Dynamics of invariant solutions of the DNA model using Lie symmetry approach

The utilization of the Lie group method serves to encapsulate a diverse array of wave structures. This method, established as a robust and reliable mathematical technique, is instrumental in deriving precise solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) across a spectrum of domains. Its applications span various scientific disciplines, including mathematical physics, nonlinear dynamics, oceanography, engineering sciences, and several others. This research focuses specifically on the crucial molecule DNA and its interaction with an external microwave field. The Lie group method is employed to establish a five-dimensional symmetry algebra as the foundational element. Subsequently, similarity reductions are led by a system of one-dimensional subalgebras. Several invariant solutions as well as a spectrum of wave solutions is obtained by solving the resulting reduced ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These solutions govern the longitudinal displacement in DNA, shedding light on the characteristics of DNA as a significant real-world challenge. The interactions of DNA with an external microwave field manifest in various forms, including rational, exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic, polynomial, and other functions. Mathematica simulations of these solutions confirm that longitudinal displacements in DNA can be expressed as periodic waves, optical dark solitons, singular solutions, exponential forms, and rational forms. This study is novel as it marks the first application of the Lie group method to explore the interaction of DNA molecules.

A review of nanotechnology in enzyme cascade to address challenges in pre-treating biomass

Nanotechnology has become a revolutionary technique for improving the preliminary treatment of lignocellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels. Traditional methods of pre-treatment have encountered difficulties in effectively degrading the intricate lignocellulosic composition, thereby impeding the conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of enzyme cascade processes that present a potential solution for addressing the limitations. The focus of this review article is to delve into the utilization of nanotechnology in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass through enzyme cascade processes. The review commences with an analysis of the composition and structure of lignocellulosic biomass, followed by a discussion on the drawbacks associated with conventional pre-treatment techniques. The subsequent analysis explores the importance of efficient pre-treatment methods in the context of biofuel production. We thoroughly investigate the utilization of nanotechnology in the pre-treatment of enzyme cascades across three distinct sections. Nanomaterials for enzyme immobilization, enhanced enzyme stability and activity through nanotechnology, and nanocarriers for controlled enzyme delivery. Moreover, the techniques used to analyse nanomaterials and the interactions between enzymes and nanomaterials are introduced. This review emphasizes the significance of comprehending the mechanisms underlying the synergy between nanotechnology and enzymes establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly nanotechnology applications.

Search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson to a pair of pseudoscalars in the μμbb and ττbb final states

A search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson (H ) with a mass of 125Ge V to a pair of light pseudoscalars a 1 is performed in final states where one pseudoscalar decays to two b quarks and the other to a pair of muons or τ leptons. A data sample of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te V corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 recorded with the CMS detector is analyzed. No statistically significant excess is observed over the standard model backgrounds. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level (CL ) on the Higgs boson branching fraction to μ μ b b and to τ τ b b , via a pair of a 1 s. The limits depend on the pseudoscalar mass m a 1 and are observed to be in the range (0.17-3.3) × 10 - 4 and (1.7-7.7) × 10 - 2 in the μ μ b b and τ τ b b final states, respectively. In the framework of models with two Higgs doublets and a complex scalar singlet (2HDM+S), the results of the two final states are combined to determine upper limits on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 → ℓ ℓ b b ) at 95% CL , with ℓ being a muon or a τ lepton. For different types of 2HDM+S, upper bounds on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) are extracted from the combination of the two channels. In most of the Type II 2HDM+S parameter space, B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) values above 0.23 are excluded at 95% CL for m a 1 values between 15 and 60Ge V .

A practical approach to screening for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales- views of a group of multidisciplinary experts from English hospitals

INTRODUCTION

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are an important public health threat, with costly operational and economic consequences for NHS Integrated Care Systems and NHS Trusts. UK Health Security Agency guidelines recommend that Trusts use locally developed risk assessments to accurately identify high-risk individuals for screening, and implement the most appropriate method of testing, but this presents many challenges.

METHODS

A convenience sample of cross-specialty experts from across England met to discuss the barriers and practical solutions to implementing UK Health Security Agency framework into operational and clinical workflows. The group derived responses to six key questions that are frequently asked about screening for CPE.

KEY FINDINGS

Four patient groups were identified for CPE screening: high-risk unplanned admissions, high-risk elective admissions, patients in high-risk units, and known positive contacts. Rapid molecular testing is a preferred screening method for some of these settings, offering faster turnaround times and more accurate results than culture-based testing. It is important to stimulate action now, as several lessons can be learnt from screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from CPE outbreaks.

CONCLUSION

Further decisive and instructive information is needed to establish CPE screening protocols based on local epidemiology and risk factors. Local management should continually evaluate local epidemiology, analysing data and undertaking frequent prevalence studies to understand risks, and prepare resources- such as upscaled screening- to prevent increasing prevalence, clusters or outbreaks. Rapid molecular-based methods will be a crucial part of these considerations, as they can reduce unnecessary isolation and opportunity costs.

Use of targeted SMS messaging to encourage COVID-19 oral antiviral uptake in South West Victoria

OBJECTIVES

During winter 2022, as part of a multifaceted approach to optimise oral antiviral uptake in the Barwon South West region in Victoria, Australia, the Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) implemented an innovative, targeted SMS messaging program that encouraged people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be assessed for antiviral treatment. In this study, we investigated patterns of antiviral uptake, identified barriers and facilitators to accessing antivirals, and examined the potential impact of targeted SMS messaging on oral antiviral uptake.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of notified COVID-19 cases aged 50 years and older, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30-49 years, in the BSWPHU catchment area over a 6-week period commencing 21 July 2022. We analysed survey data using descriptive statistics and generalised linear models.

RESULTS

Of the 3829 survey respondents, 36.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35.2, 38.2) reported being prescribed oral antivirals, with 75.4% (95% CI 72.8, 77.9) of these aged ≥70. Antiviral prescriptions increased significantly over the 6-week survey period. Most prescriptions (87.5%; 95% CI 85.7, 89.2) were provided by the respondents' usual general practitioners (GPs). Barriers to receiving antivirals included respondents being unable to get a medical appointment in time (3.7%; 95% CI 3.1, 4.2), testing too late in their illness (2.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 2.8) and being unable to access medications in time after receiving a prescription (0.2%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Facilitators to receiving antivirals included respondents first hearing about antivirals from a trusted source such as a family member, friend or usual doctor. Nearly one in eight people who were prescribed antivirals reported first hearing about them from the SMS message sent by BSWPHU.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral antiviral treatment uptake in south-west Victoria in July-August 2022 was high among survey respondents and increased over time. GPs were the key prescribers in the community. Targeted SMS messaging to COVID-19 cases is a simple, low-cost intervention that potentially increases antiviral uptake.

Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.1) standard deviations. Events are selected by requiring exactly two leptons (one electron and one muon) of opposite charge, moderate missing transverse momentum, and a photon. The measured fiducial cross section for WWγ is 5.9±0.8(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.7(modeling)  fb, in agreement with the next-to-leading order quantum chromodynamics prediction. The analysis is extended with a search for the associated production of the Higgs boson and a photon, which is generated by a coupling of the Higgs boson to light quarks. The result is used to constrain the Higgs boson couplings to light quarks.

New Structures in the J/ψJ/ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J/ψJ/ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135  fb^{-1}. Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638_{-38}^{+43}(stat)_{-31}^{+16}(syst)  MeV. Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847_{-28}^{+44}(stat)_{-20}^{+48}(syst)  MeV, which is consistent with the X(6900) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134_{-25}^{+48}(stat)_{-15}^{+41}(syst)  MeV. Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference.

Synthesis, characterization, and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity of mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of 8-hydroxyquinolines and phenanthroline bases

Transition metal complexes exhibiting selective toxicity towards a broad range of cancer types are highly desirable as potential anticancer agents. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies of six new mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of general formula [Co(B)2(L)](ClO4)2 (1-6), where B is a N,N-donor phenanthroline base, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen in 1, 2), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq in 3, 4), and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz in 5, 6), and L is the monoanion of 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ in 1, 3, 5) and 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (CQ in 2, 4, 6). The X-ray single crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 as PF6- salts revealed a distorted octahedral CoN5O coordination environment. Complexes demonstrated good stability in an aqueous buffer medium and in the presence of ascorbic acid as a reductant. Cytotoxicity studies using a panel of nine cancer cell lines showed that complex 6, with the dppz and CQ ligands, was significantly toxic against most cancer cell types, yielding IC50 values in the range of 2 to 14 μM. Complexes 1, 3, and 5, containing the HQ ligand, displayed lower toxicity compared to their CQ counterparts. The phenanthroline complexes demonstrated marginal toxicity towards the tested cell lines, while the dpq complexes exhibited moderate toxicity. Interestingly, all complexes demonstrated negligible toxicity towards normal HEK-293 kidney cells (IC50 > 100 μM). The observed cytotoxicity of the complexes correlated well with their lipophilicities (dppz > dpq > phen). The cytotoxicity of complex 6 was comparable to that of the clinical drug cisplatin under similar conditions. Notably, neither the HQ nor the CQ ligands alone demonstrated noticeable toxicity against any of the tested cell lines. The Annexin-V-FITC and DCFDA assays revealed that the cell death mechanism induced by the complexes involved apoptosis, which could be attributed to the metal-assisted generation of reactive oxygen species. Overall, the dppz complex 6, with its remarkable cytotoxicity against a broad range of cancer cells and negligible toxicity toward normal cells, holds significant potential for cancer chemotherapeutic applications.

International Diabetes Federation Position Statement on the 1-hour post-load plasma glucose for the diagnosis of intermediate hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes

Many individuals with intermediate hyperglycaemia (IH), including impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), as presently defined, will progress to type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is confirmatory evidence that T2D can be prevented by lifestyle modification and/or medications, in people with IGT diagnosed by 2-h plasma glucose (PG) during a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Over the last 40 years, a wealth of epidemiological data has confirmed the superior value of 1-h plasma glucose (PG) over fasting PG (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and 2-h PG in populations of different ethnicity, sex and age in predicting diabetes and associated complications including death. Given the relentlessly rising prevalence of diabetes, a more sensitive, practical method is needed to detect people with IH and T2D for early prevention or treatment in the often lengthy trajectory to T2D and its complications. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Position Statement reviews findings that the 1-h post-load PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during an OGTT is highly predictive for detecting progression to T2D, micro- and macrovascular complications, obstructive sleep apnoea, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and mortality in individuals with risk factors. The 1-h PG of 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) is also diagnostic of T2D. Importantly, the 1-h PG cut points for diagnosing IH and T2D can be detected earlier than the recommended 2-h PG thresholds. Taken together, the 1-h PG provides an opportunity to avoid misclassification of glycaemic status if FPG or HbA1c alone are used. The 1-h PG also allows early detection of high-risk people for intervention to prevent progression to T2D which will benefit the sizeable and growing population of individuals at increased risk of T2D. Using a 1-h OGTT, subsequent to screening with a non-laboratory diabetes risk tool, and intervening early will favourably impact the global diabetes epidemic. Health services should consider developing a policy for screening for IH based on local human and technical resources. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) are considered to have IH and should be prescribed lifestyle intervention and referred to a diabetes prevention program. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) are considered to have T2D and should have a repeat test to confirm the diagnosis of T2D and then referred for further evaluation and treatment. The substantive data presented in the Position Statement provides strong evidence for redefining current diagnostic criteria for IH and T2D by adding the 1-h PG.

Survival following lung volume reduction procedures: results from the UK Lung Volume Reduction (UKLVR) registry

INTRODUCTION

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and endobronchial valve (EBV) placement can produce substantial benefits in appropriately selected people with emphysema. The UK Lung Volume Reduction (UKLVR) registry is a national multicentre observational study set up to support quality standards and assess outcomes from LVR procedures at specialist centres across the UK.

METHODS

Data were analysed for all patients undergoing an LVR procedure (LVRS/EBV) who were recruited into the study at participating centres between January 2017 and June 2022, including; disease severity and risk assessment, compliance with guidelines for selection, procedural complications and survival to February 2023.

RESULTS

Data on 541 patients from 14 participating centres were analysed. Baseline disease severity was similar in patients who had surgery n=244 (44.9%), or EBV placement n=219 (40.9%), for example, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 32.1 (12.1)% vs 31.2 (11.6)%. 89% of cases had discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting recorded. Median (IQR) length of stay postprocedure for LVRS and EBVs was 12 (13) vs 4 (4) days(p=0.01). Increasing age, male gender and lower FEV1%predicted were associated with mortality risk, but survival did not differ between the two procedures, with 50 (10.8%) deaths during follow-up in the LVRS group vs 45 (9.7%) following EBVs (adjusted HR 1.10 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.67) p=0.661) CONCLUSION: Based on data entered in the UKLVR registry, LVRS and EBV procedures for emphysema are being performed in people with similar disease severity and long-term survival is similar in both groups.

Search for Scalar Leptoquarks Produced via τ-Lepton-Quark Scattering in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in τ-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a τ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays. Limits are set on the product of the leptoquark production cross section and branching fraction and interpreted as exclusions in the plane of the leptoquark mass and the leptoquark-τ-quark coupling strength.

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific region (WPR) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and took various preventive measures, which affected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risks and mortality. Due to differences in COVID-19 prevention measures and other characteristics such as culture, religions, political systems, socioeconomic development, lifestyles, and health care systems, the effects of COVID-19 on NCDs varied greatly among WPR countries. Most countries had an increased all-cause and NCDs mortality during the pandemic, but some developed countries, including New Zealand, Singapore and Australia reported decreased mortality. The pandemic and the preventive measures increased NCD risk factors including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders. The effects varied by socioeconomic status and health conditions. COVID-19 related stress, food shortages, and confined lifestyle had immediate detrimental effects on NCDs, and also affected pregnancy outcomes with long-term effects on NCDs risks in coming years.

Search for Inelastic Dark Matter in Events with Two Displaced Muons and Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for dark matter in events with a displaced nonresonant muon pair and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} of proton-proton (pp) collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV produced by the LHC in 2016-2018. No significant excess over the predicted backgrounds is observed. Upper limits are set on the product of the inelastic dark matter production cross section σ(pp→A^{'}→χ_{1}χ_{2}) and the decay branching fraction B(χ_{2}→χ_{1}μ^{+}μ^{-}), where A^{'} is a dark photon and χ_{1} and χ_{2} are states in the dark sector with near mass degeneracy. This is the first dedicated collider search for inelastic dark matter.

Luminosity determination using Z boson production at the CMS experiment

The measurement of Z boson production is presented as a method to determine the integrated luminosity of CMS data sets. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data, recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2017 at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Events with Z bosons decaying into a pair of muons are selected. The total number of Z bosons produced in a fiducial volume is determined, together with the identification efficiencies and correlations from the same data set, in small intervals of 20pb - 1 of integrated luminosity, thus facilitating the efficiency and rate measurement as a function of time and instantaneous luminosity. Using the ratio of the efficiency-corrected numbers of Z bosons, the precisely measured integrated luminosity of one data set is used to determine the luminosity of another. For the first time, a full quantitative uncertainty analysis of the use of Z  bosons for the integrated luminosity measurement is performed. The uncertainty in the extrapolation between two data sets, recorded in 2017 at low and high instantaneous luminosity, is less than 0.5%. We show that the Z boson rate measurement constitutes a precise method, complementary to traditional methods, with the potential to improve the measurement of the integrated luminosity.

Dynamical behavior of solitons of the (2+1)-dimensional Konopelchenko Dubrovsky system

Utilizing nonlinear evolution equations (NEEs) is common practice to establish the fundamental assumptions underlying natural phenomena. This paper examines the weakly dispersed non-linear waves in mathematical physics represented by the Konopelchenko-Dubrovsky (KD) equations. The [Formula: see text]-expansion method is used to analyze the model under consideration. Using symbolic computations, the [Formula: see text]-expansion method is used to produce solitary waves and soliton solutions to the [Formula: see text]-dimensional KD model in terms of trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational functions. Mathematica simulations are displayed using two, three, and density plots to demonstrate the obtained solitary wave solutions' behavior. These proposed solutions have not been documented in the existing literature.

A dipyridophenazine Ni(II) dithiolene complex as a dual-acting cancer phototherapy agent activatable within the phototherapeutic window

A combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) within the phototherapeutic window (600-900 nm) can lead to significantly enhanced therapeutic outcomes, surpassing the efficacy observed with PDT or PTT alone in cancer phototherapy. Herein, we report a novel small-molecule mixed-ligand Ni(II)-dithiolene complex (Ni-TDD) with a dipyridophenazine ligand, demonstrating potent red-light PDT and significant near-infrared (NIR) light mild-temperature PTT activity against cancer cells and 3D multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTSs). The four-coordinate square planar complex exhibited a moderately intense absorption band (ε ∼ 3700 M-1cm-1) centered around 900 nm and demonstrated excellent dark and photostability in an aqueous phase. Ni-TDD induced a potent red-light (600-720 nm) PDT effect on HeLa cancer cells (IC50 = 1.8 μM, photo irritation factor = 44), triggering apoptotic cell death through efficient singlet oxygen generation. Ni-TDD showed a significant intercalative binding affinity towards double-helical calf thymus DNA, resulting in a binding constant (Kb) ∼ 106 M-1. The complex induced mild hyperthermia and exerted a significant mild-temperature PTT effect on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells upon irradiation with 808 nm NIR light. Simultaneous irradiation of Ni-TDD-treated HeLa MCTSs with red and NIR light led to a remarkable synergistic inhibition of growth, exceeding the effects of individual irradiation, through the generation of singlet oxygen and mild hyperthermia. Ni-TDD displayed minimal toxicity towards non-cancerous HPL1D and L929 cells, even at high micromolar concentrations. This is the first report of a Ni(II) complex demonstrating red-light PDT activity and the first example of a first-row transition metal complex exhibiting combined PDT and PTT effects within the clinically relevant phototherapeutic window. Our findings pave the way for designing and developing metal-dithiolene complexes as dual-acting cancer phototherapy agents using long wavelength light for treating solid tumors.

Current status of metabolic engineering of microorganisms for bioethanol production by effective utilization of pentose sugars of lignocellulosic biomass

Lignocellulosic biomass, consisting of homo- and heteropolymeric sugars, acts as a substrate for the generation of valuable biochemicals and biomaterials. The readily available hexoses are easily utilized by microbes due to the presence of transporters and native metabolic pathways. But, utilization of pentose sugar viz., xylose and arabinose are still challenging due to several reasons including (i) the absence of the particular native pathways and transporters, (ii) the presence of inhibitors, and (iii) lower uptake of pentose sugars. These challenges can be overcome by manipulating metabolic pathways/glycosidic enzymes cascade by using genetic engineering tools involving inverse-metabolic engineering, ex-vivo isomerization, Adaptive Laboratory Evolution, Directed Metabolic Engineering, etc. Metabolic engineering of bacteria and fungi for the utilization of pentose sugars for bioethanol production is the focus area of research in the current decade. This review outlines current approaches to biofuel development and strategies involved in the metabolic engineering of different microbes that can uptake pentose for bioethanol production.

HER2-low expression in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low is a newly defined category with HER2 1+ or 2+ expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and lack of HER2 gene amplification measured by in situ hybridization (ISH). Much remains unknown about the HER2-low status across tumor types and changes in HER2 status between primary and metastatic samples.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HER2 expression by IHC was evaluated in 4701 patients with solid tumors. We have evaluated the HER2 expression by IHC and amplification by ISH in paired breast and gastric/gastroesophageal (GEJ) primary and metastatic samples. HER2 expression was correlated with ERBB2 genomic alterations evaluated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in non-breast, non-gastric/GEJ samples.

RESULTS

HER2 expression (HER2 IHC 1-3+) was found in half (49.8%) of the cancers, with HER2-low (1 or 2+) found in many tumor types: 47.1% in breast, 34.6% in gastric/GEJ, 50.0% in salivary gland, 46.9% in lung, 46.5% in endometrial, 46% in urothelial, and 45.5% of gallbladder cancers. The concordance evaluation of HER2 expression between primary and metastatic breast cancer samples showed that HER2 3+ remained unchanged in 87.1% with a strong agreement between primary and metastatic samples, with a weighted kappa (Κ) of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0.91). ERBB2 alterations were identified in 117 (7.5%) patients with non-breast, non-gastric/GEJ solid tumors who had NGS testing. Of 1436 patients without ERBB2 alterations, 512 (35.7%) showed any level HER2 expression by IHC.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that HER2-low expression is frequently found across tumor types. These findings suggest that many patients with HER2-low solid tumors might benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.

Optimal system and dynamics of optical soliton solutions for the Schamel KdV equation

In this research, we investigate the integrability properties of the Schamel-Korteweg-de Vries (S-KdV) equation, which is important for understanding the effect of electron trapping in the nonlinear interaction of ion-acoustic waves. Using the optimal system, we come over reduced ordinary differential equations (ODEs). To deal with reduced ODEs for this problem, Lie symmetry analysis is combined with the modified auxiliary equation (MAE) procedure and the generalized Jacobi elliptic function expansion (JEF) method. The analytical solutions reported here are novel and have a wide range of applications in mathematical physics.

Observation of the Rare Decay of the η Meson to Four Muons

A search for the rare η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} double-Dalitz decay is performed using a sample of proton-proton collisions, collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC with high-rate muon triggers during 2017 and 2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 101  fb^{-1}. A signal having a statistical significance well in excess of 5 standard deviations is observed. Using the η→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay as normalization, the branching fraction B(η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-})=[5.0±0.8(stat)±0.7(syst)±0.7(B_{2μ})]×10^{-9} is measured, where the last term is the uncertainty in the normalization channel branching fraction. This work achieves an improved precision of over 5 orders of magnitude compared to previous results, leading to the first measurement of this branching fraction, which is found to agree with theoretical predictions.

The lipid-lowering efficacy of rosuvastatin is associated with variations in SLCO1B1: a 12-month prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Statins' efficacy and safety are subject to wide inter-individual variability, partly due to genetic predisposition. Studies have shown that the genetic variations in the common solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene polymorphisms affect the transport of statins' transport into hepatocytes, their plasma concentration, and circulation time. The ultimate result is variable and personalized statins response and statin-associated muscular symptoms (SAMS). Here we report an update on the differential response to rosuvastatin therapy in the Pakistani population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 166 hyperlipidemic patients on rosuvastatin were prospectively followed for 24 weeks. Muscle symptoms were recorded after 6-8 weeks of therapy, and assessment was done according to the SAMS-clinical index tool. Patients were genotyped for SLCO1B1 c.521T>C and c.388A>G polymorphisms, for association with lipid-lowering response and statin-associated muscle symptoms. The plasma level of rosuvastatin was determined through Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) for possible correlation with adverse effects and lipid-lowering efficacy.

RESULTS

Mean reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 42.34 mg/dl (p<0.001), 35.66 mg/dl (p<0.001), and 24.47 mg/dl (p=0.202) in reference, heterozygous and mutant homozygous groups of SLCO1B1 c.521T>C, respectively. A 15.70% and 42.14% diminished LDL-C reduction was observed in c.521TC and c.521CC, respectively, compared to the reference c.521TT genotype. Similarly, for SLCO1B1 c.388A>G, 20.50% and 29.40% less LDL-C lowering effect was observed in heterozygous and mutant homozygous carriers, respectively. SAMS were observed in 37% and 33% of heterozygous and minor homozygous, respectively, (p=0.059). The rosuvastatin plasma level was 1.89-fold higher in the c.521CC genotype than in the reference homozygous type.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential lipid-lowering response and muscular symptoms due to rosuvastatin are associated with the SLCO1B1 common polymorphisms. Further studies are needed to validate dose adjustment and rationalization.

Effect of lifestyle intervention on HbA1c levels in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes across ethnicities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

Weight reduction is fundamental for the management and remission of diabetes. We aimed to assess ethnic differences in the effects of lifestyle weight-loss interventions on HbA1c levels in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science online databases up to 31 Dec 2022. Randomized controlled trials using lifestyle weight-loss interventions in overweight or obese adults with T2DM were selected. We performed subgroup analyses to explore the heterogeneity across different ethnicities (Asians, White/Caucasians, Black/Africans and Hispanics). A random effects model was applied to calculate weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Thirty studies including 7580 subjects from different ethnicities were identified according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. HbA1c levels were significantly reduced by lifestyle weight-loss intervention. Notably, a significantly beneficial effect on HbA1c was observed in White/Caucasians (WMD = -0.59, 95% CI: -0.90, -0.28, P < 0.001) and Asians (WMD = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.33, P < 0.001), but not in the Black/African or Hispanic group (both P > 0.05). The findings remained essentially unchanged in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle weight-loss interventions had distinct beneficial effects on HbA1c levels in different ethnic groups with T2DM, especially in Caucasians and Asians.

A computational study of adsorption of H2S and SO2 on the activated carbon surfaces

An effort has been made to explore the adsorption potential of activated carbon (AC) structures for adsorption of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) employing density functional theory (DFT) at GGA level. 2-ring, 3-ring, 6-ring, and 9-ring carbon structures are used as adsorbent surfaces. The above mentioned rings are examined by creation of defect and inclusion of hydrogen as well to get the clear view close to experimental observations of adsorption properties of activated carbon. The adsorption properties depend upon many factors including whether adsorbate adsorbs in planer or non-planer mode, defect creation in the adsorbent substrate, atomic hydrogen insertion in the system and size of the adsorbent system. Our calculations show that side by side (planer) interaction binds the molecules much more strongly in comparison with molecules adsorbed upon the surface in non-planer mode. If vacancy is created at the central position of the surface, the molecules bind with substantial binding energy. However, overall E_ads of the molecules varies randomly and no consistency could be achieved. Additionally, smaller sized structures are favorable relative to the bigger surfaces. The highest E_ads for both the molecules is -2.97 eV, though not on the same substrate system. Finally, it can be argued that activated carbon is very useful material for adsorbing the noxious gases.

1357 THE ‘CONSULTATION COMMUNICATION’ PROFORMA: ENHANCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OUTPATIENTS AND INTERMEDIATE CARE

Introduction

The Norman Power Centre (NPC) is a 32 bedded Intermediate Care Unit, run by an acute hospital trust in Birmingham, UK, for patients who require ongoing 24-hour care, rehabilitation or further assessment, but do not need to be in an acute hospital setting. These frail patients attend numerous outpatient hospital appointments, but rarely do staff receive communication back from these outpatient reviews. This can lead to delays in implementing specialist management plans, with potential for adverse outcomes for patients and increased staff workload in seeking out the required information. A ‘Consultation Communication’ proforma was designed, to be filled in at the appointment and brought back to NPC with the patient.

Method

Patients and escorts took proformas to outpatient appointments between March and June 2022. The information on the forms was then analysed to assess completeness and usefulness.

Results

Appointments were in surgical and medical specialities, as well as imaging in three hospitals within one trust. Proformas were taken to 19/20 appointments. 100% of these were at least partially completed, with only two forms being largely incomplete. 17/19 provided information about the assessment carried out. 12/19 included recommendations relevant to admission at NPC. 13/19 had information on medication changes. 14/19 stated whether follow up was required. Eight out of nine required follow-ups had specific details included. 13/19 had the professional’s details, 11 with contact numbers. Of those without details, two were imaging appointments where contact details were not relevant.

Conclusions

This easy to implement, simple intervention, with an excellent engagement rate from both NPC and outpatient appointment staff, has led to improved continuity of care for patients. The proforma has scope to be improved based on staff feedback, and its use could be expanded across other off-site facilities such as community hospitals or care homes.

Climate change, water and agriculture linkages in the upper Indus basin: A field study from Gilgit-Baltistan and Leh-Ladakh

The Indus is one of three largest river systems emerging from the Hindu-Kush Himalaya (HKH). In the Upper Indus Basin (UIB), water resources, agriculture and livelihoods are highly vulnerable to climate change induced hazards and risks. Present study investigates impacts of climate change on water availability, agriculture and livelihoods based on perception data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews from selected study sites in Gilgit-Baltistan and Leh-Ladakh subregions of the UIB. Findings revealed that climate change is inducing both direct and indirect impacts on water availability, agriculture, and livelihoods. Local people reported that changes in precipitations patterns, temperature and timing of seasons, and increased incidence of crop pest attacks are resulting in the decline of crop and livestock productivity (direct impacts). Climate change is also impacting productivity indirectly through degradation of rangelands/pastures and water variability in traditional irrigation systems. Local people are taking diverse adaptation measures to cope with climate change impacts. These measures include revival of less water intensive traditional crops, start of enterprises and value chain developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, and improvement in water management practices and integration of traditional agricultural products with tourism in Leh-Ladakh. Some adaptation measures are likely to have negative impacts on sustainability of local agriculture. For instance, inorganic agricultural practices in Gilgit-Baltistan, and unplanned shift to water intensive crops and improved breeds of livestock in both Gilgit-Baltistan and Leh-Ladakh. Based on findings, this study suggests establishing a learning mechanism for local communities through collaboration of local institutions from both sides of border and people to people connections.

Optimal Icosahedral Copper-Based Bimetallic Clusters for the Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion to One Carbon Products

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions can lead to high value-added chemical and materials production while helping decrease anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Copper metal clusters can reduce CO2 to more than thirty different hydrocarbons and oxygenates yet they lack the required selectivity. We present a computational characterization of the role of nano-structuring and alloying in Cu-based catalysts on the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction to generate the following one-carbon products: carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid (HCOOH), formaldehyde (H2C=O), methanol (CH3OH) and methane (CH4). The structures and energetics were determined for the adsorption, activation, and conversion of CO2 on monometallic and bimetallic (decorated and core@shell) 55-atom Cu-based clusters. The dopant metals considered were Ag, Cd, Pd, Pt, and Zn, located at different coordination sites. The relative binding strength of the intermediates were used to identify the optimal catalyst for the selective CO2 conversion to one-carbon products. It was discovered that single atom Cd or Zn doping is optimal for the conversion of CO2 to CO. The core@shell models with Ag, Pd and Pt provided higher selectivity for formic acid and formaldehyde. The Cu-Pt and Cu-Pd showed lowest overpotential for methane formation.

The role of cadaveric simulation in talus fracture research: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Talus fractures are rare (<1% of all fractures), and their rarity limits the number of studies available to guide management. In instances such as this, cadaveric studies can play an important role. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and describe the current body of literature on cadaveric studies of fractures of the talus.

METHODS

Through multiple electronic database searches (Medline, Embase, Scopus) we identified a broad body of cadaveric research into talus fractures, and these were classified into 4 main themes. Study characteristics were summarised along with any descriptive results and conclusions.

RESULTS

The search yielded 484 articles of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. They provide valuable insights into benefits and drawbacks of surgical approaches to the talus, particularly with regard to direct visualisation of anatomic reduction, and risks of neurovascular or tendon compromise. For talar neck fractures it is clear that cannulated screws offer superior fixation over plates, however, are inferior when considering anatomic reduction of the fracture. Direct visualisation of fracture reduction is far superior to intraoperative radiographic assessment, and mal-reduction leads to reduced subtalar joint range of motion, midfoot deformity, and increased joint contact pressures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a summary of the existing literature surrounding the use of cadaver studies in fractures of the talus. We have identified gaps in the literature, particularly surrounding strength of fixation of new locking plate fixation techniques.

Detection of Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Clades using COVIDSeq-NGS among International Travelers

Introduction/Objective

Numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants/lineages have been identified based on genome sequencing. As of June 15, 2022 almost 11,399,573 whole genome sequences have been deposited in the GISAID-database. Severity and spread of COVID19 is based on their efficiency of infection and to multiply in host. That largely depend upon the structural mutation in spike, ORF and N proteins etc. That happens due to translation of genomic mutations during polypeptide synthesis. Also, the mutations are region/country specific. Specific mutation and combination of mutation causes the emergence of new strains. However, the strains can migrate from one region to other through travelers. The main objective of the current study is profiling of mutations in the genome of SARSCoV2 using Next- Generation-Sequencing (NGS) in international travelers and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences to find out different clades of SARSCoV2.

Methods/Case Report

A total of 557 SARSCoV2 genomes were sequenced on S4-sequencing flow-cell on NovaSeq 6000. For NGS of SARS-CoV-2 genome, Illumina, COVIDSeq kits and the protocols will be used strictly as recommended by the manufacturer. After NGS the analysis was done followed by FASTA sequences retrieval, mutations recording and phylogeny.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

This study reports 11 clades (19A, B, 20A, B, C, D, 20E; EU1, 20G, 20H; Beta V2, 20I: Alpha V1, 21D; and Eta) for the first time in international travelers. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection of mutation in SARSCoV2 genomic clades. The study revealed some dominants mutations was (Orf1a: P2018Q, K1053R, E176V, Orf1b: A520V, T2165A, S: D1127G, D614G, L18F etc. in other genes).

Conclusion

Profiling of common mutations among travelers could fill some gaps about the existence of SARS-CoV-2 variants information. However, further studies are needed to consolidate these findings before to be utilized for development of a potential therapeutic strategy.

Significance of Orlistat in management of dyslipidemia, systolic blood pressure and body mass index

OBJECTIVE

The current study intends to find out the efficacy of Orlistat in the management of hyperlipidemia, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Body Mass Index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study has evaluated the lipid profiles of the patients, who have been using metformin therapy for Type 2 diabetes. The study has obtained data regarding the parameters like triglyceride, Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio, systolic blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Random distribution of patients was done into placebo and Orlistat groups. The placebo group received only metformin, and patients in the Orlistat group received Orlistat along with metformin. After 24 weeks, the follow-up study was done, and statistical analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The study found that the Orlistat group has significant improvement (p<0.05) more improvement in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Total cholesterol, LDL/HDL Ratio and Triglycerides, while BMI and systolic blood pressure did not show a significant difference between placebo and Orlistat group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has concluded that Orlistat can be used for significant improvement in lipid profile. The study also found that Orlistat may not have a significant effect on reducing BMI and blood pressure without adequate lifestyle modification.

268 AUDIT: GENERIC PRESCRIBING COMPLIANCE IN AN ACUTE HOSPITAL

Background

Generic prescribing is cost-effective, and evidence suggests that clinical outcomes compared with brand name products are largely equivalent. Hospital guidelines recommend that medications should be prescribed using the approved generic name, not the brand name. There are some exceptions to this. Anecdotal evidence suggests that medication reconciliation for patients on admission to hospital are charted by brand name rather than the generic title. To investigate this we conducted a four-day audit of the prescribing of medications on patients admitted to medical wards in an acute hospital.

Methods

This audit took place over a four-day period. The Kardex of each patient admitted to the three medical wards was reviewed. Patients admitted under cardiology, haematology and oncology were excluded. All medications including whether they were prescribed using the generic or brand name were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel.

Results

A total of 33 kardexes were collected. Two hundred and fifty-seven prescribed medications were reviewed. Ninety-five were charted as brand names and 63% (n=162) were prescribed using the generic name. One hundred and eighteen different categories of medications were prescribed. Enoxaparin was prescribed using the brand name ten times and the generic title three times. The antibiotic Piperacillin/tazobactam was prescribed three times using the brand name and one time using the generic title. Of the eight times atorvastatin was prescribed, it was charted using the generic name seven times (88%).

Conclusion

Almost two-thirds of medications for patients admitted to medical wards are prescribed using generic titles. However, there is room for improvement. Of note, commonly prescribed medications such as enoxaparin and certain antimicrobials were prescribed using the brand name. Opportunities e.g., induction, grand rounds and Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) teaching sessions should be utilised to provide education on the importance of generic prescribing to all NCHDs admitting patients.

Multi-ancestry genome-wide association study of gestational diabetes mellitus highlights genetic links with type 2 diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. GDM often reoccurs and is associated with increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To improve our understanding of the aetiological factors and molecular processes driving the occurrence of GDM, including the extent to which these overlap with T2D pathophysiology, the GENetics of Diabetes In Pregnancy Consortium assembled genome-wide association studies of diverse ancestry in a total of 5485 women with GDM and 347 856 without GDM. Through multi-ancestry meta-analysis, we identified five loci with genome-wide significant association (P < 5 × 10-8) with GDM, mapping to/near MTNR1B (P = 4.3 × 10-54), TCF7L2 (P = 4.0 × 10-16), CDKAL1 (P = 1.6 × 10-14), CDKN2A-CDKN2B (P = 4.1 × 10-9) and HKDC1 (P = 2.9 × 10-8). Multiple lines of evidence pointed to the shared pathophysiology of GDM and T2D: (i) four of the five GDM loci (not HKDC1) have been previously reported at genome-wide significance for T2D; (ii) significant enrichment for associations with GDM at previously reported T2D loci; (iii) strong genetic correlation between GDM and T2D and (iv) enrichment of GDM associations mapping to genomic annotations in diabetes-relevant tissues and transcription factor binding sites. Mendelian randomization analyses demonstrated significant causal association (5% false discovery rate) of higher body mass index on increased GDM risk. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that GDM and T2D are part of the same underlying pathology but that, as exemplified by the HKDC1 locus, there are genetic determinants of GDM that are specific to glucose regulation in pregnancy.

Comparison Between Lignocaine Intravenous Lignocaine Infusion and Ketorolac in Reducing Postoperative Opioid Requirement in Upper Limb Surgeries

Objective: To compare the frequency of opioid requirement, after intravenous lignocaine infusion and ketorolac tromethamine in the upper limb surgeries. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Oct 2017 to Apr 2018. Methodology: ASA I/II patients of either gender undergoing upper limb surgery were included. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, “L” (Lignocaine) and “K” (Ketorolac). In L-group, patients were given intravenous 1.5 mg/kg lignocaine bolus, followed by 2.0 mg/kg/hr infusion during entire procedure; while in K-group, patients were given intravenous 0.5 mg/kg (maximum 30 mg) ketorolac, at induction. The patients were monitored for 12 hours postoperatively and in case of severe postoperative pain (Visual Analogue Scale score >5), rescue analgesia (intravenous Nalbuphine 0.1 mg/kg) was provided. Results: Total eighty patients were included in the study. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with age (p-value 0.823), gender (p-value 0.808) and ASA status (p-value 0.184). There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of opioid requirement at 1-hour (p-value 0.035), 6-hours (p-value 0.032) and 12-hours (p-value 0.035), with K-group showing more requirement as compared to the L-group. Conclusion: Intraoperative administration of intravenous lignocaine infusion is superior to ketorolac in effective postoperative pain management in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries.

Severity of oEsophageal Anastomotic Leak in patients after oesophagectomy: the SEAL score

Background

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common but severe complication after oesophagectomy. It is unknown how to determine the severity of AL objectively at diagnosis. Determining leak severity may guide treatment decisions and improve future research. This study aimed to identify leak-related prognostic factors for mortality, and to develop a Severity of oEsophageal Anastomotic Leak (SEAL) score.

Methods

This international, retrospective cohort study in 71 centres worldwide included patients with AL after oesophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Leak-related prognostic factors were identified after adjusting for confounders and were included in multivariable logistic regression to develop the SEAL score. Four classes of leak severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) were defined based on the risk of 90-day mortality, and the score was validated internally.

Results

Some 1509 patients with AL were included and the 90-day mortality rate was 11.7 per cent. Twelve leak-related prognostic factors were included in the SEAL score. The score showed good calibration and discrimination (c-index 0.77, 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 0.81). Higher classes of leak severity graded by the SEAL score were associated with a significant increase in duration of ICU stay, healing time, Comprehensive Complication Index score, and Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group classification.

Conclusion

The SEAL score grades leak severity into four classes by combining 12 leak-related predictors and can be used to the assess severity of AL after oesophagectomy.

Elderberry extract inhibits tumour necrosis factor induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells via modulation of the NF-κB pathway

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): De Montfort PhD funded scholarship scheme

Introduction

During the early stages of atherosclerosis, monocytes attach to endothelial cells (EC) before differentiating into macrophages causing the accumulation of foam cells and plaque growth. NF-κB and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) are some of the main mediators in EC that are involved in the monocyte adhesion process. Elderberry extract (EE) are rich in anthocyanins a subclass polyphenol with vascular-protective properties.

Purpose

The main of aim of this study is to examine if EE can prevent TNF-α induced inflammation and monocyte adherence to EC.

Methods

Primary Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) were pre-treated for 1-h and stimulated with or without TNF-α 10 ng/ml for western blot. Cell lysates from the treated cells were then subjected to Western blotting and probed for total and phospho-NF-κB. For monocyte adherence cells were pre-treated for 24-h, then stimulated with/or without TNF-α 10 ng/ml for 24-h. Fluorescently labelled THP-1 cells were then added to the HUVECs for an additional 30 minutes, and samples were measured in a fluorescence plate reader. Cells were put through flow cytometry for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) using DCFHFDA assay or VCAM-1 levels using Anti-CD106.

Results

An increase in ROS production and NF-κB phosphorylation was found after stimulation TNF-α 10 ng/ml (p = 0.01). However, cells pre-incubated with EE (50 μg/ml) for 1-hour before TNF-α stimulation caused a reduction in ROS as well as inhibition of NF-κB phosphorylation (p &lt; 0.01). TNF-α 10 ng/ml increased the monocyte adherence to the HUVECs by a 2-fold although, EE prevented TNF-α monocyte adherence (mean value, 589.7 vs 408 p = 0.0033). This was associated with suppressed VCAM-1 expression found in the EE pre-treatment with TNF-α (p = 0.02).

Discussion

Our Preliminary data demonstrates that EE, can prevent monocytes binding onto EC potentially by inhibiting TNF-α induced NF-κB and VCAM-1 levels. Our findings postulate that NF-κB and VCAM-1 could be the direct link for targeting the prevention of monocyte adherence to EC, although this would need confirmation by blocking key cellular signalling pathways to confirm its role. This preliminary data suggests that EE and potentially other polyphenols could be a useful strategy for targeting the initial stages of atherosclerosis.

Recent advances and challenges in 2D/2D heterojunction photocatalysts for solar fuels applications

Although photocatalytic technology has emerged as an effective means of alleviating the projected future fuel crisis by converting sunlight directly into chemical energy, no visible-light-driven, low-cost, and highly stable photocatalyst has been developed to date. Due to considerably higher interfacial contact with numerous reactive sites, effective charge transmission and separation ability, and strong redox potentials, the focus has now shifted to 2D/2D heterojunction systems, which have exhibited effective photocatalytic performance. The fundamentals of 2D/2D photocatalysis for different applications and the classification of 2D/2D materials are first explained in this paper, followed by strategies to improve the photocatalytic performance of various 2D/2D heterojunction systems. Following that, current breakthroughs in 2D/2D metal-based and metal-free heterojunction photocatalysts, as well as their applications for H₂ evolution via water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and N₂ fixation, are discussed. Finally, a brief overview of current constraints and predicted results for 2D/2D heterojunction systems is also presented. This paper lays out a strategy for developing efficient 2D/2D heterojunction photocatalysts and sophisticated technology for solar fuel applications in order to address the energy issue.

POS1413 INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE(ILD) PREVALENCE AND TRENDS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS(SLE), RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS(RA), SCLERODERMA(SCL), MYOSITIS AND MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES(MCTD) ALONG WITH COMPARISON OF LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION STAY(LOS), COST AND RACIAL PREDISPOSITION AMONG THESE PATIENTS

Background

ILD includes a category of lung disorders seen in a variety of autoimmune conditions. Prevalence of ILD in autoimmune diseases is variable and poorly studied. ILD is more commonly seen in systemic sclerosis, with 90% of patients showing some interstitial changes on High resolution CT scan. ILD is less common in SLE compared to SCL, with ILD not only a complication but also a poor prognostic factor in these patients. Prior studies have shown increased prevalence of ILD in RA patients over the years. For myositis, ILD can develop during the course of disease or can precede the diagnosis in a small subset of patients.

Objectives

Our study aims to determine the prevalence of ILD in diseases like SLE, Scleroderma, RA, MCTD, and Myositis over the years as well as identify racial predisposition, LOS, Cost of hospitalization in these patients

Methods

We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (years 2003-2018) and extracted patients with ILD using validated International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes. Data from 2015 was excluded from the study in light of the transition of the coding system from version 9 to 10. We identified cases having the diagnosis of SLE, RA, Scleroderma, MCTD or Myositis. Prevalence as well as demographics, cost of hospitalization, and length of stay (LOS) was analyzed and charted. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis system 9.4 software.

Results

We identified a total of 149,691 cases of ILD over 15 years. Patients with RA had the highest prevalence of ILD amongst the 5 studied autoimmune diseases. The prevalence rate of RA in ILD patients in 2003 was 3.3% which significantly reduced to 0.93% in 2018, with a peak of 6.42% seen in 2010 (p <0.0001). Prevalence rate of ILD with myositis decreased from 0.72% in 2003 to 0.46% in 2018 (p 0.0001). The prevalence rates of SLE, Scleroderma, and MCTD in cases with ILD significantly increased from 1.38% to 1.63%, 1.38% to 1.76%, and 0.14% to 0.54% from 2003 to 2018 respectively.

The average age of ILD cases with SLE was significantly younger compared to ILD without autoimmune disease (59.28 vs 72.32 years, p <0.0001), RA (69.72 vs 72.17 years, p <0.0001), Scleroderma (62.01 vs 72.28 years, p < 0.0001), Myositis (59.56 vs 72.19 years, p <0.0001) and MCTD (59.6 vs 72.18 years, p <0.0001). On examining the racial distribution, the African American population with ILD when compared to other races were more likely to have underlying SLE, MCTD, Myositis or Scleroderma. In ILD with RA, Native Americans were the most affected racial demographic followed by African Americans.

Average cost of hospitalization was higher in ILD with MCTD ($104,631 vs $71,264.6, p<0.0001), Myositis ($105,623 vs $71,232.9, p<0.0001) and Scleroderma ($88,736.2 vs $71,135.5, p<0.0001). Average LOS was significantly longer in RA (7.17 vs 6.66 days, p value 0.0006), MCTD (7.71 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.0008), Myositis (8.33 vs 6.66 days, p value <0.0001) and Scleroderma (7.07 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.0176). Though not significant, average LOS was longer in SLE (6.79 vs 6.67 days, p value 0.4999).

Conclusion

Our study shows that the prevalence of RA in ILD cases has significantly reduced through the years. This can be attributed to the better understanding of the disease and its risk factors as well as the availability and use of newer biologic agents to obtain better control. However, the prevalence of SLE, Scleroderma, and MCTD in ILD cases has increased over the years. This points to the need for better therapies as well as highlights the fact that the overall recognition and diagnosis of these diseases have increased over the years. Racial predilection also comes to light, suggesting the need for special attention to certain races to diagnose the autoimmune disease earlier. Average LOS and cost of hospitalization were also higher in ILD cases with autoimmune disease, reflecting the higher socioeconomic burden.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

Babies of South Asian and European Ancestry Show Similar Associations With Genetic Risk Score for Birth Weight Despite the Smaller Size of South Asian Newborns

Size at birth is known to be influenced by various fetal and maternal factors, including genetic effects. South Asians have a high burden of low birth weight and cardiometabolic diseases, yet studies of common genetic variations underpinning these phenotypes are lacking. We generated independent, weighted fetal genetic scores (fGSs) and maternal genetic scores (mGSs) from 196 birth weight-associated variants identified in Europeans and conducted an association analysis with various fetal birth parameters and anthropometric and cardiometabolic traits measured at different follow-up stages (5-6-year intervals) from seven Indian and Bangladeshi cohorts of South Asian ancestry. The results from these cohorts were compared with South Asians in UK Biobank and the Exeter Family Study of Childhood Health, a European ancestry cohort. Birth weight increased by 50.7 g and 33.6 g per SD of fGS (P = 9.1 × 10-11) and mGS (P = 0.003), respectively, in South Asians. A relatively weaker mGS effect compared with Europeans indicates possible different intrauterine exposures between Europeans and South Asians. Birth weight was strongly associated with body size in both childhood and adolescence (P = 3 × 10-5 to 1.9 × 10-51); however, fGS was associated with body size in childhood only (P < 0.01) and with head circumference, fasting glucose, and triglycerides in adults (P < 0.01). The substantially smaller newborn size in South Asians with comparable fetal genetic effect to Europeans on birth weight suggests a significant role of factors related to fetal growth that were not captured by the present genetic scores. These factors may include different environmental exposures, maternal body size, health and nutritional status, etc. Persistent influence of genetic loci on size at birth and adult metabolic syndrome in our study supports a common genetic mechanism that partly explains associations between early development and later cardiometabolic health in various populations, despite marked differences in phenotypic and environmental factors in South Asians.

Identifying the evidence of speech emotional dialects using artificial intelligence: A cross-cultural study

The advancement in technology especially in the field of artificial intelligence has opened up novel and robust ways to reanalyze the many aspects of human emotional behavior. One of such behavioral studies is the cultural impact on the expression and perception of human emotions. In-group advantage makes it easy for the people of the same cultural group to perceive each other’s emotions accurately. The goal of this research is to re-investigate human behavior regarding expression and perception of emotions in speech. The theoretical basis of this research is grounded on the dialect theory of emotions. For the purpose of this study, six datasets of audio speeches have been considered. The participants of these datasets belong to six different cultural areas. A fully automated, machine learning-based framework i.e. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to carry out this study. The overall emotion perception for all six cultural groups supports in-group advantage, whereas emotion wise analysis partially supports the In-group advantage.