Estimation of Prediction Intervals for Performance Assessment of Building Using Machine Learning.

This study utilizes artificial neural networks (ANN) to estimate prediction intervals (PI) for seismic performance assessment of buildings subjected to long-term ground motion. To address the uncertainty quantification in structural health monitoring (SHM), the quality-driven lower upper bound estimation (QD-LUBE) has been opted for global probabilistic assessment of damage at local and global levels, unlike traditional methods. A distribution-free machine learning model has been adopted for enhanced reliability in quantifying uncertainty and ensuring robustness in post-earthquake probabilistic assessments and early warning systems. The distribution-free machine learning model is capable of quantifying uncertainty with high accuracy as compared to previous methods such as the bootstrap method, etc. This research demonstrates the efficacy of the QD-LUBE method in complex seismic risk assessment scenarios, thereby contributing significant enhancement in building resilience and disaster management strategies. This study also validates the findings through fragility curve analysis, offering comprehensive insights into structural damage assessment and mitigation strategies.

Pioneers of progress: Documenting the legacy of underrepresented radiologists.

PURPOSE: This study aims to illuminate the enduring contributions of underrepresented pioneers in radiology, emphasizing their resilience, innovations, and the significant barriers they overcame. By weaving their achievements into the broader narrative of medical science, this research highlights the critical role of diversity and progress in the evolution of radiology. HISTORICAL EXPLORATION: This narrative review chronicles the significant contributions of underrepresented radiologists from the early 20th century to the present. By synthesizing historical data, biographical sketches, and contemporary medical literature, we highlight the pivotal roles these pioneers have played in advancing radiology. Their groundbreaking work not only enhanced medical imaging technologies and practices but also championed the cause of diversity and inclusion within the field. These stories of perseverance and innovation underscore the ongoing need for an inclusive approach in the medical community, reflecting on how diversity has shaped and will continue to influence the evolution of radiology. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION: The study identifies several pivotal figures, such as Marcus F. Wheatland, the first known African American radiologist, and Ivy O. Roach Brooks, the first woman to lead a radiology department at a major U.S. hospital. It explores their wide-ranging contributions from clinical practice and education to leadership and advocacy for diversity within the medical profession. The legacies of these radiologists illuminate not just their individual accomplishments but also reflect the broader struggle for equality and representation in the medical field. Their determination and excellence have paved the way for future generations, significantly enhancing the inclusivity and diversity of the radiology field. CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION: Understanding the contributions of these underrepresented radiologists enriches the field's perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Highlighting these pioneers underscores the importance of mentorship, representation, and advocacy in creating an environment where all talented individuals can thrive. Insights from this historical analysis are crucial for shaping future policies and practices in radiology and medical education, ensuring the continuation of these trailblazers' inspiring legacy.

Variants of NAV3, a neuronal morphogenesis protein, cause intellectual disability, developmental delay, and microcephaly.

Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system, and have established roles in cell proliferation, myelination, neurite formation, axon specification, outgrowth, dendrite, and synapse formation. We report eleven individuals from seven families harboring predicted pathogenic biallelic, de novo, and heterozygous variants in the NAV3 gene, which encodes the microtubule positive tip protein neuron navigator 3 (NAV3). All affected individuals have intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, skeletal deformities, ocular anomalies, and behavioral issues. In mouse brain, Nav3 is expressed throughout the nervous system, with more prominent signatures in postmitotic, excitatory, inhibiting, and sensory neurons. When overexpressed in HEK293T and COS7 cells, pathogenic variants impaired NAV3 ability to stabilize microtubules. Further, knocking-down nav3 in zebrafish led to severe morphological defects, microcephaly, impaired neuronal growth, and behavioral impairment, which were rescued with co-injection of WT NAV3 mRNA and not by transcripts encoding the pathogenic variants. Our findings establish the role of NAV3 in neurodevelopmental disorders, and reveal its involvement in neuronal morphogenesis, and neuromuscular responses.

Efficient Photocatalytic Partial Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols by Using ZnIn2S4 under Green Conditions.

The ternary chalcogenide ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) has been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method in which the carcinogen thiacetamide, universally used as a precursor, has been, for the first time, replaced successfully with the harmless thiourea. ZIS has been used as photocatalyst for the partial oxidation of different aromatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehyde in water solution, under ambient conditions and simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic performance of ZnIn2S4 was better than TiO2 P25. In the presence of ZIS for 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, piperonyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol, a selectivity towards the corresponding aldehyde of 99% for a conversion of 46%, 75% for a conversion of 81%, and 87% for a conversion of 25%, respectively, was obtained. For the same alcohols a selectivity of 19% for a conversion of 41%, 19% for a conversion of 13%, and 16% for a conversion of 26%, was observed in the presence of TiO2 P25.

A novel homozygous FAM92A gene (CIBAR1) variant further confirms its association with non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly type A9 (PAPA9).

Polydactyly is a very common digit anomaly, having extra digits in hands and/or toes. Non-syndromic polydactyly in both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms are caused by disease-causing variants in several genes, including GLI1, GLI3, ZNF141, FAM92A, IQCE, KIAA0825, MIPOL1, STKLD1, PITX1, and DACH1. Whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by bi-directional Sanger sequencing was performed for the single affected individual (II-1) of the family to reveal the disease causative variant/gene. 3D protein modeling and structural molecular docking was performed to determine the effect of the identified mutation on the overall protein structure. WES revealed a novel biallelic missense variant (c.472G>C; p.Ala158Pro) in exon 6 of the FAM92A gene. The identified variant segregated perfectly with the disease phenotype using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, Insilco analysis revealed that the variant significantly changes the protein secondary structure, and substantially impact the stability of FAM92A. We report the second FAM92A disease-causing mutation associated with recessive non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly. The data further confirms the contribution of FAM92A in limb development and patterning.

Scan With Me: A Train-the-Trainer Program to Upskill MRI Personnel in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

PURPOSE: Access to MRI in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains among the poorest in the world. The lack of skilled MRI personnel exacerbates access gaps, reinforcing long-standing health disparities. The Scan With Me (SWiM) program aims to sustainably create a network of highly skilled MRI technologists in LMICs who will facilitate the transfer of MRI knowledge and skills to their peers and contribute to the implementation of highly valuable imaging protocols for effective clinical and research use. METHODS: The program introduces a case-based curriculum designed using a novel train-the-trainer approach, integrated with peer-collaborative learning to upskill practicing MRI technologists in LMICs. The 6-week curriculum uses the teach-try-use approach, which combines self-paced didactic lectures covering the basics of MR image acquisition (teach) with hands-on expert-guided scanning experience (try) and the implementation of protocols tailored to provide the best possible images on their infrastructures (use). Each program includes research translation skills training using an established advanced MRI technique relevant to LMICs. A pilot program focused on cardiac MRI (CMR) was conducted to assess the program's curriculum, delivery, and evaluation methods. RESULTS: Forty-three MRI technologists from 16 LMICs participated in the pilot CMR program and, over the course of the training, implemented optimized CMR protocols that reduced acquisition times while improving image quality. The training resources and scanner-specific standardized protocols are published openly for public use in an online repository. In general, at the end of the program, learners reported considerable improvements in CMR knowledge and skills. All respondents to the program evaluation survey agreed to recommend the program to their colleagues, while 87% indicated interest in returning to help train others. CONCLUSIONS: The SWiM program is the first master class in MRI acquisition for practicing imaging technologists in LMICs. The program holds the potential to help reduce disparities in MRI expertise and access. The support of the MRI community, imaging societies, and funding agencies will increase its reach and further its impact in democratizing MRI.

The clinical year dilemma: Examining the stressors and alternatives of pre-radiology training.

Since its reinstatement in 1997, the effectiveness of the clinical year prior to radiology residency has been a contentious topic concerning its role in cultivating skilled radiologists. This review evaluates the limitations of the one-year internship and explores alternative approaches. Utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, this study identified pertinent articles that aligned with the inclusion criteria for post-graduate year 1 (PGY-1) training before radiology residency. Through a qualitative analysis of the literature, the review identifies prevalent themes concerning the drawbacks of the preliminary clinical year and potential alternative strategies. Many current trainees express skepticism about the value of the clinical year, noting a disconnect between its generalist nature and the specialized demands of subsequent radiology training. Interns felt uncertain about radiology exam indications and found radiology departments to be unapproachable, reflecting the need for alternative educational strategies to improve the preparedness and confidence of radiology interns as they transition from academic environments to clinical practice. The preparatory clinical year prior to entering radiology residency presents a mix of utility, along with alternative approaches to structuring this year. These alternatives include incorporating it into the undergraduate medical curriculum, restructuring or designing radiology-focused clinical years, and reevaluating the overall effectiveness of the clinical year in training.

Study of medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary medical system in riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The use of medicinal plants to treat various veterinary illnesses has been practiced for millennia in many civilizations. Punjab is home to a diverse ethnic community, the majority of whom work in dairy farming, agriculture, and allied professions and have indigenous practices of treating animal illnesses using native flora. This study was designed to (1) document and preserve information about the applications of medicinal plant species in ethnoveterinary remedies among inhabitants of Punjab, Pakistan, and (2) identify popular plants for disease treatment by quantitative analysis of the obtained data and to assess the pharmacological relevance of these species. METHODS: To collect data from informants (N = 279), questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The ethnoveterinary data were analyzed using principal component analysis, relative frequency citation, fidelity level, relative popularity level, and rank order priority. RESULTS: A total of 114 plant species utilized in the ethnoveterinary medicinal system were found, which were divided into 56 families and used to treat 16 different illnesses. The Poaceae family, with 16 species, was the most common in the region. The most commonly employed growth form in herbal preparation was herb (49%). The most used part in ethnoveterinary remedies was leaves (35%), while powder was the most commonly used way for preparing ethnoveterinary remedies (51 applications). According to principal component analysis, the most typically used species in the research region were grasses. Five grasses (Arundo donax, Desmostachya bipinnata, Eleusine indica, Hordeum vulgare, and Pennisetum glaucum) showed a 100% FL value when used to treat diuretics, helminthiasis, digestive problems, fever, cough, worm infestation, indigestion, galactagogue, oral infections, and genital prolapse. The maximum value of disease cured level (DCL%) was recorded at 87.6% for endo- and ecto-parasitic ailments in the study area. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that medicinal plants play an important part in satisfying farmers' animal healthcare demands, making it a feasible practice. The study also provides a wealth of knowledge regarding ethnoveterinary methods for further planning and application, providing an option for farmers who cannot afford allopathic therapy.

The potential impact of digital economy on energy poverty in the context of Chinese provinces.

This study focused on exploring the impact of the digital economy (DE) on energy poverty (EP) across Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2018, motivated by the critical need to understand how technological advancements in the digital sector influence energy accessibility and sustainability. Conducted against the backdrop of global digital transformation, the research aimed to dissect the nuanced ways in which the DE contributes to mitigating EP, employing dynamic panel threshold and indirect effect models to capture both the direct and nuanced, and intermediate effects of digital progress on energy deprivation. Key findings revealed a significant reduction in EP attributed to the advancements in DE, with the most notable improvements observed in Eastern China where strategic energy policies and management practices enhanced the positive impacts of digitalization. The study highlighted the DE's role in improving energy access, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, although it also pointed out the potential for regressive effects in areas with lower levels of technological advancement. These findings are of substantial value as they offer empirical evidence of the DE's capacity to alleviate EP, underlining the importance of integrating digital strategies into energy policy planning. The research provides critical insights for policymakers, stakeholders in the energy sector, and scholars interested in the synergies between digital innovation and energy security, suggesting that leveraging digital technologies could accelerate efforts towards achieving sustainable energy access and combating energy poverty in China and potentially in other contexts facing similar challenges.

Biallelic variants in CSMD1 are implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability and variable cortical malformations.

CSMD1 (Cub and Sushi Multiple Domains 1) is a well-recognized regulator of the complement cascade, an important component of the innate immune response. CSMD1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where emergent functions of the complement pathway modulate neural development and synaptic activity. While a genetic risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, the role of CSMD1 in neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. Through international variant sharing, we identified inherited biallelic CSMD1 variants in eight individuals from six families of diverse ancestry who present with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, microcephaly, and polymicrogyria. We modeled CSMD1 loss-of-function (LOF) pathogenesis in early-stage forebrain organoids differentiated from CSMD1 knockout human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We show that CSMD1 is necessary for neuroepithelial cytoarchitecture and synchronous differentiation. In summary, we identified a critical role for CSMD1 in brain development and biallelic CSMD1 variants as the molecular basis of a previously undefined neurodevelopmental disorder.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of carbapenem resistance and its possible treatment options with focus on clinical Enterobacteriaceae: Thirty years of development in Pakistan.

Background: Carbapenem resistance is epidemic worldwide, these last resort antimicrobials are listed in the WHO 'watch group' with higher resistance potential. During the years 2017-18 Pakistan Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System reported an increase in carbapenem resistance. However, a comprehensive information on prevalence and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem resistance in Pakistan is not available. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to report the current carbapenem resistance situation in Pakistan and its treatment options. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the pooled prevalence (PPr) of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and non-Enterobacteriaceae by organizing available data, from Web of Science and PubMed by April 2, 2020, in various groups and subgroups including species, years, provinces, extended spectrum ß-lactamase production, clinical presentation, carbapenemase and metallo-ß-lactamase production, and New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM) prevalence. Literature review was updated for the studies publisehd by December 07, 2023. Moreover, we descriptively reviewed the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and non-Enterobacteriaceae in Pakistan. Lastly, we statistically explored different treatment options available for carbapenem resistant infections. We used R package 'metafor' for performing meta-analysis and influence diagnostics and determining treatment options. Results: From two academic databases Web of Science and PubMed we identified 343 studies. Eighty-eight studies were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Seventy-four studies were selected for phenotypic analysis, 36 for genotypic analysis, and 31 for available treatment options. PPr-ID of 12% [0.12 (0.07, 0.16)] was observed for phenotypic carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae with more prevalence recorded in Klebsiella pneumoniae 24% [0.24 (0.05, 0.44)] followed by 9% [0.09 (-0.03, 0.20)] in Escherichia coli. During the last two decades we observed a striking increase in carbapenem resistance PPr i.e., from 0% [0.00 (-0.02, 0.03)] to 36% [0.36 (0.17, 0.56)]. blaNDM with PPr 15% [0.15 (0.06, 0.23)] in naive isolates was found to be the fundamental genetic determinant for carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in Pakistan. Polymyxin B, colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin were identified as the suggested treatment options available for multidrug resistant infections not responding to carbapenems. Various studies reported carbapenem resistance from human, animal, and environment sources. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that NDM-1 producing carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae are increasing in Pakistan. Meta-analysis showed that metallo-ß-lactamases producing E. coli ST405 and K. pneumoniae sequence type11 are the major resistant clones. Number of reported studies in various subgroups and inconsistency in following CLSI guidelines are the potential limitations of this meta-analysis. A National antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance strategy based on One Health is urgently needed to check any future AMR crisis in Pakistan.

Study loss of vegetative cover and increased land surface temperature through remote sensing strategies under the inter-annual climate variability in Jinhua-Quzhou basin, China.

The Jinhua-Quzhou basin in China is one of the most susceptible areas to drought. Due to the loss of vegetation and great fluctuations in rainfall and surface temperature, global warming occurs. Timely, accurate, and effective drought monitoring is crucial for protecting local vegetation and determining which vegetation is most vulnerable to increased LST during the period 1982-2019. It assumes a strong correlation between loss of vegetation cover, changes in monsoon climate, drought, and increases in land surface temperature (LST). Due to significantly increased in LST, low precipitation and vegetation cover, NDVI, TVDI, VCI, and NAP are useful in characterizing drought mitigation strategies. The temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), vegetation condition index (VCI), and monthly precipitation anomaly percentage (NAP) can be helped to characterize drought reduction strategies. Monthly NDVI, NAP, VCI, TVDI, normalized vegetation supply water index (NVSWI), temperature condition index (TCI), vegetation health index (VHI), and heat map analysis indicate that the Jinhua-Quzhou basin experienced drought during 1984, 1993, 2000, and 2011. Seasonal SR, WVP, WS, NDVI, VCI, and NAP charts confirm that the Jinhua-Quzhou basin was affected by severe drought in 1984, which continued and led to severe droughts in 1993, 2000, and 2011. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between NDVI, TVDI, VCI, and NAP values, while NVSWI, TVDI, and VHI showed positive signs of good drought monitoring strategies. The research results confirm the correlation between loss of vegetation cover and LST, which is one of the causes of global warming. The distribution of drought changed a trend indicating that compared with the Jinhua region; the Quzhou region has more droughts. The changing trend of drought has characteristics from 1982 to 2019, and there are significant differences in drought changing trends between different Jinhua-Quzhou basin areas. Overall, from 1982 to 2019, the frequency of drought showed a downward trend. We believe that these results will provide useful tools for drought management plans and play a relevant role in mitigating the effects of drought and protecting humanity from climate hazards.

How causality impacts the renewable energy, carbon emissions, and economic growth nexus in the South Caucasus Countries?

Renewable energy is essential for boosting economic expansion and lowering carbon dioxide emission (CO2) to achieve carbon neutrality. This study's objective is to investigate the relationship between the use of renewable energy, economic growth, and CO2 for South Caucasus Countries. For analysis purposes, time series methods were applied on the panel data. Second-generation unit root and cointegration tests were used to test the cross-sectional dependence. Afterward, panel causality and panel VAR techniques were performed to examine the relationship between the variables. Based on feedback hypothesis, results of our causality analysis revealed a bidirectional causality relationship between growth and renewable energy consumption. Moreover, we revealed unidirectional causality from CO2 to renewable energy and from growth to CO2 emission. We also found that the effect of a shock in renewable energy on growth is increasing, and on CO2, it is decreasing implying that renewable energy consumption will trigger growth and have a reducing effect on CO2 emissions. We portrayed significant workable implications for policymakers, regulation bodies, companies, stakeholders, and managers. Results from this study should be extrapolated with caution since their applicability is limited to the South Caucasus Countries. In addition, the research heavily depends on summaries, which may obscure regional differences. In the future, researchers may want to dig deeper into the data and examine the subtle effect of renewable energy policy nationally. Moreover, including socio-economic aspects and technical improvements in the research might give a more thorough picture of the dynamics at play.

Balancing agricultural production and environmental sustainability: Based on Economic Analysis From North China Plain.

The escalating trend of greenhouse gas emissions presents a dual threat to both food security and the exacerbation of global warming. Addressing this pressing issue demands concerted efforts on local and global scales to champion sustainable food production and foster environmental benefits. In 2015, a pivotal field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain, aiming to delineate the intricate balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. This study comprised eight meticulously designed treatments, incorporating two key components: the evaluation of economic and environmental parameters encompassing carbon footprint, energy consumption, and the carbon sustainability index. Notably, while the carbon sustainability index exhibited improvement, it also revealed a 9.4% increase in emissions compared to the baseline, underscoring the nuanced trade-offs involved. The findings underscored the efficacy of no-tillage (NT) practices coupled with soybean-based crop rotation, mitigating yield reduction compared to conventional tillage (RT). However, the optimal yield was observed in the RT-MW treatment, amalgamating conventional tillage with minimum tillage practices. Moreover, despite the higher cost associated with soybeans relative to milled wheat, their cultivation yielded a notable increase in net income. These compelling results advocate for the adoption of conservation agriculture as a means to optimize the delicate equilibrium between environmental preservation and economic prosperity. Furthermore, the study underscores the imperative for further research endeavors aimed at devising highly productive agricultural systems that seamlessly integrate environmental sustainability with economic viability, echoing the crucial insights gleaned from analogous contexts.

A Deep Dive into Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Solar Cells: A Review of Exploring Roadblocks, Breakthroughs, and Shaping the Future.

Renewable energy is crucial for sustainable future, and Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based solar cells shine as a beacon of hope. CZTS, composed of abundant, low-cost, and non-toxic elements, shares similarities with Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). However, despite its promise and appealing properties for solar cells, CZTS-based solar cells faces performance challenges owing to inherent issues with CZTS material, and conventional substrate structure complexities. This review critically examines these roadblocks, explores ongoing efforts and breakthroughs, providing insight into the evolving landscape of CZTS-based solar cells research. Furthermore, as an optimistic turn in the field, the review first highlights the crucial need to transition to a superstrate structure for CZTS-based single junction devices, and summarizes the substantial progress made in this direction. Subsequently, dive into the discussion about the fascinating realm of CZTS-based tandem devices, providing an overview of the existing literature as well as outlining the possible potential strategies for enhancing the efficiency of such devices. Finally, the review provides a useful outlook that outlines the priorities for future research and suggesting where efforts should concentrate to shape the future of CZTS-based solar cells.

CDCA8, a mitosis-related gene, as a prospective pan-cancer biomarker: implications for survival prognosis and oncogenic immunology.

BACKGROUND: Human cell division cycle-associated protein 8 (CDCA8), a critical regulator of mitosis, has been identified as a prospective prognostic biomarker in several cancer types, including breast, colon, and lung cancers. This study analyzed the diagnostic/prognostic potential and clinical implications of CDCA8 across diverse cancers. METHODS: Bioinformatics and molecular experiments. RESULTS: Analyzing TCGA data via TIMER2 and GEPIA2 databases revealed significant up-regulation of CDCA8 in 23 cancer types compared to normal tissues. Prognostically, elevated CDCA8 expression correlated with poorer overall survival in KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM, emphasizing its potential as a prognostic marker. UALCAN analysis demonstrated CDCA8 up-regulation based on clinical variables, such as cancer stage, race, and gender, in these cancers. Epigenetic exploration indicated reduced CDCA8 promoter methylation levels in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC), Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) tissues compared to normal controls. Promoter methylation and mutational analyses showcased a hypomethylation and low mutation rate for CDCA8 in these cancers. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between CDCA8 expression and infiltrating immune cells, particularly CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis unveiled key interacting proteins, while gene enrichment analysis highlighted their involvement in crucial cellular processes and pathways. Additionally, exploration of CDCA8-associated drugs through DrugBank presented potential therapeutic options for KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM. In vitro validation using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed elevated CDCA8 expression in LUAD cell lines (A549 and H1299) compared to control cell lines (Beas-2B and NL-20). CONCLUSION: This study provides concise insights into CDCA8's multifaceted role in KIRC, LUAD, and SKCM, covering expression patterns, diagnostic and prognostic relevance, epigenetic regulation, mutational landscape, immune infiltration, and therapeutic implications.

Adipose Tissue and Umbilical Cord Tissue: Potential Sources of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Liver Fibrosis Treatment.

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential alternatives for liver fibrosis treatment; however, their optimal sources remain uncertain. This study compares the ex-vivo expansion characteristics of MSCs obtained from adipose tissue (AT) and umbilical cord (UC) and assesses their therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis treatment. Methods: Since MSCs from early to mid-passage numbers (P2-P6) are preferable for cellular therapy, we investigated the growth kinetics of AT-MSCs and UC-MSCs up to P6 and evaluated their therapeutic effects in a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by diethylnitrosamine. Results: Results from the expansion studies demonstrated that both cell types exhibited bona fide characteristics of MSCs, including surface antigens, pluripotent gene expression, and differentiation potential. However, AT-MSCs demonstrated a shorter doubling time (58.2 ± 7.3 vs. 82.3 ± 4.3 h; P < 0.01) and a higher population doubling level (10.1 ± 0.7 vs. 8.2 ± 0.3; P < 0.01) compared to UC-MSCs, resulting in more cellular yield (230 ± 9.0 vs. 175 ± 13.2 million) in less time. Animal studies demonstrated that both MSC types significantly reduced liver fibrosis (P < 0.05 vs. the control group) while also improving liver function and downregulating fibrosis-associated gene expression. Conclusion: AT-MSCs and UC-MSCs effectively reduce liver fibrosis. However, adipose cultures display an advantage by yielding a higher number of MSCs in a shorter duration, rendering them a viable choice for scenarios requiring immediate single-dose administration, often encountered in clinical settings.

Recent Trends and Advances in Additive-Mediated Composting Technology for Agricultural Waste Resources: A Comprehensive Review.

Agriculture waste has increased annually due to the global food demand and intensive animal production. Preventing environmental degradation requires fast and effective agricultural waste treatment. Aerobic digestion or composting uses agricultural wastes to create a stabilized and sterilized organic fertilizer and reduces chemical fertilizer input. Indeed, conventional composting technology requires a large surface area, a long fermentation period, significant malodorous emissions, inferior product quality, and little demand for poor end results. Conventional composting loses a lot of organic nitrogen and carbon. Thus, this comprehensive research examined sustainable and adaptable methods for improving agricultural waste composting efficiency. This review summarizes composting processes and examines how compost additives affect organic solid waste composting and product quality. Our findings indicate that additives have an impact on the composting process by influencing variables including temperature, pH, and moisture. Compost additive amendment could dramatically reduce gas emissions and mineral ion mobility. Composting additives can (1) improve the physicochemical composition of the compost mixture, (2) accelerate organic material disintegration and increase microbial activity, (3) reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions to reduce nitrogen (N) losses, and (4) retain compost nutrients to increase soil nutrient content, maturity, and phytotoxicity. This essay concluded with a brief summary of compost maturity, which is essential before using it as an organic fertilizer. This work will add to agricultural waste composting technology literature. To increase the sustainability of agricultural waste resource utilization, composting strategies must be locally optimized and involve the created amendments in a circular economy.

Cadmium and lead accumulation in important food crops due to wastewater irrigation: Pollution index and health risks assessment.

The contamination of farm soils with heavy metals (HMs) has raised significant concerns due to the increased bioavailability and accumulation of HMs in agricultural food crops. To address this issue, a survey experiment was conducted in the suburbs of Multan and Faisalabad to investigate the spatial distribution, bioaccumulation, translocation, and health risks of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in agricultural crops. The results show a considerable concentration of Cd and Pb in soils irrigated with wastewater, even though these levels were below the permissible limits in water and soil matrices. The pollution index for Cd was mostly greater than 1 at the selected sites, indicating its accumulation in soil over time due to wastewater irrigation. Conversely, the pollution index for Pb was below 1 at all sites. Among the plants, Zea mays accumulated the highest concentration of Cd and Pb. The translocation factor from soil to root was highest for Brassica olearecea (7.037 for Cd) and Zea mays (6.383 for Pb). The target hazard quotient (THQ) value of Cd exceeded the non-carcinogenic limit for most vegetables. The highest value was found in Allium cepa (5.256) and the lowest in Allium sativum (0.040). In contrast, the THQ level of Pb was below the non-carcinogenic limit for most vegetables, except for Allium cepa (1.479), Solanum lycopersicum (1.367), and Solanum tuberosum (1.326). The study highlights that Allium cepa poses the highest health risk for humans, while Medicago sativa poses the highest risk for animals due to Cd and Pb contamination. These results underscore the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate the health risks associated with HM contamination in crops and soils.