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Abstract Aims In cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) patients, the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains unclear. We sought to assess the short‐term and long‐term effects of CRT in CS patients with a range of left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions (LVEFs). Methods Consecutive CS patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; LVEF ≤ 40%), mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF; LVEF 41%–49%) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; LVEF ≥ 50) treated with CRT under the care of a tertiary UK centre between 2008 and 2023 were reviewed. CRT response was defined by >5% improvement in serial LVEF. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality, cardiac transplantation or unplanned hospitalization for decompensated heart failure. The secondary endpoint included ventricular arrhythmic events. Results Of the 100 patients enrolled (age 58 ± 10 years; 71% male), 63 had HFrEF, 17 had HFmrEF and 20 had HFpEF. After short‐term follow‐up (9.8 ± 5.4 months), HFrEF patients demonstrated significant LVEF response (P

Introduction: In patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are important for preventing sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to investigate sex disparities in CS patients undergoing ICD implantation. Methods: The 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database compared the characteristics and outcomes of males and females with CS receiving ICDs. Results: Among 760 CS patients who underwent inpatient ICD implantation, 66.4% were male. Males were younger (55.0 vs. 56.9 years, p <.01), had higher rates of diabetes (31.7% vs. 21.6%, p <.01) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (16.8% vs. 7.8%, p <.01) but lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) (11.9% vs. 23.5%, p <.01), sick sinus syndrome (4.0% vs. 7.8%, p =.024), ventricular fibrillation (VF) (9.9% vs. 15.7%, p =.02), and black ancestry (31.9% vs. 58.0%, p <.01). Unadjusted major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of in‐hospital death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke, was higher in females (11.8% vs. 6.9%, p =.024), but when adjusted for age and tCharlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), females demonstrated significantly lower odds of experiencing MACE (aOR: 0.048, 95% CI: 0.006–0.395, p =.005). Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) post‐ICD was significantly lower in females (15.7% vs. 23.8%, p =.01) as was the adjusted odds (aOR: 0.282, 95% CI: 0.146–0.546, p <.01). There was comparable mean length of stay and hospital charges. Conclusion: ICD utilization in CS patients is more common among males, who have a higher prevalence of diabetes and CKD but a lower prevalence of AF, sick sinus syndrome, and VF. Adjusted MACE and AKI were significantly lower in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of food additives is to preserve food by extending shelf life and limiting harmful microorganism proliferation. They prevent spoilage by enhancing the taste and safety of food by utilizing beneficial microorganisms and their antimicrobial metabolites. Current advances in food preservation and processing utilize green technology principles for green preservative formulation, enhancing nutrition and supplying essential micronutrients safely, while also improving quality, packaging, and food safety. Encapsulation is gaining attention for its potential to protect delicate materials from oxidative degradation and extend their shelf life, thereby ensuring optimal nutrient uptake. Nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds has significantly improved the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and nutraceutical industries by protecting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids by controlling release and ensuring delivery to specific sites in the human body. This emerging area is crucial for future industrial production, improving the sensory properties of foods like color, taste, and texture. Research on encapsulated bioactive compounds like bacteriocins, LAB, natamycin, polylysine, and bacteriophage is crucial for their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in food applications and the food industry. This paper reviews nanomaterials used as food antimicrobial carriers, including nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, and nanofibers, to protect natural food antimicrobials from degradation and improve antimicrobial activity. This review discusses nanoencapsulation techniques for biopreservative agents like nisin, poly lysine, and natamycin, focusing on biologically-derived polymeric nanofibers, nanocarriers, nanoliposomes, and polymer-stabilized metallic nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, in general, improve the dispersibility, stability, and availability of bioactive substances, and this study discusses the controlled release of nanoencapsulated biopreservative agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a potentially fatal condition that varies in its clinical presentation. Here, we describe baseline characteristics at presentation along with prognosis and predictors of outcome in a sizable and deeply phenotyped contemporary cohort of CS patients. Methods and results: Consecutive CS patients seen at one institution were retrospectively enrolled after undergoing laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and 18F‐flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) at baseline. The composite endpoint consisted of all‐cause mortality, aborted sudden cardiac death, major ventricular arrhythmic events, heart failure hospitalization and heart transplantation. A total of 319 CS patients were studied (67% male, 55.4 ± 12 years). During a median follow‐up of 2.2 years (range: 1 month–11 years), 8% of patients died, while 33% reached the composite endpoint. The annualized mortality rate was 2.7% and the 5‐ and 10‐year mortality rates were 6.2% and 7.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (hazard ratio [HR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–4.31, p = 0.003), CMR left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.0001) and maximum standardized uptake value of FDG‐PET (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.19, p = 0.001) to be independent predictors of outcome. These findings remained robust for different patient subgroups. Conclusion: Cardiac sarcoidosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with cardiac involvement as the first manifestation. Higher BNP levels, lower LVEF and more active myocardial inflammation were independent predictors of outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known to be the most common primary tumor of the liver and is also the fifth most common cancer in the world. Chronic hepatitis B and C along with type 2 diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver disease are quite well-known risk factors for HCC, and it is uncommon in the noncirrhotic liver. HCC favors spreading as multifocal intrahepatic lesions and potential vascular invasion, and extrahepatic spread is uncommon. Skeletal metastasis from HCC occurs infrequently compared to other cancers and is common in the axial skeleton. Metastatic involvement of the appendicular skeleton is a rare entity, and the initial presentation of HCC as metastatic involvement of the appendicular skeleton is even rarer. We report a case of HCC with incidentally detected cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B infection presenting with pain in the left shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study on Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in an elderly patient with multisystem involvement. The patient exhibited cutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and other systemic manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed through skin biopsy and immunohistochemistry, and the patient showed improvement with treatment including topical corticosteroids and cladribine infusion.

We report a case who presented with inguinal bubo with ulceration-like lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), but a detailed workup revealed underlying metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) without any primary site. De novo squamous cell carcinoma presenting as nodulo-ulcerative lesions on inguinal regions mimicking venereal disease Inguinal bubo with or without ulceration is often puzzling to diagnose on initial evaluation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Geographic barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and large-scale logistics severely limit telemedicine and e-health systems' ability to make orthopedic care accessible to masses in rural centers. With <1% of the registered hospitals in our country connected through telemedicine, novel alternatives are necessary for effective remote consultation in low-resource health-care settings. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis to compare the impact of "e-mail and telephone-" and "WhatsApp-" assisted remote orthopedic consultations (ROCs) on surgical decision-making and outcome of complex orthopedic conditions treated at a remote location hospital in Central India was conducted by assessing the response time, clarity, peer review accessibility, cost-effectiveness and functional outcome parameters (Visual Analog Score [VAS] and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation [SANE]), complication rates, and duration of hospital stay. Unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Forty-eight patients were included in the study. Remote consultation was carried out through "e-mail and telephone" for 17 patients and through "WhatsApp" for 31 patients. "WhatsApp-" assisted remote consultation enabled quicker response (P < 0.0001), ensured nonambiguity (P < 0.0001), was cost-effective, and facilitated more peer review (P < 0.0001). Mean VAS and SANE scores reflected better outcome in the "WhatsApp-" assisted remote consultation (P < 0.0001), but hospital stay and complication rates were higher in this group. Conclusions: "WhatsApp-" assisted ROC had a higher impact and was cost-effective in management of complex orthopedic conditions in the low-resource setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The never-before-seen proliferation of interconnected low-power computing devices, patently dubbed the Internet of Things (IoT), is revolutionizing how people, organizations, and malicious actors interact with one another and the Internet. Many of these devices collect data in different forms, be it audio, location data, or user commands. In civil or criminal nature investigations, the data collected can act as evidence for the prosecution or the defense. This data can also be used as a component of cybersecurity efforts. When data is extracted from these devices, investigators are expected to do so using proven methods. Still, unfortunately, given the heterogeneity in the types of devices that need to be examined, few widely agreed-upon standards exist. In this paper, we look at some of the architectures, current frameworks, and methods available to perform forensic analysis of IoT devices to provide a roadmap for investigators and researchers to form the basis of an investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular melanoma is classified under the category of noncutaneous melanomas. Noncutaneous melanomas are relatively rare. Ocular melanoma commonly arises from choroid. Conjunctival melanoma is a rare but potentially lethal form of ocular melanoma. It can invade locally. Systemic spread is seen in up to 25% of cases, often associated with lymph node involvement. Metastatic sites include the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET-CT) scanning is indicated for staging cutaneous melanoma patients. However, few studies have evaluated its role in the management of conjunctival melanoma. This case highlights the use of F-18 FDG PET/CT for imaging, preoperative staging, and evaluation for metastasis in conjunctival melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Instillation or application of the radiotracer over the tear film is one of the important parts of dacroscintigraphy. Our study explains the value of an improvised dropper technique so that desired amount of radioactivity in desired volume can be instilled over the tear film. Aim: The aim of the study is to introduce a simple and convenient instillation method based on dropper technique for performing dacroscintigraphy. This improvised dropper technique can be used so that desired amount of radioactivity in desired volume can be instilled over the tear film. The objectives of this experiment are to measure the volume and activity of each drop from the dropper. Settings and Design: Experiment of volume and activity measurement standardization was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we calculated the volume of each drop indirectly to standardize the volume of drop. In the second part, we standardized the activity in each drop by measuring it in a dose calibrator. Subjects and Methods: In this study, we used a common pediatric dropper of approximately 1 ml capacity, radioactivity (99mTcO4 pertechnetate), sample vial (container), vial holder, a pair of nonsterile gloves, dose calibrator, etc., Experiments of volume and radioactivity standardization were carried out in two parts. The first part of experiment calculated volume of each drop indirectly, and in the second, we standardized the activity in each drop by measuring it in dose calibrator. Statistical analysis used: Analysis of variance test was used to calculate the correlation of readings by same individual as well as among the three individuals Results: After analysis of result obtained, it was understood that there was no significant difference found in volume and activity of each drop in the readings recorded by same individual as well as among the three individuals. The calculated activity and observed activity were 86.64 and 79.16 μCi, respectively. The difference was only 8.63% lying within acceptable limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoma with skeletal muscle involvement is a rare clinical presentation. They may occur as primary skeletal muscle lymphoma, contiguous spread from bones or by metastatic spread. We present a rare case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with pelvic skeletal muscle involvement presenting as low back ache. Lymphoma as the first differential diagnosis in this case was clinched after an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and confirmed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on histopathology. We seek to present an uncommon manifestation of lymphoma and highlight the role of 18F-FDG PET CT in the diagnosis, staging, and management of lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frostbite or cold burn is the medical condition in which localized damage is caused to exposed skin and subcutaneous tissue due to freezing. Frostbite most likely involves body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas. At or below 0 °C (32 °F), blood vessels close to the skin start to constrict, and blood is shunted away from the extremities via the physiological feedback action of glomus bodies. This peripheral vasoconstriction helps to conserve core body temperature. In extreme cold, or when certain parts of the body are exposed to cold conditions for long periods, this protective mechanism can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. This is followed by crystallisation of water in the tissue and subsequent death of tissues in the affected areas. In this case series, we highlight the importance of a 99mtechnetium methylene diphosphonate (99mTc MDP) triple phase bone scan in cases of severe frostbite to precisely delineate the ischaemic and reperfusion zones, so as to help the surgeons in carefully deciding if amputation is required and the level of amputation in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenocarcinoma cervix is an uncommon histological subtype of carcinoma cervix; further incidence of skeletal muscle metastases is even rarer. We report the identification of extensive fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid metastatic skeletal muscle deposits in a known case of adenocarcinoma cervix. The largest lesion representative of muscle deposit in the right deltoid was histopathologically confirmed to be metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma. This report also serves to highlight the importance of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) as compared to conventional imaging modalities such as CT and ultrasonography and comments better over the description of invasiveness as well as the extent of disease in carcinoma cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid synthase (FASN, UniProt ID: P49327) is a multienzyme dimer complex that plays a critical role in lipogenesis. Consequently, this lipogenic enzyme has gained tremendous biomedical importance. The role of FASN and its inhibition is being extensively researched in several clinical conditions, such as cancers, obesity, and diabetes. X-ray crystallographic structures of some of its domains, such as β-ketoacyl synthase, acetyl transacylase, malonyl transacylase, enoyl reductase, β-ketoacyl reductase, and thioesterase, (TE) are already reported. Here, we have attempted an in silico elucidation of the uncrystallized dehydratase (DH) catalytic domain of human FASN. This theoretical model for DH domain was predicted using comparative modeling methods. Different stand-alone tools and servers were used to validate and check the reliability of the predicted models, which suggested it to be a highly plausible model. The stereochemical analysis showed 92.0% residues in favorable region of Ramachandran plot. The initial physiological substrate β-hydroxybutyryl group was docked into active site of DH domain using Glide. The molecular dynamics simulations carried out for 20 ns in apo and holo states indicated the stability and accuracy of the predicted structure in solvated condition. The predicted model provided useful biochemical insights into the substrate-active site binding mechanisms. This model was then used for identifying potential FASN inhibitors using high-throughput virtual screening of the National Cancer Institute database of chemical ligands. The inhibitory efficacy of the top hit ligands was validated by performing molecular dynamics simulation for 20 ns, where in the ligand NSC71039 exhibited good enzyme inhibition characteristics and exhibited dose-dependent anticancer cytotoxicity in retinoblastoma cancer cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student debt is receiving attention as a significant stressor for college undergraduates. This, coupled with concerns about the future, has the potential to negatively impact students' well-being. Using data from a national student survey, this study examined the extent to which financial burdens and feelings of preparedness for their path following graduation predicted the functioning of college seniors. Higher debt and lower perceptions of preparedness for employment or higher education significantly predicted lower levels of emotional and physical health in students with loans of $0 - $200,000. These results support the notion that, in these uncertain economic times, greater emphasis could be placed on student career planning and guidance, not only for the purposes of future professional development, but to promote well-being while students are still in college. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the apical microleakage of bonded amalgam, amalgam with varnish, Super-EBA cement and Mineral trioxide aggregate. 72 maxillary anterior were selected and the crown of each tooth was removed at the level of the cement-enamel junction. Apical preparation was done up to 40 K file and all the canals were obturated with guttapercha and AH- 26 sealer using lateral and vertical condensation techniques. The apical 3mm of all the root was resected perpendicular to its long axis and 3mm root-end cavities were prepared. The roots were then randomly placed into four groups andretrofill with one of the experimental materials. After 72 hours in 1% methylene blue, the teeth were sectioned and dye preparation was measured under stereomicroscope and profile projector. Linear measurements to hundredths of millimetre were made. 3mm was selected as the greatest possible leakage value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes an Integrated Thermal Power System using a Multiperiod Generalized Network Flow Model. The thermal system analysis is carried out by taking into account the complex dynamics involved in utilizing multiple energy carriers (coal, diesel and natural gas). The model comprises energy source nodes, energy transformation nodes, energy storage nodes, energy demand nodes and their interconnections. The solution to the integrated energy system problem involves the evaluation of energy flows that meet the electricity demand at minimum total cost, while satisfying system constraints. This is illustrated through the India case study using a minimum time-step of one hour. MATLAB based software was developed for carrying out this study. TOMLAB/CPLEX software was utilized for obtaining the optimal solution. The model and the methodology utilized for conducting the study would be of interest to those involved in integrated energy system planning for a country or a region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission projections for grid-connect thermal power generation in India till 2030. Future power generation projections are obtained by utilizing an integrated power and energy planning tool. The optimal mix of thermal power generation from coal, natural gas and diesel is found by using a multiperiod generalized network flow model. Using a novel hybrid approach, the study, comprising different scenarios of thermal power generation efficiencies, highlights an important national strategy for low carbon growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of sub-100 nm particles from substrates such as wafers and photo masks is an essential requirement in semiconductor, microelectronics, and nanotechnology applications. The proposed laser-induced plasma (LIP) based approach is an effective technique for removal of sub-100 nm particles, as the minimum tolerable particle on the substrates shrinks to sub-100 nm levels with each technological node. In the current study, our progress in sub-100 nm particle removal is reviewed, and the results of the kinetic theory simulations conducted to understand the dynamics of the gas molecule-nanoparticle interactions excited by the shock front are discussed. It is shown from the simulations and experiments that particles as small as sub-100 nm can be successfully detached. To explain possible mechanisms for the nanoparticle detachment in nanoscale, the concepts of rolling resistance moment and rocking motion are utilized as novel detachment mechanisms. The pressure experiments illustrate that the peak pressure levels achieved with the LIP shock wave fields are below damage thresholds of most substrate materials. The potential of the proposed approach as a practical noncontact, dry, fast, and damage-free method for removal of sub-100 nm particles is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]