Semantic and traditional feature fusion for software defect prediction using hybrid deep learning model.

Software defect prediction aims to find a reliable method for predicting defects in a particular software project and assisting software engineers in allocating limited resources to release high-quality software products. While most earlier research has concentrated on employing traditional features, current methodologies are increasingly directed toward extracting semantic features from source code. Traditional features often fall short in identifying semantic differences within programs, differences that are essential for the development of reliable and effective prediction models. In contrast, semantic features cannot present statistical metrics about the source code, such as the code size and complexity. Thus, using only one kind of feature negatively affects prediction performance. To bridge the gap between the traditional and semantic features, we propose a novel defect prediction model that integrates traditional and semantic features using a hybrid deep learning approach to address this limitation. Specifically, our model employs a hybrid CNN-MLP classifier: the convolutional neural network (CNN) processes semantic features extracted from projects' abstract syntax trees (ASTs) using Word2vec. In contrast, the traditional features extracted from the dataset repository are processed by a multilayer perceptron (MLP). Outputs of CNN and MLP are then integrated and fed into a fully connected layer for defect prediction. Extensive experiments are conducted on various open-source projects to validate CNN-MLP's effectiveness. Experimental results indicate that CNN-MLP can significantly enhance defect prediction performance. Furthermore, CNN-MLP's improvements outperform existing methods in non-effort-aware and effort-aware cases.

Global dynamics and computational modeling for analyzing and controlling Hepatitis B: A novel epidemic approach.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. We offer a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of HBV, which can be successfully controlled with vaccine and treatment. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes a significantly more severe and protracted disease compared to hepatitis A. While it initially presents as an acute disease, in approximately 5 to 10% of cases, it can develop into a chronic disease that causes permanent damage to the liver. The hepatitis B virus can remain active outside the body for at least seven days. If the virus penetrates an individual's body without immunization, it may still result in infection. Upon exposure to HBV, the symptoms often last for a duration ranging from 10 days to 6 months. In this study, we developed a new model for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) that includes asymptomatic carriers, vaccination, and treatment classes to gain a comprehensive knowledge of HBV dynamics. The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is calculated to identify future recurrence. The local and global stabilities of the proposed model are evaluated for values of [Formula: see text] that are both below and above 1. The Lyapunov function is employed to ensure the global stability of the HBV model. Further, the existence and uniqueness of the proposed model are demonstrated. To look at the solution of the proposed model graphically, we used a useful numerical strategy, such as the non-standard finite difference method, to obtain more thorough numerical findings for the parameters that have a significant impact on disease elimination. In addition, the study of treatment class in the population, we may assess the effectiveness of alternative medicines to treat infected populations can be determined. Numerical simulations and graphical representations are employed to illustrate the implications of our theoretical conclusions.

ATME-Needs, requirements and cross-sectoral patient journeys of patients with out-of-hospital mechanical ventilation and intensive care in outpatient settings: study protocol for an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of tracheotomised and/or ventilated patients with high-cost out-of-hospital intensive care needs and, at the same time, a decreasing number of healthcare professionals inevitably lead to challenges in the care of this patient population. In addition, little is known about this population, their health restrictions, needs, patient journeys, care structures and processes. The project 'Needs, requirements and cross-sectoral care pathways of out-of-hospital ventilated intensive care patients' (ATME) aims to analyse these aspects and explore current care structures to inform further development of care in line with patients' needs and requirements. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used. In preparation of a semistandardised survey, exploratory interviews will be conducted with tracheotomised and/or ventilated patients with out-of-hospital intensive care needs (TVPOI) (n=15), nursing care providers (n=30), outpatient medical centres, as well as outpatient medical, medical technology and therapeutic care providers (n=35). Three semistandardised survey questionnaires for TVPOI (n=2,000) will be developed and conducted with nursing care facilities (n=250) and outpatient medical centres for mechanical ventilation (n=25). Content analyses will be conducted for qualitative data; survey data will be analysed descriptively. In addition, healthcare claims data will be analysed descriptively to provide information on patient journeys. Three result workshops and one consensus conference will be carried out with representatives of the relevant target groups to analyse the suitability of care structures and to develop recommendations for action to improve TVPOI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ATME study received a positive vote from the Ethics Committee of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and is registered in 'Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS)' (registration number: DRKS00030891). The study results will be presented at national conferences and in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, study results will be published by the funding institution (the Innovation Committee of the Federal Joint Committee) on their website.

Seaweed biomass as a sustainable resource for synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Sargassum wightii ethanol extract and their environmental and biomedical applications through Gaussian mixture model.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) possess unique features that mak them a common matter among different industries. Nevertheless, traditional models of synthesizing ZnO-NPs are related with health and environmental and risks due to harmful chemicals. The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was achieved using the hot water extract of Sargassum wightii (SW), which serves as a reducing agent. This extract is mixed with zinc precursors, initiating a bio-reduction process. UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, Raman, DLS, SEM, EDX, TEM imaging, and XPS analysis are used. The novelty of this research lies in utilizing a bio-reduction process involving hot water extract of SW to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles, providing a safer and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods. Here, the zinc oxide nanoparticles produced through the biosynthesis process effectively addressed oral infections (Streptococcus mutans) due to their ability to disrupt the integrity of bacterial cell membranes, interfere with cellular processes, and inhibit the growth and proliferation of bacteria responsible for oral infections. Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) uncover intricate patterns within medical data, enabling enhanced diagnostics, treatment personalization, and patient outcomes. This study aims to apply Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) to medical data for subpopulation identification and disease subtyping, contributing to personalized treatment strategies and improved patient care. With a dataset comprising 300 samples, the application of GMM showed lower BIC and AIC values (2500, 3200), a high Silhouette Score (0.65 from -1 to 1) reflecting well-defined clusters, Calinski-Harabasz (120) and Davies-Bouldin Indices (0.45). These metrics collectively underscored the model's success in revealing distinct patterns within the data. ZnO-nanocoated aligners were effective against Streptococcus mutans, with the maximum antibacterial effect observed for 2 days and lasting for 7 days.

Genomic analyses of germline and somatic variation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 557 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations (SCNA). RESULTS: Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function (LOF) germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM, and PALB2. LOF germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP, and NF1. In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of LOF variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536, and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 557 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.

Genomic Analyses of Germline and Somatic Variation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

Background High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 577 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations. Results Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM , and PALB2 . Loss-of-function germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP , and NF1 . In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of loss-of-function variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536 , and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. Conclusions From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 577 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.

The level and distribution of selected organochlorine pesticides in water of River Satluj Pakistan.

The study was aimed to identify different environmental factors (selected organochlorine pesticides) affecting the river water of Satluj. River Sutlej is about 1400 kilometers long and its water is extensively used for irrigation in Punjab, located both in India and Pakistan, which was also a reason of dispute between both countries for its water share. The study area was divided into four zones, Sulemanki Zone, Islam Zone, Mailsi Syphone Zone and Panjnad Zone. Liquid Liquid Extraction (LLE) technique was used for the collected water samples followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) UV-Visible detector The current finding revealed that aldrin was not detected during summer period in water samples of SZ-1 (Sulemanki Barrage), SZ-2 and SZ-3 (Maisli Siphon) of the study area. Lindane and DDE were found more in the samples of sediments from the study area at SZ-4 ranging from 2.238-8.226 ppb and 4.234-6.876 ppb, respectively. Heaptachlor (in sediments) was found to be0.032-234 ppb only at SZ-4.Endosulfan concentrations in water (winter) at SZ-3 was 0.06 ppb and at SZ-4,it was 0.05 ppb; dieldrin in water (winter) at SZ-4 was 0.0314 ppb and heptachlor was detected at SZ-1 (0.0315 ppb) and SZ-2 (0.0310 ppb) in water during winter season, were reaching to the Maximum Concentrations Limits (MCL), while all other residues investigated were found below the MCLin all the compartments of the study area set by various agencies like WHO/FAO- Codex Alimenterious. Present findings revealed that although the organochlorine pesticides are banned for agricultural use in many countries, including Pakistan, their presence in various samples might be due to illegal use of these pesticides in the study area and its neighboring regions. The overall study area comprises of mainly urban, suburban and agricultural land being the largest cotton growing area of the country. There is a need to take serious steps to minimize water pollution caused by pesticides to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Biological activities and wound healing potential of a water-soluble polysaccharide isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra in Wistar rat.

The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities and the in vivo wound healing performance of a polysaccharide isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra named PSG. It was structurally characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of different polysaccharides functional bands. The antioxidant capacity of PSG was determined in vitro and evaluated in vivo through the examination of wound healing capacity. Thirty two rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I was treated with physiological serum (negative control); group II was treated with "CYTOL CENTELLA®"; group III was treated with glycerol and group IV was treated with polysaccharide. The response to treatments was assessed by macroscopic, histologic, and biochemical parameters. Data revealed that our sample exhibited potential antioxidant activities and accelerated significantly the wound healing process, after ten days of treatment, proved by the higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control and "CYTOL CENTELLA®". Overall, these findings proved that this polysaccharide isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra could be considered as a natural bioactive polymer for therapeutic process in wound healing applications.

Presence of selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments and biota of River Satluj, Pakistan: first report.

In the developed countries, the use of OCPs (organochlorine pesticides) has been banned. However, in South Asia several of them are still in use. In Pakistan and India a constant addition of OCPs into the atmosphere has been indicated by various researchers. In this study levels of selected organochlorine pesticide residues were assessed in sediment and biota collected from four (4) water reservoirs (3 Barrages & 1 Siphon) on the River Satluj Pakistan, along 231 miles (372 km) of River stretch which was further divided into 12 sampling sites. It was aimed to find out the levels of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in sediments and from selected fish species (Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Cyprinus carpio) of the River Satluj Pakistan. The Organochlorine residues (seven pesticides) present in samples of sediments and biota were investigated through multi residue method, using Gas Chromatograph (GC-ECD).In the current study, the concentration of DDT, was investigated in Wallago attu (0.786-3.987 ppb), Labeo rohita (0.779-4.355 ppb) and Cyprinus carpio (1.234-5.654 ppb). DDE was also found in Cyprinus carpio (1.244-6.322 ppb), Wallag attu (0.877-4.221 ppb) and Labeo rohita (2.112-5.897 ppb). Aldrin was not observed in Labeo rohita and Wallago attu. Currently, lindane and DDE was found predominately high in the sediments of study area at SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) ranging (2.238-8.226 ppb) and (4.234-6.876 ppb), respectively. Heaptachlor was found only at SZ-4 (Panjnad Barrage) from the sediments with concentration ranging (0.032-234 ppb). In short all other residues investigated were found below the MCL (maximum concentration level) in all the compartments of the study area set by various agencies like WHO/FAO- Codex Alimenterious.

Diagnostic Accuracy of High-Resolution 3D T2-SPACE in Detecting Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Assessment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis on MR imaging can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution 3D T2 sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and to compare its performance with contrast-enhanced 3D T1-MPRAGE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a blinded retrospective analysis of T2-SPACE and contrast-enhanced MPRAGE sequences from patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and a control group. The results were compared with a reference standard, which was based on all available sequences and clinical history. Subanalyses were performed according to the venous segment involved and the clinical stage of the thrombus. RESULTS: Sixty-three MR imaging examinations from 35 patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and 51 examinations from 40 control subjects were included. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity calculated from the initial MR imaging examination for each patient were 100% each for T2-SPACE and 95%, 91%, and 98%, respectively, for contrast-enhanced MPRAGE. The interrater reliability was high for both sequences. In the subanalysis, the accuracy for each venous segment involved and if subdivided according to the clinical stage of thrombus was ≥95% and ≥85% for T2-SPACE and contrast-enhanced MPRAGE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both T2-SPACE and contrast-enhanced MPRAGE offer high accuracy for the detection and exclusion of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; however, T2-SPACE showed a better overall performance and thus could be a useful tool if included in a multiparametric MR imaging protocol for the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, especially in scenarios where gadolinium administration is contraindicated.

Physical activity reduces oxidative stress and improves lipid profile made by smoking - Effectiveness of irregular and continuous training programs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify the possible benefits of physical activity program in improving the antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid profile among smokers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen cigarette smokers (CS), 14 hookah smokers (HS), and 14 non-smokers (NS) participated in the low-intensity continuous training (LCT). Eleven CS, 12 HS, and 12 NS participated in the moderate-intensity intermittent training (MIT). The LCT groups performed a 20 to 30-minute continuous exercise at 40% of the VO2max. The MIT groups performed 6 to 10 sets of 2-minute sprint at 70% of the VO2max interspersed by a 1-min recovery period. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, the antioxidant defense activity and lipid profile were assessed. RESULTS: The improvement in antioxidant capacity under the effect of MIT program is statistically more significant than after LCT. The increase of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), malondialdehyde (MDA) and α-tocopherol was higher in smoker subjects participating in the MIT program compared to those participating in the LCT. In contrast, the LCT program has favorably altered lipid and lipoprotein profile of smokers and thus reduced their cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the two training methods may have major implications in both defense and prevention programs.

Transcriptome-guided resolution of tumor microenvironment interactions in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCPG) are rare catecholamine-secreting endocrine tumors deriving from chromaffin cells of the embryonic neural crest. Although distinct molecular PCPG subtypes have been elucidated, certain characteristics of these tumors have yet to be fully examined, namely the tumor microenvironment (TME). To further understand tumor-stromal interactions in PCPG subtypes, the present study deconvoluted bulk tumor gene expression to examine ligand-receptor interactions. METHODS: RNA-sequencing data primary solid PCPG tumors were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Tumor purity was estimated using two robust algorithms. The tumor purity estimates and bulk tumor expression values allowed for non-negative linear regression to predict the average expression of each gene in the stromal and tumor compartments for each PCPG molecular subtype. The predicted expression values were then used in conjunction with a previously curated ligand-receptor database and scoring system to evaluate top ligand-receptor interactions. RESULTS: Across all PCPG subtypes compared to normal samples, tumor-to-tumor signaling between bone morphogenic proteins 7 (BMP7) and 15 (BMP15) and cognate receptors ACVR2B and BMPR1B was increased. In addition, tumor-to-stroma signaling was enriched for interactions between predicted tumor-originating delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and predicted stromal NOTCH receptors. Stroma-to-tumor signaling was enriched for interactions between ephrins A1 and A4 with ephrin receptors EphA5, EphA7, and EphA8. Pseudohypoxia subtype tumors displayed increased predicted stromal expression of genes related to immune-exhausted T-cell response, including those for inhibitory receptors HAVCR2 and CTLA4. CONCLUSION: The current exploratory study predicted stromal and tumor through compartmental deconvolution and yielded previously unrecognized interactions and putative biomarkers in PCPG.

Risks of Undersizing Stent Retriever Length Relative to Thrombus Length in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Results regarding the association of thrombus length, stent retriever length, and recanalization success in patients with acute ischemic stroke are inconsistent. We hypothesized that the ratio of thrombus length to stent retriever length may be of particular relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing stent retriever thrombectomy at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Thrombus length was assessed by measuring the susceptibility vessel sign on SWI using a 1.5T or 3T MR imaging scanner. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between thrombus length, stent retriever length, and thrombus length/stent retriever length ratio with first-pass recanalization, overall recanalization, and embolization in new territories. Results are shown as adjusted ORs with 95% CIs. Additional mediation analyses were performed to test for indirect effects on first-pass recanalization and overall recanalization success. RESULTS: The main analysis included 418 patients (mean age, 74.9 years). Increasing stent retriever length was associated with first-pass recanalization. Decreasing thrombus length and lower thrombus length/stent retriever length ratios were associated with first-pass recanalization and overall recanalization. Thrombus length and stent retriever length showed no association with first-pass recanalization or overall recanalization once thrombus length/stent retriever length ratio was factored in, while thrombus length/stent retriever length ratio remained a significant factor in both models (adjusted OR, 0.316 [95% CI, 0.112-0.892]; P = .030 and adjusted OR, = 0.366 [95% CI, 0.194-0.689]; P = .002). Mediation analyses showed that decreasing thrombus length and increasing stent retriever length had a significant indirect effect on first-pass recanalization mediated through thrombus length/stent retriever length ratio. The only parameter associated with embolization in new territories was an increasing thrombus length/stent retriever length ratio (adjusted OR, 5.079 [95% CI, 1.332-19.362]; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: Information about thrombus and stent length is more valuable when combined. High thrombus length/stent retriever length ratios, which may raise the risk of unsuccessful recanalization and embolization in new territories, should be avoided by adapting stent retriever selection to thrombus length whenever possible.

SWI Susceptibility Vessel Sign in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The frequency and clinical significance of the susceptibility vessel sign in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains unclear. We aimed to assess its prevalence in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and to analyze its association with interventional and clinical outcome parameters in that group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred seventy-six patients with acute ischemic stroke and admission MR imaging were reviewed retrospectively. Of those, 577 met the eligibility criteria for further analysis. Imaging was performed using a 1.5T or 3T MR imaging scanner. Associations between baseline variables, interventional and clinical outcome parameters, and susceptibility vessel sign were determined with multivariable logistic regression models. Results are shown as adjusted ORs with 95% CIs. RESULTS: The susceptibility vessel sign was present in 87.5% (n = 505) of patients and associated with tandem occlusion (adjusted OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-10.0; P = .032) as well as successful reperfusion, defined as an expanded TICI score of ≥2b (adjusted OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.28-4.6; P = .007). The susceptibility vessel sign was independently associated with functional independence (mRS ≤ 2: adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0; P = .028) and lower mortality (adjusted OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; P = .003) at 90 days, even after adjusting for successful reperfusion. The susceptibility vessel sign did not influence the number of passes performed during mechanical thrombectomy, the first-pass reperfusion, or the risk of peri- or postinterventional complications. CONCLUSIONS: The susceptibility vessel sign is an MR imaging phenomenon frequently observed in patients with acute ischemic stroke and is associated with successful reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy. However, superior clinical functional outcome and lower mortality noted in patients showing the susceptibility vessel sign could not be entirely attributed to higher reperfusion rates.

Evolution of MRI Findings in Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension after Venous Sinus Stenting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The correlation between imaging findings and clinical status in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is unclear. We aimed to examine the evolution of idiopathic intracranial hypertension-related MR imaging findings in patients treated with venous sinus stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (median age, 26.9 years) were assessed for changes in the CSF opening pressure, transstenotic pressure gradient, and symptoms after venous sinus stent placement. Optic nerve sheath diameter, posterior globe flattening and/or optic nerve protrusion, empty sella, the Meckel cave, tonsillar ectopia, the ventricles, the occipital emissary vein, and subcutaneous fat were evaluated on MR imaging before and 6 months after venous sinus stent placement. Data are expressed as percentages, medians, or correlation coefficients (r) with P values. RESULTS: Although all patients showed significant reductions of the CSF opening pressure (31 versus 21 cm H2O; P = .005) and transstenotic pressure gradient (22.5 versus 1.5 mm Hg; P = .002) and substantial improvement of clinical symptoms 6 months after venous sinus stent placement, a concomitant reduction was observed only for posterior globe involvement (61.5% versus 15.4%; P = .001), optic nerve sheath diameter (6.8 versus 6.1 mm; P < .001), and subcutaneous neck fat (8.9 versus 7.4 mm; P = .001). Strong correlations were observed between decreasing optic nerve sheath diameters and improving nausea/emesis (right optic nerve sheath diameter, r = 0.592, P = .033; left optic nerve sheath diameter, r = 0.718, P = .006), improvement of posterior globe involvement and decreasing papilledema (r = 0.775, P = .003), and decreasing occipital emissary vein diameter and decreasing headache frequency (r = 0.74, P = .035). Decreasing transstenotic pressure gradient at 6 months strongly correlated with decreasing empty sella (r = 0.625, P = .022) and regressing cerebellar ectopia (r = 0.662, P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Most imaging findings persist long after normalization of intracranial pressure and clinical improvement. However, MR imaging findings related to the optic nerve may reflect treatment success.

Lung Transplantation and the Era of the Sensitized Patient.

Long term outcomes in lung transplant are limited by the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Within the past several decades, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has been recognized as a risk factor for CLAD. The presence of HLA antibodies in lung transplant candidates, "sensitized patients" may predispose patients to AMR, CLAD, and higher mortality after transplant. This review will discuss issues surrounding the sensitized patient, including mechanisms of sensitization, implications within lung transplant, and management strategies.

Mitigation policies, community mobility, and COVID-19 case counts in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to characterize the timing and trends of select mitigation policies, changes in community mobility, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemiology in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective abstraction of publicly available mitigation policies obtained from media reports and government websites. METHODS: Data analyzed include seven kinds of mitigation policies (mass gathering restrictions, international travel restrictions, passenger screening, traveler isolation/quarantine, school closures, business closures, and domestic movement restrictions) implemented between January 1 and April 26, 2020, changes in selected measures of community mobility assessed by Google Community Mobility Reports data, and COVID-19 epidemiology in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. RESULTS: During the study period, community mobility decreased in Australia, Japan, and Singapore; there was little change in Hong Kong. The largest declines in mobility were seen in places that enforced mitigation policies. Across settings, transit-associated mobility declined the most and workplace-associated mobility the least. Singapore experienced an increase in cases despite the presence of stay-at-home orders, as migrant workers living in dormitories faced challenges to safely quarantine. CONCLUSIONS: Public policies may have different impacts on mobility and transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 transmission. When enacting mitigation policies, decision makers should consider the possible impact of enforcement measures, the influence on transmission of factors other than movement restrictions, and the differential impact of mitigation policies on subpopulations.

Enhancing physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of natural rubber using synthesized Ag-SiO2 nanoparticles.

The incorporation of the prepared Ag-SiO2 core-shell particles in natural rubber matrix was investigated on antibacterial and mechanical properties of resulting composites. Significant antibacterial effect against S. aureus (Gram positive) and P. aeruginosa (Gram negative) was observed and achieved inhibition growth up to 85 and 90%, respectively, after 24 h depending on the amount of Ag-SiO2 core-shell. It was found that SiO2 acted as crosslinking agent and controlling the amount of silver release. UV-vis spectra and TEM, XRD showed Ag-SiO2 core-shell particles formation. SEM, FTIR, XRD and mechanical analysis showed uniform distribution of Ag-SiO2 core-shell into rubber matrix with enhanced tensile strength.

Concurrent advanced HIV disease and viral load suppression in a high-burden setting: Findings from the 2015-6 ZIMPHIA survey.

BACKGROUND: As Zimbabwe approaches epidemic control of HIV, programs now prioritize viral load over CD4 monitoring, making it difficult to identify persons living with HIV (PLHIV) suffering from advanced disease (AD). We present an analysis of cross-sectional ZIMPHIA data, highlighting PLHIV with AD and concurrent viral load suppression (VLS). METHODS: ZIMPHIA collected blood specimens for HIV testing from 22,501 consenting adults (ages 15 years and older); 3,466 PLHIV had CD4 and VL results. Household HIV testing used the national serial algorithm, and those testing positive then received point-of-care CD4 enumeration with subsequent VL testing. We used logistic regression analysis to explore factors associated with concurrent AD and VLS (<1000 copies/mL). All analyses were weighted to account for complex survey design. RESULTS: Of the 3,466 PLHIV in the survey with CD4 and VL results, 17% were found to have AD (CD4<200cells/mm3). Of all AD patients, 30% had VLS. Concurrent AD and VLS was associated with male sex (aOR 2.45 95%CI 1.61-3.72), older age (35-49 years [aOR 2.46 95%CI 1.03-5.91] and 50+ years [aOR 4.82 95%CI 2.02-11.46] vs 15-24 years), and ART duration (<6 months [aOR 0.46 95%CI 0.29-0.76] and 6-24 months [aOR 2.07 95%CI 1.35-3.17] vs more than 2 years). The relationship between sex and AD is driven by age with significant associations among men aged 25-34, (aOR 3.37 95%CI 1.35-8.41), 35-49 (aOR 5.13 95%CI 2.16-12.18), and 50+ (aOR 12.56 95%CI 4.82-32.72) versus men aged 15-24. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of PLHIV with AD and VLS illustrates the conundrum of decreased support for CD4 monitoring, as these patients may not receive appropriate clinical services for advanced HIV disease. In high-prevalence settings such as Zimbabwe, CD4 monitoring support warrants further consideration to differentiate care appropriately for the most vulnerable PLHIV. Males may need to be prioritized, given their over-representation in this sub-population.

PERPETRATION OF VIOLENCE BY FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 'WE WILL CRUSH THEIR BONES'.

There is a small but important body of literature on female sex workers' (FSWs) violence towards others, but little of that focused on low- and middle-income countries. Drawn from a larger biobehavioural study of FSWs in three cities in Papua New Guinea, we analyse the interviews from 19 FSWs who reported having perpetrated physical violence towards four major groups: (1) ex-husbands; (2) clients; (3) other sex workers and (4) other people (mainly women). Our study demonstrates that FSWs' use of violence arises from a complex set of social, material and gendered circumstances and cannot be addressed in isolation from other aspects of their lives.