Advances In Research Research Articles

C634Y mutation in RET-induced multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A: A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a rare, autosomal dominant endocrine disease. Currently, the RET proto-oncogene is the only gene implicated in MEN2A pathogenesis. Once an RET carrier is detected, family members should be screened to enable early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and hyperparatitity. Among these, medullary thyroid carcinoma is the main factor responsible for patient mortality. Accordingly, delineating strategies to inform clinical follow-up and treatment plans based on genes is paramount for clinical practitioners. CASE SUMMARY Herein, we present RET proto-oncogene mutations, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies in a family with MEN2A. A family study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MEN2A. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of family members, and first-generation exon sequencing of the RET proto-oncogene was conducted. The C634Y mutation was identified in three family members spanning three generations. Two patients were sequentially diagnosed with pheochromocytomas and bilateral medullary thyroid carcinomas. A 9-year-old child harboring the gene mutation was diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Surgical resection of the tumors was performed. All family members were advised to undergo complete genetic testing related to the C634Y mutation, and the corresponding treatments administered based on test results and associated clinical guidelines. CONCLUSION Advancements in MEN2A research are important for familial management, assessment of medullary thyroid cancer invasive risk, and deciding surgical timing.

Challenges of Congenital Heart Surgery in Brazil: It is Time to Designate Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery Subspecialty.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects eight to ten out of every 1,000 births, resulting in approximately 23,057 new cases in Brazil in 2022. About one in four children with CHD requires surgery or other procedures in the first year of life, and it is expected that approximately 81% of these children with CHD will survive until at least 35 years of age. Professionals choosing to specialize in CHD surgery face numerous challenges, not only related to mastering surgical techniques and the complexity of the diseases but also to the lack of recognition by medical societies as a separate subspecialty. Furthermore, families face difficulties when access to services capable of providing treatment for these children. To address these challenges, it is essential to have specialized hospitals, qualified professionals, updated technologies, sustainable industry, appropriate financing, quality assessment systems, and knowledge generation. The path to excellence involves specialization across all involved parties. As we reflect on the importance of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery and Congenital Heart Diseases establishing themselves as a subspecialty of Cardiovascular Surgery, it is essential to look beyond our borders to countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom, where this evolution is already a reality. This autonomy has led to significant advancements in research, education, and patient care outcomes, establishing a care model. By following this path in Brazil, we not only align our practice with the highest international standards but also demonstrate our maturity and the ability to meet the specific needs of patients with CHD and those with acquired childhood heart disease.

Progress on early diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects both cognition and non-cognition functions. The disease follows a continuum, starting with preclinical stages, progressing to mild cognitive and behavioral impairment, ultimately leading to dementia. Early detection of AD is crucial for better diagnosis and more effective treatment. However, the current AD diagnostic tests of biomarkers using cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain imaging are invasive or expensive, and mostly are still not able to detect early disease state. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new diagnostic techniques with higher sensitivity and specificity during the preclinical stages of AD. Various non-cognitive manifestations, including behavioral abnormalities, sleep disturbances, sensory dysfunctions, and physical changes, have been observed in the preclinical AD stage before occurrence of notable cognitive decline. Recent research advances have identified several biofluid biomarkers as early indicators of AD. This review focuses on these non-cognitive changes and newly discovered biomarkers in AD, specifically addressing the preclinical stages of the disease. Furthermore, it is of importance to explore the potential for developing a predictive system or network to forecast disease onset and progression at the early stage of AD.

Review of Vibration Analysis and Structural Optimization Research for Rotating Blades

AbstractBlades are important parts of rotating machinery such as marine gas turbines and wind turbines, which are exposed to harsh environments during mechanical operations, including centrifugal loads, aerodynamic forces, or high temperatures. These demanding working conditions considerably influence the dynamic performance of blades. Therefore, because of the challenges posed by blades in complex working environments, in-depth research and optimization are necessary to ensure that blades can operate safely and efficiently, thus guaranteeing the reliability and performance of mechanical systems. Focusing on the vibration analysis of blades in rotating machinery, this paper conducts a comprehensive literature review on the research advancements in vibration modeling and structural optimization of blades under complex operational conditions. First, the paper outlines the development of several modeling theories for rotating blades, including one-dimensional beam theory, two-dimensional plate–shell theory, and three-dimensional solid theory. Second, the research progress in the vibrational analysis of blades under aerodynamic loads, thermal environments, and crack factors is separately discussed. Finally, the developments in rotating blade structural optimization are presented from material optimization and shape optimization perspectives. The methodology and theory of analyzing and optimizing blade vibration characteristics under multifactorial operating conditions are comprehensively outlined, aiming to assist future researchers in proposing more effective and practical approaches for the vibration analysis and optimization of blades.

Recent Advances in Understanding and Controlling Fusarium Diseases of Alliums

Allium species are known for their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Fusarium basal rot is one of the most damaging soilborne fungal diseases of Allium species and poses a significant threat to yield, quality, and storage life worldwide. Various species of Fusarium have been identified as causal agents for Fusarium basal rot, depending on the Allium species involved. Diverse disease management practices have been implemented to mitigate the impact of Fusarium basal rot. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in detecting different species of Fusarium involved in Fusarium basal rot and strategies to control them in affected Allium species involving chemical, biological, and cultural methods. It covers the latest advancements in host plant resistance research from traditional breeding to modern molecular techniques and studying secondary metabolites involved in defense mechanisms against Fusarium basal rot.

Research Progress on Plant Shaker K+ Channels

Plant growth and development are driven by intricate processes, with the cell membrane serving as a crucial interface between cells and their external environment. Maintaining balance and signal transduction across the cell membrane is essential for cellular stability and a host of life processes. Ion channels play a critical role in regulating intracellular ion concentrations and potentials. Among these, K+ channels on plant cell membranes are of paramount importance. The research of Shaker K+ channels has become a paradigm in the study of plant ion channels. This study offers a comprehensive overview of advancements in Shaker K+ channels, including insights into protein structure, function, regulatory mechanisms, and research techniques. Investigating Shaker K+ channels has enhanced our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing ion absorption and transport in plant cells. This knowledge offers invaluable guidance for enhancing crop yields and improving resistance to environmental stressors. Moreover, an extensive review of research methodologies in Shaker K+ channel studies provides essential reference solutions for researchers, promoting further advancements in ion channel research.

Recent advances on control strategies for microgrid islanding operation

In order to achieve the national strategic goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the electricity-energy-ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation, presenting new opportunities for the development of new energy generation technologies. With the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, microgrids have begun to play a prominent role as small-scale power systems. Microgrids, as small, autonomous power systems, have received significant attention in recent years. Microgrids can enhance energy sustainability by integrating renewable energy resources and energy storage systems, while also providing the capability to maintain power supply during main grid failures or planned maintenance. This article aims to review the advances in control strategy research for microgrid islanding operation, with a focus on the classification of control strategies, design principles, and their impact on microgrid stability. The article also explores potential directions for future research to enhance the efficiency and reliability of microgrid islanding operation, providing valuable references for future studies.

Abstracts of the papers presented in the international conference of Indian Virological Society, VIROCON 2023 on “Advancements in global virus research towards one health” held during 01–03 December, 2023 at ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstracts of the papers presented in the international conference of Indian Virological Society, VIROCON 2023 on “Advancements in global virus research towards one health” held during 01–03 December, 2023 at ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

THE EVOLUTION OF NURSING AS A PROFESSION IN HEALTHCARE

Currently, nursing stands as a highly coveted profession drawing significant attention. While its roots can be traced back to ancient times, the formal recognition of nursing as a profession, labeled as such, has only emerged in recent decades. Defined as both a science and an art grounded in evidence, nursing is progressively assuming more significant roles within the healthcare and biomedical realms. The profession’s evolution is intricately linked with advancements in science, technology, and research, which have translated into tangible practices within the healthcare system. Offering both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs elevates the level of responsibility among nurses. However, this advancement lacks proper systematization and acknowledgment of educational standards within the healthcare sector. Future challenges encompass meeting the increasing healthcare demands spurred by longer life expectancies and population growth, alongside facilitating professional mobility within EU nations. Factors such as enhanced financial stability and improved working conditions contribute to the outflow of nurses from the region. Proposed solutions include establishing adaptable mobile teams, prioritizing patient education and preventative measures, integrating LED clinics/facilities, and introducing supportive robotic technologies. Nurses play a pivotal role in delivering care and advocating for health equity, emphasizing the necessity of fostering collaborative partnerships for the future sustainability of healthcare systems.

Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Arrhythmias and Electrophysiology.

Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) centered on machines learning from extensive datasets, stands at the forefront of a technological revolution shaping various facets of society. Cardiovascular medicine has emerged as a key domain for ML applications, with considerable efforts to integrate these innovations into routine clinical practice. Within cardiac electrophysiology, ML applications, especially in the automated interpretation of electrocardiograms, have garnered substantial attention in existing literature. However, less recognized are the diverse applications of ML in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias, spanning basic science research on arrhythmia mechanisms, both experimental and computational, as well as contributions to enhanced techniques for mapping cardiac electrical function and translational research related to arrhythmia management. This comprehensive review delves into various ML applications within the scope of this journal, organized into 3 parts. The first section provides a fundamental understanding of general ML principles and methodologies, serving as a foundational resource for readers interested in exploring ML applications in arrhythmia research. The second part offers an in-depth review of studies in arrhythmia and electrophysiology that leverage ML methodologies, showcasing the broad potential of ML approaches. Each subject is thoroughly outlined, accompanied by a review of notable ML research advancements. Finally, the review delves into the primary challenges and future perspectives surrounding ML-driven cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias research.

Neutrophils in Cancer immunotherapy: friends or foes?

Neutrophils play a Janus-faced role in the complex landscape of cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapy. As immune defense cells, neutrophils release toxic substances, including reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase 9, within the tumor microenvironment. They also modulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and Fas ligand, augmenting their capacity to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Their involvement in antitumor immune regulation synergistically activates a network of immune cells, bolstering anticancer effects. Paradoxically, neutrophils can succumb to the influence of tumors, triggering signaling cascades such as JAK/STAT, which deactivate the immune system network, thereby promoting immune evasion by malignant cells. Additionally, neutrophil granular constituents, such as neutrophil elastase and vascular endothelial growth factor, intricately fuel tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms that guide neutrophils to collaborate with other immune cells for comprehensive tumor eradication is crucial to enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we illuminate the underlying mechanisms governing neutrophil-mediated support or inhibition of tumor progression, with a particular focus on elucidating the internal and external factors that influence neutrophil polarization. We provide an overview of recent advances in clinical research regarding the involvement of neutrophils in cancer therapy. Moreover, the future prospects and limitations of neutrophil research are discussed, aiming to provide fresh insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies targeting neutrophils.

Advanced Neuromorphic Applications Enabled by Synaptic Ion-Gating Vertical Transistors.

Bioinspired synaptic devices have shown great potential in artificial intelligence and neuromorphic electronics. Low energy consumption, multi-modal sensing and recording, and multifunctional integration are critical aspects limiting their applications. Recently, a new synaptic device architecture, the ion-gating vertical transistor (IGVT), has been successfully realized and timely applied to perform brain-like perception, such as artificial vision, touch, taste, and hearing. In this short time, IGVTs have already achieved faster data processing speeds and more promising memory capabilities than many conventional neuromorphic devices, even while operating at lower voltages and consuming less power. This work focuses on the cutting-edge progress of IGVT technology, from outstanding fabrication strategies to the design and realization of low-voltage multi-sensing IGVTs for artificial-synapse applications. The fundamental concepts of artificial synaptic IGVTs, such as signal processing, transduction, plasticity, and multi-stimulus perception are discussed comprehensively. The contribution draws special attention to the development and optimization of multi-modal flexible sensor technologies and presents a roadmap for future high-end theoretical and experimental advancements in neuromorphic research that are mostly achievable by the synaptic IGVTs.

Future of durum wheat research and breeding: Insights from early career researchers.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) is globally cultivated for pasta, couscous, and bulgur production. With the changing climate and growing world population, the need to significantly increase durum production to meet the anticipated demand is paramount. This review summarizes recent advancements in durum research, encompassing the exploitation of existing and novel genetic diversity, exploration of potential new diversity sources, breeding for climate-resilient varieties, enhancements in production and management practices, and the utilization of modern technologies in breeding and cultivar development. In comparison to bread wheat (T. aestivum), the durum wheat community and production area are considerably smaller, often comprising many small-family farmers, notably in African and Asian countries. Public breeding programs such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) play a pivotal role in providing new and adapted cultivars for these small-scale growers. We spotlight the contributions of these and others in this review. Additionally, we offer our recommendations on key areas for the durum research community to explore in addressing the challenges posed by climate change while striving to enhance durum production and sustainability. As part of the Wheat Initiative, the Expert Working Group on Durum Wheat Genomics and Breeding recognizes the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing toward a shared objective. We hope the insights presented in this review stimulate future research and deliberations on the trajectory for durum wheat genomics and breeding.

‘I Can Kind of Flow How I Want to Flow’: Motivations and Perceived Contrasts of Providing Care in Home-Based Settings

AbstractThe number of family child care (FCC) providers in the United States, or providers who are licensed, certified, or registered to provide care in their home, fell by nearly half between 2005 and 2017 (NCEQA, 2020a). This has implications for families who prefer FCC settings. Understanding providers’ motivations for starting their program may provide policymakers with information on how to better support providers drawn to this setting. Through interviews with 30 Black/bi-racial FCC providers, we found providers started their programs to support family/neighbors, to provide an alternative perceived to be safer than center-based programs, and to be in charge. In terms of differences, providers felt they had more control and that they could provide more individualized attention in home-based settings as compared to center-based settings. This research advances the study of why providers work in home-based programs, and how they perceive this work as different from center-based care, with implications for supporting the FCC workforce.

Scientometric Research and Critical Analysis of Gait and Balance in Older Adults

Gait and balance have emerged as a critical area of research in health technology. Gait and balance studies have been affected by the researchers’ slow follow-up of research advances due to the absence of visual inspection of the study literature across decades. This study uses advanced search methods to analyse the literature on gait and balance in older adults from 1993 to 2022 in the Web of Science (WoS) database to gain a better understanding of the current status and trends in the field for the first time. The study analysed 4484 academic publications including journal articles and conference proceedings on gait and balance in older adults. Bibliometric analysis methods were applied to examine the publication year, number of publications, discipline distribution, journal distribution, research institutions, application fields, test methods, analysis theories, and influencing factors in the field of gait and balance. The results indicate that the publication of relevant research documents has been steadily increasing from 1993 to 2022. The United States (US) exhibits the highest number of publications with 1742 articles. The keyword “elderly person” exhibits a strong citation burst strength of 18.04, indicating a significant focus on research related to the health of older adults. With a burst factor of 20.46, Harvard University has made impressive strides in the subject. The University of Pittsburgh displayed high research skills in the area of gait and balance with a burst factor of 7.7 and a publication count of 103. The research on gait and balance mainly focuses on physical performance evaluation approaches, and the primary study methods include experimental investigations, computational modelling, and observational studies. The field of gait and balance research is increasingly intertwined with computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), paving the way for intelligent monitoring of gait and balance in the elderly. Moving forward, the future of gait and balance research is anticipated to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, intelligence-driven approaches, and advanced visualization techniques.

Mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by a diverse array of symptoms, including pain that is disproportionate to the initial triggering event, accompanied by autonomic, sensory, motor, and sudomotor disturbances. The primary pathology of both types of CRPS (Type I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD; Type II, also known as causalgia) is featured by allodynia, edema, changes in skin color and temperature, and dystrophy, predominantly affecting extremities. Recent studies started to unravel the complex pathogenic mechanisms of CRPS, particularly from an autoimmune and neuroimmune interaction perspective. CRPS is now recognized as a systemic disease that stems from a complex interplay of inflammatory, immunologic, neurogenic, genetic, and psychologic factors. The relative contributions of these factors may vary among patients and even within a single patient over time. Key mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations include peripheral and central sensitization, sympathetic dysregulation, and alterations in somatosensory processing. Enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of CRPS is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. While our mechanistic understanding of CRPS remains incomplete, this article updates recent research advancements and sheds light on the etiology, pathogenesis, and molecular underpinnings of CRPS.

Insights on cognitive reorganization after hemispherectomy in Rasmussen's encephalitis. Anarrative review.

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare neurological pathology affecting one cerebral hemisphere, therefore, posing unique challenges. Patients may undergo hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure after which cognitive development occurs in the isolated contralateral hemisphere. This rare situation provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate brain plasticity and cognitive recovery at a hemispheric level. This literature review synthesizes the existing body of research on cognitive recovery following hemispherectomy in Rasmussen patients, considering cognitive domains and modulatory factors that influence cognitive outcomes. While language function has traditionally been the focus of postoperative assessments, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need to broaden the scopeof language investigation in interaction with other cognitive domains and to consider cognitive scaffolding in development and recovery. By synthesizing findings reported in the literature, we delineate how language functions may find support from the right hemisphere after left hemispherectomy, but also how, beyond language, global cognitive functioning is affected. We highlight the critical influence of several factors on postoperative cognitive outcomes, including the timing of hemispherectomy and the baseline preoperative cognitive status, pointing to early surgical intervention as predictive of better cognitive outcomes. However, further specific studies are needed to confirm this correlation. This review aims to emphasize a better understanding of mechanisms underlying hemispheric specialization and plasticity in humans, which are particularly important for both clinical and research advancements. Thisnarrative review underscores the needfor an integrative approach based on cognitive scaffolding to provide a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying the reorganization in Rasmussen patients after hemispherectomy.

Development of Arabic Language Curriculum Focused on Diversity and Inclusion

This literature review explores the development of an Arabic language curriculum prioritizing diversity and inclusion in an interconnected global context. It aims to formulate a curriculum catering to learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, abilities, and learning preferences, ensuring fair access and meaningful engagement. The methodology involves an extensive literature review, expert consultations, and data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Thematic coding and triangulation facilitate data analysis, revealing the importance of integrating diverse perspectives and inclusive pedagogical approaches. The study emphasizes nurturing an inclusive learning environment that embraces differences and fosters mutual respect. It highlights implications for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers, stressing deliberate efforts to address diversity and inclusion within Arabic language education. Inclusive practices can effectively address diverse learner needs, promote cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate belonging. This research advances inclusive language education and encourages further exploration in this critical field.

Shifting goalposts: widening discrepancies between girls' actual and ideal bodies predict disordered eating from preadolescence to adulthood.

Little is known regarding how disordered eating (DE) relates to perceived actual body size, ideal body size, and their discrepancy. This study examined changes in perceived actual body size, ideal body size, and actual-ideal discrepancies over time, and their relationship with subsequent DE. Participants were 759 female twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study who reported on body image and DE every three to five years between approximately ages 11 to 29. We used multilevel modeling to examine developmental trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and Body Rating Scale Actual, Ideal, and Actual-Ideal discrepancy scores and compared the degree to which BMI, BRS body size perceptions, and body dissatisfaction predicted DE behaviors and attitudes over time. Participants were treated as singletons in analyses. Perceived Actual body sizes and BMIs increased from age 10 to 33, whereas Ideal body sizes remained largely stable across time, resulting in growing Actual-Ideal discrepancies. Body size perceptions and Actual-Ideal discrepancies predicted subsequent DE behaviors and attitudes more strongly than did body dissatisfaction as measured by self-report questionnaires. This research advances understanding of how female body size perceptions and ideals change across development and highlights their relationship with subsequent DE.

The Prospects and Challenges for Ambi‐Polar Vacancy‐Ordered Double Perovskite Cs2SnI6 towards Realization of High Efficiency Air‐Stable Solar‐Cells

The rapid advancements in material research for lead‐free inorganic metal halide perovskites have fuelled the pathway to design environmentally‐benign solar‐cells to cater the energy requirements for future generations. The vacancy‐ordered double perovskite Cs2SnI6 with an optimum band‐gap (∽1.3 eV), high absorption coefficient (∽105 cm‐1), ambi‐polar charge carrier transport, high structural and compositional stability coupled with simple cost‐effective solution‐based synthesis techniques seems to be an excellent candidate to design air‐stable high‐efficiency solar‐cell based applications. The review focusses on the structure‐property relationship in Cs2SnI6; and its critical dependency on growth precursors, conditions and methods. The recent advancements in material and additive engineering to obtain phase‐pure uniform continuous smooth Cs2SnI6 films; and myriad methods to modulate its opto‐electronic properties are summarized. The nature, origin and type of charge‐carriers in intrinsic and doped Cs2SnI6 is extensively discussed. The application of Cs2SnI6 in dye sensitized solar‐cell (DSSC) and planar perovskite solar‐cell (PSC) configurations are critically reviewed; and its recent progress and challenges to achieve ultimate theoretical Shockley‐Queisser limit of 30‐33% is presented. The recent experimental findings on the stability and performance of Cs2SnI6‐based solar‐cells under ambient and controlled conditions would be discussed to highlight its feasibility for the design and development of air‐stable high‐efficiency solar‐cells.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.