Long-term effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the pancreas of female mouse offspring

BACKGROUND Prolonged fetal exposure to hyperglycemia may increase the risk of developing abnormal glucose metabolism and type-2 diabetes during childhood,adolescence,and adulthood;however,the mechanisms by which gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)predisposes offspring to metabolic disorders remain unknown.AIM To quantify the nerve axons,macrophages,and vasculature in the pancreas from adult offspring born from mouse dams with GDM.METHODS GDM was induced by i.p.administration of streptozotocin(STZ)in ICR mouse dams.At 12 wk old,fasting blood glucose levels were determined in offspring.At 15 wk old,female offspring born from dams with and without GDM were sacrificed and pancreata were processed for immunohistochemistry.We quantified the density of sensory[calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)]and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)axons,blood vessels(endomucin),and macro-phages(CD68)in the splenic pancreas using confocal microscopy.RESULTS Offspring mice born from STZ-treated dams had similar body weight and blood glucose values compared to offspring born from vehicle-treated dams.However,the density of CGRP+and TH+axons,endomucin+blood vessels,and CD68+macrophages in the exocrine pancreas was significantly greater in offspring from mothers with GDM vs control offspring.Likewise,the microvasculature in the islets was significantly greater,but not the number of macrophages within the islets of offspring born from dams with GDM compared to control mice.CONCLUSION GDM induces neuronal,vascular,and inflammatory changes in the pancreas of adult progeny,which may partially explain the higher propensity for offspring of mothers with GDM to develop metabolic diseases.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Honeybees and Its Antibacterial Potential

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are important pollinators of flowering plants and agricultural crops contributing annually to billions of dollars in revenues to crop production. Honeybees have an average lifespan between 8 weeks to 5 years. Dead honeybees are abundantly available in beehives and can be utilized as an alternative source to synthesize nanoparticles. In recent years, biologically synthesized nanoparticles have been preferred over their chemical counterparts. However, honeybee-based-green synthesis of nanoparticles has not been explored yet. Herein, we report the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from honeybees and its antibacterial activity. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored visually through a gradual change in color. Furthermore, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were confirmed and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscope was utilized to analyze the average size and morphologies of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Subsequently, the antibacterial potential of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. It was found that a distinct color change from yellow to brown in the reaction solution suggested the formation of silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited absorption maxima at 430 nm. The SEM analysis confirmed the spherical and cuboidal shape of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with a size range between 10 - 40 nm. Furthermore, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antimicrobial potential against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains by aggregating on the cell surface. This study showcases the biomedical and agricultural applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from honeybee wings. .

Effect of Variety and Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of variety and plant spacing on yield and growth of groundnuts. The field experiment was laid in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A included three (3) groundnut varieties (Nkatie Sari, Sum Nutt 22 and Yenyawoso) and Factor B was the three (3) spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm and 30 cm × 40 cm. All recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data was collected from eight (8) tagged plants. Growth data were recorded on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and the number of flowers while yield data were collected on the number of flowers, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight and the pod yield (kg/ha). The plant spacing significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the growth and yield parameters. Groundnut grown at a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm produced the maximum plant height, whereas the maximum number of leaves, number of branches and number of flowers were produced from 30 cm × 40 cm. Yenyawoso variety with a wider plant spacing performed better vegetatively among all the varieties. The Yenyawoso variety produced the highest number of pods, 100 seeds weight and pod yield as compared to the other varieties. Also, Yenyawoso at 30 cm × 40 cm spacing and Nkatie Sari at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing produced the maximum pod yield.

Multi-Organ Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal inherited disorder that affects all races and ethnicities in the United States. However, it is mostly predominant in the Caucasian populace accounting for about 80% of all CF cases. CF most severe complication can be referred to as pulmonary bronchiectasis and infections of the airways, nonetheless, the devastating effects of the disease have far-reaching consequences beyond lung damage. CF is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. The impairment or absence of this gene can affect multiple organs and systems and is characterized not only by chronic lung blockage, infections, and inflammation but also by exocrine gland dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, liver pathology, elevated sweat chloride concentration, and in males, infertility due to the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. To this end, we briefly explore the pathological effects of CF and how CF mediates the destruction of several critical organs in the body and some of the gene therapeutical approaches such as gene editing and viral-based strategies available for the treatment of this multi-organ disease.

Unveiling Global Human Trafficking Trends: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of global human trafficking trends over a twenty-year period, leveraging a robust dataset from the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC). The study unfolds in a systematic manner, beginning with a detailed data collection phase, where ethical and legal standards for data usage and privacy are strictly observed. Following collection, the data undergoes a rigorous preprocessing stage, involving cleaning, integration, transformation, and normalization to ensure accuracy and consistency for analysis. The analytical phase employs time-series analysis to delineate historical trends and utilizes predictive modeling to forecast future trajectories of human trafficking using the advanced analytical capabilities of Power BI. A comparative analysis across regions—Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe—is conducted to identify and visualize the distribution of human trafficking, dissecting the data by victim demographics, types of exploitation, and duration of victimization. The findings of this study not only offer a descriptive and predictive outlook on trafficking patterns but also provide insights into the regional nuances that influence these trends. The article underscores the prevalence and persistence of human trafficking, identifies factors contributing to its evolution, and discusses the implications for policy and law enforcement. By integrating a methodological approach with quantitative analysis, this research contributes to the strategic planning and resource allocation for combating human trafficking. It highlights the necessity for continued research and international cooperation to effectively address and mitigate this global issue. The implications of this research are significant, offering actionable insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and advocates in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.

考虑收益的航空升舱服务产品动态定价方法

为使升舱服务产品实现旅客和航空公司利益共赢,本文构建旅客与航空公司均衡效用模型,采用Weibull分布函数刻画旅客对特定价格接受概率,并将其嵌入均衡效用模型,得出旅客在不同选择概率下的升舱服务产品价格;同时,为使模型更符合实际,在模型中加入升舱服务产品的价格约束以及座位数约束,并证明在收益最大情况下,升舱服务最优价格一定在其价格约束区间内;最后,通过算例分别分析单一等级舱位升舱和多等级舱位升舱问题,得出两种情况下对不同舱位提供升舱服务产品的最优价格,以及对应动态定价策略下航空公司的收益。研究结果表明:与传统静态定价相比,若航空公司在升舱服务产品定价时考虑旅客需求效用,既能减少航空公司高端舱位的空置率,提高收益,又能使旅客以较低的价格享受升舱服务。此外,相比于单一等级升舱服务产品,多等级升舱服务产品可给航空公司带来更多收益,算例分析表明,航空公司销售两等级升舱服务产品比仅销售单一等级升舱服务产品带来的收益增加39.12%。

牙龈卟啉单胞菌在消化系统恶性肿瘤中的作用机制的循证评价

目的 口腔菌群与人类健康之间的关系已被学界广泛认识,本研究采用系统评价的方法总结分析牙龈卟啉单胞菌在消化系统恶性肿瘤中的作用。方法 检索PubMed、Embase、MEDLINE、Cochrane图书馆、Scopus和Web of Science数据库,检索时限均从建库至2023年8月25日。由2位评价员独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入文献的偏倚风险。遵循系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目(preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses,PRISMA)方法对纳入文献进行系统评价,分析牙龈卟啉单胞菌在各消化道恶性肿瘤中的致癌机制。结果 共计28篇文献(包括2项前瞻性队列研究,26项病例对照研究)被纳入本次系统评价,包括胃癌、食管癌、结直肠癌、胰腺癌、肝癌等多种类型。其中研究食管癌的文献有5篇,胃癌有5篇,结直肠癌有9篇(其中1篇同时研究胃癌),胰腺癌有7篇,肝癌有2篇。全部的纳入文献均报道了口腔菌群失调(包括牙龈卟啉单胞菌)与消化系统恶性肿瘤之间的风险关联。结论 本研究系统阐述了牙龈卟啉单胞菌在消化系统恶性肿瘤中的作用,对其可能的致病机制进行分析评价。

Exploring Chemovar-Specific Cannabis Extracts Quantification and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Compounds for Targeting Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) represents one of the most aggressive and metastatic brain tumors, with a dismal success rate of less than three percent after five years, particularly in tumors with active immune checkpoints. This necessitates the development of targeted endogenous agents for precise GBM treatment. Previous experiments utilizing Chemovar Specific Cannabis Extractions (CSCEs), fractionated with polar solvents and quantified using Liquid and Gas Column Chromatography combined with Mass Spectrometry (LC/GCMS), have shown reduced viability and motility in human GBM cell lines. However, the complexity of the botanical substance has hindered the personalization of standard cannabis medicines for GBM due to unknown synergistic effects of multiple compounds. To address this limitation, our study focuses on exposing AM251 cells to chemovar fractions extracted using a non-polar solvent, thereby isolating a broader spectrum of constituents. By employing LC/GCMS in conjunction with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), we have identified and quantified nine* compounds present in the non-polar CSCE that exhibit significant efficacy (0.1 μM) in inducing cytotoxicity* in GBM tumor cells. Conversely, the polar fraction in our experiment did not demonstrate efficacy against UM251 cells. The quantification of individual compounds within a cannabis extraction that selectively induces cell death in brain tumors holds promise for guiding future research and facilitating the development of a standardized CSCE for GBM therapy.

Electron Micrographic Representations of Mechanisms of Action of Murine Norovirus on ATCC TIB-71 Cells and Level of Gene Expression

Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the number one cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide resulting in a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in all age groups. However, despite the medical relevance of HuNoV, effective treatment against norovirus infection is yet to be developed. In this study, we investigated the anti-Noroviral activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyces and Zanthoxylum armatum (ZA) seeds using murine norovirus, a surrogate of human norovirus. The antiviral mechanisms of action were also examined using a gene expression studies and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that virus-infected cells were left potentially void of all the cell machineries whereas uninfected cells represent healthy normal and dividing cells. The infected treated cells with extracts showed restoration of the dense cytoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane, and the nucleus. These cells were also associated with the expression of ORF genes. This study demonstrates the antiviral properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyces and Zanthoxylum armatum (ZA) and thus indicates their potential as natural remedies to treat noroviruses.

Garden Egg (Solanum melongena L.) Performance under Different Sources of Animal Manure as a Sustainable Alternative Fertilizer for Farmers

To ensure food security, continuous intensive farming systems with limited fallowing periods and other farming systems like crop rotation have led to poor soil health with extremely low organic matter, especially in tropical regions with high organic matter mineralization. Small-scale farmers in developing countries cannot afford intensive agricultural systems with heavy chemical inputs, which have not improved soil health. Inorganic fertilizers are harmful to the environment, so farmers should use cheap, locally available organic fertilizers like animal manure, which supports organic agricultural systems and soil health. Animal manure is used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, fertility, and crop yields, but data on how different manures affect specific crops is scarce. Poultry, cattle, and goat manure were compared to no fertilizer and mineral fertilizer on garden egg phenology, vegetative growth, and yield. Poultry manure improved garden egg vegetative growth, phenology, yield, and yield components compared to the negative control and the other treatments. Poultry manure yielded the most fruit at 0.921 kg∙ha-1, followed by cattle and goat manure at 0.709 kg∙ha-1 and 0.698 kg∙ha-1. In conclusion, poultry manure may be a better alternative to synthetic NPK with yield performance similar to garden eggs and long-term soil health benefits similar to other manure sources.

Audiogram Bone-Conduction Testing Induced Seizure in Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury

In this case report, we discuss a patient who presented with Tullio’s phenomenon, who also experienced bone-conduction induced seizures on two occasions. Tullio’s phenomenon refers to sound induced vestibular symptoms, including disequilibrium oscillopsia, and vertical nystagmus. We were ultimately able to rule out some of the more common pathologies associated with Tullio’s phenomenon for this patient based on imaging findings. However, given the specific nature of her chronic symptoms, as well as her seizure like activity in clinic, we performed a literature search to investigate other less common pathologies associated with Tullio’s phenomenon. Given her past medical history of mixed psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), there is likely a somatic component to her presentation. However, given the specific and unexpected nature of these events, we propose that her symptoms may also be related to a unique inner ear pathology. Specifically, we feel that she may have exhibited symptoms of vestibular atelectasis, a relatively new otologic diagnosis characterizing the pathologic collapse of the ampulla and utricle, such that the membranous labyrinth contacts the stapes. In this way, loud sounds or changes in pressure may induce vestibular symptoms. Dizzy patients can be a difficult demographic to diagnose and manage, especially when their presentation is complicated by other functional neurologic disorders. Ultimately, we believe that this case report offers helpful insights into a new disease process associated with Tullio’s phenomenon.

中国大陆麻醉住院医师毕业后教育的探讨

经过近几年在全国部分省市试点后,2015年教育部和卫计委正式通知在全国范围内改变医学教育的现有模式,新的规范化培养（简称规培）已经逐步开展并日渐规范。各专科住院医师规范化培训的目的是培养具有现代医学素质的专职人员,能够胜任现代医学的临床要求。同时对住院医师进行评估和考核已经日趋重要,同样需要通过规范化的方式进行。现将美国麻醉住院医师培训考核模式与国内麻醉住院医师考核方式进行比较。

家庭生态系统与初中生心理韧性的发展

为了考察初中生心理韧性的发展特点及家庭生态系统对其的影响机制,该研究使用心理韧性量表对1107名初中预备年级学生进行为期两年三次的追踪测查。结果发现:(1)三年间,初中生心理韧性呈先上升再下降的发展趋势。(2)家庭生态系统与初中生心理韧性关系密切,其中,良好的家庭气氛、丰富的家庭活动、父母的情感温暖、信任、沟通、亲子依恋、家人支持等保护因素可以减少过度保护、拒绝、疏离、亲子争吵等风险因素对青少年心理韧性发展的消极影响,促进初中生心理韧性的发展。

Exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction： more than a heart problem

有保存喷射部分(HFpEF ) 的心失败(HF ) 是在更老的成年人的 HF 的最普通的形式，并且当人口变老，在流行正在增加。而且， HFpEF 正在增加与 HF 与不成比例当 HFrEF 的正在改善时，减少的 EF (HFrEF ) ，和它的预后正在变得更坏。尽管有 HFpEF 的重要性，我们它的 pathophysiology 的理解不完全、最佳治疗仍然保持大部分未定义。HFpEF 的一个最重要的特征是减少的锻练忍耐，它象生活的减少的质量一样与症状相关。锻练限制的传统的概念集中了于与差的心脏的泵功能有关的中央机能障碍。然而，机制不对心和肺独占，并且这疾病的 pathophysiology 的理解演变。实质的注意集中了于定义与 HF 在病人之中位于减少的功能的能力和锻练忍耐下面的中央对外部的机制。事实上，物理训练能甚至当有利中央血液动力学的功能不在时经由外部适应机制改进锻练忍耐。另外，药试用在集中了于影响心血管的功能的 HFpEF 表现了到日期没改进锻练能力。这建议外部限制可以在限制锻练忍耐的 HF 起一个重要作用， HFpEF 的一个特点特征。

Artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.Advances in artificial intelligence(AI),specifically computer aided detection and computer-aided diagnosis offer promising methods of increasing adenoma detection rates with the goal of removing more pre-cancerous polyps.Conversely,these methods also may allow for smaller non-cancerous lesions to be diagnosed in vivo and left in place,decreasing the risks that come with unnecessary polypectomies.This review will provide an overview of current advances in the use of AI in colonoscopy to aid in polyp detection and characterization as well as areas of developing research.

血管内插管的感染病因

纤维蛋白鞘是血管内插管的感染来源，它通常在中央静脉导管放置3天后形成。但只有大约50%的纤维蛋白鞘培养结果呈阳性。在那些培养结果阳性的病例中，细菌开始繁殖的时间因导管不同部位各不相同：皮下平均5.1天，导管尖端平均8.6天，导管腔内平均13.1天。导管上的细菌越多，就越可能发生炎症或血液感染。因导管导致血液感染的危险从小于2/1000器械使用天数(外周静脉留置针，外周穿刺中央静脉导管PICC，隧道式中央静脉导管，皮下输液装置)，10/1000器械使用天数(动脉导管和Swan-Ganz导管)，30～50/1000k器械使用天数(多通路中央静脉导管和肾透析插管)。影响血管内插管感染发生的内源性因素包括：宿主情况，细菌类型，导管材料以及制造工艺。人类非常容易感染葡萄球菌，兔子却不这样。表面葡萄球菌需要粘多糖才能引起导管感染。硅胶材料的导管比聚氨酯、聚氯乙烯及特氟隆材料更容易发生感染，这可能与它的过度活化作用有关。影响血管内插管感染发生的外源性因素包括：无菌屏障的范围，皮肤消毒剂种类，穿刺人员是否经过专业培训，整个输液系统被外物介入的次数，高营养输液(酵母菌最易繁殖)，5%葡萄糖溶液(革兰氏阴性菌最易繁殖)以及脂质乳液(糠疹癣菌最易繁殖)。

Effect of clonidine on the cutaneous silent period during spinal anesthesia

AIM To investigate the effect of clonidine on the cutaneous silent period(CSP) during spinal anesthesia. METHODS A total of 67 adult patients were included in this randomized, prospective, single-center, double-blind trial. They did not have neurological disorders and were scheduled for inguinal hernia repair surgery. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov(NTC03121261). The patients were randomized into two groups with regards to the intrathecally administered solution:(1) 15 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine with 50 μg of 0.015% clonidine, or(2) 15 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine alone. There were 34 patients in the levobupivacaine-clonidine(LC) group and 33 patients in the levobupivacaine(L) group. CSP and its latency were measured four times: prior to the subarachnoid block(SAB), after motor block regression to the 0 level of the Bromage scale, with ongoing sensory blockade, and both 6 and 24 h after SAB.RESULTS Only data from 30 patients in each group were analyzed. There were no significant differences between the groups investigated preoperatively and after 24 h. The CSP of the L group at the time point when the Bromage scale was 0 was 44.8 ± 8.1 ms, while in the LC group it measured 40.2 ± 3.8 ms(P = 0.007). The latency in the L group at the time point when the Bromage scale was 0 was 130.3 ± 10.2 ms, and in the LC group it was 144.7 ± 8.3 ms(P < 0.001). The CSP of the L group after 6 h was 59.6 ± 9.8 ms, while in the LC group it was 44.5 ± 5.0 ms(P < 0.001). The latency in the L group after 6 h was 110.4 ± 10.6 ms, while in LC group it was 132.3 ± 9.7 ms(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION Intrathecal addition of clonidine to levobupivacaine for SAB in comparison with levobupivacaine alone resultsin a diminished inhibitory tonus and shortened CSP.

Skin 3D Bioprinting. Applications in Cosmetology

Tissue engineering has been used for the treatment of several skin diseases and lesions;however, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine also have a huge potential in cosmetology. They include skin substitutes, cell therapy and wound-healing treatments based on biomaterial-based replacements and 3D systems. This review focuses on the bioprinting technology and how it can improve skin functions, restoring pigmentation or helping hair follicles to develop.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Chemotherapy Regimens in Unselected Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of chemotherapy in carefully selected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. How generalizable these results are to other NSCLC patients is unresolved. Methods: The outcomes of patients treated with standard chemotherapy regimens (paclitaxel / carboplatin;gemcitabine / carboplatin;pemetrexed / carboplatin;paclitaxel / carboplatin / bevacizumab) off study as first line therapy between 2002 and 2012 at our institution were compared to the reported results of trials supporting the FDA approval of these drugs and/or regimens. Results: In our population, 38.1% of the patients had hypertension, 11.9% of the patients were diabetic, 23.7% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 11.9% had coronary artery disease (CAD) and 2.1% had renal or liver disease. Notably, the presence of a single or multiple comorbidities was associated with low overall survival compared to matched patients with no comorbidities (p = 0.007). Conclusion: The presence of single or multiple comorbidities is associated with inferior overall survival compared to matched groups without such pre-existing conditions.

An Agent-Based Approach to the Newsvendor Problem with Price-Dependent Demand

This research presents an agent-based approach to finding near-optimal solutions to the newsvendor problem with price-dependent demand. The classical newsvendor problem is pursued where the decision of order quantity needs to be made in order to maximize expected profit. Here, the additional caveat of price-sensitive demand is included. This means that price (P) and order quantity (Q) are decision variables under the control of the newsvendor, with the intent of maximizing the expected value of the associated profit. The solution approach exploits an agent-based strategy, where an artificial agent traverses a grid-coordinate system of Price and Quantity values, where each unique Price and Quantity combination results in an expected profit. The agent-based approach consistently results in optimal solutions to a problem from the literature.