as a water-intensive crop is crucial for effective irrigation planning and water management, especially in regions like Sindh province, Pakistan, where shallow groundwater table depths (WTDs) are prevalent. Despite the importance of cotton, a major cash crop in Sindh, previous studies on ET were conducted decades ago and may no longer be reliable due to ongoing climate change and the introduction of new crop varieties. Thus, we quantified cotton ET across two cropping seasons and at various WTDs (0.45, 0.60, 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, and 2.75 m). The experimental study was based on the data procured from 12 mini lysimeters and 12 large lysimeters for two years (2018 and 2019) and at two soil series. The findings revealed that cotton ET ranged from 1332 to 1437, 1114–1202, 988–1075, 781–821, 690–733, and 637–683 mm at WTDs of 0.45, 0.60, 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, and 2.75 m, respectively. WTDs from 0.45 to 0.75 m fulfilled 94–96 % of cotton ET through groundwater (GW) contribution in Sultanpur soil (silt loam) and 93–97 % in Miani soil (silty clay loam). At 1.50–2.75 m WTDs, irrigation water requirements (excluding rainfall and leaching) were 63–88 % in Sultanpur soil and 67–89 % in Miani soil. The highest yield was observed at a 1.50 m WTD, while the highest water use efficiency was identified at a 2.25 m WTD. However, soil salinity increased by 60–80 %, resulting in a 40–60 % lower cotton yield at 0.45–0.75 m WTD. Therefore, periodic flushing of salts is necessary to utilize shallow WTDs effectively. Considering GW contribution to ET when allocating water for irrigation channels and devising irrigation schedules is crucial. This approach can lead to water savings, prevent land from becoming waterlogged and saline, manage the groundwater table, and reduce the need for drainage channels and labor force for their preparation.

Abstract Background Several recent studies have highlighted the need for more evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 infections and vaccines on the reproductive system and menstruation. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccines on menstrual symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional survey utilizing face-to-face interviews from January 1 to 31 March 2022 was conducted in the city of Al-Karak in southern Jordan. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and reproductive history, the contraceptive method used if any, menstrual cycle (MC) status, previous medical and drug history, and the impact of infection and vaccination on the MC. Results The study questionnaire was completed by 400 participants with a mean age of 32.1±12.6 years. Regarding the history of COVID-19 infections, 33.8% of the participants reported a history of confirmed COVID-19 infections, 77.8% of them did not report any menstrual changes following the infection, while the remaining 22.2% reported changes in menstruation. The most commonly reported post-COVID-19 manifestations were irregular (27.6%) and light menstrual cycle (MC) (24.15) or dysmenorrhea (24.1%). Heavy menstruation was reported by 17.2% of participants post-COVID-19 infection. Two-thirds of the study participants (66.6%) reported no changes in the MC following the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The most reported symptoms for those who experienced changes in the MC following the vaccination were irregular cycle (13.1%), heavy menstruation (7%), and light menstruation (7%). Other reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (4.6%), intermenstrual bleeding (1.2%), and amenorrhea (0.5%). Conclusion This study revealed minor changes in the MC following COVID-19 infections and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings are consistent with published reports. It is recommended that future clinical trials for new vaccines for women of childbearing age include outcomes related to sex hormones and MC. Women should be encouraged to take the vaccines and report symptoms to healthcare professionals for further assessment.

Drainage in sugarcane cultivation in high-rainfall areas is of paramount importance because it affects sugarcane plants from planting, maintenance, and production. Poor drainage can damage plants and reduce productivity. This study was conducted at Bone Sugarcane Plantation, which typically has high annual rainfall; thus, drainage is necessary. The existing drainage channel cannot drain all surface runoff quickly and causes problems to sugarcane plants. Therefore, a study was conducted with the aim of designing the shape and size of drainage channels that can drain surface runoff quickly, have a strong structure, allows for an effective use of cultivated land by reducing headland for tractor turning, and maintains appropriate soil moisture. The research began by determining the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil using the Falling Head method. Surface runoff discharge was calculated using rational equations to determine the dimensions of the drainage channel. Rainfall intensity was determined from Intensity Duration Frequency curve which was constructed using Manonobe method. The results showed that the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil was 3.54 × 10−3 cm/s which is suitable with surface drainage. Rainfall intensity is estimated to be 201.33 mm/hour. The shape and dimensions of the drainage channel are parabolic with the largest width and depth of 1.70 m and 0.90, respectively. This study provides a practical method to solve drainage problems in sugarcane fields that apply full mechanization. In addition, the practical analysis used in this study can be adapted to analyze the design of drainage channel for other plantations or regions with similar constrains.

Abstract Biochar is increasingly recognized for its ability to enhance hydro-physical properties of soil, offering promising solutions for improving soil structure, water retention, and overall agricultural productivity. In this study, sandy loam soil was amended at different rates (0, 15, 30, and 60 t ha−1) of biochar produced from olive pomace (Jift) at different pyrolysis temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600 °C), and incubated for 30, 60, and 90 days. The biochar-amended soils were collected for analysis after each incubation period for infiltration rate, aggregate stability, soil water retention, water repellency, and penetration resistance. At 300 °C, aggregate stability increased with biochar amendments; the highest value (65%) was after 60 days of incubation. At other pyrolysis temperatures, aggregate stability decreased, or no effect of temperature was observed. Also, at 300 °C, the infiltration rate was decreased with biochar application and the lowest value of (0.14 ml/min) was at 90 days of incubation. At other pyrolysis temperatures, the infiltration rate was increased with increased biochar application rate. Water retention was increased with biochar application at 300 °C; however, biochar application did not affect water retention at other pyrolysis temperatures. These results strongly suggest the improvement of soil physical and hydraulic properties following the addition of biochar amendment. Overall, biochar had positive effects on hydro-physical properties. The biochar produced at 300 °C pyrolysis temperature was the most beneficial to agriculturally relevant hydraulic conditions. However, field assessments are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of biochar on hydro-physical properties.

Patchy interactions and heterogeneous charge distribution make nanoclay (NC) a promising biomaterial to interact with different biomolecules, polymers, and biological components. Many researchers have studied the polymer/clay nanocomposites in recent years. However, some deficiencies, such as poor impact strength, limit the application of polymer/clay nanocomposites in different fields. As a result, many attempts have been made to resolve this problem. Also, researchers have developed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles as biomedical materials. The nontoxic properties and biocompatibility of both CaCO3 and NC make their nanocomposites ideal for biomedical applications. In this article, a detailed review of the ternary polymer nanocomposites containing NC and CaCO3 is presented. The morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological characteristics, in addition to the modeling of behavior and foam properties, are studied in this article. In addition, the potential challenges for ternary nanocomposites and their biomedical applications are discussed.

The MNH eCohort was developed to fill gaps in maternal and newborn health (MNH) care quality measurement. In this paper, we describe the survey development process, recruitment strategy, data collection procedures, survey content and plans for analysis of the data generated by the study. We also compare the survey content to that of existing multi-country tools on MNH care quality. The eCohort is a longitudinal mixed-mode (in-person and phone) survey that will recruit women in health facilities at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit. Women will be followed via phone survey until 10-12 weeks postpartum. User-reported information will be complemented with data from physical health assessments at baseline and endline, extraction from MNH cards, and a brief facility survey. The final MNH eCohort instrument is centered around six key domains of high-quality health systems including competent care (content of ANC, delivery, and postnatal care for the mother and newborn), competent systems (prevention and detection, timely care, continuity, integration), user experience, health outcomes, confidence in the health system, and economic outcomes. The eCohort combines the maternal and newborn experience and, due to its longitudinal nature, will allow for quality assessment according to specific risks that evolve throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Detailed information on medical and obstetric history and current health status of respondents and newborns will allow us to determine whether women and newborns at risk are receiving needed care. The MNH eCohort will answer novel questions to guide health system improvements and to fill data gaps in implementing countries.

Indonesia stands as the world's most populous Muslim nation, holding a crucial position in the realm of Islamic moderation. The richness of diversity, encompassing religion, culture, language, and customs, serves as a potential catalyst for peace when approached with an attitude of mutual respect and appreciation for differences. However, in the absence of tolerance, the specter of intolerance emerges and paves the way for acts of violence. Recognizing this delicate balance, the pivotal role of religious leaders and scholars becomes evident. They play a crucial part in fostering an understanding of religious moderation. This understanding acts as a proactive safeguard, while thwarting the escalation of intolerance and violence. Employing a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach, this study focuses on Prof. Dr. K. H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., and Madrasah Tsanawiyah Istiqlal Jakarta. The data collection involved meticulous observation, thorough documentation, and insightful interviews. The findings underscore the significance of religious leaders in imparting insights on tolerance and the value of harmonious coexistence within religious communities. In the context of MTs Istiqlal Jakarta, the results illuminate the pivotal role of the clergy in nurturing an atmosphere of understanding. This is evident in the MCB program and congregational prayers, where students are actively engaged in learning to appreciate and respect one another, embracing the beauty of diversity. This study underscores the transformative impact of religious education in shaping attitudes and mitigating the seeds of intolerance and violence within society.

A tuberculose, doença infecciosa crônica causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, continua sendo um problema de saúde pública de elevada magnitude. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de tuberculose notificados no Brasil, entre os anos de 2010 e 2022. Realizou-se um estudo transversal, descritivo, retrospectivo e quantitativo que utilizou como unidades de análise os estados brasileiros. A amostra foi delimitada ao período de 2010 a 2022, e as informações foram coletadas do Departamento de HIV/Aids, Tuberculose, Hepatites Virais e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis – DVIAHV, e do SINAN (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação), sendo considerados: ano e mês da notificação, município de notificação, município e zona de residência, idade, sexo, raça, escolaridade, município provável da infecção, classificação final, critério de confirmação e evolução do caso. As informações obtidas foram tabuladas no software R versão 4.2.2 e submetidas a análise estatística descritiva. Foram notificados, no período, 1.163.946 casos de tuberculose em todo o Brasil. Os principais acometidos foram indivíduos do sexo masculino com faixa etária de 20 a 49 anos. Relataram fazer uso de tabaco 15,6%, álcool 17,6% e drogas ilícitas 10,8%. Destacou-se o estado do Amazonas e Rio de Janeiro com maior prevalência da doença. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 3,7%. Conclui-se que o perfil dos acometidos por tuberculose no Brasil é caracterizado por indivíduos do sexo masculino, de 20 a 39 anos de idade e da raça parda. Além disso, destacou-se indivíduos que fazem uso de tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas. Por isso, medidas de controle e prevenção da tuberculose devem ser intensificadas para esta população mais vulnerável.

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis is an autosomal recessive disorder presenting with intermittent episodes of cholestatic jaundice. The initial episode of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis tends to occur within the first two decades of a patient’s life. Episodes can occur unprompted but can often be precipitated by infections or pregnancy. We report an interesting case of a 13-year-old girl presented with recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. The patient has a unique homozygous USP53 genetic mutation, the first patient to present with this mutation within the South Asian region. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as a case of autoimmune hepatitis, and when presenting to our set-up was diagnosed as a case of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. The patient has since been managed on medication and remains regular in follow-up, responding well to treatment.

Abstract Background Asthma is routinely treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Asthma patients on ICS are at increased risk of adrenal suppression, a potentially serious effect of long‐term glucocorticoid exposure; however, this relationship is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to identify metabolite biomarkers related to adrenal suppression in asthma patients taking ICS. Methods A total of 571 urine metabolites from 200 children with asthma on ICS in the Pharmacogenetics of Adrenal Suppression with Inhaled Steroids (PASS) cohort were profiled. Samples were grouped by peak plasma cortisol measurement as adrenal sufficient (>350 nmol/L) or insufficient (≤350 nmol/L) (outcome). Regression and discriminant‐based statistical models combined with network analyses were utilized to assess relationships between metabolites and the outcome. Finally, prioritized metabolites were validated using data from an ancillary study of the Childhood Asthma Management (CAMP) cohort with similar characteristics to PASS. Results Ninety metabolites were significantly associated with adrenal suppression, of which 57 also could discriminate adrenal status. While 26 metabolites (primarily steroids) were present at lower levels in the adrenal insufficient patients, 14 were significantly elevated in this group; the top metabolite, mannitol/sorbitol, was previously associated with asthma exacerbations. Network analyses identified unique clusters of metabolites related to steroids, fatty acid oxidation, and nucleoside metabolism, respectively. Four metabolites including urocanic acid, acetylcarnitine, uracil, and sorbitol were validated in CAMP cohort for adrenal suppression. Conclusions Urinary metabolites differ among asthma patients on ICS, by adrenal status. While steroid metabolites were reduced in patients with poor adrenal function, our findings also implicate previously unreported metabolites involved in amino acid, lipid, and nucleoside metabolism.

Babesia ovis, transmitted by Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, is the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, a disease characterized by fever, anemia, hemoglobinuria, and high mortality in sheep. This study investigates whether sheep that survived babesiosis without treatment can serve as a source of infection for B. ovis-free host-seeking R. bursa larvae in a later season. Three donor sheep were experimentally infected with B. ovis, and after six months, persistence of B. ovis was assessed through blood and tick transmission experiments. Blood from donor sheep was intravenously injected into three recipient sheep, while donor sheep were also infested with B. ovis-free R. bursa larvae. Engorged nymphs molted to adults, and new recipient sheep were infested with these ticks. All recipient sheep were monitored for B. ovis for 100 days using microscopic, serological, and molecular approaches. The presence of B. ovis was confirmed in the recipient sheep that received blood, leading to clinical infection in two. However, no B. ovis was detected in recipient sheep infested with ticks. These results suggest that sheep recovering from B. ovis infection do not serve as a source of infection for R. bursa larvae in subsequent seasons.

Despite the critical role of balanced nutrition in crop productivity, the use of potash (K) and zinc (Zn) is not much practiced by Pakistani farmers. The reduced nutrient uptake and crop productivity together increase the costs associated with fertilization and revisit farmers’ confidence in the efficacy and profitability of fertilizers. To address this problem, a field study was conducted in the research area of the MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, in collaboration with Engro Fertilizers Limited. The research plan consisted of five treatments, including T1 = control (without N, P, K, and Zn fertilizers), T2 = NP in practice (NP at 32–23–0 kg acre-1), T3 = recommended NP (NP at 48–34.5 kg acre-1), T4 = balanced NPK (NP+K at 48–34.5–30 kg acre-1), and T5 = balanced NPK + Zn (NPK+Zn at 48–34.5–30 + 7.5 kg acre-1). Wheat was used as a test crop, and its growth, yield, and physiological and nutritional parameters were studied. The results indicated that NPK+Zn balanced nutrition increased plant height, spike length, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and grain yield by 13%, 15%, 44%, 60%, 63%, 39%, and 78%, respectively, compared with the control. It was found that the combined application of NP, K, and Zn improved the recovery efficiency of applied nutrients, i.e., nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) by 230%, phosphorus recovery efficiency (PRE) by 136%, potassium recovery efficiency (KRE) by 135%, and zinc recovery efficiency (ZnRE) by 136% compared to NP-alone application. Agronomic use efficiency of applied fertilizers, such as potassium agronomic use efficiency (KAUE) by 71%, phosphorus agronomic use efficiency (PAUE) by 72%, nitrogen agronomic use efficiency (NAUE) by 70%, and zinc agronomic use efficiency (ZnAUE) by 72%, was observed compared to NP-alone application. The results showed that NPUE, PPUE, NPUE, and ZnPUE were reduced by 5%, 3%, 3%, and 5%, respectively, compared to NP-alone application. Our findings suggest that K and Zn should be made an essential part of wheat nutrition management for higher yield and better quality of produce.

The exponential growth of communication technologies and the ubiquitous use of electronic devices raise concerns about unintended electromagnetic interference (EMI). Existing research exploring mortars incorporated with carbon fibers for EMI shielding primarily relies on empirical experiments investigating the interplay between shielding effectiveness (SE) and mixed design parameters. This research aims to establish predictive models for SE, focusing on the frequency of radiation and mortar constituents (water-to-cement ratio (W/C), fiber content, sand-to-cement ratio (S/C), and fiber aspect ratio). Employing a diverse array of machine learning algorithms, including stochastic gradient descent (SGD), gradient boosting, random forest, gene expression programming (GEP), AdaBoost, decision tree, K-nearest neighbors, and stepwise linear regression, this study aims to forecast the shielding efficacy of the mortar. Results demonstrate robust model performance, with R2 values and correlation coefficients surpassing 0.85 and 0.95, respectively, across training, testing, and validation datasets. Modeling errors, such as MSE, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE, remain within acceptable bounds for all models. The accuracy of predictions is evidenced by experimental-to-predicted SE ratios falling within the 0.5–1.5 range. Based on available data, parametric investigations conducted using the GEP-derived equation reveal a positive correlation between SE and S/C ratio, aspect ratio, fiber content, and radiation frequency, while indicating an inverse relationship with the W/C ratio. Moreover, employing Shapley additive explanation (SHAP)—a technique grounded in cooperative game theory—enhances the interpretability of SE. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into SE prediction for carbon fiber reinforced cement mortar, underscoring the efficacy of machine learning models in enhancing SE.

Chymosin, an aspartic protease present in the stomachs of young ruminants like cows (bovine), causes milk coagulation and cheese production through the breakdown of κ-casein peptide bonds at the Met105-Phe106 site. Bovine chymosin is first synthesized as a pre-prochymosin that is cleaved to produce the mature chymosin protein. Despite significant strides in research, our understanding of this crucial enzyme remains incomplete. The purpose of this work was to perform in silico evolutionary and functional analysis and to gain unique insights into the structure of this protein. For this, the sequence of Bos taurus chymosin from UniProt database was subjected to various bioinformatics analyses. We found that bovine chymosin is a low molecular weight and hydrophilic protein that has homologs in other Bovidae species. Two active sites of aspartic peptidases, along with a functional domain, were identified. Gene Ontology analysis further confirmed chymosin's involvement in proteolysis and aspartic endopeptidase activity. Potential disordered residues and post-translational modification sites were also uncovered. It was revealed that the secondary structure of bovine chymosin is comprised of beta strands (44.27%), coils (43.65%), and alpha helices (12.07%). A highly optimized 3D structure was also obtained. Moreover, crucial protein–protein interactions were unveiled. Altogether, these findings provide valuable insights that could guide future research on bovine chymosin and its biological roles.

Preemergent herbicides are a frequent weed control strategy. Considering different crop germinative fluxes, these products must present long-lasting weed control. This study evaluated preemergent herbicides in different germination fluxes of Merremia aegyptia, Mucuna aterrima and Ricinus communis when applied to different quantities of straw and different simulated dry periods. The experiment was conducted in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial design with four replications. The treatments included four dry periods (0, 30, 60, and 90 days), two straw quantities (0 and 10 t ha 1), and two germination fluxes. The herbicides amicarbazone (1225 g ha-1), imazapic (147 g ha- 1), sulfentrazone (800 g ha-1), and tebuthiuron (900 g ha-1) were applied for preemergence weed control, and germination flush fluxes were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after emergence (DAE) while verifying plant dry mass. Amicarbazone controlled less than 80% of the studied species at the 90-day dry period in the presence of straw. Imazapic did not present control residue for any of the species analyzed. Sulfentrazone showed the same control pattern at all germination fluxes, regardless of the amount of straw. Tebuthiuron successfully controlled all species in the first germination flush, exceeding 80% regardless of the amount of straw. Herbicides associated with straw quantities and dry periods have a significant impact on M. aegyptiaca, M. aterrima and R. communis. Highlights: • The herbicide amicarbazone demonstrated efficacy in controlling during the first germination period of the three weed species. • The presence of sugarcane straw significantly influenced the herbicides' control efficacy, especially during prolonged dry periods. • The combination of straw and extended dry periods resulted in a reduction in control rates with tebuthiuron.

Investigating therapeutic miRNAs is a rewarding endeavour for pharmaceutical companies. Since its discovery in 1993, our understanding of miRNA biology has advanced significantly. Numerous studies have emphasised the disruption of miRNA expression in various diseases, making them appealing candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant malignancy that poses a severe threat to human health, accounting for approximately 70%–85% of all malignant tumours. Currently, the efficacy of several HCC therapies is limited. Alterations in various biomacromolecules during HCC progression and their underlying mechanisms provide a basis for the investigation of novel and effective therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs, also known as miRNAs, have been identified in the last 20 years and significantly impact gene expression and protein translation. This atypical expression pattern is strongly associated with the onset and progression of various malignancies. Gene therapy, a novel form of biological therapy, is a prominent research area. Therefore, miRNAs have been used in the investigation of tumour gene therapy. This review examines the mechanisms of action of miRNAs, explores the correlation between miRNAs and HCC, and investigates the use of miRNAs in HCC gene therapy.

Maize is a globally significant food crop but its future sustainability under rainfed conditions is at risk due to climate change and increased climate uncertainty. In Pakistan most maize is rainfed but there is increasing interest in the role of supplemental irrigation to reduce the vulnerability of crop yields to future drought and climate risks. Using a crop model (DSSAT CERES-Maize) with downscaled data from a weather generator (LARS-WG) and for five selected GCMs, two RCPs (4.5 and 8.5) and two time slices (2050s and 2080s), this study assessed the impacts of climate change and climate variability on rainfed maize grown in the Pothwar region of Pakistan, and the extent to which irrigation could offset future yield reductions. Model simulations were calibrated and validated using experimental data from 2021 and 2022. The outputs showed that on average the yield of maize could be increased by 55% with a single irrigation of 60 mm during the reproductive stage. For the baseline (1991–2020) the average rainfed yield was 3370 kg/ha. The climate change scenarios for the 2050s indicated a −13.5% and −5.8% decline in rainfed yield under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. Irrigation applications (between 162 mm and 180 mm) increased grain yields by 5615 kg/ha and 5732 kg/ha, respectively. For the 2080s scenarios there was a projected decrease in yield by -9.3% and -39.7% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. Modelling also confirmed significant reductions in maize biomass production which would negatively impact on feedstocks for both livestock and renewable energy generation.

This work presents a novel InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode, fabricated in the separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication configuration operated at non-cryogenic conditions under low-frequency ramp gating. An optimized three stage InP multiplication layer of $1\mu m$ thickness offers an extended linear mode operation by reducing the punch-through voltage, and indefinitely increasing the avalanche threshold voltage. A large background dark current is observed following steady, and linear multiplication in approximately direct relationship with the ramp gating. For 1310 nm short-wave infrared, normal incidence pulsed illumination at instant-to-peak voltage ratios of $(0.11,0.2,0.6, 0.89, 0.98, 0.9)$ , a sort of negative differential resistance is incorporated into the device in a qualitative sense, owing to the illumination induced switching/variations in the intrinsic values of electron, and hole avalanche coefficients in the multiplication region. Under fixed illumination, an interesting deduction from the transient photo response is the slow quenching phenomenon prolonging $\sim 120 \mu s$ for all the electrical field establishments in the device. The related measurement scheme paves the way for futuristic ramp-driven InGaAs/InP APDs for detecting SWIR wavelengths under required low power consumption environments.

It is widely acknowledged that electricity price forecasting become an essential factor in operational activities, planning, and scheduling for the participant in the price-setting market, nowadays. Nevertheless, electricity price became a complex signal due to its non-stationary, non-linearity, and time-variant behavior. Consequently, a variety of artificial intelligence techniques are proposed to provide an efficient method for short-term electricity price forecasting. Backtracking search algorithm as the recent augmentation of optimization technique, yield the potential of searching a closed-form solution in mathematical modeling with a higher probability, obviating the necessity to comprehend the correlations between variables. Concurrently, this study also developed a feature selection technique, to select the input variables subsets that have a substantial implication on forecasting of electricity price, based on a combination of mutual information and support vector machine. For the verification of simulation results, actual data sets from the Ontario energy market in the year 2020 covering various weather seasons are acquired. Finally, the obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed strategy through improved preciseness in comparison with the distinctive methods.

The use of RF harvesting as a power source for low-power systems, such as wearables, wireless sensor nodes, and Internet of Things, has gained attention. The primary obstacle to develop an effective RF-DC system has been the RF rectifier. The method most frequently employed in the design of RF-DC converters is called Cross-Coupled Differential Drive (CCDD). To enhance the DC output voltage, multistage systems are typically employed. In these designs, DC output will reach saturation as the number of stages rises. This is because the NMOS threshold voltage will rise if the bulk of the NMOS is connected to the lowest potential. An alternative is to employ the twin-well CMOS process, which is more expensive than the regular n-well process. A novel CMOS RF-DC converter is presented in this brief. The design is hybrid in the sense the first stage is designed using a standard CCDD, while the second and subsequent stages are designed exclusively with PMOS transistors. This allows the use of the n-well process during fabrication. With CADENCE Virtuoso in $0.18~\mu \text{m}$ TSMC CMOS technology, the suggested design’s functionality is verified. The design is functional and achieves 45% efficiency and a power dynamic range of 23dB for power conversion efficiency (PCE) >20%, according to simulation findings.

The current study aims to provide insights into the drying of agro products, with a specific focus on Capsicum annum L. (red pepper). Among open sun drying (OSD), polyethylene bag drying (PBD), and polycarbonate sheet drying (PCSD), PCSD was efficient requiring around 24 hours with a maximum yield of 350 g of dried product per 1000 g of supplied fresh peppers. The PCSD dried chili also showed greater retention of antioxidant markers (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) than OSD and PBD as evidenced by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Additionally, the PCSD dried chili demonstrated highest antioxidant potential via ABTS (2, 2′-Azinobis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid). Interestingly, the presence of various aromatic compounds and other chemical groups, indicated the occurrence of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in each drying method used. The study suggests that PCSD sheet drying is an efficient and cost-effective approach that can conserve the antioxidant potential of agro products such as red pepper.

Abstract In recent decades, flash floods have become more common because of climate change and are considered a substantial risk for many cities worldwide. This catastrophic natural hazard presents a significant threat to critical infrastructure in urban areas, particularly the power distribution system. As modern societies are much more dependent on electrical energy these days, it is essential and imperative to make existing distribution systems resilient against flash flooding. Although researchers in this area have proposed various algorithms to impart resilience to a distribution system, however, the focus in these works is on wind‐related events such as hurricanes, cyclones, and windstorms. Therefore, here, the spatiotemporal effects of a flash flood on the distribution system are modelled using a grid‐based hydrodynamic model. The evolving line faults are then included in the proposed resilience‐oriented time horizon‐based service restoration model that also considers dynamic load demand, heavy uncertainties related to renewable generation, and interdependence among critical loads. Finally, the resilience of the distribution system's response is assessed using an operational resilience metric. The efficacy of the proposed framework is evaluated on IEEE 33‐bus and 69‐bus systems and the results show that the model provides an efficient restoration solution despite increased complexity caused by varying conditions.