Breast radiation therapy fluence painting with multi-agent deep reinforcement learning.

Background: The electronic compensation (ECOMP) technique for breast radiation therapy provides excellent dose conformity and homogeneity. However, the manual fluence painting process presents a challenge for efficient clinical operation.

Purpose: To facilitate the clinical treatment planning automation of breast radiation therapy, we utilized reinforcement learning (RL) to develop an auto-planning tool that iteratively edits the fluence maps under the guidance of clinically relevant objectives.

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness and Choroidal Thickness in Parkinson Disease Patients.

To evaluate the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and choroidal thickness (CT) in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. A comparative cross-sectional, hospital-based study. 39 PD and 39 controls were recruited, who were gender and age matched.

"Cervicomastoid Versus Retromandibular Extension of Pre-Auricular Incision in Transmasseteric Anteroparotid Approach for Condylar Fracture Management-a Prospective Study".

Aims: Treating mandibular condylar fractures has always been a matter of debate and controversy. However, there are various approaches, but it is of utmost importance that the surgical procedure must guarantee maximum safety for the facial nerve with best cosmetic outcome and minimizing complications. This prospective study was designed to compare cervicomastoid and retromandibular extension of pre-auricular incision in transmasseteric anteroparotid approach for condylar fractures management.

Disrupted Pediatric Diabetes Trends in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Context: Increases in incident cases of pediatric type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) were observed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This work aimed to identify trends in incidence and presentation of pediatric new-onset T1D and T2D during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted.

Geostatistical spatial projection of geophysical parameters for practical aquifer mapping.

Dense data acquisition for 3-D high-resolution aquifer mapping through heliborne transient electromagnetic (HTEM) survey is continually not possible due to various technical and administrative constraints. Consequently, we apply ground geophysical surveys at possibly closer spacing to collect the sub-surface information in the no-fly area, which provides only a regional aquifer picture. In the area near Patna of Northern India, an extent of 18% was covered under the HTEM survey, and the rest was surveyed by ground geophysical methods.

Pediatric Diabetes on the Rise: Trends in Incident Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Context: The effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the incident cases of pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not clear.

Objective: To identify trends in incidence and presentation of pediatric new-onset T1D and T2D during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted.

Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 selective inhibitor, ameliorates acute and chronic steroid-refractory GvHD mouse models.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication arising in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.  We tested ruxolitinib (a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor) efficacy in three different preclinical models of GvHD.  Ruxolitinib, at doses that mimic clinically achievable human JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription target inhibition, significantly reduced alloreactive T-cell activation and infiltration in the lung and skin, leading to improved outcomes in two experimental models of steroid-refractory acute and chronic GvHD.

Preclinical characterization of itacitinib (INCB039110), a novel selective inhibitor of JAK1, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Pharmacological modulation of the Janus kinase (JAK) family has achieved clinically meaningful therapeutic outcomes for the treatment of inflammatory and hematopoietic diseases. Several JAK1 selective compounds are being investigated clinically to determine their anti-inflammatory potential. We used recombinant enzymes and primary human lymphocytes to assess the JAK1 specificity of itacitinib (INCB039110) and study inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling.

Strategies to bioengineer aptamer-driven nanovehicles as exceptional molecular tools for targeted therapeutics: A review.

Aptamers are a class of folded nucleic acid strands capable of binding to different target molecules with high affinity and selectivity. Over the years, they have gained a substantial amount of interest as promising molecular tools for numerous medical applications, particularly in targeted therapeutics. However, only the different treatment approaches and current developments of aptamer-drug therapies have been discussed so far, ignoring the crucial technical and functional aspects of constructing a therapeutically effective aptamer-driven drug delivery system that translates to improved in-vivo performance.

Mathematical approaches in estimating aptamer-target binding affinity.

The performance of aptamers as versatile tools in numerous analytical applications is critically dependent on their high target binding specificity and selectivity. However, only the technical or methodological aspects of measuring aptamer-target binding affinities are focused, ignoring the equally important mathematical components that play pivotal roles in affinity measurements. In this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive review regarding the utilization of different mathematical models and equations, along with a detailed description of the computational steps involved in mathematically deriving the binding affinity of aptamers against their specific target molecules.

The Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Gene Nato3 Drives Expression of Dopaminergic Neuron Transcription Factors in Neural Progenitors.

The floor plate of the developing midbrain gives rise to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, an important class of cells involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). Neural progenitors of the midbrain floor plate utilize key genes in transcriptional networks to drive dopamine neurogenesis. Identifying factors that promote dopaminergic neuron transcriptional networks can provide insight into strategies for therapies in PD.

Evaluation of Salmon () and Rainbow Trout () pin bones using textural analysis and micro X-ray computational tomography.

Industrially, common problems arise with the deboning pin bone process, where Atlantic Salmon () and Rainbow Trout () fillets, , are subjected to a pulling process to remove the pin bones from the fillet. This study measured the length of pin bones from two species of fish and two different industrial graded weights, and then used a texture analyser and µCT X-ray to measure the pulling force, break point and volume of the pin bones of both species of fish. Results showed that salmon pin bones required significantly higher pulling force to remove pin bones from the fish fillet when compared with Trout pin bones.

Effect of telerehabilitation on long-term adherence to yoga as an antihypertensive lifestyle intervention: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: and purpose: We aimed to investigate the adherence to yoga as an antihypertensive intervention through telerehabilitation.

Materials And Methods: In a randomized controlled trial patients were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Both groups received standardized yoga training during three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation.

Monitoring of pulse pressure variation using a new smartphone application (Capstesia) versus stroke volume variation using an uncalibrated pulse wave analysis monitor: a clinical decision making study during major abdominal surgery.

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) and stroke volume variation (SVV) can be used to assess fluid status in the operating room but usually require dedicated advanced hemodynamic monitors. Recently, a smartphone application (Capstesia™), which automatically calculates PPV from a picture of the invasive arterial pressure waveform from any monitor screen (PPV), has been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare PPV with SVV from an uncalibrated pulse wave analysis monitor (SVV).

Multiple intraosseous cervical pneumatocysts: A case report of a rare incidental finding on cone-beam computed tomography.

This report presents a case of cervical pneumatocysts as an incidental finding on cone-beam computed tomography. Pneumatocysts are gas-containing lesions of unknown etiology. They usually present in the ilium or sacrum, adjacent to the sacroiliac joint.

Natural treatment system models for wastewater management: a study from Hyderabad, India.

Wastewater generated on a global scale has become a significant source of water resources which necessitates appropriate management strategies. However, the complexities associated with wastewater are lack of economically viable treatment systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While many types of treatment systems are needed to serve the various local issues, we propose natural treatment systems (NTS) such as natural wetlands that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be jointly driven by public bodies and communities.

Identification and comparison of RCMV ALL 03 open reading frame (ORF) among several different strains of cytomegalovirus worldwide.

Background: Rat cytomegalovirus ALL-03 (Malaysian strain) which was isolated from a placenta and uterus of a house rat, Rattus rattus diardii has the ability to cross the placenta and infecting the fetus. To further elucidate the pathogenesis of the Malaysian strain of Rat Cytomegalovirus ALL-03 (RCMV ALL-03), detailed analysis on the viral genome sequence is crucial.

Methods: Genome sequencing of RCMV ALL-03 was carried out in order to identify the open reading frame (ORF), homology comparison of ORF with other strains of CMV, phylogenetic analysis, classifying ORF with its corresponding conserved genes, and determination of functional proteins and grouping of gene families in order to obtain fundamental knowledge of the genome.

LC-QTOF-MS identification of porcine-specific peptide in heat treated pork identifies candidate markers for meat species determination.

The purpose of this study was to identify porcine-specific peptide markers from thermally processed meat that could differentiate pork from beef, chevon and chicken meat. In the initial stage, markers from tryptic digested protein of chilled, boiled and autoclaved pork were identified using LC-QTOF-MS. An MRM method was then established for verification.

Development of microbial spoilage and lipid and protein oxidation in rabbit meat.

This experiment aimed to determine microbial spoilage and lipid and protein oxidation during aerobic refrigerated (4°C) storage of rabbit meat. Forty male New Zealand white rabbits were slaughtered according to the Halal slaughter procedure. The hind limbs were used for microbial analysis while the Longissimus lumborum m.

The pharmacology and therapeutic use of dabigatran etexilate.

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral prodrug of dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, that provides the first available oral anticoagulant alternative to warfarin for reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Although warfarin is effective, many patients with AF remain undertreated, primarily because of the management challenges associated with warfarin therapy. Dabigatran etexilate offers several potential advantages over warfarin, including fixed dosing, no requirement for blood coagulation monitoring, and reduced propensity for drug-drug interactions.

Histone deacetylase inhibition and the regulation of cell growth with particular reference to liver pathobiology.

The transcriptional activity of genes largely depends on the accessibility of specific chromatin regions to transcriptional regulators. This process is controlled by diverse post-transcriptional modifications of the histone amino termini of which reversible acetylation plays a vital role. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are responsible for the addition of acetyl groups and histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyse the reverse reaction.

Expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss and is commonly characterized by a chronic inflammation caused by infection by oral bacteria. Members of Toll-like receptor (TLR) family recognize conserved microbial structures, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and activate signaling pathways that result in immune responses against microbial infections. The aim of the present study was to assess the mRNA expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.