The ISMRM Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging (OSIPI): Results from the OSIPI-Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced challenge.

PURPOSE: K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ has often been proposed as a quantitative imaging biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response assessment for various tumors. None of the many software tools for K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ quantification are standardized. The ISMRM Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging-Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (OSIPI-DCE) challenge was designed to benchmark methods to better help the efforts to standardize K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ measurement. METHODS: A framework was created to evaluate K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ values produced by DCE-MRI analysis pipelines to enable benchmarking. The perfusion MRI community was invited to apply their pipelines for K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ quantification in glioblastoma from clinical and synthetic patients. Submissions were required to include the entrants' K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ values, the applied software, and a standard operating procedure. These were evaluated using the proposed OSIP I gold $$ \mathrm{OSIP}{\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{gold}} $$ score defined with accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility components. RESULTS: Across the 10 received submissions, the OSIP I gold $$ \mathrm{OSIP}{\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{gold}} $$ score ranged from 28% to 78% with a 59% median. The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility scores ranged from 0.54 to 0.92, 0.64 to 0.86, and 0.65 to 1.00, respectively (0-1 = lowest-highest). Manual arterial input function selection markedly affected the reproducibility and showed greater variability in K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ analysis than automated methods. Furthermore, provision of a detailed standard operating procedure was critical for higher reproducibility. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports results from the OSIPI-DCE challenge and highlights the high inter-software variability within K trans $$ {K}^{\mathrm{trans}} $$ estimation, providing a framework for ongoing benchmarking against the scores presented. Through this challenge, the participating teams were ranked based on the performance of their software tools in the particular setting of this challenge. In a real-world clinical setting, many of these tools may perform differently with different benchmarking methodology.

Racial and ethnic disparities in reproductive medicine in the United States: a narrative review of contemporary high-quality evidence.

There has been increasing debate around how or if race and ethnicity should be used in medical research-including the conceptualization of race as a biological entity, a social construct, or a proxy for racism. The objectives of this narrative review are to identify and synthesize reported racial and ethnic inequalities in obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) and develop informed recommendations for racial and ethnic inequity research in ob/gyn. A reproducible search of the 8 highest impact ob/gyn journals was conducted. Articles published between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2023 containing keywords related to racial and ethnic disparities, bias, prejudice, inequalities, and inequities were included (n=318). Data were abstracted and summarized into 4 themes: 1) access to care, 2) adherence to national guidelines, 3) clinical outcomes, and 4) clinical trial diversity. Research related to each theme was organized topically under the headings i) obstetrics, ii) reproductive medicine, iii) gynecologic cancer, and iv) other. Additionally, interactive tables were developed. These include data on study timeline, population, location, and results for every article. The tables enable readers to filter by journal, publication year, race and ethnicity, and topic. Numerous studies identified adverse reproductive outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities as compared to white patients, which persist despite adjusting for differential access to care, socioeconomic or lifestyle factors, and clinical characteristics. These include higher maternal morbidity and mortality among Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients; reduced success during fertility treatments for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Asian patients; and lower survival rates and lower likelihood of receiving guideline concordant care for gynecological cancers for non-White patients. We conclude that many racial and ethnic inequities in ob/gyn cannot be fully attributed to patient characteristics or access to care. Research focused on explaining these disparities based on biological differences incorrectly reinforces the notion of race as a biological trait. More research that deconstructs race and assesses efficacy of interventions to reduce these disparities is needed.

Realization of the T Lineage Program Involves GATA-3 Induction of Bcl11b and Repression of Cdkn2b Expression.

The zinc-finger transcription factor GATA-3 plays a crucial role during early T cell development and also dictates later T cell differentiation outcomes. However, its role and collaboration with the Notch signaling pathway in the induction of T lineage specification and commitment have not been fully elucidated. We show that GATA-3 deficiency in mouse hematopoietic progenitors results in an early block in T cell development despite the presence of Notch signals, with a failure to upregulate Bcl11b expression, leading to a diversion along a myeloid, but not a B cell, lineage fate. GATA-3 deficiency in the presence of Notch signaling results in the apoptosis of early T lineage cells, as seen with inhibition of CDK4/6 (cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6) function, and dysregulated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2b (Cdkn2b) expression. We also show that GATA-3 induces Bcl11b, and together with Bcl11b represses Cdkn2b expression; however, loss of Cdkn2b failed to rescue the developmental block of GATA-3-deficient T cell progenitor. Our findings provide a signaling and transcriptional network by which the T lineage program in response to Notch signals is realized.

Operative Time and Accrual of Postoperative Complications in Minimally Invasive Versus Open Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence and accrual of 30-day postoperative complications by operative time for open myomectomy (OM) and minimally invasive myomectomy (MIM). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from January 2015 to December 2021. PATIENTS: Female patients aged ≥18 years undergoing OM or MIM. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized into OM and MIM cohorts. Covariates associated with operative time and composite complications were identified using general linear model and chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Adjusted spline regression was performed as a test of linearity between operative time and composite complications. Adjusted risk ratios of 30-day postoperative individual, minor, major, and composite complications by 60-minute operative time increments were estimated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 27 728 patients, 11 071 underwent MIM and 16 657 underwent OM. Mean operative times (SD) were 164.6 (82.0) for MIM and 129.2 (67.0) for OM. Raw composite complication rates were 5.5% for MIM and 15.8% for OM. Adjusted spline regression demonstrated linearity between operative time and relative risk of composite postoperative complications for both MIM and OM. MIM had higher adjusted relative risk (aRR, 95% CI) compared to OM of blood transfusion (1.55, 1.45-1.64 versus 1.29, 1.25-1.34), overall minor complications (1.13, 1.03-1.23 versus 1.01, 0.92-1.10), and overall major complications (1.43, 1.35-1.51 versus 1.27, 1.12-1.32). Operative time had greater impact on risk of composite complications for MIM than OM, reaching aRR 2.0 at 296 minutes versus 461 minutes for OM. CONCLUSION: OM has a higher overall rate of composite, minor, and major complications compared to MIM. While operative time is independently and linearly associated with postoperative complications with myomectomy regardless of approach, optimizing surgical efficiency for MIM may be more critical than for OM.

Flowering onset time is regulated by microRNA-mediated trehalose-6-phosphate signaling in Cajanus cajan L. under elevated CO2.

CO2 levels are known to have an impact on plant development and physiology. In the current study, we have investigated the effect of elevated CO2 on flowering and its regulation through miRNA mediated sugar signaling. We also unraveled small RNA transcriptome of pigeonpea under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions and predicted the targets for crucial miRNAs through computational methods. The results have shown that the delayed flowering in pigeonpea under elevated CO2 was due to an imbalance in C:N stoichiometry and differential expression pattern of aging pathway genes, including SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE. Furthermore, qRT PCR analysis has revealed the role of miR156 and miR172 in mediating trehalose-6-phosphate dependent flowering regulation. The current study is crucial in understanding the responses of flowering patterns in a legume crop to elevated CO2 which showed a significant impact on its final yields. Also, these findings are crucial in devising effective crop improvement strategies for developing climate resilient crops, including pigeonpea. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01434-9.

Microbiology proficiency testing in fish and fishery products: detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.

This paper presents the results of two proficiency testing (PT) rounds conducted by the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) Chennai laboratory in 2021 for food testing laboratories in India. The PT program was designed in accordance with ISO/TS 22117, a standard for proficiency testing in food microbiology, and targeted Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp as the organisms of focus. The samples were found to be stable and recoverable during the analysis, and all PT sample packages were delivered to participant laboratories in good condition. The participant laboratories reported high sensitivity rates of 100% for PT round 061021 M and 96.49% for PT round 050721 M. The accuracy rate in PT round 061021 M was 91.89% and 92.10% in case of PT round 050721 M. However, there were some false positive and false negative results reported by some participant laboratories in both PT rounds, which may have been caused by operational errors or inconsistencies in analysis. During the PT round 061021 M, out of a total of 38 participant laboratories, five laboratories reported false positive results and one laboratory reported a false negative result. Similarly, during the PT round 050721 M, six laboratories reported false positive results which resulted in their results being deemed unsatisfactory.

Recent advances in the synthetic applications of Morita-Baylis-Hillman and Rauhut-Currier adducts of nitroalkenes.

The Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) and Rauhut-Currier (RC) adducts of nitroalkenes are important synthetic intermediates in organic synthesis. This review discusses the applications of different MBH and RC adducts of nitroalkenes such as MBH alcohols, acetates, bromides and hydrazinonitroalkenes as well as ketoalkylnitroalkenes in the synthesis of complex molecules including carbocycles and heterocycles. It also covers the mechanistic aspects, including the key intermediates and the reaction pathways. Early reports on MBH and RC reactions of nitroalkenes and applications of the products were covered in previous reviews. The present review covers the reports that appeared in the timeline of 2015-2023.

A novel benzothiophene incorporated Schiff base acting as a "turn-on" sensor for the selective detection of Serine in organic medium.

A novel fluorogenic sensor N-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-methylene-4,5-dimethyl-benzene-1,2-diamine (BTMPD) was synthesized and characterized by using spectroscopic methods including UV-visible, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. The designed fluorescent probe, owing to its remarkable properties, behaves as an efficient turn-on sensor for the sensing of amino acid Serine (Ser). Also, the strength of the probe enhances upon the addition of Ser via charge transfer, and the renowned properties of the fluorophore were duly found. The sensor BTMPD shows incredible execution potential with respect to key performance indicators such as high selectivity, sensitivity, and low detection limit. The concentration change was linear ranging from 5 × 10-8 M to 3 × 10-7 M, which is an indication of the low detection limit of 1.74 ± 0.02 nM under optimal reaction conditions. Interestingly, the Ser addition leads to an increased intensity of the probe at λ = 393 nm which other co-existing species did not. The information about the arrangement and the features of the system and the HOMO-LUMO energy levels was found out theoretically using DFT calculations which is fairly in good agreement with the experimental cyclic voltammetry results. The fluorescence sensing using the synthesized compound BTMPD reveals the practical applicability and its application in real sample analysis.

Safety of Same-Day Discharge Versus Hospital Admission in Minimally Invasive Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative complication rates between same-day discharge patients and patients admitted to hospital after minimally invasive myomectomy, stratified by patient demographics and perioperative variables including myoma burden. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. Setting Hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from January 2015 to December 2019. PATIENTS: Female patients aged ≥18 years undergoing minimally invasive myomectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized into either the same-day discharge or admitted patient cohort. Univariate comparisons of demographics, perioperative variables, and 30-day postoperative complications were performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to 1) identify demographic and perioperative factors associated with admission, and 2) compare postoperative complication rates of same-day discharge patients with those of admitted patients while adjusting for demographic and perioperative factors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eight thousand one hundred patients were recruited during the study period. The overall rate of same-day discharge was 57.2% in 2015 and 65.0% in 2019. The same-day discharge rate was 64.6% for patients with a smaller myoma burden (1-4 fibroids and ≤250 grams, Current Procedural Terminology 58545) and 56.8% for larger myoma burden (≥5 fibroids or >250 grams, Current Procedural Terminology 58546). Age, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III or IV, preoperative hematocrit <36%, hypertension, diabetes, bleeding disorder, and increasing operative time were associated with admission to hospital. After adjusting for these variables, composite postoperative complication rates were similar between admitted patients and patients who were discharged the same day regardless of myoma burden (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-2.47 for low myoma burden and aOR, 0.91; 95% CI 0.18-4.63 for high myoma burden). Admitted patients with both low (aOR, 9.1; 95% CI 2.27-37.04) and high (aOR, 8.24; 95% CI 1.59-42.49) myoma burdens were significantly more likely to receive a blood transfusion compared to same-day discharge patients. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after minimally invasive myomectomy, regardless of myoma burden, is associated with low complication rates. Our findings may aid in shared decision making on discharge planning.

Challenges to Achieving HCV Micro-Elimination in People With HIV in the United States: Provider Perspectives and the Role of Implicit Bias.

The prevalence of HIV/HCV (hepatitis C virus) co-infection is high particularly in persons who inject drugs (PWID) and is increasing because of the evolving opioid epidemic in the United States. The introduction of effective antiviral medications for HCV has raised the strategic goal of HCV micro-elimination, and efforts to understand the barriers to treatment are critical. In this study, we explored the provider perspective of factors that inhibit HCV micro-elimination efforts in people with HIV (PWH), including the role of implicit bias and related stigma in providers' health care decision making. We used the mixed-methods approach of nominal group technique (NGT) with 14 participants from 11 different clinics engaged in two virtual focus group sessions (n = 5 and n = 9). Responses from the NGTs were rank ordered during the sessions to identify providers' perspectives of major barriers and facilitators, then identified possible implicit bias after the NGTs concluded. There were 12 responses given for micro-elimination barriers with the three most prioritized being housing instability, medication nonadherence concerns, and inability to motivate patients. Of these, eight were categorized as potential implicit biases. Among the 14 responses given for facilitators of treatment, the three major solutions included distributive models of care, improved provider knowledge, and increased patient engagement. Although the solutions offered were insightful, there was consensus that the individual lives of patients were the root cause of most barriers to care. We recommend further research on behavioral design interventions that promote patients' involvement in decision making and focus on patients' eligibility criteria for HCV treatment as opposed to providers' perceived barriers to treatment.

Laparoscopically Confirmed Endometriosis and Risk of Incident Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Prior research suggests that women with endometriosis are at greater risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, our objective was to prospectively investigate the association between laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and risk of incident stroke during 28 years of follow-up. METHODS: Participants in the NHSII cohort study (Nurses' Health Study II) were followed from 1989 when they were between the ages of 25 to 42 until 2017 for development of incident stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic). Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% CI, with adjustment for potential confounding variables (alcohol intake, body mass index at age 18, current body mass index, age at menarche, menstrual cycle pattern in adolescence, current menstrual cycle pattern, parity, oral contraceptive use history, smoking history, diet quality, physical activity, NSAID use, aspirin use, race/ethnicity, and income). We estimated the proportion of the total association mediated by history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hysterectomy/oophorectomy, and hormone therapy. We also tested for effect modification by age (<50, ≥50 years), infertility history, body mass index (<25, ≥25 kg/m2), and menopausal status. RESULTS: We documented 893 incident cases of stroke during 2 770 152 person-years of follow-up. Women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis had a 34% greater risk of stroke in multivariable-adjusted models (hazard ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.10-1.62]), compared to those without a history of endometriosis. Of the total association of endometriosis with risk of stroke, the largest proportion was attributed to hysterectomy/oophorectomy (39% mediated [95% CI, 14%-71%]) and hormone therapy (16% mediated [95% CI, 5%-40%]). We observed no differences in the relationship between endometriosis and stroke by age, infertility history, body mass index, or menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that women with endometriosis were at elevated risk of stroke. Women and their health care providers should be aware of endometriosis history, maximize primary cardiovascular prevention, and discuss signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Costs of Specialist Referrals From Employer-Sponsored Integrated Health Care Clinics Are Lower Than Those From Community Providers.

BACKGROUND: There have been very few published studies of referral management among commercially insured populations and none on referral management from employer-sponsored health centers. OBJECTIVE: Describe the referral management system of an integrated employer-sponsored health care system and compare specialist referral rates and costs of specialist visits between those initiated from employer-sponsored health clinics and those initiated from community providers. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative cohort study using multivariate analysis of medical claims comparing care initiated in employer-sponsored health clinics with propensity-matched controls having specialist referrals initiated by community providers. PATIENTS: Adult patients (≥ 18 years) eligible for employer-sponsored clinical services incurring medical claims for specialist referrals between 12/1/2018 and 12/31/2020. The study cohort was comprised of 3129 receiving more than 75% of their care in the employer-sponsored clinic matched to a cohort of 3129 patients receiving care in the community. INTERVENTION: Specialist referral management program implemented by Crossover Health employer-sponsored clinics. MAIN MEASURES: Rates and costs of specialist referrals. KEY RESULTS: The relative rate of specialist referrals was 22% lower among patients receiving care in employers-sponsored health clinics (35.1%) than among patients receiving care in the community (45%, p <0.001). The total per-user per-month cost for patients in the study cohort was $372 (SD $894), compared to $401 (SD $947) for the community cohort, a difference of $29 (p<0.001) and a relative reduction of 7.2%. The lower costs can be attributed, in part, to lower specialist care costs ($63 (SD $140) vs $76 (SD $213) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Employer-sponsored health clinics can provide effective integrated care and may be able to reduce avoidable specialist utilization. Standardized referral management and care navigation may drive lower specialist spend, when referrals are needed.

"Cock-walk" gait and "horseshoe moustache" sign on MRI in inherited hypermanganesemia.

Exogenous manganese (Mn) intoxication leads only to neurotoxicity, whereas inherited hypermanganesemia additionally can cause cirrhosis and polycythemia. We report two affected siblings in a family from South India with severe dysarthria, without dysphagia, generalized dystonia, and characteristic "cock-walk" gait which are clinical clues. Genetic study showed homozygous mutation in the first exon of solute carrier family 30 member 10 (SLC30A10) gene (c.134T>C) confirming the diagnosis of inherited hypermanganesaemia with dystonia 1 (HMNDYT1). Characteristic brain MRI finding is involvement of pontine tegmentum on T1 axial images (due to affliction of central tegmental tract [CTT]) with sparing of ventral pons giving rise to "horseshoe moustache" sign. Symmetric hyperintensities in dentate nucleus, globus pallidus, and putamen while relatively sparing caudate nucleus on T1 without signal intensity abnormalities on T2 images are highly suggestive of hypermanganesaemia. Axial diffusion tensor imaging confirmed the "horseshoe moustache" sign to be constituted by the affected CTT. Hypermanganesaemia-induced CTT involvement in T1 needs to be differentiated from the other more common pediatric causes of CTT affliction which are evident on T2 or diffusion weighted images. Identification is crucial as it is a treatable disorder of metal deposition amenable to chelation.

Electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor based on stabilized lipid bilayer-tethered WS2@MWCNT for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.

An innovative and ultrasensitive electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor was developed for the quantitative detection towards carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA is a widely utilized tumour biomarker that is generated in a wide variety of cancers and it is a frequently used biomarker for clinical research and early detection of cancer. Novelty of the present work is the utilization of biomimetic membrane comprising gold nanoparticle-stabilized lipid bilayer (SLB) containing DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) and DOTAP (N-[1-(2,3-Dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium Propane) for easy protein insertion, bio-affinity, and bio-functionalization towards the detection of CEA. The SLB is tethered on stable tungsten disulfide decorated MWCNT (WS2@MWCNT) surface for the sensitive and selective detection of CEA. The WS2@MWCNT surface has been chosen to tether SLB due to its numerous unique characteristics such as greater surface area, high conductivity, and excellent electronic conductivity, which in turn leads to the improvement of the superior electrochemical sensing ability towards CEA. The lone SLB when used for protein insertion lacks space and impedes the functional incorporation of transmembrane proteins with hydrophilic domains on both sides and biosensing applications. The SLB-tethered WS2@MWCNT surface (SLB-WS2@MWCNT) was examined by studying the electrochemical changes in the existence of redox probe K3/K4 [Fe(CN)6] through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The combined excellent properties of WS2@MWCNT and SLB have shown to amplify the sensitive detection of CEA with a LOD value of 0.2 pg mL-1. The developed sensor provides higher stability, sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility towards the detection of CEA with relative standard deviation (RSD) of < 5%. The encouraging results demonstrate that the CEA impedimetric immunosensor has potential in practical analysis and lays a solid platform for additional biomarker detection in early clinical diagnosis.

Crystal structure, DFT studies, Hirshfeld surface and energy framework analysis of 4-(5-nitro-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrolo [1, 2-a] quinoxaline: A potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor.

The title compound 4-(5-nitro-thiophen-2-yl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a] quinoxaline (5NO2TAAPP) was obtained by a straightforward catalyst-free reaction of 5-nitro-2- thiophene carboxaldehyde and 1-(2-aminophenyl) pyrrole in methanol and was structurally characterized by FT IR, UV-Vis, NMR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. The structure of the compound has been confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The compound crystallizes in a monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/c. Unit cell dimensions: a = 12.2009(17) A0, b = 8.3544(9) A0, c = 13.9179(17) A0 and ß = 104.980(5) A0. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to understand the different intermolecular interactions. The two-dimensional fingerprint plot revealed the most prominent interactions in the compound. Theoretical calculations were executed using Density functional theory (DFT) by Gaussian09 software to develop optimized geometry and frontier molecular orbital analysis. Molecular docking studies revealed that the title compound is a potent inhibitor of Main protease 3CLpro with PDB ID: 6LU7, the viral protease which is responsible for the new Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).

In vivo anti-lipidemic and antioxidant potential of collagen peptides obtained from great hammerhead shark skin waste.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of fish collagen peptides (FCP) derived from the skin of great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) in attenuating the high fat diet-alcohol induced hyperlipidemia. The oral supplementation of FCP in high fat diet-alcohol fed experimental rats confirmed the regulation of body weight to normal level. The FCP treated group revealed the efficient lipid lowering ability by enhancing the cholesterol metabolism. Western blot analysis of the lipid metabolic enzymes revealed that the oral-intake of FCP has down-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid synthase and 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR). Simultaneously, the expression levels of Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in liver was up-regulated. Histopathology analysis of liver tissues demonstrated that the FCP treated group maintained normal liver parenchyma with moderate inflammatory infiltration, whereas the statin treated group developed centrilobular fibrosis, atrophy of hepatocytes and moderate inflammatory infiltration. Oral dietary supplementation of FCP enhanced the activity levels of both superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and, lowered the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver tissues. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05118-0.

Accuracy of Prenatal Ultrasound Scans for Screening Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review.

Children born with clefts encounter various postnatal issues which have a negative impact and long-term psychological effects on both the parents and themselves. This systematic review aims to find the accuracy of two-dimensional (2D)/3D scans for screening cleft lip and palate which would help the parents to be mentally and psychologically prepared to plan for future surgeries. To identify relevant literature, an electronic search was performed using PubMed, Trip database, Cochrane, and Google Scholar database. The search yielded 927 articles, of which 10 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. These studies showed that the combination of 2D and 3D ultrasound scans has increased the specificity and sensitivity in detecting orofacial clefts, as they aid in improved visualization of the fetal face. However, in future, the visualization of the palate can be improved by inventing other modified views as cleft palate diagnosis is more prone to error.

Chitosan nanoparticles as a rice growth promoter: evaluation of biological activity.

The agriculture sector is the building block of an economy with more than 60% of the world population depending on it for livelihood. Among the many crops, rice is the most important income source. It is the staple food for more than half of the world population. In spite of its huge demand, rice production has been dwindling due to various constraints. Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNP) are an excellent choice for agricultural applications owing to its non-toxic, biodegradable nature. Chitosan is an interesting polymer and is then partially or fully deacetylated chitin. In the present study, the effectiveness of ChNP as a growth promoter in improving the yield and biological activity of rice has been analyzed. 1 mg/ml of ChNP was applied as a seed, soil, foliar and combination treatments and the growth and yield parameters were measured to understand the best mode of application. The combination treatment of seed, soil and the foliar application was found to be most efficient. The cellular uptake of ChNP was also studied to deduce the mechanism of action. The soil toxicity of ChNP was studied prior to application and was found to be non-toxic.

Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals.

The evolving opioid epidemic in the United States has increased drug-related overdose rates exponentially (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Opioid overdose, 2020c, https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/otherdrugs.html#:~:text=Polysubstance%20drug%20use%20occurs%20with,or%20other%20non%2Dopioid%20substances ). Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has recently fueled the epidemic, increasing overdose death rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl, 2011-2016, 2019a, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_03-508.pdf ). Harm reduction strategies (drug checking, naloxone administration, etc.) are at the forefront of preventing opioid-related overdoses in high-risk populations (Kennedy et al. in Drug Alcohol Depend 185:248-252, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.12.026 ; Laing et al. in Int J Drug Policy 62:59-66, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.001 ). Little is known, however, about how people who inject drugs (PWID) may modify their drug use behaviors after suspected fentanyl contamination in their drugs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 105 opioid-dependent PWID enrolled in a methadone maintenance program. We assessed their willingness to engage in various harm reduction methods (i.e., slowing down drug use, not using drugs, carrying naloxone, using with someone who has naloxone) after suspected fentanyl contamination of their drugs. In a multivariable analysis, participants who were white, low-income, polysubstance users, and had previously experienced an overdose or had previously administered naloxone were more likely to report a willingness to engage in harm reduction measures. These findings provide an evidence-based understanding of PWID's engagement in harm reduction behaviors after suspecting potential fentanyl exposure as well as a basis for tailoring intervention strategies in the context of fentanyl-adulterated markets.

Purposeful Fentanyl Use and Associated Factors among Opioid-Dependent People Who Inject Drugs.

Introduction: In recent years, opioid-related mortality has increased steadily in the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been a primary driver of the current wave of overdose-related deaths. Little is known, however, about fentanyl use among opioid-dependent people who inject drugs (PWID). We, therefore, sought to characterize purposeful fentanyl use among PWID. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administrated to 104 opioid-dependent PWID on methadone who self-reported drug- or sex-related risk behaviors. Participants were recruited between July 2018 and October 2019 from a methadone clinic in New Haven, Connecticut. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify independent correlates of purposeful fentanyl use. Results: Overall, 43.2% and 22.1% of the participants reported any (lifetime) or recent (past 30 days) purposeful fentanyl use, respectively. Independent correlates of any purposeful fentanyl use were younger age (aOR= 0.94; p = 0.021), recent daily injection (aOR= 3.52; p = 0.047), recent cocaine use (aOR= 3.54; p = 0.041), and moderate/severe depression (aOR= 3.82; p = 0.028). Independent correlates of recent purposeful fentanyl use were moderate/severe depression (aOR= 10.94; p = 0.031), recently sharing injection equipment (aOR= 2.96; p = 0.044), and recently engaging in transactional sex (aOR= 3.60; p = 0.026). Conclusions: These findings indicate that opioid-dependent PWID on methadone remain at increased risk for overdose given the high prevalence of ongoing purposeful fentanyl exposure. Interventions to reduce the harms associated with fentanyl use should target young PWID and active fentanyl users, with an emphasis on achieving adequate methadone dosage and screening and treating depression in methadone-maintained patients who preferentially seek fentanyl.