An all phosphorene lattice nanometric spin valve.

Phosphorene is a unique semiconducting two-dimensional platform for enabling spintronic devices integrated with phosphorene nanoelectronics. Here, we have designed an all phosphorene lattice lateral spin valve device, conceived via patterned magnetic substituted atoms of 3d-block elements at both ends of a phosphorene nanoribbon acting as ferromagnetic electrodes in the spin valve. Through First-principles based calculations, we have extensively studied the spin-dependent transport characteristics of the new spin valve structures. Systematic exploration of the magnetoresistance (MR) of the spin valve for various substitutional atoms and bias voltage resulted in a phase diagram offering a colossal MR for V and Cr-substitutional atoms. Such MR can be directly attributed to their specific electronic structure, which can be further tuned by a gate voltage, for electric field controlled spin valves. The spin-dependent transport characteristics here reveal new features such as negative conductance oscillation and switching of the sign of MR due to change in the majority spin carrier type. Our study creates possibilities for the design of nanometric spin valves, which could enable integration of memory and logic elements for all phosphorene 2D processors.

Temporal evolution of chest radiographic appearances in COVID-19 with clinicoradiological associations: a multicentre United Kingdom resident-led study.

AIM: To describe the (a) frequency of improving, static, and worsening chest radiograph (CXR) appearances; (b) differences in demographic, initial rudimentary haematological and CXR variables and these patterns; and (c) frequency of different trajectories of serial CXR evolution, in COVID-19 patients presenting consecutively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study included all COVID-19 patients admitted from 1-30 April 2020, meeting the inclusion criteria across 24 (blinded) hospitals. Follow-up CXRs on admission, the subsequent (where available), and at 4-8 weeks were scored for the presence of parenchymal opacities across six zones. Three cohorts were defined: improved, static, and/or worsened. The chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare demographic, laboratory, and CXR variables. Trajectories of CXR evolution were assessed when all three CXRs were available (226 patients). RESULTS: Of 452 included patients (median age 66 years, interquartile range 54.3-79, 262 men), 211 (46.7%) improved, 140 (31%) were static, and 101 (22.3%) worsened. Improving patients were more likely younger, with a classic COVID-19 radiograph and higher initial CXR zonal severity scores (both p<0.001), while worsening patients had lower initial lymphocyte counts (p=0.008). The most frequent trajectory was worsened then improved (n=63, 27.9%) followed by static then improved (n=46, 20.4%) and static (n=42, 18.6%). CONCLUSION: Most patients with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic demonstrated radiographic improvement; these patients were more likely younger with classic COVID-19 appearances and initially more extensive abnormality. Conversely, radiographic deterioration was associated with lower lymphocyte counts. The three most common trajectories were worsening then improvement, static then improvement, and static throughout.

Bloqueo ecoguiado del nervio obturador al nivel de la rama púbica superior: estudio en cadáver embalsamado en Thiel utilizando látex / Sonographic obturator nerve block at level of superior pubic ramus: A Thiel based cadaveric investigation with latex

Introducción: El bloqueo del nervio obturador proximal tiene una eficacia similar al bloqueo del nervio obturador distal. Los estudios en cadáveres previos que inyectaban azul de metileno y realizaban seguidamente la disección reflejaron que la solución se dispersa a las divisiones anterior y posterior del nervio obturador, en el punto de salida del canal obturador. La absorción de azul de metileno por parte de la fascia y los músculos oscurece la delineación exacta de los nervios teñidos. Nosotros conjeturamos que la inyección de látex al nivel de las ramas púbicas superiores en el plano entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo mediante guía ecográfica a tiempo real, seguida de disección demorada en un cadáver embalsamado en Thiel, sería la técnica óptima de investigación en cadáveres. Métodos: Obtuvimos 3 cuerpos donados a la ciencia (BDTS) conforme a las normas estrictas del programa de donación del Departamento de Anatomía Macroscópica y Clínica de la Universidad de Medicina de Graz, y a la normativa sobre enterramientos de Estiria. Los BDTS fueron embalsamados utilizando el método de Thiel, que aporta condiciones muy realistas para las investigaciones con anestesia regional. En 2 cadáveres, las inyecciones de látex se realizaron de forma ecoguiada, y en el tercero se realizaron secciones transversales. Resultados: Nuestras disecciones abiertas de los cadáveres embalsamados en Thiel (C1 y C2) reflejaron que la inyección única de látex en el plano interfascial entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo al nivel de la rama púbica superior originó una dispersión adecuada a lo largo del tronco del nervio obturador y sus ramas, en todas las muestras. Conclusiones: La inyección ecoguiada de látex dentro del plano al nivel de las ramas púbicas superiores entre los músculos pectíneo y obturador externo cubre las ramas anterior y posterior y el tronco del nervio obturador.(AU)

Introduction: A proximal obturator nerve block has a similar block efficacy as the distal obturator nerve block. Previous cadaveric investigation injecting methylene blue dye solution and an immediate dissection proved the solution engulfing the anterior and posterior divisions of the obturator nerve as they emerge from the obturator canal. Uptake of methylene blue dye by the fascia and muscles obscures the exact delineation of the stained nerves. We hypothesized that injection of latex at the level of superior pubic rami in the plane between pectineus and obturator externus under real time ultrasound and a delayed dissection in a Thiel-based cadaver would be the optimal cadaveric investigational technique. Methods: Three investigated bodies donated to science (BDTS) fall under the strict rules of the donation program of the Department of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy of the Medical University of Graz and the Styrian burial law. The BDTS were embalmed with Thieĺs method which provides very lifelike conditions for investigations with regional anaesthesia backgrounds. In two cadavers (a total of specimens), latex injections were performed under ultrasound, while in the third cadaver cross-sections were executed. Results: Our Thiel based cadaveric open dissection (C1 and C2) demonstrated that a single injection of latex in the inter-fascial plane between the pectineus muscle and the obturator externus muscle at the level of superior pubic ramus led to adequate spread along trunk of the obturator nerve and its branches in all specimens. Conclusions: An in-plane ultrasound-guided latex injections at the level of superior pubic rami, between the pectineus and the obturator externus muscles soaks the anterior ramus, posterior ramus, and the obturator nerve trunk.(AU)

The emerging role of lipid nanosystems and nanomicelles in liver diseases.

Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit remarkable potential in the diagnosis and treatment of various liver ailments, including primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases. High surface area-to-volume ratio with distinct physicochemical and bio-pharmaceutical properties have contributed numerous benefits to NPs, such as high intracellular uptake and efficient drug delivery capabilities stemming from their ability to encapsulate a diverse range of drugs. Lipid-based nanosystems have demonstrated significant potential as reliable and efficient transport vehicles for a variety of actives, including small interfering RNA, targeting the liver, owing to their excellent in vivo compatibility, biodegradable nature, and non-toxic properties. Multiple aspects of various lipid-based materials, lipid nanosystems like solid lipid NPs, nanovesicles such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, and nanomicelles for liver-specific active targeting have been comprehensively reviewed. Ongoing and completed clinical trials of lipid nanosystems developed for HCC, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatitis are tabulated. Types of receptors and ligands typically used for active liver targeting in HCC are extensively discussed. The US FDA's recent approval for the use of Onpattro (Patisiran) injection to treat polyneuropathy in adult patients is indicative of the rapid development of lipid nanosystems employed for hepatic targeting. Nanoemulsions loaded with diagnostic imaging agents for multi-modal liver imaging were briefly discussed. Emerging technologies are being developed to integrate desirable properties of nanoparticles (NPs), including high stability, efficient drug loading, opsonization avoidance, active liver targeting, and facilitation of endosomal escape. Clinical translations of many lipid NPs for drug and gene therapy applications targeting different liver diseases are expected in the near future.

Novel studies on Isolation, purification and characterization of dibenzonitro compound from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and effect in downregulating neuronal cancers.

To isolate Letrozole from Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. and to determine its effect on regulating the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and key mechanisms in human neuroblastoma cell lines. Letrozole was isolated through column chromatographic technique and its effect was checked on human neuroblastoma cell lines, IMR 32. The effects of Letrozole on cell viability were measured by MTT assay, and the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The expression changes in mRNA of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were taken from real-time PCR analysis and the protein levels were detected by Western blotting. The results of the present study showed that Letrozole, isolated from leaves of G. pentaphylla could cause significant inhibitory effect on proliferation of IMR 32 cells in a dose dependent manner. Cell arrest was obtained at S phase with the treatment of Letrozole. Apart from this, the expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL were decreased both at mRNA and protein levels for the same treatment. Letrozole can inhibit proliferation, induce cell arrest and cause apoptosis in IMR 32 cell lines. The decreased expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and Bcl-xL induced by Letrozole contributes to the above effects in vitro. This is the first report on the isolation of Letrozole from G. pentaphylla.

A novel perspective for M-polynomials to compute molecular descriptors of borophene nanosheet.

Nanomaterials feature exceptional, one-of-a-kind qualities that might be used in electronics, medicine, and other industries. Two-dimensional nanomaterials called borophene have a variety of intriguing characteristics, which helped them to leave an indelible impression in the fields of chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, and condensed matter physics. The concept of modelling the structure of a molecule or chemical network to a chemical graph and then quantitatively analysing them with the aid of topological descriptors was a major advance in the fields of mathematics and chemistry, with a wide range of applications. M-polynomial approach is a very versatile and quick method for computing the degree-based descriptors of chemical graphs or networks. The degree-based descriptors of the [Formula: see text]-Borophene nanosheet are established in this study utilising the M-polynomial technique. A program code that enables to generate the M-polynomial of any chemical structure was developed in Java platform and the same is displayed. At the conclusion, the numerical and graphical comparison based on the identified analytic expressions is also provided. Additionally, the QSPR analysis was also carried out and the outcoms are presented therein.

Food system actor perspectives on future-proofing European food systems through plant breeding.

Crop improvement is a key innovation area in the pursuit of sustainable food systems. However, realising its potential requires integration of the needs and priorities of all agri-food chain stakeholders. In this study, we provide a multi-stakeholder perspective on the role of crop improvement in future-proofing the European food system. We engaged agri-business, farm- and consumer-level stakeholders, and plant scientists through an online survey and focus groups. Four of each group's top five priorities were shared and related to environmental sustainability goals (water, nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency, and heat stress). Consensus was identified on issues including considering existing alternatives to plant breeding (e.g. management strategies), minimising trade-offs, and addressing geographical variation in needs. We conducted a rapid evidence synthesis on the impacts of priority crop improvement options, highlighting the urgent need for further research examining downstream sustainability impacts to identify concrete targets for plant breeding innovation as a food systems solution.

Venoms classification and therapeutic uses: a narrative review.

The mere glimpse of venomous animals has always terrified humans because of the devastating effects of their venoms. However, researchers across the globe have isolated therapeutically active ingredients from these venoms and continue to explore them for drug leads. These efforts lead to the discovery of therapeutic molecules that the US-FDA has approved to treat different diseases, such as hypertension (Captopril), chronic pain (Ziconotide), and diabetes (Exenatide). The main active constituents of most venoms are proteins and peptides, which gained more attention because of advancements in biotechnology and drug delivery. The utilization of newer screening approaches improved our understanding of the pharmacological complexity of venom constituents and facilitated the development of novel therapeutics. Currently, with many venom-derived peptides undergoing different phases of clinical trials, more are in pre-clinical drug development phases. This review highlights the various sources of venoms, their pharmacological actions, and the current developments in venom-based therapeutics.

Comparative Study of Molecular Descriptors of Pent-Heptagonal Nanostructures Using Neighborhood M-Polynomial Approach.

In this article, a novel technique to evaluate and compare the neighborhood degree molecular descriptors of two variations of the carbon nanosheet C5C7(a,b) is presented. The conjugated molecules follow the graph spectral theory, in terms of bonding, non-bonding and antibonding Ruckel molecular orbitals. They are demonstrated to be immediately determinable from their topological characteristics. The effort of chemical and pharmaceutical researchers is significantly increased by the need to conduct numerous chemical experiments to ascertain the chemical characteristics of such a wide variety of novel chemicals. In order to generate novel cellular imaging techniques and to accomplish the regulation of certain cellular mechanisms, scientists have utilized the attributes of nanosheets such as their flexibility and simplicity of modification, out of which carbon nanosheets stand out for their remarkable strength, chemical stability, and electrical conductivity. With efficient tools like polynomials and functions that can forecast compound features, mathematical chemistry has a lot to offer. One such approach is the M-polynomial, a fundamental polynomial that can generate a significant number of degree-based topological indices. Among them, the neighborhood M-polynomial is useful in retrieving neighborhood degree sum-based topological indices that can help in carrying out physical, chemical, and biological experiments. This paper formulates the unique M-polynomial approach which is used to derive and compare a variety of neighborhood degree-based molecular descriptors and the corresponding entropy measures of two variations of pent-heptagonal carbon nanosheets. Furthermore, a regression analysis on these descriptors has also been carried out which can further help in the prediction of various properties of the molecule.

Orbital leiomyoma presenting as inverse globe retraction syndrome: a unique presentation of a rare disease.

Inverse globe retraction syndrome is a rare ocular motility disorder characterized by limited abduction, with globe retraction and up- or downshoots on attempted abduction, differentiating it from globe retraction due to Duane retraction syndrome, seen on attempted adduction. It can be congenital or acquired. We report the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with classical features of inverse globe retraction syndrome secondary to an underlying orbital tumor involving the medial rectus muscle. Incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a leiomyoma. At 10 months' follow-up, vision, ocular alignment, and ocular motility had improved.

Reuniting the Three Sisters: collaborative science with Native growers to improve soil and community health.

Before Euro-American settlement, many Native American nations intercropped maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and squash (Cucurbita pepo) in what is colloquially called the "Three Sisters." Here we review the historic importance and consequences of rejuvenation of Three Sisters intercropping (3SI), outline a framework to engage Native growers in community science with positive feedbacks to university research, and present preliminary findings from ethnography and a randomized, replicated 3SI experiment. We developed mutually beneficial collaborative research agendas with four Midwestern US Native American nations. Ethnographic data highlighted a culturally based respect for 3SI as living beings, the importance it holds for all cultural facets of these Native nations, and the critical impact the practice has on environmental sustainability. One concern expressed by Native growers during ethnographic research was improving soil health-part of the rationale for establishing the 3SI agronomic experiment. To address this, we collaboratively designed a 3SI experiment. After 1 year, 3SI increased short-term soil respiration by 24%, decreased salt-extractable nitrate by 54%, had no effect on soil microbial biomass (but increased its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio by 32%) compared to the average of monoculture crops. The overarching purpose of this collaborative project is to develop a deeper understanding of 3SI, its cultural importance to Native communities, and how reinvigorating the practice-and intercropping in general-can make agroecosystems more sustainable for people and the environment.

Bloqueo ecoguiado bajo el músculo multífido para el dolor postoperatorio tras cirugía de columna lumbar: serie prospectiva de casos / Ultrasound-guided sub-multifidus block for postoperative pain after lumbar spine surgery — a prospective case series

Describimos esta serie de 15casos programados para descompresión de columna lumbar a un único nivel con instrumental, en la que practicamos bloqueo ecoguiado bajo el músculo multífido (SMFB). Se inyectó el anestésico local en profundidad hacia el músculo multífido logrando el bloqueo seguro de las ramas dorsales de los nervios espinales a múltiples niveles en esta serie. Con ultrasonidos (US) puede identificarse el músculo multífido en los planos axial y parasagital. La punta de la aguja se visualiza fácilmente bajo el músculo multífido y en posición medial hacia el proceso transverso. Se documentó la buena calidad de la analgesia utilizando las puntuaciones para el dolor. No se produjeron episodios adversos. Este bloqueo debe compararse con la analgesia multimodal rutinaria o el bloqueo en el plano interfascial del músculo toracolumbar recientemente descrito, en términos de seguridad y eficacia analgésica.(AU)

We describe a series of 15 patients scheduled for single level lumbar spine decompression with instrumentation receiving ultrasound (US) guided submultifidus block (SMFB). In this series, injections of local anesthetic deep to the multifidus muscle provided reliable block of dorsal rami of spinal nerves at multiple levels. With US, the multifidus muscle can be identified both in axial and parasagittal planes. Needle tip is easily visualized beneath the multifidus and medial to the transverse process. Good quality analgesia was documented by pain scores. There were no adverse events. Further studies are needed to compare this nerve block with routine multimodal analgesia or with the recently described thoracolumbar interfascial plane block to compare safety and analgesic efficacy.(AU)

Spectrum of opportunistic fungal lung co-infections in COVID-19: What the radiologist needs to know.

Fungal lung co-infections associated with COVID-19 may occur in severely ill patients or those with underlying co-morbidities, and immunosuppression. The most common invasive fungal infections are caused by aspergillosis, mucormycosis, pneumocystis, cryptococcus, and candida. Radiologists integrate the clinical disease features with the CT pattern-based approach and play a crucial role in identifying these co-infections in COVID-19 to assist clinicians to make a confident diagnosis, initiate treatment and prevent complications.

Ultrasound-guided sub-multifidus block for postoperative pain after lumbar spine surgery - a prospective case series.

We describe this series of 15 cases who were scheduled for single level lumbar spine decompression with instrumentation. Here we describe ultrasound (US) guided sub-multifidus block (SMFB). Injections of local anesthetic deep to the multifidus muscle provided reliable block of dorsal rami of spinal nerves at multiple levels in this series. With US the multifidus muscle can be identified both in axial and parasagittal planes. Needle tip is easily visualized beneath the multifidus and medial to transverse process. A good quality analgesia was documented by pain scores. There were no adverse events. This block needs to be compared with routine multimodal analgesia or with the recently describe thoracolumbar interfascial plane block to compare safety and analgesic efficacy.

Espectro de coinfecciones pulmonares fúngicas oportunistas en COVID-19: lo que el radiólogo debe saber / Spectrum of opportunistic fungal lung co-infections in COVID-19: What the radiologist needs to know

Las coinfecciones pulmonares fúngicas asociadas a la COVID-19 pueden ocurrir en pacientes gravemente enfermos o con comorbilidades subyacentes e inmunosupresión. Las infecciones fúngicas invasivas más comunes son causadas por aspergilosis, mucormicosis, y las debidas a Pneumocystis, criptococo y cándida. Los radiólogos integran las características clínicas de la enfermedad con el enfoque basado en patrones de TAC y desempeñan un papel crucial en la identificación de estas coinfecciones en la COVID-19 para ayudar a los médicos a realizar un diagnóstico seguro, iniciar el tratamiento y prevenir complicaciones.(AU)

Fungal lung co-infections associated with COVID-19 may occur in severely ill patients or those with underlying co-morbidities, and immunosuppression. The most common invasive fungal infections are caused by aspergillosis, mucormycosis, pneumocystis, cryptococcus, and candida. Radiologists integrate the clinical disease features with the CT pattern-based approach and play a crucial role in identifying these co-infections in COVID-19 to assist clinicians to make a confident diagnosis, initiate treatment and prevent complications.(AU)

Fenofibrate ameliorates letrozole-induced polycystic ovary in rats via modulation of PPARα and TNFα/CD95 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine health problem during the childbearing period that seriously affects fertility in females. Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist, showed beneficial effects in models of endocrine disturbances. Thus, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of fenofibrate in experimental PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats received oral fenofibrate (300 mg/kg/day) for three weeks following a three-week PCOS induction regimen using oral letrozole (1 mg/kg/day). We determined the changes in body weight, levels of serum testosterone, insulin, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and CD95 protein expressions. The tissue expression of interleukin-10 (IL10) and PPARα genes was determined. RESULTS: Letrozole-treated rats showed successful induction of PCOS, confirmed by histopathology and significantly increased body weight, testosterone, insulin, AMH, and MDA, and decreased SOD. Ovaries of untreated PCOS rats showed increased TNFα and CD95 and decreased PPARα and IL10 expression. Administration of fenofibrate ameliorated the letrozole-induced PCOS changes. CONCLUSIONS: Fenofibrate-mediated amelioration of PCOS in rats is attributed partly to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and activation of PPARα.

Barriers to artificial intelligence implementation in radiology practice: What the radiologist needs to know.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to disrupt the way clinical radiology is practiced globally. However, there are barriers that radiologists should be aware of prior to implementing Artificial Intelligence in daily practice. Barriers include regulatory compliance, ethical issues, data privacy, cybersecurity, AI training bias, and safe integration of AI into routine practice. In this article, we summarize the issues and the impact on clinical radiology.

Analysis of a national difficult airway database.

Difficult airway management continues to adversely affect patient care and clinical outcomes and is poorly predicted. Previous difficult airway management is the most accurate predictor of future difficulty. The Difficult Airway Society initiated a national airway database to allow clinicians to access details of previous difficult airway episodes in patients issued with a difficult airway alert card. We aimed to analyse this database, reporting patient characteristics, airway management and patient outcomes. We included all living adult patients reported in the first 5 years of the database (n = 675). Clinical airway assessment was reported in 634 (94%) patients, with three or more parameters assessed in 488 (72%). A history of difficult airway was known in 136 (20%) patients and difficult airway management was anticipated in 391 (58%). In all, 75 (11%) patients had an airway-related critical incident, with 1 in 29 being awoken from anaesthesia, 1 in 34 requiring unplanned or prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and 1 in 225 needing an emergency front-of-neck airway or had a cardiac arrest/peri-arrest episode. Airway-related critical incidents were associated with out-of-hours airway management, but no other associations were apparent. Our data report the first analysis of a national difficult airway database, finding that unanticipated difficult airway management continues to occur despite airway assessment, and the rate of critical incidents in this cohort of patients is high. This database has the potential to improve airway management for patients in the future.

[Spectrum of opportunistic fungal lung co-infections in COVID-19: What the radiologist needs to know]. / Espectro de coinfecciones pulmonares fúngicas oportunistas en COVID-19: lo que el radiólogo debe saber.

Fungal lung co-infections associated with COVID-19 may occur in severely ill patients or those with underlying co-morbidities, and immunosuppression. The most common invasive fungal infections are caused by aspergillosis, mucormycosis, pneumocystis, cryptococcus, and candida. Radiologists integrate the clinical disease features with the CT pattern-based approach and play a crucial role in identifying these co-infections in COVID-19 to assist clinicians to make a confident diagnosis, initiate treatment and prevent complications.