PBCS-ConvNeXt: Convolutional Network-Based Automatic Diagnosis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver in Abdominal Ultrasound Images.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver condition characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Early diagnosis is crucial as NAFLD can progress to more severe conditions like steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma without timely intervention. While liver biopsy remains the gold standard for NAFLD assessment, abdominal ultrasound (US) imaging has emerged as a widely adopted non-invasive modality due to convenience and low cost.

Non-ionic surfactant self-assembly in calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and related salts.

Self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules can take place in extremely concentrated salt solutions, such as inorganic molten salt hydrates or hydrous melts. The intermolecular interactions governing the organization of amphiphilic molecules under such extreme conditions are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the specific effects of ions on the self-assembly of the non-ionic surfactant CH(OCHCH)OH (CE) under extreme salt concentrations, using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as a reference.

The risk of failure of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy: from PRAETORIAN score to clinical practice.

Background: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is an alternative to traditional ICDs. The PRAETORIAN score, based on chest radiographs, has been validated to predict the probability of successful S-ICD defibrillation testing by assessing factors like fat thickness between the coil and sternum and generator placement.

Objective: This study evaluated the correlation between the PRAETORIAN score and clinical characteristics, as well as implantation variables.

Impact of tunnel enlargement on patient-reported outcomes following isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: Tunnel enlargement (TE) might jeopardize knee function and ligament stability after revision surgery of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. To date, only few studies concern TE following posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR). This study aims to determine TE after isolated PCLR and its relationship with patient-reported outcomes.

Machine learning-driven prediction of medical expenses in triple-vessel PCI patients using feature selection.

Revascularization therapies, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), alleviate symptoms and treat myocardial ischemia. Patients with multivessel disease, particularly those undergoing 3-vessel PCI, are more susceptible to procedural complications, which can increase healthcare costs. Developing efficient strategies for resource allocation has become a paramount concern due to tightening healthcare budgets and the escalating costs of treating heart conditions.

Exploring the utility of different bulking agents for speeding up the composting process of household kitchen waste.

Household kitchen waste (HKW) is produced in large quantity and its management is difficult due to high moisture content and complex organic matter. Aerobic composting of HKW is an easy, efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly method. This study is designed to achieve a zero-waste concept and to convert HKW.

Raman and ATR-FTIR unmask crystallinity changes and carboxylate group and vinyl group accumulation in natural weathering polypropylene microplastics.

Naturally weathered polypropylene (NWPP) samples are useful for investigating the effects of various degradation factors that cannot be obtained in artificial laboratory experiments. In this study, NWPP samples were extracted from beach sediments (Ashiya, Hyogo, Japan). Raman and attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies were used to analyze variations in the composition, crystallinity, orientation, and degradation of NWPP microplastics.

Photocatalytic upcycling of polylactic acid to alanine by sulfur vacancy-rich cadmium sulfide.

Photocatalytic conversion has emerged as a promising strategy for harnessing renewable solar energy in the valorization of plastic waste. However, research on the photocatalytic transformation of plastics into valuable nitrogen-containing chemicals remains limited. In this study, we present a visible-light-driven pathway for the conversion of polylactic acid (PLA) into alanine under mild conditions.

Application of perovskite type oxide La Ce coo in lignin depolymerization and mono-phenol preparation.

This study successfully prepared La Ce CoO ( = 0.2, 0.4, 0.

Biologics as well as inhaled anti-asthmatic therapy achieve clinical remission: Evidence from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI).

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of severe asthma (SA) treatments after 12 months in achieving clinical remission (CR) within the context of the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI) using the recent SANI definition of CR on treatment.

Methods: CR has been defined by SANI as complete, partial, and no CR. Complete CR is defined by the absence of oral corticosteroids (OCS), no symptoms, no exacerbations, and stable lung function, and partial CR requires the absence of OCS and the fulfillment of 2 out of the other 3 criteria.

Biopolymer-Levan Characterization in Species Isolated from Traditionally Fermented Soybeans (Thua Nao).

Bacterial levans are biopolymers composed of fructose units linked by β-2,6 glycosidic bonds that are degradable, nontoxic and flexible, representing a green technology with significant applications across various industries. Fermented soybeans are a common source of bacteria-producing polysaccharides. In this study, KKSB4, KKSB6 and KKSB7 isolated from traditionally fermented soybean (Thua-nao), along with strain 5.

Obtaining Microcellulose from Solid Agro-Waste by Ball Mill Assisted by Light Acid Hydrolysis Process.

Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, is biodegradable, nontoxic, and derived from renewable sources. Its properties and applications depend on the extraction methods and sources, making plant waste reuse a sustainable production option. This study aimed to assess the potential of cowpea pod skin () as a source of microcellulose (CPMC) using a chemical-mechanical process involving ball milling combined with acid hydrolysis.

Depolymerization by transition metal complexes: strategic approaches to convert polymeric waste into feedstocks.

At present, plastic pollution is a global environmental catastrophe and a major threat to mankind. Moreover, the increasing manufacture of various plastic products is causing rapid depletion of precious resources. Thus, transforming plastic waste into feedstock, which can maintain a circular economy, has emerged as a significant technique for waste management and carbon resource conservation.

Auxin fluctuation and PIN polarization in moss leaf cell reprogramming.

Auxin and its PIN-FORMED (PIN) exporters are essential for tissue repair and regeneration in flowering plants. To gain insight into the evolution of this mechanism, we investigated their roles in leaves excised from Physcomitrium patens, a bryophyte known for its remarkable cell reprogramming capacity. We used various approaches to manipulate auxin levels, including exogenous application, pharmacological manipulations, and auxin biosynthesis mutants.

Rapid Iron-Mediated Aqueous-Phase Reactions of Organic Peroxides from Monoterpene-Derived Criegee Intermediates and Implications for Aerosol and Cloud Chemistry.

Fenton-like reactions between organic peroxides and transition-metal ions in the atmospheric aqueous phase have profound impacts on the chemistry, composition, and health effects of aerosols. However, the kinetics, mechanisms, and key influencing factors of such reactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we synthesized a series of monoterpene-derived α-acyloxyalkyl hydroperoxides (AAHPs), an important class of organic peroxides formed from Criegee intermediates during the ozonolysis of alkenes, and investigated their Fenton-like reactions with iron ions in the aqueous phase.

A sustainable and green method for controlling acidic corrosion on mild steel using leaves of Araucaria heterophylla.

There are several studies that announce the inhibitory behavior of this sort of substance to strengthen the shield of metals, which is one of the positive benefits of green inhibitors. In the current investigation, Araucaria heterophylla studied as a green corrosion inhibitor to avert the mild steel during the acidic cleaning. The examination of this plant's ability to control corrosion at different concentrations in the acidic solution used certain expert measures.

Investigation of the physicochemical factors affecting the in vitro digestion and glycemic indices of indigenous indica rice cultivars.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a vital food crop and staple diet for most of the world's population. Poor dietary choices have had a significant role in the development of type-2 diabetes in the population that relies on rice and rice-starch-based foods. Hence, our study investigated the in vitro digestion and glycemic indices of certain indigenous rice cultivars and the factors influencing these indices.

Optimal dose and type of exercise improve walking velocity in adults with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

To examine the dose-response relationship between specific types of exercise for improving walking velocity in Parkinson's disease (PD). This systematic review and network meta-analysis included searches of PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception until February 18th, 2024. Data analysis was performed using R software with the MBNMA and RJAGS packages.

Assessment of the correlation between the volume of tongue, oral cavity, tongue/oral cavity volume ratio and the upper airway in unilateral cleft subjects: A CBCT study.

Objectives: The current study was conducted to assess the volume of the tongue, oral cavity, and tongue/oral cavity and their correlation with the volume of the upper airway in cleft subjects compared with the control group.

Methods: The study population included 60 CBCT images from dental school. The sample comprised 30 unilateral cleft patients and 30 sex and age-matched healthy subjects.

Internet of Things (IoT)-Driven Fermentation System for Enhanced Cordycepin Production in Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) under Hypoxic Conditions.

Cordycepin, known for its tumor-suppressive and antiviral properties, has garnered attention due to its therapeutic and biological potential. Current Cordyceps militaris - based cordycepin production methods involve time-consuming and cost-intensive solid-state fermentation. Using an internet of things (IoT) architecture, we developed an active air-feed regulation fermentation system (AAFRFS) to detect CO2 emitted during C.

Mechanism of Antihyperglycemic Activity of Extracellular Polysaccharopeptides from Fermented Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes) in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

The antihyperglycemic activity of extracellular polysaccharopeptides (ePSP) obtained from Trametes versicolor (TV) strain LH-1 has been demonstrated in hepatic cells and diabetic animals. This study further investigated the mechanisms of T. versicolor-ePSP on regulating glucose metabolism, including insulin signaling molecules and glucose metabolism-associated enzymes, in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

In Silico Analysis of Anti-Cancer Activity of Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Novel Pseudolagarobasidium acaciicola through Mass Production, Gel Permeation Separation, and Compositional Analysis.

Bacteria, fungi, and algae are examples of microorganisms that synthesize polysaccharides, which are macromolecules that belong to the carbohydrate class. Production of polysaccharides represents an alternative to chemical and plant-derived compounds that could be used for human well-being which requires implementation of different methods standardized during the extraction and purification process. In the current investigation, Pseudolagarobasidium acaciicola, a novel fungal source of exopolysaccharide (EPS) was used which produced 2773.

Comprehensive nutritional, anti-nutritional, ICP-MS and FTIR profiling of leaves: a potential source for dietary enhancement.

is a plant belonging to the Moraceae family. This study aimed to profile the functional groups using FTIR, as well as nutritional, elements using ICP-MS technique, and anti-nutritional analyses of leaves. The results of nutritional analysis of leaves revealed that the leaves had a diverse proximate composition with derived nutritional value to be 314.

A Prospective Study of a Custom-Made Eco-Friendly Thyroid Shield: A Breakthrough in Radiation Protection.

Background The thyroid gland is the most susceptible organ to radiation during the exposure of teeth because the thyroid area appears to be within the primary beam, and the dose levels are relatively high even after using collimation. This study aims to develop an eco-friendly thyroid shield by reusing lead foils from intra-oral periapical radiographic films and evaluate its effectiveness in intraoral radiography. Methods A total of 16 patients undergoing endodontic procedures who gave written consent to participate in the study were included and divided into four categories: anterior, canine, premolar, and molar.

Molecular switch of the dendrite-to-spine transport of TDP-43/FMRP-bound neuronal mRNAs and its impairment in ASD.

Background: Regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transport and translation in neurons is essential for dendritic plasticity and learning/memory development. The trafficking of mRNAs along the hippocampal neuron dendrites remains translationally silent until they are selectively transported into the spines upon glutamate-induced receptor activation. However, the molecular mechanism(s) behind the spine entry of dendritic mRNAs under metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated neuroactivation and long-term depression (LTD) as well as the fate of these mRNAs inside the spines are still elusive.