Number Of Spots Research Articles

Photothermal properties of a multilayer composite nanoparticle with random surface roughness for direct absorption solar collector

The photothermal utilization of solar energy is significant in promoting the transition towards more sustainable energy consumption patterns. Direct absorption solar collector (DASC) plays an important role as the main way of solar energy photothermal utilization. The application of nanofluids in DASC is critical. Previous studies commonly make the assumption that nanoparticles possess an ideal, smooth surface. However, in actuality, the surfaces of nanoparticles tend to exhibit random roughness. In this study, composite nanoparticles with randomly rough surfaces (CNRSs) are modeled, and their photothermal properties are investigated by numerical simulations. First, on the premise of verifying that CNRSs have good surface roughness randomness, it is found that the rough height (a) causes the “red shift” of the absorption peak. At the same time, the spectral absorption performance Qabs decreases by 14.79 % when a = 30. The mechanism affecting the absorption is analyzed through the electric field distribution, which is attributed to the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Further, the increase in the number of rough spots (b) results in a slight decrease in the absorption performance of CNRSs. When the value of b is set to 4000, the spectral absorption performance of CNRSs exhibits a decrease of 3.97 % in comparison to that of smooth nanoparticles. Finally, it is found that the material and size of nanoparticles are very sensitive to the surface roughness.

Proteomics of serum proteins adsorbed onto hydroxyapatite single-crystal particles with an anisotropic structure

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) has a high adsorption affinity for proteins. Here, the adsorption specificity of proteins from fetal bovine serum (FBS) onto three types of HAp particles with different crystal planes was examined via proteomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fiber-like (f-HAp) and plate-like (p-HAp) HAp single-crystal particles were used as models for a-plane- and c-plane-oriented HAps, respectively, together with randomly oriented HAp particles (HAp-100), as a control. The amount of protein adsorption was as follows: f-HAp > p-HAp > HAp-100. The number of protein-derived spots was as follows: f-HAp > HAp-100 > p-HAp. LC-MS/MS analysis detected the most abundant proteins in the f-HAp sample, followed by p-HAp and HAp-100 before the removal of abundant proteins; after their removal, the highest number of detected proteins was recorded in the p-HAp sample, followed by f-HAp and HAp-100. Approximately 60 % of the proteins adsorbed onto the three HAp particles were extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which were identified via gene ontology (GO) analysis as proteins related to blood coagulation, binding, and cellular/metabolic processes. Mimecan, a protein involved in bone formation/differentiation, was among the proteins adsorbed on f-HAp. These results highlight the potential of this technology to control the orientation plane of HAp for highly specific protein adsorption.

Record of Alternaria tenuissima as a causal pathogen of Leaf Spots in Chard Plant in Basrah, Iraq, and It’s In vitro Management

The chard plant is an important vegetable crop, thus this study aimed to isolate and identify Alternaria tenuissima and efficiency evaluation of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus suppression against A. tenuissima. T. harzianum demonstrated its ability to inhibit the A.tenuissima by 63.8%. Also, it reduced the leaf spot number to 0.39 cm/leaf compared to the control that scored 2.19 cm/leaf. The T. harzianum increased the leaves and root weight, followed by P fluorescens treatment. This is considered the first recorded in Basra, Iraq.

Spatiotemporally reconfigurable light in degenerate laser cavities

We show that a III-V semiconductor vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) can be engineered to generate light with a customizable spatiotemporal structure. Temporal control is achieved through the emission of temporal localized structures (TLSs), a particular mode-locking regime that allows individual addressing of the pulses traveling back and forth in the cavity. The spatial profile control relies on a degenerate external cavity, and it is implemented due to an absorptive mask deposited onto the gain mirror that limits the positive net gain within two circular spots in the transverse section of the VECSEL. We show that each spot emits spatially uncorrelated TLSs. Hence, the spatiotemporal structure of the light emitted can be shaped by individually addressing the pulses emitted by each spot. Because the maximum number of pulses circulating in the cavity and the number of positive net-gain spots in the VECSEL can be increased straightforwardly, this result is a proof of concept of a laser platform capable of handling light states of scalable complexity. We discuss applications to three-dimensional all-optical buffers and to multiplexing of frequency combs that share the same laser cavity.

Edu-Heritage-Based Cy-walk Tour in Educational Institution: Design, Content, Steps, and Challenges of Edu-Tourism in University Area

Yogyakarta, Indonesia is home to a number of popular tourist spots, in addition to being the city of one of the top tertiary institutions, Universitas Gadjah Mada. However, this one of Indonesia's oldest colleges still offers only a few recreational opportunities and tourist attractions. This study aims to identify alternative tourism potentials at UGM by extracting data about cultural heritage, philosophy, and inspirational figures—the three main elements in this research—in order to close the gap and provide the concept of edu-heritage tour within the context of the university. The data collection method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative, includes literature reviews, documentation, observation, and in-depth interviews. The three components of this study's structure include various key ideas, such as the metaphysical dimension, epistemological dimension, axiological dimension, heritage, history, international participation, roles in academic disciplines, and views and values of life. Each component communicates a variety of values, such as adversity, openness, simplicity, unity, independence, assurance, integrity, and so on. The tour material, which consists of three components and the core values, is then created to become an educational tourism activity, with design work beginning with archival studies and ending with a brochure and poster creation. This alternative tourism activity is anticipated to adhere to the notion of sustainable tourism, which uses travel as a platform for reflection and education to raise awareness of the importance of upholding values and expressing them through actions that are morally and responsibly.

α-Lipoic acid improves mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics by enhancing antioxidant and inhibiting Wnt/Ca2+ pathway to relieve fluoride-induced hepatotoxic injury

Fluoride (F), widely present in water and food, poses a serious threat to liver health, and oxidative damage and mitochondrial damage are its main causes. As a natural mitochondrial protector and antioxidant, α-lipoic acid (ALA)'s alleviating effect on fluorosis liver injury and its underlying mechanism are still unclear. Therefore, this study established a fluorosis ALA intervention mice model to explore the mechanism of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and Wnt/Ca2+ pathway in ALA attenuating fluorosis liver injury. The results showed that ALA mitigated F-induced weight loss, hepatic structural and functional damage, hepatocytes mitochondrial damage, and decreased antioxidant levels. However, ALA did not reduce F accumulation in the femur. Further mRNA and protein detection results showed that F increased the expression levels of key genes in the mitochondrial fission (Drp1, Mff, and Fis1), mitophagy (Parkin, Pink1, and Prdx3), Wnt/Ca2+ pathway (Wnt5a and CaMK2), and rised the number and intensity of fluorescent spots of Drp1, but decreased the expression levels of key genes in the mitochondrial biogenesis (Sirt1, Sirt3, and PGC-1α) and fusion (OPA1, Mfn2, and Mfn1), and reduced the number and intensity of fluorescent spots of PGC-1α in the liver. However, the intervention of ALA relieved the F-induced changes in the expressions of the above genes. In conclusion, ALA mitigated F-induced hepatic injury through enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting Wnt/Ca2+ pathway to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics disturbance. This study further reveals the hepatotoxic mechanism of F and the protective mechanism of ALA, and provides a theoretical basis for ALA as a potential preventive and palliative agent for F-induced hepatotoxic injury.

Locating Method for Pick-up and Drop-off Spots for Shared Autonomous Vehicle-based Mobility Services

To provide safety to users and not disturb traffic flow, autonomous vehicles in shared on-demand mobility services cannot stop everywhere; thus, pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) spots must be dedicated or established for them. Our research objective is to propose a method to locate the PUDO spots for shared autonomous vehicle-based mobility services as this topic has been barely studied. The number of required PUDO spots is calculated, and the location is chosen considering the urban environment, walking radius, vehicle occupancy, and time for boarding and alighting among other parameters. Different from some methods applied to shared mobility, we consider the existing infrastructure (e.g., parking spaces) as potential locations for PUDO spots. The method is applied to a study case, demonstrating the applicability and providing the main findings: (i) the required number of PUDO spots decreases if willingness to walk increases; (ii) with a 3-min walking radius, 83% of curbside parking spaces can be repurposed, and 100% is reached with a 10-min walking radius; (iii) the minimum of 55% of curbside parking spaces can be repurposed with 10-min walking radius and without locating PUDO spots in private parking. Using our method, cities can determine the quantity of PUDO spots and their locations, being prepared in advance for the required changes in the existing infrastructure as well as the freed-up space to be repurposed.

Fast, sensitive, and specific multiplexed single-molecule detection of circulating tumor DNA

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a highly promising non-invasive assay for detection and monitoring of cancer. However, identification of multiple point-mutant ctDNAs, particularly at extremely low frequencies in early cancer stages, remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, we present a multiplexed ctDNA detection technique, SIMUL (single-molecule detection of multiple low-frequency mutations). SIMUL involves an unbiased preamplification of both wild-type and mutant DNAs, followed by the detection of mutant DNAs through single-molecule multicolor imaging. SIMUL enables highly sensitive and specific detection of multiple single-nucleotide mutations in a short span of time, even in the presence of 10,000-fold excess of wild-type DNA. Importantly, SIMUL can accurately measure mutant fractions due to its linear correlation between the number of single-molecule spots and the variant allele frequency. This breakthrough technique holds immense potential for clinical applications, offering significant improvements for example in early cancer detection and accurate evaluation of anticancer treatment responses.

Development of actinic lentigines due to multiple sub-erythemal exposure to UVA1 radiation in Asian skin.

The appearance of actinic lentigines mainly found on face, back of the hands, upper back and décolleté is associated with chronic sun exposure. However, there is no study looking at the role of long UVA specifically in the development of actinic lentigines. This study was conducted in 20 Japanese adult women exposed on the upper back area three times per week for 6 weeks to incremental sub-erythemal UVA1 doses (5 J/cm2 at weeks 1 and 2, 10 J/cm2 at weeks 3 and 4 and 15 J/cm2 at weeks 5 and 6). Clinical assessment, performed on day 0 (before any exposure), and on days 14, 28 and 42, included the evaluation of skin pigmentation (pigmented spots), chromametry of the pigmented skin lesions and measurement of dyschromy. The number of pigmented spots and uniformity of the skin's pigmentation were clearly increased in comparison with baseline, statistical significance of the difference (p < 0.05) being reached at D 28 and D 42 in both cases. In conclusion, repeated sub-erythemal UVA1 exposure induces the development of actinic lentigines. Thus, a suitable protection including long UVA coverage is also needed to prevent from the damages induced by low, sub-erythemal doses of UV exposure.

Which Patients with Prostate Cancer and Lymph Node Uptake at Preoperative Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography Scan Are at a Higher Risk of Prostate-specific Antigen Persistence After Radical Prostatectomy? Identifying Indicators of Systemic Disease by Integrating Clinical, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Functional Imaging Parameters

BackgroundThe role of local therapies including radical prostatectomy (RP) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients with clinical lymphadenopathies on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) has scarcely been explored. Limited data are available to identify men who would benefit from RP; on the contrary, those more likely to benefit already have systemic disease. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the predictors of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence in surgically managed PCa patients with lymphadenopathies on a PSMA PET/CT scan by integrating clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PSMA PET/CT parameters. Design, setting, and participantsWe identified 519 patients treated with RP and extended lymph node dissection, and who received preoperative PSMA PET between 2017 and 2022 in nine referral centers. Among them, we selected 88 patients with nodal uptake at preoperative PSMA PET (miTxN1M0). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe outcome was PSA persistence, defined as a PSA value of ≥0.1 ng/ml at the first measurement after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the predictors of PSA persistence. Covariates consisted of biopsy International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group, clinical stage at MRI, and number of positive spots at a PET/CT scan. A regression tree analysis stratified patients into risk groups based on preoperative characteristics. Results and limitationsOverall, lymph node invasion (LNI) was detected in 63 patients (72%) and 32 (36%) experienced PSA persistence after RP. At multivariable analyses, having more than two lymph nodal positive findings at PSMA PET, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) at MRI, and ISUP grade group >3 at biopsy were independent predictors of PSA persistence (all p < 0.05). At the regression tree analysis, patients were stratified in four risk groups according to biopsy ISUP grade, number of positive findings at PET/CT, and clinical stage at MRI. The model depicted good discrimination at internal validation (area under the curve 78%). ConclusionsOne out of three miN1M0 patients showed PSA persistence after surgery. Patients with ISUP grade 2–3, as well as patients with organ-confined disease at MRI and a single or two positive nodal findings at PET are those in whom RP may achieve the best oncological outcomes in the context of a multimodal approach. Conversely, patients with a high ISUP grade and extracapsular extension or SVI or more than two spots at PSMA PET should be considered as potentially affected by systemic disease upfront. Patient summaryOur novel and straightforward risk classification integrates currently available preoperative risk tools and should, therefore, assist physician in preoperative counseling of men candidates for radical treatment for prostate cancer with positive lymph node uptake at prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography.

Cystatin SN (CST1) as a Novel Salivary Biomarker of Periodontitis.

Identification of biomarkers could help in assessing periodontal health status and monitoring treatment outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify potential innovative salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontitis using an untargeted proteomic approach. Forty-five healthy non-smoker participants diagnosed as having periodontally healthy conditions (H), severe periodontitis (P), and healthy but reduced periodontium after active periodontal treatment (T) were consecutively enrolled (15 per each group) in the study. A higher number of spots were identified in the proteome of unstimulated whole saliva collected from H and T subjects compared with P group, mainly within the range of 8-40 kDa. Protein spots of interest were analysed by MALDI-TOF-MS, allowing the identification of cystatin SN (CST1) isoform, as confirmed by Western blot. CST1 was markedly expressed in the H group, while it was absent in most P samples (p < 0.001). Interestingly, a distinct CST1 expression was observed in saliva from T patients. CST1 was negatively correlated with the percentage of pathological sites (p < 0.001) and was effective in discriminating active periodontitis from healthy periodontal status (whether H or T). Therefore, salivary CST1 may be a promising non-invasive biomarker for periodontal disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Human immunodeficiency virus epidemic scenery among brazilian women: a spatial analysis study

BackgroundApproximately 37.7 million people worldwide are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although HIV detection among women, they still representing 53% of population living with the virus. Spatial analysis techniques are powerful tools for combating HIV allowing the association of the phenomenon with socioeconomic and political factors. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to spatially analyze HIV prevalence among Brazilian women from 2007 to 2020.Methodsecological study was conducted using secondary databases of the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrom (AIDS) in Brazilian women 15 years old and over. Age-adjusted HIV/AIDS incidence rates were analyzed using spatial distribution, autocorrelation, and spatiotemporal risk analysis techniques.ResultsDuring the study period, 119,890 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported among Brazilian women. The southeastern region had a higher age-adjusted HIV/AIDS incidence than other Brazilian regions. Hotspot HIV/AIDS incidence rates decreased in all Brazil. Piauí, Paraná, and Minas Gerais were the only states with an increased number of cold spots. Previous spatiotemporal risk zones were observed in the states of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Rio de Janeiro. Belém was a risk zone with a later spatiotemporal risk.ConclusionsThe efficiency of public policies fighting HIV has not been uniform among municipalities, although HIV/AIDS cases have decreased among Brazilian women. The social determinants of health in each municipality should be considered when local health authorities implement policies. Women empowerment should be promoted, and access to preventive, diagnostic, and treatment healthcare places should be expanded and guaranteed.

Evidence for Fine-grained Material at Lunar Red Spots: Insights from Thermal Infrared and Radar Data Sets

Lunar red spots are small spectrally red features that have been proposed to be the result of non-mare volcanism. Studies have shown that a number of red spots are silicic, and are spectrally distinct from both highlands and mare compositions. In this work, we use data from LRO Diviner, Mini-RF, and Arecibo to investigate the material properties of 10 red spots. We create albedo maps using Diviner daytime solar reflectance data to use as an input to our improved thermophysical model, and calculate the rock abundance (RA) and H-parameter values that best fit Diviner nighttime thermal infrared radiance measurements. The H-parameter can be considered analogous to the thermal inertia of the regolith, with a high H-parameter corresponding to low thermal inertia. We find that the red spots generally have low RA, and do not have a uniform H-parameter but contain localized regions of high H-parameter. We additionally find that the red spots have a low circular polarization ratio (CPR) in many of the same locations that show a low RA and high H-parameter. Low RA, high H-parameter, and low CPR indicate a relative lack of rocks larger than ∼10 cm, which is consistent with previous findings of a mantling of fine-grained pyroclastic material for at least three red spots. Areas with high H-parameter but that do not show clear signs of pyroclastics in other data sets may be evidence of previously undiscovered pyroclastics, or could be due to the unique physical properties (e.g., porosity, rock strength/breakdown resistance) of the rocks that make up the red spots.

Impacts of rule changes on the MLS SuperDraft

During the period of 2006–2008 Major League Soccer made a series of rule changes regarding roster structures and how clubs obtained players. These changes include: creating Designated Player roster spots, increasing the number of international roster spots, and allowing clubs to sign players from their academies. This work examines the impact of those rule changes on the MLS careers of players selected in the MLS SuperDraft. Statistical methods to compare two groups and regression models are used to examine possible impacts. There is a significant decrease in the probability of players selected after the rule changes going on to play competitive games in MLS. These results may impact how clubs choose to allocate resources for player recruitment.

Topical anesthesia versus topical and subconjunctival anesthesia combined in diabetic retinopathy photocoagulation.

comparison between two anesthetic techniques on the ability to reduce pain during panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment. Observational retrospective single center study. Medical charts of patients who underwent PRP for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were revised. Patients were included if they had the first eye treated with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride drops, and in case of severe pain, the fellow eye received topical anesthesia in combination with 2% subconjunctival lidocaine. The groups were compared for pain perception using an analog visual scale (VAS), number of laser spots, number of interruptions, and laser session duration. Forty-two eyes of 21 patients (mean age: 58.3 ± 7.6 years) were analyzed. The mean number of laser spots was significantly higher under combined anesthesia (+84.2 ± 155.9 spots, p = 0.01), with a reduced time for laser execution (-2.5 ± 3.12, p = 0.0008). The use of combined anesthesia significantly decreased the number of interruptions (-40.8%, p < 0.0001) into a single session. On the pain grading scale, the pain perception was significantly lower in the combined anesthesia group (p < 0.0001). In eyes receiving topical anesthesia the treatment was stopped for pain in 5 eyes (23.8%), while 5 eyes under combined anesthesia presented subconjunctival hemorrhage (23.8%). Using combined anesthesia in patients subjected to PRP appeared to reduce pain perception limiting the treatment duration and the interruptions for pain without significant complications. Further studies on a larger scale would be desirable to replicate such findings and standardize the analgesic procedures in ophthalmology.

Identification of Proteins Adsorbed on Hydroxyapatite Ceramics with a Preferred Orientation to a-Plane

Protein adsorption is essential for determining material biocompatibility and promoting adherent cell growth. In this study, we focused on the a-plane structure of hydroxyapatite (HAp). This a-plane structure closely resembles the crystal plane where apatite is exposed in long bones. We conducted protein adsorption experiments using HAp ceramics with a preferred orientation to a-planes (aHAp), employing bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme, and fetal bovine serum (FBS) as protein models to mimic the in vivo environment. Higher zeta potential and contact angle values were found in aHAp than in HAp ceramics fabricated from commercial HAp powder (iHAp). Bradford-quantified protein adsorption revealed BSA adsorption of 212 ng·mm−2 in aHAp and 28.4 ng mm−2 in iHAp. Furthermore, the Bradford-quantified protein adsorption values for FBS were 2.07 μg mm−2 in aHAp and 1.28 µg mm−2 in iHAp. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) showed a higher number of protein-derived major spots in aHAp (37 spots) than in iHAp (12 spots). Mass spectrometry analysis of the resulting 2D-PAGE gels revealed proteins adsorbed on aHAp, including secreted frizzled-related protein 3 and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1, which are involved in cellular bone differentiation. Overall, these proteins are expected to promote bone differentiation, representing a characteristic property of aHAp.

Recyclable waste in Brazilian municipalities: A spatial-temporal analysis before and after the national policy on solid waste

In 2010, the Brazilian authorities approved the National Policy on Solid Waste (NPSW) with the aim of promoting the recycling and reuse of solid waste. However, assessing the distribution and progress of recyclable material recovery following the implementation of this key government policy remains a challenging task. Therefore, this study employs a spatial-temporal analysis to investigate the impact of the NPSW on the recovery of recyclable waste in Brazil. We employed spatial statistical techniques such as Getis-Ord Gi* and Global Moran's I. The results revealed significant and heterogeneous clustering of recycled materials among municipalities, both before and after the implementation of the NPSW. The analysis demonstrated that recycled waste tended to cluster in more developed and urbanized areas, while a considerable number of cold spots were observed in less developed regions or densely populated areas, indicating low recycling rates. These findings raise environmental concerns for policymakers and emphasize the need for interventions to enhance recycling efforts. The study highlights the urgency of improving municipal solid waste management and raising awareness among local communities about the economic and environmental benefits of recycling, particularly in areas characterized by unsanitary living conditions, poverty, and low-income disparities. Therefore, it is recommended to tailor the legal framework to local realities, considering the vast and socioeconomically diverse landscape of Brazil.

Evidence that methylglyoxal and receptor for advanced glycation end products are implicated in bladder dysfunction of obese diabetic ob/ob mice.

Glycolytic overload in diabetes causes large accumulation of the highly reactive dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MGO) and overproduction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which interact with their receptors (RAGE), leading to diabetes-associated macrovascular complications. The bladder is an organ that stays most in contact with dicarbonyl species, but little is known about the importance of the MGO-AGEs-RAGE pathway to diabetes-associated bladder dysfunction. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the MGO-AGEs-RAGE pathway in bladder dysfunction of diabetic male and female ob/ob mice compared with wild-type (WT) lean mice. Diabetic ob/ob mice were treated with the AGE breaker alagebrium (ALT-711, 1 mg/kg) for 8 wk in drinking water. Compared with WT animals, male and female ob/ob mice showed marked hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, whereas fluid intake remained unaltered. Levels of total AGEs, MGO-derived hydroimidazolone 1, and RAGE in bladder tissues, as well as fluorescent AGEs in serum, were significantly elevated in ob/ob mice of either sex. Collagen content was also markedly elevated in the bladders of ob/ob mice. Void spot assays in filter paper in conscious mice revealed significant increases in total void volume and volume per void in ob/ob mice with no alterations of spot number. Treatment with ALT-711 significantly reduced the levels of MGO, AGEs, RAGE, and collagen content in ob/ob mice. In addition, ALT-711 treatment normalized the volume per void and increased the number of spots in ob/ob mice. Activation of AGEs-RAGE pathways by MGO in the bladder wall may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes-associated bladder dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The involvement of methylglyoxal (MGO) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in bladder dysfunction of diabetic ob/ob mice treated with the AGE breaker ALT-711 was investigated here. Diabetic mice exhibited high levels of MGO, AGEs, receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and collagen in serum and/or bladder tissues along with increased volume per void, all of which were reduced by ALT-711. Activation of the MGO-AGEs-RAGE pathway in the bladder wall contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes-associated bladder dysfunction.

Parking Space Finder Using Image Processing and Machine Learning

Finding a parking spot has become difficult in many places all over the globe due to the rise in the number of vehicles on the road. The use of image processing and machine learning methods to count the number of accessible parking spaces in a particular location is one of many smart parking solutions that have been put forth to handle this problem. In this study, we show a clever parking system that counts the number of parking spots that are open in real-time by using machine learning and image processing methods to identify and discover available spaces. The suggested system consists of a camera network that records pictures of the parking area and an algorithm that analyses these images to find open parking spots. To extricate the parking spots from the recorded pictures, the image processing algorithm carries out a number of image enhancement and segmentation operations. The machine learning programe then examines these segmented pictures to categories each parking spot as either empty or filled. For the ease of users, the system offers a real-time count of the available parking spots, which can be shown on electronic signage or sent to a smartphone application. The suggested clever parking system has a number of benefits over conventional parking systems. It can increase the effectiveness of parking administration, lessen traffic congestion, and make parking easier for travelers. In order to improve the total city infrastructure, it can also be combined with other smart city systems like traffic management, public transit, and environmental tracking systems

Neurotrophic Keratopathy After Slow Coagulation Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation.

Decreased corneal sensation and subsequent neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is an uncommon complication after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC). Post-TSCPC NK has been rarely reported in the literature, predominantly after traditional, "pop technique" continuous-wave TSCPC or micropulse CPC. The authors report the first case series of NK after slow-coagulation TSCPC (SC-TSCPC). This was a respective chart review of patients who developed NK after SC-TSCPC. The collected data included demographic data, type of glaucoma, risk factors for corneal anesthesia in addition to the number of laser spots, and the extent of the treated area. Four eyes experienced NK after SC-TSCPC. The median time for the development of NK was 4 weeks. At the final visit, 2 patients had a resolution of NK, 1 had a persistent corneal ulcer, and 1 had worsening NK and corneal perforation. NK is a rare but a vision-threatening complication that can develop after SC-TSCPC in patients with risk factors for decreased corneal sensation. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial to reducing the risk of vision loss and improving the prognosis of these cases.