Development of a distributed nonlinear Muskingum model by considering snowmelt effects for flood routing in the Red River.

This research paper presents the development of a nonlinear Muskingum model which achieves precise flood routing through river reaches while considering lateral inflow conditions. Fourteen pairs of flood hydrograph found at two specific United States Geological Survey (USGS) stations located along the Red River of the North, namely Grand Forks and Drayton, are used for the calibrations and validations of the Muskingum model. To enhance the accuracy of the procedure, a reach is divided into multiple sub-reaches, and the Muskingum model calculations are performed individually for each interval using the distributed Muskingum method. Notably, the model development process incorporates the use of the Salp Swarm algorithm. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed nonlinear Muskingum model in accurately routing floods through the very gentle river with a bed slope of (0.0002-0.0003). The events were categorized into three groups based on their dominant drivers: Group A (Snowmelt-driven floods), Group B (Rain-on-snow-induced floods), and Group C (Mixed floods influenced by both snowmelt and rainfall). For the sub-reaches in Group A, single sub-reach (NR = 1), the Performance Evaluation Criteria (PEC) yielded the highest value for SSE, amounting to 404.9 × 106. In Group B, when NR = 2, PEC results the highest value were SSE = 730.2 × 106. The number of sub-reaches in a model has a significant influence on parameter estimates and model performance, as demonstrated by the analysis of hydrologic parameters and performance evaluation criteria. Optimal performance varied across case studies, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate number of sub-reaches for peak discharge predictions.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for Identification of Elbow Fractures in Children; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: In spite of the results of previous studies regarding the benefits of ultrasonography for diagnosis of elbow fractures in children, the exact accuracy of this imaging modality is still under debate. Therefore, in this diagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography in this regard. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed systematic search in Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies published from inception of these databases to May 2023. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Meta-Disc software version 1.4 and Stata statistical software package version 17.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 648 studies with 1000 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90), respectively. Pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 6.71 (95% CI: 3.86-11.67), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.22), and pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of ultrasonography in detection of elbow fracture in children was 89.85 (95% CI: 31.56-255.8). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for accuracy of ultrasonography in this regard was 0.93. Egger's and Begg's analyses showed that there is no significant publication bias (P=0.11 and P=0.29, respectively). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis revealed that ultrasonography is a relatively promising diagnostic imaging modality for identification of elbow fractures in children. However, clinicians employing ultrasonography for diagnosis of elbow fractures should be aware that studies included in this meta-analysis had limitations regarding methodological quality and are subject to risk of bias. Future high-quality studies with standardization of ultrasonography examination protocol are required to thoroughly validate ultrasonography for elbow fractures.

Natural products and the balancing act of autophagy-dependent/independent ferroptosis in cancer therapy.

The control of biological cell death is essential for the body's appropriate growth. The resistance of cells to the apoptotic process presents a new difficulty in the treatment of cancer. To combat cancer cells, researchers are working to find new apoptotic pathways and components to activate. One of the processes of regulated cell death (RCD) is referred to as ferroptosis marked by a decline in the activity of lipid glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) after the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since lipid peroxidation is a crucial component of ferroptosis and is required for its start, numerous medicines have been studied, particularly for the treatment of cancer. In this context, autophagy is an additional form of RCD that can govern ferroptosis through shared signaling pathways/factors involved in both mechanisms. In this review, we will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and its association with autophagy, to gain fresh insights into their interplay in cancer advancement, and the potential of natural products for its treatment.

Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography for Identification of Skin and Soft Tissue Abscess in Adult and Pediatric Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Differentiating the soft tissue abscess from other types of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) poses a particular challenge because they have similar physical evaluation findings, but each disease has a different course, outcome, and treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosis of soft tissue abscess in the emergency departments. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, from inception to January 2023, was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the diagnostic performance of point-of-care ultrasonography for identification of abscess. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). Results: The pooled estimates of diagnostic parameters of ultrasonography for diagnosis of abscess were as follows: sensitivity, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92-0.94); specificity, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.89), and the area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC), 0.95. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the SROC of studies in adult patients were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92-1), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86-0.95), and 0.99, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the SROC of studies in pediatric patients were 0.9 (95% CI: 0.87-0.92), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73-0.82), and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the point-of-care ultrasonography has excellent diagnostic value for the abscess in the emergency department. Furthermore, we found that the diagnostic performance of point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosis of abscess was higher for adult cases than for pediatric patients.

Coupled Lattice Boltzmann Modeling Framework for Pore-Scale Fluid Flow and Reactive Transport.

In this paper, we propose a modeling framework for pore-scale fluid flow and reactive transport based on a coupled lattice Boltzmann model (LBM). We develop a modeling interface to integrate the LBM modeling code parallel lattice Boltzmann solver and the PHREEQC reaction solver using multiple flow and reaction cell mapping schemes. The major advantage of the proposed workflow is the high modeling flexibility obtained by coupling the geochemical model with the LBM fluid flow model. Consequently, the model is capable of executing one or more complex reactions within desired cells while preserving the high data communication efficiency between the two codes. Meanwhile, the developed mapping mechanism enables the flow, diffusion, and reactions in complex pore-scale geometries. We validate the coupled code in a series of benchmark numerical experiments, including 2D single-phase Poiseuille flow and diffusion, 2D reactive transport with calcite dissolution, as well as surface complexation reactions. The simulation results show good agreement with analytical solutions, experimental data, and multiple other simulation codes. In addition, we design an AI-based optimization workflow and implement it on the surface complexation model to enable increased capacity of the coupled modeling framework. Compared to the manual tuning results proposed in the literature, our workflow demonstrates fast and reliable model optimization results without incorporating pre-existing domain knowledge.

Recent advancements to engineer mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles for targeting and destroying tumors.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to migrate into tumor sites and release growth factors to modulate the tumor microenvironment. MSC therapy have shown a dual role in cancers, promoting or inhibiting. However, MSCs could be used as a carrier of anticancer agents for targeted tumor therapy. Recent technical improvements also allow engineering MSCs to improve tumor-targeting properties, protect anticancer agents, and decrease the cytotoxicity of drugs. While some of MSC functions are mediated through their secretome, MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are also proposed as a possible viechle for cancer therapy. EVs allow efficient loading of anticancer agents and have an intrinsic ability to target tumor cells, making them suitable for targeted therapy of tumors. In addition, the specificity and selectivity of EVs to the tumor sites could be enhanced by surface modification. In this review, we addressed the current approaches used for engineering MSCs and EVs to effectively target tumor sites and deliver anticancer agents.

Anthropogenic Decline of Ancient, Sustainable Water Systems: Qanats.

Qanat is an ancient underground structure to abstract groundwater without the need for external energy. A recognized world heritage, Qanat has enabled civilization in arid and semi-arid regions that lack perennial surface water resources. These important structures, however, have faced significant challenges in recent decades due to increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study uses remote sensing to investigate land-use changes and the loss of 15,983 Qanat shafts in the Mashhad plain, northeast of Iran, during the past six decades. This entails obtaining a rare aerial imagery from 1961, as well as recent satellite imagery, over a region with the highest density of Qanats in Iran, the birthplace of Qanat. Results showed that only 5.59% of the Qanat shafts in 1961 remained intact in 2021. The most prominent Qanat-impacting land-use changes were agriculture and urban areas, that accounted for 42.93 and 31.81% Qanat shaft destruction in the study area, respectively. This study also showed that groundwater table decline, demographic changes, and reduction in the appeal of working in the Qanat maintenance and construction industry among the new generation are existential threats to Qanats, and may result in the demise of these ancient structures in the future. Findings of this study can be used for urban planning in arid and semi-arid areas with the aim of protecting these historic water structures.

Association between overweight/obesity and eating habits while watching television among primary-school children in the city of Shiraz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that television (TV) viewing is associated with childhood obesity in Western countries. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and eating habits while watching TV among primary-school children in the Middle East. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Children were recruited from primary schools of four educational districts in Shiraz, Iran. Anthropometric indices of mass (kg) and height (m) were measured, and BMI (percentile) was calculated. Demographic characteristics, TV viewing behaviours and physical activity data were collected from parents during face-to-face interviews and a 3d dietary record was completed. Subject Children (n 607) aged 6-10 years. RESULTS: Mean (sd) age of children was 8·16 (1·37) years, of whom 9·1 and 8·4 % were overweight and obese, respectively. Children who spent ≥2 h watching TV on weekdays (OR=1·99; 95 % CI 1·09, 3·60) and weekend days (OR=1·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 3·43) had higher odds of being obese, even after adjusting for physical activity. Children who ate breakfast while watching TV had higher odds of being overweight v. those who did not watch TV while eating breakfast (OR=2·70; 95 % CI 1·02, 7·60). There were no associations between TV viewing during other meals (lunch and dinner) and overweight/obesity. CONCLUSIONS: TV viewing for ≥2 h daily increases the risk of being obese in Iranian children aged 6-10 years, independent of physical activity. Further, breakfast consumption while watching TV may increase the risk of overweight/obesity, independent of total TV viewing time.