Search

Background: The role of artificial intelligence and radiomics in prediction model development in cancer has been increasing every passing day. Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, contributing to 6.5% of all cancer types. The treatment outcome of cervical cancer patients varies and individualized prediction of disease outcome is of paramount importance. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the digital signature for 5-year overall survival prediction in cervical cancer using robust CT radiomic and clinical features. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment clinical features and CT radiomic features of 68 patients, who were treated with chemoradiation therapy in our hospital, were used in this study. Radiomic features were extracted using an in-house developed python script and pyradiomic package. Clinical features were selected by the recursive feature elimination technique. Whereas radiomic feature selection was performed using a multi-step process i.e., step-1: only robust radiomic features were selected based on our previous study, step-2: a hierarchical clustering was performed to eliminate feature redundancy, and step-3: recursive feature elimination was performed to select the best features for prediction model development. Four machine algorithms i.e., Logistic regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support vector classifier (SVC), and Gradient boosting classifier (GBC), were used to develop 24 models (six models using each algorithm) using clinical, radiomic and combined features. Models were compared based on the prediction score in the internal validation. Results: The average prediction accuracy was found to be 0.65 (95% CI: 0.60– 0.70), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63–0.81), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.72–0.82) for clinical, radiomic, and combined models developed using four prediction algorithms respectively. The average prediction accuracy was found to be 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62–0.76), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.86), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62–0.80), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66–0.78) for LR, RF, SVC and GBC models developed on three datasets respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows the promising predictive performance of a robust radiomic signature to predict 5-year overall survival in cervical cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer in Europe are not well known. Materials & methods: Endometrial Cancer Health Outcomes-Europe-First-Line is a multicenter, retrospective chart review study conducted in the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Patients diagnosed with recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer who initiated first-line systemic therapy between 1 July 2016 and 31 March 2020 were eligible. Results: Among 242 patients, median age was 69 years and 82.2% had stage IIIB-IV disease. In first-line, most patients received platinum-based chemotherapy (78.9%); others received endocrine therapy (6.2%), taxane monotherapy (5.8%) and nonplatinum or taxane-based chemotherapy (4.1%). Median real-world progression-free survival since first-line initiation was 10.8 months and median overall survival was 20.7 months. Conclusion: Poor prognosis with platinum-based first-line chemotherapy suggests significant unmet medical need. Plain Language Summary Treatment patterns & survival for recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer patients in Europe who received their first treatment The treatments and survival for recurrent/advanced endometrial (uterus lining) cancer patients in real-life European settings are not well known. Endometrial Cancer Health Outcomes-Europe-First-Line is a multicenter study that was conducted in the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain and used de-identified information from existing patient medical records. Patients diagnosed with recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer who initiated a first treatment between 1 July 2016 and 31 March 2020 were included. Among 242 included patients, the average age was 69 years and 82.2% had stage IIIB-IV disease (indicating the size and extent of their cancer). As their first treatment, most patients received platinum-based chemotherapy (78.9%), which is a type of drug that kills cancer cells. Overall, patients lived for an average of 20.7 months since their first treatment. The average length of time patients lived without their disease getting worse was 10.8 months since their first treatment. We found that patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy as their first treatment had poor survival, which suggests significant unmet medical need. Article highlights First multicountry, real-world study in recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer patients in first-line settings in Europe. Most patients in our study initiated first-line therapy with chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. Our study found poor clinical outcomes and considerable healthcare resource burden in patients overall. Findings indicate unmet medical need among recurrent/advanced endometrial cancer patients in European first-line settings. Novel therapies with potential to improve survival outcomes and provide clinical benefit are needed for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon thin films by radio frequency magnetron sputtering and their optical characterization by UV–visible spectroscopy and FTIR Spectroscopy. Structural characterization and morphological studies are also performed. It investigates the effect of process factors such as RF power, hydrogen concentration, and deposition temperature on the optical properties of the deposited films. The impact of process parameters like RF power, hydrogen flow, and substrate temperature on the bandgap, refractive index and hydrogen concentration has been studied. The study draws a comparison due to the crucial interactions among RF power, hydrogen flow, and substrate temperature which affect the optical and structural characteristics of a-Si:H thin films. For a particular application, the critical control of these parameters is necessary to provide the requisite film qualities. The films prepared with optimized deposition parameters of RF power of 80 W, hydrogen flow of 5 sccm, and deposition temperature of 150 °C, resulted in a bandgap value of 1.80 eV, refractive index of 2.3, and hydrogen concentration of 5.15% which can be useful as absorber layer in photovoltaic applications. Despite the amorphous nature of all the films, achieving a high-quality a-Si:H thin film requires control over the growth structures, where hydrogen plays a crucial role in passivating the defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of secondary resources for isolation of valuable constituents, such as rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements (TEs), is of importance owing to the need to identify new domestic sources and reduce reliance on imports. The present study systematically discusses the distribution of REEs and TEs in core samples from the coal block of Bhalukasba Surni {(B1(125 m)-B9 (409 m)} located in Rajmahal coalfield, Jharkhand, India, which has not been investigated previously for its geochemistry. The studied coal samples were found to be enriched in TEs whose abundances were in the order of Mn > Mo > Zr > Ni > Cr > V > Cu > Zn > Pb, and REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) along with Sc and Y. The average concentration of REEs with yttrium (ΣREY) on an ash basis was 528 ppm, which is significantly higher than the world average for coal ash (435 ppm). Of the samples investigated, B3 (182–184 m) and B8 (396–399 m) demonstrated relatively higher concentrations of potentially economic elements, with B3 containing a higher proportion of middle to heavy REEs Gd, Dy, Ho and Er, and B8 showing relative enrichment in Nd and Y. On dry whole coal basis, B6 (275–278 m) showed a considerably higher concentration of Ge (55 ppm) than other samples, whereas the concentration of Zr varied in the range of 90–160 ppm in the whole coal block. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the presence of quartz, keatite, hematite, zircon, anatase and orthoclase in the coal ash samples prepared at 815 °C. REEs exhibited prominent positive correlation with Al2O3 (0.4 < r > 0.9) which is supportive of their residence in primary clay minerals such as kaolinite and illite-smectite. Additionally, a positive correlation of REEs with P2O5 (0.4 < r > 0.9) suggests their association with phosphate minerals (such as monazite, xenotime, apatite). Positive correlation with TiO2 (r > 0.7) corroborates the possible association of REEs with anatase. The morphology of the coal ash samples viewed in SEM showed the presence of Al2O3 and SiO2 enriched irregular-sponge particles likely derived from partly-fused clay minerals, which accounted for the lower extent of REE encapsulation. The Bhalukasba Surni coal block is potentially of economic importance due to its enrichment in Ge, Zr, and the REEs. Highlights: A systematic study on the distribution of REEs and TEs in the coal block of Bhalukasba Surni in Rajmahal coalfield, Jharkhand, India was performed. The average concentration of ΣREY on an ash basis was 528 ppm as compared to the world average of 435 ppm. Enrichment of trace elements followed the order of Mn > Mo > Zr > Ni > Cr > V > Cu > Zn > Pb. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the presence of quartz, keatite, hematite, zircon, anatase and orthoclase in the coal ash samples prepared at 815 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms' responses to environmental changes involve complex, coordinated responses of multiple tissues and potential parental influences. Here using a multi-tissue approach we determine how variation in parental behavioural tolerance and exposure to elevated CO2 influences the developmental and intergenerational molecular responses of their offspring in the coral reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus to future ocean acidification (OA) conditions. Gills and liver showed the highest transcriptional response to OA in juvenile fish regardless of parental OA conditioning, while the brain and liver showed the greatest intergenerational acclimation signals. Developmentally induced signals of OA, such as altered neural function in the brain, were restored to control levels after intergenerational exposure. Intergenerational CO2 exposure also enabled the offspring to adjust their metabolic processes, potentially allowing them to better meet the energetic demands of a high CO2 environment. Furthermore, offspring of OA-exposed parents differentially expressed a new complement of genes, which may facilitate intergenerational acclimatory responses. A genetic component of intergenerational plasticity also played a crucial role, with the parental behavioural phenotype largely determining the offspring's transcriptional signals. Overall, our results reveal tissue-specific transcriptional changes underlying intergenerational plastic responses to elevated CO2 exposure, enhancing understanding of organismal acclimation to OA throughout the whole body. Multi-tissue transcriptomic analysis reveals how variability in parental behavioral tolerance and environment shape rapid acclimation to ocean acidification in a coral reef fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Appendectomies are the most common abdominal emergency surgery in pediatric patients. Both pediatric and general surgeons are credentialed to perform this procedure, however pediatric surgeons are specialized in pediatrics. This study seeks to determine differences in pediatric appendectomy outcomes between general and pediatric surgeons. Methods: Pediatric patients undergoing appendectomies between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database. Multivariable logistic regression models examined association of surgeon specialty with readmission, postoperative complications, reoperation, non-home discharge destination, operative time, etc. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Average ages of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy by pediatric and general surgeons were 11.2 (n = 68,638) and 12.3 (n = 3,986) years, respectively (p <.001). General surgeons were not more likely to have adverse outcomes [AOR: 1.00 (0.99–1.01), p = 0.57], readmissions [AOR: 0.995 (0.98–1.00), p = 0.11], reoperations [AOR: 1.00 (0.99–1.00), p = 0.54], or non-home discharges [AOR: 0.99 (0.99–1.00), p = 0.94]. Conclusions: Similar outcomes arise in pediatric appendectomies performed by general surgery at a children's hospital or hospitals with a pediatric wing. Significant limitations to using the NSQIP-P database persist. Further research including hospitals contributing to both adult and pediatric databases can provide a clearer picture of post-surgical outcomes in appendectomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an investigation on the generalized Couette flow of two immiscible Newtonian fluids in an anisotropic porous medium. The flow occurs between two parallel plates, driven by the combined effects of an axial pressure gradient and the movement of the upper plate. The region between the plates is filled with an anisotropic porous medium characterized by directional permeability. An exact solution is derived for the proposed problem by considering appropriate boundary and interface conditions. The slip condition is employed at the lower plate of the channel which has a significant role in the flow mechanics of fluids flowing through porous medium. The effects of directional permeability on the flow of immiscible fluids are explored, and specific cases are presented. This study reveals a significant influence of directional permeability on the flow velocity of both fluids. Furthermore, quantitative conclusions are drawn regarding the shear stress at the lower and upper wall of the channel, with implications for the anisotropic nature of blood arteries. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of fluid flow in anisotropic porous media and have potential applications in various engineering domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important food crop cultivated across the globe which ensures sustainability and food security to massive world's population, but its production is threatened by both biotic factors like rust (caused by Puccinia species) and abiotic stresses such as salinity. In this study, 41 salt-tolerant wheat lines were screened for rust resistance at both seedling and adult plant stages. Rust resistance genes were characterized through gene matching technique and molecular markers analysis. Yr2 was confirmed in 23 lines, while Yr9 along with Lr26 / Sr31 were postulated in six lines with the help of SRT and molecular markers. Except for KRL2013, none showed complete resistance to all Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Lr24/Sr24 genes were confirmed in HD2851 and KRL2029, and Lr13 was detected in a maximum of 24 wheat lines, with varying reaction responses to different leaf rust pathotypes. Several lines carried additional resistance genes such as Sr11 , Sr28 , and Lr68. Lr68 an effective race non-specific APR gene identified in 15 wheat lines with the help of CsGs-STS marker. Although many salt-tolerant wheat lines were susceptible to yellow rust during the seedling stage, a few lines showed APR in the years during 2020 and 2021. Three lines (KRL213, KRL219 and KRL238) showed complete resistance at adult plant stage to leaf rust. These findings offer insights into the genetic basis of rust resistance in salt-tolerant wheat, aiding breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season (June-August, 2018) at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, India, to assess the growth and quality of baby corn as influenced by NPK and zinc fertility approaches under varying spatial geometries in Indo-gangetic plain zone of Bihar. The experiment was laid out in split-split-plot design with three levels of spatial geometry, viz. 40×20 cm2 spacing, 50×15 cm2 spacing and paired row planting (30 cm spacing in between two lines in a paired-row; 50 cm between the two paired-rows and 10 cm between plants within a row) in main plot; three levels of fertility viz. 120:60:60, 150:75:75 and 180:90:90 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 in sub-plots; and two levels of zinc viz., 2.5 and 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 in sub-sub plots, replicated thrice. Paired row planting recorded enhanced and significant increase in growth attributes, thereby registering highest baby corn yield (1.43 t ha-1), green fodder yield (26.78 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (11.46 t ha-1), as compared to conventional planting. 180:90:90 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 and 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 enhanced the growth parameters as well as baby corn, green fodder and dry fodder yield. Paired row planting, NPK fertility @180:90:90 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 and Zn fertility levels @5.0 kg Zn ha-1 also recorded improvement in reducing sugar, protein and zinc content of baby corn as well as nutritional quality of fodder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,4‐Thiazolidinedione derivatives represent nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds utilized in type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Recent advances in medicinal chemistry have unveiled diverse therapeutic potentials and structural modifications of these derivatives. This review delves into novel TZD derivatives, encompassing their synthesis, structure‐activity relationships, and pharmacokinetic profiles. Various therapeutic potentials of TZDs are explored, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antihyperlipidemic, anticorrosive, and antitubercular activities. Additionally, it addresses mitigating side effects associated with marketed TZD derivatives such as weight gain, oedema, fractures, and congestive heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus management. The review elaborates on in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies supporting different biological activities, alongside predicting ADME and drug‐likeness properties of TZDs. Computational studies are also integrated to elucidate binding modes and affinities of novel TZD derivatives. Furthermore, a plethora of novel TZD derivatives with varied and enhanced therapeutic potentials are presented, warranting further evaluation of their biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nurses are the primary contact for caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN). Parent counselling and health screening programs are undertaken in which nurses play an important role. Along with this, it is also essential to have knowledge of oral health and the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, especially for CSHCN. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of nursing graduates regarding oral healthcare for CSHCN at baseline, one week and one month after a Structured Visual Pedagogy (SVP) intervention, and to compare their knowledge scores before and after the intervention. Materials and Methods: This pretest-posttest quasiexperimental study was conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, Pune, Maharashtra, India, between February 2023 and June 2023, among 60 nursing graduates. An SVP was curated and delivered to the study population. It was an audio-video discussion-based intervention covering the various domains of oral healthcare for CSHCN, including their oral manifestations, barriers to oral hygiene maintenance, and their management through counselling and timely referrals. Participants completed a pre-validated questionnaire at three intervals: before the intervention, one week after and one month after the intervention, and their knowledge was analysed. The data were analysed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21.0, USA. Results: The mean age of study group was 21±0.85 years. Among the participants, 52 (86.6%) were females and 8 (13.4%) were males. Between the baseline and the first week of the SVP, as well as, between the baseline and the first month, nursing graduates' understanding of the oral health requirements of CSHCN increased. The mean knowledge score at the preintervention stage was 6.83±2.35; at one week post-intervention, the mean knowledge score was 14.40±1.50; and one month post-intervention, the mean knowledge score was 13.65±1.40. It was observed that there was a statistically significant increase in the mean knowledge score one week, as well as, one month post-intervention compared to the baseline (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: The SVP was highly effective among the nursing graduates, clearly highlighted its use as a training tool for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is abundant evidence about the impact of physical activity on health. Many of the clinical guidelines include physical activity as a strong recommendation in treatment plans to optimize health outcomes; however it is necessary to consider the interaction between medications and physical activity. There are certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pain and urinary incontinence that may directly impact physical activity as well as medications for those conditions can affect how a person can be physically active. Having individualized conversations with patients to determine ways to incorporate physical activity into their lives may lead to healthier outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities like fertilization, land use changes, urbanization, and so on development had resultant in emission of uncontrollable amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Since the industrialization era, CO2 has increased by 40% (280 ppm in 1750–421 ppm in 2022). Therefore, the present study deals with the application of engineered low-cost activated carbon nanoporous material from Nerium Oleander fruit seeds for the adsorption of CO2 gas. These seeds are abundant in nature, easy to handle, and do not require much processing for making starting material for adsorbent. The surface area and micropore volume of the starting material and prepared materials were studied with the help of a surface area analyser, the presence of various functional groups was observed with FTIR, and its crystalline structure was assessed using XRD pattern, which suggest successful synthesis of the activated carbon material. The study demonstrates the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbents decreases with increase in temperature and flow rate, whereas the height of the adsorbent column enhances the removal of CO2. The activated carbon claims its promising adsorption capacity of 48.6 mg CO2/g at (25 °C) packed into 5 cm column height with a flow rate of 25 mL/min, which is higher than the starting material (14.1 mg CO2/g). The reusability of the activated carbon was studied for up to 4 cycles, which suggests the material was exhausted more than 50% after cycle 2 and can be reused up to cycle 2. Hence, the study suggests that the activated carbon materials prepared using Nerium Oleander seeds can be effectively used for the removal of CO2 gas for making a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cashew industry produces extremely toxic effluent that seriously endangers life. Furthermore, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) a by-product, from the cashew industry is underutilized resulting in its presence in effluent. This liquid is extremely toxic and poses a threat to the environment if discharged without removal. Therefore, this comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of cashew nut processing, with a particular focus on the production of CNSL, its chemical profiling, and the imperative need for thorough characterization to ascertain its chemical composition. The manuscript underscores the potential of CNSL as a promising solution in the agricultural sector due to its skyrocketing potential as an insecticidal, fungicidal, antioxidant, anticorrosive, and termite resistant, and its ability to be blended with biodiesel as it improves lubrication properties in comparison with traditional diesel and helps extend the lifespan of engines, further necessitating minimal maintenance. It explores the necessity for chemical modifications in CNSL, presenting recent insights and advancements, particularly in the realm of phyto-nano-emulsions of CNSL with increased bioavailability. Additionally, it highlights the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence and machine learning models in predicting CNSL emissions, yield, crop health, and cashew kernel quality checks, offering a holistic decision support system for supply chain optimization. By succinctly mapping out the roadmap for CNSL production, chemical enhancements, and its application as an antifungal agent, the manuscript advocates for the integration of AI and ML to enhance agricultural outcomes and boost farmers' profits.Article Highlights: Chemical profiling and characterization details of Cashew nut shell liquid- an underutilized cashew industry by-product which is rich in chemical constituents. Recent insights on the exceptional multifaceted potential of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) to achieve sustainability in the agricultural sector. An Update on how the integration of AI and machine learning in CNSL production and applications can enhance decision support systems-ultimately increasing farmers’ profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: The exceedingly high US spending per capita on prescription medications is mediated, at least in part, by the inefficiencies of existing generic pharmaceutical distribution and reimbursement systems; yet, the extent of potential savings and areas for targeted interventions for generic drug prescribers remains underexplored. Objective: We aimed to analyze 2021 Medicare Part D spending on generic drugs in comparison with pricing of a low-cost generic drug program, the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC), to gauge the extent of achievable potential savings. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this retrospective, observational study, we performed a systematic analysis of potential Medicare Part D savings when using MCCPDC generic pricing. The 2023 MCCPDC data, as of August 2023, were obtained from the provider's publicly available database. The 2021 Medicare Part D data and prescriber datasets were obtained from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes included total prescription volume, proportion of drugs with savings, total US dollar Medicare savings, and average weighted price reduction per unit drug. Results were stratified by medical and surgical subspecialties to identify areas for targeted interventions. Subspecialty-wise contribution to total savings versus contribution to total prescription volume was characterized. Results: Total estimated Medicare Part D savings were $8.6 billion using 90-day MCCPDC pricing, with surgical drugs accounting for over $900 million. Nearly 80% of the examined drugs were more price effective through MCCPDC using 90-day supply. Commonly prescribed drugs in cardiology, psychiatry, neurology, transplant surgery, and urology demonstrated the highest estimated absolute savings. The most disproportionate savings relative to prescription volume were observed for drugs in oncology, gynecology, infectious disease, transplant surgery, and colorectal surgery. Conclusions and Relevance: This study underscores the significant potential for Medicare Part D savings through strategies that address the systemic overpayment for generic medications. We identified key areas for reform as well as specific medical and surgical subspecialties where targeted interventions could yield substantial savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-cost particulate matter sensors (LCS) are vital for improving the spatial and temporal resolution of air quality data, supplementing sparsely placed official monitoring stations. Despite their benefits, LCS readings can be biased due to the physical properties of aerosol particles and device limitations. An optimization model is essential to enhance LCS data accuracy. This paper presents a calibration study of the LCS network of Timișoara, Romania. The calibration began by selecting LCS devices near National Air Quality Monitoring Network (NAQMN) stations and developing parametric models, choosing the best for broader application. Plantower, Sensirion, and Honeywell sensors showed comparable accuracy. Calibration involved clusters within a 750 m radius around NAQMN stations. Models incorporating RH corrections and multiple linear regression (MLR) were fitted. The best model was validated against data from unseen sensors, leading to mean bias errors (MBE) within 9-17% and RMSEs of 33-35%, within sensor uncertainty margins. Applied to the city-wide LCS network, the model identified several stations regularly exceeding the EU daily PM10 threshold, unnoticed by NAQMN stations due to their limited coverage. The study highlights the necessity of granular monitoring to accurately capture urban air quality variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation of testicular tissue holds an important role in the field of fertility preservation, particularly for prepubertal boys diagnosed with cancer. However, prepubertal testicular tissue cryopreservation is still considered to be in the experimental stage necessitating the refinement of cryopreservation protocol. Considering the fact that loss of membrane lipids is the primary cause of freeze–thaw-induced loss of testicular cell functions, in this study, we explored the beneficial properties of exogenous supplementation of membrane lipids in the form of liposomes in enhancing the cryosurvival of prepubertal testicular tissue. The freezing medium supplemented with liposomes (prepared from soy lecithin, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol) was used for the experiments. Prepubertal testicular tissues from Swiss albino mice were cryopreserved in a liposome-containing freezing medium (LFM) composed of 0.25 mg/mL liposomes, 5% DMSO, and 30% FCS in the DMEM/F12 medium using a slow freezing protocol. The tissues were thawed and assessed for various testicular cell functions. Freezing in LFM mitigated the loss of viability, decreased malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05), and reduced apoptosis (p < 0.05) in the testicular cells compared to the testicular tissue cryopreserved in the control freezing medium (CFM). Further, DMSO (5%) appears to be the ideal penetrating cryoprotectant for prepubertal testicular tissue cryopreservation with liposome-based freezing medium. Similar enhancement in cryosurvival of cells was observed in adult human testicular tissue frozen with LFM. These findings highlight the translational value of liposome-based freezing medium in the cryopreservation of testicular tissue of prepubertal boys undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The variable positions of the appendix can mislead surgeons and physicians to a wrong diagnosis. When appendicitis happens in subhepatic caecum, it can be misdiagnosed and can lead to severe complications during surgical procedures. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the histomorphometric development of the appendix and caecum and to identify when lymphoid follicles appear in the appendix during fetal life. Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 50 fetuses. The caecum and appendix were carefully dissected. Their position and various measurements were observed. Afterwards, the appendix was taken out for histological processing. All three layers, mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis externa were measured using Image Analyzer Software Image Pro Premiere 9.1, and the appearance of lymphoid follicles was also examined. Results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: During the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters the most common caecum type was type 1: as a lengthy tube, type 3: The lateral wall expanded more, thus it has an asymmetric saccule, and type 4: adult-like caecum. The caecum was mostly situated in the right lumbar region in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. In the 1st trimester, it was subhepatic in position. The most common position of the appendix was 11 o'clock in 1st and 3rd trimesters. 2nd trimester's most common position of the appendix was 12 o'clock. The thickness of the mucosa, submucosa, and the muscularis externa increases as the trimester increases. The lymphoid follicles have appeared during the 2nd trimester. Conclusion: The knowledge from this study will be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of malformations, pathology, and anomalies of the caecum and appendix due to congenital causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lipid metabolism has essential roles in skin barrier formation and the regulation of skin inflammation. Lipid homeostasis regulates skin melanogenesis, although the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) is a key transcription factor essential for cellular lipid metabolism. Loss-of-function variants in SREBF1 are responsible for autosomal-dominant ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia and photophobia syndrome, emphasizing the significance of lipid homeostasis in skin keratinization. Objectives To identify the genetic basis of a new entity featuring diffuse skin hyperpigmentation with congenital cataracts, and to unravel the underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of the SREBF1 variant. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify underlying genetic variants. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the expression and the subcellular localization of the SREBF1 variant. The transcriptional activity of mutant SREBP-1 was determined by a luciferase reporter assay. A transgenic zebrafish model was constructed. Results Two unrelated patients presented with generalized skin hyperpigmentation with skin xerosis, congenital cataracts and extracutaneous symptoms. We identified a de novo nonsense variant c.1289C>A (p.Ser430*) in SREBF1 in both patients. The variant encoded a truncated protein that showed preferential nucleus localization, in contrast to wild-type SREBP-1 which – in sterol-sufficient conditions – is mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The luciferase reporter assay revealed that the p.Ser430* mutant exhibited enhanced transcriptional activity. Cultured patient primary melanocytes showed increased melanin synthesis vs. those from healthy controls. At 35 days postfertilization, the p.Ser430* transgenic zebrafish model exhibited more black spots, along with upregulated expression of melanogenic genes. Conclusions We demonstrated that a gain-of-function variant of SREBF1 causes a previously undescribed disorder characterized by generalized skin hyperpigmentation and congenital cataracts. Our study reveals the involvement of SREBP-1 in melanogenesis and lens development, and paves the way for the development of novel therapeutic targets for skin dyspigmentation or cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard testing for disease evaluation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) includes examination of the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Radiographic or functional imaging are indicated when clinical signs of non-CNS extramedullary disease are present but are not standard in the relapsed/refractory setting. We describe two cases of patients with relapsed/refractory BALL with prior exposure to blinatumomab and/or inotuzumab ozogamicin presenting for CAR-T cell treatment. Both patients were thought to only have minimal residual disease (MRD) at the pre-CAR disease assessment, with MRD of 6,648 (0.66%) and 100 (0.01%) cells per million cells, respectively, as measured by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in their bone marrows. Both patients for distinct reasons unrelated to non-CNS extra-medullary (EM) symptoms had PETMRIs prior to lymphodepletion and CAR T cell infusion. In both cases patients were found to have significant bulky subclinical EM disease that required changes in clinical management. In the newly-emergent era of antigen-targeted immunotherapy, it is foundational that incidence and relapse patterns following targeted therapy are well-understood. Herein we contribute to a growing body of literature addressing this fundamental clinical gap and highlight a future role for formal prospective imaging studies to better establish response, toxicity and relapse patterns following CAR-T cell therapy in EM B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are strengthened by including nanoparticles at a nanoscale. Due to their extraordinary properties, the two-dimensional nanomaterials of 2D are increasingly being regarded as nanofillers in PNCs. An overview of the development of 2D nanomaterial-based PNCs, including manufacturing methods, structural applications, and bio-medical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, gene therapy, cancer therapy, and dental composites, is provided in this review. Nanoparticles may be synthesised with a variety of techniques, for example in situ polymerisation, sol–gel processing, mixed melted materials, and composite solutions. The properties of PNCs have been enhanced by including graphene and other 2D nanomaterials, which enable them to be used in energy generation, storage applications as well as tissue engineering. More recently, the introduction of biological functionalities by combining polymers and 2D nanomaterials has opened new possibilities for these advanced nanocomposites in tissue engineering applications. Specifically, because of their increased cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation, 2D nanomaterial-based polymer composites have shown potential as scaffolds for both soft tissue regeneration and hard tissue engineering. Overall, innovative biomedical applications result from synergistic interactions between the polymer matrix and 2D nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the validation and spatial–temporal variability of simulated PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations over Ahmedabad city using the WRF-Chem model with EDGAR global emissions and locally developed PM emissions as inputs. The validation process involves comparing simulated PM10, PM2.5, and meteorological parameters with in-situ measurements from stations at Pirana and S P Stadium during 16th-17th May and 16th-17th December 2018. The analysis focuses on six-hourly averaged data, highlighting the significant role of Wind Speed, Wind Direction, and Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) in the dispersion of air pollutants. The results show that the model using locally developed PM emissions significantly reduces bias and provides better spatial distribution patterns compared to EDGAR emissions. For instance, in May, the average simulated PM10 using EDGAR emissions was 85 µg/m3, while the locally developed emissions yielded an average of 183 µg/m3, closer to the observed in-situ average of 178 µg/m3. Similarly, in December, the simulated PM10 using EDGAR emissions was 97 µg/m3 compared to 232 µg/m3 from local emissions, with an in-situ average of 147 µg/m3. The spatial analysis reveals that during May, 52% of the western areas experienced 'Good' air quality in the morning, decreasing to 40% by the evening. In contrast, December showed more severe pollution, with 45% of the North–North Western city experiencing 'Moderately Polluted' air quality by evening. The correlation coefficients (R2) for PM10 validation at Pirana and S P Stadium were 0.73 and 0.93 respectively in May using EDGAR emissions, improving to 0.77 and 0.91 with local emissions. This study underscores the need for improved emission inventories and mitigation strategies to enhance air quality in Ahmedabad. The significant seasonal variations and the impact of meteorological parameters on pollutant dispersion highlight the importance of localized data and targeted interventions for effective air quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the elemental and proximate compositions of coal and biomass fuels, including Indo Coal, HBFL, SBP, and SBFL, highlighting their implications for sustainable energy production. Key elements such as aluminum, arsenic, boron, barium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, lead, antimony, silicon, and tin exhibit significant variations, emphasizing the importance of understanding each fuel source, particularly in co-firing applications. Combustion residues from these fuels show diverse elemental compositions, necessitating careful environmental management of elements like arsenic, lead, and chromium. Proximate analysis reveals distinctive characteristics, with variability in ash content affecting combustion efficiency and environmental considerations. The study finds that co-firing biomass with coal can significantly reduce NOx and SOx levels, with sulfur content in mixtures decreasing by up to 18%, leading to a potential 30% reduction in SO2 emissions. CO2 emissions could also be reduced by up to 51.21% as the biomass-to-coal ratio increases. Despite an 11% to 19% decrease in energy due to moisture imbalance, this can be optimized with technological advancements. Economic benefits are clear, as blending 2% of biomass can save 6.34% in both fuel consumption and purchase costs, with the highest cost-saving ratio of 72.87% achieved at a 20% blending ratio. Notably, most savings arise from the lower biomass purchase costs (Rs. 5000–6000 per ton) compared to coal (Rs. 15000–18000 per ton). However, technical challenges such as combustor fouling and corrosion from biomass ash must be addressed. Further research, particularly in thermal kinetic modeling, is recommended to examine the combustion characteristics of coal-biomass blends under controlled conditions. The progression from initial studies to long-term demonstrations indicates a promising future for co-firing technology, facilitating its widespread adoption in the industry at an optimal cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal phytopathogens cause severe losses to crops worldwide and significantly reduce the quality and quantity of the produce. A shift towards reducing the usage of chemically synthesized pesticides by various biocontrol methods, strategies and approaches is observed in plant disease management. Symbiotic bacteria that live within the plant i.e. endophytes provide the host plant with many advantages in terms of metabolism and disease resistance. Bacterial antagonists play a significant role in controlling plant pathogens and diseases. In the present study 18 endophytic bacteria isolated from grape leaf were collected from ICAR-NRCG, Pune. In prospect to disease management, various endophytic bacteria were investigated for their antifungal activity against Sclerotium rolfsii, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp. and Pythium spp. Dual culture antifungal activity indicated that 15 isolates have inhibitory effect against at least one of the tested pathogen. It was also observed that all the isolates have produced significant amount of hydrolytic enzymes i.e. cellulase, chitinase, amylase, protease and lipase, but the first two were the principal enzymes produced by them. These results provide a better understanding of endophytic bacteria in the control of pathogenic fungi and suggest their key role in the domain of biocontrol against diverse plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seawater electrolysis holds great promise for sustainable green hydrogen generation, but its implementation is hindered by high energy consumption and electrode degradation. Two dimensional (2D) layered double hydroxide (LDH) exhibits remarkable stability, high catalytic activity, and excellent corrosion resistance in the harsh electrolytic environment. The synergistic effect between LDH and seawater ions enhances the oxygen evolution reaction, enabling efficient and sustainable green hydrogen generation. Here, we report a synthesis of low cost, novel 2D Vanadium Copper (VCu) LDH first time in the series of LDH's as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst. The electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) study of VCu LDH and VCu LDH/Graphite Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4) nanohybrid was performed in 0.5 M H2SO4 (acidic), 1 M KOH (basic), 0.5 M NaCl (artificial seawater), 0.5 M NaCl+1 M KOH (artificial alkaline seawater), real seawater and 1 M KOH+real seawater (alkaline real seawater) electrolyte medium. It was found that VCu LDH shows a remarkable lower overpotential of 72 mV hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 254 mV oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at current density of 10 mA/cm2 under alkaline real seawater electrolysis exhibiting bifunctional activity and also showing better stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we tested a novel approach of "repurposing" a biomarker typically associated with breast cancer for use in melanoma. HER2/neu is a well characterized biomarker in breast cancer for which effective anti-HER2/neu therapies are readily available. We constructed a lentivirus encoding c-erb-B2, an animal (rat) homolog to HER2/neu. This was used to transfect B16 melanoma in vitro for use in an orthotopic preclinical mouse model, which resulted in expression of rat c-erb-B2 as a neoantigen target for anti-c-erb-B2 monoclonal antibody (7.16.4). The c-erb-B2-expressing melanoma was designated B16/neu. 7.16.4 produced statistically significant in vivo anti-tumor responses against B16/neu. This effect was mediated by NK-cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. To further model human melanoma (which expresses < 5% HER2/neu), our c-erb-B2 encoding lentivirus was used to inoculate naïve (wild-type) B16 tumors in vivo, resulting in successful c-erb-B2 expression. When combined with 7.16.4, anti-tumor responses were again demonstrated where approximately 40% of mice treated with c-erb-B2 lentivirus and 7.16.4 achieved complete clinical response and long-term survival. For the first time, we demonstrated a novel strategy to repurpose c-erb-B2 as a neoantigen target for melanoma. Our findings are particularly significant in the contemporary setting where newer anti-HER2/neu antibody-drug therapies have shown increased efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levodopa, a widely prescribed drug in Parkinson's disease treatment, stands as the foremost prodrug of dopamine. An affordable self‐testing kit is utilized to monitor levodopa content in anti‐parkinson drugs in human serum. A photoluminescent trinuclear Zn(II) complex [Zn3(L)2(κ1‐OAc)2(κ2‐OAc)2] has been synthesized, which cleaves into mononuclear ZC in aqueous solution. ZC was found to detect L‐Dopa in Tris‐HCl buffer, exhibiting a moderate decrease in PL‐emission. The real‐life utility of the ZC probe is limited, for its lower sensitivity (LOD 35.3 μM) and separation challenges. Therefore, an interface between homogeneous and heterogeneous supports has been explored, leading to the strategic development of NGOZC, where ZC was grafted onto NGOQD (Graphene oxide quantum dots). This material enables naked‐ eye detection under both ambient and UV light with color change from bright cyan to green, followed by dark. The nitrogen doping effect was investigated by several comparative investigations involving the synthesis of ZC‐grafted GOQD, leading to enhanced quenching performance. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence titration study, morphological analysis, and computational calculations have been performed to get insights into the sensing mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this as‐synthesized NGOZC (LOD 1.78 nM) represents a promising strategy and platform for applications in biosensors, especially for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard testing for disease evaluation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) includes examination of the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Radiographic or functional imaging are indicated when clinical signs of non-CNS extramedullary disease are present but are not standard in the relapsed/refractory setting. We describe two cases of patients with relapsed/refractory BALL with prior exposure to blinatumomab and/or inotuzumab ozogamicin presenting for CAR-T cell treatment. Both patients were thought to only have minimal residual disease (MRD) at the pre-CAR disease assessment, with MRD of 6,648 (0.66%) and 100 (0.01%) cells per million cells, respectively, as measured by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in their bone marrows. Both patients for distinct reasons unrelated to non-CNS extra-medullary (EM) symptoms had PETMRIs prior to lymphodepletion and CAR T cell infusion. In both cases patients were found to have significant bulky subclinical EM disease that required changes in clinical management. In the newly-emergent era of antigen-targeted immunotherapy, it is foundational that incidence and relapse patterns following targeted therapy are well-understood. Herein we contribute to a growing body of literature addressing this fundamental clinical gap and highlight a future role for formal prospective imaging studies to better establish response, toxicity and relapse patterns following CAR-T cell therapy in EM B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although numerous investigations study the improvement of flame retardancy of epoxy resins using additives, maintaining the flame retardant (FRs) modes of action present in the resins upon transfer to composites is challenging. In this study, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and inorganic silicate (InSi) are loaded at 10%, 30%, and 50% by weight, in a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin cured with dicyandiamide and transferred to bidirectional (BD) glass fiber (GF) composites. Although a 50% loading of the FRs impacts the curing kinetics of the resin system, the effect on the glass transition temperature of the resin system remains negligible compared to reactive FRs in the state of the art integrated into the resin's chemical structure. Increasing the FR content improved the heat release characteristics in both the resins and composites. However, the charring mode of action is completely suppressed in the formulation with 10% APP + InSi. A 30% concentration of the FRs restored the charring action in the composite and the GFs provide increased protective layer action upon transfer to the composites. This study highlights the importance of accounting for the changing dynamics related to processing and flame retardancy upon transferring FRs from resins to composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since most people spend more time at work in recent times, this has led to more workplace issues and health problems. The well‐being of occupants and their overall health are strongly impacted by factors that determine the standard of indoor environments. These factors include the air quality, the level of thermal comfort, the inclusion of indoor plants, the admission of daylighting, and a variety of other factors. The absence of any of these may result in sick building syndrome (SBS). Therefore, well‐planned indoor workspaces are vital for occupants' health and productivity at work. The aim of this article is to investigate proactive measures for mitigating SBS in office buildings located within universities in the United Kingdom. The study administered a questionnaire to gather perceptions of office occupants, followed by a comparative case study analysis of two office buildings at the University of Greenwich located on different campuses to highlight the correlation among the physical parameters of indoor office spaces and the occurrence of SBS. The results showed that a notable percentage of participants reported experiencing at least two symptoms of SBS. This study provided clear evidence that symptoms of SBS are primarily associated with the physical characteristics of the building, and these elements significantly influence the occupants' experiences. The mitigation of potential adverse effects on the well‐being of inhabitants during the operating phase of a building resulting from physical variables can be achieved by the implementation of conscious design considerations during the initial planning stages of future buildings. One of the practical implications of this study is that it raises the urgency for built environment professionals to be fully aware of how their design decisions could either contribute to or prevent SBS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard testing for disease evaluation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) includes examination of the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Radiographic or functional imaging are indicated when clinical signs of non-CNS extramedullary disease are present but are not standard in the relapsed/refractory setting. We describe two cases of patients with relapsed/refractory BALL with prior exposure to blinatumomab and/or inotuzumab ozogamicin presenting for CAR-T cell treatment. Both patients were thought to only have minimal residual disease (MRD) at the pre-CAR disease assessment, with MRD of 6,648 (0.66%) and 100 (0.01%) cells per million cells, respectively, as measured by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in their bone marrows. Both patients for distinct reasons unrelated to non-CNS extra-medullary (EM) symptoms had PETMRIs prior to lymphodepletion and CAR T cell infusion. In both cases patients were found to have significant bulky subclinical EM disease that required changes in clinical management. In the newly-emergent era of antigen-targeted immunotherapy, it is foundational that incidence and relapse patterns following targeted therapy are well-understood. Herein we contribute to a growing body of literature addressing this fundamental clinical gap and highlight a future role for formal prospective imaging studies to better establish response, toxicity and relapse patterns following CAR-T cell therapy in EM B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18 µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53 µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66 µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11 µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96 µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64 µg/L and 10.04 µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20 mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43 µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00 µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74 µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74 µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10 µg/kg. Liver (356.02 µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22 µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23 µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98 µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24 µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10−3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10−6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic is an important source of urban air pollutants. Due to increasingly strict controls of exhaust emissions from road traffic, their contribution to the total emissions has strongly decreased over time in high-income countries. In contrast, non-exhaust emissions from road vehicles are not yet legislated and now make up the major proportion of road traffic emissions in many countries. Brake wear, which occurs due to friction between brake linings and their rotating counterpart, is one of the main non-exhaust sources contributing to particle emissions. Since the focus of brake wear emission has largely been on particulate pollutants, little is currently known about gaseous emissions such as volatile organic compounds from braking and their fate in the atmosphere. This study investigates the oxidative ageing of gaseous brake wear emissions generated with a pin-on-disc tribometer, using an oxidation flow reactor. The results demonstrate, for the first time, that the photooxidation of gaseous brake wear emissions can lead to formation of secondary particulate matter, which could amplify the environmental impact of brake wear emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Constraint-induced movement therapy is a widely used rehabilitation program in the stroke population, but its application in spinal cord injury is limited. The objective of the study is to determine the feasibility of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in incomplete tetraplegia exhibiting upper limb weakness and activities of daily living (ADLs) difficulty. Method: This is a quasi-experimental one-group pilot study, consisting of 12 subjects diagnosed with incomplete tetraplegia. They received 2-h sessions of modified constraint-induced movement therapy of the weaker hand along with a 1-h session of bimanual massed practice, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Apart from this, they were asked to do 3 h of constrained-induced movement therapy daily 5 days a week for 3 weeks at their home as a part of a home exercise program. Box and block test (BBT) and Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM-III) were taken as the primary measure, and manual function test (MFT) and capabilities for upper extremity (CUE) were used as secondary measures to access hand functions and ADLs. Subjects were examined during pre-intervention and post-intervention. Results: After 3 weeks of intervention, the mean change of the score for the trained hand showed significant changes in the scores of the box and block test (p = 0.03), manual function test (p = 0.02), SCIM-III (p = 0.03), and CUE (p = 0.02). Conclusion: This preliminary study revealed that modified CIMT may be a feasible and effective alternative for hand rehabilitation in incomplete tetraplegia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of optimal glucose levels in the body requires a healthy reserve of the insulin producing pancreatic beta-cells. Depletion of this reserve due to beta-cell dysfunction and death results in development of diabetes. Recent findings highlight unresolved DNA damage as a key contributor to beta-cell defects in diabetes. Beta-cells face various stressors and metabolic challenges throughout life, rendering them susceptible to DNA breaks. The post-mitotic, long-lived phenotype of mature beta-cells further warrants robust maintenance of genomic integrity. Failure to resolve DNA damage during beta-cell development, therefore, can result in an unhealthy reserve of beta-cells and predispose to diabetes. Yet, the molecular mechanisms safeguarding beta-cell genomic integrity remain poorly understood. Here, we focus on the significance of DNA damage in betacell homeostasis and postulate how cellular expansion, epigenetic programming, and metabolic shifts during development may impact beta-cell genomic integrity and health. We discuss recent findings demonstrating a physiological role for DNA breaks in modulating transcriptional control in neurons, which share many developmental programs with beta-cells. Finally, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of beta-cell genomic integrity and discuss emerging areas of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indian society, caste is assigned to us before birth. Caste positions individuals in a social, economic, and political hierarchy. This study explores the meaning of caste discrimination from the perspectives of individuals who experience it in their everyday lives. Many studies have focused on the causes and consequences of caste discrimination and the nature of caste discrimination in different settings. Still, very few have dealt with the "meaning" of caste discrimination and how that meaning-making occurs in the context of present-day academia. This paper adopts an ecological systems approach to explore individuals' interactions with different social settings. Grounded in the epistemological standpoint of social constructionism, the study explored the meaning of caste discrimination through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions conducted with 22 students who belonged to reserved categories. Constructivist grounded theory was used for analysis to understand the process of meaning formation along with the meaning of caste discrimination. We found that students conceive caste discrimination as the maintenance of the social hierarchy, imposition of rigid identity, and invalidation of caste discriminatory practices. This conception of the meaning was influenced by multiple factors, such as interactions with peers, local cultural ideologies, and treatment received in the academia by teaching and non-teaching staff. The study's findings indicate the need for an integrative indigenous theory of caste discrimination to ensure equitable higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of auger electrons from 161Ho makes it as a potential candidate for Auger electronic therapy. Despite several methods for its production are proposed, it remains scarcely available. Most of the direct methods using low-energy protons and deuterons beams result in a high content of radionuclidic impurities. Hence, an alternative method for the production of 161Ho has been proposed. Experimental excitation functions in 16O induced reactions were measured with the activation method in the 69–100 MeV energy range on 154Sm targets. To measure the cross-section data for producing 161Ho, the stacked foil irradiation method along with high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry was employed. The experimental data are compared with results of PACE4 and EMPIRE-3.2.2 theoretical codes. It was observed that the 161Ho radioisotope is produced via incomplete fusion. The production route suggested has no impurities of Holmium isotopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose has emerged as an essential tool to control the spread of COVID-19 infections worldwide. The acceptance of vaccines is influenced by various factors such as knowledge, perception of the likelihood of COVID-19 spread, vaccine safety, logistics, vaccine efficacy, and perceived risk. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose among health-care professionals (HCPs) at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 participants using a self-designed, semi-structured, and pre-validated questionnaire circulated through Google Forms to HCPs. Results: The results showed that all the participants were aware of the COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose. However, only 68.49% of the participants had received the dose. The major source of information was the World Health Organization. About 79.4% of the participants were worried about serious unknown long-term effects of the precautionary dose, but the majority were willing to take it without any hesitation. About 14.3% of the participants experienced side effects, with pain at the injection site being the most common. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that participants had a good understanding of the COVID-19 precaution dose, but their attitudes were slightly lesser compared to their knowledge, and also, there was a lot of hesitation with respect to practicing the COVID-19 vaccine precaution dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colistin is an antibiotic with lipophilic and hydrophilic properties, effective against Enterobacterales and non-fermenter bacteria. Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli, colistin is being once again reintroduced as a last resort for their treatment. Resistance is caused by mutations and some are plasmid-mediated. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine antibiotic resistance patterns in Gram-negative bacilli and to detect colistin susceptibility patterns in multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, using standard laboratory protocol and colistin susceptibility was determined by colistin broth disk elution (CBDE) method. Results: Out of a total of 80 patients infected with MDR isolates, 63.75% were male and 36.25% were female. The most common age group affected was 41-60 years. Multidrugresistant (MDR) bacteria were most commonly isolated from urine samples, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common MDR bacteria isolated. Overall, colistin resistance was 7.5% and it was found most commonly in K. pneumoniae. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was the most common risk factor for the emergence of MDR bacterial infections, including colistin resistance. Conclusion: The present study detects colistin resistance using a simple method -- "CBDE test" which can be done in resource-poor settings and can guide clinicians to rationally use the medication as it may be used as an alternative treatment option for "Super bugs" and can even be used as the "last resort" in certain scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orthognathic surgery involves significant bleeding from both soft tissues and bones due to rich blood supply to areas involved. In addition, limited access along with poor visibility and difficulty to isolate or ligate adds to the problem of bleeding during surgery. As a result, to counter drawbacks of intraoperative bleeding, method of induced hypotension stands out. Hypotensive anesthesia is a method through which blood pressure is decreased in a controlled manner. Various studies have been conducted that compared multiple methods to reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve visibility of surgical field. Hence, need for a systematic review to study the effects of hypotensive anesthesia on intraoperative blood loss, duration of the surgery and quality of surgical field. Methods: An electronic search was conducted to cumulate data from PubMed, Google scholar and institutional library from 2000 to 2020. In addition, bibliographies of included studies were hand searched to identify potentially eligible studies to append to the data and reach a conclusion. Results: Comparative study of the data available indicates that controlled hypotension during general anesthesia is safe for young healthy patients undergoing orthognathic surgeries. Conclusion: This information could be of key importance to aid in reducing intraoperative blood loss and which improves the observability of the surgical field; lessen the chances of need for blood transfusion; and eventually shorten the length of stay in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sepsis is a clinical condition that results from infection and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which can progress to severe sepsis and septic shock. This condition leads to myocardial dysfunction and increased mortality rates, particularly in cases of septic shock. Inotropic agents are beneficial in improving cardiac contractility and cardiac output in septic shock. Need for the study: It is important to address myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock, as these conditions significantly contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. Calcium desensitisation is a key factor in the pathophysiology of septic myocardial depression, leading to impaired cardiac function. Levosimendan, a novel calcium sensitiser, offers a promising therapeutic option due to its unique pharmacologic and biologic profile. By enhancing calcium sensitivity in cardiac myocytes, levosimendan may improve cardiac function without the detrimental side-effects associated with traditional inotropic agents. Aim: The research protocol was planned with an aim to analyse the impact of intravenous levosimendan on Right Ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with septic shock. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study aims to assess the effect of levosimendan on the improvement of RV dysfunction in patients with septic shock who are admitted to the intensive care unit of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, DMIHER (DU) Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India from July 2023 to March 2025, 45 patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) will be performed using standard measures to calculate RV function. Patients diagnosed with RV dysfunction will be administered levosimendan, followed by a re-evaluation of RV function at designated intervals. Statistical analysis will be conducted using R software, and a paired t-test will be employed to determine significant differences at pre- and post-intervention timelines for the outcome variables of echocardiographic parameters, including Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE), EF, RV Fractional Area Change (FAC), and Tricuspid Regurgitant jet Velocity (TRV), at a 5% level of significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common paediatric intraocular malignancy. The Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK) acts as a proto-oncogene crucial for RB cell survival and is absent in the normal retina, making it a valuable therapeutic target. Aim: Entospletinib, a selective oral SYK inhibitor currently in phase 2 trials for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, was evaluated for its activity on the RB cell line Y-79. Materials and Methods: The effects of Entospletinib on cell proliferation and death of the human RB Y79 cells were assessed by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, phase contrast microscopy and AO/EtBr dual labeling. The Annexin-V kit was used to quantify the cell mortality following treatment using flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of caspase-3, BAX, BCL-2, SYK, p53, TNF-and NF-κB were measured using RT-PCR to better understand the mechanism of action of this drug. Western blot was used to further validate the data. Results: Entospletinib treatment led to a time- and dosedependent reduction in cell viability, with significant cytotoxicity observed at an IC50 of 61.3 μM/ml. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis. The treatment upregulated mRNA levels of Caspase-3, Bax, and p53 while downregulating SYK, TNF-α, and Bcl-2. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed a dose-dependent decrease in NF-κB/p65 expression. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that Entospletinib inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in RB cells by downregulating SYK/TNF-α/NF-κB/p65, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for RB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children often experience anxiety and behavioural issues when exposed to dental stimuli such as the sight, sound, and sensation of the airotor. Behaviour modification techniques that involve familiarising children with dental equipment and procedures can help reduce this anxiety. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of three behaviour management techniques: Tell-Show-Do (TSD), Tell-show-play-do (TSPD), and a smartphone dental game application in managing Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA) in children aged 4-8 years. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study included 60 children aged 4-8 years who required Class-I restorations (ICDAS Code 2 and Code 3) in maxillary or mandibular molars. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TSD (n=20), TSPD (n=20), or the smartphone dental game app (n=20). Preoperative anxiety levels were assessed using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule Scale-Dental Subscale (CFSSDS). Anxiety levels were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS-f) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Physiological parameters, including pulse rate and SpO2 levels, were measured before and after treatment. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests for pulse rate, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for VAS and MCDAS-f scores, Kruskal-Wallis tests for intergroup comparisons, and one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.00. Results: The TSPD group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in dental anxiety compared to the TSD (p=0.01) and smartphone dental game groups (p=0.05), as evidenced by MCDAS-f (p<0.001) and VAS scores (16.7%). Physiological parameters indicated significant changes in the TSPD group, with a notable decrease in pulse rate post-treatment (p=0.014) and the lowest mean SpO2 level (96.55). One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant anxiety reduction in the TSPD group both before (p=0.048) and after treatment (p=0.009). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a substantial decrease in DFA, with 16.7% of children in the TSPD group no longer experiencing anxiety post-intervention (p<0.001). These findings underscore the superior efficacy of the TSPD technique in managing DFA. Conclusion: Among the three techniques, the TSPD technique was the most effective overall, while the TSD technique was the least effective. It is crucial for paediatric dentists to employ child-friendly and pain-free methods to improve children's behaviour during dental treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neck Pain (NP), a major global disability, disproportionately affects women, especially homemakers performing repetitive domestic tasks with poor ergonomics. Regular exercise helps, but access might be limited. Telerehabilitation, using technology for remote care, emerges as a potential solution. Homemakers with NP often lack access to exercise programmes. This study tests if telerehabilitation with exercises and ergonomics improves their function. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a combined tele-rehabilitation programme incorporating structured neck exercises and ergonomic advice for the sustainable management of NP among homemakers experiencing nonspecific NP. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out at BV(DU), School of Physiotherapy on 63 female homemakers residing at Sangli city, Maharashtra. The duration of study was one year from March 2023 to April 2024. Participants aged 25-55, with moderate NP (VAS 2-5) and performing tasks like chopping, mopping, and lifting for more than 4 hours a day, were included. A 30-day telerehabilitation programme with daily supervised exercises and ergonomic advice was carried out. Wilcoxon Matched Pairs test was used to compare pretest and post-test VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), performance, and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) scores. The p-value: 0.001 (at 5% level of significance). Results: The combined intervention significantly improved pain, strength, quality of life, and all components of the ICF Core Set, a standardised outcome measure for disability. 68.46% reduction was seen in VAS scores; 83.68% reduction was seen in NDI scores with effect size 0.9570. Maximum improvement of 100% was seen in code d4103 (sitting) and a minimum improvement of 40.86% was seen in code d4105 (bending). Conclusion: Telerehabilitation with structured neck exercises and ergonomic advice can effectively reduce pain, improve strength and quality of life, and enhance function in homemakers with NP. This study also highlights the ICF Core Set's usefulness in evaluating NP interventions. Telerehabilitation offers a promising, accessible treatment option for individuals facing barriers to in-person care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]