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Introduction: The 1.2 °C rise of global ambient temperature since the pre-industrial era has led to an increase the intensity and frequency of heatwaves. Given the heightened vulnerability of pregnant women to heat stress, there is an urgent need for tools which accurately assess the knowledge, risk, and perception of pregnant woman toward heatwaves, enabling effective policy actions. In this research, we developed and validated tools to evaluate pregnant women's perceptions of heat wave risks and behaviors., Method: We developed 50 items across seven constructs using the Health Belief Model, identified through a systematic literature review. The constructs comprised 8 Knowledge(K) items, 4 in Perceived Vulnerability (PV), 5 in Perceived Severity (PS), 6 in Perceived Benefit (PB), 4 in Perceived Barrier (PBa), 5 in Cue to Action(Cu) and 18 in Adaptation(A). Cognitive testing was performed with a separate group of pregnant women(n = 20). The tested tools were then administered to 120 pregnant women residing during the spring-summer 2023. Construct validation utilized exploratory factor analysis., Results: The Principal Axis Factoring Method was employed in the EFA with oblimin rotation for 51 items, considering communality > 0.20, and aiming to extract three factors. Across the three factors with Cronbach's alpha > 0.70, a total of 11 items were distributed. Factor 1 included Perceived Severity (PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS5); Factor 2 included Cue to Action (Cu1, Cu2, Cu3, and Cu4); and Factor 3 encompassed Perceived Vulnerability (PV1, PV2, PV4). Only two of the retained items had factor loadings > 0.50, namely PV4 and PS5. Consequently, the three constructs measuring Perceived Severity, Cues to Action, and Perceived Vulnerability using the HBM among pregnant women were deemed valid., Conclusion: Our study has successfully validated a highly reliable tool which stands ready for application in assessing pregnant women's risk perception regarding heatwaves., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of global mortality, underscoring the critical need for accurate and timely diagnosis. This narrative review examines the current applications and future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cardiovascular imaging. We discuss the integration of these technologies across various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging techniques. The review explores AI-assisted diagnosis in key areas such as coronary artery disease detection, valve disorders assessment, cardiomyopathy classification, arrhythmia detection, and prediction of cardiovascular events. AI demonstrates promise in improving diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and personalized care. However, significant challenges persist, including data quality standardization, model interpretability, regulatory considerations, and clinical workflow integration. We also address the limitations of current AI applications and the ethical implications of their implementation in clinical practice. Future directions point towards advanced AI architectures, multimodal imaging integration, and applications in precision medicine and population health management. The review emphasizes the need for ongoing collaboration between clinicians, data scientists, and policymakers to realize the full potential of AI in cardiovascular imaging while ensuring ethical and equitable implementation. As the field continues to evolve, addressing these challenges will be crucial for the successful integration of AI technologies into cardiovascular care, potentially revolutionizing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Reza-Soltani et al.)

Pediatric brain tumors are the major cause of pediatric cancer mortality. They comprise a diverse group of tumors with different developmental origins, genetic profiles, therapeutic options, and outcomes. Despite many technological advancements, the treatment of pediatric brain cancers has remained a challenge. Treatment options for pediatric brain cancers have been ineffective due to non-specificity, inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and causing off-target side effects. In recent years, nanotechnological advancements in the medical field have proven to be effective in curing challenging cancers like brain tumors. Moreover, nanoparticles have emerged successfully, particularly in carrying larger payloads, as well as their stability, safety, and efficacy monitoring. In the present review, we will emphasize pediatric brain cancers, barriers to treating these cancers, and novel treatment options.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of faecal calprotectin (f-CP) in distinguishing between bacterial and viral aetiologies of infective diarrhoea in children attending a tertiary care hospital in Central India., Methods: Stool samples from children aged 3 months to 10 years who had acute or persistent diarrhoea were processed for microscopy, bacterial culture, and viral antigen detection (Rotavirus and Norovirus). The remaining samples, as well as stool samples from 20 healthy controls, were tested for f-CP using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay., Results: Among 48 patients, 21 (43.7%) had bacterial diarrhoea, 14 (29.2%) had viral diarrhoea, and 13 (27.1%) had an unidentified aetiology. The median f-CP values were significantly (p ​= ​0.004) higher in children with bacterial diarrhoea (75.2 ​μg/g; IQR-18.75-239.15) than in children with viral diarrhoea (75.2 ​μg/g; IQR-123.5-1987.5). Bacterial aetiology could be reliably predicted at the optimum f-CP concentrations of >541 ​μg/g and >238.4 ​μg/g in children aged 1 and 1-4 years, with an area under the curve of 0.767 and 0.867, respectively, using receiver-operator characteristic analysis., Conclusions: Faecal calprotectin could reliably distinguish between bacterial and viral aetiologies of diarrhoea in children aged up to four years, but at relatively higher age-specified cut off values., (Copyright © 2023 Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An ideal bone regeneration scaffold system needs to meet the high compressive properties of the bone. The stiffness of the scaffold extracellular matrix determines the cell's fate via cell adhesion migration and differentiation in-vitro and in-vivo. This study aims to investigate the effect of hydrothermal treatment on polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) fibrous biomaterials and its effect on scaffold morphology, cell viability, and function in-vitro. FTIR analysis revealed the ability of the thermal treatment to set the interaction of HAp with polymeric PEC fibers. FESEM analysis showed that with an increase in temperature, the interconnectivity and pore size increased (control-82.38 ± 12.92 μm; at 120°C-335.48 ± 85.10 μm). Mechanical tests showed that the scaffolds heated at 90°C showed the highest stiffness in both dry and wet states (dry state: 1.82 ± 0.07 MPa, wet state: 122 ± 1.78 kPa). Additionally, the hydrothermal treatment also improved the aqueous stability as well as swelling capacity. According to the experimental findings, hydrothermal treatment is a useful technique for crosslinker-free gelation with improved mechanical strength and nanofibrous structure. Furthermore, the cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of the MG63 cells on the hydrogel scaffolds in-vitro were evaluated by MTT assay, confocal imaging, alkaline phosphatase assay, and collagen estimation. The in-vitro study showed that scaffolds fabricated at 90°C promoted better MG63 cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. These results suggest the potential use of hydrothermal treated chitosan-polygalacturonic acid (PgA) fibrous scaffolds in bone tissue engineering., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

An extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking a 3D microenvironment is an essential requirement to achieve desirable repair or regeneration of damaged tissue or organ. In this context, hydrogels may be able to create an appropriate 3D microenvironment. The lack of mechanical stability limits their application. This study prepared and characterized thermosensitive injectable hydrogels based on chitosan and polygalacturonic acid (PgA). A method of producing novel biomimetic polymeric-based injectable hydrogel using hydrothermal assisted hydrolysis is introduced. The synthesized hydrogels showed good compressive stiffness. We have also studied the possible chemistry of the materials in the hydrogel network. The biocompatibility and gelation time of the hydrogel was optimized by adding β-glycerophosphate (βGP) and hydroxyapatite. The synthesized liquid formulation can turn into gel at 37 °C. The biocompatibility for MG63 cells within 3D hydrogels was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PEC fibers are uniformly distributed in the hydrogel matrix. MTT assay and confocal imaging were employed to observe cytotoxicity and proliferation of cells cultured in the hydrogels with and without an osteogenic medium. Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and collagen production in cell-cultured hydrogel were also measured to evaluate osteoblast activity. The cellular responses to various types of hydrogels cultured at a 14-day culture appeared to be superior in the hydrogels with gelatin incorporated and hydrothermally treated PEC fibers. These results indicated that hydrothermal treatment and inclusion of gelatin in the chitosan-βGP hydrogel system enhanced the hydrogel bioactivity and mechanical properties. Overall, improved cellular proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and stable physical network with uniform distribution of fibrous matrix in-vitro were achieved., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition of thyroid hormone deficiency and is frequently seen in women. Studies regarding the prevalence of hypothyroidism among healthy young adult females are very less. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of hypothyroidism among female medical students in a teaching hospital., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among first to final-year female medical students in a teaching hospital from 15 August 2021 to 22 January 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Registration number: 296). A semi-structured questionnaire was filled out by the students followed by a clinical examination to recognize the high-risk group by Zulewski's scoring criteria. Blood samples were taken from those who were having a score of >5 points for the thyroid function test to confirm hypothyroidism. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated., Results: Among 141 female medical students, the hypothyroidism was found in 3 (2.12%) (0-4.50, 95% Confidence Interval)., Conclusions: The prevalence of hypothyroidism among the female medical students in a teaching hospital was lesser when compared with other studies from similar settings., Keywords: hypothyroidism; medical student; prevalence; thyroid stimulating hormone; thyroxine.

Milk is the most common food consumed worldwide and is also a major ingredient in the preparation of various dairy products. However, despite the high production and consumption of milk and milk-based products, there is a large percent of the world's population that suffer from allergies to milk solids and lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance specifically means the inability of the body to breakdown the sugar to its simplest form for assimilation and it is due to the inefficiency or lack of the enzyme in the human body. The most convenient prevention method for the affected population is to avoid milk and milk-based products but this may be a cause of development of other health related issues that result from inadequate nutrient consumption. To help find an alternative to this problem, this study aims at first studying the underlying information on lactose intolerance and then studying plant-based beverages as a possible alternative to milk and milk-based products.Key teaching pointsLactose intolerance specifically means the inability of the body to breakdown the sugar to its simplest form for assimilation and it is due to the inefficiency or lack of the enzyme in the human body.Consumption of probiotics may help relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.Soy beverage can be an economical alternative for lactose intolerant populations and has calcium content comparable to bovine milk.Calcium absorption in fortified plant based beverages depends upon type of calcium salt used.

Purpose: Among the lung cancer types, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is prominent and less responsive to chemotherapy. The current chemotherapeutics for NSCLC are associated with several dose-limiting side effects like bone-marrow suppression, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity, etc. which are causing non-compliance in patients. Many tumors, including breasts, lung, ovarian, etc. overexpress PPAR-γ receptors and COX-2 enzymes, which play a crucial role in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Lack of PPAR-γ activation and overproduction of prostaglandins, result in uncontrolled activation of Ras/Raf/Mek ultimately, NF-κB mediated tumor proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer potential of PPAR-γ agonist Pioglitazone combined with COX-2 inhibitor Celelcoxib in NSCLC., Methods: Sixty adult Balb/C male mice were classified into sham control, disease control, and treatment groups. Mice were treated with Nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) (10 mg/kg), pioglitazone (10 & 20 mg/kg) and celecoxib (25 & 50 mg/kg). Weekly body weight, food intake, mean survival time & % increased life span were determined. Tumor weight and histopathological analysis were performed at the end of the study., Results: The significant tumor reducing potential of pioglitazone combined with celecoxib was observed (p < 0.05). The treatment groups (treated with pioglitazone and celecoxib) showed a remarkable decrease in lung tumor weight, improved life span and mean survival time (p < 0.05). Histopathological studies confirm that treatment groups (treated with pioglitazone and celecoxib) reframed the lung architecture compared to disease control., Conclusion: Preliminary results revealed that pioglitazone adjunacy with celecoxib may be an effective chemo-preventive agent against NNK induce NSCLC., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Scientific insights gained from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks have been assisting scientists and researchers in the quest of antiviral drug discovery process against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses and influenza viruses both rely on the host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2, for entry and propagation. Recent studies report SARS-CoV-2 also uses TMPRSS2 to enter cells. In the current study, we employed structure-based virtual screening of 1,82,651 natural compounds downloaded from the zin database against the homology model of the TMPRSS2 protein, followed by a molecular dynamics-based simulation to identify potential TMPRSS2 hits. The virtual screening yielded 110 hits with docking scores ranging from -8.654 to -6.775 and glide energies ranging from -55.714 to -29.065 kcal/mol. The binding mode analysis revealed that the hit molecules made H-bond, Pi-Pi stacking and salt bridge contacts with the TMPRSS2 active site residues. MD simulations of the top two hits (ZINC000095912839 and ZINC000085597504) revealed to form a stable complex with TMPRSS2, with a minimal RMSD and RMSF fluctuation. Both the hit structures interacted strongly with the Asp180, Gln183, Gly184, Ser186, Gly207 and Gly209, as predicted by Glide XP docking, and formed a significant H-bond interaction with Ser181 in MD simulation. Among these two, ZINC000095912839 was having the most stable binding interaction with TMPRSS2 of the two molecules. The present study successfully identified TMPRSS2 ligands from a database of zinc natural molecules as potential leads for novel SARs-CoV-2 treatment., Supplementary Inform: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11224-022-01991-3., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022.)

The scientific insights gained from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks are helping scientists to fast-track the antiviral drug discovery process against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses, as well as influenza viruses, depend on host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2, for entry and propagation in the human cell. Recent studies show that SARS-CoV-2 also uses TMPRSS2 for its cell entry. In the present study, a structure-based virtual screening of 52,337, protease ligands downloaded from the Zinc database was carried out against the homology model of TMPRSS2 protein followed by the molecular dynamics-based simulation to identify potential TMPRSS2 hits. The virtual screening has identified 13 hits with a docking score range of -10.447 to -9.863 and glide energy range of -60.737 to -40.479 kcal/mol. The binding mode analysis shows that the hit molecules form H-bond (Asp180, Gly184 & Gly209), Pi-Pi stacking (His41), and salt bridge (Asp180) type of contacts with the active site residues of TMPRSS2. In the MD simulation of ZINC000013444414, ZINC000137976768, and ZINC000143375720 hits show that these molecules form a stable complex with TMPRSS2. The complex equilibrates well with a minimal RMSD and RMSF fluctuation. All three structures, as predicted in Glide XP docking, show a prominent interaction with the Asp180, Gly184, Gly209, and His41. Further, MD simulation also identifies a notable H-bond interaction with Ser181 for all three hits. Among these hits, ZINC000143375720 shows the most stable binding interaction with TMPRSS2. The present study is successful in identifying TMPRSS2 ligands from zinc data base for a possible application in the treatment of COVID-19., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022.)

Constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), and constant power (CP) find numerous applications in different stages of the power supply chain and are often a part of various industrial and commercial needs. Although several conventional power supplies are available in the market to provide CC, CV, and CP, their outputs are specific and limited to one or two of these power modes. In light of this, this paper introduces a multipurpose power supply that can deliver power in all three modes (CC, CV, and CP) irrespective of load dynamics. A novel branch type resonant converter comprising three inductors and a capacitor is investigated for the design and development of the power supply. Consumers can choose their preferred mode of operation by switching the operating frequency. This multipurpose power supply subsidizes the space, technology, time, and economy required for three individual supplies and bags magnificent features such as simple control with efficiency greater than 95% in the CC mode and above 80% in CV and CP modes, subjected to loading constraints. The versatility of the power supply is validated by a hardware prototype tested at different load conditions. Regardless of the changes in load resistance, the proposed power supply remained rigid and efficient in each of the mentioned modes.

Endometrial cancer (EMC) is one of the complicated gynecological cancers, affecting more than three million women worldwide. Anticancer strategies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are found to be ineffective and are associated with patient incompliances. The aim of the present study is to repurpose non-oncological drug, i.e., Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, in the treatment of endometrial cancer. The study groups consist of 50 female Swiss albino mice, out of which 40 had endometrial cancer induced with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and estradiol hexadrobenzoate (EHB). The other groups received saline, EHB, paclitaxel, and different test doses of pioglitazones. Different preliminary parameters such as weekly body weight, mean survival time, percentage increase in life span, and uterine tissue weight were analyzed along with histopathological analysis. We observed a significant change in weekly body weight, improvement in percentage life span, and partial restoration of uterine tissue weight to normal compared to a standard drug, paclitaxel. In the present preliminary evaluation, we have identified that pioglitazone exhibited a significant dose-dependent anticancer activity against ENU- and EHB-induced endometrial cancer, compared to the standard paclitaxel.

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a silent killer, accountable for life-threatening complications. An individual's illness perception may affect adherence to treatment which is crucial to prevent complications of HTN. The objective of this study was to identify illness perception and treatment adherence among patients with HTN in a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal., Methods: Descriptive correlational study was conducted in the out-patient department of Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Kathmandu Nepal. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. A face-to-face interview was conducted from September to December 2018, using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic variables, illness perception questionnaire (revised) and Hill bone compliance to high blood pressure therapy scale. Data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test, Spearman rank correlation)., Results: Among 204 participants, 51% were male, 77% were literate, mean ± S.D. age was 60±12. About 72% experienced headache and 88% said that headache is related to HTN. Behavioural factors and psychological factors were regarded as the leading cause of HTN. Almost 63% participants believed HTN as highly threatening illness. Higher scores in timeline (acute/chronic), personal control, and treatment control revealed that patients believed HTN as a chronic disease with a higher rate of personal and treatment control. Regarding treatment adherence, the mean score was 16.58 (SD = 2.08), and only 14.7% had perfect adherence. Participants were more adherent to medication and appointment keeping rather than reduce salt intake. Duration of HTN diagnosis ( p =0.027) and duration under HTN medication ( p = 0.021) were found to be significantly associated with treatment adherence. There was a significant positive correlation between illness perception and treatment adherence ( ρ = 0.282, p <0.01)., Conclusion: Illness perception and treatment adherence are correlated. Hence, it is beneficial to improve illness perception to achieve perfect treatment adherence. Reinforcement is essential to maintain adherence to both medications and behaviour therapy., Competing Interests: Rajina Shakya reports faculty research grants from University Grant Commission, Nepal, outside the submitted work. The authors declare no other potential conflicts of interest for this work., (© 2020 Shakya et al.)

Background: Infant birthweight is an important public health indicator that is a proxy of maternal and baby's health. Earthquakes can cause acute distress, but can also contribute to chronic stress through long-term disruptions to social, economic and domestic circumstances. The aims of this study were to examine the direct effect of earthquake experiences on the birthweight of infants of women who experienced the 2015 Nepal Earthquakes during pregnancy and whether mental health mediated this relationship., Methods: This is a prospective, population-based cohort study. Pregnant women in Bhaktapur District, Nepal who had experienced the 2015 earthquakes after conception were recruited. Baseline data were collected in structured individual interviews. Follow up was a short telephone interview two weeks after the baby's birth. Infant birthweight recorded on the hospital-issued birth certificate. The direct effect of earthquake experiences on birthweight and the indirect effect via antenatal common mental disorders (CMDs) were tested using Sobel tests simultaneously., Results: In total 497/498 women contributed baseline data and 469 (94.4%) women also provided the birth weight of their infants. In total 6% of infants had low birth weight (< 2.5 kg). The earthquake experiences did not have a significant direct effect on birthweight (p = 0.116). However, the effect of earthquake experiences had a significant indirect effect on infant birthweight via CMDs. When 15 covariates were controlled, women who had moderate to severe earthquake experiences had an increase of 1.58 scores of antenatal CMD symptoms that resulted in their babies being 20.50 g lighter than those who had low earthquake experiences (p = 0.026)., Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate that the relationship is mediated by the mental health of women during pregnancy. Data demonstrate that the mental health of women who are pregnant should be prioritised in post-disaster management not only because of the burden experienced by women but also because of the risk for the growth and development of their babies.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

The use of injectable hydrogels is currently restricted by the challenge of achieving fast gelation, good mechanical strength, and cytocompatibility. Polymeric self-assembly is a potent tool for generating functional materials that combine multiple characteristics and can react to external factors. In this study, we have developed fiber-reinforced composite hydrogels that exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical strength, reduced gelling time, and excellent cytocompatibility. The practicability of developing a chitosan-based thermogelling solution using hydroxyapatite and polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) self-assembled fibers were evaluated. The effect of βGP concentration on gelation time was studied by varying the concentration of βGP added to the chitosan solution. Various combinations were tested to create a suitable hydrogel environment for cell encapsulation, growth, and proliferation at physiological pH and temperature. Determination of Young modulus revealed that PEC fibers reinforced hydrogel was three times stiffer than chitosan-βGP gels. The gelation time was reduced to 3 min, and the hydrogels had porous structures and gels at physiological pH, temperature, and showed >80% viability for MTT assay to MG63 cells. Moreover, confocal imaging of PEC fiber reinforced hydrogels showed noticeable viability and proliferation. The molecular interactions between gelling agents, polyelectrolytes, and hydroxyapatite were studied using FTIR. We investigated interfacial bonding between PEC fibers with βGP, NaHCO 3, and HAp. The combination of hydroxyapatite and polymer self-assembly technique improved the efficiency of injectable hydrogels that are helpful in minimally invasive applications., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Currently, scientists show keen interest in the drugs that inhibit multiple kinases, LDN193189, being an example. It combats certain cancers in vitro as well as in vivo , making it a prerequisite for researchers to study the toxic potential of this drug in animal models. As most of the drugs metabolized by liver cause hepatic injury, LDN193189-induced hepatotoxicity was examined using a teleost fish, Poecilia latipinna . As a prelude, calculation of LD 50 showed a value of 95.22 mg/kg body weight and three doses were decided based on it for further evaluations. All these groups were tested for antioxidant enzyme levels and were significantly raised for mid- and high-dose group. Similar trend was recorded for ALP, AST, and ALT levels. Furthermore, some key indicators of drug metabolism in liver were tested for their expression in response to LDN193189 treatment. Among these, Cyt-C, CYP3A4, CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 were elevated in mid- and high dose, except CYP21A1, which declined remarkably. Moreover, histological profile of the liver reflected high degree of inflammation due to drug treatment, but this was found only at high dose. In summary, LDN193189, at 2.5 mg/kg body weight, did not cause any adverse hepatotoxicity, rendering it safe for use as an anti-proliferative agent - an activity for which it has already shown promising results in the same animal model. The low-dose group previously studied for its anti-proliferative property showed no adverse effect in liver, whereas the mid- and high dose induced moderate or severe hepatotoxicity in P. latipinna .

Background: Antenatal common mental disorders (CMDs) including anxiety, depressive, adjustment, and somatoform disorders are prevalent worldwide. There is emerging evidence that experiencing a natural disaster might increase the risk of antenatal CMDs. This study aimed to synthesise the evidence about the prevalence and determinants of clinically-significant symptoms of antenatal CMDs among women who had recently experienced an earthquake., Methods: This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search included both electronic and manual components. Five major databases were searched. A data extraction table was used to summarise study characteristics and findings. Two authors examined the quality of studies independently using a quality assessment tool. A narrative synthesis of the findings reported., Results: In total seven articles met inclusion criteria. Quality scores ranged from six to seven out of ten. All the studies were cross-sectional surveys and were conducted in high and middle-income countries. Sample sizes varied among studies. The prevalence of clinically-significant symptoms of antenatal CMD ranged from 4.6% (95% CI, 3.2; 6.5) experiencing 'psychological stress' in Japan to 40.8% (95% CI, 35.5; 46.4) 'depression' in China. While all studies were conducted in an earthquake context, only four examined some aspect of earthquake experiences as a risk factor for antenatal CMDs. In multivariable analyses, higher marital conflict, poor social support, multiparity, stresses of pregnancy and the personality characteristic of a negative coping style were identified as risks and a positive coping style as protective against antenatal CMDs., Conclusions: This systematic review found that women who have recently experienced an earthquake are at heightened risk of antenatal mental health problems. It indicates that in addition to the establishment of services for safe birth which is recognised in post-disaster management strategies, pregnancy mental health should be a priority. The review also revealed that there is no evidence available from the world's low-income nations where natural disasters might have more profound impacts because local infrastructure is more fragile and where it is already established that women experience a higher burden of antenatal CMDs., Trial Registration: PROSPERO- CRD42017056501 .

Chick embryonic cells can be used to develop an easy and economical in vitro model for conducting studies on the disease muscle dystrophy (MD). For this, the limb myoblasts from 11th day chick embryo were isolated and cultured. To this muscle cell culture, anti-dystroglycan antibody (IIH6) was added so as to target the α-dystroglycan and disrupt the connection between the cytoskeletal proteins and the extracellular matrix (which is a characteristic feature of MD). Cells were allowed to differentiate further and the morphometrics and mRNA expression were studied. The IIH6-treated muscle cells displayed changes in morphometry, contractibility, and also atrophy was observed when compared to the control cultures. Concomitant gene expression studies showed an upregulation in TGF-β expression, while the muscle sculpture genes MYOD1, MYF5, LAMA2 and MYOG were downregulated resembling the MD in vivo. This simple and cost-effective method can be useful in studies to further understand the disease mechanism and also in conducting initial studies on effect of novel pharmacological agents.

We report here the self-assembled structures of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of polyanionic sodium alginate with the polycationic chitosan at room temperature. The PECs prepared at different pH values exhibited two distinct morphologies. The chitosan-alginate PECs self-assembled into the fibrous structure in a low pH range of pH3 to 7. The PECs obtained at high pH series around pH8 and above resulted in the formation of colloidal nanoparticles in the range of 120±9.48nm to 46.02±16.66nm. The zeta potential measurement showed that PECs prepared at lower pH (pH<6) exhibited nearly neutral surface charge, whereas PECs prepared at higher pH than 6 exhibited highly negative surface charge. The molecular interactions in nano-colloids and fibers were evaluated using FTIR analysis. The results attest that the ionic state of the chitosan and alginate plays an important role controlling the morphologies of the PECS. The present study has identified the enormous potential of the polyelectrolytes complexes to exploit shape by the alteration of ionic strength. These findings might be useful in the development of novel biomaterial. The produced fibers and nanocolloids could be applied as a biomaterial for tissue engineering and drug delivery., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Antenatal mental health problems are of concern globally not only because of the burden and limits to participation experienced by women but also because of risks for foetal neurocognitive development and adverse birth outcomes. The aim was to describe the indicative prevalence of and risk and protective factors for clinically-significant symptoms of antenatal common mental disorders (CMDs) among women who experienced the 2015 Nepal earthquakes during pregnancy., Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study in Bhaktapur, one of 14 districts highly affected by the 2015 Nepal earthquakes. The primary outcome, clinically significant symptoms of CMDs, was ascertained using the Nepali validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-N). In order to investigate potential trauma reactions, a subset of EPDS items as indicators of trauma symptoms was constructed. Standardised instruments and study-specific questions were used to measure potential risk and protective factors. Data were collected in individual structured interviews by trained health researchers. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to establish risk and protective factors for clinically significant symptoms of CMDs and indicators of post-earthquake trauma reaction., Results: Overall, 497/498 eligible pregnant women provided complete data. We found that 21.9% (95% CI, 18.4; 25.8) of participants had EPDS-N scores > 12 and another 17.1% (95% CI 13.9; 20.7) scored 10-12 indicating a high prevalence of clinically significant CMD symptoms. In total, 20 factors were included in the final hierarchical multiple linear regression model and together explained 33.3% of the variance in EPDS total scores; seven factors, including earthquake experiences and lifetime experience of intimate partner violence, increased risk and five including having income-generating work and a kind, and encouraging partner were protective. The association between earthquake experiences and the indicators of trauma symptoms was not significant in the hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis., Limitations: The EPDS has not yet been formally validated in Nepal for use during pregnancy. Data were collected 6 months post-earthquake, so we were not able to capture the experiences of women who had spontaneous or induced abortions or premature births in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake., Conclusions: In addition to the restoration of antenatal and obstetric services, the mental health of women who are pregnant requires specific consideration and interventions after natural disasters. This should take into account the additional adverse impact of violence perpetrated by an intimate partner., (Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Caudal fin regeneration in sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna (Lesueur 1821) involves an initial wound healing stage, followed by blastema that is formed of fast proliferating cells. In order to replicate the lost fin, correct differentiation of the blastemal cells into various tissues is the prime essence. Among the molecular signals governing proper differentiation of blastemal cells, members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family are crucial. Herein, we investigated the specific effects of inhibition of BMP signaling using LDN193189 on skeletal and connective tissue formation in the regenerating tail fin of P. latipinna during early differentiation phase. It was observed that BMP inhibition leads to reduction in the length of regeneration, which can be correlated with compromised proliferation of blastemal cells. Decreased expression of cell proliferation marker like pcna together with reduced BrdU positive cells consolidate the above observation. Further, histological analysis revealed stunted progression of skeletal tissues and this correlated with the reduced expression of sox9, runx2 and dlx5, Osc and Osn genes in response to BMP inhibition. Also, defective bone patterning was observed due to BMP inhibition, which was associated with diminished levels of shh, ptc-1, gli2 and other BMP ligands. Moreover, histochemical analysis revealed that collagen, one of the most prominent components of connective tissue, was formed below par in treated fin tissues which was subsequently confirmed by biochemical and transcript level analyses. Overall our results highlight the importance of the BMP pathway in proper differentiation of skeletal and connective tissues during the differentiation stage of regenerating caudal fin., (© 2017 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.)

Insecticidal cry and vip genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been used for control of lepidopteran insects in transgenic crops. However, novel genes are required for gene pyramiding to delay evolution of resistance to the currently deployed genes. Two PCR-based techniques were employed for screening of cry2-type genes in 129 Bt isolates from diverse habitats in India and 27 known Bt strains. cry2Ab-type genes were more prevalent than cry2Aa- and cry2Ac-type genes. Correlation between source of isolates and abundance of cry2-type genes was not observed. Full-length cry2A-type genes were amplified by PCR from 9 Bt isolates and 4 Bt strains. The genes from Bt isolates SK-758 from Sorghum grain dust and SK-793 from Chilli seeds warehouse, Andhra Pradesh, were cloned and sequenced. The gene from SK-758 (NCBI GenBank accession No. GQ866915) was novel, while that from SK-793 (NCBI GenBank accession No. GQ866914) was identical to the cry2Ab1 gene. The Bacillus thuringiensis Nomenclature Committee ( http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/home/Neil&#95;Crickmore/Bt/toxins2.html ) named these genes cry2Af2 and cry2Ab16, respectively. The cry2Af2 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and found to be toxic towards Helicoverpa armigera. The cry2Af2 gene will be useful for pyramiding in transgenic crops.

Introduction: Laser dentistry is a one of the upcoming advanced treatment modality for oral mucosal lesions. Diode laser is a soft tissue laser that has found much acceptance in all branches of dentistry. Available compact size and feasibility has render diode laser an enhanced tool for today's clinical practice. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of diode laser for the management of white lesions such as oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral lichen planus (OLP)., Methods: The study was conducted by using diode laser 980 nm on 10 patients with white lesions (5 OL and 5 OLP) aged between 35 to 65 years., Results: Of the 10 patients (5 OL and 5 OLP), 3 patients (30%) complained of moderate pain and 7 patients (70%) complained of mild pain, for first 3 days after laser irradiation, and pain disappeared at end of first week. There was no recurrence of the lesion during the 6-month follow up., Conclusion: Diode lasers provide acceptable clinical improvement of potentially malignant lesions with minimal side effects. It can be considered one of the best alternative treatment modality for oral mucosal lesions.

Divalent Mn2+ ions containing 20ZnO+xLi2O+(30-x)K2O+50B2O3(5≤x≤25) mol% glasses are prepared by using melt quench technique and are characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. Various physical parameters are evaluated from the measured values of density and refractive index for the observation of mixed alkali effect. Structural changes of Mn2+ doped ZLKB glasses are investigated by Powder XRD, UV-VIS absorption, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and FT-IR spectroscopic studies. The XRD pattern indicates the amorphous nature of prepared glasses. FT-IR measurements of all glasses revealed that the network structure of glass system are mainly based on BO3 and BO4 units placed in different structural groups in which the BO3 units being dominant. The EPR spectra of Mn2+ ions doped glasses exhibited a characteristic hyperfine sextet around g=2.0. The spectroscopic analyses of the obtained results confirmed near octahedral site symmetry for the Mn2+ impurity ions. Crystal field and Racah parameters are evaluated from optical absorption spectra. The optical band gap and Urbach energies are determined which exhibited the mixed alkali effect., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)