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The influence of upper ocean dynamics on the acoustic field in the South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) is studied using in situ oceanographic/acoustic measurements from a moored buoy, along with satellite‐derived and climatological data sets. Upper‐ocean variability at the site is quantified using Mixed Layer Depth (MLD), Isothermal Layer Depth (ILD), Barrier Layer Thickness (BLT), Maximum Spice Depth (MSD), and Sonic Layer Depth (SLD), along with surface variability factors such as Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Salinity, Spice, and Sea Level Anomaly. The mixed layer acoustic duct (MLAD) varies from 2 to 100 m, with BLT varying from 5 to 99 m, and a mean SLD of 43 m. A thick transition layer connects the mixed layer with the thermocline during winter. The observations reveal that maximum SLD, MSD, and BLT occurred during January–March. Unlike other seasons when SLD follows MLD, winter SLD is influenced by BLT, suggesting strong salinity stratification due to low‐salinity water intrusion from the Bay of Bengal by East India Coastal Current. During these months, the SLD varies from 80 to 100 m, with the corresponding minimum cut‐off frequency varying from 300 to 200 Hz. Results are correlated with estimated Sound Pressure Level (SPL) from Ambient Noise Measurements during November 2018 to November 2019. SPL variation follows SLD for low and mid‐frequencies, with the highest SPL noted during January‐February. Acoustic propagation simulations at 250 and 1,000 Hz revealed features like acoustic duct leakage and channeling, indicating energy transfers between the surface acoustic duct and deeper layers. Plain Language Summary: The surface duct occurs just below the sea surface whenever the processes of stirring by the wind and convection caused by surface cooling and evaporation produce a layer of quasi‐isothermal water called a mixed layer. Studies show a strong association between SLD and MLD over most parts of the global ocean, including the Arabian Sea. Salinity variability plays a crucial role in the formation of the barrier layer and its effect on SLD. Recent studies (Colosi & Rudnick, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0002174; Richards & Colosi, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0021311) have shown the effect of salinity on SLD, including considerations of ocean spice over the North Pacific Ocean. This study attempts to understand this aspect using moored‐buoy observation, satellite‐derived and climatological data. An Acoustic Recorder is mounted on an OMNI‐buoy mooring at 550 m depth, in the SEAS to measure the sound field. The influence of Upper Ocean dynamics on MLAD and its effects on acoustic propagation is examined through modeling. The variability in derived SPL over a year is addressed using SLD and acoustic propagation simulations. The link between oceanographic aspects and acoustic fields in warm tropical waters (i.e., SEAS) is brought out, which would be helpful in conducting at sea acoustic experiments and trials. Key Points: Evaluated the impact of upper ocean dynamics on under water acoustics at south western Bay of BengalImpact of Sonic layer variability on acoustic propagation at different frequencies using deep ocean Ambient Noise Measurement System [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the authors' own ethnographic research, this article discusses the importance of developing polymedia literacy as a key step toward ethical online research on social networking sites (SNS). Polymedia literacy entails the ability to critically analyze the vast landscape of SNS, their affordances, and users' social motivations for choosing specific SNS for their interactions. Internet researchers face several ethical challenges, including issues of informed consent, "public" and "private" online spaces, and data protection. Even when research ethics committees waive the need for a formal ethics approval process, researchers of online spaces need to ensure that their studies are conducted and presented in an ethical and responsible manner. This is particularly important in research contexts that pertain to vulnerable populations in online communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oreochromis niloticus a Nile tilapia fish is widely used for fish culture practice in many countries for its easy acclimatization and high yield at a short pace of time. Selenium‐chitosan (SeCh) nanoparticles are efficiently used in agriculture, medicine, and aquaculture practices in several studies. The significant approach of Selenium‐Chitosan incorporated fish feed will be evaluated in the present study to achieve the better aquaculture practice in future. In the present study, SeCh nanoparticle was chemically synthesized and incorporated with formulated fish feed. Selenium formulated fish feed contains 31.49 g of carbohydrates and 41.52 g of proteins. SeCh‐fed O. niloticus fingerlings exhibited significantly increased specific growth rates in terms of weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Chemical characterization of SeChNPs through FTIR spectroscopy indicates the presence of an adjuvant combination of selenium and chitosan presence through functional groups of COO stretch, CH, CC, and CN stretch representing at 3226, 2878, and 1734 cm−1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analysis revealed the structural properties of SeChNPs as a fibrous pattern that contains Carbon, Oxygen, and Selenium elements as predominant peak values. SeChNPs incorporated fish feed has higher protein content which is a standard hallmark for a fish feed and an essential prerequisite for fish growth. The formulated SeCh fish feed in the present study is an innovative approach which can be taken further for higher level testing and processing for developing as a better fish feed in terms of feasible and efficient fish growth enhancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to identify clusters of health behaviors and study their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes in India. Methods: Baseline data from the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program (n = 1000; age 30–60 years) were used for this study. Information on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, fruit and vegetable intake, sleep, and alcohol and tobacco use was collected using questionnaires. Blood pressure, waist circumference, 2‐h plasma glucose, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured using standardized protocols. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of health behaviors, and multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression was employed to examine their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. Results: Two classes were identified, with 87.4% of participants in class 1 and 12.6% in class 2. Participants in both classes had a high probability of not engaging in leisure‐time PA (0.80 for class 1; 0.73 for class 2) and consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day (0.70 for class 1; 0.63 for class 2). However, participants in class 1 had a lower probability of sitting for >=3 h per day (0.26 vs 0.42), tobacco use (0.10 vs 0.75), and alcohol use (0.08 vs 1.00) compared to those in class 2. Class 1 had a significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure (β = −3.70 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −7.05, −0.36), diastolic blood pressure (β = −2.45 mm Hg, 95% CI −4.74, −0.16), and triglycerides (β = −0.81 mg/dL, 95% CI −0.75, −0.89). Conclusion: Implementing intervention strategies, tailored to cluster‐specific health behaviors, is required for the effective prevention of cardiometabolic disorders among high‐risk adults for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on short‐term pregnancy outcomes. Method: Data from 4526 consecutive women with singleton pregnancies who delivered between January 2015 and December 2017 were analyzed. SCH was defined as a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level between 2.5 and 10 mU/mL with normal free thyroxine. Of those with SCH, some were treated but others were not. These two groups were compared using χ2 and Student t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, parity, gestation at TSH measurement, and gestational diabetes mellitus status, were used to investigate the effect of treatment on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Results: In all, 1227 (27.1%) of 4526 women had SCH, of whom 393 (32.0%) were treated. The mean age and body mass index were similar in both groups. The mean gestation at measuring of TSH was 11.7 ± 6.5 weeks. There was no significant difference in pregnancy or neonatal outcomes between the two groups. A sub‐group analysis when SCH was defined as TSH 4.0 mU/mL or greater showed a higher rate of large for gestational age and lower rates of low birth weight and small for gestational age in the treated group. Conclusions: The prevalence of SCH based on the international guidelines threshold is high in India. Treatment of SCH did not show any difference in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in this study. Synopsis: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in India is high. However, treatment did not show any difference in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic breast cancer has the highest mortality rate among women owing to its poor clinical outcomes. Metastatic tumors pose challenges for treatment through conventional surgery or radiotherapy because of their diverse organ localization and resistance to various cytotoxic agents. Chemoresistance is a significant obstacle to effective breast cancer treatment owing to cancer's heterogeneous nature. Abnormalities in intracellular calcium signaling, coupled with altered mitochondrial metabolism, play a significant role in facilitating drug resistance and contribute to therapy resistance. Uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP2) is considered as a marker of chemoresistance and is believed to play a major role in promoting metabolic shifts and tumor metastasis. In this context, it is imperative to understand the roles of altered calcium signaling and metabolic switching in the development of chemotherapeutic resistance. This study investigates the roles of UCP2 and intracellular calcium signaling (Ca2+) in promoting chemoresistance against cisplatin. Additionally, we explored the effectiveness of combining genipin (GP, a compound that reverses UCP2‐mediated chemoresistance) and thapsigargin (TG, a calcium signaling modulator) in treating highly metastatic breast cancers. Our findings indicate that both aberrant Ca2+ signaling and metabolic shifts in cancer cells contribute to developing drug‐resistant phenotypes, and the combination treatment of GP and TG significantly enhances drug sensitivity in these cells. Collectively, our study underscores the potential of these drug combinations as an effective approach to overcome drug resistance in chemoresistant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemia franciscana is a universal live feed in aquaculture, and it has been reported as an invasive species in many Asian hypersaline ecosystems. The present observations illustrated the pre‐ and postembryonic development stages of the A. franciscana population confined to the Indian saltern of Kelambakkam. We observed their growth patterns during various hydration periods with specific time intervals. Results showed differences in the development stages with respect to unique identity. Interestingly, a period of hydration showed notable cellular movement toward clockwise positions in the hydrating cysts. After 10 h of hydration, blastocoel appeared, accelerating the dynamic route of nuclei movement. At the end of the invagination, the embryo burst out of the cyst, and a sequence of emerging stages was noted. With reference to light microscopic observations, a series of developmental stages were observed, and each instar was documented by developing limb buds of nauplii. Excitingly, the 10th and 11th instar stages reveal sexual differentiation between male and female individuals. Thus, the laboratory culture study clearly documented the different developmental stages with their specific characteristic features. However, further molecular study would provide a cellular basis for understanding the early development of A. franciscana. Highlights: •The current study clearly documents Artemia franciscana pre‐ and postembryonic development stages.•Different hours of hydration accelerate the unique cellular movement in the encysted embryo.•We discovered clockwise cellular movements during pre‐embryonic development for the first time.•Cellular movements accelerate blastocoel formation, gastrulation, invagination, and germ layer differentiation.•Each germ layer settled into its specific location in the embryo and burst out into the outer environment.•Furthermore, each instar development was documented by its unique characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is a common and deadly kind of tissue invasion, has a high death rate, and may induce metastasis that mostly affects adults over the age of 40. Most in vitro traditional methods for studying cancer have included the use of monolayer cell cultures and several animal models. There is a worldwide effort underway to reduce the excessive use of laboratory animals since, although being physiologically adequate, animal models rarely succeed in exactly mimicking human models. 3D culture models have gained great attention in the area of biomedicine because of their capacity to replicate parent tissue. There are many benefits to using a drug delivery approach based on nanoparticles in cancer treatment. Because of this, in vitro test methodologies are crucial for evaluating the efficacy of prospective novel nanoparticle drug delivery systems. This review discusses current advances in the utility of 3D cell culture models including multicellular spheroids, patient‐derived explant cultures, organoids, xenografts, 3D bioprinting, and organoid‐on‐a‐chip models. Aspects of nanoparticle‐based drug discovery that have utilized 2D and 3D cultures for a better understanding of genes implicated in oral cancers are also included in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SupaCee sections are addressed as one of the innovative section profiles which was introduced to the Cold‐Formed Steel (CFS) industry in the past decade. Longitudinal stiffeners and return lips are the unique features which ensured the better structural performance in terms of bending and shear for CFS sections. However, web crippling performance of CFS SupaCee section was the critical aspect to employ them in the industry as the concentrated loads could induce web crippling failures. Hence, there is a necessity to address web crippling performance of any innovative profiles to utilize them in appropriate locations. On that note, aluminum sections are now emerging in the industry as load bearing profiles considering their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and high specific strength. Aluminium sections are considered as a replacement for CFS sections for modular constructions where the necessity of light weight is higher considering the transport costs and fabrication costs. However, web crippling performance of aluminum sections has to be analyzed to ensure the utilization in modular constructions. Hence, a superior section among available sections in terms of structural performances, aluminium SupaCee section, was considered for this study. Accordingly, a comprehensive numerical study was conducted considering various parameters such as section depth, thickness, bearing length and yield strength, after the successful validation process of the numerical models with the experimental scenarios of End‐Two‐Flange (ETF) loading condition. Ultimately, the results were compared with key parameters and suggestions and recommendations were stated for the utilization aluminum SupaCee sections in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium sections have been emerged in the industry due to the advantages such as light weight, resistance to corrosion, recyclability, and flexibility. While the construction industry is moving towards to modular construction trend, aluminium sections are considered as a vital key to achieve the desirable outputs of modular industry. Modular industry needs high performing structural elements as well as light weight elements to reduce the overall weight of the modules which directly affects the transport cost, flexibility of the modular connections, construction duration, capacity of the equipment or machineries and required numbers of construction workers for assemble. Hence, the requirement of light weight elements is evident, and the aluminium sections have been considered to replace the conventional sections. However, the structural performance of aluminium sections has to be analysed to check the appropriateness of utilization though it is reasonable. Hence, aluminium sigma sections were selected in this study to check their performance in the web crippling scenario under Interior‐Two‐Flange (ITF) loading case. Sigma sections were opted based on the merits including high torsional rigidity and resistance towards local and distortional buckling. Appropriate numerical approach was selected, and the procedure was validated with experimental results. Accordingly, comprehensive numerical investigation was carried out by including different parameters such as depth, thickness, yield, and ultimate strength and bearing length. Subsequently, the results were compared with all critical parameters and the results were provided. Suggestions and recommendations were stated to utilise the aluminium sigma sections in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is considered as a serious brain disorder in which patients frequently experience seizures. The seizures are defined as the unexpected electrical changes in brain neural activity, which leads to unconsciousness. Existing researches made an intense effort for predicting the epileptic seizures using brain signal data. However, they faced difficulty in obtaining the patients' characteristics because the model's distribution turned to fake predictions, affecting the model's reliability. In addition, the existing prediction models have severe issues, such as overfitting and false positive rates. To overcome these existing issues, we propose a deep learning approach known as Deep dual‐patch attention mechanism (D2PAM) for classifying the pre‐ictal signals of people with Epilepsy based on the brain signals. Deep neural network is integrated with D2PAM, and it lowers the effect of differences between patients to predict ES. The multi‐network design enhances the trained model's generalisability and stability efficiently. Also, the proposed model for processing the brain signal is designed to transform the signals into data blocks, which is appropriate for pre‐ictal classification. The earlier warning of epilepsy with the proposed model obtains the auxiliary diagnosis. The data of real patients for the experiments provides the improved accuracy by D2PAM approximation compared to the existing techniques. To be more distinctive, the authors have analysed the performance of their work with five patients, and the accuracy comes out to be 95%, 97%, 99%, 99%, and 99% respectively. Overall, the numerical results unveil that the proposed work outperforms the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following mechanical milling, the condensation reaction of the corresponding heterocyclic aldehydes with Isoniazid yields the Schiff base (E)‐N′‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl) methylene)isonicotinohydrazide (S1) and (E)‐N′‐(Thiophen‐2‐ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (S2) supported heterocyclic derivatives. The structures of the Schiff bases, S1 and S2 were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. Copper ions (Cu2+) were trapped by S1 in DMSO to form the yellow‐coloured complex Cu‐(E)‐N′‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene) isonicotinohydrazide (Cu2++S1) with high sensitivity and selectivity. But the same ligand S1 could not be able to capture other metal ions tested for this work (namely, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, and Fe3+) in DMSO. UV‐visible spectroscopic results confirmed the complex formation (Cu2++S1) with copper ions, but not with the other ions. Analysis of non‐covalent interactions (NCI) of ligand S1 with Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in DMSO were investigated by density functional theory (DFT). NCI analysis of S1 by Cu2+ ions in DMSO was in good agreement with the experimental results. S2 did not react with any metal ions used in this study to form a complex in DMSO and the same was confirmed by UV‐Visible spectra. Reasonably good antibacterial activity was observed with S1, S2, Cu2++S1 compared to amoxicillin against Gram‐negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae, E. coli), Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus, S. pneumoniae), and fungal strain (C. albicans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metabolic problem occurs when regular functions of the body are disrupted due to an undesirable imbalance. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as one of the most common in this category. NAFLD is subclassified and progresses from lipid accumulation to cirrhosis before advancing to hepatocellular cancer. In spite of being a critical concern, the standard treatment is inadequate. Metformin, silymarin, and other nonspecific medications are used in the management of NAFLD. Aside from this available medicine, maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been emphasized as a means of combating this. Epigenetics, which has been attributed to NAFLD, is another essential feature of this disease that has emerged as a result of several sorts of research. The mechanisms by which DNA methylation, noncoding RNA, and histone modification promote NAFLD have been extensively researched. Another organelle, mitochondria, which play a pivotal role in biological processes, contributes to the global threat. Individuals with NAFLD have been documented to have a multitude of alterations and malfunctioning. Mitochondria are mainly concerned with the process of energy production and regulation of the signaling pathway on which the fate of a cell relies. Modulation of mitochondria leads to elevated lipid deposition in the liver. Further, changes in oxidation states result in an impaired balance between the antioxidant system and reactive oxygen species directly linked to mitochondria. Hence mitochondria have a definite role in potentiating NAFLD. In this regard, it is essential to consider the role of epigenetics as well as mitochondrial contribution while developing a medication or therapy with the desired accuracy. Significance statement: This review will be beneficial to understand the role of epigenetic changes and their interplay in developing NAFLD, besides the importance of mitochondria, thereby which can reflect the opportunity for developing a target‐specific drug in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Taste sensation enables humans to make nutritionally important decisions such as food preference and consumption. It functions as deterministic factors for unpropitious eating behavior, leading to overweight and obesity. The hedonistic feeling on consumption of fat and sugar‐rich meals, in particular, has a negative influence on health. In addition, impairment in the taste receptors alters the downstream signaling of taste transduction pathway. Hence, genetic polymorphism in typical taste receptors is a predictor of taste sensitivity variance across individuals. The present review summarizes the effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3) on taste perception among individuals of various body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, in the context of obesity, we discussed the possibility of crosstalk between fat and sweet receptors as well as taste dysfunction in diseased individuals. In overall, a greater understanding of the physiological relationship between taste receptors, altered taste sensitivity, and genetic polymorphisms should lead to more effective obesity prevention approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat taste perception has long been concerned in the regulation of dietary fat intake. Substantial experimental evidence defends fat as a sixth taste modality, but its allied peripheral mechanisms are not yet well established. The present study aimed to analyse the diet‐induced changes in fat taste perception and its associated physiological variations in Mus booduga. Four groups of animals were used for the present study and were fed any one of the following diet; normal diet (10% fat), low‐fat diet (4% fat), high‐fat diet (36% fat), or high‐fat diet (HFD) (36% fat) + rapeseed oil (HFRDO) (14%) for 9 weeks. The animals were then subjected to metabolic tolerance, fat preference, and conditioned taste aversion studies. Diet‐induced alterations in the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis, inflammation, and fat taste (CD36 and GPR120) were analysed. Capacitative calcium signalling induced by both linoleic acid and grifolic acid in taste bud cells (TBCs) was also analysed. In result, both the HFD and HFDRO groups revealed deterioration in glucose homoeostasis and displayed decreased preference scores for fatty acids, which are associated with lower CD36 expression and increased GPR120 expression in TBCs. Furthermore, change in [Ca2+]i induced by LA was also compromised in CD36 positive TBCs along with elevated systemic inflammatory and lipidemic responses in both these obese groups. Overall, for the first time, our results support that chronic HFD feeding alters the CD36 and GPR120 mediated fat taste perception in M. booduga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture industry is one of the major food‐producing sectors in the world that provide nutritional food security for mankind. Fish and crustacean farmers are facing various challenges in treating the rapid spread of infectious diseases in recent times. Numerous strategies, including antibiotics, disinfectants, and other antimicrobial agents, have been applied to protect the cultivable aquatic animals from infectious diseases. These applications lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, toxicity, and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in cells and organelles of the cultivable edible organisms and the environment. The use of naturally derived compounds, polysaccharides, and functional metabolites has gained immense attention among aquaculturists. Mushrooms and their nutraceutical components have been widely used in various sectors, including food, pharmaceutical, poultry, and aquaculture industries, for their non‐toxic and eco‐friendly properties. To date, there are several reports available on edible and medicinal mushrooms as a dietary ingredient for fish and decapod crustacean culture. The mushroom products such as mycelia, stalk, dry powder, polysaccharides, and extracts have been utilized in aquaculture as growth promoters and immunostimulants, improving the digestive enzyme activity, antimicrobials, and improving the health status of cultivable aquatic animals. This present review elucidates the effectiveness of mushrooms and mushroom‐derived compounds as prebiotics in aquaculture. The challenges and future perspectives of mushroom‐derived bioactive molecules have been discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biowaste originating from aquaculture sector represents a potential feedstock to produce value-added substances and materials like chitin and chitosan. They are the long chain polymers of N-acetylglucosamine polymers with huge industrial and biomedical significance. Chitin has long been recognized as a useful biomaterial for drug delivery and neurological therapy. Similarly, chitosan oligosaccharide, a short chain polymer derived from chitin/chitosan, has been identified for its potential biomedical applications, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer action. Chitosan nanoparticles are also used extensively in biomedical applications. Here we have critically summarized various methods for the extraction of chitin, chitosan, and chitooligossacharides and chitosan nanoparticle preparation and their diverse biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatological conditions associated with socio‐cultural and religious practices, known as "cultural dermatoses," are commonly seen in medical practice. This article presents seven cases of children who underwent skin branding for jaundice in Southern India. Skin branding, a traditional healing method, involves applying heated objects to cause third‐degree burns. Healthcare providers should be aware of these cultural practices to avoid misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel group‐indexed orthogonal frequency division multiplexing index modulation (OFDM‐IM) scheme is proposed to achieve a tradeoff between spectral efficiency (SE) and bit‐error‐rate (BER) performance. In the proposed scheme, the total subcarriers in a group are divided into subgroups, and additional bits are transmitted by subgroup indexing, unlike the conventional OFDM‐IM scheme, which uses index bits to select active subcarriers. With the proposed scheme, the additional degree of freedom provided by the number of active subgroups selected provides a tradeoff between spectral efficiency and BER performance. Decoding is performed in steps to reduce computional complexity in the decoder design. Simulaton results show that the number of active subgroups selected influences the proposed scheme's performance in terms of energy efficiency, spectral efficiency, and BER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an essential indicator of people's overall health and health-related quality of life. Poor oral health and OHRQoL among young adults lead to numerous negative consequences and an increased burden on the healthcare system. The present study is aimed at assessing the OHRQoL among the young adults of Saudi Arabia, identifying self-rated oral health, and determining the relationship between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with the OHRQoL. The present analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1152 health and non-health-related college university students from three randomly selected universities. The OHRQoL was evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire (OHIP-14). Of the population studied, one-fourth of the participants (24.9%) reported poor or fair oral health, and the highest OHIP-14 score was found in the domains of physical pain (4.14), followed by psychological discomfort (4.07). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the poor oral health category was significantly associated with male gender (ref: female: adjusted OR AOR = 1.89 , 95 % CI = 1.23 – 2.94 , p = 0.004), daily smokers (ref: nonsmokers: AOR = 3.47 , 95 % CI = 1.97 – 4.82 , p < 0.001), chocolate and candies intake more than once a day (ref: never; AOR = 1.54 , 95 % CI = 1.10 – 2.19 , p = 0.034), and did not seek periodical dental care (ref: periodic dental care received: AOR = 2.23 , 95 % CI = 1.53 ‐ 2.86 , p = 0.002). The present study revealed the factors associated with poor OHRQoL. The concerned authorities should consider the implementation of periodic dental checkups for university students, especially for the high-risk group. Furthermore, it is recommended to have regular health education programs that will help to change the student's lifestyle and poor oral health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a substantial health concern. It is currently the third dominating cause of mortality associated with cancer worldwide. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma is an intricate process that encompasses the impairment of genetic, epigenetic, and signal transduction mechanisms contributing to an aberrant metabolic system, enabling tumorigenesis. Throughout the past decade, research has led to the revelation of molecular pathways implicated in the progression of this notorious disorder. The altered signal transduction pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, phosphoinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, WNT/β-catenin pathway, hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET pathway, and just another kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway is of much therapeutic significance, as targeting them may avail to revert, retard or avert hepatocarcinogenesis. The present review article sums up the contemporary knowledge of such signaling mechanisms, including their therapeutic targets and betokens that novel and efficacious therapies can be developed only by the keen understanding of their character in hepatocarcinogenesis. In additament, we address the role of consequential therapeutic agents and preclinical nondrug therapies known for combating hepatocarcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intent is to explore the optoelectronic properties of metal ions doped stilbazolium derivative, 4‐N,N′‐dimethylamino‐N‐methyl‐4‐stilbazolium tosylate (MnCl2‐DAST) nonlinear optical crystal materials for the existing technological necessities. The Mn‐DAST single crystals are crystallized by adopting the slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). The structural and crystallographic dimensions of grown crystals are affirmed using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and powder crystal X‐ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectra are performed to explicate the functional groups and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) spectra confirm the presence of the chemical elements of grown crystals. The UV–vis absorption spectra of DAST and Mn‐DAST crystals exhibit all possible n–π* and π–π* electronic transitions. The blue shift is observed in the doped materials due to the exchange of lone pair electrons between the metal ions and organic molecule. Tremendously, the second order harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of Mn (0.01 mol%) doped DAST crystals has 1.68 times larger than that of DAST crystal. From the metal‐organic crystals (Mn‐DAST), all the results brought out are the promising materials in the design of nonlinear optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study mainly focuses on analysing the phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Kappaphycus alvarezii collected from seaweed farming site of Munaikadu coast at Palk Bay, southeast coast of India. The pigments (chlorophyll 'a' and 'b', total carotenoid and anthocyanin) and contents of biochemicals (total protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash, moisture, agar, carrageenan and gel strength) were estimated during all four seasons. Chlorophyll 'a' was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in monsoon season, whereas an insignificant (p > 0.05) difference was noted in chlorophyll 'b' among all seasons. Secondary pigments like total carotenoid and total anthocyanin were recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) during post‐monsoon and summer seasons. The fatty acids, amino acids, total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical‐scavenging activity and lipoid peroxidation activity of K. alvarezii were measured in the present study. The fatty acids analysis showed that the linoleic acid was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in K. alvarezii, followed by oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. In amino acids analysis, the lysine level was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in K. alvarezii, followed by leucine and isoleucine, proline, arginine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and glutamic acid. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical‐scavenging activity and lipoid peroxidation activity was recorded in methanolic extraction of K. alvarezii compared with other solvents extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the impact of attainment of primary care diabetes clinical indicators on progression to sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) among those with mild non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Materials and Methods: An historical cohort study of 18,978 adults (43.63% female) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before 1 April 2010 and mild NPDR before 1 April 2011 was conducted. The data were obtained from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink during 2010‐2017, provided by 330 primary care practices in England. Exposures included attainment of the Quality and Outcomes Framework HbA1c (≤59 mmol/mol [≤7.5%]), blood pressure (≤140/80 mmHg) and cholesterol (≤5 mmol/L) indicators in the financial year 2010‐2011, as well as the number of National Diabetes Audit processes completed in 2010‐2011. The outcome was time to incident STDR. Nearest neighbour propensity score matching was undertaken, and univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were then fitted using the matched samples. Concordance statistics were calculated for each model. Results: A total of 1037 (5.5%) STDR diagnoses were observed over a mean follow‐up of 3.6 (SD 2.0) years. HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol indicator attainment were associated with lower rates of STDR (adjusted hazard ratios [95% CI] 0.64 [0.55‐0.74; p <.001], 0.83 [0.72‐0.94; p =.005] and 0.80 [0.66‐0.96; p =.015], respectively). Conclusions: Our findings provide support for meeting appropriate indicators for the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care to bring a range of benefits, including improved health outcomes—such as a reduction in the risk of STDR—for people with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid thin film comprising ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was prepared by sol–gel process on aluminum‐coated silicon wafer. The spin‐coated films were further processed by heat treatment followed by hydrothermal process. The synthesized materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy for band‐gap determination. The coated ZnO formed the nanodisk morphology on the surface of carbon nanotubes with TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated on Al/Si wafer. The FE‐SEM analysis before and after hydrothermal treatment with ZnO–TiO2–SWCNT/Al/Si was conducted. The surface properties of the prepared thin films were analyzed for Zn2p, Ti2p, C1s, and O1s of individual spectra by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Good reproducibility and quick response time were obtained for ultraviolet (UV) light‐sensing activity with ZnO/SWCNT and ZnO–TiO2/SWCNT nanocomposites exhibiting good hydrogen gas sensing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel quinoline‐proline hybrids (11a‐g) and quinoline‐proline‐1,2,3‐triazole hybrids (12‐14) were synthesized by click chemistry based on molecular hybridization concept and were characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. All the titled target compounds were tested for antitubercular activity by MABA and LORA methods by in vitro. Interestingly, two compounds (2R,4S)‐1‐((2‐cyclopropyl‐4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐quinolin‐3‐yl)‐methyl)‐4‐(4‐nitrobenzamido)‐N‐phenylpyrrolidine‐2‐carboxamide (11b) and (2R,4S)‐1‐((2‐cyclopropyl‐4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐quinolin‐3‐yl)‐methyl)‐4‐(4‐fluorobenzamido)‐N‐phenylpyrrolidine‐2‐carboxamide (11c) exhibited significant activity against the tested Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Further, the cytotoxicity (CC50) profile of the titled compounds against the Vero cell was performed and discussed. A molecular docking study of the hit compounds (11b and 11c) was also performed to find their putative binding interaction with the active site of the target proteins. Finally, in silico ADMET properties were also predicted for all the synthesized molecules to evaluate their drug‐likeness behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly diagnosed diabetes was defined as new-onset diabetes (no prior history of diabetes with fasting plasma glucose [FPG] >= 7.0 mmol/L or random blood glucose [RBG] >= 11.1 mmol/L and HbA1c < 6.5%) or previously undiagnosed diabetes (FPG >= 7.0 mmol/L or RBG >= 11.1 mmol/L and HbA1c >= 6.5% or HbA1c >= 6.5% only).18 We used the search terms "new-onset diabetes", "newly diagnosed diabetes", "incident diabetes", "transient hyperglycaemia" and "secondary hyperglycaemia" in conjunction with "COVID-19" (see the supporting information for search strategies). Recent reports have shown that newly diagnosed diabetes may confer a greater risk for poor prognosis of COVID-19 than no diabetes or pre-existing diabetes.4,13 Therefore, COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes should be managed early and appropriately and closely monitored for the emergence of full-blown diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders in the long term. SP 3, sp SP 34 sp In this regard, the establishment of the CoviDiab Registry (covidiab.e-dendrite.com)2 is timely and should provide valuable insights into issues regarding COVID-19-related diabetes. Newly diagnosed diabetes is associated with a higher risk of mortality than known diabetes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. 13 Sathish T, de Mello GT, Cao Y. Is newly diagnosed diabetes a stronger risk factor than pre-existing diabetes for COVID-19 severity?. [Extracted from the article]

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the irreversible neurological sequelae.3 We report a case of biotinidase deficiency presenting with angular cheilitis and blepharitis. There can be ketolactic acidosis and hyperammonemia.4 Remissions may be due to increased dietary free-biotin intake.3 The deficiency of carboxylases in biotinidase deficiency is reflected in the elevation of urinary and plasma concentrations of organic acids. Dear Editor, Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism that results in reduced gastrointestinal absorption of biotin and inability to recycle free biotin.1 Biotin-dependent carboxylases are essential in amino acid catabolism, gluconeogenesis, and fatty-acid synthesis. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents a compact reconfigurable filter performing bandwidth reconfiguration covering the entire L‐band frequency range. The reconfigurable filter is developed using a C‐shaped resonator coupled to the source and load through varactor diodes. To reverse bias the diodes symmetrically both the diodes are fed with a common bias voltage. Hence the DC bias voltage is administered evenly to the diodes resulting is equi‐proportional coupling between the resonator and the nodes. This results in reconfiguring the bandwidth of the operating frequency. The designed filter is capable of tuning 3‐dB bandwidth from 0.613 to 1.353 GHz with the center frequency as 1.5 GHz. The percentage bandwidth of the filter is varied from 44.5% to 91.76%. The insertion loss offered by the filter is very less with the minimum value of 0.42 dB. The proposed filter is simple, compact and finds it application in power agile systems operating with different transmission power levels at different time instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is the most commonly prescribed treatment for localized alopecia areata (AA), the literature regarding the optimal concentration for attaining better efficacy with the most acceptable side effects is scarce. To compare hair regrowth and local side effects of various concentrations of intralesional TA in scalp AA using clinical and dermoscopic parameters. A double‐blind randomized control trial with four treatment groups (10, 5, 2.5 mg/ml TA and normal saline [NS]) was conducted between March 2018 and August 2019. After recruitment, each AA patch was divided into quadrants and randomized before first injection. Injections were given and outcome parameters were analyzed every 4‐weekly till 12‐weeks. Statistical analysis was done by the R software employing generalized estimation equation. P‐value <.05 was considered significant. Out of 105‐patients (168‐AA patches), 75‐patients (121‐patches) completed the study. Hair regrowth scale of all TA concentrations was better than NS group (P <.001). Other parameters such as quadrants with poor clinical response and dermoscopic disease activity signs were also favorable in TA groups in comparison to NS. However the evidence of atrophy and telangiectasia was maximum in 10 mg/mL group. 10 mg/mL TA showed a comparatively better response at the cost of increased adverse effects. Based on the clinical benefit and adverse risk assessment from our study, it may be better to start with 2.5 mg/mL intralesional TA in limited scalp AA patients. It can be implied that the concentration of TA can be increased as a step‐up regimen based on the serial clinical and dermoscopic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique offers throughput improvement to meet the demands of the future generation of wireless communication networks. The objective of this work is to further improve the throughput by including an underlay cognitive radio network with an existing multi‐carrier NOMA network, using cooperative communication. The throughput is maximized by optimal resource allocation, namely, power allocation, subcarrier assignment, relay selection, user pairing, and subcarrier pairing. Optimal power allocation to the primary and secondary users is accomplished in a way that target rate constraints of the primary users are not affected. The throughput maximization is a combinatorial optimization problem, and the computational complexity increases as the number of users and/or subcarriers in the network increases. To this end, to reduce the computational complexity, a dynamic network resource allocation algorithm is proposed for combinatorial optimization. The simulation results show that the proposed network improves the throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low profile, a multifrequency microstrip patch antenna with pattern reconfiguration is reported in this paper. The proposed antenna provides both omnidirectional and directional radiation characteristics suitable for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). Pattern switching is achieved using PIN diodes. The antenna is designed to operate at multiple frequencies, viz. 0.915 GHz (Industrial Scientific & Medical band), 2.38 GHz (Medical body area network), 3.5 GHz (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access), and 5.8 GHz (Wireless Local Area Network/Industrial Scientific & Medical band). The percentage bandwidths obtained are 2.89, 1.68, 2.85, 2.16 at the operating frequencies 0.915, 2.38, 3.5, 5.8 GHz, respectively. The peak gain and total efficiencies obtained for OFF mode are 3.22/4.27/4.65/4.82 dBi, 82/85/87/89%, and in ON mode are 1.12/1.80/2.44/2.68 dBi, 65/67/71/74% at the said operating bands, respectively. The path loss model is evaluated by measuring the transmission link between the antennas on the human body. The LOS path ranges from 30 to 45 dB and the NLOS ranges from 50 to 80 dB ensuring it satisfactory for WBAN application. Then human body loading characteristics are also studied. The SAR analysis is performed and it is found to be less than 1.6 W/Kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B3 breast lesions identified on core needle biopsy have uncertain malignant potential. Traditional management of these lesions has been surgical excision, but there is growing interest in less invasive and more cost‐effective alternatives such as vacuum‐assisted excisional biopsy (VAEB). Determining the rate of malignant upgrade for B3 lesions is important as it may identify low‐risk lesions where VAEB could be considered. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of women undergoing an elective excisional biopsy for a B3 lesion identified on core needle biopsy at a tertiary Australian breast centre. The pre‐operative biopsy diagnosis and subsequent excisional biopsy diagnosis were used to calculate the proportion of cases where the diagnosis was upgraded to malignancy. Results: A total of 299 eligible patients were identified. Pre‐operative diagnosis of papillary lesion with atypia was associated with the highest upgrade rate (50%, n = 12). The next highest upgrade rates occurred in those with flat epithelial atypia (37.50%, n = 8); atypical ductal hyperplasia (24.71%, n = 85); lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)/atypical lobular hyperplasia with calcification (17.65%, n = 17); and papillary lesion without atypia (4.72%, n = 106). Patients with radial scar (n = 51), classical LCIS without calcification (n = 7) and mucocoele‐like lesion (n = 8) had a 0% upgrade rate. Conclusion: VAEB may be appropriate for low malignant risk lesions such as papillary lesion without atypia, mucocoele‐like lesion and radial scar lesion without atypia. Open‐surgical‐excisional biopsy remains appropriate for high upgrade lesions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia, papillary lesion with atypia, flat epithelial atypia and classical LCIS with calcification. Long‐term prospective randomized multicentre studies and continuing multidisciplinary approach is recommended for future clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal range of serum sodium at hospital discharge is unclear. Our objective was to assess the one-year mortality based on discharge serum sodium in hospitalized patients.Methods: We analyzed a cohort of hospitalized adult patients between 2011 and 2013 who survived hospital admission at a tertiary referral hospital. We categorized discharge serum sodium into five groups; ≤132, 133-137, 138-142, 143-147, and ≥148 mEq/L. We assessed one-year mortality risk after hospital discharge based on discharge serum sodium, using discharge sodium of 138-142 mEq/L as the reference group.Results: Of 55 901 eligible patients, 4.9%, 29.8%, 56.1%, 8.9%, 0.3% had serum sodium of ≤132, 133-137, 138-142, 143-147, and ≥148 mEq/L, respectively. We observed a U-shaped association between discharge serum sodium and one-year mortality, with nadir mortality in discharge serum sodium of 138-142 mEq/L. When adjusting for potential confounders, including admission serum sodium, one-year mortality was significantly higher in both discharge serum sodium ≤137 and ≥143 mEq/L, compared with discharge serum sodium of 138-142 mEq/L. The mortality risk was the most prominent in elevated discharge serum sodium of ≥148 mEq/L (HR 3.86; 95% CI 3.05-4.88), exceeding the risk associated with low discharge serum sodium of ≤132 mEq/L (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.30-1.57).Conclusion: The optimal range of serum sodium at discharge was 138-142 mEq/L. Both hypernatremia and hyponatremia at discharge were associated with higher one-year mortality. The impact on higher one-year mortality was more prominent in hypernatremia than hyponatremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence for the efficacy of distal corticosteroid injection compared with proximal injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is inadequate.Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind noninferiority trial of 131 wrists with CTS. Forty milligrams of methylprednisolone was injected medial to the palmaris longus tendon 2 cm proximal to the wrist crease, or at the volar aspect, 2 to 3 cm distal to the wrist crease. Proximal & distal groups received a placebo. The primary outcome was difference in CTS Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) score at 1 month. Secondary outcome measures included the difference in SSS score at 3 months, Functional Status Scale (FSS) score at 1 and 3 months, and pain of injections.Results: No significant differences were noted between groups in scores on the SSS and FSS. Pain was lower in the proximal group compared with the distal group.Discussion: Corticosteroid injections for CTS distal to the wrist are not inferior to proximal injections, yet they are more painful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]