Central Position Research Articles

A multicomponent psychodynamic treatment for comorbid disorders: a baseline and post-treatment network comparison

ABSTRACTThis study aims to assess pre-post change of 439 patients undergoing a multicomponent treatment (psychodynamic psychotherapy complemented with other treatment components) using a novel network methodology targeting symptoms comorbidity. Patients were recruited from seven clinical sites in the Czech Republic. First, the effectiveness of the treatment was assessed traditionally as a pre-post change in wellbeing, depression, and anxiety using a Bayesian mixed model. The Bayesian factors of time effect (pre-post comparison) on the three outcomes indicate evidence in favor of hypotheses suggesting psychotherapy effectiveness. Second, a network analysis of individual items measuring all three outcomes (Gaussian Graphical Model) was conducted to compare baseline and post-treatment patients’ networks in global edge strength, the topography of the network, the centrality of nodes, and the clique percolation. The network density represented by global edge strength was not affected by the treatment. Nevertheless, the network structure changed in a more qualitative manner into a clearer and separated set of node communities, potentially showing a reduction in comorbidity. The central position of the depression node community in the patients’ self-reported outcome assessment network was replaced by anxiety and wellbeing node communities after treatment.

Comparison of Cloud/Rain Band Structures of Typhoon Muifa (2022) Revealed in FY‐3E MWHS‐2 Observations With All‐Sky Simulations

AbstractAll‐sky simulations of brightness temperature (TB) at Microwave Humidity Sounder‐2 (MWHS‐2) channel 15 from Fengyun‐3E (FY‐3E) are generated based on the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis for four typhoon cases. For Typhoon Muifa (2022), the MWHS‐2 TB observations have a strongest symmetric component within about 210‐km radial distances. Although much weaker, the symmetric component in the GFS all‐sky simulations compares more favorably with that of observations than the ERA5 all‐sky simulations. Due to ice scattering effects at 183.31 ± 7 GHz, spatial distribution patterns of TB observations and all‐sky simulations are quite similar to those of ice water path. The more cloud ice, the lower the TB. Deep convective systems within Muifa are captured by TB observations but not by simulations. Using an objective azimuthal‐spectral‐analysis based center‐fixing algorithm, the center positions of Typhoon Muifa can be well determined from both MWHS‐2 observations and GFS all‐sky simulations, but not from the ERA5 all‐sky TB simulations. Compared with the best track, the average center position errors for Muifa are 16.2, 24.9 and 74.4 km based on FY‐3E MWHS‐2 TB observations, the GFS all‐sky TB simulations, and the ERA5 all‐sky simulations, respectively. The conclusions of TC cloud/rain band structures and center positions of all‐sky simulations using the NCEP‐GFS analysis being better matching with those of FY‐3E MWHS‐2 observations than the ERA5 all‐sky simulations for Typhoon Muifa also hold true for three other typhoons.

Influence of eye lens dosimeter positioning in a realistic dosimetric phantom in reference radiation beams

This paper presents a novel approach to dosimeter placement evaluation for personal eye lens dosimetry. A new assembly, known as the “Eye-Band”, and an anthropomorphic phantom containing two “Real Eye Dosimeters”, referred to as REDs, are proposed. The purpose of this study is to compare the energy and angular responses of the Eye-Band dosimeter assembly with those of an anthropomorphic dosimeter holder (RED-holder) placed inside a phantom. The objective is to analyze the maximum deviations between these measurements to determine the ideal placement of the holders from a metrological point of view. The commercially available BeOSL Eye Lens Dosimeters were also used for comparison, placed near each eye. BeO OSL EzClips were used as the sensitive elements in all three holders. Overall, except for 24 keV and 33 keV at 90° incidence, the differences between the dosimeters worn on the most exposed side of the head (Eye-Band or the standard commercial casings) and the estimated dose at the most exposed lens inside the anthropomorphic phantom were less than ∼20%. Results for the energy dependence of the central Eye-Band dosimeter at each angle of incidence (0°, 30°, 60° and 90°) showed that the deviation in dose to the most exposed eye (right eye) between RED and the central Eye-Band dosimeter ranged from 0% to ∼20% across all energies and angles from 0° to 90°. These results show that the angular dependence of the dosimeter on the most exposed side of the head is critical to ensure adequate results between the doses registered by the worn dosimeters at the side or center positions and the actual dose delivered to the most exposed eye. For the least exposed eye on the exit beam, the dosimeters worn on the left side (the left Eye-Band and the left standard commercial casing dosimeter worn near the left eye) are shown to be inadequate in representing the dose at the left eye position, even at a slight angle of incidence of 30°. This is due to partial shielding of the left dosimeters by the operator's head as the head rotates to the left. Anthropomorphic eye lens dosimeters have proven to be an invaluable tool for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing dose estimation in ocular lens dosimetry from a metrological perspective. This approach effectively bridges the gap between the controlled type testing conditions of dosimeters and real-world workplace conditions, while maintaining standard radiation beam conditions.

Position-specific carbon isotopes of propane in coal systems in China

Evaluating the origin and fate of hydrocarbons holds significance in many fields, such as energy, geology, astrobiology, biosphere, and environment. However, challenges arise in many cases owing to the limitations of conventional methods. Intramolecular isotope analysis of propane is a new technique that offers the potential to provide insights into gas formation mechanisms; however, a comprehensive understanding of the method remains limited. Specifically, there is little knowledge about its ability to distinguish gases generated by source rocks deposited in similar sedimentary environments such as coal and coaly mudstone. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate position-specific carbon isotopes of 40 propane samples from 15 coal-type gas accumulations across four basins in China (Sichuan, Ordos, Qaidam, and Songliao); additionally, clumped isotopologues of methane samples were also analyzed. These coal systems cover a wide range of thermal maturity (from marginally mature to over-mature) at various age strata from the Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic periods, to the Cretaceous period. Our results revealed that propane generated from coal and coaly mudstone differed greatly in intramolecular isotope compositions despite having similar bulk δ13C3 values. Propane generated from coaly mudstone at a wide range of maturity had relatively more stable δ13C values in both the central (δ13Ccental) and terminal carbons (δ13Cterminal), near the theory generation line of chain-alkane cracking in the plot of δ13Cterminal vs. δ13Ccental. However, propane generated from coal had higher stable δ13Cterminal values and lower δ13Ccentral values that progressively increased with maturity. Under cooling-down conditions, propane from over-mature natural gases became extremely 13C-depleted in both the terminal and central positions, with Δ13Ccentral (δ13Ccentral minus δ13Cterminal) values being as low as –10‰, suggesting a partial origin of methane polymerization. Two propane samples from Cretaceous brown sandstone in the Songliao Basin exhibited an increase in both central and terminal carbons, suggesting that they may have surpassed chemical oxidation owing to high-valence Fe(Mn) oxides. These results indicate that intramolecular isotopes of propane can effectively differentiate dominant gas sources in a coal system with coal or coaly mudstone, as well as easily identify isotopic fractionation caused by post-generation processes, such as methane polymerization, mixing and chemical oxidation.

Lysozyme binding with amikacin and levofloxacin studied by tritium probe, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking

Lysozyme complexes with amikacin and levofloxacin were studied by spectroscopy approaches as well as using a tritium probe. Tritium was used as a labeling agent to trace labeled compound concentration in a system of two immiscible liquids and in the atomic form to determine the possible position of the binding site. Co-adsorption of protein and drug at the liquid-liquid interface was analyzed by scintillation phase method that allowed us to directly determine the amount of protein and drug in the mixed adsorption layer. Also, tensiometric measuring of the interfacial tension was used for calculation of binding parameters accordingly to Fainerman model. The treatment of complexes with atomic tritium followed by trypsinolysis and analysis of tritium distribution in the lysozyme peptides reveals the binding sites, binding energies in which were analyzed using molecular docking. Formation of complexes with amikacin and levofloxacin preserves secondar structure of protein. However, the formation of complex with amikacin leads to the almost total loss of the enzymatic activity of lysozyme and the redshift of the maximum on the lysozyme fluorescence band. A slight decrease in the distribution coefficient of lysozyme in the presence of amikacin assumes that the complex has higher hydrophilicity in comparison to lysozyme without additives. The most favorable for binding were the positions of the active centers that included amino acids Asp52 and Glu35, as well as in the vicinity of peptide His15-Arg21, with the participation of amino acids Tyr20, Arg14. In the case of levofloxacin, the formation of lysozyme-ligand complex in aqueous solution is possible without changing the microenvironment of the active center of the protein. Binding of levofloxacin to the active center of the enzyme was the most favorable, but Asp52 and Glu35 that are responsible for the enzymatic activity of lysozyme, were not affected.

Heat supply pipeline detection based on temperature gradient data of shallow ground

Heat supply pipelines are a critical component of urban infrastructure, with numerous underground projects relying on this crucial and often concealed system. In cases where blueprints are unavailable, it is crucial to determine the precise location and depth of heat supply pipelines. One of the most straightforward methods for detecting these pipelines is measuring underground temperature. Temperature gradient data is less sensitive to environmental temperature changes for detecting shallow heat sources than temperature data. This paper presents an extension of the correlation imaging method to handle temperature gradient data. This method can accurately determine the horizontal center position and the depth of the heat source. This temperature tomographic approach is reliable and has a high resolution, as evidenced by both synthetic and field examples.

Contributions of MYRRHA to the European Fusion Energy Roadmap

One of the main objectives of the EUROfusion Roadmap to Fusion Energy during Horizon Europe is to finalize the conceptual design (thus preparing the engineering design phase) and initiate the construction of a fusion spectrum neutron source (IFMIF-DONES). The Belgian Nuclear Research Center is currently developing the MYRRHA research facilities, which include a subcritical accelerator-driven system ignited by a 600 MeV superconducting linear proton accelerator coupled to a 100 MeV proton injector. The implementation of the multipurpose fast spectrum reactor MYRRHA will proceed in phases, with phase I, covering 2019–2027, including the deployment of the 100 MeV proton accelerator and associated fusion material research facilities. The research on fusion materials on the basis of the 100 MeV proton beam and with hot cell facilities will focus on innovative materials and composites and will be fully complementary to IFMIF-DONES as well to the planned research program on using currently available nuclearized facilities such as BR2 (Belgian Research Reactor 2) and Hot Cells for mechanical, microstructural and chemical analysis. A bespoke fusion irradiation module is also foreseen on the MYRRHA reactor, the construction of which is planned in the third phase of the implementation of the project (i.e. after 2035). Provisions have been made in the core of the MYRRHA reactor to include so-called In-Pile Sections around the central core or at the central core position below the spallation target when operating in subcritical mode. In this contribution, we review the role and technical capabilities that MYRRHA facilities may provide in the framework of the European Fusion Electricity Roadmap and specifically for DEMO Engineering Design, Material's Development and enhancement of Technology Readiness Level. Aspects of education and training, being an integral part of the European nuclear fusion program, are also touched upon. Finally, the synchronization of the timelines for the implementation of MYRRHA and the EU fusion facilities are discussed.

The impact of Indian radar and lightning data assimilation on the short‐range forecasts of heavy rainfall events

AbstractThe accurate prediction of high‐impact weather systems using cloud‐resolving models is still a challenge among researchers. This study evaluates the consistency of the combination of the three‐dimensional variational technique within the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation assimilation system (GSI‐3DVAR) and nudging in the same modelling system on short‐range forecasts of three heavy rainfall events from the southwest monsoon season of 2021 over the Indian subcontinent. Three experiments have been conducted (i) control (CNTL): assimilated conventional and satellite observations; (ii) radar and lightning data assimilation (RLDA): assimilated radar reflectivity and lightning proxy reflectivity data along with all observations used in CNTL; and (iii) lightning data assimilation (LDA): same as RLDA but without the assimilation of radar data; particularly done to test the impact of assimilation of only lightning data. The model‐simulated rainfall is evaluated by using the Integrated Multi‐Satellite Retrievals (IMERG) for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM IMERG) rainfall data. The intercomparison of LDA and RLDA for event 1 highlighted that both represent the convective regions reasonably better than CNTL, but RLDA outperforms LDA and thus further assimilation experiments are done with RLDA. RLDA provided reasonably accurate forecasts compared to CNTL, which is evident in the spatial distribution of rainfall and area‐averaged three‐hourly accumulated rainfall. Verification metrics for the three selected heavy rainfall events reveal that an optimal forecast performance (especially in the first six hours of free forecast) is obtained by the simulation with assimilation of radar and lightning data during the pre‐forecast period, through correcting the position and timing of convective centres. The probability of detection (POD) values are higher for light rainfall categories than for the heavy rain categories. POD values were higher in RLDA than CNTL throughout simulation for all three events. For all these three selected events, fractions skill scores (FSS) of RLDA are always better than CNTL with different neighbourhood sizes for different threshold values throughout the forecast period.

Influence of interface traps position along channel in the low-frequency noise of junctionless nanowire transistors

Differently from inversion mode MOS transistors, Junctionless Nanowires surface potential presents a strong dependence on the gate and drain biases, when the devices are biased in partial depletion. For that reason, the position of interface trap centers along the channel could have a significant influence on the electrical characteristics of the devices. Therefore, this work has evaluated how the position of a single interface trap along the channel can affect the low-frequency noise response of Junctionless Nanowire Transistors. It has been shown that the trap centers closer to the source side of the devices are more likely to degrade the noise characteristics than those located closer to the drain, which has been attributed to the lower surface potential in this region, enabling traps to be at the same state (occupied or empty) for a longer time interval.

Результаты астрометрических наблюдений АСЗ на пулковском 40-см телескопе в обсерватории Ассы-Тургень

We present the results of astrometric observations of two near-Earth asteroids (2005 XY7 and 2007 UM12) performed in September-November 2023 with the 40-cm Pulkovo telescope in the Assy-Turgen observatory. Stellar and asteroid pixel coordinates were calculated by varying the photo center position, background, and flux values for the PSF (point spread function) based on the analysis of the stellar images. The stars within the 4-arcmin asteroid-centered ring were not involved in the astrometric calibration. These stars were used for the asteroid systematic correction calculation. As a result, the internal accuracy of asteroid positions was better than 0.1 arcsec. The estimation of the mean position and the apparent rate components were performed for each set of CCD frames. Finally, the typical accuracy of the coordinates reached values of 0.024 – 0.088 arcsec. In addition, the numerical integration of the asteroid motion was made by varying the components of the state vector and A2-parameter (Yarkovsky acceleration). The unexpected and statistically insignificant A2 value for the 2007 UM12 has been found. It can be explained by the low quality of the data related to the first approach of this asteroid to the Earth and/or the tidal effects that changed the rotational state of the asteroid. The value A2 = (8.1 ± 6.4) · 10−14 a.u. per day2 on the significance boundary has been calculated for 2005 XY7 asteroid. This value does not contradict well-known data for the same size asteroids.

Balkan Orthodox Churches in Soviet Union policy (in the first years after the Second World War)

The aim of the article is to present the concept and actions taken by the Soviet diplomacy and the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church to subjugate the Orthodox communities in the communist Balkan countries. The mechanism of the subjugation of the Balkan churches has been included into a comparative perspective and integrated into the broader concept of the Moscow Patriarchate towards gaining a leading role in the Orthodox world in the first years after the end of the Second World War. The process of dependency and its effects are reflected in diplomatic documents, but also in those produced by the Orthodox Churches themselves. The key element for gaining central position in the Orthodox world by Moscow was the organisation of anniversary celebrations and conferences to integrate the community and to involve it in the implementation of plans towards Soviet political domination. The results of these efforts were very limited in relation to ambitions outlined by the leadership of the Soviet state, revealing differing positions of the major patriarchates, as well as a real strength of authority and prestige that the Ecumenical Patriarchate invariably enjoyed.

Fine Feature Analysis of Metal Plate Based on Two-Dimensional Imaging under Non-Ideal Scattering

The ideal point scattering model requires that each scattering center is isotropic, the position of the scattering center corresponding to the target remains unchanged, and the backscattering amplitude and phase of the target do not change with the incident frequency and incident azimuth. In fact, these conditions of the ideal point scattering model are difficult to meet, and the scattering models are not ideal in most cases. In order to understand the difference between non-ideal scattering center and ideal scattering center, this paper takes a metal plate as the research object, carries out two-dimensional imaging of the metal plate, compares the difference between the imaging position and the theoretical target position, and compares the shape of the scattering center obtained from two-dimensional imaging of the plate from different angles. From the experimental results, the offset between the scattering center position and the theoretical target position corresponding to the two-dimensional imaging of the plate under the non-ideal point scattering model is less than the range resolution and azimuth resolution. The deviation between the small angle two-dimensional imaging position and the theoretical target position using the ideal point scattering model is small, and the ideal point scattering model is still suitable for the two-dimensional imaging of the plate. In the imaging process, the ratio of range resolution and azimuth resolution affects the shape of the scattering center. The range resolution is equal to the azimuth resolution, the shape of the scattering center is circular; the range resolution is not equal to the azimuth resolution, and the shape of the scattering center is elliptic. In order to obtain more accurate two-dimensional image, the appropriate range resolution and azimuth resolution can be considered when using the ideal point scattering model for two-dimensional imaging. The two-dimensional imaging results of the plate at different azimuth and angle can be used as a reference for the study of non-ideal point scattering model.

Teacher voice: A balancing act?

This qualitative case study set out to explore how teacher voice was manifested in their practices in curriculum change contexts, utilising the meta-theoretical paradigm of social constructivism and the theoretical framework of social cognitive theory. Data capture comprised a mix of semi-structured interviews and classroom observations conducted over a period of 1 year. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. The findings reveal that perceptions of structural suppression influenced teachers’ sense of agency, which led to a unique construction of teacher voice. The range and scope of teacher agency was underpinned by subservience to the “legislated policy” and predetermined teacher voice, which influenced teachers’ cognitive processes of their capacity to satisfy both internal and external requirements. The central position in this article, however, holds that some teachers can find space to explore possibilities within limitations, which enable and circumscribe subaltern subjectivity and agency, to develop a balanced teacher voice.

Targeted Preparation and NMR Spectroscopic Characterization of Lys11-Linked Ubiquitin Trimers.

Ubiquitylation refers to the attachment of mono- or poly-ubiquitin molecules to a substrate protein. To shield ubiquitin chains against potential hydrolysis, a facile, click-chemistry based approach was recently established for the generation of site-specifically conjugated ubiquitin dimers relying on triazole-linkage. Here, the preparation of such ubiquitin chains was advanced by the generation of homotypic Lys11-linked ubiquitin trimers considering an isotopic labeling scheme in a moiety-wise manner. The structural and dynamical impact on the ubiquitin unit at proximal, central, or distal position that is potentially invoked by the respective other two moieties was systematically probed by heteronuclear high-resolution NMR spectroscopic approaches. As a result, conjugating a third ubiquitin moiety to the proximal or distal site of a ubiquitin dimer does not alter structural and dynamical characteristics as it has been seen for ubiquitin dimers. This observation suggests that recognition of a homotypically assembled ubiquitin chain by a potential substrate is primarily done by screening the length of a ubiquitin chain rather than relying on subtle changes in structure or dynamic properties of single ubiquitin moieties composing the chain.

Looking sideways

This article presents an overview of contemporary bibliomigrancy patterns of translated fiction from the province of Quebec to Sweden, between 2000 and 2020. Quebec and Sweden offer an interesting comparison, since French is considered a central language but the province of Quebec occupies a peripheral position in comparison with its Anglophone neighbours, whereas Swedish is considered a semi-peripheral language but Sweden occupies a central position in the Scandinavian subsystem. Drawing on theories on bibliomigrancy and polysystem, the article investigates 26 titles from the point of view of external translation history, focusing on the following questions: What was translated? When was it translated? Where was it translated? Who translated it? Why was it translated? The analysis shows that different genres, notably novels, picture books, and graphic novels, have been translated into Swedish during the investigated time frame, with different patterns regarding factors such as publication interval, translators, and translation subsidies. The increasing tendency of Quebecois titles appearing in Swedish follows the increasing trend of French as a source language in Sweden’s literary market, in contrast to the more even pace of translated literature into Swedish more generally. The results further suggest that a region’s language may have a more significant influence than its geopolitical position in the international market of translations.

Research on Quadrant Detector Multi-Spot Position Detection Based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

Free space optical communication is developing towards laser communication networking. A novel method of quadrant detector (QD) multi-spot position detection based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is proposed for multi-spot laser communication systems. The mathematical model is constructed, and the Monte Carlo method is used to validate it. The position calculation of three beams incident on QD is simulated. The influence of key parameters on the accuracy of position detection is analyzed when the spots are at the same position and a different position. The results show that when the SNR of the system is 31.74 dB, the radius of the Gauss spot is 2 mm, the number of FFT (fast Fourier transform) points is 1024, and the center of the multi-spot is at the same position of the detector target; the accuracy of signal position detection calculated by the equation is 1.433 μm, and the simulation results are 1.351 μm, 1.354 μm, and 1.389 μm, respectively. When the center position of the multi-spot is at different positions of the detector target, the detection accuracy calculated by the formula is 1.438 μm, 1.433 μm, and 1.434 μm, respectively, and the simulation results are 1.419 μm, 1.387 μm, and 1.346 μm, respectively. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed multi-target simultaneous detection method. This article proposes a new multi-spot position detection method which can not only achieve one-to-multiple node laser communication but also improve the accuracy of point position detection.

Common analysis of direct RNA sequencinG CUrrently leads to misidentification of m5C at GCU motifs.

RNA modifications, such as methylation, can be detected with Oxford Nanopore Technologies direct RNA sequencing. One commonly used tool for detecting 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modifications is Tombo, which uses an "Alternative Model" to detect putative modifications from a single sample. We examined direct RNA sequencing data from diverse taxa including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals. The algorithm consistently identified a m5C at the central position of a GCU motif. However, it also identified a m5C in the same motif in fully unmodified in vitro transcribed RNA, suggesting that this is a frequent false prediction. In the absence of further validation, several published predictions of m5C in a GCU context should be reconsidered, including those from human coronavirus and human cerebral organoid samples.

Tetris Genioplasty: A New Paradigm for Chin Asymmetries Correction

The chin plays a crucial role as a fundamental structural component that contributes to the overall aesthetics and harmony of the face. Recognizing its central position, medical science has seen the evolution of numerous surgical techniques over the years, all aimed at correcting the range of structural irregularities that can affect the chin. In this contribution, the authors introduce an innovative osteotomy technique, aimed at cases of chin asymmetry in which the skeletal median diverges from the dental median. This technique, called “Tetris genioplasty”, involves performing the classic rectangular osteotomy, but includes an additional vertical osteotomy in order to obtain two distinct segments. Finally, these segments are translocated and repositioned to obtain a realignment between the skeletal median and the dental median. The results were entirely satisfactory for the patients, aligning perfectly with the expected appearance after the operation. Furthermore, no complications were reported, proving the success and safety of the procedure. The Tetris genioplasty aligns itself with this progressive trend by offering a minimally invasive method that nevertheless is able to achieve excellent results with a high impact on the patient’s quality of life, presenting a promising path in the pursuit of optimal aesthetic results with minimized patient morbidity and greater overall safety.

Impact of Climate Change on the Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of Mentha pulegium L.

A central position in Moroccan ethnobotany is held by the Mentha genus, serving as a vital reference for aromatic and medicinal plants within the Lamiaceae family. The profound importance of Mentha species in the daily lives of Moroccans is recognized, and the primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation on the primary and secondary metabolites of Mentha pulegium under the following climatic conditions: sample 1, cultivated under standard temperature and precipitation conditions during the first year; sample 2, subjected to an 8 °C temperature increase and a 25% reduction in water supply; and sample 3, exposed to a 12 °C temperature rise and a 50% decrease in water availability. Phytochemical screening results reveal a progressive decline in primary metabolites from sample 1 to sample 3 due to the increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation. Conversely, a distinct trend is observed in secondary metabolites and the yield of essential oil, increasing from sample 1 to sample 2 as the temperature rises and precipitation decreases. Remarkably, in sample 3, the yield of essential oil decreases as climatic conditions further deteriorate. Additionally, GC analysis demonstrates that modifications in the chemical compositions of essential oils occur because of the disruption of climatic parameters, particularly in the major compounds. Similarly, changes in climatic parameters significantly influence antioxidant activity, with sample 2 exhibiting the highest activity, as reflected by an IC50 value (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 14,874.04 μg/mL, followed by the third sample at 8488.43 μg/mL, whereas the first sample exhibits the lowest activity at 4505.02 μg/mL. In summary, the complex relationship between climatic factors and the chemical composition of Mentha pulegium is highlighted by our experiment, emphasizing its implications for medicinal properties within an ecological context.

Paired Circulating Tumor DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Peripheral Blood: Reliable Technology for Diagnosing and Monitoring Primary and Secondary Central Nervous Lymphoma

Objective: This research delineates the temporal alterations of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients harboring primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. The aim is to establish that CSF serves as a superior reservoir of ctDNA compared to plasma, thereby aiding in diagnostic processes and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. Concurrently, this study underscores the enhanced response and survival rates in patients administered Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors over an extended period exceeding three months. Methods: Data including cranial-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, leukocyte and protein concentrations in the CSF, exfoliated CSF cytology, flow cytometry, interleukin-10 to interleukin-6 ratios, ctDNA in plasma and CSF, were gathered from patients presenting primary and secondary CNS lymphoma（7 PCNSL,9 SCNSL）. The temporal ctDNA modifications in plasma and CSF during the patient's disease progression-initial onset, remission, and relapse-were scrutinized. Additionally, the implications of BTK inhibitor usage on patient response rates and survival rates were assessed. Results: Within the cohort of primary CNS lymphoma patients, ctDNA was detected in the CSF and plasma of 2 and 5 patients, respectively. Conversely, in patients with secondary CNS lymphoma, CSF and plasma ctDNA were discovered in 8 and 4 cases, respectively. The detection rate was contingent upon the central lesion's magnitude and position and the patient's surgical history related to the brain. Four patients, including two from each group, underwent cranial-enhanced MRI to appraise tumor burden at various disease stages, simultaneously with the monitoring of ctDNA in plasma and CSF. It was revealed that ctDNA levels in the CSF were in synchrony with the tumor burden, whereas plasma ctDNA levels remained relatively static. This indicates that CSF ctDNA may serve as a viable tool to assess therapeutic responses in CNS lymphoma patients. In two patients where surgical biopsy was unfeasible and both CSF exfoliation cytology and flow cytometry returned negative results, CSF ctDNA was positive, thereby underscoring its auxiliary role in diagnosing CNS lymphoma. Furthermore, the study indicated improved response and survival rates in patients subjected to BTK inhibitors for over three months. Conclusion: CSF ctDNA demonstrates potential in detecting CNS lymphoma and in the dynamic monitoring of therapeutic responses. Compared to cranial-enhanced MRI, exfoliated CSF cytology, and flow cytometry, CSF ctDNA testing offers superior sensitivity. For patients for whom brain surgical biopsy is not an option, CSF ctDNA testing emerges as a valuable supplementary diagnostic tool. CSF ctDNA allows for dynamic monitoring of therapeutic responses in CNS lymphoma patients, enabling the detection of residual lesions, and thereby guiding the formulation and duration of the treatment regimen. Patients administered oral BTK inhibitors for more than three months demonstrate higher treatment response and survival rates.