ISCEV standard for clinical pattern electroretinography (2024 update).

The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is a localized retinal response evoked by a contrast-reversing pattern, usually a black and white checkerboard, which provides information about macular and retinal ganglion cell function. This document, from the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV; www.iscev.org ) presents an updated and revised Standard for clinical PERG testing. This replaces the 2013 and all earlier versions. Minimum protocols for basic PERG stimuli, recording methods and reporting are specified, to promote consistency of methods for diagnosis and monitoring purposes, while responding to evolving clinical practices and technology. The main changes in the updated ISCEV Standard for clinical PERG include expanded guidance about large stimulus fields, stimulus parameters for simultaneous PERG and pattern visual evoked potential recording, baseline drift correction, and use of consistent ambient room lighting. These changes aim to provide a clinically relevant document about current practice which will facilitate good quality recordings and inter-laboratory comparisons.

A facile approach for oil-water separation using superhydrophobic polystyrene-silica coated stainless steel mesh bucket.

Inspired by traditional shaduf technology in the irrigation field, we fabricated a superhydrophobic stainless steel mesh bucket by layering polystyrene and SiO2 nanoparticles through a facile dip coating technique for effective oil-water separation. The superhydrophobic steel mesh bucket could effectively lift oil as well as microplastic pollutants from the water surface. The water contact angle of a two-layered polystyrene-silica coating was 158.5° ± 2°, while the oil contact angle was nearly 0°. The oil-water separation performance of superhydrophobic mesh was tested using several kinds of oil. The separation efficiency achieved for low viscous oil was 99.33 %, while 86.66 % efficiency was recorded for high viscous oil. The superhydrophobic mesh showed high durability against mechanical tests including bending, folding, twisting, adhesive tape tearing (25 cycles), and sandpaper abrasion (20 cycles). The mesh presented admirable thermal and chemical durability. The present superhydrophobic steel mesh bucket is a suitable candidate for large-scale application.

A review on transition metal oxides based photocatalysts for degradation of synthetic organic pollutants.

This review provides insight into the current research trend in transition metal oxides (TMOs)-based photocatalysis in removing the organic colouring matters from water. For easy understanding, the research progress has been presented in four generations according to the catalyst composition and mode of application, viz: single component TMOs (the first-generation), doped TMOs/binary TMOs/doped binary TMOs (the second-generation), inactive/active support-immobilized TMOs (the third-generation), and ternary/quaternary compositions (the fourth-generation). The first two generations represent suspended catalysts, the third generation is supported catalysts, and the fourth generation can be suspended or supported. The review provides an elaborated comparison between suspended and supported catalysts, their general/specific requirements, key factors controlling degradation, and the methodologies for performance evaluation. All the plausible fundamental and advanced dye degradation mechanisms involved in each generation of catalysts were demonstrated. The existing challenges in TMOs-based photocatalysis and how the researchers approach the hitch to resolve it effectively are discussed. Future research trends are also presented.

A Review of Electrochemical Techniques for Corrosion Monitoring - Fundamentals and Research Updates.

Interculturally, corrosion has been counted as one of the most expensive factors toward the retrogression of concrete and metallic structures resulting in huge monetary losses and unanticipated loss of life. To a large extent, corrosion-related catastrophes can be avoided by having the ability to monitor corrosion before structural integrity is jeopardized. This paper critically reviews the various accustomed electrochemical techniques utilized for corrosion monitoring in terms of their definition, timeline, experimental set-up, advantages, and shortcomings. Additionally, literature exploiting these techniques as their corrosion detection technique has been focused on here. Furthermore, a comparison between recently reported methods has been made to provide better insights into the research progress in this arena.

2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets in protective coatings: A literature review.

The layered 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets (BNNSs) have received significant attention as effective fillers for composite protective coatings in anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation and anti-wear applications. Vapour deposited h-BN mono/multilayers are related classes well-recognized as protective thin films and coatings. This review comprehensively accounts for the research and development of BNNSs in protective coatings. Chemical vapour deposited (CVD) BN thin films and exfoliated BNNSs-incorporated composite polymer coatings are primarily discussed. Inorganic and nanocarbon-based composite coatings are also covered. Future research potentials are presented.

Management of patent foramen ovale in embolic stroke of undetermined source patients: Malaysian experts' consensus.

INTRODUCTION: About 20 to 40% of ischaemic stroke causes are cryptogenic. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a subtype of cryptogenic stroke which is diagnosed based on specific criteria. Even though patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked with the risk of stroke, it is found in about 25% of the general population, so it might be an innocent bystander. The best way to treat ESUS patients with PFO is still up for discussion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Therefore, based on current evidence and expert opinion, Malaysian expert panels from various disciplines have gathered to discuss the management of ESUS patients with PFO. This consensus sought to educate Malaysian healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage PFO in ESUS patients based on local resources and facilities. RESULTS: Based on consensus, the Malaysian expert recommended PFO closure for embolic stroke patients who were younger than 60, had high RoPE scores and did not require long-term anticoagulation. However, the decision should be made after other mechanisms of stroke have been ruled out via thorough investigation and multidisciplinary evaluation. The PFO screening should be made using readily available imaging modalities, ideally contrasttransthoracic echocardiogram (c-TTE) or contrasttranscranial Doppler (c-TCD). The contrast-transesophageal echocardiogram (c-TEE) should be used for the confirmation of PFO diagnosis. The experts advised closing PFO as early as possible because there is limited evidence for late closure. For the post-closure follow-up management, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for one to three months, followed by single antiplatelet therapy (APT) for six months, is advised. Nonetheless, with joint care from a cardiologist and a neurologist, the multidisciplinary team will decide on the continuation of therapy.

Regulating the Anode Corrosion by a Tryptophan Derivative for Alkaline Al-Air Batteries.

Screening a green corrosion inhibitor that can prevent Al anode corrosion and enhance the battery performance is highly significant for developing next-generation Al-air batteries. This work explores the non-toxic, environmentally safe, and nitrogen-rich amino acid derivative, N(α)-Boc-l-tryptophan (BCTO), as a green corrosion inhibitor for Al anodes. Our results confirm that BCTO has an excellent corrosion inhibition effect for the Al-5052 alloy in 4 M NaOH solution. An optimum inhibitor addition (2 mM) has increased the Al-air battery performance; the corrosion inhibition efficiency was 68.2%, and the anode utilization efficiency reached 92.0%. The capacity and energy density values increased from 990.10 mA h g-1 and 1317.23 W h kg-1 of the uninhibited system to 2739.70 mA h g-1 and 3723.53 W h kg-1 for the 2 mM BCTO added system. The adsorption behavior of BCTO on the Al-5052 surface was further explored by theoretical calculations. This work paves the way for constructing durable Al-air batteries through an electrolyte regulation strategy.

The Prevalence, Demographics, Clinical Features, Neuroimaging, and Inter-ethnic Differences of MOGAD in Malaysia with Global Perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: CNS IIDDs1 tested positive for anti-MOG2 are known to have a distinct clinical profile with a better overall prognosis. OBJECTIVES: We aim to determine the prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics of MOG antibody disease (MOGAD) specifically identifying any ethnic variations unique to our local population, with global perspectives. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Neurology Department, Kuala Lumpur Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021. Out of 750 CNS IIDDs, seventy-eight consecutive anti-AQP4 antibody negative NMOSD/high risk undifferentiated relapsing or monophasic CNSIIDD subjects were tested for anti-MOG. RESULTS: Anti-MOG was positive in thirty six out of seventy-eight (%)(46.1%) seronegative patients. The prevalence of MOGAD in our Malaysian population is 0.12 per 100,000 persons with less marked female preponderance of 2:1 and younger age at onset of 23.8 ± 14.4 years. Despite a predominantly ethnic Malay population, a high proportion of our MOGAD patients were Indian (Proportion of Malay:Chinese:Indian:others; 16:9:10:1, prevalence 0.5 per 100,000 population for Indians) with favourable disease course in the most with minor exceptions. Monophasic and relapsing disease course was seen in 11.2% and 88.8% of patients respectively. However, fulminant aggressive disease can occur especially amongst the Chinese and paediatric cohorts. Optic neuritis, NMOSD and ADEM were the commonest presentations at onset and first relapse. EDSS at diagnosis, first relapse, and last follow-up were 4.5±2.5, 3±2.0, and 1.75(range 1-3). Neuroimaging showed large, fluffy, PRES- like supratentorial cortical, periventricular deep white matter ,diencephalon lesions,enhancing anterior optic nerve with or without chiasmal sparring lesions and cervical/cervicothoracic involvement. Area post rema lesions were rare. Threshold steroid levels exist relapsing on withdrawal some fulminantly requiring Immunosuppressants(rituximab) and intravenous immunoglobulins to maintain remission. CONCLUSION: Malaysian MOGAD profile was similar to its international descriptions of the disease with ethnic selectivity for Indians. Prolonged steroid maintenance is essential to prevent relapses. Fulminant aggressive cases of MOGAD especially amongst Paediatric patients and the Chinese cohort have been reported.

Recent Updates on Supramolecular-Based Drug Delivery - Macrocycles and Supramolecular Gels.

Supramolecules-based drug delivery has attracted significant recent research attention as it could enhance drug solubility, retention time, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness. Among the different supramolecules and assemblies, the macrocycles and the supramolecular hydrogels are the two important categories investigated to a greater extent. Here, we provide the most recent advancements in these categories. Under macrocycles, reports on drug delivery by cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes/pillararenes, crown ethers and porphyrins are detailed. The second category discusses the supramolecular hydrogels of macrocycles/polymers and low molecular weight gelators. The updated information provided could be helpful to advance R & D in this vital area.

Advances in organ-on-a-chip systems for modelling joint tissue and osteoarthritic diseases.

Joint-on-a-chip (JOC) models are powerful tools that aid in osteoarthritis (OA) research. These microfluidic devices apply emerging organ-on-a-chip technology to recapitulate a multifaceted joint tissue microenvironment. JOCs address the need for advanced, dynamic in vitro models that can mimic the in vivo tissue environment through joint-relevant biomechanical or fluidic integration, an aspect that existing in vitro OA models lack. There are existing review articles on OA models that focus on animal, tissue explant, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including microbioreactors and 3D printing technology, but there has been limited discussion of JOC models. The aim of this article is to review recent developments in human JOC technology and identify gaps for future advancements. Specifically, mechanical stimulation systems that mimic articular movement, multi-joint tissue cultures that enable crosstalk, and systems that aim to capture aspects of OA inflammation by incorporating immune cells are covered. The development of an advanced JOC model that captures the dynamic joint microenvironment will improve testing and translation of potential OA therapeutics.

One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesized Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Carbon Dots for Acid Corrosion Inhibition of Q235 Steel.

N and S codoped carbon dots having good water solubility have been successfully made by a novel hydrothermal method and characterized by FTIR, XPS, and TEM. The as-synthesized CDs were carbon particles rich in polar functional groups less than 10 nm in size. Electrochemical measurements, gravimetry, and surface analysis methods were utilized to examine the inhibition characteristics and adsorption mechanism of CDs on the carbon steel in acid pickling solutions. Electrochemical measurements verified that the CDs displayed adequate protection with high inhibition efficiency of 97.8%. The long-term weight-loss experiments up to 72 h further confirmed the excellent corrosion inhibition at room temperature and 313 K. The results presented are helpful for the formulation of more effective acid pickling corrosion inhibitors.

Extracellular Electron Transfer by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Biocorrosion: A Review.

Microorganisms with extracellular electron transfer (EET) capability have gained significant attention for their different biotechnological applications, like biosensors, bioremediation, and microbial fuel cells. Current research affirmed that microbial EET potentially promotes corrosion of iron structures, termed microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The sulfate-reducing (SRB) and nitrate-reducing (NRB) bacteria are the most investigated among the different MIC-promoting bacteria. Unlike extensively studied SRB corrosion, NRB corrosion has received less attention from researchers. Hence, this review focuses on EET by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pervasive bacterium competent for developing biofilms in marine habitats and oil pipelines. A comprehensive discussion on the fundamentals of EET mechanisms in MIC is provided first. After that, the review offers state-of-the-art insights into the latest research on the EET-assisted MIC by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The role of electron transfer mediators has also been discussed to understand the mechanisms involved in a better way. This review will be beneficial to open up new opportunities for developing strategies for combating biocorrosion.

A tool for evaluating novel osteoarthritis therapies using multivariate analyses of human cartilage-synovium explant co-culture.

OBJECTIVE: There is a need to incorporate multiple tissues into in vitro OA models to evaluate novel therapeutics. This approach is limited by inherent donor variability. We present an optimized research tool: a human OA cartilage-synovium explant co-culture model (OA-EXM) that employs donor-matched lower and upper limit response controls combined with statistical approaches to address variability. Multiple rapid read-outs allow for evaluation of therapeutics while cataloguing cartilage-synovium interactions. DESIGN: 48-h human explant cultures were sourced from OA knee arthroplasties. An OA-like cartilage-synovium co-culture baseline was established relative to donor-matched upper limit supraphysiological pro-inflammatory cytokine and lower limit OA cartilage or synovium alone controls. 100 nM dexamethasone treatment validated possible "rescue effects" within the OA-EXM dual tissue environment. Gene expression, proteoglycan loss, MMP activity, and soluble protein concentrations were analyzed using blocking and clustering methods. RESULTS: The OA-EXM demonstrates the value of the co-culture approach as the addition of OA synovium increases OA cartilage proteoglycan loss and expression of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, CXCL8, CCL2, IL6, and PTGS2, but not to the extent of supraphysiological stimulation. Conversely, OA cartilage does not affect gene expression or MMP activity of OA synovium. Dexamethasone shows dual treatment effects on synovium (pro-resolving macrophage upregulation, protease downregulation) and cartilage (pro-inflammatory, catabolic, and anabolic downregulation), and decreases soluble CCL2 levels in co-culture, thereby validating OA-EXM utility. CONCLUSIONS: The OA-EXM is representative of late-stage OA pathology, captures dual interactions between cartilage and synovium, and combined with statistical strategies provides a rapid, sensitive research tool for evaluating OA therapeutics.

Clinical heterogeneity of low flow spinal arteriovenous fistulas; a case series.

BACKGROUND: Spinal AVF (SAVF), a potentially treatable cause of myelopathy, remains a challenging diagnosis. Its rarity and non-specific imaging findings often result in misdiagnosis despite a high index of clinical suspicion. The classically described high T2 signal in the spinal cord or prominent vascular flow voids in the intradural space were not infrequently missed on initial imaging, only to be picked up at follow-up imaging after progression of symptoms. Additionally, small sized fistulas(< 1 mm) and SAVF involving less frequent locations like the craniocervical junction in a patient presenting with paraplegia further complicates the diagnosis. On rare occasions, acute atypical presentation following a surgery adds to the conundrum. Definite diagnosis with spinal angiography, the gold-standard modality requires the expertise of highly skilled interventionists which may otherwise lead to false negative findings. We describe four SAVF patients with unconventional presentations, highlighting less described clinical findings. CASE PRESENTATION: First was a 50-year-old man presented with spastic paraparesis and was found to have an AVF at the cervical region arising from the vertebral artery. Second, a 45-year-old man with acute paraplegia post-operatively, initially treated for a transverse myelitis before lumbar region AVF was detected. Thirdly, a 27-year-old man presented with subacute lower thoracic myelopathy and deteriorated after corticosteroid treatment. The last patient, who initially appeared to have conus medullaris/cauda equina syndrome had a SAVF at the mid thoracic level. Presentation varied with some exhibiting acute deterioration mimicking other spinal cord pathology such as inflammatory disorders. All patients eventually underwent endovascular treatment with successful embolization of SDAVF. None of them exhibited further neurological deterioration after embolization. CONCLUSION: Successful treatment of SAVF is possible provided the diagnosis is made early, allowing timely intervention. Certain clues may aid the diagnosis. Firstly, arteriovenous fistula can be located distant to the clinical localization of myelopathy resulting in the unexpected longitudinally extensive spinal cord signal change. This clinical-radiological discrepancy can be a useful clue in diagnosing SAVF. Secondly, an acute myelopathic presentation immediately post-surgery may be related to SAVF. Other SAVF feature of note includes progressive myelopathy mimicking immune-mediated myelitis among young adults below 30 years of age refractory to immune therapy.

One-year clinical outcome of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from KERALA-AF registry.

BACKGROUND: We report patient characteristics, treatment pattern and one-year clinical outcome of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) from Kerala, India. This cohort forms part of Kerala Atrial Fibrillation (KERALA-AF) registry which is an ongoing large prospective study. METHODS: KERALA-AF registry collected data of adults with previously or newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) during April 2016 to April 2017. A total of 3421 patients were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala state. We analysed one-year follow-up outcome of 2507 patients with NVAF. RESULTS: Mean age at recruitment was 67.2 years (range 18-98) and 54.8% were males. Main co-morbidities were hypertension (61.2%), hyperlipidaemia (46.2%) and diabetes mellitus (37.2%). Major co-existing diseases were chronic kidney disease (42.1%), coronary artery disease (41.6%), and chronic heart failure (26.4%). Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.18 (SD ± 1.7) and HAS-BLED score, 1.84 (SD ± 1.3). At baseline, use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) was 38.6% and antiplatelets 32.7%. On one-month follow-up use of OAC increased to 65.8% and antiplatelets to 48.3%. One-year all-cause mortality was 16.48 and hospitalization 20.65 per 100 person years. The main causes of death were cardiovascular (75.0%), stroke (13.1%) and others (11.9%). The major causes of hospitalizations were acute coronary syndrome (35.0%), followed by arrhythmia (29.5%) and heart failure (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high risk profile of patients in this registry, use of OAC was suboptimal, whereas antiplatelets were used in nearly half of patients. A relatively high rate of annual mortality and hospitalization was observed in patients with NVAF in Kerala AF Registry.

Electrophoretic-deposited Superhydrophobic Coatings.

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is an excellent surface coating approach widely investigated for applications ranging from solar cells, batteries, electrochemical capacitors, solid oxide fuel cells, sensors, molecular sieves, corrosion-resistant coatings, and biomedical materials. On the other hand, superhydrophobic (SHPC) surfaces have enticed substantial recent research interest owing to their superb surface properties. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of electrophoretic-deposited SHPC coatings. Concise descriptions of EPD and superhydrophobicity are provided first, followed by a brief mentioning of works reported on electrophoretic-deposited SHPC coatings by one-step or two-step processing (§2.1). The next section (§2.2) delivers a comprehensive description of these reports based on the micro/nanoparticles used. Works reported in specific applications such as anti-corrosion, biomedical, and oil-separation are described in §2.3. Future scopes of research also presented.

Association between Appendectomy and Demyelinating Disorders in Subjects 40 Years and Older.

BACKGROUND: The association between appendectomy and multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown. In this study, we explored the association between appendectomy and MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: MS and NMOSD patients older than 40 were identified from neurology records from hospitals in Malaysia. The diagnoses were based on the Revised McDonald (2010) and Wingerchuk (2015) criteria. Controls were sampled from Malaysia's normal population. Individuals were interviewed telephonically or face-to-face. The age inclusion criterion (over 40) differentiated high or low lifetime risk of appendicitis, as appendicitis incidence is rare after 40. RESULTS: 49 MS, 71 NMOSD, and 880 controls met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-two individuals (9 MS, 4 NMOSD, 59 control) had undergone appendectomy. Appendectomy rates were 18.37% in the MS group (95% CI 7.5-29.2%), 5.6% in the NMOSD group (0.3%, 11%), and 6.7% among controls (5.1%, 8.4%), (MS vs NMOSD P = 0.036, MS vs controls P = 0.007). Binary regression analysis showed that MS was an independent risk factor for appendectomy (OR 2.938, 95% CI 1.302, 6.633, P = 0.009). NMOSD showed no association with appendectomy. CONCLUSION: MS is positively associated with appendectomy, unlike ulcerative colitis, which is negatively associated. We hypothesize that there is a commonality in the microflora in persons who have had these two illnesses.

Superhydrophobic surfaces and coatings by electrochemical anodic oxidation and plasma electrolytic oxidation.

The review provides a comprehensive account of superhydrophobic surfaces fabricated by electrochemical anodic oxidation (anodization). First, reported works on superhydrophobic polymers and metals made by using anodized metal oxide porous templates as moulds are presented (section 2). The next section provides a detailed description of the different fabrication approaches of superhydrophobic surfaces on anodized metallic substrates (section 3.1). The published information on superhydrophobic anodized surfaces in various applications, viz. anti-corrosion, anti-icing, oil separation, and biomedical are systematically covered (section 3.2). Superhydrophobic surfaces fabricated by plasma electrolytic oxidation are also presented (section 4). Future research perspectives debated. The collective information provided is helpful to further advance R & D in making pioneering superhydrophobic anodized nanoporous surfaces.