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OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the future preferences of house officers when choosing a medical speciality. METHODOLOGY The cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 at three teaching hospitals in Abbottabad. 250 participants were selected as the study sample. The data was collected from house officers on a predesigned, self-structured written questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS Of 250 individuals, 224 met inclusive criteria; 65% (146) were male and 35% (78) were female. The mean age was 25 years ±1.01. The first preference of the house officer was medicine (44% (100), the second was surgery (31.5%) (70), and the third was obstetrics and gynaecology. Among medicine specialities, only 0.9% (02) opt endocrinology and gastroenterology, while among surgical specialities, 0.4% (01) opt urology and 0.9% (02) opt neurosurgery. 150 individuals (70%) planned residency in the future, among whom 47% (106) set a caveat for residency abroad. The most favourite place abroad was the UK, with 42% (45/106). 180 house officers (80%) are satisfied with their academic abilities. CONCLUSION The study revealed that house officers have no awareness of new specialities and are least interested in specialities like endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, and urology. In contrast, no influence was noted toward specialities like haematology, public health and community medicine. Most students are satisfied with their medical education but plan to do their residency abroad.

The food industry is faced with a significant challenge in maintaining the viability and stability of probiotics during processing and in model food. Encapsulation technology offers a promising solution to this issue. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Sodium Alginate (SA) and arabinoxylan (AX) composite encapsulation on the viability & stability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The AX was extracted from maize and characterized, and then the SA-AX composite was used to encapsulate the probiotics. The resulting microbeads were analyzed for their morphological, molecular, and physicochemical properties. The MAX-SA microbeads demonstrated the highest efficiency at 97.9 ± 0.6%, followed by MAX at 95 ± 1.5% and SA at 92 ± 1.4%. The FTIR spectra revealed specific functional groups in the samples. The MAX-SA and MSA matrices had a dispersed structure, while the MAX matrix had a smooth microstructure. The microcapsules had an average size ranging from 718 ± 2 mm to 734 ± 2 mm. The viability of the encapsulated probiotics was assessed under storage conditions, simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and model food. Encapsulated probiotics showed higher viability than free probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and pineapple juice fortified with encapsulated probiotics showed a higher probiotic count. Overall, the study found that MAX-SA was the most effective in maintaining probiotic viability under stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropoietin (Epo), a glycosylated protein categorized as a member of the cytokine family, is responsible for the modulation of erythrogenesis. Besides this, the nonhaematopoietic effects of Epo are associated with tissue‐protective activity via an antiapoptotic pathway. This function of Epo is linked with its heterodimeric form, i.e. EpoR/βcR belonging to the cytokine family as well. Both receptors are dissected into three domains: extracellular (also known as ligand‐binding domain), transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain. The transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are assumed to play a paramount role in dimerization and tissue protection. However, the tertiary structure of cytoplasmic domains of both EpoR and βcR was not reported in the literature. Inspired by the potential therapeutic applications, we aimed to investigate the interaction pattern of EpoR/βcR using in silico tools. Cytoplasmic domains of EpoR and βcR were modelled, structural refinement was carried out through Rosetta, and these were then quality verified by well‐known quality matrices. The observed results were found to be structurally consistent with the amenable geometry showing stereochemical sustainability. The modelled cytoplasmic domains were then successfully merged with the remaining domains (extracellular and transmembrane domains) of the respective receptors through MOEv2019.01 and Modeller. The complete structures of EpoR and βcR were subjected to geometry optimization and energy minimization via dynamic studies. The refined structures were subjected to protein–protein docking to yield the heterocomplex. Here, we report on the optimized structure coordinates of EpoR/βcR, the plausible electrostatic interactions involving G191, V206, T214, S241, T244, E336, R337, M342, G348, T349, E362 and K373 of EpoR and D336, S337, Y338, K333, R391, M426, H494, Q495, S717, S722, Y750 and G758 of βcR. Subsequently, we performed screening utilizing the StraPep database to identify Epo mimetic agents with the potential to enhance their tissue‐protective effects. Following the virtual screening, four hits (4HQX, 4XO8, 1TPO and 3EZM) were obtained based on the binding affinity and protein–ligand interaction fingerprinting (PLIF). The stability exhibited by the four selected peptides in the binding site of the EpoR/βcR heterocomplex became visible during visual inspection. We propose that the presented model can be harnessed for future characterization studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-structural protein 1 (NS1), a viral toxin, is linked to serious consequences of dengue. Given its crucial role in the viral life cycle, NS1 has been a primary target for antiviral drug development. This study elucidates the mechanistic impact of specific NS1 mutations, V220D and A248V, identified by Tan and colleagues as potential inhibitors of viral replication. We developed an integrated computational framework to analyze these mutations relative to the native NS1 protein. Using conventional all-atom molecular dynamic simulations followed by site-directed in silico mutagenesis, significant alterations in protein structure were observed. Conformational ensembles over time showed average backbone deviations of 0.44 nm and 0.43 nm for V220D and A248V, respectively, compared to 0.37 nm for the wild type. Residue-wise fluctuations were higher in A248V compared to both wild type and V220D systems. Mutation-induced disruptions in the hydrogen bond network and altered protein structure graphs were also revealed. Principal component analysis and free energy landscape assessments showed the wild-type protein had a more constrained and stable conformation, whereas the mutants displayed scattered energy contours, suggesting reduced structural stability. This comprehensive assessment provides deep insight into the structural impact of NS1 mutations, informing future efforts in antiviral drug development targeting NS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Concurrent recurrence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) in a thalassemia intermedia patient is rare and underscores the complexity of autoimmune disorders. This case emphasizes the importance of considering ADEM in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with PSGN accompanied by neurological symptoms. Post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a common group A streptococcal (GAS) infection sequela. The pathophysiology of PSGN involves immune complex deposition, with type 3 hypersensitivity reaction triggered by GAS. Certain neurological conditions may also arise following a GAS infection, possibly due to molecular mimicry in the brain, a pathophysiology similar to rheumatic fever, another common sequel of GAS infection. We present the case of a child with β‐thalassemia intermedia who exhibited the classic triad (edema, hypertension, hematuria) of PSGN along with neurological manifestations, including a low glasgow coma scale (GCS) score and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain indicated changes consistent with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Initially treated with methylprednisolone, the patient eventually received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) due to lack of response. The patient had a good outcome, with complete resolution of all symptoms and no residual neurological deficits. This case underscores the importance of considering ADEM in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological signs and symptoms following a recent throat infection with GAS. Furthermore, given the increased risk of infection in thalassemia, patients with thalassemia who have a throat infection and neurological symptoms should be evaluated for the possible presence of ADEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae‐derived natural compounds have shown significant potential in treating various health conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of precise drug delivery systems and diagnostic tools utilizing these compounds. Central to this innovation are the vibrant pigments found in algae chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins which not only impart color but also possess notable nutritional, medicinal, and antioxidant properties. These pigments are extensively used in supplements and the food industry for their health benefits. Emerging research highlights the role of algal pigments in promoting gut health by modulating gut microbiota. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic benefits of algae, recent progress in algal‐derived nanoparticle technology, and the synergistic effects of algae and their pigments on gut health. Novel insights and recent data underscore the transformative potential of algal compounds in modern medicine and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]