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In this paper, we proposed a generalized Lagrangian for three different classes of scalar fields namely quintessence (α = − 1), phantom (α = 0) and tachyonic (α = 1) parameterized by α. These three scalar fields can be described by a common single Lagrangian called generalized scalar field Lagrangian (GSL). We obtain mathematically consistent forms of generalized equations of motion parameterized by α. It can recover the individual equation of motion of quintessence, phantom and tachyon scalar fields from generalized equation of motion of the unified scalar field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review was to explore current program evaluation practices across various medical schools. Methods: We conducted searches in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier) and ERIC (ed.gov) for original research and review articles related to medical education evaluation with key words evaluation, program, medical education, pre-registration, framework, curriculum, outcomes, evaluation, quality. We followed Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) process for scoping reviews. Results: Thirty-two articles were included. Studies were primarily concerned with either proving (n = 21) or improving efficacy of their programs (n = 11). No studies aimed at comparing programs. Nine were literature reviews. Others aimed to develop a new evaluation model (n = 7) or apply (n = 12) or validate (n = 4) an existing model (or part thereof). Twenty-two studies explicitly identified an evaluation model they had used or would recommend. Most frequently used models for evaluation were: Context-Input-Process-Product, Kirkpatrick, World Federation Medical Education, and the Standards by Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. Overall, evaluations were learner-focused and accreditation driven with a minority considering the broader influences of program success. Conclusion: Program evaluation is fundamental to driving the quality of education delivered to produce workforce-ready healthcare professionals. The focus of current evaluations is on student experience and content delivery with a significant gap in the existing literature on evaluation related to staff, learner/staff well-being, equity, diversity, and meta evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the impact of non-librarian leadership on hospital libraries, focusing on the perspectives of hospital librarians working under such management. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of having non-librarian directors, opportunities and threats for hospital libraries under non-librarian leadership, and insights from a survey of hospital librarians.

The evolution of the modern world necessitates the establishment of diverse industrial sectors, but it is crucial to prioritize sustainability in the process. Many of these industries discharge organic pollutants indiscriminately into aqueous environments, contributing to human and aquatic health consequences. The incorporation of advanced oxidation processes has emerged as a strategy for removing organic contaminants present in wastewater. Sonolytic degradation, a form of advanced oxidation process (AOP), effectively tackles organic pollutants in wastewater, yet it comes with inherent limitations. In addressing limitations, hybrid techniques integrating ultrasound with other AOPs enhance efficiency in wastewater pollutant removal. The combination of ultrasound in conjunction with AOPs, such as heterogeneous approaches like ultrasound combined with metal ions, metal oxides, and photocatalysis, as well as homogeneous methods like ultrasound paired with peroxymonosulfate and persulfate, effectively breaks down organic pollutants. This review emphasizes the efficacy of ultrasound-based hybrid techniques for degrading organic pollutants in aqueous solutions, highlighting their distinct advantages in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological systems are robust and redundant. The redundancy can manifest as alternative metabolic pathways. Synthetic double lethals are pairs of reactions that, when deleted simultaneously, abrogate cell growth. However, removing one reaction allows the rerouting of metabolites through alternative pathways. Little is known about these hidden linkages between pathways. Understanding them in the context of pathogens is useful for therapeutic innovations. We propose a constraint-based optimisation approach to identify inter-dependencies between metabolic pathways. It minimises rerouting between two reaction deletions, corresponding to a synthetic lethal pair, and outputs the set of reactions vital for metabolic rewiring, known as the synthetic lethal cluster. We depict the results for different pathogens and show that the reactions span across metabolic modules, illustrating the complexity of metabolism. Finally, we demonstrate how the two classes of synthetic lethals play a role in metabolic networks and influence the different properties of a synthetic lethal cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the Government of Canada legalized non-medicinal cannabis use/consumption on October 17, 2018, licensed private cannabis retailers have faced numerous challenges. These challenges negatively impacted retail operations and potentially undermined public health and safety. We aimed to identify these challenges to inform policy decisions. Methods: We conducted a quantitative news media content analysis using Nexis Uni and Eureka databases to identify articles from Canada's highest-circulating newspapers and CBC News website from 2017 to 2022, referencing at least one barrier to private cannabis retailers. We screened and extracted data using Covidence and deductively coded the data using our newly developed comprehensive cannabis retail framework and inductively as new themes emerged. The barriers identified in the media were quantified through descriptive analyses. Results: The search yielded 9,371 articles, of which 307 relevant articles were included. The main findings revealed that the barriers most commonly reported by the media were related to government regulations, supply chain, and competitors. The salience of these barriers also changed over time. These barriers were most frequently mentioned in the Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald, Toronto Star, and the National Post. Conclusion: Our framework was suitable for describing the data and identifying several media-portrayed barriers to private cannabis retail operations in Canada and how they differed in salience over time. However, a more in-depth understanding of the barriers from retailers' perspectives may further support the government's policy agenda of achieving public health and safety. The results from this study may also serve as a baseline measure to evaluate Canada's cannabis retail market and provide new insights into the growing body of literature about the cannabis retail market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulation is the critical process for the pharmaceutical development of poorly water-soluble drug products. Poorly formulated products have challenges in dissolution and bioequivalence studies. Rivaroxaban (RXB) is a poorly soluble drug and has 66% fasting bioavailability at a high strength of 20 mg. Establishing the bioequivalence between test and reference products for high strength requires comparative dissolution profiles and bioequivalence. Improper granulation products and the rest of the batches failed in virtual bioequivalence. The present study provided insight into the optimization of the wet granulation process for manufacturing RXB generic immediate-release tablets using PBPK modeling and simulations. Furthermore, PBPK models are not only useful for formulation optimization but also for process optimization during pharmaceutical product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-skin privilege is a term that is often used to describe the relative advantages that racially minoritized people who are socially recognised as "light-skinned" receive when navigating predominantly white spaces compared to their peers with darker-skin. This article considers the relationship between racism-induced stress and poor health outcomes amongst Black British women who self-identify as having light-, medium-, or dark-skin to examine the extent to which light-skin privilege mitigates the negative effects that racial discrimination has on health. Drawing on interviews conducted with 20 Black British women, I complicate the understanding that light-skin privilege invariably leads to better health outcomes for Black British women with light-skin by revealing how its operation at a systemic level can coincide with individual experiences of anti-Black racism that can, in turn, lead to poor health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we convert a common verification lab in the physics curriculum, measuring the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron (e/m), into an investigative lab on systematic uncertainty. The Bainbridge apparatus, commonly used to measure e/m, can have significant systematic uncertainties, leading to large discrepancies with the accepted value. Students were asked to quantify possible systematic uncertainties in the apparatus and correct them. Building upon each other's work from semester to semester, students characterized multiple sources of systematic uncertainty. Not only did the students learn about uncertainty analysis techniques that reveal systematic uncertainties, but they also dramatically improved the accuracy of the apparatus, reducing the discrepancy from 15% to 0.5%. This paper describes a pedagogical approach to exploring unknown systematic uncertainties in an intermediate laboratory setting and the student-learning benefits of such an approach. In addition, it provides detailed information about untangling and correcting the sources of systematic uncertainty in the Bainbridge apparatus. Editor's Note: This work will be very interesting to two audiences. Its most obvious audience is those who teach the e/m experiment. These readers may have observed that the statistical measurement uncertainties are seldom large enough to make the result consistent with the accepted value. This paper explains these deviations. The paper may be even more useful to the less obvious audience: those who teach upper-level laboratories or projects. This paper may inspire these instructors to involve their students in extended investigations into this and other classic experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the impact of racist medical practices on African American women in the United States. Historically, African American women have been ignored and mistreated by the medical field in the country. Cases of inhumane experiments conducted on black bodies, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment, are mentioned. These acts have generated mistrust in the African American community towards the American healthcare system. Additionally, it is highlighted that the maternal mortality rate for African American women is higher than that of any other race in the country. In response to this situation, it is proposed that African American women take control of their own health by practicing self-care and educating themselves about their physical and mental well-being. [Extracted from the article]

This study was aimed to develop and evaluate the TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA [temozolomide-polyamidoamine dendimer-siRNA] dendriplexes for the effective treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In the present study, TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA dendriplexes were designed with optimized N/P ratio for the effective management of GBM. Complexation was performed using mixing followed by incubation in nuclease free water. The particle size and zeta potential of the developed dendriplexes were found to be 121.54 ± 8.21 nm and 12.56 ± 0.91 mV, respectively. Drug loading and entrapment efficiency of TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA were observed to be 38.41 ± 3.47% and 56.24 ± 3.94%, respectively. TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA exhibited minimal toxicity towards RBCs with controlled drug release behaviour in the acidic medium. TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA complex was reversible in nature and was able to release siRNA from dendriplexes. IC50 values were reduced in case of TMZ-PAMAM (p < 0.0001) and TMZ-PAMAM-siRNA (p < 0.0001). TMZ-PAMAM resulted in the IC50 values to be 419.47 ± 17.24 and 252.21 ± 15.64 μM after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. The developed dendriplexes showed significantly higher cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 295.30 ± 21.56 μM after 24 h of treatment against LN229 cells. However, maximum cytotoxic effect was observed after 48 h of treatment and calculated IC50 value was 197.52 ± 18.12 μM. The results of cellular internalization supported the results obtained through MTT assay. The siRNA complexed PAMAM dendrimers have shown excellent potential in delivering drugs to the targeted cells. Such dendriplex-based approach can result into promising output if explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Melanomas are highly aggressive in nature known for metastasis and death. Melanocytes that gave rise to melanomas are neural crest progenitor cells. Our research was primarily concerned with uveal melanoma (UM) and cutaneous melanoma (CM), respectively. Although they both have the same melanocytic origin, the biology of their respective is different. Aim : The aim of our study was to recognize the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between UM and CM. Methodology: The gene expression profile was downloaded from the GEO and analyzed by GEO2R to recognize DEGs. By applying DAVID, GO, and KEGG, pathway enrichment analysis was performed. PPI of these DEGs was analyzed using STRING and visualized by Cytoscape and MCODE. Further, we utilized HPA and GEPIA to obtain Kaplan–Meier graph for survival analysis in order to assess the prognostic value of hub genes. Results : We examined the UM and CM datasets and discovered three common upregulated and eight downregulated DEGs based on computational analysis. HMGCS1 and ELOVL5 were shown to be enriched in a variety of altered molecular pathways and pathways in cancer. Overexpression of HMGCS1 and ELOVL5 was linked to a poor prognosis in CM. Conclusion : Computational evaluation found that HMGCS1 and ELOVL5 were upregulated in both melanomas. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes are involved in cancer metabolism pathway and associated with poor prognosis in CM. However, the molecular study of these genes in UM is limited. Therefore, a better understanding of the cancer metabolism pathways should be carried to pave the way for clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Henrik Sjögren after whom Sjögren's Syndrome is named, was a Swedish ophthalmologist who identified the syndrome which had three main symptoms namely, dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis. His contributions also highlighted the systemic complications of the syndrome which made our understanding of this disease better. Since then, there have been several studies on Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) of which two of them have changed the perception of the disease's prevalence. The first was a British study in the late 1990s which indicated this syndrome was no more a rare condition. The second is a 2008 study in the US which placed the syndrome as the second most prevalent autoimmune disease after rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Being one of the most prevalent autoimmune disease, there is a pressing need for a more profound and comprehensive understanding of the syndrome. This review endeavors to offer a comprehensive overview of the disease, encompassing its prevalence, manifestations, mechanisms, genetic factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. This review additionally offers the āyurvedic viewpoint on SS and its symptoms. This supplementary insight has the potential to contribute to the development of an integrated and holistic approach to managing the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay is designed to address the racist medical practices entrenched in the fabric of the United States. These have often caused irreparable harm to the well-being of African American women for generations and their effects on the spirits of African American women who currently suffer a higher rate of fatalities than their white female counterparts with respect to curable and preventable diseases. Present in this research is a theological framework for African American women based upon biblical insight with a view towards encouraging them to identify, implement, and maintain spiritual self-care practices that will address this public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular (CV) and brain health are the foundations to overall health and well-being. Flavonoids, naturally occurring within fruits such as berries, are reported to contain potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mounting evidence has demonstrated health-promoting benefits of berry flavonoids on CV and brain health. The warfighter community with its rising rates of CV and mental health disparities, may benefit from a portable berry flavonoid, blackcurrant, as an addition to their whole-food plant-forward diet. However, there is a lack of research investigating berry flavonoids as a potential nutritional intervention within the warfighter population. Therefore, this paper will examine the current nutrition landscape of the warfighter community, barriers to nutrition education, and potential research-based solutions to optimize health in this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most neuroimaging studies linking regional brain volumes with cognition correct for total intracranial volume (ICV), but methods used for this correction differ across studies. It is unknown whether different ICV correction methods yield consistent results. Using a brain‐wide association approach in the MRI substudy of UK Biobank (N = 41,964; mean age = 64.5 years), we used regression models to estimate the associations of 58 regional brain volumetric measures with eight cognitive outcomes, comparing no correction and four ICV correction approaches. Approaches evaluated included: no correction; dividing regional volumes by ICV (proportional approach); including ICV as a covariate in the regression (adjustment approach); and regressing the regional volumes against ICV in different normative samples and using calculated residuals to determine associations (residual approach). We used Spearman‐rank correlations and two consistency measures to quantify the extent to which associations were inconsistent across ICV correction approaches for each possible brain region and cognitive outcome pair across 2320 regression models. When the association between brain volume and cognitive performance was close to null, all approaches produced similar estimates close to the null. When associations between a regional volume and cognitive test were not null, the adjustment and residual approaches typically produced similar estimates, but these estimates were inconsistent with results from the crude and proportional approaches. For example, when using the crude approach, an increase of 0.114 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.103–0.125) in fluid intelligence was associated with each unit increase in hippocampal volume. However, when using the adjustment approach, the increase was 0.055 (95% CI: 0.043–0.068), while the proportional approach showed a decrease of −0.025 (95% CI: −0.035 to −0.014). Different commonly used methods to correct for ICV yielded inconsistent results. The proportional method diverges notably from other methods and results were sometimes biologically implausible. A simple regression adjustment for ICV produced biologically plausible associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging for people working and teaching in the health professions. What was it like to learn or teach in the health professions during the pandemic? What challenges were experienced, and how were these navigated? We undertook duoethnography to provide answers to these questions. The authors are an endodontist from Chile who undertook her Master of Clinical Education in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic and one of her postgraduate supervisors. A dataset of 40 photo-reflection dyads and duoethnographic text are presented. We experienced this pandemic as isolating, sombre and tough, albeit for different reasons. Managing relationships and family needs from a distance or in the same space in which work was to occur proved difficult. Postgraduate research was slowed. The educator workload was significantly increased, especially for the first six months of the pandemic, whereby she was tasked with rapidly creating a lot of online virtual learning material. We draw on Emotional Labour theory to make sense of these experiences. Support for clinical educators during pandemics should cater to situational contexts. We recommend Communities of Practice, psychological supports, acts of care (including self-care), wellbeing initiatives, and arts-based practice as potential mechanisms to support educators and learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses the documentary film "A Thousand Fires," by Saeed Taji Farouky, highlighting its sensory portrayal of oil collection in rural Myanmar, its non-linear narrative structure, and its thematic exploration of poverty and hope; Topics include ethnographic documentary, sensory depiction, narrative structure, rural poverty, and hope.

Over the last decade, the composition of the gut microbiota has been found to correlate with the outcomes of cancer patients treated with immunotherapy. Accumulating evidence points to the various mechanisms by which intestinal bacteria act on distal tumors and how to harness this complex ecosystem to circumvent primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we review the state of the microbiota field in the context of melanoma, the recent breakthroughs in defining microbial modes of action, and how to modulate the microbiota to enhance response to cancer immunotherapy. The host-microbe interaction may be deciphered by the use of "omics" technologies, and will guide patient stratification and the development of microbiota-centered interventions. Efforts needed to advance the field and current gaps of knowledge are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug delivery systems (DDSs) encompass a wide range of methods, including oral, injectable, and topical routes of administration, all tailored to meet specific patient needs. Micro and nanorobots, equipped with pioneering propulsion mechanisms that convert external energy sources into precise movements, have revolutionized drug delivery. This cutting-edge technology ensures highly efficient drug delivery, particularly when targeting specific targets within intricate physiological environments. In contrast to traditional drug delivery approaches that rely on bloodstream circulation, engineered micro/nanorobots have autonomous mobility, enabling drug delivery to previously unreachable areas. Integrating micro/nanorobots into drug delivery raises vital safety and biocompatibility issues. These encompass material selection, degradation in-vivo, overcoming biological barriers, controlled movement, external interference, immune response, chemical reactions, systemic effects, long-term impact, and real-time monitoring. While micro/nanorobots hold immense transformative potential, they confront significant hurdles in their journey toward practical applications. Chief among these challenges are concerns regarding biocompatibility, ensuring that these tiny devices do not trigger adverse reactions. Long-term safety remains a critical issue, as understanding the effects of prolonged exposure and potential accumulations within the body and navigating complex biological environments with precision is another obstacle. Short conclusion: The paper summarizes how to explore the various ways in which micro/nanorobots can be employed to enhance drug delivery, including their precision, targeting capabilities, and adaptability to different physiological conditions. Additionally, the review seeks to highlight the transformative potential of these technologies and their impact on the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone (O3) is technically known as, a Greenhouse Gas, has its own importance or harmful depending on where it is found in the earth's atmosphere. The present work mainly focuses on the study of concentration variation levels in O3 over a 5-year period (2015-2020), using the Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) and Time Series analysis on multivariate data. Machine learning models based on SARIMA is built to for analysis of Ozone pollution especially in Delhi. Data were obtained from National Pollution Board of India which was decomposed into seasonal, reside and trend components. Through the time-series analysis of O3 in Delhi, the results showed values above average during the cold seasons. The study analysis the effects of O3 on the health during the 5-years and prediction of future Ozone pollution level. The performance evaluation of the prediction model is done by calculating mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error, may help control the degraded ozone quality. The SARIMA model for O3 gave 20.41 RMSE values for Delhi for the year 2021 and tested through one-way ANOVA hypothesis and got a positive result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will critically explore the concept of planetary health and locate the role and identity of the mental health nurse (MHN) within it. Like humans, our planet thrives in optimum conditions, finding the delicate balance between health and ill‐health. Human activity is now negatively impacting the homeostasis of the planet and this imbalance creates external stressors that adversely impact upon human physical and mental health at the cellular level. The value and understanding of this intrinsic relationship between human health and the planet is in danger of being lost within a society that views itself as being separate and superior to nature. The Period of Enlightenment witnessed some human groups viewing the natural world and its resources as something to exploit. White colonialism and industrialization destroyed the innate symbiotic relationship between humans and the planet beyond recognition and in particular, overlooking the essential therapeutic role nature and the land facilitated within the well‐being of individuals and communities. This prolonged loss of respect for the natural world continues to breed human disconnection on a global scale. The healing properties of nature have effectively been abandoned within healthcare planning and infrastructure, which continue to be driven principally by the medical model. Under the theory of holism, mental health nursing values the restorative capabilities of connection and belonging, employing skills to support the healing of suffering, trauma and distress, through relationships and education. This suggests MHNs are well situated to provide the advocacy the planet requires, through the active promotion of connecting communities to the natural world around them, both healing the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction To assist in addressing medical readiness challenges, the DOD has established various Centers of Excellence to focus efforts to protect, treat, train, and educate service members concerning risks and potential injuries. Using the hearing health domain as a pilot, this effort used DOD methods to evaluate all facets of successful health behavior change (HBC) practices within a military environment and developed a framework and pathway for HBC. Methods The DOD uses the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) to ensure new DOD capabilities are identified and fielded in a manner that is interoperable, resilient, and supportables. The study sponsor for the Health Behavioral Change Framework study is the Defense Health Agency Deputy Assistant Director for Research and Engineering (R&E). The main objective of this group was to ensure that final products would both meet the requirements as defined by the JCIDS process, as well as be used by the operational force in addressing HBCs that improve readiness of the joint force. Results The Health Behavior Change Guidebook applies to all organizations across the DOD and military health system that may participate in or support specific tasks related to the design, conduct, and assessment of the HBC campaign. The advantage of the process is the ability to define gaps and solutions at an enterprise level. The HBC framework can be applied to a variety of health domains to include behavioral health. Conclusions Use of the " Guidebook for Design, Conduct and Assessment of Health Behavior Change Campaign Within the DOD " and DOTMLPF-P analysis will move Defense Health Agency toward more disciplined use of the JCIDS. The HBC framework allowed the Hearing Center of Excellence to lead the hearing health community to create a capability-based assessment for hearing HBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search of potential bioactive compounds, we have synthesized new Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes of hydrazone ligands derived by the condensation of benzyl carbazate with different derivatives of salicylaldehyde. Further, the synthesized compounds were precisely characterized by several physicochemical (TGA, powder XRD, SEM, EDAX) and spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV–Vis, NMR, mass spectrometry, ESR, fluorescence). Spectroscopic techniques proposed the octahedral geometry of the complexes coordinating via enolic oxygen atom, azomethine nitrogen atom, phenolic oxygen atom and oxygen atom of water molecules. The surface morphology of the ligands was distinct from metal complexes as revealed by SEM analysis. Further, serial dilution methodology was used to test the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the compounds (1–20) against four bacterial (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis) and two fungal (C. albicans and A. niger) pathogens and antituberculosis activity was assessed against M. tuberculosis H37RV (MTCC 200) strain using Lowenstein–Jensen (L. J.) slope technique while the DPPH assay was employed to examine the antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds. The results of the pharmacological activities revealed that ligand H2L2 (2) and its Cu(II) and Zn(II) (11,12) complexes have potent antimicrobial and antitubercular activities while hydrazone ligand H2L4 (4) and its Cu(II) (19) complex show good efficiency for decolourizing purple colour of DPPH solution. In addition, in silico ADME study was conducted on the compounds which revealed that compounds have the potential to be administrated orally as active drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinicians recognize insight as important for safe independent medical practice. Clinical education literature focuses on self‐reflection. The aim of this review is to describe how clinical educators conceptualize reflection and ask is it analogous to how clinicians conceptualize insight? Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the literature around insight and reflection in postgraduate medical education was undertaken. A thematic analysis of the concepts of insight and reflection was performed. Results: A total of 75 reports were included in the analysis. The literature focussed predominantly on reflection with little discussion of insight. Three main themes were generated: episodic reflection; cyclic reflection; reflection as a state. Reflection as a state seemed to be the professional quality most often aspired to but was less well defined in terms of educational interventions. When more than one model was described, it was often with a reflective state being the ideal that episodic or cyclic reflection may approximate. It is not clear that it is possible to progress up the hierarchy. Conclusion: We present a novel description of a hierarchy from discrete episodes of reflection, to cyclic processes that involve reflection, through to a state in which the practitioner is reflective. There is no unified understanding of how an individual ascends this hierarchy, or a cohesive description of what insight is for an independent medical practitioner. This review highlights the need for research into how practicing clinicians conceptualize and characterize insight in their training and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Big Five model is a well-accepted model of personality but there is scant research on the factor structure of personality from Asian populations. It is unclear whether the Big Five personality model can account for cross-cultural variation in personality structures. Aim: To explore the factor structure of personality by analyzing the Big Five personality factors in a sample from Karnataka, South India. Settings and Design: This was a cross-structural observational study conducted in Udupi and Mangalore. Methods and Material: 400 community participants (200 women) from diverse socio economic backgrounds were recruited for the study and were assessed on either an English or Kannada version of the BFI-2-S. The reliability of the translated version of BFI-2-S was established. Statistical Analysis Used: Exploratory factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax Rotation and Kaiser Normalization was carried out. Results: Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor and a five-factor solution that varied distinctly from the original Big Five. None of the identified factors fit into the original five factors. The four-factor solution explained 36.86% of the variance and the five-factor solution explained 41.74%. The five factors were named as -- Social Effectiveness, Interpersonal Ability, Altruism, Emotional Instability, and Innovativeness. The translated tool showed good temporal stability. Conclusions: The Five factors identified in the present study differ from the Big Five model or the General Factor of Personality. This raises questions about the cross-cultural validity of the Big Five model as well as highlighting the need to adopt more culturally adaptive methods of assessing personality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is the third most leading cause of cancer in men in the United States. Although expected metastatic spread to bone, liver, and lymph nodes are often monitored, there are other rare presentations that can occur. This case report demonstrates a rare presentation of prostate cancer spreading to the paranasal sinuses and orbit. Not only did this case have an atypical presentation mimicking infection, the diagnosis was also only achieved through pathological evaluation after an endoscopic examination and biopsy. This case demonstrates the importance of a low threshold for endoscopic examinations in uncertain sinonasal presentations, and consistent biopsies when performing endoscopic examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a significant crop known for its resilience, versatility, and nutritional value. The research aimed to enhance yield and nutritional quality through the assessment of genetic variability, heritability, correlations, and causal relationships among traits. Variance component analysis in the F2 population of red sorghum genotypes from the cross between Paiyur 2 and IS 21731 revealed the influence of the environment on trait expression. High variability in flag leaf traits and single plant yield was observed. Traits such as plant height, stem girth, and flag leaf length exhibited high heritability and genetic advancement which indicated that these traits are influenced by additive genetic factors and are suitable for selection processes. Positive correlations were identified between single plant yield and traits like panicle weight and primary branches and hence selection based on these characteristics could directly contribute to improved yield in sorghum. Path analysis highlighted the direct and indirect effects of traits on grain yield with panicle weight emerging as a major driver. This study provided valuable insights into effective breeding strategies emphasizing traits such as panicle weight, primary branches, and seed index for enhancing both yield and nutritional quality in red sorghum genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our current efforts are aimed to synthesize 16 complexes of Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) metal ions from heterocyclic hydrazone ligands by condensation reaction of 2,6‐diacetylpyridine with hydrazide derivatives to find out combating agent against microorganism diseases. The synthesized compounds were precisely characterized by various physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques like FT‐IR, UV–Vis, 1H and 13C NMR, magnetic susceptibility, ESR, mass spectrometry, powder XRD, TGA, and SEM that suggested the octahedral geometry of the complexes coordinating via enolic oxygen atoms, azomethine nitrogen atom, pyridine ring nitrogen atom of the hydrazone ligands, and oxygen atom of water molecule. The thermal stability of the complexes was demonstrated by thermal analysis revealing two‐step decompositions leaving behind metal oxide as an end residue. By using serial dilution method, the compounds (1–20) were tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and two fungal pathogens. Among all the synthesized compounds, complex 16 was most active against B. subtilis, whereas complexes 13, 14, and 15 were most efficient for C. albicans. Moreover, the biological efficacy of H2L3(3) ligand and its (13–16) complexes were demonstrated by computational methods like molecular docking, MESP, DFT, and ADMET studies that highlight that complexes have more potency than the ligands and may be employed as effective drug for pathogen‐induced malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, have become the world's fastest growing applications. Here, we provide useful strategies for educators in medical and health science (M&HS) to integrate GAI-LLMs into learning and teaching practice, ultimately enhancing students' digital capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Homelessness is a complex societal and public health challenge. Limited information exists about the population-level health and social care-related predictors and consequences of persons with lived experience of homelessness (PEH). Studies that focus on population subgroups or ad hoc questionnaires to gather data are of relatively limited generalisability to whole-population health surveillance and planning. The aim of this study was to find and synthesise information about the risk factors for, and consequences of, experiencing homelessness in whole-population studies that used routine administrative data. Method: We performed a systematic search using EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO research databases for English-language studies published from inception until February 2023 that reported analyses of administrative data about homelessness and health and social care-related predictors and consequences. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Of the 1224 articles reviewed, 30 publications met the inclusion criteria. The included studies examined a wide range of topic areas, and the homelessness definitions used in each varied considerably. Studies were categorised into several topic areas: Mortality, morbidity and COVID-19; health care usage and hospital re-admission; care home admission and shelter stay; and other (e.g. employment, crime victimisation). The studies reported that that the physical and mental health of people who experience homelessness was worse than that of the general population. Homeless individuals were more likely to have higher risk of hospitalisation, more likely to use emergency departments, have higher mortality rates and were at greater risk of needing intensive care or of dying from COVID-19 compared with general population. Additionally, homeless individuals were more likely to be incarcerated or unemployed. The effects were strongest for those who experienced being homeless as a child compared to those who experienced being homeless later on in life. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review of whole-population observational studies that used administrative data to identify causes and consequences associated with individuals who are experiencing homelessness. While the scientific literature provides evidence on some of the possible risk factors associated with being homeless, research into this research topic has been limited and gaps still remain. There is a need for more standardised best practice approaches to understand better the causes and consequences associated with being homeless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the displacement of SH-type waves at the free surface of a layered media composed of transversely isotropic fiber-reinforced layer overlying orthotropic homogeneous half-space. The inverse Fourier transform is obtained by deforming the path of integration. The mathematical expression of the displacement is obtained in the form of inverse Laplace transform by using the convolution theorem. The impulsive normal line moving loads in terms of the delta function is assumed at the free surface. Two dynamic stress discontinuities at the interface of layered media are assumed in such a way that: (i) the uniform motion of stress discontinuity is in the direction of propagation of SH-type waves; (ii) the stress discontinuities are created and then expanded uniformly along the path of propagation of SH-type waves. The analytical form of displacement is evaluated using numerical integration technique (Simpson's 3/8 method) and further plotted using MATLAB software. The variation of displacements with respect to time and fiber orientation has been studied. Some important results have been depicted using graphs. Furthermore, some special cases are derived to validate the model with the revealed literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To find the prevalence of tactile hallucinations of phone vibrations among individuals aged 18 years-22 years. To find whether the hallucinations are bothersome. Background: Overuse of phones can lead to physiological health hazards. Repeated use of vibration mode leads to fake perception of device being vibrating when it is not. Tactile hallucination of phone vibration is a prevalent phenomenon among young individuals. Theories explaining the possibility of the phenomenon are proven through researchers. Design: Cross sectional survey. Participants: 204 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey consisting of 12 questions bases on demographic, mobile usage hours, frequency of phantom vibrations experienced. An online questionnaire was used for the study. It is known as the phantom vibration scale or phantom vibration questionnaire which was taken from an article. Results: 204 responses were received. Out of that 68% experienced tactile hallucinations. Among those who had hallucination different factors were viewed in association with it. 88% possessed a smart phone for more than a year. Respondents were asked about the phone usage hours and majority used it for 3 hours-5 hours daily. Social media is a known addiction of phone and the survey showed that 55% of the respondents used phones to scroll social media. The next factor that is vibration mode of phone, was used by 17% of the people always. 29% used it for most of the time. About the placement while carrying of phone it showed that 69% always carried phone in their jean front pocket. Also, 42% of the participants found those vibrations to be bothersome. 21% had the hallucinations so severe that they felt it when the phone was switched off. Conclusions: More than half of the people on this planet carry smartphone and most use it on vibration mode. Even if one third of them experience the hallucinations, a planned treatment is required for this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common feature among nearly all gram-negative bacteria is the requirement for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. LPS provides structural integrity to the bacterial membrane, which aids bacteria in maintaining their shape and acts as a barrier from environmental stress and harmful substances such as detergents and antibiotics. Recent work has demonstrated that Caulobacter crescentus can survive without LPS due to the presence of the anionic sphingolipid ceramide-phosphoglycerate (CPG). Based on genetic evidence, we predicted that protein CpgB functions as a ceramide kinase and performs the first step in generating the phosphoglycerate head group. Here, we characterized the kinase activity of recombinantly expressed CpgB and demonstrated that it can phosphorylate ceramide to form ceramide 1-phosphate. The pH optimum for CpgB was 7.5, and the enzyme required Mg2+ as a cofactor. Mn2+, but no other divalent cations, could substitute for Mg2+. Under these conditions, the enzyme exhibited typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to NBD C6-ceramide (Km,app = 19.2 ± 5.5 µM; Vmax,app = 2590 ± 230 pmol/min/mg enzyme) and ATP (Km,app = 0.29 ± 0.07 mM; Vmax,app = 10,100 ± 996 pmol/min/mg enzyme). Phylogenetic analysis of CpgB revealed that CpgB belongs to a new class of ceramide kinases, which is distinct from its eukaryotic counterpart; furthermore, the pharmacological inhibitor of human ceramide kinase (NVP-231) had no effect on CpgB. The characterization of a new bacterial ceramide kinase opens avenues for understanding the structure and function of the various microbial phosphorylated sphingolipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age group at a global level. According to many community-based studies, the prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7 to 22.5% due to the country's enormous population. Upon ultrasound, it shows multiple cysts arranged in a bead of necklace-like appearance causing irregular menstrual cycles and infertility in most cases. It is manifested with abnormally raised testosterone and insulin levels and increased luteinizing hormone (LH)-to-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. Phenotypically, it is presented as obesity, hirsutism, acne and male pattern baldness, which impacts the self-esteem of young girls leading to depression and compromised quality of life. Aim: Numerous potential genes have been shown to contribute to PCOS, and the genetic linkage of PCOS has been investigated in many studies. In this study we are looking into the candidate genes, the variants, and other responsible factors behind the genesis of PCOS. This will help in better understanding of its pathogenesis and, as a result, deciphering the mechanism by proper medication. Method of the study: We comprehensively searched for publications including PCOS-relevant keywords in different areas in five different electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholars, Elsevier, Springer Link and Science Direct up to March 2023 focusing on the new ones. We excluded non-English articles, conference papers and studies that were overlapping. Chosen articles were carefully read and further articles that were retrieved from their references were also reviewed so as to make the search complete with the inclusion criterion. Result: This review summarizes PCOS as an polygenic and a multifactorial complex disease in which a vast array of genetic and environmental factors are involved. Genes that affect steroidogenesis (ovarian and adrenal), gonadotropin action and regulation, insulin action and secretion, body mass index and chronic inflammation are directly or indirectly associated with PCOS. Conclusion: In this study, research of the genetic propensity to PCOS was made, though not in-depth. With the acquired knowledge of array of genes involved, targeted efforts can be made for the potential therapeutic management of the PCOS patients via the novel discovered routes. Moreover, understanding more about PCOS would be beneficial in prevention of the associated metabolic disorders, life-threatening morbidities, restoring fertility and raising the self-esteem of the young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine differences in dietary intake of children aged 2–5 years in early care and education (ECE) setting in the US Affiliated Pacific (USAP). Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected by the Children's Healthy Living program. Children (n = 1,423) with complete dietary records and information on the ECE setting. Dietary intake by ECE setting; Head Start (HS), other ECE (OE), and no ECE. Comparison of mean dietary intake across ECE settings and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate ECE setting and likelihood for meeting dietary reference intake (DRI). Children in HS and OE settings had a significantly higher intake of several food groups and nutrients, compared with no ECE; vegetables (0.4 cup-equivalents per thousand kcals [CETK] vs 0.3 CETK; P < 0.001), fruits (0.8 CETK vs 0.6 CETK; P = 0.001), milk (0.9 CETK for HS and 1.0 CETK for OE vs 0.8 CETK; P < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of the HS group met DRI and had greater odds of meeting calcium DRI (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.7) compared with other groups. The OE group had the lowest proportion of children meeting recommended intakes for 19 out of 25 nutrients. Mean intakes of foods and nutrients for children across the USAP meet some, but not all, recommendations and intakes vary across children attending various ECE setting types. Additional research on the clinical importance of these differences and the impact of the complex food systems in the USAP may identify systematic strategies for improving diet among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizencephaly, an extremely rare anomaly of the cortex, is characterized by abnormal clefts in the cerebral cortex. Very often, this condition is diagnosed early in the childhood period but few instances exist in literature where schizencephaly‐associated seizures and hemiparesis have presented later in life too. Here, we report a rare case scenario of a lady in her late 30s who initially presented to us with obstetric concerns wherein schizencephaly remained an incidental finding despite the significantly large cortical cleft along with lobar holoprosencephaly and lissencephaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Breast cancer is the second cause of death from cancer in Guam and Hawai‘i and disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. Although a few culturally informed interventions addressing breast cancer survivorship exist, none have been developed or tested for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women. To address this, the TANICA study began with key informant interviews in 2021. Methods: Purposive sampling and grounded theory approaches were used to conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals experienced in providing healthcare or implementing community programs and/or research with ethnic groups of interest in Guam and Hawai‘i. A literature review and expert consultation identified intervention components, engagement strategies, and settings. Interview questions aimed to understand the relevance of evidence-based interventions and explored socio-cultural factors. Participants completed demographics and cultural affiliation surveys. Interviews were independently analyzed by trained researchers. Themes were mutually agreed upon by reviewers and key themes were identified based on frequencies. Results: Nineteen interviews were conducted in Hawai‘i (n=9) and Guam (n=10). Interviews confirmed the relevance of most of the previously identified evidence-based intervention components for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors. Ideas around culturally responsive intervention components and strategies emerged that were shared across and unique to each ethnic group and site. Conclusion: Evidence-based intervention components appear relevant, yet cultural and place-based strategies are needed for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino women in Guam and Hawai‘i. Future research should triangulate these findings with the lived experiences of Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors to develop culturally informed interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of nonplanar (cylindrical or spherical) Gardner solitons (GSs) in a plasma system containing nonthermally distributed heavy ions, light ions, q nonextensive distributed electrons, and arbitrarily charged dusts is studied theoretically and numerically. The modified Gardner equation is derived using the reductive perturbation method. The basic properties (amplitude, polarity, speed, and so on) of nonplanar dust-acoustic Gardner solitons (DA GSs) are analyzed numerically. Numerical analysis shows that the properties of the DA GSs in cylindrical and spherical geometry differ from those in planar geometry. The findings of the present study considerably contribute to space plasma and laboratory plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prematurity is a burden on any country for being the leading cause of infant mortality in the world. APGAR score, being a component of the degree of birth asphyxia, is an important tool to assess the quality of care used for observing neonatal outcome in the delivery room itself. Vitamin D has important role in decreasing the mortality and morbidity in the neonatal period as it helps in prevention of sepsis and respiratory complications . Aim of the study: To determine the relationship between serum vitamin D level and APGAR score in premature infants. Patients and methods: This cohort study was done in Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital, Vallah, Sri Amritsar from April 2021 to July 2022on 82 preterm (< 37 weeks) neonates admitted to the NICU. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their serum vitamin D levels: deficient, insufficient and sufficient. APGAR score of these preterm neonates at 1 minute and 5 minute was recorded. Later these were analyzed and relationship between serum vitamin D level and APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minutes was noted. Results: The lowest APGAR score at 1 minute (between 0-3) belonged to the neonates in the deficient group whereas majority of neonates in the insufficient group and in sufficient group had good APGAR scores (>6) at 1 minute. At 5 minutes, all neonates in the insufficient and sufficient group improved their APGAR scores to >6 and in the deficient group, 23.1 % neonates still had low score (4 to 6). Therefore, the relationship between APGAR score and serum vitamin D levels in the neonates was statistically significant with p value of 0.006 for APGAR at 1 minute and p value of <0.001 for APGAR at 5 minutes. Conclusion: In this study, lower vitamin D levels were associated with lowerAPGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the dynamics between fat shaming, neoliberalism, ideological constructions of health and the 'obesity epidemic' within the UK, using the UK Government's recent Tackling Obesity campaign in response to Covid‐19 as an illustration. We draw attention to how fat shaming as a practice that encourages open disdain for those living with excess weight operates as a moralising tool to regulate and manage those who are viewed as 'bad' citizens. In doing so, we begin by outlining how the ideological underpinnings of 'health' have been transformed under neoliberalism. We then consider the problematic use of fat shaming discourses that are often used as tools to promote 'healthy' lifestyle choices by those who view it as not only an acceptable way of communicating the health risks associated with obesity but also a productive way of motivating people with obesity to lose weight. Drawing on Graham Scambler's theoretical framework regarding shame and blame (2020), we discuss how 'heaping blame on shame' has become a 'wilful political strategy' under neoliberalism, particularly as it relates to individuals with obesity, and how the Tackling Obesity campaign leverages concerns around 'choices' and 'costs' as a means through which to encourage normative models of self‐care and self‐discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work synthesizes a green‐fluorescent conjugated polymer and performs basic photophysical characterization of this new material. Atums Green[1] is synthesized by a Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization reaction between isostructural dibromo and diboronic acid monomers and is structurally characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. The polymer consists of an alkoxy‐substituted 1,4‐bis((E)‐styryl)benzene repeating unit with molecular weight up to Mn = 50 kDa relative to polystyrene. Atums Green shows a strong green fluorescence maximized at ≈500 nm in chloroform and tetrahydrofuran solutions, with an absolute quantum efficiency as high as 98%. The photobleaching dynamics and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) are measured both in solutions and in solid films. Finally, solution‐based lasing is demonstrated in a bulk lasing cavity and in a cylindrical microcavity. Lasing emission is readily achieved in both formats, indicating that Atums Green has excellent emission characteristics, and further suggesting that it may present a viable green‐emitting conjugated polymer materials system for light emission applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of functionally dioecious bush tomato of Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum is described. Solanum scalarium Martine & T.M.Williams, sp. nov., is a member of the taxonomically challenging "Kimberley dioecious clade" in Australia and differs from other species in the group in its spreading decumbent habit and conspicuously prickly male floral rachis. The species is so far known from one site in Judbarra/Gregory National Park in the Northern Territory. Ex situ crosses and confirmation of inaperturate pollen grains produced in morphologically cosexual flowers indicate that these flowers are functionally female and the species is functionally dioecious. The scientific name reflects the ladder-like appearance of the inflorescence rachis armature of male individuals, the stone staircase that provides access to the type locality at the Escarpment Lookout Walk, and the importance of maintaining equitable and safe access to outdoor spaces. The common name Garrarnawun Bush Tomato is proposed in recognition of the lookout point at this site, a traditional meeting place of the Wardaman and Nungali-Ngaliwurru peoples whose lands overlap in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Digital therapeutics (D Tx) represents treatment modalities in which algorithms and software perform therapeutic functions. • D Tx analyses personalized data and enables remote monitoring of patients. • Evidence-based software provides medical treatment options directly to individuals. • D Tx also requires regulatory approval concerning safety and efficacy. • AI integration fortifies D Tx performance. Digital therapeutics (D T x) is a recently conceived idea in health care that aims to cure ailments and modify patient behavior by employing a range of digital technologies. Notably, when traditional medication is not entirely efficacious, D Tx offers an innovative avenue for treatments linked to dysfunctional behaviors and lifestyle management. D T x involves extremely adaptable therapeutic devices that empower greater patient engagement in treating illness, using algorithms to collect, transfer and analyze the patient's data. Efficient clinical monitoring and supervision at the individual level by remote access and algorithms for a range of diseases is made possible by integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence with D Tx. There is a potentially large worldwide market for D Tx owing to its convenient, personalized therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses films by Robert Lemelson, "All God's Children" and "Wawan's Prayer," which bravely delve into the stories of families dealing with autism in Indonesia.

Introduction: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the primary pathogens causing urethritis. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology in conjunction with the Department of Dermatology and STD of our hospital. The aim of the study was to detect N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis among men with urethritis and to determine the anti-microbial susceptibility of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Material and Methods: All cases were subjected to direct Gram's smear examination and culture of urethral discharge (N. gonorrhoeae), real-time polymerase chain reaction and direct fluorescent antibody test (C. trachomatis). All N. gonorrhoeae isolates were subjected to anti-microbial susceptibility testing and were tested for ß-lactamase production by chromogenic cephalosporin test. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were expressed as percentages. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate statistical significance in the case of unpaired categorical data. Agreement between the methods was assessed by using kappa statistics. Results: Gonococcal infection was detected in 58.1% cases, and C. trachomatis was detected in 14% cases. However, both were detected in 12% cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of direct Gram's smear examination and culture of urethral discharge were found to be 100% when compared to culture for N. gonorrhoeae. Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test proved to be a valuable test aiding in the diagnosis of chlamydial urethritis with a majority of positive cases showing 20–30 elementary bodies. We detected our first gonococcal isolate with decreased susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins, ceftriaxone, cefixime, and cefpodoxime (MIC for ceftriaxone = 0.19 μg/ml). Conclusions: Optimal management of urethritis and strategies to prevent its transmission depend on accurate detection of infected persons. Our study demonstrates the utility and limitations of different laboratory tests including anti-microbial sensitivity testing for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activity of a polyherbal formulation's methanolic extract containing an optimized ratio of edible seeds (Salvia hispanica, Chenopodium quinoa, Nelumbo nucifera). Diet-induced obese mice model (C57BL/6) was developed by feeding the mice a high-fat diet for 10 weeks resulting in hyperglycemia and obesity. Different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight) of formulation were administered orally daily for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored throughout the study. At the end of the study, serum parameters were analyzed and histological examinations were performed. There was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and body weight in animal groups receiving polyherbal formulation. Lipid profile was improved as revealed by a reduction in serum triglycerides and total cholesterol. Histological study showed an improvement in liver, kidney and pancreatic sections of treated mice. High-performance thin layer chromatography was performed to identify the phytochemicals responsible for the above-mentioned bioactivities. The results revealed the presence of flavonoid (rutin) in seeds of N.nucifera and in the polyherbal formulation. For the first time, this study demonstrated the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential of the optimized formulation. The formulation can be used as a potential therapy for management of diabesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]