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Modulating the photophysical properties of photosensitizers is an effective approach to enhance singlet oxygen generation for photodynamic therapy. Porphyrins are the most widely used photosensitizers due to their biocompatible nature. Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics of photosensitizers are one of the advantageous features that will enhance fluorescence, intersystem crossing, and efficient triplet state generation. Herein, we demonstrate two glycosylated porphyrin photosensitizers, ZnGEPOH (with two ethynyl groups) and ZnGPOH (without two ethynyl groups), which exhibit AIE. Detailed studies revealed that ZnGEPOH exhibited a two‐fold increase in singlet oxygen production than ZnGPOH due to AIE. The photo‐cytotoxicity of ZnGPOH and ZnGEPOH were evaluated using cancer cell lines A549 and AGS. ZnGEPOH shows superior photo‐cytotoxicity with cell viability of 21% and 19% for A549 and AGS, respectively, at 250 μg/mL concentration in 48 h. Moreover, ZnGEPOH exhibits minimal photo‐cytotoxicity towards the control cell line HEK 293. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field in dentistry. AI is gradually being integrated into dentistry to improve clinical dental practice. The aims of this scoping review were to investigate the application of AI in image analysis for decision‐making in clinical dentistry and identify trends and research gaps in the current literature. Material and Methods: This review followed the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). An electronic literature search was performed through PubMed and Scopus. After removing duplicates, a preliminary screening based on titles and abstracts was performed. A full‐text review and analysis were performed according to predefined inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from eligible articles. Results: Of the 1334 articles returned, 276 met the inclusion criteria (consisting of 601,122 images in total) and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most of the included studies utilized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on dental radiographs such as orthopantomograms (OPGs) and intraoral radiographs (bitewings and periapicals). AI was applied across all fields of dentistry ‐ particularly oral medicine, oral surgery, and orthodontics ‐ for direct clinical inference and segmentation. AI‐based image analysis was use in several components of the clinical decision‐making process, including diagnosis, detection or classification, prediction, and management. Conclusions: A variety of machine learning and deep learning techniques are being used for dental image analysis to assist clinicians in making accurate diagnoses and choosing appropriate interventions in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a green synthesis approach for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Grewia Asiatica L. berries through a phytosynthesis method. In this synthesis procedure the Grewia Asiatica L. berry extract served as a natural reducing agent in the phytosynthesis of GA‐Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using various physico‐chemical techniques, revealing their spherical morphology of average size of ∼20 nm. These Ag NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial strains. Additionally, the GA‐Ag NPs demonstrated anticancer properties, with an IC50 value of approximately 5 µM. The study highlights the potential of Grewia Asiatica L. berry extract as a novel, nontoxic, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles with promising antibacterial and anticancer activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In today's beauty‐obsessed culture, children are increasingly targeted by skincare marketing, raising significant ethical concerns. The trend of children adopting skincare routines focused on anti‐aging and skin lightening impacts their mental health and self‐esteem, often imposing unattainable beauty standards. Marketing practices in the digital age frequently violate the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Framework for Responsible Marketing Communication. Disparities in skincare marketing particularly affect children in low‐ and middle‐income countries. There is an urgent need for stringent regulations, enhanced media literacy education, and ethical marketing practices to safeguard young consumers and prioritize their well‐being and dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted people across the world like no other disease of its kind. The origins of the virus were identified to be from Wuhan, China, which led to East Asians becoming the targets of racist attacks and discrimination. "Other" Asian subgroups such as South Asians and Southeast Asians have also experienced hate crimes targeted toward them (CCNCTO, "Another Year: Anti‐Asian Racism Across Canada Two Years Into the COVID‐19 Pandemic." 2022). Yet, their voices have largely been missing from conversations on anti‐Asian racism. Using thematic analysis, I explore how South Asians construct their positionality within conversations of anti‐Asian racism. I examine the use of terms such as "anti‐Asian," "Asian racism," "racism," "hate crime," and "discrimination" in 209 posts and 20, 388 comments between 2020 and 2022 within r/ABCDesis, a Reddit community formed by and for the South Asian diaspora, primarily residing in the United States, and Canada. Findings suggest that while most members have personally not been impacted by anti‐Asian racism, they are wary of being the next target. Redditors expressed the need for greater solidarity with East Asians and POC's, and yet demonstrate how ethnic ambiguity and complex intergroup relations can pose difficulties when expressing positionality within discussions of anti‐Asian racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the progress in gene editing platforms like CRISPR/Cas9 with the potential to transform the standard of care for haemophilia, the language used to explain and discuss gene editing is not aligned across the haemophilia community. Here, we present the objective and rationale for developing a clear, consistent, and globally aligned gene editing lexicon to address these communication gaps. Methods: Effectively communicating complex gene editing concepts requires a clear and consistent vocabulary. Through collaboration with a diversity of haemophilia stakeholders, our main goal is to develop an accurate, informative lexicon which avoids overpromising or highly technical terminology. Using an innovative process, representatives from several patient and scientific haemophilia organizations and select biotechnology companies will develop and refine language concepts to be tested with approximately seventy participants across the United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany. Participants will include lived experience experts (LEEs) and haematologists. The process will be overseen by the Lexicon Steering Committee of global experts from leading scientific and patient organizations in the haemophilia and gene editing fields. Results: Initial feedback provided a robust foundation and rationale for building clear, consistent language around gene editing. This lexicon development framework will allow for increased understanding across the haemophilia community, including the development of valid informed consent and shared decision‐making materials. Conclusion: Results provide important building blocks for stimuli development and highlight the need for a novel gene editing lexicon. In the next phase, language stimuli will be tested with LEEs and haematologists to better understand audience preferences and help shape the final lexicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, but coverage remains low in high HIV prevalence settings. Initiating and continuing PrEP remotely via online pharmacies is a promising strategy to expand PrEP uptake, but little is known about potential users' preferences. Methods: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess preferences for online pharmacy PrEP services. We partnered with MYDAWA, an online pharmacy in Nairobi, Kenya. Eligibility criteria were: ≥18 years, not known HIV positive, interested in PrEP. The DCE contained four attributes: PrEP eligibility assessment (online self‐assessed, guided), HIV test type (provider administered, oral HIV self‐test [HIVST], blood‐based HIVST), clinical consultation (remote, in‐person) and user support options (text messages, phone/video call, email). Additionally, participants indicated whether they were willing to uptake their selected service. The survey was advertised on MYDAWA's website; interested participants met staff in‐person at a convenient location to complete the survey from 1 June to 20 November 2022. We used conditional logit modelling with an interaction by current PrEP use to estimate overall preferences and latent class analysis (LCA) to assess preference heterogeneity. Results: Overall, 772 participants completed the DCE; the mean age was 25 years and 54% were female. Most participants indicated a willingness to acquire online PrEP services, with particularly high demand among PrEP‐naive individuals. Overall, participants preferred remote clinical consultation, HIV self‐testing, online self‐assessment and phone call user support. The LCA identified three subgroups: the "prefer online PrEP with remote components" group (60.3% of the sample) whose preferences aligned with the main analysis, the "prefer online PrEP with in‐person components" group (20.7%), who preferred in‐person consultation, provider‐administered HIV testing, and guided assessment, and the "prefer remote PrEP (18.9%)" group who preferred online PrEP services only if they were remote. Conclusions: Online pharmacy PrEP is highly acceptable and may expand PrEP coverage to those interested in PrEP but not accessing services. Most participants valued privacy and autonomy, preferring HIVST and remote provider interactions. However, when needing support for questions regarding PrEP, participants preferred phone/SMS contact with a provider. One‐fifth of participants preferred online PrEP with in‐person components, suggesting that providing multiple options can increase uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment goals have been established in Australia to facilitate the management of adults with moderate to severe psoriasis. The Australasian College of Dermatologists sought to determine if and how these adult treatment goals could be modified to accommodate the needs of paediatric and adolescent patients. Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used. Comprehensive literature review and guideline evaluation resulted in the development of statements and other questions to establish current clinical practices. Two rounds of anonymous voting were undertaken, with a collaborative meeting held in between to discuss areas of discordance. Overall, consensus was defined as achievement of ≥75% agreement in the range 7–9 on a 9‐point scale (1 strongly disagree; 9 strongly agree). Results: Consensus was achieved on 23/29 statements in round 1 and 17/18 statements in round 2. There was a high level of concordance with treatment criteria in the adult setting. The limitations of applying assessment tools developed for use in adult patients to the paediatric setting were highlighted. Treatment targets in the paediatric setting should include objective metrics for disease severity and psychological impact on the patients and their family, and be based on validated, age‐appropriate tools. Conclusion: While the assessment, classification and management of moderate to severe psoriasis in paediatric patients aligns with metrics established for adults, it is vital that nuances in the transition from childhood to adolescence be taken into account. Future research should focus on psoriasis severity assessment scales specific to the paediatric setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior segment parameters between eyes with unilateral primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and their fellow eyes with primary angle closure (PAC) or primary angle closure suspect (PACS). Methods: Subjects underwent anterior segment imaging using 360‐degree swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT, CASIA Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) and ocular investigations including gonioscopy and IOP measurement. Each SS‐OCT scan (divided into 8 frames, 22.5 degrees apart) was analysed and an average was obtained for the following anterior segment parameters: iridotrabecular contact (ITC), angle opening distance (AOD750), iris thickness and curvature, anterior chamber width, depth and area (ACW, ACD and ACA) and lens vault (LV). Results: Among 132 unilateral PACG subjects (mean age: 62.91 ± 7.2 years; 59.1% male), eyes with PACG had significantly higher presenting IOP (24.81 ± 0.94 vs. 18.43 ± 0.57 mmHg, p < 0.001), smaller gonioscopic Shaffer grade (2.07 ± 0.07 vs. 2.31 ± 0.07, p < 0.001) and a greater extent of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS, 1.21 ± 0.21 vs. 0.54 ± 0.16 clock hours, p = 0.001). PACG eyes also exhibited increased ITC, ITC area, greater LV and smaller AOD750, ACD and ACA (all p < 0.05). Using the forward stepwise regression model, an increase in 1 mmHg in presenting IOP before laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) increases the odds of having PACG by 9% (95% confidence interval 5%–14%). Conclusions: PACG eyes have higher presenting IOP, smaller anterior segment parameters, greater extent of PAS, and larger LV compared to their fellow eyes with angle closure. Narrower anterior chamber dimensions and higher presenting IOP before LPI may increase risk of chronic elevated IOP and glaucomatous optic neuropathy after LPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Refractive errors are common visual comorbidities among the elderly. Cognitive dysfunction also occurs in this population. A study by Ong et al (2013) demonstrated an association of refractive errors with poor cognitive performance. In this study, we explored the potential association between refractive errors (RE) and cognitive functions (CF) in an elderly population from South India. Method: This cross‐sectional analysis, based on the Tata Longitudinal Study on Aging (CBR‐TLSA) cohort (Sundarakumar et al., 2020), included participants with a minimum visual acuity of ≤ 0.52 LogMar using the LogMAR chart (Aurolab, India). Those meeting the criteria underwent objective refraction with a retinoscope (Welch Allyn, Dublin, USA) to classify RE (Emmetropia, Myopia, Hypermetropia). CF was assessed using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III) and various cognitive tests, including Digit Forward/Backward, Trail Making Test A/B, Modified Taylor Complex Figure Immediate/Delayed Recall, Digit Simple Substitution Test (DSST), and COGNITO (Computerized assessment of adult information processing) battery domain‐specific tests. Cognitive tasks were performed post‐acuity correction with prescription glasses. Result: The demographic characteristics of the study sample are mentioned in Table 1. Among 856 participants, 149 (17%) were Emmetropes, 224 (26%) were Myopes, and 483 (56%) were Hypermetropes. The Myopes performed poorly in TMT‐B (β = 14.9 (CI: 1.16, 28.68), p = 0.03), MTCF IR (β = ‐2.15 (CI: ‐3.8, ‐0.49), p = 0.01), MTCF DR (β = ‐2.2 (CI: ‐3.9, ‐0.48), p = 0.011), and reading and sentence comprehension (β = ‐0.37 (CI: ‐0.63, ‐0.11), p = 0.004) compared to emmetropes. Hypermetropic showed poor performance in Ace visuo‐spatial (β = ‐0.43 (CI: ‐0.79, ‐0.06), p = 0.02), MTCF DR (β = ‐1.5 (CI: ‐3.08, ‐0.03), p = 0.045), and showed better performance in Digit Forward Total Correct (β = 0.96 (CI:0.03,1.89), p = 0.04) & span (β = 0.53 (CI:0.07,1.004), p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study found that individuals with myopia and hypermetropia performed worse on certain cognitive tests compared to those with normal vision. Myopic individuals struggled with tasks involving complex figure recall and comprehension, while hypermetropic individuals had difficulties with visuospatial tasks and they did better in attention tasks. These findings suggest that corrected RE in older adults could contribute to cognitive challenges and needs to be further researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty, synonymous with physical vulnerability and decline, may exert nuanced effects on cognitive functions.(Borges, Canevelli, Cesari, & Aprahamian, 2019) This study assesses possible association between frailty and cognitive performance with the aim of identifying vulnerable cognitive domains. Method: We analysed the baseline data from Tata Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TLSA)(Sundarakumar et al., 2020), an ongoing longitudinal study, based in urban Bangalore, India. Frailty was evaluated using clinical markers such as Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Hand Grip Strength right and left (HGSRt and HGSLt respectively), and Chair Stand test (CST). Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores. Generalized linear models/ Binary logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between frailty parameters and cognition. Result: In a cohort of 1484 participants (51% males, 49% females; mean age 62.3 ± 9.6, mean education 15.2±3.8 years), significant positive correlation was found between HGS and ACE scores and significant negative correlation was found between TUG and ACE scores. Notably, no significant association was found between the Chair Stand Test (CST) and ACE scores (Table 1&2). Individuals with higher HGSRt (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.967, 0.939‐0.996, p value 0.026), and CST (OR = 0.903, 0.839‐0.972, p value 0.006) exhibited a lower likelihood of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Additionally, those with MCI took longer duration in TUG test (OR = 1.209, 1.122‐1.304, p value <0.001) compared to normal participants. There was no significant association between MCI and HGSLt (OR = 0.973, 0.945‐1.002, p value <0.069). Conclusion: The study reveals a significant association between frailty parameters and cognitive functions. These findings demonstrate the impact of physical resilience on cognitive well‐being, emphasizing the importance of addressing frailty as a modifiable factor in promoting cognitive health among aging individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophytosis impacts a significant portion of the global population. Recent shifts in the disease's presentation, severity and response to treatment, primarily due to emerging drug resistance, underscore the need for reliable assessment tools. The Dermatophytosis Severity Score (DSS) aims to standardise the evaluation of the disease's severity and monitor therapeutic responses. Methods: In a cross‐sectional pilot study, 25 adults with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis were evaluated using the DSS. The study also aimed to establish the correlation of DSS with different stages of treatment, dermatophyte species and patient‐reported outcomes. Participants were recruited from a dermatology outpatient clinic, and the DSS was applied at baseline, Weeks 4 and 8. The validity and reliability of the DSS were assessed using statistical measures, including Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The study comprised of a near‐equal distribution of male (52%) and female (48%) patients, primarily within the age group of 20–39 years. A high recurrence rate of dermatophytosis (60%) was noted, and more than half of the patients (56%) had used topical steroids before presentation. The mean DSS significantly decreased from baseline to the final visit, mirroring the substantial reduction in the 5D itch scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index, with strong positive correlations observed between these measures. Conclusion: The DSS demonstrated high inter‐rater reliability and internal consistency, indicating its utility as a reliable clinical tool for assessing dermatophytosis severity. The strong correlation of DSS with itch intensity and quality of life validates its role in patient‐centered care. Continued use and further validation of the DSS are recommended to enhance dermatophytosis management and treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the integration of narrative medicine into dermatology residency training. Narrative medicine is the practice of recognizing and interpreting the stories of illness, allowing for a more holistic understanding of patients and their experiences. The article emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and non-judgment in building a narrative from patient interactions. It also explores how narrative medicine can complement the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The article highlights the significance of understanding the individual stories of those with skin diseases and calls for the implementation of a narrative medicine curriculum in dermatology training. It provides goals for such a curriculum, including enhancing observational skills, incorporating arts and humanities, and exploring social and cultural issues affecting skin health. The article suggests a pedagogic approach to developing narrative competence and addresses challenges and solutions for integrating narrative medicine into healthcare. It concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of narrative medicine in patient care and the need for a more inclusive and understanding medical practice. [Extracted from the article]

The present work investigates the structural and luminescence behaviour of Dy3+‐Sm3+ co‐doped glass ceramics obtained through heat treatment of precursor glasses. The growth of SiO2 polycrystalline particles and evolution of these crystallites in the glass domain are witnessed via XRD and FESEM study. The presence of network vibrational bands, hydroxyl groups and the increased quantity of bridging oxygens (BOs) in glass ceramics are analysed through FTIR spectroscopy study. The absorption study (UV–Visible–NIR) showed the possible electronic transitions of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions. The red shift in the absorption band edges and the lower bandgap values are obtained as a result of improved heat treatment in glass ceramics. Emission studies show the enhanced luminescence intensity of glass ceramics under 350 and 402 nm excitations. Decay measurement of glass ceramics showed the improved lifetimes of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions to have appeared in microseconds (×10−6 s). The colour characteristics of glass ceramics analysed using CIE colour chromaticity diagram and correlated colour temperature (CCT) values suggest the neutral to cool white light emissions. Therefore, prepared glass ceramics with SiO2 polycrystalline phase are considered to be suitable materials in cool white LEDs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Assisted partner services (APS), or exposure notification and HIV testing for sexual partners of persons diagnosed HIV positive (index clients), is recommended by the World Health Organization. Most APS literature focuses on outcomes among index clients and their partners. There is little data on the benefits of providing APS to partners of partners diagnosed with HIV. Methods: We utilized data from a large‐scale APS implementation project across 31 facilities in western Kenya from 2018 to 2022. Females testing HIV positive at facilities were offered APS; those who consented provided contact information for all male sexual partners in the last 3 years. Male partners were notified of their potential HIV exposure and offered HIV testing services (HTS). Males newly testing positive were also offered APS and asked to provide contact information for their female partners in the last 3 years. Female partners of male partners (FPPs) were provided exposure notification and HTS. All participants with HIV were followed up at 12 months post‐enrolment to assess linkage‐to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral suppression. We compared HIV positivity, demographics and linkage outcomes among female index clients and FPPs. Results: Overall, 5708 FPPs were elicited from male partners, of whom 4951 received HTS through APS (87% coverage); 291 FPPs newly tested HIV positive (6% yield), an additional 1743 (35.2%) reported a prior HIV diagnosis, of whom 99% were on ART at baseline. At 12 months follow‐up, most FPPs were taking ART (92%) with very few adverse events: <1% reported intimate partner violence or reported relationship dissolution. FPPs were more likely than female index clients to report HIV risk behaviours including no condom use at last sex (45% vs. 30%) and multiple partners (38% vs. 19%). Conclusions: Providing HIV testing via APS to FPP is a safe and effective strategy to identify newly diagnosed females and achieve high linkage and retention to ART and can be an efficient means of identifying HIV cases in the era of declining HIV incidence. The high proportion of FPPs reporting HIV risk behaviours suggests APS may help interrupt community HIV transmission via increased knowledge of HIV status and linkage to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical and subtropical regions of the world support the growth of the Indian plant Moringa oleifera. It usually goes by the name drumstick tree or horseradish tree and thrives in warm climates. The leaves of the M. oleifera tree are now frequently used as nutrients and nutraceuticals due to their availability of various minerals. While having only very minor antinutritional effects, the leaves are abundant in many beneficial compounds. A recent review of the bioactive components and activity of moringa leaves has focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Drumstick leaves have antidiabetic qualities, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities among other health benefits. Phytochemicals, in addition to minerals and vitamins, are abundant in this vegetable. The majority of these effects, according to a review in the literature, are mostly brought on by the presence of carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytochemicals. As a value‐added component in the production of wholesome meals, moringa is becoming more popular. Despite extensive research into locating and quantifying these advantageous elements in drumstick leaves, bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies were carried out. Beneficial photochemicals are absorbed and digested through incredibly intricate processes that involve several physicochemical and physiological interactions. Therefore, the biological impact of food may be attributed to its various metabolites that can access particular areas of action rather than its original substances. This body of literature offers the most recent findings in scientific research on the bioavailability, health advantages, nutritional profiles, and bioactive activities of moringa leaves as they relate to their use in a range of food products. Drumsticks are frequently used as a food element that promotes health because of their potent protection against a variety of ailments and the presence of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Assisted partner services (APS) is an effective strategy for increasing HIV testing, new diagnosis, and linkage to care among sexual partners of people living with HIV (PLWH). APS can be resource intensive as it requires community tracing to locate each partner named and offer them testing. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of offering HIV self‐testing (HIVST) as an option for partner testing within APS. Methods: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing provider‐delivered HIV testing (Standard APS) versus offering partners the option of provider‐delivered testing or HIVST (APS+HIVST) at 24 health facilities in Western Kenya. Facilities were randomized 1:1 and we conducted intent‐to‐treat analyses using Poisson generalized linear mixed models to estimate intervention impact on HIV testing, new HIV diagnoses, and linkage to care. All models accounted for clustering at the clinic level and new diagnoses and linkage models were adjusted for individual‐level age, sex, and income a priori. Results: From March to December 2021, 755 index clients received APS and named 5054 unique partners. Among these, 1408 partners reporting a prior HIV diagnosis were not eligible for HIV testing and were excluded from analyses. Of the remaining 3646 partners, 96.9% were successfully contacted for APS and tested for HIV: 2111 (97.9%) of 2157 in the APS+HIVST arm and 1422 (95.5%) of 1489 in the Standard APS arm. In the APS+HIVST arm, 84.6% (1785/2111) tested via HIVST and 15.4% (326/2111) received provider‐delivered testing. Overall, 16.7% of the 3533 who tested were newly diagnosed with HIV (APS+HIVST = 357/2111 [16.9%]; Standard APS = 232/1422 [16.3%]). Of the 589 partners who were newly diagnosed, 90.7% were linked to care (APS+HIVST = 309/357 [86.6%]; Standard APS = 225/232 [97.0%]). There were no significant differences between the two arms in HIV testing (relative risk [RR]: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.96–1.10), new HIV diagnoses (adjusted RR [aRR]: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76–1.39) or linkage to care (aRR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.74–1.06). Conclusions: There were no differences between APS+HIVST and Standard APS, demonstrating that integrating HIVST into APS continues to be an effective strategy for identifying PLWH by successfully reaching and HIV testing >95% of elicited partners, newly diagnosing with HIV one in six of those tested, >90% of whom were linked to care. Clinical Trial Number: NCT04774835 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outpatient clinical notes are a rich source of information regarding drug safety. However, data in these notes are currently underutilized for pharmacovigilance due to methodological limitations in text mining. Large language models (LLMs) like Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) have shown progress in a range of natural language processing tasks but have not yet been evaluated on adverse event (AE) detection. We adapted a new clinical LLM, University of California – San Francisco (UCSF)‐BERT, to identify serious AEs (SAEs) occurring after treatment with a non‐steroid immunosuppressant for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We compared this model to other language models that have previously been applied to AE detection. We annotated 928 outpatient IBD notes corresponding to 928 individual patients with IBD for all SAE‐associated hospitalizations occurring after treatment with a non‐steroid immunosuppressant. These notes contained 703 SAEs in total, the most common of which was failure of intended efficacy. Out of eight candidate models, UCSF‐BERT achieved the highest numerical performance on identifying drug‐SAE pairs from this corpus (accuracy 88–92%, macro F1 61–68%), with 5–10% greater accuracy than previously published models. UCSF‐BERT was significantly superior at identifying hospitalization events emergent to medication use (P < 0.01). LLMs like UCSF‐BERT achieve numerically superior accuracy on the challenging task of SAE detection from clinical notes compared with prior methods. Future work is needed to adapt this methodology to improve model performance and evaluation using multicenter data and newer architectures like Generative pre‐trained transformer (GPT). Our findings support the potential value of using large language models to enhance pharmacovigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Malaria continues to be a significant public health concern in India, with several regions experiencing endemicity and sporadic outbreaks. The prevalence of malaria in blood donors, in India, varies between 0.02% and 0.07%. Common techniques to screen for malaria, in blood donors and patients, include microscopic smear examination and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on antigen detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new fully automated analyser, XN‐31, for malaria detection, as compared with current practice of using RDT. Materials and Methods: Cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted to evaluate clinical sensitivity and specificity of new automated analyser XN‐31 among blood donors' samples and clinical samples (patients with suspicion of malaria) from outpatient clinic collected over between July 2021 and October 2022. No additional sample was drawn from blood donor or patient. All blood donors and patients' samples were processed by malaria rapid diagnostic test, thick‐smear microscopy (MIC) and the haematology analyser XN‐31. Any donor blood unit incriminated for malaria was discarded. Laboratory diagnosis using MIC was considered the 'gold standard' in the present study. Clinical sensitivity and specificity of XN‐31 were compared with the gold standard. Results: Fife thousand and five donor samples and 82 diagnostic samples were evaluated. While the clinical sensitivity and specificity for donor samples were 100%, they were 72.7% and 100% for diagnostic samples. Conclusion: Automated haematology analysers represent a promising solution, as they can deliver speedy and sensitive donor malaria screening assessments. This method also has the potential to be used for pre‐transfusion malaria screening along with haemoglobin estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by immune response overexpression, causing pain and swelling in the synovial joints. This condition is caused by auto‐reactive antibodies that attack self‐antigens due to their incapacity to distinguish between self and foreign molecules. Dysregulated activity within numerous signalling and immunological pathways supports the disease's development and progression, elevating its complexity. While current treatments provide some alleviation, their effectiveness is accompanied by a variety of adverse effects that are inherent in conventional medications. As a result, there is a deep‐rooted necessity to investigate alternate therapeutic strategies capable of neutralizing these disadvantages. Medicinal herbs display a variety of potent bioactive phytochemicals that are effective in the complementary management of disease, thus generating an enormous potency for the researchers to delve deep into the development of novel phytomedicine against autoimmune diseases, although additional evidence and understanding are required in terms of their efficacy and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. This literature‐based review highlights the dysregulation of immune tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis, analyses the pathophysiology, elucidates relevant signalling pathways involved, evaluates present and future therapy options and underscores the therapeutic attributes of a diverse array of medicinal herbs in addressing this severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical high cloud cover decreases with surface warming in most general circulation models. This reduction, according to the "stability‐iris" hypothesis, is thermodynamically controlled and linked to a decrease in the radiatively‐driven clear‐sky convergence, when the peak anvil clouds rise because of the rising isotherms. The influence of the large‐scale dynamical changes on the tropical high cloud fraction remains difficult to disentangle from the local thermodynamic influence, given that the mean meridional circulation remains inextricably tied to the local thermodynamic structure of the atmosphere. However, using idealized general circulation model simulations, we propose a novel method to segregate the dynamical impact from the thermodynamic impact on the tropical high cloud fraction. To this end, our investigation primarily focuses on the mechanisms underpinning changes in the high cloud cover in the deep tropics in response to extratropical surface warming, when the tropical sea surface temperatures remain invariant. Net convective detrainment of ice cloud condensates decreases at the peak detrainment region, without a rise in its altitude. We also find that the importance of depositional growth of ice cloud condensates in controlling the high cloud fraction response in the deep tropics varies with altitude. Plain Language Summary: The cloud feedback associated with changes in the tropical high cloud cover is one of the major uncertainties in calculating the current estimates of climate sensitivity, which is a measure of how much the Earth's average surface temperature would increase if we double the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. When the surface becomes warmer in the tropics, the tropical high cloud cover decreases. However, this raises an important question: how do circulation changes independent of the temperature changes within the tropics impact the tropical high cloud cover? Using idealized general circulation model simulations, we found that the tropical high cloud fraction decreases as a result of circulation changes induced by extratropical warming, even when the tropical sea surface temperatures are held constant. Both convective and cloud microphysical processes play significant roles in controlling the changes in tropical high cloud fraction, and their relative importance varies with altitude. Understanding the different factors responsible for the changes in high cloud cover is important, as the area covered by these tropical high clouds can affect how much the Earth warms under climate change. Key Points: An indirect weakening of the Hadley circulation decreases the convectively‐detrained ice cloud condensates in the deep tropicsA concurrent reduction in the net vertical transport of water vapor limits the depositional growth of ice cloud condensatesThe relative influence of depositional growth to net convective detrainment on the tropical high cloud response is altitude‐dependent [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophytosis has assumed epidemic proportions with rising resistance, recalcitrance and recurrence, especially in tropical regions. While various factors contribute to high prevalence worldwide, yet little is known about the interactions between host defence mechanisms and dermatophytes, particularly in chronic and recalcitrant dermatophytosis. Objectives: We aimed to compare the population of various immune cells in specimens of chronic recurrent dermatophytosis and those with acute superficial dermatophytosis. Methods: We investigated the density of various immune cells—Langerhans cells (CD1a+), macrophages (CD68+), dermal dendrocytes (Factor XIIIa+) in the skin of chronic dermatophytosis patients and those with successfully resolved lesions (controls). Results: Langerhans cells were significantly decreased in the epidermis of patients, both in affected and unaffected areas in comparison with controls. In the dermis, however, no differences in the density of immune cells (macrophages and fibroblasts) were observed. Limitations: The limited sample size and immune cells evaluated could be expanded further in future research. Conclusion: These results indicate that the decreased number of Langerhans cells could be a potential risk factor for the development of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluid flow in porous media was modeled for enhanced oil recovery. The effects of parameters such as the matrix porosity, nanoparticles, and diffusion coefficients on the oil recovery factor were reported. The velocity, temperature, and oil saturation contours were examined. The study showed that the oil recovery and heat transfer were enhanced by the use of a nanofluid. A 30 % and 10 % increase in the oil recovery factor were found using the Al2O3‐water nanofluid as compared to water and the polystyrene‐water nanofluid, respectively. The temperature in the porous matrix was significantly reduced by the Al2O3‐water nanofluid as compared to the polystyrene‐water nanofluid and water. In the future, this model could be used to screen the performance of other chemical agents and eventually lead to a more efficient and sustainable oil extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most widespread neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by severe behavioral abnormalities, cognitive and functional impairments. It is inextricably linked with the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein in the brain. Loss of white matter, neurons, synapses, and reactive microgliosis are also frequently observed in patients of AD. Although the causative mechanisms behind the neuropathological alterations in AD are not fully understood, they are likely influenced by hereditary and environmental factors. The etiology and pathogenesis of AD are significantly influenced by the cells of the central nervous system, namely, glial cells and neurons, which are directly engaged in the transmission of electrical signals and the processing of information. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) can trigger inflammatory responses in glial cells, leading to various cascades of events that contribute to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and ultimately, AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, there are striking similarities between the biomarkers associated with AD and OPPs, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulation of microRNA, and accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, such as amyloid β. These shared markers suggest a potential mechanistic link between OPP exposure and AD pathology. In this review, we attempt to address the role of OPPs on altered cell physiology of the brain cells leading to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress linked with AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles have gained immense interest as probable drug molecules against microbial infections. Metal nanoparticles synthesized via exploring the reduction potential and capping activity of plants were found to have remarkable antimicrobial activity. The synthesis was conducted without hazardous chemicals and generation of toxic waste products. The focus of the study was, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Grewia tenax leaf extract as an antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal therapeutic agent. The silver nanoparticles (GTAgNPs) were synthesized using optimized conditions of 2.5 mM AgNO3 and 1 : 10 ratio of 10% extract at 37°C on continuous stirring. The characterization was done by UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, zeta potential, and FTIR. The antibacterial activity of GTAgNPs against both Gram (+) Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram (−) Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria via zone of inhibition, MIC, and MBC was analysed. The inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles on biofilm formation was also observed against these bacteria. These nanoparticles were then evaluated for their potential antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by observing fungal growth inhibition. The probable mechanism of antimicrobial activity by GTAgNPs was studied by scanning electron microscopy which showed the significant formation of pores on the cell surface in GTAgNPs-treated microbial cells, leading to the death of the microbial cell. All these studies concluded that GTAgNPs possess the potent antimicrobial potential and can be employed as antimicrobial therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), the FDA has the authority to require applicants to conduct postmarketing studies or clinical trials. These postmarketing requirements (PMRs) provide additional data on the safety of the drug product. The purpose of the study was to conduct a descriptive analysis of FDAAA PMRs and the resulting regulatory actions. Methods: This study evaluated FDAAA PMRs established between 2013 and 2019. We used the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) to map preferred terms (PTs) for serious risks associated with the PMRs. Relevant documents available in the FDA's document archiving, reporting, and regulatory tracking system (DARRTS), including but not limited to internal letters and reviews, documents submitted by applicants, and publicly available data sources were assessed for data collection of study elements. Results: Of the 1079 new FDAAA PMRs established between January 01, 2013, and December 31, 2019, 82% (n = 884) were associated with new drug applications (NDAs) and 18% (n = 195) with biologic license applications (BLAs). Most PMRs were established at the time of drug approval (73%, n = 789) compared to post‐approval (27%, n = 290). The majority of PMRs had an open status (59%, n = 639) and 41% (n = 440) were closed. The median time from the PMR establishment date to submission of the results to the FDA was 690 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 748 days) for 167 completed clinical trials and 483 days (IQR: 603 days) for 241 completed studies. Approximately 53% (180/339) of fulfilled FDAAA PMRs resulted in labeling changes. Conclusions: FDAAA PMRs are useful in informing postmarket safety of drugs. Most FDAAA PMRs were established at the time of drug approval, reflecting safety signals identified during the review of the marketing application, and over half of fulfilled FDAAA PMRs resulted in regulatory action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microaneurysms is the first stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and it plays a vital role in the computerized diagnosis. However, it is difficult to automatically detect microaneurysms in fundus images due to the complicated background and various illumination reasons. The motivation behind this, is the number of increases in diabetic patients is very large when compared with the number of ophthalmologists. The FSCA‐UNET (Frequency Spatial Channel Attention UNET) segmentation model, is proposed and it is an improvement over UNET. We first use the frequency channel attention mechanism to analyze the features that were extracted from the first stage of the convolution layer, and we obtain good results. Then, we included a spatial attention map with frequency attention, also known as FSCA‐UNET, which makes use of inter‐spatial connections between features. Our deep neural model with an encoder‐decoder structure termed FSCA‐UNET produced more accurate results. Our novel algorithm outdated the performance measures of the existing segmentation algorithms. The proposed segmentation algorithm was trained and tested on Indian Diabetic Retinopathy Image Dataset (IDRiD), and E‐ophtha Dataset and we got promising results in terms of sensitivity, specificity, dice coefficient, precision, F1 score, and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The augmented use of genomic testing across different medical subspecialties has led to increased involvement of genetic counselors (GCs) in specialized areas of medicine. However, the lack of educational infrastructure required for changing scholastic needs of GCs entering new subspecialties lends to the burden of self‐directed learning and inconsistent knowledge. We conducted a cross‐sectional study surveying GCs with experience in the emerging genetic subspecialties of Immunology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, and Pulmonology (abbreviated as "IDEP") on current practices, clinical challenges, and educational strategies undertaken while working in these settings. We compared knowledge and confidence in skills related to IDEP patient care between GCs who do (experienced cohort) and do not (control cohort) practice in these settings to assess their comfort with working in subspecialties. Participants were recruited from the National Society of Genetic Counselors membership. A total of 304 GCs (178 experienced and 126 control) completed the survey. Most GCs in the experienced cohort saw IDEP patients by themselves (n = 104; 58.4%) or with a geneticist (n = 97; 54.4%) and almost all (n = 176; 99%) cited GeneReviews as a primary informational source for IDEP genetics but half (n = 91; 51.1%) agreed that a dedicated online course would be the best way to learn about a specific subspecialty. The experienced cohort scored higher on confidence in all skills (p < 0.001, z = 7.32) and knowledge (p < 0.001, z = 5.68) related to IDEP genetics than the control cohort. Previous exposure to IDEP through graduate school coursework and rotations positively correlated with better self‐confidence in skills (p = 0.02, z = −2.19; p < 0.001, z = −5.25) and genetic knowledge (p = 0.03, z = −2.09; p < 0.001, z = −2.81) related to IDEP patient care. Years of experience working as a GC did not correlate with better confidence in skills (p = 0.53) or better IDEP genetic knowledge (p = 0.15). Our findings show that provision of opportunities for increased exposure to subspecialties could help maximize GCs' ability to work in emerging niche fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on the impact of yoga in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The review includes 18 studies that examined the effects of yoga on various parameters in RA patients. The studies found that yoga can lead to improvements in biomarkers, disease activity, quality of life, and psychological well-being in RA patients. The review highlights the potential of yoga as a non-pharmacological treatment option for RA. However, more research is needed to determine the specific type, duration, and frequency of yoga practices that are most effective for RA. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Recent epidemiological studies have shown that diabetes can have negative effects on cognitive function, and insulin resistance (IR) acts as a key factor in this association. IR can impede glucose uptake in brain, leading to energy deficits and toxic protein accumulation which may cause cognitive decline. Type 3 diabetes mellitus (T3DM), or AD type of diabetes is caused due to impaired insulin signalling restricted to brain regions, resulting in memory decline. This study therefore aims to explore the link between IR and cognitive dysfunction, which will help in understanding the role of IR as a potential risk factor of cognitive impairment. Method: This study utilized 1007 participants aged 45 years and above, recruited by CBR‐Tata Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TLSA), which is a community‐based urban longitudinal study cohort. 569 participants were with IR, and 438 participants were healthy. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE III) was utilised to assess cognitive performance of the participants and IR was measured using Homeostatic Model Assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Mann Whitney U test was performed to compare between ACE scores and IR status. Further, Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis was performed between cognitive variables and IR status after adjusting for covariates. Result: Mann Whitney U test showed a statistically significant association between IR status and ACE scores in ACE total, ACE attention and ACE visuospatial. GLM analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between IR status and performance in attention (B = ‐0.271, 95% CI (‐0.468, ‐0.073), p<0.05), as well as in visuospatial tasks (B = ‐0.258, 95% CI (‐0.494, ‐0.022), p<0.05). After adjusting for confounders such as age, education, and inflammatory marker like CRP, results showed that ACE attention scores (B = ‐0.396, 95% CI (‐0.396, ‐0.008), p<0.05) were significantly lower in participants with IR. Conclusion: According to the findings of our study, insulin resistance was associated with poor cognitive outcome in the attention domain. This finding could be attributed to the increased sensitivity of prefrontal cortex to altered insulin levels. Thus, considering the association between IR and cognition, it is important to devise strategies that can help in detecting and treating IR at an early stage to prevent cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence from multiple converging sources has demonstrated the clear benefits of physical activity in promoting mental health and improving cognitive function. However, more than 54% of Indians do not engage in the recommended amount of physical activity. The present study aims to explore the association of physical activity with cognitive abilities among the elderly aging population in an urban Indian setting. Methods: The study utilized baseline data of 1250 till Dec 2023 from the ongoing Tata Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort study. We categorized subjects into physically active (PA) and sedentary groups (SG)based on the time they spend doing different types of physical activity in a typical week using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Cognitive assessments were performed using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE‐III). Multiple linear regression was performed where cog variables were loaded as dependent variables, physical activity was a predictor, and covariates used were education, gender, socioeconomic status, and clinical dementia rating scores. Result: The mean age SD) of the study sample was 62.6 (9.6) years. Among 1250 participants, 804 (64.3%) were physically active and 446 (35.7%) belonged to the sedentary group. The physically active group had significantly higher median years of education (14.9 vs 14.6; p = <0.001), more proportion of males (56.3% vs 43.5%, p < 0.001), upper socioeconomic class (62.8% vs 34.2%) and lesser people with mild cognitive impairment (6.1% vs 14.2, p <0.001) as shown in Table 1. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that after controlling for confounding variables, the physically active group performed better in ACE total (β = ‐1.330, p = 0.002), ACE memory (β = ‐0.627, p < 0.001), ACE fluency (β = ‐0.257, p = 0.043) and ACE language (β = ‐0.263, p = 0.012) when compared to the sedentary group as shown in Table 2. ACE attention and ACE visuospatial scores were not statistically significant between both groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that physically active participants had better global cognition and better performance in memory, executive functioning, and perceptual‐motor function. Promotion of physical activity should hence be implemented for enhancing cognitive abilities in elderly individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visuo‐cognitive skills represent a network of different abilities that rely on vision and cognition. While visuo‐cognitive abilities have been considered prominent indicators of dementia, there is a dearth of studies that profile these abilities with demographic correlates in an aging Indian population. Investigating the pattern of visuo‐cognitive abilities is essential to facilitate early indication, better prognosis and treatment of symptoms. Method: The sample comprises baseline data collected from 1271 urban aging individuals (≥ 45 years) who are a part of the Tata Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TLSA), Bangalore, India. Visuo‐cognition was measured by Visuospatial span (VS), Visual Attention (VA), Modified Taylor Complex Figure (MTCF) Copy, Immediate Recall (IR), Delayed Recall (DR), and the visuospatial domain from Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) III. Unadjusted effect was performed using Mann Whitney U and adjustments were made using General Linear Model to examine the association between each visuo‐cognitive test and demographic factors. Result: In the total sample of 1271 participants, there were 620 females and 651 males. Mean age of females and males is 60.2±8.68 & 63.69 ±9.61 respectively. Mean years of education in females was 14.36 with a standard deviation of ±3.92. Mean years of education in males was 15.33 with a standard deviation of ±4.07. The correlation between age and MTCF Copy Time was positive, whereas with visuospatial span, visual attention, MTCF Copy, MTCF DR, and visuospatial domain of ACE III age was negatively correlated. Females performed better on tests of VA, MTCF IR, and the visuospatial domain on ACE III. There was a positive correlation between education and visuospatial span, visual attention, MTCF Copy, IR, DR, and visuospatial domain of ACE III. A negative correlation was found between education and MTCF Copy time and no significant association of the variables with MTCF IR Time. Conclusion: Age and education influenced various visuo‐cognitive components, while gender had specific impacts on visual attention and MTCF measures. These findings provide insights for early diagnosis, tailored interventions, and further investigations into cognitive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are the non‐invasive tests to measure the lung function. Relationship between pulmonary function and cognition is an emerging area of research, understanding this is crucial for prevention and management of dementia. Hence this study aims to investigate the association between pulmonary function and cognition. Method: This cross sectional analysis includes the participants aged 45 years and above (N = 924) from an ongoing longitudinal study, the Tata Longitudinal Study of Aging (TLSA), conducted in urban Bangalore, India. The pulmonary function was assessed through spirometry, Z scores were calculated for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), then categorized into equal quartiles. Cognition was assessed using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III). The association between pulmonary function and cognition was examined using multiple linear regression with three models: Model 1 – unadjusted, model 2‐adjusted for age and gender, model 3 – adjusted for age, gender, education, smoking status, depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac illness and respiratory disease. Result: Regression analysis revealed an association between pulmonary function and cognition across all the models. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the lowest quartile (quartile 4), participants in highest quartiles of FVC performed better in ACE [quartile 1 (β = 2.36, 95% CI, 0.56‐4.15, p = 0.01), quartile 2 (β = 2.62, 95% CI, 1.08‐4.15, p = 0.001), quartile 3 (β = 1.87, 95% CI, 0.53‐3.22, p = 0.006)], similarly for PEF, participants in highest quartiles exhibited better ACE score [quartile 1 (β = 3.42, 95% CI, 2.02‐4.82, p <0.001), quartile 2 (β = 3.49, 95% CI, 2.16‐4.81, p <0.001), quartile 3 (β = 3.72, 95% CI, 2.41‐5.03, p ≤0.001)], there was no significant association found between FEV1 and ACE score. Conclusion: These findings indicate the link between pulmonary function and cognitive performance, highlighting the importance of respiratory well‐being in preserving the cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, acute skin eruption characterized by the development of numerous nonfollicular sterile pustules. Most cases are caused by drug reactions, among which Diltiazem has been incriminated. Herein, we present an 83-year-old female who presented for evaluation of generalized skin rash 3 days after initiation of Diltiazem. She was eventually diagnosed with AGEP, Diltiazem was discontinued, and systemic steroids were administered with the resolution of symptoms. This case report has the objective of encouraging clinicians to include AGEP in the differential diagnosis of skin eruption following the initiation of Diltiazem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work (17‐ethynyl‐13‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17‐tetradecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐yl‐ethyl‐7‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐3‐carboxylate)and (17‐ethynyl‐13‐methyl‐3‐oxo‐2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17‐tetradecahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[a]phenanthren‐17‐yl 2‐(4‐chlorophenoxy) acetate), anovel prodrugs of norethindrone have been synthesized. The structure of the synthesized compounds were characterized with the help of 1H, 13C NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopy.Norethindrone is used for contraception or hormone‐related conditions such as endometriosis and menopausal symptoms and to treat bacterial infections in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds explained the most probable interaction pattern with cyclooxygenase‐2 (1CX2),human estrogen receptor (2OCF) and RSK‐4N‐terminal kinase(6G77). Compound 2 & 3 possessedanti‐inflammatoryand cytotoxic activity besides contraceptive. Both thesynthesized compounds were found to be more potent than norethindrone as revealed from the binding energy and in‐vitro cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cells. Anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activity for norethindrone is reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the long‐term awareness of the conversion of light to heat even in materials with low absorption coefficient via the photothermal effect and consequent usage of the effect to evaluate thermo‐optic properties of the materials, only recently has the thermal field created via photon‐to‐phonon conversion been exploited for manipulation of colloidal objects as well as living cells. As compared to conventional direct photon‐assisted manipulation via optical tweezers, the optothermal manipulation technique employs much lower optical source power and can manipulate particles over a long range. In this review, the working mechanisms, concepts, and applications of a series of recently established optothermal techniques are discussed for the manipulation of diverse species including micro/nanoparticles, biological cells, molecules, and micelles in various fluidic environments. The physical mechanism of the optical manipulation that relies on the coordinated action of thermal convection, Marangoni convection, thermophoresis, thermoelectricity, depletion attraction, and thermo‐osmotic flow is discussed in detail. With their low‐power operation, diverse functionalities, and simple optics employed, optothermal manipulation techniques are increasingly finding a wide range of applications in colloidal science, life sciences, materials science, and nanoscience, as well as in the developments of colloidal functional devices and nanomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: HIV self‐testing (HIVST) has the potential to support daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in private pharmacies, but many national guidelines have not approved HIVST for PrEP dispensing. In Kenya, pharmacy providers are permitted to deliver HIVST, but often do not have the required certification to deliver rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). We estimated the performance of provider‐delivered HIVST compared to RDT, the standard of care for PrEP delivery, at private pharmacies in Kenya to inform decisions on the use of HIVST for PrEP scale‐up. Methods: At 20 pharmacies in Kisumu County, we trained pharmacy providers (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) on blood‐based HIVST use and client assistance (if requested). We recruited pharmacy clients purchasing sexual and reproductive health‐related products (e.g. condoms) and enrolled those ≥18 years with self‐reported behaviours associated with HIV risk. Enrolled clients received HIVST with associated provider counselling, followed by RDT by a certified HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Pharmacy providers and clients independently interpreted HIVST results prior to RDT (results interpreted only by the HTS counsellor). We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy provider‐delivered HIVST compared to HTS counsellor‐administered RDT. Results: Between March and June 2022, we screened 1691 clients and enrolled 1500; 64% (954/1500) were female and the median age was 26 years (IQR 22–31). We additionally enrolled 40 providers; 42% (17/40) were pharmacy owners and their median years of experience was 6 (IQR 4–10). The majority (79%, 1190/1500) of clients requested provider assistance with HIVST and providers spent a median of 20 minutes (IQR 15–43) with each HIVST client. The sensitivity of provider‐delivered HIVST at the pharmacy was high when interpreted by providers (98.5%, 95% CI 97.8%, 99.1%) and clients (98.8%, 95% CI 98.0%, 99.3%), as was the specificity of HIVST in this setting (provider‐interpretation: 96.9%, 95% CI 89.2%, 99.6%; client‐interpretation: 93.8%, 95% CI 84.8%, 98.3%). Conclusions: When compared to the national HIV testing algorithm, provider‐delivered blood‐based HIVST at private pharmacies in Kenya performed well. These findings suggest that blood‐based HIVST may be a useful tool to support PrEP initiation and continuation at private pharmacies and potentially other community‐based delivery settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imaging data of one eye from 154 healthy and 143 glaucoma participants were acquired to evaluate the contributions of the neuronal and vascular components within the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) for detecting glaucoma and modeling visual field loss through the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography. The neuronal and vascular components within the circumpapillary RNFL were independently evaluated. In healthy eyes, the neuronal component showed a stronger association with age (r = −0.52, p < 0.001) compared to measured RNFL thickness (r = −0.46, p < 0.001). Using the neuronal component alone improved detection of glaucoma (AUC: 0.890 ± 0.020) compared to measured RNFL thickness (AUC: 0.877 ± 0.021; χ2 = 5.54, p = 0.019). Inclusion of the capillary components with the sectoral neuronal component resulted in a significant improvement in glaucoma detection (AUC: 0.927 ± 0.015; χ2 = 15.34, p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, AUC increased to 0.952 ± 0.011. Results from modeling visual field loss in glaucoma eyes suggest that visual field losses associated with neuronal thinning were moderated in eyes with a larger capillary component. These findings suggest that segregation of the neurovascular components could help improve understanding of disease pathophysiology and affect disease management in glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secondary distribution of HIV self‐tests (HIVST) by HIV‐negative pregnant women to male partners increases men's testing rates. We examined whether this strategy promotes male partner testing for pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV). Methods: We conducted an open‐label individually randomized trial in Kampala, Uganda, in which PWLHIV ≥18 years who reported a partner of unknown HIV status were randomized 2:1 to secondary distribution of HIVST for male partner(s) or standard‐of‐care (SOC; invitation letter to male partner for fast‐track testing). Women were followed until 12 months post‐partum. Male partners were offered confirmatory HIV testing and facilitated linkage to antiretroviral treatment (ART) or oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Using intention‐to‐treat analysis, primary outcomes were male partner testing at the clinic and initiation on PrEP or ART evaluated through 12 months post‐partum (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03484533). Results: From November 2018 to March 2020, 500 PWLHIV were enrolled with a median age of 27 years (interquartile range [IQR] 23–30); 332 were randomized to HIVST and 168 to SOC with 437 PWLHIV (87.4%) completing 12 months follow‐up post‐partum. Of 236 male partners who tested at the clinic and enrolled (47.2%), their median age was 31 years (IQR 27–36), 45 (88.3%) men with HIV started ART and 113 (61.1%) HIV‐negative men started PrEP. There was no intervention effect on male partner testing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–1.37) or time to ART or PrEP initiation (HR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.69–1.33). Two male partners and two infants acquired HIV for an incidence of 0.99 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.12–3.58) and 1.46 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 0.18%–5.28%), respectively. Social harms related to study participation were experienced by six women (HIVST = 5, SOC = 1). Conclusions: Almost half of the partners of Ugandan PWLHIV tested for HIV with similar HIV testing rates and linkage to ART or PrEP among the secondary distribution of HIVST and SOC arms. Although half of men became aware of their HIV serostatus and linked to services, additional strategies to reach male partners of women in antenatal care are needed to increase HIV testing and linkage to services among men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the discrimination performance of 6‐year‐old children for optotypes from six paediatric visual acuity tests and to fit Luce's Biased Choice Model to the data to estimate the relative similarities and bias for each optotype. Methods: Full data sets were collected from 20 typically developing 6‐year‐olds who had passed a vision screening. They were presented with single optotypes labelled 6/12 at a distance of 9 m and were asked to identify the optotype using a matching task containing all optotypes from the relevant test. The data were combined to form a confusion matrix for each test and a biased choice model was fitted to the data. Results: Median correct performance varied from 40% to 100% across optotypes, with the HOTV test having the highest values. Estimates of the similarity of each pair of optotypes indicated equal values for all pairs in the Landolt C, HOTV, Lea numbers and Tumbling E tests. The values differed for the picture tests, that is Lea Symbols and Allen figures. The estimates of bias for each individual optotype also indicated different values with the picture tests. Conclusions: Previous studies of the threshold acuity of young children and adults have indicated differences in acuity estimates across paediatric tests. A recognition acuity task typically requires resolving the difference information between optotypes. The performance of the 6‐year‐olds here reveals variance in similarity and bias values for picture tests, particularly for the Allen figures when compared with the Lea Symbols. Ideally, this analysis should be performed when designing new tests, and these results motivate progression from the use of current picture tests to well calibrated letter or number tests at the earliest possible age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variations (CNVs) play a significant role in human disease. While chromosomal microarray has traditionally been the first‐tier test for CNV detection, use of genome sequencing (GS) is increasing. We report the frequency of CNVs detected with GS in a diverse pediatric cohort from the NYCKidSeq program and highlight specific examples of its clinical impact. A total of 1052 children (0–21 years) with neurodevelopmental, cardiac, and/or immunodeficiency phenotypes received GS. Phenotype‐driven analysis was used, resulting in 183 (17.4%) participants with a diagnostic result. CNVs accounted for 20.2% of participants with a diagnostic result (37/183) and ranged from 0.5 kb to 16 Mb. Of participants with a diagnostic result (n = 183) and phenotypes in more than one category, 5/17 (29.4%) were solved by a CNV finding, suggesting a high prevalence of diagnostic CNVs in participants with complex phenotypes. Thirteen participants with a diagnostic CNV (35.1%) had previously uninformative genetic testing, of which nine included a chromosomal microarray. This study demonstrates the benefits of GS for reliable detection of CNVs in a pediatric cohort with variable phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report for the very first time the controlled structural changes in the self‐assemblies of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐O‐tert‐butyl‐l‐threonine (Fmoc‐Thr(tBu)‐OH) (FTU) to well defined unique morphologies. The self‐assembling properties of FTU were very interesting and intriguing as it resulted in the formation of unusual structures which resembles fibrous dumbbells and double‐sided broomstick‐like morphologies along with conventional spheres and rods under controlled conditions of concentration and temperature. The self‐assembly of other derivatives of threonine as well as another hydroxyl containing amino acid with same modification that is, ((N‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy)carbonyl)‐O‐(tert‐butyl)‐l‐serine (Fmoc‐Ser(tBu)‐OH) (FSU) was also studied to understand the crucial role of –Fmoc, ‐tBu and an additional –CH3 group present in the structure of FTU in the process of self‐assembly. Solvent dependent morphological studies of FTU and FSU suggest important role of solubility parameters and crystallization in formation of these unusual structures. The control experiments of co‐incubation with tannic acid and urea and solution state 1H‐NMR studies elucidate π–π stacking interactions as the key driving force for the structure formation. Further, the interactions which can occur between pairs of FTU and FSU which cause initial self‐assembly was studied theoretically via computational modeling. These studies suggest pair of FTU can either interact via head‐to‐head (HH) or head‐to‐tail (HT) configurations and the most favorable probabilities of either of these interactions lead to morphological transitions in FTU self‐assembly under varying conditions. The studies reported herein hence demonstrate that bioorganic molecules like protected single amino acids can be efficiently used as scaffold for self‐assembly and provide a very simple and facile bottom‐up‐approach for the design of uncommon novel micro/nanoarchitects for multifarious applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID‐19 usually presents with upper respiratory tract infection in varying severity which can lead to sepsis. Early prediction of sepsis may reduce mortality by timely interventions. The intended purpose of this study was to determine whether the advanced parameters like the extended inflammation parameters (EIPs) can predict prognosis and early progression to sepsis as a sequel of COVID‐19 infection and can be used as a screening profile. Also, to evaluate the Intensive Care Infection Score (ICIS) and the COVID‐19 prognostic score and validate the scores for our population. Methods: Prospective observational study of 50 reverse transcription‐ polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) proven admitted COVID‐19 patients. The data assessed included complete blood counts (CBC) with EIP measurements, from Day 1 of admission to Day 10. The following groups were studied: noncritical (NC) and critical illness (CI) in COVID‐19 positive cases, COVID negative sepsis and nonsepsis cases, and healthy volunteers for reference range. Results: The parameters that showed statistically significant higher mean in CI group compared to the NC group are reactive lymphocyte number and percentage (RE‐LYMPH#, RE‐LYMPH%), antibody synthesizing lymphocyte number and percentage (AS‐LYMPH#, AS‐LYMPH%), Reactive monocyte count and percentage (RE‐MONO#, RE‐MONO%/M), ICIS, COVID‐19 prognostic score (p‐value <0.05). The AUC confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of all these parameters. From the multivariate logistic regression, the significant risk factor was RE‐LYMPH# with cut‐off >0.10 (p value: 0.011). Conclusion: The new EIP parameters, RE‐MONO#, RE‐MONO%/M, ICIS score and COVID‐19 prognostic score are useful for early prediction of critical illness. AS‐LYMPH is the most useful predictor of critical illness on multivariate analysis. RE‐MONO# and RE‐MONO%/M parameter are useful in distinguishing critical and noncritical non‐COVID and COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence of dermatophytosis in tropical countries coupled with drug resistance necessitates an objective scoring system to define the severity, monitor therapeutic response and predict prognoses. We attempted to establish and validate a new scoring system – Dermatophytoses Severity Score (DSS), for dermatophytoses affecting non‐glabrous skin. A consensus group was convened to develop an objective and reproducible scoring system to describe the extent and severity of dermatophytosis of 200 consecutive patients with dermatophytosis. A second assessment entailed independent DSS scoring of the same patients by dermatologists and residents who were not part of the consensus group. The main outcome measured was index reliability, assessed in two steps, between the observers. A two‐step assessment and DSS grading of 200 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytoses showed high reliability (Cronbach's α test and intraclass correlation coefficient). The DSS has demonstrated high reliability, and it could serve as a novel, reproducible and objective scoring tool for dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by the occurrence of one or more depressive episodes lasting a minimum of 2 weeks and is marked by a persistently low mood and a lack of enjoyment in daily activities. The diagnosis of MDD is not possible by a well‐established laboratory test or biomarker. A wide range of potential biomarkers for depression have been proposed by many studies, but none of them has adequately described the correlation between the biomarkers and depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) levels as an early depression risk factor. Methods: The present case‐control study included 88 participants. Among them, 44 MDD patients enrolled from the psychiatry department of a public hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and 44 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) from various sites in Dhaka city. A qualified psychiatrist evaluated the cases and HCs based on the fifth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM‐5). The Hamilton depression (Ham‐D) rating scale was employed to evaluate the intensity of depression. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit (Boster Bio, USA) was used to determine serum IL‐1RA concentrations. Results: We observed no marked alteration in the serum concentration of IL‐1RA in MDD patients in comparison to HCs (292.81 ± 24.81 and 288 ± 24.87 pg/mL; p > 0.05). Among MDD patients, we found no noteworthy association between the severity of depression and serum IL‐1RA levels. Conclusion: The findings of the present study imply that IL‐1RA may not be identified as a promising biomarker for risk assessment of depression. However, its neuroprotective role may be taken into consideration for the understanding of pathophysiology of MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased use of next‐generation sequencing has expanded our understanding of the involvement and prevalence of mosaicism in genetic disorders. We describe a total of eleven cases: nine in which mosaic variants detected by genome sequencing (GS) and/or targeted gene panels (TGPs) were considered to be causative for the proband's phenotype, and two of apparent parental mosaicism. Variants were identified in the following genes: PHACTR1, SCN8A, KCNT1, CDKL5, NEXMIF, CUX1, TSC2, GABRB2, and SMARCB1. In addition, we identified one large duplication including three genes, UBE3A, GABRB3, and MAGEL2, and one large deletion including deletion of ARFGAP1, EEF1A2, CHRNA4, and KCNQ2. All patients were enrolled in the NYCKidSeq study, a research program studying the communication of genomic information in clinical care, as well as the clinical utility and diagnostic yield of GS for children with suspected genetic disorders in diverse populations in New York City. We observed variability in the correlation between reported variant allele fraction and the severity of the patient's phenotype, although we were not able to determine the mosaicism percentage in clinically relevant tissue(s). Although our study was not sufficiently powered to assess differences in mosaicism detection between the two testing modalities, we saw a trend toward better detection by GS as compared with TGP testing. This case series supports the importance of mosaicism in childhood‐onset genetic conditions and informs guidelines for laboratory and clinical interpretation of mosaic variants detected by GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]