Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immunity, aiding in the defense against pathogens. Cathelicidins represent a class of cationic AMPs distributed across various organisms, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. These peptides perform several important functions for the host, contributing to the direct elimination of pathogens by their microbicidal activities, while also promoting immune modulation, wound healing, and anti-tumor effects. Based on their versatility, cathelicidins have been investigated as therapeutic agents against infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and tumors. The present review summarizes the most recent discoveries regarding the use of cathelicidins in therapy, while addressing challenges such as cytotoxicity, production costs, and bacterial resistance. Additionally, combining nanomaterials with active, natural antimicrobial peptides, including LL-37 and synthetic analogs like ceragenins, leads to the creation of innovative nanoagents with significant clinical promise. Despite the vast number of pre-clinical studies, very few peptides have progressed to clinical trials. Nevertheless, the recent advances in nanomaterials and synthetic biology may help overcome the current limitations, enabling the use of cathelicidins in future therapeutics.

A document by Md. Arifur Rahman. Click on the document to view its contents.

Growing e-waste and the dwindling of non-renewable materials underscores the urgency to develop electronics based on renewable natural resources. Using cellu-lose as a material for 3D printing living fungal electrodes, is a novel way to harness their metabolic activity for potential use in electrochemical devices. This study shows that the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the white-rot fungus Trametes pubescens in combination with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nano-fibrils can be 3D printed and that both fungi grow inside the inks. Adding carbon black and graphite flakes to the inks makes them electronically conductive for po-tential use as electrodes in fungal batteries, specifically microbial fuel cells (MFC). A single battery produces a maximum power density of 12.5 μW/cm2 and a maxi-mum current density of 49.2 μA/cm2 (22 kΩ). These fungal biobatteries can produce between 300-600 mV for several days, delivering 3-20 μA for external loads be-tween 10 and 100 kΩ. Attaching four batteries in parallel can power a small sensor for 65 hours. Also, a fully biodegradable fungal MFC can be constructed with bees-wax and a customized cellulose proton exchange membrane. This is the first study that reports on 3D printed cellulose-based fungal electrodes in an MFC.

Traces of particulate mercury sulfide in stabilized crude oils transform to elemental mercury below 400°C in refinery distillation units. We evaluated this transformation and measured reaction rates and activation energies in crude oil and mercury spiked mineral oil using glass vessel at atmospheric pressure and a microunit at 1000 psig. Results show that mercury sulfide decomposes irreversibly above ˜150°C. The data indicates the presence of two mercury species. Approximately 88% of the mercury sulfide decomposed with an activation energy of 56±7 kJ mol -1. The remaining 12% decomposed with an activation energy of 130±10 kJ mol -1. Near-identical kinetic parameters were found with differential measurements at atmospheric pressure and with integral measurements in the liquid phase at over 1000 psig, indicating that mild pressures do not change the reaction kinetics. The results show that >99% of mercury sulfides in crude oil decompose in a typical crude distillation unit.

Perturbations of the immune homeostasis following peripheral nerve injury (PNI) disturbs growth microenvironment that delays nerve repair. Although extensive efforts have been made to stimulate nerve regeneration, their efficacy is limited by energy deficiency and persistent and overactive inflammation. It is not yet clear how exogenous implantable neural electrical stimulation system regulates immune homeostasis and promotes peripheral nerve regeneration. Here reports a self-powered immunoactive scaffold based on piezoelectric and electroconductive materials. Such in situ electrical stimulation technique regulates lasting and high-level inflammatory cytokines infiltrated in injured nerve tissue, modulates aberrant neutrophil activities and promotes fast revascularization. By benefiting immune balance and angiogenesis, this electroactive scaffold averts growth-suppression following PNI and robustly facilitates neural regeneration. Therefore, this piezoelectric model represents an effective tool for PNI immunotherapy.

The escalating concerns surrounding waste management worldwide and the pressing need for sustainable energy sources have prompted innovative solutions at the nexus of resource recycling and self-powered applications. Diapers are disposed of after use in modern society, and widely available diapers are not environmentally friendly, thus posing a significant threat to the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2023 report, around 250 million single-use diapers are thrown out daily across the globe. This research presents a pioneering approach to recycling super absorbent polymer (SAP) gels from waste diapers and using them alongside discarded baking sheets to fabricate a maraca-resembled Diaper Waste-based Triboelectric Nanogenerator (DW-TENG). The fabricated DW-TENG is demonstrated for developing a self-powered weather station, enabling real-time wind speed, humidity, and temperature monitoring. The manuscript details the intricate fabrication of the DW-TENG, elucidating design considerations, assembly processes, and the unique roles of SAP powder and baking sheets in the triboelectric energy generation mechanism. In addition, our study quantifies the potential global impact of diaper recycling on energy generation. Based on the calculations, a 4.72 MW power generation is expected yearly, considering the yearly diaper disposal rates. The work highlights the transformative impact of recycling practices for energy generation and represents a promising stride toward a circular and sustainable future.

Electrocatalytic urea removal is a promising technology for artificial kidney dialysis and wastewater treatment. Urea electrooxidation was studied on a variety of nickel electrocatalysts modified with Cr, Mo, Mn, and Fe with varying electrochemically active surface and roughness. Mass transfer limits were observed for urea oxidation at physiological concentrations (10 mM). Urea oxidation kinetics were explored at higher concentrations (200 mM), showing improved performance during polarization, but lower currents per active site. A simplified dialysis model was developed to examine the relationship of mass transfer coefficients and extent of reaction on flowrate, composition, and pH of the reacting stream. For a nickel hydroxide catalyst, the model shows that a minimum electrode area of 1314 cm 2 is needed for continuous operation. This research combines experimental data and a computational dialysis model for a simplified continuous dialysis system, highlighting the potential of these catalysts and paving the way for future improvements.

The uncertain time series (UTS) is a sequence of uncertain observations in chronological order. The uncertain autoregressive (UAR) model is one of the basic UTS models believes the uncertain time series value relies mainly on it’s historical values linearly. This paper proposes uncertain interrupted time series (UITS) models aiming at analysing time series datas with large-scale interventions on the base of uncertain autoregressive model. The UITS model can reflect the effect of an intervention and makes prediction about the future in the presence of intervention. Three types of uncertain interrupted time series models are introduced in this paper. In addition, residual analysis and prediction intervals are also proposed. Finally, some numerical examples are given.

Given that the most basic issue in the study of drag coefficient is the correct and accurate measurement of force, so the use of a method that can directly measure the force of flow is very important because it can provide a more realistic analysis of drag coefficient. Also, the results obtained from this method are compared with the results obtained from other methods .This research has calculated the drag coefficient and friction factor using the direct measurement method and physical modeling in a hydraulic knife-edge flume, which is a particular type of flume capable of directly measuring the flow force. In this study, five vegetation diameters, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 mm, as well as two types of ordered and non-ordered arrangement, and three vegetation positions in floodplains, main channel and simultaneously vegetation in main channel and floodplain, considering five inline spacing, and three Cross line spacing between vegetation, which included a total of 451 different experiments, were examined. In this paper, the φ value is between 0.0017-0.31, and the vegetation’s Reynolds number is in the range 3512-29213. The results revealed that the method and calculations implemented in the field of drag coefficient are suitably similar to the drag coefficient obtained from the force balance equation; moreover to calculate drag coefficient and friction factor in the examined scope, C D = α 1 ( λ * ) α 2 and f T = β 1 ( Ln λ * + β 2 were achieved based on the vegetation parameter ( λ * ) . The coefficients of α 1 . α 2 . β 1  and  β 2 considering the experiments and different position and arrangement of vegetation were presented.

Background: Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MERT) is a rare and highly metastatic tumor, which is more than 75% of patients dying within 6 months of initial diagnosis of MERT. Due to its rarity in clinical practice, there is no expert consensus or guidelines for the diagnosis, and it often leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Case: This paper reports a 16-year-old girl who presented with the chief complaint of acute abdominal pain. She underwent laparoscopic exploration and excisional biopsy, then pathological examination and immunohistochemistry revealed “extrarenal malignant rhabdomyoma”. One month after operation, she died of intra-abdominal hemorrhage and multiple organ dysfunction. Conclusion: Reviewing the cases of MERT admitted with acute abdomen reported in the last 10 years, it was found that these patients had a poor prognosis. The surgery and chemotherapy is usually beneficial to prolong the survival time of patients with MERT.

On the basis of the cost of fear and the strength of refuge on prey species, a stochastic competition models with impulsive effects be formulated. First, by constructing the appropriate Lyapunov function, the existences of a unique global positive solution for the equivalent stochastic system and the stochastic system with impulse are proven. Then, using Itô formula, the stochastic Lyapunov function and some important inequalities, we obtained the sufficient conditions of extinction, non-mean persistence, mean persistence, random persistence and global attraction of system. Finally, through numerical simulation, the impacts of the cost of fear and the strength of refuge, as well as random and impulsive disturbances on predator population were intuitively illustrated.

The intricate architecture of dendritic arborization is fundamental to the formation and functionality of neural networks, serving as the primary site for synaptic integration and signal propagation. This study presents a pioneering computational model that simulates dendritic growth dynamics, employing exponential and logarithmic scaling over an extended developmental period of 720 days. This model offers a valuable tool for investigating the implications of diverse dendritic growth patterns on neural development, synaptic connectivity, and ultimately, cognitive functions. The computational framework incorporates biologically plausible parameters, allowing for the systematic exploration of dendritic branching patterns and their potential impact on neuronal information processing. By simulating exponential and logarithmic growth scales, the model captures the inherent complexity and diversity of dendritic morphologies observed in various neuronal populations across different brain regions. The findings from this study hold significant implications for our understanding of neural circuit assembly, synaptic integration, and the potential functional consequences of aberrant dendritic growth patterns observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, the model's ability to simulate extended developmental trajectories over a prolonged period of 720 days offers insights into the dynamic interplay between dendritic growth and synaptic pruning, which is crucial for the refinement and optimization of neural networks.

Purpose. We aimed to investigate the awareness of oral retinoid teratogenicity and the adherence to the pregnancy prevention measures related to oral retinoid use by physicians, pharmacists and patients in Denmark. Methods. As part of the multi-country survey, web-based questionnaires were distributed among Danish dermatologists, general practitioners, community pharmacists, and women of childbearing age, who were using or had used oral retinoids within the past five years. Results. A total of 62 physicians, 96 pharmacists, and 50 oral retinoid using women responded; 95%, 100%, and 98%, respectively, were aware of the teratogenic risks of oral retinoids. For physicians, the most applied PPP measures were the usage of the patient (44%) and the healthcare professional (19%) guides, while the least applied measure was signing medication risk awareness form (3%). Among the pharmacists, the warning sign on the outer medication package was the most used measure (45%). Among the women, a majority (90%) had read the patient information leaflet included in the medication package and 72% discussed the use of contraception with their healthcare provider, while risk awareness forms and patient cards were seen by only few. Conclusions. In Denmark, physicians, pharmacists and medicine users are aware about the teratogenic effects of oral retinoids. Adherence to pregnancy prevention measures varied, suggesting unwillingness to use the measures that require patients’ signatures among physicians and a lack of awareness of pharmacy targeting measures. Accessibility of the latter measures need to be optimized to improve the safety of oral retinoid use.

This study was carried out to investigate the macro-anatomical, morphometric, histological and electron microscopic characteristics of the uropygial gland in adult male and female turkeys (Meleagris Gallapova). The glandula uropygialis of thirteen adult turkeys (6 males, 7 females) were used for this study. It was determined that this glandular structure located dorsal to the last caudal vertebrae was heart-shaped and consisted of two lobes and a papilla system. As a result of statistical evaluation, significant differences were found between the sexes in the parameters of lobe length, papilla width and papilla height (P<0.05). Also, PUI value had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Tissue samples taken to determine the histological structure of the gland were stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin, Crossman’s and Periodic Acid Schiff. Histological examination revealed that the gland had a two-lobed structure surrounded by a capsule composed of connective tissue. It was determined that the gland had a tubuloalveolar-holocrine structure and the epithelial layer consisted of cellular layers as germinative layer, intermediate layer, secretory layer and degenerative layer from the periphery to the centre. In the scanning electron microscope examination, the lobe structure of the gland consisted of different shaped follicles protruding from the surface. It was observed that these glandular follicle structures were gathered together in different ways or mostly disorganised. As a result of the study, it was determined that the morphological and histological structure of the uropygial gland in turkeys was similar to that of other bird species, but showed some species-specific and habitat-dependent differences in general. Research Highlights: The uropygial gland consisted of a system of two lobes and one papilla in each of male and female turkeys. The glandular lobes consisted of follicles surrounded by connective tissue, while the follicles were connected to each other by interfollicular septae. The results obtained in morphometric measurements revealed statistical differences between male and female birds. Histological examination showed PAS (+) reaction in the basal membranes of tubule epithelial cells and secretion. Lymphoid cell communities were found in both connective tissue and intertubular regions.

Background: Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) is a commonly occurring malignancy in the head and neck region. However, due to the heterogeneity of primary tumor sites, tumor behavior, and molecular mechanisms, there is currently no consensus on the accuracy of clinicopathological prognostic factors for individual cases. Tumor histopathologic behavior remains a crucial factor in predicting aggressiveness. Recent studies have shown that peritumoral tumor budding (TB) combined with cell nest size (CNS) is a reliable marker for predicting lymph node metastasis, advanced cancer prognosis, and therapeutic response in SCCs of different origins. Materials and methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed 128 LSCC cases that underwent total laryngectomy at Amir Alam Hospital. We evaluated TB and CNS based on the Boxberg et al. study. Results: Our study demonstrated a significant correlation between TB, and nodal involvement (P value=0.015), vascular invasion (P value=0.035), and mortality rate (P value=0.001), as well as a significant statistical correlation between high TB and extra-laryngeal extension (P value=0.006), clinical stage (P value=0.011), and mortality rate (P value=0.001). Moreover, small nest size was also associated with the clinical stage (P value=0.047), extra-laryngeal extension (P value=0.015), and mortality rate (P value=0.001). Based on our results, TB, CNS, and clinical stage are independent prognostic factors for mortality rate and are correlated with disease-free survival. Conclusion: Given the effect of TB and CNS on the overall prognosis and survival of patients with LSCC, evaluating these two factors on routine H&E microscopic examination of LSCC specimens is recommended to facilitate individualized risk assessment and treatment planning.

Background: For a long time, the prevailing viewpoint suggests that shorter telomere contribute to chromosomal instability, which is a shared characteristic of both aging and cancer. The newest research presented that T cell immune deficiency rather than chromosome instability predisposes patients with short telomere syndromes to some cancers. However, the relationship between genetically determined telomere length and immune cells remains unclear. Methods: The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential causal relationship. The genetic data of telomere length and the quantity of lymphocytes were obtained from the Genome-Wide Association Study. The inverse variance-weighted method was used to estimate the effects primarily and another four methods were as a supplement. Relevant sensitivity analysis was used to test the results. Results: The IVW method showed a significant correlation between telomere length and the percentage of T lymphocytes (OR: 1.222, 95% CI: 1.014-1.472, P = 0.035), indicating that short telomere length significantly increases the risk of low T cell percentage. Further analysis of T cell subsets indicated that shorter telomere length may primarily lead to a lower proportion of Natural Killer T cells (OR: 1.574, 95% CI: 1.281-1.935, P < 0.001). Analysis of B cell subsets revealed that shorter telomere length may be associated with a higher proportion of Naive-mature B cells, and a lower proportion of Memory B cells. And the sensitivity analysis indicated the validity and robustness of our findings. Conclusion: In summary, a causal relationship existed between telomere length and the quantity and differentiation of immune cells. Specifically, genetically predicted shorter telomere length was found to increase the risk of occurrence of immunosuppression and immunodeficiency.

This paper firstly analyses the fault equivalent circuit of DG( Distributed Generation) as a high-frequency harmonic source, and then deduces the fault characteristics of the electrical quantities at both ends on the basis of high-frequency harmonic injection, pointing out the weaknesses: easily affected by the load capacity of the T-connected load. Afterwards, this paper draws the equivalent circuit diagram of the positive sequence component after the fault and derives the difference expression of the virtual electrical quantity at the opposite end under internal or external faults at different locations, and then analyses the fault characteristics of positive sequence under the industrial frequency. On this basis, this paper proposes a double-terminal protection scheme based on the combination of high-frequency harmonic injection and virtual positive sequence differential principle. Finally, the protection scheme is verified on the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform that it is not affected by the type of fault, transition resistance, location of the fault and capacity of T-connected load.

Homoploid hybrid speciation is challenging to document because hybridization can lead to outcomes other than speciation. Thus, some authors have argued that establishment of homoploid hybrid speciation should include evidence that reproductive barriers isolating the hybrid neo-species from its parental species were derived from hybridization. While this criterion is difficult to satisfy, several recent papers have successfully employed a common pipeline to identify candidate genes underlying such barriers and (in one case) to validate their function. We describe this pipeline, its application to several plant and animal species, and what we have learned about homoploid hybrid speciation as a consequence. We argue that—-given the ubiquity of admixture and the polygenic basis of reproductive isolation—-homoploid hybrid speciation could be much more common and more protracted than suggested by earlier conceptual arguments and theoretical studies.

Title：A rare case：IgG4-related gastrointestinal disease disguised as a solitary gastric mass.Authors: Leimin Sun1,Mengjie Wu2,Yechun Wang2

This study investigates resting-state brain network characteristics in college students with depressive tendencies (DT) and their link to cognitive reappraisal strategies. A group of 38 DT students and 41 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed using questionnaires on cognitive reappraisal strategies, followed by alpha and beta frequency band EEG feature extraction. Through complex network analysis, significant reductions in cognitive reappraisal preferences were noted among DT participants compared to HCs, alongside abnormalities in brain network centrality, particularly in the frontal and limbic lobes across different frequency bands. A notable correlation was found between the preference for cognitive reappraisal in DT participants and significant changes in graph indices. The findings highlight substantial alterations in the resting-state brain networks of DT individuals, closely associated with cognitive reappraisal strategy preferences. These alterations may affect emotion regulation strategy choices, offering insights into the neural mechanisms of emotional regulation difficulties in DT.

Deep Neural Network (DNN) hardware accelerators are essential in a spectrum of safety-critical edge-AI applications with stringent reliability, energy efficiency, and latency requirements. Multiplication is the most resource-hungry operation in the neural network's processing elements. This paper proposes a scalable adaptive fault-tolerant approximate multiplier (AdAM) tailored for ASIC-based DNN accelerators at the algorithm and circuit levels. AdAM employs an adaptive adder that relies on an unconventional use of input Leading One Detector (LOD) values for fault detection by optimizing unutilized adder resources. A gate-level optimized LOD design and a hybrid adder design are also proposed as a part of the adaptive multiplier to improve the hardware performance. The proposed architecture uses a lightweight fault mitigation technique that sets the detected faulty bits to zero. The hardware resource utilization and the DNN accelerator's reliability metrics are used to compare the proposed solution against the Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) in multiplication, unprotected exact multiplication, and unprotected approximate multiplication. It is demonstrated that the proposed architecture enables a multiplication with a reliability level close to the multipliers protected by TMR while at the same time utilizing 2.74 × less area and with 39.06% less power-delay product compared to the exact multiplier. Moreover, it has similar area, delay, and power consumption parameters compared to the state-of-the-art approximate multipliers with similar accuracy while providing fault detection and mitigation capability.

I felt like I was drunk and had a car accident, but I swar I did not consume alchool: A case reportMauer A.A. Gonçalves1,2; Maria Elena Lopez1; Cláudia Ignoto1;Humberto Morais2,3*1Luanda Medical Center. Luanda. Angola2Centro de Estudos Avançados em Educação e Formação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Agostinho Neto. Luanda. Angola3Hospital Militar Principal/Instituto Superior. Luanda. Angola*Correspondence:Corresponding author:*Humberto Morais – Hospital Militar Principal/Instituto Superior,Rua Pedro Miranda 40-42 Maianga Luanda Republic of AngolaEmail: hmorais1@gmail.com Tele móvel: +244923520937Acknowledgments: ”None”Funding: ”None”Conflict of interest: ”NoneWritten informed consent was obtained from the patients to publish this report following the journal’s patient consent policy

The electromyography (EMG) signal provides insight into neuromuscular activity which is used in medical and technological fields. Traditional needle electrodes and surface electrodes have several drawbacks making them less suitable for portable and long-term use. In contrast, emerging capacitive electrodes offer promising features over the existing electrodes. Yet, the full potential of capacitive electrodes remains untapped due to the lack of comprehensive design optimization for consistently reliable signal quality. This study highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing correlation in capacitive EMG (CEMG) and surface EMG (SEMG) signals. The study emphasizes the importance of the surface area of capacitive electrodes, muscle force, preprocessing, and sampling frequency in understanding and improving the correlation between CEMG and SEMG signals, providing valuable insights for future research and applications in the field. The study reveals that the electrode area has no significant effect on the correlation. However, the correlation significantly depends on the muscle force. In addition, removing artifacts from the CEMG increases the correlation, especially for lower force where artifacts are significant. Again, oversampling the EMG signal above 800 Hz does not have any impact on increasing the correlation but the correlation decreases with higher inter-electrode distance (IED). In this research, the highest correlation of 92.94% between CEMG and SEMG has been achieved for high muscle force with a plate area of 4 cm2. Therefore, the capacitive electrode can be an alternative for EMG signal acquisition.

Background: The feeding practices of the mothers, particularly responsive feeding, are critical determinants of acceptance of food, dietary intake as well as the growth of infants and young children (IYC). Responsive feeding refers to the interactions between mother and child that lead to a positive feeding experience, adequate dietary intake and enhanced developmental opportunities. Little is known about mothers responsive feeding practices in Rwanda. Therefore, this study sought to explore mothers’ responsive feeding practices as well as the factors that hinder the implementation of recommended practices among mothers from rural Muhanga District. Method: This qualitative, longitudinal study, recruited a purposive sample of 29 pregnant women attending prenatal consultations in two rural health centers. They were interviewed and mother-child interactions during mealtime were further observed during one lunch meal feeding episode at 6, 9 and 12 months postpartum. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed using qualitative software, Atlas.ti. Frequency distribution was generated for each practice observed. Results: At 6 months, most mothers reported to verbally encourage their children to eat during feeding and the numbers increased over the age at 9 and 12 months respectively. Less than a half, at all 3 time points, reported to allow their child to self-feed, to smile and talking during feeding. During the observation, the practices were even less than the reported at all 3 time points of the observations. The burden of other responsibilities and poverty were perceived as the major barriers that made mother child- interactions during feeding difficult. Conclusion: Findings indicate that what mothers report may not always reflect the responsive feeding practices performed during feeding . Nutrition interventions in the study community should consider promoting responsive feeding practices as well as addressing the issue of poverty and the burden of other responsibilities that hinder mother-child interactions.