Non-coding RNA yREX3 from human extracellular vesicles exerts macrophage-mediated cardioprotection via a novel gene-methylating mechanism.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cardiosphere-derived cells exert immunomodulatory effects through the transmission of small non-coding RNAs. METHODS: The mechanism and role of yREX3, a small Y RNA abundant in EVs in myocardial injury, was investigated. RESULTS: yREX3 attenuates cardiac ischaemic injury by selective DNA methylation. Synthetic yREX3 encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles triggers broad transcriptomic changes in macrophages, localizes to the nucleus, and mediates epigenetic silencing of protein interacting with C kinase-1 (Pick1) through methylation of upstream CpG sites. Moreover, yREX3 interacts with polypyrimidine tract binding protein 3 (PTBP3) to methylate the Pick1 gene locus in a DNA methyltransferase-dependent manner. Suppression of Pick1 in macrophages potentiates Smad3 signalling and enhances efferocytosis, minimizing heart necrosis in rats with myocardial infarction. Adoptive transfer of Pick1-deficient macrophages recapitulates the cardioprotective effects of yREX3 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the role of a small Y RNA mined from EVs with a novel gene-methylating mechanism.

Clinical decision support systems to optimize adherence to anticoagulant guidelines in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been utilized as a low-cost intervention to improve healthcare process measures. Thus, we aim to estimate CDSS efficacy to optimize adherence to oral anticoagulant guidelines in eligible patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved from PubMed, WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CENTRAL through August 2023. We used RevMan V. 5.4 to pool dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). PROSPERO ID: CRD42023471806. RESULTS: We included nine RCTs with a total of 25,573 patients. There was no significant difference, with the use of CDSS compared to routine care, in the number of patients prescribed anticoagulants (RR: 1.06, 95% CI [0.98, 1.14], P = 0.16), the number of patients prescribed antiplatelets (RR: 1.01 with 95% CI [0.97, 1.06], P = 0.59), all-cause mortality (RR: 1.19, 95% CI [0.31, 4.50], P = 0.80), major bleeding (RR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.21, 3.45], P = 0.81), and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (RR: 1.05, 95% CI [0.52, 2.16], P = 0.88). However, CDSS was significantly associated with reduced incidence of myocardial infarction (RR: 0.18, 95% CI [0.06, 0.54], P = 0.002) and cerebral or systemic embolic event (RR: 0.11, 95% CI [0.01, 0.83], P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We report no significant difference with the use of CDSS compared to routine care in anticoagulant or antiplatelet prescription in eligible patients with AF. CDSS was associated with a reduced incidence of myocardial infarction and cerebral or systemic embolic events.

Adjunctive left atrial posterior wall isolation for atrial fibrillation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior left atrial wall isolation (PWI) plus traditional pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been proposed as a promising intervention to decrease atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of adding PWI to the traditional PVI in patients with AF. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved by systematically searching PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane through June 14, 2023. We used Stata version 17 to pool dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023446227). RESULTS: We included 11 RCTs with a total number of 1534 patients. Combined ablation with PWI + PVI was not associated with any significant difference over PVI only regarding the recurrence of clinical AF (RR: 0.86 with 95% CI [0.70-1.06]), all atrial arrhythmia (RR: 0.93 with 95% CI [0.82-1.07]), nonatrial fibrillation arrhythmia (RR: 1.22 with 95% CI [0.97-1.53]), early AF (RR: 0.89 with 95% CI [0.62-1.27]), and antiarrhythmic drugs at discharge (RR: 0.83 with 95% CI [0.67-1.04]). However, it was associated with increased total ablation duration (minutes) (MD: 12.58 with 95% CI [6.80-18.37]) and total procedure duration (minutes) (MD: 16.77 with 95% CI [9.63-23.91]), without any significant difference regarding adverse events (RR: 1.05 with 95% CI [0.63-1.74]). CONCLUSION: While the pooled data from PWI + PVI using point-by-point radiofrequency did not suggest a benefit in the recurrence of various atrial arrhythmias compared to PVI alone, PWI+PVI using direct posterior wall ablation, especially with cryoballoon, demonstrated a significant reduction in recurrence of AF/atrial arrhythmias. Also, PWI + PVI significantly increased the ablation and total procedure durations.

Impact of pH modification of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution on MIC90 concentration in tears and aqueous humor of donkeys (Equus asinus).

BACKGROUND: Commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution is frequently used empirically to treat ocular disorders in equines, despite being primarily formulated for use in humans. It has been noted that tobramycin MIC90 concentration (minimal inhibitory concentration to 90% of microbial growth) rapidly declined following topical administration. It is hypothesized that adjustment of the pH of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution -prepared for human use- with the pH of the tears of donkeys, could increase the bioavailability of the drug and subsequently improve its penetration to the aqueous humor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of pH adjustment of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution on MIC90 concentration in tears and aqueous humor of donkeys (Equus asinus). The study was conducted on six (n = 6) clinically healthy donkeys. In each donkey, one eye was randomly selected to receive 210 µg tobramycin of the commercial tobramycin (CT) and used as a positive control (C group, n = 6). The other eye (treated eye) received 210 µg of the modified tobramycin ophthalmic solution (MT) (T group, n = 6). Tears and aqueous humor samples were collected 5-, 10-, 15-, 30- min, and 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6 h post-instillation. RESULTS: Modifying the pH of the empirically used commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution in donkeys at a pH of 8.26 enhanced the drug's bioavailability. The MIC90 of the most hazardous bacteria isolated from equines' eyes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC90 = 128 µg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC90 = 256 µg/ml) was covered early (5 min post-instillation) and over a longer period in donkey tears (239-342 min) and aqueous humor (238-330 min) with the modified tobramycin solution. CONCLUSIONS: Adjustment of the pH of the commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution, empirically used by veterinarians to treat donkeys' ophthalmic infections at a pH of 8.26, isotonic with the donkeys' tears pH, resulting in higher concentrations of tobramycin in tears and aqueous humor for a longer time.

Evaluation of telomere length, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in spermatozoa of patients with oligospermia.

50% of cases of infertility are caused by male factor, which acquired or congenital problems may bring on. Male infertility can be caused by oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, which are common. Since the same mutations that cause azoospermia in some people also cause oligozoospermia in others, oligozoospermia may be thought of as a less severe form of azoospermia. Studies have demonstrated telomere length, catalase activity, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and DNA fragmentation can be influential factors for male infertility. The amount of apoptosis, oxidative stress factors, telomere length, and DNA fragmentation were some aspects of healthy sperm that we chose to look into in this study and compare to oligospermia individuals. Oligospermia patients (n = 24) and fertile men (n = 27) semen samples were collected, and the apoptosis rate of sperms in both groups was analyzed (Flow cytometry). Also, gene expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic markers and telomere length were examined (real-time polymerase chain reaction). The sperm DNA fragmentation kit was used to determine DNA fragmentation and to evaluate catalase and SOD activity; the specific kits and methods were utilized. Higher expression levels of caspase3 (p = .0042), caspase8 (p = .0145), caspase9 (p = .0275), and BAX (p = .0202) mRNA were observed in patients who had oligospermia. In contrast, lower mRNA expression of BCL-2 (p = .0009) was detected in this group. In addition, telomere length was decreased in the oligospermia group (p < .0001) compared to the health group. Moreover, the frequency of apoptosis is induced in patients (p = .0026). The catalase activity is low (p = .0008), but the SOD activity is high (p = .0015) in the patient group. As a result of our findings, we may list the sperm cell apoptosis rate, telomere length, the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation, and lastly, the measurement of significant and efficient oxidative stress markers like SOD and catalase in semen plasma among the principal diagnostic characteristics for oligospermia. Future studies will be better able to treat oligospermia by showing whether these indicators are rising or falling.

Machine learning-based classification of structured light modes under turbulence and eavesdropping effects.

This paper considers the classification of multiplexed structured light modes, aiming to bolster communication reliability and data transfer rates, particularly in challenging scenarios marked by turbulence and potential eavesdropping. An experimental free-space optic (FSO) system is established to transmit 16 modes [8-ary Laguerre Gaussian (LG) and 8-ary superposition LG (Mux-LG) mode patterns] over a 3-m FSO channel, accounting for interception threats and turbulence effects. To the best of authors' knowledge, this paper is the first to consider both factors concurrently. We propose four machine/deep learning algorithms-artificial neural network, support vector machine, 1D convolutional neural network, and 2D convolutional neural network-for classification purposes. By fusing the outputs of these methods, we achieve promising classification results exceeding 92%, 81%, and 69% in cases of weak, moderate, and strong turbulence, respectively. Structured light modes exhibit significant potential for a variety of real-world applications where reliable and high-capacity data transmission is crucial.

Use of the Schelin Catheter for transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia prior to Rezum treatment.

Minimally invasive surgery techniques (MIST) have become newly adopted in urological care.  Given this, new analgesic techniques are important in optimizing patient outcomes and resource management. Rezum treatment (RT) for BPH has emerged as a new MIST with excellent patient outcomes, including improving quality of life (QoL) and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs), while also preserving sexual function.  Currently, the standard analgesic approach for RT involves a peri-prostatic nerve block (PNB) using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or systemic sedation anesthesia.  The TRUS approach is invasive, uncomfortable, and holds a risk of infection.  Additionally, alternative methods such as, inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitric oxide, general anesthesia, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation pose safety risks or mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team.  Transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using the Schelin Catheter (ProstaLund, Lund, Sweden) (SC) provides a new, non-invasive, and efficient technique for out-patient, office based Rezum procedures.  Through local administration of an analgesic around the prostate base, the SC has been shown to reduce pain, procedure times, and bleeding during MISTs.  Herein, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TUIA via the SC in a cohort of 10 patients undergoing in-patient RT for BPH.

Prophylactic common iliac artery temporary clamping versus balloon occlusion for management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: A prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to compare prophylactic common iliac artery (CIA) temporary clamping and preoperative balloon occlusion for managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2019 and June 2020, 46 patients with PAS disorders were included. Of them, 26 patients were offered CIA balloon occlusion (Group A), while temporary CIA clamping was done for the other 20 patients (Group B). Primary outcomes were procedure-related complications, and secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, reoperation rates, total procedure time, blood loss, and amount of blood transfusion. RESULTS: Blood loss was statistically non-significant higher in group B than in group A (p-value = 0.143). Only one patient in group A and three in group B needed reoperation. The bleeding continued for a mean of 1.6 days in group A and 1.7 days in group B, with non-significant statistical differences between both groups p value = 0.71. Nine patients in group A (34.6%) and four in group B (20%) required ICU admission. The mean Apgar score was 7 and 6.6 in babies of group A and group B patients, respectively. The median number of allogeneic blood transfusions performed was two in patients in group A and 1 in group B (p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both techniques offer good choices for patients with PAS to decrease mortality and morbidity rates. The selection of a better technique depends on institutional references and physicians' experience.

A novel technique with butterfly splint for middle turbinate stabilization in sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of newly designed butterfly splint with special technique for middle turbinate stabilization in preventing adhesion following bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled. SETTING: University hospitals. METHODS: Following ESS, in cases of traumatized and/or unstable middle turbinates, newly designed butterfly plastic splint was randomly inserted in the middle meatus of one nasal side, while no splint was inserted in the other (control). Patients were followed up on after 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Endoscopic examination and a visual analog scale were used to evaluate each side of the nasal cavity for adhesion, crusting, pus, pain, nasal obstruction, and nasal discharge. RESULTS: Thirty patients (60 nasal sides) were included. For all investigated parameters, there was no significant difference between the splinted and non-splinted sides at the first week visit. Adhesion was found significantly less in the splinted sides (3%) than the non-splinted sides (27%) after 1 month (P = 0.038). The adhesion rate in the splinted sides remained 3% at the 3 month follow-up visit, however, in the non-splinted sides, the rate increased up to 30% (P = 0.007). Throughout the follow-up visits, all other investigated parameters remained statistically insignificant between both sides. CONCLUSIONS: The newly designed butterfly plastic splints to avoid middle turbinate adhesion is safe and effective in both reducing middle meatal adhesion with low complication rate in CRSwNP patients undergoing ESS and middle turbinate stabilization in its intermediate position.

Patient Weight and Chemoprophylaxis in Abdominoplasty: Does It Result in More Bleeding Events?

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has gained popularity in recent decades as an effective treatment for obesity. Abdominoplasty is one of the most often performed aesthetic procedures all over the world. In post-bariatric patients undergoing abdominoplasty, the diameter size and number of the abdominal wall perforators increase proportionally with increased body weight. Postoperative complications that may occur are haematoma, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). In plastic surgery procedures VTE prophylaxis grades vary due to the lack of consensus and clear guidelines. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of postoperative bleeding and VTE in patients undergoing abdominoplasty and to explore the risk factors associated with major bleeding. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre study of adult patients who were operated on by abdominoplasty between 2011 and 2020. Chemoprophylaxis including low molecular weight heparin (LMHW) was recommended when the operating time exceeded 2 h. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included. There were no patients with VTE. Eight patients were re-operated for major haematoma. The weight loss (peak weight to weight before the abdominoplasty) was 14.4 kg larger in the re-operation group (p = 0.03). Eighty-eight percent in the re-operation group and 67% in the other group were treated with LMWH (p = 0.43). Multivariable logistic regression showed that with each decrease from the peak in BMI kg/m2 the risk of re-operation for major haematoma was increased by 22% (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Abdominoplasty in patients after massive weight loss has a higher risk of postoperative bleeding. Having a clear protocol for chemoprophylaxis should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Debye Temperature Evaluation for Secondary Battery Cathode of α-SnxFe1-xOOH Nanoparticles Derived from the 57Fe- and 119Sn-Mössbauer Spectra.

Debye temperatures of α-SnxFe1-xOOH nanoparticles (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20, abbreviated as Sn100x NPs) prepared by hydrothermal reaction were estimated with 57Fe- and 119Sn-Mössbauer spectra measured by varying the temperature from 20 to 300 K. Electrical properties were studied by solid-state impedance spectroscopy (SS-IS). Together, the charge-discharge capacity of Li- and Na-ion batteries containing Sn100x NPs as a cathode were evaluated. 57Fe-Mössbauer spectra of Sn10, Sn15, and Sn20 measured at 300 K showed only one doublet due to the superparamagnetic doublet, while the doublet decomposed into a sextet due to goethite at the temperature below 50 K for Sn 10, 200 K for Sn15, and 100 K for Sn20. These results suggest that Sn10, Sn15 and Sn20 had smaller particles than Sn0. On the other hand, 20 K 119Sn-Mössbauer spectra of Sn15 were composed of a paramagnetic doublet with an isomer shift (δ) of 0.24 mm s-1 and quadrupole splitting (∆) of 3.52 mm s-1. These values were larger than those of Sn10 (δ: 0.08 mm s-1, ∆: 0.00 mm s-1) and Sn20 (δ: 0.10 mm s-1, ∆: 0.00 mm s-1), suggesting that the SnIV-O chemical bond is shorter and the distortion of octahedral SnO6 is larger in Sn15 than in Sn10 and Sn20 due to the increase in the covalency and polarization of the SnIV-O chemical bond. Debye temperatures determined from 57Fe-Mössbauer spectra measured at the low temperature were 210 K, 228 K, and 250 K for Sn10, Sn15, and Sn20, while that of α-Fe2O3 was 324 K. Similarly, the Debye temperature of 199, 251, and 269 K for Sn10, Sn15, and Sn20 were estimated from the temperature-dependent 119Sn-Mössbauer spectra, which were significantly smaller than that of BaSnO3 (=658 K) and SnO2 (=382 K). These results suggest that Fe and Sn are a weakly bound lattice in goethite NPs with low crystallinity. Modification of NPs and addition of Sn has a positive effect, resulting in an increase in DC conductivity of almost 5 orders of magnitude, from a σDC value of 9.37 × 10-7 (Ω cm)-1 for pure goethite Sn (Sn0) up to DC plateau for samples containing 0.15 and 0.20 Sn (Sn15 and Sn20) with a DC value of ~4 × 10-7 (Ω cm)-1 @423 K. This non-linear conductivity pattern and levelling at a higher Sn content suggests that structural modifications have a notable impact on electron transport, which is primarily governed by the thermally activated via three-dimensional hopping of small polarons (SPH). Measurements of SIB performance, including the Sn100x cathode under a current density of 50 mA g-1, showed initial capacities of 81 and 85 mAh g-1 for Sn0 and Sn15, which were larger than the others. The large initial capacities were measured at a current density of 5 mA g-1 found at 170 and 182 mAh g-1 for Sn15 and Sn20, respectively. It is concluded that tin-goethite NPs are an excellent material for a secondary battery cathode and that Sn15 is the best cathode among the studied Sn100x NPs.

Solar desalination system for fresh water production performance estimation in net-zero energy consumption building: A comparative study on various machine learning models.

This study employs diverse machine learning models, including classic artificial neural network (ANN), hybrid ANN models, and the imperialist competitive algorithm and emotional artificial neural network (EANN), to predict crucial parameters such as fresh water production and vapor temperatures. Evaluation metrics reveal the integrated ANN-ICA model outperforms the classic ANN, achieving a remarkable 20% reduction in mean squared error (MSE). The emotional artificial neural network (EANN) demonstrates superior accuracy, attaining an impressive 99% coefficient of determination (R2) in predicting freshwater production and vapor temperatures. The comprehensive comparative analysis extends to environmental assessments, displaying the solar desalination system's compatibility with renewable energy sources. Results highlight the potential for the proposed system to conserve water resources and reduce environmental impact, with a substantial decrease in total dissolved solids (TDS) from over 6,000 ppm to below 50 ppm. The findings underscore the efficacy of machine learning models in optimizing solar-driven desalination systems, providing valuable insights into their capabilities for addressing water scarcity challenges and contributing to the global shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly water production methods.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of potential phytocompounds from Kalanchoe pinnata in the treatment of diabetes mellitus by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking and simulation approach.

Since ancient times, bioactive phytocompounds from different parts of medicinal plants have been used to heal various disease ailments and they are now regarded as a valuable source of disease prevention globally. Kalanchoe pinnata is a member of the Crassulaceae family; it has a long history of usage in traditional ayurvedic treatment. Analysis of bioactive compounds for their potential anti-type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mechanism along with in-vitro and in-silico approaches was studied in the present research. The alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of methanolic extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (α-amylase: IC50 29.50 ± 0.04 µg/ml; α-glucosidase IC50 32.04 ± 0.35 µg/ml) exhibit a high degree of similarity to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 35.82 ± 0.14 µg/ml). Different biological databases were used to list phytocompounds from the plant, and ADME analysis using swissADME was carried out to screen compounds that obeyed the Lipinski rule of 5 and were employed further. STRING and KEGG pathway analysis was performed for gene enrichment analysis followed by network pharmacology to identify key target proteins involved in DM. AMY2A, NOX4, RPS6KA3, ADRA2A, CHRM5, and IL2 were identified as core targets for luteolin, kaempferol, alpha amyrin, stigmasterol compounds by modulating neuroactive ligand interaction, P13-AKT, MAPK, and PPAR signaling pathways. Molecular docking was performed to study the binding affinity among bioactive compounds of K. pinnata against aldose reductase, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Alpha-amylase-friedelin [FRI] and alpha-amylase-acarbose [STD] complexes were subjected to molecular simulation for a 200 ns duration that depicted the stability of the compounds and proteins. In the current study, employing dual approach in-silico and in-vitro enzyme assays has yielded a comprehensive and strong understanding of its potential therapeutic properties, making a significant step towards the development of novel anti-diabetic treatment.

Enhancing oil-water emulsion separation via synergistic filtration using graphene oxide-silver oxide nanocomposite-embedded polyethersulfone membrane.

This study introduces an innovative approach for enhancing oil-water emulsion separation using a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane embedded with a nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) and silver oxide (AgO). The composite membrane, incorporating PES and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), demonstrates improved hydrophilicity, structural integrity and resistance to fouling. Physicochemical characterization confirms successful integration of GO and AgO, leading to increased tensile strength, porosity and hydrophilicity. Filtration tests reveal substantial improvements in separating various oils from contaminated wastewater, with the composite membrane exhibiting superior efficiency and reusability compared to pristine PES membranes. This research contributes to the development of environmentally friendly oil-water separation methods with broad industrial applications.

Enhanced removal of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) ions from contaminated water using graphene oxide-decorated polyethersulphone membranes: Synthesis and characterization.

This study addresses the urgent issue of water pollution caused by iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) ions. It introduces an innovative approach using graphene oxide (GO) and GO-decorated polyethersulphone (PES) membranes to efficiently remove these ions from contaminated water. The process involves integrating GO into PES membranes to enhance their adsorption capacity. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and contact angle measurements, were used to assess structural and surface properties. The modified membranes demonstrated significantly improved adsorption compared to pristine PES. Notably, they achieved over 94% removal of Mn2+ and 93.6% of Fe2+ in the first filtration cycle for water with an initial concentration of 100 ppm. Continuous filtration for up to five cycles maintained removal rates above 60%. This research advances water purification materials, offering a promising solution for heavy metal ion removal. GO-decorated PES membranes may find application in large-scale water treatment, addressing environmental and public health concerns.

Prevalence, Pattern and Effect of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The world over, women are victims of violence in close and intimate relationships where they are expected to be safe and protected. Intimate partner violence (IPV) significantly impacts the physical and mental well-being of those affected. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and effects of IPV amongst women in Abeokuta South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State, South West Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Abeokuta - South LGA in Ogun State. Data were collected from 339 women in intimate relationships using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Ethical approval (HPRS/381/471) was obtained from the Ogun State Ministry of Health Ethical Review Committee. Analysis was done using IBM® SPSS version 23, and results were presented in frequencies and proportions using tables and charts. RESULTS: About three-quarters (73.2%) of the 339 respondents had experienced one form of IPV. Psychological/emotional violence, 224 (66.1%), and physical violence, 161 (47.5%), were the study's most commonly reported forms of violence. Amongst those affected, 186 (54.9%) were 'insulted', 87 (25.7%) were 'embarrassed in public' and another 124 (36.6%) were slapped. The effects of IPV reported were bruises/lacerations, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and attempted suicide. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IPV of all forms were high in the studied population. Therefore, the government needs to create more awareness of the problem and promote investments in women's empowerment to reverse this trend.

The faculty-to-faculty mentorship experience: a survey on challenges and recommendations for improvements.

Faculty at research institutions play a central role in advancing knowledge and careers, as well as promoting the well-being of students and colleagues in research environments. Mentorship from experienced peers has been touted as critical for enabling these myriad roles to allow faculty development, career progression, and satisfaction. However, there is little information available on who supports faculty and best ways to structure a faculty mentorship programme for early- and mid-career academics. In the interest of advocating for increased and enhanced faculty mentoring and mentoring programmes, we surveyed faculty around the world to gather data on whether and how they receive mentoring. We received responses from 457 early- and mid-career faculty and found that a substantial portion of respondents either reported having no mentor or a lack of a formal mentoring scheme. Qualitative responses on the quality of mentorship revealed that the most common complaints regarding mentorship included lack of mentor availability, unsatisfactory commitment to mentorship, and non-specific or non-actionable advice. On these suggestions, we identify a need for training for faculty mentors as well as strategies for individual mentors, departments, and institutions for funding and design of more intentional and supportive mentorship programmes for early- and mid-career faculty.

Study of the gut microbiome in Egyptian patients with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recently, an important relationship between Parkinson's disease and the gut microbiota, through the brain-gut axis interactions, has been established. Previous studies have declared that alterations in the gut microbiota have a great impact on the pathogenesis and clinical picture of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study aimed to identify the gut microbiome that is likely related to Parkinson's disease as well as their possible relation to clinical phenotypes. METHODS: Thirty patients with Parkinson's disease, who presented to the Parkinson's disease Neurology Clinic of Alexandria University Hospital were enrolled in our study. A cross-matching control group of 35 healthy subjects of similar age and sex were included. Stool specimens were taken from each. Quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR was done for the identification and quantitation of selected bacterial phyla, genera and/or species. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in Bacteroides and a significant decrease of Firmicutes and Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio and Bifidobacteria in PD patients. Although Prevotella was decreased among PD patients relative to the healthy control, the difference was not statistically significant. Comparing the PD clinical phenotypes with the control group, the Mixed phenotype had significantly higher Bacteroides, Tremors predominant had lower Firmicutes and Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio, and both tremors and postural instability and gait disability (PIGD) phenotypes had lower Bifidobacteria. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these phenotypes. Furthermore, when comparing tremors and non-tremors predominant phenotypes; Lactobacilli showed a significant decrease in non-tremors predominant phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed evidence of changes in the gut microbiome of Parkinson's disease patients compared to the healthy controls. These observations may highlight the importance of the identification of microbiome and specific bacterial changes that can be targeted for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Sr Promoted Ni/W-Zr Catalysts for Highly Efficient CO2 Methanation: Unveiling the Role of Surface Basicity.

This study explores the employment of CO2 methanation for carbon dioxide utilization and global warming mitigation. For the first time, in this work, we combine the interesting properties of the WO3-ZrO2 support and the benefits of Sr to improve the performance of Ni-based catalysts in this reaction. Sr loading on 5Ni/W-Zr samples is increased to 3 wt %, resulting in improved surface basicity through strong basic site formation. After 300 min, the 5Ni + 3Sr/W-Zr catalyst exhibits high activity and stability, achieving 90% CO2 conversion and 82% CH4 yield compared to 62 and 57% on 5Ni/W-Zr. Limited sintering and absence of carbon deposits are confirmed by temperature-programmed oxidation, XRD, Raman, and TEM analyses at 350 °C for 300 min. Sr promotion creates additional CO2 adsorption and conversion sites, enhancing the catalytic performance.

Erectile and voiding function outcomes after buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for long-segment bulbar urethral stricture: ventral versus dorsal onlay technique.

PURPOSE: To compare the impact of dorsal versus ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft bulbar urethroplasty on postoperative erectile function status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records for 232 patients who underwent dorsal and ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft bulbar urethroplasty from March 2012 to April 2021. Outcomes were urinary and erectile function status as assessed by IIEF5-15 score at preoperative, three months, and 12 months post-urethroplasty. We compared the dorsal and ventral only techniques at the different follow-up visits using difference-in-differences analysis. RESULTS: 165 patients met our inclusion criteria; the overall success rate was 87.9% after a mean follow-up of 52.3 ± 18.5 months. Of the patients, 17.6% experienced a 90-day complication. When comparing dorsal and ventral only techniques, there were no significant differences in terms of success rate (88.3% vs. 87.1%, Mantel-Cox test p = 0.68) or postoperative complications (15.5% Vs. 19.4%, p = 0.3). Likewise, there was no significant difference between both techniques regarding postoperative erectile function as assessed by IIEF5-15 score after three months (26.28 ± 2.53 Vs. 26.37 ± 2.41; p = 0.836) and twelve months (26.88 ± 2.45 Vs. 26.48 ± 1.98; p = 0.532). We detected a post-urethroplasty transient ED in (3.9% vs. 1.6%; p = 0.41), and permanent ED in (1.9% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.6) for dorsal and ventral onlay, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Onlay Buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty is a highly effective surgery in treating long-segment bulbar urethral stricture. The dorsal and ventral only techniques were comparable regarding urinary and erectile function outcomes. Additionally, both techniques have no significant negative impact on post-urethroplasty erectile function status.