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The growth of ice crystals in presence of supercooled liquid droplets represents the most important process for precipitation formation in the mid-latitudes. However, such mixed-phase interaction processes remain relatively unknown, as capturing the complexity in cloud dynamics and microphysical variabilities turns to be a real observational challenge. Ground-based radar systems equipped with fully polarimetric and Doppler capabilities in high temporal and spatial resolutions such as the S-band transportable atmospheric radar (TARA) are best suited to observe mixed-phase growth processes. In this paper, measurements are taken with the TARA radar during the ACCEPT campaign (analysis of the composition of clouds with extended polarization techniques). Besides the common radar observables, the 3-D wind field is also retrieved due to TARA unique three beam configuration. The novelty of this paper is to combine all these observations with a particle evolution detection algorithm based on a new fall streak retrieval technique in order to study ice particle growth within complex precipitating mixed-phased cloud systems. In the presented cases, three different growth processes of ice crystals, plate-like crystals, and needles are detected and related to the presence of supercooled liquid water. Moreover, TARA observed signatures are assessed with co-located measurements obtained from a cloud radar and radiosondes. This paper shows that it is possible to observe ice particle growth processes within complex systems taking advantage of adequate technology and state of the art retrieval algorithms. A significant improvement is made towards a conclusive interpretation of ice particle growth processes and their contribution to rain production using fall streak rearranged radar data.

A comparative analysis of molecularly imprinted polymers based on different synthesis techniques was performed for the recognition of molnupiravir (MOL). The polymerizations were performed with 3-thienyl boronic acid (3-TBA) as a functional monomer by electropolymerization (EP) and with guanine methacrylate (GuaM) as a functional monomer by photopolymerization (PP). Morphological and electrochemical characterizations of the developed sensors were investigated to verify the constructed sensors. Moreover, quantum chemical calculations were used to evaluate changes on the electrode surface at the molecular and electronic levels. The dynamic linear range of both designed sensors under optimized experimental conditions was found to be 7.5 × 10 −12 –2.5 × 10 −10  M and 7.5 × 10 −13 –2.5 × 10 −11  M for EP and PP, respectively. The effect of various interfering agents on MOL peak current was assessed for the selectivity of the study. In the presence of 100 times more interfering agents, the RSD and recovery values were determined. The RSD values of GuaM/MOL@MIP/GCE and poly(Py-co-3-PBA)/MOL@MIP/GCE sensors were found to be 1.99% and 1.72%, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery values of the MIP-based sensors were 98.18–102.69% and 98.05–103.72%, respectively. In addition, the relative selectivity coefficient ( k ′) of the proposed sensor was evaluated, and it exhibited good selectivity for MOL with respect to the NIP sensor. The prepared sensor was successfully applied to determine MOL in commercial serum samples and capsule form. In conclusion, the developed sensors provided excellent reproducibility, repeatability, high sensitivity, and selectivity against the MOL molecule. Graphical Abstract

Purpose This study was designed to assess the pituitary functions of patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures and compare the results with healthy controls. Methods Thirty patients (mean age, 38.14 ± 14.15 years; twenty-six male, four female) with a traumatic maxillofacial fracture at least 12 months ago (mean 27.5 ± 6.5 months) and thirty healthy controls (mean age, 42.77 ± 11.36 years; twenty-five male, five female) were included. None of the patients were unconscious following head trauma, and none required hospitalization in intensive care. Basal pituitary hormone levels of the patients were evaluated. All patients and controls had a glucagon stimulation test and an ACTH stimulation test to evaluate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the GH–IGF-1 axis. Results Five of thirty patients (16.6%) had isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency based on a glucagon stimulation test (GST). The mean peak GH level after GST in patients with hypopituitarism (0.54 ng/ml) was significantly lower than those without hypopituitarism (7.01 ng/ml) and healthy controls (11.70 ng/ml) ( P  < 0.001). No anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was found in the patients, except for GH. Conclusion Our study is the first to evaluate the presence of hypopituitarism in patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures. Preliminary findings suggest that hypopituitarism and GH deficiency pose significant risks to these patients, particularly during the chronic phase of their trauma. However, these findings need to be validated in larger scale prospective studies with more patients.

Gram-negative bacteria have the ability to produce outer membrane-derived vesicles (OMVs) that are released into the extracellular milieu. Even though this intriguing phenomenon is well-known since many years, various aspects of bacterial OMVs are not fully described and are still in the process of being characterized in detail. One major reason for this is that depending on the bacterial species and its respective ecological niche, OMVs exhibit an enormous functional diversity. Research of the past years has clearly shown that OMVs of many pathogenic bacteria contribute to the virulence potential by enriching virulence factors and delivering them over long distances, superseding direct bacterial contact with their host. The subsequent interaction of OMVs with the host can occur at different levels regarding the type of immune response or the target cell type and may lead to different outcomes ranging from non-immunogenic activation or a pro-inflammatory response to cytotoxicity. In contrast to being virulence factors, OMVs are used for vaccination purposes in the combat against bacterial pathogens, and recent research thus is focused on to indirectly aim these versatile bacterial weapons against themselves.

Transmembrane glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB) is a prognostic marker of poor outcome in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Glembatumumab Vedotin, an antibody drug conjugate targeting GPNMB, exhibits variable efficacy against GPNMB-positive metastatic TNBC as a single agent. We show that GPNMB levels increase in response to standard-of-care and experimental therapies for multiple breast cancer subtypes. While these therapeutic stressors induce GPNMB expression through differential engagement of the MiTF family of transcription factors, not all are capable of increasing GPNMB cell-surface localization required for Glembatumumab Vedotin inhibition. Using a FACS-based genetic screen, we discovered that suppression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) concomitantly increases GPNMB expression and cell-surface localization. Mechanistically, HSP90 inhibition resulted in lysosomal dispersion towards the cell periphery and fusion with the plasma membrane, which delivers GPNMB to the cell surface. Finally, treatment with HSP90 inhibitors sensitizes breast cancers to Glembatumumab Vedotin in vivo, suggesting that combination of HSP90 inhibitors and Glembatumumab Vedotin may be a viable treatment strategy for patients with metastatic TNBC.

Accessibility analysis of urban emergency shelters can help support urban disaster prevention planning. Pre-disaster emergency evacuation zoning has become a significant topic on disaster prevention and mitigation research. In this study, we assessed the level of serviceability of urban emergency shelters within maximum capacity, usability, sufficiency and a certain walking time limit by employing spatial analysis techniques of GIS-Network Analyst. The methodology included the following aspects: the distribution analysis of emergency evacuation demands, the calculation of shelter space accessibility and the optimization of evacuation destinations. This methodology was applied to Adana, a city in Turkey, which is located within the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic system, the second major earthquake belt after the Pacific-Belt. It was found that the proposed methodology could be useful in aiding to understand the spatial distribution of urban emergency shelters more accurately and establish effective future urban disaster prevention planning. Additionally, this research provided a feasible way for supporting emergency management in terms of shelter construction, pre-disaster evacuation drills and rescue operations.

Background Chylothorax is a rare condition due to leakage of chyle in the thoracic cavity. When large amounts of chyle leak into the thoracic cavity, it can lead to severe respiratory, immune, and metabolic complications. Chylothorax has many potential underlying etiologies, and the most common causes are traumatic chylothorax and lymphoma. Venous thrombosis of the upper extremities is a rare cause of a chylothorax. Case presentation A 62-year-old Dutch man with a medical history of gastric cancer, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery 13 months prior, presented with dyspnea and a swollen left arm. Computed tomography thorax showed bilateral pleural effusion that was more prominent on the left side. The computed tomography scan further revealed thrombosis of the left jugular and subclavian veins and osseal masses suggesting cancer metastasis. Thoracentesis was performed to confirm the suspicion of gastric cancer metastasis. The obtained fluid was milky with a high level of triglycerides, but contained no malignant cells; hence, the diagnosis of the pleural effusion was chylothorax. Treatment with anticoagulation and a medium-chain-triglycerides diet was started. Furthermore, bone metastasis was confirmed with a bone biopsy. Conclusion Our case report demonstrates chylothorax as a rare cause of dyspnea in a patient with pleural effusion and a history of cancer. Therefore, this diagnosis should be considered in all patients with a history of cancer with new-onset pleural effusion and thrombosis of the upper extremities or clavicular/mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Background:Sarcopenia has been defined as a loss of muscle mass and consequently of muscle function. In patients affected by osteoarthritis (OA) a more likely and accelerated development of sarcopenia has been reported. The SARC-F is a simple sarcopenia screening tool includes five assessment items: strength, assistance walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls. SARC-F ≥ 4 is defined as sarcopenia.Objectives:The present study aimed to examine the utility of SARC-F in the patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods:Patients with radiographic and clinic evidence of tibiofemoral OA (Kellgren-Lawrence score ≥2) were included. Sarcopenia were identified using the SARC-F scale. Patients with a total score 4 and higher than 4 were classified as having sarcopenia. Patients were assessed by The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), four-meter walking test, hand grip test, shortened version of the falls efficacy scale-international (the short FES-I) and EuroQol- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D). A multiple linear regression model was used to identify independent predictors of SARC-F.Results:A total 76 patients with median age 61 ranged 55 to 78 years old (72.4% female) were screened in this study (Table 1). Of the sample, 38.1% of patients were sarcopenic as a SARC-F (Figure 1). Through multiple regression analyses, SARC-F scores was significantly associated with four-meter walking test, hand grip, WOMAC-Function, EQ-5D and short FES-I describing between 57% and 63% of the variance (adjusted R2) (Table 2). Also, poor physical performance and grip strength were associated with SARC-F ≥ 4 independently (P<0.005).Table 1.Summary Table of Characteristics of sarcopenic vs non-sarcopenic patients with knee OAMeasuresSarcopenic patients with knee OA (n:47)Sarc-F≥4Non-Sarcopenic patients with knee OA (n:29)Sarc-F<4p valueφAge, mean(SD)62.7(6.9)59.3 (6.9)0.294BMI, mean(SD)27.84 (9.56)28.54 (8.38)0.327WOMAC, mean(SD)43.52 (10.83)28.06 (14.9)0.001*GRADE (K-L) med (min-max)3(2-4)2(2-4)0.008*Hand Grip, mean(SD)20 33 (4.89)28.22 (7.13)0.001*4 m Walking Test, mean(SD)11.88 (4.24)9.55 (4.30)0.001*EQ-5D, mean(SD)9.41 (1.52)7. 13 (1.75)0.001*EQ-5D-VAS, mean(SD)44.31 (14.12)66.90 (16.25)0.001*Short FES-I, mean(SD)18. 06 (9.45)9.04 (5.32)0.001*Number of falls the past year, mean(SD)4.01 (1.24)3.14 (2.74)0.674φMann Whitney U test; *p< 0.05; BMI, Body mass index; WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index EQ-5D, EuroQol-5 Dimension; FES-I, Falls Efficacy Scale-InternationalTable 2.Multiple linear regression analysis for SARC-F βtP value 95% Confidence Interval(lower-upper bound)Walking Speed0.111.200.23-0.31/ 0.12Hand Grip-0.35-1.730.04-0.20 / 0.01WOMAC-Function0.262.310.010.00 / 0.05Short FES-I0.181.960.010.04 / 0.01EQ-5D0.222.290.020.02 / 0.39EQ-5D VASR2 = 0.61-0.24-2.730.001-0.04 / -0.00WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, EQ-5D, EuroQol-5 Dimension; FES-I, Falls Efficacy Scale-InternationalFigure 1.Sarcopenic vs non-sarcopenic patients according to sexConclusion:In this study, sarcopenia defined by the SARC-F questionnaire has a predictive value of clinical characteristics of patients to predict sarcopenia parameters and poor physical performance in patients with knee OA.References:[1]Papalia, R., Zampogna, B., Torre, G., Lanotte, A., Vasta, S., Albo, E., ... & Denaro, V. (2014). Sarcopenia and its relationship with osteoarthritis: risk factor or direct consequence?. Musculoskeletal surgery, 98(1), 9-14.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the remineralization activation of the application of three fissure sealants (FSs), alone or with gaseous ozone (GO), on non-cavitated initial caries and evaluate the clinical success of FS. Study design: Sixty children who had DIAGNOdent scores between 10–30 on bilateral symmetric mandibular first permanent molars were included in study. In a split-mouth design, teeth were assigned to experimental (with GO) and control (without GO) groups. GO was applied to teeth on one side and then the same brand of randomly selected FSs was applied to the teeth on both sides. Children were divided into 3 groups based on type of FS (Group 1: Aegis Bosworth Co, North Hamlin Avenue Skokie, Illinois, USA, Group 2: Fuji Triage GC, Tokyo, Japan, Group 3: Helioseal Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein, Germany). All FSs were then examined for retention rates at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months; at the end of 12 months, all FSs were removed with an air-abrasion device and DIAGNOdent scores noted to compare with the initial values. Results: The application of GO with either Fuji Triage or Aegis FS was effective on remineralization (p<0.05); however, the application of Helioseal FSs was not effective (p>0.05). The 1st and 12th months’ full retention rates of Fuji Triage FSs was a significant difference (p<0.05) from other FSs (Aegis and Helioseal) (p>0.05). Conclusions: GO+Aegis FS showed the highest remineralization; and, at the end of 12 months, its clinical success was higher than other FSs.

Background Head trauma is one of the most important clinical issues that not only can be fatal and disabling, requiring long-term treatment and care, but also can cause heavy financial burden. Formation or distribution of free oxygen radicals should be decreased to enable fixing of poor neurological outcomes and to prevent neuronal damage secondary to ischemia after trauma. Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, is a strong antioxidant that plays a role in membrane stabilization. In this study, the role of CoQ 10 in the treatment of head trauma is researched by analyzing the histopathological and biochemical effects of CoQ 10 administered after experimental traumatic brain injury in rats. A traumatic brain-injury model was created in all rats. Trauma was inflicted on rats by the free fall of an object of 450 g weight from a height of 70 cm on the frontoparietal midline onto a metal disc fixed between the coronal and the lambdoid sutures after a midline incision was carried out. Results In the biochemical tests, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the traumatic brain-injury group compared to the sham group ( p < 0.05). Administration of CoQ 10 after trauma was shown to be protective because it significantly lowered the increased MDA levels ( p < 0.05). Comparing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of the four groups, trauma + CoQ 10 group had SOD levels ranging between those of sham group and traumatic brain-injury group, and no statistically significant increase was detected. Histopathological results showed a statistically significant difference between the CoQ 10 and the other trauma-subjected groups with reference to vascular congestion, neuronal loss, nuclear pyknosis, nuclear hyperchromasia, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and axonal edema ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Neuronal degenerative findings and the secondary brain damage and ischemia caused by oxidative stress are decreased by CoQ 10 use in rats with traumatic brain injury.