Recent progress in metal oxide-based electrode materials for safe and sustainable variants of supercapacitors.

A significant amount of energy can be produced using renewable energy sources; however, storing massive amounts of energy poses a substantial obstacle to energy production. Economic crisis has led to rapid developments in electrochemical (EC) energy storage devices (EESDs), especially rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors (SCs), which are effective for energy storage systems. Researchers have lately suggested that among the various EESDs, the SC is an effective alternate for energy storage due to the presence of the following characteristics: SCs offer high-power density (PD), improvable energy density (ED), fast charging/discharging, and good cyclic stability. This review highlighted and analyzed the concepts of supercapacitors and types of supercapacitors on the basis of electrode materials, highlighted the several feasible synthesis processes for preparation of metal oxide (MO) nanoparticles, and discussed the morphological effects of MOs on the electrochemical performance of the devices. In this review, we primarily focus on pseudo-capacitors for SCs, which mainly contain MOs and their composite materials, and also highlight their future possibilities as a useful application of MO-based materials in supercapacitors. The novelty of MO's electrode materials is primarily due to the presence of synergistic effects in the hybrid materials, rich redox activity, excellent conductivity, and chemical stability, making them excellent for SC applications.

Group B Streptococcus Persistently Colonizing the Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lung: A Blessing in Disguise?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a gram-negative, beta-hemolytic facultative anaerobe that causes neonatal pneumonia and sepsis. The neoplastic epithelial cells in adults, especially those of squamous origin, can show special adhesive properties toward GBS, which tends to reside within these tumors. There are some animal and human studies proving this association. Here, we present a 64-year-old female patient who had lung carcinoma of mixed adeno and squamous origin found to have persistent GBS every time the bronchoscopy was done for tumor ablation or cryotherapy. Subsequently, after starting her on chemo-radiotherapy, she also presented with multiple episodes of pneumonia caused by GBS and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, many animal studies have shown the anti-tumor properties of GBS toxin that can prevent its metastasis and stop vascular growth surrounding the tumor. This property of GBS toxin can prove a blessing in disguise.

Effects of phytase inclusion in diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) on the nutrient digestibility, growth and chemical characteristics of rohu (Labeo rohita).

The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of dietary phytase supplementation on Labeo rohita fingerlings and to examine the effects on growth, nutrient digestibility and chemical characteristics of diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) as a major protein source. Six experimental diets were made, i.e., a positive control (fishmeal-based diet with no phytase), FM0; a negative control (RPC-based diet with no phytase), RPC0; and four supplemental phytase levels (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 FTU/kg). Fingerlings with an average weight of 9.42 ± 0.02 grams (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates, each containing 25 fish per tank (75 liters of water), provided with experimental diets at a rate equivalent to 5% of their body weight for 90 days, and uneaten feed was collected after 2 hours to determine feed consumption. The feces were collected before feeding to estimate digestibility. Phytase in combination with the RPC-based diet significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced phytate phosphorus in vitro hydrolysis; growth performance; nutrient (crude protein, crude fat, moisture and gross energy) and mineral (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn and Cu) digestibility; digestive enzyme (protease, lipase and amylase) activity; and mineral deposition up to 1000 FTU/kg phytase. However, the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices and carcass composition were not influenced (p > 0.05) by phytase supplementation. Increasing phytase supplementation in the RPC-based diets led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase activity, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), which resulted in improved liver health. In conclusion, phytase-supplemented RPC-based diets improved the growth, mineral/nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, serum biochemistry, and mineral deposition of L. rohita fingerlings up to 1000 FTU/kg. Broken line regression analysis revealed that the optimum phytase concentration in the RPC-based diet for L. rohita was 874.19 FTU/kg.

Unusual acute right abdominal pain. Distal ileum mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in adult, a rare case and literature review.

Lymphangiomas in the peritoneal cavity are rare in adults, with most cases occurring in children. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who was admitted with severe lower abdominal pain. The diagnostic assessment revealed a multiloculated cystic structure in the mesentery of the distal ileum, suggesting a lymphangioma. The patient underwent laparotomy and resection, with successful removal of the mass. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangioma, a rare benign vascular neoplasm of the small bowel. Postoperatively, the patient experienced resolution of postoperative ileus and mild back and abdominal pain, with no complaints during follow-up. Awareness of this uncommon condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Surgical resection, supported by radiological and histopathological investigations, is the primary treatment modality for symptomatic lymphangioma. Regular follow-up with imaging may be necessary to monitor recurrence.

Insights into the involvement of male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in transmitting Anaplasma marginale, lumpy skin disease virus and Theileria annulata.

Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans, livestock, and pet animals causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) mechanically or biologically in the world. Lumpy skin disease virus, Anaplasma marginale, and Theileria annulata inflict severe infections in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The study investigated the potential transmissions of LSDV, A. marginale, and T. annulata through male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in cattle calves. Two 6-month-old Holstein crossbred calves designated as A and B were used. On day 1, 15 uninfected female ticks (IIa) and infected batch of 40 male ticks (I) were attached on calf A for 11 days. Filial transmission of the infections was observed in female ticks (IIb) collected from calf A, where 8 female ticks had been co-fed with infected male ticks. The blood sample of calf B was found positive through PCR for the infections. The larvae and egg pools obtained from the infected ticks were also tested positive in PCR. The study confirmed the presence of these mixed pathogens and potential intra-stadial and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale, T. annulata, and LSDV in male and female ticks of H. anatolicum and experimental calves to establish the feasibility of infections through an in vivo approach.

Investigating the relationship between heat load and shade seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes.

The study presented in this Research Communication aimed to investigate the relationship between physiological responses, body surface temperature and shade-seeking behaviour in Nili Ravi dairy buffaloes during summer months. We enrolled 60 buffaloes, and each animal was observed for three consecutive days starting before sunrise until they moved towards the shade structures. A repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the changes in physiological parameters and body surface temperature between the early morning and the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour. The average temperature humidity index and heat load index during the behavioural monitoring period (0400 to 1200 h) were 81.3 ± 6.5 and 92.9 ± 17, respectively (mean ± sd). There was no significant difference in core body temperature between sunrise and the time of shade-seeking event. However, the buffaloes had a slightly higher respiration rate at the time of shade-seeking (19.2 vs. 22.4 breaths/min). In addition, body surface temperature, measured at the flank region, shoulder, base of the ear and forehead was significantly higher at the occurrence of shade-seeking behaviour compared to the early morning. On average, the buffaloes sought shade when the surface temperature was 2°C higher than the temperature recorded before sunrise. Overall, the current findings suggest that body surface temperature, rather than core body temperature was strongly associated with shade-seeking behaviour in dairy buffaloes. These findings could be useful in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of heat stress in dairy buffalo herds and thereby improve animal welfare.

Rearing of Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks on rabbits for the biological transmission of Anaplasma marginale.

Background and Aim: Anaplasma marginale is an obligate intraerythrocytic rickettsial parasite that infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. There is no evidence that A. marginale inoculation can be used to culture Rhipicephalus annulatus in rabbits. This study aimed to determine the molting of R. annulatus larvae, nymphs, and adults on rabbits as well as nymphs and adults of R. annulatus on calves with or without A. marginale. Transstadial, horizontal, and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale in R. annulatus reared on rabbits and calves were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Engorged female ticks were collected from field samples of A. marginale-infected and non-infected cattle. We divided the eight rabbits into two groups: A and B. Group A rabbits were infected with A. marginale through parenteral inoculation, whereas Group B rabbits were kept as a control. The "clean rabbits" in Group B were observed for tick rearing without A. marginale. Polymerase chain reaction was used to screen A. marginale in rabbits and stages of tick. The complete life cycle of R. annulatus with or without A. marginale was observed on rabbits. Results: A 6.5-day longer life cycle was observed in ticks harboring A. marginale than in ticks without A. marginale. To observe transstadial transmission, transstadial, horizontal, and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale in R. annulatus ticks were experimentally observed in one clean calf fed separately with infected nymphs and female adult ticks. Conclusion: We experimentally observed transovarian, transstadial, and transovarial transmission of A. marginale in R. annulatus ticks as a biological vector reared on calves and rabbits. We used rabbits as a model animal for rearing R. annulatus ticks and culture of A. marginale.

Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in oral polio vaccine recipients: disproportionality analysis using VAERS and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) is a rare adverse event of oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV), particularly affecting immunodeficient individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study aimed to (1) Assess the association between OPV and VAPP using Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database (2) Outline patient characteristics and risk factors associated with the occurrence of VAPP in OPV recipients through a systematic review of case reports and case series. A disproportionality analysis was conducted using the data from VAERS, encompassing adverse events reported from 1990 till February 2023. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of case reports and case series using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. RESULTS: The VAERS data revealed 130 VAPP reports among 1,739,903 OPV linked adverse events, with year 2010 reporting the strongest association. The systematic review of 37 studies highlighted VAPP occurrence within 2 months to 4 years post-vaccination, typically with acute flaccid paralysis. Immunodeficiency and perianal abscess emerged as major risk factors. Out of the 37 included studies, 27 showed consistent causal association of VAPP with OPV using WHO-AEFI causality assessment tool. CONCLUSION: The study emphasized the seriousness of VAPP and highlights its association with OPV, identifying immunodeficiency as a prominent contributor to VAPP manifestation.

Epidemiology and management of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis through systemic acquired resistance.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a multifunctional tree and is globally used for the reclamation of problematic lands. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is prone to attack by a number of pathogens, but the most important threat is the Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum). Keeping in view the importance of E. camaldulensis and to manage this disease, five plant activators, i.e., salicylic acid (C7H6O3), benzoic acid (C7H6O2), citric acid (C6H8O7), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and nutritional mixture namely Compound (NPK) and nutriotop (Fe, Zn, Cu, B, Mn) were evaluated in the Fusarium infested field under RCBD in the Research Area, Department of Forestry and Range Management, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Among plant activators, salicylic acid and a combination of compound + nutriotop exhibited the lowest disease incidence and enhanced fresh and dry weight of leaves compared to other treatments and control. Results of the environmental study indicated maximum disease incidence between 35-40 °C (max. T), 6-25 °C (mini. T), 70-80% relative humidity and 1.5-2.5 km/h wind speed while pan evaporation expressed weak correlation with disease development. It was concluded that Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis could be managed through activation of the basal defense system of the host plant with provision of salicylic acid and balanced nutrition by considering environmental factors. Recent exploration is expected to be helpful for future research efforts on epidemiology and ecologically sound intervention of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

A large cheek lipoma misdiagnosed as a dental infection: a rare case report.

The most frequent benign tumor is lipoma. About 1-4% of people have intraoral lipomas. This uncommon case report shows a large cheek lipoma misinterpreted as dental infection. A 14-year-old girl with a right cheek tumor was diagnosed and treated for a dental infection. Multiple imaging examinations complete the diagnosis. A benign lipoma, common in subcutaneous tissues but unusual in the mouth, created the lesion. A histological investigation confirmed lipoma after extraoral excision under general anesthesia utilizing an external flap. The edema did not return after surgery, which restored face symmetry. This case study shows that diagnosing and treating oral and maxillofacial edema requires extensive clinical and radiographic testing. Lipomas should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis of mouth swelling even without usual risk markers to prevent excessive treatments and delays. Surgery is recommended for lipomas since it has a low recurrence and fewer risks.

Impact of Preoperative Nutritional Support on Surgical Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Surgeries: A Systematic Review.

Malnutrition presents a significant risk to patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, with direct consequences on postoperative complication rates, recovery times, and mortality. Our systematic review, guided by PRISMA protocols, examined the impact of preoperative nutritional support on these surgical outcomes. We scrutinized publications from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to April 2023, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews. The stringent selection process narrowed to 10 studies demonstrating the efficacy of preoperative nutritional support, from oral supplements to enteral and parenteral nutrition, in reducing postoperative complications and length of hospital stays while enhancing recovery rates. The benefits varied, indicating a pressing need for customized nutritional regimens based on patient demographics and surgical specifics. Our findings advocate incorporating individualized nutritional strategies into preoperative care, enhancing patient outcomes. Future research should aim to refine these strategies, focusing on the optimal timing, duration, and type of nutritional support.

Indirect impact of the war in Ukraine on primary percutaneous coronary interventions for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulted in the displacement of approximately 12.5 million refugees to adjacent countries including Poland, that may have strained healthcare service delivery. OBJECTIVES: Using the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) data, we aimed to evaluate whether the Russian invasion of Ukraine has indirectly impacted the delivery of acute cardiovascular care in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed all adult patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for STEMI across Poland between 25th February 2017 to 24th May 2022. Centers were allocated to regions of <100km and >100km of the Polish-Ukraine border. Mixed effect generalized linear regression models with random effects per hospital were used to explore the associations between the war in Ukraine starting with several outcomes of interest, and whether these associations differed across regions of 100km from the Polish-Ukraine border. RESULTS: A total of 90,115 procedures were included in the analysis. The average number of procedures per-month was similar to predicted volume for centers in the >100km region, while the average number of PCI was higher than expected (by an estimated 15 (11-19)) for the <100km region. There was no difference in adjusted fatality rate or quality of care outcomes pre- vs. during-war in both <100 and >100 km regions, with no evidence of a difference-in-difference across regions. CONCLUSIONS: Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there was only a modest and temporary increase in primary PCI predominantly in centers situated within 100km of the border, although no significant impact on in-hospital fatality rate.

Composition of Whole Grain Dietary Fiber and Phenolics and Their Impact on Markers of Inflammation.

Inflammation is an important biological response to any tissue injury. The immune system responds to any stimulus, such as irritation, damage, or infection, by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to several diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, joint disorders, cancer, and allergies. Emerging science suggests that whole grains may lower the markers of inflammation. Whole grains are a significant source of dietary fiber and phenolic acids, which have an inverse association with the risk of inflammation. Both cereals and pseudo-cereals are rich in dietary fiber, e.g., arabinoxylan and ß-glucan, and phenolic acids, e.g., hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids, which are predominantly present in the bran layer. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the widely reported association between whole grain consumption and a lower risk of disease are not fully understood. The modulatory effects of whole grains on inflammation are likely to be influenced by several mechanisms including the effect of dietary fiber and phenolic acids. While some of these effects are direct, others involve the gut microbiota, which transforms important bioactive substances into more beneficial metabolites that modulate the inflammatory signaling pathways. Therefore, the purpose of this review is twofold: first, it discusses whole grain dietary fiber and phenolic acids and highlights their potential; second, it examines the health benefits of these components and their impacts on subclinical inflammation markers, including the role of the gut microbiota. Overall, while there is promising evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of whole grains, further research is needed to understand their effects fully.

Identification of biochemical indices for brown spot (Bipolaris oryzae) disease resistance in rice mutants and hybrids.

Brown spot caused by Bipolaris oryzae is a major damaging fungal disease of rice which can decrease the yield and value of produce due to grain discoloration. The objectives of the current study were to investigate and understand the biochemical indices of brown spot disease resistance in rice. A total of 108 genotypes (mutant and hybrid) along with Super Basmati and parent RICF-160 were evaluated against brown spot disease. The genotypes exhibiting resistant and susceptible responses to brown spot disease according to the IRRI standard disease rating scale were screened and selected. To study the biochemical response mechanism, forty five selected genotypes along with Super Basmati and RICF-160 were analyzed using the biochemical markers. The physiological and biochemical analysis provided valuable insights and confirmed the resistance of rice hybrids and mutants against brown spot disease. Positive correlations were observed among stress bio-markers and disease response. Rice genotypes i.e. Mu-AS-8, Mu-AS-19, Mu-AS-20 and Mu-AS-35 exhibited moderate resistant response while Hy-AS-92, Hy-AS-98, Hy-AS-99, Hy-AS-101, Hy-AS-102 and Hy-AS-107 showed resistant response to brown spot disease. Brown spot resistant rice genotypes had lesser values of malondialdehyde and total oxidant status and higher antioxidant activities i.e. superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, total phenolic content and lycopene. The selected resistant rice genotypes had resistance capacity against Bipolaris oryzae stress. In conclusion, identified resistant mutants i.e. Mu-AS-8, Mu-AS-19, Mu-AS-20 and Mu-AS-35 and hybrids i.e. Hy-AS-92, Hy-AS-98, Hy-AS-99, Hy-AS-101, Hy-AS-102 and Hy-AS-107 could be used in rice breeding program to achieve sustainable rice production by coping the emerging challenge of brown spot disease under variable climate conditions.

Innovative Strategies for Early Autism Diagnosis: Active Learning and Domain Adaptation Optimization.

The early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encounters challenges stemming from domain variations in facial image datasets. This study investigates the potential of active learning, particularly uncertainty-based sampling, for domain adaptation in early ASD diagnosis. Our focus is on improving model performance across diverse data sources. Utilizing the Kaggle ASD and YTUIA datasets, we meticulously analyze domain variations and assess transfer learning and active learning methodologies. Two state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks, Xception and ResNet50V2, pretrained on distinct datasets, demonstrate noteworthy accuracies of 95% on Kaggle ASD and 96% on YTUIA, respectively. However, combining datasets results in a modest decline in average accuracy, underscoring the necessity for effective domain adaptation techniques. We employ uncertainty-based active learning to address this, which significantly mitigates the accuracy drop. Xception and ResNet50V2 achieve 80% and 79% accuracy when pretrained on Kaggle ASD and applying active learning on YTUIA, respectively. Our findings highlight the efficacy of uncertainty-based active learning for domain adaptation, showcasing its potential to enhance accuracy and reduce annotation needs in early ASD diagnosis. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on ASD diagnosis methodologies. Future research should delve deeper into refining active learning strategies, ultimately paving the way for more robust and efficient ASD detection tools across diverse datasets.

Genotyping of ticks: first molecular report of Hyalomma asiaticum and molecular detection of tick-borne bacteria in ticks and blood from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Multiple ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) carrying Rickettsiales bacteria have significant importance for both human and animal health. Thus, the purpose of this work was to genetically analyze tick species and their associated Rickettsiales bacteria in animal hosts. In order to achieve these objectives, various animals (including camels, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and mice) were inspected in four districts (Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, and Karak) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to collect ticks, while blood samples were collected from all the symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle in all four districts. A total of 234 ticks were obtained from 86 out of 143 (60.14%) host animals, which were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Hyalomma asiaticum. Among these, their representative ticks (126/234, 53.85%) were processed for molecular confirmation using cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) gene. Obtained cox1 sequences of four different tick species showed 99.72%-100% maximum identity with their corresponding species reported from Pakistan, China, India, and Kazakhstan and clustered phylogenetically. This study presented the first genetic report of Hy. asiaticum ticks in Pakistan. Moreover, genetically confirmed tick species were molecularly analyzed by PCR for detection of Rickettsiales DNA using partial fragments of 16S rDNA, 190-kDa outer membrane protein A (ompA), and 120-kDa outer membrane protein B (ompB) genes. In addition, blood samples were analyzed to identify Rickettsiales bacteria using the aforementioned genes. Rickettsiales bacteria were found in 24/126 (19.05%) ticks and 4/16 (25.00%) in symptomatic cattle's blood. The obtained ompA and ompB sequences from Hy. asiaticum ticks showed 99.73%-99.87% with Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii and unidentified Rickettsia sp., whereas the obtained 16S rDNA sequences from cattle's blood and ticks (Hae. cornupunctata) showed 99.67% highest identity with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 16S rDNA sequence of Rickettsiales DNA from Rh. turanicus ticks showed 100% identity with Ehrlichia canis and unidentified Ehrlichia sp. Obtained sequences of Rickettsiales bacteria were grouped along with their respective species in phylogenetic trees, which were previously reported in Greece, Cuba, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, South Korea, and China (mainland and Taiwan). This extensive study explores the wide range of damaging ticks and their corresponding tick-borne bacteria in the area, suggesting a possible danger to both livestock and human communities.

Predominance of MGMT promoter methylation among Pakistani glioblastoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent subgroup of neuroepithelial tumors, is characterized by dismal overall survival (OS). Several studies have linked O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation to OS in GBM patients. However, MGMT methylation frequencies vary geographically and across ethnicities, with limited data for South Asian populations, including Pakistan. This study aimed to analyze MGMT promoter methylation in Pakistani GBM patients. METHODS: Consecutive primary GBM patients diagnosed ≥ 18 years-of-age, with no prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy history, were retrospectively selected. DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded tissues. MGMT promoter methylation was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR. Clinical, pathological, and treatment data were assessed using Fisher's exact/Chi-squared tests. OS was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis in SPSS 27.0.1. RESULTS: The study included 48 GBM patients, comprising 38 (79.2%) males and 10 (20.8%) females. The median diagnosis age was 49.5 years (range 18-70). MGMT methylation was observed in 87.5% (42/48) of all cases. Patients with MGMT methylation undergoing radiotherapy or radiotherapy plus chemotherapy exhibited significantly improved median OS of 7.2 months (95% CI, 3.7-10.7; P < 0.001) and 16.9 months (95% CI, 15.9-17.9; P < 0.001), respectively, compared to those undergoing surgical resection only (OS: 2.2 months, 95% CI, 0.8-3.6). CONCLUSION: This is the first comprehensive study highlighting a predominance of MGMT methylation in Pakistani GBM patients. Furthermore, our findings underscore the association of MGMT methylation with improved OS across diverse treatment modalities. Larger studies are imperative to validate our findings for better management of Pakistani GBM patients.

No-Reflow Prediction in Acute Coronary Syndrome During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The NORPACS Risk Score.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal coronary reperfusion (no reflow) is common in acute coronary syndrome percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to develop and externally validate a clinical risk score for angiographic no reflow for use following angiography and before PCI. METHODS: We developed and externally validated a logistic regression model for prediction of no reflow among adult patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome using data from the Melbourne Interventional Group PCI registry (2005-2020; development cohort) and the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society PCI registry (2006-2020; external validation cohort). RESULTS: A total of 30 561 patients (mean age, 64.1 years; 24% women) were included in the Melbourne Interventional Group development cohort and 440 256 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 27% women) in the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society external validation cohort. The primary outcome (no reflow) occurred in 4.1% (1249 patients) and 9.4% (41 222 patients) of the development and validation cohorts, respectively. From 33 candidate predictor variables, 6 final variables were selected by an adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model for inclusion (cardiogenic shock, ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction with symptom onset >195 minutes pre-PCI, estimated stent length ≥20 mm, vessel diameter <2.5 mm, pre-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow <3, and lesion location). Model discrimination was very good (development C statistic, 0.808; validation C statistic, 0.741) with excellent calibration. Patients with a score of ≥8 points had a 22% and 27% risk of no reflow in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The no-reflow prediction in acute coronary syndrome risk score is a simple count-based scoring system based on 6 parameters available before PCI to predict the risk of no reflow. This score could be useful in guiding preventative treatment and future trials.

Heart Failure Readmission in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Active Cancer.

Background: Although numerous studies have examined readmission with heart failure (HF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), limited data are available on HF readmission in cancer patients post-AMI. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the rates and factors associated with HF readmission in cancer patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A nationally linked cohort of STEMI patients between January 2005 and March 2019 were obtained from the UK Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project registry and the UK national Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care registry. Multivariable Fine-Gray competing risk models were used to evaluate HF readmission at 30 days and 1 year. Results: A total of 326,551 STEMI indexed admissions were included, with 7,090 (2.2%) patients having active cancer. The cancer group was less likely to be admitted under the care of a cardiologist (74.5% vs 81.9%) and had lower rates of invasive coronary angiography (62.2% vs 72.7%; P < 0.001) and percutaneous coronary intervention (58.4% vs. 69.5%). There was a significant prescription gap in the administration of post-AMI medications upon discharge such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (49.5% vs 71.1%) and beta-blockers (58.4% vs 68.0%) in cancer patients. The cancer group had a higher rate of HF readmission at 30 days (3.2% vs 2.3%) and 1 year (9.4% vs 7.3%). However, after adjustment, cancer was not independently associated with HF readmission at 30 days (subdistribution HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.86-1.28) or 1 year (subdistribution HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.92-1.16). The opportunity-based quality indicator was associated with higher rates of HF readmission independent of cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: Cancer patients receive care that differs in important ways from patients without cancer. Greater implementation of evidence-based care may reduce HF readmissions, including in cancer patients.

Decision algorithm for picture fuzzy sets and Aczel Alsina aggregation operators based on unknown degree of wights.

Aggregation operators (AOs) are well-known and efficient mathematical tools that are utilized to overcome the impact of imprecise and vague information during the aggregation process. The theoretical concepts of Aczel Alsina aggregation expressions are an extension of triangular norms and become a hot research topic in the environment of the fuzzy framework. The power operators provide a smooth approximation and are used to mitigate the influence of redundant or insufficient information on the attributes or criteria. Some robust aggregation approaches are developed by combining two different theories, like power operators and Aczel Alsina aggregation tools. This article aims to explore the theory of picture fuzzy sets (PFSs), an extended version of fuzzy sets, and intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Some robust operations of Aczel Alsina aggregation tools are also present in light of the picture fuzzy environment. We established a class of new methodologies in the light of picture fuzzy information, including picture fuzzy Aczel Alsina power weighted average (PFAAPWA) and picture fuzzy Aczel Alsina power ordered weighted average (PFAAPOWA) operators. We also developed an appropriate approach like picture fuzzy Aczel Alsina power weighted geometric (PFAAPWG) and picture fuzzy Aczel Alsina power ordered weighted geometric (PFAAPOWG) operators. Notable properties and characteristics of proposed methodologies are also demonstrated. Our invented approaches not only aggregate complicated information but can clearly define interrelationships among several arguments. Moreover, we establish an algorithm for the multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problem to handle the impact of redundant and vague information on human opinions. Finally, we study an experimental case study to evaluate an appropriate optimal option from available options. To reveal consistency and effectiveness of developed approaches, influence study by changing various parametric values and comparative study by comparing results of existing approaches.