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Guest Editorial: Deep Learning-based Point Cloud Processing, Compression and Analysis
Yun Zhang
Raouf Hamzaoui

Yun Zhang

and 4 more

August 03, 2024
Point cloud data is a large collection of high dimensional 3D points with 3D coordinates and attributes, which has been one of the mainstream representations for emerging 3D applications, such as virtual reality, autonomous vehicles and robotics. Due to the large-scale unstructured high-dimensional nature of point clouds, point cloud processing, transmitting and analysing has been challenging issues in multimedia signal processing and communication. Deep learning is a powerful tool to learn statistical knowledge from massive data. Advances in artificial intelligence, especially deep learning models are offering new opportunities for point cloud processing, compression and analysis. This special issue aims at promoting cutting-edge research on deep learning-based point cloud processing, including object detection, segmentation, registration, compression, and visual quality assessment.
not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known...
Yan Liu
Jiao Zhao

Yan Liu

and 10 more

August 03, 2024
Microorganisms are increasingly studied in the process of tumorigenesis and development in various organs of human body, the concept of disease entering by the mouth reveals that the oral cavity is the first organ where microorganisms enter the human body. Therefore, the role of oral microorganisms in relation to tumors cannot be ignored. It has been found that the composition of oral microbial communities in healthy populations is almost the same as that of lung microbial communities, and oral microbes may influence the composition and diversity of lung microbes through the oral-lung axial pathway, thus exerting an important influence on the development of lung tumors and other diseases. However, their exact roles in diseases such as lung tumors are unknown, and understanding the relationship between oral microbes and lung tumors is important for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as lung cancer. This review focuses on the possible oncogenic mechanisms of oral flora closely related to lung cancer as well as potential therapeutic approaches, etc. On the basis of this review, the prospect of oral flora in the basic research of lung cancer is envisioned with a view to providing useful references for future research.
Physiological pacing in Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries wi...
Zhuoxi Feng
Jinyang Liu

Zhuoxi Feng

and 3 more

August 03, 2024
Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (CCTGA) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance, commonly accompanied by atrioventricular block (AVB), tricuspid valve abnormalities, and ventricular septal defects, etc. In pediatric patients with CCTGA, AVB requiring pacing therapy often occurs due to surgical damage, with epicardial pacing being commonly used. For older children or adult patients, conventional right ventricular pacing (CRVP) is now commonly used, which, while stable and safe, can induce ventricular dyssynchrony, exacerbating symptoms of heart failure and tricuspid valve dysfunction. Cardiac physiological pacing (CPP) includes Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) and Conduction System Pacing (CSP), which encompasses His Bundle Pacing (HBP) and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP). CRT with biventricular pacing maintains ventricular synchrony but anatomical variations in the coronary sinus (CS) in CCTGA add complexity to lead placement. The unique anatomical structure of the conduction system in CCTGA provides potential pacing conditions for HBP, LBBAP, and even Right Bundle Branch Pacing (RBBP). This review provides an overview of pacing treatment options for CCTGA combined with AVB, based on the anatomy and pathophysiology of the CCTGA conduction system. It emphasizes areas requiring further research and explores physiological pacing strategies for CCTGA.
The Efficiency of using KardiaMobile 6L in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinic
Bahjat Ghazzal
Marwan Refaat

Bahjat Ghazzal

and 1 more

August 03, 2024
not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown The Efficiency of using KardiaMobile 6L in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinic Bahjat Z. Ghazzal MD1, Marwan M. Refaat, MD2 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts, USA 2 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon Running Title: The Efficiency of KardiaMobile 6L in Clinic Words: 719 (excluding the title page and references) Keywords: Electrocardiogram, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiology, cardiovascular diseases, Utilization Time, Efficiency Funding: None Disclosures: None Corresponding Author: Marwan M. Refaat, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS, FASE, FESC, FACP, FRCP Tenured Professor of Medicine Tenured Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Member, Division of Cardiology/ Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology Director, Cardiovascular Fellowship ProgramAmerican University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center PO Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107 2020- Beirut, Lebanon US Address: 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA Office: +961-1-350000/+961-1-374374 Extension 5353 or Extension 5366 (Direct) Electrocardiography (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool in cardiology, allowing for the detection and management of various cardiac conditions. Traditional 12-lead ECGs, while comprehensive, can be time-consuming and may impact clinic efficiency. This may be particularly important in outpatient cardiology clinics, where time can often be a scarce resource. A survey distributed at the 2022 ESC congress found that while most cardiologists believe that consultations should last 30 to 45 minutes, they often have only 20 minutes or less.1 Although the effects of time pressure have not been extensively studied in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology outpatient clinics, research in primary care has linked it to increased physician stress, burnout, intent to leave the practice2 in addition to lower diagnosis rates and higher follow-up care rates3. Research has also shown that increasing system efficiency and improving patient cycle time in primary care clinics can improve patient experience and access as well as staff satisfaction.4 Thus, the introduction of KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG (Figure 1), a more portable and user-friendly device, could present an opportunity to streamline ECG collection and potentially improve clinic time utilization. The study by Gaddam et al. explores this potential by comparing room utilization times between KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG and the standard 12-lead ECG in a cardiology clinic setting. In their study, Gaddam et al. conducted a single-center, non-randomized trial involving 100 patients aged 18 to 89, excluding those with resting tremor. The participants were divided into two groups: one underwent ECG collection using KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG, and the other using the traditional 12-lead ECG. The primary outcome measured was room utilization time, with secondary outcomes including the need for additional 12-lead ECGs. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in room utilization time with KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG (7.27 minutes) compared to the 12-lead ECG (10.33 minutes, p < 0.001). Only 16% of visits in the KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG group required an additional 12-lead ECG, indicating that KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG is sufficient for most clinical needs. The primary benefit of 6-lead ECGs lies in their portability and ease of use, making them suitable for continuous monitoring and rapid assessment in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Although research on this subject is still limited, a recent prospective study of 1,015 participants found that the KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG demonstrates a high level of agreement with 12-lead ECGs for certain parameters like PR interval, QRS duration, and cardiac axis, but may be less effective for detecting conditions that require detailed precordial lead information, such as left ventricular hypertrophy or specific ischemic changes.5 Other studies have also corroborated acceptable agreement in certain ECG parameters between 6-lead and 12-lead ECG’s, however, highlighting the 12-lead ECG’s advantage in certain situations where broader and more detailed data collection is required.6,7 While this study was well-conducted, minor limitations exist. The study follows a non-randomized design, which may potentially introduce selection bias and the team members were non-blinded, which may introduce observer bias. Additionally, the relatively small sample size and single-center nature of the study may limit generalizability. It must also be noted that nearly half of the patients in each group (KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG vs. 12-lead ECG) visited the clinic for atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter follow-up, conditions that can be detected with just a 1-lead ECG. Finally, while the study shows a statistically significant reduction in average room utilization time by 3.07 minutes, it does not assess whether this reduction translated to meaningful improvements in tangible clinic efficiency outcomes. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG into clinical practice. It could lead to improved clinical workflows, allowing clinicians to see more patients without compromising the quality of care. This device may also be particularly beneficial in remote or resource-limited settings where traditional 12-lead ECGs are impractical. Future research should focus on larger, randomized trials to validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits and potential limitations of KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG in diverse clinical environments. Furthermore, investigating the use of KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG in specific patient populations, such as those with complex arrhythmias or comorbidities associated with arrhythmias such as cardiomyopathies and heart failure, could provide additional insights into its clinical utility.8,9 The development of guidelines and protocols for integrating KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG into routine practice will be essential to maximize its benefits and ensure patient safety. Legend Figure 1: Kardia 6L Electrocardiogram (Mountain View, CA) References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.03.008 1. Sala O, Moscatelli S. Time matters. Global assessment of quality, duration and mismatch between real practice working conditions and physician needs performing outpatients cardiological consultations. European Heart Journal . 2022;43. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.28352. Prasad K, Poplau S, Brown R, Yale S, Grossman E, Varkey AB, Williams E, Neprash H, Linzer M, for the Healthy Work Place I. Time Pressure During Primary Care Office Visits: a Prospective Evaluation of Data from the Healthy Work Place Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine . 2020;35:465-472. doi: 10.1007/s11606-019-05343-63. Freedman S, Golberstein E, Huang TY, Satin DJ, Smith LB. Docs with their eyes on the clock? The effect of time pressures on primary care productivity. J Health Econ . 2021;77:102442. doi: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2021.1024424. Robinson J, Porter M, Montalvo Y, Peden CJ. Losing the wait: improving patient cycle time in primary care. BMJ Open Quality . 2020;9:e000910. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2019-0009105. Azram M, Ahmed N, Leese L, Brigham M, Bowes R, Wheatcroft SB, Ngantcha M, Stegemann B, Crowther G, Tayebjee MH. Clinical validation and evaluation of a novel six-lead handheld electrocardiogram recorder compared to the 12-lead electrocardiogram in unselected cardiology patients (EVALECG Cardio). European Heart Journal - Digital Health . 2021;2:643-648. doi: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztab0836. Madias JE. A Comparison of 2-Lead, 6-Lead, and 12-Lead ECGs in Patients With Changing Edematous States: Implications for the Employment of Quantitative Electrocardiography in Research and Clinical Applications. CHEST . 2003;124:2057-2063. doi: 10.1378/chest.124.6.20577. Orchard JJ, Orchard JW, Raju H, La Gerche A, Puranik R, Semsarian C. Comparison between a 6‑lead smartphone ECG and 12‑lead ECG in athletes. Journal of Electrocardiology . 2021;66:95-97. doi: 8. El Moheb M, Nicolas J, Khamis AM, Iskandarani G, Akl EA, Refaat M. Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators for patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev Dec 2018; 12: CD012738 9. Pascual-Figal D, Wachter R, Senni M, Bao W, Noè A, Schwende H, Butylin D, Prescott MF; TRANSITION Investigators. NT-proBNP Response to Sacubitril/Valsartan in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction: TRANSITION Study. JACC Heart Fail. Aug 2020; S2213-1779(20)30336-X.
Extracellular vesicles: a mailcoach from mast cell to other cell species
Bingqi Zhang
Yueshan Sun

Bingqi Zhang

and 2 more

August 03, 2024
[Abstract] Mast cells, in addition to their role in allergic responses, also play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immune responses. They release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing proteins, lipids, and genetic material that facilitate intercellular communication. Mast cell-derived EVs have different characteristics depending on the state of the mast cells, and they are involved in various processes such as dendritic cell maturation, antigen presentation, T lymphocyte activation, macrophage polarization, and the modulation of epithelial cell permeability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. EVs released by mast cells can interact with tumor cells and have dual roles in immune responses and disease pathogenesis. The RNA cargo in these EVs holds potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diseases including cancers, such as mastocytosis. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the role of EVs in mast cell function and intercellular communication.
Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinoma of the Parotid gland: A...
Ibadat Kaur
Pankaj  Dhawan

Ibadat Kaur

and 5 more

August 03, 2024
Case Report
Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases and Metagenomic Analysis in Uttar Pradesh: A Review
Manti Debnath
Runti Debnath

Manti Debnath

and 1 more

August 03, 2024
Waterborne diseases pose a significant public health threat globally, particularly in developing regions like Uttar Pradesh, India. Metagenomic analysis, a powerful tool for studying microbial communities, can provide valuable insights into the diversity and composition of pathogens in water sources. This study aims to assess the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Uttar Pradesh through metagenomics, shedding light on the complexity of the bacterial ecology of contaminated waters. The study identifies a wide range of pathogenic organisms present in contaminated water sources across the region, providing valuable information for public health interventions and water management strategies to prevent outbreaks. This research underscores the importance of implementing effective water treatment strategies and improving sanitation practices to reduce the burden of water-borne illnesses in the population. By investing in comprehensive public health measures and promoting community awareness, the government and healthcare authorities can work towards mitigating the risks associated with waterborne illnesses and improving the overall well-being of the population in the region.
not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known...
simon mundeli
Sibali Gibu

simon mundeli

and 2 more

August 03, 2024
A document by simon mundeli. Click on the document to view its contents.
ACCIDENT DETECTION SYSTEM PROJECT REPORT
Kamal Acharya

Kamal Acharya

August 05, 2024
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
Cricket Management System Project Report
Kamal Acharya

Kamal Acharya

August 05, 2024
A document by Kamal Acharya. Click on the document to view its contents.
Youtube Video Download Using Python Project Report
Kamal Acharya

Kamal Acharya

August 05, 2024
A document by Kamal Acharya. Click on the document to view its contents.
Use Of Post Transplant Cyclophosphamide In Matched Related And Unrelated Donor Hemato...
Sunisha Arora
Sohini Chakraborty

Sunisha Arora

and 5 more

August 03, 2024
Background: Introduction of Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) based immunosuppression in Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants (HSCT) has shown to reduce the incidence of Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). However, data on its use in HLA matched settings is lacking. Here we describe our experience using PTCY in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT for the same. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data of 16 pediatric patients who underwent HLA matched HSCT using PTCy from March 2022 to November 2023 at our institute. Results: Sixteen patients of median age-6 years (Range: 1 to 17 years) were analysed. Male: female ratio was 3.3:1. Indications of transplant were Thalassemia major in 10, severe aplastic anemia in 5 and Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II in 1. Conditioning regimes used were Rabbit ATG-Thio-Flu-Cy-2Gy TBI in 8 and Rabbit ATG-Thio-Treo-Flu-2Gy TBI in 3 which was preceded by two cycles of pre-transplant immunosuppression (PTIS); Rabbit ATG-Flu-Cy-4Gy TBI in 5 patients. Median CD34 dose was 5.1 million/kg (Range: 4.7 to 5.6 million/kg). PTCy (50 mg/kg on d+3, +4), Mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine were used as GVHD prophylaxis. Fifteen patients had neutrophil enlargement at median 16 days (Range:11- 21 days). One patient had primary and one had secondary graft failure. Cytomegalovirus reactivation was seen in 8 patients. Of the 14 evaluable patients, 3 patients had grade I-II acute GVHD at median 32 days post HSCT (Range: 28-140days). None of the patients had chronic GVHD. Median follow up duration post HSCT was 473 days (Range: 85-808 days). Event free and overall survival rates were 81.25% and 93.7% respectively. Conclusion: PTCy based approach appears to be promising in matched related and unrelated donor transplants for benign hematological disorders.
Advancements in Biological Wastewater Treatment: The Role of Anammox Bacteria
HETVI TORAWALA
Rajesh  Jha

HETVI TORAWALA

and 3 more

August 03, 2024
Water is an essential and nonrenewable element for all living beings. In current scenario due to pollution and excessive use make its scarcity, and in future its demand increase at higher level. Therefore, it is necessary to use the wastewater, which release form various industry for reduce its scarcity. Several methods used for the wastewater treatment including the physical, chemical, and biological. Among them biological method is more suitable for the treatment of wastewater due its low cost, less toxic and environment sustainable approach. It is a crucial process, in which microorganisms treat the wastewater through break down of pollutants. This review explores the use of nitrifiers in wastewater treatment, emphasizing their importance in reducing nitrogen load and preventing eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. It also describes the anammox process, an emerging method used for the treatment of ammonium-rich wastewater with lower oxygen and carbon requirements as compared to conventional methods. This review discusses role of mixed microbial consortia in anammox process in the presence of organic compounds and highlights the impact of different paraments on anammox process. Conclusively, it provides a deep knowledge about the annamox methods, its process, types and application in different field for the wastewater treatment.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Propolisbenzofuran B
Wen-Xiu Xu
Li-Han Zhao

Wen-Xiu Xu

and 3 more

August 03, 2024
The first catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-propolisbenzofuran B, enabled by a highly enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed hy-drogenation of a tetrasubstituted olefin, was described. Other noteworthy aspects include the construction of the central hydrodiben-zo[b,d]furan core through a sequence of Zn(II)-mediated regioselective benzofuran formation and Dieckmann condensation, as well as C-H oxidations, involving a visible light-induced Fe(III)-catalyzed benzylic C(sp3)-H oxidation. Additionally, the absolute configuration was confirmed by X-ray analysis of a carbonate intermediate.
Automated Evaluation of Visual Hallucinations in Commercial Large Language Models: A...
Dayoda Rikitoshi
Mio Kunimoto

Dayoda Rikitoshi

and 1 more

August 05, 2024
The rapid development of artificial intelligence has led to the creation of sophisticated models capable of interpreting and generating visual content. Despite their advancements, commercial models such as ChatGPT-4V and Gemini 1.5 Pro Vision are prone to visual hallucinations, where generated content may not accurately reflect the input images. Addressing this issue is crucial as it directly impacts the reliability and trustworthiness of these models in applications requiring precise visual understanding. This article presents a comprehensive evaluation framework designed to quantitatively and qualitatively assess visual hallucinations in these models. The methodology includes dataset preparation, automated annotation, prompt design, response collection, automated comparison, error analysis, and statistical analysis. The findings reveal significant insights into the types of hallucinations, their frequencies, and the factors contributing to their occurrence. The results underscore the need for improved training techniques, advanced model architectures, and robust evaluation metrics to enhance the accuracy and contextual understanding of visual content generated by these models. By providing a detailed analysis of visual hallucinations, the study contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop more reliable and accurate AI systems, ensuring their safe and effective integration into critical applications.
A Study on the Solubility, Dissolution Rate, and Toxicity of Cocrystals of Bipyridine...
Yang Jie
Kun Qian

Yang Jie

and 4 more

August 03, 2024
Abstract: Cocrystallization is emerging as a promising method to enhance the water solubility of drugs. Puerarin (PUE) and quercetin (QUE) possess valuable pharmaceutical properties like antioxidant and antitumor effects but suffer from poor water solubility. To address this issue, we prepared cocrystals of puerarin-4,4’-bipyridine (PUE-4,4’-BIP) and quercetin-2,4’-bipyridine (QUE-2,4’-BIP). In artificial gastric fluid, the solubility and dissolution rates of both puerarin and quercetin significantly increased after cocrystal formation. Furthermore, toxicity analysis via LD50 testing revealed lower toxicity for PUE-4,4’-BIP and QUE-2,4’-BIP cocrystals.
Expanded Theory of Relativity: Demonstrating Quantum Mechanics as an Integral Part of...
J. Manuel Oliveira

J. Manuel Oliveira

January 08, 2026
This work develops the foundations of particle dynamics within an \emph{Expanded Theory of Relativity} that unifies special relativity with quantum wave dynamics. The framework rests on three postulates: the principle of relativity; a principle of maximal spatiotemporal symmetry; and a \emph{Regularity Postulate} requiring that the composition of two finite inertial motions yields a finite operational relative velocity. By promoting time to a three-dimensional vector subspace, the theory separates into two coupled projections: \emph{Pole dynamics}, which recovers the Lorentzian interval, and \emph{Flag dynamics}, which describes the evolution of the time vector's orientation via a unit-quaternion rotor field $\Psi$. Rather than assuming a Lorentzian signature axiomatically, we demonstrate that the temporal sign branch is fixed by enforcing the Regularity Postulate. Furthermore, since the six- and four-dimensional metrics are found to coincide along the physical worldline, the internal temporal frame must be transported without generating spurious kinetic energy. This geometric compatibility condition yields a universal covariant transport law $D_\tau \Psi = 0$. Without imposing quantization axioms, this law reproduces the Klein--Gordon, Dirac, and Proca equations depending on the chosen linear representation. In this context, $\hbar$ is identified as a geometric stiffness scale converting internal temporal rotation into external translation. The theory distinguishes itself by deriving these distinct dynamics from a single unified field equation, where particle spin arises from the algebraic carrier space rather than independent axioms.
Perforation of jejunum as a rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis: a case report
fatemeh bahrami
maryam mehrpooya

fatemeh bahrami

and 2 more

August 02, 2024
Perforation of jejunum as a rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis: a case reportFatemeh Bahrami, MD, Resident of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Department of Cardiology Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Iran Email :fatemehbahrami288@yahoo.comTel: +989120476225Fax: +982634835376Contributor role: Accompanying operator of procedureMaryam Mehrpooya, MD, Associate Professor of Interventional Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Department of Cardiology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.Iran Email: maryammehrpooya1@gmail.com
Giant coronary artery aneurysm diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography: A Case Re...
Hongxing Li
Yi Luo

Hongxing Li

and 5 more

August 02, 2024
Hongxing Li1, Yi Luo1, Binglei Jiang1, Yinglong Lai2, Wensheng Yue1, Duo Huang1*1Department of Ultrasound Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China2Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China*Corresponding author: Duo Huang, Department of Ultrasound Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China. E-mail: huangduo1986@163.com.
Smart Waste Management System Using AI
Sai Raghav Ganesh

Sai Raghav Ganesh

August 05, 2024
The environmental impact of improper waste disposal is profound, contributing to pollution, resource depletion, and adverse health effects. Municipal solid waste generation has been rising steadily, driven by urbanization, economic growth, and changing consumption patterns. Effective waste management is crucial in mitigating these issues, but manual sorting can be error-prone and inefficient.
 rare case of oncology 
Ali  Goodarzi
Leila Ostovar

Ali Goodarzi

and 1 more

August 02, 2024
A document by Ali Goodarzi. Click on the document to view its contents.
The B-cell function in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Aviwe. Ntsethe
Phiwayinkosi Vusi. Dludla

Aviwe. Ntsethe

and 2 more

August 02, 2024
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the proliferation of dysfunctional B cells, resulting in significant immune dysregulation. Patients with CLL exhibit varied responses to B-cell receptor (BCR) targeted therapies, emphasizing the need for tailored immunotherapy approaches. This study investigated B cell function in untreated patients with CLL, and we further explored the effects of ex vivo protein kinase C activation on immune checkpoint expression and B cell profiles. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 21 untreated patients with CLL at King Edward Hospital in South Africa, between 2019 and 2022. B cells were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. Using flow cytometry, the study explored the levels of B cell subsets and immune checkpoint proteins programmed cell death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) expression on various B cell subsets. PMA and ionomycin B cell stimulation upregulated CTLA-4 and PD-L2 expression on B cell subsets (p<0.0001). As expected, monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 significantly downregulated the CTLA-4 expression of B cell subsets (p<0.05), while PD-L2 exhibited varied responses in different B cell subsets. In addition, these monoclonal antibodies increased the levels of memory B cells (p<0.0128) and activated memory B cells (p<0.01). Protein kinase C activation on B cells stimulates immune checkpoint expression. The use of monoclonal antibodies on B cells play a critical role in the B cell function through the reduction of CD38 expressing activated B cells and upregulation of memory B cells. Moreover, the monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 are effective in reducing the expression of CTLA-4 on B cell subsets.
Use of asthma medications in African American children with sickle cell disease: a si...
Allison Jue
Lucia mirea

Allison Jue

and 3 more

August 02, 2024
not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Objective: To investigate use of asthma controller medications and their effect on lung function in pediatric patients with SCD. Methods: Retrospective study in pediatric patients of African American ethnicity with SCD treated at PCH between 2014-2021. Associations of asthma controller medications with changes in lung symptoms (cough, wheeze, chest pain, shortness of breath with exercise, sleep disturbance), Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS), and percent predicted spirometry (FEV 1, FVC, FEV 1/FVC, FEF 25%-75%)) were examined (Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank sum) separately in SCD patients with and without asthma. Results: Of the total 98 SCD patients, 28 (29%) had an asthma diagnosis. Asthma controller medications were prescribed to 20 (71% of 28) with asthma and 37 (53% of 70) without asthma. Patients with vs without asthma were more likely to receive combined medications (55% vs 8.1%), but less ICS alone (35% vs 48 %) or LTRA alone (10% vs 43%) (p<0.0003). Medication use vs non-use improved cough (38% vs 9%, P=0.006) and shortness of breath with exercise (32% vs 12%, P=0.03) in SCD patients without asthma, but these were non-significant in asthmatics. Medications also improved the mean percent change in both non-asthmatics FEV 1 (10.2 vs -3.2; P<0.0001), FVC (8.8 vs -0.7; P=0.002), and FEF 25%-75%, (17.6 vs -9.7; P=0.0005), and asthmatics FEV 1 (16.4 vs -5.2; P=0.001), FVC (13.7 vs -3.8; P=0.0009), and FEF 25%-75%, (26.1 vs -5.0; P=0.02). Conclusion: These findings, demonstrating improved lung function with asthma controller medications in pediatric patients with SCD, irrespective of an asthma diagnosis, holds great promise for this undertreated population.
Prevalence and Phylotyping of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli from Companion An...
Nondumiso L. Ntuli
Akebe Luther King Abia

Nondumiso L. Ntuli

and 4 more

August 02, 2024
Companion animals are globally documented to harbour antibiotic-resistant E. coli. We investigated the prevalence and phylotyping of antibiotic-resistant E. coli from companion animals (dogs and cats) at selected veterinary practices in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. E. coli was isolated from rectal swab samples on Eosin methylene blue agar and confirmed using real-time PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility testing against 20 antibiotics was done using the Kirby-Bauer method. Selected antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), conferring third-generation cephalosporins ( bla TEM, bla SHV, and bla CTX-M), tetracycline ( tetA, and tetB), and tigecycline ( tetX/X2, tetX3, and tetX4) resistance, were detected using PCR and amplicon sequencing. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine the clonality of antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Three hundred and thirty E. coli (234 dog and 96 cat) isolates were obtained. Isolates were most resistant to tetracycline (dogs - 25.2%; cats - 22.4%) and least to amikacin and piperacillin-tazobactam (Dogs - 0.4%) and piperacillin-tazobactam and ceftazidime (cats - 1.0%). Thirty-five (10.6%) isolates were multidrug-resistant, displaying twenty-two different phenotypic patterns. The bla CTX-M-15 (8%) and tetA (24%) were the most prevalent resistance genes; bla SHV, tetX/X2, tetX3, and tetX4 were undetected. Clonality revealed 48 clusters using a 75% similarity cut-off, suggesting highly diverse E. coli circulating in Durban, South Africa, potentially no evidence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli transmission among these animals in Durban. Resistance of E. coli from companion animals to medically important antimicrobials for humans is of particular concern, requiring measures to control the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and ARGs between companion animals, veterinary practice personnel, and owners.
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