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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affected by scarcity in the production of insulin. In the present study, we used the bioinformatics approach to examine the possible inhibitory abilities of phytochemical constituents of Tecoma stans towards thioredoxin interacting protein. All the phytochemicals showed good binding attraction to the binding pocket of thioredoxin-interacting protein. pkCSM server was used to detect pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of phytochemical compounds. The amino acids Lysin 117, Lysin 115 and Glycine 119 were exhibited as the key residues for the phytochemicals of Tecoma stans and binding to inhibit the thioredoxin-interacting protein. However further studies are needed to identify the efficacies and activities of Tecoma stans compounds against thioredoxin-interacting protein.

Abstract With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), it is now possible to design diverse and novel molecules from previously unexplored chemical space. However, a challenge for chemists is the synthesis of such molecules. Recently, there have been attempts to develop AI models for retrosynthesis prediction, which rely on the availability of a high-quality training dataset. In this work, we explore the suitability of large language models (LLMs) for extraction of high-quality chemical reaction data from patent documents. A comparative study on the same set of patents from an earlier study showed that the proposed automated approach can enhance the current datasets by addition of 26% new reactions. Several challenges were identified during reaction mining, and for some of them alternative solutions were proposed. A detailed analysis was also performed wherein several wrong entries were identified in the previously curated dataset. Reactions extracted using the proposed pipeline over a larger patent dataset can improve the accuracy and efficiency of synthesis prediction models in future. Scientific contribution In this work we evaluated the suitability of large language models for mining a high-quality chemical reaction dataset from patent literature. We showed that the proposed approach can significantly improve the quantity of the reaction database by identifying more chemical reactions and improve the quality of the reaction database by correcting previous errors/false positives.

Background: Over the last decade (2014–2024), the global prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia (5-8%), hypertension (5-10%), obesity (10-15%) and elevated blood glucose levels (10-15%) has been steadily increasing. Objectives: To determine the correlation among the dietary consumption, lifestyle factors, and metabolic risk factors among the respondent of age 18-65 years. Methods: The respondent (n=419) were enrolled from August 2023 to February 2024 in Coimbatore, India. The sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, stress levels, and physical activity were measured using questionnaires. The respondent’s anthropometry, HbA1c level, blood pressure, and liver function tests were examined, and those with abnormal liver enzymes underwent abdominal ultrasonography for fatty liver diagnosis. The descriptive, Chi square and Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient were performed for statistical analysis. Results: This research showed a weak correlation among protein intake of the respondent and obesity (r=0.084 and p-value=0.026). A significant association was observed among blood pressure range and the consumption of fat (r=0.079, p-value=0.039), protein (r=0.158, p-value

Latar Belakang: Diabetes melitus (DM) merupakan penyakit degeneratif dengan ciri peningkatan glukosa darah (hiperglikemia). Berdasarkan Riskesdas tahun 2018, prevalensi diabetes melitus yang didiagnosis oleh dokter pada remaja adalah 0,1%. Peningkatan kadar glukosa darah dapat disebabkan oleh tingginya konsumsi gula yang dipicu oleh ambang rasa manis yang tinggi. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara ambang rasa manis dengan kadar glukosa darah puasa pada remaja di Surabaya Indonesia. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross sectional dengan sampel 97 orang yang dilipih melalui metode simple random sampling. Pengumpulan data ambang rasa manis dilakukan dengan metode three-alternative forced-choice (3-AFC). Ambang rasa manis dikategorikan sebagai tinggi jika sampel hanya mampu 4 pertanyaan. Pengukuran glukosa darah dilakukan menggunakan glucometer oleh tenaga medis, dengan tingkat Glukosa Darah Puasa (GDP) >100 mg/dl diklasifikasikan sebagai tinggi. Analisis dilakukan dengan uji statistik Chi Square. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebanyak 12,4% responden memiliki ambang rasa manis tinggi dan sebanyak 10,3% responden memiliki hasil kadar GDP tinggi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak ada hubungan antara ambang rasa manis dengan kadar GDP pada remaja di Pondok Pesantren Subulussalam Surabaya (p-value=0,210). Kesimpulan: Tidak ada hubungan antara ambang rasa manis dengan kadar GDP glukosa pada remaja di Pondok Pesantren Subulussalam Surabaya. Sebaiknya responden yang memiliki kadar GDP tinggi dapat melakukan pemeriksaan lanjutan agar mendapatkan penanganan dini dan dapat mengatur pola hidup yang lebih sehat. Kata Kunci: Ambang Rasa, Diabetes Melitus, Kadar Glukosa Darah Puasa, Remaja

Abstract The global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for mathematical models to inform public health strategies. The present study introduces a novel six-compartment epidemiological model that uniquely incorporates a higher isolation rate for unreported symptomatic cases of COVID-19 compared to reported cases, aiming to enhance prediction accuracy and address the challenge of initial underreporting. Additionally, we employ optimal control theory to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions and adapt these strategies to specific epidemiological scenarios, such as varying transmission rates and the presence of asymptomatic carriers. By applying this model to COVID-19 data from India (30 January 2020 to 24 November 2020), chosen to capture the initial outbreak and subsequent waves, we calculate a basic reproduction number of 2.147, indicating the high transmissibility of the virus during this period in India. A sensitivity analysis reveals the critical impact of detection rates and isolation measures on disease progression, showing the robustness of our model in estimating the basic reproduction number. Through optimal control simulations, we demonstrate that increasing isolation rates for unreported cases and enhancing detection reduces the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, our cost-effectiveness analysis establishes that a combined strategy of isolation and treatment is both more effective and economically viable. This research offers novel insights into the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions, providing a tool for strategizing public health interventions and advancing our understanding of infectious disease dynamics.

This paper reports the theoretical simulation study of the performance of a complete solid-state dye-sensitised solar cell with Eosin-Y as the photosensitizer and PEDOT: PSS as the hole transport layer. SCAPS-1D software is used for the simulation under quasi-ideal conditions and got an optimised efficiency of 4.19%, which matches much with the reported experimental values in the literature. These finding indicates the potential of Eosin-Y as a cost-effective photosensitiser capable of performing even under dim light conditions.

Acute respiratory virus infections (ARIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Respiratory viral infections in children have been significantly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Variations in the prevalence of respiratory virus infections have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which corresponds to the clinical epidemiology of community-acquired respiratory viruses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of acute respiratory viral infection in COVID-19 negative children. The study included 100 SARS-CoV2 negative children with respiratory tract infections. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses causing ARI in children. In our study, adenovirus and HRSV-A were predominantly reported in SARS-CoV2 negative children. The results of the study indicated that the incidence of viruses causing acute respiratory tract infections in children changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of uncertain histogenesis with intermediate malignant potential presenting commonly in the fifth to sixth decade in the proximal limb and limb girdle. A 65-year-old male patient presented with a slow-growing gluteal mass. Wide local excision performed showed a well-defined tumor in the subcutaneous plane with a partially hard outer shell. Microscopy showed a moderately cellular tumor having cords and nests of round to ovoid cells with moderate cytoplasm and bland nuclei embedded in a myxo-hyaline matrix. An incomplete peripheral rim of ossification was seen. Pleomorphism/high cellularity was not seen. Mitosis was

Introduction: There is a wide variation in stroke epidemiology in India due to the differences in culture and the variability in the distribution of risk factors across the states. The present meta-analysis provides a pooled estimate of age, gender, and region-based stroke epidemiology in India based on epidemiological transition level (ETL) groups described in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study (2016). Methods: We searched in PubMed and Google Scholar, and relevant studies published till February 2022 were included. Observational studies conducted in the Indian setting were included and global or Indian studies that exclusively estimated the prevalence, incidence, or mortality data among patients with stroke were excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for the risk-of-bias assessment and publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The R software was used to perform this meta-analysis; I2 statistics were calculated to measure heterogeneity among studies. Results: We included 58 studies in the systematic review, and after quality assessment, 47 studies were finally included for meta-analysis. The sample sizes of the included studies ranged from 40 to 4989 and the mean age of the participants ranged from 31.7 (Standard Deviation, SD-7.4) to 70.5 (SD-10.7). The burden of stroke was estimated based on the ETL groups described in the GBD Study 2016. We found a male preponderance (64.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.5%-68.3%) in the gender distribution of strokes and 75.2% (95% CI: 68.7%-81.7%) of the stroke occurred above the age of 50 years. Ischemic stroke is the predominant subtype of stroke in India, with a higher proportion in the middle ETL region (74.0%; 95% CI: 65.1%-81.3%) as compared to those with low ETL (67.2%; 95% CI: 49.9%-80.8%) and high ETL regions (67.5%; 95% CI: 57.0%-76.4%). Conclusion: There was a significant heterogeneity among the included studies. Majority of strokes occurred in the age group of more than 50 years with a male preponderance. Ischemic stroke was the most common type of stroke with its proportion varying from 67% to 74% depending on ETL. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022316774.

Calcium is a ubiquitous and versatile secondary messenger that enables plant growth through various processes in response to abiotic and biotic stress factors. Plants are immobile and therefore constantly exposed to various environmental stimuli (drought, waterlogging, etc.) and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses resulting in large crop losses. Calmodulin (CaM) is an evolutionarily conserved calcium-binding protein and sensor that occurs in all eukaryotes and performs various functions under stress. CaM-binding proteins (CBPs) such as transcription factors, enzymes and channels are involved in responses to environmental stress. Plants have evolved a sophisticated innate immune system to fight infections, commonly referred to as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Soybean is an economically important legume crop that is constantly confronted with various pests and pathogens, resulting in significant yield and production losses. The article highlights the functions of calmodulin in soybean during biotic (soybean-microbe pathogenesis) and abiotic (soybean-environment) interactions in the light of currently available knowledge on the subject. It also describes the new paradigms in this field, emphasising the need for further investigation and providing up-to-date information on the most plausible approaches to combat this challenge for commercial use.

The article exposes the use of the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg method of order five, a rarely studied methodology, to address the complexity involved in solving fuzzy hybrid differential equations. The study focuses on evaluating the reliability and accuracy of this method in contrast to recognized procedures, providing a thorough analysis of its performance. The article assesses the effectiveness of the RK-Fehlberg scheme by comparing its results with exact solutions, using thorough analysis and well-supported examples. This comparison analysis highlights the potential of the method to provide more accuracy compared to classic methods like Euler, improved, or modified schemes. The article demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the method by using numerical examples. This not only helps improve computational techniques for solving fuzzy hybrid systems but also highlights the wide range of applications and reliability of the Runge–Kutta Fehlberg method in mathematical modeling and analysis.

The present study was carried out to analyse the indicators of women empowerment and evaluate the effectiveness of microfinance on women empowerment. Empowerment indicators were identified and analysed based on the responses of 60 SHG (Self-Help Group) women in Mudigere Taluk of Chikmagalur District of Karnataka state. The findings pointed the impact of microfinance on women empowerment based on women empowerment indicators using five-point Likert scale. It was concluded that women’s participation in microfinance empowers them in family, social and economic security in terms of decision making, mobility, ownership of assets and independent savings.

Background: There is a limited number of studies from India investigating the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This clinic-based study reports on the effectiveness of tDCS as an add-on treatment in individuals suffering from TRD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six right-handed individuals suffering from major depressive disorder who failed to respond to adequate trials of at least two antidepressant drugs in the current episode received tDCS as an augmenting treatment. Twice daily sessions of conventional tDCS were given providing anodal stimulation at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal placement at the right DLPFC. A total of 20 sessions were given over 2 weeks. The outcome was assessed based on changes in scores of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Results: There was a significant reduction in outcome assessment after tDCS intervention as compared to baseline, with more than 50% of the participants showing response in both scales, which increased further to approximately 77% by the end of 1 month of the follow-up period. Conclusion: Twice daily tDCS sessions with anodal stimulation of left DLPFC and cathodal stimulation of right DLPFC is an effective add-on treatment strategy in individuals with TRD.

Background: The government of India has promoted several initiatives to provide support to all women during their pregnancy. Despite this, various studies report out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPEs) amongst antenatal women nationwide. Aims: We wanted to assess OOPE amongst antenatal women attending the outdoor patients' department in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 405 antenatal women attending the outdoor patients' Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. During outpatient department hours, data were collected through purposive sampling in September 2022 using a self-developed, pre-tested interview schedule. Results: Median OOPE during the antenatal period was 5000 (interquartile range: 2350–9003) INR. The highest median cost for OOPE was reported for laboratory investigations, followed by the purchase of medicine(s) and consultation charges (at private facilities). Ninety-six per cent of the participants met OOPEs via salary, wage or pension. Conclusions: Our study reported OOPE amongst antenatal women visiting the outdoor patients' Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of a tertiary care hospital. A substantial majority of participants were meeting their OOPE through salary, wage or pension. These findings underscore the financial burden faced by individuals during the antenatal period, particularly in accessing essential healthcare services.

Human activities have led to a substantial loss of biodiversity, with terrestrial ecosystems experiencing over a 20% average reduction. Conservation priorities are crucial, but data on species, threats, and protection are limited, especially in tropical countries like India. Open biodiversity data, facilitated by platforms like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), are a powerful tool for addressing these challenges. This paper describes two datasets (for a total of more than 50,000 plant occurrences), primarily from the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and biodiversity hotspot. The two datasets could play a pivotal role in supporting conservation policies, since they provide valuable insights into the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Leafy vegetables are widely consumed around the world for their rich nutritional qualities. To ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of leafy vegetables in the future, advancements in their production are essential. Deficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) impair growth of leafy vegetables and the ensuing visual symptoms make the plants unmarketable. We studied the use of non-contact large area hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for early detection of N, P and K deficiencies in the leafy vegetable, Choy Sum, before the appearance of visual symptoms. The wide spectral data of 500–900 nm extracted from the plants were subjected to advanced feature mining, facilitating the creation of novel spectral indices tailored to each vital nutrient by leveraging the Pearson’s correlations of 0.85 for N, 0.64 for P, and 0.68 for K with gold standard elemental concentration data. Early detection of deficiencies and timely replenishment of macronutrient(s) can prevent the development of obvious symptoms and thus maintain the visual quality of Choy Sum. These newly created spectral indices hold the potential to provide non-destructive estimation of nutrient content in plants, offering a promising avenue for future advancements in precision agriculture and resource-efficient crop management.

Background:. Autologous breast reconstruction has continued to increase in popularity and witnessed significant advancements in aesthetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life. We performed the first bibliometric analysis focused only on the 100 most-cited autologous breast reconstruction articles to characterize any emerging trends and assess the methodological quality of these studies. Methods:. The 100 most-cited articles in autologous breast reconstruction were identified on Web of Science, across all available journals and years. Study details, including the citation count, main subject, and outcome measures, were extracted from each article, and the level of evidence was also assessed. Results:. The 100 most-cited articles in autologous breast reconstruction were cited by a total of 21,194 articles. Citation per article ranged significantly from 112 to 1123 (mean, 211.9). Overall, most of the top-cited articles are case reports/series (n = 32, mean citations = 243.2) and cohort studies (n = 30, mean citations = 211.2). This is closely followed by case-control studies (n = 29, mean citations = 183.6). Only four studies achieved level 1 status, underscoring a lack of high-quality methodological research in the field. Most studies (n = 72) highlighted autologous breast reconstruction outcomes, whereas 12 focused on its indications. There were nine studies exploring surgical techniques, and seven studies addressing the autologous breast reconstruction surgical anatomy. Conclusions:. Overall, most of the influential articles in autologous breast reconstruction literature are of lower-level evidence. Contemporary research should focus on enhancing the study designs and measure clinical and patient-reported outcomes with validated tools, such as BREAST-Q.

Rickettsioses caused by Rickettsia and Orientia spp. are the re-emerging diseases in India, which are grossly underdiagnosed, particularly among children. They usually present as mild-febrile illness but may extend to severe life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis followed by proper treatment reduces the morbidity and mortality. Non-specific clinical symptoms and lack of point of care diagnosis may delay the treatment. Molecular assays like PCR may helpful in the early diagnosis and confirmation of rickettsial diseases. In this study, we used multiplex real-time PCR to detect Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. in febrile pediatric patients. Whole blood was collected from 239 clinically suspected febrile pediatric patients aged between 6 months to 12 years admitted in tertiary care hospital at Chennai, South India. Multiplex real-time PCR was used to target the gltA gene for Rickettsia spp. and the 47kDa gene for Orientia tsutsugamushi. To compare the sensitivity, nested PCR was performed on the 56kDa antigen gene of O. tsutsugamushi and the Rickettsia genus specific gltA gene. By multiplex real-time PCR, 15 samples were positive for O. tsutsugamushi and 3 were positive for Rickettsia spp. Nested PCR identified 35 positive samples for O. tsutsugamushi and 4 positive samples for Rickettsia spp. Even though multiplex real-time PCR had lower positivity than nPCR, it was effective in diagnosing O. tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia spp. in a single assay.

Abstract Objectives The primary objectives were to determine the proportion of modern menstrual method (MMM) users among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu; and to estimate the unmet needs associated with use of MMMs in comparison with other menstrual hygiene methods (MHMs). We also assessed the factors that determine MMM use among college going women. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India between October 2022 and January 2023 using a purpose predesigned, pretested, semi-structured proforma that included validated Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36). Results Only 1.4% of the study participants used MMMs – menstrual cups (1.3%) and tampons (0.1%). Sanitary pads were the most common MHM of choice (96.3%); of which majority (98.6%) used disposable pads and more than half (50.4%) used non-biodegradable pads. Importantly, one in six (16.5%) were not aware of nature of sanitary pads (biodegradable or nonbiodegradable) used. The unmet needs associated with MMMs (menstrual cups and tampons) were significantly lower than that for other MHMs (including sanitary pads), in particular, the unmet material and home environment needs, unmet material reliability concerns, unmet reuse needs and unmet reuse insecurity. However, we found no significant difference between MMMs, sanitary pads and other MHMs in terms of unmet transport, college environment, change and disposal insecurity needs. The significant predictors of use of MMMs were age (more than 21 years of age), residence (urban), type of stay (off campus including home), socioeconomic status (upper), fathers’ and mothers’ education (high school and above), and presence of personal income. Discussions with friends (or peers) both before and after menarche regarding menstruation resulted in higher adoption of modern menstrual methods. Conclusion MMMs provided comparative advantage with lesser unmet needs for material reliability and reuse insecurity concerns, particularly in home environment. However, none of the MHMs fulfilled the user expectations for transport and disposal insecurity concerns, particularly outdoors.

In this paper, a multichannel FIR filter design based on the Time Division Multiplex (TDM) approach that incorporates one multiply and add unit, regardless of the variable coefficient length and varying channels, by associating the resource sharing doctrine is suggested. A multiplier based on approximate distributed arithmetic (DA) circuits is employed for effective resource optimization. Although no explicit multiplication was conducted in this realization, the radix-8 and radix-4 Booth algorithms are utilized in the DA framework to curtail and optimize the partial products (PPs). Furthermore, the input stream is truncated with an erratum mending unit to roughly construct the partial products. For an aggregation of PPs, an approximate Wallace tree is taken into consideration to further minimize hardware expenses. Consequently, the suggested design’s latency, utilized area, and power usage are largely reduced. The Xilinx Vertex device is expedited, given the synthesis of the suggested multichannel realization with 16 taps, which is simulated using the Verilog formulary. It is observed that the filter structure with one channel produced the desired results, and the system’s frequency can support up to 429 MHz with a reduced area. Utilizing TSMC 180 nm CMOS technology and the Cadence RC compiler, cell-level performance is also achieved.

This study introduces an inventory model for manufacturing that prioritizes product quality and cost efficiency. Utilizing fuzzy logic and mathematical programming, the model integrates fuzzy numbers to describe uncertainties associated with manufacturing costs and quality control parameters. The model extends beyond conventional inventory systems by incorporating a dynamic mechanism to halt production, employing fuzzy decision variables to optimize the economic order quantity and minimize total costs. Key innovations include the application of approaches related to graded mean integration for defuzzification and the use of Kuhn–Tucker conditions to ensure optimal solutions under complex constraints. These approaches facilitate the precise management of production rates, inventory levels, and cost factors, which are essential in achieving a balance between supply and demand. A computational analysis validates the model’s effectiveness, demonstrating cost reductions while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This underscores the potential of integrating fuzzy arithmetic with traditional optimization techniques to enhance decision making in inventory management. The model’s adaptability and accuracy indicate its broad applicability across various sectors facing similar challenges, offering a valuable tool for operational managers and decision makers to improve efficiency and reduce waste in production cycles.

A flabby ridge is an area of mobile soft tissue found superficially, which affects both maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges. It is a common finding in long term denture wearers, where the rate of bone resorption is very fast leading to development of hyperplastic soft tissue over the alveolar bone. Fabricating a denture over the flabby ridge poses a problem to the dentist because masticatory forces can displace this mobile denture-bearing tissue, leading to altered denture positioning and loss of peripheral seal. Forces exerted during the act of impression making can result in distortion of the mobile tissue leading to ill-fitting dentures. All these factors compromise the retention, stability, and support of the complete denture. This paper presents a case report for a patient with Kelly’s Combination Syndrome, wherein, an innovative impression technique was used to record the flabby ridges during the process of denture construction. The resultant denture was more comfortable for the patient and did not exert undue pressure over the hypermobile tissues.

Aims Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a recognised mental health condition characterised by impulsive gaming, where gaming takes precedence over all other activities and negatively impacts the life of a person. IGD has an estimated prevalence of 2–5% of all mental health disorders. Limited research exists on the treatment effects of various therapeutic interventions for gaming disorder, highlighting the need for comprehensive investigations of evidence-based approaches and to improve intervention strategies. This systematic review aims to identify most of the intervention studies on internet gaming disorder using a control group, to determine the effect of the interventions and to examine moderators for these interventions. Methods We reviewed available treatment interventions for children and adolescents. A search on Pubmed central, PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL and Google Scholar Library was conducted. Various interventions, whether individual or group-based, incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), family therapy and pharmacological treatments for gaming disorder and these were selected for this review among all the other interventions examined. Some exclusively use CBT, while others combine it with different treatments. This includes both online and in-person CBT, encompassing behavioural including limited exposure and cognitive elements. The comprehensive search resulted in 113 studies from 2018–2023 and we ended up with 25 studies by excluding studies according to the exclusion criteria. Results This systematic review identified a total of 113 studies, of which 25 studies were finally selected and were included. It examined interventions for internet gaming disorder (IGD). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Psychopharmacological treatments were assessed across diverse studies. Findings indicate significant improvements post-intervention, with CBT and family therapy showing promising results in reducing IGD symptoms. Pharmacotherapy combined with psychotherapy emerged as the most effective treatment option. The study underscores the need for multifaceted approaches in addressing IGD, contributing valuable insights for future treatment strategies. Conclusion The review highlights promising outcomes for Internet Gaming Disorder interventions, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy demonstrating effectiveness. Combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy is most beneficial, emphasising the importance of comprehensive treatments needed for IGDs.

Aluminum (Al), prevalent in the crust of the Earth, jeopardizes plant health in acidic soils, hindering root growth and overall development. In this study, we first analysed the Al- and pH- tolerance of the Penicillium olsonii TLL1 strain (POT1; NRRL:68252) and investigated the potential for enhancing plant resilience under Al-rich acidic soil conditions. Our research illustrates the extraordinary tolerance of POT1 to both high Al concentrations and acidic conditions, showcasing its potential to alleviate Al-induced stress in plants. Metabolite analysis revealed that POT1 detoxifies Al through organic acid-dependent chelation mechanisms, significantly reducing Al stress in Arabidopsis and Pak Choi plants. Consequently, plant growth conditions improved, and the Al content in plant tissues decreased. Transcriptome analysis indicated that POT1 treatment downregulates genes associated with Al and oxidative stress such as MATE, ALS3, NIP1–2 and several peroxidases, highlighting its effectiveness in lessening Al-induced damage. Comparative assessments highlight the superior performance of POT1 compared to other Al-tolerant Penicillium species, attributed to its ability to thrive in diverse pH levels and effectively detoxify Al. These findings position POT1 as a promising agent for enhancing crop resilience in Al-compromised acidic soils, offering new avenues for promoting plant health and bolstering food security through increased crop yield and safety.

Exploring high strength materials with a higher concentration of reinforcements in the alloy proves to be a challenging task. This research has explored magnesium-based composites (AZ31B alloy) with tungsten carbide reinforcements, enhancing strength for medical joint replacements via league championship optimisation. The primary objective is to enhance medical joint replacement biomaterials employing magnesium-based composites, emphasising the AZ31B alloy with tungsten carbide reinforcements. The stir casting method is utilised in the manufacture of magnesium matrix composites (MMCs), including varied percentages of tungsten carbide (WC). The mechanical characteristics, such as micro-hardness, tensile strength, and yield strength, have been assessed and compared with computational simulations. The wear studies have been carried out to analyse the tribological behaviour of the composites. Additionally, this study investigates the prediction of stress and the distribution of forces inside bone and joint structures, therefore offering significant contributions to the field of biomedical research. This research contemplates the use of magnesium-based MMCs for the discovery of biomaterials suitable for medical joint replacement. The study focuses on the magnesium alloy AZ31B, with particles ranging in size from 40 to 60 microns used as the matrix material. Moreover, the outcomes have revealed that when combined with MMCs based on AZ31B-magnesium matrix, the WC particle emerges as highly effective reinforcements for the fabrication of lightweight, high-strength biomedical composites. This study uses the league championship optimisation (LCO) approach to identify critical variables impacting the synthesis of Mg MMCs from an AZ31B-based magnesium alloy. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images are meticulously analysed to depict the dispersion of WC particulates and the interface among the magnesium (Mg) matrix and WC reinforcement. The SEM analysis has explored the mechanisms underlying particle pull-out, the characteristics of inter-particle zones, and the influence of the AZ31B matrix on the enhancement of the mechanical characteristics of the composites. The application of finite element analysis (FEA) is being used in order to make predictions regarding the distribution of stress and the interactions of forces within the model of the hip joint. This study has compared the physico-mechanical and tribological characteristics of WC to distinct combinations of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, and its impact on the performance improvements. SEM analysis has confirmed the findings’ improved strength and hardness, particularly when 10%–15% of WC was incorporated. Following the incorporation of 10% of WC particles within Mg-alloy matrix, the outcomes of the study has exhibited enhanced strength and hardness, which furthermore has been evident by utilising SEM analysis. Using ANSYS, structural deformation and stress levels are predicted, along with strength characteristics such as additional hardness of 71 HRC, tensile strength of 140–150 MPa, and yield strength closer to 100–110 MPa. The simulations yield significant insights into the behaviour of the joint under various loading conditions, thus enhancing the study’s significance in biomedical environments.

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit promising potential as medical materials due to their high biocompatibility, tunable size and shape, and excellent drug delivery capabilities, among other unique physicochemical properties. Previous studies have indicated the remarkable anti-inflammatory activity of ginsenoside compound K (CK). However, the relatively low bioavailability of CK restricts its effective delivery and action within the biological system. Hence, exploring novel delivery methods based on gold nanoparticles emerges as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges in application, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of CK. Methods: Probiotic-mediated AuNPs were synthesized using gold salt and the lysates of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Then, CK was loaded with AuNPs to form Bifidobacterium CK AuNPs (Bifi-CKAuNPs). The anti-inflammatory activity of Bifi-CKAuNPs was evaluated in vitro using RAW 264.7 cells and in vivo using mice. The NF-κB/ mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway was investigated as a potential mechanism of action. Results: In vitro experiments showed that Bifi-CKAuNPs inhibited the activation of reactive oxygen species and reduced the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo experiments showed that Bifi-CKAuNPs significantly reduced inflammation in the lung, kidney, and liver tissues of mice without toxicity. The anti-inflammatory activity of Bifi-CKAuNPs was mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK signal transduction, which is a well-known and critical pathway in the pathogenesis of inflammation. Conclusion: We have successfully synthesized and characterized Bifi-AuNPs, demonstrating its potent anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated that the NF-κB/MAPK pathway might play a key role in the mechanism of action of Bifi-CKAuNPs. These findings underscored the significant potential of Bifi-CKAuNPs as a promising platform for drug delivery and anti-inflammatory therapy. The observed efficacy in both cellular and animal models, along with insights into the underlying molecular pathways, positions Bifi-CKAuNPs as a valuable candidate for advancing therapeutic strategies in the realm of inflammation management.

Scrub typhus is one of the important vector borne illness which is largely underdiagnosed, particularly in children. It causes mild febrile illness to severe complications. More than 20 genotypic clusters are documented from various geographical regions based on sequence variations of 56kDa type specific antigen gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus. Adequate knowledge about epidemiology and genetic diversity in endemic regions is an important tool for clinical management, development of diagnostic kit and vaccines. Limited studies are available based on genotypic characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi in children. The present study determined the prevalence and genotypic characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi in febrile pediatric patients admitted in tertiary care hospital of Chennai, South India. Both serum and blood samples were collected from 239 scrub typhus suspected febrile pediatric patient’s aged between 6 months to 12 years. IgM ELISA and 56kDa nested PCR were performed on all the patient samples. Nested PCR positive samples were sequenced and analyzed for genotypic differences. Among 239 samples, 103 were positive for IgM ELISA and 35 were positive for nPCR analysis. Out of the 108 scrub typhus positive cases, 45.31% (58/128) were male and 45.05% (50/111) were female. Eschar was positive in 56.48% of patients. Pneumonia (4/108), hypotensive shock (3/108), and myocarditis (1/108) were the most common clinical complications associated with scrub typhus positive children. Karp (56.6%) was the most common genotypic cluster found in our study, followed by TA716 (33.33%), TA763 (2/30), and Gilliam (1/30).