Comparison of Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and Mitomycin C for the Treatment of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Background Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and mitomycin C (MMC) are the two most commonly used intravesical therapies for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), yet variability in treatment outcomes and tolerability continues to challenge clinical decision-making. Updated comparisons reflecting current treatment protocols and adherence patterns are needed to inform practice. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of intravesical BCG versus MMC in the contemporary treatment of NMIBC, focusing on recurrence, progression, and adverse effects over a 24-month follow-up.

Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Normal Anatomy-Experience of 70 Patients.

Background: A limited subset of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may develop intractable symptoms that ultimately require reversal to normal anatomy. Existing literature on this subject is characterized by small cohort sizes, substantial variation in surgical techniques, and limited follow-up durations. However, this study presents the largest single-center series to date, comprising seventy patients.

Enhancing sensitivity, selectivity, and intelligence of gas detection based on field-effect transistors: Principle, process, and materials.

A sensor, serving as a transducer, produces a quantifiable output in response to a predetermined input stimulus, which may be of a chemical or physical nature. The field of gas detection has experienced a substantial surge in research activity, attributable to the diverse functionalities and enhanced accessibility of advanced active materials. In this work, recent advances in gas sensors, specifically those utilizing Field Effect Transistors (FETs), are summarized, including device configurations, response characteristics, sensor materials, and application domains.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sugar and Hormone Signaling Pathways Mediating Flower Induction in Pitaya ().

Flower induction in pitaya () is regulated by complex gene networks involving multiple signaling pathways that ensure flower bud (FB) formation, but its molecular determinants remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify key genes and pathways involved in pitaya flower induction by analyzing transcriptomics profiles from differentiating buds. Our results indicate that the flower induction process is driven by a combination of sugar, hormone, transcription factor (TF), and flowering-related genes.

Transcription factors HmeWRKY33 and HmeWRKY51 regulate the susceptibility of pitaya to canker disease.

Pitaya canker disease, caused by , is the primary threat to pitaya cultivation, significantly compromising fruit quality and reducing yield. WRKY transcription factors are essential regulators in plant pathogen recognition and defense mechanisms, yet their specific roles in the development of pitaya canker disease remain largely unexplored. In this study, five genes (, , , , and ) associated with pitaya canker disease were identified through RNA-Seq analysis.

Evaluating the Impact of Preoperative Nutritional Status on Surgical Outcomes and Public Health Implications in General Surgery Patients.

Background: Malnutrition is linked to more postoperative problems, a longer recovery period, and a higher death rate; preoperative nutritional condition is a critical factor in surgical outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative nutritional status on surgical outcomes in general surgery patients and explore its broader public health implications.

Methodology: A two-year observational research with 440 adult patients undergoing general surgery was carried out between January 2022 and December 2023.

Gibberellin-3 induced dormancy and suppression of flower bud formation in pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus).

Background: Flowering is a complex, finely regulated process involving multiple phytohormones and transcription factors. However, flowering regulation in pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) remains largely unexamined. This study addresses this gap by investigating gibberellin-3 (GA3) effects on flower bud (FB) development in pitaya.

Prevalence of Obesity in Abdominal Surgery Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Obesity significantly impacts surgical outcomes, increasing the risk of postoperative complications, especially in abdominal surgery. Objective To determine the prevalence of obesity among patients undergoing abdominal surgery and to explore its association with postoperative complications. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023.

The poetry of nitrogen and carbon metabolic shifts: The role of C/N in pitaya phase change.

Pitaya, a desert plant, has an underexplored flowering mechanism due to a lack of functional validation assays. This study reveals that the transition from vegetative to generative growth in pitaya is regulated by significant metabolic shift, underscoring the importance of understanding and address the challenging issue pitaya's phase change. Lateral buds from 6-years-old 'Guanhuahong' pitaya (Hylocereus monacanthus) plants were collected on April 8th, 18th, and 28th 2023, representing early, middle, and late stages of phase transition, respectively.

Genetic Analyses of Flower Main Traits from Two Pitayas and Their Progenies: A Cactus Plant.

Elucidation of the genetic foundation governing crucial traits in pitaya flowers is imperative for enhancing both the ornamental and economic values. In this study, the dynamic variation in flower genetics, segregation variation patterns, and a mixed inheritance model of the major and multigene flower traits of 'Dahong' and 'Honghuaqinglong' pitayas and their progenies were explored. The results showed that the main traits of flowers exhibited varying degrees of variation among the reciprocal F1 hybrids, with the data exhibiting the characteristics of quantitative traits.

Design, Analysis, and Development of Low-Cost State-of-the-Art Magnetorheological-Based Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee.

For amputees, amputation is a devastating experience. Transfemoral amputees require an artificial lower limb prosthesis as a replacement for regaining their gait functions after amputation. Microprocessor-based transfemoral prosthesis has gained significant importance in the last two decades for the rehabilitation of lower limb amputees by assisting them in performing activities of daily living.

A Wearable Force Myography-Based Armband for Recognition of Upper Limb Gestures.

Force myography (FMG) represents a promising alternative to surface electromyography (EMG) in the context of controlling bio-robotic hands. In this study, we built upon our prior research by introducing a novel wearable armband based on FMG technology, which integrates force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors housed in newly designed casings. We evaluated the sensors' characteristics, including their load-voltage relationship and signal stability during the execution of gestures over time.

Pitaya Nutrition, Biology, and Biotechnology: A Review.

Pitaya ( spp.) is a member of the cactus family that is native to Central and South America but is now cultivated throughout the sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. It is of great importance due to its nutritional, ornamental, coloring, medicinal, industrial, and high consumption values.

Identification of Family in Pitaya () and Key Roles of and in Sugar Accumulation.

The sugar composition and content of fruit have a significant impact on their flavor and taste. In pitaya, or dragon fruit, sweetness is a crucial determinant of fruit taste and consumer preference. The sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs), a novel group of sugar transporters that have various physiological functions, including phloem loading, seed filling, nectar secretion, and fruit development.

Identification of HuSPL family and key role of HuSPL12 in regulation of betalain biosynthesis in pitaya.

The SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) gene family is a unique family of plant-specific transcription factors (TFs), which plays vital roles in a variety of plant biological processes. Its role in betalain biosynthesis in Hylocereus undantus; however, is still unclear. Here, we report a total of 16 HuSPL genes from the pitaya genome, which were unevenly distributed among nine chromosomes.

High preoperative HbA1c does not affect early or late complication rates after bariatric surgery.

Background: Preoperative HbA1c has been associated with an increased incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality after abdominal and cardiovascular surgery. The literature on bariatric surgery is inconclusive and guidelines recommend postponement of surgery when HbA1c is above an arbitrary threshold (≥ 8.5%).

Government as a Facilitator versus Inhibitor of Social Entrepreneurship in Times of Public Health Emergencies.

COVID-19 established the need for even more social entrepreneurship globally. It is important for keeping society together in times of crises because it creates an environment that improves the quality of life during hard times and public health emergencies such as COVID-19. Even though it plays a unique role in returning things back to normal after a crisis, it faces opposition from many parts of society, especially the government.

Assessment of Low-Density Force Myography Armband for Classification of Upper Limb Gestures.

Using force myography (FMG) to monitor volumetric changes in limb muscles is a promising and effective alternative for controlling bio-robotic prosthetic devices. In recent years, there has been a focus on developing new methods to improve the performance of FMG technology in the control of bio-robotic devices. This study aimed to design and evaluate a novel low-density FMG (LD-FMG) armband for controlling upper limb prostheses.

Identification of HubHLH family and key role of HubHLH159 in betalain biosynthesis by activating the transcription of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1-1, and HuDODA1 in pitaya.

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are dimeric transcription factors (TFs) involved in various plant physiological and biological processes. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of bHLH TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis. Here we report the identification of 165 HubHLH genes in H.

Betalain biosynthesis in red pulp pitaya is regulated via HuMYB132: a R-R type MYB transcription factor.

Background: Multiple MYB transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the regulation of plant coloring. Betalain is a kind of natural plant pigment and its biosynthesis is regulated by a number of enzymes. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of MYB TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis.

Failed Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-Long-Term Results of Distalization with Total Alimentary Limb Length of 250 or 300 cm.

Background: Weight loss failure or weight regain may occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Revisional surgery includes distalization. However, few studies have looked at the associations between the total alimentary limb length (TALL) and weight loss outcomes, none with long-term results.

Genome-Wide Identification of Gene Family in Pitaya Reveals the Involvement of in Betalain Biosynthesis.

The gene family is a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) that regulates many physiological processes and (a) biotic stress responses. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis. Here we report the identification of 70 in their gene structure, locations on each chromosome, systematic phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif analysis, and synteny of genes.

and Are the Core Members of the Pectate Lyase Gene Family Involved in Peach Fruit Ripening and Softening.

Pectin is the major component in the primary cell wall and middle lamella, maintaining the physical stability and mechanical strength of the cell wall. Pectate lyase (PL), a cell wall modification enzyme, has a major influence on the structure of pectin. However, little information and no comprehensive analysis is available on the PL gene family in peach ( L.