Recognition and order of multiple sidechains by metal-organic framework enhances the separation of hexane isomers.

Porous materials perform molecular sorting, separation and transformation by interaction between their framework structures and the substrates. Proteins also interact with molecules to effect chemical transformations, but rely on the precise sequence of the amino acid building units along a common polypeptide backbone to maximise their performance. Design strategies that positionally order sidechains over a defined porous framework to diversify the internal surface chemistry would enhance control of substrate processing. Here we show that different sidechains can be ordered over a metal-organic framework through recognition of their distinct chemistries during synthesis. The sidechains are recognised because each one forces the common building unit that defines the backbone of the framework into a different conformation in order to form the extended structure. The resulting sidechain ordering affords hexane isomer separation performance superior to that of the same framework decorated only with sidechains of a single kind. The separated molecules adopt distinct arrangements within the resulting modified pore geometry, reflecting their strongly differentiated environments precisely created by the ordered sidechains. The development of frameworks that recognise  and  order multiple sidechain functionality by conformational control offers tailoring of the internal surfaces within families of porous materials to direct interactions at the molecular level.

EEG and ERP biosignatures of mild cognitive impairment for longitudinal monitoring of early cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) biosignatures even at early stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this work is to provide a unified measure of cognitive decline by aggregating biosignatures from multiple EEG modalities and to evaluate repeatability of the composite measure at an individual level. These modalities included resting state EEG (eyes-closed) and two event-related potential (ERP) tasks on visual memory and attention. We compared individuals with MCI (n = 38) to age-matched healthy controls HC (n = 44). In resting state EEG, the MCI group exhibited higher power in Theta (3-7Hz) and lower power in Beta (13-20Hz) frequency bands. In both ERP tasks, the MCI group exhibited reduced ERP late positive potential (LPP), delayed ERP early component latency, slower reaction time, and decreased response accuracy. Cluster-based permutation analysis revealed significant clusters of difference between the MCI and HC groups in the frequency-channel and time-channel spaces. Cluster-based measures and performance measures (12 biosignatures in total) were selected as predictors of MCI. We trained a support vector machine (SVM) classifier achieving AUC = 0.89, accuracy = 77% in cross-validation using all data. Split-data validation resulted in (AUC = 0.87, accuracy = 76%) and (AUC = 0.75, accuracy = 70%) on testing data at baseline and follow-up visits, respectively. Classification scores at baseline and follow-up visits were correlated (r = 0.72, p<0.001, ICC = 0.84), supporting test-retest reliability of EEG biosignature. These results support the utility of EEG/ERP for prognostic testing, repeated assessments, and tracking potential treatment outcomes in the limited duration of clinical trials.

A clinical study to monitor prescription patterns, clinical outcomes, and adverse drug reactions among patients of various interstitial lung diseases attending respiratory medicine outpatient department at tertiary care hospital in Northern India.

Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor prescription patterns, clinical outcomes, and adverse drug reactions (ADR) among patients of various interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, for a period of 12 months (October 2020-September 2021). A total of 77 patients were enrolled after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prescriptions were collected, and necessary details were noted on the case report form. After completion of the study, the data were analyzed for prescription patterns, clinical outcomes, and quality of life with the help of a validated questionnaire-King's Brief ILD (KBILD) questionnaire. At the same time, ADRs, if any, were assessed using Hartwig's Severity Assessment Scale and Naranjo Causality Assessment Scale. Results: The most common ILD was acute/chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Average number of drugs per encounter was 4.45. Crepitations were the most common clinical signs. Clubbing and rhonchi were reported maximum in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It was found that psychological, breathlessness and activities, chest symptoms, and total KBILD reduced significantly after 3 months as compared to baseline with a statistically significant difference as P < 0.01. ADRs were found in 23.38% (18) of the subjects. Maximum ADR reported was gastritis (9.09%), followed by hepatitis (3.90%). Conclusion: The high proportion of patients clinically diagnosed with HP in our study highlights the importance of a detailed environmental exposure history in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ILD to avoid inaccurate diagnoses. ADR-related hospital admissions are a significant problem in the health-care system.

The severity of non-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is correlated with biomass fuel exposure and COPD assessment test score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tobacco smoking is an established risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current evidence suggests that non-tobacco-related risk factors vary geographically and are less understood than smoking. This study aims to compare the risk factors, symptoms, and clinical features of smoking (S-COPD) and non-smoking (NS-COPD) in a COPD population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 489 COPD patients were screened. Data on socio-demographics, smoking and medical history, other risk factors, symptoms, and clinical characteristics including COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale were examined. RESULTS: Of the total selected 416 COPD patients, 35.34% were NS-COPD while 64.66% were S-COPD. S-COPD was predominant in males, whereas NS-COPD was predominant in females (P < 0.0001). In NS-COPD, biomass fuel exposure was a major risk factor (P < 0.0001), and 61% of subjects had a biomass fuel exposure index of >60. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, no risk factors were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)% predicted, while among clinical features, duration of illness (P = 0.001) was correlated with lower values of FEV1 in the multivariate table of S-COPD. In the multivariate analysis, biomass fuel exposure (P = 0.039) and CAT score (P < 0.0001) were correlated with FEV1(%) in NS-COPD. CONCLUSION: Biomass fuel exposure is a substantial risk factor for NS-COPD and was correlated with FEV1(%) predicted. In addition, the CAT score correlated with disease severity in patients with NS-COPD. The development of COPD in non-smokers is being recognized as a separate phenotype and it should be managed according to risk factors.

Differences in corneal nerve fiber density and fiber length in patients with painful chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) detects small nerve fiber loss and correlates with skin biopsy findings in diabetic neuropathy. In chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) this correlation is unknown. Therefore, we compared CCM and skin biopsy in patients with CIAP to healthy controls, patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and diabetics without overt neuropathy (DM). METHODS: Participants with CIAP and suspected small fiber neuropathy (n = 15), PDN (n = 16), DM (n = 15), and healthy controls (n = 16) underwent skin biopsy and CCM testing. Inter-center intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for CCM parameters. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, patients with CIAP and PDN had significantly fewer nerve fibers in the skin (IENFD: 5.7 ± 2.3, 3.0 ± 1.8, 3.9 ± 1.5 fibers/mm, all p < .05). Corneal nerve parameters in CIAP (fiber density 23.8 ± 4.9 no./mm2, branch density 16.0 ± 8.8 no./mm2, fiber length 13.1 ± 2.6 mm/mm2) were not different from healthy controls (24.0 ± 6.8 no./mm2, 22.1 ± 9.7 no./mm2, 13.5 ± 3.5 mm/mm2, all p > .05). In patients with PDN, corneal nerve fiber density (17.8 ± 5.7 no./mm2) and fiber length (10.5 ± 2.7 mm/mm2) were reduced compared with healthy controls (p < .05). CCM results did not correlate with IENFD in CIAP patients. Inter-center ICC was 0.77 for fiber density and 0.87 for fiber length. DISCUSSION: In contrast to patients with PDN, corneal nerve parameters were not decreased in patients with CIAP and small nerve fiber damage. Therefore, CCM is not a good biomarker for small nerve fiber loss in CIAP patients.

CVD-Grown Monolayer MoS2 and GaN Thin Film Heterostructure for a Self-Powered and Bidirectional Photodetector with an Extended Active Spectrum.

Photodetector technology has evolved significantly over the years with the emergence of new active materials. However, there remain trade-offs between spectral sensitivity, operating energy, and, more recently, an ability to harbor additional features such as persistent photoconductivity and bidirectional photocurrents for new emerging application areas such as switchable light imaging and filter-less color discrimination. Here, we demonstrate a self-powered bidirectional photodetector based on molybdenum disulfide/gallium nitride (MoS2/GaN) epitaxial heterostructure. This fabricated detector exhibits self-powered functionality and achieves detection in two discrete wavelength bands: ultraviolet and visible. Notably, it attains a peak responsivity of 631 mAW-1 at a bias of 0V. The device's response to illumination at these two wavelengths is governed by distinct mechanisms, activated under applied bias conditions, thereby inducing a reversal in the polarity of the photocurrent. This work underscores the feasibility of self-powered and bidirectional photocurrent detection but also opens new vistas for technological advancements for future optoelectronic, neuromorphic, and sensing applications.

Utility of thiol/disulphide homeostasis as a biomarker for acute appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) parameters as an indicator of oxidative stress in acute appendicitis (AA). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched. Studies reporting on TDH in AA (both complicated and uncomplicated cases) were included. The comparator group were healthy controls. The TDH domain was compared between the groups using anti-oxidant parameters, namely native thiol and total thiol levels, and native thiol/total thiol ratio; and oxidant parameters, namely disulfide level, disulfide/native thiol ratio, and disulfide/total thiol ratio. The statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Eleven studies with a total of 926 subjects, comprising 457 patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, 147 with complicated appendicitis, and 322 healthy controls were included. Our study demonstrated significantly increased oxidative stress in AA as compared to healthy controls in all TDH parameters and significantly lower total thiol levels in complicated AA as compared to uncomplicated AA. Due to a poor methodological quality in five out of eleven studies, future prospective studies with adequate power are essential to validate these observations and refine the diagnostic approaches to AA.

Comparison between umbilical and right upper transverse abdominal incisions for pyloromyotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the operative parameters and complication rates between the umbilical (UMB) and right upper quadrant (RUQ) skin incisions for Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy for the treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched. The studies where any one of the main outcomes of interest, i.e., operative time, wound infection rate, mucosal perforation rate were reported were eligible for inclusion. The statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifteen studies comprising 2964 infants were included. As compared to the UMB group, the RUQ group showed a significantly lower mean operative time (p = 0.0004), wound infection rate (p < 0.0001) and mucosal perforation rate (p = 0.02). Although UMB incision produces an almost undetectable scar, this approach results in significantly more complications. Therefore, the risks and benefits must be weighed and discussed with the caregivers in deciding the surgical approach in patients with IHPS. However, due to a poor methodological quality of nine out of fifteen studies, further studies need to be conducted for an optimal comparison between the two groups.

Exploring landscape of measles vaccination coverage: A step towards measles elimination goal in India.

INTRODUCTION: Measles remains a critical public health concern causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the success of measles vaccination programs, challenges persist, particularly in India. This study investigates dose-wise measles vaccination coverage and explores gaps in immunization focusing on zero-dose, one-dose, and two-dose coverage among children aged 24-35 months. DATA SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY: The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5) served as the data source and the study analyzed information from 43,864 children aged 24-35 months. Sociodemographic variables such as birth order, wealth quintile, gender, social group, religion, residence, mother education, delivery-related factors, and media exposure were considered. Statistical analysis involved weighted estimates, chi-square tests, and multivariate multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The study revealed that challenges persist in achieving optimal measles vaccination coverage. Analysis by sociodemographic factors highlighted disparities in coverage, with variations in zero dose prevalence across states and districts. The percentage of zero-dose children was significantly higher, with 11.5% of children in India remaining to receive any measles vaccination. Factors influencing vaccine coverage include birth order, age, wealth quintile, social group, religion, residence, maternal education, place of delivery, media exposure, and mode of delivery. The findings from the spatial analysis show the clustering of zero-dose children is high in the northeastern states of India. DISCUSSION: Measles zero-dose children pose a significant obstacle to achieving elimination goals. Spatial analysis identifies clusters of unvaccinated populations guiding targeted interventions. The study aligns with global initiatives such as the Immunization Agenda 2030 emphasizing equitable vaccine access and discusses how India can tailor its strategies to achieve the goal. Lessons from polio eradication efforts inform strategies for measles elimination, stressing the importance of high-quality data and surveillance. The study underscores the urgency of addressing last-mile measles vaccination gaps in India. Spatially targeted interventions informed by sociodemographic factors can enhance immunization coverage. Achieving measles elimination requires sustained efforts and leveraging lessons from successful vaccination campaigns. The study findings have the potential to contribute to informed decision-making, supporting India's roadmap for the measles and rubella elimination goal.

Microfluidics-Based Drying-Wetting Cycles to Investigate Phase Transitions of Small Molecules Solutions.

Drying-wetting cycles play a crucial role in the investigation of the origin of life as processes that both concentrate and induce the supramolecular assembly and polymerization of biomolecular building blocks, such as nucleotides and amino acids. Here, we test different microfluidic devices to study the dehydration-hydration cycles of the aqueous solutions of small molecules, and to observe, by optical microscopy, the insurgence of phase transitions driven by self-assembly, exploiting water pervaporation through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). As a testbed, we investigate solutions of the chromonic dye Sunset Yellow (SSY), which self-assembles into face-to-face columnar aggregates and produces nematic and columnar liquid crystal (LC) phases as a function of concentration. We show that the LC temperature-concentration phase diagram of SSY can be obtained with a fair agreement with previous reports, that droplet hydration-dehydration can be reversibly controlled and automated, and that the simultaneous incubation of samples with different final water contents, corresponding to different phases, can be implemented. These methods can be further extended to study the assembly of diverse prebiotically relevant small molecules and to characterize their phase transitions.

Impact of Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on Tobacco Dependence, Craving, and Haematological Parameters in Tobacco-Dependent Subjects.

Background Tobacco is prevalently used in smoking or smokeless forms and remains a major public health concern worldwide, with its adverse effects on overall health. Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) has shown its promising effects in various health conditions. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of flaxseed oil (omega-3 supplementation) on tobacco dependence, craving, withdrawal symptoms, and haematological parameters in tobacco users. Methods In this randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 104 tobacco users (54 in the omega-3 group and 50 in the placebo group) were supplemented with 10 ml of food-grade flaxseed oil and 10 ml of placebo for six months, respectively. Their demographics, frequency of daily tobacco use, tobacco dependence, tobacco craving, tobacco withdrawal symptoms, and complete blood count (CBC) were assessed at baseline (before intervention) and after a six-month intervention. Results The demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar except for gender at baseline. There were 50 males and four females in the omega-3 group, while there were 42 males and eight females in the placebo group. After a six-month flaxseed oil intervention, BMI values showed a significant reduction (p = 0.0081) in the omega-3 group when compared to baseline; however, CBC parameters did not show any significant changes when comparing baseline to follow-up values. On the contrary, haemoglobin and red blood cells (RBCs) showed significant changes when comparing the follow-ups of the omega-3 group with the placebo group, indicating p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0163, respectively. Also, omega-3 effectively decreased daily tobacco use frequency (p<0.0001), tobacco dependence (p<0.0001), and craving (p<0.0001). Conclusion Supplementation of 10 ml of flaxseed oil per day (omega-3 FA) for six months significantly reduced tobacco dependence and cravings. Additionally, the flaxseed oil supplementation effectively reduced the frequency of daily tobacco intake and modulated tobacco withdrawal symptoms. Thus, our results suggest that flaxseed oil supplementation is a useful adjunct for tobacco users who intend to quit tobacco use.

Hybrid Pulmonary Sequestration, Cystic Pulmonary Adenomatoid Malformation, and Dextrocardia: A Triple Whammy.

Pulmonary sequestration and cystic pulmonary adenomatoid malformation are rare congenital cystic disorders of the lungs. The presence of both the diseases in the same individual is therefore very uncommon. Pulmonary sequestration is a nonfunctional pulmonary tissue mass that derives its blood supply from systemic blood supply other than pulmonary circulation. Congenital cystic pulmonary adenomatoid malformation represents a mass consisting of abnormal bronchiolar air spaces and a deficiency of functional alveoli. This is the case report of a 9-year-old girl with intermittent fever, left-sided chest pain, and cough for the past 15 days along with recurrent coughs since childhood suggestive of hybrid pulmonary sequestration, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and dextrocardia.

Slow-wave sleep dysfunction in mild parkinsonism is associated with excessive beta and reduced delta oscillations in motor cortex.

Increasing evidence suggests slow-wave sleep (SWS) dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with faster disease progression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Beta oscillations (8-35 Hz) in the basal ganglia thalamocortical (BGTC) network are thought to play a role in the development of cardinal motor signs of PD. The role cortical beta oscillations play in SWS dysfunction in the early stage of parkinsonism is not understood, however. To address this question, we used a within-subject design in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of PD to record local field potentials from the primary motor cortex (MC) during sleep across normal and mild parkinsonian states. The MC is a critical node in the BGTC network, exhibits pathological oscillations with depletion in dopamine tone, and displays high amplitude slow oscillations during SWS. The MC is therefore an appropriate recording site to understand the neurophysiology of SWS dysfunction in parkinsonism. We observed a reduction in SWS quantity (p = 0.027) in the parkinsonian state compared to normal. The cortical delta (0.5-3 Hz) power was reduced (p = 0.038) whereas beta (8-35 Hz) power was elevated (p = 0.001) during SWS in the parkinsonian state compared to normal. Furthermore, SWS quantity positively correlated with delta power (r = 0.43, p = 0.037) and negatively correlated with beta power (r = -0.65, p < 0.001). Our findings support excessive beta oscillations as a mechanism for SWS dysfunction in mild parkinsonism and could inform the development of neuromodulation therapies for enhancing SWS in people with PD.

Opto-electronic and thermophysical characteristics of A2TlAgF6 (A = Rb, Cs) for green technology applications.

Lead-free double perovskites are unique materials for transport and optoelectronic applications that use clean resources to generate energy. Using first-principle computations, this study thoroughly investigates the structural, thermoelectric, and optical attributes of A2TlAgF6 (A = Rb, Cs). Tolerance factor and formation energy estimates are used to verify that these materials exist in the cubic phase. Elastic constants with high melting temperature values are ductile when evaluated for mechanical stability using the Born stability criterion. The optical absorption band is adjusted from 2 to 4 eV via band gaps of 1.88 and 1.99 eV, as indicated by band structures. Analysis of optical properties reveals perfect absorption in the visible spectrum, whole polarization, and low optical loss. Furthermore, thermoelectric properties are assessed at 300, 500, and 700 K in the range of -0.5 to 3 eV for chemical potential (µ). The materials exhibit significant improvements in the Figure of Merit scale due to their elevated electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and extremely low thermal conductivity values.

Exploring the Relation Between Interstitial Lung Diseases and Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review.

The objective of this systematic review is to determine the association between interstitial lung diseases and chronic periodontitis from various aspects such as microbial, biomarker, genetic, and environmental levels. A systematic review was carried out from 2000 to 2021 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations including studies searched in PubMed-Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. A total of more than 100 articles were obtained in the initial screening process. Out of these 42 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. According to the extracted data, there is mounting evidence suggesting the association between these two diseases. Our systematic review raises the prospect of a connection between chronic periodontitis and interstitial lung diseases, within the limitations of the studies we included.

Study of Intrahepatic Biliary Architecture in Patients Operated for Extrahepatic Biliary Atresia using Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

Aim: The aim is to study intrahepatic biliary architecture in patients following Kasai's portoenterostomy for extrahepatic biliary atresia using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study in a cohort of patients who have survived with a complete jaundice-free period for at least 1 year. MRCP was done to look for various intrahepatic architectural changes during their last visit. Findings were correlated with liver functions and growth and development. Results: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1.6:1, the median age at surgery was 75 days (18-140 days), and the median age at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was 4 years (18 months-18 years). More than 2 years of follow-up was in seven patients. Left lobe hypertrophy was observed in six patients, right lobe hypertrophy was in three patients, intrahepatic biliary tract dilatation was in five patients, and altered signal intensity between intrahepatic ducts was seen in five patients. In addition, hypointense foci in the spleen were seen in one patient. Twelve children had normal weight for their age, ten children had the normal height for their age, and gamma-glutamyl transferase was elevated in all children. Only four children had a history of fever and jaundice. Conclusions: The patients who survive after successful surgical intervention have near-normal liver gross architecture as on MRI/MRCP. Occasional findings of dilatation and lobar atrophy/hypertrophy are possible, especially in those with a history of cholangitis. The survivors also have acceptable growth parameters and normal liver functions.

Lead-free alternative cation (Ethylammonium) in organometallic perovskites for thermoelectric applications.

CONTEXT: Hybrid halide perovskites are gaining prominence as a promising option in the advancement of photovoltaic devices. Ethylammonium-based hybrid halide perovskites have demonstrated impressive characteristics, such as a reduced band gap, enhanced stability, and non-toxic properties. In this study, we have explored the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of Ethylammonium tin chloride. We have found that Ethylammonium tin chloride (EASnCl3) is a direct wide band gap semiconductor. Additionally, we conducted calculations for various optical parameters, including the dielectric function, absorption coefficient, and refractive index, across a photon energy spectrum ranging from 0 to 7 eV. The research highlights the exceptional qualities of EASnCl3, which exhibits a high absorption coefficient and an elevated Seeback coefficient, among other favorable attributes. These findings position it as a promising material for cost-effective photovoltaic device applications, addressing concerns related to environmental stability. METHODS: Fundamental properties based on the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, this computation was performed using the WIEN2k simulation code. We utilized the exchange-correlation potentials PBE-GGA and KTB-mBJ to compute the optimized structure, density of states, and band structure of the material. In order to calculate the thermoelectric properties of the material, the Boltztrap simulation tool has been used. There are several critical absorbance parameters, including the Seeback coefficient, figure of merit, power factor, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, concerning their carrier concentration and chemical potential, that have been taken into consideration.

Periodontal health status in patients with lung cancer: Case-control study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the periodontal health status of individuals with lung cancer in the North Indian population. In addition, the study aimed to determine the levels of human beta-defensin2 (Hbd-2) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples collected from the participants. Methods: The study consisted of a total of 90 participants, who were categorized into three groups: Group 1 included 30 healthy individuals, Group 2 comprised 30 patients with chronic periodontitis, and Group 3 involved 30 patients diagnosed with both lung cancer and chronic periodontitis. Various periodontal parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL), were assessed in addition to the analysis of human beta defensin2 levels in both the GCF and serum samples of all participants. Results: The study results revealed that all clinical parameters assessed were higher in Group 3 compared to both Group 2 and Group 1. Specifically, the levels of hBD-2 in the GCF were measured as 52.29 ± 46.41 pg/mL in Group 1, 27.15 ± 28.76 pg/mL in Group 2, and 86.01 ± 68.82 pg/mL in Group 3. When comparing the hBD-2 levels in serum, the values were found to be 813.72 ± 269.43 pg/mL in Group 1, 591.50 ± 263.91 pg/mL in Group 2, and 1093.04 ± 674.55 pg/mL in Group 3. These intergroup comparisons indicate variations in hBD-2 levels among the different groups. Conclusions: The study findings demonstrated significantly higher clinical and biochemical markers in patients with both lung cancer and chronic periodontitis, in comparison to individuals with chronic periodontitis alone and healthy participants. These results suggest that Hbd-2 could potentially serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for identifying and distinguishing individuals with both lung cancer and chronic periodontitis.

Classification of bruxism based on time-frequency and nonlinear features of single channel EEG.

BACKGROUND: In the classification of bruxism patients based on electroencephalogram (EEG), feature extraction is essential. The method of using multi-channel EEG fusing electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electromyography (EMG) signal features has been proved to have good performance in bruxism classification, but the classification performance based on single channel EEG signal is still understudied. We investigate the efficacy of single EEG channel in bruxism classification. METHODS: We have extracted time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear features from single EEG channel to classify bruxism. Five common bipolar EEG recordings from 2 bruxism patients and 4 healthy controls during REM sleep were analyzed. The time domain (mean, standard deviation, root mean squared value), frequency domain (absolute, relative and ratios power spectral density (PSD)), and non-linear features (sample entropy) of different EEG frequency bands were analyzed from five EEG channels of each participant. Fine tree algorithm was trained and tested for classifying sleep bruxism with healthy controls using five-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the C4P4 EEG channel was most effective for classification of sleep bruxism that yielded 95.59% sensitivity, 98.44% specificity, 97.84% accuracy, and 94.20% positive predictive value (PPV). CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate the feasibility of sleep bruxism classification using single EEG channel and provides an experimental foundation for the development of a future portable automatic sleep bruxism detection system.

Clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and CSF (CLIC) group-part of Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA), updates in 2022-2023. Cerebrovascular disease and the failure of elimination of Amyloid-ß from the brain and retina with age and Alzheimer's disease: Opportunities for therapy.

This editorial summarizes advances from the Clearance of Interstitial Fluid and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CLIC) group, within the Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA) of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The overarching objectives of the CLIC group are to: (1) understand the age-related physiology changes that underlie impaired clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (CLIC); (2) understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) in the brain; (3) establish novel diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), retinal amyloid vasculopathy, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) of spontaneous and iatrogenic CAA-related inflammation (CAA-ri), and vasomotion; and (4) establish novel therapies that facilitate IPAD to eliminate amyloid ß (Aß) from the aging brain and retina, to prevent or reduce AD and CAA pathology and ARIA side events associated with AD immunotherapy.