Automated evaluation of parapapillary choroidal microvasculature in crowded optic discs:a controlled,optical coherence tomography angiography study

AIM:To compare superficial and deep vascular properties of optic discs between crowded discs and controls using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCT-A).METHODS:Thirty patients with crowded discs,and 47 control subjects were enrolled in the study.One eye of each individual was included and OCT-A scans of optic discs were obtained in a 4.5×4.5 mm^(2) rectangular area.Radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)density,peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)thickness,cup volume,rim area,disc area,cup-to-disc(c/d)area ratio,and vertical c/d ratio were obtained automatically using device software.Automated parapapillary choroidal microvasculature(PPCMv)density was calculated using MATLAB software.When the vertical c/d ratio of the optic disc was absent or small cup,it was considered as a crowded disc.RESULTS:The mean signal strength index of OCT-A images was similar between the crowded discs and control eyes(P=0.740).There was no difference in pRNFL between the two groups(P=0.102).There were no differences in RPC density in whole image(P=0.826)and peripapillary region(P=0.923),but inside disc RPC density was higher in crowded optic discs(P=0.003).The PPCMv density in the inner-hemisuperior region was also lower in crowded discs(P=0.026).The pRNFL thickness was positively correlated with peripapillary RPC density(r=0.498,P<0.001).The inside disc RPC density was negatively correlated with c/d area ratio(r=-0.341,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:The higher inside disc RPC density and lower inner-hemisuperior PPCMv density are found in eyes with crowded optic discs.

Investigation of Microstructure, Microhardness and Thermal Properties of Ag-In Intermetallic Alloys Prepared by Vacuum Arc Meltings

Ag-In intermetallic alloys were produced by using vacuum arc furnace. Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry(EDX) were used to determine the thermal properties and chemical composition of the phases respectively. Microhardness values of Ag-In intermetallics were calculated with Vickers hardness measurement method. According to the experimental results, Ag-34 wt%In intermetallic system generated the best results of energy saving and storage compared to other intermetallic systems. Also from the microhardness results, it was observed that intermetallic alloys were harder than pure silver and Ag-26 wt%In system had the highest microhardness value with 143.45 kg/mm^(2).

学科背景下的元话语:概述

1.Introduction Central to successful communication is an integration of talk about the experiential world and how this is made coherent,intelligible and persuasive to a particular readership.Metadiscourse equips us to achieve this interactivity.Simply,metadiscourse captures the ways writers organize their texts to help readers interpret,evaluate,and react to the propositional information they supply(Hyland,2005a;Jiang,2022;Jiang&Hyland,2018).

BSN:Photometric Light Curve Analysis of Two Contact Binary Systems LS Del and V997 Cyg

The light curve analyses and orbital period variations for two contact binary stars,LS Del and V997 Cyg,are presented in this work which was conducted in the frame of the Binary Systems of South and North project Ground-based photometric observations were performed at two observatories in France.We used the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS)data for extracting times of minima and light curve analysis of the targe systems.The O-C diagram for both systems displays a parabolic trend.LS Del and V997 Cyg’s orbital periods are increasing at rates of dP/dt=7.20×10^(-08)days yr^(-1)and dP/dt=2.54×10^(-08)days yr^(-1),respectively Therefore,it can be concluded that mass is being transferred from the less massive star to the more massive component with a rate of dM/dt=-1.96×10^(-7)M_(⊙)yr^(-1)for the LS Del system,and dM/dt=-3.83×10^(-7)M_(⊙)yr-1for V997 Cyg.The parameters of a third possible object in the system are also considered.The PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs Python code was used to analyze the light curves.The light curve solutions needed a cold starspot due to the asymmetry in the LS Del system’s light curve maxima.The mass ratio fill-out factor,and star temperature all indicate that both systems are contact binary types in this investigation.Two methods were applied to estimate the absolute parameters of the systems:one method relied on the parallax of Gaia DR3,and the other used a P-M relationship.The positions of the systems are also depicted on the M-L,M-R q-L_(ratio),and logM_(tot)-logJ_(0)diagrams.We recommend that further observations and investigations be done on the existence of a fourth body in this system.

Inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma growth by melatonin:Studies with micro-CT

Melatonin is a versatile indolamine synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland in response to the photoperiodic information received by the retinohypothalamic signaling pathway.Melatonin has many benefits,such as organizing circadian rhythms and acting as a powerful hormone.We aimed to show the antitumor effects of melatonin in both in vivo and in vitro models through the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway and the Argyrophilic Nucleolar Regulatory Region(AgNOR),using the Microcomputed Tomography(Micro CT).Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)cells were administered into the mice by subcutaneous injection.Animals with solid tumors were injected intraperitoneally with 50 and 100 mg/kg melatonin for 14 days.Volumetric measurements for the taken tumors were made with micro-CT imaging,immunohistochemistry(IHC),real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and AgNOR.Statistically,the tumor tissue volume in the Tumor+100 mg/kg melatonin group was significantly lower than that in the other groups in the data obtained from micro-CT images.In the IHC analysis,the groups treated with Tumor+100 mg/kg melatonin were compared when the mTOR signaling pathway and factor 8(F8)expression were compared with the control group.It was determined that there was a significant decrease(p<0.05).Significant differences were found in the total AgNOR area/nuclear area(TAA/NA)ratio in the treatment groups(p<0.05).Furthermore,there were significant differences between the amount of mTOR mRNA for the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase(PKB/AKT)genes(p<0.05).Cell apoptosis was evaluated with Annexin V in an in vitro study with different doses of melatonin;It was observed that 100µg/mL melatonin dose caused an increase in the apoptotic cell death.In this study,we have reported anti-tumor effects of melatonin in cell culture studies as well as in mice models.Comprehensive characterization of the melatonin-mediated cancer inhibitory effects will be valuable in advancing our fundamental molecular understanding and translatability of pre-clinical findings to earlier phases of clinical trials.

Erratum to“Relativistic solutions for diatomic molecules subject to pseudoharmonic oscillator in arbitrary dimensions”

Klein-Gordon equation with pseudoharmonic oscillator has been corrected through physical acceptable solutions.In a way,we correct the energy spectra related to its behavior versus potential parameter De.

化学沉积Mn掺杂ZnO薄膜的结构和光学性能

采用化学沉积法制备了纯ZnO和不同Mn掺杂浓度的Mn掺杂ZnO薄膜,并对所制备薄膜的结构、形态和光学性能进行了研究。XRD分析显示,所有薄膜都呈六角形结构,但Mn掺杂的ZnO薄膜存在峰移。随Mn掺杂浓度的升高,晶体尺寸增大。Mn掺杂ZnO薄膜表面分布不规则颗粒,并呈团聚状。Mn掺杂ZnO薄膜在可见光区表现出更高的透射率,但随着Mn掺杂浓度的升高,透射率逐渐降低。随Mn掺杂浓度的升高,薄膜的带隙减小。Mn掺杂ZnO薄膜在紫外区表现出更高的光导率和导电率。

Idiopathic hirsutism:Is it really idiopathic or is it misnomer?

Hirsutism,which is characterized by excessive growth of terminal hair in a male pattern,may result from various causes including polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia,adrenal or ovarian tumors or it may be idiopathic.Idiopathic hirsutism is currently defined as hirsutism associated with normal ovulatory function,normal serum androgen levels and normal ovarian morphology,however,the pathogenesis of idiopathic hirsutism is not clear.The androgens are the main hormones to stimulate growth of body hair,therefore,there should be any form of increased androgen effect irrespective of normal serum androgen levels in any patient with hirsutism.In accordance to this scientific truth,we have previously shown that,although within normal limits,patients with idiopathic hirsutism have relatively higher serum androgen levels(relative hyperandrogenemia)in comparison to healthy subjects which let as to think that is idiopathic hirsutism really idiopathic?In addition to relative hyperandrogenemia,we have previously shown that,in comparison to healthy subjects,women with idiopathic hirsutism demonstrated higher expression of steroid sulphatase and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA both in the subumbilical region and arm skin,which contributes to local androgen metabolism.Those results support the idea that,in some patients,although the adrenals or ovaries do not secrete increased amount of androgens leading to hyperandrogenemia,pilocebaceous unit locally produce increased amount of androgens leading to hirsutism without ovulatory dysfunction.Upon the demonstration of relative hyperandrogenemia and possible increase in local androgen synthesis in patients with idiopathic hirsutism,we think that idiopathic hirsutism is not idiopathic and it may be named as“normoandrogenic hirsutism”.Furthermore,it may not be a different entity but may be an early stage of hyperandrogenic disorders such as PCOS.Clinically,this can be find out by following-up patients with idiopathic hirsutism prospectively.

A novel terminologic “naming-meshing” system using anterior chamber sedimentation for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ocular or systemic diseases: is it hypopyon or pseudohypopyon?

A novel,algorithmic“naming-meshing”system was introduced for the distinction of hypopyon from pseudohypopyon to make an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of anterior chamber collection standardized to encompass all sediment characteristics.For this reason,a literature review of“hypopyon”and“pseudohypopyon”was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed,Scopus,and Web of Science from 1966 to May 15,2023.Two issues were clarified:1)which strategies should the ophthalmologist follow when asked to evaluate an eye with anterior chamber sedimentation to distinguish hypopyon from pseudohypopyon,and 2)in which systemic disorders should a non-ophthalmologist order a prompt ophthalmic consultation to distinguish pseudohypopyon from hypopyon.Pathognomonic characteristics of the sediment were examined;scleral show(warm/cold),location(corneal/anterior chamber/capsular/posterior),visibility(macro/micro/occult-angle),orientation(horizontal/vertical/oblique),number(single/double),shape(convex/triangular/pyramidal/ring/lumpy/inverse),and color(white/yellow/pink/brown/black).Associated findings were then assessed;acute/chronic,spontaneous/provoked,unilateral/bilateral,inflammatory/non-inflammatory,suppurative(nonsterile)/non-suppurative(sterile),granulomatous/nongranulomatous,recurrent/non-recurrent,shifting/nonshifting,and transient/persistent.The type of precipitation was named(naming)and matched(meshing)to a potential list of etiologies(inflammatory,infective,therapeutic,masquerades).Given that(pseudo)hypopyon predominantly afflicts younger patients in their most productive years,clinicians supervising such patients should be aware of all sediment characteristics.The ophthalmologist should never ask non-ophthalmologists to run the full battery of tests in a patient with(pseudo)hypopyon,and rather indicate which type of collection is present,what its pathognomonic feature is,and what the most likely diagnoses to be excluded are.

Resource Allocation Based on SFLA Algorithm for D2D Multicast Communications

Multicast device-to-device(D2D)communication technology is considered as one of the new technologies in the fifth generation(5G)networks that directly addresses the need for content sharing among internet users.In fact,when direct communication is available between devices,the spectral efficiency is improved by reusing the licensed cellular spectrum.The current studies show that D2D communication increases network capacity and reduces latency.In order to achieve the alternate capabilities,coordination is required to implement interference management.We considered subcarrier allocation for the uplink,in addition to the power control that takes place on the underlay network.The completed data rate in single multicast communication is significantly reduced and limited by nodes with lower channel quality.In this paper,we used Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm(SFLA)for resource allocation(RA)in D2D multicast communications.We compared the results of the SFLA algorithm with the Firefly Algorithm(FA),Ant Colony Optimization(ACO)and Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO);in terms of D2D user throughput,Cellular User(CU)throughput,network average throughput,network interference and signal interference noise ratio(SINR)target.The simulation results show that SFLA clearly outperforms other algorithms in terms of data rate under the high pressure of infeasibility.

Whether and when did bitcoin sentiment matter for investors?Before and during the COVID‑19 pandemic

Using a wavelet coherence approach,this study investigates the relationship between Bitcoin return and Bitcoin-specific sentiment from January 1,2016 to June 30,2021,covering the COVID-19 pandemic period.The results reveal that before the pandemic,sentiment positively drove prices,especially for relatively higher frequencies(2–18 weeks).During the pandemic,the relationship was still positive,but interestingly,the lead-lag relationship disappeared.Employing partial wavelet tools,we factor out the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths and the Equity Market Volatility Infectious Disease Tracker index to observe the direct relationship between a change in sentiment and return.Our results robustly reveal that,before the pandemic,sentiment had a positive effect on return.Although positive coherence still existed during the pandemic,the lead-lag relationship disappeared again.Thus,the causal relationship that states that sentiment leads to return can only be integrated into short-term trading strategies(up to six weeks frequency).

The First Multiband Photometric Light Curve Solutions of the V Gru Binary System from the Southern Hemisphere

The first multiband photometric solutions of the short-period V Gru eclipsing binary from the southern hemisphere are presented in this study.Light curves of the system were observed through BVI filters at the Congarinni Observatory in Australia for 15 nights.In addition to the new ground-based data,we also used the TESS observations in two sectors.We analyzed the light curves of the system using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs(PHOEBE)2.4.7 version code to achieve the best accordance with the photometric observations.The solutions suggest that V Gru is a near-contact binary system with q=1.302(81)mass ratio,f_(1)=0.010(23),f_(2)=-0.0.009(21),and i=73.45(38).We considered the two hot spots on the hotter and cooler components for the light curve analysis.We extracted the minima times from the light curves based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo(MCMC)approach.Using our new light curves,TESS,and additional literature minima,we computed the ephemeris of V Gru.The system’s eclipse timing variation trend was determined using the MCMC method.This system is a good and challenging case for future studies.

共沉淀体系用于自来水中铬的分离和富集

通过氢氧化镝与Cr(III)离子的共沉淀来分离Cr(III)、C(rⅥ),并测定总含铬量的方法应用于自来水样本中。Cr(III)离子经该方法可定量回收,而C(rⅥ)离子的回收值则低于10%。实验研究了影响定量沉淀因素,包括氢氧化镝的量和pH值,离心速度和定量沉淀实验的取样体积。没有发现碱金属、碱土金属和其他过渡金属离子对待测离子的分析产生阻碍。本实验的检测极限(k=3,N=15)分别为Cr(III)0.65g/L和C(rⅥ)0.78g/L。

Circulating microRNAs in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM: To identify novel non-invasive biomarkers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). METHODS: Twenty patients with histologically proven NAFLD and 20 controls were included. All NAFLD cases were scored using the NAFLD activity score. The rela-tive expressions of miR-197, miR-146 b, miR-10 b, miR-181d, miR-34 a, miR-122, miR-99 a and miR-29 a were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Serum levels of miR-181 d, miR-99 a, miR-197 and miR-146 b were significantly lower in biopsy-proven NAFLD patients than in the healthy controls. Serum lev-els of miR-197 and miR-10 b were inversely correlated with degree of inflammation and miR-181 d and miR-99 a were inversely correlated with serum gamma glu-tamyl transferase levels in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is associated with altered se-rum miRNA expression pattern. This study provides clues for defining the non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD.

Hand bone mass in rheumatoid arthritis:A review of the literature

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease and periarticular osteoporosis or osteopenia of the inflamed hand joints is an early feature of RA Quantitative measurement of hand bone loss may be an outcome measure for the detection of joint destruction and disease progression in early RA. This systematic review examines the published literature reporting hand bone mass in patients with RA, particularly those using the dual X-ray absorptiometry(DXA) methods The majority of the studies reported that hand bone loss is associated with disease activity, functional statusand radiological progression in early RA. Quantitative measurement of hand bone mineral density by DXA may be a useful and practical outcome measure in RA and may be predictive for radiographic progression or functional status in patients with early RA.

Ameliorative effects of bombesin and neurotensin on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis,oxidative damage and apoptosis in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of bombesin (BBS) and neurotensin (NTS) on apoptosis and colitis in an ulcerative colitis model. METHODS:In this study, a total of 50 rats were divided equally into 5 groups. In the control group, no colitis induction or drug administration was performed. Colitis was induced in all other groups. Following the induction of colitis, BBS, NTS or both were applied to three groups of rats. The remaining group (colitis group) received no treatment. On the 11th d after induction of colitis and drug treatment, blood samples were collected for TNF-α and IL-6 level studies. Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 activities, as well as histopathological findings, evaluated in colonic tissues. RESULTS:According to the macroscopic and microscopic findings, the study groups treated with BBS, NTS and BBS + NTS showed significantly lower damage and inflammation compared with the colitis group (macroscopic score, 2.1 ± 0.87, 3.7 ± 0.94 and 2.1 ± 0.87 vs 7.3 ± 0.94;microscopic score, 2.0 ± 0.66, 3.3 ± 0.82 and 1.8 ± 0.63 vs 5.2 ± 0.78, P < 0.01). TNF-α and IL-6 levels were increased significantly in all groups compared with the control group. These increases were significantly smaller in the BBS, NTS and BBS + NTS groups compared with the colitis group (TNF-α levels, 169.69 ± 53.56, 245.86 ± 64.85 and 175.54 ± 42.19 vs 556.44 ± 49.82;IL-6 levels, 443.30 ± 53.99, 612.80 ± 70.39 and 396.80 ± 78.43 vs 1505.90 ± 222.23, P < 0.05). The colonic MPO and MDA levels were significantly lower in control, BBS, NTS and BBS + NTS groups than in the colitis group (MPO levels, 24.36 ± 8.10, 40.51 ± 8.67 and 25.83 ± 6.43 vs 161.47 ± 38.24;MDA levels, 4.70 ± 1.41, 6.55 ± 1.12 and 4.51 ± 0.54 vs 15.60 ± 1.88, P < 0.05). Carbonyl content and caspase-3 levels were higher in the colitis and NTS groups than in control, BBS and BBS + NTS groups (carbonyl levels, 553.99 ± 59.58 and 336.26 ± 35.72 vs 209.76 ± 30.92, 219.76 ± 25.77 and 220.34 ± 36.95;caspase-3 levels, 451.70 ± 68.27 and 216.20 ± 28.17 vs 28.60 ± 6.46, 170.50 ± 32.37 and 166.50 ± 30.95, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:The results of this study suggest BBS and NTS, through their anti-inflammatory actions, support the maintenance of colonic integrity and merit consideration as potential agents for ameliorating colonic inflammation.

New treatment modalities in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still a major public health challenge without an effective treatment to prevent or stop it. Routinely used acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine seem to slow disease progression only to a limited extend. Therefore, many investigations on new drugs and other treatment modalities are ongoing in close association with increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we review the studies about the new treatment modalities in AD with a classification based on their main targets, specifically pathologic structures of the disease, amyloid and tau, neural network dysfunction with special interest to the regulation of gamma oscillations, and attempts for the restoration of neural tissue via regenerative medicine. Additionally, we describe the evolving modalities related to gut microbiota, modulation, microglial function, and glucose metabolism.

Treatment of sepsis: What is the antibiotic choice in bacteremia due to carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae?

Sepsis is one of the major challenges of today. Although gram-positive bacteria related infections are more prevalent in hospital setting, the highest mortality rate is associated with gram-negative microorganisms especially Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp. and Serratia spp. Resistance to β-lactams in Enterobacteriaceae is primarily attributed to the production of B-lactamase enzymes with subsequent antibiotic hydrolysis and to a lesser extent by alteration of efflux pump or porins expression. Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most notorious pathogens due to the high incidence of morbidity and mortality especially in the immunocompromised patients in the intensive care unit. The most appropriate antimicrobial therapy to treat CRE is still controversial. Combination therapy is preferred over monotherapy due to its broad-spectrum coverage of micro-organisms, due to its synergetic effect and to prevent development of further resistance. Current suggested therapies for CRE resistance as well as promising antibiotics that are currently under investigation for winning the war against the emerging CRE resistance are reviewed and discussed.

Noninvasive assessment of liver damage in chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index(APRI)and neutrophillymphocyte(N/L)ratio to predict liver damage in chronic hepatitis B(CHB).METHODS:We analyzed 89 patients diagnosed with CHB by percutaneous liver biopsy and 43 healthy subjects.Liver biopsy materials were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome.Patients’fibrosis scores and histological activity index(HAI)were calculated according to the Ishak scoring system.Fibrosis score was recognized as follows:F0-1 No/early-stage fibrosis,F2-6 significant fibrosis,F0-4 non-cirrhotic and F5-6 cirrhotic.Significant liver fibrosis was defined as an Ishak score of≥2.APRI and N/L ratio calculation was made by blood test results.RESULTS:The hepatitis B and control group showed no difference in N/L ratios while there was a significant difference in terms of APRI scores(P<0.001).Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the only independent predictive factor for liver fibrosis in CHB was platelet count.APRI score was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than in non-cirrhotic patients.However,this significance was not confirmed by multiple logistic regression analysis.The optimum APRI score cut-off point to identify patients with cirrhosis was 1.01with sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 62%(36%-86%),74%(62%-83%),29%(13%-49%)and 92%(82%-97%),respectively.In addition,correlation analyses revealed that N/L ratio has a negative and significant relationship with HAI(r=-0.218,P=0.041).CONCLUSION:N/L ratio was negatively correlated with HAI.APRI score may be useful to exclude cirrhosis in CHB patients.

Dysentery caused by Balantidium coliin a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from Turkey

Balantidium coli is the only parasitic ciliate of man. It is a flattened oval organism covered with cilia, and a gullet at the anterior end. It is infrequently pathogenic for man,although epidemic buds in tropical zones have been described. The infection fundamentally affects the colon and causes variable clinic pictures, from asymptomatic to serious dysenteric forms. We present a case of parasitologically diagnosed as causes of diarrhea in a patient with non Hodgkin's lymphoma from Turkey.In order to find out the causative etiologic agent of diarrhea,stool samples were examined by native,lugol and flotation methods and we detected moving trophozoites, which were approximately 60μm long and 35μm wide.These bodies were diagnosed as Balantidium coli This case underlines that Balantidium coli should also be considered as a possible pathogen in immunocompromised patients with diarrhea.