Articles

Cancer prognosis reflects a complex biological process measured by multiple types of omics data. Deep learning frameworks have been proposed to integrate multi-omics data and predict patient outcomes in different cancer types, potentially revolutionizing cancer prognosis with superior performance. This minireview summarizes the advances in the strategies for multi-omics data integration and the performance of different deep learning models in prognosis prediction of diverse cancer types using multi-omics data published in the past 18 months. The challenges and limitations of deep learning models for predicting cancer outcomes based on multi-omics data are discussed.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in Alzheimer’s and many other diseases and more recently, it has been linked to various COVID-19-related symptoms. Many diseases do not develop immediately as a result of the accumulated causes or injury, but rather, as a result of prolonged exposure to elevated oxidative stress, which disrupts the body’s natural homeostatic functions.

In addition to conventional cyclones, direct-flow cyclones are often used in industry to separate dust and gas systems, despite the fact that in some cases they are inferior to other types of cyclones in their characteristics. 

Introduction: This paper presents the first application of forensic entomology in a murder investigation in Nigeria involving the remains of a 54-years victim, on January 9th, 2019 in a shaded wooded area in advanced decomposition, with no clear indication of the time of death. Objectives: To estimate the minimum post-mortem interval of a 54-year-old corpse recovered in the advanced decomposition stage using the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala and the Advance-Degree-day (ADD) method.Results: An autopsy report revealed multiple wounds to the forehead including a bullet hole. Dead embalmed dead maggots recovered from the body were identified as C. megacephala, and an accumulated degree-day model was used to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval. The findings revealed that the recovered larvae were still within the third-instar stage and had accumulated thermal energy between 58 hours (= 1.6 days, equivalent to 38.7 ADD) and 102 hours (= 2.8 days, equivalent to 68.0 ADD), suggesting that the body may have been exposed to insect activity between January 1st and 9th January 2019 after expanding the range to cater for some uncertainties. Conclusion: In this Nigerian murder case, forensic entomology used the calliphorid species C. megacephala to estimate the minPMI to be between 2 and 9 days before the body was discovered, which translates to 1st - 9th January 2019 after consideration of some uncertainties and limitations. This confirmed the crucial role that insects play in providing valuable evidence to complement forensic pathological findings in homicides when conventional methods failed. Notwithstanding difficulties with employing insect evidence in forensic investigations in Nigeria, the application of this modern forensic technique has the potential to aid in the resolution of many unsolved murder cases and expedite the delivery of justice. The ability of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to use the potential of insects in criminal investigations can be improved through collaborations and training with professionals from diverse professions.

Infections are common complications among patients on chronic hemodialysis. Hemodialysis patients with a catheter have a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of hospitalization for infection and death compared with patients with an arteriovenous fistula or graft [1]. 

Tanzania is allocated in the Eastern part of Africa and it is one among the seven countries that form East African Community (EAC). According to the recent 2022 National Census, Tanzania has a population of 61,741,120 of which 30,053,130 are men and 31,687,990 are women. Currently, the country is implementing Development Vision 2025 which identifies enabling environment essential for the nation to flourish economically, politically and socially. 

The theoretical concept of photonic quantum nonlocality cannot be implemented physically because of the quantum Rayleigh scattering of single photons. Physical scrutiny of landmark experiments (December 2015, M. Giustina, et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250401, and L. K. Shalm, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250402) is undertaken. These articles reported that measured outcomes were fitted with quantum states possessing a dominant component of non-entangled photons, thereby contradicting their own claim of quantum nonlocality. With probabilities of photon detections lower than 0.1%, the alleged quantum nonlocality cannot be classified as a resource for developing quantum computing devices, despite recent publicity. Experimental evidence of a feasible process for quantum-strong correlations has been identified (M. Iannuzzi, et al., Phys. Lett. A, 384 (9), 126200, 2020) in terms of correlations between independent and multi-photon states evaluated as Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere. As single-photon sources are not needed, the design and implementation of quantum computing operations and other devices will be significantly streamlined.

Brain metastases in any gynecological cancer are a rare occurrence. Even more so, it is extremely rare for a gynecological malignancy to manifest itself with symptoms indicative of cerebral involvement. Literature regarding the association between MS and cancer is conflicting. We herein report a rare presentation of single metastasis of endometrial carcinoma in a 59-year-old woman affected by Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). A head CT scan was performed, which revealed the presence of an expansive lesion in the left parietal region. After careful assessment, a high-grade endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed and a decision was made to remove both the primary lesion and the brain metastasis in one sitting, through a conjoined surgery session involving neurosurgeons and gynecologists. The postoperative course was free from complications up until a few days after being transferred to a rehabilitation center, where she died following respiratory complications.

The manifestation and severity of Allergic rhinitis symptoms show diurnal variation which negatively impacts the patient’s quality of life, day-to-day activities, and productivity at the workplace. The symptoms worsen at night or early morning and therefore administration of levocetirizine towards evening may be more acceptable. Consequently, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of evening Levocetirizine administration on 24-hour symptom control, Physical and mental health, and daytime somnolence in patients with allergic rhinitis the study was a prospective, open-labeled, single-arm, two-center, observational study among patients with allergic rhinitis. Levocetirizine was prescribed as 5 mg or 10 mg once a day evening oral dose for at least 7 days before sleep. The 24-hour total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) for self-reported signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis were recorded. Additionally, study evaluations included the SF-12 scale (Quality of Life), Stanford Sleepiness Scale (degree of sleepiness), and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaires. These evaluations were performed at baseline (Day 0) and at scheduled intervals of Day 1 (24-hour), Day 3, and Day 7. Results demonstrated that evening administration of Levocetirizine facilitates 24-hour symptom control while having no significant effect on daytime somnolence, daily activities, and the work productivity of patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the quality and quantity of bone at intraoral autogenous graft donor sites in type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients versus healthy controls using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on CBCT scans of 50 DM patients and 50 healthy controls between 20-70 years. Maximum height, width, length, and volume of harvestable bone at the symphysis, ramus, palate, and tuberosity were measured bilaterally. The Hounsfield unit (HU) was also calculated to assess bone quality. The two groups were compared regarding the quality and quantity of harvestable bone using an independent t-test. The effect of confounders was analyzed by the regression model (alpha = 0.05). Results: DM patients had significantly lower harvestable bone volume at the symphysis, ramus, and tuberosity than healthy controls (p < 0.001) but this difference was not significant at the palate (p = 0.957). Also, bone quality was significantly lower at the symphysis, ramus, palate, and tuberosity in DM patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Diabetic patients had significantly lower bone quality and quantity at intraoral graft donor sites than healthy controls. Mandibular symphysis had higher bone volume and density than ramus, palate, and tuberosity for graft harvesting in diabetic patients.