Search Results (29)

Background/Objectives: Although biallelic pathogenic variants in different DNAH gene family members have been associated with infertility, the role of DNAH12 in this disorder is still incompletely understood. To date, few patients have been shown to have infertility due to biallelic variants in this gene. Here, we report two more unrelated patients with infertility who carry homozygous variants in DNAH12. Methods: This study included two male patients with primary infertility and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Patient 1 was a 32-year-old with 1.5 years of infertility and no chronic illnesses or prior assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Patient 2 was a 49-year-old with 24 years of infertility, a history of varicocelectomy, and the occasional use of PRN analgesics for bone pain. Using genome sequencing, we identified two homozygous variants: c.3757C>A, p. Pro1253Thr, and c.11086-1G>A, p.?, in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Results: Our findings add supportive evidence that DNAH12 is a gene implicated in rare cases of male infertility. The identification of these homozygous variants in two additional patients supports the association between DNAH12 variants and reproductive dysfunction. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for further research on the role of DNAH12, including functional studies to clarify the mechanisms contributing to infertility. Full article

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that alters the quality of life of patients. A variety of dietary interventions have been introduced to address this debilitating condition. The low-FODMAP diet (LFD), gluten-free diet (GFD), and Mediterranean diet are examples showing efficacy. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare these interventions to find the best approach. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the available literature through 14 March 2024 in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE OVID, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Central. We only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used a random effects model and conducted a direct meta-analysis based on the DerSimonian–Laird approach and a network meta-analysis based on the frequentist approach. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The primary outcomes included IBS quality of life (IBS QOL) and IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS). Results: We finalized 23 studies including 1689 IBS patients. In the direct meta-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in any IBS score between GFD and either LFD or standard diet. Meanwhile, the LFD was statistically superior to the standard diet in the IBS-SSS (MD: −46.29, CI: −63.72–−28.86, p < 0.01) and IBS QOL (MD: 4.06, CI: 0.72–7.41, p = 0.02). On ranking, the Mediterranean diet showed the greatest improvement in IBS-SSS, IBS-QOL, distension, dissatisfaction, and general life interference, followed by the LFD alone or in combination with the GFD. Conclusions: We demonstrated the efficacy of dietary interventions such as the LFD and Mediterranean diet in improving IBS. There is a need for large RCTs with head-to-head comparisons, particularly for the Mediterranean diet. Full article

Background: Non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) may be associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, only a few studies have analyzed this relationship. We aimed to assess the epidemiologic data and the association between NAFLD and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the United States. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2016–2019 was queried using ICD10-CM diagnostic codes to identify hospitalizations of AMI + NAFLD. Essential demographic variables were analyzed to determine the disparities in the prevalence of AMI hospitalizations and deaths among NAFLD patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models determined the association between NAFLD and AMI hospitalizations and death. Results: Among the total 5450 NAFLD patients hospitalized with AMI, 5.11% (279) died. Females were less likely to be admitted and die due to AMI than males. Younger patients (<50) were less likely to be hospitalized and die than those ≥50. Compared to the white population, black patients were less likely; however, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders were more likely to be hospitalized. Race was not found to affect hospital mortality. On multivariate analysis, NAFLD was associated with higher odds of AMI hospitalization [OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.51–1.60, p < 0.01] and death [OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.74–2.21, p < 0.01]. Conclusions: Older white males with NAFLD had a higher prevalence of AMI hospitalizations and mortality. Full article

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a unique form of renal dysfunction that results from circulatory hemodynamic dysfunction in advanced liver disease. We aimed to determine longitudinal trends in both all-cause and cause-specific readmissions for HRS in the United States. Using the National Readmission Database (2010–2018), we identified adult HRS patients during index admission via ICD codes. Fisher’s exact test and Cox regression analysis were used to compare proportions and compute adjusted p-values, respectively. Regression models were adjusted for gender, age, the Charlson comorbidity index, median household income, and hospital factors. A total of 169,522 HRS patients were included in the analysis (overall mean age 58.97 years). The incidence of HRS hospitalization increased from 5.30% in 2010 to 5.84% in 2018 (p < 0.01). Over the same duration, all-cause readmission at 30 days showed an overall increasing trend from 19.81% to 19.99% (trend p < 0.01). HRS-specific readmission at 30 days following an index hospitalization ranged from 13.60 to 15.98, with an overall increasing trend in the study period (2010–2018). While cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and infection were uniformly the three most common causes of readmission throughout the study period, cirrhosis and infection showed an upward trend. Rising readmissions, especially with hepatic failure and infection, in HRS patients signal a need for national strategies to manage and prevent HRS towards reducing its healthcare burden. Full article

(1) Background: Large colonic polyps during colonoscopy can be managed by Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). To decrease the polyp recurrence rate, thermal ablation methods like argon plasma coagulation (APC) and snare tip soft coagulation (STSC) have been introduced. We performed this network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of these modalities. (2) Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review, through 5 January 2024, of databases including Embase, PubMed, SciELO, KCI, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. Using a random effects model, we conducted a frequentist approach network meta-analysis. The risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Safety and efficacy endpoints including rates of recurrence, bleeding, perforation, and post polypectomy syndrome were compared. (3) Results: Our search yielded a total of 13 studies with 2686 patients. Compared to placebo, both APC (RR: 0.33 CI: 0.20–0.54, p < 0.01) and STSC (RR: 0.27, CI: 0.21–0.34, p < 0.01) showed decreased recurrence rates. On ranking, STSC showed the lowest recurrence rate, followed by APC and placebo. Regarding individual adverse events, there was no statistically significant difference between either of the thermal ablation methods and placebo. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation after EMR for decreasing recurrence of adenoma. Full article

A rapid, cost-effective, and simple nucleic acid isolation technique coupled with a point-of-need DNA amplification assay is a desirable goal for programmatic use. For diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) rapid tests for the detection of Leishmania DNA are versatile and have operational advantages over qPCR. To facilitate the delivery of the RPA test at point-of-need for VL diagnosis, we compared two rapid DNA extraction methods, SwiftDx (SX) and an in-house Boil and Spin (BS) method, coupled with RPA amplification, versus more widely used methods for DNA extraction and amplification, namely Qiagen (Q) kits and qPCR, respectively. A total of 50 confirmed VL patients and 50 controls, matched for age and gender, were recruited from Mymensingh, Bangladesh, a region highly endemic for VL. Blood samples were collected from each participant and DNA was extracted using Q, SX and BS methods. Following DNA extraction, qPCR and RPA assays were performed to detect L. donovani in downstream analysis. No significant differences in sensitivity of the RPA assay were observed between DNA extraction methods, 94.00% (95% CI: 83.45–98.75%), 90% (95% CI: 78.19–96.67%), and 88% (95% CI: 75.69–95.47%) when using Q, SX, and BS, respectively. Similarly, using qPCR, no significant differences in sensitivity were obtained when using Q or SX for DNA extraction, 94.00% (95% CI: 83.45–98.75%) and 92.00% (80.77–97.78%), respectively. It is encouraging that RPA and qPCR showed excellent agreement (k: 0.919–0.980) when different extraction methods were used and that the DNA impurities using BS had no inhibitory effect on the RPA assay. Furthermore, significantly higher DNA yields were obtained using SX and BS versus Q; however, a significantly higher parasite load was detected using qPCR when DNA was extracted using Q versus SX. Considering the cost, execution time, feasibility, and performance of RPA assay, rapid extraction methods such as the Boil and Spin technique appear to have the potential for implementation in resource-limited endemic settings. Further clinical research is warranted prior to broader application. Full article

This work begins with a discussion of the quantum calculus operator theory and proceeds to develop and investigate a new family of close-to-convex functions in an open unit disk. Considering the quantum difference operator, we define and study a new subclass of close-to-convex functions connected with generalized Janowski functions. We prove the necessary and sufficient conditions for functions that belong to newly defined classes, including the inclusion relations and estimations of the coefficients. The Fekete–Szegő problem for a more general class is also discussed. The results of this investigation expand upon those of the previous study. Full article

This paper presents a predefined-time fractional-order control for a quadrotor system subjected to perturbations. First, a fractional-order sliding manifold is proposed to ensure a predefined-time convergence of the tracking error. Second, a fractional-order switching-type predefined-time controller is proposed to achieve robustness against external disturbances. The predefined stability/convergence are proved using Lyapunov functions. The proposed method is validated using an adequate scenario and compared to other controllers to show the feasibility and superiority of the proposed one. Full article

The Saudi population is at high risk of multimorbidity. The risk of these morbidities can be reduced by identifying common modifiable behavioural risk factors. This study uses statistical and machine learning methods to predict factors for multimorbidity in the Saudi population. Data from 23,098 Saudi residents were extracted from the “Sharik” Health Indicators Surveillance System 2021. Participants were asked about their demographics and health indicators. Binary logistic models were used to determine predictors of multimorbidity. A backpropagation neural network model was further run using the predictors from the logistic regression model. Accuracy measures were checked using training, validation, and testing data. Females and smokers had the highest likelihood of experiencing multimorbidity. Age and fruit consumption also played a significant role in predicting multimorbidity. Regarding model accuracy, both logistic regression and backpropagation algorithms yielded comparable outcomes. The backpropagation method (accuracy 80.7%) was more accurate than the logistic regression model (77%). Machine learning algorithms can be used to predict multimorbidity among adults, particularly in the Middle East region. Different testing methods later validated the common predicting factors identified in this study. These factors are helpful and can be translated by policymakers to consider improvements in the public health domain. Full article

The X-ray computed tomography method has provided unrivalled data about the characterization and evolution of the internal/external structure of materials by analyzing CTN and non-destructive imaging approach. Applying this method on the appropriate drilling-fluid ingredients plays a significant role in generating proper mud cake quality to stabilize wellbore, and avoid formation damage and filtration loss by preventing drilling fluid invasion into the formation. In this study, smart-water drilling mud containing different concentrations of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) was used to assess the filtration loss properties and formation impairment. Conventional static filter press, non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan images and high-resolution quantitative measurement of CT number method were used to estimate the filtrate volume and characterize the filter cake layers, hence evaluating the reservoir damage through hundreds of merged images. The CT scan data were combined with the HIPAX and Radiant viewer digital image processing. The variation in CT number of mud cake samples under different concentrations of MNPs and without MNPs concentration were analyzed, and hundreds of 3D images as a cross-sectional profile were used. This paper highlights the importance of MNPs property in terms of minimizing filtration volume and improving mud cake quality and thickness, and hence improving the wellbore stability. From the results, a notable reduction of filtrate drilling mud volume and mud cake thickness to 40.9% and 46.6%, respectively, were recorded for drilling fluids incorporated with 0.92 wt.% of MNPs. However, this study asserts that optimal MNPs should be implemented to guarantee the best filtration property. As confirmed from the results, increasing the MNPs concentration beyond the optimal value (up to 2 wt.%) increased the filtrate volume and mud cake thickness by 3.23 and 33.3%, respectively. CT scan profile images show two layers of mud cake produced from water-based drilling fluids possessing 0.92 wt.% MNPs. The latter concentration was found to be the optimal additive of MNPs as it caused a decrease in filtration volume, mud cake thickness, and pore spaces within the structure of the mud cake. Using the optimum MNPs, the CT number (CTN) shows a high CTN and density material, and uniform compacted thin mud cake structure (0.75 mm). The produced thin mud cake layer reveals the precipitation or exchange of elemental/mineral composition during fluid-solid interaction. These results confirm that MNPs could help in avoiding or reducing the formation damage, driving away drilling fluid from the formation, and improving borehole stability. Full article

The monitoring of crop quantity and quality is vital for global food security. National food security has recently been at the forefront of local and regional research, and has become a vital priority for most developing countries. Therefore, ensuring reliable classification of cropland and other land cover is crucial for sustainable agricultural development and ensuring national food security. A good understanding of the Nigerian agricultural sector is essential to making better decisions and managing operations more efficiently. Scientists, practitioners, and policymakers must exchange reliable information to develop and support agricultural programs and policies. It is essential to develop and implement novel methods for mapping maize cropland and other land cover types. Thus, Seasonal Crop Inventory (SCI) is a valuable tool for farmers, researchers, and policymakers, as it provides critical information on crop production. It informs decisions related to land management, food security, and agricultural policy. In this study, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images have been combined to map maize cropland and other land covers in northern Nigeria during the 2016–2019 growing season. We employed a technologically advanced space-based remote sensing technique. As a pioneer study that obtained detailed information on northern Nigeria’s cropland, the research utilized platforms such as Google Earth Engine (GEE), a cloud-computing engine using various classification techniques that include Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Classification Regression Trees (CART) algorithms to produce a pixel-based Seasonal Crop Inventory of the study area. The outcome demonstrated a reliable GEE-based mapping of the region’s cropland with satisfactory classification accuracy. It revealed the overall accuracy values and the Kappa coefficients to be above 97% during the different time nodes under study. It also indicated a 98% and 93% producer and user accuracy for the cropland. The research further revealed that the Random Forest performed the best among the three machine-learning models tested in this study for mapping the maize cropland and other land cover classes. Therefore, the study’s findings and the derived crop mapping would greatly help provide valuable information that helps farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders make more informed decisions about agricultural production, land use planning, and resource management. Full article

In this investigation, the q-difference operator and the Sălăgean q-differential operator are utilized to establish novel subclasses of analytical bi-close-to-convex functions. We determine the general Taylor–Maclaurin coefficient of the functions in this class using the Faber polynomial method. We demonstrate the unpredictable behaviour of initial coefficients $\left|a_2\right|$, $\left|a_3\right|$ and investigate the Fekete–Szegő problem $\left|a_3-a_2^2\right|$ for the subclasses of bi-close-to-convex functions. To highlight the connections between existing knowledge and new research, certain known and unknown corollaries are also highlighted. Full article

Neuropathic pain, a prevalent concern associated with various pathological conditions, poses a significant public health risk due to its poorly understood pathophysiology and treatment complexities. Multimodal therapy is often the most efficacious approach to managing neuropathic pain, yet it is also highly labour intensive. The exact underlying causes of neuropathic pain are unclear; evidence suggests that cytokines, neuropeptides, and neurotrophic factors may play a role in its pathogenesis. The current study aimed to investigate the anti-neuropathic pain activity of caraway oil and the molecular mechanisms underlying its actions in rats with CCI, a model of neuropathic pain. Behavioural evaluations of cold allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, and mechanical hyperalgesia were conducted using the acetone spray test, hot plate test, Von Frey hair test, and pinprick test, respectively. Additionally, the level of TNF-α in the sciatic nerve was examined as an indicator of inflammation, and NGF and substance P levels were determined in the DRG to identify mechanistic processes. Rats were administered caraway oil orally at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg for 21 days. Results indicated that caraway oil administration significantly reduced behaviour associated with injury-related pain and elevated TNF levels. After an anti-NGF injection on the 21st day, significant attenuated behavioural effects were observed. Furthermore, caraway oil administration was able to inhibit the upregulation of NGF in DRG caused by CCI and minimize the increase in substance P in DRG. These findings suggest that caraway oil has promising therapeutic potential for managing neuropathic pain by targeting peripheral and secondary sensitization mechanisms. Full article

A mucoadhesive microemulsion of lipophilic silymarin (SLMMME) was developed to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD). Optimization of the SLM microemulsion (ME) was performed using Central Composite Design (CCD). The composition of oil, surfactant, co-surfactant, and water was varied, as per the design, to optimize their ratio and achieve desirable droplet size, zeta potential, and drug loading. The droplet size, zeta potential, and drug loading of optimized SLMME were 61.26 ± 3.65 nm, −24.26 ± 0.2 mV, and 97.28 ± 4.87%, respectively. With the addition of chitosan, the droplet size and zeta potential of the developed ME were both improved considerably. In vitro cell toxicity investigations on a neuroblastoma cell line confirmed that SLMMME was non-toxic and harmless. In comparison to ME and drug solution, mucoadhesive ME had the most flow through sheep nasal mucosa. Further, the in vitro release showed significantly higher drug release, and diffusion of the SLM loaded in MEs than that of the silymarin solution (SLMS). The assessment of behavioral and biochemical parameters, as well as inflammatory markers, showed significant (p < 0.05) amelioration in their level, confirming the significant improvement in neuroprotection in rats treated with SLMMME compared to rats treated with naïve SLM. Full article