Search

Background and Aims: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after surgery. Preventing PONV in high-risk patients often requires a multimodal approach combining antiemetic drugs with diverse mechanisms. While aprepitant, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, is recognised as highly effective for PONV prevention, uncertainties remain regarding its effectiveness. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The analysis assessed the effectiveness of aprepitant (A), aprepitant plus ondansetron (AO) and aprepitant plus dexamethasone and ondansetron (ADO) in preventing PONV compared to ondansetron alone (O) or in combination with dexamethasone (DO). Results: In the analysis of 12 studies involving 2729 patients, aprepitant demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing PONV compared to ondansetron alone (A versus [vs.] O: PONV incidence 12.5% vs. 28.5%, relative risk [RR] = 0.45, P < 0.001; complete response rate 55.97% vs. 50.35%, RR = 1.13, P = 0.010). The combination of aprepitant with ondansetron (AO) also showed a significantly lower incidence of PONV compared to ondansetron alone (11.3% vs. 26.8%, RR = 0.43, P < 0.001) and a higher complete response rate (38.1% vs. 26.84%, RR = 1.41, P = 0.020). In addition, ADO significantly reduced PONV incidence compared to DO (ADO vs. DO: 13.63% vs. 35.38%, RR = 0.38, P = 0.006). Conclusion: Aprepitant, whether used alone or in combination with ondansetron or both ondansetron and dexamethasone, consistently outperforms ondansetron in achieving a complete response as it lowers vomiting rates and reduces the need for rescue therapy during the crucial 24–48-h postoperative period.

Abstract Resistance to the current Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitor (ARSI) therapies has led to higher incidences of therapy-induced neuroendocrine-like prostate cancer (t-NEPC). This highly aggressive subtype with predominant small-cell-like characteristics is resistant to taxane chemotherapies and has a dismal overall survival. t-NEPCs are mostly treated with platinum-based drugs with a combination of etoposide or taxane and have less selectivity and high systemic toxicity, which often limit their clinical potential. During t-NEPC transformation, adenocarcinomas lose their luminal features and adopt neuro-basal characteristics. Whether the adaptive neuronal characteristics of t-NEPC are responsible for such taxane resistance remains unknown. Pathway analysis from patient gene-expression databases indicates that t-NEPC upregulates various neuronal pathways associated with enhanced cellular networks. To identify transcription factor(s) (TF) that could be important for promoting the gene expression for neuronal characters in t-NEPC, we performed ATAC-Seq, acetylated-histone ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq in our NE-like cell line models and analyzed the promoters of transcriptionally active and significantly enriched neuroendocrine-like (NE-like) cancer-specific genes. Our results indicate that Pax5 could be an important transcription factor for neuronal gene expression and specific to t-NEPC. Pathway analysis revealed that Pax5 expression is involved in axonal guidance, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuronal adhesion, which are critical for strong cellular communications. Further results suggest that depletion of Pax5 disrupts neurite-mediated cellular communication in NE-like cells and reduces surface growth factor receptor activation, thereby, sensitizing them to docetaxel therapies. Moreover, t-NEPC-specific hydroxymethylation of Pax5 promoter CpG islands favors Pbx1 binding to induce Pax5 expression. Based on our study, we concluded that continuous exposure to ARSI therapies leads to epigenetic modifications and Pax5 activation in t-NEPC, which promotes the expression of genes necessary to adopt taxane-resistant NE-like cancer. Thus, targeting the Pax5 axis can be beneficial for reverting their taxane sensitivity.

Purpose – This study examines learner readiness and satisfaction with blended learning systems in India’s post-vaccine classrooms, focusing on the relationship between face-to-face (F2F), online learning (OL), and blended learning (BL) indicators and identifying which predictors within these systems most significantly affect learners’ satisfaction (LS). Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted with 451 students from both public and private universities in India. The data were analyzed using factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple regression to test the hypotheses. Findings – The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between learners’ satisfaction and online learning and blended learning, with β values of 28.3 and 27.2, bearing a p-value of 0.000. In contrast, face-to-face (F2F) learning was insignificant, with a β value of 0.070 and a p-value of 0.119. These insights underscore the effectiveness of online and blended learning formats in enhancing learner satisfaction in higher education while also suggesting a re-evaluation of the role of traditional F2F learning methods. The research supports the integration of online learning in higher education due to its balanced mix of teacher-led and student-centered instruction, alongside the practical benefits of reduced travel costs and access to independent study resources. Practical implications – This study provides insights into student perceptions and attitudes towards blended learning in India’s post-vaccine classrooms. It highlights the importance of tailoring blended learning strategies to meet colleges’ and universities’ diverse learning needs and goals in this evolving context. The findings serve as a valuable resource for educators and administrators, aiding in designing effective blended learning frameworks suited explicitly for higher education in India. Originality/value – While there is extensive literature on F2F, OL, and BL, limited research compares these learning approaches and their impact on learner satisfaction within the Indian higher education context. This study fills this gap by providing valuable insights for shaping educational strategies in India’s post-vaccine classrooms.

Introduction: Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that may affect the skin or any other mucosal surface. Although the etiology is largely unknown, role of stress in initiation or aggravation of the disease is a well-known fact. Apart from respiratory distress, COVID-19 has also been found to be associated with triggering autoimmune reactions such as oral lichen planus (OLP). Apart from its direct ill effect on health, the confusing nature, and the unknown course of COVID-19, the psychological stress of the lockdown and quarantine tremendously increased the stress levels. All this could be a trigger for the onset or exacerbation of existing OLP lesions. Objective: The primary outcome is to understand the likely association between OLP and COVID-19. The secondary outcome is to understand the role of COVID-19 in the pathogenesis of OLP if it is present. Materials and Methods: It was a unicentric cross-sectional study conducted on 57 patients suffering from OLP who had reported to the dental outpatient department of our tertiary health care center from September 2021 to April 2022. The clinical sign and symptoms associated with the OLP was recorded. A detailed history of COVID-19 exposure, vaccination status, and history of hospitalization were recorded. Results: The mean age of study participants was found to be 36.8 years the male:female ratio was found to be 1:2. Out of 57 patients, 45 patients had given a positive history of COVID-19 exposure. Conclusion: Apart from the immune dysregulation, the tremendous increase in stress levels due to COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life very badly. The sudden increase in cases of OLP in post-COVID patients may be attributable to a combination of factors such as low Vitamin D levels COVID-19 and other comorbidities.

Stepwise caries excavation, being conceptualized for quite a time now, aims at phasic and thoughtful excavation of the diseased tissue, with a simultaneous attention to the fundamental principles of restorative dentistry. It has gained a humongous momentum conventionally, as the clinicians have eagle-eyed minimally invasive approaches for every possible treatment modality. The attempted case series showcases six cases of deep carious lesion managed by two-step caries excavation protocol in healthy patients diagnosed with chronic symptomatic reversible pulpitis, conclusively holding the longest favorable follow-up of over 3 years. This technique has a paramount clinical potential, conditional on appropriateness of case selection and clinical technique.

Background: Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is a challenging and prevalent complication that arises in the context of liver cirrhosis characterized by cognitive dysfunction resulting from liver insufficiency and/or the development of portosystemic shunts. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics, precipitating factors, and clinical outcomes of HE with liver disease in patients admitted to a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study at a hospital reviewed records of 100 HE patients admitted from Jan-Dec 2022. Data on demographics, clinical features, lab results, stay duration, and outcomes were collected from past records. Statistical analysis explored links between outcomes, symptoms, lab results, causes, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, and hospital duration (p < 0.05 considered significant). Patients were tracked until discharge or death. Results: Most HE cases were males (75.8%) and aged 21-87. Key symptoms were abdominal distension (62.6%) and jaundice (60.4%). Jaundice impacted outcomes (p = 0.045); infections triggered 39.6% of cases, impacting outcomes (p = 0.039). High direct bilirubin levels affected prognosis (p = 0.000). Alcohol-related liver disease was the main cause (41.8%). Higher MELD scores were linked to worse outcomes; etiology and hospitalization duration (p = 0.138) had no significant effect on outcomes. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into HE in liver disease patients, facilitating early detection and effective management to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

Evolution happens in our everyday lifestyles in each field and prosthodontics is no exception to it. A new technology of sufferers is predicted to have new aspirations and desires. To fulfill these desires, it is our obligation to be updated with each expertise and capabilities about new developments in prosthodontics, so that these aspirations can be met. Although conventional techniques have worked satisfactorily for decades, with the growth of digital dentistry, conventional methods have become redundant. Digital methods are more accurate, efficient, less time-consuming, simpler, faster, and believed to have a better potential than conventional methods. This paper gives perception of trends and standards applied in modern prosthodontics and how they have an edge with the existing traditional or conventional methods used in the field.

Background: The use of areca nut also known as supari or chaali is an age-old tradition and very popular in people living in South Asian countries. However, in general, people know very little about its ill effects. Aims: This study aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the health risks associated with chewing areca nuts and betel quid among the adult population and to evaluate the knowledge about its possible role as a contributing factor in oral cancer among the adult population. Materials and Methods: The unicentric cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1644 adult subjects belonging to the adult population of Aligarh and nearby places between March 2021 and December 2021. We analyzed the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: The overall average age of the participants was 39.32 ± 14.18. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Among the study subjects, 54% were betel nut or betel quid chewers. Only 30.8% knew that areca nut may cause oral cancer and with low knowledge related to its systematic effect. Conclusion: Areca nut is a known carcinogenic agent and carries the risk of cancer even if it is used alone. However, information about the systemic ill effect especially its carcinogenic effect is very low among the general population.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted various containment strategies, such as work-from-home policies and reduced social contact, which significantly altered people’s sleep routines. While previous studies have highlighted the negative impacts of these restrictions on sleep, they often lack a comprehensive perspective that considers other factors, such as seasonal variations and physical activity (PA), which can also influence sleep. ObjectiveThis study aims to longitudinally examine the detailed changes in sleep patterns among working adults during the COVID-19 pandemic using a combination of repeated questionnaires and high-resolution passive measurements from wearable sensors. We investigate the association between sleep and 5 sets of variables: (1) demographics; (2) sleep-related habits; (3) PA behaviors; and external factors, including (4) pandemic-specific constraints and (5) seasonal variations during the study period. MethodsWe recruited working adults in Finland for a 1-year study (June 2021-June 2022) conducted during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected multisensor data from fitness trackers worn by participants, as well as work and sleep-related measures through monthly questionnaires. Additionally, we used the Stringency Index for Finland at various points in time to estimate the degree of pandemic-related lockdown restrictions during the study period. We applied linear mixed models to examine changes in sleep patterns during this late stage of the pandemic and their association with the 5 sets of variables. ResultsThe sleep patterns of 27,350 nights from 112 working adults were analyzed. Stricter pandemic measures were associated with an increase in total sleep time (TST) (β=.003, 95% CI 0.001-0.005; P

Abstract Background Specifying early developmental differences among neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct etiologies is critical to improving early identification and tailored intervention during the first years of life. Recent studies have uncovered important differences between infants with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and infants with familial history of autism spectrum disorder who go on to develop autism themselves (FH-ASD), including differences in brain development and behavior. Thus far, there have been no studies longitudinally investigating differential developmental skill profiles in FXS and FH-ASD infants. Methods The current study contrasted longitudinal trajectories of verbal (expressive and receptive language) and nonverbal (gross and fine motor, visual reception) skills in FXS and FH-ASD infants, compared to FH infants who did not develop ASD (FH-nonASD) and typically developing controls. Results Infants with FXS showed delays on a nonverbal composite compared to FH-ASD (as well as FH-nonASD and control) infants as early as 6 months of age. By 12 months an ordinal pattern of scores was established between groups on all domains tested, such that controls > FH-nonASD > FH-ASD > FXS. This pattern persisted through 24 months. Cognitive level differentially influenced developmental trajectories for FXS and FH-ASD. Conclusions Our results demonstrate detectable group differences by 6 months between FXS and FH-ASD as well as differential trajectories on each domain throughout infancy. This work further highlights an earlier onset of global cognitive delays in FXS and, conversely, a protracted period of more slowly emerging delays in FH-ASD. Divergent neural and cognitive development in infancy between FXS and FH-ASD contributes to our understanding of important distinctions in the development and behavioral phenotype of these two groups.

Objective With advancements in cardiac surgical interventions during infancy and childhood, the incidence of maternal congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasing. This retrospective study compared fetal and cardiac outcomes in women with and without CHD, along with a sub-analysis between cyanotic versus non-cyanotic defects and operated versus non-operated cases. Methods A 10-year data were retrospectively collected from pregnant women with CHD and a 1:1 ratio of pregnant women without any heart disease. Adverse fetal and cardiac outcomes were noted in both groups. Statistical significance was set at P

Introduction: Mutation in Kristin ras sarcoma virus (KRAS) oncogene is the main driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is present in nearly 90% of patients with PDAC. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is rare in PDAC and is mostly present in the absence of KRAS mutation. Co-occurrence of KRAS and EGFR mutations is extremely rare, and the value of EGFR inhibition in these cases is unknown. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case of metastatic PDAC with co-occurrence of KRAS G12V and EGFR L730R. Despite primary resistance to folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, this patient had a biochemical response (decrease in carbohydrate antigen 19-9) and disease control of 7 months on gemcitabine/erlotinib (an EGFR inhibitor). This outcome is remarkable in the late-line PDAC treatment setting and is unusual after the progression of the tumor on gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy. Conclusion: This case suggests that gemcitabine/erlotinib could be an effective treatment in patients with PDAC and co-occurrence of EGFR and KRAS mutations.

Abstract Background 6-Gingerol (6-G) is the primary active phytocomponent of ginger and has been shown to regulate multiple targets against cancer and its treatment. Androgen receptors (ARs) remain critical in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). This study focuses on investigating 6-G as a promising anti-cancerous agent that inhibits AR activity significantly. Methods In this study, molecular docking simulation was done to investigate the binding affinity of 6-G and control drug Bicalutamide (BT) against oncogenic AR and tumor suppressor estrogen receptor β (ERβ). The crystal structure of AR and ERβ was retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and docked with 3D Pubchem structures of 6-G using iGEMDOCK and AutoDock. Further in vitro study was done to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-cancerous, apoptotic, and wound healing potential of 6-G. Results The result displays that 6-G shows good binding affinity with AR and ERβ. Condensation of the nucleus, change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the ability to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) were done in human PCa PC-3 cells. Results from the MTT assay demonstrated that 6-G and control drug BT showed significant (p

Abstract Discrete symmetries play an important role in particle physics with violation of CP connected to the matter-antimatter imbalance in the Universe. We report the most precise test of P, T and CP invariance in decays of ortho-positronium, performed with methodology involving polarization of photons from these decays. Positronium, the simplest bound state of an electron and positron, is of recent interest with discrepancies reported between measured hyperfine energy structure and theory at the level of 10−4 signaling a need for better understanding of the positronium system at this level. We test discrete symmetries using photon polarizations determined via Compton scattering in the dedicated J-PET tomograph on an event-by-event basis and without the need to control the spin of the positronium with an external magnetic field, in contrast to previous experiments. Our result is consistent with QED expectations at the level of 0.0007 and one standard deviation.

Background: Obesity has reached an alarming rate affecting all categories of the population. A tremendous rise in obesity has been observed in children and adolescents. In India, the prevalence of adolescent obesity is more than 30% of the population. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a diverse group of compounds formed by the amalgamation of glucose and a protein moiety. These glycated compounds are found in processed foods subjected to high-temperature cooking techniques contributing to the formation of dietary AGEs (dAGEs). The enormous consumption of dAGE attributes to the development of metabolic diseases. Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among obese adolescents aged 10–19 years to gauge their dAGE consumption. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire was developed from previous literature (15 articles), validated using the content validity ratio (CVR) by Lawshe, and estimated for reliability using the test–retest method. A pilot study was done among 50 obese adolescents aged 10–19 years, who completed the questionnaire twice, with a gap of 15 days. Results: A total of 54 items were validated (CVR ≥0.99) from the 60 food items. A reliability score >0.7 was observed, and a significant correlation (P ≥ 0.01) between the test and retest results was determined. Conclusion: Hence, this FFQ is reliable and can be used for future research studies to elicit dAGE consumption among obese adolescents.

Myopericytoma (MPC) is a rare benign mesenchymal neoplasm with perivascular myoid differentiation that most commonly arises in middle adulthood. The lesion generally involves the subcutaneous soft tissue of the lower extremities. Histologically, it is characterised by concentric perivascular proliferation of spindled myoid cells with bland elongated nuclei associated with blood vessels. The present case series emphasises five cases of MPC in relatively younger-aged female patients. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was inconclusive in all five patients. Histopathological examination showed perivascular concentric proliferation of myoid tumour cells, which were ovoid, spindled, or round cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, and no nuclear atypia, hyperchromasia, or necrosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was positive for Smooth Muscle Actin (SMA). Although MPC can be diagnosed through histopathological examination, IHC is required for confirmation.

Nocardiosis is a rare infection due to a ubiquitous, gram-positive, weakly acid-fast, filamentous, aerobic bacteria, that are usually responsible for opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Less frequently, nocardiosis can affect immunocompetent patients, causing primary cutaneous infections. Here we present a case of a 45-year-old housewife with a 12-day history of red painful nodules arranged linearly on her right upper limb, without any apparent history of injuries or comorbidities, albeit with a hobby of gardening. The unusual yet characteristic presentation, microbiological findings, and excellent response to co-trimoxazole therapy were consistent with a diagnosis of sporotrichoid primary cutaneous nocardiosis. The uncommon lymphocutaneous presentation is often misdiagnosed. Therefore, keeping a high index of suspicion in such cases is important to improve the cure rate and prevent complications.

Pesticides have increased crop yield but severely impacted ecosystems and non-target organisms. Flubendiamide, a new generation pesticide, targets insect larvae but also affects non-target organisms. This study examines the effects of lowest observed effect concentration of technical grade flubendiamide (0.5 µg/µL) flubendiamide on chick liver, focusing on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme expression, oxidative stress, and liver damage. Chick embryos treated with flubendiamide showed significant alterations in CYP mRNA and protein levels, indicating increased toxicant accumulation. Elevated CYP3A4, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP2C19 levels were noted, suggesting enhanced biotransformation and detoxification processes. However, increased oxidative byproducts led to oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased glutathione (GSH) levels and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. DCFDA staining confirmed increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, indicating heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS). Liver function tests revealed significant increases in serum ALP, ALT, and AST levels, indicating acute liver damage. Histopathological analysis showed structural liver damage, including expanded sinusoidal spaces, impaired portal veins, and compromised hepatocyte architecture. These findings underscore flubendiamide's potential hepatotoxicity in non-target organisms, emphasizing the need for cautious pesticide use to minimize environmental impacts.

Ambiguity has always been a pain in the neck of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Despite enormous AI tools for human language processing, it remains a key concern for Language Technology Researchers to develop a linguistically intelligent tool that could effectively understand linguistic ambiguity and creativity possessed by human language. In this regard, the newly designed AI tool ChatGPT has dramatically attracted human attention due to its remarkable ability to answer human questions from a wide range of domains, which needs a reality check. This article scrutinises ChatGPT’s ability to answer and interpret neologisms, codemixing, and linguistically ambiguous sentences. For this, we have tested lexically, syntactically, and semantically ambiguous expressions, codemixed words, as well as a few language game instances. The findings show that ChatGPT still fails to understand linguistically complex sentences, specifically those common in everyday discourse or not part of any standard textbook. More specifically, semantically ambiguous sentences and language games remain an uphill task for ChatGPT to understand. This has implications for further improving the output of ChatGPT.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a disease of socioeconomic importance has been a serious threat to small ruminants. The causative agent of this disease is PPR virus (PPRV) which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus. Hemagglutinin (H) is a PPRV coded transmembrane protein embedded in the viral envelope and plays a vital role in mediating the entry of virion particle into the cell. The infected host mounts an effective humoral response against H protein which is important for host to overcome the infection. In the present study, we have investigated structural, physiological and functional properties of hemagglutinin protein using various computational tools. The sequence analysis and structure prediction analysis show that hemagglutinin protein comprises of beta sheets as the predominant secondary structure, and may lack neuraminidase activity. PPRV-H consists of several important domains and motifs that form an essential scaffold which impart various critical roles to the protein. Comparative modeling predicted the protein to exist as a homo-tetramer that binds to its cognate cellular receptors. Certain amino acid substitutions identified by multiple sequence alignment were found to alter the predicted structure of the protein. PPRV-H through its predicted interaction with TLR-2 molecule may drive the expression of CD150 which could further propagate the virus into the host. Together, our study provides new insights into PPRV-H protein structure and its predicted functions.

Machine learning is the analysis based on data that gives strategic decisions to cultivate an accurate and stable framework for different applications. Access to medical data with the utmost privacy and high data rates is still a challenging problem. To accomplish the above-mentioned features, the performance of federated learning (FL) with 5G massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) is investigated for IoMT systems. This provides an energy-efficient and privacy-preserving solution with high throughput for digital health system. In the proposed model, the uplink scenario is investigated using different detection techniques. The performance are evaluated at the central server and edge devices for different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and different fading channels. The ML bit error rate (BER) is better than MRC but with higher complexity. The accuracy obtained is approximately 90% with an improvement of around 8% to 9% as compared to the baseline approach.

Background: The bacteria, Achromobacter are present ubiquitously in the moist environment. Infections due to Achromobacter have mostly been reported in immunocompromised patients. However, the microorganism has also been associated with nosocomial infections even in healthy subjects. Report: We report chronic osteomyelitis caused by Achromobacter denitrificans in a 44-year-old male with a history of femoral intramedullary nail in situ. The organism was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MADI-TOF MS). Clinical management: The patient was managed with implant removal, surgical debridement and culture-directed antibiotic therapy that led to clinical cure. Conclusion: Identification of implant associated infection poses a serious challenge to surgeons and clinical microbiologists. Atypical pathogens must always be considered with a history of any implant in a case of chronic osteomyelitis.

Banks are crucial players in the operations of financial markets and have a significant impact on maintaining the stability and functionality of a country's economy. In the current highly competitive business landscape, the quality of services plays a vital role in improving consumer satisfaction and fostering customer loyalty. The current study’s aim is to better evaluate the context of customer satisfaction with online banking services and to signify the impact of the same. The present study is also stretched towards finding the determinants that have a high level of influence on customer satisfaction towards online banking services. For the investigation of the work, Agra (Uttar - Pradesh) is considered as the study region, the reason being the mixed population (urban and semi-urban) count in the study region. The study collects data from primary sources using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to investigate consumer satisfaction with the attributes of online banking services. By using the purposive sampling method, 400 self-administrated survey questionnaires were distributed to customers of different private banks operating in Agra via social media, from which 250 responses completed the survey. The analysis of the study has shown that the determinants of quality of service have an insightful effect on customer satisfaction with online banking services. In the current study dimensions for service quality -responsiveness, reliability, tangibility, empathy, technological advancement, and customer support were measured. Based on the current state of knowledge for online banking services to provide more insights for the policymakers and decision-making authorities. The banking system always tried to grasp better efforts to understand customer satisfaction.

The increased use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, soil-based heavy metals to improve productivity in agriculture results into higher pollution level in agroecosystem. It has become a major issue on a global scale that seriously jeopardizes people’s health and welfare as well as affects society and overall economy. In view of this, there is an urgent need to detect pollutants in the agroecosystem so that remediation practices can be implemented in time. The evolution of more responsive, affordable and precise technology is needed to create nano-sensors or nanodevices that can be used to monitor agricultural pollution, and the processes involved in pollution control. Major focused ones are those that can detect pollutants at very low concentration levels, as well as point-to-point sensing, in situ, and uninterrupted monitoring devices that offer synchronized data. These sensors are readily available in the market for the detection of organic pollutants, gases, volatile organic molecules, heavy metal ions, hazardous metal ions, etc. but they consume a lot of power and lack sophisticated technologies for improved selectivity and sensitivity. Their precision, sensitivity, response speed and environmental stability under actual operating conditions can all be improved with the aid of nanotechnology. In this study an attempt was made to describe how microbial biosensors can be used to detect toxic materials in agroecosystems. Additionally, an application of nanomaterials as pesticides and antimicrobial agent has also been discussed.

Introduction: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a critical complication in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Understanding the clinical features and bacterial profile of SBP is essential for its effective management. To study the clinical and bacteriological profile and the factors influencing the outcome of SBP in patients with CLD. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 113 patients diagnosed with SBP between January 2018 and December 2022 at a tertiary care hospital. We assessed the clinical features, laboratory parameters, causes of cirrhosis, and bacterial profiles. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between these parameters and the clinical outcomes. A p value of

Since late 2020, the Canadian Agency of Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has been using a threshold of $50,000 (CAD) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for both oncology and non-oncology drugs. When used for oncology products, this threshold is hypothesized to have a higher impact on the time to access these drugs in Canada. We studied the impact of price reductions on time to engagement and negotiation with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for oncology drugs reviewed by CADTH between January 2020 and December 2022. Overall, 103 assessments reported data on price reductions recommended by CADTH to meet the cost–effectiveness threshold for reimbursement. Of these assessments, 57% (59/103) recommendations included a price reduction of greater than 70% off the list price. Eight percent (8/103) were not cost-effective even at a 100% price reduction. Of the 47 assessments that had a clear benefit, in 21 (45%) CADTH recommended a price reduction of at least 70%. The median time to price negotiation (not including time to engagement) for assessments that received at least 70% vs >70% price reduction was 2.6 vs 4.8 months. This study showed that there is a divergence between drug sponsor’s incremental cost–effectiveness ratio (ICER) and CADTH revised ICER leading to a price reduction to meet the $50,000/QALY threshold. For the submissions with clear clinical benefit the median length of engagement (2.5 vs 3.3 months) and median length of negotiation (3.1 vs 3.6 months) were slightly shorter compared with the submissions where uncertainties were noted in the clinical benefit according to CADTH. This study shows that using a $50,000 per QALY threshold for oncology products potentially impacts timely access to life saving medications.

This comprehensive review examines the immense capacity of nanowires, nanostructures characterized by unbounded dimensions, to profoundly transform the field of biomedicine. Nanowires, which are created by combining several materials using techniques such as electrospinning and vapor deposition, possess distinct mechanical, optical, and electrical properties. As a result, they are well-suited for use in nanoscale electronic devices, drug delivery systems, chemical sensors, and other applications. The utilization of techniques such as the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) approach and template-assisted approaches enables the achievement of precision in synthesis. This precision allows for the customization of characteristics, which in turn enables the capability of intracellular sensing and accurate drug administration. Nanowires exhibit potential in biomedical imaging, neural interfacing, and tissue engineering, despite obstacles related to biocompatibility and scalable manufacturing. They possess multifunctional capabilities that have the potential to greatly influence the intersection of nanotechnology and healthcare. Surmounting present obstacles has the potential to unleash the complete capabilities of nanowires, leading to significant improvements in diagnostics, biosensing, regenerative medicine, and next-generation point-of-care medicines.

The antioxidant and photocatalytic activity of Artemisia stelleriana-based silver nanoparticles (AS-AgNPs) was investigated in this study. Microscopic, X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic studies were used to characterize the synthesized AS-AgNPs. UV–visible spectrophotometric examination revealed a peak at 425 nm. The phytocompounds involved in the transformation of silver ions into AS-AgNPs were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The crystalline nature of the AS-AgNPs was verified using the X-ray powder diffraction technique. Spherical-shaped AS-AgNPs with a size of 22.7 nm were proved using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The AS-AgNPs were top-notch photocatalysts for the degradation of Reactive Blue-222A (RB-222A) and Reactive Blue-220 (RB-220) dyes. After 80 min of UV light exposure, AS-AgNPs degraded RB-222A and RB-220 dyes by 94.6 and 90.8%, respectively. The phytotoxicity investigation in Vigna radiata and Artemia salina indicated that the hazardous dye can be degraded into innocuous chemicals by AS-AgNPs. The results suggest that AS-AgNPs are an excellent antioxidant and photocatalyst for the degradation of synthetic dyes. HIGHLIGHTS Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Artemisia stelleriana leaves.; Spherical-shaped AgNPs with 22.7 nm size were detected.; Degradations of Reactive Blue-220 and Reactive Blue-222A dyes were validated owing to the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs.; Low toxicity was observed during the toxicity analysis of the degraded dye.; AgNPs also showed significant antioxidant potential.;

Abstract With the blurring of boundaries in this digital age, there is increasing concern around work-personal conflict. Assessing and tracking work-personal conflict is critical as it not only affects individual workers but is also a vital measure among broader well-being and economic indices. This inductive study examines the extent to which work-personal conflict corresponds to individuals’ language use on social media. We apply an open-vocabulary analysis to the posts of 2810 Facebook users who also completed a survey for an established work-personal conflict scale. It was found that the language-based model can predict personal-to-work conflict (r = 0.23) and work-to-personal conflict (r = 0.15) and provide important insights into such conflicts. Specifically, we found that high personal-to-work conflict was associated with netspeak and swearing, while low personal-to-work conflict was associated with language about work and positivity. We found that high work-to-personal conflict was associated with negative emotion and negative tone, while low work-to-personal conflict was associated with positive emotion and language about birthdays.

The prevalence of obesity and related consequences, including insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s-like neuropathology, has increased dramatically. Contributing to this prevalence is the shift in lifestyle preference away from wholesome foods and exercise to the Western-style diet and sedentarism. Despite advances in drug development, a healthy diet and regular exercise remain the most effective approaches to mitigating the unwanted sequelae of diet-induced obesity on brain health. In this study, we used the high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) mouse model of neurodegeneration to examine the effects of exercise training (HFHS+Ex), genistein treatment (HFHS+Gen), and combination treatment (HFHS+Ex+Gen) on proteins relating to neurodegeneration in the brain of male mice. After a period of 12 weeks, as expected, HFHS feeding increased body weight, adipose tissue weight, and systemic plasma inflammation (TNF-α) compared to lean mice fed a standard diet. HFHS feeding also increased protein expression of brain markers of insulin resistance (pGSK-3β, p-IR), apoptosis (caspase 3), early neurofibrillary tangles (CP13), and amyloid-beta precursor (CT20). Compared to HFHS mice, Ex decreased body weight, plasma TNF-α, and expression of pGSK-3β, caspase 3, CP13, amyloid-β precursor (22c11), and ADAM10. Treatment with Gen was equally protective on these markers and decreased the expression of p-IR. Combination treatment with Ex and Gen afforded the greatest overall benefits, and this group exhibited the greatest reduction in body and adipose tissue weight and all brain markers, except for 22c11 and ADAM10, which were decreased compared to mice fed an HFHS diet. In addition, levels of 4G8, which detects protein levels of amyloid-β, were decreased with combination treatment. Our results indicate that exercise training, genistein supplementation, or combination treatment provide varying degrees of neuroprotection from HFHS feeding-induced Alzheimer’s pathology. Future perspectives could include evaluating moderate exercise regimens in combination with dietary supplementation with genistein in humans to determine whether the same benefits translate clinically.

The one-pot three-component synthesis of 3,4-Disubstituted isoxazole-5(4H)-ones has been developed using an aqueous micellar medium as a catalyst under milder reaction conditions. The reaction was completed by using 25 mol% of sodium lauryl sulfate in an aqueous medium at room temperature. The reaction employs a green solvent, an eco-friendly reagent, and a non-chromatographic method for purification. The present reaction tolerates several substituted aldehydes and has proved to be efficient along with excellent yield. Moreover, the micellar catalyst was recovered and reused several times without significantly losing its catalytic activity.

Introduction: Inspissated bile syndrome and choledocholithiasis are rare causes of obstructive jaundice in neonates. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a method for clearing the common bile duct employed in adults and older children but is rarely reported in neonates. Case presentation: We present a case series of 3 infants who underwent LCBDE in the setting of inspissated bile syndrome and/or choledocholithiasis. LCBDE was utilized to power flush the inspissated bile/choledocholithiasis and was successful. Patient 1 was noted to have a dilated common bile duct (CBD) in the setting of inspissated bile. A glidewire was utilized to gain access to the common bile duct via micropuncture needle through the abdominal wall directly into the gallbladder to allow for distal power flushing resulting in successful clearance of the duct noted by repeat cholangiogram. Patient 2 presented with elevated LFTs and dilated CBD with unclear etiology. In a similar fashion to patient 1, access was gained via wire to allow for power flushing resulting in duct clearance. Patient 3, presented with choledocholithiasis and wire access was obtained, however this time via a transcystic ductotomy with a catheter able to be directed to the common bile duct for distal power flushing resulting in duct clearance. Conclusion: These cases highlight the convergence of techniques and equipment gleaned from other types of procedures and indications that allowed us to tailor the surgical approach for definitive clearance of the biliary system. Level of evidence: IV.

IntroductionThis paper was based on data from the core course in environmental health (EH) for master’s in public health students at Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences at Rutgers, and The State University of New Jersey (NJ).MethodsThe multi-part poll or survey of students was in the first module (2 weeks) of the course’s eight module organization on Rutgers Canvas Learning Management System. We collected data every time the first author led this course section during the three academic semesters of each calendar year 2015-2023 (excluding winter 2022-summer 2023 due to grants buyout during COVID-19 pandemic).ResultsData suggested interesting trends and changes in geographic levels of interest over time for EH. When examining interests separately for urban EH and rural EH, the trend was toward approximately equal interests in local, county and state levels (lower than national level—U.S. or student’s home country/nation—but higher than global level). This is where many EH job opportunities are located. Overall, 95% of students reported they believed climate change is real, and 95% of students agreed (“yes”) human activities including combustion sources of pollution contribute to climate change. No one stated “no;” the rest were not sure at the time.DiscussionThese insights from new public health students across majors/concentrations in NJ could inform other accredited SPH across the U.S. and in other nations to help plan future versions of core courses in EH or SPH-wide integrated core courses in compliance with required competencies for accreditation.

Abstract Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is believed to be an important staple food crop providing potential valuable food source as well as variety of phytoconstituents. Its starchy tubers provide a significant source of energy for around 500 million individuals. Among staple crops, it is regarded to be one of the top suppliers of carbohydrates. Its physicochemical qualities, as well as its availability, have made it a captivating food component. Cassava starch is a valuable raw material used to make a variety of both native and modified starch for cooking purposes. They have also been used for a variety of industrial uses. Cassava starch and flour have the potential to be valuable alternatives to rice, maize, and wheat crops. The advantages included being a staple diet for humans, a component of animal feeds, a raw ingredient for food processing, edible coatings, locally produced alcoholic beverages, and ethanol manufacturing. The roots consist of cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to lethal cyanide poisoning if tubers arse not properly detoxified using different processing methods include washing, fermentation, boiling, peeling and chemical processing to escape toxin content. The current review summarizes cassava's bioactive components which could be a potential source of various pharmaceutical drugs as well as a source of traditional and modern food applications.

Amygdala function is implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety. We investigated associations between early trajectories of amygdala growth and anxiety and ASD outcomes at school age in two longitudinal studies: high- and low-familial likelihood for ASD, Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS, n = 257) and typically developing (TD) community sample, Early Brain Development Study (EBDS, n = 158). Infants underwent MRI scanning at up to 3 timepoints from neonate to 24 months. Anxiety was assessed at 6–12 years. Linear multilevel modeling tested whether amygdala volume growth was associated with anxiety symptoms at school age. In the IBIS sample, children with higher anxiety showed accelerated amygdala growth from 6 to 24 months. ASD diagnosis and ASD familial likelihood were not significant predictors. In the EBDS sample, amygdala growth from birth to 24 months was associated with anxiety. More anxious children had smaller amygdala volume and slower rates of amygdala growth. We explore reasons for the contrasting results between high-familial likelihood for ASD and TD samples, grounding results in the broader literature of variable associations between early amygdala volume and later anxiety. Results have the potential to identify mechanisms linking early amygdala growth to later anxiety in certain groups.

The aim of this research work is to investigate the effect of strain rates and temperatures on the mechanical properties of an equiatomic copper-nickel (Cu–Ni) alloy with a pre-existing faceted Σ3 [111] 60° {11 8 5} grain boundary. Molecular dynamics simulations conducted in this scrutiny focuses on understanding the tensile behaviour of bicrystalline equiatomic Cu–Ni alloys (denoted by Cu50Ni50) under various thermodynamic conditions. The uniaxial tensile deformation simulation was carried out at various strain rates (108, 109 and 1010 1/s) in conjunction with different conditions of cryogenic temperature (100 K), room temperature (300 K) and high temperature (500 K). The authors found that the yield stress and Young's modulus of the bicrystalline Cu50Ni50 alloy were highest at the cryogenic temperature, and decreased as the temperature increased. To add on, the yield stress of the bicrystalline Cu50Ni50 alloy increased with an increase in the strain rate value. From the microstructural and dislocation analysis point of view, it was observed that the formation of dislocations was lowest at the cryogenic temperature. Interestingly, at the yield point, the coherent twin boundary tip act as the nucleation site for the dislocations for cryogenic temperature condition. These findings shed light on the relationship between the temperatures, strain rates, and the mechanical properties of Cu–Ni alloys, which will aid in reporting the optimized conditions for their desired engineering applications. It is also proposed that tailoring of the tensile properties is achievable by exposing Cu–Ni alloys to various environmental conditions (cryogenic, ambient, and elevated temperatures with different applied strain rates).

About 65.5 % of the Indians live in rural areas while availability of healthcare is biased towards urban setups. Medicine in undergraduates is taught in ivory towers of medical colleges, a paradigm shift in teaching bedside medicine from these ivory towers to community level is required. Hence a new competency-based medical education for undergraduate course was adopted with family adoption program as a vital component, which provides an opportunity for undergraduates to get sensitised to problems and social dynamics at grass root level. We propose an integrated holistic health team model to implement family adoption program so as to address needs of community and build consensus amongst graduate students from various health disciplines to work in integrated team approach and result in enhanced learning. A five pronged strategy is implemented by forming an integrated team comprising of students from medical, aental, ayurveda, and physiotherapy & nursing streams. The institutions that have undergraduate program for any two to five of these disciplines can adopt proposed approach. Expected outcomes of utilising this model is to create holistic health team thereby inculcating in budding graduates team spirit, mutual cooperation & respect for other disciplines of health sciences and thereby holistic healthcare to community.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit juices on Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens involved in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among tribal women in the district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India.Methods : : Fresh juices of lemon (Citrus limon), amla/Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), pineapple (Ananas comosus), mosambi/sweet lime (Citrus limetta), orange (Citrus sinensis), kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens involved in UITs and STIs among tribal women. Physico-chemical analysis of fresh fruits was also carried out by measuring the pH, moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate, and ascorbic acid content.Results : : Lemon and amla juice showed better antibacterial activity against the pathogens as compared to other juices. MIC results fruit juices against UTIs and STIs pathogens vary depending on the specific pathogen and juice chemical constituents. The physico-chemical analysis showed that the moisture content was highest in mosambi (90%), followed by orange (87%). Ascorbic acid content was found highest in amla (540 mg/100 g), followed by kiwi (90.3 mg/100 g). Pomegranate showed highest concentration of carbohydrate (15.28 g/100 g), fat (1.28 g/100 g), and protein (1.65 g/100 g). Lemon juice had lowest pH of 2.20, followed by amla 2.67.Conclusion : : The lemon juice showed highest antibacterial activity against MDR bacterial pathogens involved in UTIs and STIs among tribal women in district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The low pH of lemon may be responsible for its high antibacterial activity as compared to other juices.

Abstract The enhanced availability of functional fibroblasts from precious tissue samples requires an ideal cell-culture system. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the performance of caprine adult fibroblast cells (cadFibroblast) when cultivated in different culture media. The cadFibroblast cell lines from adult Barbari (Capra hircus) bucks were established and the effect of different media viz. DMEM/F-12 [with low-glucose (5.5 mM; DL) and high-glucose (30 mM; DH)], α-MEM [with low-glucose (5.5 mM; ML) and with high-glucose (30 mM; MH)], and fibroblast growth medium (FGM) were evaluated. Cells were then compared for growth characteristics and in-vitro dynamics through cellular morphology, proliferation, population-doubling time, double-immunocytochemistry, colony-forming units, wound healing, transwell migration, and differential expression of fibroblast-specific markers (FSP-1 and vimentin). The results of immunocytochemistry, transwell migration/invasion, and wound healing assays showed the superiority of DH over DL and other media tested. Whereas, similar effects of glucose supplementation and expression of FSP-1 were not observed in α-MEM. Transwell migration was significantly (p

Abstract The present investigation was conducted to assess the nutritional diverseness and identify novel genetic resources to be utilized in chickpea breeding for macro and micro nutrients. The plants were grown in randomized block design. Nutritional and phytochemical properties of nine chickpea genotypes were estimated. The EST sequences from NCBI database were downloaded in FASTA format, clustered into contigs using CAP3, mined for novel SSRs using TROLL analysis and primer pairs were designed using Primer 3 software. Jaccard’s similarity coefficients were used to compare the nutritional and molecular indexes followed by dendrograms construction employing UPGMA approach. The genotypes PUSA-1103, K-850, PUSA-1108, PUSA-1053 and the EST-SSR markers including the 5 newly designed namely ICCeM0012, ICCeM0049, ICCeM0067, ICCeM0070, ICCeM0078, SVP55, SVP95, SVP96, SVP146, and SVP217 were found as potential donor/marker resources for the macro–micro nutrients. The genotypes differed (p

Despite consensus on universal screening of women at 24–28 weeks for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, controversy remains on an appropriate criterion. The study is aimed to find out the sensitivity and specificity of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria compared to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A meta-analysis of studies comparing DIPSI as an index test to IADPSG as the reference test for diagnosing GDM was carried out. A total of 8 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.44 [0.29 to 0.60] and specificity of 0.97 [0.94 to 0.98], which means the index test DIPSI will correctly identify only 44% of the subjects who have the disease (GDM positive) but it will also fail to identify 56% of the GDM positive subjects. Derek's funnel graph revealed fewerchances of publication bias. Though convenient, DIPSI criteria was not found to be sensitive enough for a diagnosis of GDM and missed an opportunity to improve pregnancy and subsequent long-term outcomes for a substantial number of women. Further studies should focus on comparing pregnancy outcomes for the two criteria, so that decision to adopt any criteria is more evidence-based.

A stable aerobic consortium was enriched to degrade crystalline cellulose (Whatman filter paper 1). The degradation efficiency of the consortium after 7 days of incubation was 91% compared to the control. One bacterial isolate, C7, capable of degrading various cellulosic substrates, was obtained from the consortium under aerobic conditions. The sequencing of 16s rDNA revealed that it was related to Paenibacillus sp. It degraded 83% of cotton after 3 days of incubation. The degradation efficiency of Paenibacillus sp. C7 for filter paper, cotton, and avicel was 90%, 90%, and 92% after 5 days of incubation compared to the control. It also degraded non-pretreated agricultural residues efficiently by 70% for rice straw and 46% for wheat bran in 10 days. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) of degraded filter paper after 2 days of incubation indicated smoother and thinner fabrics in its structure. It is a potential cheaper candidate for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass without any pretreatment.

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a diverse enzyme family crucial for cell signalling in various organs. Its dysregulation is linked to numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological problems. In the brain, PKC plays pivotal roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and neuronal survival. Specifically, PKC’s involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathogenesis is of significant interest. The dysregulation of PKC signalling has been linked to neurological disorders, including AD. This review elucidates PKC’s pivotal role in neurological health, particularly its implications in AD pathogenesis and chronic alcohol addiction. AD, characterised by neurodegeneration, implicates PKC dysregulation in synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Conversely, chronic alcohol consumption elicits neural adaptations intertwined with PKC signalling, exacerbating addictive behaviours. By unravelling PKC’s involvement in these afflictions, potential therapeutic avenues emerge, offering promise for ameliorating their debilitating effects. This review navigates the complex interplay between PKC, AD pathology, and alcohol addiction, illuminating pathways for future neurotherapeutic interventions.

Abstract Treatment paradigms for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have evolved at a rapid pace in recent years. The combination of venetoclax with a hypomethylating agent prolonged survival in clinical trials when compared to hypomethylating agent monotherapy. However, little is known about the performance of venetoclax‐based regimens outside of clinical trials, given conflicting safety and efficacy data. Even less is known about the impact of the hypomethylating agent backbone. In this study, we demonstrate that decitabine‐venetoclax is associated with a significantly higher rate of grade three or higher thrombocytopenia, but lower rates of lymphocytopenia compared to azacitidine‐venetoclax. There was no difference in response or survival across ELN 2017 cytogenetic risk categories in the overall cohort. Significantly more patients succumb to relapsed or refractory disease than death from any other cause. We demonstrated that a Charlson comorbidity index score threshold of seven identifies exceptionally high‐risk patients, providing evidence for clinical use to reduce the risk of early treatment‐related mortality. Lastly, we provide evidence that measurable residual disease negativity and an IDH mutation predict a significant survival benefit outside clinical trials. Taken together, these data illuminate the real‐world performance of venetoclax and decitabine or azacitidine in the treatment of AML.

Quality changes in ready-to-eat, shelf-stable foods, during storage can be influenced by many factors, such as processing, storage conditions, and the barrier properties of the packaging. This research investigated retention of vitamin C and anthocyanin in purple mashed potatoes as influenced by packaging barrier properties and encapsulation during storage after microwave assisted thermal sterilization. Purple mashed potatoes fortified with encapsulated (EVC) or non-encapsulated vitamin C (NVC) were packaged in two high-barrier polymer pouches (TLMO and PAA), processed with a pilot-scale microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) system (F0 = 10.7 min), and stored at 37.8 °C for 7 months. MATS processing caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the oxygen transmission rates (OTRs) of PAA pouches but did not affect the barrier properties of TLMO pouches. PAA film also had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) water vapor transmission rate (WVTRs) than TLMO films, which resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0.05) weight loss in the samples packaged in PAA pouches than TLMO pouches. Purple mashed potatoes containing encapsulated vitamin C in both TLMO and PAA pouches showed the highest retention over 2 months of storage at 37.8 °C than non-encapsulated vitamin C. Additionally, purple mashed potatoes exposed to 700 lumens light showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) deterioration in the anthocyanin, total phenolic content, color, and vitamin C. Overall, MATS processed purple mashed potatoes in high barrier polymeric packaging can minimize the quality changes when stored in dark conditions during storage and have an extended shelf life.

Textile effluents being one of the major reasons for water pollution raises major concern for water bodies and the habitation surrounding them. The lack of biologically safer treatment solutions creates a major concern for the disposal of these effluents. The present study focuses on the degradation of textile dyes using leaf extract of Artemisia stelleriana-assisted nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs). ZnO NPs synthesized were confirmed using spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction and microscopic analysis. The current research utilizes widely used major textile dyes, Reactive Yellow-145 (RY-145), Reactive Red-120 (RR-120), Reactive Blue-220 (RB-220) and Reactive Blue-222A (RB-222A), which are released accidentally or due to the non-availability of cost-efficient, dependable and environment-friendly degradation methods, making this work a much-needed one for preventing the discharge before treatment. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs were top-notch catalysts for the reduction of these dyes, which is witnessed by a gradual decrease in absorbance maximum values. After 320 min, ZnO-NPs under UV light exposure showed 99, 95, 94 and 45% degradations of RY-145, RR-120, RB-220 and RB-222A dyes, respectively. The phytotoxicity study conducted at two trophic levels revealed that the A. stelleriana-mediated ZnO-NPs have great potential for the degradation of textile dyes, allowing them to be scaled up to large-scale treatments. HIGHLIGHTS Zinc nanoparticles were synthesized using Artemisia stelleriana leaves.; Near-spheroid, thin rods and irregular nanoparticles were detected.; A band gap of 3.033 eV was obtained.; Degradations of Reactive Yellow-145, Reactive Red-120, Reactive Blue-220 and Reactive Blue-222A dyes were validated owing to the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles.; Low toxicity was observed during the toxicity analysis of the degraded dye.;

Filariasis is a common public health problem in Southeast Asia. The two species of worms most commonly associated with this disease are Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. Cases of microfilaraemia have also been reported from atypical sites in the past. None of the previously reported cases of microfilaria in the thyroid gland have described occult filariasis against a background of lymphocytic thyroiditis. The authors present a case of incidental microfilaria in a case of lymphocytic thyroiditis, diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid swelling in a female, a coexistence of dual pathology. There has been no case in literature where filariasis was reported against a background of lymphocytic thyroiditis. Peripheral blood examination also did not show any evidence of filariasis.