A Proposed Approach for Measuring Maturity Level of Software Delivery

Software delivery is vital for modern organizations, driving innovation and competitiveness. Measuring an organization’s maturity in software delivery is crucial for efficiency and quality. The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) framework provides a roadmap for improvement but assessing an organization’s CMM Level is challenging. This paper offers a quantitative approach tailored to the CMM framework, using Goal-Question-Metric (GQM) frame-works for each key process area (KPA). These frameworks include metrics and questions to compute maturity scores effectively. The study also refines practices into questions for a thorough assessment. The result is an Analysis Matrix that calculates weighted scores and an overall maturity score. This approach helps organizations assess and enhance their software delivery processes systematically, aiming for improved practices and growth.

Endodontic irrigants from a comprehensive perspective

This review article explores the fundamental principles of modern endodontics with a focus on root canal cleaning and shaping.It reviews commonly used endodontic irrigant,namely sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl),herbal extracts,chlorhexidine(CHX),and chelating agents,highlighting their properties,applications,and potential drawbacks.NaOCl,a key antimicrobial agent,demonstrates effectiveness against various microorganisms but poses challenges such as high cytotoxicity.Herbal extracts,gaining recognition in endodontics,present an alternative with potential advantages in preserving dentin integrity.CHX,known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity,is discussed in both liquid and gel formulations,emphasizing its role in reducing smear layer formation and preserving hybrid layer durability.Chelating agents,specifically ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid,play a vital role in removing the smear layer,enhancing dentin permeability,and facilitating the penetration of antimicrobial agents.The review article underscores the importance of careful application and consideration of each irrigant's properties to ensure safe and effective endodontic procedures.It serves as a valuable guide for clinicians in selecting appropriate irrigants based on specific treatment requirements.

Alpha2-adrenergic receptor activation reinstates motor deficits in rats recovering from cortical injury

Norepinephrine plays an important role in motor functional recovery after a brain injury caused by ferrous chloride.Inhibition of norepinephrine release by clonidine is correlated with motor deficits after motor cortex injury.The aim of this study was to analyze the role ofα-adrenergic receptors in the restoration of motor deficits in recovering rats after brain damage.The rats were randomly assigned to the sham and injury groups and then treated with the following pharmacological agents at 3 hours before and 8 hours,3 days,and 20 days after ferrous chloride-induced cortical injury:saline,clonidine,efaroxan(a selective antagonist ofα-adrenergic receptors)and clonidine+efaroxan.The sensorimotor score,the immunohistochemical staining forα-adrenergic receptors,and norepinephrine levels were evaluated.Eight hours post-injury,the sensorimotor score and norepinephrine levels in the locus coeruleus of the injured rats decreased,and these effects were maintained 3 days post-injury.However,20 days later,clonidine administration diminished norepinephrine levels in the pons compared with the sham group.This effect was accompanied by sensorimotor deficits.These effects were blocked by efaroxan.In conclusion,an increase inα-adrenergic receptor levels was observed after injury.Clonidine restores motor deficits in rats recovering from cortical injury,an effect that was prevented by efaroxan.The underlying mechanisms involve the stimulation of hypersensitiveα-adrenergic receptors and inhibition of norepinephrine activity in the locus coeruleus.The results of this study suggest thatαreceptor agonists might restore deficits or impede rehabilitation in patients with brain injury,and therefore pharmacological therapies need to be prescribed cautiously to these patients.

Insecticidal Activity and Physicochemical Characterization of Nanoparticles from Foliar Extract of Capsicum chinense

This work was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal effect of mono,bi and trimetallic nanoparticles(NPs)from leaf extract of habanero pepper(Capsicum chinense Jacq.)on the red flour beetle(Tribolium castaneum herbst.)and cotton mealybug(Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley).The results showed that Cu NPs,Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs had high insecticidal effect against T.castaneum(63%-80% mortality after 96 h).The Cu NPs and Zn/Cu NPs showed also insecticidal effect against P.solenopsis,but to a lesser extent(20%–28% after 96 h).With regards to the physicochemical characterization,Cu NPs had a zeta potential of 21.1 mV,whereas Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs exhibited zeta potentials of 200 mV.The polydispersity index(PDI)values for Cu NPs,Cu/Mn NPs,and Zn/Cu NPs were 10.1,29.16,and 14.34,respectively.The TF-IR spectra of the NPs varied from 600 to 4000 cm−1.The EDX weight percentages showed the presence of Cu(0.29%–2.4%),Mn(1.4%),and Zn(2.6%)in Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs,respectively.

Pteropine Orthoreovirus(PRV7S)does not Establish Persistent Infection in NP460 Cells but with Inflammatory Response Triggered

Pteropine orthoreovirus(PRV)is a nonenveloped double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)virus of the genus Orthoreovirus under the family Reoviridae.The PRV genome is composed of 10 dsRNA segments,including three large(L)segments,three medium(M)segments,and four small(S)segments surrounded by an icosahedral capsid[1].

Surgical Approaches in Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Vitrectomy vs. Vitrectomy Combined with Scleral Buckling, Lens-Sparing vs. Phako Procedures

Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the functional and anatomical results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone versus PPV combined with scleral buckling (SB), and lens-sparing versus phaco-procedures for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve comparative studies. The main objective was to assess the BCVA, while reattachment rates and ocular adverse events were considered secondary measures. Rev Manager software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The literature search identified 10 articles comprising 1518 eyes, with 682 eyes in the PPV group, 193 eyes in the lens-sparing versus phaco-procedure group, and 643 eyes in the combined PPV and SB surgery group. Quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias in most domains. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant difference in postoperative BCVA between the PPV and PPV combined with SB groups (WMD = −0.17, 95% CI [0.27, 0.07], p = 0.001). The primary reattachment rates were 82.80% for PPV alone and 87.52% for PPV combined with SB (p = 0.34). The final reattachment rates did not differ significantly between PPV and PPV combined with SB (99% vs. 99.8%;RR = 1.00, 95% CI [1.01, 0.99], p = 0.96). PPV alone demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of macular edema compared to PPV combined with scleral buckling (9.9% vs. 23%;p = 0.006). The incidences of macular hole development (p = 0.46), recurrent retinal detachment (p = 0.27), proliferative vitreoretinopathy development (p = 0.48), epiretinal membrane proliferation (p = 0.77), and limited choroidal hemorrhage (p = 0.69) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PPV alone may be a more effective treatment option in terms of visual acuity (VA) improvement, lower risk of macular edema and cataract development. However, there was no significant difference in VA improvement or complication rates between the lens-sparing and phaco-procedure groups. .

Resolving Myopic Foveoretinal Detachment by Fovea-Saving Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling: A Case-Series Report

Background: In highly myopic eyes, myopic foveoschisis (MF), the earliest stage of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM), is present in up to 34% of patients with pathologic myopia and slowly progresses to form foveoretinal detachment (FRD) or macular hole (MH) with or without macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) as a part of its natural history. Aim: To describe the microstructural and functional results in three highly myopic eyes that underwent macular surgery for early-stage MTM. The last postoperative structural findings were correlated with the final vision and macular automated microperimetry evaluation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed three highly myopic eyes that underwent successful fovea-saving internal limiting membrane (FS-ILM) macular surgery for chronic FRD at Oftalmologia Integral ABC, Mexico City, Mexico. We performed postoperative multimodal microstructural and functional evaluations, including SD-OCT, SS-OCT, and microperimetric macular examinations. Results: There was a substantial difference between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) preoperatively and postoperatively in all three cases. Postoperative surgery was associated with significant improvement in visual acuity confirmed using a paired-sample permutation test. The mean presurgical BCVA value (LogMAR;mean ± SE) was ~0.83 ± 0.15, and the postsurgical value was ~0.43 ± 0.52 (P = 0.00065). The myopic foveoretinal detachment evaluation was ~7.3 ± 3.5 months, with a mean postoperative follow-up time of ~14 ± 4.08 months. Furthermore, postoperative multimodal imaging tests demonstrated an abnormal microstructural foveal SS-OCT pattern without evidence of macular hole (MH) development at the postoperative follow-up. Macular microperimetry confirmed a subclinical reduced macula threshold sensitivity with an anomalous retinal sensitivity analysis map and a stable central foveal fixation site. Conclusions: Even with the successful microstructural disappearance of myopic macular detachment, the last multidisciplinary functional and structural assessments demonstrated different subclinical macular alterations.

Long-Term Postoperative Perfusion Indices in Surgically Resolved Myopic Traction Maculopathy

Background: Pathological myopia can be complicated by the presence of posterior staphyloma, macular atrophy, ruptures in Bruch’s membrane, pathologic choroidal neovascularization, and different degrees of myopic traction maculopathy. Purpose: To report the structural, functional and perfusional outcomes in patients underwent surgery for different stages of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Methods: A retrospective, consecutive, comparative, interventional, one-surgeon, case-control study was conducted in 46 eyes of 34 individuals between April 2015 and May 2021. Participants included normal emmetropic eyes (Control emmetropia, n = 25), healthy myopic eyes (Control high myopia, n = 20), and operated and structurally fully resolved myopic eyes with different stages of MTM (Surgically treated group, n = 46). Long-term postoperative functional and perfusional follow-up evaluations were performed with spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography. The primary outcome measure included long-term functional, structural and perfusion macular status across groups. Results: Forty-six eyes in 34 patients were included in the study group, with both eyes affected in 12 (26.3%) patients. The mean axial length was 29.89 ± 1.67 mm. The preoperative logMAR was 1.29 ± 0.54 and the postoperative logMAR was 0.60 ± 0.52 (P Conclusion: Compared to emmetropic and healthy myopic eyes, surgically-resolved MTM eyes generally have larger superficial foveal avascular zone area, lower vessel density, smaller choriocapillaris flow area, thinner central subfoveal thickness, and more macular defects. Eyes with stage III or IV MTM had larger deviation compared to eyes at earlier stages. Visual function change after surgery was associated with superficial foveal avascular zone area. Better functional, structural and perfusion index outcomes were observed when highly myopic eyes underwent early surgery.

甘草内生细菌对4种植物病原菌的抑菌谱及其16SrRNA系统发育分析

旨在筛选对4种植物病原真菌具有拮抗活性的甘草内生细菌,为新疆甘草内生细菌的开发应用提供理论依据。采用平板对峙培养法从100株甘草内生细菌中筛选对石榴枯萎病甘薯长喙壳、草果叶斑病镰刀菌、草果假茎黑斑病小孢拟盘多毛孢、墨兰炭疽病胶孢炭疽菌等4个病原菌具有拮抗活性的菌株,并测定其16SrRNA基因序列,建立系统发育树对其进行初步鉴定。结果显示,61株菌株对甘薯长喙壳具有拮抗作用,其中13株菌的抑菌半径均大于15mm。进一步研究表明,10株菌对4种植物病原菌都表现出较高的抑菌能力。基于16Sr RNA基因序列分析与系统发育分析表明,其中11株菌为萎缩芽孢杆菌(Bacillus atrophaeus),另外2株菌分别为副氧化微杆菌(Microbacterium paraoxydans)和莫哈韦芽胞杆菌(B.mojavensis)。

采用柠檬酸合成高分散铜催化剂用于选择氢解反应(英文)

A highly dispersed Cu catalyst supported on silica was prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method with citric acid.The synthesis was studied by nitrogen physisorption,X-ray diffraction,and temperature-programmed reduction by comparing with a reference prepared without citric acid.The catalyst precursor obtained after impregnation was X-ray amorphous.The precursor was readily transformed to crystalline CuO upon calcination.The CuO particles were of uniform size in a highly dispersed state and can be reduced to Cu at a lower temperature.The activity of the Cu catalyst obtained was an order of magnitude higher than that of the reference for the hydrogenolysis of methyl laurate to dodecanol.

Active compounds of medicinal plants,mechanism for antioxidant and beneficial effects

An increased interest in the antioxidant effects of medicinal plants has developed in recent years.Identifying antioxidant compounds present in medicinal plants and elucidating the mechanism by which they prevent oxidation have been the focus of the research community.We performed a systematic and exhaustive review aimed at analyzing the available data regarding the beneficial effects of secondary metabolites in plants.The result of this review is presented as a description of free radicals,as well as cellular and physiological oxidative stress,is provided.The origin and source of antioxidant compounds,and the cellular and molecular mechanism by which they exert antioxidant effects,have been reported.The absorption,distribution and,elimination of antioxidants are mentioned.The beneficial effects of secondary metabolites of medicinal plants in various high incidence disease conditions were also reviewed.Finally,disease states that benefit from antioxidant compounds includes diabetes,cancer,cardiovascular diseases,and liver,brain and,intestinal diseases.

Antimutagenic potential of curcumin on chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa

Turmeric has long been used as a spice and food colouring agent in Asia. In the present investigation, the antimutagenic potential of curcumin was evaluated in Allium cepa root meristem cells. So far there is no report on the biological properties of curcumin in plant test systems. The root tip cells were treated with sodium azide at 200 and 300 μg/ml for 3 h and curcumin was given at 5, 10 and 20 μg/ml for 16 h, prior to sodium azide treatment. The tips were squashed after colchicine treatment and the cells were analyzed for chromosome aberration and mitotic index. Curcumin induces chromosomal aberration in Allium cepa root tip cells in an insignificant manner, when compared with untreated control. Sodium azide alone induces chromosomal aberrations significantly with increasing concentrations. The total number of aberrations was significantly reduced in root tip cells pretreated with curcumin. The study reveals that curcumin has antimutagenic potential against sodium azide induced chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root meristem cells. In addition, it showed mild cytotoxicity by reducing the percentage of mitotic index in all curcumin treated groups, but the mechanism of action remains unknown. The antimutagenic potential of curcumin is effective at 5 μg/ml in Allium cepa root meristem cells.

Review of Cellulose Smart Material: Biomass Conversion Process and Progress on Cellulose-Based Electroactive Paper

Cellulose is a renewable biomass material and natural polymer which is abundantly available on Earth,and includes agricultural wastes,forestry residues,and woody materials.The excellent and smart characteristics of cellulose materials,such as lightweight,biocompatibility,biodegradability,high mechanical strength/stiffness and low thermal expansibility,have made cellulose a highpotential material for various industry applications.Cellulose has recently been discovered as a smart material in the electroactive polymers family which carries the name of cellulose-based electroactive paper(EAPap).The shear piezoelectricity in cellulose polymers is able to induce large displacement output,low actuation voltage,and low power consumption in the application of biomimetic sensors/actuators and electromechanical system.The present study provides an overview of biomass pretreatment from various lignocellulosic cellulose(LC)resources and nanocellulose production via TEMPO-mediated oxidation reaction,followed by the production of different types of EAPap versus its performance,and lastly the applications of EAPap in different areas and industries.Specifically,LC biomass consists mainly of cellulose having a small content of hemicelluloses and lignins which form a defensive inner structure against the degradation of plant cell wall.Thus,selective approaches are discussed to ensure proper extraction of cellulosic fibers from complex biomass for further minimization to nano-dimensions.In addition,a comprehensive review of the development of cellulose-based EAPap as well as fabrication,characterization,performance enhancement and applications of EAPap devices are discussed herein.

Thyme oil and thymol abrogate doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats via repression of oxidative stress and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms

This study aimed to assess the preventive effects of thyme oil and thymol on doxorubicin(DOX)-induced renotoxicity,cardiotoxicity,and oxidative stress in Wistar rats.Thyme oil was subjected to GC-MS analysis,which indicated that thymol was the major constituent representing 33.896%.Rats intraperitoneally injected with DOX at a dose of 2 mg/kg b.w./one per week for 7 weeks were co-treated with thyme oil and its major constituent,thymol,at doses 250 and 100 mg/kg b.w./every other day,respectively,by oral gavage for the same period.Thyme oil and thymol markedly ameliorated the raised levels of serum urea,uric acid,and creatinine in DOX-administered rats.They also reduced the elevated activities of serum CK-MB and LDH.Thyme oil was more effective than thymol in decreasing the elevated serum creatinine level and serum CK-MB activity in DOX-administered rats,thereby reflecting its more potent effect on kidney and heart functions.Lipid peroxidation significantly decreased while GSH level and GST and GPx activities significantly increased in kidney and heart of DOX-administered rats treated with thyme oil and thymol.The DOX-induced perturbed kidney histological changes including congestion of glomerulus tuft,inflammatory cells infiltration,protein cast in lumina of the renal tubule,and thickening of the parietal layer of Bowman’s capsule were remarkably ameliorated as a result of treatment with thyme oil and thymol;thyme oil was more effective.In addition,DOX-induced deleterious heart histological alterations,including intramuscular infiltration of inflammatory cells,focal necrosis of cardiac myocytes,and edema,were remarkably reduced by treatment with thyme oil and thymol.Thus,it can be concluded that DOX could induce marked toxicity in kidney and heart,and the treatment with thyme oil or thymol produced potential improvement of kidney and heart function and histological integrity via repression of oxidative stress and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Lipid peroxidation: Its effects on the formulation and use of pharmaceutical emulsions

Pharmaceutical delivery systems are developed to improve the physicochemical properties of therapeutic compounds. Emulsions are one of these drug delivering systems formulated using water, oils and lipids as main ingredients. Extensive data are usually generated on the physical and chemical characteristics of these oil-in-water and lipid emulsions. However, the oxidative tendency of emulsions is often overlooked. Oxidation impacts the overall quality and safety of these pharmaceutical emulsions. Additionally, introducing oxidatively unstable emulsions into biological systems further promotes oxidation in situ. Products of these reactions then continue to pose serious harm to cells and fuel other physiological oxidation reactions. Consequently, the increase of oxidation products leads to oxidative damage to biological systems. Thus, emulsions with lower lipid peroxidation are more stable and will reduce the negative effects of oxidation in situ. Preventive measures during the formulation of emulsions are important. Many naturally occurring and cost effective substances possess low oxidation tendencies and confer oxidative protection when used in emulsions. Additionally,certain preparatory methods should be employed to reduce or better control lipid peroxidation.Finally, emulsions must be evaluated for their oxidation susceptibility using the various techniques available. Careful attention to the preparation of emulsions and assessment of their oxidative stability will help produce safer emulsions without compromising efficacy.

Organ donation in China:the major progress and the continuing problem

China has banned harvesting organs from executed prisoners since January 1st, 2015, making voluntary donation the only legitimate venue for organ transplant. It is a critical move to settle all the controversies about China＇s organ transplant process by making a loud and strong statement worldwide that the Chinese government respects human rights and is streamlining its organ transplant process to conform with internationally accepted standards on organ transplantation. This regulation removes one major obstacle of organ transplant in China; however, China still faces the other maior obstacle of critical organ shortage.

柚皮苷改善束缚性应激引起的小鼠生化指标及行为变化的一氧化氮调节机制(英文)

目的:研究柚皮苷对束缚性应激引起的小鼠生化指标改变、行为变化及线粒体功能紊乱的影响。方法:将小鼠按照体质量随机分组,分别给予不同药物治疗14 d。在第15天让所有小鼠接受束缚性应激刺激6 h,然后在接受各种不同的行为测试后处死。取小鼠的大脑匀浆进行各种生化指标测量和线粒体功能分析。结果:6 h的急性束缚性应激刺激能显著改变小鼠的行为(焦虑和记忆),引起生化指标变化和线粒体功能紊乱。用柚皮苷预处理(50或100 mg/kg口服)14 d则能显著减轻急性束缚性应激刺激引起的小鼠行为和生化指标变化以及线粒体功能紊乱(P<0.05);而使用一氧化氮的前体左旋精氨酸预处理(50 mg/kg腹腔注射)可以拮抗柚皮苷的保护效应(P<0.05)。此外,采用左旋精氨酸甲酯预处理(5 mg/kg腹腔注射)则导致柚皮苷的保护效应增强。结论:柚皮苷对束缚性应激刺激引起的小鼠行为和生化指标变化以及线粒体功能紊乱的保护作用与氮能神经通路有关。

Avocado and Cardiovascular Health

Avocado is a fruit which had a caloric density of 1.7 kcal per gram and a half unit (~70 g) is composed by 114 kcal, 4.6 g of fibers, 345 mg of potassium, 19.5 mg of magnesium, 1.3 mg of vitamin E and 57 mg of phytosterols. Approximately 75% of fiber’s avocado contents are considered insoluble and 25% are soluble. The avocado contains lipids that consist of 71% from monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 13% from polyunsaturated (PUFA) and 16% from saturated fatty acids (SFA). Recent researches have shown that avocado may improve hypercholesterolemia and may be useful in the treatment of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This way, avocado plays an important role in the cardiovascular health. This review summarizes the potential benefits of avocado consumption in the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic diseases.

The Impact of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) in Human Health

Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 fatty acids is ALA, found in seeds and seed oils. Other important sources are fish oils such as tuna, salmon and herring. Currently, numerous studies suggest possible benefits of essential fatty acids in human health, such as in cardiovascular, cognitive and eye health, and also during pregnancy and childhood. This paper also discusses the impact of fatty acids in human metabolism, and the available evidence regarding its risks. It addresses the relevant debate regarding a general ban of trans fatty acids (TFA) from the world food market, because of the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption.

Liquid biopsy approach to pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer(PC)continues to pose a major clinical challenge.There has been little improvement in patient survival over the past few decades,and it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer mortality by 2030.The dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 10%after the diagnosis is attributable to the lack of early symptoms,the absence of specific biomarkers for an early diagnosis,and the inadequacy of available chemotherapies.Most patients are diagnosed when the disease has already metastasized and cannot be treated.Cancer interception is vital,actively intervening in the malignization process before the development of a full-blown advanced tumor.An early diagnosis of PC has a dramatic impact on the survival of patients,and improved techniques are urgently needed to detect and evaluate this disease at an early stage.It is difficult to obtain tissue biopsies from the pancreas due to its anatomical position;however,liquid biopsies are readily available and can provide useful information for the diagnosis,prognosis,stratification,and follow-up of patients with PC and for the design of individually tailored treatments.The aim of this review was to provide an update of the latest advances in knowledge on the application of carbohydrates,proteins,cell-free nucleic acids,circulating tumor cells,metabo-lome compounds,exosomes,and platelets in blood as potential biomarkers for PC,focusing on their clinical relevance and potential for improving patient outcomes.