Bulletin of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (BCSEE)
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Assessing the Dynamics of Mixed School Tropical Tuna to Reduce Juvenile Mortality from Surface Fleets
No full textModern fisheries management uses complex models to simulate entire ecological systems, which requires a lot of environmental, behavioral, and spatial information. For the multi-species fisheries of Atlantic yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) tuna, mixed schooling is a major concern for sustainability. Juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tunas are caught alongside adult skipjack, depleting the reproductive stock of bigeye and yellowfin, leading to population decline of yellowfin and bigeye, and unoptimized catch of skipjack. To reduce juvenile tropical tuna mortality, we developed an agent-based model of tropical tuna movement behavior in the Atlantic Ocean which can highlight areas of significant species overlap. Agent-based models are simulated environments with fish agents that allow us to identify emergent behaviors and test alternative management strategies in a controlled space. To parameterize the model, we completed a systematic review of tropical tuna movement drivers including species-specific speeds, temperature preferences, oxygen preferences, and fish aggregation device interactions. We mapped mark-recapture data from the Atlantic Ocean Tropical tuna Tagging Program (AOTTP) and used remote sensing methods to identify temperature preferences and general spatial trends after 4 months’ time at liberty. A final agent-based model was constructed to simulate a mark-recapture event where all three species were released in one location at the same time and allowed to disperse over the course of a year. The simulated tropical tunas of each species were compared to their real-life counterparts, and we compared movement treatments to identify the closest match. We concluded that tropical tunas follow FADs and prefer different temperature ranges on a species-specific basis. This conclusion could be expanded by increasing the complexity of the agent-based model in future work.</p
Structural Response of Simplex Module Assemblies Under Vertical Load and Folding/Unfolding
No full textTensegrity structures are structures composed of uniaxially loaded members in a self-equilibrated state. Tensegrity structures have been proposed for civil engineering applications, such as roofs, platforms, buildings, and bridges, as well as aerospace structures such as planetary landers, autonomous robots and deployable antennas. However, tensegrity structures are still not part of the mainstream structural engineering design. Therefore, this study focused on the axial mechanical behavior and deployment of a linear assembly of simplex modules. Composed of three struts and nine cables, simplex represents the most elementary three-dimensional tensegrity structure. Dynamic relaxation is employed to investigate the structural response of a selected series of simplex module assemblies under vertical load and folding/unfolding. Dynamic relaxation is an explicit numerical form-finding and structural analysis method for tensile structures, such as tensegrity systems. The method is based on the fact that the static solution for a structure subject to loading is the steady state of a step-force damped vibration. Parametric analyses on the influence of element stiffness on the axial response and the actuation step (changes in element lengths that guide shape transformations) were also conducted to assess the sensitivity of the systems to errors and actuation. The analyses revealed that prestress, an inherent characteristic of tensegrity structures, is critical for the axial stiffness of the system decreasing and distributing the effect of vertical loads in the assemblies studied. Moreover, actuation step and the relative step ratio between vertical and horizontal cables was found to be critical for controlling the folding/unfolding shape transformation as well as the forces developed during this phase. These findings highlight that if appropriately designed, the resulting deployable tensegrity structures can be both structurally as well as adaptively efficient.</p
Oxidized mC modulates synthetic lethality to PARP inhibitors for the treatment of leukemia
No full textTET2 haploinsufficiency is a driving event in myeloid cancers and is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Enhancing residual TET2 activity using vitamin C increases oxidized 5-methylcytosine (mC) formation and promotes active DNA demethylation via base excision repair (BER), which slows leukemia progression. We utilize genetic and compound library screening approaches to identify rational combination treatment strategies to improve use of vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy for AML. In addition to increasing the efficacy of several US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, vitamin C treatment with poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) elicits a strong synergistic effect to block AML self-renewal in murine and human AML models. Vitamin-C-mediated TET activation combined with PARPis causes enrichment of chromatin-bound PARP1 at oxidized mCs and γH2AX accumulation during mid-S phase, leading to cell cycle stalling and differentiation. Given that most AML subtypes maintain residual TET2 expression, vitamin C could elicit broad efficacy as a PARPi therapeutic adjuvant.
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•Vitamin C synergizes with PARPis, causing S phase stalling and AML differentiation•Combination treatment efficacy is dependent on TET2 expression in AML•PARPi treatment with vitamin C causes 5fC accumulation in the genome of AML cells•PARPi treatment with vitamin C enriches for PARP1 binding and γH2AX at 5fC sites
Vitamin C treatment can slow the progression of AML by enhancing TET2 activity but is not curative as a single agent therapy. Using genetic and compound screening approaches, Brabson et al. identify a rational combination treatment strategy where vitamin C enhances the therapeutic efficacy of PARPis for AML treatment
The Relationship Between Telomeres, Cognition, Mood, and Physical Function: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground and Purpose: Cognitive, affective, and physical symptoms and alterations in their function are seen across chronic illnesses. Data suggest that environmental, psychological, and physiological factors contribute to symptom experience, potentially through loss of telomeres (telomere attrition), structures at the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is affected by many factors including environmental (e.g., exercise, diet, smoking) and physiological (e.g., response to stress), as well as from oxidative damage and inflammation that occurs in many disease processes. Moreover, telomere attrition is associated with chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease) and predicts higher morbidity and mortality rates. However, findings are inconsistent among telomere roles and relationships with health outcomes. This article aims to synthesize the current state-of-the-science of telomeres and their relationship with cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed in two databases: CINAHL and PUBMED. A total of 33 articles published between 2000 and 2022 were included in the final analysis. Results: Telomere attrition is associated with various changes in cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. However, findings are inconsistent. Interventional studies (e.g., meditation and exercise) may affect telomere attrition, potentially impacting health outcomes. Conclusion: Nursing research and practice are at the forefront of furthering the understanding of telomeres and their relationships with cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. Future interventions targeting modifiable risk factors may be developed to improve health outcomes across populations
Superior Visual Field Testing Using Virtual Reality With and Without Eye Tracking for Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery Evaluation: A Pilot Study
No full textPURPOSETo assess the sensitivity and specificity of superior visual field tests administered in virtual reality (VR) with eye tracking (VR-ET) and without eye tracking (VR0) for the fulfillment of insurance coverage criteria for functional upper eyelid surgery as compared with standard automated perimetry (SAP). METHODSThis prospective cross-sectional study included 78 eyes from 41 patients with ptosis, brow ptosis, and dermatochalasis undergoing functional upper eyelid surgery evaluation. Participants underwent serial superior visual field tests using SAP and VR0 or VR-ET in randomized order. Fulfillment of insurance coverage criteria for blepharoplasty was defined as a 30% increase in the grid seen from the untaped to the taped state. The main outcome measure was the sensitivity and specificity of VR0, VR-ET, and overall VR in meeting insurance coverage criteria as compared with SAP. RESULTSVR had a sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 67.6%, with no significant difference between VR0 and VR-ET. SAP agreed on insurance coverage criteria fulfillment with VR0 in 28 (71.8%) eyes and with VR-ET in 32 (82.1%) eyes. Insurance coverage criteria fulfillment rates varied significantly by diagnosis on SAP (p = 0.012) but not VR (p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONSVR may be an alternative to SAP for functional upper eyelid surgery evaluation. Future studies are needed to determine differences in patient satisfaction, testing and waiting time, and test-retest reliability between VR and SAP
Recurrent Lisch Epithelial Corneal Dystrophy Treated With 5-Fluorouracil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
No full textThe aim of the study was to describe a case of Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy (LECD), review its clinical and histopathological features and diagnostic imaging, and introduce a novel treatment approach using topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
A 65-year-old woman presented with a recurrent left-sided corneal lesion consistent with LECD. The lesion was evaluated clinically, with high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT), and histologically. The lesion was successfully treated with two 1-week cycles of topical 5-FU.
Slit-lamp examination showed an opalescent, whorl-shaped corneal lesion. HR-OCT revealed a trapezoidal area of normal thickness epithelial hyperreflectivity. Histopathology demonstrated a mucosal epithelium with foamy cytoplasm and increased cell size consistent with LECD. Treatment with topical 5-FU resulted in marked clearance of the corneal lesion on slit-lamp examination and HR-OCT.
5-FU may be considered as a treatment option for LECD
Avoiding Unethical Altruism in Global Health: Revisiting Ethics Guidelines for International Rotations for Medical Residents
No full textDifference between SARS-CoV-2, seasonal coronavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus infection in solid organ transplant recipients
No full textSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been raging since the end of 2019 and has shown worse outcomes in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The clinical differences as well as outcomes between respiratory viruses have not been well defined in this population.
This is a retrospective cohort study of adult SOT recipients with nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage PCR positive for either SARS-CoV-2, seasonal coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza virus from January 2017 to October 2020. The follow up period was 3 months. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated.
A total of 377 recipients including 157 SARS-CoV-2, 70 seasonal coronavirus, 50 RSV and 100 influenza infections were identified. The most common transplanted organ was kidney 224/377 (59.4%). Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was found in 210/377 (55.7%) and the risk factors identified with multivariable analysis were SARS-CoV-2 infection, steroid use, and older age. Co- and secondary infections were seen in 77/377 (20.4%) recipients with bacterial pathogens as dominant. Hospital admission was seen in 266/377 (67.7%) recipients without significant statistical difference among viruses, however, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and mortality were higher with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the multivariable model, the risk factors for mortality were SARS-CoV-2 infection and older age.
We found higher incidence of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among SARS-CoV-2 infected recipients. Older age was found to be the risk factor for lower respiratory tract infection and mortality for SARS-CoV-2, coronaviruses, RSV and influenza virus groups
Novel Treatments for Chronic Ocular Surface Pain
No full textSeveral etiologies can contribute to ocular surface pain including nociceptive, peripheral neuropathic, and central neuropathic mechanisms. Clinical clues can help identify contributors to ocular surface pain in a patient. In individuals whose pain persists despite targeting nociceptive contributors, neuropathic mechanisms should be considered and addressed using oral, topical, and/or adjuvant agents
Association between sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) use and clinical remission in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes: a retrospective case-control study
No full textThe occurrence of partial remission (honeymoon phase) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic microvascular complications of diabetes. We have published case reports showing that a combination therapy with the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin plus vitamin D3 (VIDPP-4i) can prolong the honeymoon phase in patients with new-onset T1D. In the present case-control study, we investigated the frequency of occurrence of clinical remission (CR) in patients with new-onset T1D after VIDPP-4i treatment.In this case-control study, we collected data spanning 10 years from medical records of 46 patients (23 females) recently diagnosed with T1D. Overall, 27 participants with CR (insulin dose-adjusted glycated hemoglobin [IDAA1c] ≤ 9) at 12 or 24 months composed the case group, and 19 participants without CR served as the control group. Chi-square with Yates correction was used to analyze the association between VIDPP-4i use and CR, and odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the chance of CR due to VIDPP-4i treatment exposure.In all, 37 patients (80.4%) experienced CR at some time over 24 months. The mean CR duration was 13.15 ± 9.91 months. Treatment with VIDPP-4i was significantly associated with CR. At 24 months, the OR of CR after VIDPP-4i exposure was 9.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21-30.18, p = 0.0036). Additionally, 9 (33.6%) and 4 (14.8%) patients in the VIDPP-4i group experienced insulin-free CR at 12 and 24 months, respectively.Therapy with VIDPP-4i was associated with a higher frequency and duration of the honeymoon phase. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings