Search

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus remains a leading global cause of bacterial infection-associated mortality and has eluded prior vaccine development efforts. S. aureus α-toxin (Hla) is an essential virulence factor in disease, impairing the T cell response to infection. The anti-Hla antibody response is a correlate of human protective immunity. Here we observe that this response is limited early in human life and design a vaccine strategy to elicit immune protection against Hla in a neonatal mice. By targeted disruption of the interaction of Hla with its receptor ADAM10, we identify a vaccine antigen (Hla H35L/R66C/E70C, HlaHRE) that elicits an ~100-fold increase in the neutralizing anti-Hla response. Immunization with HlaHRE enhances the T follicular helper (TFH) cell response to S. aureus infection, correlating with the magnitude of the neutralizing anti-toxin response and disease protection. Furthermore, maternal HlaHRE immunization confers protection to offspring. Together, these findings illuminate a path for S. aureus vaccine development at the maternal-infant interface.

Abstract Introduction Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent diet-related disorder and mainly affects women and children. To determine the trend of anemia incidence in Pakistan, a current review was carried out. This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and adult/adolescent nonpregnant women in Pakistan and to provide a 15-year trend analysis. Materials and methods Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct, complementing this digital exploration, and a manual review of reference lists from previously published prevalence studies was performed to enhance the scope of relevant articles. A total of twenty-seven population-based anemia studies on adolescent/adult females and pregnant women published in Pakistan from January 1st-2007 until December 2021 were included. Systematic data extraction was facilitated through the implementation of a standardized and rigorously pretested data extraction checklist. For the subsequent analysis, the sophisticated capabilities of R statistical software were harnessed. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity among studies, and the pooled prevalence of anemia was calculated. Results The final analysis included 27 research articles as well as two extensive National Nutrition survey reports, NNS 2011 and NNS 2018. The forest plot of sixteen studies on pregnant women revealed that the overall pooled prevalence of anemia among pregnant females in Pakistan was 70.4% (95% CI: 0.619, 0.789), and the forest plot of eleven studies on non-pregnant adolescent and adult females reported the pooled prevalence was 54.6% (95% CI: 0.422, 0.669). Subgroup analysis among pregnant women based on region, trimester and socioeconomic status revealed that the highest anemia incidence was observed in Punjab (77.4%). Similarly, females in the second trimester reported a higher prevalence of anemia 78% (95% CI, 0.556 1.015), and the status-wise group with a mixed background reported a higher prevalence 72.8% (95% CI, 0.620 0.835). According to the subgroup analysis, eleven studies of adult nonpregnant groups of mixed socioeconomic status reported a higher prevalence of 56.9% (95% CI, 0.292 0.845). Conclusion In Pakistan, anemia, is widespread among pregnant women and nonpregnant adolescent/adult females. A deeper understanding of anemia in Pakistani women is necessary for targeted interventions and policy decisions to predict demographic shifts.

This case report details the unusual presentation of a 6-year-old male child who had an asymptomatic, well-defined, brown raised lesion over the vertex area of the scalp since birth. His parents noticed a new growth with finger-like projections over existing old lesions for 1 year. With an initial diagnosis of growth of verruca over nevus sebaceous (NS), a sample for histopathology study was sent which revealed findings consistent with squamous papilloma occurring on NS. This is reported to emphasize that any growth over NS should be confirmed histopathologically due to the rarity of this association and to reduce the possibility of its malignant potential. The article emphasizes how crucial histological analysis is to clarifying mistaken cutaneous lesions and refining an accurate diagnosis.

Abstract This research examines pseudoparabolic nonlinear Oskolkov-Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers (OBBMB) equation, widely applicable in fields like optical fiber, soil consolidation, thermodynamics, nonlinear networks, wave propagation, and fluid flow in rock discontinuities. Wave transformation and the generalized Kudryashov method is utilized to derive ordinary differential equations (ODE) and obtain analytical solutions, including bright, anti-kink, dark, and kink solitons. The system of ODE, has been then examined by means of bifurcation analysis at the equilibrium points taking parameter variation into account. Furthermore, in order to get insight into the influence of some external force perturbation theory has been employed. For this purpose, a variety of chaos detecting techniques, for instance poincaré diagram, time series profile, 3D phase portraits, multistability investigation, lyapounov exponents and bifurcation diagram are implemented to identify the quasi periodic and chaotic motions of the perturbed dynamical model. These techniques enabled to analyze how perturbed dynamical system behaves chaotically and departs from regular patterns. Moreover, it is observed that the underlying model is quite sensitivity, as it changing dramatically even with slight changes to the initial condition. The findings are intriguing, novel and theoretically useful in mathematical and physical models. These provide a valuable mechanism to scientists and researchers to investigate how these perturbations influence the system’s behavior and the extent to which it deviates from the unperturbed case.

Background: Toilet seat dermatitis (TSD) is a localized form of dermatitis that commonly occurs in the buttocks and upper posterior aspect of the thigh in school-going children. Previously, it was mostly seen due to allergic contact dermatitis to wood, but recently, many other allergens in toilet seats along with the possibility of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) to detergents were reported. Materials and Methods: Six cases diagnosed clinically as atopic dermatitis per Hanifin and Rajka criteria presented with posterior thigh dermatitis. Patch testing using the Indian Standard Series, toilet seat scrapings, and detergents was conducted. Results: Patch testing showed negative results at 48, 96, and 168 hours, including lesional site testing. Symptomatic management, including topical steroids and later tacrolimus, was administered, coupled with counselling on toilet seat cover use, with a follow-up after four weeks. Lesions showed resolution and reduced itching. Limitation: This study’s limitation lies in its small sample size from a single geographic area. Conclusion: Lesion resolution through topical treatment and toilet seat avoidance, support a diagnosis of contact dermatitis; however, the role of atopy remains crucial, suggesting a complex interplay. Larger studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding of this dermatological condition.

Abstract Introduction Depression management is affected by restricted budgets for mental health care in sub-Saharan Africa countries. There is need for integration of non-pharmacological interventions in primary care. This scoping review aimed to summarize research on available non-pharmacological interventions and their effectiveness against depression in Kenya. Methods We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, AJOL, EBSCOhost, ProQuest and Cochrane Library databases for articles reporting non-pharmacological interventions in Kenya published in English between 2000 and May 2023. Findings Twenty-four articles that reported psychosocial (n = 20) and socioeconomic (n = 4) interventions were included in the review. Most interventions were delivered by lay professionals. Clinical outcomes included significant reduction in depression scores and symptom severity posttreatment and reduction in likelihood of having depression symptoms. Interventions were also found to be feasible and acceptable. Conclusion Non-pharmacological interventions can be upscaled for the management of depression in Kenya.

Abstract Large amount of wastes are burnt or left to decompose on site or at landfills where they cause air pollution and nutrient leaching to groundwater. Waste management strategies that return these food wastes to agricultural soils recover the carbon and nutrients that would otherwise have been lost, enrich soils and improve crop productivity. The incorporation of liming materials can neutralize the protons released, hence reducing soil acidity and its adverse impacts to the soil environment, food security, and human health. Biochar derived from organic residues is becoming a source of carbon input to soil and provides multifunctional values. Biochar can be alkaline in nature, with the level of alkalinity dependent upon the feedstock and processing conditions. This study conducted a characterization of biochar derived from the pyrolysis process of eggplant and Acacia nilotica bark at temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. An analysis was conducted on the biochar kinds to determine their pH, phosphorus (P), as well as other elemental composition. The proximate analysis was conducted by the ASTM standard 1762-84, while the surface morphological features were measured using a scanning electron microscope. The biochar derived from Acacia nilotica bark exhibited a greater yield and higher level of fixed carbon while possessing a lower content of ash and volatile components compared to biochar derived from eggplant. The eggplant biochar exhibits a higher liming ability at 600 °C compared to the acacia nilotica bark-derived biochar. The calcium carbonate equivalent, pH, potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) levels in eggplant biochars increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The results suggest that biochar derived from eggplant could be a beneficial resource for storing carbon in the soil, as well as for addressing soil acidity and enhancing nutrients availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus in acidic soils.

Abstract Fertilizers application are widely used to get a higher yield in agricultural fields. Nutrient management can be improved by cultivating leguminous species in order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms that increase the amount of available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through fertilizer treatments. A pot experiment was conducted to identify the leguminous species (i.e., chickpea and pea) under various fertilizer treatments. Experimental design is as follows: T0 (control: no fertilizer was applied), T1: P applied at the level of (90 kg ha−1), T2: (K applied at the level of 90 kg ha−1), and T3: (PK applied both at 90 kg ha−1). All fertilizer treatments significantly (p

Abstract Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have garnered attention as potential catalysts for water splitting owing to their unique structures, diverse electronic properties, and composition from earth‐abundant elements. While certain TMD catalysts, notably MoS2, have shown promising activity for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), achieving performance comparable to traditional platinum catalysts remains a challenge. While significant effort has been invested into understanding the effect of TMD's structural properties, such as defectiveness and crystalline phases, recent work has emphasized the role of extrinsic factors on HER. This review summarizes the current understanding of the impact of commonly overlooked electrocatalytic effects that exhibit an enhanced importance in TMD‐based HER. By combining recent advances in theoretical modeling and experimental work, we review the dominating effects of extrinsic factors including electronic resistance, interfacial barriers, surface roughness, oxidation, and valence impurities. Our work aims to provide insights into optimizing TMDs as highly efficient catalysts for HER, facilitating future advancements in hydrogen generation technology.

Abstract JAK-STAT signalling pathway inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of hair loss. Among different JAK isoforms, JAK3 has become an ideal target for drug discovery because it only regulates a narrow spectrum of γc cytokines. Here, we report the discovery of MJ04, a novel and highly selective 3-pyrimidinylazaindole based JAK3 inhibitor, as a potential hair growth promoter with an IC50 of 2.03 nM. During in vivo efficacy assays, topical application of MJ04 on DHT-challenged AGA and athymic nude mice resulted in early onset of hair regrowth. Furthermore, MJ04 significantly promoted the growth of human hair follicles under ex-vivo conditions. MJ04 exhibited a reasonably good pharmacokinetic profile and demonstrated a favourable safety profile under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Taken together, we report MJ04 as a highly potent and selective JAK3 inhibitor that exhibits overall properties suitable for topical drug development and advancement to human clinical trials.

Abstract A serine protease called prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) hydrolyses the peptide bonds on the carboxy side of the proline ring. The excessive PEP expression in brain results in neurodegenerative illnesses like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson's disease. Results of the prior studies on antioxidant activity, and the non-cytotoxic effect of bi-carbazole-linked triazoles, encouraged us to extend our studies towards its anti-diabetic potential. Hence, for this purpose all compounds 1–9 were evaluated to reveal their anti-prolyl endo peptidase activity. Fortunately, seven compounds resulted into significant inhibitory capability ranging from 26 to 63 µM. Among them six compounds 4–9 exhibited more potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values 46.10 ± 1.16, 42.30 ± 1.18, 37.14 ± 1.21, 26.29 ± 0.76, 28.31 ± 0.64 and 31.11 ± 0.84 µM respectively, while compound 3 was the least active compound in the series with IC50 value 63.10 ± 1.58 µM comparing with standard PEP inhibitor bacitracin (IC50 = 125 ± 1.50 µM). Moreover, mechanistic study was performed for the most active compounds 7 and 8 with K i values 24.10 ± 0.0076 and 23.67 ± 0.0084 µM respectively. Further, the in silico studies suggested that the compounds exhibited potential interactions and significant molecular conformations, thereby elucidating the structural basis for their inhibitory effects.

This research seeks to propose an innovative mathematical approach for measuring students’ performance in engineering education. The numerical solutions to this mathematical model and a thorough analysis are included in this study. Four categories – average candidates, poor candidates, below average candidates, and good candidates – are used to build the mathematical model that was built. To solve the differential system based on the migration rate and average student rate moving to weak and above average, the Adams numerical scheme is applied to the numerical results of the designed nonlinear mathematical model. Moreover, an artificial neural network is also applied to get the stochastic results of ANNs-LMB, also known as the Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm. The ANNs-LMB procedures have been implemented with three samples of data scales using the authentication, testing and training, which are chosen as 75%, 15% and 10%, respectively. According to the findings, when the rate of students leaving engineering studies increased, good students performed better, and when the rate of students below average moved, it was due to an increase in the rate of migration above average, the performance of the good students was only impacted in this way. This research material can be used in different designs and models to improve the students’ performance.

AbstractScientific workflows are a common and critical part of scientific computing, involving complex computations and oversized and distributed computing resources. Efficient workflow execution requires scheduling algorithms considering task dependencies, resource requirements, and deadlines. Cloud computing provides an innovative architecture for extensive heterogeneous computing services. However, scheduling hybrid cloud resources with deadline restrictions while observing QoS standards is an NP-complete task. Mapping workflow tasks to virtual machines and determining the optimal schedule order is a challenging aspect of cloud computing. By executing task requests on the most advantageous virtual machine in the resource pool, energy consumption, overall execution time, and computing costs can be reduced. This research aims to identify the best location to process applications using user’s demand and priority. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is proposed to achieve this objective, which considers conflicting objectives such as time, energy, cost, and deadline. The algorithm initializes an efficient ranking heuristic approach and predicts the earliest finish time (PEFT) using the Bayesian approach to improve the Pareto fronts. This approach enhances the VM migration of cloud-based tasks and optimizes the search space for conflicting objectives. Experimental findings show that the proposed approach reduces cost by 5–6% and time delay by 8% compared to existing approaches. The proposed approach offers an effective solution for scheduling scientific workflows on cloud computing resources while considering various QoS standards. The results demonstrate the potential of multi-objective genetic algorithms for optimizing workflow scheduling in cloud computing environments.

IntroductionThis study was undertaken to investigate whether sustained rather than a single measure of corneal nerve loss was associated with the onset of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsParticipants underwent clinical, metabolic testing and assessment of neuropathic symptoms, vibration perception threshold (VPT), sudomotor function, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4–7 years. Sustained corneal nerve loss was defined as abnormal corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD,

Electrification of transport industry in China presents several new prospects to fulfil requirements, which are necessary to encounter increasing issues of energy security, air quality, and to lower the dependence on fossil fuels. The Chinese government is paying significant attention in increasing EV market penetration and consumer adoption through numerous demonstration programs/plans with attractive transportation policies. In this study, key factors included in adoption barriers and EV policies are comprehensively reviewed, which can enhance consumer intention to adopt EVs. This research study extensively demonstrates the significant and positive impact of two distinguished types of EV policies including financial policies and preferential policies on consumer's intention to adopt EVs by implementing an extended and improved version of Theory of Planned behavior (TPB). A case study in Shanghai is performed through survey of 314 respondents, which is further evaluated by structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the aspects of EV policies on consumer adoption. In particular, construct items of TPB including attitude, subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are investigated in detail to present their joint impact on purchasing intention of consumers. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling are performed in AMOS for assessment of survey findings. The research findings from survey analysis reveal that financial and preferential EV policies have a considerable impact towards shaping the attitude of consumers and significantly related to adoption intention of EVs. However, for Shanghainese, preferential policies are more positively associated with consumer purchase intention in comparison with financial policies. Consequently, preferential policies are playing a crucial role in controlling the adoption intention of EVs in China. The principal policy suggestions for various aspects provide multifaceted perceptions for stakeholders to envision electrified transportation.

This work presents a collegial control for the objective of microgrid synchronization with improved power quality injection. The solar photovoltaic and battery based three-phase microgrid utilizes coordinated operation between improved adaptive control and frequency estimator for reducing harmonic impact due to non-linear nature of local consumer loads. The grid feeding control is based on improved adaptive logarithmic difference technique. This adaptive algorithm is used to feed good power quality currents despite of the consumer loads associated across the common coupling point. The control strategy provided is more robust and has better convergence rate than its predecessor due to the variable step-size employed for fundamental component extraction. Frequency estimation is performed using a feed-forward enabled second-order generalized-integrator (FFE-SOGI) frequency-locked-loop (FLL) technique. The feed-forward term procured from the quadrature and direct components of the SOGI, enhances FLL loop performance. It gives stable estimation and effective system performance during frequency deviations. This allows transient-free operating mode transitions of microgrid. Proposed control schemes are validated through test results on an experimental setup.

In the present study, genetic screening of Sahiwal and Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle and its crosses was conducted using the PCR-RFLP technique to detect the presence of CVM and DUMPS disorders. Genomic DNA was extracted from 50 Sahiwal and 100 HF animals and its crosses using commercially available kits. Gene-specific primers were utilized for in vitro amplification of SLC35A3 and UMPS genes by PCR, followed by RFLP analysis using PstI and AvaI restriction endonucleases for CVM and DUMPS, respectively. Subsequently, the PCR products were purified and sequenced to confirm any mutations in the DNA target sequences. Notably, no affected or carrier animals for CVM and DUMPS disorders were identified among the screened animals. Thus, the gene and genotype frequency of CVM and DUMPS carriers was zero, indicating a 100% frequency of normal animals. The study underscores the importance of continued screening for these genetic disorders, involving a larger sample size across the state, and advocates for mandatory screening before utilizing animals for breeding purposes, in adherence to minimum standard protocols.

The building envelope is the interface between the external atmospheric conditions and the indoor environment. It contributes to approximately 60%–70% of the heating and cooling load. The building envelope constitutes walls, fenestrations, and roofs from which thermal transfer from the roof is significantly very high compared to walls in low-rise buildings.This research paper aims to provide recommendations for energy-efficient roof design considering roof form, material, and external coating suitable for various climate conditions of India. The paper’s methodology consists of a literature review of related research papers, learnings from the roofing system of energy-efficient building case studies, and all possible energy-efficient roofing systems that would be simulated for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in five climate types of India. The expected outcome of this paper would be in the form of recommendations for roofing systems in different climate type and their potential for energy saving from the highest to the lowest. This research would be done in three stages viz, Step-1: Literature Review and case study of best practices: A review of the related literature and best practices examples would be done to formulate the maximum possible cases for the simulation. Step-2: The roofing systems, including building form, material (Thermal and insulation), and finishes (reflectance), would be simulated one by one for various climate types of India (composite, hot & dry, warm and humid, moderate and cold) to optimize energy efficiency and payback period. Step-3: Special roof types like Green roofs, cool roofs, Photovoltaic roofs, roof ponds, and the like are simulated and compared for their effectiveness in selected climate types. Based on the literature review, simulation results, and analysis, the recommendations are framed for energy-efficient roofing systems in the selected climate type with respect to heat transfer through the roof and thermal comfort.

Background: Hyperuricemia and hypouricemia have been implicated as a cause of high mortality in haemodialysis patients. Our study is designed to determine the frequency of abnormal Uric Acid levels in haemodialysis patients and to identify those at risk of increasing mortality. Methods: 140 End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing haemodialysiswere enrolled in a retrospective cross sectional study. Uric Acid levels done as routine sampling was noted and data analyzed using SPSS for windows, version 23. All data are presented as mean ±SD. A relationship was considered statistically significant at p-values less than 0.05. Patient’s age and comorbidities like Diabetes and Hypertension were noted. Patients with mean UA levels between 2.4-6 mg/dl were specified as normouricemic, above this range as hyperuricemic and below this range as hypouricemic. Results: Out of 140 patients, 71(50.7%) were males and 69(49.3%)were females. Mean age of our patient population was 56.64 ± 12.207. 56 (40%) patients were hyperuricemic and 8 (5.7%) hypouricemic. 87 (62.1%) were diabetic,122 (87.1%) were hypertensive whereas 83 (59.3%) were both hypertensive and diabetic but no notable (p> 0.05) link was found to exist between hyperuricemia and these co-morbidities. Conclusion: We report a very high frequency of abnormal Uric Acid levels in haemodialysis patients. Nearly half of our haemodialysis population is at high risk of all-cause mortality based on Uric Acid levels alone.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that is mostly diagnosed in elderly patients. Its non-specific clinical presentation (lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, generalized rash, and hepatosplenomegaly) often results in a delay in the diagnosis. The diagnosis is mainly established based on a detailed clinical evaluation and biopsy findings, and currently, available treatment options include corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and single- or multi-agent chemotherapy. Here, we report a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with complaints of easy fatigability, dyspnea, and fever along with inguinal lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed as a case of AITL. He was given multiple cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy (Cytoxan, Hydroxyrubicin, Oncovin, Prednisone chemotherapy regimen), which led to tumor eradication. The patient, however, expired due to unknown reasons. The case highlights the major diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for AITL and sheds light on the poor prognosis of the disease despite adequate management. Keywords: Angioimmunoblastic

Background: Using erupted components of a dental arch to estimate the width of the unerupted dental components are the basis of mixed dentition analysis. Non-radiographic mixed dentition analysis employs a regression equation to assess the width of the unerupted canines and premolars. In this study, we assessed the applicability of two non-radiographic methods of mixed dentition analysis in orthodontic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out from the records of Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, from November 2019 to March 2020. Pre-treatment dental casts of 120 subjects (60 males and 60 females) aged between 12-30 years undergoing orthodontic treatment were selected. The mesiodistal widths from the left first molar to the right first molar were measured using a digital Vernier caliper on pretreatment dental casts of both arches. Bachman’s and Tanaka-Johnston methods were applied to estimate the widths of canine and premolars. Gender dimorphism for actual and estimated values was assessed using an independent sample t-test, which compared the actual and estimated mesiodistal widths of canine and premolar. Results: The actual and estimated widths of canine and premolars reported 14.3±1.4 years for males and 13.4±1.2 years for females. In addition, the Bachman’s and Tanaka-Johnston method overestimated the actual widths of unerupted canine and premolar but the difference was statistically insignificant (p≥ 0.05) in both the genders. Conclusion: The two non-radiographic methods were reliable for mixed dentition analysis with minor overestimation between actual and estimated widths (ICC=0.79). This makes both the methods applicable interchangeably in regular clinical practice. Keywords: Mixed Dentition; Unerupted Teeth; Dental Models; Radiography.

Background: Hepatosplenic sizes of children vary with age .There are many diseases which affect the sizes of the liver and spleen ranging from acute liver disease to other hepatosplenic disorders . Ultrasound is a quick and reliable method .Unfortunately there is lack of sufficient data in our population therefore my study would be beneficial in determining various disease processes. Objective: To establish normative data of Hepato-Splenic sizes in Pakistani pediatric population using ultrasonography. Methods: The study was conducted at the Ziauddin University Hospital, a tertiary care teaching facility in Karachi. The cross sectional prospective hospital based study was conducted with 150 patients aged 1 month to 14 years. Ultrasonographic evaluation for the assessment of liver, spleen and portal vein size was performed. These were correlated with the age, sex, height/length and weight of the children. Results: Normal liver and spleen length and its ranges with portal vein diameter were obtained. The liver, spleen length and portal vein significantly correlated highly with the height/length (r=0.7,0.7,0.6 )respectively and weight of the subjects (r=0.7,0.7,0.4 respectively). Conclusion: The study provides the normal values of liver and spleen size by ultrasonography in healthy Pakistani pediatric population. Key Words: Hepatosplenic Size, Ultrasound, Liver Transplant, Chronic Liver Disease.

Background: Thyroid gland volume (TGV) is highly variable as it is greatly influenced by age, gender, anthropometric measurements and geographical location. It has become essential for every population to determine reference range of their normal thyroid gland volume (TGV) in healthy individuals. This in turn will help the population in grading of goiter and will guide in large scale iodine monitoring programs. Objective: To determine TGV in a subset of Karachi population and to determine its association with age and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study employing 421 volunteers aged 21 years and above went through the ultrasound (US) examination of their thyroid gland (TG) after being confirmed euthyroid by their serum thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) evaluation. Results: TGV in the study was found to be 6.26 ± 2.89 ml. Males had significantly higher TGV 6.78 ± 2.88 ml as compared to females 5.7 ± 2.79 ml (P=0.00). Volume of right lobe was significantly greater than that of left lobe (P=0.00) in both the genders. TGV increased significantly with age till 60 years (P

Brachymesophalangia is the most common hereditary anomaly of the middle phalanges. Brachymesophalangia–V (BMP-V) is the terminology used for a short and broad middle phalanx of the fifth digit which can present both alone and in a large number of complex brachydactylies with congenital disorders. Its frequency varied in different populations between 3.4% and 21%. To our knowledge no case of BMP-V has been reported from our country. We incidentally found a case of BMP-V who presented to us with the history of trauma which is presented in this case report. Literature search showed that this condition is caused by heterozygous mutations in the Indian hedgehog (IHH) gene. Key Words: Brachydactyly; BMP-V; Phenotype; Skeletal Dysplasia; Hand.

Abstract: Approximately one in every nine Pakistani women is likely to suffer from breast cancer. This is one of the highest incidence rates in Asia. Mammography and ultrasound are the basic imaging techniques for the detection and localization of breast tumors. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly important in the detection and delineation of breast cancer in daily practice. The utility of diagnostic value of MRI is mainly on specific situations such as detecting multifocal, multicentric or contralateral disease unrecognized on conventional imaging, assessing for the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, detection of cancer in dense breast tissue, recognition of an occult primary breast cancer. The standard breast MRI protocol includes T2 sequences (anatomy and signal analysis), T1 gradient-echo sequences which can detect markers placed after biopsy, and injected dynamic 3D sequences for performing volume and multiplanar reconstructions, which are particularly useful for locating lesions. Good patient positioning is essential. These aspects limit movement artefacts which alter subtraction sequences; it must be compared with the native sequences. New functional imaging sequences are now appearing in an attempt to increase the specificity of MRI, which is one of its main limitations. Of these, magnetic resonance spectroscopy appears to be the most promising. Key Words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Breast Cancer; Mammography; Early detection; Diffusion-weighted imaging;Spectroscopy;

Background: Multiple renal pathogenesis manifested as unilateral or bilateral size changes, therefore there should be normative reference data for proper comparison. Our goal is to determine normal standard value ranges for renal dimensions in pediatric population in Karachi. Sonographically renal length in 150 children were measured and correlate with age, gender, body height, weight and BMI. Objective: Sonographic Measurement of Normal Renal Size and Correlation with Somatic Variables in Subset of Karachi Pediatric Population. Methods: A six month cross sectional hospital based assessment of kidney size (length, width) was evaluated with the help of sonography. XarioTM 200 Toshiba with convex 3.5 frequency transducer will be used. The mean renal dimensions with standard deviation (SD) were estimated for every group of age. The renal length and width were determined and corresponded with different somatic variables. Descriptive statistics with Regression analysis was done. Results: The normal length and the width of kidneys and its ranges were obtained. Right kidney length moderately and significantly correlated with height and weight (r=0.651, r=0.654) and age (r=0.538) respectively. However, moderately insignificant with BMI (0.129). Lefts kidney moderately and significantly correlated with height and weight (r=0.665 r=0.705), negative insignificant with age (0.564) and moderately weak insignificant relationship with BMI (0.174). Conclusion: The research presents the normal range parameters of renal size and measurements by sonography in healthy pediatric population in Karachi. Guideline measurements of kidneys represent a statistically important and comprehensive interaction with specifications of growth which allows us to easily calculate the renal size by derived regression analysis. Key Words: Renal Size, Sonography, Children, Chronic Renal Disease.

Ceftriaxone sodium belongs to the third-generation cephalosporin group and is used intramuscular and intravenous route as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This research aims to prepare biocompatible hydrogels for targeted delivery of ceftriaxone sodium by parental route. Different proportions of polymers (natural and synthetic) in the presence of cross-linker were synthesized by solvent casting method. Ceftriaxone sodium was loaded in hydrogels in different concentrations and its drug release behavior was evaluated along with swelling and biodegradation analysis. The characterization of hydrogel was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to analyze surface morphology and functional groups involved in the formation of dextrin/Na-alginate/PVA hydrogels loaded with the drug. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was confirmed by thermal stability and degradation pattern of loaded and unloaded hydrogels. The drug-loaded samples presented promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. multocida and their cytotoxic nature was also studied. Drug release analysis using simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and phosphate buffer saline(PBS) for the circulatory system shows the consistent release of the drug. The findings unveiled the development of a biocompatible and innovative hydrogel, which has potential advantages for biomedical application, particularly in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of ceftriaxone sodium drug.

AbstractThe mammary gland is a dynamic organ with various physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. It is essential to understand the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the milk-synthesizing cells). The MECs are organized as luminal milk-secreting cells and basal myoepithelial cells (responsible for milk ejection by contraction) that form the alveoli. The branching morphogenesis and lactogenic differentiation of the MECs prepare the gland for lactation. This process is governed by many molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, regulatory proteins, etc. Interestingly, various signalling pathways guide lactation and understanding these molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will help researchers design further research. Manipulation of genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion will promote augmentation of milk yield in dairy animals. Identifying protein signatures of lactation will help develop strategies for persistent lactation and shortening the dry period in farm animals. The present review article discusses in details the physiological and molecular changes occurring during lactogenic differentiation of MECs and the associated hormones, regulatory proteins, miRNAs, and signalling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular events will aid in developing engineered cellular models for studies related to mammary gland diseases of humans and animals.

The research focuses on incorporating microgrids into engineering curricula for achieving voltage stability in today’s power systems. This helps to meet the increasing demand for engineers to integrate distributed power generation and renewable energy sources. Some limitations of the current literature include the absence of models outlining approaches to microgrid education and limited insight into teaching strategies for electrical power systems. The research used a quantitative methodology to survey 100 engineering students enrolled in a microgrid modeling class to achieve the study’s objectives. The data analysis involved machine learning models such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, K-Means, hierarchical clustering, and regression models. The major findings identified exam score as the most significant determiner of student performance (weight ≈ 0.40). Based on the clustering analysis, it was found that microgrid systems can be grouped into four operational states. It was also seen that linear regression models were highly accurate and better than other highly complex models, like Decision Tree, with a model accuracy of R2 ≈ 0.4. One of the study’s major strengths is the potential impact of the proposed framework for integrating microgrids into engineering education on the professional training of engineers. This framework, based on theoretical knowledge and practical experience as well as on developing advanced analytical skills, can significantly enhance the professional training of engineers to deal with the complexities of contemporary power systems, including microgrids and sustainable energy progress.

Confusional arousal, classified under parasomnias, is a condition in which patients exhibit wakeful behaviors while still apparently asleep. It may be associated with shouting or sleepwalking and usually lasts for a few minutes to several hours. Patients tend to have no memory of the occurrence of such episodes. We report two cases of confusional arousals, the first, a 15-year-old boy suffering from autism spectrum disorder, and the second, a 10-year-old boy, with no other significant history.

The contemporary agricultural supply chain necessitates the integration of information and communication technologies to effectively mitigate the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and rising global demand for food products. Furthermore, recent developments in information and communication technologies, such as blockchain, big data analytics, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, etc., have made this transformation possible. Each of these technologies plays a particular role in enabling the agriculture supply chain ecosystem to be intelligent enough to handle today's world's challenges. Thus, this paper reviews the crucial information and communication technologies-enabled agriculture supply chains to understand their potential uses and contemporary developments. The review is supported by 57 research papers from the Scopus database. Five research areas analyze the applications of the technology reviewed in the agriculture supply chain: food safety and traceability, security and information system management, wasting food, supervision and tracking, agricultural businesses and decision-making, and other applications not explicitly related to the agriculture supply chain. The study also emphasizes how information and communication technologies can help agriculture supply chains and promote agriculture supply chain decarbonization. An information and communication technologies application framework for a decarbonized agriculture supply chain is suggested based on the research's findings. The framework identifies the contribution of information and communication technologies to decision-making in agriculture supply chains. The review also offers guidelines to academics, policymakers, and practitioners on managing agriculture supply chains successfully for enhanced agricultural productivity and decarbonization.

PURPOSEHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is widely recognized as a key contributing factor in cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. However, there has been limited research on the prevalence of concurrent HPV infections in various anatomic regions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and specific types of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infections in the cervical and oral regions of females in Punjab, Pakistan.METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving women seeking care for general gynecologic issues at the gynecologic Outpatient Department of Lady Wallington Hospital in Lahore. After interviews and clinical examinations, we collected whole-saliva samples and high vaginal swabs from each participant. HR-HPV detection and genotyping were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction at both the anatomic sites.RESULTSIn this study, 170 females, averaging 35.36 ± 8.305 years, participated. HR-HPV infection was more prevalent in the cervix (83/170 [48.8%]) than in the oral cavity (19/170 [11.2%]). Concordant HPV infections occurred in 10/170 participants (5.9%). HPV 16 was the most common genotype in cervical and oral locations, at rates of 21.8% and 5.3%, respectively, among concordant HR-HPV types. Socioeconomic status (P = .013), age at first sexual intercourse (P = .015), and history of oral sex (P = .01) were significantly associated with concurrent HR-HPV infection in both regions.CONCLUSIONThis study suggests that HR-HPV cervical infections may increase the risk of oral transmission, especially during orogenital sexual practices. Thus, it is important to recognize that HPV infections may be linked in both areas. We emphasize the importance of comprehensive cervical and oral examinations and HPV vaccination in young women irrespective of their sexual practices.

IntroductionStroke is a significant global health concern, and numerous studies have established a link between depression and an increased risk of stroke. While many investigations explore this link, some overlook its long-term effects. Depression may elevate stroke risk through physiological pathways involving nervous system changes and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between depression and stroke.MethodologyWe conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO) from inception to 9 April 2023, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We included all articles assessing the association between different stroke types and depression, excluding post-stroke depression. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, utilizing a random-effects model for data synthesis. The primary outcome was the association of depression with stroke, with a secondary focus on the association of antidepressants with stroke.ResultsThe initial search yielded 10,091 articles, and 44 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between depression and stroke risk, with an overall hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% CI 1.32, 1.50; p

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) play a critical role in the atmosphere and are produced from biogenic and anthropogenic sources. These chemicals have serious health consequences for humans. Among many types of industrial waste available, Coal Fly Ash (CFA) are mostly produced by coalfired power plants with the ability to capture VOCs from the air. The use of an inexpensive, high-performance electrospun nanofiber membrane to filter out airborne impurities. Adsorption is thought to be the best approach out of all of them due to its convenience, ease of usage, and easy-to-understand design. This review article covers the procedure, and environmental effects of employing fly ash for the adsorption of VOCs. The main concerns with fly ash disposal are the need for massive land areas for landfills and the harmful effects and groundwater pollution caused by the accumulation of heavy metals. Additionally, the methods for overcoming the benefits of using fly ash are also examined.

Abstract The commercial adoption of BCI technologies for both clinical and non-clinical applications is drawing scientists to the creation of wearable devices for daily living. Emotions are essential to human existence and have a significant impact on thinking. Emotion is frequently linked to rational decision-making, perception, interpersonal interaction, and even basic human intellect. The requirement for trustworthy and implementable methods for the detection of individual emotional responses is needed with rising attention of the scientific community towards the establishment of some significant emotional connections among people and computers. This work introduces EEG recognition model, where the input signal is pre-processed using band pass filter. Then, the features like discrete wavelet transform (DWT), band power, spectral flatness, and improved Entropy are extracted. Further, for recognition, tri-classifiers like long short term memory (LSTM), improved deep belief network (DBN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) are used. Also to enhance tri-model classifier performance, the weights of LSTM, improved DBN, and RNN are tuned by model named as shark smell updated BES optimization (SSU-BES). Finally, the perfection of SSU-BES is demonstrated over diverse metrics.

Abstract Sorcin (Sri), a member of penta EF-hand protein family plays a diverse role in maintaining calcium homeostasis, cell cycle and vesicular trafficking. Sri is highly conserved amongst mammals and consists of N-terminal glycine rich domain and C-terminal calcium binding domain that mediates its dimerization and interacts with different compounds. In the present study, with the help of combination of computational and molecular biology techniques, we have identified a novel isoform (Sri-N) in mouse which differs only in the C-terminal domain with that of Sri reported earlier. The novel isoform contains a new last exon that is different from the one present in the reported transcript (Sri). The presence of the novel isoform was further validated in different tissues by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. The transcript was conceptually translated and subjected to in-silico analysis using different bioinformatics tools. The novel transcript variant encodes for a longer protein isoform without any change in the sub-cellular localization as predicted by PSORT-II online tool. Molecular modelling was performed to compare the structural changes in Sri-N and Sri isoforms. The structural characterization of the novel isoform using MD simulation depicted its overall stability under the physiological conditions. The molecular docking of proteins with various chemotherapeutic drugs revealed that their binding affinity is more for Sri-N as compared to that for the previously reported transcript Sri.

Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), particularly carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB), represents a grave concern in healthcare settings and is associated with high mortality. This study aimed to conduct molecular, mutational, and phylogenetic analyses of specific genes in CRAB and evaluate the synergistic effects of selected antimicrobial combinations. Materials and Methods: Phenotypic characterization was performed on six CRAB strains by using the Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and IMP-EDTA Double-Disc Synergy Test (IMP-EDTA DDST). Carbapenemase- and metallo-beta-lactamase-encoding genes were amplified by using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Phylogenetic analysis using the MEGA 11 tool was used to determine the evolutionary relatedness of these genes. Mutational analysis was performed by using I-Mutant, MUPro, and PHD-SNP bioinformatics tools to predict mutations in the carbapenemase-encoding genes. Microdilution checkerboard titration assessed the synergistic effects of antimicrobial combinations (azithromycin–meropenem, rifampicin–meropenem, meropenem–colistin, and azithromycin–colistin) on these CRAB isolates. Results: The phenotypic characterization of six CRAB isolates revealed positive results for MHT and IMP-EDTA DDST. The molecular characterization revealed that carbapenemase- and MBL-encoding genes were present in all isolates with varying frequencies, including blaOXA-51 (100%) and blaIMP (0%). The sequence analysis revealed high evolutionary relatedness to sequences in the NCBI database. The mutational analysis identified 16 mutations, of which 1 mutation (P116L) in the blaOXA-58 gene predicted a change in the protein product, potentially contributing to carbapenem resistance. The checkerboard titration method did not reveal any synergism among the tested antimicrobial combinations against CRAB. Conclusion: This study’s findings underscore the significant challenges posed by CRAB isolates harboring multiple resistant genes in treatment. This highlights the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents, a crucial step towards reducing mortality rates not only in Pakistan but also globally.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304424.].

Soliton dynamics and nonlinear phenomena in quantum deformation has been investigated through conformal time differential generalized form of q deformed Sinh-Gordon equation. The underlying equation has recently undergone substantial amount of research. In Phase 1, we employed modified auxiliary and new direct extended algebraic methods. Trigonometric, hyperbolic, exponential and rational solutions are successfully extracted using these techniques, coupled with the best possible constraint requirements implemented on parameters to ensure the existence of solutions. The findings, then, are represented by 2D, 3D and contour plots to highlight the various solitons' propagation patterns such as kink-bright, bright, dark, bright-dark, kink, and kink-peakon solitons and solitary wave solutions. It is worth emphasizing that kink dark, dark peakon, dark and dark bright solitons have not been found earlier in literature. In phase 2, the underlying model is examined under various chaos detecting tools for example lyapunov exponents, multistability and time series analysis and bifurcation diagram. Chaotic behavior is investigated using various initial condition and novel results are obtained.

The quality of air emissions in Pakistani mega cities is one of the worst in the world. Urban air contamination is assessed to be responsible of 0.865 M unexpected losses consistently and about 60% of these passing’s happen in Asia, continuous increase in urbanization, industrialization and motorization caused a substantial rise in various air pollutants, which has notable impacts on human health and environment. Environmental Impact Assessment is mandatory for future projects in Pakistan, but Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) process is not available in the country, the mega city like Karachi needs strict criteria to overcome the air quality issue on priority basis therefore, AERMOD Model along with ArcGIS have been used to provide a practical CIA tool to Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. In this study five proposed thermal power plants of total 3440-50 MW were selected where two types of cumulative impacts were modeled. The short-term cumulative impacts of Nitrous Oxides (NOx) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) were considered as 1-h and 24- h, whereas long term were considered as annual. The results of NOx emissions were 170 μg/m3 for 1st percentile 1-h, 33 μg/m3 for 1st percentile 24-h and 1st percentile annual was 14.5 μg/m3. While the SO2 emissions were 199 μg/m3 for 1st percentile 1-h, 29.8 μg/m3 for 1st percentile 24-h and long-term 1st percentile annual was 7.5 μg/m3 respectively. All the limits are complying with national and international standards because, the wind speed (5-8 m/s) and wind direction has a substantial impact on flow field which results in lowering the ground level concentrations of the pollutants in the study area. This is further caused by the strong sea breeze from the Arabian Sea which is termed as blessing for the residents of the study area.

IntroductionPostgraduate medical trainees (PGs) in developing nations face various educational hurdles due to limited access to quality resources and training facilities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of e-learning, particularly Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), within postgraduate medical education. It involved the development of a customized online course focused on osteoporosis for PGs and an examination of their perspectives and preferences concerning online learning methods like Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platforms.MethodsThe study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020. A multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team was assembled to design an osteoporosis course on the VLE platform. PGs (n = 9) from diverse disciplines and institutions were selected with informed consent. Focus group discussions (FGDs) among these PGs identified their preferences for the online course, which subsequently guided the development of the MOOC. The modular MOOC comprised recorded micro-lectures, flashcards, videos, case challenges, and expert interviews. The educational impact of the VLE was assessed using pre- and post-module tests among the participants, and their perceptions of the PGs and course facilitators were gathered via an online survey.ResultsThe study identified the involvement of PGs in the course design process as beneficial, as it allowed for content customization and boosted their motivation for peer-to-peer learning. During the FGDs, PGs expressed a strong preference for flexible learning formats, particularly short downloadable presentations, and micro-lectures. They also identified challenges related to technology, institutional support, and internet connectivity. In the subsequently customized MOOC course, 66% of PGs (n = 6) attempted the pre-test, achieving a mean score of 43.8%. Following the VLE module, all PGs (n = 9) successfully passed the end-of-module test, averaging a score of 96%, highlighting its impact on learning. The majority (n = 8, 88.9%) agreed that the course content could be applied in clinical practice, and 66.7% (n = 6) expressed extreme satisfaction with the learning objectives and content. Participants favoured end-of-module assessments and the use of best-choice questions for evaluation.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of virtual learning, particularly MOOCs, in addressing the educational challenges faced by developing nations. It emphasizes the need for tailored online courses that cater to the preferences and requirements of PGs. The findings suggest that MOOCs can foster collaboration, networking, and opportunities for professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty members can be a key strength in course development. This research provides valuable insights for educators, institutions, and e-learning developers seeking to enhance their teaching methodologies and establish accessible educational environments in the digital age.

Studying fluid dynamics is crucial to advancing scientific knowledge and technological advancements worldwide. This study examines the behavior of a viscous fluid when it interacts with two horizontally positioned rectangular polygons arranged in a staggered arrangement. The lattice Boltzmann method is employed to analyze two-dimensional flow, specifically focusing on two physical parameters: Reynolds number, which is fixed at 150, and gap spacings, which vary simultaneously in X and Y directions. The results are analyzed by examining vortex snapshots, time trace histories of drag and lift coefficients, and power spectra analysis of lift coefficients. The progressive increase in the gap distances between the two horizontal rectangular polygons distinguishes seven separate flow vortex streets. The vortex shedding mechanism is disrupted at narrow gap spacings and reaches its ideal state at large gap spacings. There is the potential for the flow regime to be altered by the staggered alignment of rectangular polygons. Increasing the space between the polygons has a considerable impact on the flow characteristics brought about.

Introduction: Anemia is a significant public health concern, primarily affecting young children, pregnant and postpartum women, and menstruating adolescent girls and women. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in women of reproductive age visiting a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Objective: The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of anemia in women of reproductive age, while the secondary objective was to investigate potential causes of anemia within this demographic group. Design: A prospective cross-sectional approach was employed, adhering to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. A questionnaire-based method was used to assess anemia, and data were collected from women aged 14 to 40 years. Method: The study was conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center from January to May 2023. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (Institutional Review Board reference number JSMU/IRB/2023/699). A sample of 397 women was included, and various demographic and lifestyle factors were assessed. Results: In this study of 397 participants, 71.5% were found to have anemia, primarily microcytic anemia (48.2%). Anemia prevalence was highest among the 14–18 years age group (80.7%) and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (73.6%). Factors such as frequent tea consumption, irregular mealtimes, and pica consumption were associated with higher anemia rates. Pregnant women and those with more children were at a heightened risk of anemia. Conclusion: The study reveals a notable prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age with a surprising emphasis on younger individuals and lower socioeconomic groups. Dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and pregnancy status play significant roles in anemia development. Targeted interventions are essential, particularly for younger women, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and pregnant individuals, to combat anemia effectively in this region.

Fluid dynamics problems have a significant impact on the growth of science and technologies all over the world. This study investigates viscous fluid’s behavior when interacting with two rectangular polygons positioned vertically and aligned in a staggered configuration. Two physical parameters, Reynolds Number and Gap spacings, are discussed using the Lattice Boltzmann Method for two-dimensional flow. Results are discussed in vortex snapshots, time trace histories of drag and lift coefficient, and power spectra analysis of lift coefficient. Nine distinct flow vortex streets are identified based on increasing gap spacings between the pair of two rectangular polygons. The vortex shedding mechanism is disturbed at small gap spacings and becomes optimal at large gap spacings. Different physical parameters of practical importance, like mean drag coefficient, root mean square values of drag coefficient, root mean square values of lift coefficient, and Strouhal number, approach the single rectangular polygon value at large gap spacings.

BackgroundPrimary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID), also known as Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI), comprises a group of rare genetic disorders that impair the body’s immune responses. These conditions result from monogenic germline mutations that affect the function of genes governing the innate and adaptive immune system. Therefore, individuals with PID are more susceptible to infectious diseases, allergies, and autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. The prevalence of PID has been on the rise, with the number of classified diseases reaching 404, and 430 genetic defects reported to cause these conditions. However, in Malaysia, genetic testing for PID is currently limited and needs to be outsourced to overseas laboratories, posing financial challenges for families. Moreover, limited research has focused on the knowledge and awareness of genetic testing among parents of children with PID in Malaysia. This study aims to address this gap and provide valuable insights into the knowledge, awareness, and perception of genetic testing among this specific population.MethodThis qualitative cross-sectional study utilised online open-ended, semi-structured focus group interviews to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with Primary Immunodeficiency (PID). Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from the Malaysian Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (MyPOPI), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing support and raising awareness about PID. The study spanned from May 2023 to July 2023 and included participants from diverse regions of Malaysia who had undergone different diagnostic journeys in various hospitals.ResultThe focus group discussions yielded 11 sub-themes that highlighted the experiences, understanding and challenges of the participants regarding genetic testing based on the semi-structured questions. These sub-themes were then grouped into four main themes that are awareness and understanding of genetic testing, the journey towards diagnosis and treatment, emotional impact and psychological factors, and the importance of medical experts in diagnosing and managing PID, as well as public perception and awareness.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlights the diverse knowledge, awareness, and perception surrounding genetic testing for PID. Factors such as access to services, family history, and personal circumstances shape individuals’ understanding of genetic testing. The importance of healthcare professionals, along with the need for improved accessibility and targeted communication strategies, is underscored to enhance understanding and reduce stigma surrounding genetic testing for rare diseases like PID.

Although the Vision Transformer architecture has become widely accepted as the standard for image classification tasks, using it for object detection in computer vision poses significant challenges. This research aims to explore the potential of extending the Vision Transformer for object detection in medical imaging, specifically for glaucoma detection, and also includes an examination of the Detection Transformer for comparative analysis. The analysis involves assessing the cup-to-disc ratio and identifying signs of vertical thinning of the neuroretinal rim. A diagnostic threshold is proposed, flagging a cup-to-disc ratio exceeding 0.6 as a potential indicator of glaucoma. The experimental results demonstrate a remarkable 90.48% accuracy achieved by the pre-trained Detection Transformer, while the Vision Transformer exhibits competitive accuracy at 87.87%. Comparative evaluations leverage a previously untapped dataset from the Standardized Fundus Glaucoma Dataset available on Kaggle, providing valuable insights into automated glaucoma detection. The evaluation criteria and results are comprehensively validated by medical experts specializing in the field of glaucoma.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that alter the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level, influencing diverse outcomes in metabolism, cell differentiation, proliferation, cell survival, and cell death. Dysregulated miRNA expression is implicated in various rheumatic conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis. For this review, we used an open-source programming language- PowerShell, to scan the massive number of existing primary research publications on PubMed on miRNAs in these nine diseases to identify and count unique co-occurrences of individual miRNAs and the disease name. These counts were used to rank the top seven most relevant immuno-miRs based on their research volume in each rheumatic disease. Individual miRNAs were also screened for publication with the names of immune cells, cytokines, and pathological processes involved in rheumatic diseases. These occurrences were tabulated into matrices to identify hotspots for research relevance. Based on this information, we summarize the basic and clinical findings for the top three miRNAs — miR-146, miR-155, and miR-21 — whose relevance spans across multiple rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, we highlight some unique miRNAs for each disease and why some rheumatic conditions lack research in this emerging epigenetics field. With the overwhelming number of publications on miRNAs in rheumatic diseases, this review serves as a ‘relevance finder’ to guide researchers in selecting miRNAs based on the compiled existing knowledge of their involvement in disease pathogenesis. This approach applies to other disease contexts with the end goal of developing miRNA-based therapeutics.