Nitrosyl factors play a vital role in the ventilatory depressant effects of fentanyl in freely moving guinea pigs.

An understanding of intracellular mechanisms by which fentanyl and other synthetic opioids exert adverse effects on breathing is needed. Using freely moving adult male guinea pigs, we administered the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), to determine whether nitrosyl factors, such as nitric oxide and S-nitrosothiols, play a role in fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. Ventilatory parameters were recorded by whole body plethysmography to determine the effects of fentanyl (75 μg/kg, IV) in guinea pigs that had received a prior injection of vehicle (saline), L-NAME or the inactive D-isomer, D-NAME (both at 50 μmol/kg, IV), 15 min beforehand.

Advancements in MEMS Micromirror and Microshutter Arrays for Light Transmission Through a Substrate.

This paper reviews and compares electrostatically actuated MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) arrays for light modulation and light steering in which transmission through the substrate is required. A comprehensive comparison of the technical achievements of micromirror arrays and microshutter arrays is provided. The main focus of this paper is MEMS micromirror arrays for smart glass in building windows and façades.

MEMS Smart Glass with Larger Angular Tuning Range and 2D Actuation.

Millions of electrostatically actuatable micromirror arrays have been arranged in between windowpanes in inert gas environments, enabling active daylighting in buildings for illumination and climatization. MEMS smart windows can reduce energy consumption significantly. However, to allow personalized light steering for arbitrary user positions with high flexibility, two main limitations must be overcome: first, limited tuning angle spans by MEMS pull-in effects; and second, the lack of a second orthogonal tuning angle, which is highly required.

Scaling and networking a modular photonic quantum computer.

Photonics offers a promising platform for quantum computing, owing to the availability of chip integration for mass-manufacturable modules, fibre optics for networking and room-temperature operation of most components. However, experimental demonstrations are needed of complete integrated systems comprising all basic functionalities for universal and fault-tolerant operation. Here we construct a (sub-performant) scale model of a quantum computer using 35 photonic chips to demonstrate its functionality and feasibility.

Growth dynamics of Indian infants using latent trajectory models in pooled survey datasets.

Background: National survey data show that age- and sex-standardized weight and length measurements decline early in Indian children. In population-level longitudinal data, early detection of growth trajectories is important for the implementation of interventions. We aimed to identify and characterize distinct growth trajectories of Indian children from birth to 12 months of age residing in urban and rural areas.

Functional leaf and plant use by leafcutter bees: Implications for management and conservation.

Wild solitary bees face a host of challenges from the simplification of landscapes and biodiversity loss to invasive species and urbanization. Pollinator researchers and restoration workers thus far gave much attention to increase flower cover to reduce the impact of these anthropogenic pressures. Over 30% of bee species need nonfloral resources such as leaves and resin for their survival and reproduction.

Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Melioidosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kerala, India.

Melioidosis is a neglected tropical infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in soil and water across tropical countries. The infection spectrum ranges from mild localized lesions to severe sepsis. The clinical presentation, severity, and outcome are influenced by the route of infection, bacterial load, strain virulence, and specific virulence genes of B.

Correlation between sarcopenia and hypertrophy of the future liver remnant in patients undergoing portal vein embolization before liver resection.

Objectives: To study the correlation between sarcopenia and hypertrophy of the future liver remnant(FLR) in patients undergoing portal vein embolization(PVE) before liver resection, and to assess the outcomes after resection.

Methods: This retrospective study examined patients underwent PVE from May 2012 to May 2023. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features were documented and total liver volumes(TLV) and FLR volumes were measured before and 2-4 weeks after PVE.

A sweeping view of avian mycoplasmas biology drawn from comparative genomic analyses.

Background: Avian mycoplasmas are small bacteria associated with several pathogenic conditions in many wild and poultry bird species. Extensive genomic data are available for many avian mycoplasmas, yet no comparative studies focusing on this group of mycoplasmas have been undertaken so far.

Results: Here, based on the comparison of forty avian mycoplasma genomes belonging to ten different species, we provide insightful information on the phylogeny, pan/core genome, energetic metabolism, and virulence of these avian pathogens.

Insights into the interaction between hemorphins and δ-opioid receptor from molecular modeling.

Hemorphins are short atypical opioid peptide fragments embedded in the β-chain of hemoglobin. They have received considerable attention recently due to their interaction with opioid receptors. The affinity of hemorphins to opioid receptors μ-opioid receptor (MOR), δ-opioid receptor (DOR), and κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has been well established.

Aging of plastics and microplastics in the environment: a review on influencing factors, quantification methods, challenges, and future perspectives.

The ubiquitous presence of fragmented plastic particles needs comprehensive understanding of its fate in the environment. The long-term persistence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment is a significant threat to the ecosystem. Even though various degradation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological) of commonly used plastics have been demonstrated, quantifying the degradation of MPs over time to predict the consequence of plastic littering and its persistence in the environment remains a challenge.

Evaluating the predictive efficacy of the El-Ganzouri risk index for difficult laryngoscopy and intubation with King Vision video laryngoscope: A prospective cohort study.

Background And Aims: El-Ganzouri risk index (EGRI) scoring is a predictive tool for difficult video laryngoscope (VL) guided tracheal intubation, and its use has been studied for various VLs. This study evaluates the predictive value of EGRI scoring for difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation with King Vision VL.

Methods: Airway assessment was performed preinduction using the EGRI score.

Identification and characterization of host miRNAs that target the mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) genome.

The intricate interplay between viruses and hosts involves microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression by targeting cellular/viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV), the aetiological agent of breast cancer and leukaemia/lymphomas in mice, provides an ideal model to explore how viral and host miRNAs interact to modulate virus replication and tumorigenesis. We previously reported dysregulation of host miRNAs in MMTV-infected mammary glands and MMTV-induced tumours, suggesting a direct interaction between MMTV and miRNAs.

Therapy-related hand-foot syndrome: a review.

Anti-tumor drugs cause hand-foot syndrome through a variety of pathogenic mechanisms. Some chemotherapeutic medications that can cause HFS include 5FU, doxorubicin, capecitabine, high dose cytarabine, and others. These medications each have a unique mechanism resulting in HFS.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis With Graves' Disease: A Case Report.

One type of hypokalemic periodic paralysis that is associated with hyperthyroidism is called thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP). TPP can be linked to any cause of hyperthyroidism, although Graves' disease is the most common cause. This sporadic variant of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, is characterized by rapid onset weakness in the proximal muscles.

Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire - Translation and Validation in a South Indian Language.

Background And Objectives: Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) refers to specific behaviors or minor deficits in social/communication skills not meeting the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The BAP Questionnaire (BAPQ) measures aloof personality (AP), rigid personality (RP), and pragmatic language (PL) deficits of BAP. The study objective is to translate and validate BAPQ into Malayalam, a South Indian language, and to establish new cut-off scores for detecting BAP in the Indian population.

In vitro photoprotective efficacy and photostability of synthesized star-shaped ZnO nanoaggregates associated with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

The heightened susceptibility to skin cancer correlates with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can induce various cutaneous injuries. Inorganic UV filters, like zinc oxide (ZnO), are extensively utilized in sunscreens owing to their capacity to scatter and reflect UV radiation. The efficacy of inorganic UV filters can be augmented across a wider spectrum through synergistic combinations with other active compounds, such as organic UV filters.

D389V Variant Induces Hypercontractility in Cardiac Organoids.

, encoding cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), is the most mutated gene known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, since little is known about the underlying etiology, additional in vitro studies are crucial to defining the underlying molecular mechanisms. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HCM associated with a polymorphic variant (D389V) in by using isogenic human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiac organoids (hCOs).

Flavone-C-glycosides from L. as possible inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5): , molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) is a homodimeric enzyme that specifically targets cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), that mediates many downstream effects such as vasodilation, neurotransmission, and calcium homeostasis. Considering the functions of cGMP, inhibition of PDE5 has been established to have several therapeutic effects in disease conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, many PDE5 inhibitors were developed but with severe adverse effects such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), priapism, etc.

[Predictors Of Early Mortality During Hospitalization Of Severe Acute Malnourished Children Aged 0-59 Months At CHU Sourô SANOU, Bobo-Dioulasso].

Objectives: to study risk factors for mortality in SAM children within the first 72 hours of hospitalization.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on data from 0-59-month-old SAM children hospitalized from June 1th, 2016, to May 31th, 2019, at CHUSourô Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso. A logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for death.

Functional evidence that S-nitroso-L-cysteine may be a candidate carotid body neurotransmitter.

The primary objective of the present study is to provide further evidence that the endogenous S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-L-cysteine (L-CSNO), plays an essential role in signaling the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in rodents. Key findings were that (1) injection of L-CSNO (50 nmol/kg, IV) caused a pronounced increase in frequency of breathing (Freq), tidal volume (TV) and minute ventilation (MV) in naïve C57BL/6 mice, whereas injection of D-CSNO (50 nmol/kg, IV) elicited minimal responses; (2) L-CSNO elicited minor responses in (a) C57BL/6 mice with bilateral carotid sinus nerve transection (CSNX), (b) C57BL/6 mice treated neonatally with capsaicin (CAP) to eliminate small-diameter C-fibers, and (c) C57BL/6 mice receiving continuous infusion of L-CSNO receptor antagonists, S-methyl-L-cysteine and S-ethyl-L-cysteine (L-SMC + L-SEC, both at 5 μmol/kg/min, IV); and (3) injection of S-nitroso-L-glutathione (L-GSNO, 50 nmol/kg, IV) elicited pronounced ventilatory responses that were not inhibited by L-SMC + L-SEC. Subsequent exposure of naïve C57BL/6 mice to a hypoxic gas challenge (HXC; 10% O, 90% N) elicited pronounced increases in Freq, TV and MV that were subject to roll-off.

Development and validation of e-scooter riding behavior questionnaire (ERBQ) among Korean riders.

The main objective of this research was to develop a questionnaire that demonstrates elevated levels of reliability to assess the behaviour of e-scooter users. The researchers designed an E-scooter Riding Behaviour Questionnaire (ERBQ) with 27 items. This questionnaire aimed to assess the self-reported frequency of various e-scooter riding behaviours, including errors, violations and behaviours.

Transactivation of the novel 5' cis-acting element of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) by human retroviral transactivators Tat and Tax.

The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) encodes a 5' element crucial for transcription of its genome along with the Rem/Rem-responsive element (RmRE) responsible for nuclear export of this unspliced RNA. Whether the 5' element is Rem-responsive or has any functional interaction with host/viral factors to facilitate MMTV gene expression was tested in this study. Our results reveal that the 5' element is non-responsive to Rem, but can be transactivated by both HIV Tat and HTLV-1 Tax activators.