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Background: Item analysis, a valuable process conducted after the examination, gives information regarding the reliability of scores and validity of items tested. Difficulty index (P) and Discrimination index (DI) are two parameters, which aid in analyzing the standard of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The study was aimed to find the relationship of difficulty and discrimination indices with teaching and learning in Physiology. Methods: Students (n=100) included were MBBS 1st year from September 2017 to March 2018. The MCQs of Physiology semester II courses were analyzed in two Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs). CAT I included Respiratory: 15/50 and CAT II Hemopoietic: 14/60 and Semester Exam 40/80. The items were examined for difficulty index (p-value) and discrimination index (DI). Items having p-value between 0.3 to 0.7 and DI > 0.2 were considered as having good difficulty and discrimination indices respectively. Results: Out of 15 items in Respiratory CAT, 73% had a mean p=0.3 -0.7 and 27% had mean p= 0.23. The mean DI value was 0.31. Out of 14 items in CAT of Hemopoietic, 85% had a p-value between 0.3 -0.7 and 15% had mean p=0.2. The mean DI value was 0.41. Out of 40 items in Semester exam, 82% items had p value b/w 0.3 – 0.7 and 18 % items had mean p=0.18. Overall mean DI value was 0.28. Conclusion: The item analysis of majority of one best type MCQs of CATs and semester exam in Physiology had good difficulty and discrimination indices and matched teaching and learning strategy in Physiology. Keywords: Difficulty Index; Discrimination Index; Physiology; Teaching; Learning.

Background: The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a well-known endocrine-metabolic disease, is caused by the interaction of environmental, genetic and metabolic factors. A cross-sectional, comparative study was planned to evaluate high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin and lipid profile in non-obese and obese PCOS patients. Methods: Seventy-two women diagnosed with PCOS as per Rotterdam criteria, were placed in three groups in accordance with the body mass index: Group 1 (normal weight), Group 11 (overweight), and Group 111 (obese). Blood glucose, hs-CRP, serum insulin, lipid profile was estimated and insulin resistance was calculated. Data was analyzed using version 20 of SPSS. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the numeric variables among three groups of PCOS women and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significantly, higher levels of insulin (13.03 ± 0.22), triglyceride (1.74 ± 0.96) and hs-CRP (7.24±4.11) were detected in obese PCOS women. The levels of fasting blood glucose (4.61±0.54) were also raised. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (2.69±0.79) showed insulin resistance in obese PCOS women (p=0.004). The obese group had significantly lower HDL-Cholesterol levels (0.82±0.09). Levels of total cholesterol (4.69±0.97) and LDL-Cholesterol (3.08±0.64) were increased but results were non-significant. These results indicate obesity leads to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia with low grade inflammation in PCOS. Conclusion: Frequency of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and low-grade inflammation was found significantly higher in young obese PCOS women. Obesity may have an important role in the aetiology as well as the complications associated with PCOS. Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; hs-CRP; Insulin Resistance; Dyslipidemia; Body Mass Index.

It is an emerging concept now a day that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness has an essential character in the progression for cardiac risk profile. It is now consider as a new and consistent cardiovascular risk factor. EAT thickness is the indicator for cardiac adiposity. It modifies the cardiac morphology and function. It has close anatomical relation to myocardium. It causes local paracrine interactions between myocardial tissues. It causes enlargement of left ventricle with its diastolic dysfunction. Measurement and assessment of epicardial adipose tissue thickness is now done by new method echocardiography. It appraises visceral adiposity and inflammation. Association of EAT location and its physiological or pathological impor – tance requires advance research. EAT in future may replace waist circumference, as a marker of abdominal obesity. This article briefly discussion the structure of epicardial adipose tissue and its function. It also describes the method for its assessment. KEY WORDS: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness, Cardiac adipose tissue, Brown adipose tissue, Visceral adipose tissue

Introduction With the passage of time the demands of health care delivery system are changing. The rate of scientific discovery and accumulation of knowledge is gathering speed. In order to prepare medical students as tomorrow’s leaders, an effort to improve the curriculum is unavoidable.

Background: Currently most of the medical schools are incorporating innovative medical curricula in their bachelor programs. Most of the institutions are moving towards a more student centered approach to learning and assessment. Physiology being one of the mandatory basic science disciplines is also experiencing these changes. Student learning is always related to the teaching methodologies being used. Student’s perception of the various teaching methodologies is useful in improving the quality of learning in medical education and to evaluate the student perception of different learning modalities in physiology in an integrated curriculum. Methods: Study was conducted on 100 medical students of 1st and 2nd Year. Participating students were explained the purpose of study. Based on the teaching methods practiced in the department of Physiology at Ziauddin Medical College, a survey questionnaire was prepared and given to the participants. The questionnaire consisted of questions enquiring about the preference of different learning/ teaching methods and the reason for the preference. Results: Majority of the students of 1st and 2nd year MBBS selected Problem based learning (PBL) 48% lecture 40% and small group session 7 % and other teaching method 5%. Conclusion: Problem based learning was found to be the preferred learning modality to study physiology and lecture was the most helpful method in preparing for exams. Key Words: Perception, Physiology, Teaching Tools, Learning, Integrated Curriculum

Background: TThe close association of physiology with clinical medicine is highlighted in the preclinical years, and also in hospital practice later. Integration of basic sciences with clinical training is remarkably challenging for the dental curriculum. Many medical and dental schools have modified their preclinical curricula to signify the relevance of basic science to practice. Since its inception, Ziauddin Dental College has introduced guide books. They are comprised of the learning objectives for each integrated module. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical relevance of Physiology objectives in Dental practice. Methods: The learning objectives of Physiology from three modules were given to 22 House officers from the field of Dentistry. The questionnaire included the learning objectives taken from the guide book and the participants were asked to determine the clinical relevance of objectives on Likert scale from 1 to 5. Results: Out of 38 Physiology objectives from three modules marked by House officers, 30 (79%) were determined as highly relevant and 8 (21%) as moderately relevant. Conclusion: The Physiology learning objectives of Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Hemopoietic & Immune system, taught at ZDC were found to have a high clinical relevance. Key Words: Physiology objectives, Dental Practice, Clinical relevance

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes a spectrum of persistent metabolic disorders originating from irregular glucose metabolism due to insufficient insulin production, compromised insulin function, or a combination of the two, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This study assessed the influence of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar, with 40 participants diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for more than 3 years and suffering from chronic periodontitis. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, and those with other medical complications were excluded. HbA1c levels were assessed at baseline, and non-surgical periodontal therapy was administered. Patients were educated and scheduled for a follow-up after 3 months when HbA1c levels were reassessed. A paired t-test was employed to compare HbA1c levels pre-and post-intervention. Results: In this study, males were 29 (58%) whereas 21 (42%) females. The mean value of HbA1c was less post-treatment with non-surgical periodontal therapy (6.928±0.866%) than pretreatment (9.048±0.73%) and results were statistically significant (p

Background: Breast malignancy is globally the most prevalent type of cancer. Early and appropriate screening is important for proper treatment. Ultrasonography (USG) is extensively useful as an adjunct to mammography in clinical practice. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accurateness of mammography versus ultrasound imaging in predicting breast malignancies in women with palpable lesions using histopathology as the gold standard. Methods: The bilateral mammography was performed on 100 patients of age 35-80 years in the Radiology department, PNS Shifa hospital, Karachi. Bilateral whole-breast USG was also performed and findings were recorded. Then histopathology was done by taking samples (localized solid swelling fixed to breast tissue and skin feeling different from normal breast parenchyma, present more than 1 month) through TruCut 18 G needle and compared with mammography and ultrasound. The data was analyzed by SPSS and a screening test was applied to check the sensitivity and specificity. Results: The mean age of the patients (n=100) was 58.91±13.46 years. The USG diagnosed malignant breast lesions in 46% and benign breast lesions in 54% of patients. Whereas, by mammography, malignancy was diagnosed in 47% and benign in 53% of patients. The USG tool showed 69.64% sensitivity, 84.09% specificity, 84.78% negative predictive value (NPV), 68.52% positive predictive value (PPV) and 76% diagnostic accuracy, respectively. However, mammography had 60.71% sensitivity, 70.45% specificity, 72.34% NPV, 58.49% PPV and 65% accuracy, while considering histopathology as the gold standard. Conclusion: The ultrasonography (USG) was found more sensitive than mammography in the prediction of breast malignancy presenting with palpable breast lesions. Keywords: Mammography; Ultrasonography; Accuracy; Histopathology; Breast Cancer.

Background: Primary teeth undergo physiological root resorption followed by eruption of their permanent successors. Roots of primary mandibular molars can have either symmetrical or asymmetrical resorption patterns. This study aimed to determine the frequency of root resorption patterns of primary mandibular molars and the position of premolar successors through radiographs in children. Methods: A total sample of 240 primary mandibular teeth from 140 patients (5-12 years) who visited the Paediatric Dentistry Department of Fatima Jinnah dental college were reviewed using radiographs. The root resorption patterns of primary mandibular molars and the location of the premolar successors were determined. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification concerning age, gender, right or left side and presence of caries. Post-stratification chi-square analysis was used and p

Re-arrangement of cationic distribution in partially inverse spinel NiAl2O4 by using chemical pressure perturbation is studied. Structural, impedance and magnetic analysis suggest presence of regions/domains inside the grain/bulk with same lattice arrangement but varying in cationic oxidation state. Perturbing the cationic distribution in the grain via low concentrations of ambivalence substituent rearranges the cationic distribution across these domains within the partially inverse spinel lattice without disturbing the crystal structure. A comprehensive explanation on the origin & tunability of cationic distribution within the partially-inverse lattice is proposed.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic illness defined by elevated blood glucose levels, mediating various tissue alterations, including the dysfunction of vital organs. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to many consequences that specifically affect the brain, heart, and kidneys. These issues are known as neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, respectively. Inflammation is acknowledged as a pivotal biological mechanism that contributes to the development of various diabetes consequences. NF-κB modulates inflammation and the immune system at the cellular level. Its abnormal regulation has been identified in several clinical situations, including cancer, inflammatory bowel illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential impact of NF-κB on complications associated with DM. Enhanced NF-κB activity promotes inflammation, resulting in cellular harm and compromised organ performance. Phytochemicals, which are therapeutic molecules, can potentially decline the NF-κB level, therefore alleviating inflammation and the progression of problems correlated with DM. More importantly, the regulation of NF-κB can be influenced by various factors, such as TLR4 in DM. Highlighting these factors can facilitate the development of novel therapies in the future.

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a digital research platform to longitudinally investigate COVID-19-related outcomes in patients with rheumatic diseases and healthy controls. We used home finger-prick testing in order to collect serum samples remotely and increase the overall efficiency of the platform. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the success rate of the finger prick and patients’ perspective towards the finger prick.Methods Serum samples were collected up to five times during follow-up, either via a venepuncture at the research institute or a finger prick from participants’ home. Participants were asked to complete a digital evaluation questionnaire of the finger prick after their attempts.Results A total of 2135 patients and 899 controls performed at least one finger prick and were included in this study. The first finger prick was successfully done by 92% (95% CI: 90% to 93%) of patients, 94% (95% CI: 92% to 95%) of controls, 93% (95% CI: 92% to 94%) of all participants aged ≤70 years and 89% (95% CI: 86% to 92%) of all participants aged >70 years. Sex did not impact these success rates. Repeated failure occurred in 11/439 (0.8%) patients and 4/712 (0.6%) controls. Both patients and controls were less willing to perform a finger prick for individual healthcare compared with scientific research.Conclusion The vast majority of participants, among which elderly and patients with rheumatic diseases, were able to successfully draw the required amount of blood for serological analyses. This shows that finger-prick testing is suitable for a high-throughput implementation to monitor patients remotely.

This paper studies the flexible Lomax distribution's order statistics with graphical and numerical findings. Along with the quantitative measurements, some plots are furnished, including those for the skewness and kurtosis measures. We will dwell on the numerous results that relate to statistics of moments of order. We consider the single and product moment of order statistics from the new distribution. Further, we establish some recurrence relation for single moments of order statistics. We have sought to apply the derived relations to empirically evaluate the moments of smallest (largest) order statistics to establish well-known moments and related measures. For order statistics of a flexible Lomax distribution, exact analytical expressions of entropy, residual entropy, and past latent entropy are determined. (original abstract)

Background: The complete blood count (CBC) profile has been found extremely useful in monitoring the growth of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, predictive CBC parameters that could be used in the management of the disease may vary in different populations. Methods: This study comparatively analyzed the CBC profile of SARS-CoV-2 patients (N = 75; confirmed positive by real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and healthy individuals (confirmed negative by real-time PCR) from Kashmir (north India). Results: Compared with healthy individuals, most of the CBC parameters (hemoglobin levels [13.43 vs 10.9 g/dL; P = 0.0001], lymphocytes [16.04% vs 30.8%; P = 0.00001], monocytes [5.53% vs 7.53%; P = 0.009], and platelet count [150 vs 186 ×103 µL; P = 0.037]) were significantly low in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, while neutrophilia was more common in infected patients (76.77% vs 59.26%). Among derived parameters, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 7.31 vs 2.04; P = 0.001) and derived NLR (d-NLR; 4.43 vs 1.5; P = 0.0002) were significantly high in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Further correlation analysis revealed a significant association of neutrophilia with the severity of the disease in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of derived CBC parameters (NLR, d-NLR, and platelet‐to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR] with disease severity and disease outcome) revealed d-NLR as better predictive marker of disease severity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.658) and disease outcome (AUC = 0.766) compared to PLR with disease severity (AUC = 0.645) and disease outcome (AUC = 0.693). Conclusion: We therefore conclude, of the CBC parameters neutrophilia as the marker of disease severity and among derived parameters, d-NLR as an early predictive biomarker of both disease severity and poor disease outcome in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Abstract Graphyne and Graphdiyne Nanoribbons reveal significant prospective with diverse applications. In electronics, they propose unique electronic properties for high-performance nanoscale devices, while in catalysis, their excellent surface area and reactivity sort them valuable catalyst supports for numerous chemical reactions, contributing to progresses in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. The topological indices (TIs) are numerical invariants that provide important information about the molecular topology of a given molecular graph. These indices are essential in QSAR/QSPR analysis and play a significant role in predicting various physico-chemical characteristics. In this article, we present a formula for computing reduced reverse (RR) degree-based topological indices for graphyne and graphdiyne nanoribbons, including the RR Zagreb indices, RR hyper-Zagreb indices, RR forgotten index, RR atom bond connectivity index, and RR Geometric-arithmetic index. We also execute a graph-theoretical analysis and comparison to demonstrate the critical significance and validate the acquired results. Our findings provide insights into the structural and chemical properties of these nanoribbons and contribute to the development of new materials for various applications.

Abstract Urban atmospheric pollution is global problem and and have become increasingly critical in big cities around the world. Issue of toxic emissions has gained significant attention in the scientific community as the release of pollutants into the atmosphere rising continuously. Although, the Pakistani government has started the Pakistan Clean Air Program to control ambient air quality however, the desired air quality levels are yet to be reached. Since the process of mapping the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants in urban areas is intricate due to its dependence on multiple factors, such as urban vegetation and weather conditions. Therefore, present research focuses on two essential items: (1) the relationship between urban vegetation and atmospheric variables (temperature, relative humidity (RH), sound intensity (SI), CO, CO2, and particulate matter (PM0.5, PM1.0, and PM2.5) and (2) the effect of seasonal change on concentration and magnitude of atmospheric variables. A geographic Information System (GIS) was utilized to map urban atmospheric variables dispersion in the residential areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were performed to establish the relationship between urban atmospheric pollutants, urban vegetation, and seasonal variation. The results showed a positive correlation between urban vegetation, metrological factors, and most of the atmospheric pollutants. Furthermore, PM concentration showed a significant correlation with temperature and urban vegetation cover. GIS distribution maps for PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, and CO2 pollutants showed the highest concentration of pollutants in poorly to the moderated vegetated areas. Therefore, it can be concluded that urban vegetation requires a rigorous design, planning, and cost–benefit analysis to maximize its positive environmental effects.

Due to their broad range of uses in thermo-electric devices, aerospace, and other industries, thermoelectric materials have garnered much attention. To expand the scope of their applications, thermoelectric materials’ thermoelectric characteristics must be effectively improved. Improved thermoelectrical properties with advancement is one of the critical strategies. Even though it is challenging to do small-scale measurements, it is crucial to precisely gauge the thermoelectric characteristics of varying materials (organic/inorganic/MXenes). Two-dimensional materials have drawn much interest for technological applications because of their unique properties. MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides that have garnered significant attention for their promising properties by showing high electrical conductivity, controllable thermal conductivity, and high Seebeck coefficient value making suitable candidates for thermoelectric energy conversion. Thermal and electrical parameters are currently measured using a variety of techniques. However, the advanced thermoelectric properties with advanced thermoelectric materials, such as thermopower, thermal conductance, and electrical conductivity, are compiled in this review. Also outlined are measurement techniques for thermoelectric properties of selected advanced and 2D materials. Lastly, the challenges of integrated measurement methods are suggested, and a few integrated measurement solutions that work well with many inorganic/organic composites and two-dimensional materials MXenes are most proposed.

Building multi-storey shopping malls has grown to be a very lucrative industry for investors in recent years. As a result, the success of a plaza depends on a variety of elements, including its design, security, appealing façade, and amenities. This study examined the structural systems, services, and architectural designs of a few of Lahore's prosperous plazas. Food courts and hyper malls provide essential functions that boost foot traffic and have the potential to revolutionise the way that entertainment amenities raise a mall's worth. Mixed-use multi-story spaces such as those that combine offices, apartments, and retail stores can also increase the efficiency of a mall in terms of sales and attractiveness. The assessment parameters in case studies include the gross area, circulation, parking area, toilet area, services area, and vertical transportation, with average values of 33,83 %, 22,00 %, 24,30 %,1,10 %, 3,05 %, and 4,60 %, respectively. These will assist future studies to determine the minimum threshold for success, making mall planning easier and more accurate. High-quality malls have higher occupancy because they offer better quality development, facilities, sustainable techniques, and amenities to support the overall development, along with shop sizes that suit international brands. This research defines the emerging trends and provides guidelines for the future architectural planning, structural systems, and services of shopping malls in Lahore to meet sustainable development goals and attract more shoppers.

Sustainability encompasses environmental, economic, and social dimensions, with safety standing as a crucial facet within the construction industry's social sustainability framework. This study addresses this vital concern by comprehensively analyzing published research on prominent safety risk factors and effective mitigation measures in construction projects, considering their influence on the industry's sustainability. A systematic literature review spanning 2008 to 2023 examined 32 pertinent articles from reputable journals. The review revealed 25 identified safety risk factors and 20 corresponding effective measures. These were categorised into labour, environmental, technical, and financial risks, forming the basis for a network diagram illustrating their interrelationships and associated mitigation strategies. Moreover, the study introduced a sustainability criterion, evaluating the various safety risk factor categories, and highlighting labour and environmental risks as the most significant concerns among the factors assessed. Finally, the research proposes future research directions aimed at elevating safety and sustainability within construction projects.

Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third crucial global crop facing threats from Alternaria solani, a necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing early blight disease. Beyond crop impact, it leads to substantial production reduction and economic losses worldwide. This study introduces a green synthesis method for producing Ferric Oxide nanoparticles (FNPs) using dried Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves. Guava leaf extract acts as a reducing agent, with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) as the oxidizing agent. This study employed various characterization techniques for Ferric Oxide nanoparticles (FNPs). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed peaks at 877 cm−1, 1180 cm−1, 1630 cm−1, 1833 cm−1, 2344 cm−1, and 3614 cm−1, associated with Maghemite vibrations, polyphenol compounds, and amino acids. UV–Vis spectroscopy exhibited a characteristic absorbance peak at 252 nm for FNPs. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated particle sizes of 29-41 nm, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) indicated elemental composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed crystalline FNPs with peaks at 26.78, 30.64, 36.06, 38.21, 43.64, 53.52, 57.42, 63.14 and 78.32. Disease resistance assays demonstrated FNPs’ effectiveness against A. solani, reducing disease incidence and severity. In the leaf detach assay, concentrations of 15, 10 and 5 mg/L showed a dose-dependent reduction in disease severity and incidence. The Greenhouse Assay confirmed FNPs’ concentration-dependent effect on disease incidence and severity. The study also explored FNPs’ potential as biocontrol agents showing no adverse effects on overall plant development. Additionally, the study highlighted the agronomic potential of FNPs in enhancing plant growth and development emphasizing their role as micronutrients in biofortification. The findings suggest the promising application of FNPs in plant protection and biofortification strategies.

Abstract Background We aimed to describe the microvascular features of three types of adult-type diffuse glioma by comparing dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intraoperative high-frame-rate ultrafast Doppler ultrasound. Methods Case series of seven patients with primary brain tumours underwent both DSC perfusion MRI and intra-operative high-frame-rate ultrafast Doppler ultrasound. From the ultrasound images, three-dimensional vessel segmentation was obtained of the tumour vascular bed. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) maps were generated with leakage correction and normalised to the contralateral normal-appearing white matter. From tumour histograms, median, mean, and maximum rCBV ratios were extracted. Results Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) showed lower perfusion than high-grade gliomas (HGGs), as expected. Within the LGG subgroup, oligodendroglioma showed higher perfusion than astrocytoma. In HGG, the median rCBV ratio for glioblastoma was 3.1 while astrocytoma grade 4 showed low perfusion with a median rCBV of 1.2. On the high-frame-rate ultrafast Doppler ultrasound images, all tumours showed a range of rich and organised vascular networks with visually apparent abnormal vessels, even in LGG. Conclusions This unique case series revealed in vivo insights about the microvascular architecture in both LGGs and HGGs. Ultrafast Doppler ultrasound revealed rich vascularisation, also in tumours with low perfusion at DSC MRI. These findings warrant further investigations using advanced MRI postprocessing, in particular for characterising adult-type diffuse glioma. Relevance statement Our findings challenge the current assumption behind the estimation of relative cerebral blood volume that the distribution of blood vessels in a voxel is random. Key points • Ultrafast Doppler ultrasound revealed rich vascularity irrespective of perfusion dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI state. • Rich and organised vascularisation was also observed even in low-grade glioma. • These findings challenge the assumptions for cerebral blood volume estimation with MRI. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by humoral and T cell responses. Pakistan faced relatively low morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 through the pandemic. To examine the role of prior immunity in the population, we studied IgG antibody response levels, virus neutralizing activity and T cell reactivity to Spike protein in a healthy control group (HG) as compared with COVID-19 cases and individuals from the pre-pandemic period (PP). Methods HG and COVID-19 participants were recruited between October 2020 and May 2021. Pre-pandemic sera was collected before 2018. IgG antibodies against Spike and its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) were determined by ELISA. Virus neutralization activity was determined using a PCR-based micro-neutralization assay. T cell – IFN-γ activation was assessed by ELISpot. Results Overall, the magnitude of anti-Spike IgG antibody levels as well as seropositivity was greatest in COVID-19 cases (90%) as compared with HG (39.8%) and PP (12.2%). During the study period, Pakistan experienced three COVID-19 waves. We observed that IgG seropositivity to Spike in HG increased from 10.3 to 83.5% during the study, whilst seropositivity to RBD increased from 7.5 to 33.3%. IgG antibodies to Spike and RBD were correlated positively in all three study groups. Virus neutralizing activity was identified in sera of COVID-19, HG and PP. Spike reactive T cells were present in COVID-19, HG and PP groups. Individuals with reactive T cells included those with and without IgG antibodies to Spike. Conclusions Antibody and T cell responses to Spike protein in individuals from the pre-pandemic period suggest prior immunity against SARS-CoV-2, most likely from cross-reactive responses. The rising seroprevalence observed in healthy individuals through the pandemic without known COVID-19 may be due to the activation of adaptive immunity from cross-reactive memory B and T cells. This may explain the more favourable COVID-19 outcomes observed in this population.

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have introduced elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study investigated whether the addition of Lp(a) as a novel biomarker to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) model improves CHD risk prediction. Methods The study included 1101 Iranian subjects (443 non-diabetic and 658 diabetic patients) who were followed for 10 years (2003–2013). Lp(a) levels and CHD events were recorded for each participant. Results The Net Reclassification Index (NRI) after adding Lp(a) to the FRS model was 19.57% and the discrimination slope was improved (0.160 vs. 0.173). The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), a measure of model complexity, decreased significantly after adding Lp(a) to the FRS model (691.9 vs. 685.4, P value: 0.007). Conclusions The study concluded that adding Lp(a) to the FRS model improves CHD risk prediction in an Iranian population without making the model too complex. This could help clinicians to better identify individuals who are at risk of developing CHD and to implement appropriate preventive measures.

Background and purpose: Selenium, a rare and essential element, is crucial in various skin diseases. Given its significance, this study aimed to investigate the serum selenium levels in patients with genital warts and compare them with those of healthy individuals. Materials and methods: This case-control study involved 40 patients with genital warts and 40 healthy individuals. Serum selenium levels were measured using a Calbiotech laboratory kit with two cc of intravenous blood samples. Demographic characteristics and disease-related factors, including disease duration, severity of genital warts, and areas of skin involvement, were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: In the case group, the average age was 30.68±9.38 years, and in the control group, it was 34.30±6.90 years (P=0.060). The mean serum selenium level in the case group was lower than in the control group (83.92±35.43 vs. 93.62±26.29 ng/ml, respectively, P=0.168). Notably, there was no statistically significant difference in serum selenium levels with age (P=0.051), gender (P=0.062), number of lesions (P=0.750), disease duration (P=0.938), disease severity (P=0.618), or areas of skin involvement (P=0.349). Conclusion: Patients with genital warts exhibited lower serum selenium levels than their healthy counterparts, suggesting a potential correlation between weakened immune system strength and increased inflammatory conditions. Future studies are imperative to delve deeper into the immunomodulatory role of trace elements, such as selenium, in human papillomavirus infections and various skin wart types.

Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by emaciation, hyperactivity, and amenorrhea. Imaging studies in AN patients have revealed reductions in grey and white matter volume, which correlate with the severity of neuropsychological deficits. However, the cellular basis for the observed brain atrophy is poorly understood. Although distinct hypothalamic centers, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are critically involved in regulating feeding behavior, little is known about potential hypothalamic modifications in this disorder. Since glia e.g. astrocytes and microglia influence neuronal circuits, we investigated the glial changes underlying pathophysiology of starvation in the corpus callosum (CC) and hypothalamus. Female mice were given a limited amount of food once a day and had unlimited access to a running wheel until a 20% weight reduction was achieved (acute starvation). This weight reduction was maintained for two weeks to mimic chronic starvation. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the density of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and the staining intensity of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a potent orexigenic peptide. Chronic starvation induced a decreased density of OLIG2+ oligodendrocytes, GFAP+ astrocytes, and IBA1+ microglia in the CC. However, the densities of glial cells remained unchanged in the ARC following starvation. Additionally, the staining intensity of NPY increased after both acute and chronic starvation, indicating an increased orexigenic signaling. Chronic starvation induced glial cell changes in the CC in a mouse model of AN suggesting that glia pathophysiology may play a role in the disease.

Introduction Angiogenesis has been proposed as a promising prognostic marker in a variety of tumours. Microvessel density (MVD) measurement is the most reliable method for the semiquantitative evaluation of angiogenesis. Endoglin (CD105) is a recognised marker of proliferating endothelium and is expressed in intra-tumoral as well as peri-tumoral vessels. It is upregulated in various cancers including prostate cancer, therefore, it is an upcoming prime marker for prognosis, tumour imaging and antiangiogenesis therapy. Aim The study was done to evaluate microvessel density (MVD) by using CD105 (endoglin) as an IHC marker in prostatic adenocarcinoma and to find its relationship with Gleason score and grade groups. Materials and methods This was an observational cross-sectional study under which a total of 31 histopathologically diagnosed cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma on TURP chips were included and were graded according to Gleason score and grades.IHC using endoglin (CD105) was done to detect the highest-density areas of stained vessels (hot spots). The highest value obtained in three hot spot fields was reported as microvessel density (MVD) and its relationship with Gleason score and grade groups was analysed. Results Most common age group was 71-80 years (48.39% cases). Maximum cases (45.16%) had a Gleason score of 9. The maximum mean MVD CD105 score was found in the Gleason grade group 5 (45.32%) while the minimum was in grade group 1 (24%). Comparison of mean MVD CD105 scores in different Gleason grade groups revealed a significant association of MVD CD105 with Gleason grade groups. Conclusion Endoglin measures microvessel density and its expression correlated with Gleason score and grade group. Hence it can be used as a potential prognostic marker in adenocarcinoma prostate.

Background/ objective: Vasovagal reactions related to blood donation are often mild or moderate, but severe reactions such as syncope can occur. This study sought to investigate the incidence of syncope among blood donors in a Norwegian blood bank and to examine whether demographics and the timing of donation influenced the syncopal reactions experienced by donors. Methods: A retrospective study of blood donors who had experienced syncope in 2014-2018 at the Blood bank in Akershus University Hospital, Norway. The data consisted of syncope reports submitted to the hemovigilance system, supplemented by data available in donor database. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The results showed a low incidence of syncope during the study period: 0,08 % or 50 syncope per 62208 whole blood donations. For male and female repeat donors the results were 0.04% and 0.06%, respectively, and for first-time donors 0.48% and 0.32%, respectively. Only 50 % of the donors who were still eligible subsequently returned to donate, of which first-time donors constituted only 31 %. The timing of donation seems to affect the risk to experience syncope, with decreasing risk during afternoon and the evening. Conclusion: We found low incidence of syncope among our givers. The incidence varied by donor status and age, it was higher among first-time and younger donors. Diurnal variation in baroreceptor sensitivity may explain the association between timing of donation and occurrence of syncope.

Introduction: Cutaneous vasculitis is an inflammatory disease of the dermal blood vessels with varying clinical presentations. It is not a single disease but a spectrum of entities that present as cutaneous vasculitis. Hence, histopathological evaluation is essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of vasculitis. Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) studies add credibility to the diagnosis. Aim: To investigate the spectrum of cutaneous vasculitis, its aetiological factors, and the clinicopathological features. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-year period (February 2015-January 2018). All cases of biopsy-proven cutaneous vasculitis diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India were included in the study. The clinical data, along with laboratory investigations including skin biopsy and DIF, were analysed. Results: A total of 137 cases of cutaneous vasculitis were diagnosed during the study period. The age of the patients ranged from 1-73 years. The peak incidence of cutaneous vasculitis was observed in the fourth decade 31 (22.6%), with no significant gender preponderance. Palpable purpura over the lower extremities was the most common skin lesion at the time of presentation seen in 47 (34.3%). Most cases of vasculitis were primary cutaneous vasculitis, while 11 cases showed evidence of systemic vasculitis such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN), and Churg-Strauss syndrome. No underlying aetiology was identified in the majority of cases 82 (59.9%), while a possible underlying aetiology like connective tissue disorder, drug intake, infections, etc., could be identified in 55 (40.1%) cases. Small vessel vasculitis was the most frequent, with leukocytoclastic vasculitis being the predominant type seen in 89 (65%) cases. DIF positivity was sensitive, with positivity around the blood vessel wall observed in89 (87.3%) of cases (N=102). Conclusion: Vasculitis is a broad, poorly defined category of diseases and can manifest with a variety of clinical presentations. Therefore, compiling clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings is essential for formulating the diagnosis.

Background: Wilms Tumor (WT) is a highly curable cancer if treatment is appropriate and timely. The outcomes and prognostic factors in a large low- and middle-income country (LMIC) tertiary center were assessed. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of data of all patients, 0–15 years diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 with WT. Kaplan Meier curves were used for survival analysis, and the chi-square test was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 40 patients enrolled (median age: 38 months) in the cohort, 10 had metastatic disease. The most common site of metastasis was lungs (6/10). Nine (22.5%) abandoned treatment. Large tumor (>500 ml) volume was found in half the patients at diagnosis. The majority of patients were treated per the SIOP approach. Out of 34 who went for surgery, 31 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with tumor shrinkage to less than 500 ml in 26/31 (80%). Maximum tumor shrinkage was observed in the SIOP low-risk group (p

Abstract Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common side effect associated with general anesthesia. Both ondansetron and aprepitant been effectively used to prevent PONV. However, there is a disagreement of opinions regarding the superiority of these two drugs. This study aims to compare the efficacy of aprepitant with ondansetron in preventing PONV following orthognathic surgeries. Methods In this double-blinded clinical trial, 80 patients scheduled for orthognathic surgery at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were randomly assigned to two groups. A standardized anesthesia protocol was used for all patients. The first group received a placebo capsule administered one hour before the surgical procedure along with 4 mg (2 ml) of ondansetron intravenously after anesthesia induction. The second group was given 80 mg aprepitant capsules one hour before the surgery, followed by an injection of 2 ml intravenous distilled water after anesthesia induction. The occurrence and severity of PONV, the amount of rescue medication required, and the complete response of patients assessed within 24 h after the surgery. Results There were no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. Patients in the aprepitant group had a significantly lower incidence and severity of nausea (2.5% versus 27.5%), vomiting (5% versus 25%), and required fewer rescue medications (7.5% versus 62.5%) compared to the ondansetron group. Additionally, the aprepitant group showed a higher complete response rate (90% versus 67.5%) in the 0-2 and 12-24 postoperative hours. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, aprepitant has demonstrated a greater efficacy in preventing PONV following orthognathic surgery, when compared to ondansetron. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT code: IRCT20211205053279N3), date of registration: 16/12/2022.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the real use of cefazolin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infective endocarditis (IE) in the Spanish National Endocarditis Database (GAMES) and to compare it with antistaphylococcal penicillin (ASP). Methods: Prospective cohort study with retrospective analysis of a cohort of MSSA IE treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Outcomes assessed were relapse; intra-hospital, overall, and endocarditis-related mortality; and adverse events. Risk of renal toxicity with each treatment was evaluated separately. Results: We included 631 IE episodes caused by MSSA treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Antibiotic treatment was cloxacillin, cefazolin, or both in 537 (85%), 57 (9%), and 37 (6%) episodes, respectively. Patients treated with cefazolin had significantly higher rates of comorbidities (median Charlson Index 7, P

AbstractIn the paper, we study dynamic h-convexity for interval valued functions. Some generalizations of Jensen’s inequality in interval valued analysis for h-convex functions on time scales are proved in the paper. In seek of applications of generalized Jensen’s inequality, Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for h-convex functions on time scales are established. Further discrete analogues of newly proved results are also presented in the paper. Some numerical examples are also provided to check the validity of the results.

ABSTRACTIn the present research, the survival and sustainability of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic has been investigated with regard to the prebiotic impact of introducing two different kinds of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extract to probiotic microcapsules. Effective inclusion of red and white onion peel extract featuring good prebiotic action into the microcapsules enhanced probiotic survival. The structure, distribution of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of probiotics and substances in the extract were evaluated along with the probiotics capability to persist under simulated gastrointestinal circumstances. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the molecular structure and internal framework. The wall and core components possess adhesive relationships, as demonstrated by FTIR spectra. Probiotics that were free and those that were in capsules were evaluated as well in vitro in undesirable persistence performance (>90%). Probiotics with encapsulation exhibited substantially (p > .05) greater vitality compared free cells, in accordance with an in-vitro experiment. Under simulated gastrointestinal situations, free cells continued diminishing their vitality, but encapsulated cells maintained their viability count beyond the suggested level (107 cfu/g). SEM photographs indicated that probiotics have been effectively encapsulated inblends. The microcapsules were around 191 ± 2 and 176 ± 2 μm in size. These outcomes reveal that these kinds of microcapsules may encourage the probiotic L. rhamnosus prolonged viability and consistency under multiple conditions.

Abstract DNA sensing is a pivotal component of the innate immune system that is responsible for detecting mislocalized DNA and triggering downstream inflammatory pathways. Among the DNA sensors, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a primary player in detecting cytosolic DNA, including foreign DNA from pathogens and self-DNA released during cellular damage, culminating in a type I interferon (IFN-I) response through stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation. IFN-I cytokines are essential in mediating neuroinflammation, which is widely observed in CNS injury, neurodegeneration, and aging, suggesting an upstream role for the cGAS DNA sensing pathway. In this review, we summarize the latest developments on the cGAS-STING DNA-driven immune response in various neurological diseases and conditions. Our review covers the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cGAS activation and highlights cGAS-STING signaling in various cell types of central and peripheral nervous systems, such as resident brain immune cells, neurons, and glial cells. We then discuss the role of cGAS-STING signaling in different neurodegenerative conditions, including tauopathies, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as aging and senescence. Finally, we lay out the current advancements in research and development of cGAS inhibitors and assess the prospects of targeting cGAS and STING as therapeutic strategies for a wide spectrum of neurological diseases.

Abstract Soil salinization is a prevalent form of land degradation particularly in water-deficient regions threatening agricultural sustainability. Present desalinization methods demand excessive water use. Biochar has been recognized as a potential remedy for saline soils and Gibberellic acids (GA3) are known to mediate various biochemical processes aiding in stress mitigation. This study was undertaken at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur during winter 2022–23 to explore the combined effect of biochar and GA3 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in saline conditions. Employing a fully randomized design wheat seeds in 24 pots were subjected to two salinity levels with three replications across eight treatments: T1 to T8 ranging from controls with different soil electrical conductivities (ECs) to treatments involving combinations of GA3, biochar and varying soil ECs. These treatments included T1 (control with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T2 (salinity stress with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T3 (10 ppm GA3 with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T4 (10 ppm GA3 with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T5 (0.75% Biochar with soil EC of 2.43dS/m), T6 (0.75% Biochar with soil EC of 5.11dS/m), T7 (10 ppm GA3 combined with 0.75% biochar at soil EC of 2.43dS/m) and T8 (10 ppm GA3 plus 0.75% biochar at soil EC of 5.11dS/m). The results indicated that the combined applications of GA3 and biochar significantly enhanced plant growth in saline conditions viz. germination rate by 73%, shoot length of 15.54 cm, root length of 4.96 cm, plant height of 16.89 cm, shoot fresh weight 43.18 g, shoot dry weight 11.57 g, root fresh weight 24.26 g, root dry weight 9.31 g, plant water content 60.77%, photosynthetic rate 18.58(CO2 m−2 s−1) carotenoid 3.03 g, chlorophyll a 1.01 g, chlorophyll b 0.69 g, total chlorophyll contents by 1.9 g as compared to the control. The findings suggest that the combined application of these agents offers a sustainable and effective strategy for cultivating wheat in saline soils. The synergy between biochar and GA3 presents a promising avenue for sustainable wheat cultivation in saline conditions. This combined approach not only improves plant growth but also offers an innovative, water-efficient solution for enhancing agricultural productivity in saline-affected regions.

Abstract Background As developing countries take steps towards providing universal essential surgery, ensuring the equitable distribution of such care for underrepresented populations is a vital function of the global surgery community. Unfortunately, in the context of the global “stateless”, there remains much room for improvement. Key issues Inherent structural deficiencies, such as lack of adequate population data on stateless communities, absent health coverage policies for stateless individuals, and minimal patient-reported qualitative data on barriers to surgical service delivery prevent stateless individuals from receiving the care they require – even when healthcare infrastructure to provide such care exists. The authors therefore propose more research and targeted interventions to address the systemic issues that prevent stateless individuals from accessing surgical care. Conclusion It is essential to address the aforementioned barriers in order to improve stateless populations’ access to surgical care. Rigorous empirical and qualitative research provides an important avenue through which these structural issues may be addressed.

Background/objective: Blood donation is considered to be a safe procedure, however, sometimes vasovagal reactions (VVRs) with various degrees of severity can occur. This paper provides an overview of the incidence of VVR with a focus on vasovagal syncope (VVS, temporary loss of consciousness), risk factors, and possible consequences of VVR/VVS for donors, as well as effects of interventions that are used to reduce VVR/VVS among blood donors. We also discuss mechanisms underlying VVS and evolutionary explanations for VVS. Methods: Relevant studies were found by search in PubMed. Results: Reported incidence of VVS varies from 0.1% to 0.5%, with higher incidence among younger and first-time donors, but mixed results have been found for gender differences: whereas some studies report higher incidence among female donors, other studies find no differences. Anxiety, fear of needles or seeing blood are frequent triggers of VVR/VVS, particularly among first-time donors. Donors who have experienced VVR/VVS are less likely to return to donate. Physiologic interventions such as pre-donation water intake and applied muscle tension during donation, alone or in combination, have shown effect in reducing VVR/VVS in several studies. Psychological interventions such as distraction and social support have also shown to reduce the risk of VVR/VVS. From an evolutionary perspective, VVS may have had a survival advantage in the distant past.

Background: Hypertension as a major health problem around the world which is responsible for 7.5 million or 12.8% of all deaths yearly around the world. To date, there is a scarcity of data concerning prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in Herat province of Afghanistan. Therefore, the present study estimated the prevalence of hypertension and its predictors among Afghan adults living in Herat city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was administered in August 2022 among adults (N=504) in the Herat province of Afghanistan. The study examined hypertension, its risk factors among people living in Herat province of Afghanistan. Results: Of the 504 participants, 27.4% of them had hypertension. age group, gender, body mass index (BMI), marital status, occupation, smoking, presence of another disease, and use of social media, were among the main variables associated with hypertension among participants of the study. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age (AOR=1.036, p

Abstract With the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the impact of recent coronavirus, especially in children, cannot be ignored. In this study, we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated features in children less than 18 years of age in “Fars” and “Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad”, provinces, Iran. 5943 children who were suspected cases to SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data of SARS-CoV-2 patients were collected from 16 February 2020 to 20 June 2021. Underlying conditions were considered in this study as well. Among 5943 patients suspected COVID 19 cases, 13.51% were confirmed by real-time PCR assay. The female/male ratio was 1:1.3 with a mean age of 5.71 years. 11.2% of confirmed patients were transferred and admitted in Pediatric ICU. COVID 19 was significantly higher in children with malignancy and diabetes rather than those with other underlying diseases. Children of all ages were susceptible to COVID 19, and there is no significant difference between both sexes. Most of the COVID 19 cases were in 10–18 years old group. Among a number of children with different underlying diseases, children with malignancy had the highest rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection, followed by those with diabetes.

Abstract This paper delves the thermodynamics of 5-dimensional Schwarzschild $$AdS_5 \times S^5$$ A d S 5 × S 5 black hole by considering the recently proposed effective models of exponential entropies. The conventional understanding of cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$ Λ as thermodynamic pressure with volume being its counterpart cannot be directly applied in the framework of the AdS/CFT correspondence. In order to resolve this issue, we establish a connection between the cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$ Λ in the boundary gauge theory and number of colors N while chemical potential is considered as thermodynamic conjugate. In this study, we replace the geometric parameters L and r of the AdS black hole with two thermodynamic parameters $$N^2$$ N 2 and S in the micro-canonical ensemble. Additionally, we explore the various thermodynamic geometry models such as Ruppeiner, Quevedo and Weinhold to derive the associated scalar curvatures for the 5-D Schwarzschild AdS BH. We analyze that these geometries exhibit microscopic attraction/repulsion forces on the particles of black hole.

In present paper the mathematical study of Slip conditions on electrically conducting nanofluid over a vertically stretching sheet is presented with effects of viscous dissipation, thermal radiation and Soret and Dufor. The state of flow has been explained mathematically with help of partial differential equations. Model equations are made convenient for calculation by suitable transformations. With the help of Kellerbox technique unknown functions are approximated in flow situation. The influence of medium porosity, magnetic field strength, thermal radiation, Soret and Dufour effects, Buoyancy forces, viscous dissipation wall slip parameter, and heat source are investigated in detail. Effects of emerging parameters on velocity, concentration, temperature and profiles are investigated. In relation to the parameters involved, we can observe the rates of momentum, heat, and mass transfer near the stretching surface. It can be concluded from the study that velocity slip parameter accelerates with fluid motion, temperature of nanoparticles is enhanced due to rise in Eckert number and Biot number, while the Soret effect enhances the nanoparticles concentration close to the stretching sheet. Also, under common assumptions, the analytical approximations for the solution of the current model that were produced by using the Keller box approach were shown to be in very excellent agreement with certain early publications.

Herein, the pharmacokinetic profiles, binding interactions, and molecular properties of fluoroquinolone derivatives as prospective antiviral drugs are examined using a combination of docking, ADME, and DFT simulations. The effectiveness of the ligands is compared with the clinically tested and FDA-authorized medicine remdesivir. The findings demonstrated encouraging binding energies, indicating possible inhibitory effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The fluoroquinolone derivatives also exhibit promising ADME characteristics, although compounds 5, 6, 9, 12–20 possess poor values, suggesting that oral administration may be possible. The potential of the selected compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors is thoroughly understood because of the integrated analysis of DFT, with compound 11 demonstrating the highest energy gap of 0.2604 eV of, docking with viral targets with docking scores of −7.9 to −5.9 kcal/mol, with compound 18 demonstrating the highest docking score, which is at the 13th position in energy difference in the DFT data. Their favorable electrical properties, robust binding interactions with viral targets, and attractive pharmacokinetic profiles boost their potential as prospective study subjects. These substances have the potential to be transformed into cutting-edge antiviral therapies that specifically target SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and related coronaviruses.

Triazine pesticide (atrazine and its derivatives) detection sensors have been developed to thoroughly check for the presence of these chemicals and ultimately prevent their exposure to humans. Sensitive coatings were designed by utilizing molecular imprinting technology, which aims to create artificial receptors for the detection of chlorotriazine pesticides with gravimetric transducers. Initially, imprinted polymers were developed, using acrylate and methacrylate monomers containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains, specifically for atrazine, which shares a basic heterocyclic triazine structure with its structural analogs. By adjusting the ratio of the acid to the cross-linker and introducing acrylate ester as a copolymer, optimal non-covalent interactions were achieved with the hydrophobic core of triazine molecules and their amino groups. A maximum sensor response of 546 Hz (frequency shift/layer height equal to 87.36) was observed for a sensitive coating composed of 46% methacrylic acid and 54% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, with a demonstrated layer height of 250 nm (6.25 kHz). The molecularly imprinted copolymer demonstrated fully reversible sensor responses, not only for atrazine but also for its metabolites, like des-ethyl atrazine, and structural analogs, such as propazine and terbuthylazine. The efficiency of modified molecularly imprinted polymers for targeted analytes was tested by combining them with a universally applicable quartz crystal microbalance transducer. The stable selectivity pattern of the developed sensor provides an excellent basis for a pattern recognition procedure.

Biofilm-associated infections account for a large proportion of chronic diseases and pose a major health challenge. Metal nanoparticles offer a new way to address this problem, by impairing microbial growth and biofilm formation and by causing degradation of existing biofilms. This review of metal nanoparticles with antimicrobial actions included an analysis of 20 years of journal papers and patent applications, highlighting the progress over that time. A network analysis of relevant publications showed a major focus on the eradication of single-species biofilms formed under laboratory conditions, while a bibliometric analysis showed growing interest in combining different types of metal nanoparticles with one another or with antibiotics. The analysis of patent applications showed considerable growth over time, but with relatively few patents progressing to be granted. Overall, this profile shows that intense interest in metal nanoparticles as anti-biofilm agents is progressing beyond the confines of simple laboratory biofilm models and coming closer to clinical application. Looking to the future, metal nanoparticles may provide a sustainable approach to combatting biofilms of drug-resistant bacteria.

Trans fatty acids are specific unsaturated fats found in processed foods that undergo hydrogenation, leading to hepatic disorders such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and conditions like CVD and CKD. The effects of different food samples containing trans fatty acids (elaidic and oleic acid) on the liver, heart, and kidney through antioxidant enzyme activity were investigated in animal models. Liver function tests (ALT, ALP, AST, and LDH), heart biomarker levels (CPK, TC, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), and kidney biomarker levels (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and serum uric acid) were examined in serum of rabbits and the histopathology of liver tissues. Results showed that these biomarkers were more elevated in the Mujahid Ghee group than in the normal control, oleic acid, and Kausar Ghee groups. The concentration of antioxidant markers such as peroxidase, glutathione, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and superoxide dismutase were lower in the Mujahid Ghee group. HPLC showed that Mujahid Ghee had the highest quantified value of elaidic acid among all selected samples. Overall, this study demonstrated that elaidic acid in its purest form aggravated MAFLD in rabbit livers and provoked CVK and CVD.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of short message service (SMS) for educating families of children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Study Design: Single-masked randomized control trial (IRCT: 54713). Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan, from Mar to Jul 2021. Methodology: Twenty-nine T1D patients aged 1 to 18 years were randomly allotted to two groups: 15 to intervention or Group-A (receiving 5 SMS per week) and 14 to Control or Group-B (receiving disease education during hospital visits). Patients were followed up and their blood sugar levels (BSLs), HbA1c levels, journal maintenance, number of ER visits, number of Self-Monitored Blood Glucose (SMBG) levels, and hypoglycemic episodes compared at baseline and after intervention. Results: HbA1c had a mean decrease of 2.13±1.89% in Group-A and a mean increase of 0.18±0.84% in Group-B (p-value

The reaction of the potassium salt of (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-[6-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-pyridine-2-yl]-amine (Ap*H) with the equimolar ratio of [ScCl3] in tetrahydrofuran (thf) resulted in the mononuclear mono(aminopyridinato) scandium dichloride complex [Ap*ScCl2(thf)2]. An X-ray analysis showed the title compound to be monomeric. The compound [C40H59Cl2N2O2Sc] crystallized in the monoclinic space group, P21/n, and possessed the following cell parameters: a = 12.4441(8) b = 22.9975(10) c = 13.9971(8) Å, β = 92.297(5)°, V = 4002.5(4) A3, and Z = 4. Hirshfeld analyses show that H…H (91.1%), H…C/C…H (5.0%), and H…Cl/Cl…H (3.9%) are the contributing interactions in the solid-state structure. The compound was further characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and its purity was confirmed by elemental analysis.

Introduction: Approximately 25% of ultrasound-detected adnexal masses pose clinical challenges, being indeterminately categorized as benign or malignant. Characterizing them is pivotal for deciding surgery or pelvic MRI. Aims and Objectives: To validate the accuracy of MRI for diagnosing sonographically indeterminate masses using biopsy as the gold standard. Place and Duration of study: A validation cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Radiology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, for a period of six months i.e. from December 2019 to June 2020. Material and Methods: Non-probability consecutive sampling was employed to select 289 patients (12-60 years) with sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses. All those patients who were unwilling to participate or had MRI contraindications like metallic inserts, pacemakers, and claustrophobia were excluded from the study. Data was collected using the proforma as approved by IRB. All patients underwent MR imaging on a 1.5-T GE unit, and MRI accuracy was calculated. The analysis of data was performed using SPSS 25.0 version software, p-value ? 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: MRI sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, FP, FN, and diagnostic accuracy in sonographically inconclusive adnexal lesions were 94.25%, 85.22%, 90.61%, 90.74%, 3.46%, 5.88% and 90.66%, respectively, referencing histopathology. Conclusion: The study concludes MRI as a noninvasive, accurate modality for distinguishing benign and malignant adnexal masses. While IOTA Simple Rules can't categorize all masses, around 20% with inconclusive results may need alternative evaluation, like skilled ultrasound examination& MRI. It significantly enhances preoperative differentiation, aiding surgeons in making informed decisions regarding treatment approaches.